The Ultimate Guide to Living in Real de la Quinta

Real de la Quinta is a new residential area and private gated community that offers an incredible combination of stunning natural surroundings and lakeside amenities located in the municipality of Benahavís, a few minutes from Nueva Andalucía Golf Valley. With a full selection of luxury off-plan developments currently under construction, along with golf, sporting, hospitality, wellness and concierge services, Real del la Quinta is expected to flourish into one of the most sought-after areas on Costa del Sol.

What is Real de La Quinta?

Real de La Quinta is Marbella’s newest luxury lifestyle destination – a visionary residential and leisure resort in the mountains overlooking the Mediterranean sea that is poised to redefine modern living on the Costa del Sol.

Covering 200 hectares of mountainous land in Benahavís, just above Nueva Andalucía and adjacent to a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, it seamlessly blends contemporary homes with world-class amenities in a stunning natural setting. At its heart lies a gorgeous 35,000 m² man-made lake – the first of its kind in southern Spain – with a private beach, water sports, the exclusive El Lago Club commercial centre and the upcoming Angsana Hotel by Banyan Tree Hotel.

More than just a luxury development, Real de La Quinta is a masterplan of high-end communities and boutique amenities, incorporating sustainable design, natural beauty, panoramic sea views, and community, creating an entirely new luxury destination within minutes of Marbella. With all these fantastic qualities, properties in Real de la Quinta represent an excellent capital or lifestyle investment.

Where is Real de La Quinta?

The Real de La Quinta estate is located in the municipality of Benahavís, near the Rio Guadaiza and La Quinta Hills, just above Nueva Andalucía, northeast of La Quinta Golf and Reserva de la Quinta, and only a short drive from Marbella and Puerto Banús. Elevated on the mountainside above the AP-7 motorway, the area offers panoramic views of La Concha Mountain, the Mediterranean Sea, Gibraltar, and even Africa on clear days.

Set on rolling hills with lush Mediterranean greenery, the sustainable development combines mountain tranquillity with sea vistas. Hiking trails, nature walks, and landscaped gardens connect residents to the outdoors, while the lake adds a unique waterside lifestyle.

Distance to key areas:

• Puerto Banús: 10 minutes (with new road access)
• Marbella Town Centre: 20 minutes
• Marbella Golden Mile: 15 minutes
• San Pedro de Alcántara: 15 minutes
• Beaches: 15 minutes
• Málaga Airport: 50 minutes
• Málaga town centre: Just over an hour
• International Schools: Aloha College Nueva Andalucía & Laude San Pedro International College are a quick 15-minute drive, while Atalaya and Guadalmina College are 20 minutes from Real de la Quinta.

Distance to nearby towns:

• Benahavís Village: 25 minutes
• Estepona: 30 minutes
• Sotogrande: 50 minutes
• Sierra de las Nieves: 50 minutes
• Gibraltar Airport: 1.25 hours
• Tarifa: 1.5 hours
• Cadiz: 2 hours

How big is Real de La Quinta?

The first phase of the Real de La Quinta resort stretches over 2 million m² of stunning natural land, equivalent to 200 hectares. Within this vast area are multiple new developments, each with its own character, amenities and distinct design – from modern apartments and penthouses to exclusive villa enclaves like Vista Lago Residences.

Is Real de la Quinta a gated community?

Yes, Real de la Quinta is a fully private and secure gated community. There are two fully gated entrances, and the area is monitored by CCTV and patrolled by security guards 24/7.

History of Real de la Quinta

Real de La Quinta is the flagship project of the La Quinta Group, a renowned developer founded by the Pascual family, with over 35 years of experience on the Costa del Sol. Known for creating the prestigious La Quinta Golf & Country Club, the group has a proven reputation for luxury, quality, and long-term value with decades of expertise and success delivering high-quality homes and communities in luxury golf destinations.

Initiated by Tomás Pascual in the 1980s, building on the success of the original La Quinta project, the Real de la Quinta focuses on high-quality sustainable design and leisure in this picturesque natural location. Backed by Banco Santander, Real de La Quinta is both a secure investment and a lifestyle choice.

What Makes Real de La Quinta Unique?

El Real de la Quinta is more than just a standard community; it is a full-scale leisure complex offering everything you could dream of for a healthy, outdoor, active lifestyle, all within the safety of a secure, private gated community. Facilities include:-

• Internal lake and commercial centre: Real de la Quinta will be the first community in the Marbella area to offer its own lake and Lake Club commercial facilities, offering opportunities to dine, picnic, and enjoy a picturesque, active outdoor lifestyle on-site.
• UNESCO Biosphere setting: The Real de la Quinta’s protected natural surroundings are perfect for immersing yourself in nature, yet just minutes from Marbella and the coast.
• Sustainability: The first resort in Spain to be awarded the BREEAM certification seal of urban planning and design.
• Amenities on your doorstep: From the lake amenities, golf course, equestrian centre, fitness, tennis and padel, and boutique shopping to the future Banyan Tree Angsana Hotel & Spa – you have everything to enjoy outdoor activities and a luxury lifestyle within the community.
• Mountain and sea views everywhere: Nearly every home enjoys uninterrupted panoramas of the sea and mountain views.

Amenities in Real de la Quinta

One of the biggest attractions of the Real de la Quinta gated community is the fantastic range of amenities you will find on-site, including:-

• Lake with private beach: A unique lifestyle feature in Marbella, the La Quinta lake will offer sunbathing at La Playa del Lago, as well as all non-motorised water sports, including swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing.
• Lakeside Leisure Promenade: A scenic walking track will be ideal for active leisure activities, including walking, running, cycling, or skating. Then, stop in El Lago for a drink or coffee afterwards.
• El Lago Club: Expected to be operational in 2026, the lakeside commercial centre will offer a full range of services and amenities, including La Terraza del Lago bar and restaurant, a gym, wellness centre, and function centre, offering gorgeous lake views.
• El Spa del Lago wellness facilities: Located in a quiet outdoor patio, El Spa del Lago will feature a fully equipped gym, spa, sauna, jacuzzi, massage and treatment cabins, a 20m heated pool, and another for aqua gym.
• Retail Amenities: El Lago Club will feature boutique shops offering gifts and daily essentials.
• El Golf del Lago: Within the community, a six-hole executive golf course and golf academy will surround the lake, offering opportunities for a quick morning or sunset hit between visits at EL Lago Club. The golf course was designed by Manuel Piñero, a golf legend, golf course designer and member of the 1985 European champion team. With large greens accommodating various rounds for 12 or 18 holes, three par fours, two par threes or one par five, the golf course is designed for golf levels and time frames, though there are many other golf courses within a short drive.
• Equestrian Centre: An on-site equestrian facility will offer riding facilities and training.
• Sports Facilities: Real de la Quinta will include a tennis and padel club, as well as a fitness centre offering personal training and yoga classes.
• Hotel Angasana by Banyan Tree Group: The boutique hotel and spa will be the world’s leading hospitality group’s first venture in Spain. Expected to be finalised in late 2028, Hotel Angasana will offer a five-star luxury resort and services, including a wellness centre.
• Nature Tracks: Surrounded by nature, you’ll have opportunities to walk, ride, run, and explore the stunning natural landscape.
• Customer Service: Real de la Quinta offers an on-site concierge team, which provides rental management, cleaning and laundry, repairs and refurbishments, key holding, utility management, property monitoring and security services, mail collection, gardening, and pool maintenance. These concierge services also connect you with decoration and design, airport transfers, car hire, legal advice and sports and leisure bookings.

Although not as exclusive as La Zagaleta Country Club & Golf estate, it offers the same range of services and facilities, closer to Marbella and the coast.

Types of Homes in Real de la Quinta

Real de La Quinta offers a diverse portfolio of properties offering stunning La Concha mountain and Mediterranean sea views:

• Apartments & Penthouses – contemporary architecture, open-plan living, panoramic terraces.
• Luxury Villas – bespoke, sustainable villas with infinity pools, smart home tech, passive-solar design and landscaped gardens, including Vista Lago Residences, designer villas, including 18 award-winning villas set on 6.5 hectares of prime plots with the very best views.
• Plots – select opportunities for those wishing to design their own dream villa.

Most homes here feature floor-to-ceiling windows, private pools, and expansive outdoor living spaces to maximise natural light and Mediterranean, mountain and golf views.

Sustainable design at Real de la Quinta

Real de la Quinta is the first estate in Spain to be recognised for its environmental, social, and economic sustainability, holding a BREEAM Code for Sustainable Communities Certificate with a 3-star ‘very good’ qualification. The community features eco-conscious design, including solar energy, water conservation, passive solar design, and energy-efficient buildings that minimise the green footprint and running costs for residents and owners.

Closest schools, hospitals and other amenities near Real de La Quinta

Apart from all the on-site amenities discussed above, Real de la Quinta is within a 20-minute drive of all the high-end amenities offered in Marbella and the coast, including:-

• International schools: Aloha College and Laude San Pedro, are a 15-minute drive away. Additionally, several other excellent Marbella international schools, such as San Jose Guadalmina and Swans International School, are located 20 minutes away. There are also public schools in Marbella, San Pedro del Alcántara, and Benahavís, all of which are within easy reach.
• Golf Courses: Apart from the on-site executive golf course and academy, you also have various other world-class golf courses within a 15-minute drive, including reaching Los Naranjos Golf and La Quinta Golf clubs in around 5 minutes, and the Nueva Andalucía Golf Valley.
• Restaurants & Nightlife: El Lago Club’s restaurant, plus easy access to Marbella’s Michelin-starred dining and Puerto Banús nightlife.
• Beach Clubs: Puente Romano, Ocean Club, and Marbella’s top beach destinations are a short drive away.
• Shopping: Boutique shops on-site, with Marbella’s designer brands at the Golden Mile, Puerto Banus, El Corte Inglés and La Cañada Mall close by.
• Hospitals & Healthcare: Premium clinics and private hospitals are within a 15-minute drive.
• Luxury Hotels: Apart from the Angsana Real de La Quinta Hotel & Branded Residences by Banyan Tree Group, expected to open in 2028, Real de La Quinta is also a short drive from many five-star hotels, including the Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa, Marbella Club, and Puente Romano Hotels.

Is Real de La Quinta Good for Families?

Yes. With 24-hour gated security, safe landscaped surroundings, active lifestyle opportunities around the lake and mountains, nearby schools, and a family-focused design, it’s an ideal choice for families seeking both a lifestyle and peace of mind.

Prices and Real Estate Market & Trends

Property prices in Benahavís and La Quinta have seen a 250% increase over the past decade, with an average annual growth rate of around 10% in recent years. With limited availability of new luxury land in Marbella, Real de La Quinta is one of the few large-scale projects offering spacious properties, stunning views, and premium amenities, making it a top investment choice.

• Luxury Apartments & Penthouses: From around €1.3M
• Luxury Villas: Originally started from €4.295M, available villas are now priced from €6.395M+
• Sea View Plots: From €1.3M+ (depending on size and views)

Prices average €10,000/m², with projections rising to €18,000/m² as phases complete – making early off-plan purchases especially attractive.

Investment Opportunities

Investing in Real de la Quinta means securing a valuable asset in a wonderful upcoming community in one of Spain’s most desirable towns. With everything it offers, it is a unique opportunity to make a profitable investment and own a piece of paradise in one of the most sought-after areas on the Costa del Sol.

• Off-plan advantage – secure units off-plan before price increases, taking advantage of between 10%-20% capital gains upon completion.
• Strong demand – Benahavís continues to attract international buyers seeking a luxury lifestyle, with demand driven primarily by Northern Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
• Future amenities – The Banyan Tree hotel, branded residences and a full commercial centre will boost rental potential and resale values.
• Proven developer – La Quinta Group is recognised for its high-quality developments, ensuring reliability and quality, which sets the project up for long-term success.
• Backed by Santander: Vista Lago Residences have the backing of one of the world’s largest financial institutions, offering added security.

With increasing demand for exclusive properties in the Benahavís area, properties in Real de La Quinta are expected to significantly grow in value over time, offering a safe and lucrative investment for the future.

Top Reasons to Buy in Real de La Quinta

• Stunning views: Real de la Quinta offers incredible panoramic views of the sea, golf and mountains.
• Excellent location: minutes from Marbella, yet surrounded by nature.
• Luxury lifestyle: lake, golf, spa, hotel, and fine dining on your doorstep.
• Sustainability: first BREEAM-certified resort in Spain.
• Capital growth: prices expected to rise significantly.
• Rental return: With strong demand for luxury rental properties in the Marbella area, expect a consistent monthly return upon completion.
• Investment security: unique project backed by a developer with 35+ years of excellence, in one of the most sought-after areas of the Costa del Sol – you can’t go wrong.

How to Buy Property in Real de La Quinta

Real de La Quinta is more than a residential resort – it’s a one-of-a-kind lifestyle destination where nature, luxury, and modern design converge. Whether as a family home, holiday retreat, or long-term investment, it offers a secure and sustainable development to enjoy the very best of Marbella and Benahavís.

Properties are available directly from the developer or through trusted agents specialising in Marbella’s luxury market. Due to high demand and limited availability, early reservations are recommended, particularly in villa phases such as Vista Lago and new releases like Mimosas, Romero and Enebros off-plan apartments. Contact us to discover more details today.