A golf holiday on the Costa del Sol is not only about choosing the right golf resorts and golf courses, but also involves planning seamless golf travel for perfect golf holidays. Where you stay, how easily you can reach the first tee and what you can enjoy away from the game, such as the vibrant nightlife, are all part of the experience.
At Rio Real, golf and accommodation come together in one setting just five minutes from the centre of Marbella. The Stay & Play packages combine a stay at the Boutique Hotel,daily buffet breakfast and two green fees per person on the Rio Real golf course, offering a simple way to organise a golf break while leaving plenty of time to enjoy Marbella and the Costa del Sol.
Stay & Play golf and hotel packages in Marbella
Rio Real offers three Stay & Play options designed around different lengths of stay: 3, 5 and 7 nights. Each package includes accommodation, buffet breakfast throughout the stay, two green fees per person, and the scenic beauty of Costa del Sol.
The published Stay & Play packages are:
- 3 nights, including accommodation, daily buffet breakfast and 2 green fees per person.
- 5 nights, with the same golf and breakfast inclusions and more time to enjoy Marbella between rounds.
- 7 nights, ideal for travellers who want to make Rio Real their base for a longer holiday on the Costa del Sol.
Having two rounds already included allows golf to be an important part of the trip without taking over the entire stay. A three-night break can work well for a short golf escape, while five or seven nights give you more time for Marbella, the Costa del Sol, or simply a slower pace between rounds, making it an ideal choice for golf holidays.
The fixed package structure also makes the main elements of the stay clear from the beginning, with golf holidays, accommodation, and breakfast brought together in the same booking on the beautiful Costa del Sol.
Play a historic golf course on the Costa del Sol
The course is one of the defining elements of a Stay & Play experience at Rio Real.
Designed by Javier Arana, one of the most important names in Spanish golf course architecture, Rio Real opened in 1965 on Spain’s famous Costa del Sol. The 18-hole, par-72 course extends for more than 6,000 metres and follows the Rio Real river towards its mouth on the Mediterranean.
Its relationship with the surrounding landscape and nearby golf courses gives the course a distinctive character, emblematic of the stunning Costa del Sol. Mature vegetation accompanies much of the route and some holes take players particularly close to the Mediterranean, creating a golf experience strongly connected to its location in Marbella.
The variety of holes calls for different clubs and approaches throughout the round, making the course interesting for golfers with different levels of experience. Thanks to Marbella’s Mediterranean climate and its location on the Costa del Sol, it can also be enjoyed throughout the year.
Facilities available to golfers include buggy rental, manual and electric trolleys, club rental, locker rooms, parking and a Pro Shop. Those who want to dedicate additional time to their game can also visit the Rio Real Golf Academy for coaching and practice during their stay.
A Boutique Hotel in the heart of the golf course
A Stay & Play break at Rio Real is different from simply choosing a hotel somewhere close to a golf course. Here, the Boutique Hotel is located within the course itself.
With 30 rooms and an Andalusian-inspired setting, the hotel offers a more intimate alternative to the scale of large golf resorts. Its interiors were designed by Pascua Ortega, combining contemporary comfort with views over the surrounding course.
For golfers, staying on site on the Costa del Sol has an obvious advantage: the course forms part of the stay from the moment you wake up, enhancing your golf holidays experience. There is no need to plan a long journey before a morning tee time or organise transport back to the hotel after the round.
At the same time, Rio Real is only around five minutes from the centre of Marbella, nestled in the picturesque Costa del Sol. Guests can therefore enjoy the tranquillity of staying beside the fairways while keeping restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and the atmosphere of the city within easy reach.
That balance also makes Rio Real a good option for couples or travellers with different interests. Golf can be one of the main reasons for the trip, making it a perfect destination for golf holidays, without having to define every day of the holiday.
Beyond the round: enjoying your time at Rio Real
One of the advantages of choosing a golf and hotel package is having time to enjoy the Costa del Sol destination beyond the course.
After a round, guests can continue the day at El Club, Rio Real’s restaurant overlooking the golf course. Its cuisine combines contemporary flavours with a Mediterranean touch, offering a natural place for lunch, a drink or a relaxed meal after playing in the scenic surroundings of the Costa del Sol.
The hotel’s location also makes it easy to alternate golf days with visits to various golf courses, along with time in Marbella or along the Costa del Sol Mediterranean coast. With only two green fees included in each Stay & Play package, there is room to shape the rest of the holiday according to your own plans.
For golfers who want more time on the course, additional rounds can be arranged separately, subject to availability. Those who prefer a more relaxed trip can instead make use of the days between rounds to enjoy the hotel and explore the surrounding area, including the beautiful Costa del Sol.
Why choose Marbella for a Costa del Sol golf holiday?
The Costa del Sol has developed into one of Europe’s best-known golf destinations, renowned for its exceptional golf resorts, along with a concentration of courses and a climate that makes playing possible throughout much of the year.
Marbella adds another dimension to a golf holiday. Staying here means combining access to golf with the vibrant nightlife, alongside the restaurants, beaches, and leisure options of one of the Costa del Sol’s most established destinations.
Rio Real’s location brings those two sides of the trip particularly close together. Guests can stay and play in a quieter setting surrounded by the course, while the attractions of central Marbella and the popular Costa del Sol region remain just a few minutes away.
For travellers planning a longer golf holiday and hoping to experience several courses, Rio Real can also serve as a base in Marbella while exploring other golf options across the Costa del Sol.
Book your golf and hotel package on the Costa del Sol
Rio Real’s Stay & Play packages bring together the essentials of a golf break in a single setting: Boutique Hotel accommodation, daily buffet breakfast, and two green fees per person on a historic Javier Arana course located in the stunning Costa del Sol.
With stays of 3, 5 or 7 nights, the packages allow you to choose the pace that best suits your golf travel, whether you are planning a short golf escape or a longer holiday in Marbella, on the stunning Costa del Sol.
Check the current Stay & Play Offers and choose the option that best fits your next golf break on the Costa del Sol.
