If it’s Exclusivity you’re seeking, try El Madroñal in the Foothills of Marbella

Perched high above the white luxury villas and mansions that are the hallmark of Marbella at the Costa del Sol, the exclusive community of El Madroñal overlooks verdant hillsides, sun-baked valleys and mountains that rise up dramatically towards the Andalucía interior and historic Ronda. Best of all: it’s just a ten minute drive down to the beach!

Here and there the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea sparkles and shines through fragrant branches of cypress trees; in early evening the scent of wild thyme and lavender combines with the saltiness of the sea. El Madroñal can rival any settlement at the Italian or French Riviera and doesn’t have to blush when compared with California’s luxury hillside residences either.

A winding coastal road leads down to Marbella city centre, where life is as noisy as it is tranquil in El Madroñal. Nightclubs, restaurants, bars and beach clubs await night owls and party animals, but up here in the luxury of El Madroñal’s neighbourhood you feel as if you have joined a sophisticated, cosmopolitan set holidaying at the French Riviera.

No package holiday tourists here – these are the peaceful gardens and gleaming white villas of well-heeled owners who came on a holiday, fell in love with the place and stayed for good.

Although modern in aspect today, El Madroñal still bears a few traces of its origins. Once the area played host to the now infamous Adnan Kashoggi party set in the 1970s and 1980s; his former estate is now one of Marbella’s most exclusive residential addresses, rivalling the Golden Mile every step of the way.

There are plenty of things to do for the discerning home owner: snooze by the pool on your own sun terrace, potter around in your expansive gardens, watch birds nesting in the pine and cypress groves around you or go hill-walking – and yes, there are plenty of golf partners who’d be happy to join you on your local El Madroñal golf course.

The historic town of Ronda is just 60km distance from El Madroñal and makes for a perfect day out. A little shopping followed by a delicious lunch and some moderate sightseeing – perfect summer entertainment for the guests!

Further up the hills the gated community of luxurious La Zagaleta beckons, while looking down from El Madroñal one can catch glimpses of San Pedro Alcántara and the golf and country club of Los Arqueros. Another small development twinkles up invitingly: La Heredia, a picturesque hamlet consisting of white-washed town houses constructed in the traditional Andalucía village style.

Once you’ve left civilisation behind, there is pure Costa del Sol nature: dream-like waterfalls, sleepy sun-filled valleys the hazy blue mountains in the background complete the scenic landscape of El Madroñal’s hills.

The area offers home buyers a large variety of styles, plot sizes and substantial residential properties. Most are designed along classic Spanish rustic country styles, but with a modern interpretation that leaves out no luxury detail.