The golf course was conceived by Antonio Garrido in 1991, the former European Tour player and father of current professional, Ignacio. Though not particularly long, Santa Maria is thoroughly entertaining, offering a varied test and a number of spectacular holes.

The course offers players a challenging layout in an environment with views of the Mediterranean Sea and mountains covered by holm and oak trees. The front nine is a more demanding challenge with three par 5 holes, while the inward half with three par 3 holes is more forgiving and has more recovery holes. There are four strategically placed lakes on the course, which come into play on holes 1, 3, 8, 9 and 11.

Also noteworthy is the club house building, with marked Andalusian architecture, an impressive 19th century farmhouse, surrounded by extensive gardens. The surrounding landscape is a real delight, and the views are only matched by Garrido’s terrific layout. Plans are in place to establish a second championship course at Santa Maria, which encapsulates the charming essence of a golf holiday on the Costa Del Sol.