ME Marbella

Rooms and suites at ME Marbella feel properly five-star: spacious, contemporary and geared towards switching off after a long day on the course. It's the sort of place where you can come back from 18 (or 36) holes, get showered and changed without bumping elbows with your suitcase and golf bag, then head straight out again. The finish is clean and modern, with enough space to spread out and the kind of thoughtful touches that make a golf break feel like a proper escape rather than just somewhere to sleep between rounds.

Facilities are a big part of the appeal for golf trips. There's a chic pool area for downtime with a drink, a well-equipped fitness centre if you like to loosen up before a tee time, and direct beach access when you fancy a walk on the sand rather than another taxi ride. The spa is the ace up the sleeve, especially for groups playing a few rounds in quick succession, with treatments that are ideal for easing tight shoulders and post-round fatigue. Needless to say, the spa becomes very popular on day three of a four-rounder.

Location-wise, you're set up nicely for a Costa del Sol itinerary. Many of the region's best-known clubs are a short drive away, particularly around Marbella's 'Golf Valley', so you can build a strong mix of tests and more scoreable rounds without spending half the day in a minibus. If you want the trip to lean social, Marbella Old Town is great for a more chilled evening, while Puerto Banús is the obvious choice when the group wants to turn dinner into a late one. The hotel itself usually has a lively atmosphere in the bars and lounges, especially in season, so you're never short of options.

Food and drink at the hotel keep things easy. Breakfast is available early enough for morning tee times, and there's a relaxed lunch option by the pool that works around your schedule. Evening dining steps things up, with menus built around local produce and international favourites, so even mixed groups will find something that suits. You'll find everything from casual beachfront plates to smarter sit-down options when you want to make more of the evening, and the quality across the board reflects the hotel's commitment to delivering a luxury experience without the stuffiness.