El Madronal: Marbella's Secret Hideaway - The Luxury Villa Collection

Marbella’s well known for attracting A-list celebrities and VIPs, and the paparazzi are often out in force snapping shots of the latest famous arrival. Getting away from the paparazzi in the resort itself can be challenge, but there is somewhere you can stay in complete privacy and still enjoy all that Marbella and Puerto Banus have to offer.

Sublime setting for Villa Cezanne

This peace and quiet can be found in an idyllic country retreat in the foothills of the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, yet just a short drive from Marbella and the coast. It might be close in distance but this tranquil refuge is a world away from the glitz and glamour in bustling Puerto Banus. Here, you’ll find yourself in the heart of typically Mediterranean landscape with the Mediterranean and Strait of Gibraltar stretching beneath you.

El Madronal gated development sits above the Guadaiza River valley on the mountain side forested with pines, cork oaks and aromatic shrubs. Carpetted in wild flowers in spring and in a riot of colour in autumn , it’s home to a long list of fauna – wild boars, deer and mountain goats – as well as numerous species of birds.

This natural paradise rubs shoulders with neighbouring La Zagaleta, one of the richest postcodes in Spain, and has been earmarked by the rich and famous as somewhere to get away from prying eyes (and the cameras) since the 1950’s when the first millionaires built their exclusive retreats here. The development has been designed to provide space and privacy. Plots are at least 2,600 square metres so there’s plenty of scope for spacious houses and large gardens. All come with sweeping views – on clear days, you can see the different peaks that make up the Rif Mountains in Morocco on the other side of the Mediterranean.

The Peaceful Surroundings of El Madronal

Luxury is key to describing homes in El Madronal – alongside spacious living go sumptuous furnishings and fittings, infinity pools, manicured gardens, state of the art technology, staff accommodation and room for several cars. All within natural surroundings where the silence is only broken by birdsong.

High security on the complex translates into total privacy. Numerous high-profile politicians, executives and businesspeople have escaped from their daily grind here for a welcome break. And plenty of celebrities have taken holidays in El Madronal far from the long lenses of the paparazzi. But discretion is absolute so you never know who’s staying until they’re long gone – as fans of One Direction has just discovered.

Celebrity homes on the development include the estate belonging to the film star Madeleine Carroll, known as the ‘iceberg maiden’ and star of Hitchcock’s ’39 Steps’. Her magnificent El Madronal home was one of the first to be built and she spent her retirement here. You can get a taste of a Hollywood retreat by renting the large country mansion, Hacienda Madronal 2.

Luxury private villa Hacienda Madronal 2 in Marbella

Luxury Andalucian Hacienda Owned by A-list celebrities in El Madronal

El Madronal was also home to El Cortijo recording studio where singers and musicians have taken inspiration from the tranquil surroundings to compose and produce. Icelandic star Bjork composed her iconic track ‘So Broken’ here in 1997; Cher, Roxette and Mariah Carey stayed while they worked on albums as did the Swedish group The Cardigans.

As well as relaxing and soaking up the panoramic views from your terrace and pool, you may want to explore some of Andalucia during your stay at El Madronal. The bright lights of Marbella and Puerto Banus are, of course, just a short drive away as are some world-class golf courses and sandy beaches. But venture a little further afield and you can sample some of the very best Andalucia has to offer.

Continue up the mountain road and you’ll find yourself in Ronda – one of southern Spain’s most stunning white towns with its plunging river gorge, typical Andalucian architecture and monuments such as the Arab Baths and one of the oldest bullrings in Spain. Be sure to try some of the local Ronda wine at the excellent restaurants and tapas bars in the town or visit one of the vineyards.

Ronda, Idylicc place to visit during Andalucia holidays

Stunning Ronda, just half an hour from El Madronal

The vibrant city of Malaga is also just a short drive away with plenty of things to do and see including the Moorish fortress, Baroque cathedral and art museums including the Picasso Museum. Leave some time for shopping – don’t miss the local produce at the Atarazanas market – and go then for a leisurely lunch at one of the many fine restaurants in the old quarter and on Muelle Uno in the port where you’ll find Juan Carlos García’s Michelin-starred restaurant.

With its unique location and magnificent properties, El Madronal allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds on holiday – you can relax in total peace and quiet or pop out to nearby resorts and tourist attractions. And as one of the most private places in Spain, no one need ever know you’re there.

For places to stay in and around El Madronal please take a look at our collection below, or contact us today for an availability check and quotation.

Benahavis, Celebration, Designer, Executive, Madronal, Marbella, New, Platinum, Retreat, Ronda, Zagaleta

Villa Azure

December 12, 2016

Villa Azure is a stylish contemporary 5/6 bedroom luxury villa for rent in La Zagaleta with concierge, indoor pool and panoramic views above Marbella.

Andalusia, Benahavis, Boutique, Celebration, Madronal, New, Retreat

Casa Alegre

July 23, 2016

Casa Alegre is the epitome of rural Andalusian elegance, a Benahavis luxury country villa full of handmade luxuries and one-of-a-kind antiques in a tasteful mountain home by the river. 5 Bedrooms sleeping 10. Prices from £4,950 to £8,950 per week, staffed property.

Andalusia, Celebration, Executive, Madronal, Malaga, New, Retreat, Ronda

The Retreat

July 16, 2016

A stylish Spanish Cortijo with endless panoramas, scenic countryside, luxury amenities, character antiques and five-star service. Plenty of space for large families, destination weddings or events. 6+1 bedrooms sleeping 14. Prices from £6,000 to £9,600 per week, fully staffed.

Autumn Availability, Benahavis, Designer, Executive, Family, Madronal, Marbella, New, Platinum, Retreat, Ronda

Villa Cezanne

June 30, 2016

Villa Cezanne is a picture-perfect modern villa, with breath-taking Mediterranean panoramas, 4 bedrooms, 3 living rooms, office, bodega and games room, sleeping 11. Prices from £6,400 to £9,950 per week.

Andalusia, Benahavis, Boutique, Celebration, Estepona, Family, Madronal, New, Retreat

Finca La Buena

June 29, 2016

Set on 600 wooded acres in Benahavis near Marbella, Finca La Buena is a traditional Spanish manor farmhouse steeped in class and elegance, worthy of the Aristocracy, and yet welcoming and homely. 10 Bedrooms sleeping 19+3. Prices from £20,500 to £26,700 per week, fully staffed.

Andalusia, Autumn Availability, Benahavis, Boutique, Celebration, Executive, Family, Madronal, Marbella, Platinum, Puerto Banus, Retreat, Ronda, Zagaleta

Villa Vivaldi

April 24, 2016

Villa Vivaldi is serenely removed from the hustle of Puerto Banus, offering a luxury villa rental in exclusive La Zagaleta. This classical yet modern 7-bedroom villa blends fine art, elegant style and refined luxuries with incomparable Mediterranean vistas.

Andalusia, Benahavis, Celebration, Family, Madronal, Malaga, Retreat, Ronda

Hacienda de Madronal 2

May 4, 2014

Hacienda Madronal 2 is a 7 bedroom luxury estate set in private woodland, once owned by a Hollywood actress and a Rock Star. The Hacienda sits in the beautiful Madroñal area to the north of Marbella, with stunning views of the coastline and wooded hilltops. Located just an hour from Malaga and 45 minutes from the stunning hilltop town of Ronda. 7 bedrooms sleep 13, with prices from £4,350 to £9,400 per week.

Andalusia, Benahavis, Boutique, Celebration, Family, Madronal, Malaga, Retreat, Ronda

Hacienda de Madronal 1

May 4, 2014

Hacienda Madronal 1 is a 9/10 bedroom luxury estate set in private woodland in the beautiful Madronal area to the north of Marbella, with stunning views of the coastline it is the perfect location for Spanish weddings and family gatherings. Located just an hour from Malaga and 45 minutes from stunning hilltop town of Ronda. Sleeps 18-20 guests. From £6,000 to £12,500 per week, staffed villa.

Autumn Availability, Benahavis, Executive, Family, Madronal, Platinum

The Madronal Collection, Villa 2

February 13, 2014

7 Bedroom Luxury Madroñal Villa With Indoor Pool & Self Contained Apartment. Sleeps 18. From £8,365 to £23,075 per week.

El Madronal: Marbella’s Secret Hideaway