Costa del Sol Hotels

Good brandies come with three stars; while – oddly perhaps - the five star version is infinitely inferior.In addition to its knives and forks, Michelin also awards a maximum three stars for “exceptional cuisine worth a special journey”. It makes you wonder the background of a star grading system where less might mean more in the field of a fine brandy; but more definitely means top-of-the-range when referring to luxurious hotels.

The Costa del Sol is essentially a five-star holiday destination but, as a gold credit card in your wallet is now outshone by the must-have platinum upgrade; so the very phrase “five-star” has become under-valued by over-use. An address on Marbella's Golden Mile might still be prestigious – despite the fact that the “mile” itself is now at least twice the length of the necessary 1,760 yards. There is even an additional “New Golden Mile” tagged on. Further tarnishing the shine, neighboring Estepona also now has its own “Golden Mile”.

On the Costa del Sol we are also spoilt for choice for accommodation.There are currently 14 five-star hotels in the Marbella area compared with only eight six years ago. This relates to an amazing 4,744 five-star hotel rooms – 64% more than in 1998. But the bedrooms, although undoubtedly exceptionally comfortable and with all the trimmings any visitor could require, are only the tip of the iceberg.

The real competition for excellence takes place in the dining rooms and creative kitchens ruled by some of the world's top chefs and staffed by keen professionals. To join this elite hotel club you must also have well-equipped gyms run by qualified experts and health spas offering every pampering technique under the fluffy towel. In-house shopping malls lined with designer boutiques, swimming pools and carefully-tended Mediterranean gardens are, of course, also essential.These palaces of luxury not only have to compete between themselves for a slice of the tourism pie, but the “residential tourism” boom means that the pie itself is not growing at the same pace.So can we look forward to an ultra-exclusive six or even seven star establishment with a platinum postcode? If more ways of pampering are ever invented, if further advanced methods of service and exclusive dishes are discovered; then this California of Europe will be amongst the first places to launch these super-deluxe trends of the future... whatever they might be.

Find a combination of peace and refined luxury. Nestling amongst nearly 45,000 square meters of tropical gardens, waterfalls and palm trees, Kempinsky hotel invites one to stroll, stay and relax for a while. It has superbly panoramic views to the coast of Malaga, Gibraltar and the African Coastline. The Hotel offers 133 spacious rooms and 15 suites, all with sea view and balcony or private terrace.

Incosol, a 5 Star Hotel with more than 250 professionals dedicated solely to your health, relax and enjoyment. An unique establishment where an advanced medical centre, a therapeutic Spa and a 5 Star Luxury Hotel, come together.It is exceptionally located between Malaga International Airport and Marbella. Gran Hotel Guadalpin Byblos (formerly named Hotel Byblos Andaluz), offers144 deluxe Minisuites and Suites, overlooking two magnificent 18-hole golf courses. A fully equipped 2.500 m2 Spa and Thalassotherapy centre.