Los Flamingos Golf Resort, located in the prestigious New Golden Mile, is a luxury community that offers a unique lifestyle. With a 5-star resort, three stunning golf courses, and a renowned spa, it's no wonder that it's gaining popularity as a destination for permanent residents in Estepona.

To help you learn everything about Los Flamingos, we have created a detailed guide.

What is Los Flamingos Golf?

Los Flamingos Golf is one of the most coveted communities to live in on the Costa del Sol. It is a gated residential complex with 24-hour security, located in a golf valley with views of the sea, golf course, and mountains.

Designed around the luxurious 5-star hotel Anantara Padierna Palace, its three 18-hole golf courses and award-winning spa, Los Flamingos provides its residents with an elegant golf club environment.

Fachada Anantara Villa Padierna

What is the history of Los Flamingos Golf?

In the late 1990s, entrepreneur Ricardo Arranz de Miguel acquired a property known as Los Aralillos in Benahavís with the vision of creating a luxury golf resort with high-quality residential villas and apartments. But that wasn't all.

Together with his wife, they conceived and founded the Hotel Villa Padierna, consisting of two hotels with all the amenities of a world-class resort.

In 2001, Antonio García Garrido designed the Flamingos golf course. Three years later, in 2003, the Villa Padierna Palace Hotel opened its doors. In 2006, the Gran Flamingo Course (now known as Alferini Golf) was inaugurated, and in 2007, Tramores Golf, the third and final 18-hole golf course, was opened.

During the period from 2001 to 2009, Los Flamingos Golf began its transformation into a residential area. Over time, it evolved into a luxury urbanization, featuring villa complexes, apartments, and plots. This has led Los Flamingos to be recognized as one of the finest golf residential resorts in the world.

Where is Los Flamingos?

Located in Benahavís, Los Flamingos Golf is one of the most coveted areas to live on the Costa del Sol. It is close to the charming village of Benahavís, known for its gastronomy and Andalusian streets.

10-16 minutes drive from Puerto Banús (12km)

18-26 minutes drive from the center of Marbella (20km)

14-18 minutes drive from Estepona (14km)

Short drive to the coast (3km)

Los Flamingos Golf is a convenient location in the middle of the New Golden Mile, connecting two of the most popular areas on the coast. It is also well connected to the N340 coastal road and the AP-7 toll highway.

From Malaga Airport, a car journey usually takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour on the AP-7 highway. From Gibraltar Airport, the journey usually takes between 50 minutes to 1 hour on the AP-7 highway.

What is the size os Los Flamingos Golf?

Los Flamingos Golf Resort is a residential and golf complex in Benahavís that includes 3 18-hole golf courses, a 5-star hotel, apartment blocks, villas, and plots. It covers an area of 7 km in a valley.

What types of properties are there in Los Flamingos Golf?

The Los Flamingos Golf complex is a luxury residential development that has been developed in a valley in Benahavís. It includes 3 18-hole golf courses, a 5-star hotel, apartments, villas, and plots. All buildings meet high architectural standards and are designed to ensure that residents enjoy views of the sea, golf course, and lake.

The properties within the complex are built to the highest quality standards and offer privacy and tranquility. Los Flamingos is a long-term investment that offers luxury amenities and a wide range of properties to choose from.

Hoyo 19 sea views from Los Flamingos

In Los Flamingos Golf, you can find 9 apartment blocks:

-       Four Seasons

-       Alanda Los Flamingos

-       El Lago de Los Flamingos

-       Mirador de Los Flamingos

-       Royal Los Flamingos

-       Acosta Los Flamingos

-       Hoyo 19

-       Tee 5

-       Tee 6

The villas in Los Flamingos Golf include both modern styles with bold lines and large bright windows, as well as traditional Mediterranean styles. There are also plots available to build a modern house with stunning views and privacy.

Many of the new properties under construction in Los Flamingos reflect the luxury real estate market of Marbella, and some take an eco-friendly approach in their design and architecture. 

Los Flamingos Golf Resort is home to the 5-star Anantara Padierna Palace Hotel and its three world-renowned golf courses:

Golf courses in Los Flamingos

Flamingos Golf

Flamingos Golf, designed by renowned golf architect Antonio García Garrido, was opened to the public in 2001 and is the first course available.

With 18 holes and a length of 6,248 yards, it offers a challenging par-71 game. Tee times are scheduled every 10 minutes, and a full round takes approximately 4 and a half hours.

This course holds a prestigious place in the world of golf, having hosted two major tournaments, the European Senior Tour in 2002, 2003, and 2004, and the Ladies European Tour (LET) in 2010.

It also has handicap limits of 28 for men and 36 for women, ensuring fair play for all. Marshalls are available to assist golfers and ensure that codes of conduct are followed.

Los Flamingos Golf Course (www.villapadierna.es)

Alferini Golf

Alferini Golf (formerly known as Gran Flamingo Golf) opened to the public in 2007. Known for being the most challenging course among the three in the complex, it was designed by Cristóbal Guerrero and features 18 holes and a length of 7,270 yards.

Tee times are scheduled every 15 minutes, and a round is estimated to take around 5 hours, so the use of a golf buggy is recommended.

Alferini Golf hosted the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España in 2022 and has been nominated for Best Golf Course in Spain at the World Golf Awards.

The handicap limit is 24 for men and 32 for women. Marshalls on the course provide assistance to golfers and ensure that codes of conduct are followed.

Alferini Golf Course (www.villapadierna.es)

Tramores Golf

Tramores Golf Course is an ideal choice for those interested in short game golf and for beginner or junior golfers. Designed by prestigious golf architect Antonio García Garrido, this course opened to the public in 2009. With 18 holes and a length of 3,792 yards, the course features 63 pars.

As the only executive course on the Costa del Sol, Tramores Golf does not impose handicap restrictions. Tee times are scheduled every 10 minutes, and the round is estimated to take approximately 3 hours.

Additionally, marshalls on the course are available to assist golfers and ensure compliance with the rules of conduct.

Tramores Golf Course (www.villapadierna.es)

Driving Range

Flamingos Resort offers one of the best driving ranges on the Costa del Sol. To enjoy its facilities, there are access fees, including a daily pass for 9.00 euros, a monthly pass for 120.00 euros, and an annual pass for 500.00 euros.

Club de Golf Villa Padierna members also receive a 50% discount on their fees. The operating hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM from Monday to Friday and from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM on weekends.

Driving Range (www.villapadierna.es)

What to do in Los Flamingos Golf.

Residents of Los Flamingos Golf Resort have the opportunity to enjoy luxury services thanks to the presence of a 5-star hotel within the complex.

Villa Padierna Beach Club

Gastronomy in Los Flamingos Golf

Within the hotel, there are several excellent restaurants offering local and seasonal produce for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

-   La Loggia offers Mediterranean cuisine and Italian food.

-   La Pérgola is a poolside restaurant, perfect for light meals.

-   Hole 55 offers the experience of Indian street food and snacks with views of the hotel.

-   99 Sushi Bar and Restaurant provides sensational Japanese flavors.

-   La Veranda offers signature dishes by chef Santiago Altuna.

-   Eddy's Bar is perfect for cocktails.

-   The Beach Club offers seafood and Mediterranean flavors.

The hotel also offers the possibility of organizing private dinners to mark a special moment, gather with family, or simply enjoy a romantic dinner.

Additionally, guests can immerse themselves in Andalusian culinary culture through private cooking classes at Spice Spoons. Here, they can experience and learn the secrets of Andalusian gastronomy.

La Verdana Restaurant

The Racket Club

The Villa Padierna Racket Club, located near the beach of the resort, is one of the most prominent racket clubs on the Costa del Sol. It features 11 paddle tennis courts, 2 tennis courts, and 2 croquet fields, spread over more than 22,000 square meters.

To become a member of the club, an enrollment fee is required, which varies depending on the type of membership: 50 euros for junior members, 80 euros for individual members, and 150 euros for family members.

In addition, the tennis and paddle academies have their own fees and membership dues that depend on the age and skill level of the player.

A croquet pass is also available, and the courts can be rented for one or two hours, with prices varying per hour or per number of players. Residents who do not wish to become members can also access the facilities by renting the courts.

Raquet club (www.villapadierna.es)

Anantara Spa and Wellness

The Anantara Padierna Palace Hotel is home to the impressive Anantara Spa, one of the largest and most luxurious spas in Europe.

This oasis of tranquility is overseen by a highly trained team and features over 2,000 square meters of Roman baths, a hammam, and an indoor pool.

The spa boasts 10 treatment rooms, a saltwater hammam, Greek and Finnish saunas, Laconium, an aromatic spa circuit with 3 aromatherapy steam baths, a heated pool, a cold plunge pool, a floatarium, 2 aqua massage rooms, massage showers, and a beauty salon.

Additionally, a wide variety of individual sessions of facial treatments and massages are offered at specific prices and durations.

You also have the option to experience signature spa treatments, including:

-       Anantara Signature Massage (50/80 minutes)

-       Anantara Golfers Massage (50/80 minutes)

-       Himalayan Salt Ritual (60 minutes)

-       Sleep Ritual (60 minutes)

The spa is open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and children are allowed in the spa area from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Anantara Spa (www.anantara.com)

How much does it cost to buy a house in Los Flamingos Golf?

If you are looking to buy an apartment in Los Flamingos Golf, you would be looking at the following price ranges:

-   Four Seasons | price range from 270.000€ to 550.000€

-   Alanda Los Flamingos | price range from 480.000€ to 1.400.000€

-   El Lago de Los Flamingos | price range from 450.000€ to 1.300.000€

-   Mirador de Los Flamingos | price range from 320.000 to 450.000€

-   Royal Los Flamingos | price range from 420.000€ to 950.000€

-   Acosta Los Flamingos | price range from 300.000€ to 650.000€

-   Hoyo 19 | price range from 270.000€ to 550.000€

-   Tee 5 | price range from 340.000€ to 1.000.000€

-   Tee 6 | price range from 500.000€ to 1.400.000€

In Los Flamingos, houses with a traditional style are typically priced around 2 million euros, while those that have been renovated and modernized can range from 2 million euros to 10 million euros.

There are isolated cases where properties have been valued at over 20 million euros in this area.

How long does it take to obtain a building permit in Los Flamingos?

To construct a property in Spain, it is necessary to apply for a Major Construction License (Licencia de Obra Mayor). This legal permit is essential to carry out the construction in a legitimate manner and must be granted before commencing the works.

The allowed duration to start construction with this license is 12 months, followed by a completion period of 6 to 24 months, depending on the size of the project.

Each province in Spain has different regulations and timelines for obtaining the Major Construction License, which vary depending on the type of construction being carried out. For example, in the municipality of Benahavís, which includes Los Flamingos, the license is requested at the local Town Hall (Ayuntamiento).

The time to obtain it can vary, ranging from as little as 15 days to an average of 3 months. These timelines can be influenced by various factors, such as the size and location of the project.

What documentation is required to obtain a construction license in Los Flamingos?

To obtain a Major Construction License (Licencia de Obra Mayor) in Los Flamingos for a single-family home, the following requirements must be met:

  • The homeowner or their legal representative must apply for the license.
  • The license must be requested at the Benahavís Town Hall (Ayuntamiento).
  • The following documentation is required:
    • Application form from the homeowner or their legal representative.
    • Notarial deed copy.
    • CIF copy (if it is a company).
    • DNI / NIE / Foreigner Identification Number copy (if it is an individual).
    • Basic construction project, execution project, safety and health project, with corresponding approvals.
    • Telecommunications infrastructure endorsement by a technician.
    • Swimming pool project if 20 or more homes are being built.
  • The fees are as follows:
    • Payment of a 2% fee up to 60,000 euros.
    • Payment of a 2.4% fee for amounts exceeding 60,000 euros.

Does Los Flamingos have sea views?

The properties in the Los Flamingos complex are located on hillsides since it is built in a valley. This location provides them with a south-facing orientation and stunning views of the golf courses, Africa, and Gibraltar.

As a result, the properties are exposed to sunlight for most of the day and offer spectacular sea views from virtually every floor. Additionally, Los Flamingos is situated just 3 kilometers from the coast.

What is life like for children in Los Flamingos?

The Los Flamingos complex is an ideal place to settle down and raise a family. With gated entry and 24-hour security for residents, they can have peace of mind.

Moreover, there are plenty of activities for children within the complex, such as golf, golf academies, and adventure walks. Near the complex, you'll find the Racquet Club and the beach, where children can enjoy the beach and the sun.

Los Flamingos is also conveniently located between the cities of Estepona and San Pedro, allowing residents to take advantage of the amenities offered by both nearby cities.

Additionally, the village of Benahavís is just an 18-minute drive away, where there are plenty of outdoor activities available, including hiking, rock climbing, rock pools, and basketball courts. It is also famous for its gastronomy, with many excellent restaurants to enjoy.

Schools near Los Flamingos

If you're looking for a convenient location for your children's education, Los Flamingos is an excellent choice. With easy access to the coastal road and toll highway, it is located near several renowned international schools.

Just a 13-minute drive away, you can reach Atalaya International College, which is a school for children of all ages. Colegio San José, a well-established primary school, is only a 10-minute drive away. Laude San Pedro International College, which also caters to all ages, is a 13-minute drive away.

Aloha College and Swans International School are 16 and 20 minutes away by car, respectively. The nearest public school, Cancelada, is just an 8-minute drive away.

Is Los Flamignos safe?

The Los Flamingos complex is accessible exclusively through a controlled entrance, which has 24-hour surveillance and barriers that close at night. Only residents and hotel guests can enter the complex.

Additionally, there is a professional security team available at all times, ensuring the peace of mind of residents and their properties. Speed limits and speed bumps have been established to ensure the safe circulation of vehicles within the complex.

Therefore, parents can feel at ease allowing their children to play and explore the area.

Which is the leading agency in Los Flamingos?

Livingstone Estates is the number one agency in Estepona and the New Golden Mile, with over 20 years of experience assisting clients in buying and selling properties.

Livingstone Estates is the leading sales agency in Los Flamingos Golf, currently offering over many properties for sale in the area, ranging from luxurious apartments to amacing villas. We are here to assist you in your search and ready to guide you step by step in your buying or selling process.