El Lago Club

A turquoise lagoon with floating day beds in the hills

Tucked behind the hills at Real de la Quinta, this man-made lagoon comes with its own ring of sandy beach, wooden jetties and day beds floating out on the calm, turquoise water. It feels a world away from the coast road even though it is only minutes from Marbella.

Swim, paddle or simply claim a lounger, order from the restaurant and let the day drift by. There is a proper sports and wellness side too, so you can just as easily turn it into an active day out.

Honest note: this is a lagoon, not the sea - but on a still morning the water is every bit as pretty.

What

Lagoon swimming and paddleboarding, sunbeds and floating day beds, a restaurant, plus sports and wellness facilities.

Where

Av. Real de la Quinta, Benahavis - inland from the coast between Marbella and Estepona

How long

A lazy afternoon, or a full day if you stay for dinner