Marriott, Marbella Hotels

Synonymous with international glamour, Marbella presents both the old and new faces of the Costa del Sol. Its charming Old Town is a warren of whitewashed streets with authentic tapas bars while six kilometres west, glitzy Puerto Banús boasts super yachts, designer outlets and gold-card dining. There are two sandy town beaches with water sports, and nearby championship golf courses. After dark, nightclubs are upscale and often exclusive.