La Zagaleta

La Zagaleta in Benahavís is widely recognized as southern Europe’s most exclusive private estate: a 900-hectare luxury enclave set in the rolling hills above Marbella, where elite property, natural beauty, unparalleled privacy, and world-class amenities combine into a unique lifestyle proposition. For high-net-worth individuals, families, and celebrities seeking the pinnacle of Mediterranean living, La Zagaleta stands apart as a sanctuary of tranquility, security, and privilege. This comprehensive area guide explores everything that makes La Zagaleta an exceptional choice for discerning buyers.

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Location and Accessibility

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Nestled in the lush foothills of the Serranía de Ronda, La Zagaleta benefits from Benahavís’s tranquil landscape and Marbella’s glamorous draw, just 10–25 minutes’ drive to hotspots like Puerto Banús, San Pedro de Alcantara, the Golden Mile, and the luxury hotels of Marbella Club and Puente Romano. The community is conveniently accessed via the A-397 towards Ronda, with main North and South gated entrances. The location ensures faster commutes to both Málaga and Gibraltar airports, each roughly 70 km away (about a 45-minute drive), while the private on-site helipad dramatically shortens arrival times for residents who prefer to fly.

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History and Development

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Originally part of a vast estate owned by French multi-millionaire Thierry Roussel, the land that became La Zagaleta was acquired in the 1980s by Adnan Khashoggi as his private hunting estate, “La Baraka.” In 1990, a group of investors led by Enrique Pérez Flores purchased and transformed the site into a world-class residential community. The vision was clear: create a secluded development with only 420 homes across 900 hectares, ensuring privacy, nature, and exclusiveness at an unparalleled scale.

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Today, La Zagaleta is emblematic of the Marbella ultra-prime sector, with ownership—including club management and future hospitality projects—now in the hands of Abu Dhabi’s Modon Holding, further cementing its reputation and strategy for discreet exclusivity.

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Natural Setting and Land

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One of La Zagaleta’s defining assets is its natural landscape. The estate boasts 900 hectares of rolling hills, dense wooded groves, valleys, and unspoiled wilderness. Residents enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean, the Costa del Sol coastline, Gibraltar, and the mountains of North Africa, with homes often positioned for maximum vista privacy. The estate’s elevation of approximately 450 meters gives a sense of gentle detachment from the coast, yet everyday convenience is only a short drive away.

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Security and Privacy

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Security in La Zagaleta is second to none. Non-residents must pass through guarded entrances, where identification is rigorously checked. Advanced surveillance technology, 24-hour patrols, and a protected green buffer shield each property, preserving discretion and serenity for residents and their families[1][2]. This security infrastructure is a significant appeal for celebrities and high-profile individuals—La Zagaleta has reportedly played host to famous names from entertainment and business.

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Properties and Architecture

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La Zagaleta’s properties are some of the most extraordinary villas in Europe. Currently, there are about 230 homes (with a maximum plan of 420). Each is uniquely designed—no two homes are the same, and all are subject to stringent architectural, technical, and environmental guidelines, ensuring consistency in quality and harmony with the landscape. Plot sizes range from 3,000 to 15,000 m², with average house sizes between 1,000 and 3,000 m². Sector H, at the highest point, is home to the most prestigious villas, often boasting sweeping views to Africa and Gibraltar.

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Architectural styles are varied, blending traditional Andalusian, Mediterranean, and ultra-modern contemporary themes. Many of the homes are built by renowned local studios such as Tobal Arquitectos and ARK Architects, offering clean lines and advanced smart-home integration. Landscaped gardens, infinity pools, private spas, home cinemas, and wine cellars are the rule, not the exception.

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Property Prices and Market

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La Zagaleta’s exclusivity is reflected in property prices. Villas typically range from €4.5 million to over €30 million, with rare trophy mansions fetching upwards of €34 million. The average home price in 2025 sits around €9.75 million, though larger, newer estates with exceptional positions can significantly surpass this mark. Plots for custom builds start at just below €1.2 million. The value of a property is dictated not just by size but by plot orientation, flatness, and views. Annual maintenance costs for luxury villas are around €70,000 per year, with monthly community fees about €1,000.

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Real Estate Investment

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Demand for La Zagaleta properties remains strong, buoyed by limited supply, international buyer interest, and the “safe haven” status conferred by its privacy, security, and resilience as a top European luxury destination. Price increases of 5–8% per year are projected for the near future, reflecting its premier status on the Costa del Sol. Building a new villa requires careful planning for licenses and construction, but buyers frequently combine multiple plots for grand custom projects.

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Amenities and Lifestyle

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Residents of La Zagaleta enjoy a resort-style array of exclusive amenities, all available within the estate and strictly reserved for residents and their guests:

- Two 18-hole championship golf courses: The historic Old Course (1991, redesigned 2016) and the New Course (2005), each with its own clubhouse.
- Clubhouses: The main (Old) Clubhouse offers fine dining, bars, a panoramic terrace, pro shop, bowling, billiards, hospitality lounges, event hosting, and a relaxed social atmosphere. The New Clubhouse is more intimate but equally refined, set by a picturesque lake.
- Equestrian centre: 20+ stables, paddocks, indoor/outdoor riding arenas, lessons, and trails through scenic woodland, offering elite horse culture and training for all ages.
- Tennis and paddle courts: Competition-grade facilities and professional coaching, set beside the Old Clubhouse.
- Nature trails, cycling and fishing lakes: La Zagaleta plots a preserved and wildlife-rich environment, ideal for active residents, families, and nature lovers.
- Private helipad: Shortens international travel; 15 minutes by helicopter to either main airport.
- Concierge & residence services**: On-call housekeeping, gardening, private chefs, transport, event planning, language tutors, home tech support, and bespoke personal shopping.

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Community, Events, and Social Life

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Despite its ultra-private character, La Zagaleta encourages a warm community spirit with regular social events, charity galas, golf tournaments, wellness and gastronomy experiences, and personalized celebrations at the clubhouses or private venues. These gatherings foster a strong sense of belonging among a diverse and international resident base.

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Family Life and Education

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Families are exceptionally well-catered for in La Zagaleta. While there are no schools within the gated community, some of the Costa del Sol’s best international schools—including Atalaya Colegio Internacional, Laude San Pedro International School, Aloha College, and Swans International School—are a short drive away (10-25 minutes), ensuring high-quality international education for all ages.

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Notable Residents and Exclusivity

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La Zagaleta’s mystique is strengthened by its discretion and reputation for enlisting high-profile owners, ranging from global business executives to artists and stars. This selectivity and its ultra-secure, non-public environment keep the community both highly desirable and comfortable for those who value privacy most.

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Why Buy in La Zagaleta?

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In summary, La Zagaleta’s international appeal is founded on:

- Unmatched privacy and security and the flexibility of a resort lifestyle above Marbella
- Prestigious real estate—unique, architecturally significant mansions with incredible amenities
- Unsurpassed natural beauty and panoramic sea/mountain views amid nearly 1,000 hectares of protected land
- Elite lifestyle amenities: golf, equestrian centre, tennis, clubhouses, concierge, helipad
- Close proximity to Marbella, Puerto Banús, international airports, and the finest schools of the Costa del Sol
- Strong long-term investment value in the Costa del Sol’s most coveted enclave

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La Zagaleta represents not simply a luxury address but one of Europe’s ultimate private sanctuaries—a community where discretion, comfort, and exclusivity are guaranteed, and every detail is designed for the world’s most discerning residents.

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