Why The World’s Wealthiest Are Choosing Costa Del Sol Over The Traditional Riviera

For decades, the world's luxury property market has revolved around a familiar shortlist of destinations: St-Tropez, the Hamptons, Capri, Porto Cervo, and Monaco. These are places that have long defined aspirational coastal living.

Today's ultra-high-net-worth buyers, however, are increasingly seeking something different. Rather than chasing the busiest marinas, the most photographed beach clubs, or the highest-profile addresses, affluent buyers are placing greater value on privacy, authenticity, wellness, and space. Luxury is no longer measured solely by status symbols, but by the richness and quality of the lifestyle it enables.

On Spain's southern coast, Casares is emerging as one of Europe's most compelling examples of this shift. At the heart of this transformation is Caledonian, the Spanish luxury developer behind The St. Regis Residences, Casares, Costa Del Sol—a new generation of luxury residential product bringing together design, hospitality, and wellness for an increasingly sophisticated international market. Unlike many of Europe's established luxury enclaves, the area remains remarkably understated. According to the Property Finders’ Spanish Market Report 2026, drawing on Colegio de Notarios data, Málaga province accounted for 45.2% of foreign buyers across Andalusia in 2025.

Situated between Marbella and Sotogrande, Casares offers many of the attributes that originally made the French Riviera so desirable: a favourable Mediterranean climate averaging 320 days of sunshine a year, exceptional dining, world-class hospitality, and seamless international connectivity. As Marbella has matured, demand has naturally spilled westwards along the coastline towards Casares and Sotogrande, where larger plots, greater privacy, and an increasingly sophisticated collection of luxury developments are redefining the region's most desirable addresses.

According to Enrique Lopez Sastre, Director of Sales & Marketing at Caledonian, Southern Spain’s luxury property market is evolving alongside the expectations of international buyers, with a growing appetite for residences that combine greater space and privacy with the service and amenities of an internationally recognised brand.

This momentum prompted an earlier-than-anticipated release for Phase Two, following the sale of 65% of the entire development within 16 months. Sustained interest continues from global buyers drawn to both the rarity of the offering and the long-term appeal of the setting.

Located within the 500-acre Finca Cortesin estate—one of the Costa del Sol’s most established golf and country destinations—the project represents the first standalone St. Regis Residences in Spain. The €200 million development features homes starting from €2.8 million. Phase One saw 26 of the development’s 46 two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences reserved within months of launch, attracting demand from the United States, Central Europe, and the Nordics.

The setting is central to the proposition, but it is only one part of the story. Encompassing pine forests, rolling fairways, and untouched coastline, Finca Cortesin creates an immediate sense of seclusion and connection to nature. This tranquility is complemented by proximity to Marbella, situated just a 20-minute drive away, offering residents convenient city access while retaining the privacy and calm of the estate.

Beyond its natural landscape, Finca Cortesin is also developing into a destination centered around wellbeing, with its wellness credentials set to be further strengthened by the arrival of Lanserhof in early 2027—marking the renowned German longevity and health group’s first facility outside Germany and Austria. Residents also have access to the wider resort’s gardens, championship golf course, ARAN! Yoga & Meditation Center, racquet club, and secluded Beach Club.

The result is a residential proposition that goes beyond the traditional second-home model, combining the privacy and scale of a private estate with the service, amenities, and wellness infrastructure of a five-star destination.

An international design team

The design team brings together some of the most distinctive names in international architecture and interiors. Architecture is led by Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan of Studio MK27, with landscaping by Isabel Duprat and lighting design by María Covarrubias.

The landscape has been designed to work with the natural setting rather than compete with it, incorporating almost 20,000 square metres of native planting and gardens that connect the architecture directly to its surroundings. After dark, Covarrubias’ lighting design brings a similarly understated approach, highlighting the textures and depth of the landscape while maintaining its sense of calm.

The interiors offer a choice between two distinct design visions by Marcio Kogan and Lázaro Rosa-Violán. Materials including oak, natural stone, and brass are crafted around bright, open spaces, with expansive panoramic windows maximising natural light and coastal views. Open-plan homes range from 270 to 780 square metres, with select ground-floor residences and penthouses offering private swimming pools.

This considered approach extends to sustainability: solar panels, ultra-efficient ventilation systems, chilled ceiling cooling, underfloor heating, timber brise-soleil with 50-year certified durability, and high-performance heat pumps ensure intelligent, responsible comfort. Every design decision is intended to minimise environmental impact without compromising the beauty, comfort, or quality expected of a luxury residence.

Year-round amenities and activities

The scale extends beyond the residences themselves. Residents have access to 24-hour St. Regis concierge and butler services, alongside a 1,250-square-metre amenities club that includes a spa with sauna and steam room, massage suite, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gym, yoga and Pilates studios, library, wine lounge, private cinema, and coworking space, complemented by full bar and catering services.

For The St. Regis Residences, Casares, Costa Del Sol, the combination of architecture, interiors, landscape, hospitality, and wellness reflects a broader change in buyer priorities across the Costa del Sol: modern luxury is less about visibility and proximity to established hotspots, and increasingly about privacy, design, wellness, service, and year-round quality of life.

Phase One completion is scheduled for mid-2028, while Phase Two is now available with completion expected in 2029.

Editorial supplied. Images: The St. Regis Residences, Casares, Costa del Sol.

For further information, please visit www.srrcostadelsol.com.

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