El Unico is a completed detached villa situated within La Zagaleta, a gated residential estate in the municipality of Benahavís, Málaga. Completed in 2024, the property comprises 2,200 m² of built space on an 8,000 m² plot with an additional 1,100 m² of terraces. The villa contains 9 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms across four levels. The estate is positioned approximately 7 kilometres from the coastline at an elevation of 150 metres above sea level. Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is situated 48 kilometres from the property. The location is characterised by its inland setting within a wooded, mountainous environment.
Key characteristics of location, homes, project phase and points of attention.
The property is located within La Zagaleta, a secured residential development in the hills of Benahavís. The setting is inland and elevated, providing distance from coastal activity. The nearest beaches at San Pedro de Alcántara are approximately 7 kilometres away. Access to surrounding towns, golf courses, and services requires private vehicle transport.
This residence provides extensive private facilities including an indoor heated pool, spa area, private cinema, bowling alley, and gym. The scale of the property accommodates multi-generational living with separate staff quarters. Private outdoor spaces include a 22-metre infinity pool, rooftop terrace, and landscaped gardens across three levels.
Construction was completed in 2024. The property is fully finished and ready for immediate occupation. The Energy Performance Certificate is currently in progress. The villa incorporates a 30 kWh photovoltaic system, underfloor heating, and full air conditioning systems.
Daily life at this property requires a private vehicle for access to beaches, supermarkets, and urban services. The nearest pharmacy is 2.4 kilometres away; the closest hospital is 4.8 kilometres. Walking to amenities is not practical given the hillside setting and absence of pedestrian infrastructure outside the estate.
This property suits buyers prioritising privacy and security above urban connectivity. The gated La Zagaleta environment provides controlled access with 24-hour security, making it relevant for individuals or families with high public profiles. The property functions as a primary or secondary residence for households requiring extensive guest accommodation—the 9 bedrooms include three guest suites with independent outdoor access and separate staff quarters with two bedrooms and kitchen. The entertainment infrastructure supports hosting events without reliance on external venues. The combination of cinema, bowling alley, and multiple lounges accommodates large family gatherings or entertainment on a significant scale. The property may suit international buyers seeking a European base with direct flight access via Málaga Airport, accepting the 48-kilometre transfer distance as a trade-off for the estate's isolation. The inland hillside setting appeals to those preferring forested mountain surroundings over beachfront activity. Buyers should factor vehicle dependency into their lifestyle planning: the nearest restaurant is outside the estate, and daily shopping requires a drive of approximately 5 kilometres.
The villa incorporates materials and systems consistent with high-specification residential construction. The gourmet kitchen features twin islands and Gaggenau appliances, with a separate staff kitchen connected to the main dining room. The master bathroom was designed in collaboration with a fashion designer, indicating custom fixtures and finishes beyond standard specifications. Double-height ceilings in the entrance hall incorporate 7-metre windows. Climate control systems include underfloor heating and full air conditioning with heating and cooling functions. The property is equipped with a 30 kWh photovoltaic array, contributing to energy supply. Interior circulation includes a lift serving the four levels. The rooftop terrace incorporates a bar and jacuzzi. External construction includes a custom-designed putting green and cascading waterfalls across three garden levels. The garage provides enclosed parking for 8 vehicles. Building services also include a 22-metre infinity pool with heating capability, an indoor pool with waterfall feature, and a fully equipped gym. The specification sheet references a coffee bar integrated within the master suite, indicating the level of built-in amenity provision.
The property is listed at €30,000,000. This price does not include purchase costs: transfer tax (ITP) at 7% for resale properties, or alternatively VAT and stamp duty for new constructions subject to specific criteria. Notary and registration fees apply additionally. The price positions the property within the ultra-luxury segment of the Benahavís market. Comparable properties in La Zagaleta typically range from €8 million to €25 million depending on plot size, built area, and specification level. The villa is available immediately as construction completed in 2024. Community fees for La Zagaleta apply; specific amounts are available on request.
El Unico functions as a self-contained residential estate within the broader La Zagaleta development. The property's 8,000 m² plot and 2,200 m² interior volume create an environment where daily activities can largely take place within the private boundary. The inclusion of entertainment facilities—a cinema, bowling alley, games room, and children's lounge—reduces reliance on external venues. The spa level with its indoor pool, hammam, sauna, and jacuzzi provides year-round leisure options independent of weather or season. The property's layout separates formal living spaces from staff quarters and service areas, supporting households with domestic support. The east orientation means morning sun reaches the main terraces and garden areas. The elevated position at 150 metres provides unobstructed views toward the Mediterranean, though the 7-kilometre distance to the coast means the sea appears as a horizon element rather than an immediate presence. Life here centres on the estate's internal rhythm rather than connection to a town or beach promenade. The four-level configuration includes a lift for vertical circulation. The garage accommodates up to 8 vehicles, reflecting the logistical requirements of a property at this scale.
La Zagaleta is positioned in the hills above the Guadalmina valley, surrounded by forest and golf courses rather than urban development. The estate itself contains two private golf courses, an equestrian centre, and a country club available to residents. The immediate vicinity includes El Higueral Golf at 1.3 kilometres and La Zagaleta's own course at 1.7 kilometres. The nearest pharmacy is 2.4 kilometres from the property; the nearest restaurant within a 2-kilometre radius is a single establishment. This paucity of walkable amenities defines the lifestyle: daily life occurs within the property boundary or involves driving. The town of Benahavís, known for its concentration of restaurants, is approximately 10 minutes by car. San Pedro de Alcántara and the approaches to Marbella are reached via the coastal highway, accessible within 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. The setting is quiet by default—the estate's size and security cordon create substantial buffer zones from external noise. The forested surroundings support walking and cycling within La Zagaleta's internal road network, though these are private roads rather than public trails.
The map shows El Unico's position within La Zagaleta, indicated by the cluster of access roads in the hills east of Benahavís village. The property's inland location is visible, with the coastline at San Pedro de Alcántara and Marbella to the south. The surrounding green areas indicate golf courses and forested land.
Benahavís municipality spans from the coast to the mountains, encompassing a range of residential environments from beachfront apartments to hillside estates. La Zagaleta occupies the upper end of this spectrum—both in elevation and market positioning. The development sits inland from the coastal strip that connects Marbella to Estepona, placing it outside the urban continuum while remaining within reach of both towns. Marbella town centre is approximately 20 minutes by car; Estepona is similar. The village of Benahavís, a distinct settlement known for restaurants, lies closer at approximately 10 minutes. This positioning creates a pattern of life centred on the estate and its facilities, with forays to coastal restaurants, beaches, and services rather than daily integration with a town. The location suits buyers who value separation from tourist activity and urban density while retaining access when desired.
Beaches at San Pedro de Alcántara and Ventura del Mar are approximately 7 kilometres distant, requiring 12-15 minutes by car. The nearest supermarket is 4.6 kilometres away. Hospital facilities are available at 4.8 kilometres. The property's position within La Zagaleta means that reaching the estate entrance involves a drive of several kilometres from the nearest public road. Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is 48 kilometres away; transfer time is approximately 40-50 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Gibraltar Airport is similarly distant at approximately 50 kilometres. The nearest international school is The International School of Estepona at 5.1 kilometres; the British International School is 9.1 kilometres away. Puerto Banús marina is 6.3 kilometres from the property, providing mooring facilities and marine services. The concentration of golf courses within a 3-kilometre radius includes La Zagaleta Country Club, La Quinta Golf, and the German Golf Academy driving range.
| Malaga-Costa del Sol (AGP) | 50 km |
| Gibraltar (GIB) | 50 km |
Source: OpenStreetMap, Google Maps
The property sits at approximately 150 metres above sea level on the lower slopes of the Sierra de las Nieves foothills. This elevation provides temperature moderation compared to the coastal plain—summer highs average 26°C rather than the 28-30°C common at sea level, while winter lows average 11°C. The region records approximately 3,717 sunshine hours annually. The swimming season, defined by sea temperatures at or above 20°C, extends for approximately 4 months from June through October; however, the property's heated indoor pool enables year-round swimming independent of sea conditions. The hillside setting means the property is subject to occasional wind, though the orientation and surrounding topography provide shelter. The 8,000 m² plot includes landscaped gardens; the broader La Zagaleta estate comprises approximately 900 hectares of wooded hillside. The property's orientation to the east provides morning sunlight to main living areas and terraces, with shade arriving in mid-to-late afternoon.
Source: Open-Meteo (2020–2025 average)
The nearest Blue Flag beaches are located at San Pedro de Alcántara, approximately 7 kilometres from the property. These beaches provide standard Mediterranean coastal facilities including chiringuitos, sunbed rental, and lifeguard services during peak season. The beach clubs associated with Marbella and Puerto Banús are accessible within 15-20 minutes by car. Golf represents the primary recreational activity in the immediate area: La Zagaleta Country Club operates two private courses for residents and their guests. La Quinta Golf, a 27-hole public course, is 1.9 kilometres away. The property itself incorporates a custom putting green for practice. Additional recreational facilities within La Zagaleta include an equestrian centre and country club with restaurant. The property's private amenities—cinema, bowling alley, spa, indoor and outdoor pools—reduce dependence on external recreational venues. For walking and hiking, the surrounding hills and the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park provide extensive routes, though these require vehicle access to trailheads.
25 faciliteiten beschikbaar
Source: OpenStreetMap, CSD
Benahavís municipality spans from the coast to the mountains, encompassing a range of residential environments from beachfront apartments to hillside estates. La Zagaleta occupies the upper end of this spectrum—both in elevation and market positioning. The development sits inland from the coastal strip that connects Marbella to Estepona, placing it outside the urban continuum while remaining within reach of both towns. Marbella town centre is approximately 20 minutes by car; Estepona is similar. The village of Benahavís, a distinct settlement known for restaurants, lies closer at approximately 10 minutes. This positioning creates a pattern of life centred on the estate and its facilities, with forays to coastal restaurants, beaches, and services rather than daily integration with a town. The location suits buyers who value separation from tourist activity and urban density while retaining access when desired.
Benahavís is a Spanish town (pueblo) and municipality in the province of Malaga. It is a mountain village between Marbella, Estepona, and Ronda, 7 kilometers (4.3 mi) from the coast.
| Month | Avg. Temperature | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| January | 11.1°C | 96 mm |
| February | 11.4°C | 99 mm |
| March | 13.5°C | 89 mm |
| April | 15.3°C | 60 mm |
| May | 17.3°C | 47 mm |
| June | 21.5°C | 12 mm |
| July | 25.5°C | 1 mm |
| August | 25.9°C | 2 mm |
| September | 22.3°C | 20 mm |
| October | 18.3°C | 82 mm |
| November | 14.4°C | 119 mm |
| December | 11.7°C | 106 mm |
Ref: VL551612
Source: Wikipedia, Wikidata, INE, Junta de Andalucía
El Unico occupies a distinct position within the Benahavís luxury market. While most high-value properties in the municipality cluster along the coastal fringe or within established golf urbanisations like Los Arqueros and La Quinta, La Zagaleta represents a separate category—an enclosed estate of approximately 900 hectares with its own security infrastructure, golf courses, and equestrian facilities. Properties within La Zagaleta typically command prices from €8 million to €25 million, with El Unico's €30 million asking price reflecting its scale and the completeness of its amenity provision. Compared to coastal villas in Marbella's Golden Mile, El Unico trades beachfront proximity for privacy and land area. A comparable €30 million property in Marbella might offer 1,000-1,500 m² of built space on a 2,000 m² plot near the sea; El Unico provides 2,200 m² on 8,000 m², accepting a 7-kilometre separation from the coast. The inland setting also differs from developments in nearby Estepona, where new construction tends toward apartment complexes and townhouses in denser configurations. For buyers prioritising autonomy, security, and internal facilities over walkable coastal lifestyle, this property offers a different proposition than the majority of Costa del Sol offerings.
Maiko is a real estate expert specialised in the Spanish property market. With in-depth knowledge of the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, and other popular coastal regions, he assists buyers in finding the right property. He analyses offerings based on location, market value, construction quality, and liveability, providing honest, data-driven advice throughout the entire purchase process.
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