The Garden Above the Sea

Perched in a gated Andalusian community, this ground-floor apartment punches well above its floor level – the elevated position delivers sweeping views across the Mediterranean coastline and Marbella that you'll be watching from a large private terrace complete with a dining area and barbecue. The main bedroom opens directly onto that same terrace, so the view is the first thing you get in the morning. Inside, the living room spills out to the open air through sliding doors, making the boundary between indoors and out easy to ignore. Four communal pools, including a heated year-round option, add to the ease of it, while Puerto Banús Marina is twenty-four minutes away by car.

Home truths:
* You'll need a car here. The complex sits elevated above the coast and a drive is required to reach the beach, supermarkets, and the towns of Marbella and Puerto Banús.
* Free outdoor parking is available within the gated community. One review noted the spaces comfortably fit even larger cars, so most vehicles should be fine.
* For those with reduced mobility, there's a ground floor bedroom and bathroom here.
* You'll have access to the on-site swimming pools and gardens here. They're shared with the building's other residents.