Birdies & Palms

If you're planning a sun-soaked getaway with your family or a small group of friends, this modern apartment set in the affluent Nueva Andalucia area ticks just about every box. You're a short walk from the upscale marina, designer boutiques and waterfront restaurants of Puerto Banús, just 1 kilometre away.

Inside, the space is calming and comfortable. Sink into the leather sofa, surrounded by plush cushions, appealing art prints and tall verdant houseplants, as you recover from a tiring day at the beach – 2 kilometres from your door. The window-side dining table is a great place for a little more formal occasions, or better still, step out onto your private terrace for meals in the sunshine.

It's easy to see that this home is designed for groups to gather, with an open-plan living area and plenty of outdoor space to sprawl out and unwind. Spend warm afternoons topping up your tan on your personal sun loungers and comfy outdoor armchairs.

But when you're not basking in the quiet of your private terrace, head down to the shared swimming pool for an afternoon splash about. The gorgeous palm-lined pool and manicured gardens add that extra level of exclusivity to the stay, while the neighbouring tennis courts and golf course make for an all-encompassing resort. They'll be no problem filling your days here.

Home truths:
*Access to the apartment building is via a shared entrance
*The resort's pool, tennis courts and gardens are communal spaces shared with the other residents
*There's a lift to reach this fourth apartment
*The TV comes equipped with English and Spanish channels
*If needed, the kitchen table doubles up as a laptop-friendly workspace
*There's garage parking available on-site
*The nearest supermarkets are a short walk from your door
*This host does not accept bookings from groups of young people under 25 years old