La Zagaleta Spain's most exclusive gated urbanisation

Check out our podcast about La Zagaleta from the experts: Artur Loginov, Sergey Sinichkin, and Bruna Karla Krüger!

The secluded urbanisation of La Zagaleta is one of the most exclusive and prestigious gated communities in Europe, and has become a staple of the Marbella luxury lifestyle. In 1991, it started its development as a private hunting estate, covering 900 hectares of protected wooded groves and green valleys.

Currently, there are around 250 properties within the gated community, but there are still plots available that can increase the total number significantly. La Zagaleta has the potential of having 420 properties within its gates, much like the vision dictated by one of its founders, Enrique Perez Flores, in the 90s.

Today, this sophisticated residential estate combines independence, privacy and tranquillity with a fascinating setting, luxurious facilities and services brought to an unprecedented level. Residents have private access to 50 km of internal roads spread throughout its valleys, leisure and sports amenities, such as two golf courses, two clubhouses, an equestrian centre, a tennis club, and a concierge service. Not to mention a helipad for private arrivals. La Zagaleta is not just a place; it has become a lifestyle synonymous with what luxury brands now call 'silent luxury' — where privacy and opulence truly come together.

Since December 2024, La Zagaleta is owned by Modon Holding, an investment group based in Abu Dhabi. Modon acquired 100% of La Zagaleta S.L. with the aim to preserve its legacy of privacy and exclusivity while carefully advancing new development opportunities, including potential hospitality projects such as a planned six-star luxury hotel.

Before the pandemic, many international clients saw Marbella as a weekend escape. With direct flights from business hubs like London, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, Amsterdam, and even further like Dubai and New York, it was easy to fly in on Friday and out on Sunday.

But after 2020, priorities changed. Clients learned they could work remotely and decided to live differently. Zoom calls replaced offices, quality of life trumped commutes, and homes were redefined. Suddenly, a few weeks in Marbella became a few months. Then it became permanent.

La Zagaleta offers a unique lifestyle that adapts perfectly to this tendency to move away from city life, and is therefore more attractive as a place of residence for those looking for a peaceful home environment. It is naturally privileged, sustainable and picture-perfect, and those who work remotely consider it their ideal destination for permanent living or a second residence.

In 1990, Enrique Perez Flores and a group of investors purchased the 900 hectares plot in Benahavis, privately owned by Saudi multi-millionaire Adnan Khashoggi, then known as La Baraka, his private hunting estate. Mr Perez had the vision to create a private estate nestled in nature with 420 homes embedded within the foothills of the Serranía de Ronda. In 1992, construction of the first golf course, the first internal roads and homes began. In 1994, the old clubhouse was inaugurated.

La Zagaleta, along with other hectares of land, was originally part of the land initially owned by Thierry Roussel, the French multi-millionaire. Roussel left the land to his family, which encompassed what is currently known as El Madroñal, La Zagaleta and La Reserva de Alcuzcuz, meaning that the family owned 1,500 hectares of land. The land began to break into three zones when Saudi multi-millionaire Adnan Khashoggi fell in love with the estate and offered to buy land off the Roussel.

Khashoggi then designated the northern zone of the estate La Baraka, where he built many extravagant villas and would throw private events and parties that mirrored the glitz and glamour of Marbella in the 80s.

In 1991, a group of investors led by Enrique Perez Flores acquired Khashoggi's property and renamed it La Zagaleta. This is what commenced the culmination of the gated community and private plots on 900 hectares of land. Khashoggi's old house was then converted into what is now the clubhouse and restaurant of the La Zagaleta Golf Club.

La Zagaleta falls under the municipality of Benahavis, one of the most sought-after municipalities in Malaga to live in. La Zagaleta is conveniently located close to Marbella, a short drive away from its amenities and beaches.

• Marbella centre is a 20km drive from the South entrance, about 25 minutes drive.
• Puerto Banus is 12km away, about a 20 minute drive.
• San Pedro de Alcantara is 9 km away, less than 10 minutes drive.
• Benahavis town is 14km away, about a 20 minute drive.
• The neighbouring town of Estepona is 27 km away, less than 30 minutes drive.

The easiest way to access La Zagaleta is by driving up the A-397 towards Ronda. This way, you can easily access La Zagaleta's 2 entrances: the Northern and Southern entrances. The South entrance is closest to everything and is located west of the A-397. It must be noted that only residents can get into the urbanisation through the South entrance. The North entrance is a 4 km drive further up the A-397, which serves as the main entry point for residents, visitors and workers. This is where security identifies all those who enter the urbanisation who do not reside there or have no prior notice of entry.

If you are arriving from abroad and land at Malaga AGP airport, it is a 45-minute journey via the AP-7 motorway, which is a 71.8km drive. If you are flying in from Gibraltar airport, it is an hour's journey on the main coast road, which is a 72.4km drive.

La Zagaleta also has a private helipad for those who prefer to fly in or out on a helicopter. It is a 15-minute journey to Malaga Airport, a 10-minute flight to Ronda, a 40-minute journey to Sevilla and a 45-minute flight to the Sierra Nevada.

If you would like to see how you can get to La Zagaleta, check out our Google Maps Link.

Since December 2024, La Zagaleta is owned by Modon Holding, an investment group based in Abu Dhabi. Modon acquired 100% of La Zagaleta S.L. with the aim to preserve its legacy of privacy and exclusivity while carefully advancing new development opportunities.

The deal included a large plot of land with the potential for over 50 villa developments, as well as the possibility to build a six-star luxury hotel. This move showed that the development is now firmly on the international radar, and that buyers see its value for the future as well as the present. Based on Modon's approach, they understand the value of scarcity — they are investing in La Zagaleta not to transform it, but to amplify what makes it so special.

The founder of La Zagaleta was Enrique Perez Flores, who led the group of investors that acquired the land from Adnan Khashoggi in 1991.

La Zagaleta is set within a former hunting estate of 900 hectares (2,223 acres) of valleys, wooded hills and pure Andalusian nature. La Zagaleta's private roads stretch for nearly 50 kilometres, weaving through the hills and connecting the villas, clubhouses, and facilities across the estate. This extensive network adds to the sense of space and privacy that defines the community.

La Zagaleta has around 250 homes ranging in size from 3,000 m² to 10,000+ m² plots. Although there are approximately 250 homes within La Zagaleta, the gated community still has plots available to develop new properties. When all plots are developed, La Zagaleta will be home to around 420 properties, as there are another 60+ plots available for future construction of villas, plus where a six-star luxurious hotel is planned to be developed with its own additional entrance. As the hotel will be constructed in a different sector within La Zagaleta, it will have minimal disruption to residents and already built plots and villas.

Properties For Sale in La Zagaleta

La Zagaleta has honoured Spanish painters and composers by naming the roads after them. The estate is divided into different sectors, which go by the letters A, B, and C, all the way up to J (skipping the letter "I"). Each sector has its own character:

Sector H — The most prestigious sector, located at the highest peak of La Zagaleta and very close to security at the North entrance. It is now a consolidated and sought-after area. Almost all properties are southwest-oriented and enjoy fantastic views of Africa and Gibraltar. Many plots here have already gained significant value over the years, and owners are now choosing to sell to capitalise on the current market. Several houses located in sector H are listed between €10,000,000–€34,000,000.

Sector J — One of the newest and least developed areas due to its steeper terrain and more complex topography. Construction has progressed more slowly than in other, more consolidated sectors. As a result, many of the original plots in Sector J remain undeveloped and are now being gradually released to the market.

Sector F — This sector has seen less development over the years, as many of the plots are not as flat and offer more limited sea views. As a result, both owners and developers have tended to favour the higher sections of the community, where the views are more prominent.

No matter where you are, the views from La Zagaleta are gorgeous and unforgettable, as La Zagaleta sits 450 metres above sea level. The views span over the idyllic Andalusian mountainous landscape with an undulating green carpet of golf courses, towards the scenic coastline of Southern Spain, the Mediterranean Sea shimmering in the sun, the African coast with the Rif Mountains, and both Pillars of Hercules that flank the entrance to Gibraltar. Although you are high up in the mountains, most properties within La Zagaleta have sea views that one could only dream of having.

La Zagaleta is the pinnacle representation of exclusivity and luxury. And, of course, the homes within the community reflect this. All architectural designs are timeless and never replicated. There are particular aesthetic, technical and environmental guidelines the homes must follow to ensure that all homes flow harmoniously together. There is an excellent variety of styles, from traditional to ultra-modern villas, all of which boast geometry, amenities, beautiful tones, textures and landscapes.

Many of these homes include unique features you don't often see, such as garages set up for large car collections with specialist lighting, private water slides longer than Olympic swimming pools, curated automotive spaces adorned with signed F1 memorabilia, rooftop cinemas, private bowling alleys, and indoor basketball courts — all flawlessly integrated into the architecture.

Property values have shifted significantly in recent years. Five years ago, a house priced at €5–10 million would have been considered top of the market. Now, there are more than ten active projects with prices over €20 million each.

Villa prices in La Zagaleta

Plot prices in La Zagaleta

The land prices start at just under €1,200,000, and prices can go up to €13,500,000 or more. The value comes mainly from the views, orientation, and the final flat garden, not just the price per m². As La Zagaleta was founded on a mountainous range with steep land surfaces, you sometimes find a 4,000 m² plot with a flat garden or one large property set on an 8,000 m² plot. The land sizes vary from 3,000 m² up to approximately 15,000 m². There have been cases where land owners combine multiple plots to create one vast plot.

Between 2025 and 2027, there are 29 new projects planned within La Zagaleta. This level of development is a clear sign that La Zagaleta will continue to set the standard for high-end living in southern Europe.

The changing market has brought a new wave of clients to La Zagaleta. The client profile has shifted significantly towards ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

Comparison: Villa Cullinan (2021) vs Current Exclusive (2025)

The data shows the percentage increase of billionaire clients is over 35%.

Typical buyer profile for La Zagaleta (based on 2025 data)

La Zagaleta's homes vary dramatically in size, from 3,000 m² to 12,000 m² plots. Maintaining such residences usually costs around €70,000 a year, and the community fee is around €1,000 per month.

Many clients have enquired about whether it was better to buy a house or build one from scratch. We are speaking from experience, as Drumelia had the pleasure of developing Villa Arcadio, which won the prize as the Best Villa in Europe in 2016. The building process can be stressful, and the result depends on you.

As an approximation, you are looking at spending €2,000–€3,000 per m² of built area.

Estimation of building costs in La Zagaleta

Example: plot 4,000 m² & built area 1,200 m².

*Depending on the terrain, a good retaining wall may be needed. Building is more complicated in La Zagaleta because of its terrain.

Adding a plot at €3,000,000 plus purchase taxes brings the total to approximately €7,000,000. This price does not include the amount needed to furnish the house.

In Spain, you need to obtain a Major Construction License (Licencia de Obra Mayor) when building a property. This license allows 12 months for building to begin and then 6–24 months to complete the build, depending on the scale of the project.

La Zagaleta falls under the municipality of Benahavis, and the Major Construction License is requested at the Benahavis Town Hall. There have been instances where the license was obtained in just 15 days, but on average the time it takes to obtain a license is 3 months.

In order to obtain a Major Construction Licence in the municipality of Benahavis for a family home, the following prerequisites apply:

• The homeowner or their legal representative must be the ones to apply for the license
• They must apply for the license in the Benahavis Town Hall
• The following documentation is required:
  • The homeowner or legal representative's application
  • Copy of notarial deed
  • Copy of the CIF (if it is a company)
  • Copy of the DNI / NIE / Foreign Identification Number (in the case of an individual)
  • Basic construction project, execution project, health and safety project, visas
  • Project endorsed by a common telecommunications infrastructure by a technician
  • Swimming pool project when building 20 or more dwellings
• Taxes are as follows:
  • Payment of a fee of 2% up to €60,000
  • Payment of a fee of 2.4% from €60,000 onwards

Tobal Arquitectos has been one of the most prominent architect bureaus and leading designers of luxury properties on the Costa del Sol for the last 30 years. To date, they have built 110 villas within La Zagaleta, almost half the total number of homes within the estate. Today, when we look at La Zagaleta, in part, we see a reflection of father and son work, Miguel and Diego Tobal. Drumelia has proudly worked alongside Tobal Arquitectos for many years.

Just because you own a property in La Zagaleta does not automatically make you a member. The La Zagaleta Country Club offers residents a membership that allows them to access all amenities the community offers, including unlimited use of their 2 golf courses, tennis club, equestrian centre, restaurants and other amenities. A membership costs €100,000, and is not mandatory to purchase if you own a property in La Zagaleta.

Suppose you would like to use La Zagaleta's amenities but are not a resident. In that case, the La Zagaleta Country Club offers a limited number of non-residents a membership, giving them the right to make the most out of what La Zagaleta offers. Of course, the Club gives residents priority for this membership.

La Zagaleta continues to attract buyers for its setting, its growing range of high-end properties, and its strong reputation beyond Spain. It is still considered one of the safest and most attractive places to buy property in Europe. Many now see La Zagaleta as a place to build something lasting. They look for properties with enough space for family, work, and their interests. Quiet surroundings and comfort are priorities.

Add a plethora of attributes: rich history, perfect Mediterranean climate, delicious foods and wine as a big part of Spanish culture, a robust transport infrastructure, as well as myriad attractions of a popular vacation destination with great socialising and leisure activities. La Zagaleta is considered a perfect place for couples and families looking to start their new life in Marbella.

Golf in La Zagaleta

The unique Clubhouse offers two golf courses with 36 Parkland holes and a dynamic design integrating perfectly with the wildlife and vegetation of the eco-friendly environment. It is available exclusively for its members and their guests.

The old course is an 18-hole golf course designed by Brad Benz in 1991 and redesigned by Marc Westenborg in 2016. It is a championship course that follows the contours of the former hunting estate. The par-72 course's average playing time is 4h 10mins. The course itself has a total distance of 6,000 yards.

The new par-70 course inaugurated in 2005 was designed to merge golf with nature. The playful 18-hole course has an average playing time of 4h 30 mins and is full of beautiful obstacles and doglegs to overcome. The total distance is 4,300–5,300 yards. Construction started in 2002; it took 5 years to complete and cost over €21,000,000 to develop.

Many non-residents dream of enjoying the courses La Zagaleta has to offer. However, the Old Course is reserved strictly for residents. The New Course welcomes outside players for several hours a day, on certain days. For rates and times, you can see the Zagaleta golf website.

La Zagaleta Clubhouse

With its 5,000 m² indoor space, the elegant Clubhouse is known as the social club of La Zagaleta. Rich in activities and glamorous events hosted in style. It offers a great restaurant with five-star service, a panoramic terrace with beautiful views, a series of bars and lounges, hospitality rooms, and a Pro Shop. You can book it for private events such as parties, weddings or celebrations. There is also a second Clubhouse in the northern part, which is newer, much smaller, intimate, and with big plans for the near future.

La Zagaleta Tennis Club

The tennis club in La Zagaleta has 1 clay tennis court, 1 hard tennis court, and a paddle court located in the Old Clubhouse. Professional tennis lessons are available for children and adults, all taught by professional coaches and instructors.

La Zagaleta Equestrian Centre

The La Zagaleta Riding Club is an equestrian centre with stables for up to 20 horses and facilities for training, show jumping and dressage. Classes are offered for those interested in learning equestrian, with 11 horses and ponies at the club stables, not to mention that La Zagaleta has plenty of trails to explore.

Hiking in La Zagaleta

La Zagaleta, comprising 900 hectares of natural land, is an excellent place for hiking and cycling. As the urbanisation is on preserved natural land, you can enjoy a nice long hike or bike trail whilst taking in nature and observing the wildlife and fauna of the area.

Fishing in La Zagaleta

As La Zagaleta embraces nature to the fullest, you can find three fishing lakes on site to fish, which is an excellent way to spend time bonding with your friends, family, or even an escape to relax and connect with nature.

La Zagaleta private heliport

Residents can enjoy their private heliport. The helipad is available for private arrivals flying in from Malaga airport, which is only 70 km away and has excellent connections with Europe. Also, there is a collaboration with local hospitals in the event of an emergency.

La Zagaleta is an excellent example of a perfect place to raise a family. Stemming from the fact the urbanisation has unprecedented security measures to keep its residents safe, there are plenty of places for kids to go and explore within the safety of the gated community. There is a wide range of sports and leisure activities for families to enjoy, such as golf, tennis and horse riding. Not to mention that there are academies for learners of all ages. La Zagaleta's amenities allow families to socialise and kids to make the most out of their day and have lots of fun.

Although there is no school within the gated community, La Zagaleta is within driving distance of some of the most renowned schools on the coast:

• Atalaya Colegio Internacional in Estepona — 12.3km away, bilingual education in English and Spanish
• Laude San Pedro International School — 11km away
• Aloha College — 15km away
• Swans International School in Sierra Blanca — 20km away
• Sotogrande International School (boarding school) — 54km away

Many people don't realise how close La Zagaleta is to everything since the private urbanisation is located on the slopes of the Serranía de Ronda. Your property's location inside La Zagaleta plays an important role, as you can be anywhere from 1 min drive to the entrance up to 15 min drive if you live at the furthest point.

• 2 km from the South entrance to the closest shops
• 5 km to San Pedro town
• 7.5 km to the beach promenade
• 9 km to Puerto Banus
• 12 km to Marbella Club Golf Resort & Spa and Puente Romano Beach Resort on the Golden Mile
• 8.5 km to the closest international school

Life in La Zagaleta is extremely comfortable in the sense that you are secluded, yet so close to the action.

The peace, tranquillity, and silence of La Zagaleta are only broken occasionally by sighting a pheasant, a mountain goat, a buck, or a mouflon. The gliding eagles create lazy circles in the sky. In the evening, you hear the sound of the Eurasian eagle owl. While driving, you may come across a group of deer crossing the road or a drove of wild pigs. Surrounded by fern trees and century-old oaks, driving through La Zagaleta is like a private safari. The animals are fed and looked after and undoubtedly form a charming part of La Zagaleta.

La Zagaleta has a strict entrance system and 24h security all over the grounds, so you can only imagine what kinds of important people live there. Celebrities such as Hugh Grant and Rod Stewart have owned property in La Zagaleta. It has also been rumoured that Beyoncé and George Clooney own properties there. However, it is not celebrities that primarily populate these properties, but business people such as Hans Snook, the founder of Orange, the telecommunication company.

La Zagaleta usually attracted more mature buyers from countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, and Russia, as well as the occasional Spanish buyer. However, the buyer profile has become increasingly international, now including buyers from Austria, Norway, Hungary, Mexico, Nigeria, India, and the United States.

La Zagaleta is home to some of the most famous properties in Europe, known for their grandeur and representation of the luxurious lifestyle Marbella has to offer.

Drumelia has represented and sold some of the most famous houses in La Zagaleta:

• Villa Cullinan — Sold for €32,000,000, featured in The Financial Times and EuropaPress, winner of Best Residential Property of Spain and Europe at the 2019-2020 International Property Awards
• Komorebi House — Sold for €14,800,000
• Ibiza Breeze — Sold for €14,500,000
• Villa Salucci — Sold for €13,900,000
• Heaven 11 — Sold for €12,900,000
• Villa Cristal — Sold for €12,900,000
• Villa Lagoon (formerly Villa Arcadio) — Sold for €8,500,000, winner of Best Villa in Europe at the 2016 International Property Awards

Drumelia currently has several exclusive properties for sale in La Zagaleta:

Additional exclusive homes are set to be released soon, continuing to expand the selection of top-tier properties available in La Zagaleta.

La Zagaleta Service Management is a concierge and hospitality service that provides residents with a wide range of tailored management services designed to make everyday life easier:

• House and garden maintenance
• Housekeeping and professional cleaning
• Pool cleaning and preventive maintenance
• Shopping and delivery services
• Personal services such as language classes
• Transportation and guest management
• Domiciliation services
• Managing household finances
• Accounting, tax and legal services for companies
• Labour consulting and full property management
• Private chefs and catering services

This level of support allows owners to focus on enjoying their homes, knowing that the essentials are taken care of by a dedicated team.

La Zagaleta delivers the highest level of security demanded by its residents. The 9,000,000 m² of land boast complete security and detector measures around the urbanisation's perimeter. Non-residents cannot enter the compound without prior authorisation.

Security remains a top priority. Each day, staff monitor around 1,500 vehicles entering the estate, not including resident cars. Access is tightly controlled, with security guards authorised to carry firearms, highlighting the community's commitment to safety and discretion.

Professional armed security personnel provide immaculate 24-hour service, keeping a watchful eye while guarding both the South Gate and the North Gate and patrolling the internal roads in mobile security patrol vehicles. An Israeli company was commissioned to build a 'high tech electric fence'.

All houses are separated by a protected green zone where nothing can be built, ensuring owners' highest level of privacy and guaranteeing space for the local wildlife to roam freely.

Drumelia is the leading real estate firm in Marbella and has years of experience helping buyers and vendors with their properties in La Zagaleta. Drumelia leads sales in La Zagaleta, as we currently have over 30 properties for sale in La Zagaleta, ranging from building plots to luxury villas ready to move into. We are here to help with your search and ready to guide you through your purchase or sale process.

Apart from leading Marbella's luxury real estate market, Drumelia is also an expert in helping clients buy and sell high-end real estate in La Zagaleta. Handling transactions in La Zagaleta involves much more than just property sales. Trust, discretion, and experience all matter.

Drumelia's agents manage a substantial selection of off-market listings, and their experience has put them at the top of Marbella's luxury property sector. With a multilingual team (over 13 languages spoken), in-house legal and tax advisors, and full relocation support from private chefs to household staff, Drumelia offers a true white-glove service.

The agency's international profile was cemented with the record-breaking sale of Villa Cullinan, a €32M deal backed by their high-end video marketing during the pandemic.

For Bruna and the Drumelia team, La Zagaleta represents more than luxury real estate: "This isn't just a great place to live, it's a smart long-term investment."

Apart from leading Marbella's luxury real estate market, Drumelia is also an expert in helping clients buy and sell high-end real estate in La Zagaleta.

Bruna Karla Krüger, Partner and Senior property advisor at Drumelia, knows La Zagaleta better than anyone. Since 2018, she has worked exclusively in this community, selling both homes and land, and building her reputation as the go-to expert. Her track record and insider access to off-market properties are unmatched thanks to a deep personal network of owners and investors.

In 2023, Bruna sold a modern mega-mansion in La Zagaleta for €12 million. Less than a year later, due to a sky-rocketing increase in demand, she resold the same property at over 20% above the previous price — a remarkable increase in such a short period.

In 2024, Bruna made headlines with the sale of a plot for €18 million with plans to develop one single villa-mansion, making this project truly exceptional.

"A lot of my clients choose to sell and buy another home in La Zagaleta that fits their evolving needs," Bruna explains. "It shows just how attached people become to this community, and how sought-after La Zagaleta has become."

"Some of my best deals were homes clients didn't even know were available — we showed them the perfect match before it ever hit the market."

Notable Drumelia sales in La Zagaleta include Villa Cullinan (€32,000,000), Komorebi House (€14,800,000), Villa Salucci (€13,900,000), Villa Cristal (€12,900,000), Villa Lagoon (€8,500,000), and Casa Terregles (€6,500,000).

To explore what is available (on or off market), reach out to Bruna Karla Krüger, your trusted partner in Marbella's most exceptional community.

As Bruna puts it: "This isn't just where people come to live, it's where they come to stay." In an age where true luxury is defined by space, calm, and control over your environment, La Zagaleta stands above all others.

• When Enrique Flores Perez acquired La Baraka, the original plan was to build 3,000 homes. But Perez changed the model for the urbanisation to just 420 houses, offering large plots with all luxuries.
• It is rumoured that celebrities such as Beyoncé, George Clooney, Hugh Grant and Rod Stewart have owned properties in La Zagaleta.
• La Zagaleta can help residents plan and execute the best birthday parties, weddings or corporate events to perfection, even supplying Michelin-Star Chefs and renowned entertainers.
• La Zagaleta can provide you with your own personal shopper and arrange exclusive private shopping at El Corte Inglés and other luxury boutiques. You can also be flown in directly from the heliport in La Zagaleta to the helipad on the El Corte Inglés rooftop.
• The community skipped the letter "I" when naming its sectors (A through J), adding a subtle, quirky touch to an otherwise meticulous layout.