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The inauguration of R\u00edo Real golf course in 1965 marked the beginning of Marbella\u2019s transformation into the internationally renowned cosmopolitan tourist destination it has become today. A decade earlier, the Hohenlohe family inaugurated their magnificent Marbella Club hotel, located on what would become known as the Golden Mile, prompting visits by European aristocrats, Hollywood stars and celebrities from around the world. At the same time, golf was making its first tentative steps in Marbella, with the development of some of Spain\u2019s finest courses. <\/p>\n
One of those was Rio Real. To create the course, the club decided to commission Javier Arana, arguably the finest Spanish golf course designer in history \u2013 Spain\u2019s own Robert Trent Jones. He was a pioneer who, in many aspects, has still not been surpassed. His own design philosophy was based, above all else, on ensuring players enjoyed themselves and didn\u2019t have to waste time looking for lost balls in over-lush rough or end up in too many water hazards. He made sure his layouts remained closely attuned to the original land, avoiding major earthmoving: on the one hand, to save on construction costs; and on the other, because he believed that 80 per cent of a course should be as natural as possible and only 20 per cent modified for design requirements. <\/p>\n
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It is also true that, during this period, abundant land was available to build golf courses to his liking, without having to take into consideration real estate, or other, restrictions.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
In Marbella, Bilbao-born Arana found a mother lode with which to leave his imprint. He created three of his masterpieces in the area; three courses that would have made any golf architect proud, and warrant their recognition among the greatest designers of all time. <\/p>\n
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Situated close to Marbella\u2019s town centre (just three kilometres away), R\u00edo Real is one of those jewels. It has a truly privileged setting on a plot that slopes gently towards the sea, which in turn can be viewed from many of the holes. Its fairways \u2013 bordered by verdant, well-established tree groves \u2013 cross the river that gives the course its name in four different places. <\/p>\n
The 6,000-metre, par-72 course is a haven of tranquillity and a fine example of good maintenance, with meticulously cut fairways, well raked bunkers and greens in first-class condition. Rio Real exudes a maturity of which very few other courses in Andalucia can boast. <\/p>\n
This stunning Arana project \u2013 enhanced by a significant renovation and remodeling initiative undertaken in recent years \u2013 has become one of the Costa del Sol\u2019s finest courses, excellent for players of all handicaps and a true delight to play.<\/p>\n
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\u201cWe are part of the group of top courses on the Costa,\u201d says the resort\u2019s marketing director, Antonio G\u00f3mez Cava, \u201cnot only because of the high standards of design and maintenance, but also because we offer an extremely professional and personalised service.\u201d<\/p>\n
At Rio Real, everything is orientated towards ensuring visitors feel welcome, and to that end the club staff are key. \u201cI would like to emphasise,\u201d he says, \u201cthe human and professional qualities of all members of the team working at Rio Real. They are the ones who really make the club great, who really generate value for the business. <\/p>\n
\u201cHere we have a very, very high rate of satisfaction among clients. The feedback we receive is very positive, we are receiving extremely positive comments on social media and networks, and that is all due to the superb efforts of all the staff, both in service and course maintenance.\u201d In that respect, he notes that the course is \u201cspectacular, as it has never been, especially due to the major investment undertaken, and still being undertaken. Clients are delighted.\u201d <\/p>\n
Furthermore, he adds, \u201cWe are making a major effort with everything related to communication via social networks, corporate videos and a re-aligning of the Rio Real brand in order to boost the concept of a resort.\u201d<\/p>\n
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In addition to its outstanding 18-hole course and a golf academy run by prestigious professional Sergio de C\u00e9spedes, the R\u00edo Real resort has its own boutique hotel, a four-star establishment \u2013 \u201cwith five-star amenities\u201d, says G\u00f3mez Cava \u2013 highlighted by its spaciousness, elegant comfort and exquisite room d\u00e9cor, by renowned interior decorator Pascua Ortega.<\/p>\n
Connected to the clubhouse, and with plans to increase its category to five stars, the hotel offers stunning views over the golf course, which can also be viewed from the attractive pool area, with bar and restaurant service. Other services include wellness treatments, and the hotel is also equipped with such top additional amenities as tennis and paddle tennis courts. <\/p>\n
A new gymnasium is due to be opened soon, as the result of an agreement with sports and fitness services company CDS Sports. In addition to hotel guests, it will be open to residents of the surrounding urbanisations and the whole of Marbella. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe have also,\u201d adds G\u00f3mez Cava, \u201cundertaken a major investment in technology to make our website even more user-friendly for reservations.\u201d To that end, he emphasises that \u201cwe have implemented an innovative \u2018deferred\u2019 (or virtual) payment format at point of sale, which enables us to reserve the tee time in advance.\u201d The aim is for clients to be completely satisfied at all stages of their relationship with Rio Real. <\/p>\n