{"id":6621,"date":"2026-04-03T18:48:47","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T18:48:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/4guysmagazine.com\/?p=6621"},"modified":"2026-04-03T18:48:58","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T18:48:58","slug":"a-gay-getaway-on-the-andalusian-coast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/4guysmagazine.com\/?p=6621","title":{"rendered":"A Gay Getaway on the Andalusian Coast"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Ah, the Costa del Sol. Sunny, stunning, and sensational \u2013 and we\u2019re not just talking about the weather! This glittering stretch of the Andalusian coast is a prime playground for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking a sophisticated escape, and Marbella, with its mix of upscale glamour and laid-back beach vibes, is the crown jewel. And this spring, there\u2019s a new (or rather, revamped) reason to visit: the iconic Hotel Don Carlos Marbella has reopened its doors after a truly breathtaking $55 million renovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stepping into the newly renovated Don Carlos is like entering a world of refined Mediterranean luxury, reimagined for the modern traveler. The renowned interior designer Jaime Beriestain (trust us, the man is a genius) has breathed new life into the iconic hotel, seamlessly blending its timeless elegance with contemporary sophistication. The results are stunning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Picture this: 308 completely redesigned rooms, including an exclusive presidential penthouse suite (for when you really want to live your best life) and 24 gorgeous residences. The overall feel is light, airy, and effortlessly chic, drawing inspiration from the beautiful natural surroundings \u2013 think cool blues, earthy tones, and touches of Andalusian charm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But Don Carlos is about more than just luxurious accommodations. The renovation has truly transformed it into a holistic destination. Let\u2019s talk about food, shall we? Because let\u2019s face it, great food is an integral part of any great trip! The hotel features three distinct signature dining venues:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Los Naranjos:<\/strong> For those who appreciate classic elegance and refined Andalusian flavors. Think sophisticated dining under the stars.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sol y Sombra:<\/strong> Offering a more casual vibe, perfect for all-day dining and enjoying fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Break Point:<\/strong> A great spot for a relaxed bite or drink with stunning views.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gedmag.com\/afterdark\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/marbella2-scaled.jpg?w=259&amp;h=146&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Marbella\" title=\"marbella2\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gedmag.com\/afterdark\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/photo-couretsy-Don-Carlos-Marbella.jpg?w=259&amp;h=172&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Don Carlos Marbella\" title=\"photo couretsy Don Carlos Marbella\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gedmag.com\/afterdark\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/photo-courtesy-don-carlos-marbella.jpg?w=483&amp;h=322&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Don Carlos Marbella\" title=\"photo courtesy don carlos marbella\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gedmag.com\/afterdark\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/photo2-couretsy-Don-Carlos-Marbella.jpg?w=325&amp;h=247&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Don Carlos Marbella\" title=\"photo2 couretsy Don Carlos Marbella\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gedmag.com\/afterdark\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/photo3-couretsy-Don-Carlos-Marbella.jpg?w=417&amp;h=247&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Don Carlos Marbella\" title=\"photo3 couretsy Don Carlos Marbella\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And let\u2019s not forget about the sun and sea! The Don Carlos sits in the heart of a massive 40-square-mile private estate, surrounded by fragrant pine woods and 20,000 square meters of lush tropical gardens. This natural paradise leads directly to the beautiful Elviria Beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Craving that exclusive beach club experience? Don Carlos has you covered with access to not one, but two fabulous options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nikki Beach:<\/strong> The legendary name needs no introduction! Expect high-energy parties, great music, and plenty of opportunities to see and be seen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lucia:<\/strong> For a more relaxed but equally chic beach club experience. Think chilled beats, delicious cocktails, and pure relaxation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re in need of some serious self-care (and aren\u2019t we all?), the state-of-the-art indoor spa is an absolute must-visit. They offer Natura Biss\u00e9 treatments \u2013 the ultimate indulgence for your skin and soul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those who like to keep active, the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre is located right on site. It\u2019s a fantastic facility, offering world-class coaching and courts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More exciting leisure and dining experiences are slated to open throughout 2026. This is a property that is truly redefining Mediterranean luxury, and we can\u2019t wait to see what\u2019s next!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gedmag.com\/afterdark\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Cabopino-Beach.jpg?w=380&amp;h=285&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Cabopino Beach\" title=\"Cabopino Beach\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gedmag.com\/afterdark\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Eden_Ana-Belen-fdez-38-2.png?w=380&amp;h=253&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Eden\" title=\"Eden_Ana-Belen-fdez-38-2\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gedmag.com\/afterdark\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/espetos.jpg?w=362&amp;h=542&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Espetos\" title=\"espetos\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gedmag.com\/afterdark\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Lena-by-Dani-Garcia.png?w=497&amp;h=330&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Lena by Dani Garcia\" title=\"Le\u00f1a by Dani Garc\u00eda\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gedmag.com\/afterdark\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/marbella.png?w=245&amp;h=163&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Marbella\" title=\"marbella\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gedmag.com\/afterdark\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/picasso-museum-malaga.jpg?w=245&amp;h=163&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Picasso Museum\" title=\"picasso museum malaga\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While it\u2019s tempting to simply unwind and soak up the luxury at Don Carlos, the surrounding area has so much to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Marbella Old Town (Casco Antiguo):<\/strong> Wander through the charming, narrow streets, explore the beautiful Orange Square (Plaza de los Naranjos), and get lost in the authentic Andalusian atmosphere. This is a great place to discover local art, unique boutiques, and charming tapas bars.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Puerto Ban\u00fas:<\/strong> The famous marina is just a short drive away. This is the place for high-end shopping, luxury yachts, and fantastic people-watching. It\u2019s a great spot for an upscale dinner or a night out.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>M\u00e1laga:<\/strong> A vibrant city with a rich history and culture. Don\u2019t miss the stunning cathedral, the Picasso Museum (Picasso was born here), and the Alcazaba fortress. M\u00e1laga also has a fantastic, growing LGBTQ+ scene with great bars and clubs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chiringuitos and Tapas Bars:<\/strong> You can\u2019t visit Spain without indulging in tapas! There are countless charming chiringuitos (beach bars) and authentic tapas bars scattered throughout Marbella and the surrounding towns. Don\u2019t be afraid to explore and try new things!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Costa del Sol is generally a very welcoming and inclusive destination. While it doesn\u2019t have a huge, concentrated \u201cgay village\u201d like Sitges or Ibiza, you\u2019ll find a diverse and friendly community scattered throughout. M\u00e1laga and Torremolinos have the most dedicated LGBTQ+ nightlife, but you\u2019ll find gay-friendly bars, restaurants, and clubs in Marbella as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The overall vibe in the region is one of openness and acceptance, making it a comfortable and enjoyable destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Plus, with the sheer volume of international visitors, the Costa del Sol is a true melting pot of cultures and perspectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, if you\u2019re looking for a gay-friendly getaway that offers sun, sophistication, and a touch of the legendary Andalusian charm, look no further than Marbella and the Costa del Sol. And when you go, make sure to check out the breathtaking new Don Carlos Marbella. It\u2019s an experience you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5 DAY ITINERARY<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Day 1: The Grand Arrival &amp; Golden Hour<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Morning:<\/strong> Check into the newly renovated <strong>Don Carlos Marbella<\/strong>. Spend your first few hours wandering their tropical gardens.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Afternoon:<\/strong> Head down to the hotel\u2019s private slice of <strong>Elviria Beach<\/strong>. For a chic lunch, grab a table at <strong>Sol y Sombra<\/strong> for fresh Mediterranean gazpacho.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Evening:<\/strong> Drive 10 minutes to <strong>Marbella Old Town (Casco Antiguo)<\/strong>. Dinner at <strong>The Farm<\/strong>, known for its farm-to-table vibe and inclusive atmosphere.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Night:<\/strong> Kick off the trip at <strong>F\u00e9nix Marbella<\/strong>, the city\u2019s premier gay cocktail bar. It\u2019s sophisticated, intimate, and perfect for meeting the local \u201cglamazon\u201d crowd.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Day 2: Dunes, Dreams &amp; Drag<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Morning:<\/strong> Drive east to <strong>Cabopino Beach (Artola Dunes)<\/strong>. This is the region\u2019s most famous gay\/nudist beach. The dunes provide a stunning, wild backdrop for sunbathing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Afternoon:<\/strong> Lunch at a local <em>chiringuito<\/em> (beach bar) like <strong>Andy\u2019s Beach Bar<\/strong>\u2014very welcoming and famous for its \u201cEspetos\u201d (sardine skewers).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Evening:<\/strong> Back to Don Carlos for a sunset session at <strong>Nikki Beach<\/strong>. It\u2019s world-famous for a reason\u2014the music, the white d\u00e9cor, and the \u201csee-and-be-seen\u201d vibe are peak Marbella.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Night:<\/strong> Visit <strong>Maxtur<\/strong> in central Marbella. It\u2019s a local gay staple that often features fun drag bingo or karaoke on weekends.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Day 3: The Torremolinos Takeover<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Morning:<\/strong> Take the 30-minute drive to <strong>Torremolinos<\/strong>. Head straight to <strong>Eden Beach Club<\/strong>, the only 100% LGBTQ+ beach club in the area. Rent a Balinese bed and enjoy the DJ sets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Afternoon:<\/strong> Lunch at <strong>El Gato Lounge<\/strong>. It\u2019s a gay institution right on the promenade\u2014order the tapas platter and a pitcher of sangria.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Evening:<\/strong> Check out the historic <strong>Pasaje Bego\u00f1a<\/strong>, once a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community during the 60s. Have a pre-party dinner at <strong>Casero<\/strong> for authentic, home-cooked Spanish food.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Night:<\/strong> Enter the \u201cGayborhood\u201d of <strong>La Nogalera<\/strong>. Start at <strong>Vida Bar<\/strong> for terrace drinks, then head to <strong>Centuryon<\/strong> for a full-scale dance party experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Day 4: High-End Glamour &amp; Puerto Ban\u00fas<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Morning:<\/strong> Sleep in! Enjoy a late brunch at <strong>Los Naranjos<\/strong> at Don Carlos.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Afternoon:<\/strong> Spend the afternoon at <strong>Puerto Ban\u00fas<\/strong>. Walk the marina to see the superyachts and shop at the high-end boutiques. For a late afternoon cocktail, the rooftop at <strong>Am\u00e0re Beach Hotel<\/strong> offers the best panoramic views of the coast.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Evening:<\/strong> Dinner at <strong>Le\u00f1a by Dani Garc\u00eda<\/strong>. It\u2019s one of the most beautiful restaurants in Spain (literally\u2014it won design awards). It\u2019s chic, expensive, and very popular with the international queer elite.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Night:<\/strong> If you have energy left, head to <strong>Mikonos Gay Bar<\/strong> in Marbella\u2019s port for pop anthems and a young, high-energy crowd.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Day 5: Recovery &amp; Reflection<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Morning:<\/strong> It\u2019s \u201cSpa Day.\u201d Indulge in a <strong>Natura Biss\u00e9<\/strong> treatment at the Don Carlos Spa to recover from the Torremolinos nightlife.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Afternoon:<\/strong> One last dip in the Mediterranean or a session at the <strong>Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre<\/strong> if you\u2019re feeling athletic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Late Afternoon:<\/strong> A final lunch at <strong>Lucia Beach Club<\/strong> for a more relaxed, bohemian end to the trip.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Departure:<\/strong> Head to M\u00e1laga Airport (AGP), only 35 minutes away.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ah, the Costa del Sol. Sunny, stunning, and sensational \u2013 and we\u2019re not just talking about the weather! This glittering stretch of the Andalusian coast is a prime playground for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking a sophisticated escape, and Marbella, with its mix of upscale glamour and laid-back beach vibes, is the crown jewel. And this spring,<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":6622,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-6621","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-travel"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/4guysmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6621","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/4guysmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/4guysmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/4guysmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/4guysmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6621"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/4guysmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6621\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6623,"href":"https:\/\/4guysmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6621\/revisions\/6623"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/4guysmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6622"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/4guysmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6621"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/4guysmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6621"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/4guysmagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6621"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}