Behind Aqua Apartments and Óbal Hotel is Solvento Group, a family company inheriting the excellence that began in the 1960s with the former Hotel San Cristóbal, one of the iconic hotels of Marbella and the Costa del Sol.
Building on that legacy and adapting the model to how guests travel today — especially golfers — Alejandro Parra Yagüe, third generation and director of Aqua Apartments, explains how classic hotel essence coexists with a more flexible and contemporary accommodation concept.
Aqua Apartments Group has three tourist apartment complexes on the Costa del Sol: Aqua Apartments Vento, Aqua Apartments Bellamar and Aqua Apartments Málaga. How would you describe the concept and what type of stay will guests find in each?
We offer modern, well-equipped one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments located in Marbella, San Pedro Alcántara and Málaga. They are designed for both leisure and work stays, with a clear focus on comfort, contemporary design and personalised attention. They are spacious, bright accommodations in strategic areas close to the beach, restaurants, shops and cultural zones.
We know you play golf and understand how this type of traveller moves: transporting equipment, early tee times, multi-day stays… Do you offer specific facilities for these guests?
Our motto is #yourwaytostay and we pay special attention to guests travelling to play golf. It’s a profile that needs mobility and flexibility, so we adapt the experience to their pace.
Many guests choose us for the space of an apartment compared to a hotel room, also ideal for travelling with friends. They also have parking with direct access to the accommodation, making it easy and safe to store golf clubs.
And being centrally located, they can decide whether to rest after playing or go out for dinner at nearby restaurants with complete freedom.
The Costa del Sol has become one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations and the debate between hotels and apartments is very present. Is there room for everyone?
Absolutely. The Costa del Sol — especially Marbella — is an exceptional destination for golfers: climate, leisure and course quality.
I would highlight Aloha Golf, where I am a member. Last year it celebrated its 50th anniversary, reinforcing its trajectory as one of Spain’s great courses for design, history and atmosphere.
Regarding the market, each type of accommodation has its role. Hotels are perfect for guests seeking traditional services or more structured experiences. Apartments provide comfort, space and independence, highly valued by families, groups and golfers who need room for equipment.
They don’t compete; they complement each other. The destination supports different travel styles.
What differentiates Aqua Apartments from a conventional holiday rental?
Today many apartments operate in a fully self-managed way: you collect the keys and there is little interaction afterwards. We follow a different model. We maintain the freedom and space of an apartment but incorporate services closer to a hotel: personalised attention from arrival, assisted check-in, periodic cleaning, quality amenities and support throughout the stay.
This way guests keep their independence but know there is a team behind them. It is especially valued by golfers, families and groups, and builds trust, particularly among international guests.
The group also manages Óbal Hotel. What makes it a good hotel for a golfer?
It has become a strong option because a golf trip is not only about playing; it also includes gastronomy, leisure and the city. Its location in Marbella’s city centre allows guests to enjoy restaurants and nightlife on foot.
This is complemented by its culinary offer, attentive service and the Rooftop 360 Blue Sky Bar overlooking the old town, a perfect place to finish the day after a round.
Thinking ahead, what projects are coming next?
The year 2026 begins with the opening of our fourth complex: 51 apartments in Plaza de la Merced, one of the most emblematic locations in Málaga.
In addition, Solvento Group is creating a hospitality investment vehicle to acquire assets and lease them to a specialised operator. It will include family office and private investors who trust our management and the strength of the sector, backed by real assets in prime cities across Andalusia.