La Zagaleta Country Club History
Did you know that La Zagaleta in Benahavis, now known as an established and prestigious residential area with international recognition, has a captivating history involving some of the most prominent personalities from the international jet set who used to frequent this former hunting estate?
Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Bermeja mountains, where the gentle whispers of Oak trees and firs intermingle, lies La Zagaleta, an extraordinary gated community that radiates exclusivity and extravagance. Spanning across 2,200 acres of unspoiled natural beauty, La Zagaleta is a sanctuary of serenity and luxury. From its commanding location, it offers a mesmerizing panorama of the Mediterranean coastline in southern Spain, where the distant horizon showcases the iconic landmarks of North Africa and the majestic rock of Gibraltar.
Throughout its history, the forested landscape located just above Marbella spread out into the foothills of the impressive Serranía de Ronda mountain range, serving as a majestic hunting estate. Over the years, numerous Spanish royals and heads of state paid visits to this estate. However, it wasn’t until the late 1960s that the area began a new chapter in its history.
At that time, the region comprising El Madroñal, La Zagaleta, La Reserva de Alcuzcuz, and the private estate that the Roussel family formerly owned was acquired by relatives of Thierry Roussel, who would later become famous for marrying Christina Onassis. The French multi-millionaire family, associated with Roussel Uclaf, one of the pharmaceutical companies that later merged to form Sanofi, constructed a magnificent country estate on this vast countryside spanning over 1,500 hectares. The estate’s technical infrastructure and sophistication set a new benchmark in Marbella and the Costa del Sol.
The Roussel estate in Benahavis played host to an array of distinguished guests, including the former Spanish king, British and Monegasque royalty, heads of state, international corporations, intellectuals, film stars, and global celebrities, representing the crème de la crème. Years later, when a Saudi multi-millionaire named Adnan Kashoggi developed a fondness for the region and made Roussel an irresistible offer, the estate began to dissolve, ultimately leading to the formation of Alcuzcuz, El Madroñal, and La Baraka.
La Baraka was embargoed for non payment of taxes. A consortium of investors led by Enrique Perez Flores purchased the property in an official auction and rebranded it as La Zagaleta. This marked the beginning of a transformation that has resulted in the establishment of a luxurys five-star gated resort community, featuring opulent villas situated on vast private plots amidst the breathtaking natural landscape of this 900-hectare country club.
In December 2024, Modon Holding P.S.C, a holding company based in Abu Dhabi, declared the successful completion of its acquisition of 100% of La Zagaleta S.L, as part of its ongoing strategy for international investment and expansion.
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