Marriott Hotels' holiday group, Marriott Vacation Club International (MVCI), is to open a 22-villa resort in southern Spain.

The Playa Andaluza resort is located near the Costa del Sol's exclusive resort of Puerto Banus and will have two and three bedroom villas from 1,370 to 1,551sq ft, all with sea views.

Facilities include an indoor pool, health club, restaurant and tapas bar at the resort, less than an hour from Malaga airport.

The development is the latest in MVCI's global network of 51 resorts which span 29 world wide destinations.

MVCI president, Stephen P Weisz, says the Iberian Peninsula is a major growth market for the company: The demand for vacation ownership in Europe continues to grow steadily, and especially in Spain. The mix of history, a relaxing beach environment and the Mediterranean coast and the quality of the Marriott service provides a unique vacation experience for our guests.

The Playa Andaluza resort opens in July 2003.