Marbella

The name of Marbella sets hearts aflutter as it is synonymous with wealth, chic and a touch of class. Long associated with the Jet Set, these days it still has traces of exclusivity and although still known as the playground of the rich and famous in Costa del Sol, the resort is much more accessible and friendly to mere mortals!

Huge villas set in vast landscaped grounds are dotted around the hillsides and many classy hotels are Marbella's hallmark of quality. The south of Spain is a golfer's paradise and there are approx 50 golf courses within an hour's drive of the resort. The "Golden Mile" begins at the western end of Marbella and stretches all the way to Puerto Banus and is just a stretch of motorway with a string of high class hotels and a great coastline.

If the south of Spain has a marina that has attracted famous faces over the years, then it has to be Puerto Banus. A teeny resort where magnificent yachts and pleasure craft create an enviable vista from the portside cafes and open air bars where people watching is an art form, it's hard to believe that Puerto Banus is about 40 years old!

Costa del Sol's Marbella is redolent of money with the casino, department store El Corte Ingles, high end boutiques, designer fashion houses and the prodigious number of 5 star properties, the resortcan take her place on the world stage.The old town of Marbella has retained character and its famous Plaza de Naranjas is a little bit of heaven on Sunday mornings for an al fresco coffee or the famous chocolate con churros!