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Check some of the articles we wrote about Costa del Sol, properties, activities, etc...

Marbella and its international appeal

Marbella and its international appeal

Interesting to read recently that there are now 147 different nationalities inscribed on the local town census - proving the strength of Marbella's international multicultural appeal. So why do people from all over the world wish to buy a home in Mar
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Posted On 25 Jul 2018

The Return of The Starlite Festival - Marbella

The Return of The Starlite Festival - Marbella

Billed as the most important boutique festival in Europe, this summer sees the return of The Starlite Festival. A truly unique event in a stunning location, Starlite takes place annually, bringing even more glitz and glamour to Marbella than usual. T
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Posted On 24 Jun 2018

And The Good News Keeps On Coming

And The Good News Keeps On Coming

As we bask in southern Spain’s glorious May weather and prepare for the fun-filled summer season, it is easy to become somewhat blasé about the superb lifestyle we enjoy on the Costa del Sol. So here’s a reminder about why we are so fortunate, a
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Posted On 25 May 2018

International Golf and Polo on the Sun-Blessed Costa del Sol

International Golf and Polo on the Sun-Blessed Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol is now bathed in its renowned spring sunshine, the perfect time to showcase the area’s burgeoning status as a prime global sporting destination. Much of the attention this week is in the Estepona area, with the Andalucía-Costa de
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Posted On 18 May 2018

Marbella and the Power of Wealth

Marbella and the Power of Wealth

What do these five cities have in common: Cannes, Mustique, Miami, Phuket and Marbella? They all rank in a similar position (within the top-50) of the latest the PIRI 100 (Prime International Residential Index) that tracks movements in the price of l
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Posted On 11 May 2018

And Now For The Good News…

And Now For The Good News…

It’s now May, spring is well upon us, and the Costa del Sol real estate market is in full bloom. So the ideal time to review latest news from industry experts and insiders…  First, however, a reminder that next Sunday (6 May) is Día de la Ma
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Posted On 4 May 2018

Wellness Kitchens… and the Mediterranean Diet

Wellness Kitchens… and the Mediterranean Diet

Whether you have settled permanently on the Costa del Sol or are a regular visitor, dining well – and healthily – is one of the area’s great attractions. The Coast is one of the world’s key culinary havens for enjoying the benefits of the ren
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Posted On 27 Apr 2018

Clean and Healthy Living on the Costa del Sol

Clean and Healthy Living on the Costa del Sol

“Lung-cleansing” is one of the new catchphrases for people seeking a more healthy lifestyle – and there are fewer destinations in the world more attuned to wellbeing than the Costa del Sol.  As Taylor Woodrow notes, “Air pollution in the
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Posted On 20 Apr 2018

Why So Many People Want to Live on the Costa del Sol

Why So Many People Want to Live on the Costa del Sol

  A colleague was travelling in Australia early this month and arranged a shuttle bus to take him to the airport for his return flight to Spain. Originally from Shanghai, the driver had been living in Australia for 30 years and, belying the c
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Posted On 13 Apr 2018

Chic Mediterranean Style Showcased in Marbella

Chic Mediterranean Style Showcased in Marbella

Another international spotlight will be focused on the Costa del Sol next week when the inaugural Design Marbella fair is held from 5 to 9 April. The event was created to provide a meeting point for collectors, gallery owners, designers and designer
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Posted On 30 Mar 2018

Positive Spring Vibes… And Now for the Good News

Positive Spring Vibes… And Now for the Good News

It is now officially spring, so the perfect time for the latest edition of our Good News Bulletin. Updated figures for 2017 and the first months of 2018 once again confirm that the Costa del Sol remains one of the world’s most popular destinations
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Posted On 23 Mar 2018

Enjoying a World-Beating Quality of Life on the Costa del Sol

Enjoying a World-Beating Quality of Life on the Costa del Sol

Last week we looked at the reasons why Spain is Europe’s most popular retirement havens, and ranked seventh in the world, according to International Living. It is also true, however, that major residential-tourism hotspots such as the Costa del Sol
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Posted On 2 Mar 2018

Sublime Retirement Havens on the Costa del Sol

Sublime Retirement Havens on the Costa del Sol

The potential repercussions of Brexit will not become clear until 2019 – if even completely then – but in the meantime a reassuring sense of positive realism is prevailing in one area that could be affected: Spanish real estate sales to Britons.
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Posted On 23 Feb 2018

Coveted National Park Recognition for Costa’s “Snow Mountains”

Coveted National Park Recognition for Costa’s “Snow Mountains”

One of the Costa del Sol’s most stunning inland areas has received official national recognition for its natural attractions. A declaration of the Sierra de las Nieves mountains as a National Park was announced by the Council of Ministers, in suppo
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Posted On 16 Feb 2018

Riveting Davis Cup Match in Marbella Between Spain and Great Britain

Riveting Davis Cup Match in Marbella Between Spain and Great Britain

The message from the regional minister for tourism and sport was clear. According to Francisco Javier Fernández, speaking during the official presentation in Marbella of the Davis Cup first round match between Spain and Great Britain, “This enable
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Posted On 2 Feb 2018

Mediterranean Beach Paradise for Homebuyers

Mediterranean Beach Paradise for Homebuyers

With the annual Fitur tourism in Madrid this week focusing on international destinations as well as popular national hotspots around Spain, it is not easy to stand out. One that does manage that feat, year after year, is Marbella. Without wanting
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Posted On 19 Jan 2018

Resurgent Year Ends with Excellent Prospects for 2018

Resurgent Year Ends with Excellent Prospects for 2018

As the year draws to an end, there is a palpable and universal belief among leading experts and analysts that the property crisis has now been definitively overcome, and the future looks bright for buyers and vendors alike – in 2018 and beyond.
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Posted On 29 Dec 2017

Cool Tones for Trendy Living on the Costa del Sol

Cool Tones for Trendy Living on the Costa del Sol

So you’ve bought a new home in southern Spain (obviously from Villa Marbella Now!) and now you want to add some personal touches and creative flair. For those who like to stray abreast of latest trends, one of the most eagerly awaited announcements
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Posted On 15 Dec 2017

Festive Gastronomic Delights on the Costa del Sol

Festive Gastronomic Delights on the Costa del Sol

If we were to ask Antonio Banderas what it is he most appreciates about living on the Costa del Sol he would undoubtedly pinpoint the local cuisine as one of his favourites. Why do we mention Banderas, you might wonder? Well, because in the same week
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Posted On 8 Dec 2017

Award-Winning Hospital Care on the Costa del Sol

Award-Winning Hospital Care on the Costa del Sol

A colleague’s elderly friend was visiting from the U.K. when he fell down the stairs of his family’s rented apartment and had to be rushed to the Costa del Sol Hospital in Marbella. He subsequently learned he had broken his hip and faced a length
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Posted On 1 Dec 2017

Star-Studded Cuisine on the Costa del Sol

Star-Studded Cuisine on the Costa del Sol

Expectations were on edge this week as restaurateurs throughout Spain waited for Michelin’s annual announcement of its star establishments. For the Costa del Sol, at least, the wait was worth the anxiety, as all the current Michelin-star restaurant
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Posted On 24 Nov 2017

High Rating for Women’s Well-Being, Peace and Security in Spain

High Rating for Women’s Well-Being, Peace and Security in Spain

Concerned about disturbing recent revelations in the entertainment industry, and women’s status in general, the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security and the Peace Research Institute of Oslo launched the global Women, Peace and Securit
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Posted On 17 Nov 2017

Brexit Reassurances from Spain and the UK

Brexit Reassurances from Spain and the UK

Spanish authorities were out in force at this week’s World Travel Market in London, showcasing the Costa del Sol’s assiduous appeal as a premier global tourist and expatriate destination. From national energy, tourism and digital agenda minister
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Posted On 10 Nov 2017

Good News Update: Bright Outlook for Spanish Property Market

Good News Update: Bright Outlook for Spanish Property Market

It’s now official. The Spanish property market is in a “good mood”. At least that’s the verdict of BBVA Research in its latest observatory report. The bank’s research department notes that 265,000 properties were sold in the first half of 2
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Posted On 3 Nov 2017

Global Golfing Pedigree on Show at Royal Valderrama

Global Golfing Pedigree on Show at Royal Valderrama

In 1966, the Costa del Sol was just starting to emerge as a fledgling tourist destination. Keen for foreign revenue to jumpstart Spain’s economy, the then regime successfully promoted Torremolinos as an attractive holiday resort for European famili
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Posted On 20 Oct 2017

“Veroño”… Hard To Find Better Autumn Weather

“Veroño”… Hard To Find Better Autumn Weather

It’s a seasonal phenomenon almost peculiar to the Costa del Sol. And happily so for those of us living or holidaying here… Residents and regular visitors will be aware that October is, arguably, the most pleasant month of the year in southern Spa
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Posted On 13 Oct 2017

Costa del Sol Real Estate Market Set for New Decade of Renewed Prosperity

Costa del Sol Real Estate Market Set for New Decade of Renewed Prosperity

It all began around 10 years ago. The precise date varies from area to area, and region to region, but in 2007-2008 the Costa del Sol started to suffer the first shivers of what was to become an endemic property malaise. One decade on, the area’s r
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Posted On 22 Sep 2017

Buy-to-Rent… 10 Reasons to Invest in Spanish Real Estate

Buy-to-Rent… 10 Reasons to Invest in Spanish Real Estate

BIP Investment Properties is the latest high-profile industry expert urging people to consider entrusting their money to the burgeoning Spanish real estate market. The Barcelona-based company has just published a report highlighting the increasing
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Posted On 8 Sep 2017

What You Missed... More Good News for Property Buyers

What You Missed... More Good News for Property Buyers

The peak holiday season is now over and it’s back to more serious business. Well, only serious in the sense that buying a new home is a major event in people’s lives. When that property is located in southern Spain the new living arrangements are
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Posted On 1 Sep 2017

Sipping Champagne in the Lap of Marbella Luxury

Sipping Champagne in the Lap of Marbella Luxury

Many of us at this time of the year would be quite happy to walk up the plank of our mega-yacht berthed in Puerto Banús (at the ultra-select western tower end, of course), sit down to a bottle of chilled Dom Pérignon and a lobster aperitif, and ins
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Posted On 11 Aug 2017

Luxury Lifestyle in Marbella… at Bargain Global Property Prices

Luxury Lifestyle in Marbella… at Bargain Global Property Prices

What is the most expensive residential street on the Costa del Sol? No surprise really. According to a study by Precioviviendas.com, apartments in Avenida Ramón Areces in Puerto Banús cost an average of €5,262 per square metre. The digital pla
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Posted On 4 Aug 2017

Mortgage Advice… Double-Checking the Small Print

Mortgage Advice… Double-Checking the Small Print

In recent years Spain’s banks have come under much closer scrutiny when it comes to mortgages and other client contract agreements, all of which has benefited property buyers – both Spaniards and foreign residents. The infamous “cláusula suelo
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Posted On 28 Jul 2017

A Bar on Every Corner… and €1,500 Cocktails

A Bar on Every Corner… and €1,500 Cocktails

It is one of the many great things about living on the Costa del Sol. No matter where you are (apart from a secluded farmhouse in the hills) there is invariably a bar/café nearby that conveniently enables you to enjoy a morning coffee, a pre-lunch b
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Posted On 21 Jul 2017

Owning a Home: the Spanish Dream… for Spaniards!

Owning a Home: the Spanish Dream… for Spaniards!

Many of us living in Spain for a while will have gone slightly “native” over the years, but how well do we know our new neighbours? Leading flights and hotel search engine Jetcost carried out a survey to find out more about Spaniards’ wish l
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Posted On 23 Jun 2017

Beachwatch in Marbella with Pamela Anderson

Beachwatch in Marbella with Pamela Anderson

It might still only be May and not officially summer for nearly another month but the celebrity fiesta season is already beginning in Marbella. The first international star set to step out on our Mediterranean shores is former Baywatch star Pamela An
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Posted On 26 May 2017

Why Antonio Banderas Lives on the Costa del Sol

Why Antonio Banderas Lives on the Costa del Sol

Regular readers will have noticed that we are assiduous chroniclers of the latest exploits of Antonio Banderas. Our motivation is essentially three-fold. In the first place, he is the Costa del Sol’s most famous citizen – currently alive, that is
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Posted On 5 May 2017

Pleasant Easter Days in Europe’s Premier Hotspot

Pleasant Easter Days in Europe’s Premier Hotspot

As many people take a well-earned break or holiday getaway this long weekend, it is the ideal time to highlight once again why the Costa del Sol is such a popular destination for both occasional and residential tourists… with our latest good news j
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Posted On 14 Apr 2017

Spring Snippets, Beer… and Antonio Banderas

Spring Snippets, Beer… and Antonio Banderas

  In the same week that Antonio Banderas was honoured with the “Biznaga de Oro” award at this year’s 20th Málaga Film Festival, a survey named him among the top three personalities that Andalucians would like to have a beer with. Un
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Posted On 7 Apr 2017

Penthouse in Los Flamingos with fabulous views

Penthouse in Los Flamingos with fabulous views

Penthouse that boasts the best views across one of the most prestious golf resorts on Spain’s Costa del Sol. A modern style Penthouse set within a contemporary development of 96 apartments sharing two swimming pools - In an elevated southwest po
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Posted On 3 Apr 2017

From Mediterranean Beaches to Andalucian Snow Pistes

From Mediterranean Beaches to Andalucian Snow Pistes

In 1996, Sierra Nevada was at the pinnacle of international winter sports as host of the alpine skiing world championship. Now, 21 years after Italian legend Alberto Tumba and Sweden’s Pernilla Wiberg dazzled spectators on the mountain peaks outsid
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Posted On 10 Mar 2017

Good News, Positive Projections… and Leonardo DiCaprio

Good News, Positive Projections… and Leonardo DiCaprio

First of all… Leonardo DiCaprio. Celebrated director Ridley Scott has just announced that he will film scenes from his next film, The Cartel, in Málaga and Leonardo DiCaprio is earmarked for the main role. If the Oscar-winning star is eventually c
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Posted On 17 Feb 2017

Idyllic Rural Settings… and a Clean-Air Environment

Idyllic Rural Settings… and a Clean-Air Environment

With so many stunning mountain and other inland rural settings available, the Costa del Sol has always been a popular destination for home buyers seeking a bargain property in the country and renovating it to their individual requirements and tastes.
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Posted On 10 Feb 2017

Upbeat Forecasts for Costa del Sol Property Market

Upbeat Forecasts for Costa del Sol Property Market

At this time of the year, market figures from 2016 still tend to be trickling in as the various official bodies complete their studies and cross-check their reports. What is already patently clear, however, is that last year was a resoundingly positi
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Posted On 3 Feb 2017

Positive “Brexit” Trends... and Strong Global Investment Confidence

Positive “Brexit” Trends... and Strong Global Investment Confidence

When it comes to analysing the potential effects of Brexit on the Costa del Sol real estate market, an expert inside view is always valuable. This past week some particularly illuminating insight came from one of the Coast’s prominent new property
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Posted On 27 Jan 2017

Top Sport, Excellent Travel Connections… and Cheap Beer

Top Sport, Excellent Travel Connections… and Cheap Beer

After record tourism figures in 2016 that might have encouraged a sense of complacency, Costa del Sol tourism officials have wisely not rested on their laurels. Municipal, provincial and regional authorities have been in Madrid en masse this week, pr
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Posted On 20 Jan 2017

VILLA IDEALLY SITUATED IN THE GOLF VALLEY

VILLA IDEALLY SITUATED IN THE GOLF VALLEY

            Lovely villa in a quiet residential corner of Nueva Andalucía (Marbella - Spain), in a cul-de-sac and close to all golf courses. This property was recently renovated, enjoys lots of
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Posted On 18 Jan 2017

Valderrama Shines Global Spotlight on “Costa del Golf”

Valderrama Shines Global Spotlight on “Costa del Golf”

The resurgence of tourism on the Costa del Sol in 2016 is having a particularly positive effect in one of the area’s key sectors. Golf courses throughout the Coast – which includes Málaga province and the Mediterranean part of the Cádiz coastli
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Posted On 16 Dec 2016

New Beginnings… with a Touch of Greenery

New Beginnings… with a Touch of Greenery

For some “hot-off-the-press” non-property news this week we step into the vibrant world of Pantone and reveal the authoritative style institute’s new colour of the year for 2017. Many of those who already have their dream home on the Coast will
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Posted On 9 Dec 2016

Festive Cheer for Costa del Sol Property Market

Festive Cheer for Costa del Sol Property Market

As the countdown begins to Christmas, our minds are starting to become distracted by pleasant festive thoughts. But first some serious business on the real estate front… By all key measures of the property market in Spain – and specifically the C
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Posted On 2 Dec 2016

Designer villas with panoramic views

Designer villas with panoramic views

Imagine how you fell, whille while sitting on the terrace, overlooking the sea - where Europe and Africa almost shake hands. It’s the moment when you know, you’re living in the best part of the Cosmopolitan city of Marbella. A new villa
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Posted On 28 Nov 2016

Last Opportunity… Deal of a Lifetime for Black Friday!

Last Opportunity… Deal of a Lifetime for Black Friday!

Okay, that’s a bit over dramatic. We just got caught up in the frenetic atmosphere of today’s discount fest. We would never suggest anyone buy a home on such a whim. These things take careful consideration and reflection, and the services of a hi
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Posted On 25 Nov 2016

Touch of Glamour for “Younger Sibling” of Banús

Touch of Glamour for “Younger Sibling” of Banús

One of the main objectives in developing Cabopino 40 years ago was to create a “small Puerto Banús”. According to Marga Arévolo (daughter of the seaside urbanisation’s architect, Rafael Arévolo), the idea was to create an alternative area wi
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Posted On 4 Nov 2016

Why Property is the Smart Investment

Why Property is the Smart Investment

At Villa Marbella Now we have always been convinced about the exceptional benefits of investing in property, but it’s always nice to have our convictions confirmed by an authoritative international source. In an article in OPP Today, off-market
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Posted On 28 Oct 2016

And Now For Some More Good News…

And Now For Some More Good News…

Okay, so it might not be the sexiest celebration of the year but yesterday was officially World Statistics Day. And for us at Villa Marbella Now that can only mean one thing: today is Good News Day, when we look at latest figures and information rela
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Posted On 21 Oct 2016

Providing Greater Property Transparency

Providing Greater Property Transparency

The statistics we quote here on a regular basis, to pinpoint illuminating trends in the real estate market, are drawn from a diverse array of sources – industry organisations, official government bodies, and leading businesses and companies in the
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Posted On 14 Oct 2016

Back to Business… and More Good News

Back to Business… and More Good News

We have just enjoyed another record-breaking summer tourist season so it’s an excellent time to sit back calmly in the cooler (but still magnificently benign) Mediterranean autumn weather, look at the year so far and take stock of the Costa del Sol
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Posted On 7 Oct 2016

The Benefits of Buying Property in a Golf Development

The Benefits of Buying Property in a Golf Development

The golfing agenda has been quite intensive this past week, with the thrilling finale to a major women’s tour event in Marbella, local enthusiasts settling into their armchairs for the start of the Ryder Cup today in Minnesota and, on a sadder note
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Posted On 30 Sep 2016

World Peace, Tourism… and Gourmet Marbella

World Peace, Tourism… and Gourmet Marbella

It is sometimes difficult to fully appreciate the United Nation’s reasoning when the organisation announces its annual schedule of “International Days”. They can tend to include both the quirky and the somewhat obscure. At the moment, however,
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Posted On 23 Sep 2016

Spain Blissfully Cruising Through Government Impasse

Spain Blissfully Cruising Through Government Impasse

Those who believe, only half-jokingly, that politicians are often superfluous to a country’s sound administration will be buoyed by a positive commentary published on the authoritative CNN Money website. According to the article, new data shows
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Posted On 9 Sep 2016

Back to Business… and More Good News

Back to Business… and More Good News

It’s now September and – for those who might be suffering from a bout of post-holiday stress or pre-autumn trepidation – an excellent time to keep the good news flowing. - According to the property registrars association, the price of homes
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Posted On 2 Sep 2016

Widespread Appeal for Costa del Sol Property

Widespread Appeal for Costa del Sol Property

In recent months our “Good News” coverage of the Spanish real estate market has drawn on expert advice and official figures to confirm what has become a universally accepted truth within and outside the industry. The crisis years are now well and
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Posted On 26 Aug 2016

Celebrity Watch… Seal, Djokovic and Ambrosio

Celebrity Watch… Seal, Djokovic and Ambrosio

Seal stepped out into the centre of the stage, began strumming his guitar and looked over the heads of the audience at Puente Romano tennis club in Marbella. “There’s a rumour,” said the singer-songwriter, “that Novak Djokovic is in the house
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Posted On 22 Jul 2016

Good News… In Spite Of Brexit

Good News… In Spite Of Brexit

After several days of political turmoil, head-scratching and bar-room punditry, we feel it’s time to put Brexit on the backburner and return to a more positive summer vibe. That means it’s Good News Week, when we look at why – irrespective of t
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Posted On 1 Jul 2016

Brexit and the Day After… in Spain

Brexit and the Day After… in Spain

So the dust has now settled on an intriguing, albeit sometimes fraught, referendum in Britain and the people have given their verdict: a fairly conclusive “leave” the European Union. The next question for Britons living in Spain or owning or cons
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Posted On 24 Jun 2016

Marbella Luxury Weekend… and Hugh Grant

Marbella Luxury Weekend… and Hugh Grant

It’s now June and one of the Costa del Sol’s favourite spring-summer pursuits, celebrity watching, is really warming up right on seasonal cue. This week, the Daily Mail led the headlines with the news that Hugh Grant, his Swedish TV producer girl
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Posted On 3 Jun 2016

From Manolo Santana to Rafa Nadal

From Manolo Santana to Rafa Nadal

Manolo Santana will always be remembered as one of the greats of Spanish tennis history. He will, however, also be fondly recalled for coining one of the most memorable phrases in the annals of sports commentary. Over half a decade ago, he was quoted
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Posted On 13 May 2016

The Danny Willett Effect… and Gareth Bale

The Danny Willett Effect… and Gareth Bale

It is the ideal marriage. No, not Danny Willett and Gareth Bale (more of them later). But rather… on the one hand, Europe’s premier golf destination and on the other, a huge pool of golfers who like to travel and be able to play any time of the y
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Posted On 22 Apr 2016

Continuing Good News … and Banderas the Footballer

Continuing Good News … and Banderas the Footballer

The definitive figures are now being released for the first quarter of Spain’s reinvigorated real estate market and the news is good – at least for popular residential-tourism areas like the Costa del Sol. More of that later… but main prioritie
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Posted On 8 Apr 2016

Another Year of Good News… and Excellent Prospects

Another Year of Good News… and Excellent Prospects

Winter is now well behind us, daylight saving (or summer) time begins this Easter long weekend, and the verdict is conclusive. The real estate market turned a significant corner in 2015 and the prospects for this year, as southern Spain begins, argua
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Posted On 26 Mar 2016

Showpiece Homes, Luxury Living… and Benahavís

Showpiece Homes, Luxury Living… and Benahavís

There are several reasons why Benahavís could be considered the Costa del Sol’s showpiece municipality. Okay, so it doesn’t have a beach, but the dazzling San Pedro de Alcántara coastline is just a five-minute drive away from Benahavís village
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Posted On 11 Mar 2016

Smart Investment… and British Sangfroid

Smart Investment… and British Sangfroid

With a date now set for Britain’s European Union referendum, the local focus has understandably been centred on Spain’s considerable expatriate community and the repercussions of a potential “Brexit”. For the moment – irrespective of the ev
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Posted On 4 Mar 2016

Showpiece Homes, Luxury Living… and Polo

Showpiece Homes, Luxury Living… and Polo

It’s all been happening in Sotogrande the past month. First it was announced that Zagaleta Limited had purchased Valderrama Group and planned to press ahead with the “Valderrama 2” project in Castellar municipality, including a new championship
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Posted On 26 Feb 2016

European Tour Returns to Valderrama

European Tour Returns to Valderrama

Back in 1980 when the Eagles rock band broke up, drummer Don Henley declared that the band would play together “when Hell freezes over”. In 1994 they returned to the stage together in California, where guitarist Glenn Frey joked, “For the recor
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Posted On 12 Feb 2016

The Spanish Path to Happiness

The Spanish Path to Happiness

For most people, last Monday would have passed as any normal day. Well, that’s not entirely true. It was a Monday, so some of us no doubt endured the same kind of weekly dread that was evoked in the famous Boomtown Rats song of 1979. There was, how
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Posted On 22 Jan 2016

Another Year of Good News… and Excellent Prospects

Another Year of Good News… and Excellent Prospects

Industry experts are still analysing the final figures for 2015 to gain a clear and concise picture of how the property market evolved but the general view remains positive. As we have noted before, there is already indisputable evidence that the
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Posted On 15 Jan 2016

Showpiece Homes, Luxury Living… and Valderrama

Showpiece Homes, Luxury Living… and Valderrama

One day in 1988 Jaime Ortiz-Patiño was out inspecting the Valderrama course and heard that his grounds staff were considering pruning a tree beside the 18th tee. No, he instructed them. "We leave the branch intact. We'll lower the tee." The alternat
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Posted On 8 Jan 2016

Festive Cheer and Home Comforts

Festive Cheer and Home Comforts

It’s now Christmas, a time to be festive and cheerful, and to look back on a year that has been positive for the real estate market and – by extension – the general Costa del Sol population. So a happy story to highlight this mood of optimism.
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Posted On 26 Dec 2015

Showpiece Homes, Luxury Living… and

Showpiece Homes, Luxury Living… and "Megatrends"

The Costa del Sol has been a European mainstay of luxury Mediterranean living for decades but what about the future? What are the new lifestyle trends that younger-generation expatriates and second homebuyers are seeking? In a new paper, “Megatr
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Posted On 18 Dec 2015

Showpiece Homes, Luxury Living… and Gifts

Showpiece Homes, Luxury Living… and Gifts

Let’s dream for a moment. So we’ve come into a considerable amount of money – winning the lottery, receiving an inheritance from a multi-millionaire long-lost aunty, selling our internet start-up company – and we want to share that joy with a
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Posted On 11 Dec 2015

Showpiece Homes, Luxury Living… and Golf

Showpiece Homes, Luxury Living… and Golf

One of the great attractions of the Costa del Sol has always been its convenient location for those wanting to explore other parts of Andalucía, and even the rest of Spain. That fact has been highlighted in recent weeks with two initiatives linking
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Posted On 4 Dec 2015

Showpiece Homes, Luxury Living… and Star Cuisine

Showpiece Homes, Luxury Living… and Star Cuisine

The Costa del Sol’s renown as a focal point of gourmet excellence has been reinforced following the presentation of the 2016 Michelin Guide for Spain and Portugal. As was expected, the Coast’s four Michelin-star restaurants all maintained their c
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Posted On 27 Nov 2015

Autumn Overview… More Good News

Autumn Overview… More Good News

Perhaps it was the pleasant setting or maybe the relaxed mood (or more likely both) but we were delighted this past week to find ourselves among a group of local professionals with an invigorating sense of optimism about the Costa del Sol’s short,
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Posted On 13 Nov 2015

Showpiece Homes, Luxury Living… and James Bond

Showpiece Homes, Luxury Living… and James Bond

Unless you have been marooned on a remote Antarctic iceberg or your internet server has been down for several months it will be almost impossible not to know that the new James Bond film is now out. Non-fans are no doubt overcome with bemusement t
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Posted On 6 Nov 2015

Showpiece Homes, Luxury Living… and Gourmet Cuisine

Showpiece Homes, Luxury Living… and Gourmet Cuisine

Like most top chefs, Marbella supremo Dani García welcomes the opportunity to indulge in simple culinary pleasures when away from his Michelin-star restaurant. In an interview with a Villa Marbella Now colleague as his rising fame was starting to g
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Posted On 23 Oct 2015

Back to Business… and More Good News

Back to Business… and More Good News

For most of us the summer season effectively ends at the start of September, when we return to work or to our homes back in northern Europe, and our younger family members start thinking about/dreading a new school, college or university year. Of
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Posted On 18 Sep 2015

Showpiece Homes, Luxury Living… and Ronda

Showpiece Homes, Luxury Living… and Ronda

After two months savouring the sublime summer pleasures of the coast, now is the ideal time for a refreshing change of scenery and pace. From scintillating soirées by the sea to the fun of the fair… It’s the first week of September and that mean
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Posted On 4 Sep 2015

And Now For Even More Good News

And Now For Even More Good News

August traditionally tends to be a quiet month for the real estate market, with most people preferring to focus on relaxing holidays rather than property hunting. This year, however, there has been a subtle – albeit significant – transformation i
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Posted On 28 Aug 2015

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Manilva

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Manilva

With a national election due at the end of the year, the government followed the time-worn political tradition of adding some juicy pork-barrelling when it announced its budget for 2016 earlier this month. Spending on infrastructure is, arguably, the
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Posted On 15 Aug 2015

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Polo Paradise

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Polo Paradise

This is the time of the year when Sotogrande is transformed from a relatively sedate residential haven for people seeking a discreet luxury lifestyle to a vibrant hub of chic soirées and vibrant leisure activities. And the centrepiece of all the fun
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Posted On 6 Aug 2015

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Portside

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Portside

As the Costa del Sol property market has been making heartening progress in recent months, experts analysing its course out of the crisis years have pointed to one specific trend that augurs well for the future: growing interest by corporate investor
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Posted On 31 Jul 2015

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Nagüeles

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Nagüeles

It is one of the most discreetly select residential areas in southern Spain but over the next few weeks its sedate, tree-lined streets will be witnessing a flurry of activity as they come under the international spotlight. Well, perhaps not all the s
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Posted On 24 Jul 2015

The Good News Continues…

The Good News Continues…

It may seem rather frivolous to highlight this particular news item but hey… it’s summer and a time for light relief. According to GoEuro’s newly published Beer Price Index, imbibing this popular amber nectar is cheaper in Málaga than just abo
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Posted On 17 Jul 2015

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Selwo

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Selwo

In recent years, tourism authorities have made a concerted effort to highlight the fact that the Costa del Sol is not all about sun, sea and sangria. They have pointed to the extensive and varied sports amenities (the “Costa del Golf” is, for exa
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Posted On 10 Jul 2015

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Golden Mile

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Golden Mile

In recent years a resurgent Marbella has re-established its pre-eminence as Spain’s capital of glamour. A few years ago, the crown had slipped slightly, shaken by the municipality’s well-publicised woes with a notorious former mayor and the adven
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Posted On 26 Jun 2015

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Mijas Costa

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Mijas Costa

When it comes to quality of life, Spain obtains a high ranking on just about any global index. Times might have been particularly tough for many people in Spain in recent years, but the positive aspects that make living in Spain – and, in our speci
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Posted On 19 Jun 2015

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Marbella Centre

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Marbella Centre

Marbella might not be the official capital of a Spanish province but in many ways the city punches well above its ostensibly middleweight status. When it comes to luxury, Marbella is unquestionably in the heavyweight division. This was confirmed i
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Posted On 5 Jun 2015

And Now For Some More Good News…

And Now For Some More Good News…

[caption id="attachment_3253" align="alignright" width="300"] El Madroñal[/caption] It was Mark Twain who first popularised the saying. Writing in “Chapters From My Autobiography” (published in the “North American Review” in 1906), the Am
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Posted On 29 May 2015

Costa del Golf Continues to Reign Supreme

Costa del Golf Continues to Reign Supreme

The golfing spotlight was focused on Spain this past week, and undoubtedly the most entertaining highlight was a hole-in-one by the “the world’s most interesting golfer”. Of modest Málaga-born origins but now a mega-popular global star, Miguel
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Posted On 22 May 2015

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Elviria

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Elviria

Elviria might not share all the glitzy glamour of some other areas in Marbella but there are several excellent reasons why it has become one of the municipality’s most popular residential destinations for discerning property buyers. Located 10 k
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Posted On 17 Apr 2015

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Cabopino

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Cabopino

Just mentioning the word Mediterranean conjures up an image of blissfully sunny days, long stretches of inviting beach, languid al fresco lunches by the sea… and boating on glistening waters. And, when it comes to enjoying this highly coveted lifes
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Posted On 10 Apr 2015

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Benalmádena

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Benalmádena

When it comes to one particular aspect of Costa del Sol living, Benalmádena can trump all the other main resort towns along the coast. No other municipality includes an administrative centre inland overlooking the sea (Benalmádena Pueblo), an exten
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Posted On 3 Apr 2015

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Río Real

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Río Real

It is sometimes easy to forget that the Costa del Sol’s history as a prime residential-tourism destination is still relatively short, at least in a global context. Fifty years ago, even holiday tourism was still something of a novelty, with top hot
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Posted On 20 Mar 2015

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… El Madroñal

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… El Madroñal

Many people planning a move to the Costa del Sol face something of a quandary when it comes to location. Should they opt for convenience and look for a beachfront apartment or frontline-golf villa on the coast, close to town amenities, leisure facili
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Posted On 13 Feb 2015

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… San Pedro

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… San Pedro

A decade or so ago, when discussion drifted on to the thorny issue of the bottleneck through San Pedro de Alcántara, locals would bemoan the fact you could drive all the way from Barcelona without coming across a traffic light… until San Pedro de
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Posted On 6 Feb 2015

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Benahavís

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Benahavís

Benahavís is a textbook model of how contemporary residential development should be undertaken and maintained. It is no surprise, therefore, that Benahavís Town Hall is considered the most financially sound and affluent (per capita) municipality on
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Posted On 30 Jan 2015

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Nueva Andalucía

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Nueva Andalucía

A municipality of many contrasts, Marbella’s allure for people looking for a new home, and lifestyle, varies from the traditional and relaxed charm of its old town to the sybaritic pleasures and glamour of Puerto Banús. And then there is Nueva
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Posted On 23 Jan 2015

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Los Flamingos

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Los Flamingos

[caption id="attachment_2585" align="alignright" width="300"] Panoramic splendour in Los Flamingos[/caption] First there was Marbella’s “Golden Mile”, then Estepona promoted its own “New Golden Mile”, and now the “Golden Triangle” is
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Posted On 9 Jan 2015

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Sierra Blanca

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… Sierra Blanca

[caption id="attachment_2517" align="alignright" width="300"] Panoramic luxury in Sierra Blanca[/caption] A quiz question for one of this festive season’s dinner parties… identify the area that is described here: “From neighbourhood boutique
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Posted On 26 Dec 2014

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… La Zagaleta

Showpiece Homes and Luxury Living… La Zagaleta

[caption id="attachment_2463" align="alignright" width="300"] Ultra-select seclusion in La Zagaleta[/caption] The term “exclusive” is often over-used when referring to Costa del Sol residential developments. Not for La Zagaleta, however. On th
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Posted On 19 Dec 2014

The Art of Creative Giving

The Art of Creative Giving

Preparations for the festive season seem to start earlier every year. From choosing a restaurant to enjoying a Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve feast with family and friends to shopping for gifts that will provide the wow factor, deadlines loom and
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Posted On 12 Dec 2014

From Los Angeles to the California of Europe

From Los Angeles to the California of Europe

[caption id="attachment_2337" align="alignright" width="300"] Audi Prologue Concept[/caption] Motoring enthusiasts on the Costa del Sol thinking about expanding their supercar collection in 2015 were given a fascinating insight into new models tha
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Posted On 28 Nov 2014

Dazzling Stars of Spanish Cuisine

Dazzling Stars of Spanish Cuisine

[caption id="attachment_2315" align="alignright" width="300"] El Lago Restaurant in Elviria[/caption] The air was heady with expectation, the guests resplendent in their gala finery, and the rich aromas already starting to waft from a veritable ce
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Posted On 21 Nov 2014

A Century of Potent History

A Century of Potent History

[caption id="attachment_2233" align="alignright" width="300"] BMW Concept Roadster[/caption] More than 1,000 exhibitors from throughout the world have been roaring into action this week at the pacesetting EICMA show in Milan. Considered the world
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Posted On 7 Nov 2014

Property Insight: Update on the Costa del Sol Market

Property Insight: Update on the Costa del Sol Market

[caption id="attachment_2191" align="alignright" width="280"] VMN managing director Christian H Zeuthen[/caption] In this interview, Villa Marbella Now’s managing director, Christian H Zeuthen, brings us up to date with latest developments in th
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Posted On 1 Nov 2014

Smooth Sailing Across the Atlantic

Smooth Sailing Across the Atlantic

[caption id="attachment_2147" align="alignright" width="300"] Benetti Veloce 140[/caption] The organisers are probably becoming a little over-enthusiastic when they describe the Fort Lauderdale International as “the world’s greatest boat show
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Posted On 24 Oct 2014

Motoring Chic for Fashionistas

Motoring Chic for Fashionistas

[caption id="attachment_2069" align="alignright" width="300"] Porsche Luggage[/caption] In recent weeks we’ve reviewed latest fashion trends at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Madrid and admired the silky style and breathtaking potency of the
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Posted On 10 Oct 2014

The Bugatti Legend Continues

The Bugatti Legend Continues

On the eve of this year’s Paris Motor Show, Bugatti celebrated the European premiere of the sixth and final model of its “Les Legendes” limited edition series. Previously unveiled at the Monterey Car Week in California, the super sports car man
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Posted On 3 Oct 2014

Stately Beauty on the Sea… and in the Port

Stately Beauty on the Sea… and in the Port

[caption id="attachment_1923" align="alignright" width="300"] Princess Yachts 98 MY[/caption] For new visitors to the Costa del Sol, there is always one destination either number one on their to-do list, or pretty close to the top: check out Puert
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Posted On 12 Sep 2014

Sharing Design Ideas, Concepts and Innovations

Sharing Design Ideas, Concepts and Innovations

[caption id="attachment_1887" align="alignright" width="300"] Splinter Works are unveiling several new pieces during Paris Design Week, including a Bodice Rocker tailored in red leather.[/caption] One year ago, Maison & Objet invited exhibitor
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Posted On 5 Sep 2014

Crème de la Crème of Spanish High Society

Crème de la Crème of Spanish High Society

[caption id="attachment_1811" align="alignright" width="300"] Photo: Gonzalo Etcheverry-SMPC[/caption]   The faces might not be all that familiar to foreign visitors, unless they are assiduous viewers of the ubiquitous “prensa rosa” TV
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Posted On 29 Aug 2014

Sly and the Family Expendables

Sly and the Family Expendables

Security was almost as tight as that for a CIA-sponsored special-ops military mission into the dark heart of enemy territory. Well, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration. Nevertheless, when a select group of journalists – including Villa Marbella
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Posted On 11 Aug 2014

Mixing party pleasure… with positive business

Mixing party pleasure… with positive business

[caption id="attachment_1589" align="alignright" width="300"] Global Gift Gala in Marbella[/caption] As the party mood continues in grand style on the Costa del Sol – including the Global Gift Weekend on 19-20 July – the positive festive vibe
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Posted On 18 Jul 2014

Summer Style… from Beach Chic to Gala Glamour

Summer Style… from Beach Chic to Gala Glamour

With the summer festive season now in full flow, the key priority is to step out in style – be it a day at one of Marbella’s ultra-fashionable beach clubs or sipping a glass of champers at a Banús soirée. Of course, not every woman can permi
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Posted On 11 Jul 2014

Festival of open-top motoring exhilaration

Festival of open-top motoring exhilaration

[caption id="attachment_1475" align="alignright" width="300"] Jaguar F-Type Project 7 debut at Goodwood[/caption] Summer effectively begins in southern Spain well before the official change of season on 21 June. So by now those fortunate to have a
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Posted On 28 Jun 2014

Venerable motoring vision… across the Atlantic

Venerable motoring vision… across the Atlantic

[caption id="attachment_1443" align="alignright" width="300"] Rolls-Royce Pinnacle Travel Phantom[/caption] They might have been created in garages thousands of kilometres apart, with distinctive engineering cultures, but two of the world’s most
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Posted On 20 Jun 2014

Away from the football pitch… a glint of luxury

Away from the football pitch… a glint of luxury

[caption id="attachment_1405" align="alignright" width="300"] Legendary Pelé and Hublot[/caption] The international spotlight has now moved away from elegant Marbella to vibrant Brazil as the football World Cup takes centre-stage but – to the r
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Posted On 13 Jun 2014

Golden era for world’s “most interesting golfer”

Golden era for world’s “most interesting golfer”

It didn’t seem as though life could get much better for Miguel Ángel Jiménez. Back in December 2013, he extended his own record as the oldest winner on the European Tour, with victory in the Hong Kong Open (part of the tour’s international netw
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Posted On 23 May 2014

All that glitters is… titanium, sapphires and diamonds

All that glitters is… titanium, sapphires and diamonds

[caption id="attachment_995" align="alignright" width="300"] Van der Bauwede Twilight[/caption] The Baselworld luxury watch and jewellery show concluded this week after presenting a sparkling showcase of cutting-edge creativity and innovation. Com
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Posted On 4 Apr 2014

From super highway to the high seas

From super highway to the high seas

[caption id="attachment_969" align="alignright" width="300"] Azimut Atlantis 50[/caption]   After a stunning array of state-of-the-art supercars was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in early March, the action has now moved onto the water
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Posted On 28 Mar 2014

Star-studded cuisine in Marbella’s finest restaurants

Star-studded cuisine in Marbella’s finest restaurants

[caption id="attachment_903" align="alignright" width="300"] Dani García Restaurant: “El Fondo del Mar”[/caption] One of the star turns when Andalucía promoted the region’s diverse charms during this month’s ITB tourism fair in Berlin wa
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Posted On 25 Mar 2014

Flight plans bring Coast even closer to Europe

Flight plans bring Coast even closer to Europe

With the Costa del Sol’s tourist promotion juggernaut travelling from Berlin to Paris and on to Moscow this month, several key airlines have announced an increase in the number of direct flights to and from Málaga’s international airport. Con
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Posted On 14 Mar 2014

Bottoms up… time for cautious optimism

Bottoms up… time for cautious optimism

[caption id="attachment_737" align="alignright" width="300"] (IMAGEN © TURISMO ANDALUZ, S.A.)[/caption] After so many months of muted economic forecasts the verdict from one key global expert was hugely encouraging. “Spain is back,” declared
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Posted On 7 Feb 2014

Good news for real estate investment

Good news for real estate investment

It’s the kind of news that will have property specialists across Spain smiling from ear to ear. According to reports published this week foreign investment in Spanish real estate has nit a nine-year high this year. In a statement from Spain’s cen
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Posted On 6 Nov 2013

Casino Nights in Marbella

Casino Nights in Marbella

Those with a passion for poker or who relish the roulette table should pay a visit to the bustling hive of the Casino Marbella. This local icon can be found within the grounds of the Andalucía Plaza Hotel in Puerto Banús and is the only casino in M
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Posted On 26 Jul 2013

Marbella Life

Marbella Life

Marbella, undoubtedly the most luxurious city on the Costa del Sol, has been a favourite destination with royalty and the rich and famous since the 1940s, when Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe turned the family ‘finca’ into an exclusive Marbella Club
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Posted On 7 Feb 2013