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 specific case, the Costa del Sol – highly appealing remain constant. The Mediterranean climate, relatively low cost of living (compared with most other European countries), nutritious cuisine, excellent health care, diverse leisure opportunities, and close family and social support…
One recently released report confirms this view. According to the latest Better Life Index compiled by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Spain ranks above the average in work-life balance, housing, health status and social connections – although, as to be expected, it is below average in jobs and earnings.
The sense of community in Spain is one of the strongest in the OECD. Ninety-five per cent of people believe they know someone they could rely on in a time of need, compared with the average of 88 per cent. As humans are social creatures, notes the OECD, “The frequency of our contact with others and the quality of our personal relationships are thus crucial determinants of our well-being. A strong social network, or community, can provide emotional support during both good and bad times as well as provide access to jobs, services and other material opportunities.”
This aspect of life in Spain is probably even more crucial for expatriates deciding to settle in the country than for “local” Spaniards”, as it at least partly compensates for family and friends left behind.
When it comes to safety, the OECD considers the homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) to be a reliable measure of a country’s level because “unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police”. According to the latest OECD data, Spain’s homicide rate is 0.6, much lower than the OECD average of 4.0.
Finally health, and life expectancy at birth in Spain is three years higher than the OECD average: 83 years (86 for women and 80 for men) compared with 80. This figure is borne out in a new report by the EU’s economic and financial affairs directorate, which rates Spain highly for the efficiency of its healthcare system – a fact underlined by the growth of so-called “health-tourism” to the country.
So these are just some of the key reasons why moving to Spain permanently, or buying a holiday home, can be a sensible, happy and healthy option for those seeking a lifestyle change. The next question is, where? Last week we took a trip to Mijas Pueblo: this week we head down to the coast, to Mijas Costa, a magnificent stretch of this vast municipality that extends from Fuengirola in the east to Marbella in the west, passing through exclusive residential developments, the beachside village of La Cala and the Calahonda macro-urbanisation.
It is not widely known but what is referred to as the most luxurious villa on the Costa del Sol is not, in fact, in Marbella or La Zagaleta but in… Mijas Costa. Royalty, world leaders, billionaires, sheiks and superstars have stayed at Villa Moana, a sprawling 2,250 square metre home sitting amongst 7,000 square metres of immaculately landscaped gardens, with direct beach access, on the main coastal road just outside Fuengirola. This property is a true paradise in the heart of Mijas Costa.
Special Selections
We appreciate your taking the time to read about this ultra-luxurious property, but perhaps it’s not exactly right for you? If not, we invite you to have a look at our other special selections for:
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Meanwhile, not everyone will be able to afford the €40 million price of Villa Moana, but we can all enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle. The 2015 Wheels & Waves Festival in Biarritz (which just concluded) provided an opportunity for people to express their freedom and individuality, and one of the highlights this year was the presentation of BMW Motorrad’s interpretation of a scrambler for the first time, the Concept Path 22 – ideal, closer to home, for taking a spin on the Costa del Sol followed by a dip in the sea.
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Meanwhile, not everyone will be able to afford the €40 million price of Villa Moana, but we can all enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle. The 2015 Wheels & Waves Festival in Biarritz (which just concluded) provided an opportunity for people to express their freedom and individuality, and one of the highlights this year was the presentation of BMW Motorrad’s interpretation of a scrambler for the first time, the Concept Path 22 – ideal, closer to home, for taking a spin on the Costa del Sol followed by a dip in the sea.