Since the property is raised above the street level the driveway is entered via a short tunnel thus offering privacy and security to the property plus extending the garden level above. The property is situated at the back of the plot with a large usable garden in front, perfect for entertaining or a game of football!

The property has recently been completely refurbished to a very high standard with new bathrooms, a new distribution and extensive updating throughout.

The property has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms on the first floor (including the Master with private terrace pictured below); 2 bedrooms and bathrooms on the ground floor with kitchen, dining room, large living room, guest toilet and large covered terrace with sea views. The lower floor has space for 5 cars, a laundry room, cinema and independent one bedroom apartment with living room and kitchen.

Sierra Blanca is situated above the Marbella Golden Mile and has 24 hour security and is a closed complex in the evening. This property is perfectly suited to a large family with 3 bedrooms on the first floor and within 5 minutes of Swan International School. Compared to other properties in the area this property offers prospective owners privacy, sea views from both ground and first floor, a large usable plot, staff / guest accommodation, a large garage and the advantage of being completely reformed to a high standard.

Click here for more information: http://www.terrameridiana.com/ref-TMRV0626.html

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A home in Elviria is an excellent option to enjoy the best that the Costa del Sol and Andalusia have to offer. Just 10 minutes east of Marbella, it presents the distinguishing advantage of being near Cabopino port where residents may moor their boat. The majority of homes in the complex are just a quick walk from the beach.

Golf courses next to Elviria or a few minutes’ drive away include Santa Clara, Marbella Golf Country Club, Greenlife, Santa María, and Cabopino. The Costa del Sol as a whole is also known as the “Costa del Golf”, and boasts a total of 70 courses so that no golfer or fan need ever feel limited to just a handful of venues.

Although a part of the municipality of Marbella, Elviria is a self-contained village with bars, cafes restaurants, shops, a post office, a luxurious tennis club, and even its own town hall. So that children may enjoy a richer primary and secondary learning experience, there is even an English International school here that adheres to the British curriculum and has 500 students of mixed nationalities.

The Marbella area is famed for luxury, but it is also worth recalling the practical advantages of the location, for instance that it is just a 30mins drive from the Malaga airport and 10 minutes from Hospital Costa del Sol, which offers some of the best healthcare in Andalusia.

Apartments, townhouses, and villas are available in Elviria, representing a vast array of investment possibilities with lasting value at the heart of a broader area that has acquired fame for its cachet and convenience. Elviria deserves careful consideration from potential investors looking for a high-standing property in Spain.

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You can find a host of excellent golf courses on the Costa del Sol surrounded by high quality property developments where families can spend great holidays, for renting or buying a second home.

From Sotogrande to Malaga, in Estepona, Marbella, Duquesa, etc… almost every location in the Coast you have a golf course near.  It’s heaven for golfers!

Just as two samples of excellent areas where golf enthusiasts perhaps could buy a second home and play golf all year around :

• Valgrande in Sotogrande where you can play like the pros in the renowned Valderrama but also Almenara, the Real Club de Golf de Sotogrande, La Reserva, Alcaidesa, La Cañada,… or
• Guadalmina Baja in San Pedro de Alcantara (Marbella) where you can enjoy The Marbella Club Golf Resort in Benahavís, the Monte Mayor Golf Club, Atalaya Golf and Country Club, Nueva Atalaya, and Club de Golf Guadalmina.

The choice is yours.

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Saint George´s Nursery in San Pedro is a private nursery school. For more information visit them at:

Saint George´s Nursery
Urbanización Cortijo Blanco
Calle Picasso, 10
San Pedro
Tel: 952 786 606
E-mail: stgeorgesmarbella@yahoo.es

International Schools

There are a number of international schools in Marbella depending on your requirements and the age of your child. Most schools instruct using the Montessori System which combines the curricula of both Spanish and English. Aloha College offers bilingual education to children from 3-18 years of age. The school uses the IB (International Baccalaureate) system. For more information visit their website.

Aloha College
Urb. El Angel
Nueva Andalucía
Tel: 952 814 133
E-mail: info@aloha-college.com

The English International School offers tuition in the English National Curriculum. Teaching is provided in English to children between the ages of 3 and 18. For more information visit their website.

The English International School
Urb Ricmar
Carretera de Cadíz, Km. 189.5
Marbella
Tel: 952 831 058

Swans School in Marbella, offers both primary and secondary education for children in both English and Spanish. For more information on both schools visit their website or the following addresses:

Swans International School (Primary education)
Urb. El Capricho,
Marbella
Tel: 952 773 248
E-mail: info@swansschool.net

Swans Sierra Blanca (Secondary education)
Enfrente del Parque Nagüeles,
Marbella
Tel: 952 902 755
E-mail: admin@swansschool.net

San Pedro International School is a private school previously known as Kings College and similarly to Aloha College, takes children between the ages of 3-18. For more information visit their website or visit the school at the following address:

San Pedro International School
Urb. Nueva Alcántara
29670, San Pedro
Tel: 952 799 900
E-mail: info@icsanpedro.com

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Beaches

Primarily of course there are the renowned beaches, “El Cable” beach is a frequented beach and is considered to be a clean, environmentally friendly beach. The waters are calm and lifeguards are present in the summer months.

The “Fontanilla” is the most frequented beach due to its location close to the city centre. Bars, sunbeds and restaurants can be found all down this beach.

Mistral Beach Club is one of the most popular beach clubs in Marbella. Situated very close to Puerto Banús this club offers amazing facilities guaranteed to keep you entertained. There is a restaurant that serves great food, and a bar that will keep you hydrated throughout the day. However, if you are interested in doing something other than wining and dining on this beautiful beach, the club also offers a range of sports and activities such as jet skiing, water skiing, banana rides and much, much more. Find this fabulous club at:

Mistral Beach Club
Playa del Rodeo,
Carretera N340, km. 194
29660, Puerto Banús
Tel: 952 113 284

Nikki Beach is located in East Marbella and is actually a chain of clubs located throughout the world. This club is the best if you are a partier but there are also water-sports and fabulous cuisine on offer too. For more information visit it at:

Nikki Beach
Playa Hotel Don Carlos
Carretera de Cadiz, km. 192
29600, Marbella East
Tel: 952 836 239

Ocean Club Beach Club is situated on the 1st line beach right in the centre of Puerto Banus. This club is highly exclusive and offers, a Spa, massages, shopping centre, restaurant and a “champagne party” held on a monthly basis. For more information visit it at:

Ocean Club Beach Club
Avenida Lola Flores S/N
Playas del Duque Beach
29660, Puerto Banús
Tel: 952 908 137
E-mail: info@oceanclubmarbella.net

Golf

Marbella Golf and Country Club

This golf club is situated just 5 minutes away from Marbella and boasts a 6 kilometre, 18 hole course that was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. It claims to provide a challenging game for players of all abilities whilst providing beautiful views of the Mediterranean. The club provides wonderful facilities such as a restaurant, tennis courts and shop. For more information visit their website or them at:

Marbella Golf and Country Club
Carretera Cadíz-Málaga, Km. 188
29600, Marbella
Tel: 952 830 500
E-mail: info@marbellagolf.com

Marbella Club Hotel

This hotel, golf resort and spa combination is situated by the sea in between Marbella and Puerto Banus. The 18 hole course was designed by Dave Thomas and also boasts riding stables. The course is exclusive to the members and guests of the hotel and you can expect five star service as the staff of the club will collect clubs and will transport them to the buggies. There is a handicap limit and for more information or to book visit their website or the club at:

Marbella Club Hotel
Bulevar Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe S/N
29660, Marbella
Tel: 952 822 211
E-mail: reservas@marbellaclub.com

Los Naranjos Golf Club

This golf club is considered one of the best in Spain. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. the 18 hole course measures at 6.500 metres and has beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the sea. The clubhouse boasts more facilities than most in the area and contains a fabulous restaurant with a terrace and views, hairdresser and a spa with massages. There are also practice facilities such as a driving range, putting greens and practice bunker. For more information visit their website or the club at:

Los Naranjos Golf Club
Urbanizacíon Nueva Andalucía S/N
29660, Marbella
Tel: 952 815 206
E-mail: golfclub@losnaranjos.com

La Quinta Golf and Country Club

This golf course is situated just 5 minutes away from Marbella town centre and is accessed directly from the main road. The golf course was designed in 1990 by three times world champion Manolo Piñero and has three courses each made up of nine holes. The clubhouse has a restaurant, bar and café and there is also La Quinta Golf Academy, headed by Manolo Piñero himself, where you can better yourself, or just practice the game. For more information visit their website or the club at:

La Quinta Golf and Country Club
Urb. La Quinta Golf S/N
Nueva Andalucía
29660, Marbella
Tel: 952 762 390

Guadalmina Club de Golf

This golf course is an 18 hole course situated close to the sea offering stunning views of the course and the beach. The club also houses a clubhouse with facilities such as a shop, pool, restaurant and bar, tennis court and much, much more. To find out more about this club visit their website or the club at:

Guadalmina Club de Golf
Urb. Guadalmina Alta
29670, San Pedro
Tel: 952 883 375

Rio Real

This club is part of a hotel, the course opened in 1965 and was designed by Javier Arana and contains 18 holes. The course consists of beautiful scenery such as lakes and forestry and offers its members exclusive services and deals. For more information, visit their website or the club at:

Golf Rio Real
Carretera N-340, Km. 185
Urb. Rio Real S/N, Apdo. 82
29600, Marbella East
Tel: 952 765 732
E-mail: info@rioreal.com

Santa Maria Golf and Country Club

This club is another 18 hole course that has stunning forests around it. The first 9 holes were designed by Antonio Garcia Garrido leaving the second 9 holes to be designed in 1996 by the club’s designers. For more information on the services provided by this club visit their website or see them at the following address:

Santa Maria Golf Club
Carretera N-340, Km. 192
Elviria
29600, Marbella East
Tel: 952 831 036
E-mail: santamaria@golf-andalucia.net

Las Brisas Golf

This beautiful course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, has 10 artificial lakes making this course great for those who love water obstacles and gorgeous views. The course consists of 18 holes and has hosted numerous competitions. For more information visit their website or find the course at:

Las Brisas Golf
Aptdo de Correos Nº 147
29660, Nueva Andalucía
Marbella
Tel: 952 813 021
E-mail: info@lasbrisasgolf.com

Aloha Golf

This 18 hole course is situated in Nueva Andalucía and also boasts a 9 hole course, 2 putting greens, a chipping area and a practice area. The facilities are endless including a restaurant, swimming pool exclusively for members, sauna and shop. For more information visit their website or the club at the following address:

Aloha Golf
Urb Aloha Golf Club
Aptdo de Correos, 141
Tel: 952 907 085
E-mail: office@clubdegolfaloha.com

Greenlife Golf

This golf course is a 9 hole golf course designed around large greens and beautiful water features. The club also offers a gym, restaurant and sauna. For more information visit their website or the club at the following address:

Greenlife Golf
Urb. Elviria Hills
Avenida Las Cumbres
Marbella
Tel: 952 839 142
E-mail: golf@greenlife-golf.com

Restaurants

Given the diversity of cultures in Marbella, there are many different cuisines to choose from, vary from traditional Spanish to delicate oriental flavours. A couple of recommended restaurants follow:

“La Meridiana” is a beautifully decorated restaurant serving traditional Spanish food. With a sophisticated menu, candlelit outdoor tables and extensive wine list, this restaurant is a must for a romantic meal.

La Meridiana
Camino De La Cruz,
Marbella,
29600
Tel: 952 776 190

However, if you all you really want is exceptional, traditional Spanish fish, “La Pesquera” is a chain of restaurants that you must visit. There are several in Marbella and a couple in San Pedro as listed below but for a full list of the restaurants visit their website.

La Pesquera “Marisqueria Bar”
Plaza de la Victoria
Casco Antiguo
Marbella
Tel: 952 765 170

La Pesquera “del Faro”
Avenida Duque de Ahumada
Playa del Faro
Paseo Marítimo, Marbella
Tel: 952 868 520

La Pesquera “Chiringuito”
Primera Línea de Playa
Urb. Marbellamar
Marbella
Tel: 952 770 338

Da Bruno´s is a chain of wonderful Italian restaurants owned by Bruno Filippone and his wife. One of his restaurants opened in San Pedro in 2005 and offers a wonderful atmosphere and fabulous Italian foods such as pizzas, pastas, fish, salads and much, much more. For more information visit their website or find the restaurant at the following address:

Da Bruno A San Pedro
Avenida del Mar
Urb. San Pedro del Mar 1E
29670, San Pedro
Tel: 952 786 860

Thai Gallery is situated on the outskirts of Puerto Banús and offers beautiful Thai food as well as catering to parties of any kind. To try this wonderful restaurant for yourself visit them at the following address:

Thai Gallery
Carretera Cadíz, Km. 175
29660, Marbella
Tel: 952 818 392

Terra Sana lives up to its literal meaning by serving only the healthiest foods. But this doesn´t mean the cuisine is boring, far from it! The restaurant serves all kinds of foods from their famous smoothies, healthy wraps and baguettes and tender meats and fish. To experience this feel-good restaurant visit:

Terra Sana
Next to the Casino in Marbella
29660, Marbella
Tel: 952 906 205

La Taberna de Santiago serves arguably some of the best fish and shellfish as well as some traditional Andalucían food such as gazpacho. To see a sample menu for yourself visit their website or find the restaurant at:

Restaurante Santiago
Paseo Marítimo, 5
29660, Marbella
Tel: 952 770 078
E-mail: reservas@restaurantesantiago.com

Nightlife

Marbella and Puerto Banús are world renowned for its nightlife, whether you want a quiet night in a mood-lit bar, or a pulsing beat in a nightclub you will find whatever suits your taste in this town.

Marbella

“Olivia Valére” is a beautifully lit nightclub with an Arabian theme that is situated in Marbella. The bar is for someone more inclined to enjoy atmosphere and drinks with friends than clubbing, however, there is also a disco attached to the bar as well as the “Babilonia Restaurant”. This is an extremely exclusive club and will leave you feeling like a celebrity. Find this fabulous club at:

Olivia Valére
Carretera de Istan, km. 0.8
29600, Marbella
Tel: 952 828 861
E-mail: info@oliviavalere.com

“The Loft Lounge” is a popular dance club that plays mostly R&B, this is one of the most popular places to go if you like to dance the night away single or with friends.

Loft Lounge
Club the Golden Mile
29660, Marbella
Tel: 952 778 925

Plaza los Naranjos is a square in the centre of old town Marbella. During the day this is a wonderful place to have a quiet drink with friends and people watch. At night, all the bars ar still open around there and you can enjoy drinks whilst experiencing the fantastic local atmosphere.

Puerto Banus

“Dreamers” is one of the most famous bars in Puerto Banús and often has many big DJs coming to play music. They are open until very late so you shouldn´t arrive too early, after midnight is preferable. There is also a V.I.P. area, enormous dance floor and girls dancing on podiums! To visit this fabulous, atmospheric club find it at:

Dreamers
Carretera de Cadíz, Km. 175
Rio Verde
29660, Puerto Banús
Tel: 952 812 080
E-mail: info@dreamers-disco.com

Despite the name, “News Café” is a busy, fashionable and popular bar with a dancefloor and lounge area where you can sit with a reserved table and chilled bottle of champagne whilst admiring the beautiful views of the port. You can find this club on the frontline of the port in Puerto Banús.

“Seven” is a popular nightclub despite the fact that it is unlike most of the other clubs in the area. The interior is amazingly decorated and the dress code is formal. Despite this, the atmosphere is incredible with coves set into the walls for privacy however you do not want to miss the scantly clad dancers! You can find this club at:

Seven
Avenida Julio Iglesias
29660, Puerto Banús
Tel: 662 383 030
E-mail: info@sevenpuertobanus.com

Shopping

Marbella is infamous for its shopping, many celebrities make the trip to Marbella and Puerto Banus to indulge themselves on the finest designer labels, quirky second hand stores and both English and Spanish highstreet labels. Principally of course is the mall “La Cañada” which contains a supermarket, highstreet stores, electronic stores and designer labels. This mall also contains a bowling alley and cinema showing some of the latest films, however for a better cinema that shows all the latest films in English, visit the “Cinema Gran Marbella” in Puerto Banús. There are also food places such as a good sushi place that also does delicious tortilla wraps (from experience!) and other basic food such as Italian, Spanish and more.

La Cañada
Carretera Ojén
Centro Comercial de La Cañada
29600, Marbella
Tel: 952 860 142

Cinema Gran Marbella
Paseo Riviera S/N
Opposite Corte Ingles
29660, Puerto Banús
Tel: 952 810 077

“El Corte Inglés” is a chain of shopping malls similar to La Cañada but larger and situated all over Spain and now opening in other countries. Similar to John Lewis, El Corte Inglés contains perfumeries, clothes stores, a food market, hairdressers and a supermarket. You can literally find everything here at:

El Corte Inglés
Costa Marbella Shopping Centre,
29660, Puerto Banús
Tel: 952 909 990

Everything that you can think of you find on the streets of Marbella and Puerto Banús, for the main designer and high street stores stick to the main street, if you are more interested in thrift stores try and venture into the back streets. It is also worth checking out the old town of Marbella.

Sports and Activities

Because Marbella is such a popular area to visit on holiday, there are many, many sports and activities to take part in aside from golf.

“Cable Ski Marbella” is a wonderful opportunity to learn how to waterski, or if you already know how, just to have some fun! It is a large, natural lake set in Guadalmina with a restaurant and swimming pool. This place is very popular so you would be wise to call them to make a reservation before visiting them at:

Cable Ski Marbella
Guadalmina Alta
Parque de las Mendranas
29670, San Pedro
Tel: 952 785 579

“Puente Romano Tennis Club” is set within the Puente Romano Hotel and is one of the best clubs in the area. The club contains 8 floodlit clay courts, 2 hard courts, some paddle tennis courts, gym, fitness studio, Turkish bath, sauna, steam room, restaurant and bar.

Puente Romano Tennis Club
Carretera de Cadíz, Km. 177
29602, Marbella
Tel:952 820 900

Nueva Alcántara Tennis Club not only offers 4 professional grade tennis courts but also has 9 paddle tennis courts, a gym and general fitness centre with classes including ballet, dance and aerobics.

Nueva Alcántara Paddle and Tennis Club
CN-340 Km, 171.5
San Pedro
Tel: 952 788 315
E-mail: info@clubpadelnuevaalcantara.com

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An EHC, (European Health Care) card is necessary to receive health care in Spain if you are just visiting, this is obtainable from the health service of your country of origin provided it is within the EU. Private doctors will not accept this card and either direct payment or an insurance policy is needed to cover these bills. Expats can receive health care for free provided that you are paying social security.

Hospital Costa del Sol is another 24 hour hospital but this is a public hospital. For more information visit their website or find the hospital at the following address:

Hospital Costa del Sol
Autovía A-7, Km 187,
29603, Marbella
Tel: 951 976 669

USP is a chain of 24 hour private hospitals, one of which is situated in Marbella. For more information visit their website or you can find the hospital at:

USP
Avenida Severo Ochoa, 22
29603, Marbella
Tel: 952 774 200

Centro de Salud de San Pedro is a 24 hour facility that can deal with minor complaints. For more information visit their website or the hospital at:

Centro de Salud de San Pedro
Calle Principe de Asturias S/N
San Pedro
Tel: 902 505 060

Pharmacies:

Pharmacies in Marbella are located all over the town, pharmacies in the centre of Marbella would be the easiest to find. Opening ours depend on the season and of the individual pharmacy, in general pharmacies are open between 10.00-14:00 and 17:30-21:00. Pharmacies are able to diagnose common complaints and medicate them thereby reducing the need to consult a doctor. A few good pharmacies and their details follow:

Central Marbella

Farmacia Fco. Jiménez
Plaza Puente Málaga S/N
29601 Marbella Centro
Tel: 952 770 918

José Rodriguez Peñalver
Avda. El Trapiche 29
29601 Marbella Centro
Tel: 952 857 073

San Pedro

Farmacia Guadalmina Alta
Centro Comercial Guadalmina 4 local 6
29670 San Pedro Alcántara – Marbella
Tel: 952 886 717

Farmacia Internacional
Calle Marqués del Duero 76
29670 San Pedro Alcántara – Marbella
Tel: 952 780 708

Puerto Banús

Farmacia Playas del Duque
Avenida Playas del Duque
29660 Puerto Banús – Marbella
Tel: 952 817 872

Farmacia Aloha
Avda. El Califa S/N
29660 Nueva Andalucía – Marbella
Tel: 952 816 361

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Museums

Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo de Marbella

This museum is houses some great works from some of the best Spanish artists such as Miró, Picasso and Dalí. The museum itself is a 16th century hospital situated in the old part of Marbella. For more information on their collections and varying activities available visit their website or find the museum at:

Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo de Marbella
Calle Hospital Bazán S/N
29600, Marbella
Tel: 952 765 741

Museo del Bonsai

This museum is situated in a park in Marbella and as suggested the museum has exhibits of miniature trees and wild olive trees and is considered to be one of the best of its kind in Europe. For more information visit the museum at:

Museo del Bonsai
Parque Arroyo de la Represa
Avenida del Dr. Maíz Viñal
29600, Marbella
Tel: 952 862 926

Galleries

Aside from the aforementioned “Museo del Grabado Contemporáneo” there are many other art galleries that you will find located amongst the shops in the high streets of old town Marbella.

Markets

The markets in Spain are all relatively similar, selling fresh fruit and vegetables, ceramic goods, clothes, shoes and jewellery, but they are always entertaining to visit. The Marbella market is on a Monday between around 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Puerto Banús´market falls on a Saturday on the Boulevard de la Fama and San Pedro´s market is on a Thursday. A small amount of haggling is advised as is bringing your own bottle of water as it can get very hot and the water is expensive!

Ferias and Holidays

Similar to bank holidays in England, Spain has days in which everything except bars and restaurants close, however, these days can be wonderful fun and a great atmosphere. At the beginning of June, Marbella´s patron saint San Bernabé is celebrated. The fair or feria lasts nearly a week and is not only a religious celebration but also a fabulous party! Each town has its own patron saint and feria during the summer, for more information on when these holidays are visit this website is recommended.

Things to See

If an exciting day out and a break from relaxing is what you crave then “Tivoli World” in Benalmadena is a fantastic way for the whole family to have a little excitement. Only 15 minutes drive from Marbella, Tivoli World provides amusement rides for all ages, it´s open from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and kids less than 1 metre in height go free. For more information visit their website.

Plaza de los Naranjos is a beautiful square in the old town of Marbella and used to be the centre of the commercial side of Marbella for hundreds of years. The Town Hall was once a prison but it has been carefully preserved and combined with the beautiful fountain and the orange trees that surround the square, (hence its name) this is a lovely, relaxing place to be during the day and a good source of nightlife in the evening.

If you go Rio Verde you will find the ruins of a Roman Villa that was constructed centuries ago and contains stunning mosaics.

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Marbella is set between the peaks of Sierra Blanca and the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea; Marbella enjoys a privileged micro-climate giving Marbella a mild climate all year round and over 325 days of sunshine per year. The months of June, July and August are recognised to be the hottest months with highs of over 30 degrees Celsius and rain is extremely rare within these months. The coldest months are November, December and January with highs of around 17 degrees Celsius, rain in these months, whilst still few and far between, are more frequent than in the summer months. The average temperature is 19 degrees Celsius.

Useful Phone Numbers

Emergencies: 112

Local Police: 092

National Police: 091

Ambulance: 061

Fire Brigade: 080

Banks

As well as a number of Spanish banks, there is also a Barclay’s bank. Cash points are located in a number of places 24 hours a day. If you would like to open a Spanish bank account, it is very simple and can done immediately if you are in Spain as the bank will ask only for your passport and for some contracts to be signed. Alternatively it can be done via correspondence

Barclay’s

Avenida Ramón Y Cajal 1
29601 Marbella, Spain
Tel: 952 860 460

Deutsche Bank

Avenida Ricardo Soriano 39
29601 Marbella, Spain
Tel: 952 773 650

Sabadell Atlántico

Avenida Ricardo Soriano 22
29601 Marbella, Spain
Tel: 952 825 500

Unicaja

Avenida Ricardo Soriano, 29
29600, Marbella
Tel: 952 826 751

La Caixa

Avenida Ricardo Soriano, 37
29600, Marbella
Tel: 952 902 373

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Marbella attracted the Arabic nobility as well. Prince Fahd of Saudi Arabia, arrived in 1974 with a wealthy entourage of Saudi nobles, including none other than a youthful Osama bin Laden. Fahd continued to frequent Marbella’s casinos after he was crowned king of Saudi Arabia in 1982. The city had by then acquired its cachet as the exclusive retreat of cosmopolitan personalities, including Gunilla von Bismarck, Antonio Banderas and his wife Melanie Griffith, Joan Collins, Sean Connery, and many more. In time, it became the internationally famous seaside resort that it is today, associated with luxury, golf, and foreign tourism.

Still, Marbella’s historic and typically Andalusian centre, as well as the town’s proximity to some of the region’s natural and historical landmarks also provide a good deal of local colour to those who come here to visit or live. Day trips or longer jaunts can be made on and beyond the Sierra Blanca mountain range that is seen from the town, for instance to the Serranía de Ronda, home of yesteryear’s bandolero bandits, where a host of white villages–some humble and silent while others offer particular attractions–dot a lush landscape of alternating pine, cork oak, citrus, and almond groves in a network of deep valleys and cascading rivers. Also within reach in half a day’s drive or less are the important cities of the region: Malaga, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, and Cádiz.

The concept of the “Golden Mile” arose to designate the area more or less from Cabopino to the west of Marbella to Guadalmina, and its key feature is the N340 coastal road, on both sides of which shopping centres, golf courses, and front-line beach, front-line golf, and other residences fight for space. Among the golf clubs found a moment’s drive from town are (to the east) Rio Real Golf, Marbella Golf Club, and Cabopino Golf and (to the west) Aloha Golf, La Dama de Noche, Las Brisas, La Quinta, and Los Naranjos. The “Costa del Golf” continues west past San Pedro and toward Estepona and Sotogrande offering a total of over 50 courses, including world championship venues such as Valderrama at Sotogrande.

For its part, Marbella’s Port features both an older fishing port and a pleasure harbour, and there is Cabopino Port also a few kilometres east. The most glamorous place to moor a boat, however, is to the west in Puerto Banús, which looks and feels like a town in its own right. It boasts a multi-cinema complex, a bullring, a maritime museum, a casino and some of the best luxury shops on the Costa del Sol, including the department store El Corte Inglés. Although it began to be constructed in the seventies, Puerto Banús seems like it’s always been there.

Outside of Puerto Banús, other important shopping areas are the Marbella town centre itself, the mall La Cañada on the other side of the N340, with a variety of clothing outlets and the Fnac book, music, and home entertainment megastore–which organises cultural events–and the Centro Plaza Commercial Centre in Nueva Andalusia. Beaches, dining, and nightlife are obviously well-catered to, with some of the names to remember being Nikki Beach for soaking the rays, while two of the best-known night fun venues would be The Suite, part of the Puente Romano Hotel, and the Moorish-style Olivia Valere. As for restaurants, one of the best ways to find a good place is probably just by walking around, for instance in the downtown area near the beautiful historic square Plaza de Los Naranjos.

Marbella has grown at breathtaking speed, with at least one clear disadvantage: political scandal. The arrival on the scene of mayor Jesús Gil y Gil in 1991 was a turning point for the town. A political maverick and football team owner from Madrid of dubious reputation yet tremendous popular appeal, he founded the Independent Liberal Group, which he spearheaded to power on a populist platform that included the promise of ridding the city of beggars and petty crime. The pledge was kept, although at the expense of the civil liberties of those summarily arrested, jailed, and forced to leave. This single achievement won him re-election on numerous occasions in campaigns publicly supported by Sean Connery.

Gil began a long tradition in the Marbella town hall of enriching himself and councillors by turning over protected land to luxury housing developers. Not only did the latter pay kickbacks to the politicians in return for licenses, but the shenanigans took place with tacit approval from civil servants in Madrid who were keen on collecting fines for violating nationally protected land. Developers came to consider the kickbacks and fines a mere part of their overall investments. Gil was forced to resign in 2002 and replaced by Julian Muñoz, who was promptly dismissed by his own party. The next mayor, Marisol Yagüe, was then shown to also be involved in the scams. She went to jail before the end of her term among scores of other shady characters as part of a massive crackdown by the national government in which Muñoz was also locked up. Eventually Yagüe’s own successor was sent to prison too and the Junta de Andalucía took the unprecedented step of shutting down the Marbella town hall altogether.

The emphasis is now on regularising the situation of –or demolishing– the countless homes involved, many of whose owners had no idea they were buying an illegal construction. On the positive side, developers are now more legit and buyers more careful, while plenty is on offer. Whether one is after an apartment, townhouse, penthouse, or even a villa, falling market prices and the current general economic downturn may well translate into an opportunity to find bargains on property for rent or for sale. Last summer’s hotel traffic on the Costa del Sol resisted the foreseen downturn in bookings, so it remains to be seen if newcomers to Marbella, Puerto Banús, or the rest of the Costa del Sol will also have the pleasure of finding the area a bit less crowded than it has traditionally been. Whatever the economic fallout, Marbella, the heart of the Golden Mile, is poised to remain a unique, exclusive, and exciting luxury resort to move to or spend a holiday.

JF from Terrameridiana.com

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