MARBELLA ANDALUCIA

Marbella is synonymous with the concept of a hedonistic world for the jet set. Since its meteoric rise to fame, Marbella has indeed never ceased to set itself above its fellow resorts along the coast, by continuing to cultivate its image as a playground of the rich and famous with their luxury yachts and glamorous lifestyles.

Marbella's development can be traced back to the 1940s, with the founding of the EI Rodeo restaurant and inn by the Spanish aristocrat Ricardo Soriano. His nephew, Prince Alfonso Hohenlohe of Liechtenstein, went on to develop a small beach property into the Marbella Club chalet complex for his friends among the international set. This continued to attract celebrities to the area and led to the construction of a string of luxurious hotels which were built along the coast on either side of Marbella town, offering beautiful gardens, pools and sports facilities.

After the halcyon days of the '70s and early '80s, there was an economic slump. Marbella went into a decline and began to wane in popularity. Then, in 1991, Jesus Gil was elected mayor and the whole scene changed. With great drive and dynamism Gil put forward a programme to give Marbella a much needed face lift. The remodelling of the Paseo Maritimo, the planting of palms and beautifying of the beaches, along with the construction of sorely needed underground car parks and pledges to clean the place up in general, did much to restore Marbella's image and prestige. Gil was reelected in 1995 and again in 1999 and continues with ambitious plans for future development in the area.

Marbella town has various sides to it, from the thriving commercial centre, with its shops and stores, bars and restaurants, to the coastal promenade, beach, yacht harbour, and the most attractive section of the Casco Antiguo (Old Town)  In the centre of Marbella town there are plush apartments overlooking the sea.

The Paseo Maritimo, which stretches far on either side of town, offers an enjoyable stroll along the seafront, with bars and restaurants lining the route. This has been greatly enhanced in recent years by the many improvements which have been made to the long stretch of beach, shaded at regular intervals by palm trees. Have a wander around the Puerto Deportivo (yacht harbour), where you can linger over a drink or a meal.

Nearby, the Avenida del Mar, attractively adorned with flowers, fountains and sculptures, leads to the Parque de la Alameda (Alameda Park). This pleasant little park features exotic plants, neat little trees and fountains, with tiled benches dotted about. Two museums (in and around the Old Town) are worth a visit; the Museo Bonsai, for its delightful collection of Japanese style miniature trees and the Museum of Spanish Contemporary Prints for its eXhibitions which include works by prominent Spanish artists.

The municipality of Marbella covers a 28km stretch of coastline, which stretches from the marina and the residential area of Cabopino, east of the town, to Guadalmina out to the west. The section from Marbella to Guadalmina has come to be known as the Golden Mile, so named for the concentration of luxurious hotels, restaurants and golf courses to be found here. Expensive villas with pools, set amidst gardens of lush, tropical vegetation complete the picture.