Juggling Mums will breathe a sigh of relief when they discover the brilliant new 5 Cenas, or 5 Dinners delivery service recently launched on the Costa del Sol. Taking the routine and stress out of the lives of busy working Mums and professionals, 5 Cenas is an inspired – and affordable – solution to putting healthy and tasty food on the table time and time again. No matter how much you enjoy cooking, if you work full-time, simply finding the time to shop, meal plan, prepare, cook and serve meals day-in, day-out is a challenge many Mums and Dads could do without.  Factoring in good nutrition is a step too far for many parents who all to easily cave in to the “pizza or pasta please!” mantra of their adorable offspring.

Good Food without the Supermarket Dash
Nutritionist Christine Zellén had the inspired idea to create 5 Cenas as a way to take the chore out of feeding a family, with all the meal planning, ingredient hunting, shopping and carrying groceries knocked off the to do list…

Whereas private chefs are out of the league of most average households – 5 Cenas take the slog out of daily cooking, without the price tag of having someone in to cook, leaving Mum, Dad and the kids to work their wizardry in the kitchen and put the quality time back into cooking dinner.

“I had the idea just after Christmas when all my friends were asking me for tips on healthy eating! I thought to myself, I’ll come up with some healthy recipes, source the best products and deliver the shopping to people”.

With a background in nutrition, health food restaurants and personal fitness, Christine understands the impact of eating correctly on wellbeing and long-term health. “Obesity is becoming a big issue, and it is so important to educate children early in healthy eating habits.”

Recipe for Success
Healthy food, convenience and an affordable weekly spend, what is there not to love about 5 Cenas or “5 Dinners”? Add to this formula, easy-to-follow recipes and all the necessary ingredients to cook five dinners for two or four people – delivered straight to your door, and 5 Cenas is clearly a recipe for success. After all, no matter how much you like cooking, it is rare to find a family with an endless repertoire of healthy, easy to cook dishes.

The 5 Cenas Experience
Although Christine normally leaves the 5 Cenas delivery to her staff, it was service with a smile as she breezed into our garden carrying a 5 Cenas bag simply bursting with healthy goodies. We couldn’t wait to see what was on the menu, and were impressed to see a sheet detailing every ingredient in the 5 Cenas bag, and five easy-to-follow recipes that made the mouth water: Pumpkin & Carrot Soup with Tomato & Basil Brochette, Mexican Tortillas with Avocado Sauce, Ginger, Honey & Lime Marinated Chicken, Niza Pasta with Tuna, Sundried Tomatoes & Green Beans, Mushroom & Cabbage Risotto with Pork Chops… Recipes are graded Quick, Medium or Difficult – and methods are simple to follow.

You will, of course, need to have a few cooking staples at home, such as oil, honey and vinegar, but 5 Cenas does not stint on portions or quality – Christine goes as far as Málaga to find quality vegetables – and you can taste the difference. She also tries and tests a variety of brands of wholemeal pasta, rice, tinned tuna, etcetera, to find the best possible options for her clients.

Our 9-year old was a little apprehensive when he saw the kitchen piled high with green vegetables – but as Christine explained,” When children resist foods, just keep trying to introduce them – vegetables can be hidden in sauces, or eaten with dips sweetened with honey.”

The recipes were all simple to make – even the ones described as “Difficult”. And we were particularly impressed with the Mushroom & Cabbage Risotto –such a delicious combination –and it tasted nothing like cabbage, by the way!  The Pumpkin & Carrot Soup served with Tomato & Basil Brochette was simply sensational. All 5 Cenas recipes are balanced nutritionally, but they are not “written in stone”. You can change quantities and substitute ingredients – I confess to adding a spoonful of butter to the risotto – but that’s what makes cooking fun!

Variety is the Spice of Life
With 5 Cenas, shopping baskets for 2 or 4 people are available, and if you enjoy the experience you can subscribe to the service and have a delivery of fresh, healthy ingredients brought to your door every two weeks. At 78 euros for 5 x meals for 4 people, or 59€ for 2 people, you would be hard pushed to stay within that budget when shopping yourself, especially if you factor in the petrol, not to mention the time you will be saving…

“5 Dinners” offer their deliveries from Marbella to Fuengirola. New customers are given a 20% discount on their first order. So what are you waiting for, put the inspiration back into feeding your family, and enjoy an extra helping of quality time. What could be more priceless than that?

Reserve your “5 Cenas” delivery on Tel: +34 952 768 331.

Visit the website: www.5cenas.com for further details.

For many years the Marbella Marina near the lighthouse was somewhat of a ‘no go’ area after dark with dingy bars and a rather unpleasant atmosphere. Even during the day the bars were dirty and there was not much on the menus apart from egg ‘n’ chips and a selection of burgers. The ‘food’ which came out of unclean kitchens was served by unwelcoming waiters who looked as though they needed a good scrub and a sleep.

Time for change

Walking into the ‘New’ Marina now from the newly built paved top terrace, there is a growing selection of smarter modern eateries and bars. These changes are part of a huge effort to bring new life and energy to the Marina, giving it a much needed face lift. Delfines is leading the big push and has invested heavily in creating a restaurant bar giving customers an experience which will have them coming back time after time.

Passion for excellence

We spoke to Swiss born Isi and his wife and business partner  Katja, the owners of Delfines. Having taken on a total of nine locales and turned them into one business they told us about their plans and expectations. Isi speaks of how he wants to give clients an experience which will ensure return visits. Concentrating on value for money is one of his main concerns together with offering the very best salads, meats and offering a wide selection of tapas and dishes prepared with passion. Isi and Katja are also very mindful that their staff are key to the whole plan, knowing that a smile costs nothing but is worth a fortune. Restaurant manager, Silvia keeps the staff in check.

Choosing your table… or sofa

The large front terraced overlooks the yachts, the middle area has a comfortable lounge patio and the back is where there will be a glassed restaurant called Piratas (due to be completed in 4 weeks). With a huge open kitchen, long barbecue grills and two of the best clay ovens on the market there will be the opportunity for customers to eat in Piratas or Delfines or takeaway. There are lounge sofas in various places around Delfines and also large plasma screens which fold down from the ceiling when needed. During the day food is served from 10am, and in the warmer months the bar will become a late night soft bar for after dinner copas. What better place to chill in those balmy evenings, over looking the Marina…

Party Guests

Coinciding with a major football match when throwing a party can be difficult, but on this occasion it was perfect. Due to the large area and different zones of the Delfines the Madrid vrs Barcelona match was watched by those who were interested, but guests who were not, didn’t feel they were in a sports bar. Members of the Marbella Town Hall, paid their respects to the owners and clinked glasses in way of a brindis. Also in attendance was Bob Slingerland from Holland Flowers, Diana Perez and her husband Adam Winfield.

The ‘New’ Marina is found near the lighthouse on the paseo maritimo in Marbella.

If you consider yourself something of a foodie then make sure you’re in town from 22 – 24 August as some of the best chefs, winemakers, waiters and sommeliers under the Andalucian sun get creative in front of a live audience!

The sweet smell of success

Thanks to the success of 2009’s Food and Sun Festival, over 400 gifted gastronomic pros are expected to showcase their skills this summer in order to earn Marbella a place on Europe’s culinary map.

On Sunday 22 August, the event will open with ‘Live Cooking’, which will see some of Spain’s top chefs, such as Jose Andres, Andrea Tumbarello and Dani Garcia, teach members of the public how to prepare a typical Spanish dish at the Hotel Don Pepe.

Pan-tastic

‘Wine and Green’ will take place on Monday 23 August, starting at 08.30am and combining two of the things Marbella does best – golf and fine dining.

Aloha Golf Club will offer festival goers a opportunity to compete in a special golf tournament before indulging in a wine and cocktail-tasting session, courtesy of Calima, El Lago and Skina – 3 of Marbella’s most renowned Michelin star restaurants. Green fees cost just 80€ for the day. To find out more, call Aloha Golf Club on 952 907 085.

The 2010 Food and Sun Festival will wrap things up on Tuesday 24 August with the Contest de Espetos – a competition due to take place on Marbella’s Venus Beach in which 6 ‘espeteros’ will battle it out to win a prize for the best sardines on the spit.

Timo, the man behind the magic of Garum, is an outgoing, enthusiastic Finn who, from the second we step onto the large, open terrace, truly cares about our dining experience.

As the bubbles from our apertif (Vallformosa Brut – a light, refreshing cava) start doing their job, we’re presented with 2 mini Prawn Cocktails, courtesy of the chef. Fresh, juicy prawns in a scrumptious caesar dressing – served with freshly baked herb-infused bread and olive oil prepare our tastebuds for the gastronomic delights to come.

It all makes scents

Next, we share a Foie Gras Crème Brulee with Red Onion Confit and Papadums. Breaking through the sweet surface of the brulee, unearths a smooth, creamy, savoury mousse which is quite simply divine. The jelly-like texture of the confit, the crunchiness of the poppadums and the velvety feel of the brulee make for a very sensual experience indeed.

It’s evident that the chef takes pride in his work. Presentation of the food is second to none and the citric and floral aromas rising up from the Salmon with Lavender and Pepper Crust (resting on a neat bed of fresh tagliatelli and a zesty orange sauce served with vegetables) are irresistible. Like a bouquet of assorted flowers, there’s something about this unlikely marriage of ingredients which just works – on every level.

The Veal Liver (served with potato, bacon and onion cake with apple and calvados sauce) offers that perfect melt-in-the-mouth texture, accompanied by a deliciously sweet marmalade-like flavour.

Sweet love

There’s no room for dessert, thanks to excellent portion sizes but with mouth-watering possibilities like the White Coffee Mousse with Cinnamon and Pear Compote and the Trilogy of Chocolate Parfait winking at us from the menu, declining is anything but easy. However, we savour the laid-back ambience and enjoy watching the world go by with a bottle of Gurpegui, a fruity sauvignon blanc with a gorgeous gooseberry aftertaste – a pleasure to sip slowly under the stars.

Attention to detail is what Garum’s all about. Whether it’s the way the chef has arranged a salad, the amount of time given between courses,  or the spacing between each table, everything has been carefully considered so we can enjoy the best possible dining experience. We’ll be back!

Where: Paseo Maritimo, Marbella

Cuisine: Cosmopolitan, creative, modern fusion

Ambience: Chilled-out, trendy

Clientele: Trendy families and couples

Service: Fantastic – friendly, attentive and informative

Opening Hours: 11am – 12pm

Reservations Tel: 952 858 858

X-Factor: Everything!

Looking for a leisurely way  to spend a Sunday…. ?  Get ready to enjoy the perfect gourmet picnic, without the preparing, packing or putting away…. Louise Cook reports.

Photography Gary Edwards

Dining out is one of the major pastimes – if not obsessions – of the cosmopolitan society resident on the Costa del Sol, not to mention the region’s gastronomy being a huge incentive for tourists to eat their way around the highlights of Andalucia.  With an overwhelming number of restaurants purveying everything from tapas to creative haute cuisine, those in the hospitality industry are seriously challenged when it comes to finding innovative ways to attract customers.

Taking outdoor dining to new heights is new venture, Lakeside Picnics offering the possibility to dine on delicious, freshly cooked cuisine, in a blissfully peaceful and private outdoor setting.  With acres of land to spare at  then beautiful finca north-east of Ronda, and taking inspiration from the spectacular outdoor dining options available in South Africa, proprietor Pam has created an idyllic lakeside setting in which 16 privileged guests can wine and dine in style under the shade of leafy oaks.

An Idyllic Finca Location

Building everything including the lake itself, Lakeside Picnic’s newly created oasis offers picnic tables, a freshly cooked three course meal, and the service of the delightful Alex, an obliging Tai Chi teacher, who is managing the new venture – and fitting in the odd tai chi workshop on site.  Easy to locate, just 9 kilometres from Ronda, not far from the main road, the idyllic Finca La Noria comes complete with the ancient well that gives the finca its name, a  tinkling waterfall, a stream, and a fully serviced kitchen where the picnic feasts are prepared by the chefs,  to be delivered minutes later by Alex in a juanty golf buggy.

With all the charms and none of the inconveniences of a picnic, the lakeside picnic idea is sure to catch on fast. Firstly there is no thinking about the menu, no cooking, and no precarious transporting of dishes and drinks that after several bumpy kilometres in the campo, often spilling in boot of the car, or arrive at their destination looking much less appetizing than when they came out of the oven.

With Lakeside Picnics,  all you need to do is pick up the phone and reserve your date,  Alex will take care of everything else. Once you settle at your chosen wooden picnic table, seating four,  Alex will deliver a hamper full of wine glasses, plates and cutlery – another advantage  -no sad paper plates or plastic cups here… and a cool box replete with chilled white wine and water and soft drinks, along with some tantalizing locally produced red wine.

Leisurely Lakeside Lunch

The food itself – all home-cooked – is a treat.  A far cry from the squashed sandwiches and dried up offerings at the average home-made picnic,  Lakeside Picnics provide a full-blown three-course lunch to be enjoyed at your leisure.  Our menu comprised succulent stuffed peppers with tomatoes and fresh basil; creamy chicken with piping hot new potatoes and a crunchy green salad with pomegranate seeds. The dessert was either a freshly-made brown bread ice-cream or zucetto, a chocolate pudding with cherries in kirsch, not unlike black forest gateau. The menus are prepared with many home-grown ingredients from the finca’s orchards, and dishes are tasty and original. You may be served for example, spinach roulade with smoked salmon, quails stuffed with kumquats and toasted pine nuts, and apricots in orange cinnamon and brandy…

The wines included on this occasion were a fragrant white Marques de Riscal, and  two local reds one from Cortijo Los Aguilares, and another from A. Pasos. The meal was finished off with tea and coffee – generous portions served out of proper tea and coffee pots, along with a bowlful of local chocolate almondsand brazils.

The Lakeside Picnics are available on Sundays for up to 16 people.

For reservations call Tel:   951242636.

The footballer who scored Spain’s winning goal in the 116th minute of this year’s FIFA World Cup Final was seen enjoying a meal at Marbella’s Casa devLa Era restaurant just 2 days ago.

26 year-old striker, Andrés Iniesta, who currently plays for FC Barcelona enjoyed a meal with friends on the restaurant’s picturesque, vine-covered terrace, which offers unrivalled views of the town, the Med and the mountains.

Staff praised Spain’s biggest sporting hero for his unforgettable goal in the World Cup Final against the Netherlands a few weeks ago and described the Albacete-born star as ‘smiling and relaxed’ as he guzzled red wine and sampled traditional Andaluían cuisine.

The restaurant, situated on the outskirts of Marbella, close to the La Cañada retail park, boasts its own wine cellar as well as an exquisite a la carte menu, featuring typical gastronomy deriving from the Malaga province and uses fresh produce from the local farms.

Spain’s 2010 World Cup Team Captain, Iker Casillas and girlfriend, Tele5 sports presenter, Sara Carbonera are currently holidaying in another of the world’s hotspots, California.

Spain’s first ever Master of Wine, Marbella-based Pancho Campo recommends a white wine with personality for your late summer soirees in Marbella.

Yellow Tail Shiraz 2006 – South Australia

Yellow Tail is the history of a worldwide success. It has become the best selling wine in the World with more than 110 million bottles sold in 2007. Its success in most markets has become a practical case study in wine marketing courses and universities in the United States, Australia and many other wine producing countries, and with good reason.

An Elaborate Coincidence
The wine was developed by the Casella family, Italian immigrants that moved to Australia decades ago. The winery is located in Yenda in New South Wales and the fruit is sourced from anywhere in the vast territory of South Australia. It it not aged in barrels but, instead, the wood treatment is done with oak chips. The success of the wine comes, partly from the taste and style of the wine, partly from the label and marketing, and partly by sheer force of luck.
What’s in a Name?

The name comes from the yellow-footed rock wallaby, a smaller cousin of the kangaroo that has a golden tail. The style is young, easy to drink and according to John Casella, the CEO for Yellow Tail, it is for “people who can’t be bothered by all the hype and nonsense of wine. They just want to drink it.”
For further gems of wisdom on the wine trade, and fine vintages to imbibe, keep up with Pancho Campo on www.thewineacademy.com

A bijou bodega tucked away in the hills of Gaucin has made the dreams of a Swede come true, as Louise Cook Edwards discovers.

Photography Gary Edwards

Rickard Enkvist is a perfect example of the power of dreams.  A former media man, years ago this convivial and corpulent Swede had a  flight of fantasy – to cultivate his own vineyard and create exquisite wines that would be the toast of connoisseurs worldwide.

Over ten years on, the small but perfectly formed Bodegas Cézar is the living embodiment of this dream, and the fruits of Rickard Enquist’s labours have materialized into the production of Sueños, (Dreams) the aptly named award-winning red wine grown and cultivated in the breathtaking setting of the hilltops of Gaucin.

Known locally as the “sueco loco” – to produce premium quality wines in the heat of southern Spain is quite some challenge – but Enkvist has created an environment in which the tempranillo grapes of
his choice can thrive, reaping the rewards of the unique microclimate. He also counts on the expertise and TLC of his small but expert team, including passionate eonologist, Jose Manuel Cozar, whose experienced nose and palate have helped Enquist to produce not only drinkable, but award-winning wines in a relatively short time frame.

A Nose for Quality

Despite his youth, Cozar has learned his trade in some of the best bodegas in Spain.  Bodegas Cezar only produce five wines, but Jose Manuel can now boast two awards  -  the Medalla de Oro for
Sueños and the Mezquita de Cordoba award for Sofia, a  delicious dessert wine, which tastes simply like liquid gold.This wine is not produced every year, and production is just 4000 bottles – making it a true privilege to open a bottle and savour the honey-coloured, sweet nectar.  With similar wines in France retailing at 200 euros a bottle, Sofia is a rare, and affordable delight at 17€ a bottle.

The Wines of Bodegas Cézar

Sueños - a smooth, mature, sophisticated red, aged in French oak  for 3 years.

Prize: Gold Medal -Concurso Nacional de Vinos Premio Mezquita

Eleonor – a blend of Moscatel and Chardonnay grapes – this floral scented white is a perfect complement for sushi, curry and lightly spiced foods.

Astrid – a golden, oaky Chardonnay with a vanilla undertone. Excellent with seafood and cheeses.

Greta - in honour of Swedish goddess of the silver screen, Greta Garbo, her eyes are featured on the label. A rich, young and feisty wine.

Sofia – a sweet, delicious dessert wine, in the “Sauternes” style.Prizes: Silver Medal – Concurso Nacional de Vinos Premio Mequita.

Gold Medal – CINVE (Consurso internacional de Vinos y Espirituosos)

Champagne – Enkvist wines are proud to have their own house champagne – produced by Florent- Bergeronneau Marion in the Champagne region of France.  Delicate and low acidity, it is a delight to celebrate with this reasonably priced champagne.

Savour the Passion

As the wines gain recognition, Enkvist’s pride is growing alongside the vines, but the happy owner of this unique vineyard takes greatest pride in seeing people savouring the delectable vintages coming out of Bodegas Cezar.  And with this in mind, the bodega invites small groups to tour the facilities and enjoy an informative tasting of the wines on offer.  Groups of between 10-25 people can come and enjoy the breathtaking views to the Straits of Gibraltar, and Morocco beyond, stroll around the finca, view the facilities and enjoy the enriching experience of tasting the wines with delicious, freshly-prepared hot and cold tapas, for just 20€ per person.  Among the tempting and exquisitely presented morsels were tiny spinach quiche, blinis with egg and caviar, chicken skewers with hazelnut sauce, cheese straws and lemon tarts. For a more complete day, visitors can opt for a 3-course meal, for 50€ a head, and even stay at a nearby boutique hotel, as well as enjoying the visit, for just 89€ per person.  At Bodegas Cezar you can taste the love and attention lavished on every vine, grape and bottle produced, so what are you waiting for…

And if you are far away from Andalucia, but still yearn to savour this unique taste from the hills of Guacin, the good news is that you can order online.
www.enkvistwines.com

There’s something about being in the sun and by the sea that makes a cocktail taste so much better and luckily, there are plenty of bars in Marbella that will cater for your Piña Colada craving or your lust for Long Island Ice Teas. But with so many options, finding the perfect cocktail can be challenging! So we’ve trawled the bars and restaurants of Marbella in search of the most wonderful Woo-Woos and White Russians to the most magnificent Mojitos and Margaritas the town has to offer (such hard work…), to bring you our Top 10. Cheers!

1. The Mojito @ Nikki Beach, Elviria

If you haven’t already heard about this exclusive, elaborate beach club, let’s introduce you: Nikki Beach is by far the most glam, trendy and high-class venue in which to be seen sipping the classiest cocktails in Marbella. The staff are highly qualified in the art of shaking and stirring and since we’re regulars at Nikki Beach, there’s no question that their Mojito is something  pretty special. So much so, they’ve dubbed it their ‘world famous signature cocktail’. It contains a refreshing mix of white rum, lime juice, sugar, mint leaves and soda water. On summer evenings, you can enjoy this exotic drink whilst being entertained by world-class DJs, beautiful go-go dancers and live musicians. Pure paradise!

2. The Carl Johan @ El Catalonia, Puerto Deportivo, Marbella

Formally The Library, this 60s rock’n’roll/northern soul-orientated bar attracts musicians and music lovers from all over the coast. Friendly New Yorker, Chadd, is the owner and a dab hand at mixing up refreshing cocktails from the diverse menu (which includes a selection of non-alcoholic cocktails too). Our favourite is the Carl Johan – a simple, light and refreshing blend of Bombay Sapphire gin, Pisang Ambon banana and herb liquor, lime juice and tonic – ideal for cooling down whilst enjoying the free live music and djs every Friday and Saturday night.

3. The Strawberry Daikiri @ La Habana de Hemingway, Puerto Banus

Possibly the most bustling bar on the front line in Puerto Banus, La Habana offers an impressive array of flavoursome Cuban cocktails. After sampling some of their most popular concoctions, we agrred that the Strawberry Daikiri proved the most irresistible.  With its seductive blend of strawberry shnapps, rum, fresh strawberries, sugar and lime juice, this is the by far the sweetest, sexiest way to enjoy summer in Marbella. Boxer Prince Naseem Hamed, entrepeneur Theo Paphitis and publicist Max Clifford are among the celebrities who’ve enjoyed the Daiquiri at La Habana. Needless to say, the cocktails here aren’t cheap but you certainly get what you pay for – high quality drinks made with the freshest ingredients, friendly, professional, outgoing staff as well as lively Latin music and gorgeous go-go dancers. What more could you ask for?

4. The Classic Dry Martini @ MC Beach, Marbella Club Hotel, Golden Mile

During the summer months, the Marbella Club’s exclusive beach venue is legendary for its refined ambience and sophisticated selection of cocktails. Many years ago, big names such as Bridget Bardot and Sofia Loren graced this elegant hotel bar and savoured the glamourous surroundings as they sipped their Dry Martinis – the classic blend of gin and vermouth, garnished with a green olive. More recently, famous faces like The ‘Stones’ Mick Jagger, Sting, Posh & Becks and George Hamilton have also been seen sampling the cocktails in this chic loaction.

5. The Ritz Champagne Cocktail @ Polo House, Golden Mile, Marbella

The Polo House is one of the newest, most exclusive venues in Marbella. Owned by former British household cavalry officer, James Hewitt, and situated on Marbella’s famous Golden Mile, this lavish restaurant-come-nightclub is already renowned for serving up the perfect cocktail. The Ritz Champagne Cocktail has quickly become the signature tipple and offers a zesty blend of Martel VS Cognac, Cointreau as well as sugar infused with Angostura and Orange Bitter with a dash of champagne. Drink it at the bar or whilst enjoying the high-class cuisine or perhaps even a boogie with Marbella’s elite till the early hours.

6. The Original Mai Tai @ Polynesian, Puerto Banus

Part of an international chain, the Polynesian restaurant and bar offers some of the best cocktails around. Its rum-based Mai Tai was created in 1944 by Trader Vic and is now recreated everyday by the bar’s knowledgeable mixologists.  Using 17 year old Jamaican rum, almond syrup, orange curacao juice, fresh lime, syrup and a sprig of mint to garnish – the popular Mai Tai is the ideal way to feel refreshed on the Polynesian tropical terrace during those hot summer nights in Puerto Banus.

7. The Hurricane @ Hard Rock Café, Puerto Banus

For almost 40 years, the Hard Rock experience has offered the world classic American fare with a rock’n’roll edge.  And with a devilishly tempting selection of cocktails, it’s not difficult to see why the new Hard Rock Café in Puerto Banús is already a popular drinking spot. One cocktail that always goes down a storm here is the Hurricane. This naughty little number will have you rocking in more ways than one with its delicious blend of orange, mango and pineapple juice infused with Bacardi rum, Disaronno, Amaretto, Finest Call Grenadine, garnished with an orange and maraschino cherry.

8. The Café Sol Summer Punch @ Café Sol, Puerto Deportivo, Marbella

Not only does Café Sol look out onto the one of Marbella’s most picturesque beaches, Playa del Faro, it also offers one of the best spots in which to sit back and watch the sunset on a balmy summer evening.  As well as a laid-back, bohemian ambience, owners Shirley and Christian have created a varied and extensive cocktail menu which offers some very tasty tipples indeed. They’re renowned for their Summer Punch – a tongue-tingling blend of Smirnoff Vodka, lemon juice and fresh raspberries, creme de cassis and creme de mure, topped with cava, which you won’t find anywhere else on the coast. Pure heaven in a glass.

9. The Siberian Sunrise @ Astral, Puerto Banus

The team at Astral are extremely passionate about cocktails and take pride in ensuring only the freshest, most matured fruits and ingredients are used during preparation. Their cocktail menu changes daily and offers dozens of delicious concoctions to choose from, including non-alcoholic ones. The Siberian Sunrise is well worth going back for. Its simple yet mouth-wathering fusion of grapefruit juice, vodka, triple sec and cracked ice make it instantly refreshing and easy to drink.  Situated on the Playa Levante beach in the heart of Puerto banus, this outdoor ‘dry dock’ has been designed to replicate a 19th century sailboat and is often awash with exotic dancers, fire-eaters and musical talent.

10. The Cosmopolitan @ Casamono, Marbella

No 10 of the best…. This funky new restaurant/bar is owned by Guy, a fun-loving Frenchman who’s crazy about monkeys. With the help of an interior designer friend, he has created a unique, contemporary ‘jungle’ feel throughout the 2-storey establishment. The al fresco area is no different, with its leafy shade and earthy furniture – where better to cool down with a cocktail?  The cocktail menu is not the most extensive and, they’re strong believers in the ‘quality not quantity’ phrase at Casamono. We opted for the classic Cosmopolitan -  vodka, triple sec, lime and cranberry juice and ice, all shaken and poured seductively into a martini glass. We were in primate paradise!