Marbella makes a bid to stregthen its position as a luxury destination at FITUR, Spain’s largest tourism trade fair, currently being held in Madrid. marbellas.com reports…

Marbella’s Mayor has a hectic agenda at this year’s edition of FITUR, the 4 day trade fair running in Madrid until Sunday. Mª Angeles Muñoz has been busy with back-to-back meetings with Russian and Saudi Arabian authorities, as well as members of Spain’s national government.  Among the Mayor’s aims are securing greater funding for Marbella, in tune with the real rather than the registered population of the town, an issue she discussed with the Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism, José Manuel Soria.  The Mayor also had the chance to greet Prince and Princess of Asturias, Don Felipe and his wife Doña Letizia, special guests at the opening of the Feria Internacional de Turismo 2012.

Forum for International Brands

The Mayor has signed an agreement with representatives of luxury development La Zagaleta, located in Benahavis, close to Marbella, to hold a Forum for International Brands during the Marbella Luxury Weekend, the second edition of which will take place again in Puerto Banús in  the summer 2012. José Luis Hernández, councillor for Tourism stated, that luxury shopping  in Marbella was one attraction that could help the town shrug off seasonality and create a year-round influx of visitors.

The new initiative is a bid for Marbella to be associated with the world of business and foreign investment, and will take advantage of the presence of a number of leading international brands at the events planned for the Luxury Weekend to showcase the city’s attractions. José Luis Hernández, said, “One of our objectives this year is attracting business tourism to Marbella, and we want to showcase our city as a place which offers great possibilities and guarantees to foreign investors.

Marbella has also flagged up its Andalusian cultural heritage and festivals – in particular Semana Santa – as a distinguishing feature which sets the town apart from other Mediterranean destinations.

For more information:

www.fitur.com

Gran Hotel Conde Duque – Some Things Never Change… Madrid is one of the most endearing cities in the world, as while other capitals tire, succumb to the high street giants, get trashy, and lose their identity, Madrid rises above the ravages of progress with style managing to retain all of her  glory along with that sassy Mediterranean buzz that makes it such an enduringly popular city with all that visit.

As a consequence, many establishments retain an old-world charm while existing and operating perfectly according to the rules of the modern world.  The Gran Hotel del Duque is one such place.  Languishing in an unobtrusive corner, south-west of the city centre, to step inside this classic hotel, is to enter another world, a world in which time stands still, a world of impeccable manners from impeccably uniformed staff, a world which buffers businessmen and visitors from the frenetic pace of city life outside the beautifully polished revolving doors.

A Haven of Style

The interior is a haven of style and grace.  Classic – but contemporary with rich woods, crimson and teal striped style, oriental rugs and exotic objets d’art gleaned from exciting destinations.  The style is far from the anodine world of business hotels, while not pandering in any way to tourism – it is a perfect travellers hotel – a place which would complement the stay of any discerning guest.

In the lobby is a library stacked with novels, travelogues and interesting tomes.  Aptly named “the forgettery”, it is the ideal place for a little “me time” a necessary addition to anyone’s busy schedule. And a fine place it is to buffer oneself from the world outside, relaxing on a leather sofa, surrounded by antiques, pot plants and the comforting fragrance of order and style. Although at first, seemingly formal, with its meeting rooms,  the Gran Hotel del Duque is also very much on the wavelength of personal well-being and purveys a series of pleasures and experiences for the senses, such as complimentary aromatherapy scents for rooms, access to a variety of massages and acupuncture sessions, along with appealing toiletries in the bathrooms.  The fitness conscious guest will also be given free use of a nearby gym.

It is somehow fitting that the Gran Hotel Conde Duque was founded in the 1950s – as the establishment seems to proudly uphold the values of the era, with overwhelmingly obliging staff, who cannot be faulted on their efficiency, politeness and discretion. The standard rooms are not particularly spacious, but they do have everything you could need, and offer a rarified ambience combining contemporary decor with creature comforts and modern appliances, such as TVs that can be programmed to wake you up in the morning, satellite pay TV,  internet access!

The hotel can provide every service to help guests stay looking sharp and businesslike, such as laundry, dry-cleaning, ironing and shoe cleaning – along with accessories to vanity such as hairdryers, bathroom scales, hydromassage shower and 24 room service. The meeting rooms would certainly help any self-respecting businessman or woman clinch a deal.  A haven of marble, air-conditioning and hi-tech – where  better to escape the highs and lows of the Madrid climate with a working breakfast, presentation or press conference at the Gran Hotel Conde Duque…?

Food for Thought

The Gastronomy at Gran Hotel Conde Duque is a great complement to this fine hotel. The breakfast spread is excellent – and you will find your self in the company of a highly cosmopolitan crowd.  The hotel also has a coffee bar for light meals and drinks, including a complete menu of mineral waters from all 5 continents,  the  tea rooms which offer a civilized experience of tea, cakes and canapes, along with live music on the Paraguayan harp.   The hotel also purveys a variety of fine wines from respected Spanish bodegas from the Rioja and Ribera del Duero regions.  You can even pop into the souvenir shop onsite, to take away a quirky memento of your stay.

With double rooms from 81 euros per night, this centrally located hotel represents excellent value for a truly special stay and is a perfect location if contemplating a weekend of Christmas shopping in the capital… Ho ho ho  !!!
Call  Tel: 91 447 70 00 for reservations.

www.hotelcondeduque.es

Following his recent concert at the Puente Romano Tennis Club, at which fans were treated to a repertoire of new songs from TJ’s latest album, as well as an ample selection of old classics, will they be dishing out more Praise than Blame?  marbellas.com reports. Photography Gary Edwards

With a plethora of concerts being staged all summer long in Marbella, none was so highly anticipated as the one night only performance by Tom Jones at the Puente Romano Tennis Club.  With fans spanning three generations, there was no shortage of eager Jones fans willing to spend upwards of 90 euros for the privilege of seeing the living legend live on stage.  Playing to a packed Puente Romano, the veteran pop star played a compelling set taking in songs from his new album Praise and Blame, along with a wide range of his more raucous  – and romantic classics.

With a tight backing band comprising two female singers, two guitarists, keyboard and drums, despite now being in his 70th year, Tom Jones does not rely on gimmicks to get him through the night… and the extraordinary voice that has been the fortune of the Welsh born star, is certainly not on the wane.

While it was probably not the new material most fans were eager to listen to, Praise and Blame is a body of work that harks back to Tom Jones’s roots -and as such, is a brilliant showcase for his rich, emotional musicality.

New Works
The new album is something of a retrospective journey, drawing on Jones’s roots with a blend of gospel, blues, traditional and country songs, giving Jones the chance to wear his heart on his sleeve, emotionally raw and  true.  Talking of the new album, Jones has been quoted as saying:

“We wanted to go back to basics, go back to the source, it was just me singing live with a rhythm section – no overdubbing, no gimmicks, no complicated horn and string arrangements, just get the song down in an entire take, capture the meaning of the song, its spirituality, its life, and capture that moment, right there. And I think that’s what we’ve done.”

It is a truly remarkable record, one that captures the Tom Jones who listened to Mahalia Jackson and Sister Rosetta Tharpe on the radio as a child growing up, who thought gospel music was “just like rock’n’roll, every bit as exciting but with deeper lyrics”, the Tom Jones who belted out The Lord’s Prayer as a jubilatory spiritual in school assembly, “because that was the only way I knew how to sing it, it was natural for me.”

Recording with producer Ethan Johns (Kings Of Leon, Ray LaMontagne, Paolo Nutini, Laura Marling) at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios in the little village of Box in Wiltshire, coaxed the most exhilarating performances out of the singer. “Box is where my grandmother used to live, she was a Baptist and she’d have really appreciated what we were doing.  I really felt like it was an early sign, this record was meant to be,” says Tom.

Whether it’s John Lee Hooker’s ‘Burning Hell’, Bob Dylan’s ‘What Good Am I’, Jesse Mae Hemphill’s ‘Lord Help The Poor And Needy’, Susan Werner’s ‘Did Trouble Me’ or Billy Joe Shaver’s ‘If I Give My Soul’, Tom stamps his own authority upon the songs, it’s   as if they were written with  him personally in mind.

As an album, ‘Praise And Blame’ follows the universal journey of a man through the rites of passage, “as he reflects, observes and comments on what is going on around him,” says Tom. It’s not necessarily autobiographical, “but there are bits in there that I definitely relate to and can learn from.”

Classics Reworked
Although Jones did not earn his reputation as a white hot sex symbol for his classic ballads such as Delilah and The Green, Green Grass of Home, they are the kind of tear jerkers that just have to come out  of his particular box of tricks at every single concert.   And while other men at seventy may just be portly and grey,  Tom is given a pop star’s grace – and in his case, the years have simply made him as mature and alluring as a silver fox, with a gaze so intense it could bore holes through unsuspecting members of the audience.

As the night continued in Marbella,  it was clear that Jones had enough musical ammunition to blast his fans into a frenzy with the old classics such as Kiss and Sex Bomb… at which point the fans fought back with assorted underwear being launched at the stage…

Queen Tribute band blows Marbella Freddie Mercury fans away with a Beachside Rhapsody replete with the  Queen classics  they longed to hear live once again.  Another fantastic concert on the Costa del Sol in a season of musical excess, says marbellas.com. Photography – Gary Edwards.

You can never be sure if a Tribute band is going to deliver you a faithful enough experience of your favourite pop legends to risk seeing them… But luckily for Marbella, Freddie Mercury look-alike and sound-alike Gary Mullen didn’t disappoint with his two hour performance on Playa del Pinillo, the novel summer venue at the entrance to Marbella.

Singing everything from Barcelona to Fat Bottomed Girls to We are the Champions, Mullen hardly paused for breath as he belted out track after track to an audience who just couldn’t get enough. The balmy night was perfect for the open air concert which took place exactly 25 years after Queen and Freddie Mercury played their last-ever European concert to 25,000 people in Marbella’s football stadium.

More than a few people in the Mullen audience remembered that night a quarter of a century ago and were taken right back with the genius of the Killer Queen tribute band, and the spirit of the great entertainer himself, Queen front man, Freddie Mercury must surely have been drawn back to Marbella by the extraordinary coincidence of time and place, along with the not inconsiderable talent of Mullen whose performances have even been endorsed by Queen band members as the only tribute act they would recommend.

It’s A Kind of Magic

Queen have an enormous following in Spain, and the fans who gathered on this magical night at Playa del Pinillo spanned a wide range of ages and nationalities – all with one thing in common, a love of the pure theatricality of Queen, perhaps the best exponents ever of rock opera.  Although Mullen’s looks are not identical to the outlandish Zanzibar-born Queen front man, his stance and stage presence were eerily reminiscent of the mercurial Mr. Mercury, and his voice and delivery are about as close as you could  get without resorting to cloning the original glam rock star who sadly died of AIDS in November 1991. Following Freddie’s death John Deacon retired from Queen in ’97 but John Taylor and Brian May played on several occasions with Paul Rogers as “Queen and Paul Rogers” but this collaboration finished in 2009. The band had 18 number albums and 18 number singles and sold over 300 million records worldwide.

If imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, then Mullen and his band must be pure devotees of Freddie Mercury and Queen’s talents – although, perhaps they could do a little better in terms of costumes and sheer camp glamour – something Mercury had down to a fine art.

Made In Heaven

The concert audience was well and truly warmed up by previous X Factor finalist, Ruth Lorenzo, who is increasingly coming into her own a  force to be reckoned with now that she is performing her own material  and not so many cover versions.The Spanish star is always happy to be back on Spanish soil and connecting with a Spanish and expat audience.

By the time Mullen and co were up on stage, the people in the Marbella audience was ready to jump up and out of  their chairs and rock with the band – and the copycat Queen soon had the three-thousand strong crowd enthralled, just as the original band had 25 years before. Long live glam rock, long live Queen, Gary Mullen and a unique sound that truly was Made in Heaven.

Looking for a memorable place to get away from it all? As Louise Cook Edwards reveals, the Hotel Bobadilla – just an hour from Marbella is an absolute gem of traditional Andalusian style, creative cuisine and totally unbridled nature. Photos: Gary Edwards/Hotel Bobadilla

The Hotel Bobadilla  is without doubt one of the finest hotels in Spain. Tatler magazine went so far as to class it as one of the top 101 hotels in the world.  Located in a vast, unspoiled stretch of countryside between Malaga and Granada, Bobadilla is one of the Leading Small Hotels of the World.  A true Andalusian thoroughbred,  this hotel is without equal in terms of its stunning location and the quality of services and leisure activities served with style to its privileged guests.

Neither the brochures nor the website, or even the appreciative cooing of previous guests can prepare you for the wonderful feeling you sense on actually driving into the grounds and seeing the 350 hectares of privileged woodland and olive groves in which guests can roam and relax at their leisure.  There are many beautiful five star hotels, but few, if any, that afford this sense of having unlimited space and freedom.

Bobadilla is not new, the hotel has been open since the 80s, and it is that maturity, and well-established feel that make the place so special, along with its stunning elegant rustic design, and the blissfully unspoiled tract of nature which effectively act as the “grounds” of
the hotel.  Yes, there are no less twenty-five kilometres of untapped nature to be explored on foot, mountain bike, horse, quad or for a more adrenaline fuelled ride, safari buggy.

Andalusian Country Life
If you have ever fantasized about owning a finca, or country house, then a stay at the Bobadilla can bring that dream to life. The design is based on a luxurious Moorish settlement, complete with chapel. Once inside a split level superior suite, complete with its own cosy open fireplace, elegant rustic furnishing, and a sun terrace overlooking nothing but the glorious Granada countryside, and a garden strewn with freshly-fallen oranges and autumn leaves, you are in your own private piece of Andalusian country life.  Order room service and enjoy a fino with plump local olives in the late afternoon sun, and you could be transported back to the idyllic visions of Andalusia written by Laurie Lee in As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning….  The suites are so private, so well appointed, and so tastefully designed – to be more like home than a hotel room -  that you could happily spend your entire stay there, making good use of room service and drinking in the pure, unadulterated tranquillity.

But as the list of activities you are given on arrival states, this is “Your Magnificent Residence in Spain” and you will no doubt want to make the most of the privileges on offer, and explore your options.  With everything from mountain biking, clay pigeon shooting, horse riding and spa pampering among the choice, it is a case of where do you start…

Grand But Grounded
Just walking around the hotel itself is inspiring, with its grand reception, full of horse-shoe arches like the Mezquita de Cordoba, a white baby grand piano, lillies reaching for the sky in tall glass vases, vanilla scented candles and fabulous Moorish arch windows looking onto the hotel’s two fine restaurants. Sinking into a sofa and reading the Sunday papers here is just one rarified experience to be enjoyed at La Bobadilla. Every corner of the building is inspiring, with curious details, windows, patios, eclectic works of art. Just being there gives you an overwhelming sensation of experiencing the quintessential Spain, the real unspoiled Andalusia…

The spa also replicates the Moorish theme, and here you can be pummeled and preened with invigorating water jets, contrast showers and steam rooms – as well as opting for a host of beautifying treatments such as a vanilla milk bath or a caviar facial.  Then simply lie back on a heated lounger with rays of sunlight streaming in, and feel the ultimate in relaxation – another key Bobadilla moment.

The Finest Food
The cuisine at Bobadilla is legendary, particularly La Finca restaurant, which has been awarded the top gastronomic accolade of 5 forks and is considered a reference point for creative Mediterranean cuisine in Spain.   With dishes such as Ravioli with Wild Muschrooms and Black Truffle Sauce, or Lobster Gratin,  the fine reputation is well deserved, and reservations before arrival are highly recommended, otherwise you may be disappointed.  El Cortijo restaurant, shares a kitchen with La Finca, but for the 10% price
difference, La Finca delivers a much higher standard of cuisine.

The breakfast buffet at Bobadilla is superb; delicious hams and cheeses, fruit skewers, freshly cooked eggs and chorizo, a selection of olive oil varieties, a bountiful choice of breads, melt in the mouth pastries, and unusual fresh juices, Nespresso coffees and beautifully prepared teas, all served on the finest porcelain. This has to rate as one of the
best hotel breakfasts in Spain.

Back to Nature
For all its creature comforts and friendly and discreet service, which are of an incredibly high standard, the highlight of the Bobadilla is the unparalleled access to nature once you step outside the door.  It is not every day you can take a mountain bike ride through olive groves,  passing wild rabbits, and hearing the sound of birds chirping at every turn. For a small charge you can canter out on horseback along endless trekking routes, or take a speedier ride around the grounds in a buggy or quad.  Those with a firearms licence can shoot clay pigeons, or hunt for small game, all within walking distance of the hotel.

Closer to the hotel itself, you can try a round of archery, book a tennis court, play table tennis, or settle down by the magnificent pool – which is designed to blend seamlessly with the environment. Children – who are absolutely welcome at Bobadilla – have their own pool and play area, and not far from the pool, there is an enclave for a delightful family of deer.  Could you possibly ask more of a hotel?

The rarified ambience of Hotel Bobadilla comes at a price naturally, (in winter from 199€/night & breakfast- roughly a euro per hectar of space) but with special offers in low season, this is one luxury worth investing in.
After all, you simply can’t put a price on good memories – and at Bobadilla those are assured.

A Barceló Premium Hotel, La Bobadilla, Loja , Granada. Tel: 958 321 861

www.barcelolabobadilla.com

Hot on the heels of Joaquin Cortes, George Benson, Rafael Amargo, Mica Paris and Soul2Soul we can look forward to a host of class acts including, Jamie Cullum, Earth, Wind & Fire, a rousing tribute to Queen, The Millionaire’s Summer Party, Jamiroquai and Kid Creole… Summer 2011 is all set to become entertainment paradise in Marbella… reports marbellas.com

Marbella may have become too small for the super groups who will only play to crowds of 50,000 plus, but this summer is proving that Marbella society still has a thirst for quality entertainment, and in the next few weeks the culture hungry crowd will be royally entertained by some of the finest names in the business.

Tom Jones – Live in Concert

18th August – Living legend, Tom Jones  will be making a star appearance on 18th August at the Tennis Club Puente Romano -
his first concert in the area in a decade.  As  the years pass by, Jones loses none of his charisma and sex-appeal, and his
performance is all set to crank up the temperature on an already sizzling Marbella summer.

The music of Tom Jones traverses musical eras and genres, appeals to the young and old, mainstream and cutting edge. The
Godfather of modern soul and sex symbol to 3 generations of women, Marbella audiences can expect the star to be performing
his classics including Kiss, Delilah, Sex Bomb and new tracks from his critically acclaimed album Praise & Blame. The concert
begins at 8pm. Tickets are from 90€ to 250€ plus handling fee.  Available from ticketmaster.es.

The Millionaires’ White Summer Party
Lovers of the Rat Pack era should make a beeline to the fabulous concert coming to Finca La Concepción on Saturday 30th July. Introducing an “Evening from Las Vegas” the Millionaire’s White Summer Party will offer all the glitz, glamour and style of the glory days of Hollywood, with the sounds of Frank Sinatra – as interpreted by accomplished sound-alike Stephen Triffitt. Acclaimed as one of the best cover artists in the world, he will perform a wide repertoire of Sinatra classics with the full backing of a 22-piece Big Band Orchestra, and a flurry of Las Vegas showgirls.

The night will continue with Maxine Barrie – performing as Shirley Bassey and follow on with Eric Conley paying homage to the late, great Barry White. He’ll be setting the mood for a party hosted by International DJ Rusty Egan, who will be playing classic Studio 54 disco tracks until the early hours.
VIP ticket holders will be treated to a champagne reception with Veuve Clicquot.  Tickets can be requested via the website www.millionairessummerparty.com for 120€ per ticket.  Marbellas.com will also have two tickets to give away – so watch this space!

3rd August  -  Jamiroquai
Following the disappointment of a last-minute Costa concert cancellation a handful of years ago, Jay Kay fans will be thrilled to know that the king of cool will be playing his cosmic mix of funky classics in Malaga at the Auditorio this summer.  Touring since March wit the Rock Burst Light Star Tour which will take him across the 5 continents, this is your chance to see the likes of Cosmic Girl and Travelling without Moving performed straight from the horse’s mouth… Tickets from www.ticketmaster.com

Piano Man
Hot on the tails of Jay Kay, another serious UK talent of a different ilk will be taking to the stage.On 4th August, the fabulously talented pianist and jazz singing virtuoso, Jamie Cullum will be delighting audiences at the Castillo de Sohail as the talent makes its way westward, With tickets from 35€, this is a rare chance to catch one seriously talented young man in concert.  For details contact www.riffmusic.org

“Beach Boys”
The Playa del Pinillo at the entrance of Marbella is the surprise new open-air venue for a host of talent this summer. 23rd July sees the Life Festival, once again in Marbella  – a giant beach party with a top line up of Djs including John Shelvin, Fonsi Nieto, Ruben Morán, Rebeka Brown & Superlush DJs. With a white dress code, expect to see a sea of white Expect to find a summer fave rave to remember.  For details of pricing, and tickets, please see www.riffmusic.org

Glam Rocks into Town
5th August  – the beach will come alive with the memory of Queen, thanks to Tribute band Gary Mullen & The Works who will perform One Night of Queen.  The date marks exactly 25 years since Queen and Freddie Mercury played their last-ever European concert to 25,000 people in Marbella’s football stadium.
Yes, 25 years later to the day, Marbella will once again rock to the sound of Queen’s greatest hits including Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, Killer Queen and We are the Champions.
Tickets are from 30€, and are available from a number of outlets including Ticketmaster, El Corte Inglés and FNAC. Marbellas.com will be offering two x tickets in our upcoming 6th anniversary giveaway, so keep reading daily for full details!

In celebration of 40 years of Queen, and 40 years of Hard Rock Café, our friends at Hard Rock Café Marbella in Puerto Banús are offering all ticket holders a free drink with their main course.
Present your ticket at the restaurant any time between 13th July and 13th August.
On 13th July they will be holding a special “Queen Day” with special cocktails, menu and a non-stop soundtrack and videos of Queen classics. www.dreamticketpromotions.com

High Octane Glamour Gala
On 6th August, the über glamorous Starlite Gala takes Marbella’s reputation into the stratosphere of super celebrity with hosts, the Desperately gorgeous Eva Longoria, and latino lover extraordinaire and malagueño superstar, Antonio Banderas.  For the second year running, this mega gala will bring high octane glamour to Marbella, at the Villa Padierna, the very hotel Michelle Obama holidayed in last summer with her gals. Divine location, stellar guests and a host of irresistible raffle prizes including coveted art, jewellery and exotic trips, the Starlite Gala is simply in a different firmament.  www.starlitegala.com

Boogie Wonderland…

A few days later on 13th August smooth funksters Earth Wind and Fire will revive the slick sound of 70s and 80s disco at the prestige open air concert venue at Puente Romano Tennis Club.  The multi award winning line up will whip up a storm of hi–energy tracks including the legendary Boogie Wonderland, Gotta get you into my life and Shining Star . Promoted by Awesome events, a variety of ticket prices are on offer, including VIP tickets with champagne to get you in the party mood.

Tickets can be purchased at El Corte Inglés and from www.ticketmaster.es.

A Stylish Finale
And on 25th August, just before the sun goes down on Marbella’s summer madness, Kid Creole & the Coconuts will bring some of their tropical sunshine to the ultimate party venue, Nikki Beach. Playing a set of his signature slick blend of feel good latino party music with killer lyrics, Kid Creole and his band will be followed by the foxy singer turned DJ, Sophie Ellis Bextor who will keep the party mood going until 5am.  Tickets will be 50€, or 30€ for just the after-show party. A delectable pre-show dinner with a Creole twist is the perfect complement to the feel-good event of the summer (also 50€). For reservations contact Nikki Beach on Tel:  952836239. www.nikkibeach.com

DATES IN SHORT

21st July – Nikki Beach
Diamond Party

23rd July – Playa del Pinillo Marbella
Life Festival – DJs John Shelvin, Fonsi Nieto, Ruben Morán, Rebeka Brown

30th July – Finca La Concepcion
Millionaires White Summer Party

3rd August – Auditorio Malaga
Jamiroquai

4th August – Castillo de Sohail Fuengirola
Jamie Cullum

5th August – Playa del Pinillo Marbella
Queen Tribute

6th August – Villa Padierna Hotel
Starlite Gala

13th August – Puente Romano Tennis Club
Earth, Wind & Fire

18th August – Puente Romano Tennis Club
Tom Jones

25th August – Nikki Beach
Kid Creole & the Coconuts
followed by DJ tunes from Sophie Ellis Bextor

Fifteen different nationalities are represented among the artists exhibiting, and the FIAM is living up to its name as an international art festival. The multicultural mix of participants is a true reflection of the cosmopolitan community in Marbella.  There are artists from Spain, UK, Germany, USA, Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Georgia, Italy and Cuba among others exhibiting their works in the 2011 edition of the FIAM.  With an outstanding selection of artists from around the world preparing to display their works, FIAM is anticipated to attract a spectacular number of visitors.

A Cultural Melange

Some 20,000 people visited the event last year, and this year’s festival promises to be even more popular. With an ever more enticing programme of entertainment, the new Buddha Bar Chillout Lounge area, a gourmet food corner, a media centre, an exhibition of retro furniture from the 50’s and 60’s and much more, the festival which is fully supported by the Tourism Council of Marbella Town Hall, comprises a dynamic street festival bringing the centre of town to life in an explosion of colourful art, music and performances over three days.  Sprawling down the Alameda and the Avenida del Mar in the heart of Marbella between the quaint Old Town and the Paseo Marítimo, artists will display their work in an attractive line up of individual white tents.

With artistic styles ranging from impressionism, to hyperrealism, in every media from painting, photography and sculpture to digital art, the festival is a mesmerizing showcase of artistic and cultural diversity.  The event kicks off with a VIP inaugural cocktail party on Thursday 23rd June, and the festival organizers are interested to hear from potential sponsors, as well as Friends of the Festival, giving everyone a chance to support Marbella’s cultural landscape.

For full details of the three days of varied entertainment on offer, look out for the colourful, A5 festival programme, available in a wide range of establishments along the coast from June or log onto website: www.festivaldeartemarbella.com

With the summer season almost over, it’s time to make the most of those last few weeks of uninterrupted sunshine…

1. Enjoy a long, lazy lunch at your local chiringuito

Many beach restaurants in Marbella close their doors for the season at the end of September so why not head down to your local chiringuito to catch the last serving of sardines from the spit of the year. With the heat of summer fading and a welcome, cooler breeze now upon us, there’s nothing more satisfying than indulging in some typical Mediterranean fayre, al fresco.

2. Get pampered at the Hotel Fuerte Miramar Spa for just 16 euros!

If you’ve had a hectic summer, there’s nowhere better to relax and unwind than the tranquil spa at Marbella’s Hotel Fuerte Miramar. They’re currently offering Hydrotherapy treatment (includes jet massage in the dynamic pool, massage beds, sauna, steam bath and Scottish bio thermal shower) for just 16 euros! For more information, call 952 768 410.

3. Have an Amazing Sunday at Nikki Beach

Before Marbella’s most lavish outdoor club packs away its sumptuous beds for the winter, make sure you get down to Nikki Beach for one of its renowned Amazing Sundays. With chilled, up-to-the-minute house grooves, top international DJs, exquisite cuisine and the best cocktails on the coast, where better to spend your last weekend of the summer? To reserve a bed call, 952 836 239.

4. Take a walk on the wild side at Selwo adventure and animal park

Situated just 20km from Marbella, close to the town of Estepona, Selwo boasts an  impressive number ofanimals ranging from big cats to exotic birds. Perfect for a family day out, there’s a restaurant as well as accommodation for those who want to spend more time with thewild things! Adults – €24.50 and €17.00 for children (3-7 years). For more information, call 902 190 482.

5. Watch the tennis at Marbella Masters Tournament

Expected to attract over 15,000 visitors, Marbella Masters will see some of the world’s biggest tennis stars take to centre court for a spectacular 4-day sporting showdown kicking off on 16 September 2010.  Ticket prices start at 10€ each are available from www.ticketmaster.com and El Corte Ingles before 1 September.

6. Enjoy an exhilirating outdoor adventure

Fancy yourself as a bit of a daredevil? If so, look no further than Marbella’s very own adrenaline junkies, Team Xtreme.  From free-falling, jet-skiing and paragliding to caving, canyoning and kitesurfing, the sky really is the limit when it comes to the outdoor adventures available. For more information, call 952 768 349.

7. Make a splash at Aqua Mijas!

With just a few weeks left until it closes its doors until next season, Aqua Mijas Water Park, situated close to the town of Fuengirola, is currently offering excellent discounts for families and groups. With a wave pool, Jacuzzi, toboggan rides, rapids and the long, windy Labyrinth slides, you’re in for a wet and wild time! For more information, call 952 460 404.

8. Sail away

If you’re thinking of heading down to Marbella’s Puerto Deportivo in the last few weeks of summer, don’t miss the opportunity to get great views of the town and its stunning mountainous backdrop and the Golden Mile – from the sea.  The Fly Blue ‘taxi’ catamaran to takes just 30 minutes to reach the glitzy Puerto Banus and costs just 8€ for a  single journey.

9. Get golfing

Marbella Golf and Country Club is undeniably one of those most exclusive venues on the Costa del Sol. Located just five minute’s drive from Marbella town centre, the venue, with golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, is the perfect place to attempt that all important hole-in-one with friends or family. With a wellness centre and the luxurious ‘El Olivo’ restaurant, there’s no excuse not to make a day of it! For more information, call 952 83 05 00.

10. Climb La Concha

If you love being outdoors, enjoy exercise and taking photographs, then head for Marbella’s biggest, most iconic mountain, La Concha. Taking roughly 5 hours to reach the summit and get back down, the walk covers 11km of stunning Andalucían terrain and offers incredible views of the coast, the Straight of Gibraltar and the Atlas mountains of Morocco. The trail begins at the Refugio de Juanar, situated close to the inland town of Ojén and is perfect for a group expedition.

TV’s ‘Mr Nasty’ is currently in Marbella as his X-Factor hopefuls take part in the boot camp stage of the contest. However, it seems the bunch have taken advantage of Simon’s hospitality as they’re rumoured to have ‘trashed’his Spanish residence.

Marbella sees stars of the stage and screen grace its shores each summer and over the years, no-nonsense X-Factor judge, Simon has been one of the town’s most regular celebrity visitors.

A bad name

This summer, Simon has rented a huge 20-bedroom villa, in which he will mentor his group of budding performers, at 15,000 per day – not exactly cheap! So it’s surprising that after a late-night session of drinking, the hopefuls decided to trash the place on Sunday 29 August. However, with band names such as Rogues, Sugar Bullet, Husstle and Princes, perhaps this was on the cards all along…

Thankfully, real A-listers, Michelle and Sasha Obama visited Marbella just a few weeks ago, generating positive publicity and helping to increase tourism figures in the town but thanks to the X-Factor contestants’ disgraceful behaviour a few days ago, the tone has been lowered.

Bands behaving badly

According to UK newspapers, the contestants raided Simon’s bar then guzzled expensive champagne and his favourite, specially-imported Japanese beers before heading to the sea for a drunken swim. Once back at the villa, the paraletic popstar wannabes stumbled over antique and designer furniture, destroying a £5,000 Persian rug with sand and sea water, which later had to be scrubbed by TV aides.

When Simon discovered what had happened the following morning, he was far from impressed. It seems the group’s premature rock-star antics will cost them money, as Simon will make sure the damage will be covered by the culprits’ first royalty cheques if they win the show. Hopefully that’s a lesson learned!

A source told the press: ‘It was chaos and the contestants were very excited but things got out of hand. Simon was disappointed with the lack of respect for the house and his hospitality.’

The new, long-awaited terminal at Malaga’s Pablo Ruiz Picasso airport has finally arrived. Plans for its construction started back in 2001 and work began on it in 2004. Earlier this year, the 410 million Euro ‘T3’ terminal was opened by the King Juan Carlos of Spain in a special ceremony with over five hundred guests, including Queen Sofia and Andalucia’s president, José Antonio Griñan.

The new T3 building, a sleek, post modern structure with a 225 meter glass façade, can accommodate an impressive 9,000 passengers an hour and 30 million passengers a year and as a result, transport links to the new terminal have improved greatly.

A good track record

An excellent train service links Malaga city centre to Fuengirola, with a stop at Malaga airport. This commuter service has always remained cheap, clean, fast and reliable – and now, due a more convenient drop-off point at the airport, it’s better than ever.

Previously, the train stopped at a station on the outskirts of the airport complex, on the far side of the existing multi storey car park but now thanks to a new state-of-the-art underground station at T3, passengers can arrive and depart much more conveniently.

Smooth operator

The new T3 train station, which came into operation just weeks ago has been built to reflect the modern design of the terminal, in terms of architecture. It features a double track, allowing for more frequent trains and with ample space to manouvre with luggage, bags of natural light, glass and chrome features and a fresh breeze running thoughout, the new platform has already been making thousands of travellers’ experiences that little bit easier.

As well as over 80 new check-in points, T3 offers over 50 new stores selling everything from literature, music and souveniers to toys, fragrances, jewellery, gourmet food and confectionery plus Europe’s second largest Duty-free store.

The Plaza features a number of big brand cafes such as Strabucks and Sofo Coffee as well as international fast-food chains such as Pizza Hut and Burger King and a variety  of lesser known eateries.