If the prestigious 5 star Ritz hotel, Villa Padierna, is good enough for the Obama family, it’s good enough for us – so on Thursday 16 September, we’ll be there to enjoy one of the most glam events on the coast this summer – with a touch of Russian spirit…

Flower power

The luxurious Villa Padierna, situated in the hills close to Benahavís, will resemble a fairytale palace as it hosts the 1st Marbella Flower Ball.

Fabulous floral compositions, will adorn the gorgeous 5 star hotel as well as as a number of familiar faces – from top celebrities, sports personalities and entrepreneurs to politicians and the créme de la créme of Russian high society gather together for a day to remember.

The ‘floral’ themed event was the brainchild of talented professional florist and designer, Tatiana Tridvornova. She has worked all over Europe, creating fabulous floral decorations and parades for high-brow events such as the G8 Summit in Germany, the popular ‘Musical Nights’ project in St-Tropez, the Millionaire Fair as well as gaining the Marcas le Lujo prize presented by the World Fashion Channel.

Have a ball

The event will be the first of its kind to take place in Marbella and will offer a similar ambience to the ‘Bal de Fleurs’ which has been hosted annually in Monaco since 2003.

Greeted by beautiful flower-clad girls, all guests will receive an exclusive keep-sake (floral bracelets for the ladies and boutonnieres for gentlemen), designed by Tatiana Tridvornova.

At 20:30, guests will then be shown to a special cocktail area in the magnificent Villa Padierna gardens, where a glass of champagne and black caviar will await.

Feast your eyes

Later in the day, over 400 guests will be seated in a special  outdoor dining area to indulge in an exquisite Gala Dinner, accompanied by a  programme of entertainment including music performed by a live band.

As the champagne flows and the scent of flowers fills the air in the evening, a fantastic flower-inspired firework display will woo the  crowds until the early hours, when a VIP after party will take place at one of Marbella’s most glitzy nightclubs.

For more information please call 952 908 007.

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.’

Summer may officially be over but that doesn’t mean the coast’s action-packed events calendar will be too. If you’re a disco diva, a sucker for all things sporty or have an obsession with classic automobiles, Marbella’s where it’s at this September.

Saturday 11 September: Classic Car Run in aid of Cudeca, San Pedro

As a special tribute to John Hill, who recently lost his battle with cancer, members of the Classic Car Club of Andalucia will be holding a retro-style car run to raise funds for local cancer charity Cudeca.
The rally will begin in the town of San Pedro and finish at El Campanario Golf & Country Club, Benamara.

Tickets cost 10 Euros.

For information call Giles on 620 180 682.

Best for: Passionate petrol heads.

Saturday 11 September: Wish List Closing Party at Suite del Mar

Located on the beach next to Marbella’s plush Puente Romano hotel, Suite del Mar will be closing its doors until next year. What better way to kiss the summer goodbye than indulging in a special three course dinner of exquisite food and wine by the sea, accompanied by live entertainment? All proceeds will be donated to the Ciudad de Los Niños – a children’s home situated in Málaga.

Tickets cost 60 Euros per person.

For more information, email wishlistvolunteers@hotmail.com

Best for: Charitable party goers.

Saturday 11 September: PAD Charity Golf Tournament, Miraflores Golf

Members of local charity organisation, PAD, which cares for abandoned and mistreated domestic animals, are holding a fun-filled golf tournament at the popular golf club in Miraflores. The event is aimed at golf fanatics, both individuals and teams of four and tickets cost €40 or €10 for members.

For more information call 952 931 960

Best for: Animal lovers and golfers.

16 to 19 September: Marbella Masters, Puente Romano Tennis Club

Over 15,000 visitors are expected to attend this four day event in which some of the world’s biggest tennis stars will take to centre court for a spectacular sporting showdown. The tournament will be held at the tennis club belonging to one of Marbella’s most prestigious hotels, situated on the Golden Mile. French Open Champion, Former Wimbledon champion and Ozzie, Pat Cash and Dutch tennis ace Richard Krajicek are among the big names taking part.

Ticket prices start at 10€ each and are available from www.ticketmaster.com and El Corte Ingles.

For more information email info@marbellamasters.es

Best for: Fans of tennis.

Thurday 16 September: First Russian Flower Ball, Villa Padierna

On 16 September the luxurious Villa Padierna will host the 1st Marbella Flower Ball. Top celebrities, sports personalities, entrepreneurs, politicians and the crème de la crème of Russian high society will gather together for a lavish dinner with champagne whilst professional florist and designer, Tatiana Tridvornova, showcases her fabulous floral compositions in the grounds of the stunning 5 star hotel.

For more information please call 952 908 007.

Best for: Glamorous guys and girls.

Saturday 25 September: Boney M in concert, Sohail Castle

Seventies disco legends, Boney M, will come to the Costa del Sol for the first time ever to perform their greatest hits. This exclusive live open-air concert will take place at the atmospheric Castillo Sohail in Fuengirola and see the groovy group perform classic numbers such as ‘Daddy Cool’, ‘Rivers of Babylon’ and ‘Sunny’.

Doors open at 19.00 when support act David Patrick Carter, will get the party started, followed by local band, Traffic Jam.

Standard tickets cost 30 Euros if purchased before 20 September and 40 Euros thereafter and are available in Marbella from The German Bakery at El Rosario and La Cañada and Starz Café at Central Plaza.

For more information call 670 635 786.

Best for: Those who like to boogie.

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!

According to the latest figures released from the Institute of National Statistics, Marbella’s tourism industry is well on the road to recovery.

This summer, the municipality of Marbella has registered a twelve per cent increase in overnight stays, according to the Institute of  National Statistics (INE).

Fuller figures

Representing 216,643 overnight stays in the area, the statistics demonstrate the Costa del Sol’s annual average increase (2.68 per cent in the same period) has steadily improved.

The INE also released figures showing that hotel occupancy in the  Marbella area rose by seven per cent. Pleased with latest findings, Marbella’s Mayoress, Ángeles Muñoz said the report clearly shows ‘recovery’ of  the town’s tourism sector.

Obamamania

At the beginning of August, America’s First Lady, Michella Obama and daughter Sasha enjoyed a 5 day break in Marbella, staying at the  luxurious Villa Padierna Hotel. With them, came national and internation press, generating positive publicity for the area and subsequently, more tourists.

Extra factors

It’s also thought that the summer downpours in countries further  north and the torrential storms in some parts of Spain spurred last-minute  breaks on the Costa del Sol.

As well as the obvious abundance of sunshine, sea and sangria, it’s  also possible that summer events such as the fabulous Björn Again ABBA tribute concert, X-Factor extravaganza, International Festival of Art or  the Food & Sun Festival have played a part in luring holidaymakers to the town this year.

Moving on up

Whatever the reason for this summer’s rise in figures, Muñoz is  excited about the future of Marbella and told the press: “These are the best figures we’ve seen in the last five years”.

With the Andalucía region coming out on top (compared to other regions in Spain), it looks like things are finally looking up for tourism,  something the region’s economy relies heavily upon.

Photography Gary Edwards

After the controversy of the cancelled Faithless concert a few weeks ago by it’s promotors Kings of Production, tongues were wagging as to whether the Rockin’ Marbella music promotors would be able to come up with the goods. In fact, those doubters need not have worried as all permits were in place at the Banus Bullring and the artists were evidently paid to perform. But perhaps the Faithless incident had an ill effect on ticket sales of the X Factor event? Unlike the recent sell-out Seal Concert in the Marbella Bullring, and Bjorn Again with about 3,000 people in the audience, the X Factor didn’t attract as expected. Maybe price too was a reason for the less than half filled venue. VIP tickets were priced at 400€ which gave permission to pass into a cordoned off, meter high raised area where Champagne and canapes were served through out the concert. The least expensive entrance was 50€, and 100€ to be in the centre or to get to the front of stage. With no subsidy for children, the ones who fill the front row at X Factor concerts, a family of five would have been shelling out 500€.

Diversity

The Dance group Diversity were the first of the headlines to perform. The group shot to fame on the 2009 Britain’s Got Talent TV series, winning the competition, beating Susan Boyle who was 2nd in the final. Ashley Banjo, lead choreographer, heads the group of dancers whose ages range from 15 to 28. Many of the children in the Banus audience listed Diversity as their favourite of the performers, but were surprised to see that 15 minutes was the total of their performance on stage. Some missed the performance completely as late arrivals were plentiful.

The Scarletz

Billed as being the ‘Hottest new Girl Band’ with intentions of filling the charts with their Ska inspired music, Bryony, Claire, Katiya and Tahnee are as sweet as sugar. Their music inspired by Madness and the Specials, is probably not Suggs’s cup of tea and he may find the sound and vision a little hard to swallow. With a repertoire of about 5 songs, at one point on being asked by a band member, “What are we singing next?”, one of the girls replied “I don’t know!”. Unfortunately, the young girls, pretty and fun as they are, were not greeted with much enthusiasm by the audience who rather unnecessarily booed them after their performance and again at the end of the gig when the announcer asked for a cheer for Scarletz rather than a boo.

Alexandra Burke

With only her 22nd birthday a few days away, Alexandra Burke has certainly achieved a great deal in her short career. Winning the fifth series of The X Factor, she soon became a World record holder selling the most singles in a 24 hour period, a staggering 105,000 copies of her single Hallelujah which went on to be the 2008 number one. Alexandra gave a confident performance in Banus, her training with The X Factor showing what true professionals are capable of producing. Songs included the single Hallelujah, Bad Boys and a Michael Jackson tribute.

Jamie Archer

It would be true to say that chap from Putney, London was the saviour of the evening in terms wowing the crowd. Singing Sex on Fire from Kings of Leon, his favourite rock song and countless other covers, Jamie lifted the audience out of their seats like none of his predecessors that evening had done. It has been said on one website that Jamie saw Jimi Hendrix in concert as a child, although as Jamie was born six years after the guitar hero died, that is a little hard to believe. Still, sporting a similar Afro hair style, he played several tracks with his guitar. Another rumour that Jamie is Leo Sayer’s son is not at all true. Jamie’s father, William Archer, is from Guyana in South America. Jamie reached 7th place in the 2009 X Factor series with his mentor Simon Cowell. Joe McEldery from South Shields was the winner that year, but it seems that Jamie is making as much of an impact on the music scene, if not more than his counterpart. His performance and his enthusiasm was full of energy. Happy to be in Marbella Jamie said that the Banus Bullring was the best Venue he had ever played at.

Comments

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It was “flares and platforms again” as the world famous ABBA tribute band Bjorn Again played the Marbella Bullring. marbellas.com was there to sing along with the 70s feel-good frenzy…

Photography Gary Edwards

The enduring appeal of all things ABBA has taken on greater significance since the rebirth of their hitswith box office smash, Mamma Mia  which burst onto our screens two summers ago in the form of the slushiest, most romantic feel-good movie ever.

Not surprisingly, news that Bjorn Again, the super troupers of ABBA tribute bands, were going to play the Marbella bullring this summer, spread a wave of anticipated delight among the locals, Spanish and foreign residents alike.  What could be better than a family-friendly show in the height of summer – finally an option to keep everyone happy, enjoying a few hours of sing along fun on a warm summer’s night.

Success Again

For those of you who have never heard of Bjorn Again, let us fill you in.  With an ABBA-inspired career spanning two decades – this particular foursome have wowed crowds from Sydney to New York , playing more than 50 countries and grossing millions with a show which affectionately mocks the original Swedish supergroup, while playing ABBA numbers with almost as much zeal and zest as the real deal.

Marbella’s international community was out in force at the Plaza de Toros, a venue which creates instant atmosphere for a crowd of two to three thousand people.  Local Wow Factor winner Rebecca Tate got the evening going, followed by X-Factor finalist, Ruth Lorenzo. Like a Spanish Bonnie Tyler for the 21st century, rock chic Ruth belted out a repertoire of rock classics including Highway to Hell and Purple Rain.  She even sang a couple of rousing Spanish numbers, before giving up the stage to the stars of the show.

ABBA-solutely Fabulous!

It only took one song to discover why Bjorn Again have had such a hugely successful and enduring career.  ”Angnetha, Benny, Bjorn and Anni-Frid (Frida)” are much more than mere ABBA look-a-likes. This particular famous four have managed to capture the essence, the sound, the mannerisms and routines of the original ABBA members. Then they add a sprinkling of their own special magic, injecting humour and elements of surprise into the show to make it much more than a simple tribute to a super group gone by.

Playing a wide range of ABBA hits, from Waterloo, Thank You For the Music,  Take a Chance on Me, Ring Ring, Why Don’t You Give Me a Call, through to the now iconic Mamma Mia, Bjorn Again brought ABBA back to life and gave Marbella the chance to sing her heart out to the kitsch classics of the 70s and 80s pop giants.  Ruth Lorenzo made another appearance  to perform Chiquitita in her native Spanish, a nice touch which warmed the hearts of the Spanish audience who are less familiar with the artist than the TV watching Brits abroad.

As Bjorn Again reached the end of their set, the whole crowd was on its feet, crooning and swaying along to the feel-good repetoire.  Ending the night with an encore, Bjorn Again finished the show with the ever popular Dancing Queen, having given Marbella a generous dose of good-humoured and well-executed nostalgia to go home with.

Just one day in Marbella was enough to capture the heart of Michelle Obama. Read on to find out how the jewel of the Costa del Sol won over the First Lady… by Louise Cook Edwards.

It was love at first sight for Michelle Obama on her recent stay in Marbella. Just one stroll around the quaint Old Town, and she was absolutely smitten. Her beaming smile and relaxed manner said it all. On her walkabout through the charming whitewashed cobbled streets, as she browsed clothes and Spanish trinkets, Mrs. Obama didn’t hesitate in telling the locals that she “loved Marbella and was delighted to be here.”

And just as the locals were mesmerized by Michelle’s natural charisma, the feeling it seems was mutual, and the natural charms of Marbella soon had Mrs Obama, none other than the First Lady of America, swooning.

Just 24 little hours were enough for Mrs. Obama to be seduced by Marbella, an experience that reflects that of the millions of visitors that come to Marbella every year. Myriad sights and sensations conspire in a sweeping blow from Cupid’s arrow – and it is love at first sight. And just as the elixir of love is an inexplicable cocktail, the same can be said of Marbella and her charms.

Starting with the gentle caress of Marbella’s year round sunshine, the golden glow of the sun’s rays create an instant sensation of well-being and relaxation, stimulating the feel-good factor which makes Marbella an enduringly popular holiday destination.

The spectacular natural beauty of Marbella, protected by the gentle slopes of the Sierra de las Nieves mountains, and abundance of exuberant sub-tropical vegetation and the azur Mediterranean at her feet make Marbella particularly easy on the eye. Add to this the organic shapes of the traditional Andalusian architecture which clings tight to the landscape, gives the environment a gentle appearance. With more green space per person than any town in Andalusia, low density and a proliferation of low rise buildings, Marbella is a user-friendly place to be.

Michelle Obama’s evening stroll in Marbella’s Old Town seemed to be the moment when she succumbed to Marbella’s myriad charms. A feast for the senses, with cobblestones under foot, the sense of living history in the ancient streets of a town with 2000 years of cultural heritage to its name, the scent of dama de noche in La Plaza de Los Naranjos and the taste of sweet Malaga wine on her lips, it is no surprise that Mrs. Obama started to fall in love with the place.

In Marbella, Mrs. Obama and her entourage were able to sample an exquisite dinner of creative Mediterranean cuisine in one of the Old Town’s charming restaurants, giving the First Lady an insight into the wide-ranging delights of Andalusian gastronomy.

The warmth of Marbella’s people is particularly disarming. Known for its warm, welcoming and fun people, Marbella’s cosmopolitan mix of nationalities no doubt made Mrs. Obama feel instantly at home.

Known as a paradise of sport and relaxation, Mrs. Obama’s chosen residence, the Hotel Villa Padierna Marbella was the perfect place for the First Lady to take a relaxation vacation from her duties on a private four day visit. With paddle and tennis courts, a beach club, two adjacent golf courses, a magnificent outdoor pool and one of the best thermal spas in Andalucia, where better to enjoy a little family time for mother and daughter.

As to be expected of such an illustrious and accomplished guest, the focus of Mrs. Obama’s visit was soaking up the wonders and drama of Andalusian culture, and aside from her tour of Marbella’s Old Town, Mrs Obama’s party visited the highlights of Granada and the Alhambra, along with a historical tour of Ronda. With the Picasso Museum in Malaga, and the magnificent monuments of Seville and Cordoba just two hour’s away, it is to be hoped that Mrs. Obama will do as she says and return one day with her husband and that the world’s most important couple can share the love.

A thriving centre for shopping, Mrs. Obama was mesmerized by Marbella’s quaint shopping streets in the Old Town, where she browsed the souvenir and fashion shops, stopping to purchase a few items along the way. Just a few kilometres away, Puerto Banus is replete with designer shops, which Mrs. Obama may wish to explore if she keeps her promise to return to the area with her husband.

The cool, jazmin-scented nights of Marbella, are one of the key attractions of the resort, and Michelle Obama was able to amble through the streets of Marbella feeling the caress of the fresh sea breeze. In Granada she experienced first hand the excitement of flamenco, and who knows if the First Lady will be able to resist the urge to attend the ultra glamorous Starlite Gala hosted by the Hollywood A-list and attended by the creme de la creme of Spanish celebrities and Marbella high-society held at the Villa Padierna Hotel Marbella.

Add to all of this Marbella’s own special X-Factor giving the resort an enduring magnetic charm for visitors from all over the world, and it is no surprise that Marbella succeeded in melting the heart of America’s First Lady.