Get that festive feeling and celebrate in Marbella
Marbella is one of the most popular, best known and best loved resorts on the Costa del Sol. The city boasts fantastic Andalucian weather, a glamorous reputation, luxurious resorts and plenty of festivities throughout the year, particularly around Christmas and New Year.
The main reason Marbella continues to be a popular destination for a wide variety of people is because of the numerous attractions the city has to offer. Both the two main beaches, the El Fuerte and El Fontanilla, are very picturesque and have all the modern facilities visitors and locals expect. In addition to the beautiful beaches, parks and walks there are plenty of bars, restaurants, theatres, cinemas and clubs. The thriving nightlife in the city attracts many thousands of visitors every year creating a very vibrant atmosphere.
Away from the glamour of the port area is the old quarter and the popular resting place, the Plaza de Los Naranjos (Orange Square), leading off in every direction with a maze of narrow alleys and streets. The old town is also one of the best places to eat, with plenty of authentic tapas bars. There are also shops and street markets with many bargains on offer! Local crafts intermingle with European fashion, cheap leather goods and colourful ceramics. At the other end of the shopping scale there are the designer label clothing stores which Marbella has become known for.
Although nowadays, due to increased accessibility especially by budget airlines, visitors from all walks of life visit Marbella its reputation as a glamorous location for the rich and famous holds fast. The then village of Marbella was discovered accidently by a member of the Spanish aristocracy in the 1940s. His investment in the area and extended connections led to more and more visits from members of Europe’s ruling elites. The village of fewer than 1,000 people gradually evolved to become a stylish and luxurious coastal resort with a city of more than 100,000 people. Today, Marbella attracts millions of tourists every year, with many Britons deciding to move and live there permanently. Many Spanish and other celebrities still visit there, with recent residents having included Antonio Banderas, Melanie Griffith, Joan Collins and Sean Connery!
The glamour, weather and other attractions on offer aren’t all. Marbella is also a fantastic place for celebrations, particularly at the beginning and end of the year! There are many events and festivals celebrating food, film, fishing and more, including summer bull fights and horse and carriage rides. Christmas Eve is particularly important to Spaniards with the family Christmas Eve meal one of the most important of the year. Although the evening starts in the family home it often ends up with a party in a hotel, club or disco with friends and family members. The second most important day is Los Reyes or Three Kings Day on January 6th, when the three kings play the role Brits normally expect of Father Christmas and leave presents for Spanish children.
New Year’s Eve is also big in Spain. It is the tradition on the night to wear red underwear bought by someone else! Street parties with firework displays and entertainment are organised in most towns, with bars and restaurants reserved for private parties. At the stroke of midnight it is the tradition to bring good luck by eating twelve grapes, one on each stroke of the chimes that greet the New Year.
Given its enviable reputation it’s easy to see why demand for property in Marbella has been and remains high with house prices remaining stable in 2008. Julia Norton, Sales Director at Champneys Marbella, comments:
“There’s no doubt that Marbella still retains something of the exotic about it that proves a huge draw to those from other parts of Europe and the world. This remains particularly true with Britons whose love affair with the Costa del Sol persists, with continued high numbers deciding to move here permanently.
“The average price of housing in Marbella is over 28% higher than this time last year (Q4 2008 compared to Q4 2007 according to www.kyero.com), which is remarkable when one considers the current financial climate. And with property in Marbella is 166% more expensive than the Spanish average, this clearly demonstrates the continued strength of the top end of the market.”
About Champneys Marbella Spa Resort
Set within the hills of Marbella’s National park this exclusive development boasts an idyllic location over looking the coast line of Marbella and Puerto Banus. Apartments and penthouses are available in the exclusive luxury resort combining the Champneys spa lifestyle and stunning climate of the Mediterranean. Prices start from €696,358 for 2 bedroom apartments There are just two 2 bedroom penthouses available at €971,729 and €1,026,705. Also available are 3 bedroom 3 bathroom vast duplex suites with private pool, two parking spaces and two store rooms at €1,700,000.
For more information contact 01442 291200, email sales@champneysmarbella.com or visit www.champneysmarbella.com.