Celebrity hunting on the Costa del Sol

Andalusia has attracted over the last decades artists, royals and dignitaries from around the world. You’ll find frequent sightings of the rich and famous who were born here, live here or holiday here throughout the year.

From the early days when Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant could be spotted chatting over breakfast in Marbella to the current batch of publicity-hungry reality TV celebs routinely spotted falling out of clubs, the trend shows no sign of abating.

Piers Morgan tours Marbella aboard a luxury boat

If you’re in the right place at the right time, there is a very good chance you will bump into a very familiar face J

1.   CELEBRITIES THAT WILL BE on costa del sol THIS SUMMer

• Tom Jones will perform at Starlite Festival Marbella on 1^st of August.
• Paris Hilton, has booked dinner at the Babilonia Restaurant on the 4th of August.
• Craig David will join a party on 5th of August in one of Puerto Banus nightclubs - Aqwa Mist
• Antonio Banderas is one of the hosts of the Starlite Gala, the most philantrophic gala of Spain on 6th of August.
• Bob Sinclar, will be playing at the night club Olivia Valere on August 7th.
• Stefan Kendal Gord, the crazy fun RedFoo will be shuffling around the Cavalli Club in August.
•  The Corrs has chosen Starlite as the venue to give one of the concerts of their international tour on August 16^th.
• Simply Red will be performing at the Sohail Castle in Fuengirols on 18th of August
•  Kylie Jenner Kardashian boyfriend TYGA, Micheal Ray Stevenson will be staying at the Sisu Boutique Hotel and performing at Cavalli on August 18th.  
• Ricky Martin is on tour and will be performing at Auditorio Municipal Cortijo de Torres in Malaga on 8th of September 

2. CELEBRITIES who have a house in costa del sol

• Antonio Banderas, who of course everyone loves and knows of, the Spanish actor best known for playing "El Zorro". He was born in Marbella and he visits several times every year. After divorce from actress Melanie Griffith he bought an apartment in Malaga. Antonio is truly connected with Andalucia. You will see him at places like La Cabana and Olivia Valere in Marbella. And he is a prominent citizen for the entire Easter week (Semana Santa) and several times during the summer period for Starlite.

• Melanie Griffith is another well known actress who visits Marbella on a yearly basis. She was married to Banderas, but separated in 2014 after 18 years of marriage. Their daughter, Stella del Carmen, was born in Marbella in 1996. Melanie returns for events and still supports ex-husband's foundations based in Marbella.

• Sean Connery, the Scottish James Bond star, was long term resident of Marbella. Rumour has it that the reason he sold his villa is because he didn't want his neighbours watching him in his underpants! There were also accusations of fraud and property issues that will likely remain a mystery. But what we do know is that he still comes to visit and you'll most likely find him on his favourite Golf courses.

• Simon Cowell, best known as reality television judge, film and record producer has a beautiful big home in Sierra Blanca. He's been known to bring his X-factor candidates just like he did with One Direction and other now-famous artists. 

• Dani Garcia, the Michelin Star Chef, was born in Marbella and opened his first restaurant in 1998 in Ronda. There he achieved his Michelin Star enabling him to then open Calima (2005) earning him his second Michelin Star in 2011. He is the proud owner of Dani Garcia Catering and the BIBO burger created alongside McDonald's and the BIBO restaurant in the Puente Romano Hotel.

• Rod Stewart is said to have a palatial pad at La Zagaleta, a far cry from his early career, when he was kicked out of Spain for vagrancy.

• Spanish singer Julio Iglesias has long owned a property in Ojen. Straddling three town boundaries, the palace has spectacular views. The 68-year-old singer settled down there along with his wife, Dutch model Miranda Rijnsburger.

• King of Saudi Arabia – Salman Bin Abdelaziz – is one of the richest men in the world, his family owns a huge palace in Marbella. The Saudi royal family’s connection with Marbella dates back more than 40 years, when Prince Fahd, decided to vacation there, later building a number of luxury properties.

• Famous singer Prince Rogers Nelson, bought Villa in El Paraiso in the 90’ (that is on the market today) and painted purple and put his symbol on the facade. He sadly passed away in April 2016 and is best known for his Academy Award in the film Purple Rain.

                 

     3. CELEBRITIES THAT HAVE RECENTLY VISITED andalucia

• Eva Longoria, best known as actress from Desperate Housewives, is also a philanthropist and represents a foundation in Marbella called the Global Gift Gala. Each summer an event is held that includes a long list of A-list celebrities, from Top Model Alessandra Ambroosio to Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. 

• Huge Grant and girlfriend Anna Eberstein along with two young children were seen in the old town of Marbella, Serafina Restaurant as well as enjoying the beach sunshine near to the Puente Romano Hotel where they stayed at the beginning of June.

• Mel Gibson came to discover the villages and traditional Spain in Ronda during the month of June.

• Seal was here to perform again on the 17th of July after such a beautiful set up last year and of course engaged and got very much involved with his fans.

• World number 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic came to see the Seal concert in Marbella in July this year.

• Starlite Festival Marbella attracts many big names, not only to perform but to support their friends and enjoy the show themselves. Santana, Ricky Martin, Jamiroquai, Lenny Kravitz, Julio Iglesias to mention a few.

•  More recent visitors to Ronda have included US First Lady Michelle Obama, Bristish Prime Minister David Cameron and UK celebrity Jamie Oliver, who based an entire episode of his series Jamie Does Andalucia on the area.

• Princes William and Harry are known to enjoy playing polo tournaments in Sotogrande, while the likes of Mariah Carey, Antonio Banderas and the Duchess of York are regular visitors.

Source:

http://www.theolivepress.es/

http://www.marbellafamilyfun.com/

http://www.marbella.villas/

http://www.planetmarbella.com/

http://www.spanishpropertyinsight.com/

A few reasons why holiday home is better than a hotel

  

Holiday homes are gaining popularity, not just for family holidays but among independent travellers as well. A rental home will almost always give more space at a lower price than a hotel room. If you're a tourist who wants to feel like a local on your next trip abroad, a rental can help you do that. 

SPEND LESS ENJOY MORE

In most cases you'll have more space, more privacy and more money in your pocket when you choose a holiday rental rather than a hotel. With a private rental you can save up to 50% compared to the average family hotel stay so you're free to spend the saving on enjoying yourself! And, with great accommodation at affordable prices, you can afford real luxury for less.

SPACE & PRIVACY

When you stay in a private holiday rental, you'll never have to worry about being disturbed by hotel staff so you can enjoy your holiday in total privacy. And since you're not restricted to a single hotel room, you'll have plenty of space to spread out and enjoy your family time together.

MAKE YOUR OWN SCHEDULE

With a private holiday rental, you choose to enjoy your holiday, your way. Unlike with a package deal, there are no restrictive checks in times, dining options or tour schedules – you tailor your itinerary to suit you and your family. From choosing the attractions you want to visit, the restaurants you want to dine in and the experiences you want to have – you're free to come and go as you please.

ALL THE COMFORTS OF HOME

Holiday homes are just that ... homes. They usually include all the things you’d expect to find at home: full-sized appliances, dishes, books and games, laundry facilities, etc. These kinds of amenities can make your stay so much more comfortable – especially if you’re travelling with the family or for an extended period of time.

FAMILIES AND GROUPS

Holiday rentals are an economical, practical option for families and large groups who would otherwise have to pay for more than one hotel room. Sharing a house lets you strike a compromise between togetherness and privacy; you can enjoy family meals together in the communal kitchen, but you'll also have enough space for everyone to come and go as they please. Parents will appreciate not having to get the kids dressed to go down to breakfast in a hotel restaurant. In your own kitchen, PJ's are perfectly acceptable!

AUTHENTIC TRAVEL

Guests who choose to stay in private holiday homes are likely to be naturally more adventurous than those who prefer the safety and familiarity of a hotel complex.  Hotels may have everything under one roof and make it easy, but holiday homes can represent a far richer travel experience because guests really do have to go out and experience local life: be at the weekly market, supermarket or by trying some of the different local restaurants.  Of course one of the best things about self catering is being able to eat what you want, when you want, and not suffer the same repetitive hotel buffet night after night. 

DESTINATIONS WEDDING

Getting married far from home? You can often keep costs down by having guests share a holiday home (or several) rather than paying for a large block of hotel rooms. And a rental villa of your own makes a secluded, romantic spot for your honeymoon after all the guests have gone home.

To summarise – the top reasons to choose a private holiday home over a hotel are:

• Privacy & space – Renting a holiday home gives everyone the option to spread out for privacy or to get together and socialise under one roof.
• Affordability – Holiday homes are often better value than hotels, especially when there’s more than two staying. Hotel meals, extra wifi, parking and mini bar charges can cost a fortune.
• Facilities & entertainment – Forget paying extra for in-room movies or wifi. Most holiday rentals offer free wifi, multi room tv’s, dvd’s, games, books, and rainy day items to keep everyone entertained. You can also do your laundry on holiday, which can cut down on luggage costs.
• Noise – You don’t have to worry about hearing the TV, screaming kids, foot traffic, early morning showers or noisy lifts through paper thin walls.
• Bring the pets – Many pet friendly holiday rentals not only let you bring your fury friend along, they often provide amenities for animals.
• Food, glorious food – With a fully fitted kitchen to hand, preparing family meals with local produce and alfresco dining is part of the holiday experience. Avoid the repetitive buffets in hotels.
• Live like a local – One of the main reasons travellers stay in holiday homes is to experience the local neighbourhood and culture. To shop where the locals shop and dine at local restaurants.

If you are looking for a holiday home for rent on Costa del Sol please visit:

www.lapalomavillas.com  or   www.vizcaronda.com

Sources:

www.homeaway.co.uk

www.independenttraveler.com

www.ownerdirect.com

Attractions for kids on the Costa del Sol

If you're looking for fun, age-appropriate places for kids all age this is your source! We know how difficult is to find a proper attraction on holidays. That's why we have picked them up for you.

Mundo Mania

www.facebook.com/MundoManiaSpain/
Play and party centre.

Located in Estepona it is an ideal party and play centre for toddlers, youngsters, teens and parents and has a huge range of leisure and play facilities inside and outside for all the family in a safe and family friendly environment.

Tivoli World

www.tivoli.es
Family entertaiment centre.

The only theme park on the coast. They have exciting rides for young and old with lots of themed restaurants to eat. In high season they are varied entertainment programmes with shows.

Butterfly Park of Benalmadena

www.mariposariodebenalmadena.com      
Thai temple with exotic butterflies from around the world.

Mariposario de Benalmadena is a fairly new park which features more than 1,500 butterflies and 150 different species in their natural habitat. It’s hard to spend longer than an hour inside but there are touch screen computer educational games outside in the lobby and a gift shop and cafe facilities.

                        

Bioparc Fuengirola

www.bioparcfuengirola.es
Zoo with animals & birds in naturalistic enclosures, a recreated jungle clearing & kids play area.

A lovely zoo designed on the ‘ zooinmersion’ concept. The animals are all kept in enclosures where you can look through glass walls or peer over the walls or through viewing points. The objective is to conserve and protect the animals and the zoo is considered one of the best parks in Europe.

Sealife Aquarium

www.visitsealife.com/benalmadena/en
Interesting displays and fish to be seen.

Ideally located on Benalmadena port. Visit during feeding times and witness a unique experience. 

Selwo Marina
www.selwomarina.es
The only Dolphinarium in Andalucia.

An excellent day out for all the family. Enjoy great dolphin and sea lion shows throughout the day. There is also an exotic bird and mysterious nature show plus you can enter the fascinating world of penguins in Ice Island. With  a new play area for the kids and touch pools with a variety of fish, including stingrays swimming around, there really is something for everyone. 

      Aventura Amazonia

www.aventura-amazonia.com
Theme park of tree climbing.

Aventura Amazonia is the largest adventure park in Andalusia. It has a total of 83 challenges in the trees and 20 zip lines distributed over 6 adventure circuits: MiniKids, Kids, Explorador, Jungla, Aventura, Deportivo and 3 training circuits. You can also launch yourself on the longest treetop zipline in Andalucia, an amazing 240m. in length.

Little Africa

http://www.lapequenaafrica.com/
Animal Reserve - Safari Park 

There is a wide variety of animals in one place at one time. Also many attractions for all family: zip line, kayaking, rides (tractor, pony, camel), animal feeding and more.

Bahia Water Park

https://www.bahiapark.com/
Water park in Algeciras

It's a family friendly water park. There is a new children's area with mini-versions of three rides, activity pool with a zipwire, another pool with a 1000 litre bucket of water which gets tipped over swimmers and eight rides for adults.

Things to Do in Costa del Sol - Leisure and Sports (Sotogrande area)

Sotogrande epitomizes the essence of sophistication and tranquillity. Located in the San Roque municipal area, it is only 15 minutes from Gibraltar Airport and one hour from Málaga International and Jerez Airports. Famous for its golf courses and polo fields, it has become an exceptional place to live or to simply spend some time enjoying its appeal. 

For Golfers - this really is a Golfer's Paradise. There are over 50 courses in the area, offering spectacular views over the area’s varied landscapes, and down to the sea. Valderrama, Sotogrande, San Roque, La Reserva, Finca Cortesin, Almenara, Alcaidesa, Duquesa and Dona Julia and many more each offer excellent golfing possibilities. 

Polo - there's nowhere better to see a game than the famous Rio grounds, dubbed the 'Wimbledon of polo pitches’ in Sotogrande.

Horseriding - lessons and hacks can be arranged at the ‘Escuela de Arte Ecuestre’ in Estepona and also at the Equestrian Centre at the San Roque Club de Golf. Why not play golf while the children ride! You can also ride on the beach at Tarifa!

Waterskiing - ‘Cable Ski Marbella’ in San Pedro is great for learning to water-ski or for those wanting to improve. The cable system pulls skiers around a lake and can be set at different speeds for children and beginners.

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing- take a trip to Tarifa for the best windsurfing and kiting but Alcaidesa and La Linea also offer many watersports.

Scubadiving - the nearest centre is the Happy Divers Club at the Atalaya Park Hotel between Estepona and Marbella.

Dolphin and whale watching - the Bay and Straits of Gibraltar have a large population of Dolphins and Whales. There are boat trips from La Linea, Gibraltar and Tarifa where you can see dolphins bow-riding alongside the boats.