Friday 6th January, my son and I (+ Billy my painter) decided finally to climb the famous mountain overlooking our town (Marbella) La Concha. On a fab day 22 degrees and perfect climbing conditions we set off from Refugio de Juanar (up the Ojen road just past the village on the left). I knew this would be daunting and recruiting Billy who had climbed it over 10 times seemed the right idea (how wrong I was). It usually take 3 – 3.5 hours to climb, but with Billy as the “drill sergeant” we completed the climb in 2 hours 10 mins, but it was blooming tough. There are some sections that were very hard work, + other sections where you could get your breath back. As it was our 1st climb there was a photo opportunity on every section, with some stunning views of the coast, lake, Gibraltar and Africa. My son Kia who is 12 years old done really well and thoroughly enjoyed it, but I feel any younger than that and kids would find it very difficult.

After all this time living and working in Marbella I am glad that we have finally achieved the climb, however I dont think that I will be doing it again in such a hurry! The decent was just as difficult and killed the knees, we did this in 1 hour 50 mins, again egged on by our sergeant!

Forget holidays at home and cut-price breaks to Turkey, if you’re looking for value for money the Spanish Costas are the most affordable destination in Europe.

British holidaymakers will get more for their cash on the Iberian Peninsula than any other hotspot, with prices in Spain dipping to a four-year low, according to a new survey.

Recession-hit Spain has slashed prices after the number of Britons visiting the country dropped by 15 to 20 per cent, due to the double whammy of financial woes at home and the buoyant euro.

Back in business: The Costas have dropped prices to tempt back tourists

Hotels, food and other everyday items are now more affordable in Spain than in any other holiday destination.

A three-course evening meal on the Costa del Sol costs on average £23.58 compared to £37.74 in Greece and £43.86 in the Turkish resort of Marmaris.

And when it comes to other items such as suncream, a bottle of beer, insect repellent and soft drinks, Spain’s Costas also come out on top, with prices often half those found in other holiday resorts.

According to the poll by Post Office Travel Money, Miami is the most expensive destination, with a meal and nine everyday items averaging a whopping £92.81.

The same items cost more than £80 in France and Italy and more than £70 in Brighton, Egypt and Cyprus. In Spain they came to just £42.15.

After years of high prices and low visitor numbers, Spain is now 36 per cent cheaper than it was in 2007.

Its affordability is making it a favourite holiday destination with Britons once more, with visitor numbers up 11 per cent year on year for 2011.

Prices in the top resorts
Country
Resort
Average price of goods
Spain
Costa del Sol
£42.15
Bulgaria
Sunny Beach
£44.79
Portugal
Algarve
£49.63
Greece
Corfu
£58.87
Dubai
Jumeirah
£59.37
Malta
Various
£68.97
Turkey
Marmaris
£69.51
Cyprus
Various
£70.74
Croatia
Kvarner
£73.55
UK
Brighton
£77.01
Egypt
El Gouna
£78.30
France
Brittany
£81.48
Italy
Sorrento
£88.21
USA
Miami
£92.81
‘As we can see from the Post Office figures, Spain is offering extremely good value and it’s not just restaurateurs dropping prices, but hoteliers as well,’ said Sean Tipton, spokesperson for ABTA The Travel Association.

‘The pound has rallied against the euro, but the exchange rate problem has been completely wiped out by the low prices being offered.

‘Spain should be congratulated for recognising the problem and doing all it can to change it and encourage holidaymakers back.’

Other countries are now following Spain’s lead and dropping their prices to boost tourism.

Turkey has dropped prices by 13 per cent, Egypt by 12 per cent and Greece and Miami by 10 and six per cent respectively.

Sarah Munro, Post Office head of Travel Money, said: ‘This year’s barometer shows that prices are pretty competitive in the top European holiday destinations even though sterling remains unpredictable.

‘While Spain in undoubtedly best value overall, the healthy price fall in Greece means that this traditional favourite can once again be considered a good bet for wallet-watching holidaymakers.’

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-1376768/Cheap-summer-holidays-Spain-tops-poll-affordable-holiday-hotspots.html#ixzz1JyZGNZQl

Buddha Beach – Ready for summer 2010

Buddha Beach, Marbella’s first boutique beach club, is looking forward to the first summer of the decade when it opens on Friday March 26! Located only a short walk from the jet set marina of Puerto Banus, Buddha Beach has become the favourite beach club for celebrities, residents and visitors who enjoy the relaxed, bespoke location. VIP regular guests last year included Calum Best, Chanelle Hayes, Jennifer Metcalfe, and well-known figures from the football world including international players David Bentley, Shay Given, Paul Robinson, Aaron Lennon, Tom Huddleston, Stephen Warnock Jesus Navas, Jermaine Pennant, Matt Taylor and Ian Harte, as well as international singing stars Alexander O Neal and Tito Jackson,
Buddha Beach was the venue for several video and fashion shoots, and will also feature in the upcoming BritPop movie Powder, starring Alfie Allen, scheduled for release in 2011.

Among the new features this year are covered dinning area as well as a remodelled boutique, complete with his and hers beachwear, including the Buddha Beach Fashion range, as well as other must haves for the beach. Buddha Beach will also be the venue for fashion shows throughout the summer.

Buddha Beach will also be the perfect place to watch the sporting summer’s action and excitement, with a separate World Cup Bar with widescreen TV, perfect for following your team in the World Cup, or your favourite driver in the Grand Prix. You might even spot a sporting hero or two at Buddha as well!

Taking its inspiration from Thailand and the exotic Far East, the main beach club area at Buddha Beach is set back from the shore with raised wooden decked sunbathing and seating areas with views out to the Mediterranean, as well as around the pool. Buddha Beach also features a discreet VIP area with its own large rock pool Jacuzzi, while the beach area itself has 100 beds, all with waiter service.

Drinking and dining are one of the main pleasures at Buddha beach. As well as the beachside bar, Buddha Beach’s main bar area is the perfect place to take a break from the strenuous task of sunbathing for a cool drink, or to enjoy a relaxing sundowner as the sun sets. A live DJ adds to the ambience, playing smooth tunes throughout the day.

Buddha Beach’s restaurant will be open for evening dinning throughout the summer offering an appetizing selection of dishes, from fresh seafood platters, Thai fusion cuisine and sushi to a light bite and all tastes in between. The restaurant will be running a pre season lunchtime menu offering excellent value at €15 per head, allowing guests to enjoy the first of the spring sunshine by the sea

There’s a lot going on at Buddha Beach this season. This year Buddha Beach will be staging regular events including Live Music every Sunday and Limelight events on Thursday’s . After last year’s unforgettable performance by international soul legend Alexander O’Neill there are also plans to bring other stars to Buddha Beach throughout July, August and September.

Buddha Beach is the perfect venue for private parties, launches and events. It now has a private area for up to 100 people with its own bar for Private Events, while still enjoying Buddha Beach’s unique atmosphere. Located in a quiet residential area, Buddha Beach benefits from designated parking as well as a valet service and there is also discreet security.

Join us this summer for the Boutique Beach Club experience of the decade at Buddha Beach!

Tel. 952 81 3882
www.buddhabeachbanus.com