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After a few month of crisis hotel occupancy of the Costa del Sol has increased about 5 % in July in comparison with 2009, as tourism reemerges in the region. The city of Malaga itself sees an even bigger increase with an estimated 8 %. Several leaders in the tourism sector say they are very happy with these figures, as August looks to see an even larger increase than July. Owners of restaurants and bars also indicate that 2010 will be a better year than 2009 even if many tourists stay in their rented apartments and have dinner there. The increase of tourists to the Costa del Sol is by German, French, Italian and Spanish visitors, the Irish and British tourists are still on the decline.

The US first lady Michelle Obama is planning to visit Spain and the Costa del Sol with her youngest daughter Shasa (7) in the first week of August from the 4th to the 8th of August. There are rumors that even Barrack Obama himself will be there to celebrate his 49th birthday which is on the 4th of August, but this has been declined by the White House. The stay in Marbella is not really in Marbella, it’s more in the area of Estepona, it will be in the famous five star Hotel Villa Padierna, which belongs to the Ritz-Carlton Group and is said to be the best hotel in Spain. Villa Padierna features 129 exquisitely appointed guest rooms, suites and villas and is surrounded by three 18 hole golf course, including the famed Los Flamingos Golf Course (par 71), Alferini (par 73) and Tramores (par 71). It has a Thermae Spa with eight themed baths and steam rooms with two saunas with more than 2.000 square meters. From the hotel Villa Padierna on a clear day you can see the coastline of Africa and every night the sunsets are more spectacular than the last. The first ladies visit will also include a trip to the Royal Palace in Mallorca to meet with King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia.

The 31^st July 2010 is a date that needs to be marked in any clubber’s diary, as Faithless the World’s biggest dance act are headlining the L.I.V.E concert in Marbella. Faithless, comprised of Mazi Jazz, Sister Bliss and Rollo are a British electronica band who are best known for their dance songs (most notably “Insomnia”, “God is a DJ” and “We come 1”). Faithless have recorded six studio albums and sold over 12 million records worldwide. Their most recent album “The Dance” was released just two months ago, on 16^th May 2010, after a four year recording break for the band.

DATE: July 31st

EVENT: Faithless headline the L.I.V.E concert at the Bullring (Plaza de Toros), Puerto Banus

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Puerto Banus screams glamour. It has been a hot-spot for the rich and famous since it opened in 1970 when Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco celebrated the opening of the Mediterranean’s first pleasure craft marina along with the likes of the Aga Khan, film director Roman Polanski and Playboy boss Hugh Heffner.

With it’s luxury boats and lifestyle, it should be no surprise that you can also find here the high-class shops like Gucci, Fendi, Dolce & Gabanna, the list is endless – all with their own elusive, sparkling charm that makes shopping more like a religious experience than a simple past time. Read more »

Spain is the original package holiday destination and millions of visitors still flock to this much loved country for a little rest and relaxation. Many people are now choosing to travel around the beautiful Costas between resorts and that has never been easier. The Costa del Sol is a top tourist destination due to an almost guaranteed ten months of sun a year, 70 golf courses and the most famous beaches in the world. Malaga airport is the usual arrival point for visitors to this area of Spain and a perfect starting point if you plan on renting a car for the duration of your stay. Read more »