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According to the Institute of National Statistics (INS), Marbella the favourite of many Costa del Sol holidaymakers has registered a 12 percent increase in overnight stays this summer. The latest figures also show that hotel occupancy rose by seven percent. The mayoress of Marbella, Ángeles Muñoz was quoted as saying “These are the best figures in the last five years”.

In July this year, Spain’s government said the nation’s tourist arrivals rose by 4.5 percent, which was the biggest year-on-year increase in more than two years. In the same month, the tourism ministry says about 7 million tourists arrived to Spain, which was the third consecutive month of increase.

Tourists from Britain, who are also estimated to be the owners of around one million properties in Spain topped the list with 7 million arrivals, followed by those from Germany with 5 million and France with 4.7 million.

Spain is consistently ranked among the world’s top three tourist destinations – both by arrivals and income earned – along with France and the U.S.

Good news for all naturists, as Mijas opens its first official nudist beach in El Chaparral.

This 500 metre stretch of sand is located at km 204 of the A-7 motorway and situated on Marina Beach near the Calaburras lighthouse. It is one of the least frequented parts of the Mijas coastline and access is only available to pedestrians.

Public or social nudity is nothing new to the world – it was common in ancient Egyptian times. Greek athletes participated in the Olympic Games unclothed. By the 1840’s beaches in the United Kingdom were used for nude sunbathing, and the practice became even more popular in the 1950’s along the French coastline. Nude beaches have since spread around the world. Though they are still few and far between. They are often referred to as free beaches, clothing optional beaches, and naturist beaches.

The beach in Mijas was officially opened last weekend and despite being classified as a “nudist beach” it is open to all bathers.

Many people dream about having a nice villa with pool in southern Spain. Now your dream can come true and you don’t even have to buy the house. Villa Canta Ranas is located near the nice little town of Nerja only 1 km from the highway exit towards Frigiliana and approximately 5 minutes from Nerja.

The villa offers some amazing views to the National Parks Sierra de Tejeda and Sierra de Almijara as well as to the Mediterranean coast. Villa Canta Ranas is a rural family house in the typical “Andalusian style” in which all rooms are on one floor. On around 150 sq meters it offers three bedrooms and three bathrooms with a total of 8 beds. Read more »

Puente Romano is the setting for the first ever Marbella Masters Tennis Tournament from 17^th to 19^th September. Tennis greats such as Sergi Bruguera, Richard Krajicek and Pat Cash will be playing and the tournament will last 4 nights and is expected to attract about 15,000 fans. There will also be exhibition matches from Martina Hingis and Mansour Bahrami.

Since the tennis club was founded by the famous Swedish tennis player, Bjorn Borg in 1979 many famous tennis legends have graced its courts. There have been many prestigious international tournaments with such legendary stars such as Boris Becker and John McEnroe to name but a few, and the Central court has the capacity to seat more than 2,500 fans.

The Hotel Puente Romano Tennis Club has 10 tennis courts (8 clay, 2 hard). Pros provide lessons and tips for the beginner to the more advanced player. Special hands-on instruction is also available for the junior player.

If you’re a tennis fan, this is an unmissable event! Read more »

Formerly known as The Lorcrimar Hotel & Novelli’s Restaurant it is now rebranded and reborn. After a Multi-Million Euro refurbishment and a change of management in 2010 the Sisu Boutique Hotel Puerto Banus, Marbella has been re-opened. The hotel consists of 54 rooms which have gone through a total re-fit. As well there are 9 totally new Suites (6 Junior & 3 Penthouse Suites) in the new Sisu Boutique Hotel offering you a choice of accommodation full of Funky designs & retro fittings. To compliment its beautiful beaches & vibrant nightlife Hip ‘n’ Chic accommodation has finally arrived in Puerto Banus. From the moment you step into the breathtaking Reception you will realise this is a new Marbella and a new style. Sisu Boutique Hotel Puerto Banus aims at your pleasure, whether on vacation or business. With your Room Key Card you gain VIP access and some unbelievable deals into some of Puerto Banus’ top day & night clubs like Sintillate & Cocoloco in TIBV, Ocean Club, Nikki Beach, Sky Lounge Pangea, Linekers & Port Side and Premier Lap Dancing. The Sisu Boutique Hotel looks like the new hotel for  funky party people in Puerto Banus.