Without a doubt, aspirational Marbella, nestled between the La Concha Mountain and Mediterranean Sea, is the Costa del Sol’s place of dreams for those who want a share of the jetset lifestyle.

Marbella’s excellent situation has long been appreciated by human beings - the area has been inhabited since Palaeolithic times. The modern story goes that Prince Max Egon zu Hohenlohe-Langenburg ‘discovered’ the small fishing village when his Rolls Royce broke down here in the late 1940s. Enchanted, he saw opportunity and by the 1950s, had established the Marbella Club Hotel. His aristocratic connections soon attracted other visitors, who flocked here in their droves. The rest, as they say, is history.

Today Marbella is a glittering international beach resort beloved of royalty, movie stars, Arab oil princes and other celebrities who come to bask in the balmy Mediterranean climate and enjoy a laidback outdoor way of life. 150,000 inhabits, approximately 15% of which are foreigners, now call Marbella home, although this figure usually doubles during the tourist season. Millionaire yachts and cruise ships line its two marinas, one in exclusive Puerto Banus to the west, and the other in central Marbella. The marble beachfront promenade is littered with trendy eateries, cafes and beach bars.

Malaga International Airport is just 50kms away, and the E-15 and A-7 motorways give easy access to the interior and neighbouring coastal regions. The town also has two parks, several beaches, two hospitals and many churches, amenities and museums.

Sport is big here. There are around 20 nearby golf courses, amongst them the Old and New San Roque courses and Valderrama, where the Spanish Open legs of the European Golf Tours have been played. WTA tennis tournaments also draw crowds of beautiful people who relish Marbella’s ritzy designer stores, great restaurants and vibrant nightlife.

The old town (Casco Antiguo) still retains its charming cobbled streets and quaint whitewashed homes. At its centre is the 15th century Plaza de los Naranjos, an oasis heavy with the perfume of orange blossom.

Naturally there are also quieter places where the living is more relaxed. Away from the main tourist strip, there are plenty of serviced estates with poolside villas and apartments available for rent or to buy as an alternative to hotel accommodation, which can be scarce in the summer months.

In the light of the constant flow of visitors and desirability of retiring here, Marbella is considered to be an excellent real estate investment - rental income across the spectrum of accommodation remains assured, despite the economic downturn. It is also not necessary to be a millionaire in order to find affordable properties for sale here, and with a long term approach, capital growth is definitely achievable.

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