Mijas Pueblo is a beautiful whitewashed village, 10 km from the sea, between Marbella and Malaga. It is a warren of narrow cobbled streets brimming with cute cafes, restaurants and shops. Many artists and writers have made it their home. In the charming craft shops you will find some wonderful handmade pottery, paintings and prints. It is an easy place to come away with a few souvenirs. The views from this extremely pretty village are truly exceptional. If guests can drag themselves from this delightful spot and their luxurious haven, the delights of Marbella are just moments away!

Malaga is a fantastic, very popular destination with an historic centre attracting more visitors than ever to its handsome streets. It boasts a vibrant gastronomic scene, fine museums, boutique shops and lively streets, bustling with cafes and tapas bars. As the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, one of Malaga’s main attractions is the museum dedicated to him that is housed within the beautifully restored Buenavista Palace. Another of the best attractions in Malaga is Alcazaba which was built between 1057 and 1063, probably the most important military fortification remaining from the Hispanic-Arabic period. Malaga is now such a foodie destination with the Mercado Central de Atarazanas very popular. This indoor farmers market is bursting with the brilliant colours and smells of fresh fruits and vegetables and local specialities such as almonds, anchovies and olives. The presentations are stunning and the building itself offers stained glass windows and iron work inspired by Les Halles in Paris. You can order tapas and enjoy amazing wines. Everything is delicious in Malaga from the humble tapas to the extravagant Michelin star restaurants. The striking, modern Port of Malaga is lined with upmarket restaurants and bars. A visit to the majestic Malaga Cathedral is a must! The artwork and architecture are magnificent. There are tours taking you up onto the roof where you can enjoy the sensational 360 degree views over the city. Not to be missed are some of the outstanding museums, including the Pablo Picasso Museum where you can learn about his life and enjoy the art.

For Mediterranean glamour, Marbella holds its own with the French Riviera and other hot-spot destinations in Europe. Marbella has everything you want from a luxury beach destination, Michelin-starred restaurants, manicured, challenging golf courses, marinas bustling with high-end yachts, chic, designer boutiques and never-ending golden sandy beaches. Marbella and its close neighbour Puerto Banus are renowned for glitzy entertainment, culture, fantastic gastronomy and boutique shopping. Plaza de los Naranjos, the old part of Marbella is beguiling with Arabic characteristics and overflowing balconies adorned with beautiful flowers. The narrow streets surrounding the beautiful plazas are full of chic bars and restaurants and charming shops offering souvenirs, olive oil, local pottery and lace. Plaza de la Iglesia is very beautiful and often hosts markets and concerts.

Puerto Banus was designed and built in 1970 by local property developer Jose Banus as a luxury marina and shopping complex. The shops and restaurants reflect the expensive lifestyle of its visitors. If you enjoy people watching, you will never be short of popstars or reality TV stars to spot during the summer months. There are also plenty of Ferraris and luxury yachts to admire. Sala Beach Club and Ocean Club Marbella are just two of the luxury beach clubs in Puerto Banus where you can indulge in champagne and gourmet lunches, all served by attentive staff. Within Ocean Club Marbella there are a range of exclusive shops, a wellness spa and massage, swimming pool, restaurant, 4 bars and a chill-out zone.

Gibraltar, with its Palladian architecture and camera-hogging Barbary Macaques, makes an interesting break from Marbella. The Pillars of Hercules with fantastic views of North Africa’s Morocco, the huge caverns of St Michael’s Cave, the Skywalk lookout at the top of the rock and the Barbary Macaque apes are all Instagrammable photo opportunities. Some guests also like to nip over to the mythical Tangiers or escape to the deserted beaches of the Atlantic coastline of Cadiz.

San Pedro has a relaxed ambience though there is plenty to do. The wide, palm-lined boulevard leads to the glorious beach and the beautifully tiled promenade. Lush gardens are on one side of the promenade and the sandy banks on the other. There are many beach bars, most specialising in true Mediterranean cuisine including paella, fresh fish and of course tapas. San Pedro has some interesting architecture including the Roman baths, the Paleochristian Basilica Church and Necropolis and the Parish Church of San Pedro Alcantara. The central plaza is great for a stoll. The narrow streets surrounding it are packed with intriguing small shops, sidewalk cafes and bars.