Thursday, May 6, 2010

Mijas Hot Tubs – Best Ideas · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info


Mucho More About Here: http://costadelsolfuengirola.info/


The best Hot Tubs in the world are engineered for strength, durability beauty and of course ease of maintenance. Some others start off with a much cheaper form of construction which is full foam and amazingly this includes some of the largest selling makes in the world. Again just because a hot Tub jacuzzi is one of the most sold, it does not, for one moment, mean that they are in anyway the best.


Most spas look great in the showroom under the spotlights but it is of course essential to ask the very important question how will the Hot Tub look in a few months or indeed a few years. For this very reason not only do you need to consider the inner workings of the spa or as I would call it the gubbins you need to consider the material that is used for the shell. Many people ignore this at their peril.


Probably the best Hot Tub Jacuzzi spas in the world are made with a patented four layer strengthening process called Dura-Bond ™. This exclusive system combines the beauty of Lucite-Xtra ™ Acrylic with a layer of abs for superior shell strength and integrity. Then the maker of probably the best spas in the world adds a layer of a double reinforcing material called Dura-Bond ™. This high density material is re-inforced with a fibrous chop material that adds very considerable additional strength to the Spa Shell. The process is finalised with a thick layer of polyurethane foam.


Lucite-Xtra ™ cast acrylic is a non porous material that resists stains like the build up of lotions and body oils which can ruin non- acrylic spas. This tough material keeps it shine and colour despite the use of sanitizing chemicals , high temperatures and exposure to sunlight. Its durable surface resists chipping, cracking an denting. Lucite-Xtra ™ is easily maintained with a sponge and mild soap. No additional polishing or waxing is needed to keep its lustrous appearance.


One large maker of Spas has made a practice of selling cheap-to-make spas in an expensive presentation package, but the end user needs to know that they are made with an inferior shell material. This company fully foams their spas as it needs the extra structural support for the thinner and porous shell material (thus creating a real nightmare if there ever should be a leak somewhere). I have heard it said that they fully foam to ensure that all the pipes are covered so as to keep the noise down – have you ever heard of such a stupid statement – what noise – it has to be a very badly designed and cheaply designed spa if they have to do that – the truth is that they start with the cheapest way to make a spa as they don’t use a quality acrylic like Lucite ™ and you ask yourself the question as to why not – its simple – Lucite ™ costs 4 times as much as what they use.


They also openly vent their cabinets which may lead to bug and rodent infestation that nestle inside the blown in insulation, and also by venting the cabinets they of course lose costly heat.


You can check the quality of these Hot Tub Shells by applying the lipstick test. Because Enderol and other similar low cost surfaces are actually porous (a great place for bacteria to manifest itself), they are also less resistant to staining which is why you would see a tile line around some of their spas. If you apply lipstick, they will have a hard time getting that off. On high grade Acrylic, since it is non-porous, it will simply wipe right off.


Heat generated in probably the best Hot Tub Jacuzzi spa in the world is not vented away it is kept and re-used. As water moves through the lines and pipes towards the Jets air is drawn in which is known as the venturi effect. This air is taken from the warm air pocket created by the Thermal Barrier insulation system. Warm air is re-cycled through the Hot Tubs water lines and generated back into the spa to maintain the water temperature considerably saving energy and money.


Probably the best Hot Tub Jacuzzi spa in the world has a weather guard cabinet that provides a thermal insulation barrier so as to maximize the retention of heat in the spa. These cabinets are constructed from the finest cellular vinyl PVC and is some 214% more rigid than wood and 62% more energy efficient than wood. It will not split, crack, peel or blister. At the same time it is Insect proof, moisture proof, fade resistant and of course totally maintenance free.


When looking at a Hot Tub remember the old adage that every thing that glitters is not gold like wise with a Hot Tub Jacuzzi. Always be prepared to probe a little beneath the wrapping and presentation and don’t accept what is clearly the staid patter of a salesman and from someone who has no passion for their products.





Article Source: Mijas Hot Tubs – Best Ideas · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info

Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol in Southern Spain · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info


Mucho More About Here: http://costadelsolfuengirola.info/

You might have already visited Fuengirola in summer – too many people, burning summer heat? Time to replan your Spanish holiday!

The ideal time to visit this vibrant coastal city is during autumn and spring. Mild and pleasant temperatures, glorious sunshine, and quieter streets and beaches make for a really enjoyable holiday! You will find people smile just that little bit easier, shopping and dining are an absolute pleasure, and you can enjoy all the attractions this city has to offer in comfort.


Wonderful sandy beaches, relatively empty out of season, stretch along the coast with many restaurants, bars and chiringuitos (beach cafes) to choose from. Plenty of good shops including fashion, food, shoes, etc. and some excellent new shopping centres have opened up on the border of Fuengirola and Mijas.


Fuengirola is very convenient to Malaga airport – a short drive or train ride away, and is also close to Marbella and other attractions on the Costa del Sol (also known as the Costa del Golf for golfing fans!)


Other major attractions in Fuengirola include:


The Fuengirola Zoo:


Right in the middle of town is an oasis of calm, a world class zoo with wonderful animals in very natural enclosures. Appropriate regional sounds play as you walk around the various areas of the zoo. Of particular interest are the Sumatra Tigers, the gorillas, and also the Lemur enclosure, with many of these fascinating creatures from Magagascar. This enclosure is open with a tour guide at certain times of the day – ask when you arrive at the zoo for a close up experience with magical lemurs. Best time to visit is either early morning (zoo opens at 10 am) or late afternoon.


The Sohail Castle:


On a hilltop, close to the centre of town is the Sohail Castle. Makes a pleasant stroll (if a bit uphill), with wonderful sea views from the top.


Fuengirola Port:


The port of Fuengirola consists of two sections:


1. A working fishing port where it is fascinating to watch the fishermen offloading their catches from the boats – you can also take a pleasant stroll around the port from this point and look at the many boats moored in the port, and also magnificent mountain views.


2. A leisure boat marina, with many attractive yachts and other boats. In this area are several pubs and restaurants, and also enjoyable boat trips are on offer, including sailing boats and glass bottomed boats for viewing the dolphins.


So come and visit Fuengirola and enjoy our city in the so called “off season”! You won’t regret it, and will have a wonderful holiday!


About the Author


Anne Sewell is involved in web based accommodation reservations and advertising in Fuengirola, Spain. Visit All Spain Accommodation






Article Source: Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol in Southern Spain · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info

Guide to Spains Costa del Sol · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info


Mucho More About Here: http://costadelsolfuengirola.info/



Spains costa del sol(Coast of Sun) is situated in the south of the country and experiences around 320 days of sunshine every year. This is why it has become in recent years one of the most popular holiday destinations for the British as well as other europeans including the Germans and the French.


The costa del sol has a host of towns a cities to explore such as its capital Malaga, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Mijas, Marbella and Estepona to name a few.


The costa del sol is a fantastic holiday resort for people of all ages. If you have children then there are lots of places to visit such as Selwo Marina in Benalmadena which has a variety of sealife to see including sea lions, dolphins, flamingos and penguins.


Or if you are visiting Fuengirola the zoo there is a must. Located pretty much within the hustle and bustle of the town it has a great number of different animals from all over the world to see and is great for the kids.


If golf is your thing then the costa del sol is perfect for you as its one of the worlds golfing mecca´s. There are around 50 courses to choose from and most are of a very high standard. A particularly nice course is Santana Golf Course in La Cala and is well worth 18 holes. Bare in mind though if you do play golf in Spain try and avoid July and August as although the green fee´s will be a lot less than the rest of the year, it can get very hot and is not ideal for playing any sport.


If it is nightlife that you are after then the costa del sol is definetely a good choice. With literally hundreds of bars and clubs to tickle your fancy you will be spoilt for choice on where to spend your evenings.


On the other hand if all the above sounds like just a bit too much activity for you, why not settle for a nice spot of sand on one of the many fine beaches that there are on offer. Lay your towel down, chill out and feel that warm sun on your body.


The great thing about the costa del sol is that there is something for everyone.


About the Author


Robert Griggs lives on the costa del sol and is the owner of a holiday lets website.


He is also the maintainer of the holiday lettings Spain website which has lots of information on holidaying and living in Spain.




Article Source: Guide to Spains Costa del Sol · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info

No need for business to have opening licence, says Town Halls · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info


Mucho More About Here: http://costadelsolfuengirola.info/

With the down turn in the property market, together with the recession, both the Malaga and Fuengirola town halls have made a bold move in removing the requirement for an opening licence on many local businesses in an effort to stimulate the economy. With the new requirements in force and covering a wide range of commercial activities, areas of catering, sport, leisure and culture have been omitted and these businesses must still fulfil the requirement of an opening licence. Normally, local businesses had to obtain an opening licence from the town hall before trading could begin. This process would normally cost anything up to 300 Euros and take a long time to process, thus halting new local businesses from opening and offering new jobs to the communities. Now, Malaga’s requirement is simply the presentation of a declaration of responsibility, together with copies of relevant documents such as a property rental agreement or ‘escritura’. There is no fee or waiting time involved and trading can begin as soon as the documents are delivered. However, as per usual, the officials from the town halls will still continue their inspections of the business and should any problems arise, they will be declared to the business owner, who is at their best interest to sort any problems out immediately. The general vibe on the streets is that the new move is a positive sign and good for new businesses. Included in this new requirement are shops, motor dealers, doctors, vets, warehouses, driving schools and many others, but excluded are bars, restaurants, discos, cinemas, theatres and more

In Fuengirola, the town hall is due to enact a similar policy to the one in Malaga. Local officials have also confirmed that this new policy is inline with the EU directive, who wants to help and improve the process for new business opening, thus having a “positive” knock-on effect for the community.





Article Source: No need for business to have opening licence, says Town Halls · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info

The Costa del Deal · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info


Mucho More About Here: http://costadelsolfuengirola.info/



The Costa de Sol has experienced a turbulent few months but with so many property bargains to be found it remains a popular property hotspot.


The Costa del Sol in southern Spain has long been a favourite with British property buyers. The fact that it is so easy to reach by short, low-cost flights, has a gloriously sunny climate and lifestyle, sheltered beaches, top-notch golf courses and marinas, and that its authorities continue to invest in its infrastructure has been reflected in the capital growth and impressive rental yields achieved within its property sector in recent years. It is also a region that is considered politically and economically stable. However, like so many property markets around the world, the UK included, it has seen a turbulent few months with values dropping and property buyers thin on the ground largely because of the credit crunch.


However, like all property markets in unsettled times, there are winners as well as losers: the Costa del Sol is no exception. The big winners at the moment are new property buyers, especially those that might have been forced out of the market previously when property prices were high, and investors looking to the medium to long term.


Property for sale in Costa del Sol region can be found at a bargain. Prices are being discounted by as much as 30 per cent as sellers and developers aim to tempt property buyers with more realistic prices. Although new property buyers and investors may have to wait a while to see significant capital growth on their investment the market is already showing the first signs of stability. According to the Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP) in its newly released annual report on buying trends, Spain remains the number one choice of British property buyers despite the downturn of values.


In the interim, until a full recovery is made, the Costa del Sol still offers rental opportunities. It remains one of the most popular holiday regions of Spain and investors can continue to benefit from the holiday or long-term rentals market. Prime hotspots for property suitable for rentals, include Benalmadena, where a typical two-bedroom apartment near the coast and golf courses would cost around €190,000 (£150,000), and Estepona, where for example a two-bedroom apartment in a complex minutes from the sea would be around €245,000 (£194,000). Torremolinos remains popular, as does Fuengirola and Manilva, along with the two ‘big guns’ Marbella and Malaga.


Alexis Johannessen of Livingstone Estates, which is currently marketing a number of properties (including a new luxury development, Torre Bermeja, comprising two- to four-bedroom apartments from €800,000 (£630,000), in the coastal hotspot of Estepona) is confident that the market is stabilising. “We are seeing a steady number of enquiries and most of these are turning into sales,” explains Alexis. “The key is that property for sale in Spain needs to be realistically priced and it will attract property buyers. There are bargains to be found. Many of these bargains are resales but developers of new-build properties are increasingly adjusting their prices to take into account the market too, which we feel is a good thing and sensible.”


Taylor Woodrow is one of the developers currently building in the Costa del Sol, notably in Marbella and the surrounding towns. Among its new projects is the El Bosque de la Mairena, a collection of 215 new apartments located an hour or so from Malaga airport and close to Marbella. Property prices start from £142,000. It is also developing Los Eucaliptos, which comprises high-specification apartments set around pools and close to a golf course. Prices are from £252,000. Both developments are currently being offered with substantial discounts of as much as 30 per cent on selected plots and being marketed by Chesterton International.


Andrew Hawkins, head of the international department of Chesterton International, says, “We are seeing significant discounts being offered in the market, which means that there are real opportunities for securing a good purchase price. Taylor Woodrow, for instance, is taking the sensible step of pricing new plots at a realistic level. It is offering discounts on selected plots, which is good news for investors but also for new property buyers that were unable to afford to enter the market previously,” he explains.


“The interest in the Costa del Sol is still strong. Although we have noticed a reduction of enquiries, those that call are serious property buyers,” adds Hawkins. “Property buyers are recognising that there are real bargains to be found, and although they may have to wait a while to realise significant capital growth, it will happen as the market improves.”


Along with Marbella, Malaga is a top spot for property buyers. Martin Dell of Kyero, a company specialising in statistics from the Spanish property market, says the Costa del Sol region, and especially Malaga, is still popular with buyers, although values have dropped compared with previous years. “Average prices of property for sale in Malaga rose steadily from the end of 2005 to peak at an average of €314,000 [£248,000] at the end of 2006. Property prices fluctuated somewhat in 2007 and have now dropped to an average of €300,000 [£237,000],” he explains.


“Malaga is still the fourth-most expensive province to buy property in Spain, with average property prices being 125 per cent of the national average,” he adds. The average current price for a one-bedroom property for sale is around €159,000 [£125,000] rising to around €750,000 [£592,000] on average for a five-bedroom property.


Land prices are relatively low in the Costa del Sol region at the current time, especially sizable plots overlooking golf courses or beaches. Many people are looking to buy a plot now and for a future self-build project as an alternative to buying a resale property or new-build. Two such sites, currently on the market with Carrington Estates, are Monte Mayor Golf and Country Club, near Puerto Banus, where a 3,300-square-metre plot overlooking the first and second hole of its golf course is priced at €596,000 (£470,000), and La Zagaleta, where a 6,600-square-metre frontline golf course plot is offered at €2,350,000 (£1.8 million).


While the Costa del Sol offers a great lifestyle and good rental opportunities in the short term, with so many bargains to be found the savvy investor will be sure to make a healthy return in the longer term. Barbara Wood, co-founder of The Property Finders, a company specialising in finding property for sale for clients, says property buyers are in a strong position and can secure a property at a good price but need to look to the longer term for growth. “A client has just purchased at Tarifa and the valuation for mortgage came in at 15 per cent more than we were paying for it, almost unheard of in today’s market but a good sign that my client is buying at a very good price,” she explains.


Barbara feels that discounts of around 30 per cent are achievable if buying off-plan, but the resale markets has the best choice of bargains. “If someone has cash or funds available then they should be looking at the resale market in prime areas, this is where the best deals are to be found.” The time is clearly right to bag a bargain in the Costa del Sol.


About the Author


Carole French for Homes Overseas – Property for sale in Spain, (http://www.homesoverseas.co.uk/property-for-sale-in-spain/1882) information about buying property in Spain, (http://www.homesoverseas.co.uk/buying-property-in-spain/1882) overseas property investment advice and international property news.
International property experts since 1965.




Article Source: The Costa del Deal · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info

Holidays in Nerja on the Costa del Sol, Spain · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info


Mucho More About Here: http://costadelsolfuengirola.info/

Nerja has become one of the most popular holiday resorts on the Costa del Sol to be found east of Malaga. Unlike many of the popular destinations to the west of Malaga heading down towards Gibraltar, such as Torremolinos, Fuengirola and Marbella, Nerja has escaped mass tourism and still retains much of its original charm and character as a former fishing village.


Nerja is nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara mountain range, which shelters it from the worst of winter weather whilst providing a breathtaking backdrop to the town’s traditional whitewashed stone townhouses and villas. It is surely one of the most beautiful destinations along the eastern Costa del Sol. With just a 45-minute drive to Malaga’s international airport, cheap flights available from many European destinations and a regular coastal bus service, Nerja can be an ideal cheap holiday destination.


The Balcon de Europa is the focal point of the old town and offers stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea and nearby beaches. It was originally known as ‘La Bateria’ due to the gun battery that stood here in a fortified tower, but was destroyed in 1810 by a Bristish led force during the Pennisular War to prevent occupation by French forces. Nowadays the Balcon is full of activity with street artists and entertainers, horse-drawn carriages and ice-cream vendors selling a huge variety of flavours and colours. Lined with many bars and restaurants, it offers an ideal location to relax and watch the sun set over the Mediterranean coastline.


In the old quarter of Nerja town itself, many buildings still retain their original Andalucia architectural style, and the narrow winding streets bustle with the authentic atmosphere of a working Spanish town. Yet Nerja has all the advantages of a modern town, with endless shops selling ceramics, textiles, leather goods, souvenirs and essential beach accessories for the family.


Much of Nerja’s nightlife begins late into the evening and you are sure to find a bar to your particular taste, either in the lively Tutti Frutti Square, or the many tranquil bars to be found around the Balcon de Europa. Bars and clubs in Tutti Frutti Square stay open well into the morning hours during the long, hot summer nights, and are particularly popular with younger holiday visitors. However, bars near the Balcon are more conducive to the relaxed atmosphere of Andalucia life.


If you are happy to spend your holiday relaxing in Nerja, you can be assured there are many beautiful sandy beaches hidden within small coves, lined with bars and restaurants in abundance. Burriana beach is one of the largest and most popular with tourists and Spanish alike, whilst to the side of the Balcon itself, hidden within a small cove, can be found one of Nerja’s most charming beaches with golden sand and clear blue water.


Less than 3km away are the famous Nerja Caves first discovered in 1959, now one of the most popular holiday attractions in Spain. The caves have impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, and a natural cavern that has been turned into an impressive concert hall, the location of many theatre productions and classical concerts. One of Nerja’s most celebrated fiestas is San Isidro on the 15th May. A large procession of decorated carts leave the centre of the town heading towards the caves for a weekend of festivity and celebration, in true Andalucia style. The caves can also be reached by local bus with a regular service leaving from the main bus terminal on Avenida Pescia.


The town itself offers many holiday attractions for the visitor, but if you feel the need to explore some of the attractions Andalucia has to offer, then it is an ideal starting point for trips and excursions. Within a ten minute drive can be reached the beautiful whitewashed-stone villages of Frigiliana and Torrox, both shining white as snow in the sun. For real snow however, the Sierra Mountains offer fantastic, affordable skiing during the winter months and all within a two-hour drive. Nestled in the foothills of the mountains is the Moorish city of Granada, dominated by the mysterious Alhambra Palace. A series of palaces and gardens built over several centuries under the Nazrid Dynasty in the 14th Century.


Nerja has become very popular for people retiring or simply looking for a change of life, with a fifth of the estimated population of 20,000 being foreign residents, including more than 2,000 British. During the summer months this figure increases many more times with the arrival of holiday visitors in abundance attracted by one of the best climates in Europe. With Costa del Sol beaches, golf courses, skiing, adventure parks, water parks and the Almijara mountain range all within easy reach; Nerja has something to offer everyone.


Steve Greenwood has lived on the Costa del Sol for 3 years and works in Nerja. You are invited to visit Costa del Sol holiday rentals for Nerja holiday apartments, places to visit and things to do in Spain. Ideal Rentals (www.idealrentals4u.com) offers holiday information on all the regions of Spain including the Balearic and Canary Islands.


Article Source: Holidays in Nerja on the Costa del Sol, Spain · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info

Guide to Marbella’s Best Restaurants · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info


Mucho More About Here: http://costadelsolfuengirola.info/

Marbella is well known for its spectacular array of restaurants that serve up food from both Spain and around the world. But the trouble with visiting such an area of culinary excellence is that often it’s difficult to know where to start. Here’s a brief guide to five of the best restaurants that you should visit next time you are in town.

1. Morelli’s


Launched by Irish chef Silvano Morelli, this is one of the restaurants that always seems to get great reviews from its happy diners. Located on the east side of Puerto Banus, the centre of wealth and opulence, it caters for some demanding diners, but it seems to please nearly all of the time.


The friendly staff at Morelli’s are welcoming and will make you feel right at home from the moment you step foot inside the building. But of course it is the food that makes or breaks any restaurant, and Morelli’s has some of the best that the Costa del Sol has to offer.


Serving up a wide range of Spanish dishes, including pasta, meat and fish dishes, it aims to please everyone and manages to do just that. Typical starters include fresh mussels, tempura prawns and Caesar salad, and recommended dishes include the meat ravioli, the fillet steak and linguine with fresh lobster. It is not a traditional Spanish restaurant, but if you want to dine well on excellent food in a superb location, you can’t miss Morelli’s.

2. Zozoi


Zozoi is known as the trendiest spot to eat in the Old Town of Marbella, and as soon as you step foot inside the converted house you will see why. Decked out in modern décor, everything is designed to appeal to the eye and attract the ‘in’ crowd in the town.


But it’s not just an attractive interior that makes Zozoi special: here you will find some of the best Mediterranean cuisine on offer in Marbella. The menu is constantly changing with the seasons, so that you are always in for a surprise depending on the time of year that you visit.


The large terrace is perfect for those long, warm summer evenings, and this combined with the fresh food and the great atmosphere make it one of the highlights of Marbella’s gastronomic scene.


Some of the main courses include roasted salmon with honey and lime, braised lamb shank with couscous, and grilled fillet of sea bass with saffron fettuccini and asparagus.

3. Messina


The original Messina was located in the Old Town, but it became so popular that in the end it had to move to bigger premises. This is a sophisticated restaurant that boasts a great menu and a huge selection of wines. There is a sense of fun in the menu that is revealed through the creative dishes that strive to be inventive and end up delivering a real treat to the taste buds.


Items on the menu such as Argentinian fillet steak, grilled skate and Iberic pork lasagne with caramelized apple are sure to lead to an interesting and tasty excursion. There’s also plenty of parking space and a valet service to take the hassle out of visiting.

4. Casa Fernandos


If you’re looking for something traditional and respected by the locals as well as the tourists, you can’t do better than Casa Fernandos. This family-run restaurant has been going for over 30 years, and always seems to be full, which has to be a good sign.


Its speciality is fish, and its loyal customers will tell you that here you will find the best fish dishes in town. But despite seafood being the speciality, it also serves up impressive meat dishes and a popular paella. Located in a large house, customers can sit inside or out on the terrace, and the friendly waiters will make sure to keep your plate full with lots of local delights.


The starters are particularly good, with local cheeses, smoked ham and bread options all very tasty. On top of that it boasts a great selection of Spanish and international wines to accompany the meals.

5. El Pozo Viejo


Translated as ‘The Old Well’, El Pozo Viejo is located just behind the Church of the Incarnation in the Old Town of Marbella. It is a delightful old building, and one of the most impressive features is the old Andalusian patio inside.


The owner is an ex bull fighter, Jaime Carbrerizo, a name which attracts some well-known faces to the restaurant. Here diners are treated to traditional dishes from the Basque region as well as the south of Andalusia, and the motto seems to be quality food at a good price.


The traditional setting is made even more atmospheric when on various nights flamenco dancing and poetry readings take place, making it a rather special evening out. The ‘albondigas’ (meatballs) come highly recommended.


Robert writes for Alanda Club Marbella which is an aparthotel in Marbella conveniently located to discover everything Marbella has to offer.


Article Source: Guide to Marbella’s Best Restaurants · Costa Del Sol Fuengirola Info