There was an interesting article in today’s Telegraph about holidaymakers looking to swap homes with others in a bid to reduce holiday costs. Rather than spending money on renting a holiday villa or apartment, more families are prepared to swap their homes with other families overseas in an attempt to cut down on holiday spending.

I’ve heard about this market before but I don’t know anyone that’s tried it, however according to the article over 1.6 million people will undertake a swap this year alone.

Spain is one of the top holiday destinations for Brits heading off for their annual summer break, so it’s fitting that the Telegraph should select Spain as the first destination for their summer holiday guide feature.

Gill Charlton, of the Telegraph takes a look at the country which has topped many peoples list of favourite holiday destinations for many years. Looking at ten reasons to visit the country Gill highlights the Costa del Sol as one of the best places to holiday.

Bollywood superstar and former Celebrity Big Brother winner Shilpa Shetty recently declared that her favourite holiday was spent in Marbella. In an article for the telegraph.co.uk Shilpa revealed that a New Years break in Marbella’s ultra luxurious Mabrella Club hotel with her husband Raj was her favourite holiday of all time. Describing her room Shilpa said it was like a villa, and had its own swimming pool! Shilpa is clearly a fan of Spain adding that she loves the weather on the Costa del Sol.

Enjoy weekend breaks on the Costa del Sol, one of Europe’s most popular all-year-round holiday regions.

This magnificent stretch of southern Spanish coastline is served by several low-cost airlines offering super-cheap flights to Malaga and Alicante – both within easy reach of the Costa’s major tourist resorts. For best price air tickets visit flight comparison website diyflights.com, which compares prices across over 500 airlines and online agents.

Throughout the year visitors flock to the Costa del Sol to bask in the cross-seasonal warm weather, relax on its stunning beaches, and revel in its vibrant nightlife.

Malaga weekend breaks provide visitors with a taste of authentic Spain. The city boasts a bustling commercial port, restaurants serving local food, and an attractive old centre featuring venerable streets, plazas, and numerous historic monuments.

Beach lovers have access to some fine stretches of golden sand, while culture vultures will want to head for the Picasso Museum, dedicated to the famous artist who was born in the city.

Malaga hotels range from affordable mid-range lodgings to luxury 5-star resorts.  Wherever you choose to stay in the city will afford you good access to the main attractions, with regular bus services taking visitors down to the coastline.

Introducing the show Piers Morgan described Marbella as place where the resident’s total wealth exceeds that of most South American countries. Possibly an exaggeration but a clear indicator of the side of Marbella the show was about to explore.

Less Costa del Crime and more Costa hell of a lot Marbella is stuffed with million pound villas, overflowing with luxury boats, oozing with flash cars and has more than a few resident billionaires to go with them.

Morgan kicked the show off with a drive down the Golden Mile, taking in the Marbella Club a famous resort that first attracted the rich and famous to Marbella back in the fifties. Next up on the stretch was the Mosque built by Saudia Arabian King Fahd as a gift to the locals followed shortly by the Saudia Royal summer home often referred to as the White House.

We’re pleased to announce that we’ve added a selection of new Costa del Sol holiday rentals this week. So we thought we’d showcase a few of them in our blog, so here’s some of the new villas and apartments that have been added to Costa del villas this week…

Casares Real – apartment for 4 in Casares

A beautiful air conditioned apartment with fantastic luxury facilities, perfect for golfers and families looking to escape the hussle of life at home. Located within a short walking distance of the beach and set in tropical gardens with adult and childrens pool and balcony for al frescodining and sunbathing. Stunning views of sea and mountains across the Costa del Sol.

Prices start from £300 per week | Contact owner to book

Cortijo Los Pinos – villa for 6 in Velez Malaga

A luxury Spacious 3 bedroom villa with large terraces, private swimming pool, jacuzzi and breathtaking views across the Costa del Sol countryside. All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, a large lounge and a with a fully fitted kitchen. A large sofa bed will sleep two additional adults if required.

Prices start from £495 per week | Contact owner to book

Sotogrande Luxury Villa for 7 in Sotogrande

Luxury semi detached 2 storey villa with spacious outdoor terraces and wonderful lawn and garden. Located in a small gated community between Almenara and Valderama golf courses, surrounded by countryside. It’s green location ensures more pleasant temperatures in the summer. Private swimming pool and gardens with plenty of space of BBQ’s and dining outside.

Prices start from £500 per week | Contact owner to book

Kylie Minogue has spent a week in Spain celebrating Christmas with her boyfriend Andre Velencoso, a Spanish underwear model, and his family.

The couple jetted into Barcelona on Christmas Eve to stay at Velencoso’s family home in Tossa Del Mar on the Costa Brava coast. The visit gave Kylie the chance to get to know her potential new in-laws and they all seemed to getting on well as Kylie was spotted with Velencoso’s sisters, Sonia and Silvia taking a stroll along the beach yesterday.