It goes without saying that every girl has a different idea of what makes a perfect hen do. So how is it that Marbella hen weekends manage to hit the mark every time? Let’s start by ticking off the prerequisites of exquisite cuisine, sparkling nightlife and an eclectic choice of activities. Then add 26 kilometres of sun-drenched beaches, cheap flights and captivating Spanish culture, and you’re half way to discovering the ideal destination. But perfect hen nights shouldn’t be held in just ‘any’ luxury beach town. For this you need somewhere extra special to spend the most memorable weekend of your life: somewhere with as much glamour as culture, a town where you are at home in stilettos and sandals, and where only the most tasteful of tourists choose to go…

Just 30 minutes from Malaga airport, nestled beneath the La Concha mountain, on Spain’s eternally sunny Costa del Sol, this white-washed town of ancient churches and historic squares is packed with cultural treasures and surrounded by an Arabian city wall.

Sunbathe on sandy beaches, try your hand at windsurfing and water-skiing, or charter a boat and spend a day drifting on the Mediterranean Sea.  Back on dry land, order sangria and sardines at one of the atmospheric chiringuitos (beach bars), before you take in the fabulous Spanish sunset.

Overlooking these stunning sands is the aptly named ‘Golden Mile’, where Marbella’s most opulent proprieties, and some of the finest restaurants in the Med can be found. Take it all in while strolling along the coastline towards Puerto Banus, then enjoy a cold drink at the harbour and watch the world, and luxury yachts, go by – or let loose on the designer shops and elite boutiques! By nightfall, this stretch is alive with alfresco bars, piano joints and chic clubs: dress to kill, bring plenty of cash to burn and expect to party until the early hours.

Not your style? Then explore the cobbled streets of the old town, or ‘Casco Antiguo’. Be sure to visit La Plaza de los Naranjo, where you’ll find art galleries, stunning architecture, and atmospheric backstreet bars serving rich tapas and cured Sereno ham.  Begin the evening sipping cocktails on ornate terraces, before discovering the flamenco bars, rustic taverns and energetic Spanish night clubs of Marbella.

Marbella is both a stylish rendezvous for the glitterati, and a 15th century old town with a new soul., whatever your style, glamour-puss or culture-queen, Marbella hen parties deliver that extra magic that all the best hen weekends are made of.

This article was provided by Lucy Grewcock of redsevenleisure.co.uk

James is allegedly being sued for £23,500 of underpaid maintenance charges on a four-bedroom luxury apartment near Marbella on the Costa del Sol coast purchased by the pop star back in 2006.

The apartment was sold over 12 months ago however the owners of the prestigious Majestic Hills development  where the apartment is located insist that payments from when James owned it are still unpaid.

A spokesperson for James told contactmusic.com that the situation was now a legal case but confirmed the singer would pay up “That matter is in the hands of his lawyers, who are working out the exact amount owed which, when agreed, he will duly pay.”

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.

Probably unsurprisingly Spain is amongst the most popular destinations, however I’m sure most people will still prefer to rent a holiday rental especially designed for holidaymakers rather than staying in someone else’s house whilst worrying about what the other family might be doing to yours!

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.

With a fantastic blend of historical Spanish culture and modern day luxury living the Costa del Sol is a unique place. It offers something for all tastes whether it be a quaint white washed village on the mediterian coast or a lively tourist town with a buzzing nightlife.

Take a look at the article here and visit Costadelvillas to find the perfect holiday home.

1) Shop around – there are plenty of fantastic luxury villas to rent in the Costa del Sol region of Spain, so don’t get set on one particular villa, look around and enquire  about several holiday villas.

2) Don’t be put off by larger villas – just because you only a need a villa for four, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t look for a villa for six, larger villas can be cheaper and offer more space.

3) Location, location, location – if you’re looking for entertainment and attractions nearby make sure you do your research on the resort you plan to stay at, villas further away from the main areas may be cheaper but you may have to spend more money on transport.

4) Talk to the owner – ask the owner for advice before you confirm your booking, they will know the area well so will be able to help with any questions you may have.

5) Consider the off season – prices are higher and availability is lower for the peak times but visiting the Costa del Sol in off season months like April and October still offer great temperatures and plenty of sunshine.

Each guide contains information on the best places to eat, drink and enjoy great nightlife as well as advise on the best beaches, and attractions.

Take a look at our entire range of Costa del Sol travel guides here.

How many travel with you?
It is obvious that hotels are increasingly expensive for extended groups of people. A family of four will call for dear hotel bills even though the hotel may be just a three star. On the other side, apartments can often accommodate 4 people, making this your most cost effective solution.

How much space do you need?
Rooms in hotels usually are just that, rooms. If your goal is to deeply relax between daytrips, hotel rooms might be a little too crammed for you, even if they usually offer an area to relax in the company of other guests. Apartments offer a higher privacy in a larger accommodation. On the other side, if your goal is to use your stay as a dormitory where to nap and shower, hotel rooms are your best spot.

Who does the cleaning?
Both city and country hotels will never require you to lift a finger to clean or tide up. Linen and towels are changed daily for you, no cleaning, or dish washing, is required. A nice breakfast is usually laid out for you, and restaurants of your choice take care of the other meals. However, this costs a pretty penny! Hotels are mainly chosen by some for the provided services, the real sweet part of vacationing. Others have a need to prepare food with their hands. Do you have it clear what kind of holiday you want? Apartments are self-catered, which means all the house chores are done by you. Accommodation owners may have a once a week linen and towel change, but make that sure. Most importantly, ask who usually cleans up in your home, it is just fair they decide on this.

What surroundings do you want?
The location of hotels usually is strategic. They are usually found in city centers, close to monuments and historic areas, by airports and train stations. It is nice to be near restaurants and points of interest, but do not forget that city hotels may have their windows on trafficked streets, or densely populated urban areas. If you aim for a relaxing stay, this might not be the best choice for you. City apartments have just the same problems. Country hotels and apartments, on the other hand, trade off their out-of-hand location with their greatly peaceful and relaxing surroundings. SO, are you a museum hopper, or a snuggle bear?

Do you want personal touch?
Usually the rooms of a hotel all look alike. You are not likely to find personal touch not even in a ten-room hotel. Furnishings are quite standard, even the smell can be awkward. But for single-servings seekers, hotels are just fine. Apartments actually make of high personalization their strength. The structure and furniture are all unique to each apartment, even in the same apartment complex. This is where you will find your homely touch.

I hope this was helpful to guide you to your final choice between apartments and hotels for your next holiday rental.

Matt lives and works in Tuscany. He also travels extensively all over the world staying in hotels and apartments. He earns a living reviewing Tuscany apartments and Tuscany hotels.

Amongst our Costa del Sol travel guides are brand new guides add for Alcaidesa, Nerja, Calahonda, Estepona, Torremolinos, San Pedro, Sotogrande.

Make sure you have a quick look if you’re holidaying in the Costa del Sol soon and feel free to let us know your own recommendations for places to visit, eat and see.

Inside the villa offers spacious accommodation with a fully fitted kitchen, dining area and large lounge complete with a TV and DVD player. The villa is ideal for families looking to enjoy a villa holiday in Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol.

Villa Tejon is available from £800 per week and is available to be booked directly from the owner at Costadelvillas.