| Summer's here, where are
you? The whole world comes to stay and play in Marbella in August,
or so it seems, but what's special about living here is that appealing combination
of sophistication and simplicity. You can be part of the action or find peace
and quiet. Whatever you're looking for, you'll find it here. Whether you
party till the sun comes up or the barman goes home, or your day consists of
squeezing the last globs of sunscreen from your Ambre Solaire tube and choosing
between the fish or the pasta with pesto on the lunch menu, the Marbella lifestyle
is whatever you make it. We seem to spend so much time in the UK cooped
up inside our home or office, that being able to live "al fresco" in
southern Spain most of the year is something I consider priceless. With
summer in full fling, I usually head for the beach, and our Marbella beaches are
excellent. Most have their own "chiringuito" (beach café) so
you can kick off your sandals, dip your toes in the sand and enjoy a drink and
watch the world go by. You'll find plenty of sophisticated chiringuitos featuring
a full wine list and menus with everything from paella to pollo. (Ladies, a quick
note here: "pollo" is "chicken" in Spanish, not to be confused
with polla which means a man's private part.) Don't worry if you confuse your
pollo with your polla your waiter will probably just give you a "knowing
look" and just continue with your order. If you're a water baby rather
than a sun bed lounger, head for somewhere like The Beach House, a fabulous restaurant
that also offers water sports (details below). So without further ado, here
are my chiringuito picks for this summer: El Oceano
The El Oceano
Hotel's pool and gorgeous new spa area is the sort of dreamy spot where you can
chill out in five star style while you lounge over cocktails cooled by the sea
breeze. Every body needs pampering, so treat yourself to an Elemis massage or
linger over lunch on the shaded terrace that overlooks an almost private beach.
At Miraflores Playa. Tel: 952 587 550 Max Beach
This popular
Belgian-owned beachfront restaurant has a magnificent sundeck and serves a good
international food. Open for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Near Calahonda, in Riviera,
just off the CN340, beachside, at km 198.1. Tel. 952 832 780. The Beach
House
Stand out cuisine, stunning beach location and water sports are
on offer here, so you can watch the action! Sophisticated, romantic and pricey…but
worth it. White Pearl Beach, Marbella, nr. Don Carlos Hotel. Worth booking in
advance. Call for info: 952 928 158.
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