Boasting many of the Costa del Sol´s most famous nightclubs, bars and restaurants, the Golden Mile, between Marbella and Puerto Banus, is one of the most exclusive areas in Spain.

Fabulous residences including the late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia´s palace, line this prestigious route, and some of Marbella´s most expensive and lavish real estate is situated here. Take a look at one of Marbella´s most beautiful beachfront rental villas - Casa Mary.

The fabulous Marbella Club Hotel with its own golf resort, spa and riding facilities has played host to many of the world´s jet-set, and its elegance and charm has continues to attract visitors from all over the globe.  The hotel´s restaurants include the famous Beach Club, which serves a superb buffet, the Grill, with an excellent international menu and the MC Cafe, which offers some of the most innovative dishes on the coast.  The MC Beach is the hotel´s latest venue to open and serves some great fish and seafood dishes.  There is even a Club House Restaurant at the Golf Resort, and with so many options, guests can enjoy healthy breakfasts, informal lunches or an a la carte evening meal with entertainment and live music.  You will always find a high standard of food, drink and service at the Marbella Club, and it is the best place to go for a special occasion.

The stylish Puente Romano Hotel is close by, and is becoming particularly famous for its live summer concerts.  World class acts perform at the hotel every summer, and Gloria Estefan and Simply Red both graced the stage in 2008.  Also open to non-residents the restaurants and cafe´s at this established hotel include Ristorante Roberto, which serves the best Italian food in Marbella, plus the Chiringuito Suite en Mar, situated on the seafront and the more informal Café El Puente with a lighter day time snack menu, boasting a wide range of dishes.

The Puente Romano Tennis and Fitness Club has ten courts (8 clay plus 2 hard surface), 4 paddle tennis courts, including the centre court where Davis Cup and ATP matches have been played in front of 3,000 spectators.  Many of Europe and Australia´s Davis Cup teams have trained here, and the superb facilities are amongst the best in Europe.

Something completely different to the usual chic restaurants and bars on the Golden Mile is the excellent gourmet takeaway, situated just opposite the Marbella Club , called Love to Eat.  As I do love to eat, I first visited this deli-come-takeaway some two years ago, and have to say the food is among the best I have eaten on the Costa del Sol – even including the best restaurant cuisine.  Offering a range of fresh salads and gourmet dishes, including:- cous-cous salad, greek salad, and rocket and parmesan with some of the most delicious home-made dressings, plus a vast range of main meals including – fresh salmon fishcakes (my favourite), marinated baby ribs (the best I have tasted anywhere, ever), and roasted red peppers stuffed with fresh tomato, basil and anchovy.  Also selling a variety of top name champagnes, wines and caviar, this is one of the most amazing food outlets in Marbella.  If you are planning a lunch or dinner party, the girls at Love to Eat will arrange your order (with prior notice) and even cook special dishes when possible.  Nothing is too much trouble for the professional team here, and you will be amazed at the high quality of the food.

If you are looking for an alternative takeaway on the Golden Mile, and you are a lover of Italian food, try the superb Da Bruno a Casa, at the nearby Marbella Mar Urbanisation.  Open from 12 noon to midnight, some of the finest Italian pasta dishes, pizzas, meat and fish are served.  Da Bruno has three other restaurants in Cabopino, Marbella seafront and San Pedro de Alcantara, but this is the only one which specialises in takeaway meals.  A great service for dinner parties, birthday events and lunches.

It would be impossible to mention the Golden Mile without mentioning the nightclub, Olivia Valére, which has been attracting celebrities, royalty and superstars from the world of sport and television for the past 11 years.  Having run successful nightclubs in Paris and Marbella, Olivia Valére created one of Spain´s most elegant and exclusive venues when the club opened its doors in 1997.  Many of the decoration was inspired by opulent Arabian Palaces, and the nightclub can hold up to 1,000 people.  Only open between June and mid-September, most of the in-crowd flock to Olivia Valére during the summer, and many of Spain´s aristocracy are regulars here.  The adjoining Restaurant –Babylonia -is a sight to behold with its stunning decor, red terracotta walls and candlelight staircase.  The first time you visit this exquisite restaurant, you will be amazed by the fragrant and colourful gardens, the fountains and fruit trees.

Whether you are looking for luxurious dinner, fresh fish and sangria at one of the area´s many chiringuitos, a gourmet meal to take away, a light lunchtime snack or a night at the area´s most elegant nightclub, the Golden Mile has something for everyone.

According to many property developers along the Costa del Sol, the so called New Golden Mile lies close to Estepona, but for many people, recreating the original Golden Mile was just a pipe dream.  No other area on the coast can match the original Golden Mile with its luxurious residences, world famous hotels and some of the most opulent night clubs and restaurants you will find in Spain.