At an exclusive presentation of the residential development, Altavista Property director Michael Liggan noted that Marbella remains the jewel of European tourism, “and Meisho Hills is perhaps the most attractive complex, thanks to its magnetism, ‘avant-garde’ style and iconic status on the Costa del Sol”. In addition to its select lifestyle, Meisho Hills offers comprehensive privacy and exceptional security, as well as such deluxe touches as three spas.

(IMAGEN © TURISMO ANDALUZ, S.A.)

…ACRONYM for Spanish Ministry of the Environment’s Planes de Ordenación de Recursos Naturales department, which looks after the nation’s natural resources: P.O.R.N.

By Drake Stamford

I’ve decided there are very few pleasures left in life and people watching is one of them. I’m on my own in Palma in a quite nice tapas bar overlooking the harbour.

Life is sweet. I’ve enjoyed a rather nice Albariño and I’m in, as my late father used to call it, a reflective mood. I’m watching a guy flick some kind of colourful projectile in the air and suggest to all of the people in the restaurant that they really do want one of these.

It seems a hopeless quest but there is one person who takes up the offer. I assume he now moves on to some other unsuspecting restaurant clients who will become equally enthralled by this marvel of modern science and say, “Yes, yes, I must have one!”

I considered the implications of this if the Eurozone had the same ethos as this guy flicking an illuminating plastic toy in the air. Do the Eurozone commanders work on the same principle? How long do we have to attempt to hide the fact that countries such as Greece are running an economy that can’t and never should have been able to even join the euro.

Bus drivers in Athens earning €54,000 per year, retirement ages going as low as 45, income tax neither declared nor taken… Thank you Europe for supporting us. And then Italy: Bonga Bonga parties, a cabinet of 26-year-old models.

So let me think: where has it gone wrong? Can you imagine running a company, let alone a country, on this premise?

Interestingly, I read a report today that, after the United States and Germany, Italy has the largest gold reserves. They could clear their debt by selling them. So why don’t they, and get us out of the mire they’ve successfully put us in?

Gordon Brown did it when gold was at an all-time low. It’s now at an all-time high. Am I missing something?

Francisca Pol, a “reserve” on the Partido Popular’s Mallorcan list for the Senate, resigned after posting a photo-montage of Defence Minister Carme Chacón on her Facebook page, “showing her exposed breasts” during a meeting with high-ranking military officers, accompanied by the caption: “What a PSOE (Socialist) minister has to do to win votes.”

Women’s groups were among those condemning her actions as “degrading” and “rancidly sexist”, made particularly more reprehensible as it had come from another woman.

Pol, a lawyer, admitted what she had done was a mistake and a serious blunder. “It was completely stupid to post that photo on my Facebook wall.”

FRIENDS AND GUESTS will be able to enjoy lavish celebrations on 29 July when fashion accessories brand leader Carmen Steffens officially inaugurates its Marbella boutique.

Singers Mario Vaquerizo and Marta Sánchez will be present to help get people in a “magical” festive mood, and model Ariadne Artiles will be joined by brand creator Mario Spaniol, designer Monalisa Spaniol and Carmen Steffens representatives from Uruguay, Paraguay, Holland and Paris, as well as Marbella manager Carmen Domínguez.

One of Brazil’s most successful international brands, Carmen Steffens (founded in Franca in 1993 and named after Mario Spaniol’s mother) has over the years created a high-tech and hand-crafted collection of 3,600 shoe models and 1,400 handbags.

The Marbella boutique is located in Avda. Ramón y Cajal, where clients can find the latest collections as well as the Raphael Steffens line for men and CS Teen. Drawing on a “coquette” style from the 1950s and rustic chic from the 1970s, with a touch of surrealism, the spirit of the 2012 collection is described as “exuberant, maximalist and very sumptuous” – featuring a variety of materials, colours and textures.

FOUR HUNDRED guests enjoyed the lavish celebrations as luxury menswear brand officially inaugurated its new boutique in Puerto Banús. Celebrities attending the launch included Philippe Junot, Hubertus von Hohenlohe, Gunilla von Bismarck and Carmen Lomana.

Hosts Silvio Galimberti, managing director of Ermenegildo Zegna for Spain and Portugal, and Eduardo Nieto, manager of the new boutique, also welcomed Marbella mayoress Ángeles Muñoz to the opening cocktail party.

THE WORLD of luxury menswear has found a new home in Puerto Banús. Top Italian brand Ermenegildo Zegna opened a stylish new boutique in the Port in June and is planning a lavish inauguration fiesta on 14 July.

Located at Local 32 on Paseo Rivera, and extending over 100 square metres, the boutique was designed by Gianmaría and Roberto Beretta of Milan’s Studio Beretta with the aim of showcasing Zegna’s timeless and elegant sophistication.

The exclusive ranges available at the boutique include Ermenegildo Zegna, Sartoria, Upper Casual and Zegna Sport, as well as an über-chic selection of accessories – shoes, sunglasses, eau de cologne and leather items.

Now run by the fourth generation of the Zegna family, the fashion group was founded in 1910 in Trivero, in the Biella Alps, by visionary young businessman Ermenegildo Zegna. The company began expanding its global presence in the late 1980s, and there are now 560 boutiques in 80 countries – with total sales of €963 million in 2010.

A NEW SEASON begins at Hydros Boutique Hotel – part of Benalmádena’s Holiday World complex – with all five senses on the menu at both its spa and May y Tierra restaurant.

Open to both hotel guests and the general public, Mar y Sierra offers a “completely renewed” menu blending traditional Málaga recipes with a fusion of cuisines from around the world, as well as special thematic events organised by head chef Daniel García, who has worked with three-star Michelin chef Martin Berasategui.

Also in line with its aim of offering “the art of creating sensations”, the hotel is continuing to organise its popular “Full Moon Nights” this year, plus Mediterranean Nights” on Saturdays –combining evening spa with fine dining.

Guests from along the coast were able to enjoy the Hydros experience first-hand at a special inauguration party.

New-style boutique spa hotel