A tantalising preview of what well-heeled fashionistas will be wearing come Spring, the Cibeles Madrid Fashion Week featured 56 of Spain’s pre-eminent designers, plus 30 of the hottest newcomers. Andalucía’s own big guns – Málaga’s David Delfín, Sevilla-based Victorio & Lucchino and Córdoba’s Elio Berhanyer – all earned rapturous rounds of applause.

For decades the words ‘topless’ and ‘Southern Spain’ have run synonymous. Together they hold firm the alluring image of freedom and fun on the sand-kissed Costas. What’s that got to do with motoring in Andalucía, you ask yourself? Well, plenty actually…

Let’s put our cards on the table. When you go out for supper, especially if you have friends and family with you, you certainly don’t want to take pot luck. Fortunately, however, at Casino Marbella – even if the chips should be stacked against you – with the freshest of ingredients, the most delectable of mouth-watering cuisine and truly impeccable service… you’re definitely onto a winner.

One of Spain’s most complex of artists Chema Cobo’s thought-provoking paintings have graced the walls of some of the world’s most hallowed of museums and galleries. Living and working in Alhaurín el Grande, the Costa del Sol-based painter describes his current exhibition – showcasing at the CAC Málaga Centre of Contemporary Art until 24 January 2010 – as “unclassifiable”.

What began life in the 19th century as a private garden in Málaga – thanks to the Costa del Sol’s enviable climate, plenty of TLC and the skills of a gardener clearly inspired by the impressionist paintings of Monet – has grown into one of Europe’s most exquisite of Botanical Gardens.

Possessing just about every luxury imaginable – not to mention a fabulous line-up of charismatic and highly original special features – this elegant detached residence on the eastern outskirts of Marbella truly has it all… and then some.