Alcotan San Pedro de Alcantara

Let´s see, the following things just about sum up Puerto Banus (near Marbella in the South of Spain):

- clear blue skies
- chirping birds
- wicked hotel with awesome pool
- chic boutiques
- restaurants, cafes and bars
- golfer´s paradise
- casino

Aahh... just what was needed for Contiki recovery!

I spent a lot of time lazing by the pool reading, whilst Mark was off either at the Casino ...

... selling sea food and having bbqs on the beach. The weather is amazing cant believe that its still around the 25 degrees mark at this time of year.

We walked for a while and then worked our way back to the hotel where Ian went and lay by the pool for a little while reading his book while I had a little sleep. Its only a few days now until we come home and I am excited although I want to keep on travelling around. We got ready ...

... and laughing at the funnyness of where we are.

As we walked past the bars imagine how funny it was to see loads of english couples a little older all sat in a bar watching only fools and horses. I always thought people where kidding when they said they came on holiday like this but is so true. Each to there own is all I can say. Ian is struggling to adjust and keeps saying he wants some spanish food. Lol.

... the Moroccan midget down to a quarter of his asking price. We probably still got ripped off, but hey, we got to bargain with an actual Moroccan. After a couple more stops in the twisting streets of the Medina, and trying to avoid the gaze of guys selling everything from cheap bracelets to cheap drums to cheap wodden camels, it was back on the bus to see the real thing. We were told we would get a chance to ride the camels, but because of the rain we had to look at them from afar ...

... only seven suites, Hotel Claude is a stylish little sanctuary in the bustling historic center of Marbella!
This is the place you want to go when you are looking for a quiet and romantic break in an authentic Spanish village, but also perfect for any relaxing long stays if you wish to feel at "home"!! Not a place for those "Nikkie Beach" and "Puro Beach" party animals!!!!

Welcome to the house of Claude

... No words or pictures could fully capture the essence of this city, you just have to be there to fully experience its beauty. I then explored the city, going to places that are not commonly visited by tourists, I did some shopping, had a beer and tapas at a small restaurant and then walked through the park. Unfortunately, the day was cut short due to time restrictions and I did not have the chance to do everything I wanted to do but I will definitely be back.

... Benalauria. The restaurant was an old converted olive mill. It was very cool inside and had 3 levels and an outside terrace for dining. We started off outdoors, but the bee's were scaring us so we moved indoors and sat next to a woman who was in her late 70's holding court with her 3 friends. She spoke 7 languages and was really interesting to talk to. It was nice meal. Again, great salads! We headed back to town and decided to eat in and pack up our things ...

... ll have to take it another day. We drove back to Montejaque and had dinner in the Inn (english couple). It was a nice meal with great wine. We're really enjoying the wine from the region. It's funny - when you ask for a glass of vino you don't get a choice, they give you the house wine. it's always good though. We watched a movie when we got back and then to sleep. tomorrow morning is Sevilla (another big city)!

... euros. I also bought some swimwear and other bits and bobs. The market is usually packed up by midday so if you want some good bargains go early. When we left the apartment for the day it looked as though it was going to brighten up a little bit because it was overcast but not cold but by midday when we had finished wandering around the market it was windy, freezing cold and a bit drizzly, even the Spanish people were wearing ...

... take a lot of balls to do. Me being a city slicker would surely have been lost of my first day setting out to fulfill such an adventurous project. I probably wouldn't even have been able to open the sheep fence gate to get onto the property in the first place. Something I actually found out one groggy morning when we were heading into the village for breakfast. I actually managed to open the gate, but after Caroline and Gunnar drove ...