Hi there! Today, I want to share a bit of my own journey with you. 

I grew up in Marbella😊
Marbella became our home almost by chance, my mother in the mid-70s looking for a holiday chose Marbella simply because it was close to London and an easy flight away travelling with children.
At the time Marbella was a kept secret rather than the world-famous destination it is today.
Both my parents were taken by Marbella for different reasons, my father as a business man saw great investment opportunities, my mother agreed to relocate the family base as she felt it was a happy and safe place to raise children in a good climate; she had always been hesitant to re-locate prior to then, regardless of the opportunities in place with my father having offices in various countries around the world.
An accidental choice of destination, a short holiday that changed our family base from London to Marbella in less than a year.
So, my siblings and I grew up in Marbella surrounded by the Mediterranean sea, with mountains in the background, and endless sunny days to play with our school friends and any other new friends we met on the way, a very happy childhood indeed with many activities and socializing as is natural when the weather is as it is in Marbella.
After trying different schools, we rooted at Aloha College in the Nueva Andalucia area, it was a much smaller school back then in its first years when we joined, yet it was still top in its league and one of the only at the time providing the international curriculum we needed to later have the choice of attending universities abroad.

So, sure, I’ve travelled, and explored other beautiful parts of the world both with my parents and on my own, I’ve studied, worked and lived abroad too, but to me, Marbella remains one of the absolute best destinations out there and I’m not alone in my thinking!
Marbella has been recognized with countless awards for its unique blend of beauty, lifestyle, and quality of life.

Why Marbella?
Marbella is Not Just Beautiful, It’s a Way of Life.
Marbella has a vibe that’s both glamorous and laid-back. People often associate it with luxury and exclusivity, and that’s definitely here, but Marbella has a side for everyone. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking for a beautiful place to retire, Marbella welcomes you and your families with open arms.

And while Marbella certainly has its high-end properties, there are plenty of homes that suit a range of lifestyles. You’ll find everything from cosy, affordable apartments in lively neighbourhoods to stunning villas with panoramic views. Marbella isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy; it’s a place for everyone who wants to enjoy a balanced, fulfilling life.

Health, Safety, and Community:
Marbella Has It All.
One of the reasons Marbella is so popular as a health and wellness destination is our unbeatable climate. With over 320 days of sunshine a year, you can enjoy an outdoor lifestyle that’s perfect for your physical and mental well-being. Marbella offers so much beyond just the beach; hiking, golf, water sports, and just walking around Old Town are all part of daily life here and even as a local you find yourself taking pictures of the surroundings every day as you probably know if you follow my posts. There’s a natural ease to life in Marbella that’s hard to match.

And it’s not just about the weather. Marbella is safe in comparison to most places, which is a huge plus. If you have children, you’ll find an impressive range of international schools that cater to various curriculums, languages, and academic approaches, ensuring top-quality education options for every family. Also, public schools where foreign children can easily pick up their Spanish too. For families new to the area, these schools all offer a welcoming, supportive environment where children from all backgrounds can thrive and feel included. If you’re here on your own you’ll find good climate makes people more approachable and friendly, it really is easy to find your place in Marbella if you want to. If you prefer to keep to yourself its also ok, you’ll find happiness and motivation in simple everyday life, sports, walks, a coffee by the sea or at a golf course club, going to the local markets for fresh fruits and vegetables…a choice of al-fresco dining.

A Place That Welcomes Everyone
For those of you considering making Marbella your home, let me tell you: English is widely spoken here. You don’t need to know Spanish from day one to settle in comfortably. Most locals and residents speak English fluently, which means you can feel at ease in those early stages while you get settled. Later on, if you choose to learn Spanish, that’s a fantastic way to connect even more deeply with the local culture, but it’s not a barrier at all in the beginning.

Why Marbella Is a Smart Investment
Marbella’s real estate market has something for everyone, and it’s still one of the most affordable luxury destinations compared to other top spots in Europe or the U.S. The cost of living here is also more reasonable than most big cities, especially considering the quality of life and amenities you get. Investing in property here isn’t just about buying a home; it’s about investing in a lifestyle that many people can only dream of. And with the market’s steady growth, Marbella properties tend to increase in value, making it a great choice for both personal and financial reasons.

Marbella’s Ideal Location for Adventure
Besides being a fantastic place to live, Marbella is a perfect base for exploring southern Spain and if you work abroad, you have excellent flight connections. Málaga Airport is a short drive away (40 minutes) with flights connecting you to major cities all over Europe, now direct flights to parts of US as well. And if you’re in the mood for a road trip, some incredible destinations are right at your fingertips. Take a short drive to Tarifa (45 minute drive), known as Spain’s surfing haven, and you’ll find everything from kitesurfing to windsurfing. Or head to the Sierra Nevada (2 hours drive) for winter skiing, close enough for a spontaneous weekend on the slopes. And don’t forget Portugal (7 hour drive), only a few hours away by car. I don’t want to bore you, but we are spoilt for choice here, there are many places to visit only a drive away, which means you could head off for the day and back that night. 

My Personal Highlights
If you’re coming to visit or just moved to town, here are a few of my favourite places to visit:

  • The Golf Courses: Marbella is golf heaven! With courses that are as challenging as they are scenic, there’s something here for every golfer.
  • Puente Romano Resort: It’s a Marbella landmark known for its stunning beach, luxurious wellness facilities, and world-class dining.
  • Old Town Marbella: The heart of the city with cobblestone streets, charming squares, and some of the best tapas you’ll ever try.
  • Puerto Banús: The famous marina with high-end shopping, beautiful yachts, and nightlife that’s buzzing year-round.
  • Tarifa: A quick drive for some of Spain’s best water sports and beach life.
  • Cadiz: Paradise on earth- my favourite beaches in the south of Spain.
  • Sierra Nevada: Skiing in winter, mountain fun in summer.

All are a drive away and there are many more special places I haven’t mentioned.

Final Thoughts
For me, Marbella has it all: beautiful landscapes, an incredible climate, and a lifestyle that’s both vibrant and relaxed. Whether you’re looking to move here solo or with your family, invest, or just experience this amazing city, Marbella is ready to welcome you and yours.
And if you’re interested in learning more about finding the perfect property for you, you know where to find me!

Warm regards,
Carolina Salem
Director-owner @ Solobanus Marbella Properties

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