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If you fall in love with Andalucia and want to base yourself in the area, but still need to make a living, what options are available to you?

If you speak several languages you could look into the large and successful tourism sector, or look into the opportunities in the Spanish sector. However, if you live on the Costa del Sol there are also many opportunities within the expat sector even if you don’t speak Spanish. There are always sales jobs available if this is your sector. To take a look at the job opportunities, you can sign up with employment agencies which cover Southern Spain and Gibraltar, or look at the popular classified section in the Sur in English newspaper. Please note, Spain has been hit hard by the recession and so jobs are hard to find also wages are lower than in countries such as the UK and Ireland. However Spain has been rated second highest in terms of the quality of life, so you have to make a decision what would work best for you.

Many people come over to Andalucia to set up their own business from bars and cafes to marketing and property companies. There is support for new businesses from CADE which is supported by the Andalucian Commission for Innovation and Development. They can help you with your business plans, guide you through the grants available and advise you whether your idea would work in the area. www.andaluciaemprende.es

If you are looking for more guidance on starting or growing a business, Rose & Clavel Chartered Accountants will be running a series of three seminars themed around the subject of “Nurturing your Business”. These seminars are being organised to help business people gain a better understanding of Spanish business practices and make their companies more successful.

The first seminar tackles the important topic of Starting a Business and covers the key steps any entrepreneur should take when venturing into business in Spain. This was held in February, but will be repeated later in the year.

The key points to be covered are:
1.    The importance of conducting thorough market research on your competition, target market and relevant Spanish law before starting a business

2.    How to ensure that the numbers stack up in terms of set up costs, overheads, profit margin and volume required to be a viable business

3.    An overview of the compliance system in Spain and the issues which often trouble new businesses, e.g. employment law

4.    The issues with starting a business as an SL company

5.    The funding required to see you through the first few years of business

6.    Why it is important to consider your exit strategy before starting the business

The second seminar will be held on Tuesday 2nd March entitled “Cultivating Your Business”. This two-hour presentation will contain practical, useful information on running and managing a business for predictable results and profit.

Cultivating Your Business will be an interesting, interactive seminar, avoiding technical jargon and illustrated with case studies. It will cover several important subjects which every business should understand, including:

•    The importance of management accounts for controlling your business
•    Why good housekeeping is key for business-efficiency
•    The ins and outs of employment law
•    The dangers of missing tax deadlines
•    How to speed up debt-collection and improve cash-flow

The final seminar is entitled “Pruning and Re-potting” and will deal with the issue of management accounts and why a good understanding of these accounts can be a life-saver in weathering the economic storm.

All these seminars will be presented by Susana Serrano-Davey A.C.A, Founder and Director of Rose & Clavel Chartered Accountants. She is a Spanish national who is also a U.K. registered Chartered Accountant and has worked with prestigious firms including PriceWaterhouseCoopers UK. This has given her the understanding of both the Spanish and English systems. Susana is excellent at explaining complex issues in plain English and using practical examples to help business-people get to grips with their compliance responsibilities and learn how to manage their financial affairs more productively.

To register your interest for any of these seminars visit www.roseandclavel.com or email info@roseandclavel.com. They cost 25€ per person, but the first five people to register can attend free of charge.

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Whether you are travelling to the Costa del Sol to relax on the beach, play a round of golf or enjoy the wide choice of spectator sports, you won´t be disappointed.

If you are a sports lover, there are many great venues in and around Marbella and Puerto Banus to enjoy your favourite pastimes at very reasonable prices.

The Hippodromo, just inland from  La Cala de Mijas is Spain´s premier horse-racing track, and hosts daytime racing and floodlit evening events.  The prize money awarded here is the highest in Spain, and horses are transported to the Costa del Sol to take part in the races from all over Europe. Next events are taking place in March and April 2010 (check website), and with live music, restaurants, bars and children´s activities all situated alongside the course, this is a great family day out.  Times and race days vary, and for more information call 95 259 2700.  Entrance is €5/€6, and to get to the track, exit the carreterra at the sign for La Cala de Mijas (5 km West of Fuengirola), follow signs for Mercadona then drive directly up the hill, passing the supermarket on the left.  The hippodrome is 3km further on the right hand side.

Marbella Rugby Club was founded in 1988 by Robert Osborne, an ex-player of RACA, Seville Club, and has grown in popularity ever since those early days.  Players of all nationalities, ages and abilities play at Marbella, and first team matches are normally staged on Sunday afternoons, at 1pm.  Rugby fans from all over the Costa del Sol come to cheer on their team and the ground is situated just 3km east of Marbella at Los Monteros.  As you exit Marbella heading East, pass the sign for Torre Real (Rio Real Golf Course), and take the next exit on the right.  The club is here on the left hand side.  For more information call Salvador on 657 028493 or visit www.marbellarugbyclub.com

The Volvo Masters, held at the famous Valderrama Golf Club, Sotogrande, is one of the longest established championships in the modern era of the European Tour, dating back to 1988.  This end of season showcase brings together 60 of the top tour players who compete over 4 days on Europe´s finest golf course.  Such is the stiff competition at this tournament, no one golfer has successfully defended his title , and only two golfers, Bernhard Langer and Colin Montgomerie, have won it twice.  Normally played in late October/early November, this coveted competition attracts crowds from all over the world.  For further information and ticket details, go to www.volvomasters.com or send an enquiry to info@valderrama.com

La Siesta Golf Costa del Sol is situated at Calahonda, and in complete contrast to its illustrious neighbour at Valderrama, this small course is perfect for beginners and improvers. The course has 9 holes, each are par 3, and it costs approximately to play two rounds. This is where I first played golf on the Costa del Sol around ten years ago, and it is a pretty, well-designed course that is not too taxing for beginners. There is also a great little club house with elevated terrace where you can watch other golfers teeing off. We used to enjoy a round of 9 holes, followed by a few drinks in the clubhouse, followed by another 9 then lunch. Compared to the larger courses on the coast, Siesta Golf is inexpensive and easy to get to. Take the El Zoco entrance to Calahonda, head up the Avenida de España (the strip) and at the brow of the hill turn right into C/Jose de Orbaneja. Keep left at the fork in the road and the course is approximately 2 km further up the hill on the left hand side. For more details call 952933362.

Club Del Sol Tennis, Calahonda. Situated in the popular resort of Calahonda, midway between Fuengirola and Marbella is the Club del Sol Tennis Complex. Offering the best facilities in the area, this sports club boasts 12 tennis courts – 9 clay and 3 plexi cushion, plus a variety of classes and competitions to suit all abilities. Tennis plus accommodation packages can also be arranged through the club, and classes are available for children and adults, plus a summer kids club.

Enjoying a lavish landscape, the Club del Sol also offers a fully equipped gym, squash courts and paddle tennis courts plus a snack bar on the terrace.  Extra classes include spinning and pilates, and cut price Dunlop products can be bought from the sports shop.From Marbella, take direction East towards Malaga.  Exit the road at the second Calahonda exit (El Zoco Commercial Centre). At roundabout take the 2nd exit up the Avenida España, passing the row of shops and restaurants on the right.  Keep going to the brow of the hill and turn right into C/José Orbaneja.  Keep going for 1.5km and you will see a sign on the right for Club del Sol Tennis.Tel: 0034 95 293 9595. Fax: 0034 95 293 4189. Website: www.tenniscostadelsol.com E-mail: info@tenniscostadelsol.com
Watersports in Marbella and Puerto Cabopino

If you enjoy having fun in the water, no trip to the Costa del Sol is complete without spending a few hours enjoying a range of water-sports in Marbella or Puerto Cabopino. Marbella offers water-sports fans a great choice of water-skiing, scuba diving, boat trips and banana rides, plus paragliding and kite surfing. Whether you are a novice or a professional, you will find plenty of things to see and do on the water in Puerto Cabopino, which is just a ten minute drive from the centre of Marbella.

Often described as the Costa del Sol´s best kept secret, Puerto Cabopino is situated between Marbella and Fuengirola, and offers some of the best water sport activities in the area. Also boasting many great restaurants and bars beside the marina, plus a fabulous sandy beach, Cabopino is one of the most beautiful resorts in Andalucia.Splash Watersports has an office on the front of the port, and bookings and information about all of the activities can be picked up here, and include: water skiing, boat excursions, belly board hire, fishing trips, scuba diving, banana and donut hire, and tailor made private boat hire to suit all requirements.The most popular excursion is the dolphin-spotting trip on Splash´s 30ft luxury sports boat.  Wild dolphins, whales, turtles, flying fish, sunfish and tuna are all spotted regularly, and swimming with the dolphins is allowed at the captain´s discretion, depending on the sea and weather conditions.

From Marbella take the N340 coast road to the East – direction Malaga. Exit at sign for Cabopino - 7km from Marbella.Splash Watersports, The Marina, Puerto Cabopino, 29600, Marbella. Tel: 0034 95 283 7070. Mobile: 0034 670 659218. Fax: 0034 95 283 7070.

Indoor swimming pool Marbella
Much to the surprise of many visitors to the Costa del Sol and Marbella during the winter months, it´s not always warm enough to swim in the sea or in an outdoor pool. If you want to swim in an indoor Olympic sized pool in Marbella, make the most of the fabulous Salduba Sports Complex. The complex also boasts synthetic grass courts for football, and facilities for handball, basketball and volleyball, plus indoor facilities for a vast range of sports. The Olympic-sized swimming pool has 8 lanes, a massage room and a bar where you can relax after your swim. The Salduba Sports Complex is situated at Avda. General Lopez Dominguez in Marbella, and for more information call: 952774668.

Hot Air Balloon Rides Costa del Sol
There is no better way to appreciate the stunning scenery of Andalucia than by taking a hot air balloon ride over the countryside.Not for the faint hearted, but an adventure you will always cherish, this is undoubtedly a great holiday experience.

Balloon flights are available all year round, weather permitting, and two of the most popular trips take off from Ronda and Antequera – both of which are within easy driving distance of the Costa del Sol. Most flights launch at dawn, and you may well be invited to help with the pre-flight preparations. Passengers are fully instructed on safety procedures for the flight, and once airborne, the trip normally lasts for about one hour.Some of the most amazing views in Europe can be found in Andalusia, and you are well advised to take along your cameras. The Rock of Gibraltar and the North African Coast can often be seen from the balloon on a clear day .Trips often include a champagne lunch on touching down and a flight certificate for each passenger as a special souvenir. Andalucia Balloons -Phone: 95 216 6358.

Whatever sporting events you want to take part in on the Costa del Sol, you will find a wide range of activities for participants and spectators close to Marbella and Puerto Banus.

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If you are looking for a special villa to rent near Puerto Banus and Marbella this summer, take a look at the stunning Villa Andaluza, situated in Golf Valley, Nueva Andalucia.

With five bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and a superb location, just minutes away from Marbella and Puerto Banus, Villa Andaluza is available to rent in July and August. Built in a rustic style with an 1800m2 plot and 600m2 constructed house, the villa boasts a private pool and incredible views of La Concha mountain and Las Brisas valley.

Offering guests every luxury, including a large lounge and dining room leading directly out onto the garden, with spacious terraces and a barbecue area, a large screen TV with Sky satellite channels, and Wi-fi installation if you want to use your laptop, this fabulous villa provides plenty of extras for the discerning holidaymaker.

The villa is within easy walking distance of shops, bars, restaurants and supermarkets, and only a couple of minutes away from the famous Puerto Banus.

Three bedrooms on the first floor and two on the ground floor have air conditioning, and washing and drying facilites are available in the fully fitted kitchen and dining area.

The basement boasts a gymnasium, bar area and pool table with a wine bodega, and the house also has a garage and separate parking for three cars on the drive, and an automatic security gate. A substantial alarm system is fitted throughout, and the villa is very secure.

If you are planning a holiday to Marbella or Puerto Banus, and want to enjoy the privacy and luxury of a villa holiday in a stunning location, Villa Andaluza is one of the best private houses you will find to rent on the Costa del Sol. Surrounded by some of the best beach clubs, restaurants, bars and beaches in southern Spain, you will find a wealth of things to see and do in the area for all the family. Please click on this link for more info and pictures.

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If you want a cheap property on the Costa del Sol, look no further than this incredible bargain apartment in the popular resort of Calahonda, which is selling for just €99,500. This 3-bed apartment is situated in the lower part of Calahonda, and is only 5 minutes walking distance to the beach, shops, bars, restaurants and all amenities in downtown Calahonda.

The apartment is ground floor with 3 double bedrooms, a spacious lounge diner, kitchen, bathroom, communal parking, and has been recently re-wired and painted. No terrace but use of a small garden area outside the apartment for outside dining.

With a shared communal pool, pleasant mature communal gardens and 90m2 of living space, this property has to be seen to be believed. Keys are now available, and the bargain apartment is selling for just €99,500 with 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The owner must sell the property urgently as part of a probate liquidation deal, and early viewing is very highly recommended as this one will go very quickly! For more details on this property Click Here and look under “Deal List” in main menu for Ref: DSS183.

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If you are looking to buy property in Marbella, there is no better time to do it than now. Prices on many luxury villas, apartments and townhouses in Marbella have been slashed due to a slow market, and some of them by over 50%.

This incredible villa was listed at €1.4 million only 18 months ago, but due to a distressed sale, the owners will now take €695,000

Situated just above Funny Beach, Marbella, in one of the town´s most desirable areas, the villa enjoys a fantastic location and represents excellent value for money with a massive plot of 3,461m2.

The main house boasts a built area of 440m2, and comprises of 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a garage, hot and cold air conditioning, an open fireplace and mature tropical gardens with a private swimming pool.

Situated less than five minutes from the beach, and the centre of Marbella, this spacious property is light and airy, and would make a perfect family home or luxurious holiday home near all the attractions of Marbella and Puerto Banus.
The villa enjoys excellent road access, and is just 30 minute´s drive from Malaga Airport. Early viewing is highly recommended. For for info and contact details please click on this link.

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This incredible townhouse is one of the best bargains you will ever find on the Costa del Sol.

Bought for €435,000 and now selling for €225,000, the owners need an immediate sale to clear their mortgage, and this Rivera del Sol property is situated in the most exclusive complex in the region. A 90% mortgage is already in place on this property, and it has had a recent valuation of €325,000.

The Hill Club enjoys fantastic facilities and the qualities are much higher than in any other complex in Mijas-Costa. Situated between Calahonda and the prestigious Miraflores area of Rivera del Sol, the Hill Club is a small and exclusive complex of luxury townhouses with every possible extra.

Designed by the Melvin Roldan, the same architect who brought Torre Bermeja, the Mansion Club and La Alzambra in Puerto Banus and Marbella to the coast, this unique complex is another huge success story on the Costa del Sol.

This high quality townhouse offers two double bedroom supstairs with built-in wardrobes, two fully-marbled bathrooms and a superb sunny roof terrace above the bedrooms so you can top up your tan without leaving home.
From the spacious lounge there are stairs down to the lower ground floor area which boasts a large open area which can be used as a third bedroom, or as an extra lounge, with its own kitchen, seperate utility area, window and fully- marbled bathroom.

The Hill Club has been developed to offer an ideal place to live or spend your holidays, and offers residents  landscaped gardens and swimming pools, plus a wide range of amenities and facilities closeby. The beach is just 5 minutes from your front door,  and you can be in Marbella in just 15 minutes. What makes the Riviera Hill Club stand out from other Melvin Roldan properties is value for money, yet the qualities and special attractive architecture are just the same. The secure complex is gated and there are car parking facilities right outside your property. This property will sell quickly, so if you are interested, early viewing is highly recommended. For more details on this property Click Here and look under “Deal List” in main menu for Ref: DSS153.

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The price of this beautiful Mijas villa has been slashed by €240,000 to an incredible sale price of just €450,000 for an urgent sale.

Situated in an idyllic location in the famous white village of Mijas, this 4/5 bed villa enjoys sits on a large plot of 1,246m2, and boasts a private pool, spacious bedroom and 3 bathrooms. Stunning terraces and garden areas offer breathtaking views over the  Mijas countryside and down to the Mediterranean below.

The double garage has been converted into a completely seperate granny flat or studio, which is an ideal extra room for guests or family members. Situated in a tranquil area between Mijas Pueblo and Fuengirola, and only a few minutes walk from bars, restaurants and shops, this luxurious villa boasts an excellent location. This property would make a perfect family home or a luxurious holiday home at an incredibly low price.

Rooms include an entrance hall, a large lounge area with feature fire place windows and patio doors opening out onto a sunny terrace area. The master bedroom also opens out onto the terrace, and a fitted kitchen/breakfast room is light and airy. The master suite has a luxury en-suite bath and shower room, and the villa has two further double bedrooms and shower rooms, plus an extra room which can be used as an office, dining room or extra bedroom.

The grounds include a walled plot with gated archway entrance offering off- street parking for a number of cars, a number of terraces surrounded by landscaping and flowers/shrubs, offering beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and distant sea views. Large private landscaped garden area with swimming pool & pool house.
This stunning property is expected to sell quickly and early viewing is recommended. For more details on this property Click Here and look under “Deal List” in main menu for Ref: DSS190.

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There has never been a better time to buy property on the Costa del Sol, and as prices tumble, you can find some incredible sea front bargains that are selling at drastically reduced prices along the coast.

This incredible apartment has two beds, two baths and is completely beach front, offering superb views of the Mediterranean, all for a knock-down price of €250,000, after previously being listed for sale at €380,000.
Situated in Estepona with a spacious built size of 108m2, this luxurious apartment enjoys a fabulous beach-front location and many extras, including: stunning sea views, large patio doors, an open fire and a south facing sunny terrace and garden.

The price of this superb garden apartment has been slashed by an incredible €130,000 as the owner needs to sell urgently, and this bright and airy property enjoys one of the best locations in Estepona.

This bargain apartment includes a fitted kitchen with semi-open-plan breakfast bar area, two double bedrooms and two bathrooms and marble floors, secure underground parking space and private store room.

The apartment has direct access to the beach via the terrace and garden, which is bordered by beautiful Mediterranean shrubs and plants. The community swimming pool is only a minutes walk and is situated front-line to the beach. The development is located approximately 5 minutes drive west of Estepona with many Costa del Sol attractions closeby.

Early viewing is highly recommended, as beach-front properties at this price don´t come up for sale very often. For more details on this property Click Here and look under “Deal List” in main menu for Ref: DSS192.

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This incredible modern villa is one of the best bargains on the Costa del Sol and is likely to sell very quickly.

With stunning views of the Mediterranean , 4 spacious bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a built size of 390m2 and a plot size of 1,071m2, this beautiful villa is a bargain at only €830,000. All reasonable offers will be considered by the owners who need to sell quickly.

Enjoying a superb location in a prestigious gated complex close to San Pedro, Behahavis and Puerto Banus, the property also boasts a private pool and landscaped gardens.

Keys are now available for viewings, and this is proving to be one of the most popular villas for sale on the Costa del Sol. Surrounded by mountain, golf and panoramic views over the countryside, plus views to Gibraltar, this property comes very highly recommended.

This luxurious villa is southwest facing, with all day sun, and is built on three levels, surrounded by beautiful gardens and a private pool area. The accommodation consists of a spacious lounge with open fireplace, French doors leading to the terrace and a completely seperate dining area with dierct terrace access.

The ground floor offers two double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, the top floor comprises the spacious master bedroom with walk in wardrobes, an en-suite bathroom and a private terrace, and the lower ground floor offers a 4th double bedroom and a large living area which can easily be converted into a seperate studio if required, an additional kitchen area or an office.

This unique villa, just five minute´s drive from Puerto Banus and San Pedro,  also has a double car-port, hot and cold air conditioning and many extras. Similar villas in this prestigious development are selling from between €1.5 - 3 million, so if you want to bag a real bargain, early viewing is very highly recommended. For more details on this property Click Here and look under “Deal List” in main menu for Ref: DSS191.

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If you are looking for a superb villa in one of the Costa del Sol´s most prestigious complexes, this property comes highly recommended.

Priced at €950,000, this luxurious villas is situated at Belair, near Estepona, and is close to the famous Belair Tennis Club, El Paraiso Golf, Los Flamingos Golf, Laguna Village and the Puro Beach Club, which attracts the jet-set from all over Europe.

The property enjoys fabulous views to the sea, a large landscaped garden and spacious rooms with direct access to the terrace and large private swimming pool.

This modern villa offers a master bedroom with en-suite bathrooms upstairs plus two spacious bedrooms on the ground floor with a shared bathroom and guest toilet. Enjoying a superb location, the shops are just 2 minutes away by car and the beach is under 5 minutes away. 
All Puerto Banus and Marbella attractions, shops, bars and restaurants are within easy driving distance of this property, and Estepona is under 5 minutes away.

Well built and very well presented, this stylish house would make a perfect family home or luxurious holiday villa, and boasts excellent rental potential for prospective buyers. Special features include air conditioning, electric gates, a fully fitted modern kitchen and one of the best locations on the Costa del Sol. Priced to sell quickly, early viewing of this property is highly recommended. Please click on this link for more pictures and details.

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