Marbella, Spain

Most of our warnings are about hotels rather than destinations, and most of you savvy readers already know what a concrete swelter this part of Spain has become. Well-traveled friend Vladmir (who had been holidaying in Marbella since 1994) had such a shock on his last visit and described well the shame shame… “Over development has altered this former jet set resort to a typical fish ‘n chips and beer destination. Malaga airport has been dramatically expanded to accommodate the onslaught of budget flights. What used to be contained in Fuengirola and Torremolinos has now spread further south to Puerto Banus in an invasive way. Other venues like Nikki Beach and Olivia Valere are not immune and have lost their luster and sophistication.” Try the relatively unspoilt island of Mallorca instead- check out our Mallorca Cheat Sheet for inspiration. Menorca for chill out, Ibiza & Formentera for “scene”.