I first came to Marbella in the early ’80s after my parents retired here. I had already spent many childhood holidays on the Costa de la Luz. My father bought a villa there in the ’60s. Because of this, I developed a deep connection to Spain. Today, I proudly call it my adopted home.

Back then, Marbella and the entire coast were very different. It was far from the international hotspot it is today. I began working with a small family-run real estate agency. Soon after, we secured the sales and marketing contract for one of the first British-led developments on the coast. This opportunity shaped my early career.

I still remember a piece of wisdom from the CEO of that development: “This coast will thrive because of that big yellow ball in the sky!” He was right. Over the past 40 years, one thing has remained constant. The region enjoys around 320 days of sunshine each year. This continues to attract investors, developers, second homeowners, and expats. There is no sign of this slowing down.

Over the past 50 years, the region has faced many challenges. These include economic highs and lows, Covid, Brexit, and the war in Ukraine. Despite this, Marbella continues to thrive. What still amazes me is the diversity. You can hear many languages, even in a local supermarket.