Malaga’s Dolls House Museum August 27, 2008

 

 

You’ll find the Picasso Museum mentionned on every Malaga website but the little-known Dolls House Museum is a true hidden gem. Born from a passion spanning decades, Voria Harras rescues neglected, hand-made dolls houses from once wealthy households and restores them to their former glory. She has some incredible examples all housed in a traditional 3 storey private house off the Plaza de Merced.

 

If you are a true aficionado, she has a selection of restored houses for sale together with a vast range of furniture and decorative items. The level of detail in each piece is incredible. 

 

We were fortunate to be able to spend time with Voria, hearing tales about her finds and seeing first hand, how she begins to tackle the restoration work. She struggles to fund the museum from her own pocket so every visitor is greatly valued and appreciated. Entrance fee is 5 euros.

http://www.museocm.com

The Place to Shop August 27, 2008

 

for your silk espadrilles. Established back in 1902, this shop looks like it has probably never had a refit! but it’s atmospheric shopping at its best. Little, old, bespeckled men, a small space always bustling with noisy senoritas and row upon row of coloured foot-candy all stuck to the walls above the counter. It’s amusing bedlam that’s well-worth braving.

 

The variety of espadrilles are immense and mostly hand-made. Costs vary from 10-35 euros a pair, and come sale time(now), they’re dramatically reduced so buying up for next summer is always a good plan.

 

This place is not easy to find but if you have it written on a piece of paper, any local will be able to point you in the right direction.  It’s less than 5mins walk from the main shopping promenade in Malaga, Calle Larios.

 

Happy Shopping

Urban Spanish Tasteries August 27, 2008

    

 I am so pleased to see the gradual introduction of slick, urban restaurants to Malaga city. They are still few and far between and usually tucked down narrow, unassuming side streets but boy are they worth snuffling out.

If like me, you become bored with the standardised rustic fare offered at most andalucian restaurants, you are going to enjoy my latest quest to track down new culinary offerings. Yesterday, I hit the jackpot with Sacacorchos in central Malaga.

Just a short hop, skip and a jump away from the Cervantes Theatre, Sacacorchos offers an ambience, style and menu better suited to Barcelona’s hip vibe. 

The food was fantastic (check out the menu in English on their website http://www.sacacorchosmalaga.com/ )  and the staff were charming.  I loved the decor and the wonderfully- shaped, huge serving dishes. This place is a real treat and with lunch costing less than 40 euros for two of us, it’s a treat that won’t cost a fortune.

I can’t wait to go back. Lunch anyone?

Working the Charm Offensive August 2, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

The Hotel Fuente del Sol has only been open 2 years and has already secured its place in the prestigious Domus ‘Hotel with Charm’ Guide.  After our first visit today, we can confirm that it truly oozes charm. The location offers the most incredible far-reaching views – as far as Malaga coastline apparently on a non-38 degree, high swelter-factor day. There’s an elevated outdoor pool and an indoor pool + spa, both of which have been strategically placed to take full advantage of the surrounding vistas. The 8 rooms are elegant with huge pitched ceilings and the 6 suites are suitably indulgent with private terraces.  The inspiring restaurant menu persuaded us to secure a booking for no other reason than because we’re worth it. I just know it’s going to deliver a serious scrum factor score.

 

If you’re looking for an indulgent weekend escape, check out the offers currently showing on their website. http://www.hotelfuentedelsol.com/hotel-en.htm I only live 30mins away but have decided to book a 2-night Autumn package at only 75 euros a night with a massage, horse-trek and bottle of wine thrown in! That’s the easy bit – I just need to find someone charming to share it all with now!