La Zagaleta's Residents enjoy Film Premiere

Hollywood names like Antonio Banderas, Jason Statham, Wesley Snipes and Sylvester Stallone attract Marbella's high society, when a film premiere comes to town. La Zagaleta, one of Marbella's most expensive and prestigious urbanisations, must have been deserted, when The Expendables 3 movie premier came to town last week.

As part of the Starlite festival season of events this summer, the Hollywood A-listers descended with their entourages on Marbella and took their movie audience by storm. The official release date for the movie is on 14th August, when third installment of the series can be viewed by audiences across Spain.

Among the high profile guests were Gunilla von Bismarck and Luis Ortiz, Lara Dibildos, singer Melody, Veronica Hidalgo and Elena Benarroch. Some of Marbella's most important business men and women as well as renown representatives of the political arena were also present at the Spanish premier.

Veteran Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone thanked the high profile audience, when actors and audience met at the Starlite reception. Antonio Banderas was the host of this year's Starlite Gala, which is now a firm favourite in the social calendar of many of Marbella's residents.

Worth every Cent

La Zagaleta, an urbanisation located in the hills above Marbella, is one of the most prestigious and expensive areas to live in within Europe. Captains of industry, representatives of the political world, pop stars and actors seeking privacy and exclusivity buy their multi-million dollar homes here. The most basic of villas can cost as much as EUR 10 million in La Zagaleta, an area of outstanding natural beauty that boasts both sea and mountain views.

For the lucky few who can afford to buy a holiday or permanent home in the hills overlooking Marbella, the purchase of a home is worth every cent, for privacy and exclusivity are guaranteed in La Zagaleta's secretive community. Some of the larger properties may cost threefold what a villa and plot would command elsewhere at the Costa del Sol, but being able to tell the world one owns a property in La Zagaleta is clearly worth every cent.

Exclusivity and Privacy are guaranteed

La Zagaleta is located in the municipality of Benahavis, situated between Estepona and Marbella. Although the residential development spans just 900 hectares and 230 individual properties, the leafy green area appears to be much larger thanks to its forested surroundings and lack of neighbourhood developments. La Zagaleta's home owners have the right to veto any newcomers and new developments.

Situated in the gorgeous foothills of the Serrania de Ronda, the villas enjoy sea views as far as Gibraltar and the North African coastline. Even if a potential buyer is wealthy and enjoys a high profile in the press, it is not a foregone conclusion they will be permitted to become part of this exclusive neighborhood.

Existing owners do not vet new arrivals by standards of "high profile in the media".

Running a neighbourhood watch scheme on La Zagaleta's terms means keeping a firm eye on other people's bank balance. If the new arrival can buy the most expensive villa on offer several times over, the new neighbour is welcomed with open arms. If the bank balance is insufficient, no amount of high profile will persuade existing home owners that the new arrival should be permitted to become part of La Zagaleta's neighbourhood.

Some of Europe's most influential and powerful people are living in the hills above Marbella and they won't let any "riff-raff with money" join their exclusive ranks. La Zagaleta, according to one of its residents, goes "beyond the description of luxury" and even powerful Google had to forego the pleasure of snooping with its street view camera. Google street map had to remain outside La Zagaleta's area of protected land and air space, a protected zone that includes ca. 60 kilometres of private roads and lanes.

Guarded fiercely by its residents, La Zagaleta has become a paradise for those who live there without fear of nosy reporters and snooping paparazzi. The stunning setting, the beautiful gardens and "country estates" within the ten square kilometre hill development, its heliport and golf course, man-made lakes, equestrian centre and amazing local flora and fauna make La Zagaleta a jewel in Spain's crown.