PEARL OF MANILVA

BUSTLING Duquesa marina is cut off from the mainland by a whitewashed shell of intricate buildings, balconies, plazas and steps, like an oyster enclosing its pearl.

The back end of the port is lined with imposing Chinese restaurants, immaculate in appearance; they are the back- bone of this multi-cultural hub. A walk around the port, which scarcely takes longer than five minutes, reveals cuisine from all over the world.

As well as restaurants serving cuisine from across Asia-China, India, Japan and Singapore, there is a plethora of European options.

It could be argued that Duquesa lacks Spanish identity as there are more English voices than yachts and more burgers than tapas.

But by taking a step out either side of the port, the expansive soft sand beaches will firmly remind you where you are.

This meeting point of friends and cultures sings through its restaurants, cafes, bars, the people who work in them and the people who sit in the sun and enjoy them.

And Duquesa is, more than anything, likeable, as if it were Puerto Banus’ younger, more relatable and friendly sibling. This sociable spirit emanates not only from tourists and expats but the staff, who hail from all over the world including Latin America, Eastern Europe and Asia.

Affordable

Puerto Banus may win in terms of glamour but Duquesa is more affable and, importantly, much more affordable.

It is still very much a 21st century place too, with wifi freely available in all the cafes and every possible amenity a short distance away. But Duquesa doesn’t feel like it has been ruined by tourism or de-Spained by its growth.

The wonderful variety on offer in such a small enclosed place shows this port is precisely designed to be quirky, eclectic and affordable.