Alan Wentworth-Harley's Marbella Property Insider

One of the world’s richest men here in Malaga for a weekend away in style. Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen rolled into Malaga port aboard his 126 metre yacht, Octopus, to attend a business meeting with Pilar Lopez, president of the Spanish arm of the technology giant. With two helicopters, a submarine, swimming pool, music studio and basketball court, the superyacht is the 14th largest in the world. The ship is also known for its annual celebrity-studded parties hosted at Cannes film festival, where Allen and his band play for guests.

A two-day coffee-making championship, with the 17 best baristas from Spain battling it out to be crowned the nation’s finest. Each contestant had 16 minutes to prepare two pairs of coffees, one pair of cappuccinos, one non-alcoholic combination and one alcoholic combination. With over a 300-strong audience watching the entire process. 200 professionals competed in nationwide events to earn a place at this final, held in the impressive Palacio de Congresos, so they have a right to be annoyed if the music’s too loud. “Last year’s winner, who came from Asturias, was sent to Uganda on holiday to learn how they produce coffee beans. This year the prize is a week in Colombia.” The judges are all experts from around Spain, many of whom have previously competed in the event.