to my home for the week, a splendid condo in the El Soto de Marbella complex high in the hills, about six miles from the center of the city. As at the condos the two previous weeks, El Soto de Marbella provided appointments much above my pay scale. With two bedrooms, two baths, a high-end kitchen and a living room with a fireplace and flat-screen TV, the interior was stunning. The icing on the cake was the master bedroom: A set of French doors opened to a balcony overlooking both mountains and Mediterranean. I knew I was in for another wonderful week.

As I explained the live-like-a-local theme of my trip to Paul the property manager, he suggested I first head to the funky Kudu Bar Bistro. I was sure to find the lowdown on the area at this local restaurant and bar at the top of the hill, he said, handing me over the keys. Turns out Kudu Bar is owned by Ross and Vicky Bell, British ex-pats who moved here to escape the bitter winters of their Motherland. Not only was their hospitality great, I soon learned that the food, especially the Sunday buffet, was outstanding.

I was beginning to solidify my belief that to live successfully on the Costa del Sol, one must slow down. The locals do things on their terms. And as Ross and Vicky confided in me, it takes time to power down to the speed of life on the Costa del Sol.

Sidebar: Vantage Point: Home for a Week

Owning or renting a condo in the Marbella area puts one in a golfer's paradise. The area from Sotogrande in the west to Málaga is home to more than 60 courses. While some are the less remarkable resort courses built during the previous boom, most enjoy sea and mountain views and designed by such well-known names as Pete Dye and Cabell Robinson. And all are blessed with the region's sunny, dry climate that allows year-round play.

Making El Soto de Marbella your home base puts you within minutes of the La Cala Golf Valley Resort. Take advantage of the resort's "Three Amigos" special offer to play any of the three highly enjoyable but tricky par-72 courses for as little as 33 euros (cart included). Or, drive down the coast 40 minutes to premium courses like Sotogrande (6,304 yards), San Roque (6,440 yards), and La Reserva (6,448 yards). Fees range from 65 to 85 euros, plus the cart.

Sometimes referred to as the Augusta National of Europe, Valderrama is a private, members-only club that offers limited public access between noon and 2:00 p.m. For 300 euros, you can walk where some of golfing's greats have trod. Be sure to book 90 days in advance.

Even the most avid golfers can't play every day. Sample Spain's great inexpensive wines and delightful tapas in a chiringuito, or jump in the car and explore some of the lesser known local historical sites. The Alcazaba in Málaga's Moorish fortress, which dates from the eighth century, and the slightly newer Gibralfaro nearby offer the most fantastic views over the port and the old town of Málaga itself. And, of course, there are always the beautiful beaches....--Mark Anderson