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Once a favourite with Princess Di, the mountain village of Benahavís is o­nly a 10-minute drive from the seven-kilometre distant coast but a world away from the sometimes relentless hustle and bustle. Surrounded by pine groves, chuckling streams and rivers and steep gorges, Benahavís is a wonderful Spanish haven. Meaning ‘son of Havis (an 11th century Moorish priest), the village of 2,000 gained independence from Marbella in 1572. The compact centre is popular with more bohemian buyers who adore the colourful old houses. In fact nearly a quarter of the population is British.