Helena Olaya is a writer, editor and presenter at San Pedro de Alcantara TV and on the radio where she presents a programme of news and current affairs. She also writes for a variety of magazine. I-Marbella.com found out more about her life on the coast.

1. Where do you come from? 

I was born in Ronda, the famous bullfighting town, and a place that attracts tourists for its Arabic and Roman Monuments.

2. What brought you to the area?

I chose to live in Marbella because of the work, the climate and because I love to live in a place where I can see the sea and listen to the waves. I think it is an ideal place to find peace.

3. How long have you been living here?

Physically 20 years, but spiritually for all of my life!

4. Do you have a favourite area on the Costa del Sol? 

I like Marbella and its surroundings and the whole region. Marbella is an ideal base for exploring charming villages nearby, such as Ojen, Monda, Guaro etc. In any of them you can enjoy local products.

5. What attracts you to the southern Spanish lifestyle the most? 

What I like here is all of the environment and the climate of course.

8. Where were you educated?

I was educated in Morón de la Frontera, Sevilla, Granada and Marbella.

9. How long have you been working in the media and what can you say about your colleagues?

I have done this for more than a decade. Pepe is my partner, we work together a lot and I owe him a lot.

10. What is the most interesting event that has happened at your workplace?

I took part in a movie, in with  the famous actor Santiago Segura in and around Marbella.

11. Which celebrities have you interviewed?  

Many  of the aristocracy, the world of arts, entertainment and politics : Princess Maria Luisa of Prussia, Princess Soraya, Princess Ira de Fürstenberg, Beatriz de Orleans, Jose Maria Aznar, Former Spanish Prime Minister, Espartico Santoni, Fran Rivera, El Juli, El Cordobes,and Jaime Ostos.

12. If you had to choose an another profession, what would it be?

I would probably choose psychology, because a A Danish proverb says "Sometimes we give a false meaning to life."

13. Could you please describe how do you spend your time here? 

I value my time and I try to organise it in a way that both work and family do not reduce its quality. 

14. What are your hobbies? 

Paddle is one of my favorite hobbies. I usually tend to go at least one day a week at the renowned  Granados Paddle Club. I enjoy the game immensly and also the friends I make and their good green tea!

15. Name a few of your favourite restaurants or cafes here and what attracts you to them?

I like Pozo Viejo Restaurant, Casa Rentero, Sol y Luna Restaurant, Restaurants Casa Da Bruno Restaurant Nonos, El Clrerico because all of them have good service, they know how to deal with clients and have superb cuisine.  They are all located in Marbella.

16. What is your favourite place to have a drink with your friends?

I like to have drink in Suite de Hotel Puente Romano and Nonos Lang Havana Cafe.

17. Do you have a favourite special event or organizations that take place here? 

Yes, The Concorida Gala as well as the Association against Cancer, Unicef and others.

18. What is good to do in springtime in Marbella? 

I like walking through the fields, breathing in the fragrance of flowers and sunbathing at the beach.

19. Do you have children? If so, how do you spend your time with them?

My son is the priority in my life. He comes before everything. 

20. Knowing that fashion is very important to you, how would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as very feminine, sometimes sexy, fresh, with a youthful touch, fun with vibrant colors and upbeat. I like the collections from Natacha Pastuhova, Patricia Nanmen and Angel Paris.

21. What are the main three key points that should be remembered when dressing up?  

The most important is elegance, and to a bit bold with pronounced necklines.

23. What is your favourite place to relax and enjoy the sun in Marbella?

I love being at the beach.

24. How would you describe Marbella and the Coast in a few words?

In the centre of the Costa del Sol, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, with great views over the North Africa - this is my definition of an ideal location.

25. What is the most memorable moment that you have had in Marbella?

I am a lover of Marbella,  I will never forget the peace, either lookng at the  sea or the idyllic moments i have spent in this place.