First Lady's Spain Vacation Tab Unseemly?

The British have been captivated by the Costa del Sol for decades and now it seems the appeal has crossed the Atlantic.

First Lady Michelle Obama and daughter Sasha are due to travel to the resort of Marbella in southern Spain next week for a private trip with long-time family friends, the White House announced today.

But Barack Obama, who turns 49 on 4 August, will celebrate his birthday home alone while elder daughter Malia, 12, attends summer camp back in the States.

Despite the unusual choice of holiday destination, Mrs Obama, who will be on the Costa del Sol between 4 and 8 August with nine-year-old Sasha, has reserved 30 rooms at a five-star hotel.

It is thought Mrs Obama has booked the rooms at the prestigious Villa Padierna, a golf and spa resort located along the coast from Marbella.

With a reputation as Spain's most exclusive hotel, room prices start at 250 euros (£210) for a standard double and rise up to 5,000 euros (£4,175) for a private villa within the gardens.