Images of both leaving the resort – and the young girl swimming in the sea in front of the resort's beach club, where Michelle was relaxing in a hammock sheltered from prying eyes – travelled around the world.

It was a pity that Barack Obama could not accompany them on that occasion, as he would surely have thoroughly enjoyed his great sporting passion, golf, on one of three courses at the Costa del Sol resort, which is located just 10 minutes from Marbella’s renowned Puerto Banús.

Now Villa Padierna is once again making the news, although for strictly sporting reasons this time. Its Alferini course will host the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España from November 24 to 27, the final event of this year's Ladies European Tour season and the third year in a row that the event will not only crown the tournament champion but also the winner of the Race to Costa del Sol order of merit.

Hosting a tournament of these characteristics involves a variety of issues. "Not only that the course is at a professional level", says Felipe Arranz, board member of Villa Padierna Hotel & Resorts, "but also that it has the infrastructure to accommodate a significant number of spectators, logistics for television broadcasts, and other characteristics that Villa Padierna is fortunately able to provide."