For many readers, the Amazon Kindle is a godsend. It’s lightweight, portable, water-resistant, and has a massive storage capacity. The battery life is astounding, able to last for days, and its backlit E-ink screen, which mimics real paper, allows readers to read at night (and in planes, for instance), all while being easier on the eyes than a traditional blue-light screen. This is to say nothing of the sentimental value a Kindle might hold for bookworms who bring it everywhere with them.

But this month, tech giant Amazon has announced a new change that has sparked backlash from dedicated e-reader users: from May 20, 2026, some Kindle devices will no longer be supported. But what does this mean, and which Kindles will be affected?

Amazon’s announcement … and what it actually means

The alert from Amazon stated that older Kindle models will no longer be supported. In short, this means that from May 20, users will no longer be able to download new books from the Amazon store, as the devices will no longer have web support. Libby users will also take a hit, being unable to borrow e-books from their library as these books also go through the Kindle store and the ‘Send to Kindle’ feature.

The affected devices will also no longer be able to receive updates, and Amazon’s email detailed that users who deregister or do a factory reset on their devices will not be able to register them again.

Notably, the Kindle Library will remain fully accessible for users through the free Kindle app and Kindle for Web. Users who connect their Kindle to a computer and use a programme like Calibre will still be able to transfer, or “sideload,” e-books to their Kindle.

Which Kindles are being affected?

In the email Kindle users received, Amazon stated they are “discontinuing support for Kindle devices released in 2012 or earlier. The affected devices include:

• Kindle (1st generation)
• Kindle (2nd generation)
• Kindle DX
• Kindle DX Graphite
• Kindle Keyboard
• Kindle 4
• Kindle Touch
• Kindle 5
• Kindle Paperwhite (1st generation)
• Kindle Fire (1st generation)
• Kindle Fire (2nd generation)
• Kindle Fire HD 7
• Kindle Fire HD 8.9

In total, the move is estimated to affect some 2 million devices.

The controversy

The move has been heavily criticised by readers who own Kindles. While users of these older Kindle models will still be able to read the books that are already downloaded onto the device, the prospect of not being able to download new books without using a third-party programme may be a dealbreaker, prompting users to switch to other devices, like a Kobo.

Criticisms of Amazon’s UI for the Kindle, including the prevalence of ads and often-restrictive format support have also led users to ditch their Kindles and opt for other e-readers. 

Additionally, many users report that their Kindles, despite being more than a decade old, are still working fine. Newer Kindles may last weeks on a single charge, while the battery health and speed of performance of older models will slowly deteriorate over time with heavy use; but for the most part, many Kindles manufactured in 2012 or before are still in perfectly good condition. As a result, many readers have condemned Amazon’s announcement as a deliberate ploy to get readers to purchase another Kindle.

Older Kindle models also feature physical page-turn buttons on the devices, which some readers prefer. With the new announcement, disgruntled readers may be forced to go with the touch-screen page turning options instead.

To facilitate some users’ transition to a new Kindle, Amazon has offered a 20 per cent discount on a newer model, as well as e-book credits. However, the move has been denounced as “corporate greed” by outraged users, for whom the Kindle is not only a convenient way to store books and read on-the-go, but a sentimental device.

The bottom line for readers

For some users, the only viable path will be ditching their old Kindle and transitioning to a newer model or even another brand of e-reader entirely. Others will opt for jailbreaking their Kindle, a process that involves removing Amazon’s software restrictions and gaining access to the device’s operating system.

Ultimately, readers will have to decide whether they are willing to stay in Amazon’s ecosystem, or finally turn the page on it.

In Spain’s ever-competitive holiday rental market, simply owning a beautiful property is no longer enough. Scroll through any booking platform and you’ll find an endless stream of villas, apartments and fincas, all promising sun-soaked terraces and sea views. Yet only a handful truly stand out… and they’re the ones commanding higher nightly rates, better reviews, and repeat bookings.

So what’s their secret?

It isn’t always a full renovation or a sky-high budget. More often, it comes down to something far simpler: presentation, atmosphere, and attention to detail. The most successful holiday lets today are styled less like homes and more like boutique hotels: curated, cohesive, and designed to evoke a feeling as much as provide a place to sleep.

 Think like a boutique hotel

The first shift is a mental one. Many owners approach their rental as a functional space – somewhere clean, comfortable, and practical. But today’s guests, particularly in lifestyle destinations like Mallorca, Ibiza, or the Costa del Sol, are booking something more aspirational.

They want to feel like they’ve stepped into a magazine spread.

That begins in the bedroom. Crisp white linens, layered with soft throws and neutral cushions, instantly elevate even the simplest space. Swap mismatched bedding for a cohesive palette of whites, creams and soft earth tones, and suddenly the room feels calmer, more expensive, more considered. Add a textured headboard, a linen bedspread, or even just better-quality pillows, and the transformation is immediate.

It’s less about what you add  and more about what you refine.

Lighting changes everything

Lighting is one of the most overlooked – and most powerful – tools in your rental.

Harsh overhead lights can make even the most stylish interior feel cold and uninviting. The solution is simple: layer your lighting. Introduce table lamps, floor lamps, and warm-toned bulbs to create a softer, more ambient glow.

Outdoors, this becomes even more impactful. String lights, lanterns, and candles can transform a basic terrace into an inviting evening retreat – the kind of space guests imagine themselves unwinding in with a glass of wine as the sun sets.

Because ultimately, you’re not just selling a property – you’re selling a mood.

Create moments worth sharing

In the age of Instagram, your guests are also your marketers.

The most successful rentals understand this and intentionally create small “moments” designed to be photographed. A neatly styled coffee table with a stack of books and a candle. A breakfast tray set out on the terrace. Sun loungers with rolled white towels and a straw hat placed just so.

These details may seem small, but they shape perception: both online and in person. And more importantly, they encourage guests to share their experience, extending your reach far beyond a listing platform.

If it looks good on camera, it books faster. It’s that simple.

Make the most of outdoor living

In Spain, outdoor space is your greatest asset and often the biggest differentiator.

Even a modest terrace can feel luxurious if it’s thoughtfully styled. You don’t need a full outdoor kitchen or a designer pergola to achieve this. Matching cushions, a simple but elegant dining setup, and a few well-chosen accessories can transform the space entirely.

A linen tablecloth, ceramic plates, and proper glassware elevate an outdoor meal from functional to memorable. Guests may forget the exact layout of the living room, but they will remember how it felt to sit outside at dusk, surrounded by warm air and soft lighting.

 Elevate the bathroom experience

Bathrooms can quietly make – or break – a guest’s perception of your property.

The good news? You don’t need a full renovation to create a high-end feel. Small upgrades can have a big impact. Replace thin, worn towels with thick white ones. Decant toiletries into matching dispensers. Add a wooden stool or tray for a spa-like touch.

Most importantly, declutter.

Clear surfaces and simple styling create a sense of calm and cleanliness that instantly feels more luxurious. The goal is to evoke a boutique hotel or spa – not a storage space.

Edit, don’t erase

When it comes to styling, balance is everything.

Guests don’t want to feel like they’re staying in someone else’s personal home, surrounded by family photos and clutter. But equally, they don’t want a space that feels soulless or generic.

The sweet spot lies somewhere in between: a home with character, but carefully edited. Local ceramics, woven textiles, and subtle nods to the surrounding landscape help ground the space and give it a sense of place.

Think editorial, not empty.

Photography sells everything

Even the most beautifully styled property won’t perform if it isn’t presented properly online.

Photography is your first impression and often your only chance to capture attention. Investing in professional photography is one of the smartest decisions a rental owner can make, but preparation is just as important.

Every shot should be styled. Every cushion placed. Every surface considered.

Shoot in natural light wherever possible, and think beyond simply documenting the space. You’re telling a story: one that invites the viewer to imagine themselves there.

Small Changes, bigger returns

All of these updates feed into something crucial: perceived value.

When a property looks and feels high-end, guests are willing to pay more for it. Well-styled homes can command significantly higher nightly rates than comparable listings nearby, while also benefiting from stronger reviews and increased visibility on booking platforms.

In that sense, styling isn’t just about aesthetics… it’s a business strategy.

In the quiet area of El Rosario opposite the Royal Tennis club is Tapeo El Rosario. Taking over one corner of the central commercial centre, a restaurant that delivers exactly what you expect, something that many places promise but few truly achieve. This eatery is honest, traditional and serves highly satisfying food in relaxed surroundings. 

The atmosphere is a comfortable balance between lively and chilled. The space is informal and welcoming, with 4 different areas to dine. First as you enter the restaurant there is an area with barrels as tables and high stools for more of a drinks and grazing style evening. The inside area near the bar, where a TV is playing local sports and music videos, and a terrace outside, currently covered and using heaters but will open up during the warmer months to let the sunshine in. Then finally a few tables out on the street for real alfresco dining.

The decor is not styled which is part of the appeal. Brown and green tones you would expect and Spanish photos, artwork and accessories to feel like a proper neighbourhood spot, the kind where the focus is firmly on the food and the chat rather than the surroundings. 

The menu is classic and authentic, knowing what the diners want

The selection on offer hasn’t changed for years, showing that it knows what people want. It’s classic Spanish tapas, fish dishes and rich meat mains, with a strong emphasis on traditional, home-style cooking. 

The menu was approached by ordering lots of smaller dishes to enable us to have as big a selection as our waistbands would allow. 

Starting off, the calamares were crisp and hot, while the tomato and anchovy salad offered a fresh and salty lighter dish. This salad is not one for the garlic haters as it truly packs a punch. The mushrooms with garlic sauce and ham was a combination many hadn’t tried before but after consuming it is safe to say it will be ordered again. 

The gambas pil pil arrived sizzling, packed with garlic and chilli, served with bread to soak up the flavoured oil. 

The pork cheeks in red wine were a favourite, slow-cooked and falling apart over small cubed potatoes. Rich and deeply intense. Not only a favorite of ours but also those online, many referring to the dish as a highlight of their meal.  

Finally,  the rabo de toro and the evening special of slow cooked lamb leg more than delivered in flavour.  Both rich and served with vegetables and potatoes, the meat extremely tender coming away from the bone, just as you would hope. 

The trio behind Tapeo all have long careers and vast experience in hospitality

The service was friendly and at a good pace. Dishes cleared away as soon as finished to make room for the next round. Younger guests were joked with and made to feel very welcome. 

The prices at Tapeo El Rosario are good value for money. Tapas ranging from €2.70 for the smaller plates and up to €15 for the larger portions and with the meat mains varying as expected depending on which cut and type you prefer, averaging at €20 for a plate big enough for 2. With the drinks included, the table could order generously without the bill spiralling out of control.

Behind Tapeo El Rosario is a trio of owners. Co-owner Sergio Linan began his career in hospitality in 2013, learning the trade in his uncle’s restaurant, while Antonio Pacheco, originally from Cordoba, built years of experience working across Marbella before deciding to launch his own venture. Completing the team is Javier, a Marbella native who grew up helping in his family’s restaurants and returned to the industry after exploring other paths. 

Tapeo El Rosario isn’t trying to compete with Marbella’s high-end dining scene and it doesn’t need to. What it offers is reliable, flavour-packed Spanish food, generous portions, and a relaxed vibe that works. People agree with a 4.4/5 rating on Google. It is traditional Spanish cooking, with rich sauces, slow-cooked meats, and tapas designed to be shared happily and enthusiastically around the table. 

With the added bonus of parking easy to find around the restaurant it is well worth a visit for some no frills food and a very enjoyable experience.

Tapeo El Rosario is located at Urb. el Rosario, Parcela g. Call +34689253605 for booking or visit their website.