In addition to luxuries normally not associated with the punishment of criminals, the prison near Madrid is the first in Spain partly designed for families, where incarcerated couples with small children can live in apartment-type cells almost as comfortably as in real homes.

The prison represents a new and more `humane' approach to incarceration policy, Interior Minister Jaime Mayor Oreja says. The first inmates -- among them 30 couples -- are due to arrive next week. Until now, the family life of prison inmates had been limited to short conversations through bars or hasty marital embraces once a month.

But in the new prison, 72 couples with children under three years of age will have `family cells' 25 square metres in size at their disposal.

The cells will have a double bed, a sofa which is convertible into a child's bed, abathroom and a minimal amount of furniture. The prison will also boast a nursery and a kindergarten.

Sexual offenders are to be excluded from the new regime, which has already drawn applications from incarcerated couples all over Spain. Some of the couples committed their crimes together, while others met in prison, press reports say. Couples will comprise up to 144 of a total of 1,008 inmates in the new prison.

The other inmates will also be allowed moments of family life. Instead of meetings through bars, inmates will be able to spend three to four hours with their families every three months in special rooms reserved for the purpose.

Leisure rooms will have toys for children and families will be allowed to have meals together and take walks within prison grounds.

The prison, which cost more than $48 million to build, will also include craft workshops, a swimming pool, tennis courts, a gymnasium, a hairdressing saloon, a supermarket and computer facilities.