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B R E AT H E

A LITTLE GLAMOUR never hurt anyone Enjoy the good things in life

TASTE our New Menus

At Breathe, Ground & Soul BREATHE NO. 5 2025

FIELD TO TABLE Fresh is how we like it

SOUL

SESSIONS

Air opening & Breathe 1 Events Calendar

We’re gearing up for Spring – are you? We enjoyed the Festive Season, the start of a new year and, well, the rain that was much needed, but now we’re unashamedly looking towards the prettiest season of the year: Spring! Spring brings with it promise. The promise of warmer temperatures, more sun, more time spent outdoors, more sporty activity, more social get togethers…more fun. It’s a time when Marbella comes alive, building up to the heady days of summer, and the same can be said for Breathe. This time of year, we dust off the parasols, put away the heaters and change into brighter, lighter outfits. We exchange warm and cosy for fresh and fun, and we’re inspired to add a creative touch of renewal to all we do – such as a menu updated with exciting new dishes across the board – from breakfast and lunch at Ground to dinner at Breathe and of course all the menus at Soul. We’re particularly proud of the wonderful new breakfast and dessert creations – they’re almost too visually pretty to eat! And we think you’ll love the new grill menu. A lot of hard work and careful attention to detail has gone into creating all these new delicacies, and of course a whole lot of passion. We loved the process and hope you enjoy the finished product just as much. Or maybe more! Don’t forget the Soul Sessions, from 3pm on Fridays and Saturdays – with live DJs and 2-for-1 drinks between 4pm and 6pm making Soul the best place in town for after work relaxing and socialising. Air will have a soft opening in April, followed by a Grand Opening on the 17th of May, setting the stage for the kind of events that Breathe has become famous, with live music, entertainment, dance and shows. It’s a season that lifts the spirits, and where better to enjoy it than right here at Breathe. Have a very uplifting Spring and let if fill you with a world of possibilities.

Aguilene Benicio

GiftTrees 4

INDEX 8 16 30 40 48 54 60 72 80 86 92 98

Spanish Fresh Produce Markets Meet Abraham Méndez, Chef at Ground Explore a new menu at Soul Málaga Car & Fashion Museum Karolina Starzynska Marbella in Spring Wind up the week @ the SOUL Sessions The Breathe Eco-Infrastructure Polo – Winter in St. Moritz, Summer in Sotogrande Whiskey – from Scotland to Japan Andra Teodorescu, the magic behind Breathe’s marketing Ronda’s organic wine scene

Publisher Breathe S.L. Brand Director Lucien Capdevielle Production Manager Andra Teodorescu Layout and Design Jarno Marten Klopstra Cover Photo Maksym Baranov Depósito Legal MA-1800-2023 ISSN 3020-8521

Expect The Unexpected Apply at www.theio.com | @theioclub

Spanish fresh produce markets – an old tradition with renewed value First there was the market, then the corner shop and then the supermarket. As the latter spread across the land and took over the bulk of the food shopping market, traditional food markets began to suffer and decline. But now, as many of us are starting to reject processed food at least in part and are investing in our health and wellbeing, these atmospheric food halls full of life are making a comeback thanks to the more authentic farm produce they offer. Welcome back to an old tradition with renewed value. There was a time when people in villages and towns across the Mediterranean region would visit the local food market on an almost daily basis. Housewives would meet up for a chat as they shopped for bread, fish, meat, fruit, vegetables and other necessities that were often prepared the same day. What’s more, the ingredients in question may not have been ‘designer’ or cleverly branded by a large multinational, but they were typically fresh and natural, straight from the farm to the market. Fast forward a few decades and we now tend to park in soulless carparks, grab a shopping cart and chase through the aisles of a supermarket in a rush – one of many anonymous faces that beam a visible lack of sparkle. Yes, the supermarket may be convenient, but it is not a happy meeting place to the extent that a growing number of people are skipping the experience and having their groceries delivered. This doesn’t solve the problem of relying on mass-produced processed food, however, as even the vegetables and fruit sold in a supermarket is selected on visual appeal from producers that grow it on a huge scale under conditions that are far from ‘natural’ or ‘organic’.

Photo: Yuval Zukerman via Unsplash

FARM FRESHNESS

If you’ve forgotten what real food tastes like, a quick visit to the Spanish countryside will refresh your memory with a jolt of ecstatic pleasure. You’ll wonder how something as simple as a tomato or apple can produce such joyful taste explosions in your mouth. You might even be hit by a bout of nostalgia, as you remember that this is what food used to taste like. It’s because it is grown naturally, without chemical or genetic interference, and the result is apples, tomatoes, pears and strawberries that may range greatly in form and size and not look as gleamingly appetising as the rigidly ‘perfect’ ones in the supermarket but taste so much better. Even more importantly, natural food is so much healthier than the mass-produced, manipulated and processed variant most of us have become accustomed to. Have you ever wondered why there seem to have been few or no food allergies before 2000 and now it is a rapidly spreading epidemic? Or why obesity is such an issue, especially in the once-fit United States? Anyone who has spent some time in the States will know that fresh produce is remarkably hard to come by there, and also very expensive. Those who can afford it go to farmers’ markets, but in Spain we’re fortunate to still be surrounded by a network of fresh produce markets in all the main towns. What’s more, walking around from stall to stall in a lively covered market full of atmosphere is a far more enriching experience than going through the aisles of a soulless supermarket. You’ll begin to chat with the vendors, ask for the best produce of the day and can even grab a drink and a snack, enjoying a better quality of life in both the shopping experience and the quality and flavour of the food you buy. In a health-conscious era, this is one of the very best things southern Spain has to offer!

Photo: Julian Hanslmaier via Unsplash

Photo: Tanushree Rao via Unsplash

Even more importantly, natural food is so much healthier than the mass-produced, manipulated and processed variant most of us have become accustomed to. Have you ever wondered why there seem to have been few or no food allergies before 2000 and now it is a rapidly spreading epidemic? Or why obesity is such an issue, especially in the once-fit United States? Anyone who has spent some time in the States will know that fresh produce is remarkably hard to come by there, and also very expensive. Those who can afford it go to farmers’ markets, but in Spain we’re fortunate to still be surrounded by a network of fresh produce markets in all the main towns. What’s more, walking around from stall to stall in a lively covered market full of atmosphere is a far more enriching experience than going through the aisles of a soulless supermarket. You’ll begin to chat with the vendors, ask for the best produce of the day and can even grab a drink and a snack, enjoying a better quality of life in the both the shopping experience and the quality and flavour of the fafter success in all the ways that fulfil you.

Photo: Thomas Wavid Johns via Unsplash

GROUND

Meet Abraham Méndez, Chef at Ground

If ever there was a perfect match, it is this passionate foodie and the restaurant he creates the culinary experience for.

Abraham Méndez comes from Puebla, one of the most attractive cities in Mexico, but who would pass up a chance to work and live in Marbella, so when the lifelong foodie had the opportunity to become a chef here he grabbed it. He was a young chef still fresh out of college when he arrived, but keen to express his very personal passion for food, Abraham has become a professional with a vision and approach of his own – and one that fits perfectly with the philosophy and mission that define Ground. “I’ve loved food from a young age and by the time I was in high school I knew that it would be my career,” says Abraham. “I’d already completed my training and started working when the opportunity arose to move to Marbella, but I was still young and very open to new experiences.” After further honing his technical skills and building up practical experience at top restaurants on the Costa del Sol, he developed his own approach to his work – one that has a love of food, culture, natural produce and health at its heart.

When food and culture are entwined “Maybe it’s my upbringing in Mexico, where food is part of family and social life, can be found in restaurants, markets and also in the vibrant street food scene, but for me gastronomy is an integral part of your cultural identity,” says Abraham. He draws a lot of his inspiration from travel, absorbing both the different cuisines and the local traditions and raw materials that have produced them over the centuries. “You could call me an international chef because I love food cultures from around the globe and absorb them into my own cooking and the menus I create, but often interpreting them with the ingredients that are locally available to us in southern Spain.” This approach to cooking is matched by a desire to produce dishes that are not only light, refreshing and delicious but also healthy. “The match with Ground is a natural one, and right now I’m working on a newly updated menu for Spring/Summer 2025.” It will be infused with fresh Middle Eastern inspiration, adapted to European tastes and local ingredients. “We work with seasonal, high-quality organic ingredients and where possible apply the kilometrezero principle, so we will be introducing refreshing light dishes adapted to our environment,” says Abraham, who enjoys nothing more than this process of transformation from initial inspiration and concept through testing and experimentation to the moment exciting new dishes are added to the menu. “It’s a team effort and we keep working at it until we get it right. That requires a lot of hard work as a tight-knit team, but it’s worth it when you see the end result.” The new menu at Ground will be something to look forward to – expect amazing new flavours and textures just made for the spring to autumn season at a restaurant known for offering light, healthy and delish food. Now you know the creative force behind it!

ADVERTISE WITH US YOUR BRAND BELONGS HERE REACH MARBELLA’S VIBRANT COMMUNITY OF LOCALS AND VISITORS WITH BREATHE MAGAZINE. SHOWCASE YOUR BRAND AND MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION. READY TO STAND OUT? ADVERTISE WITH US

2025 EVENTS CALENDAR

APRIL

MAY

16th: Soft Opening

17th: Grand Opening: Under the Stars 22nd: Paloma Day

7th: Shine Bright Like a Diamond 26th: Fallen Angels

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

10th: Double Touch 26th: Sky Fall

7th: Guri & Eider DJ 21st: Everlasting Fire

OCTOBER

11th: Black Swan: Closing Night

JUNE

12th: Guri & Eider DJ

A.R.G presents “Villa Infinity”. A spectacular home of more than 500m?, with 360° views of the sea and mountains, and unique features, located in the luxurious urbanization “Finca Camarate,” just a few meters from the “Finca Cortesin” complex and only 5 minutes from all the services you may need. The villa includes: 4 en-suite bedrooms. 7 bathrooms. Gym. Spa with sauna. Multipurpose room. Cinema room. Wine cellar with tasting area. Service area. Elevator. Infinity pool. Fire

VILLA INFINITY

SOUL

Explore a new menu at Soul There are new things being cooked up at Breathe. Yes, we’ve been inspired to be creative, ever so daring and a little bit cheeky. And we think you’ll love it! The new menu at Soul offers exciting sensations to explore, from inspired creations to get the day started to lunch, dinner and carefully selected meat delicacies from the grill. It is a visually pleasing offering that will have your tastebuds dancing in delight – and as always built upon fresh, healthy and organic foundations.

Expect to be bowled over @ breakfast Alongside the much-loved classics there is an exciting, and we have to say, very aesthetically pleasing range of refreshing new options at Soul this spring. You’ll like the way the new dishes are presented – they’re so pretty you might hesitate to tuck in, but please do, as the gorgeous textures and flavours will put a smile on your face and get the day started just right. Try the breakfast tacos, the various types of Eggs Benedict – all on beautifully fresh and soft Brioche bread – the deliciously creative new Signature Toasts (Burrata, Ricotta and Brie) that are melt in the mouth good! Or, if you want a Sweet Morning, the Mascarpone or Caramel French Toast will be a highlight you’ll want to come back to. If you like the Soul morning experience, well, it just got better, so be spontaneous and dive into our sexy new menu.

…and throughout the day But the chef’s inspiration is not limited to breakfast only. For lunch or dinner, the new Grill Menu will have meat lovers delighted with its carefully selected cuts of prime Black Angus and Premium Ribeye Entrecote. Along with other dishes straight off the grill, such as succulent fall off the bone honied ribs, delicious South American style barbecued sausages and a choice of side dishes. They form one of the exciting new explorations to be enjoyed at Soul this season. Come and try it for yourself!

Málaga Car & Fashion Museum Something you may not know about Málaga is that it has one of the finest car (and fashion) museums in Europe, even the world. So, if you’re a petrolhead and or a fashionista, this is a must-see attraction at little over half an hour away. The museum is located close to but just off the centre of the city, near the long avenue that leads along beaches and the port to the heart of Málaga. It is housed in a complex of impressive classic buildings that used to be the seat of a tobacco factory. Walking through its elegant parklike grounds, with the palatial style complex around you, you might mistake it for something much older, but in the reality the ‘factory’ is little more than a century old, and now put to good use.

You see, set within its three wings are a Russian art museum, a gaming tech incubator hub and, of course, the car and fashion museum. Over the years, it has become one of the key attractions of Málaga, and you’ll know exactly why as you step inside and are greeted with rather spectacular lifesized car and fashion-inspired art. The collection is valued at well over €100 million, so if you love cars (and fashion) prepare to be dazzled and delighted, as the exhibition follows a logical progression from the very first motor vehicle prototypes through the various epochs to the present day. Each era is skilfully displayed and the cars of the times accompanied by the fashion and attributes of the period. Photos courtesy of MAM, Museo del Automóvel y la Moda, Málaga

Fashion and car art By the time you reach the First World War, the mood changes dramatically from the elegance of the Belle Epoque to the austerity and drama of wartime – only to clear up again as you enter the Roaring Twenties. You’ll notice that the cars have become larger, more sophisticated and the fashion and art now very much influenced by Art Deco. It’s a little bit like stepping back into those times, and you wonder what it would really be like to set off in one of those magnificent limousines. By the time you reach the 1950s and 1960s – considered by many to be the ultimate era in classic car design – car lovers will be positively drooling at the multimillion-dollar collector’s items on display here. It’s a car enthusiast’s idea of heaven, with impressive art and fashion to add further lustre and make it a worthwhile experience for people who are into Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, Cadillac, Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Maserati, Mercedes and many more. Continue on in time and you’ll spot the brightly painted Roller of former Beatle John Lennon, conceptual moon vehicles tested by NASA, as well as futuristic models that actually drive using solar energy.

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Open the door to… You’ve heard them before, so clichés such as ‘the sky is the limit’ tend to create that cynical reaction in you, but really, the painful truth is that you can actually really be the best version of yourself and go after the life you want. What’s more, you can start right now and all you have to do is change the way you see yourself, as the sky is not the limit, your mind is. Having gone through the process herself and experienced just how amazingly empowering and liberating it can be, Karolina Starzynska helps others to find the path out of a cycle of restriction and towards self-fulfilment. It’s been said that in essence we all want the same, and this is true. While the details will differ, we all dream of a life full of love, excitement, fulfilment and success, yet few of us ever feel that we’ve even come close to achieving these things, except perhaps for fleeting moments. Why is this, and why do a growing number of people suffer from anxiety, depression and a sense of alienation?

Self-sabotage We tend to think that we’ve been hard done by. That we’ve been unlucky, others have treated us badly and/or circumstances have colluded to block our path to happiness and success. This makes us feel like victims, and as a result we go into defence mode, become negative and restrict ourselves to not stray outside of our ‘safe’ comfort zone, which can lead to fear, anger and depression. The crazy thing is that we are far more powerful than we realise. Yes, us scared little creatures running so anxiously across this globe have the ability to turn our lives around and become and have so much more of what we want. You see, there is no real reason why we should have to live a life that is so limited, yet most of us do. WHY? Because we self-sabotage, and we do this by allowing our fears and sense of insecurity to rule our lives. In fact, most people are on auto pilot, running on a hamster wheel that leads to stress and exhaustion.

Karolina

Starzynska

Our self-limitations have their roots in childhood experiences and even traumas that continue to affect the way we feel, behave and live today. A lot of the time, we’re not even conscious of this, but it is usually the very reason why we feel uncomfortable in certain social situations, think we’re not attractive or clever enough, don’t chase after our rainbows and instead complain, resist change and feel like victims. Yes, rather than change and surprise ourselves with the power we have inside, the majority of people revel in their victimhood and prefer to endure a life less lived. The reason this happens is because with the power to act comes responsibility for your own life and actions, and this requires a certain courage that many of us lack.

“Karolina helps you break out of bad cycles such as addictions, eating disorders and self-limitation” 49

Looking in the wrong places When deep down you don’t feel like you’re good enough, life has a tendency to bite and affect your (mental) health, work, relationships, (perceived) success and happiness, as well as your energy levels, eventually leading to depression. The latter can range from extreme to the milder form that a large part of the population suffers from, and the typical reaction is to imitate a snail and hide in your protective shell. It is also the reason why people seek temporary relief from their demons in drink, food, drugs, sex, gambling, excessively compulsive hobbies and even adrenaline sports, just to have a brief escape from the daily torment that is life. Another very common ‘solution’ is to consume your way out of the blues, which is why today’s society is so brand and status driven, and don’t the marketeers know just how to push your buttons to make you crave that product that will give you pleasure/status and fix the gaping hole right in the middle of you.

Though wealthy people will certainly tend to be more self-satisfied and/or arrogant, they absolutely do not tend to be happier, and usually come with the same insecurities and fears. The main difference between them and other ‘unhealed’ people is that they have more status to project (to fix the gaping hole with) and therefore more toys to play with, but this can be dangerous too, as a litany of celebrities who have gone before their time will attest to.

At the heart of poor self esteem is a sense of failure, and this is often expressed as a lack of wealth. After all, society looks up to rich people and associates money with success as well as happiness and wellbeing.

This phenomenon is called ‘inner peace’, because you find it not by chasing wealth, possessions, romance or even ‘amazing’ experiences, but by looking within. The source of inner peace, contentment and

Where to look But life doesn’t have to be a torment. It can actually range from mildly cool to incredible bliss, and we’re not even talking about happiness. This exists together with sad or trying moments in life, just like day and night, light and dark. It is a modern fallacy that we should try to be ‘happy’ all the time, and if you were it would make such moments less special and precious. No, the answer lies not in permanently seeking pleasure, it lies in achieving a sense of peace, tranquillity and contentment.

eventually bliss lies within YOU, and it’s been there all along. Yes, even when you were mad, bad and miserable – the very factors that block out the light and caste a solar eclipse over your/my/our lives. What it is When you find ‘Nirvana’ it is the peace that emanates from within and connects you to everything around you: other people and living creatures, the atoms and molecules of everything that moves and everything that doesn’t, the sky, space and the entire universe. When you delve deep inside, stop thinking and worrying so much and start to just feel, you begin to be connected to the life source of us all, that incredibly magical force that gives shape to life. And when you do, what follows is love. Love for yourself – you accept, forgive and love yourself – love for others – you lose the will to judge and gain the power of tolerance – and love for life itself. You lose fear and begin to see the many things you should be grateful for. You start to feel peace, love and become positive instead of negative, and the words that pour out of your thoughts become more beautiful and kinder, more understanding – of others and yourself. It’s the most natural and most beautiful ‘trip’ known to mankind, and by healing yourself of your pain and limitations you begin to release all kinds

of possibilities, attracting more positive outcomes and becoming far better equipped to deal with the challenges of life. Helping you to achieve it While this is a very personal process it is one that usually requires the support of someone who has gone through it themselves. Just as top sports professionals need a coach or actors a director to get the best out of themselves, so someone who starts out on the path of self-empowerment and fulfilment needs a guiding and supporting hand from those who know the way. Karolina Starzynska is such a person, and like many who have successfully followed the path and turned their lives around to achieve peace and contentment in the midst of a world that can seem intimidating at times, she feels a calling to help others achieve it too. Karolina has captured her experiences and knowledge in a book, Breaking the Chain of Emotional Eating, Anxiety and Self Sabotage, which outlines the process in detail from beginning to end, creating a clear pathway made up of many everyday steps that will help to heal previous pains and open the door to the life you want. She also provides personal group or one on one coaching and support through Holistic Aura, guiding you to find the very best in you.

“When you leave stress and self-doubt behind a whole new world of possibilities opens up”

How to get it If the above sounds like heaven to you the good news is that it is attainable. All you need to do is reconstruct your mentality – the way you see yourself, those around you and the world/life in general. You have to understand that you are GOOD ENOUGH as you are, and to turn bad into good you just need to ‘peel’ the accumulated layers of baggage off to emerge as the true you and be free to be the best version of yourself and pursue the life you want. Nothing that is worth having has ever been easy, and what could be more important and desirable than feeling good? All you need is the desire that will give you continuity and persistence. It is not a rainbow at the end of a long and torturous ‘course’ nor is it a quick and easy fix. In fact, it has no sense of time at all, as the core element of improving your quality of life is through learning to release yourself from the torment and the shackles of the past and also not live in the dream of a better future. Of course, you should have hopes and ambitions, but not at the expense of enjoying life now, which means that you should enjoy the journey, live life to the full right now and above all LIVE IN THE NOW. The present moment is the only one that truly exists at any point in time, and it is ‘timeless’, as it is always just NOW. Start to live consciously and your eyes will open – to everything: the beauty of this world we live in, its bounty that sustains us, the precious moments and relationships that fill our lives, and so much more. What’s more, you will begin a process of self-awareness – seeing yourself ‘from the outside’ and beginning to understand the related pattern of your mind, thoughts, feelings, words, actions (mostly automatic reactions) and the repetitive cycle they create. You will begin to recognise how much of your life is dominated by fear, anxiety and insecurity, and how this shapes your (re)actions, emotions and (lack of) decision and direction. You will begin to see the problems this process creates, how it limits you and traps you in an unhappy world that not even wealth and possessions can free you from, and you will begin to want to change the autopilot behaviour from a negative to a positive cycle, starting by healing your childhood traumas and forgiving, accepting and loving yourself. In the process, you will set your power and confidence free, evolving into a new you that is not only more loving towards yourself, others and the whole creation, but also empowered to go after success in all the ways that fulfil you.

HOLISTIC AURA CONTACTS Karolina Starzynska 655 100 809 www.holisticaura.online

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+34 682 512 237 | info@marbellabanussuites.com | marbellabanussuites.com Residencial Jardines del Puerto, Av José Banús, 5, Planta Baja, Local 7B, Puerto Banús. 29660 Marbella.

Marbella in Spring It’s perhaps the most highly anticipated season of the year all over the world, but in these parts spring has a special charm complete with orange blossom and the promise of another fantastic summer… When spring comes it takes us into the hills for bracing hikes, out for walks along the beach. We hit the tennis, padel courts and golf courses in larger numbers, exercise more in gyms and populate the sunny terraces in search of the sun. Summer on the Costa del Sol is gentle and agreeable, but spring puts, well a spring in your step with the promise of great things to come. It starts earlier in our region than in most of Europe, so when the greater part of the continent is still suffering in cold and bleak misery we’re already basking in the sun, surrounded by the fresh scent of flowering blossoms. Photo: Lukas Tennie via Unsplash

Photo: Vishnu Patel via Unsplash

It’s a perfect time to stroll along the beachside boulevard or admire the charm of Marbella’s historic Old Quarter. We love summer, but in all honesty the period between April and July usually offers the best temperatures of the year, as well as a wonderful mix of clear blue skies, fresh fragrant air and an opportunity to enjoy the region before the high season rush. If you happen to be here this time of year, make sure not to miss the many highlights of a spring in Marbella. Photo: Philippe Gauthier via Unsplash

Wind up the week

@ the SOULSESSIONS For the ultimate after-work get together or Get the Weekend Started, Soul has just got even better.

Soul has become the venue of choice for early morning gym-goers, breakfast lovers and workaholics in the sun. It remains popular throughout the day as a chilled but exciting work and meeting point, evolving through the day into an atmospheric dinner spot. Fridays and Saturdays at Soul are a particular high point, and as we build up through spring towards the summer it’s only getting livelier. Expect live DJs, 2-for-1 drinks and a heady ambience as Soul becomes the place to socialise and unwind after work and get the weekend started.

Soul Sessions – from 3pm Fridays and Saturdays Fridays and Saturdays, Soul is the place to be. Meet, greet and mingle as you let the working week slide away and welcome the weekend – with live DJ sets, genial bar staff, fresh snacks and the kind of atmosphere that makes the end of the week so special. Celebrate it in style, enjoying the wonderful climate and vibrant, cosmopolitan social vibe that is such a seductive part of the Marbella charm. You won’t find a better kickstart-the-weekend vibe this side of the Atlantic – or Mediterranean – so see you there, Friday 3pm!

Plan your event with us

You may not know this, but the Breathe group has the venues, dedicated services, and personalized flexibility to create exceptional events tailored exactly to your needs – whether it’s a private, corporate, or group experience designed to be remembered. We’ll make it happen together!

Breathe Breathe is a versatile gastronomic venue that adapts to a variety of ambiances and moments. It features a stylish and atmospheric main restaurant, a popular bar and a spacious garden terrace that’s perfect for hosting events of all kinds. Throughout the year, we organize our own events with live DJs, dancers, and festivities, and we can create the same experience just for you. From a cozy winter vibe to a fresh, cool summer setting, the venue offers the perfect atmosphere. We offer a selection of different 3-course set menus designed for large groups, as well as a variety of drink packages that can be combined with dinner. Naturally, we cater to all special dietary requirements, and our talented bartenders will craft an unforgettable experience. With a live DJ setting the perfect vibe, whether your event is corporate and professional, dynamic and inspiring, or simply a great party, we’ll bring your vision to life. The choice is yours, and we’ll make it happen.

Air Our rooftop bar adds sparkle to any event, whether it’s a private gathering, wedding reception, or business celebration. The arrival experience, stepping out past a water curtain into a panoramic setting overlooking Marbella, is hard to match. If you add sundowners to the occasion, your guests will be treated to a stunning sunset view. Specialising in cocktail-style events with a wide selection of canapés and open bar packages, Air provides the perfect setting for a relaxed yet sophisticated experience. With live DJ sessions every night, we ensure your event will be truly memorable. Our experienced events team can also assist with specialised décor, transportation, and entertainment, including musicians, acrobatics, fire shows and much more. Breathe is at your service to create the most amazing event experiences in Marbella!

The Breathe Eco-Infrastructure How do you change the world for the better? How do you combat pollution and climate change? How do you promote health and wellbeing? Simple, by starting at home. We can’t affect those things beyond our control, such as how governments, corporations and whole industries and sectors do things, but what we can control is our own environment. Yes, our immediate environment, and that’s what we do! It’s been Breathe’s mission from the start. You see, Breathe is more than a collection of fine restaurants, cafés and hospitality venues – it is a 21st century company built on a philosophy of sustainability, health, wellbeing and working on a grassroots level to show that delicious food and good business can be fully compatible with human and environmental nurturing. Yes, we’re part of our community, and proud of it.

In fact, Breathe is something of a community in its own right – a collection of likeminded people who come together every day to enjoy anything from a quick morning coffee or refreshing post-workout snack to a fine gourmet meal or a cocktail made with love. We’re wonderfully varied individuals, but we share something in common – a love of life, this beautiful planet and town, and the desire to make the best of it. For this reason, we’ve created a restaurant that is designed to be environmentally friendly, which is to say, as efficient in its use of resources as is possible, and this extends from heating and cooling to water and energy usage, the ingredients sourced, and even the materials chosen for everyday items such as cups, bags and napkins.

- We’ve built a restaurant designed specifically for energy efficiency, comfort and style - Thanks to a Heat Exchange Pump that draws natural thermal energy from under the surface, Breathe uses renewable energy - We catch and purify rainwater that is used to irrigate the hundreds of trees and plants that make the Breathe terrace such a delight - The water you drink at Breathe is not brought in the kind of plastic bottles you see littering the roadside – we use a reverse osmosis system to thoroughly purify and add healthy nutrients to our water, and we serve it in non-throwaway glass bottles - We similarly don’t use throw-away plastic cups, utensils, bags or bottles. Ours are either reusable or made from natural, recycled materials such as bamboo - We make it our mission to match delicious flavours with fresh, healthy ingredients – ideally organic and locally sourced – that form the basis for healthy, well-balanced meals - The Breathe GiftTree initiative has so far planted over 70.000 trees in the Usambara Mountains of northern Tanzania as part of a project to restore the health of the local ecosystem, clean the air, provide a habitat for wildlife and also produce valuable crops for the local community. We donate a tree for every customer and you can join us for as little as €1,49 per tree – visit www.breathegifttrees.com

A circular economy begins at home A circular economy is essentially a system in which there is a balance between the production and sourcing of raw materials, the manufacturing of products, their distribution and consumption, and subsequent collection and recycling. The key elements that have been missing until now are the last two points, which is why the earth, its atmosphere and waterways are increasingly polluted with plastics, metals, harmful gasses and decaying consumer items, all of which have been accumulating for decades. A circular system creates a balance between production, consumption and the natural environment that we depend upon, eventually halting the process of pollution and accumulating toxic garbage, so that we have a chance of beginning to clean up our environment and return it – and ourselves – to proper health. This is ultimately the only real way to reverse climate change and a possible dramatic end to our way of life. Rather than rely on governments and corporations, we decided to take action ourselves, and this is how we did it:

For us, this is what business in the 21st century should look like – committed to quality, sustainability and the community it serves.

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Polo – Winter in St. Moritz, Summer in Sotogrande In the lofty world of polo, the green summer fields of Sotogrande are traded in for the white lake of St. Moritz. The venue changes, the surroundings remain spectacular, the sport is singular and the atmosphere unique.

Photos courtesy of Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz

Photo: Chino Rocha via Unsplash

A sport we usually associate with green – thoroughbred horses galloping across verdant fields under a clear blue sky – can also turn to crisp white. In fact, it has been happening every year since 1985, when the Snow Polo World Cup of St. Moritz was first inaugurated. Now in its 40th year, this event brings two very glamorous things together: St. Moritz and polo. There is nothing conventional about polo, but where the ‘traditional’ summer variety of the sport relives its modern roots in the British Raj as it centres upon languidly watching the action from a position of comfort as you gently socialise, Champagne or gin and tonic in hand, the winter version has something truly, excitingly decadent about it. Picture a bold and beautiful jet set crowd gathered on the edge of an Alpine lake. All around, the world is draped in soft, crunching white, with clear blue skies up above. Champagne flows, caviar is served along with other delicacies, and luxury cars arrive at an elegant venue with the cream of local society. It’s enough to distract you from a thoroughly fascinating sport that takes some effort to understand, but once you do… This ‘Sport of Kings’ is really one of the most exclusive around, and it shows in the entourage and how they enjoy a day out at the polo. The finest specially bred horses are flown in from around the world just for this event, as is the case in Sotogrande, and with them come international teams that range from Argentinian professionals to British and Middle Eastern royals, American tycoons and more. Yes, this is a happening that still has a truly classic sense of chic about it, so much so that in winter snow polo and St. Moritz become one, and together they form the perfect backdrop of what could be a setting worthy of the finest Bond film. Except, this is for real, and very much a gathering point that packs an international punch. And to think that it is repeated each year for a full summer season on our shores, for if St. Moritz is snow polo, then Sotogrande is summer polo!

Whiskey – from Scotland to Japan We know whiskey as the ultimate Scottish drink. In fact, it is so intricately entwined with that nation’s cultural heritage that it’s also called ‘Scotch’, but somewhere between origins and modern day expansion, this aristocrat of alcoholic beverages has crossed not just borders but oceans and continents as well. Today, Scotch is a thoroughly global fascination. Images: Blade & Bow, Silverbelly, Suntory, Shutterstock & Unsplash

The name whiskey is an anglicised version of the Gaelic for water, as in the ‘Aqua Vitae’ (vital water) description used by the Romans for any distilled drink. The process of creating alcoholic beverages seems to have criss-crossed back and forth between the Middle East and Europe over the centuries before it settled in the West in medieval times, with every region developing its own versions of the brew. Whiskey as we know it today has its origins in Celtic lands, or more specifically, Scotland, but also Ireland. In fact, the earliest mention of this wonderful devil’s potion is Irish, but somehow it has come to be forever associated with the highlands of Scotland. For much of the second half of the past millennium, the country had an almost perfect monopoly of this important export product, facing only significant competition from neighbours Ireland and the whiskeyinspired American version, Bourbon.

89 Photo: Ahtziri Lagarde via Unsplash

Varieties and qualities Conventional whiskey is made from malted barley or other grains, with American Bourbon produced from maize (corn). Bourbon started to develop as a derivative of whiskey in the 18th century and is associated with the southern states, most specifically Kentucky. The best-known brands include Four Roses and Jim Beam, while America’s most famous spirit, Jack Daniels, is technically a Tennessee whiskey, not Bourbon. The other well-established whiskey-producing nation, Ireland, is above all known for Jameson Irish Whiskey, a brand that was of course founded by a Scotsman but has since become a fierce competitor for famous names such as Johnnie Walker, Ballantine’s, Grant’s, Chivas Regal, The Famous Grouse, Dewar’s, Haig, J&B, Vat 69, Whyte & Mackay, and many more. All the above produce a wide variety of whiskies whose flavour and quality depend upon a combination of factors, such as whether it is a single-malt, blended malt or blended whiskey, what kind of casks it is aged in and for how long, as well as the production and flavouring process to which each producer desires to add a characteristic touch. The ‘blend’ of these factors produces a great diversity in quality, ranging from off-the-shelf bottles of around €10 right up to highly prized limited edition batches worth in the hundreds of euros per bottle.

Photo: Ryo Nagisa via Unsplash

A global Scottish drink Though whiskey continues to be regarded as the quintessential Scottish beverage and many of the most famous and finest brands come from one of its 143 distilleries – which are divided into the production regions of Highland, Lowland, Speyside, Islay and Island – production has long since spread to countries around the world, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, but also Sweden, Denmark, Finland, The Netherlands, Germany, France, Russia and even Georgia, Mexico and Taiwan. Some of these countries have risen to such levels of excellence that they have begun to seriously challenge the mother nation, including snatching international ‘Best Whiskey of the Year’ titles away. One can think of Japan, where the consumption of a good whiskey has long since become a national passion, especially among businessmen, and resultantly the likes of Suntory and Nikka have scooped many prestigious awards over the years. The same can also be said of Wales, where early production ground to a halt because of the 19th century temperance movement, only to resurface with vigour towards the latter part of the 20th century. There are also fine whiskies from England, the Isle of Man, India and other parts of the world, but Wales, France and Japan have emerged as perhaps the greatest challengers to the original home of whiskey. It makes for an exciting sense of competition, with the Scots redoubling their efforts and fighting back to claim the title of excellence; but come what may, whiskey will always be synonymous with the dales and glens of the Scottish countryside – a most noble part of its cultural heritage – and in so doing they have bequeathed the world one of its most refined drinking traditions.

Andra Teodorescu,

the magic behind Breathe’s marketing Her official title is Marketing Manager, but in reality Andra is much more than that. A valuable member of the Breathe management team, she contributes to many different roles and tasks within the group.

The reason for this is Andra’s versatility and wide range of skills, coupled with a calm demeanour, a steady head and an amazing ability to switch from one task to another. She stays focused under pressure, enabling her to apply skills that range from (digital) marketing and social media to graphic design, financial reporting and of course forming part of the team that produces the magazine you’re holding. Though she gets a lot done working independently, Andra is also very much a team player whose calm efficiency gives those around her a reassuring sense of confidence that is especially valuable during moments of stress. “I like to work by myself and get on with things, but I also enjoy forming part of a team, and in my different roles I coordinate our marketing department and work closely with our operations team, so it’s highly diverse and interesting. There are moments of intense pressure in our work, but I seem to have a natural ability to withstand that and remain calm and focused, so I’ve very much grown into my job and my roles at Breathe.”

A wonderful opportunity Breathe has provided Andra with a wonderful opportunity to grow, develop her skills and realise the potential she has. Originally from northern Romania, she studied Business Management in Bucharest before working for a company producing plasterboard. The link with Marbella was laid not too many years later, when she and her boyfriend followed his sister on a vacation to southern Spain. “She loved coming here on holiday and when we joined her in 2016 we also fell in love with Marbella. So much so that we decided to move here for good.” Her partner’s skills as an electrician were and are in great demand here, so they moved to Marbella the following year. “We love the climate, the lifestyle, the nature and the cosmopolitan environment, and interestingly enough I began working in marketing, a field I had considered studying when I went to university.” However, Andra’s background in business management has also been valuable, added to by a course in accounting that she completed in Spain – in Spanish. “I already spoke English when I came here, but I have to say I took to Spanish without too much trouble, maybe because there are similarities with Romanian, which is also a Latin-based language.”

This combination of skills makes Andra highly versatile, because not only does she lead teams of marketing specialists, but she can also turn her hand to most of the tasks herself, right down to budgeting and reporting. “I love the work, the team and the company, and I really appreciate that the bosses have given me this opportunity to grow and evolve both as a person and a professional. I’ve developed new skills and discovered qualities in myself that I didn’t know I had, and all of this has boosted my confidence no end.” Andra sees herself running her own business one day, but for now she’s very happy forming the multifaceted calm force within a diverse, busy and exciting company that just keeps growing.

Ronda’s organic wine scene The province of Málaga is not one of the traditional winegrowing regions of Spain, such as La Rioja or Ribera del Duero. Because of its warm southern location, this region has for centuries been known for the sweet ‘Vino de Málaga’ grown against the steep terraced hills of the Axarquia and Sierras de Málaga mountain ranges just east and north of Málaga city. In spite of this, there is a burgeoning winegrowing region in the valleys of Ronda that is drawing attention for all the right reasons.

Photo: Maja Petric via Unsplash

Photo: Bodegas F. Schatz

The sweet wines for which Málaga is known – to the point to which they are named after the province – belong to two defined ‘Denominaciones de Orígen’ – the D.O. Málaga and D.O. Pasas de Málaga. In 2001, a newer D.O. broke with this virtual monopoly of sweet wine production in the region to add the D.O. Sierras de Málaga, which uses Tempranillo, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to produce dry red and white wines that contrast with the sweet ones the area is famous for. The mountains inland from Marbella, however, have taken the evolution a step further, as the relatively new wineries of the Serranía de Ronda range surrounding Ronda – mainly one or at the most two generations old – stand out for featuring not just conventional (non-sweet) red and white wines, but also for the high percentage of ‘bodegas’ that produce organic wines. In fact, not only is Ronda becoming an internationally recognised winemaking region of excellence, but it is in large part building this reputation with organic wines. Photo: Bodega Cortijo los Aguilares

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Organic wine The difference between organic and conventional wine production is that the former is grown without the use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides. The result is not only a more environmentally friendly method of wine cultivation, but organic wines are also healthier and thanks to reduced tannin levels less likely to produce the dreaded hangover effects caused by dehydration. While not quite as friendly on the head and liver as natural wines that are produced without any ‘outside help’ such as irrigation, the organic variety is growing in popularity among consumers because it’s healthier for all involved. Ronda has one of the highest concentrations of organic wineries of any winegrowing region in the world, but both organic and traditional wines from bodegas such as Descalzos Viejos, Garcia Hidalgo, Doña Felisa, F. Schatz, Joaquín Fernández, Los Aguilares, Kieninger, La Melonera, Samsara and Morosanto have long since started making a name for themselves and many say it’s just a question of time before D.O. Sierras de Ronda is born – complete with a reputation for high quality wines with an ecological afternote. For those living and visiting in the Marbella area, it sure is a luxury having such a source of wine and opportunities to bask in glorious nature while tasting the fruit of the nectar in situ.

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Photo: Fabio Troyli via Unsplash

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SHORT STORIES

from our regulars We asked some of our regular guests what they love about Breathe and here it is, straight from the ‘horse’s mouth’.

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Jerry I love to pop into Ground after an early morning workout. Usually, I’m good and I order a smoothie or a ginger shot with a healthy salad, but sometimes those pastries just look too good and it’s too tempting, so then I have a croissant and a coffee. It’s a great place to chill a bit, with a great vibe before you set off and get busy again. I love it. Sonja We visit our holiday home as often as we can get away from work in Belgium, which is several times a year for between a few days and two weeks. When we’re here, we come to Ground in the late morning for a totally relaxed brunch. It’s becoming one of our Marbella rituals. Geir I go to the I/O gym in NAC, and afterwards to Soul for a snack and to work. It’s lively and there’s atmosphere but not so loud that you can’t concentrate or have a call. For me it’s very convenient and also I also play paddle there twice a week. If I stay long enough, I also have lunch there. Damn I could stay the whole day if I don’t use some discipline. Susan Thank God for Ground! That’s where I head after I’ve dropped the kids and before I carry on with a busy day. The coffee is a must, usually with a fresh sandwich but sometimes I give in to something sweeter. Marina Ground and Soul are two of my best places to meet up with girlfriends, chat, have a delicious light meal, soak up the sun and the atmosphere and stay far too long, lol. We also like to meet at the bar in Breathe and in summer Air is perhaps my all-time favourite nightlife spot in Marbella, so I guess I really am a regular. Henna I meet up with friends after gym and sometimes also have a meal or meet up with friends at Soul. I like to work from there too. Especially during the morning and then go home to work in the afternoon or have meetings in town. It’s really different from how I used to work in Stockholm. Soul is just simply the most amazing ‘office’.

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SHOWROOM MARBELLA Opening hours

A V D A . B LV. P R Í N C I P E A L F O N S O D E H O H E N L O H E . U R B . C A R O L I N A P A R K Mon-Fri: 10:00-14:00 16:00-19:00 Sat: upon appointment w w w. a a l t o e x c l u s i v e d e s i g n . c o m