Issuu

essential essential M A R B E L L A M A G A Z I N E I S S U E 1 2 8 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 0 9 YO U R E S S E N T I A L M O N T H LY R E A D

DECEMBER

2009

128

FREE MARBELLA MAGAZINE

KIDS ‘R’ XMAS DAZZLING

DIOR

FESTIVEFASHION

PLAYFULpets

Charlize

Theron

underdog’s champion

MEETTHEPARFITTS

Christmas Cracker!

YULTIDE GETAWAYS & SPANISH

DISPATCHES

news I culture I people I trend I chic I spa I pro I traveller I gourmet & more

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26/11/09 11:04:57

reloj de los patrones

El Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II es el referente que eligen los profesionales de la vela de todo el mundo. Primer reloj dotado de un dispositivo programable de cuenta atrás con memoria mecánica. Indispensable en la salida de cualquier regata porque se programa fácil y rápidamente y, si es necesario, se puede volver a ajustar para marcar la cuenta atrás oficial de la regata. Diseñado originalmente pensando en cubrir las necesidades de los navegantes profesionales, el Yacht-Master II es un reloj de última generación pensado tanto para los apasionados de la vela como para sus profesionales. Visite rolex.com y descubra más.

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Issue 128 • December 2009

publisher and director general manager

T A

Iain Blackwell director@essentialmagazine.com Andrea S. Böjti sales@essentialmagazine.com

associate editor

Marisa Cutillas editorial@essentialmagazine.com

associate editor

Belinda Beckett features@essentialmagazine.com

production manager sales executive accounts executive office administrator creative director staff photographer design & layout contributing writers

cover photography contributing photographers printing depósito legal editorial & advertising offices

Susanne Whitaker design@essentialmagazine.com Steve Harvey steve@essentialmagazine.com Mariano Jeva cuentas@essentialmagazine.com Monika Böjti info@essentialmagazine.com Andrea S. Böjti Kevin Horn Inma Aurioles Iain Blackwell, Paul Brazell, Mark Eveleigh, Nick Hall, Annie Heese, David Kerns, AJ Linn, Phil Morse, George Prior, Victoria Wood Charlize Theron courtesy of Cordon Press Apologies to last month’s Cover Photographer, Dirk Hallecker Famous, Paul Brazell, Mark Eveleigh, Nick Hall Jiménez Godoy A. Gráficas, Murcia D.L. MA-512-99 Complejo La Póveda, Blq. 3, 1º A, CN 340, km 178.2, 29600 Marbella, Málaga. Tel: 952 766 344 Fax: 952 766 343

conditions: The publishers make every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are correct, but cannot accept responsibility for the effects of errors or omissions. Marbella Magazine cannot accept responsibility for the claims, goods or services of advertisers. © Publicaciones Independientes Costa del Sol S.L. for Marbella Magazine. No part of this magazine, including texts, photographs, illustrations, maps or any other graphics may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of Publicaciones Independientes Costa del Sol S.L. Printed on recyclable paper, produced without wood and bleached without chlorine

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128Mh.indd 1

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Pano-11-09:Maquetación 1 23/11/09 9:47 Página 1

Luxurious property in a desirable location Spacious townhouse within a small, gated community in Cascada de Camoján. Top quality finishes throughout. Built on 3 levels with private garden and sea and mountain views. Large solarium. Priced to sell!

Enclosed: 335m2, Terraces: 82m2. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Price: €890,000. Ref 6529

Ideally situated apartment in Marbella centre

A bargain with lots of potential!

Spacious second floor, west-facing beachside property with views over “La Constitución” Park. Recently refurbished to high standards, just like a city loft! Walking distance to all amenities and just steps away from the beach.

3-bedroom villa in Bel-Air, on the New Golden Mile. South facing, with its own garden and garage. Ideal for someone looking for a great deal that needs refurbishment but which has plenty of potential. The property was officially valued in September 2009 at 506,000€.

Enclosed: 247m2 including covered terrace. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Price: €1,375,000. Ref 6461

Plot: 1,284m2, Enclosed: 149m2. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Price: €390,000. Ref 6544

Covering Marbella’s Golden Mile with offices opposite the Marbella Club Hotel and at Puente Romano Hotel.

Since

1904

Tel. +34 952 863 750 Fax. +34 952 822 111 Rentals Direct: +34 952 90 10 15 info@panorama.es www. panorama.es LEADING PROPERTY AGENTS OF SPAIN

contents

december 2009

the theme Merry Christmas 12 A Special Christmas for Kids 28 What Pets Mean to us 34

the news Films 20 Latest DVD Releases 22 CD Releases 24 Christmas Book 26

the people

94 Enterprise 102 What has happened to the British pound?

Charlize Theron 14 The Parfitts 40

the traveller

the trend The Weismann MF4-S Roadster 44 The Latest Gadgets 46 The Online Revolution is Coming 48 Green Christmas 50

the chic A Stunning Villa in Las Brisas 56 Vergola – Intelligent Shading 64 Roche Bobois re-opens in Marbella 66 Art News 68 Dior Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2009 70 Fashion News 76

the spa The new Kempinski Spa 80 Beauty News 82 The latest in Vein Treatment at the Advanced Vein Clinic 84 Health News 86 Research: Latest scientific discoveries 88

the pro

106 Christmas Breaks 114 Marbella Golf Country Club 117 Cat and Dog World pet hotel 118 Spanish Dispatches

the gourmet 129 Tikitano 130 Gourmet Profile 132 Food News 134 Chef’s Profile: Schilo 136 Crisis Wines 138 Listings –

Directory

the blog 151 Pet News 152 What’s On in December 154 Your Stars for the Month Ahead

essential marbella magazine

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publisher

‘s

letter

It’s difficult to believe that Christmas is coming especially after the amazing weather we have been experiencing this autumn, one of the driest on record with October being officially the sunniest since records began. At the same time, it’s been a tough year for most, so what better to look forward to than a nice, relaxing family Christmas, away from all the stresses that have been persistently draining us? With this in mind, this year we have dedicated our December issue to family and more specifically, to children and pets, and we get into the Christmas spirit with twin lead features on A Special Christmas For Kids and What Pets Mean To Us. We also bring you the beautiful Charlize Theron, our cuddly cover star, and learn that she is involved with many animal charities and that, interestingly, she can allegedly drink most men under the table! More locally, we interview Rick Parfitt of Status Quo and his lovely wife Lyndsay, at their villa in Alhaurín El Grande and hear all about their new twins, born in 2008. If you really want to get away from it all, don’t miss our suggestions for Top 10 International Christmas Breaks, meanwhile if you just prefer to wander mentally, take a look at some enticing books for Christmas. We also pull out the stops with sumptuous Dior Haute Couture, the iconic Weissmann MF4-S Roadster, a mould breaking refurbishment in Las Brisas and Spanish Dispatches, or Spain through the eyes of some of its famous foreign correspondents, à la Hemingway, Michener, Brenan, Lee and Orwell. And if that’s not enough festive reading, there is a full complement of our usual sections, including Health & Beauty, Dining Out, Wine, Film, DVD & CD releases, the latest gadgets, Internet and local business news. Finally, don’t miss our coverage of the 4th edition of the Marbella Awards Gala Ceremony, which turned out to be one of the most memorable nights out, ever! All in all, a cracker of an edition! So until next time, have a really great Christmas and see you again pre New Year – our January magazine is out on 28th December. Pass the glögg, please!

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By Iain Blackwell Es difícil creer que las navidades ya llegan, con el tiempo tan maravilloso que estamos teniendo este otoño. Octubre ha sido extrañamente seco y oficialmente más soleado que nunca. A la vez, ha sido un año difícil para la mayoría de la gente, así que ¿qué mejor que pasar unas navidades relajantes y bonitas con la familia, muy lejos de todo que nos estresa y nos deja sin energía? Pensando en esto, este año dedicamos la edición de diciembre a la familia y más específicamente a los niños y a las mascotas. Nos llenamos del espíritu navideño con reportajes como Una Navidad Especial para Los Niños o Lo Mucho Que Significan Para Nosotros Nuestros Mascotas. También hablamos sobre la espectacular actriz Charlize Theron, nuestra portada del mes, que ama a los animales y ¡que se enorgullece de decir que puede beber más que cualquier hombre! A nivel local entrevistamos a Rick Parfitt de Status Quo y a su bella mujer Lyndsay, en su chalet de Alhaurín El Grande, viendo cómo el nacimiento de sus gemelos en 2008 ha cambiado su vida. Si realmente quieres desconectar, disfruta del artículo sobre los diez mejores lugares para pasar las navidades, o consulta nuestra sección de lectura, donde sugerimos unos libros que te harán pasar las horas de forma entretenida. En moda tenemos la colección Haute Couture de Dior, en coches el Weissmann MF4-S Roadster, en reformas Las Brisas y en viajes la España de autores que tanto han amado España: Hemingway, Michener, Brenan, Lee y Orwell han dejado su marca allí donde han estado. Y si todo esto no es suficiente, también están nuestra secciones de siempre como salud y belleza, gastronomía, vinos, cine, DVDs y CDs, gadgets, Internet y noticias empresariales. Finalmente ¡no te pierdas la sección sobre la cuarta edición de la cena de gala de los premios Marbella, una de las mejores noches que recordamos! En resumen, ¡ésta es una joya de edición! Hasta la próxima, pasad unas buenas navidades y nos vemos de nuevo antes del año nuevo. La edición de enero sale el 28 de diciembre. ¡Que alguien me pase una copita de glögg!

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THETHEME

CHRISTMAS

pet is not just for Christmas while a child is pretty much for life but they are key elements of today’s nuclear family and the theme of our December edition at this very family-oriented time of year. Of course, in these gloomy economic times, it’s not all tinsel and fairy lights. Traders will certainly be writing ‘an end to the recession’ at the top of their Santa wish lists while some parents may wonder just how they can afford the Star Wars Clone Trooper Voice Changer helmet that nearly every little boy will be hoping to find under the 2009 Christmas tree. The troops in Afghanistan will be lucky to see much peace and goodwill during the festive season. Nor is Christmas a great time for turkeys, trees or Mother Earth during the ‘season of excess’, when the British alone post a staggering two billion paper cards. Only five per cent of those cards will carry a religious message, according to a survey which shows that animals never associated with the Nativity (such as polar bears on ice skates) have become more popular motifs than the Holy Family. Compounding this trend, one hotly-tipped book for under the 2009 tree is The Atheist’s Guide to Christmas by Ariane Sherine, with festive contributions from famous non-believers like agony aunt Claire Rayner and pop star Simon Le Bon. On the plus side, half of the profits from sales will go to the Terrence Higgins Trust Aids charity. Thankfully, this is still a time of giving. Whatever your religious beliefs, there’s nothing as magical as Christmas seen through the eyes of a child, so here’s a fun look at what the Nativity means to them, taken from a Daily Mail survey and extracts from essays by British primary school children. They go to show that out of the mouths of babes and sucklings come forth some real Christmas crackers! n

The Spirit Of Christmas

Report belinda beckett

u The Angel Gabriel is a big white fairy.

He helped Mary and Joseph look after the baby – kind of like a doctor. u Jesus was born in Bethlehem in a barn but he became a great man and healed many leopards. u The wise men brought coconut oil which was made of coconut. u The three wise men brought Jesus presents of gold, frankincense and murk. But I think he would have preferred wrestling toys. u Jesus had a visit from Santa in the stable and was given a Thomas the Tank Engine and then they all moved to New York. u I don’t know what the three wise men brought Jesus but I would have given him a tin of biscuits. I think Mary, Joseph and Jesus would have all liked a biscuit. u There were sheep, horses and a crocodile outside the stable. u When Jesus was born, Joseph and Mary gave thanks to God by sacrificing a turkey. u Jesus is really old and his birthday was on Christmas 2009 years ago. u Jesus was born to die for our sins. He went up to Heaven, but will be back at the end of the Aluminium. u There were diamonds in the sky when he was born and the Angel Gabriel was called Lucy. u Father Christmas wasn’t there when Jesus was born. I think he started around August 1785. u Jesus is the star of the New Testament. During His life, he had twelve opossums. The worst one was Judas Asparagus… so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him.

essential marbella magazine

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19/11/09 15:02:02

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23/11/09 11:50:41

CHARLIZE

harlize heron She’s a champion of underdogs who has campaigned for many causes, animals included, and once said her black cocker spaniel Denver snuggled better than a man. Belinda Beckett profiles South Africa’s first lady of film.

A VOICE FOR DOGS AND UNDERDOGS

THEPEOPLE

harlize Theron has learned some tough lessons in her 35 years and one of them is that you can’t always win in life, even when you’re a famous Hollywood actress. Witness last year’s savage attack by AIDS campaigners who accused her of double standards for supporting both medical research and the animal rights charity PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), an organisation they claimed hinders the search for a cure for AIDS. Her spokespeople countered: “Charlize is proud to support both PETA and AmFAR (American Foundation For AIDS Research). It’s unfortunate that people can find fault in the fact that anyone supports two such important organisations.” Charlize may be soft-hearted but she’s not a soft touch. Woody Harrelson, her co-star in North Country (for which she was Oscar-nominated), recalls how they spent their downtime “in local bars, belting out karaoke to Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. Charlize’s not like a delicate girl. She’s like a classic broad, in terms of being a beautiful woman, incredibly talented and also able to tell more vulgar jokes than you, and drink you under the table.” A committed activist, Charlize has marched for everything from abortion rights to women’s equality, made a video against inhumane puppy-breeding factories and appeared with her rescue dog, Tucker, in a Hollywood poster campaign captioned: ‘If you wouldn’t wear your dog, please don’t wear any fur’. She founded The Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project to combat AIDS and poverty and provide a better life for young people in her home country. And, so intensely passionate is she about the causes she believes in, she has vowed to stay single until samesex marriages are recognised in America. “I’ve worked with animal sanctuaries in South Africa and foundations in Los Angeles, like Best Friends and the Amanda Foundation,” says the actress. “Whenever I can help out with free adoptions or fostering, I do. I come from a country where starvation is huge, AIDS is huge, so I’m very aware of people suffering and I’m involved in those issues as well. But one is not more important to me than another. My mother used to say, ‘You have to fight for things that don’t have a voice’.” She is extremely close to her mother Gerda, who lives two minutes away from her in LA, and describes her as a role model, even though 15-year-old Charlize witnessed something no teenager should ever have to see: her mother shooting her father dead in selfdefence. Charles Theron had a history of violence and

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alcoholism and the police pressed no charges. “I was raised by strong women,” says Charlize. “My mother ran a construction company and I used to see her sitting with 30 men having a meeting, talking about rollers and building roads and holding her own.” That background has helped her to portray gritty women – notably, hard-bitten lesbian serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Monster, for which she had to gain 30 pounds, shave her eyebrows and wear prosthetic teeth. The film, which she also produced when no one else would back it, won her 20 awards and nominations, including 2004’s Best Actress Oscar. Although the statuesque blonde with mile-long legs and startling green eyes has no qualms about trading on her stunning looks (she is the face of Dior’s J’Adore perfume), it’s not her raison d’être. She actually fired her first manager for sending her sexist scripts like Showgirls and Species, once quipping, “So, we can see where he saw my career going!” Theron was an only child who grew up on her parents’ farm near Johannesburg, milking cows, picking corn and driving tractors. Her first language is Afrikaans and she speaks some Zulu. (Her surname is pronounced ‘Tronn’ in Afrikaans but she prefers the pronunciation ‘Thrown’.) Her dream was to become a dancer and, after winning a local contest for a one-year modeling contract in Italy, she moved to New York and enrolled at Joffrey Ballet School. But at 19, a knee injury shattered her dream. “There’s still a sorrow inside me about what happened and dancing remains a great love. I used to go to the New York City ballet by myself and cry. I was raised with the idea that you can feel sorry for yourself but then, get over it, because it doesn’t get you anywhere. I think the most important thing my mother instilled in me was that if you walk in a room weak, people will take advantage of you. If you send off the energy that says, ‘Look. I’m smart. Don’t try to pull one over on me,’ that’s not going to happen. Once I lost ballet

I had to step back and evaluate it in order to find something to replace it. At least I could do without eight hours of training every day, and blood poisoning from blisters on my toes not being able to heal!” Her route to Hollywood was a classic fairytale – one-way ticket to LA, a string of failed auditions, pleading with a bank clerk to cash an out-of-state cheque when she was broke, being spotted by an agent (the one she later sacked) who was behind her in the bank queue. Then Tom Hanks cast her in That Thing You Do. “I used to watch Tom Hanks films over and over again when I was a kid, because I had such a big crush on him. I thought: ‘If he thinks I am worth hiring, then maybe I’m going to be okay’.” But Charlize had to use all her wiles to get parts. She lobbied writer/director James Gray hard for her role opposite Mark Wahlberg and Joaquin Phoenix in The Yards (“I got him drunk; that’s when my manipulation really works well!”), and screen-tested six times for her breakthrough role in The Devil’s Advocate, opposite Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino, who both thought she was too beautiful for the part. Since making the cover of Vanity Fair in 1999, her career has been on a roll. Her performance in Monster was hailed, “one of the greatest in the history of the cinema” and her Oscar win pushed her to seventh in The Hollywood Reporter’s list of highest-paid actresses. In 2005 she earned $10,000,000 for North Country and received her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. John Galliano cited her as a muse and in 2007 she famously stripped for Dior’s erotic J’Adore TV commercial (where she walks down a hall tearing off her earrings, necklace and stunning Dior gown), after which Esquire magazine named her Sexiest Woman Alive. Last year, she starred with Will Smith in the box office hit, Hancock, and was made a UN Messenger of Peace. She is currently starring with Viggo Mortensen in the post-apocalyptic film, The Road and for her next project, The Danish Girl, she will co-star as the wife of Einar Wegener/Lili Elbe, the world’s first sex-change patient, to be played by Nicole Kidman. It will be an interesting role for an actress who specialises in onthe-ground research to “find the truth” in a role. For North Country, based on the true story of a woman who brought a landmark sexual harassment suit against a Minnesota mining company, Theron spent time with locals and miners to absorb their culture Charlize is often captured by paparazzi walking her dogs along the shore at her beachfront home. “It gives me so much pleasure to see them enjoy life. I’m from South Africa, and I’m used to having dogs grow up free.” She has kept rescue dogs from the time when she

“I used to watch Tom Hanks films over and over again when I was a kid, because I had such a big crush on him. I thought: ‘If he thinks I am worth hiring, then maybe I’m going to be okay’.”

could barely afford to pay her own bills, recalling: “It all started when a friend and I decided to get this little house which was completely out of our budgets. It had a little yard. Before we bought any furniture, and while we were literally sleeping on the floor, I saw an ad for unwanted cocker spaniel puppies. So I went to pick Denver up, and he was the first piece of furniture in the house! Delilah was the complete opposite: a total nightmare!” Since then, she has homed other rescue dogs, a passion her actor boyfriend Stuart Townsend presumably shares, for when asked whether she could be in a relationship with someone who wasn’t an animal person, she replied: “It would be impossible. I will go so far as to say that I don’t think I could be friends, or even acquaintances, with somebody who hated animals. I can’t relate to that feeling at all. I think of Delilah as a goddess. She sits on a chair as if she were Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra mode. Denver reminds me of a Disney animal cartoon. And he was just born to snuggle. He snuggles better than any man I’ve ever been with!” n

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Photography: KH Photography &

Johnny Gates

Photography KH Photography and JOHNNY GATES

Over 200 attended the IV Marbella Awards Gala Dinner and Ceremony, many of those arriving with a growing anticipation as to what the night held in store. Guests enjoyed a lavish cocktail reception before finding their tables in the Salon Andalucía, which had been beautifully prepared by Party People. A sumptuous dinner followed with a wonderful performance by Stephen Lloyd-Morgan. Finally, the moment arrived that everyone was waiting for. The Winners were

award2009.indd 2

announced Oscar-style and came to the stage to collect their trophies, amid much applause. Celebrations took over as ABBAMAX arrived on stage, performing a full hour’s concert of universally-known Abba hits, which saw nearly everone dancing. If that wasn’t enough, and despite a Dancing Queen encore, they later returned to take the stage for an equally well-received Soul Show, completing a memorable evening for all those involved.

27/11/09 14:10:02

Gala Ceremony Dinner 2009 Welsh tenor St ephen Lloyd-M organ delighted audience with the his renditions of You Raise M Hallelujah and e Up, Any Dream W ill Do. Stephen agreed to sing kindly at this year’s M arbella Awards support of Flet in cher Falvey. By his third numbe he had the crow r, d eating out of the palm of hi hand with mas s sed audience participation.

2009

essential marbella® magazine‘s

MARBELLA AWARDS This year’s Marbella Awards reached an exciting conclusion with a glittering gala at the Puente Romano Hotel on Saturday 21st November. Months of voting by the people of Marbella had reached its finale and the winning businesses were set to be rewarded for all their hard work and effort. For the first time, the Marbella Awards reached a new dimension with the incorporation of Talk Radio Europe as an association partner and Maurice Boland acted as Master of Ceremony for the evening.

essentialmagazine

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and the winners are...

international restaurant

golf club

the winner is:

EL LAGO RESTAURANT

FINCA CORTESIN GOLF

italian restaurant

beach club the winner is:

DA BRUNO RISTORANTE

NIKKI BEACH

the winner is:

THAI GALLERY

the winner is:

tennis club

the winner is:

HOTEL PUENTE ROMANO

specialist clinic

THE BEACH HOUSE

O2 WELLNESS CENTRE

beach dining

the winner is:

hotel

the winner is:

TERRA SANA

gym / leisure

innovative dining

the winner is:

oriental restaurant

the winner is:

MANOLO SANTANA RAQUETS CLUB

MILLS & MILLS

12 spa

the winner is:

VILLA PADIERNA SPA

essentialmagazine

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Gala Ceremony Dinner 2009 13

hair / beauty the winner is:

REFLECTIONS

nightlife the winner is:

SUITE / SUITE DEL MAR

shopping the winner is:

LA CAÑADA

a good cause For the first time ever, the Marbella Awards also became a fund-raising event. Fletcher Falvey is a precious little boy from Torrox Pueblo who was diagnosed with an aggressive malignant brain tumour. Because of his age, conventional treatment wasn’t an option and he has been receiving proton beam therapy with fewer side effects in the United States. People really took this cause to their hearts, donating generously and an amazing total of over 9.000€ was raised. Fletcher’s story, a regular treatment diary and background information on the fundraising efforts can be found on his website: www.friendsoffletcher.com

Four years since their conception, the Awards have grown in prestige and stature every year. Voting now runs into thousands, so that the winning of a Marbella Award has come to be recognised as a true accolade and a great honour. Nominated and voted by the local public, the Awards really are a genuinely democratic process and the winners have every reason to be extremely proud of their achievement!.

school the winner is:

ALOHA COLLEGE

essential magazine award the winner is:

SUSHI DES ARTISTES

essentialmagazine

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THENEWS

REPORT marisa cutillas

FILM REVIEWS

My Sister’s Keeper [Genre] Drama [Director] Nick Cassavetes (Blow, The Notebook) [Actors] Cameron Diaz, Abigail Breslin, Alec Baldwin, Jason Patric Sarah and John Fitzgerald (Cameron Diaz and Jason Patric) find their lives brutally altered when they discover that their two-year-old daughter, Kate, has leukaemia. The only hope they have of saving her is to have another child and although Sarah and John realise there are ethical issues involved, they resolve to follow through with the decision. When baby Anna is born, her relationship with the sister whose life she has saved is far closer than ordinary siblings. Throughout their lives, both undergo complex medical procedures and hospital stays in an effort to keep Kate alive and well. Sarah gives up her job as a high-flying lawyer to tend to the needs of her daughters while her husband John takes on a far more passive role, preferring to distance himself, as does the couple’s only son, Jesse. The seemingly solid family takes a tumble when Anna, now 11, decides to take her destiny into her hands, hiring a lawyer in an effort to have the State decree her medically emancipated from her sister. Her case causes rifts in the family and puts her sister’s life in peril. Based on Jodi Picoult’s best-selling novel of the same name, My Sister’s Keeper invites us to question our own definition of family, love and loyalty.

It’s Complicated [Genre] Romantic Comedy [Director] Nancy Meyers (The Holiday) [Actors] Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin, John Krasinski Jane (Meryl Streep), mother of three, owns a successful restaurant in Santa Barbara. She’s been divorced for 10 years and gets on well with her ex-husband Jake (Alec Baldwin), thanks to a big effort from both parties to stay grounded and respectful. Life gets complicated when Jane and Jake take a trip to attend the graduation ceremony of their son. An innocent dinner ends surprisingly, with Jane and Jake spending the night together. Jake is currently in a relationship with a much younger woman, while Jane is flirting with Adam (Steve Martin), the architect she hired to refurbish her kitchen. Adam is appalled when he discovers he’s unwittingly become part of a romantic triangle and he wonders, as does Jane, if love is really lovelier the second time around.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs [Genre] Animation [Director] Chris Miller (Clone High), Phil Lord (Clone High) [Voices] Anna Faris, James Caan, Benjamin Bratt, Bill Hader Set to be the blockbuster kids’ film of the season, as well as the ideal choice for adults who like cartoons tinged with sophistication. Kids will find plenty of colour and action, while their parents will get a kick out of the irony and black humour cleverly concealed in the excellent script. The film tells the story of Flint (Bill Hader), an inventor who spent his childhood dreaming up every contraption under the sun to spark the interest of Samantha (Anna Faris), the smartest, prettiest girl at school. But Flint somehow never made the discovery he had hoped for and isolates himself from the world, obsessing over his inventions, while Samantha starts work as a weather girl at a local TV station. Events take a turn when Flint invents an interesting gizmo: a machine that affects the weather in unheard of ways. Flint is unsure whether he’s discovered the solution to world hunger or has set a ball rolling that will put an end to life on Planet Earth; and he’s unnerved when he finds that not everybody’s as happy as he is when it starts to rain meatballs!

What Just Happened [Genre] Drama [Director] Barry Levinson (Rain Man) [Actors] Robert De Niro, Catherine Keener, Sean Penn, John Turturro, Robin Wright Penn, Bruce Willis The story of Ben (Robert De Niro), a Hollywood producer caught in the middle of various struggles: with a Divalike director who is refusing to edit his film; with an actor who refuses to shave off his beard for a role; and with his exwife Kelly, whom he suspects of having cheated on him while they were married. To make matters worse, it seems that his 17-year-old daughter may be suffering from depression. As the time ticks away, Ben wonders if he can get his latest film to show at Cannes, convince the young actor that a Santa Claus beard isn’t the ideal look for a leading man in a film, mend broken bridges with his ex and solve his daughter’s problems, without going mad himself.

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THENEWS DVD RELEASES

REPORT marisa cutillas

Ocean World 3D [Genre] Documentary [Director] Jean-Jacques Mantello Ocean World 3D is the first documentary completely recorded in Digital 3D. The film is a grandiose homage to marine life, inviting the audience to submerge itself in the depths of the sea, a universe that is still unknown to us in many ways. It reveals the great beauty and diversity of sea life, serving as inspiration for greater protection of our planet. A little marine turtle accompanies us throughout this exciting journey, narrating all we are seeing and enlightening us on unknown secrets. It invites us to travel to the algae forests in California, to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Roca Partida in Mexico, home to thousands of the world’s most ferocious sharks. We are able to witness some of the most unforgettable scenes in sub-aquatic life, including the enchanting dance of the manta ray, the elegant march of the hammerhead sharks, the relentless hunt of lion fishes, the amazing beauty of the marine dragon’s dance and a wonderful ‘algaefootball’ match with a group of playful dolphins.

Amazing Grace [Genre] Biopic [Director] Michael Apted [Actors] Ioan Gruffudd, Romola Garai, Albert Finney, Benedict Cumberbutch, Rufus Sewell Amazing Grace is the epic, historic tale of William Wilberforce, a pioneer in abolishing the institution of slavery. Wilberforce accepts a post in the House of Commons at the tender age of 21, thanks in part to his friendship with the youngest Minister in England: William Pitt, who convinces him of the evils of slavery. Despite Wilberforce’s incredible political dexterity, he is tempted to leave his budding career for a life of spirituality. He seeks the advice of his friend and mentor, John Newton, a former slave trader who joins the Church as a form of expiation for the evils committed in his earlier life. Newton inspires Wilberforce to be the voice that fights for freedom and justice, turning the subject of slavery into popular debate, discussed not only in Parliament but by the everyday man.

The September Issue [Genre] Documentary [Director] R.J. Cutler (The War Room) For the last 20 years, one figure has dominated the world of fashion as we know it: Anna Wintour, Editorin-Chief of Vogue magazine. This icon of style, famed for her short bob, large sunglasses and size-zero frame, had never before allowed cameras to document the inner workings of Vogue’s editorial department, until controversial director R.J. Cutler convinced her to allow him to shed light on the biggest-selling magazine in the world: the September issue of Vogue. The edition, weighing almost two kilograms, reaches 13 million readers and moves over US$300 billion. Cutler’s documentary reveals the most personal, funny and surprising moments in Anna Wintour’s life, making patent the extraordinary passion and dedication that goes into making Vogue what it is. The audience accompanies the fashion diva on whirlwind trips to Paris and Milan for fashion week, on numerous photo shoots and to meetings with her staff. Wintour’s interesting relationship with Creative Director Grace Coddington reveals the eternal tension between creative and commercial visions, while her influence on geniuses such as Karl Lagerfeld, John Paul Gaultier and Oscar de la Renta, shows just how important Ms. Wintour is to fashion. The Devil Wears Prada lives!

Anna Wintour: Queen of Style R.J. Cutler may have heard of Anna Wintour’s influence in the fashion scene but he was surprised to find the extent to which the petite editor dominates every aspect of style. “The more I observed her, the more I was surprised. You can make a hit film without Spielberg’s blessing or sell software without Bill Gates’ consent but you cannot, you simply cannot, be a successful designer without the support of Anna Wintour. Anna is a very special person; the kind that pops up once in many years. This phenomenon is even more interesting when you consider that Anna is a woman in an industry where daggers are constantly flying and you never know where you’ll end up. She has managed to consolidate her position to an extent where you don’t know where Anna ends and Vogue begins.”

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Joyce

Real Estate

Urbanizacion la Virginia 5 minutes from the center of Marbella

Casa la CaTeta

Plot Size: 3.521 m2 • Total Const. Area: approx 512 m2 • Porches: 63m2 • Living room with 2 fireplaces Kitchen with dining area • Laundry with storage room • 4 Bedrooms • 3 Bathrooms 2 Guest studios • Swimming Pool • Garage 4 cars • Price: 1,7 million euros

Casa la alberquilla

Plot Size: 1.323 m2 • Total Const. Area: approx 460 m2 • Porches: 60 m2 • 2 Living rooms with fireplaces Kitchen with dining area • Laundry with storage room • 4 Bedrooms • 3 Bathrooms • Central Heating Swimming Pool • Price: 1,7 million euros

Joyce Versteeg • tel: 608 451 559 • email: joyce@joycemarbella.com • www.joycemarbella.com

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THENEWS

MUSIC REVIEWS REPORT george prior

Barbra Streisand [Love is the Answer] Barbra Streisand and long-time friend and jazz star Diana Krall said it was fundamental that “each song was an exploration concerning matters of the heart.” And they’ve been largely successful as the producer, Johnny Mandel, has in many cases let her hugely versatile voice do all the work. Even Krall’s virtuoso pianoplaying cannot come close to Streisand’s masterful command of a song. Even though these classic heart-felt songs have stood the test of time, they have never before been recorded by Barbra. This in itself will make the collection an instant success: Well-known ballads sung by Babs… equals mega hit. Here’s That Rainy Day, Where Do You Start? and Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, are highlights of the album. Fans will be left Streisand spellbound. As will anyone who wants to hear an artist perform like they’ve lived through every lyric they’re singing.

Dizzee Rascal [Tongue N Cheek] All rise for Brit-rap’s first proper superstar! As the number one hit Bonkers highlighted, Dizzee Rascal is going more mainstream although the grime-edged sonic soundscapes are still gritty enough not to lose credibility. The lyrics return to violence and street life but he’s tightened the punch lines to match his razorsharp delivery. This is not without exception though. Freaky Freaky tries it’s hardest to pull off a loveable slapstick tale of sex. It’s when he tackles this subject he falls down. Comparing his genitalia to a digeridoo, for example, will not engage him to the public as you can’t help thinking of Rolf Harris! However, generally, it’s an album that will take Dizzee Rascal into the stratosphere of chart success. A cross-over album that’ll bring a less saccharine taste to the masses.

Robbie Williams [Reality Killed The Video Star] Robbie Williams’ last album was largely ignored by his fans, as it wasn’t quite what they had come to expect from him. This album, another comeback, therefore needs to allow him to experiment and develop as an artist, as well as give the audience what they want. Thankfully, Trevor Horn is on hand to bring it all together with his trademark ocean-sized productions. As on the last album there are still nods to his 1980’s heroes, including The Last Days of Disco which could have been on an Eurythmics album. But mostly it’s all good, familiar Robbie material that the fans will love. With his first single Bodies being beaten to the top of the UK charts by X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, perhaps the title of the album wasn’t just a quirky pun.

i George Prior presents the Afternoon

Show (2-6pm Monday to Friday) on Radio Central FM, 98.6 and 103.8 FM.

Whitney Houston [I Look To You] Long before Whitney Houston was tabloid fodder, she was, without question, one of the biggest stars in music. Her beauty, charisma and ‘that’ voice was a fantasy come true for a record label and she became one of the highest-selling artists of all time. All this, before she found the crack pipe. For years and years now there has been rumour of a Whitney comeback, and finally she’s done it. But was it worth the wait? On one listen you notice her voice is a bit huskier than it was. But this doesn’t mean its worse. Hers, as most voices do, has changed over time but it is still an incredible powerhouse of an instrument. I Look To You manages to keep Whitney on-trend without making her look like she’s desperately trying to keep up with the likes of Beyoncé or Leona. The first release in Europe was the Alicia Keys-penned Million Dollar Bill, which sees her getting her feel-good groove back over a storming retro-disco beat. Perhaps she’s still a little ‘unhinged’ personally; perhaps she can’t technically deliver as she did in The Bodyguard; but she can still out-sing almost everyone. She is, once again, raising the bar as only Whitney Houston can.

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CHRISTMAS CRACKERS

THENEWS

BOOK REVIEWS

Belinda Beckett’s top 10 gift ideas from the pick of this season’s books

The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood

The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2010 edited by Alan C. Joyce

The long-awaited new novel from this Booker Prize winner returns to the post-apocalyptic world of Oryx and Crake (2003). It is told from the viewpoint of two women who may be the last original human life forms on earth, as a genetically engineered plague has destroyed mankind, giving rise to weird mutations – pigs merged with human brain tissue, Mohair sheep with human hair. A dystopic tale that takes many of the environmental and moral issues we face today to an imaginative extreme.

The best-selling American reference book of all time, a set of encyclopaedias you can hold in one hand crammed with info that isn’t publicly available, including a 16-page colour photo section of 2009’s top stories, world maps, sidebars, etc. This edition features Bonus Content Online and a World Almanac Blog, with fascinating scientific and historical trivia and new links to online tools.

For s t

uden t

Packed with 150 puzzles on a yuletide theme, covering everything from festive literature to sport. Trivia and word search enthusiasts alike will be thrilled to find this merry mix under the tree. Play around the fire after lunch, with mince pies and liqueurs!

For f a

milie s

Esquire The Meaning of Life by Ryan D’Agostino Compiled from Esquire magazine’s popular What I’ve Learned column, a collection of candid interviews with 64 ‘personalities’ and dramatic photographic portraits. George Clooney, Ray Charles, Johnny Depp, Faye Dunaway, Clint Eastwood, Jerry Lewis and Arthur Miller are among those profiled, their words often unguarded, offering insights into the humanity behind the famous faces.

For t h

t r uc s t ar -s

There’s only one secret to a fulfilling life, and we all want to know the answer. After years of research, goal-achievement expert McColl realised everything we need to know is already within us. Join her on a voyage of self-discovery to find your personal recipe for fulfilment.

F or i n

l se e s ou e ter a t

arche

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at ic s

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nt s

For d o

g l ove

Inside of a Dog by Alexandra Horowitz A fresh look at the world of dogs – from a dog’s point of view. Cognitive scientist Horowitz explains how they perceive the world, each other, and that other quirky animal, the human, analysing their heightened senses, such as an ability to smell sadness in humans. As close as you’ll come to understanding Fido, without being a dog yourself.

The Five Love Languages for Singles by Gary Chapman Are you and your partner speaking the same language? Love can be a battlefield when two people express their feelings in very different ways. Experienced marriage councellor Chapman identifies five basic languages of love – Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Acts of Service and Physical Touch – to guide couples towards being able to effectively love, and feel truly loved in return.

The Won Thing by Peggy McColl

i on f a n

NurtureShock by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman One of the most important books on parenting yet. Science journalists Bronson and Merryman move the topic into the realm of the laboratory. The authors challenge conventional wisdom on raising children and explode the myth of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ behaviour to demonstrate that many modern parenting strategies are backfiring because key twists in the science have been overlooked.

The Everything Christmas Word Search Book by Charles Timmerman

t For fic

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Nigella Christmas by Nigella Lawson Christmas wouldn’t be the same without a few calorific recipes from the curvaceous kitchen Goddess and this voluptuous volume is full of seasonal treats, from party canapés, cocktails, and manageable mass-catering to boozy British trifle, home-made gifts and edible tree decorations. Her At-a-Glance Christmas Lunch Countdown and make-ahead-tips are guaranteed to ensure the season of good will stays that way.

For f oo

die s

Father Christmas Needs a Wee! by Nicholas Allan For t i n

y tot s

Even Santa is subject to bodily functions in this comical counting book whose author studied Fine Art at the Slade and has won awards for his highly original children’s picture books. At each house he visits, Father Christmas consumes all the goodies left out for him and before long, he’s so bursting for a wee that he mixes up his deliveries, then loses his house key. A laugh-and-learn adventure kids will love.

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SWISS MADE HOMES Privileged Living

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Villas starting at 688.000 €

Sales Office SWISS MADE HOMES Carretera de Istán - km 6,5 (A-7176) – 29611 Istán (Marbella) Tel.: (+34) 952 765 071 + 952 924 571 – Mobile: (+34) 646 674 719 + 699 234 266 www.SwissMadeHomes.com – E-Mail: sales@SwissMadeHomes.com Mansions

Plots

Townhouses

THETHEME

CHILDREN

Report Marisa CUTILLAS

A Special

Christmas

for Children

“

The days go slowly but the years go quickly”. This saying struck a chord with me the first time I read it, on a card congratulating me on the birth of my son, one year ago. When you bring a new baby home, the hours indeed seem to trudge on in an eternal Groundhog Day, with feeding, sleep and colic all contributing to nearly every new parent’s eye bags, ratty hair and peculiar psychological state (which often hovers between sublime elation and utter despair). But the years do go by quickly and, before you know it, your little bundle of joy is uttering his first words, waving back when you say goodbye, crawling and, yes, pulling everything off the dining table – silverware and prized porcelain included. Soon, school matters become an issue: how to stave off the school bully, how to entice your little ones into a consistent study routine, how to keep them out of harm’s way, be it the Swine Flu, a schoolmate with the nasty habit of biting, or even the knock-on effects of recession. Money can’t buy you love but it does enable us to obtain the best education possible, comfy, quality clothing for our little ones, and an occasional family holiday. As we fight to keep sane between the conflicting demands of work and free time, our own personal needs and the overriding needs of our children, we sometimes forget to just enjoy being parents. The eternal race to survive clouds us from the very reasons we live, and few of these are greater than our children. I commiserate with those who, in Scrooge mode, lament the materialism and commercial pressures of Christmas. For these people, family get-togethers and gift purchasing can border on stressful, leading to a fervent desire for the season to be over with as soon as possible. But, when there are children in the home, how can we forego the colour of a Christmas tree with its ornaments and lights, the smell of freshly baked Christmas cookies or the feel of extra-snuggly blankets, thrown on the sofa, and an inviting hot chocolate drink while we watch our favourite Christmas movies? Most of us are lucky enough to enjoy a small break this Christmas and as parents we have two choices: we can either let it go by us, as Christmases before; or we can resolve to make it extra special. If you are stuck for ideas on how to go that extra mile, try these essential tips for bringing a big smile to your little ones’ faces: Love yourself: Wasn’t this supposed to be all about sacrifice and putting our kids first? Wrong! If your personal physical or psychological basket is empty, you’re not likely to go very far in your efforts to be more giving. We all know what aspects of our personal lives we’ve been neglecting: whether it be a pedicure, hair colour, massage or workout; have it, do it, buy it, if it will make you feel good! Don’t underestimate the amazing collateral effects of giving in to a whim. With your new hair colour, fit physique or that stylish new pair of boots you’ve been eyeing all season, you’re much more likely to be just in the mood for all that shopping, Internet surfing or cookie baking.

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Personalise Christmas: Don’t give bought cards or typical egreetings. Have a creativity day with your kids, in which you can decide how to make Christmas more personal. Create new traditions (such as making one tree ornament a year together), or make a personal family Christmas card by taking a funny photo of the family, dressed up in Christmas garb or portraying classic characters such as Santa and his elves. Include your pets in the picture so it really is a family affair, and don’t sign your card with a stock ‘Merry Christmas’. Say something personal about you and your family. The Internet is a great source of inspiration for creative endeavours. This year, we found pages like www.saronti.com/family/xmas.html where you and your kids are the protagonists in a funky Christmas picture story which can be printed out and given away as gifts. Then there are sites like www.elfyourself.com where you can upload a picture and view yourself (or any other family member) dancing in an elf costume and wishing seasonal greetings. Humiliating, but hilarious!

A secret jewel when it comes to e-greetings is the website www. jacquilawson.com in which artist Jacqui Lawson features a host of visually appealing, animated e-cards displaying scenes from nature, animals and, often, her pet Labrador, Chudley. Her work is so beautiful, you and your kids will love clicking on all the cards to enjoy her artistry and humour. There is a small membership fee if you wish to personalise and send the cards (around €8 for unlimited use). Forums are another great source of ideas. In a website for mothers, one member suggested making personalised Christmas tree decorations by wrapping pictures of family members around a pencil and slotting them into transparent Christmas tree balls. These can be jazzed up with glitter pens, confetti and ribbons. Others will prefer baking. At my family home, Christmas always saw my mother baking her famous sugar cookies, cut into Christmas shapes, which she would paint in pretty colours using different shades of icing. Whatever you decide to create together, when you find an activity you all like, make it a tradition to look forward to year after year.

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Bring international Christmas traditions to life. Kids love hearing how other children their age are celebrating Christmas around the world and you can bring some of these ideas home. For instance, in France children leave empty shoes by the fireplace so Père Noël (the French Santa) can fill them with presents; in China, kids decorate their homes with a variety of ornaments made from paper (log onto www.4ormore.co.uk/ projects/lanterns.htm for simple instructions on how to make these); in Brazil, the Christmas meal includes a side dish of rice cooked in milk and served with cinnamon (similar to the Spanish arroz con leche); in Russia, children celebrate Christmas on January 7 with a dish called kutya, which is made of berries mixed with honey. Use Internet resources, which are free and plentiful. There are many activities, colouring pages and Christmas online games you can play with your kids. Of course, nothing quite beats Monopoly and a hot mug of cocoa by the fireplace. Read a story together. Classic favourites include A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, The Fir Tree by Hans Christian Andersen and Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl Buck. Perhaps you could keep an Advent calendar and, as you open a window each day, read a Christmas story, poem or anecdote.

Be silly together. Make a Top Ten List of Silly Things to Do at Christmas or Worst Christmas Meals Ever. I’ve found my inspiration this year from David Letterman’s List of Least-Loved Christmas Stories: 10. Ahahl and the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling 9. The Sweatiest Angel 8. Santa’s Three-Day Eggnog Bender 7. Christmas Eve at the All-Male Cinema 6. A Holiday Visit from Salmonella 5. Ironman Mike Tyson Hurts Santa Real Bad 4. My Christmas Sauna with Burl Ives 3. Jack Frost Lost the Feeling in His Extremities 2. I Saw Daddy Kissing Santa Claus 1. The Teddy Bear Who Came to Life and Mauled a Retail Clerk

Find out what’s on in the Marbella area and take your kids to important events. Every year, the Marbella, Estepona and San Pedro Town Halls offer a host of family activities many of us miss out on because we don’t know about them. Click on www.marbella.es or check out the agenda at the back of to discover their respective Christmas programmes. In Marbella, all throughout December and until January 6, the Paseo de La Alameda and the Plaza de la Iglesia will have a fun children’s park with attractions such as a carrousel and a Christmas train. There is a spectacular nativity scene on show at the Plaza de la Iglesia, and kids can visit with Santa at Santa’s House. There are also concerts, free candy, a Christmas carol competition, creative workshops, a ‘living nativity scene’, parties, puppet shows, fundraising events, story-telling and decoration of the Town Hall Christmas Tree. Santa’s personal postman will be on hand to receive letters (which will be answered by post) and of course, the highlight of the season is the Cabalgata de Reyes, where the Three Kings (Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar) whiz through the city streets in their carriages, throwing bags of candies to eager children (and parents, in my case).

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DM-Diciembre09:Maquetación 1 23/11/09 08:37 Página 1

BEACHFRONT PENTHOUSE WITH MESMERIZING VIEWS. CABO BERMEJO. Spectacular duplex penthouse located on first line beach, in the new Golden Mile, between Estepona and San Pedro in a gated development offering 24 hour security, exotic gardens, artificial lakes, cascade swimming pools and gym. Facing southwest it features impressive all day long views to the sea. Upper level bedroom suite with dressing room and a terrace on each side, one with BBQ. Two bathrooms are ensuite. Guest toilet. Air conditioning, under floor heating, marble flooring, underground garage for one car and a store room. DM2263 :: Bedrooms/Dormitorios 3:: Bathrooms/Baños 3 :: Built/Construido 266 m² :: Terrace/Terraza 105m² :: Price/Precio: €1,450,000

PENTHOUSE WITH ENDLESS VIEWS OVER THE WATER. LA RESERVA DE LOS MONTEROS First line beach duplex penthouse in gated and secure development in East Marbella. Immaculately presented with southeast orientation in a waterfront oasis, exuding space and tranquillity and offering outdoor and indoor communal swimming pools and equipped gym. Sunny terraces on both upper floors. Master bedroom suite in upper floor with 2 terraces, one with BBQ, the other with outdoor Jacuzzi. Domotic system, under floor heating, A/C hot and cold and a fireplace. Underground garage spaces for 2 cars and storeroom. DM2047 :: Bedrooms/Dormitorios 3 :: Bathrooms/Baños 3 :: Built/Construido 458 m2 :: Terrace /Terraza 158m2 :: Price/Precio: €2,850,000

In Association with:

LEADING PROPERTY AGENTS OF SPAIN

Av. Ricardo Soriano 72, B 1º. 29601 Marbella. Málaga. Spain. Tel.: +34 952 76 51 38 I enquiries@dmproperties.com I www.dmproperties.com

Bring magic into their lives. Recall the imagination, hope and wonder that you experienced as a child at Christmas time. Do silly things like cutting out cardboard ‘reindeer hooves’, pressing them on some flour and leaving their ‘prints’ on the floor (so it looks like Santa’s reindeers have come in from the snow); leave out milk (or a beer!) and some cookies for Santa and his reindeers and drink and eat them so it looks like the Big Guy was actually there; buy the whole family fleecy pyjamas on Christmas Eve and wear them all day indoors on Christmas Day while you open presents, enjoy your family feast and watch White Christmas with Bing Crosby. Don’t spend. Just be together. Make a gingerbread house (Ikea has some wonderful, ready-to-bake gingerbread houses at very reasonable prices); complete a big jigsaw puzzle; buy one floating candle each and give a treat to the one whose candle takes the longest to burn; set up a Nativity scene at home and wait until Christmas day to add the Baby Jesus figure to the scene. It doesn’t matter if you’re not religious; it’s the sense of togetherness and tradition that is vital. Don’t let your kids open all their presents on Christmas Day! Allowing them to do so in instalments (i.e. two on Christmas Eve, a few more on Christmas morning, then after lunch, the last few at dinner time or even on Boxing Day) makes the excitement last longer.

And if all this doesn’t provide you with enough inspiration for the best Christmas your kids will recall, turn to the poem by author, illustrator and life coach Sark who, with her inspiring words, reminds us that childhood is an ephemeral, magical, beautiful gift we should cherish, protect and celebrate. uBe there uSay yes as often as possible uLet them make lots of noise uIf they’re crabby, put them in water uIf they’re unloveable, love yourself uRealise how important it is to be a

child uGo to a movie theatre in your pyjamas uRead books out loud with joy uInvent pleasures together uRemember how really small they are uGiggle a lot uSurprise them uSay no when necessary uTeach feelings uHeal your own inner child uLearn about parenting uHug trees together uMake loving safe uBake a cake and eat it with no hands uGo find elephants and kiss them uPlan to build a rocket ship uImagine yourself magic uMake lots of forts with blankets uReveal your own dreams uSearch out the positive uKeep the gleam in your eye uEncourage silly uPlant liquorice in your garden uOpen up uStop yelling uExpress your love uA lot uSpeak kindly uPaint their tennis shoes uHandle with caring uChildren are miraculous n

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CY CMY

THETHEME

PETS

Belinda Beckett’s baby, Greystoke

n January this year, the world gained a new luxury resort: a 50condo hotel with deep pile carpets, organic menus, concierge, chauffeur and nanny services and the Lotus Sanctuary Spa where guests can sign up for a detox under the supervision of trained therapists. What makes the PawPaws Urban Retreat unusual is that it’s for dogs. What’s more, this pampered poochery is located in Sydney, Australia, where macho used to be a unisex word. Australians do give a XXXX for their pets and 40 per cent of households have one. Debbie Higham, Manager of PawPaws, summed it up: “To some people, their dog is as important as a child; to some, more important.” The animal-loving British are even crazier for critters with 43 per cent of families owning something furred or feathered but, true to form, the Americans do it bigger than any nation at 60 per cent: we’re talking 17 million birds, 91 million cats, 74 million dogs, 149 million fish, 11 million reptiles and 18 million other small animals. That’s a lot of mouths to feed (I wonder how many of them are obese…). A grosser statistic from the Humane Society of the United States reveals that reluctance to invest in neutering means that some three million dogs and cats are ‘euthanised’ annually and rising, due to the credit crunch, while many more are dumped in animal shelters. On the other side of the coin, some Americans will die for their pets, like New York hotelier Leona Helmsley, dubbed the Queen of Mean for her refusal to pay taxes. She left $12 million to her lapdog, Trouble, in 2007 while two of her grandchildren got nothing. In this land of doggie yoga, kitty acupuncture and frequentflier miles for travelling pets, where dog show champions are feted like Oscar winners and inability to find a pet sitter has become an acceptable excuse for cancelling an engagement, Americans will lavish $36 billion this year on their pets. Think Louis Vuitton pet

carriers, Gucci goat-hair dog beds (Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne recently auctioned off theirs – a gift from Sir Elton John – for over $2,300), pooch Nail Pawlish, canine haute couture and, a current top seller, a DVD for cats called Kitty Goes Hunting, featuring mouthwatering footage of squeaking mice and chirping birds. Owners are also spending more on pet insurance and health care, including more sophisticated medical treatments like chemotherapy, cosmetic dentistry and back surgery, while pet food is a multi-billion dollar business. This ‘humanisation of pets’, a global trend sparked by young professionals substituting animals for kids and empty nesters replacing grown-up offspring, is driving a massive growth industry in pet accessories worldwide, to the extent that financiers are touting it to portfolio investors. Pet keeping is nothing new but, these days, you don’t have to be royalty to afford one. In China during the Han Dynasty (202BC-220AD), Emperor Ling elevated his dogs to the rank of senior court officials. They ate the best foods, slept on ornate carpets, and were given personal bodyguards. Members of the Athenian aristocracy were said to have paid 20 times the price of a human slave to buy especially esteemed dogs. In Japan, the 17th century shogun Tsunayoshi made it illegal to speak of dogs in impolite terms and instituted unpopular new taxes to pay for his own collection of 100,000 hounds. The lapdogs in the entourage of Mary, Queen of Scots were clad in blue velvet suits; King Charles II bequeathed his name to a popular breed of small spaniel; Queen Elizabeth II is inseparable from her pack of corgies. Historians tell us that we’ve always been suckers for that doggie in the window while more recent medical discoveries show that

The King Charles spaniel: named by and after a king

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Pet fashion is doing a roaring trade.

A pet subject gives Belinda Beckett paws for thought.

HEAVY

PETTING pets have health benefits, as antidotes to stress and loneliness. In a study of 92 people hospitalised for coronary ailments, within a year 11 of the 29 without pets had died, compared to only three of the 52 who had pets. Some people keep animals as a business, through breeding and showing, others to protect property, others still (Paris Hilton springs to mind) as a fashion accessory. In Britain, 60 per cent of single people buy an animal for companionship, 39 per cent of whom have replaced their partner with a pet. Happily, the trend for adopting pets from rescue centres (37 per cent) is overtaking pet shop purchases (down to seven per cent) for the first time in history. But how exactly did pets evolve to work their way into our hearts, homes and wallets? The domestic dog has been one of the most widely-kept working companion animals in human history, used for hunting and herding. In colder latitudes, the sled dog is still vital to survival. The first guide dog training schools were established in Germany during World War I, to aid the mobility of returning veterans blinded in combat.

Most naturalists agree that dogs have one common ancestor, the grey wolf, which evolved into a tamer species through their need to get closer to human camp fires to scavenge food. Until recently it was thought that the species diverged 15,000 years ago but, in 2008, a team of international archaeologists excavating at Goyet Cave in Belgium found a large, toothy canine, dated circa 31,700 years ago. Selective breeding produced many different varieties for specific tasks. Lapdogs were originally bred to provide warmth for the wealthy and fashionable and even to attract fleas away from their owners! In centuries past, if you were poor, you kept animals to pull your plough, clothe your back and fill your larder. However, some animals were luckier and even became deities, notably the cat. Descended from the African wildcat, in ancient Egypt they made themselves useful, eating the vermin that threatened to demolish the granaries. As they grew more domesticated, their skill, grace and poise became first a source of admiration and then a cult. The species was deified in the cat Goddess Bast, depicted in paintings wearing jewellery and,

The pot bellied pig: A posh counterpart to the humble dog and cat

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The labradoodle: A new breed catching on in popularity

subsequently, given the same rights of mummification after death as humans. The cat should have had it made from thereon in but it paid the penalty for its aloof and independent nature during the Middle Ages, when some considered cats the agents of the devil and superstitious beliefs about witchcraft led to the slaughter of large numbers, along with their owners. Perhaps they do possess an evil eye because what followed was an outbreak of Bubonic Plague, carried by black rats on merchant ships, a pandemic that wiped out nearly one third of Europe’s population between 1347 and 1352. The city of Ypres in Belgium still commemorates Kattenstoet, (Festival of the Cats), re-enacting the time cats were thrown from the church belfry to symbolise the killing of evil spirits. The cats used to be brought in annually to keep vermin out of the wool sheds but, when their job was done, they were sacrificed. These days, stuffed toys are used. By the Age of Discovery, cats were back in fashion as must-have shipboard accessories for their rodent-killing techniques. Later, during wartime rationing, cats found their way into ‘rabbit’ stews and earned the nickname ‘roof-rabbit’ in Britain. Dogs have long been a delicacy in Asia, where some 13–16 million are bred purely for the table. With the emergence of the affluent society, pets no longer earned their living. They entered the home and became status symbols. In his Theory of the Leisure Class (1899) Thorstein Veblen wrote: “As he is also an item of expense, and commonly serves no industrial purpose, the pet holds a well-assured place in men’s regard as a thing of good repute.” Parrots and other cage birds were highly valued exotic pets and the first companions for which goods were specifically marketed, including bird food and medicines. The first commercially prepared dog food went on sale in England in 1860 while, in the early 20th century, cat litter allowed kitty to take up permanent residence by the fireside. Pets, like children, became a way for powerful politicians to make themselves look like ‘men of the people’. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Scottie dog, Fala, became a national celebrity, travelling with him to war conferences

Cats are famed for their rat- and mouse-hunting talents

and visiting defence stations. Indeed, the President was once threatened with congressional investigation over a false report that he had dispatched a destroyer to retrieve the dog after Fala was accidentally left behind in the Aleutian Islands. Later presidents have deployed pets the same way and it has often been remarked that Barney, the Scottish terrier and Willie the cat might have done a better job in the White House than their owner, George Dubya Bush. The Labrador is the favourite pedigree dog of choice in Britain today although The Kennel Club, the governing body that runs the annual Crufts show, has been heavily criticised for allowing judging standards and breeding practices that compromise the health of purebreds. RSPCA Chief Vet Mark Evans called the show “A parade of mutants, a freakish, garish beauty pageant that has frankly nothing to do with health and welfare.” However hybrid dogs, such as the Labradoodle (a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle) are gaining in popularity. Pets are also becoming more exotic. Ferrets, domesticated hedgehogs, pot-bellied pigs, iguanas, pythons and tarantulas are among the many species sharing human homes, although advances in technology are making it simpler to keep them in something mildly resembling their natural habitats. Despite a ban on the import of primates to America, as many as 15,000 are still kept as pets, including endangered cottontop tamarins, lemurs and gibbons; while some people’s tastes for the wild have necessitated the passing of laws to ban the sale of big cats such as tigers, leopards, jaguars, cougars, and cheetahs. The boxer Mike Tyson notoriously kept two white Bengal tigers, Kenya and Storm, at his Texas home. They are now living out their days in a refuge in Colorado. Elvis once kept two kangaroos while Hugh Hefner has a zoo permit to keep an assortment of animals, including peacocks and spider monkeys, at his 5.5-acre Playboy mansion. Meanwhile, digital or virtual pets are the latest form of artificial companion being developed by toy manufacturers. They may be simulations of real animals, as in the Petz series, or fantasy versions like the Tamagotchi. They may be cheaper and cleaner, they may even live forever but, as anyone who shares their home with a loving, living pet will know, there’ll never be anything to replace them.

Luxury pet carriers are a must among fashionistas

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Posh pets

BIT BIT SPEARS Bit Bit has an appetite for the finer things in life. Owner Britney has been known to feed the Chihuahua from her own plate at top restaurants and the pooch secured her status as a style icon after wearing a diamond encrusted collar to an MTV event.

THE LATE MAX CLOONEY For almost 19 years until he passed away in 2006 Max, a 300lb pot-bellied pig, was a constant companion to George Clooney. In his lifetime, Max flew in John Travolta’s private jet, lounged around Clooney’s Italian estate and (eat your hearts out, ladies) cuddled up to the sex symbol in bed.

Bo Obama A gift from the late Edward Kennedy to the new US President’s family, Portuguese Waterdog Bo may be new to the fame game but already, a Bo Beanie Baby and dog water bowl have been manufactured in his honour.

Seuss Swank Hilary Swank crafted a special cage for Seuss, her South African gray parrot, complete with customised lighting. According to Swank, the cheeky parrot is a nonstop talker who constantly lets her owner know what’s on her mind.

BUSTER COLE X Factor judge Cheryl Cole once revealed that her Chihuahua buried her G-strings in the garden. Perhaps it was jealousy, as he also made the Girls Aloud singer more than an hour late for a gig when he refused to let her leave the house. Maybe she wasn’t wearing any knickers!

BUBBLES JACKSON Adopted by Michael Jackson in 1985 from a cancer research clinic, Bubbles the chimp was a constant member of the singer’s entourage, seen at concerts, recording sessions and even dinner parties. He slept in a crib at the Neverland ranch and was allowed to use Jackson’s private toilet. He outlived his owner and has retired to Florida’s Center for Great Apes in Florida.

TINKERBELL HILTON Tinkerbell may be tiny but she packs some serious celebrity punch. The feisty Chihuahua-ette survived a kidnapping from Paris Hilton’s home in 2004, during a botched robbery, and holds the title of World’s Most Famous Accessory Dog. She’s been to dozens of A-list events and, when Paris was seen toting her around in a Louis Vuitton handbag, sales went through the roof. Tinkerbell lives in a $325,000 dollar dog house with her canine brothers and sisters at Paris’s Beverly Hills pad.

ARTHUR JOHN This cool Cocker spaniel is world famous for being Best Man at the civil partnership ceremony between Sir Elton John and David Furnish.

FLOSSIE BARRYMORE Drew Barrymore credits her LabradorChow cross with saving her from a devastating fire which gutted her Beverly Hills mansion in 2001. She says Flossie barked wildly until she woke up.

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Seasonâ€™s Greetings from essentialmarbellaÂŽ magazine

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THEPEOPLE THE PARFITTs

Parfitt Chemistry

Report belinda beckett Photography kh photography

“

Status Quo co-front man Rick Parfitt surprised everyone, including himself, when he became a dad again at 59 and for wife Lyndsay, a first-time mum at 47, the double miracle of Gemini twins Lily and Tommy (born May 2008) was equally life-changing. Eighteen months on, Belinda Beckett caught up with them at their villa in the Málaga countryside to find out whether family life still rocks.

I’ve got this great idea for a photo – we can put the twins in this,” called Rick, charging down the garden barefoot, pushing a wheelbarrow, blonde locks flying. Lyndsay had Lily and Tommy immaculately turned-out for a sedate family photo shoot on the sofa but Rick had other ideas, and she gave me a knowing look as he bundled the giggling toddlers into the barrow. With his 61st birthday looming, the ‘old rocker’ is still a child himself, at heart, but he’s done a lot of growing up in a little more than a decade marked by a quadruple heart bypass and an operation to remove tumours from his larynx (thankfully, benign). With that and his wild living, by rights he shouldn’t even be alive but his reprieve has been massive – a new family and a dream lifestyle in the Spanish countryside, with chickens at the bottom of the garden producing 50 fresh eggs a week, with the help of a cockerel called Kellogg. Rick met and married Lyndsay in three months and was changing nappies the following year. With his family as his new guiding star, he only drinks ‘socially’ now, quit smoking last year and, although he might once have considered it the height of uncool, he was by Lyndsay’s side when she opened Estepona’s Mother, Baby & Toddler Fair in October! With two grown-up boys from two previous marriages, he now has the complete set – Lily plus sons Tom, Dick and Harry! However his latest foray into fatherhood has been an Epiphany for this reformed hellraiser who frankly admits: “It’s my first time as a hands-on Dad. I didn’t know much about it before, with my sex, drugs and rock ´n’ roll lifestyle. Now, when I come back off tour, it’s straight into my T-shirt and shorts and out to play with the twins. The past three years have been extraordinary. Lyndsay and I were the big love story – to meet, fall in love and marry at my stage in life was so phenomenal. And then we were blessed with these beautiful babies. Our entire day revolves around them.” That day begins around 8.30am when Lyndsay and Rick hear the twins chuckling over the baby intercom.

“We’re lucky they sleep so long. They talk of sorts but it sounds like double Dutch,” laughs Lyndsay. “We take them to the pool, have a Mediterranean breakfast of toast, garlic and olive oil and, when they’re having their morning nap, sometimes Rick goes back to bed too! But he’s been there to bottle feed and bath them which is incredible, considering he’s been used to having other people cook his food and wash his clothes. Sometimes I feel guilty for making his life so mundane but he thrives on it – and thank heavens, because I defy anyone to be able to manage twins without help. Supermarkets don’t provide twin-seater shopping trolleys and have you tried getting a double pram through swing doors on your own? Luckily now, we have a great Spanish home help who cooks healthy meals for all of us with the fruit and vegetables we grow in the garden.” For Lyndsay, who had IVF treatment, motherhood has been a revelation. Although twice married, her dogs had been the only ‘babies’ in her life. Currently, that’s Chihuahuas Honeybun, Blossom, Milly and Rick’s nemesis, Petal, who with teeth frequently bared, makes it abundantly clear to whom she owes her allegiance. Lyndsay, slim fit and naturally beautiful (she’s had no cosmetic surgery) is the antithesis of an ‘elderly primagravida’, the unflattering medical term used for first-time mothers over the age of 35. At 49, she still looks great in mini skirt and vertiginous Jimmy Choo sandals. Now she’s sharing her beauty secrets in a DVD (working title, Par Fitness), due out next year. “It will be an inspirational DVD showing mature new mothers how to get their lives back, with exercises they can do in snatched moments which is all you get, apart from that tiny window when your babies are no longer newborns but haven’t started to crawl!” Will the DVD feature music from Status Quo? “Yeah, we gotta sell something,” quips Rick, still smarting over poor sales of the band’s first festive single last year, It’s Christmas Time, largely due to the financial collapse of the main distributor, Woolworths. The song features on a new Christmas 2009 compilation album. Also due for release is a song Rick made at Max Beach this summer with Rolf Harris and local record producer Wayne Morris: Christmas In the Sun. “Afterwards, Rolf came up to the villa. I’ve been a fan since I was a kid so I was gobsmacked and I had to try hard to stop myself asking him to do me a quick mural,” says Rick, demonstrating that even rock legends get starstruck. But no doubt Rolf also had

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to stop himself from asking Rick for a rendition of Pictures of Matchstick Men! Lyndsay was not quite so awestruck when she was introduced to Rick. “I’d only vaguely heard of Status Quo,” she confesses. It was a meeting long overdue as, prophetically, they had been only a heartbeat away from each other on many occasions. Both lived in Jersey at the same time; both had boats moored on opposite sides of the river at Teddington Lock; and Rick was often in Thames Television’s studios when Lyndsay worked on the production team for Michael Aspel’s This Is Your Life. However fate prevented them from meeting until Rick, acting out of character, joined a gym. “I went to pass the time with my personal trainer – I hate working out,” chips in Rick. “That’s when I first spotted Lyndsay. Even with her hair tied back and no make-up, she looked great! When I saw her all dolled up at a local restaurant, it was all over for me!” he jokes, adding more seriously: “I was on the road to self-destruction until I met

Lyndsay. It was the day that changed my life.” Their attempts to marry in secret in Gibraltar were foiled by paparazzi and, after the ceremony, they fled back over the border to the villa that Lyndsay fortuitously owned in Spain. Their initials, R&L, are now entwined on the facia. “In a way we’re a case of opposites attracting,” says Lyndsay, the ‘anchor’ of the family who handles all Rick’s administration. “I’m more grounded but a bit of a worrier. Rick’s very kind and good-natured, a natural entertainer with a sensitive, artistic streak. Tommy takes after Rick, he’s an adventurer. Lily is quieter and more bookish, like me. And we’re all Status Quo fans now. Even the twins rock to the music in their high chairs. When Rick came back after Glastonbury this summer we watched the concert on DVD. They looked at the TV first, then at their Dad sitting next to them and made the connection, shrieking with laughter.” Rick makes no bones about enjoying life on the road. He hasn’t stopped touring since 1968, since when the band has had an incredible 64 hit singles. “I’d like to be at home more but touring’s what I do, it gives me a good work/life balance. Having a band’s like owning an ocean liner – when it’s not at sea it’s costing you money. But I don’t want the high-octane lifestyle any more. I can’t wait to bring the twins to their first gig!” How does Lynsday feel about Rick rocking all over the world for

weeks on end? Quo are currently in the middle of a 31-gig tour of Britain and Europe and next March they’re off to Australia. “It’s been testing. Until I got help I had to save going for a pedicure or leg wax until Rick got back, which wasn’t fair if he was only here for a few days. And you have to be thickskinned about what you read in the press. I’ve promised Rick not to look at the band’s website anymore, when he’s away.” Meanwhile, the family was enjoying a few chilled days at their villa to make the most of this year’s unprecedented Indian summer (they recently bought a new house in England and plan to split their time between there and Spain). “Were in bed by ten here,” laughs Rick, stifling a yawn as the shadows on the lawn begin to lengthen. “It’s not very rock ‘n’ roll and I don’t quite know what I’ve done to deserve it but I believe life takes you where you should be, in the end.” n

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the trend PRODUCTS & IDEAS

The Weismann MF4-S Roadster

The Latest Gadgets

The Online Revolution is Coming

Green Christmas

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You don’t have to live just around the corner …

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Above all, we provide the best conditions for expanding your assets – wherever you live. Find out the advantages we offer in the way of personal investment advice. Contact me today: Hessel Kramer, Tel. +350 200 51085 kramer@jyskebank.gi

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11-09-2009 15:27:23

THETREND

CARS

Report and photography nick hall

Some hardy souls harbour the beautifully romantic notion of the classic English sports car. For them, merely owning an MGB will take them to a better world of clean-spirited adventure. Life will be like a 1960s film, carefree and fun. Then they get one, and reality comes crashing down like a cartoon piano…

ecause the reality of the classic English sports car is long cold nights in the garage with oily, bleeding hands. It’s standing by the side of the road, waiting for a recovery truck that takes you home, alone. They just don’t work like they do in the movies – nothing does. That’s why Weismann has struck gold with its modern take on classic designs and the new MF4-S Roadster might just be the best there is. Powered by the 4-litre V8 from the latest BMW, complete with double-clutch system, this is as modern as sports cars get. Olde world styling and modern world performance, it’s pretty much the perfect combination. Brothers Friedhelm and Martin Weismann started out in the car industry, making hoods for cabriolets. But between them they cherished a dream to make a classic English sports car that actually worked, with metronomic German underpinnings and engineering. Weismann was born in 1985, was an instant smash and now they build more than 350 cars a year, in a much bigger factory that sits underneath a sprawling wooden gecko representing the company logo. That’s meant to show that a Weismann sticks to the road like a gecko sticks to the wall. Inspired by great British engineering of the 1960s, the Weismann brothers took a trip down nostalgia lane and created a perfectly proportioned roadster with hints of Jaguar XK120, Jensen CV8 and Austin Healeys of the time to create a cute car that brings a smile to the face of everyone who sees it. There are delicious details at every twist and curvaceous turn, perfectly managed collisions between old and new, from the immaculately-curved rear end

punctuated by LED lights, through those low-slung sides to the old style grille on the nose. The colour, grey with the blush of pink running through its core, won’t be for everyone, and the colourcoded wheels, deep pink tanneau cover and dark red interior are perhaps taking it too far but then, the choice of colours and combinations of leather and Alcantara is almost infinite. You can even shoot an animal, take in the hide and they’ll fit your car out with that. Nobody has, incidentally, but the offer is open. The inside, too, is a step back in time: drawstring stowage spaces, simple polished steel door catches and old school dials built into a driver-facing centre console. There’s no real indication this is a low volume manufacturer, none of the interesting quirks and the leather is laid down perfectly. But look closely at the cockpit and the old world charm doesn’t quite ring true. There are new plastic vents, Alcantara-quilted seats, a modern-day stereo and an LCD screen behind the wheel. Then there are the plastic paddle shifters, also behind the wheel, two perfectly milled pedals. When I turn the key and push the starter button, the sepia-tones smash like an antique vase hitting the floor as the modern day world erupts around me and settles into the deep menacing thrum of a BMW V8 mated to a free-flowing, fuel-dribbling exhaust that gives Bavaria’s finest the Messerschmitt resonance BMW’s engineers go to sleep dreaming about. A blip of the throttle sends the birds scattering from the nearby trees and then it’s into drive and out of the factory gates with a tally ho and a toodle pip: the Weismann adventure is about to begin. And when it does, it happens without a single, horrific jerk. There was no doubting the BMW M5 V10 on a hard charge; it’s a fantastic engine, but the SMG seven-speed that came with it seemed built solely for the race track. That cumbersome transmission lies in the range-topping Weismann MF5 supercar, until BMW can forget it entirely, and, while it feels less jerky in the lighter sports car, it’s still a blight on the driving experience. No more. BMW’s brilliant new double clutch system might have taken longer to come to market than VWs but it was worth the wait, as this is now a sports car you can simply slot in drive and enjoy at sedate pace with seamless, creamy gear changes from the seven-

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speed DCT. And Weismann knows a thing or two about ride quality, too. Looking from the side, it simply doesn’t make sense because the MF4 is low, taut and aggressive and those Michelin Pilot Sports wrap round the 18” wheels like rubber bands. Yet the Weismann cruises down the high street with utter grace and poise and, despite the wind noise getting a little reckless beyond 150kph, it’s a wondrous world of comfort and joy. That’s in part down to those stunning seats which cosset and support in equal measure, but it’s also down to a sublime chassis set-up, built around a Lotus-style monocoque that combines this cruising capability with simply epic performance. Because this is, when all is said and done, M3 power in a much lighter package, and it comes alive on the quieter roads away from Dulmen. The Weismann weighs in at 1,310kg full of fluids, compared to 1,655kg for the M3, which is a lot, so this machine goes like a rocket. Boot the throttle and the Pilot Sports chirrup like a real, hardcore sports car as I click second gear,

then third. Weismann claims it hits 100kph in 4.4s, but it feels much faster and the car just keeps hammering down the road, with a click of the right finger. The interior is luxurious but there’s none of that BMW mass to drag around, just a lightweight frame and the twoseater body, and that is obvious everywhere. And it handles like an M3 that weighs a third less, too; it can be thrown into the bends and, while a 1960s sports car would simply crash into a tree and catch fire, the Weismann enjoys all the benefits of BMW’s traction control system and skates elegantly through to the other side. It’s love at the first turn. A van driver makes space for the quirky little sports car (which never happens, ever) and it’s the first in a long line of thumbs-up, cheery waves and ‘after you sirs’ of the day. This car doesn’t just have retro styling, it marks a return to old world manners and the same people who would have revved their own engines to the limit to chop a Ferrari off at the pass simply wave us through on our merry way. That is the power of the Weismann. n

, n o i s s a P En gl ish an Precision

Weismann MF4-S Roadster PRICE u €140.000 ENGINE u 4 – litre V8 ENGINE u 420bhp@8,300rpm TORQUE u 295lb/ft@3,900rpm ACCELERATION u 0-100kph: 4.4s TOP SPEED u 200kph

Germ

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THETREND

GADGETS

Pet Gadgets!

In line with an edition devoted in a great way to pets, Marisa Cutillas brings us gadgets for, about, or just inspired by our four-legged friends!

1 Pet eyeview camera

i All items are available on www.iwantoneofthose.com

You can’t say you really know Rex or Moggy until you actually see what they see; now, the Pet eyeview camera makes that possible. Just slip the lightweight digital camera onto your pet’s collar and you can take up to 40 pictures of what they’ve been up to. The camera takes 640 x 480 resolution shots every 1.5 or 15 minutes, after which you can hook it up to your computer and check out what your little four-footed photographer has snapped. The camera comes with a lithium ion rechargeable battery, making it a toy to last a lifetime.

Dog and Cat IQ testers

Cat play houses

Elephant dog loungers

Tengu

How clever is your dog, how cunning your cat? If you always suspected your furry friend was an Einstein in disguise, the Dog and Cat IQ testers are a perfect way to find out. The Dog IQ Test was created by Dr. Stanley Coren, Professor of Psychology at the University of British Columbia, author of How to Speak Dog and The Intelligence of Dogs. There are 12 different tests, five of which deal with problem solving, while the others test learning ability and memory. The test comes with a score and result guide, and a stopwatch to time your dog in action. The Cat IQ Test, meanwhile, involves nine different tests which assess curiosity, body image and intelligence.

Cat lovers will undoubtedly give in to this beautiful temptation: ultra-modern play houses in which your cat can express its curiosity. Get your camera ready and start taking action shots as Whiskers flies across the skies in its aeroplane, commands the army in its tank or puts firemen to shame in a bright red fire engine. The houses are made of cardboard and, as we know, cardboard boxes are a cat’s favourite thing for exploring.

Now that the cold weather is upon us the soft, cosy Elephant dog lounger, located in front of the fireplace, is a must for any trendy pooch. The comfy beanbag is made of a resistant fabric that will outlive even the strongest bites and scratches. The bed cover is removable and machine washable and the interior contains a water resistant PVC covering. There are two sizes, large and small, depending on your dog’s size.

Tengu is the pet for those who don’t actually want to put in the work our beloved dogs and cats demand. Forget about taking it out for a walk in the hot sun, cleaning up after it or making frequent costly trips to the vet. Tengu is a pixelated pet for your computer that simply plugs into your USB port and reacts to any noise, music or speech, moving its mouth along to all the different sounds it hears. Tengu winks and gurgles like a little baby, bringing a smile to your face… and an irritated sigh from your co-workers.

3 4

Kat Kabin If your cat is an outdoorsy type, invest in a Kat Kabin, also called ‘a granny flat for your cat’. The Kat Kabin contains an insulation cushion to keep your kitty warm, as well as holes for ventilation, and is raised off the ground to keep heat evenly dispersed inside. Moggy deserves a good hideaway, especially when feeling vulnerable and missing you while you’re out at work or play.

Pets’ arse sharpeners Irreverent they may be; tasteless, without a doubt. But they also make a good gag, and the most original pencil sharpener we’ve seen thus far. Every time you sharpen your pen, the plastic dog or cat barks or meows with glee. Don’t buy one for your wife on Valentine’s Day. It’s, erm… not very romantic.

essential marbella magazine

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be part o f it...

hazte del club...

d Felices Fiestas

Grupo C

Other Quality Developments by Grupo C URB. PUERTO CABOPINO URB. CERRADO DE ELVIRIA URB. CERRADO DE ELVIRIA BEACH URB. LOS MONTEROS PALM BEACH URB. CUMBRES DEL RODEO

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25/11/09 13:17:54

THETREND

INTERNET

Report phil morse

Phil Morse co-runs Reedus Design, the Costa del Sol’s longestestablished web design and Internet marketing agency. For more information, contact info@reedusdesign.com www.reedusdesign.com

icrosoft just launched Windows 7. Sitting behind everything we do on our PCs, Windows 7 is an example of what techies call an ‘operating system’. But Windows 7 is actually quietly revolutionary. It breaks a decades-long trend of packing in more with each release – it is actually less bulky than its predecessor. As we increasingly conduct our lives and businesses online, as opposed to on our computer’s desktop software packages, we’re not interested in the bloat any more. Less is more. Google, the giants of online computing, recently announced their own take on Internet Explorer, the world’s most popular web browser. Called Chrome, it acts more like the software we use on our PCs, in that it is fast and doesn’t ‘hang up’ or crash as much as other web browsers. Furthermore, Google has a forthcoming operating system of its own. Also called Chrome, it is plainly meant to ‘play nicely’ with the Chrome browser, as part of a clear push to make booting up basically mean ‘going online’. Actually, the idea of using software over the Internet isn’t new. Most of us have Hotmail or Yahoo! email accounts, logging in to read our email from any PC. Right up to the world’s biggest businesses, online software has made big inroads: the runaway success of Salesforce.com, which provides customer relationship management (CRM) software to companies globally via the Internet, is a case in point. But recently, so much software is moving online that it really does look like a sea change is coming. Why have CDs if you

can stream music from a virtual library faster than you can play it? Why keep bulky copies of your photos on a PC hard disk when an online library will keep them all safe and give you access from any computer or your phone? Why email your friends individually to arrange a party when Facebook can do it all in one go, and tell you who says they’re coming too? It goes further. Whereas until relatively recently there was no real threat to Microsoft in business, now it is possible to set your complete company up online. For Word and Excel, there is Google Docs – online word processing and spreadsheets – as part of Google’s Apps for Business offering. These packages have most of the features of their offline predecessors but are completely online. As such, they have a really notable advantage: You can do things collaboratively, in real time. You can share. The first time I worked through figures on an online spreadsheet with a client, both making changes that were instantly reflected on the other person’s screen, was a real ‘eureka! moment’ for both of us. Why work offline, emailing multiple versions of things backwards and forwards, when you can have one master copy and work together on it? When all your stakeholders can share one calendar, task list or contact package, why use individual desktop versions? For any business that has clients who can’t come and visit their offices, or that has freelancers who work remotely, collaborative online working makes real sense. Using such software, businesses can set up projects,

give their staff and freelancers access to them, offer their clients access too, and set milestones for all parties – uploading files, sending messages, working on discussion documents and getting the job done, all in one place. Of course, there are some things that are still best kept offline. Not many accountants use online packages, despite the high level of security today. And online software still can’t match the speed and complexity of the best offline packages in areas like music and video production, programming and computer-aided design. There’s also the issue of collaboration between packages. Offline packages are good at ‘talking’ to each other. There is no real leader in online software as yet, and its very nature means the best things often come from small, new companies. Strides are being made but this kind of interdependency is not as advanced as in the offline world yet. While much online software is free (Google’s offerings, notably, can nearly all be used for nothing), many such services charge monthly or annual subscriptions. Get caught up in the heat of it, especially in business, and it can start to cost you a hefty whack each month. But overall, in today’s world of fast Internet and increased collaboration, there is a palpable feeling that software-as-aservice – always online, always ‘just there’, always social – has already won the war. It’s just a matter of time before it finally reaches those who still get the Internet down a copper cable – and the over 40s! n

The online revolution is coming

How the internet is changing the way work and play

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THETREND ENVIRONMENT

Report victoria wood

a f o g n i m a e r d I’m

n e e r G

A wise man once said, “We do not inherit the world from our parents… we borrow it from our children”. Another one said, “Be the change you want to see in the world”.

i Victoria Wood is a member of the Terra Sana Life Team. www.terrasana.net

he time has come again when we are all skipping around decorating the tree, wrapping up presents, writing and posting Christmas cards, making and eating tons of food, visiting friends and family, etc. How are you going to do this is an environmentally friendly way this year? Plant your tree after you’ve finished with it, use recycled or hand-made ornaments, wrap the presents in newspaper or recycled paper and then recycle it afterwards, make sure all the extra bottles, plastic wrappers, jars and tins are properly recycled at all times, send E-cards or use the internet to communicate with loved ones miles away? Any of the above sound like a normal Christmas to you yet? Our planet will be unable to survive if we continue the way we treat it at present. Many things are being done about this, true, but how much do YOU really care and proactively do in your own home? We all know that it is an enormous problem but because we are in our ‘comfort bubbles’, it is so much harder to make changes and become environmentally friendly. I write this column every month to try to make a small difference in our community by spreading a very important message. I try to do this on an achievable level (i.e. I don’t suggest that we all construct wind farms in our back gardens) by suggesting simple ways to recycle or save energy, as I know how difficult it can be to change the habits of a lifetime, especially when there is no physically visible reason to do so. However we all know that the state of our home, planet earth, is an issue and we all have friends and family around this suffering world who would like to keep it healthy and pass it on to future generations. If you think about that, next time you run the tap while you brush your teeth, chuck a plastic bottle in the wrong bin, drive when you could easily walk, etc., you can remind yourself that these are purely selfish acts that are endangering your own family’s future. If this does not stop you in your tracks then we have a problem, Houston! How can we force people to change? How can the world give us any bigger signs that change is a must, before it becomes too late? So many people start to ‘try’ to become greener but let it slip by the wayside when it becomes slightly more inconvenient

s a m t s i r Ch to wait until the washing machine and dishwasher are full before turning them on, take five different rubbish bags to the bins or turn down the heating because, well, it’s really cold isn’t it? We need to make these changes ESSENTIAL, not just something we might do now and again, here and there, flaky-flaky style. It just needs to become NORMAL to save electricity, water, keep heat in, wear more jumpers and save money on bills. To maintain a green household is really not that difficult, it is just the change of habit that is the difficult part, but once that is achieved, it can become part of regular life. I see these changes happening very slowly (but surely) in some friends’ homes but not one, not even my own home, is as green as it could be with only a few minor alterations (most of which actually SAVE you money and are therefore directly beneficial changes). It is especially distressing as we are the ones who are aware and capable of making these changes just by bothering. Many places around the world are ignorant or do not have a choice in their standards or ways of life, and so cannot make the kind of positive change that we could SO easily. A wise man once said, “We do not inherit the world from our parents… we borrow it from our children”. Another one said, “Be the change you want to see in the world”. Let’s take heed, my friends, especially at this time of love and laughter and togetherness. I hate to sound like a preacher but at a festive time when we relax all our rules and regulations, lets not make taking care of our planet one of them. Let’s try not to overdo it when it comes to slacking on our green duties. Let’s party to excess but not excessively give up on recycling. So, this Christmas and New Year, please try to continue to show that you care. Don’t discard the eco-friendliness with the premise of, “Oh well, its Christmas”. The festive season is not an excuse for letting go of your green morals, even if you drop a few personal ones along the way! Please take this the right way and continue to eat, drink and be VERY merry; but remember; ’tis the season to be jolly green! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you all. n

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I a

O O

K I

‘Brazil is where all the smart money is going in International property investment. It is a stable country with strong growth, low inflation and the potential to be one of the most affluent countries in the world’

• Sao Luis ‘The North-East of Brazil is the target region for investment, international tourism and local holidays, with the best climate, beaches and quality of life’

Fortaleza CEARÁ

The Caponga Beach Resort is located 30 minutes south of the buzzing city of Fortaleza in the North-East of Brazil - the ‘Land of the Sun’, just a few degrees under the equator and enjoying year-round sunshine and hundreds of kilometres of the best beaches in the world.

• Natal • Recife

BRAZIL

• Salvador

The Economy

news

Brazil is the B in the phrase ‘BRIC Economies’, a term first coined by Goldman Sachs who predicted that the 4 emerging economies of the future - Brazil, Russia, India, and China - would increase so significantly in the years to come that they would eclipse the combined economies of the current richest countries in the world. Currently Brazil is the eighth largest economy in the world, with a GPD of 2 trillion Dollars, putting it ahead of Canada, India, and most European countries. As well as its exports of natural resources, Brazil leads in manufactured exports including planes, cars, and parts. It also holds the position of being the only country to host the main assembly plants of the world’s top 10 car manufacturers. Brazil has only been marginally affected by the global economic crisis and it will be one of only 5 economies in the world that will grow in 2009, with a projected trade surplus of 25 billion dollars. The country continues to boom with a 5% GDP growth in 2008. As only 3% of residential housing is mortgage based, house prices did not explode at the same level of most other countries, and the banking crisis had little affect.

The World Cup FIFA recently announced that Fortaleza would be a host city for the 2014 World Cup. This has been an amazing boost for the city, and was followed by the announcement from Mayor Gomez that they have budget approval to spend 9.6 billion Reais (over 3 billion pounds) on improvements to the city in the run-up to the World Cup. This includes an expansion to the airport – more than doubling its existing capacity to 13 million passengers per year, new roads and connections, and a new underground metro system.

Previous host cities to the World Cup saw huge rises in property prices including Athens, Barcelona, Sydney and Atlanta where they outperformed the rest of the property market by an average of 20% per annum. In some cases property soared even more and in Barcelona for example properties increased 49% more in the run-up to the World Cup than in other Spanish Cities.

Fortaleza is the capital city of Ceará and a host city of the 2014 World Cup

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B r a z i l

New Brochure Now Available at www.goldman-lee.com

ÑÑÑÑÑ

F o r t a l e z a

For further information or pre-launch details contact Goldman Lee Associates, jon@goldman-lee.com or call (+34) 699 024 610

Ñ All Planning and Licenses Approved Ñ Full Infrastructure Completed Ñ Comprehensive Due Diligence Reports

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24/9/09 13:35:28

the chic DÉCOR AND FASHION

A Stunning Villa in Las Brisas

Vergola – Intelligent Shading

Roche Bobois re-opens in Marbella

Art news

Dior Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2009

Fashion News

Page

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THECHIC DECOR

The lounge, dining area and kitchen is one fluid, open-plan space

All I want for

Report Belinda Beckett Photography KH Photography and Milljac Promociones Inmobiliarias SL

CHRISTMAS 56

essential marbella magazine

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Dear Santa, If you’re feeling particularly generous this year, Belinda Beckett would love to find the keys to this stunning Golf Valley villa in her Yuletide stocking. The L-shaped pool is decked out in style

very now and then, you come across a house that ticks every box and this beautiful five-bedroom villa in Las Brisas, Nueva Andalucía, built in 1976 and stunningly updated for lavish 21st century living, merits gold stars for its wow factor location and design. It rolls out picture postcard views from every window: the manicured fairways of Las Brisas Golf, glimpses of the Med and the granite outline of La Concha, framed picture-centre of the living room windows like a piece of art. It might almost seem that the interior designers had specifically placed Marbella’s landmark mountain here, because nothing about this immaculately-executed refurbishment project has been left to chance. A complete rebuild of pretty much all but the structure and some walls has transformed a dated, rustic Andalusian villa into a series of fluid colonial/ contemporary living spaces that forsake old clichés and dare to be different. Instead of the ubiquitous cream Travertino marble, ground floor living areas are laid with 80cm x 80cm limestone slabs, inlaid with occasional borders and motifs to add interest. Cherry wood parquet conveys a cosy style-statement in the bedrooms; en suite bathrooms play with natural

essential marbella magazine

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The magnificent Miele kitchen

The formal dining room

En suite dreams

stone in a myriad of colours and textures and there are many other highlights. They include a state-of-the-art kitchen that most restaurant chefs could only dream of, open plan to a super-sized dining and living area ripe for entertaining; a bodega and ready-to-install home cinema; and, the pièce de résistance for fairytale dreamers, a Rapunzel tower at the top of the house enclosing the master suite. Quirky architectural features, high quality finishes, sumptuous fabrics in rich sepia tones and space-age metallic textures are harmoniously combined with eye-catching pieces of modern art, like elements of a complex orchestral ensemble creating sweet music for the soul; and, as this is a ‘smart’ home in the modern sense of the word, you can have real music too, programmed to resonate electronically through every room in the house. Swedish Peter Jacobsen of Milljac Promociones Inmobiliarias SL, who is working with an English business partner on the project, knew he was onto a good thing when the villa came up for sale three years ago. Having grown up in the Golf Valley and worked

in property here for many years, he knows the local market well. “The position of the plot, with its wonderful views, was a winner,” says Peter. “Las Brisas is a world-renowned golf urbanisation so the address has cachet and, being in a quiet cul-de-sac five minutes from Puerto Banús, close to good local international schools and every imaginable amenity, it certainly ticked all my boxes for the perfect family home. I knew it was going to be a major undertaking as the house was very ‘tired’ and in need of serious T.L.C.… most of the ground floor was just an empty shell. While that gave us plenty of scope, it wasn’t the best time to start a major refurbishment, as Marbella Town Hall was being run by a provisional gestora and, as a result, it took us nine months to get the licence.” The massive 18-month task Peter set himself involved lifting the roof to renew 30year-old cabling and ducting, raising the floors and ceilings to install underfloor heating and air conditioning that can be programmed separately for each room, knocking through interior walls to update and enhance the layout

essential marbella magazine

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it d e r c e e r f t s e Two years inter and NOW...

C.C. La Ca単ada, 1st floor. Marbella 952 772 662

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The second living room is ideal for family gatherings

and even changing the shape of the tower, from circular to angular, to give it an edgier look. But it was time well spent as Peter has more than doubled the property’s value. Even so, in this market it is very affordable, points out Michael Corry-Reid of Aylesford real estate, who has the property for sale. “With its views, size and beautiful presentation, the future owners will be getting the equivalent of a turnkey home of the standard you would expect to find at La Zagaleta, but at half the price!” he says. The mature garden, planted with skyscraper palm trees that have grown to nearly 15 metres tall, has been given a complete make-over with a large, bowling-green-smooth lawn that provides ample play area for children. In one corner, a cleverly-designed L-shaped infinity swimming pool economises on space while still permitting serious length-swimming and, with its wood deck surround and whale’s tail cascade, the look is cutting edge. Strategic

floodlighting creates a magical ambience at night while, at the click of a remote control, water jets shoot up in silvery arcs over the pool like a guard of honour, creating an impressive son y lumière show for guests seated around the gazebo-roofed barbecue, or above on the villa’s wraparound sun terrace. The interior design, by Mobile Diseño of Elviria, showcases the very latest in materials and décor trends: flock wallpaper (now enjoying a revival), leather shag pile rugs, shiny metallic fabrics and Versace-style embossed velvets in a colour palette that’s a study in every shade of brown, from bitter chocolate and burnished copper through tan, gold, sand and buttery cream. Rooms are embellished with chunky contemporary sculptures and oversized wall art that a house of this size cries out for. The ‘big is beautiful’ policy is seen to incredible effect in the vast ground floor living area, one fluid space combining

essential marbella magazine

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A stylish guest suite

three distinct sections: kitchen, lounge and dining room, cleverly demarcated by pillars, floating ceilings and the positioning of furniture. In the Miele kitchen at the front of the house, cherry wood units and smooth beige work surfaces in elegant and easy to maintain Silestone create a futuristic feel, while silver fabric window blinds take their reference from the sleek stainless steel appliances (both gas and electric). A large cooking and preparation island plus breakfast bar forms a natural divide between the culinary engine room of the house and its chill-out zones. The dining area is recessed in its own alcove while a second, enclosed private dining room around the corner can be used for more formal gatherings, or turned into a working extension of the kitchen to conceal the clutter of pots and pans from guests when entertaining. In the huge lounge section thereâ€™s ample room for three large sofas, a coffee table and two armchairs, upholstered in Regency striped velour and soft suede and clustered around a giant faux-fur rug. A contemporary glass-fronted fireplace, set flush to one wall, provides a focal point. It emits real flames and can be programmed to create a welcoming glow, or turned to max to heat the entire room. Nets and slub-silk curtains the colour of silver birch bark frame that stunning La Concha view. A neat feature of the plot is that the lounge is raised above the garden, enhancing the commanding views. French windows open onto a long, partially-covered sun terrace comprising relaxation and dining areas as well as gallery seats onto Las Brisas golf course. Three guest bedrooms open onto this panoramic terrace, each individually styled to showcase talking-point fabrics, furniture and objets dâ€™art. All the bedrooms have spacious double wardrobes with wood and plexiglass sliding doors that emulate Japanese shoji screens. In the bathrooms, matt and textured natural stone in a variety of earth tones has been used for the walls and tiled floors, a welcome change from the more usual marble. Showers are glassed in, with wooden duck boards. Properties in Marbella come in all shapes and sizes but few boast a master suite quite like this villaâ€™s, created inside a fairytale tower. The lower level of this duplex suite is styled as an office, from which Chunky furniture is what a house of this size cries out for

essential marbella magazine

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The interior design showcases the latest in textured fabrics and furnishings

For further enquiries contact Michael Corry-Reid at Aylesford, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 951 317 317. Michael-corryreid@aylesford.es www.aylesford.com

an open oak staircase following the curve of the tower winds up to the bedroom, forming a framework at the top for the Queen-sized bed. Five windows on three sides of the tower provide 270 degree views while a bijou terrace with a La Concha backdrop is the ideal spot for enjoying breakfast for two, or a nightcap after dinner. This panoramic eyrie also contains a luxurious bathroom with spa tub and twin washbasins, handmade from one single piece of natural stone, a separate w.c. and His & Hers dressing rooms. A storage attic, reached by concealed stepladder that pulls down from the bedroom ceiling, is a handy British feature. The lower part of the tower, reached by a staircase from the hall, houses a temperature-controlled wine bodega and tasting area, a spacious second living room ideal for family gatherings and the fifth guest suite, all at garden level. The versatility of this space means that it could easily double as a separate ‘apartment’ for teenagers, grandparents or guests. A separate room has been primed and prepared to

house a home cinema, with room for a large screen, reclining seating and a bar. This has been costed into the price but left unfinished, giving the future owners the option of creating their own bespoke movie theatre. Another room would make an ideal sauna or Turkish bath. Also on this level is a laundry room, large double garage (with room for two large SUVs) and a separate automatic door leading to a storage area for golf buggies and quad bikes. As a house of this size generally requires a full-time cleaner, cook and gardener, there’s even a separate staff apartment – ideal for a live-in couple. Everything has been thought of. To return to my opening statement and after due reflection, sadly, the likelihood of Santa depositing the keys to this spectacular villa in my stocking on Christmas morning is as remote as my chances of winning El Gordo. However, there’s one sure thing: credit crunch or not, when it comes to the odds against this villa being snapped up by some fortunate family in the very near future, all bets are off! n

The office entrance to the Master Suite, enclosed in a Rapunzel Tower

FACT BOX: Built size: 676m2 + terraces u Plot size: 1,780m2 u

u 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms u Separate staff apartment u 2 living rooms u Office/study u 1,000 litre water tank u Domotic (intelligent) home u Fully alarmed-with an individual control

panel on each level.

essential marbella magazine

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27/11/09 12:51:48

THECHIC

BUSINESS

Report belinda beckett photography kh photography

i Vergola Spain. Tel: 902 102 658. www.vergola.es

Vergola Roofing that Reads the Weather Viv Bremer-Goldie and Ross Hinshelwood

ob and Helen Williams were on the other side of the world when the first heavy rains of autumn deluged their villa in Mijas Costa. Their furnished terrace is semi-open to the elements but they weren’t in the least worried. Theirs is the only property in all Spain with an intelligent louvre roofing system that closes automatically when it detects the first drops of rain and reopens to let the sunshine in. The bone dry floor I saw on my visit to the villa, the morning after the rainstorm, was proof positive that the Vergola system really can read the weather. A stylish cross between pergola roofing and Venetian blinds with the ability to control sun and wind as well as rain in a way no conventional toldo can, it converts an outdoor space into an extra room for all-yearround living at the flick of a switch. In the Southern Hemisphere, ‘vergola’ is as common a noun as pérgola. Vergola Worldwide, the Adelaide-based company that first designed the system 18 years ago to counteract Australia’s harsh cyclonic climate, has become a top brand used in homes, hotels, restaurants, businesses and even factories. It has overseas distributorships in over a dozen countries including America but not, until now, in mainland Europe. Having a home in Australia themselves where they saw Vergolas in many towns and residential areas, Bob and Helen realised they were privy to a trade secret unknown in this part of the world. They wasted no time in shipping the very first Vergola from Adelaide to Spain to weatherproof their villa terrace for all-year-round living and were so impressed with the results that they acquired the sole distribution rights to sell this ingenious, high-quality product throughout Spain. The Vergola’s interlocking louvre roof slats can be opened at various angles, through 155 degrees, to deflect the sun’s searing rays but admit cool breezes on stifling hot summer days or direct sunlight into the house in winter, providing free solar energy. Alternatively, they can be opened to their fullest extent for a blue sky or starlit view. The aerofoil shape controls air flow while the hollow design provides thermal insulation and sound reduction. More incredibly, they can be electronically programmed to close tightly when the first raindrops hit a sensor panel on the roof.

Rainwater is channeled along concealed guttering to a drain or can be collected in a storm tank to provide a pure source of water, making this a very green product. Made of powdercoated galvanized steel in a variety of sizes and colours to blend in with any architectural style, from contemporary to rustic, the design conforms to stringent Australian building standards, offering protection against high-UV and cyclonic conditions as well as being rainproof. Bob Williams, a leading geologist and businessman in the international energy industry, has assembled a top team to launch the business in Spain. General Manager Viv BremerGoldie worked with him for many years in London and Singapore while Sales Manager Ross Hinshelwood has been an expert in technical sales and marketing in the Marbella area for over 15 years. Both recently visited Vergola Worldwide’s operation in Adelaide for technical training and are very excited about introducing the product here. Enthused Ross: “There’s nothing else remotely like it here, yet it could have been tailormade for the Marbella climate. I’ve been through countless umbrellas and toldos during my time here and most insurance companies won’t replace them for ‘acts of God’ like storm damage.” Viv, too, is convinced that this functional and stylish product, which comes with a fiveyear warranty, will “transform indoor-outdoor living design in Spain.” Customers can try before they buy at Vergola Spain’s offices in Mijas Costa and, soon, at a purpose-built show centre where they can see the many applications in action, whether residential, retail or commercial. Vergolas are a particularly brilliant idea for restaurant terraces where perishable furniture can be left in situ without the need to move it indoors in bad weather. The system can be adapted to a multitude of roofing configurations, from flat to pitched, gable or vaulted; frameworks can be freestanding or integrated into the house and constructed from timber, steel, aluminium or any other material that complies with local building codes. Clients on the Costa del Sol will be the first to see the new system but Vergola Spain has plans to expand countrywide as soon as possible, into the Spanish islands, and to Gibraltar where it also has sole distribution rights. If seeing’s believing, the Vergola looks destined to become the new must-have home accessory in Spain, offering as watertight a guarantee as you can get of the lifestyle synonymous with Marbella: all-year-round living. n

essential marbella magazine

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Extend your living space with a Vergola automatic roof system V V V V V V

Variable light and shade. Rain Protection. Ventilation. Energy Efficient. Insulation. Smart Options.

to find out more, visit:

Tel. 902 102 658 - Mob. 626 647 838 Spain and Gibraltar enquiry@vergola.es - www.vergola.es

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THECHIC

Report Marisa CUTILLAS

Roche Bobois Touched by Beauty

DECOR NEWS

t was July 1999 and young marketing and finance whiz Gilles Bonan had new, often lighter and brighter, his future mapped out for him, with an executive post at General Motors materials and artistic pieces that in Paris and a promising corporate ladder to rise. A chance meeting with appeal to even the most modern Francois Roche, founder of interior design and furniture company Roche tastes. “Many people choose to Bobois, however, ignited a spark in the young visionary, who decided to take mix styles in their home,” says Mr. a chance on a company that was smaller at the time but had great potential. Bonan and, sure enough, I come Thus he traded the black and white world of numbers for a colourful universe round to thinking that the ‘À La dominated by exquisite, hand-made furniture, sculpture and art: the stuff Manière De…’ chiffonier, in solid dreams are made of. cherry wood with lime wood Francois Roche took Gilles Bonan under his wing, teaching him the ins veneer frame and waxed antique and outs of furniture and design before handing him the reins of Roche patina, would fit beautifully in my Gilles Bonan: Chairman of Roche Bobois Bobois. Now, 10 years later, Mr. Bonan is Chairman of an empire that spans very modern bedroom. five continents and a total of 240 stores. At a party held to celebrate the The Les Contemporains collection is a haven of avante-garde pieces, with refurbishment of the 1,200m2 showroom in Marbella, he mused on how gems such as the Legend Bookcase, part of the Legend Collection, Christophe the best thing about his job was the lack of routine. No two days are alike Delcourt’s homage to the environment. Explains Mr. Bonan: “The bookcase is as he travels all over the world, meeting with designers, manufacturers completely assembled, containing no hardware or screws, and we used only and financial executives who, together, gauge and decree what the world water to alter its colour. Legend was a limited edition collection and every will deem beautiful. Roche Bobois counts on a vast team of artists and piece was sold.” Measures taken to respect the environment included sourcing designers, including Christophe Delcourt, creator of the eco friendly Legend wood from sustainable forests, working with a certified ISO 14001 factory and collection; Vladimir Kegan, the face of new American design in the 1950s; transporting the pieces in an environmentally respectable manner. For Mr. and Sacha Lakic, famed for his futuristic styled Bonan, this is no mere fad: “For the Roches and I, the cars and motorcycles. Every year, Mr. Bonan environment is a deep cause of personal concern”, he “A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: says. is lucky enough to form part of the selection Its loveliness increases; it will never and presentation of two different collections In addition to selling individual pieces of furniture, Pass into nothingness…” Roche Bobois also provides a complete design service, at the 3,000m2 Roche Bobois flagship store in Paris. There, designers, franchise owners and ideal for those who have just bought a home but do John Keats not have the time or inclination for interior design. An executives meet to select the items that will grace a plethora of stores around the world. added bonus is the flexibility: clients can customise Roche Bobois first came into being in 1960, items, choosing from a variety of finishes, fabrics and the year two families (the Roches and the Chouchans) met by chance at the sizes. Mr. Bonan shows me the inviting bubinga wood Nairobi table from the Copenhagen furniture fair, stumbling upon the idea to import Scandinavian Les Voyages collection which features a traditionally African sculpted panel furniture into France, thereby founding a new empire. Over 40 years later, the running through its centre. “Clients can choose from three different motifs firm has distilled its ideas into three distinct collections: Les Provinciales (made for the panel. We encourage customisation, so long as it does not interfere with fragrant wood with hand-made patina finishes, recreating all the charm with the spirit of the design.” Roche Bobois also offers an upholstery service, of the past à la française); Les Contemporains (a collection of cutting-edge, allowing clients to update sofas and other pieces of furniture with funky new modern designs); and Les Voyages (furniture inspired by far-away cultures, prints from companies such as Kenzo and Missoni. “One client had a 20-yearfrom China to Africa, Thailand to India). At the new Marbella showroom, the old Roche Bobois sofa he didn’t want to part with, so we re-upholstered it collections are conveniently separated, each displayed in its own two-storey and gave it a whole new look,” says Mr. Bonan, who sees nothing odd about block. keeping the same sofa for so long. When quality, comfort and style unite, Having visited each of the three collections, I must admit to having been furniture can be an investment as well as an exaltation of beauty in itself, two touched by the beauty of the designs, which made me feel elated, even crucial factors that turn a house into a home. emotional. I am a fan of contemporary design, finding traditional styles C.C. Torrereal, Calle Peter Viertel, s/n, Marbella. somewhat stately for my taste. Roche Bobois’ Les Provinciales collection, Tel: 952 777 858. www.roche-bobois.com however, is anything but sombre. It is a reinvention of classic styles, featuring

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THECHIC ART NEWS

Report Marisa CUTILLAS

1 – Collective exhibition at the Casino Marbella

This month, an explosion of colour takes place at the Casino Marbella, at a collective exhibition featuring the fantastical urban landscapes of Manuela Mora, the dreamlike paintings of Susana Barberá, a quaint depiction of Cádiz by Ortiz Ventura and highly relevant contemporary messages encrypted in the work of Francisco Herrera. Works by renowned local artists, Osé del Sol and Alejandro Hermann will also be on display. The exhibition is open to the public until December 16, and on December 17 there will be an auction of the works at the Restaurante Casino de Marbella, all proceeds from which will go to anti-hunger charity, La Asociación Horizonte Proyecto Hambre de Marbella. Remember to bring your DNI/NIE, passport or driver’s licence on your visit.

i Hotel H10 Andalucía Plaza s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 814 000.

www.casinomarbella.com

2 – Edward Burbidge at the Casa de la Cultura de Estepona If colour, life and passion are key elements of fine art, then Edward Burbidge has certainly found his calling in his vibrant paintings, featured this month in an exhibition at Estepona’s Casa de la Cultura. The exhibition covers the past 15 years of the artist’s work, where his changing styles and mediums can be observed. The most exciting feature of the exhibition are Burbidge’s ‘Iahwaski Abstract’ paintings, produced while he was in a hypnotic trance. Hypnosis, says Burbidge, enables him “to access a different part of my mind, free from any past conditioning”. Each piece is highly original, with little pieces of magic woven into its fabric.

i C/ San Fernando 2, Estepona. Tel: 952 801 038. www.estepona.es 3 – COIMAR: Where dentistry and fine art meet The COIMAR clinic, dedicated to sophisticated dental technology, has become a cultural reference point for Marbella, proving its commitment to culture by featuring regular art exhibitions within its spacious locale. From 10am to 8:30pm on weekdays, visitors are welcome to view works by top local and international artists on a free-entry basis. The latest exhibition (open until December 2) features a series of paintings by Sylvia Ganancia, famed for her soulful interpretations of modern life. For a different day out, filled with art and colour, visit COIMAR: the clinic that seeks to unite health, beauty and culture.

i C/ Esteban Calderon 6, Building Nereida-Poseidon, local 9, Marbella. Tel: 952 771 464. www.coimarbella.com

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Christmas workshop for kids at the MPM The Museo Picasso de Málaga (MPM) is holding special Christmas workshops this month, for kids aged six to nine. On December 29 and 30, kids will make fun puppets inspired by the fascinating work of Swiss artist, Sophie Taeuber-Arp. The Museum is also currently housing a special space dedicated to educating the public on the work of Taeuber-Arp, who was as prolific in her paintings as she was in dance, tapestries, drawing, embroidery, furniture and interior design, photography, architecture and puppet making. Her work involved the marriage of various styles and ideas, including abstraction, figurative painting and Dadaism.

C/ San Agustín 8, Málaga. Tel: 952 127 600. www.mpicassom.org

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THECHIC FASHION

Report Marisa CUTILLAS

DIOR

Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2009-2010 70

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Bold in black There is no time like the festive season to get caught up in the world of fantasy dreamed up by John Galliano for Dior. This season, Hollywood plays a starring role in a collection of dresses that express all the strength of the 1930s woman and all the soft femininity of her 1950s counterpart. Being a woman has, quite simply, never been so much fun.

0 essential marbella magazine

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Sheer perfection Pastel perfection

Time to jive

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Blue fomr y baby

Pristine elegance essential marbella magazine

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Sheer perfection

Sugar plum fairy

Roll out the red carpet i www.dior.com essential marbella magazine

THECHIC

1 It’s never too early to be fashionable and even babies can opt for being the one with the most street cred at the nursery. Pop one of these chic items in their Christmas stocking and watch the smiles light up their faces! 1 - Tops and trousers for girls and boys by Molo 2 - Dior Grand Salon green cotton and angora knitted fabric sweater, Dior Couture black lurex herringbone twill tuxedo trousers, black patent calfskin derbies 3 - Dior Couture black jersey lurex dress with black patent leather belt 4 - White sateen crêpe and tulle collar blouse, white tulle and taffeta skirt, gold cannage ballerinas by Dior 5 - Dior Rock Again black flannel coat, Dior Rock Again black and white bird’s eye weaved interlock sweat-shirt, Dior Rock Again black glen check trousers, white and black leather low sneakers 6 - Colourful jackets by Molo 7 - Dior Couture Lune knitted fabric tank top, Essentiels Lune silky interlock turtle neck, Dior Couture Lune knitted fabric skirt, black patent leather boots, suede bow 8 - Dior cannage naturel cotton fleece cardigan, sateen pocket, cannage pattern embroidery, Dior cannage naturel corduroy trousers, Beige cannage sneakers 9 - Warm winter gear by Molo

Cutting Edge Kids’ Fashion

FASHION NEWS

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Dior www.dior.com Molo Available at Mi Perla. Plaza de la Hispanidad (close to the Feria ground in Fuengirola). Edif. Miramar Centro N, 8B, Fuengirola. Tel: 633 230 740.

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Festive Fashion

Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and seasonal parties are now upon us. It’s time to stock up on some drop dead gorgeous party wear. Dazzle ’em with some of these cool items, compiled by Marisa Cutillas.

Chanel www.chanel.com Dior www.dior.com Elio berhanyer www.berhanyer.com Lemoniez www.lemoniez.com Littlewoods www.littlewoodseurope.com Next www.nextdirectory.eu Sita Murt www.sitamurt.com Stephen Webster Muelle Ribera Casa F, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 816 976. www.stephenwebster.com

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1 - Sexy black number by Next 2 - Black dresses by Littlewoods 3 - Sparkly top and trousers by Lemoniez 4 - Party top and trousers by Sita Murt 5 - Ring by Stephen Webster 6 - White gold and diamond bracelet by Dior 7 - Diamond earrings by Chanel 8 - Pendants by Stephen Webster 9 - Flirty satin dress by Elio Berhanyer essential marbella magazine

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the spa BEAUT Y AND HEALTH

The new Kempinski Spa

Beauty News

The latest in Vein Treatment at the Advanced Vein Clinic

Health News

Scientific News & Research

Page

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HYDROTHERAPY CIRCUIT FACE & BODY TREATMENTS VOLCANIC STONE MASSAGE

This Christmas pamper yourself or your loved ones at Gvadalpin Spa... GIFT VOUCHERS ARE AVAILABLE

BAMBOO ORIENTAL SPHERES GOLD TREATMENT CHOC-THERAPY OLIVE THERAPHY AND MORE...

Merry Christmas! Blvd. Principe Alfonso de Hohenlohe s/n Tel: 952 764 728 / 952 899 405 - Fax: 952 764 726 spa@guadalpin.com - www.grandhotelguadalpin.com 128_gvadalpinspa2.indd 1

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THESPA BEAUTY

Th e n ew

a p S i k s n i Capturing the Kemp

Spirit of Nature Report Marisa CUTILLAS photography courtesy of the hotel kempinski bahia estepona spa

ne of the most enticing attractions of any grand luxe hotel is surely its spa. A top spa can make a hotel an escape in itself; a reason to select a particular holiday destination. The new Hotel Kempinski Bahia Estepona Spa, opened earlier this year by physical therapist and personal trainer Thorsten Lipfert, gives this hotel the kind of oasis it deserves, with the exclusive Ligne St Barth taking both the product and treatment quality to its pinnacle. Ligne St Barth products are among the most exclusive on the market, containing highly active ingredients from plants, fruits and flowers grown in the island of St Barthelemy, in the Caribbean. Thorsten Lipfert, the man who has brought a piece of the Caribbean to Marbella, ensures that service is up to the standard of the exclusive line. The charming Director boasts over 10 years’ experience in the industry, having owned and managed spas in the Algarve, Eastern Europe and Germany. His multi-lingual staff (Spanish, English, German, Russian and Polish are spoken at the spa) include a physical therapist, a spa therapist from Thailand, cosmetologist, massage therapist and nurse, and a shiatsu body worker. Clients can choose from the full range of Ligne St Barth treatments, as well as massages and facials from exotic lands like Thailand and Indonesia. Treatments from the exclusive spa line, Thalgo Terraké, are also available. On the day of my visit to the Kempinski Spa, upon a perusal of the many luxurious treatments on offer I decided to stop the clock and let myself truly unwind, with both a body and facial treatment that would last a few hours (but who was counting?) First I went for the Bali Boreh body experience, a warming, soothing treatment with exotic oils and herbs from Indonesia, and an amazing Bali ‘Pijat’ massage, imparted by the lovely Salve from my homeland, The Philippines. The Bali Boreh stems from a long tradition in tropical countries, whereby natural ingredients such as carrot, ginger, chilli, cloves, curcuma and the Galanga root have been used for centuries to prevent colds, improve the metabolism, promote digestion, detoxify the body and soothe pain in muscles and joints. It is ideal for winter time, when we are most prone to catching colds. The experience began with a 20-minute Vichy Shower and full body exfoliation in which Salve rubbed a rough natural mix, containing crushed curcuma, ginger and carrot, over my entire body to remove dead skin cells. The mixture of ingredients is heady and sensual, imparting an immediate circulatory benefit and

much-welcomed warmth. First, Salve asked me to lie on my stomach, exfoliating and showering my back, arms, legs and feet. She then asked me to turn around so she could exfoliate my chest, stomach, and the front part of my legs, arms and feet. When I was squeaky clean, Salve gave me a gentle Pijat massage, applying a sesame and ginger hot oil and using her fingers and knuckles in long, rhythmic strokes to soothe my aching muscles. Next up was the Boreh mask. Salve wrapped me in a thick mixture of natural products, such as curcuma, curry, chilli and nutmeg, and left me to rest for 20 minutes so the active ingredients could work their magic. After helping me shower off, she applied a carrot and grapefruit tonic (which cools the body, neutralises ph levels and works as an antiseptic) and the final touch: the Boreh balm, with a healthy dose of Vitamin A- and B- rich Beta Carotine and ginger, potent antioxidants that also help to keep the body nice and warm. Salve, with whom I indulged in conversation about our homeland, worked patiently for a total of two hours, never losing her gentle, maternal touch and friendly nature. Following a fresh fruit lunch and plenty of water, I was ready for the St Barth‘Freshness’ facial, an ideal treatment for those who, like me, are normally bored by facials. I knew this treatment was different when the beauty therapist, Carmen, began the ritual with a traditional Caribbean relaxation ceremony called Ounalao in which my legs were raised, swayed slowly from side to side and stretched, imbuing my mind and spirit with instance peace. She then applied light pressure to particular points on my body and began working not only on my face, but the back of my neck and my décolleté area, cleansing, exfoliating and applying a soothing mask with a mixture of St Barth products and fresh papaya, aloe vera and cucumber. During the 90-minute facial, Carmen would often raise her hands over my face so I could inhale the beautifully sweet and gentle scents. At one point during the treatment I simply fell asleep, dreaming in contentedness while Carmen gave me a hand massage with a deliciously scented banana hand cream. Thorsten Lipfert and his team are what the Kempinski needed, offering a winning combination of long, luxurious treatments, impressive Ligne St Barth products and, above all, the human touch, warm smiles and a friendly atmosphere. With a spa like this, you don’t need to fly to a Caribbean island: the spa brings the island to you.

CN 340, km 159, Estepona. Tel: 952 809 500/info@thorsten-lipfert.com www.kempinski-spain.com

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Cosmetic Surgery Marbella ...our Breast Enlargement Surgery, prices now start from just:

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“My new teeth changed everything” Laura White, Veneers patient

www.millsmedical.com

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with a Patient Care Co-Ordinator. Procedures must be paid for before 31st December 2009. This offer is subject to availability and may not be combined with any other

medical group

promotion/discount/coupon. Promoter: Mills Medical Group

For your local consultation call: 902 906 058

www.millsmedical.com

* Subject to status. Terms and conditions apply

THESPA BEAUTY

Power Cologne by Kenzo Report Marisa CUTILLAS

Top perfume designer, Olivier Polge, has unleashed his latest fragrance for men, created for prestigious fragrance company, Kenzo. Kenzo Power is a potent blend of natural ingredients dominated by woody, amber scents. The fragrance is surprisingly fresh, featuring citric and aromatic essences, as well as touches of bergamot and vervain. The stylish bottle, created by Japanese designer Kenya Hara, is transparent and elegant, housed in a simple carton box that lets the limelight shine on the flacon shaped bottle.

i Available at El Corte Inglés, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 909 990. www.elcorteingles.es

Mary Kay Cosmetics come to Marbella Marbella beauty consultant, Samantha BramleyFenton, is proud to announce that she is now selling Mary Kay cosmetic products, made in the USA and not tested on animals. The popular range features non-allergenic, alcohol-free products, tested and approved for sensitive skin. Samantha recently held an exhibition of the latest Mary Kay collections at Punta Sur restaurant, revealing interesting trends in skin care, fragrance, body care and aromatherapy.

i For further information, Tel: 656 921 900.

www.marykay.es

Nail colour trends for the season The start of the Autumn/ Winter season coincided with the culmination of Britain’s most prestigious fashion event: London Fashion Week, which showcased not only trendy new designs and fabrics, but also the colours which will be dominating everything from stylish outfits right through to make-up and of course, nail polish. If last year, de rigueur nail hues included dark blue, black and winter berry, this season, watch out for dark and navy blues, greys, charcoals and browns, and the exciting new colour dubbed ‘greige’ (a mix of grey and beige). Deep purples and bold reds will also be making their mark, as will coppers and lilacs, with shiny silvers and glitters spicing things up. Trendy nail company, Bio Sculpture, graced the nails of many top models, and the good news for fashion followers is that the luxurious brand is now available in Spain. Their new range includes must-have hues such as grey, emerald and deep purple.

For further information, contact Matthew Chapman on Tel: 952 663 602. www.biosculpture.es

Hello Dr. Kadir, Goodbye Cosmetic Surgery Skincare guru, Dr Kadir has designed Matrix: a range of products to target specific skincare concerns and remove the need for cosmetic surgery. The range aims at delivering extraordinary visible results previously found only in the power of chemical peels and injectable fillers. Matrix promises: u No shiny forehead botox signs u No uneven filler complexion or sagging jaws u No skin burns associated with chemical peeling uNo unnatural, frozen looks

The Dr Kadir Matrix range comprises of a moisturising cream with SPF22, a nourishing cream, and a youth-restoring mask. The product can be ordered from: Tel: +44 7969 164 420/ Nicol@beautyslave.co.uk

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THESPA HEALTH

The latest in vein treatment at the

Advanced Vein Clinic

atients often lament the lack of a human touch, friendly smile or warm manner from health professionals. Somehow, the idea of one’s own value and mental and psychological well-being is lost in the process of testing, diagnosis and treatment. As a health writer I have met many professionals from a wide spectrum of medical fields, and it is always with great pleasure that I greet Dr. Francis Dhobb, a vascular specialist and surgeon who is as passionate about veins as he is about people. The good doctor comes to life when new technology for the treatment of veins becomes available and is always happy to talk to others, making what is very complicated sound very simple. The occasion for my recent visit was the incorporation of the new ELVes Endo Laser System into his clinic. For those unacquainted with the revolutionary system, ELVes is very much like the Bentley of vein treatments. Manufactured by Biolitec, it is conducted on an outpatient basis under local anaesthetic, with benefits including negligible post-operative pain, excellent medical and cosmetic results, a quick return to normal activities and short treatment time. Varicose veins not only look appalling, they are also dangerous, and can lead to grave conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, if left unattended. Dr. Dhobb explains how veins function: “Our arteries bring blood to the body and our veins return blood to the heart. The biggest superficial veins (which are actually only responsible for three to five per cent of blood return) start at the feet and run up to the thigh. Heredity plays a major role in the development of venous insufficiency and, with time, the valves of the large veins grow loose and blood tends to reflux in the lower leg, increasing the pressure in other veins and causing the production of varicose veins.” More women than men are affected, with a 75 per cent/25 per cent ratio. Factors such as hormonal changes and pregnancy can exacerbate the situation, causing the proliferation of unsightly, dangerous veins. Traditional treatments involved the removal of affected veins, which was highly invasive and meant a long recovery period. Since 2000, things took a big upturn with the advent of laser treatment, in which a laser fibre was introduced into the vein to seal it off, thereby

stopping the downward reflux of blood and improving venous return from other veins. Now treatment is less invasive than ever, with patients receiving only local anaesthetic, resting for just one hour after the intervention at the Advanced Vein Clinic, and resuming their normal activities the following day. It’s all down to the ELVes system. Dr. Dhobb says: “Before, I used to ask patients to rate their pain following laser treatment from 1-10, and they used to say between 2 and 4. Now they say between 0 and 1, which is a huge improvement.” If the previous laser used at the very best clinics contained a 980 nanometre wavelength, the new ELVes PainLess laser contains 1,470 nanometres meaning, in plain English, that the doctor is able to target particular cells of the vein wall with much greater precision than before. The ELVes PainLess laser fibre is also radial, which means that the sides of the vein can receive its effect without having to increase potency. “In the past,” says Dr. Dhobb, “the laser fibre used to fire straight ahead, so to reach the sides of the vein you had to increase power. This is why the system is painless: it now works far more efficiently with much less power and is far less invasive.” The result is no inflammation and practically no pain, a true revolution in vein treatment when one considers that, not 10 years back, patients had to undergo a major operation under general anaesthetic. “I made a commitment to obtaining the ELVes system at the clinic because it is simply the best treatment available in modern medicine,” says Dr. Dhobb, adding with a smile, “I don’t mean to sound pretentious but with this technology, we are simply one of the top vein clinics in Spain and that delights me, as I know I can put an end to the suffering and discomfort of many patients quickly, effectively and painlessly.” Technology is not everything, however, for Dr. Dhobb’s extensive experience, his affable manner and downright charm go a long way towards making you feel totally comfortable and at ease. Put your apples away: this Doctor is a great ally to have by your side. n

Report Marisa CUTILLAS photography kh photography

i Camojan Business Center,

Office 12, Ctra de Camojan 7, Marbella. Tel: 952 867 003. www.marbellavein.com

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THESPA HEALTH

Report Marisa CUTILLAS

Top 10 tips for eating right Dr. Katz, Oprah’s favourite doctor, recently summed up healthy eating with a convenient list of Top 10 habits. We share his findings with you:

Food for great sex Oysters and champagne have long been thought to boost the sex drive, but now it seems we can also eat sexier every day, increasing our libido and our staying power with simple, healthy choices. Nutritionists suggest the following foods to stay sexier, longer: u Zinc: Foods such as brown rice and other whole grains contain zinc, which increases testosterone, while their high carbohydrate content is ideal for staying power. u Chocolate: Chocolate is rich in the amino acid phenylalanine, which produces endorphins and dopamine, the ‘feel good’ chemical in the brain. Chilli peppers also stimulate the production of endorphins. u Chia seeds: These tiny seeds are high in Omega 3, Omega 6, protein, calcium, iron, zinc, fibre and antioxidants. Pop one tablespoon in a smoothie every day and feel your sex drive surge! u Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain lycopene, which stimulates the libido. u Olive oil: Olive oil leads to an increase in testosterone and oestrogen, leading to a greater libido in men and women. u Soy: Research indicates that soy not only increases vaginal lubrication; it also contributes to prostate health, making it a crucial condiment for both men and women.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

u Get used to eating from smaller plates. A recent study by scientists at Cornell

University found that using smaller plates leads people to eat 22 per cent less calories. That means you could be eating around 5,000 calories less a month if you follow this simple rule. u Make sure every meal is made up of 50 per cent fruits and vegetables. Just doing this alone will not only ensure your daily vitamin needs are met, it will also automatically cut down your calories, since you will be eating less fat and processed foods. u Make time for your meals. When you eat standing up or on the go, you usually eat the first thing you find, which is often junk food. According to Dr. Katz, when we eat on the run, our brain registers the meal as just a ‘snack’ and we can often get hungry again after a short period. u When buying food, remember: the shorter the ingredient list, the less likely it is to have unhealthy additives and sugars. u Remember that healthy choices cost no more than unhealthy ones. u Invest an extra ten minutes a day to make a healthy meal. Dr. Katz explains: “Studies from UCLA suggest that a wholesome, home-cooked dinner takes only about ten minutes longer to prepare, on average, than serving processed or ready-made food. If you make enough for leftovers, you’ll save time in the long run”. u Allow your palate time to get used to healthy rather than refined and sugar loaded foods. Dr. Katz advises us to give our taste buds two weeks to get used to a healthier way of eating. u Stop eating when you are only 80 per cent full. Most of us eat more than we need, because we eat until we feel completely satiated. u Have dinner with the family. Children who eat a proper family meal tend to consume less junk. u Remember that you are what you eat. Forget about expensive beauty products and pursue beauty from the inside. Smart eating also makes you smart, improving circulation, organ function and immunity. Stock up on lean sources of protein, legumes, fruit and veggies.

Prevent breast cancer with the right lifestyle The American Institute for Cancer Research recently published an interesting report, which indicates that women cut their risk of breast cancer by nearly half by watching their weight, exercising every day, limiting their alcohol intake and breastfeeding their babies. The report is based on the results of over 800 studies, with added information from 81 new studies. Women should aim for one hour of exercise daily, and keep drink consumption to one glass a day. The ideal diet should be panet-based, with legumes, bright coloured vegetables and whole grains taking a lead role. Red meat should be kept to a minimum. According to the report, an amazing 40 per cent of breast cancer cases can be prevented simply by following the steps outlined above.

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THESPA

RESEARCH

Report belinda beckett

Invisibility Cloaks – Under the Christmas tree by 2011? A Scottish scientist has been awarded more than £100,000 to develop something that has been the stuff of science fiction and fantasy for generations and is a key component in Harry Potter’s armoury against the forces of darkness: an invisibility cloak. Physicist Ulf Leonhardt of the University of St Andrews believes he can make a ‘major leap’ towards a cloaking device in just two years. The Professor, who cites The Invisible Woman and J. K. Rowling as sources of inspiration, will use the money to develop a material that bends light around itself, making it invisible to the naked eye. Scientists have been attempting to create invisibility for years but existing prototypes only work with a narrow range of light waves. Prof. Leonhardt, who describes his work as “Geometry, light and a wee bit of magic,” believes his cloaking device could be more practical. It would work by ‘grabbing hold’ of light waves and making them flow smoothly around an object. The light waves would be deflected in such a way as to make an object vanish. The two year research project is being funded by the Royal Society’s Theo Murphy Blue Skies award, given to scientists working on novel and ground-breaking research. If successful, it could lead to the sort of invisibility shields used by James Bond, Harry Potter and the Romulans in Star Trek. Findings could also have more practical applications, such as brighter cats eyes on roads, better microscopes and lenses, or even to coat a factory or building that blocks a view of distant scenery.

Christmas Dino – With All The Trimmings …and More Sci Fi Toys Science toys used to be classed as ‘geeky’ but today’s hip and fun new products are helping them to win a place on Santa wishlists the world over. Many are born from the world of science, such as the award-winning AntWorks gel habitat, based on a 2003 NASA experiment to study animal life in space. The habitat consists of a sturdy see-through acrylic container filled with gel which provides the ants with food and water. After collecting their ants, kids can place them inside and watch them as they build a colony of 3-D tunnels, each clearly visible in cross-section through the walls of the container. The kit comes with a jeweller’s lens to get up-close and personal with your ants, a plastic rod to catch them and start the gel colony off, and an ant facts booklet. One of the most hotly-tipped science toys this Christmas is Uncle Milton’s Star Wars Force Trainer, a new toy that harnesses the same technology doctors use to monitor brain waves. Scientists call the technology Brain Computer Interface and more sensitive, medical-grade versions are used to help amputees move artificial limbs and victims of paralysis communicate, using a computer and software that reacts thought. The Force Trainer uses a headset to monitor the brain and transmits a signal to a base that features a fan and a ping-pong ball in a tube. The headset is calibrated to sense beta waves, associated with concentration, and send a signal to a microchip that switches on the fan in the base unit, levitating the ball in the tube. The more intense the concentration, the faster the fan spins and the quicker the ball rises. When concentration is broken or weak, the ball drops. A computer chip programmed with the voice of Yoda the Jedi master guides users through different levels of control. Mattel’s Mind Flex uses the same mind-bending technology to guide a ball through a series of obstacles. “The mind sends signals to the body all the time,” says Tansy Brook, spokeswoman for Neurosky, the company that shrunk the technology to fit inside the toys. “But for many people this is the first time you can see it sending a signal to things outside body. It’s just a matter of learning what kind of feeling you need to have in your brain to make things happen.”

The plump roast turkey you may be tucking into on Christmas Day was, in all probability, descended from a dinosaur. For the discovery of the fossilised remains of the world’s oldest feathered creature, Anchiornis huxleyi, has been hailed by scientists as the ‘missing link’ in the evolution of birds. Unearthed in northeastern China, Anchiornis huxleyi has both dinosaur and avian features. It stood about 28 centimeters tall at the hip, and is estimated to be between 1 million and 11 million years older than Archaeopteryx, the first known bird. Scientists have now confirmed it belongs to a group of dinosaurs called Troodontidae, yet it had feathers on forearms, tail and feet giving it, in essence, a wing on each of its four limbs. The remains suggest a four-winged bird might have existed as dinosaurs made the transition. The profuse feet plumage also suggests that the creature was a tree dweller, bolstering the notion that flight developed from the trees down, not from the ground up. The new find is important because it undoubtedly includes the oldest known feathers on any creature, says Mike Benton, a vertebrate paleontologist at the University of Bristol. “These exceptional fossils provide us with evidence that has been missing until now.”

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the pro ALL ABOUT BUSINESS

essent ial LUXURY PROPERTY GUIDE

Enterprise What has happened to the British pound?

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essent ial LUXURY PROPERTIES

Bedrooms 5

Bathrooms 6

Built 675 m2

Plot 1,712 m2

€ 1,950.000

exceptional Villa In Los Flamingos golf resort Recently reduced in price to offer outstanding value, this exquisite 5 bedroom villa set on three levels has been built to modern standards whilst retaining all the charm of a traditional Andalusian home. South facing, it boasts magnificent views to the sea and surrounding mountains and is close to all necessary amenities with Marbella, Puerto Banus and Estepona all nearby. There are five ensuite bedrooms, four with full walk in dressing rooms, a large “Siematic” kitchen, a cinema room, gym and sauna with accompanying shower room, a laundry room connected to the house via a chute, a wine cellar, a 3-car garage and a lift that connects the three floors. The infinity pool completes a beautifully landscaped garden and the large private drive offers ample on-site parking. This exclusive property has been finished to the very highest of standards with utmost care and attention to detail.

Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2

Built 120 m2

Terrace 50 m2

T (+34) 952 886 386 T (+34) 627 909 840

info@benahavisestates.com www.benahavisestates.com

€ 319,200

Luxurious Penthouse Apartment In Fuengirola Hills Located in Fuengirola,Torreblanca area, in a top residential complex with breathtalking views to the sea and the mountains just 1 km from the seashore. This fabulous 2 bedroom penthouse is accessed directly via elevator and features top quality construction and extra fittings including climate control, alarm system, top quality tiling, marble floors, fully fitted kitchen with all appliances, double glazing throughout, fully fitted wardrobes and open fireplace. The pentahouse has one garage with option to add a second. With a sales price now 30% lower, this is an absolute bargain. 80% mortgage available.

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BEnahavís estates

Kronslaven S.L.

T (+34) 952 660 949 T (+34) 609 638 923 vilacarol@yahoo.com

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essent ial LUXURY PROPERIES

Apartments with private pool: Bedrooms 2+1 Bathrooms 3 Built 180 m2 Terraces 50 m2 price from € 1000 Attics: Bedrooms 2&3 Bathrooms 2 Built 125 m2 Terraces 70 m2 price from € 900

Rent a place in the sun (year round or short term) Walking distance from local shops and restaurants, just 10 minutes drive from Marbella or Estepona and 8 minutes from Puerto Banus. Beside various golf courses including Guadalmina Golf club, Atalaya Golf Course and Paraiso Golf and 5 min. to beach. The apartments are set in beautiful, landscaped tropical gardens. All apartments are south facing, furnished to the highest standard, and includes reverse air-conditioning (hot/cold), fully equipped kitchen, complete patio furniture, flat screen TV with multi-language access, community swimming pool, gym, maintainance and night-time patrol.

c THIS

could be your property Call: 952 766 344 to reserve this space

R.O.A. PROCOINSA S.L.

T (+34) 902 333401

info.roaprocoinsa@gmail.com www.roaprocoinsa.es

WE HAVE RECEIVED 4 QUALITY PHONE CALLS ON THIS LOVELY PROPERTY LAST MONTH!

Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 Built 434 m2 Plot 2,400 m2

€ 1,400,000

LOS CIPRESES Superb villa with panoramic African views across the Mediterranean. Recently constructed with modern architecture and contemporary styling, set in its own enclosed landscaped grounds. An outstanding feature is the sumptuous Jacuzzi with south facing glass curtain doors that can be fully opened to enjoy year round sunshine. The property is set on two levels with a reception area, lavish living room, dining room and fully fitted kitchen with top of the range appliances. The bedrooms are all en-suite and the master suite has dressing rooms and a spacious private terrace. A/C hot & cold throughout, underfloor heating, satellite TV, swimming pool, automatic irrigation, 2 car garage, remote accessible alarm and automation system.

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essent ial LUXURY PROPERTIES Ref: V.1222 (ROS)

Bedrooms 6

Bathrooms 7

Built 800 m2

Plot 6,092 m2

€ 2,600,000

EXCEPTIONAL VILLA FOR THE DISCERNING BUYER Majestic 6 Bedroom Country Residence situated only a short distance from the charming historic village of Mijas. On an elevated plot nestling in the pine forest mountains and overlooking the Mediterranean. An incredible property with a superb galleried dining room with a feature domed ceiling, drawing room of 15m x 6m with an impressive marble staircase and 3 sets of double doors to the private terrace. Consisting of 6 double bedroom suites in total and a separate studio, previously used as servant’s quarters. The grounds are well established with an extensive plot, superb private pool and a selection of wonderful terraces to entertain, enjoying astounding views of the coast & countryside. Sold as seen, furnished throughout, solar powered hot water, central heating and much more. Please enquire for further information, Viewing is highly recommended!

MIJAS PROPERTIES & HOLIDAYS S.L

T (+34) 952 48 50 25 T (+34) 610 080 808

info@mijasproperties.com www.mijasproperties.com

i Ref: V.1853 (ART)

Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3

Built 320.50 m2

Plot 1,265 m2

€ 1,200,000

MAGNIFICENT SPACIOUS VILLA, MIJAS PUEBLO This property truly must be seen to be appreciated! Impressive 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom Villa within walking distance of this picturesque Village enjoying stunning panoramic views of Mijas, the Mountains & Mediterranean. Enjoying a selection of open/covered terraces on each level which surrounds the width of the property and extends to the lush mature gardens and superb private pool. There is also potential for a 2 bedroom guest apartment of aprox.120 m2 thus converting the Villa into a possible 5 bedroom property! The large living room spans an area of two levels with sliding doors to the sun room with floor to ceiling windows looking to the views. The Villa and grounds are south facing and not overlooked, giving privacy & warmth all throughout the year. Excellent quality features throughout, fabulous kitchen, A/C hot and cold, marble floors, alarm.

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MIJAS PROPERTIES & HOLIDAYS S.L

T (+34) 952 48 50 25 T (+34) 610 080 808

info@mijasproperties.com www.mijasproperties.com

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THEPRO

BUSINESS

ENTERPRISE Report Marisa Cutillas

Christian Fa wins Wow Factor 2009 The Wow Factor 2009 competition took place recently at the Hotel Torrequebrada’s Sala Fortuna, with Gibraltarian singer, Christian Fa, taking home the hotly contested winner’s trophy. The show, presented by Maurice Boland and Hannah Murray of Talk Radio FM, was also a fundraising event for Cudeca, the non-profit organisation which provides palliative care to terminally ill cancer patients. The judges’ panel included X factor finalist Rowetta Satchell, and Dancing on Ice judge Jason Gardiner. Christian left the audience swooning with the songs Feeling Good and That’s My Goal, prompting many to exclaim that he sang as well as, or even better than, X factor contestants in th UK. In addition to the trophy, Christian has won the opportunity to record a CD, surely the first step in what we hope is a long and successful career.

i www.cudeca.org © Gary Edwards

Renovated Los Naranjos Golf Club inaugurated by Mayor Ángeles Muñoz Following 18 months of construction work on the clubhouse and golf course of Los Naranjos Golf Club, all facilities are now ready following the official inauguration of the club by Mayor Ángeles Muñoz, who cut a ribbon based on the colours of Spain and Andalucía. The clubhouse is now larger than before, and there is a new golf academy and practice area. The golf course itself boasts new, improved standards and is ready to take players’ enthusiasm to optimum levels.

i Los Naranjos, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. Tel: 952 812 428. www.losnaranjos.com

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Marks & Spencer opens at La Cañada Marbella’s Mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, recently cut the ribbon at the official opening of the highly awaited Marbella branch of Marks & Spencer at La Cañada shopping centre. The 1,300m2 store will be managed by York Marbella SL (owned by Tony Welsh), which has been the retailer’s franchise partner for the Marks & Spencer branch in Gibraltar for the past 40 years. Customers will be able to enjoy a good range of fashion and accessories for both men and women and there will also be a wide food offer, including groceries, biscuits and confectionery. Also available from the freezer cabinet will be a range of Marks & Spencer’s iconic ready meals, including Indian, Chinese and Italian dishes, as well as mouth-watering desserts. Store Manager, Chris Walker, said, “Our aim is to offer a range of ladies’, gents’ and children’s wear similar to what we stock at the Gibraltar store, subject to modification based on demand.”

i www.marks-and-spencer.es

Hard Rock Café now in Puerto Banús Hard Rock International has opened its fifth branch in Spain, smack in the heart of Puerto Banús. The 600m2 café, which offers seating for 300, a vibrant bar, an open-air terrace and a Rock Shop, also features Hard Rock’s limited edition merchandise. The walls are adorned with memorabilia from Hard Rock’s iconic collection: a red dress worn by Nelly Furtado during the making of her video, Turn Out the Light; a coat designed by Yolanda Rueda for Rafael Sánchez of La Unión; and a leather dress worn by singer Marta Sánchez during her time with the group Olé Olé. Said Hamish Dodds, President and CEO of Hard Rock International: “Marbella is one of Europe’s premiere and most exclusive Mediterranean destinations situated on the scenic Costa del Sol. With its rich Andalusian history and diverse cultural offerings, we are proud to call Marbella home to Hard Rock’s newest Hard Rock Café.”

i C/ Ramón Areces esq. Marina Banús,

Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 908 024. www.hardrock.com

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Erwin De Koster wins Marbella Classic Poker League Erwin de Koster took home the top prize at the Marbella Classic Poker League, winning the race with an impressive 908 points and €3.500 in prize money. Erwin now qualifies for the Irish Open, to be celebrated soon in Dublin and attracting a host of international players. Second place went to Vincent Raffel, who took home €2.000, and third place was won by Andre Vlassenko, who won €1.500 in prize money. Both runners-up have been invited to compete in the Cirsa Poker Tour, which takes place in Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, The Domican Repulic, Ecuador and Argentina. The Casino Marbella, host to the event, is excited about the number of attendees and level of the players, who are already turning Marbella into a Mecca for poker enthusiasts.

i Bajos Hotel Andalucía Plaza s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 814 000. www.casinomarbella.com Charity bike ride for refugees Bjorn Heidenstrom has already begun his epic bicycle journey from Norway to South Africa to raise funds for refugees, increase awareness of their plight and bring together football fans from around the globe for a worthy cause. Bjorn left the Nobel Peace Centre in Norway on June 20, cycling through many countries, including Russia, Sweden, Poland, Denmark, the UK and Switzerland. He was recently in Marbella for 10 days of meetings and events and is currently seeking help to fulfil his aim: to create ‘the biggest football shirt in the world’ by sewing together signed shirts from football clubs and fans around the world. The huge shirt will be flown as a flag during the 2010 World Cup and will raise much needed media attention for the Norwegian Refugee Council. Bjorn needs your help, so please contact him through his website if you are able to send him signed football shirts (from clubs, supporters or amateur teams), can provide him with contacts, or organise bed and breakfast accommodation.

All the golf you can play for a flat rate at Greenlife Golf Golfers can now play golf all day, as many times as they like, for the flat fee of €25 at Greenlife Golf Marbella. The offer applies on weekends and holidays as well as weekdays, making it a great antidote to the current financial crisis. Vanesa Garvayo, new Director of Greenlife Golf and brainchild behind the affordable new scheme, told us: “A flat rate allows our clients to do what they have always wished, which is to play various times on the same course to perfect their skills and try out new challenges in their game. This is the best and most affordable way to do it.” Greenlife Golf is a nine-hole, par three course aimed at those wishing to improve their short game, where stroke precision is a must.

i Urb. Elviria Hills, Avda. de las Cumbres s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 839 142.

www.greenlife-golf.com

i www.theshirt2010.com Marbella Town Hall supports Aspandem and sports players Keith Floyd memorial dinner at La Casita restaurant Chef patron Lawrence Otterbourne of La Casita restaurant held a spectacular dinner in tribute to Keith Floyd, the bad boy of television who gave cooking its rock ‘n’ roll credentials. Lawrence and his team served a set menu created from Floyd’s recipes, including steamed Moules Mariniere, seared scallops with pancetta and cream, lobster bisque and seabass with garden vegetables. Not only was the dinner a fitting homage to Floyd, it also raised €300 for cancer research. Wednesday nights at La Casita will never be the same again, with Lawrence creating a new theme and set menu every other Wednesday. Diners can soon look forward to Asian, Mexican, Italian and Spanish themed nights, with a focus on great value and personal service.

i Ctra de Ronda km 43, La Heredia, Benahavís. Tel: 952 788 033. 96

Times are busy indeed for Marbella Town Hall, which has proved its commitment to local charity ASPANDEM (dedicated to helping disabled people on the Costa del Sol), with a signed agreement promising to offer courses and conferences aimed at helping the disabled find employment and increase their autonomy and sense of self-worth. The Town Hall also recently awarded three sports scholarships (of €1.000 each) to budding sports stars, including 14-year-old judo and basketball whiz Mercedes Soto Linares, 16-year-old triathlon champion Sergio Castro Cerván and 11-year-old Ángel Hidalgo Portillo, already a national champion in the sport of golf. Two more scholarships, both worth €3.000, were also awarded to discus thrower Enrique Cortés Fortes, aged 16, and fishing ace Borja López Cintado, aged 16. All funds were raised by The Fundación José Banús y Pilar Calvo in an effort to help Marbella shine in the sporting world.

i www.marbella.es

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Bang & Olufsen’s BEOVISION 4 plasma hits Puerto Banús Bang & Olufsen Puerto Banús was not only busy sponsoring the World Golfer’s Championship; it also officially presented its newest gem, the BEOVISION 4 plasma TV, one of the most technologically advanced televisions on the market. Switch it on using the stylish touch-screen remote and watch it come alive. The stand automatically adjusts itself to your pre-set viewing level, as the potent loudspeaker emerges from the bottom of the frame. It turns and tilts too, re-calibrating itself every 120 hours. BeoVision 4 also packs its own ‘anti-wrinkle cream’ – Automatic Colour Management – a unique system that compensates for the effects of aging. The stunning plasma brings along a 1,080p panel and plenty of ‘wow’, and comes in any array of colour options including black, silver, red, blue, and dark grey.

i Edif. OPQ, Local 1, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 817 250. www.beolink.com

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Cruising the Mediterranean with Calypso Travel Calypso Travel, proud recipient of the Travel Agents’ Award for outstanding service with Royal Caribbean, Azamara and Celebrity cruises, is helping you get the New Year off to a cracking start with offers such as an 11night Mediterranean cruise aboard the five-star MSC Fantasia, setting off from Málaga on January 15. Also with MSC, fly or take a cruise direct from Málaga to Croatia and the Green islands, with kids going free. Royal Caribbean has recently launched the Oasis of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, with Caribbean cruises from only €600 per person, plus pre- or post-cruise stays in Florida. With so many options now available, whether it is the Mediterranean, Caribbean or even flying to Dubai or the Far East to join your ship, Calypso Travel can help you find the right cruise to suit. In 2010, there will be at least four cruise companies departing from Málaga, all offering great discounts for early bookings.

i CN 340, km 198, Urb. Calypso, Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 935 155. www.calypsotravel.es

The Spanish national cocktail-making champion, Oliver Cintrano, recently delighted hotel guests and members of the press with a demonstration of how his award-winning cocktail, Nati, was made. The visually stunning drink is concocted from a blend of eight-year-old añejo rum, Malibu, coffee liqueur, coconut crème, cream and powdered cinnamon. The spicy, inviting cocktail blends the flavours and aromas of many cultures, and was enjoyed by all who attended. Oliver works regularly at the Hotel Fuerte Miramar and recently set off for Singapore to compete in another prestigious event.

i Avda. El Fuerte s/n, Marbella. Tel: 902 343 410.

APREAN helps Andalusian renewable energy companies comply with European standards

www.fuertehoteles.com

The renewable energy production association of Andalucía (APREAN) has commenced a programme destined to aid the region’s renewable energy companies to comply with European standards in the area of innovation management. APREAN will be counselling all interested companies in systems of innovation which improve standards and competitivity. Mariano Baroso, President of APREAN, told the press, “This incentive seeks to modernise all the companies associated with renewable energy in Andalucía, focusing on proper management as a way to improve results.”

i For further information, contact Tel: 952 218 338. www.aprean.com

Gala against hunger at the Incosol A variety of sponsors, including Manuel Spinosa Jewellery Design, Patricia Nahmad Collections, Fischer Car Group, the Amar Clinic and Helly Nahmad Gallery pooled their resources to fight world hunger at a well-attended gala at the Hotel Incosol. Proceeds went to Acción Contra El Hambre, an international humanitarian organisation that fights malnutrition, offers clean water and means of employment to the poor. The organisation saves lives through prevention, detection and treatment of malnutrition before, during and after emergency situations arise. It currently carries out its activities in many impoverished areas including Paraguay, the Congo, Lebanon, Colombia and Angola.

i For further information, www.accioncontraelhambre.org 98

Spanish national cocktail making champ at Hotel Fuerte

The Twelve Quests by Ana Fischel If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings series of books and you’re seeking some new reading material for the family this Christmas, look into the stunning new series of children’s fairy tales, The Twelve Quests. Written by Ana Fischel, the author studied illustration and film making at Edinburgh College of Art and worked in Paris as an artist before moving to Spain. The books revive the darkly Gothic atmosphere of the 19th century and reignite the richness of European folklore, while telling the woeful tale of ten-year-old twins Albert and Florence Leadington, who are forced to embark on an extraordinary trip to complete 12 devious and deadly quests. Their epic journey begins in 1849, when they are stuck in an uninviting orphanage. One fateful day, a strange, hapless man turns up and informs them that their parents are alive but cursed. In addition to being a busy author, Ana has also held children’s workshops at the Passion Café in San Pedro, enlightening budding readers with her imagination and humour.

i To order the book online,

www.thetwelvequests.com

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Gibraltar hotel wins world accolade The Caleta Hotel, Gibraltar, is proud to announce that it recently won the title of Gibraltar’s Leading Hotel at the World Travel Awards’ European regional ceremony, staged in the luxurious Marriott Praia D’El Rey in Portugal. Commenting on the win, General Manager of The Caleta Hotel Gibraltar, Franco Ostuni, said, “We are delighted and very proud to have been given this award, particularly as it was voted by travel, tourism and hospitality professionals. It is always satisfying to receive the recognition of your peers.” World Travel Awards Group Vice President Kevin Taylor added, “The World Travel Awards does not just recognise the major players in travel, such as the large hotel groups, airlines and cruise companies. It is always gratifying to see smaller companies achieve recognition too. The Caleta Hotel has a small, dedicated team of professionals under the direction of Franco Ostuni and it is clear their hard work has paid off when it comes to customer service and satisfaction.”

i Catalan Bay, Gibraltar. Tel: +350 200 76501. www.caletahotel.com

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Dust Devils: for exciting off road adventures Dust Devils is an exciting adventure company which provides off-road adventure holidays with guaranteed customer satisfaction and enjoyment. The experience is not just about the quality of the bikes or the trails you ride, but also about extracting the maximum enjoyment from every minute of every day. Dust Devils provides an integral package, including bikes, trails, food, drink, night life and entertainment. Dust Devils invites you to explore the stunning Andalusían countryside, with training offered for less experienced off-roaders by guides trained to the highest standards.

i For further information, Tel: 952 908 201/ 695 798 878.

First Detectys conference in Manilva Did you know that there are over 1,500 detectives in Spain? It takes three years of study to become fully qualified, after which many graduates join Detectys, the largest network of professional detectives in Europe. This year, upcoming Pink Panthers and seasoned Hercule Poirots got together at Hotel Suites Duquesa Golf for the first National Detectys Conference, covering subjects such as how to localise missing debtors, the investigation of bad debtors, how to find vehicles under rental contracts, etc. The event also served as a meeting point for detectives, who delighted in sharing anecdotes and tips. Detectys is currently composed of 38 different detective offices, covering 180 detectives spread over 29 provinces of Spain.

For further information, www.corporaciondetectives.com

Spinning® Centre opens on the Port If getting your heart rate up, losing weight or simply having a good time while you exercise is a priority, step into the recently inaugurated Spinning® centre, opened at the Centro Deportivo Spa Playas del Duque in Puerto Banús. At the official launch, spinning teachers and aficionados pedalled together to the sound of funky dance music in an effort to prove that fitness should be fun. If you’ve been putting off your workout routine, don’t wait until the New Year to make a resolution; start pedalling your way towards health and fitness now!

Avda. Playas del Duque, Eif. Sevilla s/n, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 908 507. www.playasdelduque.com

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www.dustdevils.net

MAPS golf challenge for animals The Málaga Animal Protection Society (MAPS) is hosting two fundraising charity golf events this month: the first, on December 3 at Añoreta Golf in Rincón de la Victoria, and the second on December 10 at El Chaparral. The primary sponsor is The Cabin Group while Dunnes Stores has committed itself to the distribution of 30,000 flyers to customers to promote the events.

If you are a golfing aficionado and you’d like to raise much-needed funds for animals suffering in Spain, register by calling Rachelle on Tel: 689 604 966, or by filling the online registration form on www.mapss.eu

Sergio Scariolo gives leadership and management talk at the Hotel Incosol Sergio Scariolo, coach of the Italian national basketball team and President of the Fundación Cesare Scariolo, recently held a conference at the Hotel Incosol for entrepreneurs and sports people. The talk, entitled Leadership and Management of Elite Groups, focused on the similarity between the situations encountered by teams of top sports people and those met by businesspeople in the workplace. All proceeds from the evening went to the Fundación Cesare Scariolo, which helps children receiving treatment for cancer at the Hospital Materno Infantil in Málaga, as well as children with other serious health problems.

i For further information,

www.cesarescariolo.org

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Hansa Realty recognised by Luxury Real Estate Luxury Real Estate (Seattle, Washington) announced the inclusion of Hansa Realty in its prestigious network of fine high-end estate brokers and firms. Hansa Realty was selected to represent the Costa del Sol at the invitation of CEO/Publisher John Brian Losh, who extends membership invitations to brokers and firms throughout the world which consistently demonstrate expertise in the marketing of luxury properties. Currently, Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate includes more than 1,400 members with properties in 108 countries. This exclusive group’s properties can be viewed on the network’s award-winning website, www.LuxuryRealEstate.com, which features more than 50,000 of the world’s finest for-sale listings with an average price of more than $2 million (US). According to the web information service Alexa, www.LuxuryRealEstate.com receives more than 55 million hits per month. “Among the ever-increasing number of real estate brokerages Hansa Realty stands out as exceptional, consistently practicing the highest level of personal and ethical service particularly in the complex area of marketing luxury properties,” Mr. Losh said.

i Blvd. Principe Alfonso de Hohenlohe, C.N. 340, Km. 178.2, C.C. La Poveda, Local 8E, Marbella. Tel: 952 900 077. www.hansarealty.com

New property website, www.staybanus.com Entrepreneur Michiel van Dommelen has developed a new, ‘forum-based’ website for stress-free real estate solutions. Holidaymakers, property owners, real estate businesses and agents are only some of the many users who will find what they need on the new site. To date, Michiel has brought on board companies such as Panorama, Aylesford, Kristina Szkeley, Marbella Club Real Estate, Michael Moon, etc. The site, www.staybanus.com, concentrates on the Puerto Banús and Marbella areas, enabling potential clients and/or tenants to view properties with the aid of top technology. Users can show their property for free, and establish direct contact with potential buyers and/or tenants. The website can be used for private and/or business purposes and offers free registration, free property listing and ultimately free advertising. Visitors can manage their own accounts, uploading photographs, videos, etc.

i www.staybanus.com

Perfect Wedding exhibition in Fuengirola The Palacio de La Paz in Fuengirola was abuzz last month with blossoming brides-to-be, eager in-laws and giggly bridesmaids attending the Perfect Wedding Exhibition. The event for English speakers featured over 70 different exhibitors, spectacular live performances, a concert by a gospel choir and a U2 tribute band. Visitors were able to discover the latest in bridal wear, catering, photography, floral design, décor, entertainment and transport, all set to make your wedding the most special day of your life. The exhibition is a yearly event, so if a wedding may be coming up in your family in the near future, a visit to next year’s exhibition is a must.

i www.perfect-weddingexpo.com essential marbella magazine

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THEPRO

What has happened to the Pound?

FINANCE

Information provided by David Kerns, Dealing Manager, Moneycorp Foreign Exchange. Contact: Michael Campbell at Moneycorp, Tel: 951 319 700. michael.campbell@moneycorp.com Please remember to quote Magazine.

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ast year, Sterling had to endure a torrid time. Having opened the year at €1,3600 to the pound, we had to wait until March 2008 for the rate to break through the 1,3000 level. Once through, we remained within a trading range of high 1,2900’s to lows of 1,2200 right up until November 2008. From the month of November onwards, we saw a far more aggressive movement in the decline of the pound. Having broken through the 1,2000 level, it plunged toward parity with this move stopping just shy at 1,0200 on 30th Dec 2008. The pound recorded an overall decline of 23 per cent against the euro during 2008. So where are we in 2009? Following a period of relative stability from February to August, whereby the trading range for GBP/€ was approximately 1,13 – 1,18, we have seen the pound succumb to negative sentiment, with support at 1,13 giving way, and then even stronger support at 1,1000 failing to contain the declines. A further decline in the pound’s value was not helped by the additional quantative easing that contributed to the lows of 1,0622 in October. Although both the UK and the Eurozone have seen vast improvements in their economic activity (Germany and France actually posted gains in GDP for the 2nd quarter of 0.3 per cent respectively), the UK is still officially in recession, with the most recent GDP revision showing a GDP decline for the same period of 0.7%. The interest rate differential also still favours the euro, with the expectation that interest rates will remain at their current historically low levels well into 2010. Inflation in the Eurozone is non-existent whilst, although we are seeing declines in the UK, it does remain rather sticky with the CPI (Consumer Price Index) last showing a reading of 1.6 per cent. Although the weak pound has provided a most welcome boost to our nation’s exporters, it is extremely bad news for our importers. This additional cost has put upward pressure on the price of many imported goods, with electrical and electronic goods badly affected. Mervyn King, Governor of the Bank of England, has also been very vocal of late, commenting that the weaker pound has

helped our exporters and that a further rebalancing of the British economy is very necessary. With the growing concerns that the UK’s PSNBR (Public Sector Net Borrowing Requirement) will actually exceed the dreadful number of £175 billion anticipated by the year end, traders needed very little encouragement to sell the pound, with a few high profile banks revisiting their previous calls that GBP/€ parity is a possibility, once again. The global stock markets have had a truly wonderful time over the last six month with the FTSE 100 up 43 per cent since the collapse last year. Should global equity markets continue to give back some of these gains, we may yet again see a flight to safety with the US$ being the preferred currency of choice. This would further weight on the pound, as investors have very little confidence in it at present. It is now vital for the health of the pound to see clear signs of recovery that at least match those of the Eurozone, and more importantly that the UK continues to build sustainable growth with the help of the current weakness of sterling. n

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The most cost-effective gateway to the Scandinavian market on the Costa del Sol. The editorial backbone of our publications is made up of current events, news, reviews, politics and finance, while other sections cover in-depth and topical information on subjects that concern readers living in Spain. We also offer refreshing and interesting features on health, food and wine, sport, travel and décor, designed for the many Scandinavian-speaking residents and visitors to southern Spain.

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Christmas Breaks

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THETRAVELLER

FESTIVE BREAKS

H olida y o n Ic e

To holiday in temperatures that turn nose hair to icicles and freeze contact lenses to eyeballs may seem a bizarre concept; but if you want a guaranteed white Christmas, head 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle to Swedish Lapland and the village of Jukkasjarvi, home to the original Icehotel. Get to meet Santa before he starts his global deliveries, sing carols until your breath congeals and cuddle up at night under a reindeer skin. At New Year, there are fireworks, a slap-up dinner and plenty of iced vodka to keep you in high spirits – a perfect excuse for donning your penguin suit! u Who goes there?: Masochists and celibate couples – it’s far too cold for sex! u Where to stay: The Ice Hotel is the only place to stay, quite literally. A sub-zero winter wonderland made annually from 30,000 tons of artificial snow and 4,000 tons of ice, it houses a cinema, conference centre, ice art gallery and its own ice chapel, where you can get married. Ironically, drinks are refrigerated to keep them warm

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and vodka comes IN the rocks (ice glasses). Most guests spend just one night sleeping on a slab of ice before retreating next door to the hot and cold running comforts of Aurora House, which has a glass skylight for Aurora Borealis viewing. The hotel offers hot tubs with drinks and buffet service, ice massages and ice-hole swimming in the River Torne.

i www.icehotel.com

u Must-dos: Take a course in the magical art of ice sculpting. Go on a guided tour of Esrange Space Centre, followed by dinner under the Arctic stars at a wilderness camp and, if you get lucky, a free Northern Lights show. Get a nose as red as Rudolph’s on a reindeer safari with lunch in a traditional Lapp tent. Improve your on-road skills by testdriving a Saab 9-3 Sport Combi on ice. u Must buy: A stunning melt-proof iceglass ornament from the hotel’s Ice Shop.

With the western world doing so much belt-tightening of late it’s in danger of cutting off its own air supply, many folk may have little appetite for Christmas and all its costly trimmings. Over in Britain this summer, the inaptly-named Chancellor Alistair Darling didn’t exactly spread tidings of comfort and joy with news that VAT will switch back from 15 to 17.5 per cent in the unhappy New Year. In Spain it will rise from 16 to 18 per cent next July. Doesn’t it just make you want to get away from it all and to hell with the credit crunch? So, perhaps it’s time to follow the advice of the Roman lyric poet Horace who, as we all know from our school Latin lessons, wrote: Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero (Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the future). On that premise, Belinda Beckett booked herself on a moneyno-object flight of fantasy to 10 glamorous global destinations. As Christmas and New Year holidays go, they’re crackers, and the motto therein is this: eat, drink and be merry – because it’s going to cost you twice as much next year! Robinson Crusoe could not have imagined islands so wellappointed as the Maldives. This Indian Ocean paradise continues to ramp up the luxury stakes with more and more multi-million dollar floating resorts, seemingly oblivious to the fact that this lowlying archipelago is at risk of total submersion, if global warming continues. So it makes sense to see the islands now, and you’ll be in good company because the Maldives is the favourite destination of Forbes magazine’s Rich List. Mind-blowing any time of year, the festive season is grandly celebrated by the locals and tourists with entire islands decked out for Santa’s visit. u Who goes there?: So many celebs that last year, Beyonce and Jay Z chartered a mega-yacht to enjoy the islands in off-shore privacy. u Where to stay: Opened this year, Villingili Resort and Spa is described by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts as the Maldives’ ‘first international luxury resort south of the equator’. The island is a living canvas of sparkling surf, languid lagoons, white beaches and verdant vegetation brimming with colourful indigenous bird life. Proud statistics include 17,000 coconut trees – not bad for an island only three kilometres long. Stylishly-furnished accommodation includes Water Villas on stilts, lapped by the ocean, and the Maldives’ first Tree House Villa, built high up in the tropical canopy, with real rainforest showers (they’re open air). Civilisation is not cast away completely: each villa is equipped with complimentary broadband Internet access, 40-inch LCD TV, Bose DVD player, two iPods and a docking station. There’s also an entertainment centre, four retail shops, a children’s Adventure Zone and a medical centre.

i www.shangri-la.com

u Must-dos: - A cruise on a luxury yacht for lunch on the equator (sounds great), swimming with manta rays (cute), wreck-diving the British Loyalty, a 5,583-ton oil tanker, sunk by torpedoes during the Second World War (not so sure, there could be sharks…). - Pampering at the CHI spa, where a therapist will determine your Five Element sign to create bespoke treatments based on Chinese, Himalayan and Asian healing rituals. - A bicycle safari to the five neighbouring islands, connected by a 17-kilometre road. u Must buy: Colourful island fabrics, local woven kuna mats and lacquerwork. Refrain from buying anything made from coral or turtle shell!

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Paradise regained © Villingili Resort and Spa

Fab festive breaks

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From the spectacular seasonal window displays at Macy’s and Bergdorf Goodman to ice-skating beneath the giant fir tree at the Rockefeller Center, Christmas is the very best time to take a bite out of the Big Apple. Shopping on Fifth Avenue as snowflakes fall, à la any American Christmas movie you care to name, has become symbolic of the season. The New Year celebrations in Times Square are equally iconic, when some 100,000 spectators gather to watch the lowering of the Waterford crystal ball, marking the midnight hour with an explosion of fireworks, lasers and ticker-tape.

u Who goes there?: Just about everyone who’s anyone has done their Christmas shopping Sex in the City-style. u Where to stay: In a city coming down with great institutions of hospitality, one stands out for location, history and old world elegance – The Pierre. On Fifth Avenue overlooking Central Park, within striking distance of all those great Broadway shows, the US flagship of Taj Hotels only re-opened this summer after a $US100million renovation. When you’re not famous people-spotting, don’t miss the signature Rotunda room with its neo-Renaissance trompe l’oeil murals and giant Christmas tree, erected the day after Thanksgiving.

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The Pierre on Fifth Avenue © Hotel Pierre

i www.tajhotels.com

u Must-dos: Europe has its nativity scenes, New York has its Holiday Train Show at the Botanical Gardens: model engines travelling through a miniature New York, landscaped with real plants and trees. Get your skates on at Central Park’s Wollman Ice Rink for a clear view of the city skyline. Warm your hands around soup-to-go. Chains like Hale and Hearty sell amazing concoctions, such as chicken and andouille jambalaya and New England clam chowder. Copy the New Yorkers and do Sunday brunch. Try dim sum in Chinatown, followed by a movie. Join in the ritual spectator sport of major league baseball at the new Yankee Stadium, the New York Yankees home ballpark. u Must buy: Designer clothes. Forget the January sales – everything’s much cheaper here to start with. Check out the prices on Nike trainers and Levi jeans – you’ll be amazed!

u Who goes there?: The British and Spanish Royal families and A-list celebrities. Famous residents include Elizabeth Taylor, Roger Moore, Bernie Ecclestone and Roman Polanski (though he may not be seeing his swish Swiss chalet again any time soon). u Where to stay: You might just want to leave your skis in their bag to enjoy the fab facilities at the 5-star Gstaad Palace Hotel. Bring your Platinum card as this place screams money louder than a city trader cashing his bonus. But make that old money for, as the haunt of the high class set since 1913, rich riff-raff are frowned on. Modern innovations include a spa with warm thunderstorm and cold waterfall showers and a dance floor suspended over an indoor pool. Christmas (minimum stay two weeks) is usually booked well in advance, though you might be lucky in this credit crunch year. u Must-dos: Skiing (obviously).

i www.palace.ch

Bonham’s exclusive Christmas Ferrari & Maserati auction, held at the Gstaad Palace in mid-December, when the rich and famous come shopping for stocking fillers. Take a mountain train up Gstaad’s signature Eggli mountain for lunch at an Igloo Hotel in the Bernese Oberland. Drink gluhwein, Switzerland’s famous spiced mulled wine, at one of the jolly Christmas markets. u Must buy: An ‘I’ve skied Gstaad’ T-shirt is about all you’ll be able to afford.

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Atmospheric Inverlochy Castle at night © Inverlochy Castle

6 Highland view

om riod dining ro s from the pe stle Ca y ch rlo ve © In

No one celebrates New Year like the Scots! They even have their own name for it – Hogmanay, evolved from pagan rituals and the modern addition of Robert Burns’ Auld Lang Syne, an anthem sung the world over after midnight. While Edinburgh is the centre of the action, hosting a party that goes on until midnight on January 2 (a Scottish bank holiday) Christmas in a Scottish Highland castle has huge appeal.

H i g h l a n d fli n g

u Where to stay:

Follow in the footsteps of Queen Victoria who spend a week at Inverlochy Castle, in the shadow of Ben Nevis and wrote, “I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot”. This former stately home turned award-winning hotel with its Great Hall and real log fires pulls out all the stops at Christmas. The festive programme includes a carol concert, a champagne reception hosted by Father Christmas, a falconry display, sheepdog trials and clay pigeon shooting. Hogmanay is celebrated with a black tie dinner and Ceilidh while the New Year is marked by a Highland Piper and a First Footer bringing in the traditional lump of coal, for good luck throughout the year.

u Who goes there? Sean Connery, Rod Stewart and anyone with a wee dram of Scottish blood has done Hogmanay in Scotland. u Must-dos: Hunting, shooting and fishing. Skiing and snowboarding on Ben Nevis. Archery, air rifle shooting, knife and tomahawk throwing in the hotel grounds (leave your mother-in-law at home). A round of golf at famous Fort William golf course. Climbing at the Ice Factor, the biggest indoor ice climbing facility in the world. u Must buy: A genuine clan tartan kilt – very ‘now’ this season.

i www.inverlochycastlehotel.com

If you want to party like it’s 1999, Rio de Janeiro does New Year like nowhere else. Although this is Brazil’s high summer, the Christmas decorations are dazzling and the most spectacular is the tree which drifts on its floating platform around Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, and is as tall as a 27-storey building. As the Brazilians, like the Spanish, party on December 24th, Christmas Day can seem an anti-climax but stand by for December 31st when some 2.5 million people congregate on Copacabana beach for Rio’s biggest fiesta outside Carnival. The dress code is white and the day begins with the scattering of flowers and gifts in the ocean in homage to the Afro-Brazilian Goddess Lemanjá. Three stages set up along the beach host bands and DJs belting out Brazilian music, Latino pop and Euro rock and there are balls and parties at all the major beachfront hotels. At midnight, four kilometers of beachfront are lit up with a pyrotechnic display that’ll blow your mind. u Who goes there? Ronaldo, Calvin Klein, Mick Jagger and Naomi Campbell have all shaken a booty at Copacabana. u Where to stay: The Philippe Starck-designed Hotel Fasano at Ipanema Beach oozes exclusivity, from its bossa nova-chic glass lobby to its sexy rooftop pool, bar and restaurant. Monsieur Starck’s hands are all over the décor, there are free flip-flops in the rooms and Yoko Ono and Madonna are fans. u Must-dos: Make

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i www.fasano.com.br.

your New Year Resolutions in front of the statue of Christ the Redeemer, atop Corcovado mountain. You’re more likely to keep them. Boxing Day is a sporty fixture so do it in style, watching one of Brazil’s top clubs at Rio’s massive, 89,000-seater Maracanã stadium, future battleground for the 2014 World Cup. Christmas is about trees so visit the world’s largest urban forest: Tijuca, a 32km2 hand-planted rainforest in Rio, now a national park. u Must buy: Manolo Blahniks in disguise? Many of the world’s brand-named shoes and bags are made in Brazil but they’re sold locally under different names, for a fraction of the price. Plus, you’ll be first to set foot in the latest season’s collections.

A Highland hootenanny is guarnteed at gorgeous Inverlochy Castle © Inverlochy Castle

R a v e-u p i n R i o

B e a n o in B ar ba do s

If you’re British looking for a Christmas home-from-home in the sun, the former British colony has what you’re looking for. Lord Nelson’s statue stands in Bridgetown’s Trafalgar Square, afternoon tea remains a tradition, cricket is the national sport and British celebrities come by the dozen. Even our very own Sir Richard Branson’s in on the Bridgetown’s charity Christmas parade of floats carrying Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, carol singers and other festive characters sponsored by local companies, with Virgin Atlantic Airways playing a major role. Unlike Britain, the weather’s great and on fragrant evenings, when a ripe mango moon hangs in the sky and the calypso music’s playing, you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

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Beautiful Ipanema Leblon beach in Rio de Janeiro

do s

B o tt o m s u p in Barcelona Cutting-edge comfort © Hotel Omm

7 They always do things differently in Barcelona – their own language, nightclubs that don’t open until 5am, buildings with dancing green dragons for roofs; Christmas is no different. Catalonia is the only place in Spain to see Els Pastorets, nativity plays told from the shepherds’ viewpoint (after a few copas, no doubt, as some of the characters had no part in the Biblical story): El Caganar, for one, a character represented with his pants round his ankle, defecating (sheer blasphemy to some)! Strange traditions aside, Barcelona is a swinging city that does the season in style, from seasonal markets to giant solar-powered Christmas trees, street entertainment, fireworks… and there’s all that culture too. u Where to stay: With its trendy rooftop bar and pool overlooking the chimney tops of Gaudí’s architectural flight of fantasy, La Pedrera, the Hotel Omm is equally a design statement, its façade reminiscent of an Advent Calendar. The elegant interiors ooze urban chic, with light, bright bedrooms and black-on-black corridors, while the Roca brothers’ one- Michelin-star Moo restaurant is one of the most acclaimed in the city. With a spa, it’s own hip nightclub (Ommsession) and central location, it makes for a cracker of a Christmas ‘staycation’.

i www.hotelomm.es

u Must-dos: Midnight mass in Barcelona Cathedral. u Who goes there? Michael Winner, every Christmas (so it’s a wonder anyone else does), nevertheless the guest book reads like Who’s Who (everyone from Simon Cowell and and Elton John to the Beckhams and Hugh Grant (and we all know he enjoys a good ‘blow-out’ on a trans-Atlantic trip). u Where to stay: “It’s feels like a two-week private house party, except with a guest list to make most people drool,” wrote music mogul Jonathan Shallitt in the Daily Mail, who has spent Christmas and New Year for the last 15 years at Sandy Lane, Barbados. The hotel has been a haven for high profile guests since it opened in the 1960s. The new resort re-opened in 2000, to include a spa and the world renowned Green Monkey golf course, and little extras like limo airport transfers make stays even more enjoyable. Plus, its festive programme may just be one of the best in the Caribbean, complete with star attractions. After all, the celebrity guests can’t hole up in their suites the entire holiday. i www.sandylane.com u Must-dos: A dinner cruise aboard a nightclub ship with dancing and the chance to see the colourful undersea world via semi-submersible. An electric train ride through Harrison’s Cave to see spectacular caverns with stunning crystal rooms, waterfalls and underground pools filled with blind crayfish. Sandy Lane’s Christmas and New Year beach barbecues. Bring your autograph book. u Must buy: Yo ho ho and a barrel of rum. Also, duty-free cameras, watches, crystal, gold jewellery, bone china, cosmetics, perfumes… and more rum.

The Fira de Santa Llucia medieval fair in front of the Cathedral; the Christmas market in front of the Sagrada Familia; the Three Kings Fair on Gran Via. The life-sized nativity scene in Placa de Sant Jaume. Do your bit for the planet by climbing on a stationary bicycle to light up the solar-powered Christmas trees at Mercado de Santa Caterina or Jardinets de Gràcia. Invest in a ticket for El Gordo, Spain’s big fat Christmas lottery. For extra insurance, eat 12 lucky grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve. u Must buy: An El Caganer figurine. The traditional version depicted a typical Catalan peasant but, these days, you will find characters ranging from heads of state to movie stars immortalised in minature with their pants down, President Obama included!

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For something completely different, head across the Med to Morocco and spend the festive season among Berber tribesman in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains where Sir Richard Branson, no less, has masterminded a magical experience that is probably truer to the real Christmas story than anything else, especially as it includes mule rides and camel treks.

Al te rn a ti ve C hr is tm as in

N. A f r i c a

Berber tented suite (send your camel to bed!) © Hotel Kasbah Tamadot

u Where to stay: The stylish Kasbah Tamadot, one hour’s drive from Marrakech, was bought by Sir Richard in 1998 during one of his famous ballooning expeditions. The hotel prides itself on having trained and employed 100 of the local villagers in all aspects of the hospitality industry. The hotel has 18 individually-designed rooms and suites, plus six Berber tented suites, indoor and outdoor pools, glorious gardens, a spa and hammam plus a choice of dining at restaurant Kanoun, or poolside on the rooftop terrace. Purists will not feel too homesick as the five- or seven-night festive packages include such mainstays as traditional Christmas lunch

with all the trimmings, afternoon tea and a gala New Year’s Eve dinner with fireworks and local entertainment. u

i www.kasbahtamadot.virgin.com Must-dos: Experience how Mary and

Joseph felt on their journey to Bethlehem on a mule ride (only one hour, though). Shopping in the local souk. Moroccan wine-tasting afternoon at the hotel. A two-hour trek in the Atlas Mountains with afternoon tea, Berber style. u Must buy: Arts and crafts made by the locals in the Virgin Unite shop.

P u s h in g L e B a te oa uu t i n P a r i s

The City of Lights lives up to its name over the festive season: glittering Christmas window displays, a lit-up Champs-Elysées, the Galleries Layfayette sparkling with Christmas cheer, oyster and champagne bars conspire to make this a magical time to be in Paris. On New Year’s Eve (or Saint-Sylvestre, as they say in France) the city is wall-to-wall people from Champs-Elysées to Monmartre, waiting for the Eiffel Tower to erupt in a spectacular light show, when tout le monde kisses under le gui (mistletoe). Papilliottes, a French version of Christmas crackers, are found on almost every restaurant table – small chocolates in festive metallic wrappers that make a popping sound when unwrapped and contain a joke (mais bien sur, the French don’t do humour). Like Spain, the festivities continue until Epiphany (January 6) when the arrival of the Three Kings is celebrated with galette des rois (mais bien sur, the French do patisserie).

u Where to stay: Le Four Seasons George V, naturellement! Ideally placed on the Champs-Elysées in the heart of the Golden Triangle’s upscale shopping district (think Hermès, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Givenchy, Dior and Chanel). The guest rooms are about as close as you’ll come to setting foot in a royal palace (and this one was opened in 1928 in honour of George V of England). Adults will love the Bvlgari bath products while brats get spoiled too, with bathrobes, bedtime milk and cookies. Service is discreet, security tight – a fact appreciated by the famous guests. u Must-dos: Shop ’til you drop in the haut couture houses.

i www.fourseasons.com

A dinner cruise along the Seine on one of the famous bateaux mouches (the dinner’s over-rated but the views aren’t). A saucy evening of classic French Cabaret at the Moulin Rouge. A day at Disneyland. The entire resort is taken over by festive fever, with Santa Claus’s Village, Minnie’s Jolly Holidays Show and Mickey’s Winter Wonderland. Lumen de Lumine at Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, a son et lumière presentation of the nativity. u Must buy: Anything Français (they have such class, cherie). n

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CY CMY

THETRAVELLER

Marbella Golf Country Club

GOLF

I had the great pleasure of sitting down for a chat with the new GM’s of this magnificent golf club, David Steele and Craig Cooke. They have just finished rising to the challenge of inaugurating four brand new holes, after the land on which the previous holes were situated was ‘taken away’… In other words, the owner of the land occupied by these holes for 18 years suddenly decided that he wanted to sell it, leaving two options: buy the land or redo the course. They chose the latter option. The four new holes (9, 10, 11, 12) were officially inaugurated in October, representing seven months of hard work but well worth it. Congratulations!

6th hole fairway View from the 9th tee

Report and photography paul brazell acosta

6th hole, 446 meters, par 5, handicap 1: Here we stand at the club’s signature hole. It has been retained since day one and has not at all been affected by the recently-added new holes. The designer of the course, Robert Trent Jones Sr., knew what he was doing when he designed this beautiful hole! You have two options: you can play it safe and hit towards the left, allowing an easier second shot towards an island situated after a stream, yet also before the same stream (yes, the stream actually crosses this hole twice); or you can play the professional route, which is to the right, allowing you a second shot towards the green in two, recommended only for low handicappers and the brave!

9th hole, 150 meters, par 3, handicap 15:

Marbella Golf Country Club

CN340 km 188, Marbella. Tel: 952 830 500. www.marbellagolf.com

Paul Brazell Acosta

Professional events photographer www.paulacostaphotography.com

PRO FOR A DAY™

“Feel like a pro, and keep the memory forever.” Tel: 669 694 848. www.proforaday.com

Grab a 6 or 7 iron, depending on the pin position, and don’t hit too long because your ball will fall off the back drop. You are shooting towards the club house on this brand new hole, with beautiful views of the sea to the left, and the mountains to the right. The green is shared with the 18th hole and is situated on a fairly large plateau. Aim left to play it safe, or straight at the hole if you like risk. Try not to go right as you will be in trouble and, most probably, lose your ball or break a car window!

12th hole, 370 meters, par 4, handicap 2: No matter what time you tee off on this elegant 12th hole, you will always have the sun behind you. This turns the views of the mountains into a wonderful sight during the entire 370 metres, and your ball really stands out. Use a driver and try to land your first shot on top of the plateau. Your second shot has to be precise as the green is protected by a lake just in front. When the pin is situated towards the back left, this hole is scary! Play it safe, and you will be in a great position to par the hole. n

Plateau landing platform on the 12th fairway

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THETRAVELLER

n Christmas morning, before Santa has finished his rounds, one couple will already be up and about distributing presents to the chalets of their very special ‘hotel’ guests. The festive season is a particularly busy time here, where ‘holiday’ packages include heated accommodation with en suite sleeping, living and dining areas and a choice of garden or mountain views. There are seven spacious recreation areas for use in ‘happy hour’, a beauty salon offering pedicures or a wash, cut and blowdry and a door-to-door chauffeured limo service for guests wishing to arrive in style. Passports are required. However it should be pointed out that this is no ordinary hotel. It is available for the exclusive use of guests with four legs and a tail! Cat and Dog World advertises itself as a superior hotel for cats and dogs because, although it’s a boarding kennels and cattery by any other name, it’s five star by most standards. One of the few kennels fully licensed and inspected by the Junta de Andalucía, first-class facilities and professional care are guaranteed. Close to Alhaurín el Grande and easily identified by a smart ‘hotel’ sign, new arrivals enter a pretty garden planted with flowers and tub shrubs enclosed by smart black and gold railings, affording breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Scrupulously clean, even in the height of summer there are no tell-tale odours to indicate that this is anything but a private home – which, indeed, it is. Owners Bill and Denise Whitehair live on the premises (and have live-in staff, so animals are never left unattended). They bought the former pear orchard in 1998 and wasted no time in setting up their business, using expertise gained from 22 years running a large boarding kennels in Kent. This is not one of those twee California pampered pooch hotels with doggy couches and cat four-posters. “That’s very unhygienic as it would be impossible to sterilise them thoroughly between boarders,” says Denise. “We operate on the same basis as the UK where the area health authorities are very strict, and rightly so, though clients are welcome to bring their own toys and bedding. But so many kennels are like a prison, where the animals can only stare at a brick wall. We like to give dogs a

sense of freedom, where they can see other dogs and watch staff going about their daily routine, with a lot of human contact. This promotes a stress-free and happy environment and makes their ‘holiday’ with us enjoyable.” All the kennels have a sleeping area with beds and blankets out of the summer sun and winter draughts. Off this is their individual run, with countryside views. Kennels are cleaned daily by pressure hose, fresh water is on tap and both dogs and cats are offered good quality dry food (or tinned, if requested). Pets on special diets are also catered for, providing it is supplied by the owners. Dogs are taken out for ‘happy hour’ twice a day when they can run free in one of seven secure exercise areas. The cattery, designed and built by Bill and Denise in the UK, is set away from the kennels, offering a peaceful and secure place for felines to feel relaxed, as they are housed in individual chalets, never with cats from different homes. Chalets have raised sleeping areas and a ladder down to their own spacious run. The cats can see each other but chalets are divided by a sneeze barrier. Heat lamps are an optional extra for both canines and felines. Owners must bring proof that their pet is fully vaccinated and veterinary-prescribed medication can also be given. Says Bill, who was a golf pro before dedicating his life to other people’s animals: “It was a bit of a gamble coming here but it was impossible to get a licence closer to the coast. Now business comes to us, from the surrounding villages and a catchment area between Torremolinos and San Pedro.” It’s easy to see that Bill and Denise are soppy about animals (they play carols for them on Christmas Day and distribute presents to the pets of owners who wish to provide them). Their own extended family includes two pugs and 15 elegant Russian Blues, “the ballerinas of the feline world,” says Denise, who was a top show breeder in Britain. Bill and Denise offer many other services – from post-operative care to microchipping, rabies vaccination, export documents and travel. They’re also regular consultants on Talk Radio Europe’s Pets, Vets and Guests show, hosted by David the Dogman. As Denise says, “If it’s got four legs, we do it!” If proof were needed that animals are well looked-after here, a Labrador called Sam provided it. Sam spent several months at Cat and Dog World and when, during our visit, his owner stopped by to say hello, Sam was out of the car in a trice and up on his hind legs, slathering Denise and Bill with sloppy wet kisses. n

Hotel for Pampered Pets Report belinda beckett photography kh photography

CAT & DOG WORLD’S

HOTEL

i Open daily from 10am-1pm

and 2-6pm. No appointment necessary but visits are preferred during 3-5pm. Tel: 952 112 978. www.cat-and-dog-world.com essential marbella magazine

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THETRAVELLER SPANISH DISPATCHES

Report and photography mark eveleigh

Spanish Dispatches (Spain through the eyes of some of its most famous foreign writers)

“Spain is a very special country and one must approach it with respect and with his eyes and ears open,” wrote James A. Michener in his introduction to Iberia. “He must be fully aware that once he has penetrated the borders he runs the risk of being made prisoner.”Over the centuries, Spain has made ‘prisoners” of many foreign writers who have come to travel here, to call it home (Washington Irving, Gerald Brenan, Michener, George Sands, Somerset Maugham et al) and, in several cases, to fight for it (Laurie Lee, Ernest Hemingway, George Orwell, William Herrick). Any country that can claim a book that is as vividly alive and entertaining after four centuries as is Don Quijote must be considered one of the great literary nations in its own right but it is particularly interesting to try to understand what it was about this beautiful, diverse and romantic land that captivated such a celebrated ‘literary international brigade’. Such classics as For Whom the Bell Tolls, As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning, South from Granada and Homage to Catalonia are as relevant today as they ever were. They are still attracting new visitors with their timeless portrayals of what V.S. Pritchett called “the Spanish temper”… and, more than ever, they are charming confirmed lovers of Spain with visions of a way of life that is fast disappearing. Enjoy a quick flashback to the Spain of yesteryear through the eyes of some of the country’s greatest expat literary renegades.

Laurie Lee’s Granada:

In 1935 Laurie Lee tramped his way through Spain and As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning still seduces readers with its descriptions of Cádiz (“a scribble of white on a sheet of blue glass”), Seville (“a creamy crustation of flower-banked houses”) and even the Valladolid that he hated (“a dark square city hard as its syllables”). He returned during the civil war to Alhambra – Muslim tourist in the Patio de los Arrayanes fight with the International Brigade and then again, 15 years later, when he visited Granada for the first time and, in A Rose for Winter, called it “probably the most beautiful and haunting of all Spanish cities; an African paradise set under the Sierras like a rose preserved in snow”. The Alhambra Palace is less decaying and decadent than it was then but its myrtlefringed fountains still conjure images of “pastoral kings, trousered girls and poet shepherds” and, from across the valley, it still appears to ride “on green waves like a ship of fantasy”. The narrow alleyways and high walls of the Albaicín (the old Moorish medina) – also richer and better-preserved these days – still give the impression that the townspeople barricaded themselves in against the immensity of the Andalusian landscape, like a besieged camel-train. “Half the country is mountain and wilderness,” Lee wrote in an article on Spain for Mademoiselle magazine; “it knows a savage climate, vast aching skies, interminable landscapes of distance and silence. But within the bright walls of its towns and villages it has developed a gregarious and extrovert ritual of life in which there are few outsiders and little loneliness.” Old Granada seemed to appeal to Laurie Lee’s sense of tough, reckless living: “The climate is as ready with death as with birth,” he says in A Rose for Winter. “And in Granada, in the burnished, bright, but evil air one is never surprised to find dead in the morning the friend with whom one walked and drank the previous night.” The city still echoes with the passion of the days when Moors and Christians battled for ‘The Land of Light’ but times have changed and the people of Granada count themselves among the most blessed in Spain… At least these days you can be fairly optimistic that the person who shared your evening tapas will still be around to keep that breakfast appointment.

Flamenco, one of the great Spanish passions, plays a part in almost every single fiesta south of the capital

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La Alhambra

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Restaurant El Cuchi – Hemingway Never Ate Here

Puerta del Sol is the heart of the city or even – as madrileños will tell you – the country itself

Ernest Hemingway’s Pamplona

Mercaderes Corner

Ernest Hemingway first visited Pamplona in 1923 and, besides being the setting of what many call his greatest novel, The Sun Also Rises, he was intoxicated (often spectacularly so) by a fiesta that was to have a powerful hold over him for the rest of his life. Every year an estimated four million people head for the Fiesta of San Fermin to follow the ghost of Hemingway through the crowded, medieval streets of Pamplona and thousands of sangria-soaked desperados run with the bulls up the thundering canyon of Santo Domingo. Don Ernesto’s bust outside the bullring on Paseo Hemingway is still decked with a red bandanna by devotees and his old room at Hotel La Perla has been booked for every fiesta until the year 2040 by a Swedish publisher who, with laudable optimism, fully expects to celebrate his hundredth birthday there. Hemingway was first attracted to Spain by the bulls. “The only place where you could see life and death, i.e. violent death now that the wars were over, was in the bull ring,” he explained in Death in the Afternoon, “and I wanted very much to go to Spain where I could study it.” “Pamplona is the toughest bullfight town in the world,” he reported in a dispatch to The Toronto Star during that first visit, “The amateur fight that comes immediately after the bulls have entered the pens proves that.” There has never been any evidence to suggest that Hemingway himself ever ran with the bulls but he has been the inspiration for thousands of people from all over the world who have become confirmed addicts of a fiesta that is as delightfully irresponsible, today, as it ever was. As the great hell-raiser admitted in 1932 “Pamplona is changed, of course, but not as much as we are older. I found that if you took a drink, that it got very much the same as it was always.”

The bulls charge over a group of fallen runners in the entrance to Pamplona’s bullring

James A. Michener’s Madrid James A. Michener described Iberia as “a testament to a land I loved” and “the book of mine that will probably live the longest”. It departed from Michener’s usual format of blockbuster novels and this textbook/guidebook is still, four decades after publication, one of the best possible introductions to the country. “If, as I once heard an Englishman say, ‘to be a tourist is to stand gape-eyed with love,’ I have been one, and never more than in my first days in Puerta del Sol,” Michener wrote of his first visits to Madrid. Almost a dozen of Iberia’s thousand densely typed pages were devoted to comparing the changes that had been wrought on “one of the most delightful world capitals” during the two decades that the writer had known it: Then [1950] – “Getting about the city was not only easy but positively pleasant for Madrid had the characteristics of an overgrown country town, with unexpected nooks at the end of each trolley ride.” Later [1968] – “the trolleys have largely vanished and I have to go by subway or cab, and no other city has so miserable a taxi system.” Now [2009] – the trolleys have totally vanished but the efficiency, cleanliness and cheapness of the Metro system puts the London Underground or the New York Subway to shame… and there are now apparently more taxis per inhabitant than any other city apart from Cairo! Then [1950] – “Madrid was a fairytale city in which one rarely dined before eleven at night and could go to the theatre for the second show at one.” Later [1968] – “Although the eleven o’clock dinner is still popular, one can eat at nine or even earlier, and the theatre begins at ten.” Now [2009] – You can eat at eight but there are restaurants where you can reserve a table for 2am; you can catch a movie at midnight or listen to live music at 4am; there are even nightclubs that open their doors at 6am to cater for those for whom the Madrileño night is not long enough. Then [1950] – “the proudest boast of a Madrid dandy used to be ‘I know a bullfighter’.” Later [1968] – “it’s ‘I have a Sueca [Swedish mistress] down at Torremolinos’.” Now [2009] – “I have a friend who’s competing on Operación Triunfo [Pop Idols].”

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Einführungsaktion Costa del Sol Zeitung

Die neue Zeitung für die Küste!

*Zwischen Málaga und Estepona. Änderungen, Irrtümer und Druckfehler vorbehalten.

• • • •

Ab 27. Oktober 2009 25.000 Exemplare! An über 400 Stellen* Gratis

Marbella:

es ein staCroksta del Sol die

Die hol ich mir!

C/ Serenata, 17, 1° C Tel. 952 763 103 • Fax 952 858 085 E-Mail: csn@costanachrichten.com

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dSZ r C & N S C Team fü

Benalmádena:

Avda. Juan Luis Peralta, CC Las Moriscas L-13 Tel. 952 448 730 • Fax 952 568 712 E-Mail: csn@costanachrichten.com

Torrox-Costa:

Urb. Torcasol Edif Málaga, bajo C Tel. 952 531 303 • Fax 952 531 349 E-Mail: csn-torrox@costanachrichten.com 21.10.2009 11:06:35

La Mezquita

Gerald Brenan’s Córdoba

After the Christian re-conquest the victors planted orange trees in the courtyard of the mosque and it has since been known as the Patio de los Naranjos. The Moorish minaret became the Christian belltower.

Gerald Brenan was driven from his home in the Alpujarras region by the civil war and it was not until after WWII that he was able to return to travel in the country that he loved and to research The Face of Spain. He is best known for his writing on the Alpujarras but he also found Córdoba particularly intriguing. His descriptions of its beauty – “the water was a dim glassy blue, the line of houses low and white… opened like a flower in the sunlight” – are interspersed with particularly harrowing insights into privation and hunger in what was then a truly impoverished Andalusian city. “One sees children of ten with wizened faces,” he wrote, “women of thirty who are already hags, wearing that frown of anxiety which perpetual hunger and uncertainty about the future give.” Inexplicably it seems that the famous patios of Córdoba were not allowed to fall into disrepair even in the working-class quarters at this time: “…every house has its interior court or patio, and I was struck by the fact that these patios of the popular districts, with their flower pots and lemon trees and thick coats of whitewash, are more beautiful than those of the Baroque palaces with their azulejo wainscots and marble columns.” The writer, who was probably the most widely travelled and well-studied ‘literary immigrant’ of his era in Spain, described the Mosque of Córdoba as “the first building in Spain – the most original and the most beautiful”. There is certainly a hypnotic fascination about la Mezquita – “the forest of columns… double-horseshoe arches, striped buff-white and brick-rose… the great court planted with orange trees… the great marble cistern for ablutions – that never dims, no matter how many times you see it.” As Brenan said, “One has to visit the building several times to allow the magic to sink in”.

The Guadalquivir River as it passes through Córdoba on its 400 mile journey to the Atlantic

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La Rambla

George Orwell’s Barcelona Bar Restaurant La Catalana, Placa de les Olles

Overview:

Plaça Reial

When George Orwell first arrived in Barcelona in 1936, in the early days of the civil war, he was struck by the discovery of a workers’ metropolis, swathed in red banners, “where waiters and flower-women and bootblacks looked you in the eye and called you comrade”. For a short period Barcelona was considered to be the spot where the hammer struck the anvil. La Rambla Orwell saw most of his fighting action further west on the Aragon front but got to know Barcelona well at various times, including a three-day period of political rioting during which he spent his time on the roof of a cinema guarding a building in which his wife, a secretary, had taken refuge. The concepts of ‘doublethink’ and ‘the thoughtpolice’ that he would use to such haunting effect in Nineteen Eighty-Four occurred to him during these days of manipulative propaganda. James A. Michener summed up the feeling of a journey up through Spain to Barcelona as “like drinking a respectable red wine and finishing up with a bottle of champagne”. But the collapse of his political ideals here left a far more bitter aftertaste in Lee’s mouth. Today, Barcelona is the most cosmopolitan city in Spain and, more than ever stoically Catalan, tends to look more for its lead towards northern Europe than to Madrid, and to strive more towards cool-and-chic than fiesta-and-siesta. Homage to Catalonia relates Orwell’s wartime experiences and gives an insight into the Catalan capital that you are not likely to get from other travelogues: “the worst of being wanted by the police in a town like Barcelona is that everything opens so late,” Lee laments. The old town still harbours the eclectic mix of rundown portside taverns and bourgeois salons and the main boulevard of La Rambla still flows with sightseers and buscavidas (hustlers). And the terraces where, in Orwell’s time, off-duty militiamen and Communist spies sipped “overpriced wartime coffee”… well, they still serve overpriced coffee. n

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After decades of observant wanderings Laurie Lee concluded, in his essay Spain: The Gold Syllable, that “Spain is not Europe, it is not even Africa-in-Europe. It is an island cut off by pride and geography.” Gerald Brenan, in his introduction to The Face of Spain, explained that “Spain today gives off a note which is unlike any other. A sharp, penetrating agridulce strain, both harsh and nostalgic like that of its guitar music, which no one who has once heard will ever forget.” “I would rather be a foreigner in Spain than in most countries,” George Orwell wrote of his first reactions to the country. “How easy it is to make friends in Spain!” Words that were written more than half a century ago still hold true. Spain will never be short of willing prisoners.

Recommended Reading: u The Face of Spain – Gerald Brenan (1950) u South from Granada – Gerald Brenan (1957) u The Sun also Rises – Ernest Hemingway

(1927) u Death in the Afternoon – Ernest Hemingway (1932) u For Whom the Bell Tolls – Ernest Hemingway (1941) u Hermanos! – William Herrick (1969) u Tales of the Alhambra – Washington Irving (1832) u A Rose for Winter – Laurie Lee (1955) u As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning – Laurie Lee (1969) u A Moment of War – Laurie Lee (1991) u Iberia – James A Michener (1968) u Homage to Catalonia – George Orwell (1938) u The Spanish Temper – V.S. Pritchett (1954)

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the gourmet

E VERYTHING ABOUT DINING

Tikitano

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Gourmet Profile

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Food News

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Chefâ€™s Profile: Schilo

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Crisis Wines

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Listings

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Fi n e T h a i C u i s i n e

RESERVATIONS:

952 818 392

Open Every Evening for Dinner Ctra. de Cรกdiz Km. 175 PUERTO BANร S (Behind The Shell Petrol Station) Marbella

Puente Romano, Fase 2, Marbella. Open Daily for Dinner from 8:00pm Serving Marbella in a Select Atmosphere for 27 years.

tel: 952 777 893 or 952 775 500

TAI PAN Chinese Cuisine - Polynesian Bar

Exquisite Royal Thai Cuisine

NOW OPEN FOR

LUNCH & DINNER!

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Tel: 952 770 550 Open Mon-Sat. C.C. Marbellamar, L-3A. Marbella.

Merry Christmas to All!

t h e a rt of

26/11/09 09:38:55

CH CHRISTMAS LUN

bre menu almuerzo 25 diciem eritivo APPETIZERS ap

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ES plato princi MAIN COURS EY WITH ROAST STUFFED TURK ESTNUT PUREE CH D AN ES FRESH VEGETABL a dura y pure de castañ el pavo relleno con ver OR o SAUCE MB WITH ROSEMARY LA BY BA OF G LE D ero rom ROASTE de sa sal hal al horno con la pierna de cordero lec OR o AMPAGNE SAUCE, TURBOT FISH IN A CH E AND VEGETABLE POTATO MILLE-FEUILL tata y verdura gne con milhoja de pa el rodaballo al champa DESSERT postre D G WITH RUM CUSTAR CHRISTMAS PUDDIN ron al a les ing con crema el puding de navidad OR o ISE WILD FRUIT BAVARO sque bo l de tos fru de a la bavares ***** lces navideños AS COOKIES café y du COFFEE AND CHRISTM p.p. nú 3 platos: 49,50€ 3 COURSE MENU me das lui inc no as ED bebid DRINKS NOT INCLUD

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S EV 1 de dic E MENU STAR iembre T 2009 Pumpk ERS entra in Crea d m Soup as La Crem p a Lobste de Calabaza p erfumed wit h Saffr r Salad erfuma on da w La Ensa lada de ith Salmon E al Azafran co , and Red Kin n Carab ggs Vin g Bogava Lasagn ineros Prawns nte aig a La Lasa of Goose Live con Vinagreta rette gna de 14,00€ Foie Fre r sauteed wit de Huevas de sco de O Salmon h ca dora Balsamic do al Ba PAST lsamico 29,50€ A Black R AND RIC isotto w E pas ta y ar El Risot ith Sca 16,50€ to ll Pumpk Negro con Vie ops and Cutt roz lefish iras y S in Torte epia lloni w Tortello ith n Tagliat i de Calabaza c Red Prawns ell on Los Tag e with Porcin Gambas Roja liatelle i 26,50€ con Set Mushrooms s as Porcin a i y Trufa nd Black Truffl Negra d FISH 22,00€ e Alba es of Alba pe Fillet o scados f Turbo t with El Lomo 26,50€ Cre d Fillet o e Rodaballo c amy Spinach on Espin f Wild S eaBass acas a la La Supre w m C Grilled a de Lubina S ith Tomato C rema ompot alvaje, Fish an e Compo d Seafo Monkfi ta d sh o 32,00€ (1/2 Bo and Baby Sq d (1/2 Lobst e Tomate natu er, gavante u ra , Lango ids) La Parrilla Tigre Prawn l y Tomillo stino Tig , d 35,00€ re, Cara a de Pescado y Red Prawn, binero, M MEA arisco Rape y T car Calama ne Tourne ritos) do El Tourn s Rossini wit 36,00€ h Wild edos Ro M ss Veal Sir loin wit ini con Brik de ushrooms an d Ches El Lomo Setas d h Mala tnu el g d Baby L e Ternera blan a Wine and R Bosque y Pure t Pure eg of L a c de Cast is a ins de Avil am añas La Piern ecita de b with Aube a en Salsa de V 34,00€ rgine M ino Ma Cordero la il Lechal con Mil lefeuille and ga y Pasas hojas d C DESS e Beren ous-Cous 32,00€ E jena y C Cassata RTS postr ous-cou e Sicilian s s La Cass a with 29,50€ ata N Pine-n Siciliana con ougat Cream ut Mou Crema de ss La Mou sse de P e with Hone Turron y iñones con Cre Cream and L ma de M iq iel y He uorice Ice-Cr e lado de 12,00€ Regaliz am 12,00€

ROSMARINO della Piazza

I t a li a n & M E D I T E R R AN E AN C u i s i n e

Open for Lunch and Dinner. Centro Comercial Pinares de Elviria s/n 29600 Elviria, Marbella. Tel: 952 850 148 www.rosmarinodellapiazza.com

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THEGOURMET

RESTAURANT

One fine day at Tikitano restaurant

Open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. The restaurant will be closed from November 30 until December 15. Urb. Guadalmansa, Crta. de Cadiz km. 164, Estepona. Tel: 952 792 820. www.tikitano.com

Report marisa cutillas photography kh photography

t was a special day for me on my recent visit to Tikitano: I was having lunch with a friend following a trip overseas, when catching up and meaningful conversation were the order of the day. When it came to the choice of venue, panoramic views of the sea, good food and a relaxed yet elegant setting were called for and we decided on Tikitano. Once again, this beachfront restaurant did more than live up to its standards. Chef Ewald Fichthaler managed to surprise us with an array of dishes that marked the pinnacle of the meeting of Eastern and Western cuisine. Fichthaler, trained at one of Switzerland’s finest cookery schools and the proud pupil to Michelin-starred stalwarts André Jaeger and Anton Mosimann shone at Las Dunas before being enticed to head the Tikitano team. Here, his cuisine is based on fresh seasonal produce with decidedly Asian touches, the result of his extensive experience in Shanghai where he was sent by André Jaeger to study the fine art of Chinese cuisine. Fresh stalks of lemongrass, delicate pensamiento flowers and wonderful wasabi are ingredients that are as visually stunning as they are flavourful. Fichthaler is clearly a follower of the Oriental penchant for presenting dishes as works of art, where shape, texture and colour combine in a creative yet minimalist statement that appeals to the eye as much as the palate. We began our meal with a mozzarella and cherry tomato appetiser dipped in a fresh and flavourful pesto sauce, whetting our appetites for our starter: a juicy king prawn speared through the centre with a lemongrass stalk, served with a mouth-watering risotto bearing the unmistakeable flavours of fresh vegetables and parmesan cheese. The chef suggested we also try the scallops which had arrived the same morning. They were tender, juicy and plump with the beautiful flavour of hoisin sauce and texture provided by delicate sesame seeds. The scallops were served with a delicious roll made of Chinese noodles, wrapped around fresh vegetables, dolled up with a feminine, violet pensamiento flower. Our main dish, fresh monkfish, displayed the same clever fusion of Mediterranean and Oriental traditions and the originality Fichthaler is

renowned for. The generous portion of fish was drizzled with a light-as-air saffron foam, served with two side dishes that were simply irresistible. The first, a small bowl of wok vegetables, was crunchy and flavourful and infused with the appetising flavour of soy sauce. In a petit glass, meanwhile, stood a scoop of wasabi foam, infinitely lighter and sweeter than we normally encounter in Japanese cuisine, and a beautiful complement to the freshness of the fish and vegetables. The dessert was also reminiscent of Asia: a light and tangy lime sorbet with a caramelised top layer. The surprise factor comes in its appearance, almost identical to a crème brulée. After a hearty meal, we were delighted to find that our spoon did not crack through the caramel to find a warm custard but a cool, enticing finale packed with lime juice and rind, crucial ingredients in an authentic, home-made lime dessert. The cuisine was matched with the magnificent view; Tikitano tears down the walls and builds a crystal palace where all you can see straight ahead or on either side is the sea. On a clear day you can even see Gibraltar. The beauty of the scenery is matched by the friendly yet non-imposing service and the cosy, romantic feel of the interiors. As our meal came to a close, my companion and I noted that an intimate wedding celebration was taking place at a table nearby. The bride, with flowers in her hair, seemed content to canoodle with her new groom while friends and family chatted contentedly. I could think of fewer places so fitting for this type of occasion. As your five senses are indulged, and you are generously fed and pampered, somehow you never want the experience to end. And this is why, for those of us enchanted by the magic of Tikitano, it is a place we always come back to, in body, mind and soul. n

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THEGOURMET

i Finca las Brasas

Tel: 952 580 513 El Carnicero 2 Tel: 952 867 599 Rancho las Chapas Tel: 952 831 922 Grill del Puerto Tel: 952 811 686 El Rancho del Puerto Tel: 952 816 252 Salsa Marinera Tel: 952 816 940

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Affordable fine dining with finesse

Report belinda beckett PHOTOGRAPHY kh photography

PROFILE

he quaint model steam train running on track above the heads of diners at Finca Las Brasas is always a talking point. However that’s not the only standout memory of a visit to this cosy rustic restaurant on the Carratera de Mijas with its warm family ambience, conjured up by wood beams, terracotta floors, soft lighting and bright copper pans shining in the glow of firelight. It’s not just the succulent charcoal-grilled meat and fish dishes, the fine wines, authentic, freshly-prepared Bearnaise sauce, or the ‘pommes frites’ – fried to a golden crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, as only the Belgians know how; it’s also the unique presentation. Warm ciabatta loaves are served on a wooden board with butter and dips; chateaubriand comes on its own mini warming grill; brochettes of steak and langoustines hang appetisingly from vertical skewers; steak on a stone allows diners to cook fine slices of entrecote or fillet steak to their liking on sizzling granite slabs heated to 800°C; suckling pig is another signature dish, as is crêpe Grand Marnier, a wafer-fine pancake drizzled with scrumptuous sauce, served in a skillet. If you’ve never eaten here but think it all sounds strikingly familiar, you’re not wrong. You can find these dishes at four other restaurants on the coast: Rancho Las Chapas, east of Marbella (notable for its ornamental carriage, parked in the garden outside, and a menu that also ventures into world cuisine, with couscous, tajine and sashimi); El Carnicero 2 on the Golden Mile (along with Las Brasas, both of these restaurants have rustic Andalusian décor, large outdoor terraces, seating for up to 120 diners and ample parking, ideal for weddings, christenings or corporate events); and, on the front line of Puerto Banús, El Rancho del Puerto and Grill del Puerto, decorated on a rustic maritime theme and also specialising in charcoal grills; and Salsa Marinera, where the emphasis is on fish and seafood (fritura Malagueña, lobster, arroz caldosa, carabinieris). All these restaurants are part of the same family, one of the largest restaurant groups on the coast, run by three Belgian partners who have been operating here for 20 years. Such has been the group’s success that, this coming St. Valentine’s Day (February 14) they will inaugurate another establishment, Banús Steak House above nightclub Seven, a glam-trendy late-dining spot open to hungry night owls until 3am at weekends.

The group’s strategy of using its buying power (up to 600 customers per week) to purchase top quality produce and prepare it to perfection at prices far cheaper than other restaurants of the same level has been key to its success. This shows in the reasonable prices, not least the €18,50 menu (17,50€ Rancho Las Chapas; 16,50€ Finca Las Brasas) with eight choices for each of three courses, served day and night. (Where else could you find avocado with prawns, entrecote steak and crêpe Grand Marnier for that price?) “Our restaurants are not just for tourists – we aim to make them affordable for resident Spanish and foreign families and, in the current economy, that’s even more important,” says partner Vera Poisquet. For wine buffs, the restaurants are a real find as one of the partners, an avid collector, has travelled the wine regions of France and Spain to fill his cellars with non-commercial varieties hard to find elsewhere. All the restaurants have temperature-controlled bodegas, keeping up to 70 different wines at the perfect serving temperature of 15°C. There are wines from South Africa, Chile, Argentina, Italy, Australia and from many of Spain’s top D.O. wine growing regions, such as Toro, Somontano and Sardon del Duero that are relatively unknown to the international market. Particularly recommended are Viña Mireia, a young white Penedés (dry but fruity); Can’Estruc (a rich Penedés rose with notes of strawberry and redcurrant) and Vignali Roccarmora Lasios (a smooth Sicilian red). Each restaurant is stunningly decorated and, unlike many chains, each has individual charm. As people eat with their eyes, the clever visual touches (beautiful plates, gleaming glassware) play a part in seducing diners to return although quality of food and service is paramount – particularly with a group where the reputation of one restaurant affects the rest. Judging from the crowd gathered at Finca Las Brasas on a weekday night in autumn, those are givens. Groups can book events for several nights at different restaurants at very special prices, all through this ‘one-stop’ shop and occasional theme nights are already being trialled at Las Brasas, the group ‘mothership’. “What works there can be introduced to our other restaurants,” says Vera. “We recently hosted a sell-out Elvis night and we’re working on a Moroccan evening, with live entertainment.” Clearly, this gourmet group is adding a new dimension to dining on the coast that is going to make eating out in the coming months both affordable and fun. n

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R E S TA U R A N T E

Carnicero 2 Baby Lamb - Suckling Pig Meat on Stone - Chateaubriand 3 course menu 18,50€

Tel. 952 867 599

MARBELLA - GOLDEN MILE

R E S TA U R A N T E

Finca las Brasas Suckling Pig - Meat on Stone Chateaubriand - Fish - Rice Dishes 3 course menu 16,50€

Tel. 952 580 513

C t r a . F U E N G I RO L A - M I J A S N 3 4 0

R E S TA U R A N T E

El Rancho Meat on Stone - Chateaubriand International Dishes 3 course menu 17,50€

Tel. 952 831 922 L A S C H A PA S

ALL RESTAURANTS OFFER A NON-STOP SERVICE FROM 1PM - 12AM EVERY DAY. DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR COMPANIES AND GROUPS. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR OUR SPECIAL NEW YEAR’S PROGRAMME.

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THEGOURMET

Report Marisa CUTILLAS

FOOD NEWS

Smoke your own food with The Bradley Smoker

Classy new winter menu at Magna Cafè The team at Magna Café is always keen to find new ways to delight, satisfy and surprise its customers, and they’ve done just that with their brand new winter menu which features a wealth of fashionable world flavours in healthy, quality dishes seeking to find an equilibrium between calories, protein and energy values. The menu is innovative and traditional at once, with flavour and health being primary aims. Dishes include many hot and cold appetizers, six different carpaccio dishes (including a venison carpaccio with apple and beets), eight different fresh pasta dishes, fish, meat and game selections and a wide lobster selection. Enjoy treats such as lobster braised in Pesquera Reserva wine, breast of chicken stuffed with foie gras and truffle butter sauce, or rabbit with apricots, honey and prosciutto. Unforgettable desserts cap off fantastic meals which are sure to be the highlight of your winter gastronomic experience.

i Magna Marbella Golf, Calderón de la Barca s/n, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella.

Tel: 952 929 578. www.magnacafe.com

A new era in management for Da Bruno One year has passed since Giancarlo Paparusso and Marcella Filippone took up the respective reins of the restaurants Da Bruno a Casa and Da Bruno San Pedro, and things have never looked brighter for the Da Bruno chain. The Founders of the family company, Bruno and Giuseppina Filippone, decided to delegate the management of two of their restaurants to their children, adding new life and excitement to the team. Giancarlo and his wife Alexandra, as well as Marcella and her husband David, have bestowed personal touches on the restaurants, working hard at consolidating their client base without losing the characteristic family touch Da Bruno is famous for. With quality of produce, friendly service and cosy interiors their goal, it is no wonder the restaurants have gone from strength to strength. Incentives introduced by Giancarlo and Marcella include live music at Da Bruno San Pedro, and quicker cooking times at Da Bruno a Casa, thanks to a modern technique known as ‘induction cooking’.

i Da Bruno a Casa, Tel: 952 857 521. Da Bruno a San Pedro, Tel: 952 786 860. www.dabruno.com

If you love smoked salmon, smoked chicken or even smoked cheese and bread, we bet you always wanted your own smoker. Now it’s possible with The Bradley Smoker, which allows you to smoke the foods you like in an easy, reasonably priced fashion. The Bradley Smoker, available at Aquapool Spas in San Pedro, offers a range of different flavour bisquettes to flavour your food: u Alder and maple give a rich and distinct flavour commonly used with seafood hams and bacon u The stronger and very distinct flavours of mesquite and hickory are commonly used for smoking beef and pork products such as pork shoulders and beef brisket u Apple and cherry impart a sweeter, milder smoke flavour, commonly used with poultry and wild game meat. The Bradley Smoker is famous in over thirty countries as the smoker of choice for sportsmen, fishermen, gourmet chefs, farm shops, butchers, and smallholders. Bradley in the UK has also recently supplied smokers to Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant in London. TV chef Mike Robinson, whose Pot Kiln pub and restaurant featured in Heaven’s Kitchen, likes the Bradley Smoker so much, his establishments are now authorised dealers.

Polígono Industrial de San Pedro. Carril de Picaza 17 E, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 927 811/ 651 830 937. www.aquapool.es

Over 1,000 visit Salón del Vino y la Gastronomía in Málaga The Hotel Monte Málaga was the chosen venue for one of the highlights of the local gastronomic calendar, the Salón del Vino y la Gastronomía, now in its fifth year. Over 45 wine companies, and 15 gourmet brands, displayed some 800 different products to representatives from restaurants, hotels and tourist establishments. Highlights of the event included the presentation of Nove, Spain’s first low-alchohol red wine, and Taberner nº1, considered by many to be one of Spain’s top ten wines. Visitors were also able to try some 500 wines from 26 different D.O.s (Denominaciones de Origen). Culinary novelties included a truffle caviar, the first of its kind on a worldwide level. Wine tasting events were presided over by renowned experts, Ignacio de Miguel, who presented wines form the Casalobos winery, and Carlos Falcó, who shared his knowledge on Valdepusa wines.

i For further information, www.vinoygastronomianarbonasolis.com

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THEGOURMET

Schilo

i Crta. Casares

s/n, Casares. Tel: 952 937 800. www.fincacortesin.com

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Black Swan of Cuisine

CHEF PROFILE

Report MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY courtesy of finca cortesIn

s far back as 82 A.D., the Roman satirist Juvenal wrote about ‘a rare bird in the lands… very much like a black swan’, intending to refer to something that did not actually exist. In the 17th century, ‘all swans are white’ was used as a standard example of an indisputable truth. All that changed when Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh discovered a black swan in 1697, while sailing across the Swan River in New Holland. Eventually, the intellectual Nassim Nicholas Taleb coined the term ‘Black Swan Event’ to refer to rare, unpredictable occurrences that take you by surprise. Visiting Schilo restaurant at Finca Cortesin was, for me, very much like sighting a rare black swan. For, just when you thought all ‘fusion cuisine’ was alike, along comes Schilo Van Coevorden to seduce you with the inviting aromas and flavours, fresh textures and exquisite presentation so characteristic of the Orient, married to subtle influences from countries as disparate as France, Australia and Spain and an occasional nod to Arabian cuisine. As you observe the tall, imposing Schilo quietly organising his staff in his open kitchen like an orchestra director marking the rhythm of a symphony, it is easy to see that fine cuisine is his passion. He may look like he’s in his late 20s, yet Schilo boasts over 20 years’ experience from countries far and wide: from Dubai to Japan, Belgium to Thailand, each culture has left its indelible mark on his cuisine. Schilo has worked alongside greats such as Roger Souverijns in his two Michelin star restaurant, Scholteshof (in Belgium), and at veritable culinary institutions such as the three-Michelin star Im Schiffchen in Dusseldorf. Following executive posts with Hyatt International in London and H.E. Sheikh Mana bin Khalifa Al Maktoum in Dubai, and extensive travels throughout Asia, Schilo opened the Hotel Blakes in Amsterdam, then accepted a post with Stein Hotels and Resorts, opening their renowned The College Restaurant at The College Hotel in Amsterdam. In 2005 he was promoted to Executive Chef for Stein Hotels and Resorts worldwide which last year embarked upon one of its most impressive projects to date: Finca Cortesin. Schilo was seduced to come to Spain by the quality of the produce. I still recall how, upon our first meeting, Schilo spoke with stars in his eyes of the uniformity, cleanliness and quality of Japanese produce, a quality which luckily for Andalucía, he found reflected in our Mediterranean shores, mountains and lands. Schilo has quietly, steadily turned into that black swan connoisseurs had long been seeking. For gastronomes ranging from Spain’s most respected writers (who write for the likes of El País and ABC), to the Costa del Sol’s most influential entrepreneurs, Schilo has become synonymous with originality, artistry and taste. At his restaurant, diners select from three different tasting menus of either five, seven or nine courses. Dishes include truffle, foie and sesame-seed-filled gyozas; soft-shell baby crab in a sweet and sour sauce; or an ultra tender sashimi with wild ginger and soy sauce, served with purple fish roe. This winter, diners can look forward to new game temptations such as grouse, woodcock and partridge, and nouvelle desserts such as the individually-sized Australian Pavlova with passion fruit, or the impressive 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Schilo’s edible interpretation of the sea bed with beautiful ‘starfish’ and ‘sand’ (made of shortbread biscuits), lying over a bed of Japanese orange mousse. Schilo is excited about his upcoming participation in Spain’s most important gastronomic event: the Madrid Fusión 2010 summit which, every January, brings the top chefs in the world to Spain’s capital. Amid a host of conferences, cooking demonstrations and luncheons, reputations are fomented and deals closed as at no other time of the year. At the summit, Schilo will be representing the region of Andalucía, hosting a cooking session entitled New Sauces which focuses on raw ingredients such as ginger, garlic, coriander, coconut milk and Thai fish sauce. His secret concoctions bring umami, the sixth type of taste according to Indian tradition, to life. Christmas will also see Schilo working at maximum pace, warming the stomachs and hearts of many a seasoned foodie. If dishes like sushi, partridge with truffles or a hot potato foam with buttermilk ice-cream and Riofrio caviar sound tempting, book your table for Christmas Eve, Christmas lunch or dinner or for New Year’s Eve. Any time of the year at Schilo is a culinary experience of a lifetime; but in winter, black swans are always rarer, and therefore, more beautiful. n

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“ D E S C U B R A “ D I S C O V E R

L A

N AV I DA D

P E R F E C TA ”

T H E

P E R F E C T

C H R I S T M A S ”

www.fincacortesin.com

HOTEL, GOLF & SPA

Crta. de Casares s/n • 29690 Casares - Málaga

GPS: N 36º - 23´- 49”

W 5º - 13´- 30”

reservas +34 952 937 800 reservations

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THEGOURMET

WINE COLUMN

Report aj Linn

ne thing stares you in the face when you research an article like this: we pay too much for our wine. There can be few other products in the world not classed as out-and-out luxury items that appear to be priced according to the whim of the producer, without any justification for such pricing. I have written in this column previously that no wine in Spain can cost more than €30 per bottle to produce, no matter what the pedigree or the production methods (okay, maybe you can justify a higher figure if you have a bank loan at 25 per cent interest), so a wine costing €70 is giving at least €40 clear profit to the winery: quite a nice chunk of money if you are selling 10,000 bottles a year. The problem is that your average wine drinker has a snobbish streak running through them, and while they may drink Pedro Soap’s vino del día at home, they would never order it in a restaurant or serve it to guests at a dinner party. Producers are aware of this factor and market their wines accordingly, and although it would be perfectly viable (and, of course, profitable) for them to sell their wine at, say, €5, they are scared of under-pricing it and getting a reputation for making cheap wine. It’s all about positioning, in marketing-speak. It is a great challenge for the grower, and there are two clear ways to go: you make the best wine possible and sell it at a price that gives you a fair profit – regardless of any other factor; or you make a conscious decision to spend a fortune on promotion and allow for the cost of this in the price per bottle. Unfortunately, too many wines are marketed according to this latter option, with the result that the drinking public is nicely tricked into paying far more than the wine is really worth at the bodega door. There are hundreds of examples of this practice, and while I am not going to name and shame any of them here, my estimate would be that a large percentage of wine drinkers end up buying mediocre wines at prices inflated by excessive marketing costs, believing as they raise the glass to their lips, that they are discerning buyers of a premium product. All this was brought home to me as I was preparing this article. There really are some excellent wines out there at prices that would still have seemed low even five years ago. In fact, researching the piece took far longer than anticipated simply because there are so many excellent, economically-priced wines in the stores. Firstly, the ground rules. Do not expect a two euro bottle of wine to have the same

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Crisis Wines characteristics as one costing five times as much. It will be a wine of the year, meaning it comes from the most recent vintage that has been bottled and, at most, will have a few months bottle-age and no cask-age. Nor will you usually find the year stated on the label (if you read the small print on the back label, it may appear there, although there is no legal requirement to do so). You may also find some reference to wood ageing, such as roble (oak) or barrica (barrel), which simply means it may have been stored in a barrel for a few months to let it mellow and to take away the sharpness all young wines have. So far, my comments refer to red wines. When considering whites and rosados, the drinker has a much easier task: buy according to region and price. White Riojas are never budget priced, with the possible exception of the excellent Marques de Cáceres (white, not red), and white Ribera del Dueros do not exist; they are called Rueda, from the next-door DO region, and very good they are too. You can normally choose between a Verdejo and a Sauvignon Blanc grape and this is largely a question of degrees of dryness. The region’s rosados come from Cigales and are cheap as chips and well worth buying. Pass quickly to Cataluña, or more precisely to Penedés, largest home to the white wines of this region. Unfortunately for them, their heyday passed with the popularity of Rueda, although there are some excellent Catalan whites, particularly from Miguel Torres, (their Milmanda Chardonnay from Conca de Barberá is unquestionably one of Spain’s finest white wines – at a price). So let’s go to Galicia where, unfortunately, dinky-sized vineyards and limited production dictate that there are very few bargains, certainly not from the Albariño region. Ribeiros are another matter but tend to have a high level of acidity. The bargains come from the secondary regions, although they will take exception to being referred to as such: Navarra, Toro, Campo de Borja, even Madrid, to mention but a few. Forget about the tertiary regions (my classifications) such as Valdepeñas, La Mancha, Jumilla, Cariñena, Yecla. Overall, the wines of Navarra win hands down. As a region abutting Rioja, the producers have always felt overshadowed by their big neighbour and so, as the advert goes, they try harder – and, more important, price more realistically. If you have never really thought about drinking a Navarra red wine (and the whites are not bad, although the rosados are better), start now. For any Spanish red wine the tempranillo grape

is king, however much it is blended with syrah/shiraz, garnacha, macabeo and other non-autoctonous varieties, and a straight tempranillo will always be cheaper. And don’t ignore wines from non-regions, meaning they are located just outside the official denomination zones and therefore cannot call their wines Rioja or whatever; these are always competitively-priced. Where to buy? An unscientific survey of Marbella’s outlets reveals that La Cañada’s Alcampo hypermarket is a happy hunting ground (also for cheeses – must be the French owners’ influence), and although El Corte Inglés/Hipercor stocks many of the same wines, there can be a considerable price difference, (e.g. Marques de Griñon’s excellent red Durius from Castilla-León costs €3,79 in Alcampo and €4,30 in Hipercor). There are also wines that you will find nowhere else at the lowest price level, such as the very acceptable Pitarra from Extremadura at €2,45, and Vino Mar at 95 cents. A Bajoz from Toro costs €2,99, and a good chardonnay from Huesca the same. White Ruedas abound for two-to-three euros and, for rosado lovers, the Somontano section is worthwhile. Pick of the bunch without question is a red Navarra, Alarnes, at one euro. Moving up-market, Vinacoteca La Cartuja in central Marbella has a superb Campo de Borja Garnacha, Coto Hayas, for €3,50 and, from the oddly-named Vivir Vivir range from Ribera del Duero, a wonderful 2008 red at €3,50; (Arte de Vivir 2007 is €4,50). Valpincia white and red cannot be ignored, at around €3,95, and the Valventos Chardonnay is a snip at €3,50. The possibilities are so enormous that a short article cannot do justice to the topic. What is as plain as a pikestaff is that to enjoy Spanish wine it is not necessary to spend double figures on a bottle – unless the intention is to impress your dinner guests. n

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RESTAURANTS Price guide

Per head for a three-course meal with wine

RESTAURANTS

Clericó

AMERICAN

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Avda. Antonio Belón, 22, Marbella. Tel: 952 765 683.

Under €25

Jacks

€25 – €40

Open seven days a week from noon till late. Puerto Banús, Tel: 952 813 625, Puerto Marina, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 563 673

€40 – €60 €60 plus

Yanx Open from 9am Monday to Saturday and Sunday from 11am for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Centro Plaza, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 818 861

INDIAN

INTERNATIONAL

TGI Friday’s

GREEK

GRILLS

Open from 12pm to 12am. Avda. Muelle de Ribera, locales 4-5, Marina Banús, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 815 993

El Coto Open daily for both lunch and dinner. Ctra. de Ronda (El Madroñal), San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 786 688

Valderrama Restaurant

El Gaucho

Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner only and on Sunday for Buffet Lunch. Apartado 1, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 132.2 Sotogrande, Cádiz. Tel: 956 791 200

Open daily for dinner from 7.30pm. Galerías Paniagua. Sotogrande. Tel: 956 795 528

GREEK

Open from 1pm-4pm and from 7pm to 12am. Ctra. de Cádiz, km.176, 29600, Marbella. Tel: 952 765 533

Open daily for both lunch and dinner. Muelle Ribera, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 812 148

Open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday. CN340, km.178, Marbella. Tel: 952 863 922

Buenos Aires South

GRILLS Asador Criollo Grill Open nightly for dinner. CN340-A7, km. 166, Cancelada, El Saladillo. Tel: 952 784 463

Asador guadalmina Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Urb. Guadalmina Alta, C.C. Guadalmina, Local 3, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 883 003

El Carnicero Open daily for both lunch and dinner. Pueblo

el rancho del puerto Open for lunch and dinner every day. Muelle Benabola 4, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 816 252

Grill del puerto Open for lunch and dinner every day. Muelle Ribera 47H, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 811 686

MARBELLA CLUB GRILL Open every night for dinner. Marbella Club Hotel. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 822 211

Old Town Grill Open Monday to Saturday for dinner and Sunday for lunch. C/ San Lázaro, 3, Pza. Victoria, Marbella. Tel: 952 867 306

puente romano beach club Open every day for lunch. CN 340, km 177, Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

RESTAURANTS

AMERICAN

ARGENTINEAN

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. C/ Virgen del Pilar, 6, Marbella. Tel: 952 779 297

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 176, Marbella. Tel: 952 867 599

Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sunday for brunch. Urb. Alzambra, Edif. Vasari, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 929 020

Red Pepper

ARGENTINEAN

El Carnicero 2

Nestor

Tony Roma’s

B.Ayres

FRENCH

Viejo Cancelada. Between San Pedro & Estepona. Tel: 952 886 307

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iNGS LISTINGS LISTings Restaurante Rancho

Hotel Don Carlos), Marbella. Tel: 952 830 146

beach club restaurante grill

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Ctra. Cádiz, exit Las Chapas. Tel: 952 831 922

Taj Mahal

Open every day for lunch. Hotel Fuerte, Castillo de San Luis s/n and Hotel Fuerte Miramar Spa, Plaza José Luque Manzano s/n, Marbella. Tel: 902 343 410

Tango Open daily for dinner except Tuesdays. Puerto Banús (opp. the car park). Tel: 952 812 358

INDIAN indian dreams Open every day for lunch and dinner. Avda. Duque de Ahumada, Paseo Marítimo 9, Marbella. Tel: 952 820 096

Jaipur purple

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Private parking available. Ctra. Cádiz, km 179 (behind Venta los Pacos). Tel: 952 857 670/ 629 244 659

INTERNATIONAL

boulevard

Open Friday for dinner and Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner. El Castillo de Monda s/n, Monda. Tel: 952 457 142

Open for dinner from 8pm. Avda. La Fontanilla, esquina Paseo Marítimo, Marbella. Tel: 952 860 583

alminar

Open for dinner Monday to Saturday from 7 pm. Las Palmeras 19, San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 786 156

Open daily for dinner except Tuesday. C.C. Costasol, local 3, Estepona. Tel: 952 888 353

Little India

Amanhavis

Open daily for dinner from 7pm. Conj. Buenavista, L 21-22, Avda. de España, Calahonda. Tel: 952 931 829

Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday from 8.00pm. Calle del Pilar 3, Benahavís. Tel: 952 856 026

Massala

Areté

Open daily for dinner. 57, Duquesa de Arcos (Sabinillas seafront). Tel: 952 897 358

Open every day except Sunday for lunch and dinner. C/ Mediterráneo, Edif. Mediterráneo, 1 (next to Marisquería Santiago), Marbella. Tel: 952 777 334

Open Monday to Saturday from 6pm for dinner. Urb. Torrenueva, Mijas Costa. Tel: 902 463 426

Mumtaz Open daily for both lunch and dinner. Casa No.7, P. Banús. Tel: 952 812 090

safFron Open from 7 pm ‘til late night every day. Parque de Elviria, local 7-9, Las Chapas (take second exit, after

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Urb. Coto de los Doles, Carril del Relojero, Elviria, Marbella. Tel: 952 839 458

al bacar

Open Thursday to Monday for dinner. At the Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona. CN 340, km. 159, Estepona. Tel: 952 809 500

Mughal village

beach house

auld dubliner Open every day for lunch and dinner. C.C. Diana Park, Marbella. Tel: 952 886 338

baboo lounge and restaurant Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Winter season: closed Sunday and Monday nights. Ctra. Arroyo de la Miel, s/n, Benalmádena. Tel: 902 102 675

Brunings

Bubbles Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner and drinks from 7.30 pm. Plaza Antonio Banderas, Puerto Banús. Tel: 606 070 979

Calima Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Hotel Meliá Don Pepe, C/ José Meliá, s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 764 252

breakfast, lunch and snacks. Centro de Negocios Puerta de Banús, local 22, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 929 411

cortijo fain Open every day for lunch and dinner. Ctra. de Algar, km. 3, Arcos de la Frontera, Cádiz. Tel: 956 704 131

Deli-icious Open from 9am to 6pm. C/ Califa, Edif. La Maestranza, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 907 876

Don Leone Open every night for dinner. Puerto Banús, Marbella. Tel: 952 811 716

Don MIGUEL Open for lunch from 1-4pm and dinner from 7-11pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Monday. C/ Ortega y Gasset 87, Marbella House, Marbella. Tel: 952 858 603

Don Quijote Open every evening for dinner (7pm-12am. Flamenco show on Sundays. Urb. El Rosario, km. 188, Marbella. Tel: 952 834 748

Casanis

el bistro lounge de pan y mermelada

Open every day from 6pm except Sundays. C/ Ancha, 8, Marbella. Tel: 952 900 450

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Urb. Marbella Real, Local 16, Marbella. Tel: 952 829 308

cerrado del águila

El Bolero

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Urb. Cerrado del Águila, Camino del Acevedo, s/n, Mijas Costa. Tel: 951 773 521

Open every night for dinner from 8-11pm. The San Roque Club, CN 340, km. 127, Cádiz. Tel: 956 613 030

Chic brunch & café

Open daily for dinner. Hotel Los Monteros, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 187. Tel: 952 771 700

Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm for

El Corzo

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INTERNATIONAL

iN el fogón de elías

Tel: 952 837 483

Open Wednesday to Monday for lunch and dinner. Bloque 7-8, Centro Diana CN 340, km 168.5, Estepona. Tel: 952 884 977

Herrero del Puerto

El lago

hotel marbella club buffet

Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner. Urb. Elviria Hills. Avda. Las Cumbres s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 832 371

Open every day for lunch. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 822 211

EL MIRADOR

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. CN 340, km. 173, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 906 105

RESTAURANTS

Open for breakfast every day. At the Kempinski Hotel Bahía Resort. CN 340, km 159, Estepona. Tel: 952 809 500

EL OCEANO BEACH HOTEL

Hotel LoRcrimar

IVy

La Verandah Open week days for dinner at 7:30pm and weekends for lunch and dinner, closed Tuesdays. Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 136. Playa Guadiaro, Torreguadiaro, Cádiz. Tel: 956 615 998

Lee’s bistro Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and every night for dinner. C.C. Guadalmina, Local 8, Edif. Barclays, Marbella. Tel: 952 928 610

lime & co

Closed until December 20. From December 21, open for lunch and dinner daily. CN 340, km 199, Urb. Torrenueva, Mijas Costa. Tel:952 587 550

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and on Sunday for lunch. The coffee shop opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday. Urb. El Rosario, Club de Tenis el Casco, Marbella. Tel: 952 831 989

EL OLIVO

Khala

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sunday for lunch. At Marbella Golf & Country Club. CN 340, km. 188, Marbella. Tel: 952 830 500

Open Mondays to Saturday from 8.30pm to midnight. NH Alanda Hotel, Marbella. Tel: 952 899 600

magna café

LA biznaga

Mc café

El Patio de los Perfumes

Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and on Sunday for lunch only. Ctra. Ronda, km. 46, Urb. Las Medranas, local 4, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 951 275 750

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Marbella Club Hotel. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n. Tel: 952 822 211

La cabaña del mar

Open for dinner Monday to Saturday. Avda. Severo Ochoa, 12, Marbella. Tel: 952 864 895

Open daily for dinner. C/Aduar 1, Casco antiguo, Marbella. Tel: 952 828 650

El Relicario Open from Mon. to Sat. for dinner. C/La Concha 11, El Ingenio, San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 788 686

El Restaurante del Casino Open every day for dinner from 8pm-4am. Hotel Andalucía Plaza s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 814 000

El rincón de gVadalpín Open for lunch Friday to Sunday and dinner Tuesday to Saturday. Closed Monday. C/ Edgar Neville, s/n, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. Tel: 952 929 001

Fabiola Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and on Sundays for lunch. Cortijo Los Canos, Pueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro, CN-340, km. 132, Sotogrande, Cádiz. Tel: 956 695 114 / 619 694 484

Finca Besaya Open daily for lunch and dinner. Urb. Rio Verde Alto, s/n. Tel: 952 861 382

Finca El Forjador

Open every day for lunch and for dinner from Monday to Saturday. Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona CN 340, km 159, Playa El Padrón, Estepona. Tel: 952 809 500

LA CANTINA DEL GOLF Open for breakfast and lunch until 8pm. Closed Sunday. Flamingo Golf Club, Cancelada, Benahavís. Tel: 951 318 815

La Esencia Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner. Hotel Incosol, Urb. Golf Rio Real, s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 831 303

la fonda de marbella Open every night for dinner. C/ Los Caballeros, 4-6, Old Town, Marbella. Tel: 952 903 288

La Hacienda Open for lunch and dinner Wednesday to Sunday. Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 193, Hacienda Las Chapas, Marbella. Tel: 952 831 267 / 831 116

La Loggia

Open everyday for lunch and dinner. Conjunto Marbellamar 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 774 534

los bandidos Open every night for dinner. Muelle Ribera, Puerto Banús.Tel: 952 815 915 Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. C/ Calderón de la Barca, s/n. Tel: 952 929 578

Messina

messina puerto banús Open every day for lunch and dinner except for Sunday. C/Ramón Areces, Complejo Marina Banús. Tel: 952 815 840

Miraflores Golf Restaurant Open daily for Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 199. Urb. Riviera Golf. Tel: 952 931 941

montecarlo Open every day for lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesdays. Avda. Litoral s/n, Estepona. Tel: 951 273 994

nestor Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner and Sunday brunch. Urb. Alzambra, Edif. Vasari, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 929 020

OCHO Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. C/ Moncayo 12, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 460 232 / 648 502 822

Open daily for lunch from 1-4pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Ctra. de Casares, km. 10. Tel: 952 895 120

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks. Hotel Villa Padierna & Flamingos Golf Club, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 166 (Cancelada exit), Benahavís. Tel: 952 889 150

Finca las brasas

La Menorah

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Ctra. Fuengirola-Mijas, between CN-340 and highway. Tel: 952 580 513

Open from 1-3.30pm and 8-11.30pm. Closed Mondays. Arena Beach, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 151.2, Estepona. Tel: 952 792 734

Galeria San Pedro

La Terraza

Open from 11am until midnight. Closed Sundays. Avda Las Palmeras 15, San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 780 927

Open everyday lunch and dinner. Golf Hotel Guadalmina, Marbella. Tel: 952 882 211

Open Wednesday to Sunday for dinner from 7pm-10.30pm. AGH Estepona Hotel and Spa, 5th floor, CN 340, km 166.5, Estepona. Tel: 952 889 040

La Terraza

oyarbide

hermosa

Open daily for dinner. La Cala Resort, La Cala de Mijas, Mijas. Tel: 952 669 000

Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and on Sunday for lunch. C/ Acera de la Marina 4, Marbella. Tel: 952 772 461

Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner from 7pm. Closed Monday. Local 1A. Puerto de Cabopino.

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Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Casas de Campos, 1, Málaga. Tel: 952 122 075

Open every day for lunch and dinner. At the Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona. CN 340, km 159, Estepona. Tel: 952 809 500

La veranda lobby bar

Ogilvy & Mailer Open everyday for lunch and dinner, except Tuesday and Sunday evenings. Los Naranjos Country Club, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 815 398

Over the clouds

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STIC FANTA A MAGN W E N MENU CAFÉ BLE IN AVAILA BER DECEM

Bar & Restaurant NEW YEAR’S EVE MENU with live music Welcome Drink *** Lobster tail ‘marbled’ with melon pearls dressed with Portwine and cocktail sauce *** Rissoto ‘ Brazil’ asparagus, scallops and saffron *** Turbot filet baked with lentils and curry *** Apples and carots sorbet *** Beef tenderloin with shallots, raisens, pine nuts ans Passito wine sauce, sauted spinach on grilled eggplants *** Midnight ‘Clockwork orange’ with limoncello sabayon *** Fillaboa, Matarromera, Moet Chandon Brut Imperial free drinks and live music

P.P.: € 225

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! r e s e r v e y o u r t a b l e o n - l i n e a t w w w. m a g n a c a f e . c o m o r Te l . 9 5 2 9 2 9 5 7 8

Stylish and Relaxed Atmosphere in the Heart of the Golf Valley KITCHEN OPEN ALL DAY MAGNA MARBELLA GOLF - Nueva Andalucía - Marbella

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ITALIAN

lebanese

iN passion café Open for lunch and dinner every day. C.C. La Colonia, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 781 583

polo house Open daily for dinner from 7pm and Sunday Lunch, with club/dancing. CN 340, Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe 11, Marbella. Tel: 952 900 380

INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANTS

km.168, Benamara, Estepona. Tel: 952 883 259

sentidos

Open Monday to Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nueva Andalucía next to the Casino. Tel: 952 906 205. Golden Mile, Marbella. Tel: 952 777 480. Terra Sana Express@ ILounge. Avda Antonio Belón, 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 901 274. Marina Banús, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 817 977. C.C. Los Arcos, Elviria. Tel: 952 833 250. C.C. Laguna Village, Estepona. Tel: 951 901 050

Open every day for lunch and dinner. At Sentidos en Río Real Hotel. Urb. Río Real s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 765 732

shiraz

polynesian’s restaurant & cocktail bar

Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Puerto Deportivo, Local 15, Marbella. Tel: 952 778 334

Open every night for dinner. Urb. La Alcazaba, CN340, km 175, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 816 100

Skina

Puro Beach

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Cortesín. Crta. Casares s/n, Casares, Málaga. Tel: 952 937 800

Open every day for lunch and dinner. CN 340, km 159, E15 Exit, Estepona Este (beside Kempinski Resort Hotel). Tel: 952 316 699

Relais de Paris Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Paseo marítimo Benabola, s/n. Tel: 952 819 078

roca tranquila Open every day for lunch and dinner except Monday. Urb. Torreblanca de Sol, C/ Tortola, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 196 067

Rojo Open every day for lunch and dinner except Sunday. C/ Granada, 44, Málaga. Tel: 952 227 486

Salsa marinera

Open for dinner Monday to Saturday. C/ Aduar 12, Old Town, Marbella. Tel: 952 765 277

Small world café Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. C.C. Le Village, local 15, Ctra. Istán km. 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 771 046

Starz Open Monday to Saturday for breakfast and lunch. Centro Plaza, kiosko 3, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. Tel: 952 816 313

SUi-to Dinner and afterwards dance to music by resident DJ. Thursday to Saturday. Hotel Puente Romano, Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

Swing

Terra Sana

The Clubhouse Bar & Brasserie Open Tuesday to Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Urb. Los Naranjos de Marbella, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 908 844

The far isle Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner except Tuesday. Edif. Lubina Sol, Riviera Exit, CN 340, km. 198, Marbella. Tel: 952 935 039

The orange tree

Open every day for dinner from 7.30pm-12.30am. Plaza Altamirano, 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 858 868

ITALIAN Al Dente Open 7 days a week for dinner. Closed on Mondays. Urb. Jardines del Puerto, local 12, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 906 181

Amore e Fantasía Open every day for lunch and dinner from 7pm onwards. Muelle Benabola, Casa 5A, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 813 464

Aretusa Open daily for dinner. Front line P. Banús. Tel: 952 812 898

Caruso Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday 7pm until midnight. Avda. de la Constitución, corner C/ Andalucía, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 782 293

Open every evening from 6:30 pm-11 pm. Plaza General Chinchilla 1, Plaza de los Naranjos, Marbella. Tel: 952 924 613.

Casa Nostra

Tikitano Beach Restaurant

Da Bruno

Re-opens 15th December, Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Guadalmansa, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 164, Estepona. Tel: 952 792 820

Open all day. Pasta Da Bruno: Avda. Ricardo Soriano, 27, Marbella. Tel: 952 860 348 – closed on Sunday. Da Bruno Cabopino: CN-340 Km. 194,7. Tel: 952 831 918. Da Bruno a Casa: Marbella Mar, Local 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 857 521 – closed on Sunday.Da Bruno A San Pedro: Avda. del Mar, local 1E,San Pedro. Tel: 952 786 860 – closed on Monday. Da Bruno Sul Mare: Edif.

Open for lunch and dinner every day. Muelle Ribera 50H, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 816 940

Open from 12-4pm and 7.30pm until midnight. Closed Wednesdays. Arena Beach, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 151, Estepona. Tel: 952 796 320

schilo

tanino

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Playa Santa Petronilla, km 178, Marbella. Tel: 610 704 144

Open Thursday to Saturday for dinner. Hotel Finca

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. CN 340,

Zozoï

trocadero playa

Open daily for both lunch and dinner. C/Camilo José Cela 12, Marbella. Tel: 952 861 108

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iNGS LISTINGS LISTings Skol, Paseo Marítimo, Marbella. Tel: 952 903 318/19

Dalli’s Pasta Factory Open daily for dinner. Second Line Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 815 871/952 818 623

Da Paolo Open everyday for lunch and dinner. Muelle Ribera, casa G-H, local 43, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 816 453

De Medici Open Monday to Saturday for dinner. Urb. El Pilar, C.C. Benapilar, Estepona. Tel: 952 884 687

gold restaurant Open every day from 10am to 12 am. Complejo Benabola 13, Beach Side, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 929 055

Open every night for dinner. Urb. Doña Lola, Local 21-22, Calahonda, Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 934 667

portofino laguna village

Lombardo’s

Ristorante Roberto

Open daily from 7pm. Galerías Paniagua, Sotogrande, Cádiz. Tel: 956 795 924

Open daily for dinner. Beach Club, Hotel Puente Romano, CN-340, km 177.5, Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

Luna Rossa Open daily for both lunch and dinner, closed on Sundays. Paseo Marítimo Benabola, local 12, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 810 543

MADE IN SARDINIA

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. C.C. Laguna Village, Estepona. Tel: 952 808 035

Rosmarino della Piazza Open Sunday to Friday for lunch and dinner and Saturday for dinner. C.C. Pinares de Elviria, s/n, Elviria, Marbella. Tel: 952 850 148

Open every night for dinner. C.C. Cristamar, Avda. Julio Iglesias, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 906 608

terraza dual

Marco dallis

saleto

Open daily for dinner. Avda. Fontanilla, Marbella. Tel: 952 776 776

Open Monday to Saturday for dinner. Avda. del Prado, Via 1, local 2, Aloha Golf, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 818 112

Open every day for lunch and dinner. C.C. Marbellamar s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 925 250

la brisa

Metro

Open every night for dinner except for Wednesday and Thursday nights. Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona. CN 340, km. 159, Estepona. Tel: 952 809 500

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 907 037, Puerto Marina, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 446 460

Villa Tiberio

Pizza Marzano

zafferano

la pappardella di estepona

Open every day for lunch and dinner. C/ Ramón Areces, local 7, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 810 448

Open every night for dinner except Sunday. C/Gloria II, 11, Casco Antiguo, Marbella. Tel: 952 863 125

Open every day for lunch and dinner from 1pm to midnight. Puerto Deportivo de Estepona. Tel: 952 802 144

LA pappardella sul mare Open every day for lunch and dinner. C.C. Laguna Village, Estepona. Tel: 952 807 354

Leonardo da vinci

pizza real Open every day from 12pm until late. C.C. Pino Golf Don Carlos, Elviria. Tel: 952 850 039

Open Monday to Saturday for dinner. Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 178, Marbella. Tel: 952 771 799

lebanese

Pizzeria Picasso

marrush

Open daily from 12 noon. Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 813 669

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Complejo Cine Gran Marbella, Marbella. Tel: 952 814 819

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CINEMAS

iN Oriental Asia Food Open daily for lunch and dinner. Centro Comercial, Pinares de Elviria, Marbella. Tel: 952 850 060 Open every day for lunch and dinner except Tuesday lunch. C/Lirios s/n, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 817 691

Dragón de Oro Open every day from 12.30-4pm and 7pm until midnight. Closed Monday lunchtime. Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 141, Urb. Hacienda Guadalupe, Manilva. Tel: 952 890 956

Kaede

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Locales 18-21, C.C. Cristamar, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 815 319

Osaka Open every day 13:30-16:00 & 19:30-24:00. CN-340, km. 166 (Benavista). C.C. Costa del Sol. Tel: 952 885 751

Parlez moi d’amour Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Mondays. C.C. Laguna Village, Estepona. Tel: 672 730 126

RestaurantE asiático Bangkok Open daily for lunch and dinner. P. de las Orquideas, C/ Iris, 11B, Edif. Excelsior no. 1, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 813 603

Open everyday for lunch and dinner. At the Hotel Westin La Quinta. Urb. La Quinta, s/n, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 762 059

Sakura

Kaiden Sushi

Sapporo

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Centro Com. Guadalmina Alta, Guadalmina 4, local 2, lower floor, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 896 508

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C.C. Costa del Sol, upper level. CN-340, km. 166 (Estepona). Tel: 952 888 710

Kama Kura

shangai express

Open Tuesday to Saturday from 8-11pm. The San Roque Club, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 127, San Roque, Cádiz. Tel: 956 613 030

Open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday. At the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Urb. Benamara, Avda. Dos Hermanas, CN 340, km. 168, Estepona. Tel: 951 055 531

meca

Sukho Thai

Open every day for lunch and dinner. C.C. Pino Golf, Don Carlos, Local 1, Elviria, Marbella. Tel: 952 830 365 / 658 646 829

Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday. Centro Comercial Marbellamar. Tel: 952 770 550

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Avda. Jardines del Puerto, L.5, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 817 536

Sushi des artistes

Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. CN 340, km 178.5, Marbella. Easy parking. Tel: 952 857 403

SCANDINAVIAN

Sushi Katsura

Skandies

Open for lunch from Monday to Friday and for dinner from Monday to Saturday. C/Ramón Gómez de la Serna, 5, Marbella. Tel: 952 863 193

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 7pm to 11pm. Closed Mondays. Avda. Antonio Belón, 26 (behind the lighthouse), Marbella. Tel: 952 776 323

Tai Pan Open seven days a week for dinner. H. Puente Romano, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 177, Marbella. Tel: 952 777 893

Thai-china Open daily for lunch and dinner except for Tuesday lunch. CN 340, km 197, Calahonda. Tel: 952 939 017

Thai Gallery Open seven days a week for dinner from 8pm. CN340, km.175, Edif. Rimesa, Bajos, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 818 392

Wok Away Open every day for lunch and dinner. Avda. Julio Iglesias, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 907 304

Wok Buffet Open every day for lunch and dinner. Urb. El Pilar, 22, Estepona. Tel: 952 887 092

Wok Wang Open every day for lunch and dinner. C/ Camilo José Cela, C.C. Plaza del Mar, planta 0, local 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 925 478

SEAFOOD Asador Santiago Open daily for lunch and dinner. Paseo Marítimo, 5, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 078

Cipriano Open daily for both lunch and dinner. Playas del Duque, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 811 077

El Barlovento Open from 11am-4pm and 7.30-11pm every day except Mondays. Puerto Deportivo de Sotogrande, Cádiz. Tel: 956 790 370

Restaurante La Marina Open every day from 1-4.30pm and 8pm until midnight. Paseo Marítimo s/n, La Atunara, La Linea de la Concepción, Campo de Gibraltar. Tel: 956 171 531

La Torre Open daily for lunch and dinner. Muelle de Honor, Club de Mar, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 811 561

Marisquería La Pesquera

Yuan

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Plaza de la Victoria, Old Town, Marbella. Tel: 952 765 170

Open every night for dinner. Hotel Torrequebrada, Benalmádena Costa. Tel: 952 441 414.

RestaurantE Eddy & Marisa’s

RESTAURANTS

Oriental

SCANDINAVIAN

SEAFOOD

SNACKS

SPANISH

CASINOS

Asiatico Zen

Naga

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iNGS LISTINGS LISTings Open for breakfast and lunch from 9am - 6pm. Urb. Coral Beach, The Golden Mile, Marbella. Tel: 952 824 534

Restaurante El bote Open every day for lunch and dinner. Paseo Marítimo Rey de España, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 660 084

de Alcántara. Tel: 952 853 344

Hacienda Open from 1-4.30pm and 7.30 -11pm. Closed on Sunday afternoons and Mondays. Urb. La Alcaidesa, La Linea de la Concepción. Tel: 956 582 700

La Meridiana

lunch and dinner. C/José Aparacio,1, Ronda (pedestrian street between bullring and Parador). Tel: 952 190 291

CASINOS Casino Nueva Andalucía Hotel Andalucía Plaza, Km153. N. Andalucía T: 952 814 000

SNACKS & Brasseries

Open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays. Camino de la Cruz, Marbella. Tel: 952 776 190

Megabowl and Sports Bar

la moraga

Casino Torrequebrada

Open seven days a week from midday until late. C.C. La Cañada, 1ª planta, Marbella. Tel: 902 232 999

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. C/ Ramón Areces s/n, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 817 448

CN340, Km220, Benalmádena T: 952 446 000

SPANISH al lago Open every day for lunch and every night except Wednesday and Sunday for dinner. C/ Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente 11, Zahara de la Sierra, Cádiz. Tel: 956 123 032

La Taberna del Alabardero

Casino San Roque CN340, Km124, San Roque T:956 780 100

CINEMAS & THEATRES

Open everyday for lunch and dinner except Monday. San Pedro Playa, Urb. Castiglone. Tel: 952 785 138. Also at Ctra. de Ronda, km. 167, San Pedro. Tel: 952 786 265

AUDITORIO MUNICIPAL MIJAS

La Veranda

Plaza de España, Recinto Ferial. Tel: 952 379 521

Plaza de la Libertad 2. Mijas. Tel: 952 590 380

AUDITORIO MUNICIPAL TORREMOLINOS

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Plaza de la Iglesia, 5, Old Town, Marbella. Tel: 952 858 069

Open for dinner from Monday to Sunday. Hotel Villa Padierna & Flamingos Golf Club. Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 166 (Cancelada exit), Benahavís. Tel: 952 889 150

Casa de la era

Mesón el adobe

CENTRO CULTURAL EL INGENIO

Open every evening for dinner. Ctra. de Ojén, km 0.5, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 625

Open daily for lunch and dinner except Tuesdays. Avda. La Fontanilla, Edif. Balmoral, Bajo 3, Marbella. Tel. 600 003 144

Garcia Morato, s/n. San Pedro. Tel: 952 786 968

Tragabuches

La Cañada. Marbella. Tel: 902 333 231

Open from Tuesday to Sunday for both

MARBELLA MULTICINES

Buenaventura

Casa Fernando Open from Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Avda. del Mediterráneo s/n, San Pedro

AUDITORIO PARQUE DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN Marbella. Tel: 952 825 035

CINESA LA CAÑADA

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HOTELS

iN Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 816 421

Almenara Golf

Guadalmina Golf

Monte Mayor Golf & Country Club

MULTICINES ALFIL

27 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 582 027. www.sotogrande.com

36 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 883 375

18 holes. Tel: 952 113 088

La Cala Golf Resort

Parador Málaga del Golf

Aloha Golf Club

54 holes, Pars 71, 72 and 73. Tel: 952 669 033. www.lacala.com

18 holes. Tel: 952 381 255

La Dama de Noche

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 810 875

Avda. Camilo José Cela, s/n. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 800 056

GOLF guide

GYMS

MULTICINES MEDITERRÁNEO PALACIO DE LA PAZ

Atalaya Golf

9 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 818 150

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande

Recinto Ferial. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 589 349

La Duquesa Golf & Country Club

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 785 014

TEATRO ALAMEDA

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 882 812. www.master-hotels.com

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 890 425

San Roque Club

Calle Córdoba 9, Málaga. Tel: 952 213 412

Cabopino Golf

La Quinta Golf

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 613 030

TEATRO CERVANTES

18 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 850 282

Santa Clara Golf

Ramos Marín, 199, Málaga. Tel: 952 224 109

Cerrado del águila

27 holes, Par 72.Tel: 952 762 390 www.laquintagolf.com

TEATRO CIUDAD DE MARBELLA

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 951 703 355

La Reserva Sotogrande

Santa Maria Golf & Country Club

Plaza Ramón Martínez, Marbella. Tel: 952 903 159

Club de Golf La Cañada

18 holes. Tel: 956 695 209

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 831 036

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 956 794 100

La Zagaleta Golf & Country Club

Sotogrande Club de Golf

TEATRO SALON VARIETES

El Paraiso Club de Golf

18 holes. Members only. Tel: 952 695 209

18 holes. Tel: 956 785 012

Emancipación 30. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 474 542

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 883 835

Lauro Golf 18 holes

Valderrama

Estepona Golf

Alhaurín de la Torre. Tel: 952 412 767

VERACRUZ CINES

Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 791 200 www.valderrama.com

Veracruz. Estepona. Tel: 952 800 056

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 937 605. www.esteponagolf.com

YELMO CINEPLEX

Finca cortesín golf club

Los Naranjos Golf Club

Plaza Mayor. Tel: 902 902 103

18 holes, Par 72, Tel: 952 937 883. www.golfcortesin.es

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 815 206

GYMS & SPORTS CLUBS

Marbella Club Golf Resort

ALHAMAR GYM

Flamingos Golf Club

18 holes, Par 73. Tel: 952 113 239

C.C. Alhamar, CN-340 km 197. Tel: 952 934 684

18 holes, Par. Tel: 952 889 157. www.flamingos-golf.com

Marbella Golf & Country Club

ATENAS

18 holes. Tel: 952 830 500

Barquilla 1. Marbella. Tel: 952 776 240

Golf Río Real

Mijas Golf

AZTEC COUNTRY CLUB

Alhaurín Golf

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 756 733

36 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 476 843

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 595 970. www.alhauringolf.com

Golf Torrequebrada

Miraflores Golf

Urb. Riviera del Sol, Mijas-Costa. Tel: 952 934 477

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 442 742

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 931 960

CENTRO DEPORTIVO EL FUERTE

GOLF GUIDE Alcaidesa Links 18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 956 791 0400. www.alcaidesa.com

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Real Club de Golf Las Brisas

Mijas. Tel: 952 663 738

18 holes. Tel: 952 907 085. www.clubdegolfaloha.com

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 784 600

18 holes. Tel: 952 850 111

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iNGS LISTINGS LISTings Av. El Fuerte s/n. Marbella. Tel: 952 861 624

P-E SPORTS CLUB

Gran Hotel Elba & Thalasso Spa

CENTRO DE YOGA Y SALUD INTEGRAL

Urb. Arena Beach. Estepona. Tel: 952 794 308

Ramón y Cajal 21. Marbella. Tel: 952 773 804

Urb. Parcelas del Golf, Aloha Gardens, N.Andalucía. Tel: 952 818 357

CENTRO PLAZA GYM

SATURNIA REGNA

Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 817 074

Bulevar del Príncipe Alfonso Von Hohenlohe, Marbella. Tel: 952 899 400

Cerrado del águila

Marbella Tel: 952 761 475, Elviria. Tel: 952 834 835

Mijas Costa, Málaga. Tel: 951 773 523

SEVEN STARS SCHOOL

Gran hotel gvadalpín puerto banús

CLUB DE SOL

Tai Chi & yoga. Pasaje Estrecho, Estepona. Tel: 952 923 055

Arroyo El Rodeo, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. Tel: 952 899 700

SPORTCLUB ROUTE 66

Gran Hotel Playabella

Ctra. Mijas, 1.5km. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 461 648

Urb. Costalita. Estepona. Tel: 952 880 868

SPORTING CLUB ALHAMAR

José Meliá s/n. Marbella. Tel: 952 770 300

GIMNASIO ESTADIO

C.C. Alhamar. Calahonda. Tel: 952 934 684

hotel byblos andaluz

Trav. Huerta de los Cristales, Marbella. Tel: 952 828 217

SPORTING CLUB ATALAYA PARK HOTEL

Mijas Golf, Marbella. Tel: 952 667 691

HAPPY DIVER’S CLUB

CN340, Km192. Marbella. Tel: 952 831 140

Atalaya Park Hotel, Marbella. Tel: 609 571 920

CN340, Km 168,5. Estepona. Tel: 952 888 212

HOTEL PUENTE ROMANO

TICKET-TO-RIDE

CN340, Km167. Estepona. Tel: 952 883 000

CN340, Km77,5. Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

Cristamar, Pto. Banús. Tel: 952 905 082

Hotel La Cala Golf

MANOLO SANTANA RACQUETS CLUB

Vitality studio

La Cala de Mijas Tel: 952 669 000

Ctra. de Istán, Km2. Marbella. Tel: 952 778 580

C.C. Le Village, Marbella. Tel: 952 902 362

Hotel Puente Romano

Tennis /paddle classes. Calahonda. Tel: 952 939 595

FITNESS CENTRE NEW STYLE Amapolas, s/n Nueva Andalucía. T el: 952 817 916

MARBELLA GUN & COUNTRY CLUB Monda. Tel: 952 112 161

HOTELS

MARBELLA SPORT

Gran hotel gvadalpín Marbella

Gran Meliá Don Pepe

Hotel Don Carlos Hotel El Paraíso

CN340, Km179. Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

Hotel Torrequebrada Avda. del Sol s/n, Benalmádena Costa. Tel: 952 446 000

Km171.5. San Pedro Alcántara.Tel: 952 788 315

Almenara Golf Hotel & Spa

MULTI SPORT Avda. Picasso 27. San Pedro. Tel: 952 782 801

Avda. Almenara s/n. Sotogrande. Tel: 956 582 000

02 CENTRO WELLNESS

Coral Beach

Avda. Antonio Machado, 29.Benalmádena Costa. Tel: 952 443 240

Plaza del Mar. Marbella. Tel: 952 900 420

Golden Mile. Marbella. Tel: 952 824 500

Hotel Westin La Quinta Golf

Hotel Triton

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POST OFFICES

TENNIS

iN Resort

Atalaya Park Hotel

Hotel Meliá Marbella

Tamisa Golf Hotel

Urb. La Quinta s/n. Marbella. Tel: 952 762 000

CN340, Km168,5. Estepona. Tel: 952 889 000

CN340, Km175. Pto. Banús. Tel: 952 810 500

barceló golf

Hotel Playa Bonita

Camino Viejo de Coín. Km 3.3. Mijas Golf. Tel: 952 585 988

Incosol Hotel Medical Spa

C/ de Granadillas, s/n. Urb. Guadalmina Alta, Marbella. Tel: 952 889 099

CN340, Km217. Benalmádena Costa. Tel: 952 442 840

HOTEL PYR MARBELLA

Beatriz Palace & Spa

Hotel Princess Playa

Kempinski Hotel bahía estepona

CN340, Km207. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 922 000

Paseo Marítimo. Marbella. Tel: 952 820 944

CN340, Km159. Estepona. Tel: 952 809 500

Benabola Apart Hotel

Hotel Riu Rincón Andaluz

Las Dunas Beach Hotel & Spa

Benabola. Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 815 000

CN340, Km173. N. Andalucía. Tel: 952 811 517

CN340, Km163,5. Estepona. Tel: 952 794 345

CALEDONIA GOLF Aparthotel & spa

Hotel Selenza

Basilica Vega del Mar

Los Monteros

CN340, km 165, Cancelada exit. Estepona. Tel: 952 889 999

CN340, Km165, Estepona. Tel: 952 899 499

San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 781 360

H10 Andalucía Plaza

Bonsai Museum

El Oceano Beach Hotel

CN340 Km 174. Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 812 000

Parque Arroyo de la Represa. Marbella. Tel: 952 862 926

Urb. Golf Rio Real s/n. Marbella. Tel: 952 828 500

CN340, Km187. Marbella. Tel: 952 771 700

HOTELS

MUSEUMS

Marbella Club Hotel

MUSEUMS

CN340, Km180. Marbella. Tel: 952 822 211

CN340, Km199. Miraflores Playa. Tel: 952 587 550

NH almenara golf

Bull-fighting Museum

NH Alanda Hotel & Spa

Golf Hotel Guadalmina

C/ Almenara s/n, Sotogrande. Tel: 956 582 000

Plaza de Toros. Estepona.

CN340, Km176,6. Marbella. Tel: 952 899 600

Guadalmina Baja. Marbella. Tel: 952 882 211

NH Marbella

Museo Cortijo Miraflores

Villa Padierna

Gran Hotel Benahavis

Marbella. Tel: 952 902 714

CN340, Km166, Exit Cancelada. Benahavís. Tel: 952 889 150

Huerta de Rufino, Benahavís. Tel: 902 504 862

C/ Conde Rudi, s/n. CN340, Km178. Marbella. Tel: 952 763 200

HM gran hotel costa del sol

NH SAN PEDRO

C/ San Agustin 8. Málaga. Tel: 952 218 382

La Cala de Mijas, Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 587 710

C/ Jerez 1, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 853 040

Museo del Grabado

Museo de Bella Artes

AGH Estepona

Hotel El Fuerte

CN340, Km 166.5, Estepona. Tel: 952 889 040

Avda. El Fuerte, s/n. Marbella. Tel: 952 861 500. Spa & Beauty Miramar. Tel: 952 920 000

Parador de Ronda

Museo de la Villa

Plaza de España, s/n. Ronda. Tel: 952 877 500

Plaza de la Libertad 2. Mijas. Tel: 952 590 380

Alanda Carib Playa

Hotel Fuerte Miramar Spa

SENTIDOS Hotel

Museo Ralli

CN340, Km 194. Tel: 952 902 537

CN340, Km185, Urb. Golf Rio Real s/n. Marbella. Tel: 952 765 732

Urb. Coral Beach. Marbella. Tel: 952 857 923

CN340 Km192. Marbella. Tel: 952 902 537

Pl. José Luque Manzano. Marbella. Tel: 952 768 400. Spa & Beauty Miramar. Tel: 952 768 410

Sunset Beach Club

Carrera 39. Ojén. Te1l: 952 881 453

Amanhavís Hotel & Restaurant

Hotel Marbella Playa

C/ Pilar 3. Benahavís. Tel: 952 856 026

CN340, Km189. Marbella. Tel: 952 831 345

Avda. del Sol, 5. Benalmádena Costa. Tel: 952 579 400

Museum of Miniatures Carromato de Max

Alanda Club Marbella

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Avda. Rotary International, s/n, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 817 353

Hospital Bazán. Marbella. Tel: 952 825 035

Museum of Málaga Wines

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iNGS LISTINGS LISTings El Compas. Mijas. Tel: 952 489 500

Pablo Ruiz Picasso Foundation Plaza de la Merced 15. Málaga. Tel: 952 060 215

Picasso Museum Málaga Palacio de Buenavista, C/ San Agustín 8. Málaga.Tel: 952 127 611

Roman Public Baths Gualalmina Baja. Tel: 952 781 360

POST OFFICES Calahonda C.C. El Zoco. Tel: 952 932 175

El corte inglés Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 909 990 Fuengirola.Tel: 952 467 843

Estepona

Urb. Riviera del Sol, Mijas-Costa. Tel: 952 934 477

San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 788 315

C/ Málaga 82–84. Tel: 952 800 537

Fuengirola

Club deL Sol

Ctra. de Mijas, Km 3,5. Mijas. Tel: 952 474 858

Pza. los Chinorros. Tel: 952 474 384

Manolo Santana Racquets Club

Marbella

Tennis/paddle classes. Calahonda. Tel: 952 939 595

Jac. Benavente, 14. Tel: 952 772 898

Club de tenis don carlos

Miraflores Tennis Club

Nueva Andalucía C/ Jazmines. Tel: 952 810 887

Hotel Don Carlos, CN340, km 192. Tel: 952 831 739

Urb. Miraflores, Km199. Calahonda. Tel: 952 932 006

San Pedro

Club Internacional de Tennis

Puente Romano Hotel

Pizarro, 41. Tel: 952 780 393

Ctra. Cádiz, km 173. Marbella. Tel: 952 813 341

Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

Club Madroñal

Tenis El Casco

Benahavís. Tel: 617 647 223

El Rosario. Marbella. Tel: 952 837 651

TENNIS CLUBS Aztec Country Club

Club Nueva Alcántara

Lew Hoads Tennis Club

Ctra. de Istán, Km2. Marbella. Tel: 952 778 580

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KIDS KIDS KIDS KIDS family fun

Congo Come face to face with the world’s largest spider and visit a real rainforest. Inside Tivoli World. Tel: 952 575 697 Crocodile Park Pose with the offspring of the half-tonne adult crocodiles. Open 10am-6pm. C/ Cuba, 14, Torremolinos. Tel: 952 051 782 El Refugio del Burrito Visit this donkey sanctuary just 40 minutes north of Málaga. Open 11am7pm. Fuente de Piedra, Málaga. Tel: 952 735 513 Fuengirola Zoo Go to mysterious Madagascar, Africa and the Far East. Open 10am-6pm. C/ Camilo José Cela, 6. Tel: 952 666 301 Funny Beach Kids paradise with go-karts, trampolines, mini-motorbikes, mechanic bull. Open daily. East side of Marbella. Tel: 952 823 359

Ice Skating Rink and Indoor Swimming Pool New sports centre with public ice skating, inAFA Marbella – Football Academy Football

SCHOOLS

street markets

Academy for boys and girls of all ages, just opposite La Cañada in Marbella. Training is on Mondays and Wednesdays. Call Craig on 609310409 for more info. www.afamarbella.com Born to be Wild Jeep and dolphin Eco-tours for the whole family. Open 9am-8pm. Blue Dolphin Beach Club, Estepona Beach. Tel: 639 720 246 Cable Ski Marbella Water ski cable system and pool. Open 11am-9pm (closed Mondays). Urb. Las Medranas, San Pedro. Tel: 952 785 579

Aloha College Ages 3-18. Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 814 133

Angela’s School Ages 6-14. Marbella. Tel: 952 823 042

Calahonda International College Ages 3-18. Tel: 952 930 080

Calpe School Ages 3–8. San Pedro. Tel: 952 786 029

Childrens placE Bilingual nursery

Ages 3–20. Elviria. Tel: 952 831 058/9

Monseñor Rodrigo Bocanegra

Fiona Jones School of Dance

Ages 3-16. Marbella. Tel: 952 770 077

Ages 9–14. Manolo Santana Racquets Club. Fuengirola. Tel: 610 764 439

Hijas de María Auxiliadora Ages 3-12. Marbella. Tel: 952 771 396

III language schools

Colegio Alborán

San Pedro. Tel: 952 778 492 Marbella. Tel: 952 822 191 Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 908 558 Estepona. Tel: 952 794 059

Ages 3-18. Ricmar. Tel: 952 839 645

Inlingua Language School

Colegio Alemán

All ages. Marbella. T: 952 774 942

Ages 3-18. Elviria. Tel: 952 831 417

the InteRnational SCHOOL of ESTEPONA Ages 2-12.

Atalaya, Estepona. Tel: 952 928 444

Colegio Las Chapas Ages 5–18, girls school. Elviria. Tel: 952 831 616

Colegio San José Guadalmina Tel: 952 883 858 Estepona. Tel: 952 800 148 Dolphin Nursery Ages 6 months-5 years. San Pedro. Tel: 952 799 563 Ecos College Ages 1–18. Elviria. Tel: 952 831 027

English InteRnational College

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door pool, children’s pool. Avda. García Lorca, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 577 050 Jayne Melville Performing Arts Courses at all levels: ballet, tap, jazz/modern, hip-hop/street, drama, mime and singing. London Studio Centre. Tel: 952 906 865 Karting Club Málaga Go-kart circuit for kids and adults who feel a need for speed. Open 10am-midnight. Ctra. De Coin, Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 581 704 Natura Aventura Theme Park Rock climbing wall, pot holing, kayaks, quads, archery, paintball etc.

Estepona. Tel: 952 884 789

C/ Santa Beatriz, San Pedro. Tel: 902 011 077 Original Dolphin Safari Watch, touch and swim with dolphins. Open 10am-5pm. Marina Bay, Gibraltar. Tel: 9567 71 914 Paint & Fun Ceramic Café Ceramic painting studio closed Mondays. Apt for all ages. C/ García Morato 8, El Ingenio, San Pedro. Tel: 952 783 884 Parque Acuático Mijas Thrills and spills to be had in this family friendly water park. Open daily from 10am. Fuengirola by-pass. Tel: 952 460 404 Plaza Mayor Family entertainment with multiscreen cinema, bars, restaurants, bowling alley and kids play area. Málaga. Tel: 952 247 580 Saturday Club Ages 6 to 12, tennis, martial arts, skating, aerobics, dance and ball games. Open 9.30am-2pm. Route 66, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 448 713 Sealife Centre See 2 metre long sharks. Touch pools and walk-though glass tunnel. Open daily 10am-6pm. Benálmadena Port. Tel: 952 560 150 Selwo Adventure Park Over 2,000 animals, 4x4 tours, plus adventure activities. Open 10am-9pm. CN340 Km 162.5, Estepona. Tel: 902 190 482 Selwo Marina Dolphins, exotic birds, penguins and virtual reality shows. Open 10am-6pm. Parque de la Paloma, Benalmádena. Tel: 902 190 482 Steam Train Ride Enjoy a steam train ride crossing the Andalusian mountains with a scenic trip from

street markets

San Roque to Ronda. Tel: 952 931 186 Swim Bebé Swim Swimming classes for under 4’s and AquaNatal classes for mums-to-be. Tel: 617 520 588 / 609 474 038 Swim Squad Swimming lessons and Pool Parties. Professionally run by fully ASA qualified swimming teachers and lifesaving staff. Child protection approved. Tel: 697 714 905 Teleférico Benalmádena Cable car to top of Calamorro mountain, falconry, trekking and horseriding. Arroyo de la Miel. Open 10am-6pm. Tel: 902 190 482 Tennis Camp Tennis lessons for kids from 4 years on, with professional coaches. Open 10am-1pm. Club del Sol, Calahonda. Tel: 952 939 595 The Music Factory Music, dance and drama academy in Mijas Costa. First class free. Hip hop, ballet, tap, modern, yoga and freestyle. Tel: 952 582 077 The Swimming School (Marbella) Professionally run Learn to Swim ASA swimming courses for children aged 4-12. Tel: 657 581 961 Tivoli World Biggest amusement park on the Costa del Sol. Open daily from 1pm. Avda. de Tivoli, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 577 016 Trenecito de Marbella Take a relaxing way to view the main sights of Marbella. Daily 10am-1pm. Paseo Maritimo. Tel: 639 765 981

Avda. Juan Carlos II, 9am2:30 pm

Las Chapas

Thursday Alhaurín El Grande

Calahonda

Performing Arts Academy

Monday Marbella

Ages 3-18. Marbella. Tel: 952 906 865

Fairground (Avda. de Juan Alameda), 9am-2:30pm

By the Guardia Civil Offfices, City Centre, 9am-1pm

Saturday Maro

Peter Pan School

Tuesday

Vélez Málaga

Ages 0-3. Bilingual nursery. San Pedro. Tel: 952 782 051 Benalmádena. Tel: 952 562 103

Monda. C/ Los Huertos, 8am-2:30pm

Close to the Nerja Caves, 9am-1pm

Nerja

Opposite the Guardia Civil Offices, City Centre, 9am-1pm

Saint George’s School

C/ Chaparil, 9am-1pm

Torre del Mar

C/ Urbano Pineda, 9am1pm

Ages 2-8. San Pedro. Tel: 952 786 606

Churriana

Avda. Europa, 9am-1pm

La Cala

9am-1pm

Málaga

Recinto Ferial, 9am-1pm

St. Javier’s International School

Fuengirola

Opposite the Guardia Civil Offices, City Centre. 9am-1pm

Mijas Costa

Torremolinos

Near bullring, 9am-1pm

El Calvario, near Town Hall, 9am-1pm

Nueva Andalucía

Ages 1-7. Marbella. Tel: 952 823 457

Stagecoach Theatre Arts School

Recinto Ferial (close to the CN340, on the same side as the bullring), 9am-2:30pm

Wednesday

La Víbora, 9am-2pm Calypso, 9am-2pm

Coín

Las Lagunas, 9am-2pm

Puerto Banús

International School OF Sotogrande

Ages 4-16. Tel: 952 900 453

Alhaurín de la Torre. Avda. del Limón, 9am-2pm

Sunny View School

Benalmádena Costa

Ages 2–18. Sotogrande. Tel: 956 795 902

Ages 2–18. Torremolinos. Tel: 952 383 164 Swans Ages 3–12. Marbella Tel: 952 773 248

(Second hand items) Recinto Ferial, 10am-2pm

By the sports pavilion, in the Divina Pastora district, 9am-2pm

La Cala

Friday

Recinto Ferial, 9am-2:30pm

Recinto Ferial, 9am-1pm

Málaga

TLC Tutorial College

Calahonda

Ages 13-18. Calahonda. Tel: 952 933 249

Calypso, 9am-2pm

Rincón de la Victoria, Málaga.Plaza de la Iglesia, 9am-1pm

Istán

Benalmádena

Estepona

wendy kindergarten

At the entrance to the town, 9am-2pm

In the area between Tivoli World and the Plaza San Pedro, 9am-1pm

Puerto Deportivo, 9am-1pm

Laude San pedro international college Ages 2–18. San Pedro. Tel: 952 799 900

Mayfair Academy Ages 4-18. Atalaya Park, Estepona. Tel: 952 784 923

Ages 4 months - 5 years. Marbella. Tel: 952 772 910

Estepona

San Pedro

Next to the bullring. Park near CN340 and walk upwards, 9am-1pm

Sunday Fuengirola.

Next to Rosaleda football stadium, 9am-2pm

Sotogrande At the Marina, 9am-1pm

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THEBLOG PETS

Pet theft on the rise The economic crisis has had an untold impact on many families but now it seems it is even affecting our pets, with theft of pure-bred cats and dogs on the increase. Unless your pet is constantly by your side, this can lead to worry about leaving it alone when you go to work, or even to the shops, since thieves often study a pet owner’s routines before breaking and entering a home. If you are worried about theft, take note of the following tips: u Don’t leave your dog in the garden if it is visible from the street. u If you meet people on the street who inquire about your dog or cat, don’t tell them how much your pet cost or give details of where you live. u Keep a current photo of Moggie or Rex, in case you need it for flyers, or to post on the Internet. u Don’t give all the information on your pet on flyers, so you can sort out crank calls from authentic ones. u Micro-chip your pet so you can prove it belongs to you. u Consider purchasing a GPS collar for your pet. You can pre-determine a safety zone for your cat or dog, and the collar immediately sends you an email and text message if it strays outside this pre-determined area.

Dogs are as smart as toddlers Those of us with a passion for our pooches have long suspected, owing to their reactions and expressions, that our dogs are at least as intelligent as our babies. Now, a new canine IQ test propounded by Stanley Coren, canine expert and Professor at the University of British Columbia, indicates that the average dog has the mental abilities of a two-year-old child. Indeed, it was found that dogs are actually better at maths than a three- or four-year-old. Coren, who has written several dog behaviour books, conducted various mathematical tests on the dogs. In one test, the dogs watched as one treat, then another, was dropped from the air behind a screen. When the screen was lifted, if the dogs didn’t find the expected number of treats (in this case, two), they would act surprised, staring at the treat for a long time as if to ask, ‘Where’s the other one?’. As for language skills, it was found that the average dog can learn the meaning of 165 words, including signals and gestures, similar to the average two-year-old. Dogs also seem more sophisticated than toddlers when it comes to socialising, studying the pack order and social relationships within their group to a far greater extent than young humans. Dogs have similar emotions to humans (such as happiness, fear and anger) but don’t feel that emotion many people deem useless: guilt! Coren found that the top dogs, in order of IQ, are: Border Collies, Poodles, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, Shetland sheepdogs and Labrador Retrievers. Those at the bottom of the list include hounds such as the Beagle, which are somehow still highly popular choices for families, who love their sweetness and loyalty.

“Cats are smarter than dogs. You can’t get eight cats to pull a sled through snow” Anonymous Report Marisa Cutillas

Dogs and cats are living longer! When you are very attached to a dog or cat, it can break your heart to even contemplate that their lives are much shorter than ours, and that one day, you could lose them. Now we can celebrate, however, for it seems that many dogs and cats are living to the ripe old age of 15 or longer, paralleling the human trend for greater longevity. Vets claim that people are now selecting pets based, to a great extent, on their longevity and suggest the following factors should be taken into account: u Size: Choose small or medium-sized dog breeds rather than large ones. Toy breeds may seem fragile and weak but actually live the longest! As for cats, breeds such as Siamese and Abyssinian seem to have the best chance of living into their early 20s, provided they are kept indoors and treated with great care. u Genetics: Buy your pet from a good breeder, especially one that selects sire and dam based on the longevity of their ancestors. u Feed your puppy adult food: If you are buying a large or giant breed, feed the puppy adult food instead of puppy food, which contains too much protein, calcium and phosphorous supplements. It is best to keep pups slightly thin, giving them two-to-three years to reach adulthood with less stress on their skeleton and organs. u Don’t overfeed: Studies reveal that slightly underweight dogs live an average of two years longer than their well-satiated counterparts. It may seem mean, but it really is a case of less is more.

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THEBLOG WHAT’S ON IN december uuWHAT’S ON IN december uuWHAT’S ON IN december uuWHAT’S ON IN december uuWHAT’S on

WHAT’S ON

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Regular Events

Monthly on different days AMERICAN CLUB – COSTA DEL SOL The American Club Costa del Sol’s chapters meet monthly for lunches, excursions, sports and social events for members and guests. Further information, www.americanclubcostadelsol.com For the American International Club Nerja, http:// www.geocities.com/nerjachapter/americanclub AMIGOS DE LA CULTURA – COSTA DEL SOL One of the oldest cultural clubs in Marbella meets at different times/places for lunches, lectures and the best tickets to concerts, ballet, theatre, opera, etc. Further information, Tel: 669 445 809 /smartkidsmarbella@gmail.com

Every Monday & Wednesday TAE KWON DO CLASSES – MARBELLA The Platinium Tae Kwon Do School meets every Monday and Wednesday at the Los Monteros gym, with classes for children aged six to 14 from 7.158pm and adults aged 15+ from 8-9pm. Further information, Tel: 687 340 677.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday FIVE-A-SIDE FOOTBALL – MARBELLA Aloha Gardens Multi-Sports Club organises men’s five-a-side matches from 7.30-8.30pm, all welcome. Further information, Tel: 952 814 086.

Every Tuesday BRIDGE CLUB – CASARES COSTA Duplicate Bridge Club meets 7pm at the Centro Comercial, Urb. Marina de Casares. Also free bridge lessons for novices (with a small charge to cover teaching materials) every Wednesday at 7pm. Further information, Tel: 952 893 633/ cbc@ pageseuro.net

Every first Tuesday of the month GARDEN CLUB – BENALMÁDENA Meeting of Garden Club La Capellania at the Manila Restaurant, Los Boliches seafront, from 3pm. Members €20 per annum, visitors 4€. Further information, Tel: 952 442 603.

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday MUSEUM TOURS – MÁLAGA Getting to Know the Collection – a tour of selected works of the Picasso Collection for adults, conducted in English on Wednesdays at 11.30am and in Spanish on Tuesday and Saturday at various times, free with purchase of admission ticket. Also, every last Sunday of the month, entrance free from 3pm. Further information, www. museopicassomalaga.org

First Wednesday of the month CULTURE & COCKTAIL – MARBELLA The Asociación de Arte y Cultura Marbella monthly cocktail party at Magna Café, Magna Marbella Golf. Further information, www.culturamarbella. org/ lorraine@culturamarbella.org

Every Wednesday TOASTMASTERS CLUB – MARBELLA Weekly meeting of this public speaking organisation, 7.30pm at Aloha Gardens, Nueva Andalucía, above Café El Jardin. Further information, http://theachievers.freetoasthost.org FLAMENCO – MIJAS In Mijas Pueblo main square, 12 noon, including complimentary glass of Málaga wine. Further information, Tel: 952 589 034. GUIDED WALKS – MIJAS PUEBLO Departing 10am. Further information, Tel: 952 589 034.

Every third Wednesday of the month LUNCH – MARBELLA The American Club of Marbella meets at a different local restaurant, with an occasional guest speaker, 12.30pm. New friends welcome. Further information, Tel: 952 862 770.

Every Thursday CINE CLUB – ESTEPONA Top films shown weekly in Spanish or original soundtrack, Padre Manuel Cultural Centre, 9pm. Entry €3. Further information, Tel: 952 802 002/ www.estepona.es

Every third Thursday of the month BRIC-A-BRAC SALE – FUENGIROLA At Lux Mundi Ecumenical Centre, 10.30am-12pm. Further information, Tel: 952 543 334.

Every last Thursday of the month TENNIS & NETWORKING – MARBELLA Organised by The American Club of the Costa del Sol (Marbella Chapter) at the Don Carlos Hotel and Tennis Club, 10am-2 pm. Entry, €25, includes court time, buffet lunch and drinks. Further information, Tel: 675 094 494/ ann.mcgeehan@yahoo.com LUNCH – MARBELLA Organised by the British Association of Marbella at a local restaurant. Also weekly coffee mornings at Da Paolo’s Cafe (above Pavarotti´s), Ricardo Soriano, 11am-12.30pm. Further information, Tel: 952 825 191/ 647 773 130.

Friday and 10am-2pm Saturday, Sunday and fiestas. Further information, Tel: 952 797 405/ 606 274 206/ administracion@adana-estepona.com

Every Saturday ART FOR CHILDREN – MÁLAGA Talk based on selected works from the Collection, weekly at 12 noon, conducted in Spanish. Further information, www.museopicassomalaga.org

Every Saturday and Sunday CHILDREN’S STORYTIME – MÁLAGA Cuentacuentos – free sessions in the library of Málaga Contemporary Arts Centre, 12 noon, to teach children aged 3 to 10 to read Spanish and develop an interest in the arts. All welcome. Further information, Tel: 952 120 055/www. cacmalaga.org KID’S CAMP – MARBELLA Aloha Gardens Multi-Sports Club weekend camp for 4-14 year-olds, 10.30am-1pm. Activities include tennis, football, cricket, basketball, hockey, handball, paddle tennis. Further information, Tel: 952 814 086.

Every first Sunday of the month OPEN DAY – MIJAS PAD animal shelter, Cerros del Aguila, welcomes visitors from 12-3pm. Further information, Tel: 952 486 084/ info@padcatsanddogs.org

Every Sunday MARKET – GUADALMINA Market of antiques, clothes, fabrics and objets d’art, 10am-3pm, in front of the VTA3 shop (behind Supersol) at Guadalmina Commercial Centre. Further information, Tel: 952 904 137. FERRARI CLUB – MARBELLA The Ferrari Owners’ Club of Andalucía-Puerto Banús meets in front of Toni Dalli’s Restaurant, 11.30am. Further information, Enrique, Tel: 616 917 283/ www.ferrariclubandalucia.com CONCERT – MÁLAGA The Málaga Municipal Band performs at 12 noon in Málaga Park, Ocon bandstand.

DECEMBER EVENTS Until December 6

Tennis – marbella Fifth Senior tennis Open at the Hotel Puente Romano. Further information, Tel: 952 826 103.

Every Friday and Saturday

Until December 23

OPERA – MARBELLA Various opera singers entertain diners at Da Bruno Sul Mare restaurant, 9pm. Further information, Tel: 952 903 312.

EXHIBITION – ESTEPONA Watercolours by Edward Burbidge and photography by David Anthony, Padre Manuel Cultural Centre. Further information, www.estepona.es

Every second Tuesday of the month

Every last Friday of the month

Until January 24

JAZZ APPRECIATION SOCIETY – MARBELLA Meets 8pm at Benavista Country Club with films of classic jazz performances, food and refreshments. Further information, Tel: 952 785 616.

BUSINESS LUNCH – MARBELLA Marbella Business Institute monthly luncheon at a different restaurant in the area. Non-members welcome with advance notice. Further information, Tel: 952 773 500. COFFEE MORNING – ESTEPONA ADANA animal rescue charity coffee morning at Plaza Manilva (outside Longman’s Bookshop) 11am-2pm. Kennels open 10am-5pm Monday-

EXHIBITION – MÁLAGA Avant-garde Pathways at the Picasso Museum showcases the work of the late multi-talented Swiss artist, designer, dancer and university professor Sophie Taeuber-Arp, from classical avant-garde movements such as Dada to her visual works and research on geometric abstraction. Further information, www.museopicassomalaga. org

Every third Tuesday of the month FLORAL ART CLUB – ESTEPONA Meets from 3-5pm at the Benavista Country Club, visitors welcome. Further information, Tel: 952 890 352/ www.bestofmarbella.com

Wednesday-Friday, December 2-4 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS FAIR – MARBELLA Organised by Jóvenes Empresarios and the Town Hall, the Palacio de Ferias will feature over 100 stands set up by young business people under the theme, A Time For Opportunities, with speeches, debates and networking activities aimed at promoting local services and products. For a full list of events and schedules, www. ajemalaga.org

Thursday-Saturday, December 3-5 FOOTBALL 7 CHAMPIONSHIPS – ESTEPONA 15th Andalusian Football 7 Championships for the handicapped, organised by the Federación Andaluza de Discapacitados Intelectuales (FANDI) at Francisco Muñoz Pérez Stadium. Further information, www.estepona.es

Thursday December 3-January 31 EXHIBITION – MARBELLA The graphic art of Silvia Pagliano, Museo de Grabado, Marbella Old Town, Monday and Saturday from 9am-2pm, Tuesday to Friday from 9am-9pm. Further information, Tel: 952 765 741.

Thursday December 3 and Saturday December 5 CUDECA CHRISTMAS BAZAARS – COSTA DEL SOL December 3 at the Arroyo de la Miel shop, 10am1.30pm. Christmas raffle tickets on sale for December 18 draw. December 5 at the Coín shop in the main square, 10am-2pm. Further information, www.cudeca.org

Friday December 5 CHARITY DINNER – MARBELLA The Saint Nicholas Christmas Dinner, the annual fundraiser for local AIDS charity Concordia at the Marbella Club Hotel, presided over by Princess Marie Louise of Prussia, including a fabulous prize raffle. Tickets, €150 p.p. Further information, Tel: 670 795 896/ www.concordiamarbella.com

Friday and Saturday, December 4, 5 CHRISTMAS MARKET – ESTEPONA Market in aid of Adana abandoned animal charity, held over two days at the Congress Palace. Further information, www.estepona.es

Friday December 4-January 8 EXHIBITION – FUENGIROLA Paintings by Pedro Escalona, Casa de la Cultura, inauguration, 8.30pm. Further information, www. fuengirola.org

Friday December 4 CONCERT – ESTEPONA The Ausdruck Trio (flute, violin and viola) present Escucha, Mira, Ven, Padre Manuel Cultural Centre, 8.30pm, entry €3. Further information, www. estepona.es

Saturday-Tuesday, December 5-8 Christmas Market – La Cala Stalls with Christmas produce, gifts, handicrafts and charity items at the fairground, open daily, 12 noon - 8 pm. Further information, www.mijas.es

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Sunday December 6 Tapas day – Ojén Triple A sangría and tapas day. Ctra. Ojén s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 771 586. CONCERT – FUENGIROLA Municipal Band concert to mark Constitution Day, 12 noon, Parque de España. CONCERT – MARBELLA The Coral Polifónica de Ribadeo, Lugo, presents a concert at the Teatro Ciudad de Marbella, 8pm. Tickets, €10 and €15 from the theatre box office or El Corte Inglés. Further information, Tel: 952 903 159.

support from eco-magazine, La Chispa. Further information, louise@icandi.es

Saturday December 12 & Friday December 18 BASKETBALL – ESTEPONA Unicaja Basketball Championship, December 12; Triples and 3x3, December 18, La Lobilla Sport Centre. Further information, www.estepona.es

Monday December 14 NADFAS LECTURE – FUENGIROLA The Medici, by James Gilpin, 4.30pm, Salon Variètes Theatre. For information on other social events or membership, contact Pauline, Tel: 952 382 713.

Sunday-Tuesday, December 6-8

Tuesday December 15

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS Constitution Day (6th), observed on Monday 7th. Immaculate Conception (8th).

BOOK PRESENTATION – FUENGIROLA Huelva author José Luis Borrero González presents El Tesoro de Sohail, a history of the town’s famous Sohail Castle, based on four different epochs, 8.30pm, Casa de la Cultura, entry free. Further information, www.fuengirola.org

Thursday December 10 CONCERT – FUENGIROLA Concert by classical Spanish guitarist Francisco Doblas, 8.30pm at Iglesia Ntra. Sra. del Rosario, Plaza de la Constitución. Further information, www.fuengirola.org

Thursday December 10-January 10 CHRISTMAS EXHIBITION – MARBELLA Christmas Engravings, a seasonal exhibition at the Museo de Grabado, Marbella Old Town, Monday and Saturday from 9am-2pm, Tuesday to Friday from 9am-9pm. Further information, Tel: 952 765 741.

Friday December 11 CHILDREN’S THEATRE – FUENGIROLA El Principito de Andalucía, presented by Compañía Gato de Alicia, 6.30pm, Casa de la Cultura, entry free. Further information, www.fuengirola.org concert – Mijas pueblo International Christmas Concert by The International Music Society, with festive drink and cakes, 6.30pm, Mijas Town Hall. Booking in advance essential due to limited seating, at Mijas Foreigners Department, Tel: 952 589 010/ frd@ mijas.es CUDECA LIGHT A LIGHT CEREMONY – BENALMÁDENA Annual Christmas fundraiser in aid of the Cudeca Hospice, with carols, bell-ringing, raffle, stalls selling home-made produce and the chance to light a candle for a loved one for a minimum donation of €10. From 6pm at the Hospice. Further information, www.cudeca.org

Saturday December 12 GALA DINNER CONCERT – MARBELLA Musica con Encanto end-of-year concert, Una Noche, Dos Pianos, Tres Horas, Cuatro Pianistas, with works by Mozart, Rachmaninov and Milhaud, 8.30pm, Palacio de Congresos. Entrance, €40, including cocktail, dinner and concert. Further information/tickets, Tel: 689 000 944. ALTERNATIVE XMAS MARKET – COÍN Alternative Christmas market offering natural eco-products, hand-made crafts, art, talks and activities including face painting and yoga for kids, all day at funky ethnic furniture shop, Muebles del Mundo, with terrace cafe, live music and

Wednesday December 16 charity auction – marbella Charity art auction at the Casino Marbella Restaurant at 7pm. Entry free to adults on production of DNI/passport. Tel: 952 814 000.

Thursday December 17 christmas excursion – málaga Coach trip to see the city lights, with a tapas and wine supper and carol concert at the Cathedral by the Chamber Orchestra of Salzburg, organised by Mijas Town Hall, price €52. To book, call the Via Reisen travel agency, Tel: 952 217 599. MARTIAL ARTS NIGHT – ESTEPONA Exhibition by martial arts teachers and students, El Carmen Sports Centre. Further information, www. estepona.es

Friday December 18 DANCE THEATRE – MARBELLA The Compañía Teatro de la Danza de Madrid presents El caso de la mujer asesinadita, 9pm, Teatro Ciudad de Marbella. Tickets, €15 and €18, from El Corte Inglés and the theatre box office. Further information, Tel: 952 903 159.

Saturday 19 December MPM FAMILY DAY – málaga The Museo Picasso invites families to take part in activities in Spanish, from 10am-2pm. Further information, www.museopicassomalaga.org dinner party– MARBELLA Small business and self-employed dinner party at Ogilvy & Mailer. Further information, Tel: 952 815 398.

Friday-Sunday, December 18-20 CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT – ESTEPONA Caravana de los Peques, artistic, theatrical and creative activities for children, Palacio de Congresos. Further information, www.estepona.es

Saturday-Sunday, December 19, 20 REGATTA – MARBELLA III Grand Prix Costa del Sol yacht races start midday from Marbella Port, organised by the Club Marítimo de Marbella. Further information, www. gpcostasol.es

Sunday December 20 CHRISTMAS THEATRE – MARBELLA Estampas de Navidad, a modern interpretation of the Nativity with actors and puppets, 6pm, El Ingenio Cultural Centre. Tickets, €5, from the theatre box office. Further information, www. marbella.es CONCERT – MARBELLA Málaga Symphony Orchestra in concert, 8pm, Teatro Ciudad de Marbella. Tickets, €10 from El Corte Inglés and the theatre box office. Further information, Tel: 952 903 159. FUN RUN – ESTEPONA Local people are invited to take part in this annual 2,700-metre fun run through the town. Further information, www.estepona.es

Wednesday December 23 BALLET – MARBELLA The Russian State Ballet presents Nutcracker, Teatro Ciudad de Marbella, 8pm. Tickets, €20, from the theatre box office or El Corte Inglés. Further information, Tel: 952 903 159.

Tuesday-Wednesday, December 29-30 CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP – MÁLAGA Move the Strings! A Christmas puppet-making workshop held in Spanish for children aged six to nine, 11am-2pm. Price, €25 per child. Applications due by December 14. Further information, Tel: 952 127 600/ www. museopicassomalaga.org CERVANTES THEATRE – MÁLAGA Friday, Saturday, December 4, 5: Málaga Philharmonic Orchestra concert to celebrate the centenary of the death of Catalan pianist/ composer Isaac Albéniz and his musical bond with Wagner, 8.30pm Friday, 8pm Saturday. Wednesday December 9: Alabama Gospel Choir, 9pm. Thursday December 10: Spanish singer Mónica Naranjo and the Symphonic Film Orchestra of Madrid in a show supported by a visual projection narrating the story of a character played by a marionette, 9pm. Friday December 11: Jerez singer and composer David de María, 9pm. Saturday December 12: Vivir para Cantarlo 2009, the musical story of songwriter and Asturian producer Víctor Manuel. Friday & Saturday, December 18, 19:

Málaga Philharmonic Orchestra presents Christmas, a production of Handel’s Messiah, Friday 8.30pm, Saturday 8pm. Tuesday December 22: Málaga Philharmonic Orchestra and Per Poc Marionette Company present the family show, El Cascanueces (Nutcracker), an adaptation of the story by Hoffmann with the most famous pieces from Tchaikovsky’s score, 7pm. Ticket sales, Tel: 902 360 295. Further information, Tel: 952 224 100/ www. teatrocervantes.com

* BUS & TICKET For concerts on December 5 and 19, music lovers can take advantage of transport to and from the Cervantes, including ticket, for €35. The coach departs from San Pedro at 5.25pm with stops in Marbella and Fuengirola (and along the N-340 at Elviria, Calahonda and La Cala, if required) to arrive in time for refreshments, returning directly after the concert. Reserve in advance from Elizabeth, Tel: 606 167 356/ 952 936 403.

Until December 31 MMM… MÁLAGA – COSTA DEL SOL A chance to try the haute cuisine of 14 of the coast’s top gourmet restaurants with a tasting menu of tapas plus a fish and meat course and dessert. Price, €45, inc. VAT (drinks not included). Contact the participating restaurants for details. Málaga: Adolfo, Café de París, Limonar 40, Montana, Palo Cortado. Marbella: El Lago, La Hacienda, Messina, Roberto, Taberna del Alabardero. Torremolinos: Restaurante Med. Fuengirola: Girol, Roca Tranquila. Ronda: Tragabuches.

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS MARBELLA Saturday December 12: Classical concert by the Coral Polifónica Ciudad de Marbella, 8.30pm, Teatro Ciudad de Marbella. Further information, Tel: 952 903 159. Saturday December 19: Choral concert at the Sra. de la Encarnación Church, Old Town, 9pm. Further information, www.marbella.es FUENGIROLA Thursday December 17: Traditional concert of carols by students from Fuengirola Music School, 8.30pm, Casa de la Cultura. Tuesday December 22: Municipal Band concert, 8.30pm, Iglesia Ntra. Sra. del Rosario, Plaza de la Constitución. Saturday December 26: Concert by the Orchestra of Udmuntia which specialises in the music of Russian composers such as Tchaikovsky, 8pm, Palacio de la Paz. Further information, www.fuengirola.org MIJAS PUEBLO Friday December 11: International Christmas Concert by Tims, with festive drink and cakes, 6.30 pm. Mijas Town Hall. Further information, www.mijas.es ESTEPONA Friday & Saturday December 18 & 19: The Magnum Mysterium Choir presents a Christmas Concert at the Iglesia de San José on Friday and at Iglesia de Ntra. Sra. del Carmen on Saturday, both at 9pm. Tuesday December 22: Carol concert by La Rondalla Municipal at the Padre Manuel Cultural Centre, 8.30pm. Further information, www.estepona.es essential marbella magazine

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THEBLOG STARS

STforARS December ARIES [21 MAR - 20 APR] You begin December with a strong, adventurous spirit, but you should watch that you don’t overdo things. Make the best of your energy in the first two weeks, especially regarding professional matters, after which the need to rethink your plans becomes apparent. A romance or creative project that has been picking up speed in recent weeks could meet with some challenges after the 19th. A friendship or group association recharges itself. Best days for moving plans forward and for relationships are the 16-17. The 25-28 could bring challenges and blockages.

TAURUS [21 APR - 20 MAY]

LEO [23 JUL - 22 AUG] Love and relationships are strong this month. A partner or love interest may take notice again and singles might meet someone new. Romantic charm runs exceptionally high this month, particularly in the first half of December. Chance meetings are possible now. From the 19th forward, your energy levels may suffer a little. Plans or goals that have been fuelling your considerable enthusiasm recently may stall, or you might lose interest in them for the time being. It’s time to rethink your strategies.

VIRGO [23 AUG - 22 SEP]

Career matters strengthen in December and support and opportunities seem to come when you least expect them, but when you need them most! Demands of family and your home life have been running high since October, and you’ve been mostly happy keeping up with all of the activity. From December 19th, however, family matters are more complicated. You may need to rethink your current arrangements. It would also be wise to slow down and find some balance if you are feeling drained, instead of meeting every single demand made of you.

Focusing on home and family this month is especially rewarding. Many of you are enjoying the renewal of interest from a special someone in your life. This trend continues in December. Work opportunities, especially of the work-at-home variety, are strong. The last week of the month demands some slowing down, and this is good timing for many who are enjoying holiday vacations. While you are in the need of some down time, others are continuing to take note of you. Old debts or complicated finances might be revisited.

GEMINI [21 MAY - 21 JUN]

LIBRA [23 SEP - 23 OCT]

Partnering, compromising, and negotiating are the primary areas of focus for you this month. It’s a time when paying close attention to others’ needs, wants, schedules, and plans rather than your own is most rewarding. You might find that joining forces with others is necessary for accomplishing your goals. Receiving good news about your career can lift your spirits this month. Friendships could become complicated in the last week of December. Be very clear in your communications in order to avoid misunderstandings.

A busy month of restructuring, tending to details, errand running, and learning is in store for you. You are certainly more serious these days, and you might find that you benefit from more attention to practical matters as well as re-organisation. A partner might begin to rethink matters or could be emotionally distant from the 19th; but single Librans, on the other hand, might enjoy a renewed and refreshed romance. Work matters are moving forward in pleasing ways, and you have the chance to show just how creative you can be.

CANCER [22 JUN - 22 JUL] Work and practical matters come to the fore in December. This is not the time of year for you to take the lead, present your ideas, or to aggressively pursue personal plans. Instead, getting organised, paying bills, and negotiating with others are important activities for you in December. Career and money matters might become complicated from mid-month. Money-making ideas could stall, although a partner’s finances and resources could enjoy an increase. This month is good for travel, but it’s also a more emotional time of year for you.

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Annie Heese is the founder of astrology website, www.cafeastrology.com, a site featuring articles, love sign compatibility reports, predictions, the gen on famous people and their star signs, and general information for astrology buffs.

SCORPIO [24 OCT - 21 NOV] Money matters are strong this month, as you focus on making yourself feel secure. You are also likely to be held in high esteem by superiors, elders, and your partner in December. Gifts and bonuses coming your way may be more generous this year! Career matters, however, can become complicated from the 19th. Either you lose some interest in projects that have recently captured your attention, or plans hit some snags and delays. Home life seems to be more rewarding for the time being, and romance is highly favoured in December.

SAGITTARIUS [22 NOV - 21 DEC] December brings attention from others, some of which involves adoration, rewarding friendships, and job opportunities. Your charm is natural and easy with Venus, the Goddess of love, in your sign until the 25th. Singles should keep an eye out for love opportunities around the 16-17th. For the most part, you are getting exactly what you want this month, and people are anxious to please you. However, a romance might develop some complications from the 19th, and some of you might be rethinking your game plan regarding travel or educational focus.

CAPRICORN [22 DEC - 19 JAN] December gets off to a slow start for you. This is probably a good thing as you recover from a somewhat stressful November and prepare for an especially busy and attention-getting January! Career matters continue to bring some level of pressure, as the cosmos are asking you to structure your professional life in such a way that you are more effective in what you do. Personal changes run deep, as you explore your ambitions and need for control over your life. Watch for tensions on the home front mid-month.

AQUARIUS [20 JAN - 19 FEB] Networking, enjoying friends, and taking part in group activities are in focus this month. Love in December is connected with friends, online activities, or group associations. Relationships are mostly easygoing until midmonth, when a partner might become uncommunicative, distant, or possibly reconsidering matters. Allow others space and time to sort things out. Some of you might be reconnecting with people from your past. December is a month of serendipity, coincidences, and hunches that come to pass. You are especially intuitive and in high demand these days!

PISCES [20 FEB - 20 MAR] Career matters are strong and in focus this month, although work brings its fair share of challenges and complications, particularly from mid-month forward. Watch for worries about money, which can be alleviated by cutting back on holiday spending as much as possible – your holidays won’t suffer if you curb spending. Renewed confidence in your direction in life continues this month, and others are taking note. You are experiencing inner revelations about your goals. In December, support comes from behind the scenes, and when you least expect it!

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