Essential Marbella Magazne February 2010

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FREE MAGAZINE - COSTA DEL SOL Nº - FEBRUARY 2010

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Y O U R E S S E N T I A L M O N T H LY R E A D

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LsVE online haute couture glAmor

Celebrity

divineValentine

LOVE LIVES

party on down

carnival IN SITGES

star attractions & hot

HONEYMOON HIDEAWAYS

N E W S I C U LT U R E I P E O P L E I T R E N D I C H I C I S P A I P R O I T R AV E L L E R I G O U R M E T & M O R E

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Caponga Beach village 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.

Plots from just 13.000€ with full planning, licenses, and infrastructure completed The daily flight from Lisbon to Fortaleza takes about 61/2 hours. view e-brochure at www.goldman-lee.com

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

“Brazil is the most irresistible of the BRICs” President – Bank of America

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‘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’

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p l o t s

-

v i l l a s

-

d e v e l o p m e n t

this Valentine... ...fall in love with Brazil and your new house at Caponga Beach Village Resort

Village Resort F ORTALEZA - B RAZIL

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Issue 130 • February 2010

S

publisher and director general manager

T A

F

F

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, Annie Heese, AJ Linn, Phil Morse, George Prior, Victoria Wood Robby Cyron, supplied by www.apix.net.au Famous, Paul Brazell 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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Villa on a large plot with potential Ideally situated in the foot hills of Sierra Blanca, next to the Nagüeles Park. Magnificent sea and mountains views. The house can either be refurbished, rebuilt or the plot can be subdivided for a number of villas.

Plot: 5,115m2, Built: 373m2, Terraces: 230m2. Price reduced from €2,950,000 to €2,750,000. Ref 6328

Charming villa next to Marbella centre

Bargain beachside villa with pool

Southwest facing and situated in a consolidated residential area within walking distance to the town, shops, restaurants and the beach. Built on one level.

Beautiful mature garden with heated pool. Lovely covered central patio. Mountain and partial sea views.

Fully refurbished and situated just a few steps from the San Pedro beach promenade. Ongoing, highseason only, rental contract included for guaranteed investment return! 7 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms. A real bargain in immaculate condition!

Plot: 1,904m2, Enclosed: 308m2, Porches: 89m2. 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. Price: €1,490,000. Ref 6579

Plot: 527m2, Enclosed: 274m2, Price: € 675,000.

Ref 6540

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

F ebruary 2010

contents 79

28 the theme Love is all you need 12 Online Dating 22 Celebrity Love Lives 26

the news Films 14 Latest DVD Releases 16 CD Releases 18 Book Releases 20

the people Rico Persson 30

the trend The Latest Gadgets 35 Internet 36 Environment 38

the chic Romantic Wear by Alma Aguilar 42 Fashion News 48 Décor News 50 Warm Wave 52 Art News 54

the spa Watsu Treatment at the Hotel Selenza Spa 58 Beauty News 60 Pure Essential Oils 62 Health News 64 Research: Latest Scientific Discoveries 66

88 the pro 68 Enterprise

the traveller 79 The Hotel Bobadilla 80 Sitges 88 Top Honeymoon Destinations

the gourmet 97 Passion Café 99 The Orange Tree 100 Food News 102 Chef’s Profile: Noom from Thai Gallery 104 Galician Wines 106 Listings – Directory

the blog 115 Pet News 116 What’s On in February 118 Your Stars for the Month Ahead

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Dream Villas Made to Measure A traditional approach of selling and buying beautiful homes for the modern executive family requires a specialised company with a passion for luxury properties and an understanding of modern living.

Marbella Dream Villas is such a company.

Showcase Property The house previewed is located in the prime suburb of Los Monteros, within walking distance of the best beaches and summer restaurants. It was designed and built by Marbella Dream Villas for a modern thinking family who want to enjoy an open plan lifestyle with state of the art fitments, the best installations, all recreational facilities for quality recreation such as gyms, bodegas, cinema, steam bath, yet the home provides an intimacy of enjoying outdoor areas that are drawn into the open plan interior living spaces for each family member.

Living the Dream Contact:ďż˝

info@marbelladreamvillas.com +34 952 799 191 +34 659 609 206 www@marbelladreamvillas.com CC Los Halcones Local 3 Urb. Monte Halcones 29679 Benahavis, Malaga, Spain

The location gives this specialist property security and convenience. Beautiful beach walks and restaurants can be enjoyed without use of cars yet access to all of Marbella’s facilities is only minutes away. This property and others can be seen on our web site www.marbelladreamvillas.com.

Price on application

6 beds

6 baths

1000m2

1700m2

CREST GROUP I N T E R N AT I O N A L

www.crestgroupinternational.com

publisher

‘s

letter

By Iain Blackwell

! e v ! o r l a o t m a d o o o n g e s u ’ t b s I ¡E Put some romance into your life with our Valentine’s issue devoted to love and relationships. Whether you’re single or in a couple, we suggest you express your love for those that are nearest and dearest. In these gloomy times, you’ll feel much better for it and so will those on the receiving end.

We start smooching with a look at online dating in its many forms, real and virtual, discerning why this has become such a major phenomenon, then get seriously raunchy with our Celebrity Love Lives feature. We also interview Rico Persson, whose love knows no bounds, having given years of his life to helping poor African village children in Guinea.

Destinations to die for come under focus in our Top 10 Honeymoon locations and we take a very exuberant excursion to one of the world’s most extravagant Carnivals, on this month in Sitges. We also stopover in Loja’s exquisite Hotel Barceló La Bobadilla, famous for romantic getaways and only an hour’s drive from Marbella.

In our health and beauty section, discover the healing power and sensuality of pure essential oils and the uniquely spiritual watsu massage, exclusively available locally at Hotel Selenza.

An important part of any seduction process clearly involves a requisite amount of wining and dining, so don’t miss this month’s reviews of Passion Café and The Orange Tree, our profile of Thai Gallery’s Head Chef, Noom, and learning why Galician wines are oozing with charm and sophistication.

All of this and more in addition to our many regular sections, much loved by our regular readers, so take some quality time out and savour...

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Si deseas ponerte romántico este mes, te encantará nuestra edición de San Valentín, inspirada en el amor y en las relaciones. No importa si estás soltero o comprometido; es un tiempo perfecto para expresar tu amor a la gente más importante de tu vida. En estos tiempos difíciles, no hay nada como el amor para mantenernos unidos.

Empezamos con un artículo sobre las citas por Internet, sean reales o virtuales, y vemos por qué esta forma de ligar se ha puesto tan de moda. Para calentar la cosa más, te ofrecemos un artículo sobre las vidas amorosas de los famosos. También entrevistamos a Rico Persson, cuyo amor por los demás no tiene límites. Rico se dedica a ayudar a los niños más necesitados de Guinea.

En la sección de viajes, visitamos los sitios más idóneos para una luna de miel y nos vamos de excursión a Sitges.

De paso nos quedamos en el maravilloso Hotel Barceló La Bobadilla en Loja, ideal para una escapada romántica a tan sólo una hora en coche de Marbella.

En la sección de salud y belleza, descubre el poder curativo y la sensualidad de los aceites esenciales y el tratamiento único conocido como Watsu, impartido exclusivamente a nivel local en el Hotel Selenza.

Una parte muy importante del proceso de la seducción es la gastronomía, así que no te pierdas nuestros reportajes sobre Passion Café y Orange Tree, y nuestra entrevista con Noom, el Jefe de Cocina de Thai Gallery. También en la sección culinaria podrás leer sobre los vinos de Galicia, que últimamente están en las listas más selectas de los mejores restaurantes.

Todo esto y más te mantendrá ocupado durante muchas horas pero no te olvides de amar…¡que estos son tiempos revueltos!

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THETHEME LOVE

My funny valentine Sweet comic valentine You make me smile with my heart Your looks are laughable, unphotographable Yet you’re my favourite work of art.

Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart Report belinda beckett

L VEis all you need I

n St. Valentine’s month our thoughts turn to love in a romantic issue exploring everything from online dating to celebrity coupledom and the latest high-profile hook-ups and break-ups.

St. Valentine’s Day is the largest card-exchanging holiday after Christmas and 85 per cent are bought by women. Men are the main Valentine’s gift buyers, choosing flowers, chocolate, perfume, jewellery, a candlelit dinner and, increasingly, saucy lingerie and even sex toys as tokens of love for their significant other.

However, February 14 is by no means a global love affair. In India, St. Valentine’s Day is explicitly discouraged by Hindu fundamentalists. The far right Shiv Sena party has condemned it as ‘cultural pollution from the west’ and some years have seen violent clashes between shopkeepers selling Valentine gifts and baton-wielding activists who have been known to lie in wait for lovers in public places to mete out retribution. In Saudi Arabia, the authorities regularly ban the sale of Valentine’s Day gifts and anything red, including roses. Valentine’s Day is considered un-Islamic because it encourages relations between men and women outside wedlock, an offence punishable by law in the conservative kingdom. Many people place orders with florists weeks beforehand in anticipation of the ban.

Conversely, in some Asian countries it has

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become a huge commerce-driven tradition. In Japan, confectionary giant Morinaga originated the custom of only women giving chocolates to men on February 14. Men are expected to return the favour one month later on White Day (March 14), a festival dreamed up by the Japanese National Confectionery Industry Association. In South Korea, which celebrates both these events, there is a third festival on April 14: Black Day, when men and women who received no chocolates in February and March go to a Chinese restaurant to eat black noodles and ‘mourn’ their single life.

Even in the western world, research shows that the tradition of buying Valentine’s cards and gifts may be on the wane as people consider it too commercial – and, this year, the continuing recession could be an additional factor in slowing ‘hearts and flowers’ sales. “Excessive and obligatory gift exchange traditions have sparked anti-consumption and alternative consumption behaviours in recent years,” says Angeline Close of the University of Nevada, author of a paper exploring the phenomenon.

In New York, the Black Hearts Party (blackheartsparty.com) is an annual warehouse event for sceptics who gather, clad in black, to drink black drinks, eat black wedding cake, play raunchy games and write their most memorable love-gone-

wrong stories on a giant blackboard. And, as the world becomes more PC, some people are now choosing to celebrate their solo status with Singles Awareness Day (slogan, Happy SAD!). Meanwhile in America, Canada and Australia, February 14 has been remarketed as International Quirkyalone Day. If you’re single this Valentine’s Day, head to Quirkyalone.net for news of events in your area, or request their free party pack to throw your own bash. Who knows? Maybe you’ll meet someone who will be sending you chocolates next year!

Another new trend since the advent of the Internet is sending virtual Valentines by e-card, while online psychic analysis, horoscopes, numerology reports and tarot card readings are also gaining in popularity. However, before you open an email sent by a ‘secret admirer’, beware: virus writers, hackers and spammers are now using virtual Valentines as a ploy to mount malicious attacks. A poll by the IT security firm Sophos reveals that 82 per cent of system administrators believe electronic greeting cards put computer security at risk.

Whether you’re single and cynical or a proValentine’s Day couple, remember that February 14th is all about love, not only for your partner but for family, friends and even strangers. It will cost you nothing more than a little bit of effort and, quite simply, it’s the greatest gift of all. n

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DISCOVER ANDALUCIA’S BEST KEPT SECRET

A place of quality, relaxation and enchantment.

Blending luxury lifestyle and unparalleled value to create Estepona’s most attractive ownership opportunity.

• Luxury lifestyle resort with breath-taking mountain & sea views • Up to 90% mortgages available on contemporary 2 or 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses* • Phase 1 now released • Show apartment now open • Award winning signature gardens and state-of-the-art facilities • Preferential fees and tee-off times at the adjoining Estepona Golf Club

Be one of the first to discover the secret at:

www.alcazabahills.com Or contact the Alcazaba Hills Resort Sales Team on sales@alcazabahills.com Freephone: 0800 0921613 Tel: +34 952 93 76 93 Alcazaba Hills Resort, Ctra. de Cádiz km.150, Arroyo Vaquero 29680 Estepona, Málaga

* Subject to status

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THENEWS

REPORT marisa cutillas

FILM REVIEWS

Couples Retreat [Genre] Comedy [Director] Peter Billingsley (Iron Man) [Actors] Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Faizon Love Four couples live the dream of a lifetime by travelling to a paradise island. One couple has the intention of resolving conflicts in their marriage while the other three simply want to unwind in a dreamlike setting. Dave (Vince Vaughn) and Ronnie (Malin Akerman) are the nucleus of a group of good friends. Through the years, their relationship has gone from strength to strength thanks to the hard work they put into keeping the balance between their children, friends and work. Things are not going so well for their friends Jason (Jason Bateman) and Cynthia (Kristen Bell), however. After eight seemingly perfect years together, they surprise their friends by announcing that they’re thinking of getting a divorce. To save their marriage, they chance upon a brilliant idea: a holiday at Hotel Eden, a beautiful island resort in the South Pacific specialising in couples’ therapy. But there’s one drawback: to take advantage of the ‘Pelican Package’ rate, they need to travel in a group. The idea sounds perfect: while they’re working on their differences, their friends can enjoy the white sands, relax at the spa, party on the jet skis and have a good time. They manage to convince their friends, only to discover a big drawback when they arrive at the island: all couples must participate in the unorthodox therapy imposed by ‘couples’ whisperer’ Monsieur Marcel (Jean Reno). The couples begin to realise that nothing is at it seems, especially their respective relationships, and the result is a comic, sincere vision of the big challenges encountered by most relationships in the modern world.

The Wolfman [Genre] Terror [Director] Joe Johnston (Jumanji) [Actors] Benicio del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt, Hugo Weaving Inspired by the classic Universal film of the same name, The Wolfman explores the origins of the cursed man.

Benicio del Toro plays Lawrence Talbot, a tortured member of the nobility who returns to the family estate following the disappearance of his brother. He makes peace with his father (Anthony Hopkins) and goes off into the woods to search for his brother, only to discover that a terrible beast lurking there is the probable cause of the latter’s death. Lawrence is determined to put an end to the beast, thereby saving his family and the woman he loves from harm’s clutches, only to discover that a dark secret lives within him that unites him to the beast in a way he never imagined.

Valentine’s Day [Genre] Romantic Comedy [Director] Garry Marshall (Raising Helen) [Actors] Julia Roberts, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel Valentine’s Day is a romantic comedy focusing on five different love stories that take place in the middle of the bustling city of Los Angeles. An army official in Iraq (Julia Roberts) takes a few days off to unwind in Los Angeles.

On the flight she meets a gay man (Bradley Cooper) whose lover is a famous soccer player. The owner of a flower shop (Ashton Kutcher) proposes to his girlfriend (Jessica Alba), though he realises that he’s actually in love with one of his best friends (Jennifer Garner) who, meanwhile, discovers that her boyfriend is a married man. An old, retired woman (Shirley MacLaine), mother of the character played by Julia Roberts, tells her husband a secret from her past. A young woman (Anne Hathaway), who works for one of the biggest talent agencies in the city, goes on a date with the office postman. For one unlucky advertising executive (Jessica Biel), Valentine’s Day is just another commercial holiday on her dull, loveless calendar. As paths cross, diverge and reconnect, we learn that any excuse to fall in love, forgive or say ‘I love you’ is a welcome occasion in what is often a mad world.

The Road [Genre] Thriller [Director] John Hillcoat (To Have and To Hold) [Actors] Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron, Robert Duvall, Guy Pearce Ten years before the story of The Road begins, the world was destroyed by an unknown event. It could have been a nuclear accident, or an unknown cosmic entity crashing into the Earth. The few survivors only saw a great light, then nothing.

The result of this catastrophe is the absence of energy, authority and order, as well as scarcity of food and water. Millions of people have perished, victims of fires and floods. The Man (Viggo Mortensen) and The Kid (Kodi Smit-McPhee) travel throughout the United States with all their prized possession: food, plastic bags, blankets and anything that will protect them against the bitter cold. They carry all their belongings on their backs and in a trolley fitted with a rear view mirror, so they can see who is getting close to them. As they advance in the direction of the ocean, travelling along what was once a sophisticated network of highways and roads, they must confront the elements, cannibals and errant gangs who try to rob them of the little they have. The Man and The Kid come across an old man, Ely (Robert Duvall), whom the kid takes a liking to, convincing his father into sharing their provisions with him. Ely, surprised by the child’s survival, thinks he has seen an angel since no other children are known to have survived. The Man is haunted by memories of his wife, who took her life following the disaster to avoid seeing what she knew would be imminent. He is torn between wishing to join her in peaceful death and fighting for his son, whose kindness, hope and innocence give him no choice but to go on.

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

MODERN VILLA WITH MAGNIFICENT VIEWS, LA MAIRENA Set on an elevated plot, the villa boasts magnificent 360º views to the Mijas mountains and the Mediterranean sea. Short drive to German school, restaurants, tennis club and golf. The property enjoys Domotic and centralized Hoover systems, air conditioning, under floor heating and a large pool. There is an ample solarium with Jaccuzi, which enjoys panoramic undisturbed views of the coast. Gym area, large garage for 4 cars, room with bathroom ideal for staff, air conditioning hot/cold, Pakistani marble floors in living areas, and oak wooden floors in bedrooms. There are 2 fully equipped kitchens and security glass in windows.

DM2441 :: Bedrooms/ Dormitorios 6 :: Bathrooms/ Baños 8 :: Built / Construido 729 m² :: Plot 2060 m² :: Price / Precio 2,500,000€

MODERN HOME, STUNNING VIEWS, MONTEMAYOR Beautiful contemporary villa with uninterrupted views of the valley and sea. Located at short drive to golf courses and 20min to Puerto Banus. Light and airy spacious living areas. Lounge area, with open fire, floor to ceiling glass doors and state of the art German crafted kitchen. Fully fitted annexe with separate double bedroom, kitchenette and modern bathroom. Dry sauna, wet room, bar and games room. Under floor heating in all bathrooms and in central floor of property. Air conditioning hot and cold individually regulated. Garden on various levels, with variety of trees, and pool area with hard wood decking and infinity pool.

DM2530 :: Bedrooms/ Dormitorios 7 :: Bathrooms/ Baños 6 :: Built / Construido 517,7 m² :: Plot 2920m² :: Price / Precio 2,100,000€

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

THENEWS

REPORT marisa cutillas

DVD RELEASES

Four Christmases [Genre] Comedy [Director] Seth Gordon (The Office) [Actors] Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon, Jon Favreau, Robert Duvall Nobody has more fun during the holiday season than Brad and Kate. Every Christmas, the affluent young lovers escape the craziness of their respective families to enjoy a relaxing vacation together in an exotic part of the world, where they slip into their swimwear, sip on Margaritas and indulge in exotic island cuisine, pleased to have avoided the emotional dramas of their families. This year, stormy weather causes their flight to be cancelled and, after countless hours in the airport, they grudgingly agree to spend Christmas at Brad’s parents, who have also invited Kate’s parents over. While they wait for the entire dysfunctional family to arrive, Brad and Kate begin to expect the worst and that’s exactly what they get. But while Brad begins to count the minutes until he can go home, Kate finds a totally different experience that enlightens her on her many repressed emotions. By the time the meal is over, each has a new perspective of where they come from… and of where they are going to.

By really knowing their past and present, together they can start living out the love they have only been feigning until now.

Disgrace [Genre] Drama [Director] Steve Jacobs (The Man Who Sued God) [Actors] John Malkovich, Jessica Haines John Malkovich plays a twice-divorced, dissatisfied university Professor in post-apartheid South Africa whose life takes a turn for the worse when he is sacked for seducing one of his students. Distraught and without a friend to console him, he goes off to live with his lesbian daughter who co-owns a farm on the Eastern Cape with a trusted black worker. At first, the calming influence of nature and the good company of his daughter help the Professor find harmony within the discord of his personal and professional life. But the status quo in South Africa is changing and, when he is attacked by three black youths, he is forced to accept his own role in a society that demands justice for living through too many years of disgrace.

Coco avant Chanel [Genre] Biopic [Director] Anne Fontaine (Nathalie) [Actors] Audrey Tatou A little girl sits with her sister in an orphanage in France, waiting in vain every Sunday for her father to come and take her home; a cabaret artist with a weak voice sings for drunken soldiers in a noisy tavern; a humble seamstress sews hems in the backroom of a village tailor; a young, waif-like courtesan whose mentor, Etienne Balsan, offers her a safe refuge among the decadent upper classes; a woman in love who knows she will never be anyone’s wife, even rejecting a proposal of marriage from Boy Capel, the man of her destiny; a rebel who considers the conventions of her time oppressive and therefore chooses to dress in the clothing of her many lovers… This is the story of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel in all her many facets, from her early days as a stubborn orphan to her renaissance as the legendary fashion designer who came to symbolise female success, freedom and style.

Coco Chanel: A Woman for All Seasons When it came to giving life to the legendary 20th century designer, Coco Chanel, Director Anne Fontain knew that only one actress was right for the job: Audrey Tatou, whose modernity and physical similarity to Coco Chanel made her the ideal choice. For Tatou, however, the challenge was enormous, since Coco Chanel was a one-of-a-kind icon that even the most seasoned actress would find difficulty portraying. Tatou explains, “Any woman who wants to determine her own destiny can identify with Coco Chanel, a young, unschooled girl who dreamed of discovering the world while fomenting her own uniqueness and ignoring the destiny decreed for her. This makes her extremely modern and this is the reason I didn’t doubt for a second about accepting the role when it was offered to me.”

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G.I.P.E.: Miguel Tobar

VILLA MARKETING Since 1983

Established for 26 Years

FRONTLINE GOLF Ref. 9147 Villa in Nueva Andalucia with views over the golf course and towards the sea beyond.

Recently built to a high standard, south facing with 5 bedroom suites, cinema room, gym, office, bar, double garage, heated pool, underfloor heating and Intelligent Domotic System.

Price: Reduced from 2.300.000 to 1.850.000 Euros

FRONTLINE GOLF Ref. 9522 Charming villa set in a beautiful mature garden in the best area of Nueva Andalucia. Quiet area, south facing, large plot of 2.494m2, 5 bedrooms & bathrooms, study, large living area, dining room, beautiful large new kitchen, pool house with bar, double garage.

NUEVA ANDALUCIA Ref. 8913 Spacious villa situated frontline golf with lovely views, 4 spacious bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, spacious lounge with separate reception areas, large kitchen and a garage.

Price: Reduced from 1.475.000 to 999.000 Euros

BANK REPOSSESION Ref. 9363 Villa situated on a private and gated community within Nueva Andalucia, with 3 bedrooms and possibilities of a 4th bedroom. Very large basement, garage, good value and great potential. Needs work.

Price: 450.000 Euros

PENTHOUSE Ref. 9198 Magnificent duplex penthouse in Nueva Andalucia, 3 bedrooms, spacious lounge and dining area, modern kitchen, lovely large terrace, fantastic views of valley and sea, south facing, 2 garages, store-room.

BEACH PENTHOUSE Ref. 9489 Fantastic and unique duplex penthouse by the beach beside Puerto Banus. Totally refurbished to a modern design with 5 bedrooms, several reception areas, bar and jacuzzi on several terraces which have magnificent sea views, sauna. Must be seen.

Price: Reduced from 950.000 to 650.000 Euros

Price: Reduced from 2.500.000 to 1.850.000 Euros

Sales office: CasaĂąo 10-B, Nueva AndalucĂ­a (Pass the Bullring, beside BBVA bank)

Tel: 952 810 695

Price: Reduced from 2.700.000 to 2.100.000 Euros

www.villamarketing.com Sales - Long & Short Term Rentals - Property Management

THENEWS

MUSIC REVIEWS REPORT george prior

Susan Boyle [I Dreamed A Dream] At the beginning of 2009 none of us had heard of Susan Boyle. Now, everyone knows of SuBo. The undoubted star of Britain’s Got Talent went on to become an Internet sensation, achieving global fame as well as a number one album, I Dreamed A Dream, which became Amazon.com’s fastest-selling album in history. But now the novelty is over, can she really deliver? Does she have the talent to back-up the hype? It seems she’s covering all bases with continual genre-hopping: pop, hymns, ballads... it’s all here. Her voice is sweet, melodic and has that fragile vulnerability that made the public fall in love with her. Yet, sometimes, you can’t help but feel that the production lets her down – the team appears to have run with the mantra: if you slow the tempo it packs more of a punch. Well, that’s not necessarily true, is it? Case in point would be Boyle’s version of Daydream Believer, which, in itself, seems an usual choice as it is a celebration of teenage frivolity - so not best suited to a middle-aged church singer. Thankfully, I Dreamed A Dream (the song that she first sang on Britain’s Got Talent) still gives you goose-bumps, which is hardly surprising seeing as it is about someone who has been misjudged by society. Cry Me A River also shows off her rich, rounded tone. There’s no doubt SuBo can sing. Is she worthy of being compared to other great divas like Aretha or Barbra? No. She’s become famous, sadly, not for her talent but for changing the world’s perception of her almost overnight. She was the antithesis of the young and beautiful singers we are bombarded with. She is remarkable now as she was unremarkable before. And her on-going appeal will always be that dreams can, sometimes, come true.

Rihanna [Rated R] Since Rihanna had ‘that incident’ with her ex-boyfriend, Chris Brown, which made her miss the Grammy’s, there has been an on-going fascination with her private life. Both she and Brown now seem to be trying to out-do each other by becoming weirder and weirder. This album has our Barbados beauty linking sexual desire with violence – bizarre for someone who has been involved with such a high profile case of domestic abuse (crime, drugs, gangs and traffic accidents). Many times she takes on the role of a feisty woman intent on revenge. But not always. Considering what we saw (Rihanna’s bruised eye and cut lip for example) it is quite hard to move on from the lyrical content and focus on the music. Perhaps that is her intention? Much of the album sees Rihanna trying different styles, almost as if she is trying to run away from her signature tune, Umbrella. However, the best tracks by far are Rude Boy and Hard, where she pulls her trademark sultry, monotone vocal out of the bag to amazing effect. There are countless nods to the fight with Chris Brown on Rated R, probably with the thought that by being blatant about it, people wouldn’t have to come up with their own take on events. But if she thinks that this will halt people’s interest in her personal life, she has only added fuel to the fire.

Michael Bublé [Crazy Love] With a classy mix of swing and jazz standards plus original bouncy pop tracks, this album will give Bublé’s army of fans exactly what they’re after. Having sold around 20 million albums, he knows his audience well and he isn’t going to fix what’s not broken. Like Harry Connick Jr. before him, Michael Bublé effortlessly makes all his songs timeless, with funky, sophisticated tracks that straddle all generations. Although his version of the classic Cry Me a River lacks the raw energy of some versions, its ballsy, respectful and dramatic approach is mindblowing and, frankly, belongs in a James Bond film. Fans will be lapping up Bublé’s Sinatrastyle duet with soul singer Sharon Jones on Baby (You’ve Got What It Takes) and his new, original pop song, Haven’t Met You Yet, highlights his universal crossover appeal. It is about time the Canadian crooner got what he so rightly deserves: mainstream, commercial success in Europe.

Lady Gaga [The Fame Monster] It was the year pop came back. In 2009 the guitar-based indie bands fell by the wayside as Lady Gaga unashamedly led the charge of pop with five top 10 hits, including four number ones. She’s often hailed as the new Madonna with her sheer blonde ambition, Italian-American heritage and incredible ability to grab attention. To milk her huge success even further, she’s released an eight track album of extras and add-ons less than a year after her number one album, Fame. Some say they’re essentially flogging the same album twice but this new collection is a complete work in it’s own right and gives insight into what makes this iconic artist function. Although tackling her own demons and ghosts throughout, Lady Gaga (real name Joanne) never loses sight of the need for catchy, banging pop hooks. New single, Bad Romance, has typical GaGa energy, brassy melodies and the endless need to add drama to everything. This concept album is one of the best in recent memory and, as Lady Gaga has finally proved she’s fully able to take on Madonna’s role as Queen of Pop, it appears we’re going to be in good hands.

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THENEWS

BOOK REVIEWS

Report belinda beckett

Sex, Love, and Money: Revenge and Ruin in the World of High-Stakes Divorce by John Sedgwick One of America’s top divorce lawyers opens his case files to share true stories that rival the most outrageous fiction. From a C-note hooker-turned trophy-wife who put her dying husband into a nursing home and drained his bank accounts, to the dad who spent millions to recover the kids his wife kidnapped, this memoir is by turns vengeful and hilarious as it describes the high-end, high-conflict divorces that ruin the lives of everyone involved.

In Love In France: A Traveler’s Guide to the Most Romantic Destinations in the Land of Amour by Rhonda Carrier A fully-illustrated guide to the most inspirational and romantic regions of France for the newly smitten and those who share a lifetime of passion. From the Parisian charm of the City of Lights, to the sassy Côte d’Azur and the undulating landscapes of Grasse, this guide through France’s most inspiring destinations includes exclusive château hotels, tantalizing restaurants and ideal wedding venues. Lovingly illustrated with photographs to fuel every fantasy, the book offers all you need to know to make France the ultimate romantic retreat.

The Book of Love by Laura Berman What does every couple want? A close, honest bond with their lover? Great communication and humour? Romance? Most couples aspire to have all of these things but how do you get it and, more importantly, keep your relationship fresh, vibrant and sexy over the years? Sexpert relationship therapist Dr. Laura Berman (a prolific magazine columnist and frequent guest on American TV shows) teaches couples how to become connected, communicative, stable, romantic and sexuallysatisfied, as well as how to plan for a happy, intimate, and fantasy-fuelled future.

Flirting 101: How to Charm Your Way to Love, Friendship, and Success by Michelle Lia Lewis and Andrew Bryant Every party has a stand-out – a guy or gal who breezes into a room and instantly attracts everyone’s attention. It’s not always about looks or money, so what’s the secret? It’s all about flirting! Learn how to increase your self-confidence, take advantage of non-verbal communication and overcome fears of rejection. Whether you want to attract a life partner, improve business or just enjoy, motivational trainer Bryant and relationship expert Lewis have plenty of useful tips, stories, practical exercises and quizzes designed to release your inner flirt.

For Getting Naked Again: Dating, Romance, Sex, and Love When You’ve Been Divorced, Widowed, Dumped, or Distracted by Judith Sills Known for her psychologically perceptive relationship books, Sills (Excess Baggage) turns her attention to dating for women of a certain age, particularly those recently out of long marriages, advising them how to get back out there after a long period of celibacy. While addressing the plain truth that older women have to work harder than men to find eligible partners, she argues that courtship, companionship and sex are all available if women remain open to a wide variety of partners who are not necessarily love prospects but are practice and pleasant company on the road to finding it. Sills, who has a clinical psychology background, also addresses transitional relationships, the heartbreak of rejection and welcome male perspectives too.

Love in 90 Days: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Own True Love by Diana Kirschner Renowned clinical psychologist Kirschner, uses the latest research, clinical and personal experience to show you how.

Loaded with step-by-step instructions, checklists, tough love and weekly homework assignments, Dr. Diana dispels common misconceptions and shares personal stories from women who have successfully completed the Love in 90 Days Program.

There’s also a chapter devoted to the special issues faced by African-American women, single mothers and mature women.

How the World Makes Love:…

And What It Taught a Jilted Groom by Franz Wisner Another provocatively titled book from the author of Honeymoon with My Brother (2005).

After he was ditched at the altar, Wisner decided to take his honeymoon anyway (hey, it was already paid for) and enlisted his brother Kurt to accompany him. In this follow-up, he and his brother visit various foreign countries (including Brazil, Egypt, India, and Botswana) to talk to people about love, romance, sex and other related subjects. A quirky travelogue filled with humour and wise words combined with the story of a man who managed to turn a humiliating personal experience into an Epiphany.

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THETHEME LOVE

SHOPPING ONLINE

FOR LOVE Report belinda beckett

You no longer have to travel the world or go to the best parties to track down an eligible partner, nor limit yourself to people from your own town. Thanks to online and mobile phone dating, the cyberworld is your oyster but watch out, baby – it’s wild out there.

H

e was tall, muscular and devastatingly handsome, a bachelor building his dream home on the tropical island paradise of Ferox who went by the name of Ravan DaSilva. Ruby Riva, his babelicious next-door neighbour, had expert architectural skills and hey, she was single too. They clicked instantly.

As love stories go it seems pretty straight forward, if not a little idealised; except you won’t find Ferox in any world atlas, nor Ruby and Ravan in the phone directory because they aren’t real people. They’re ‘avatars’, digital characters living fantasy lives in a parallel online universe where ‘clicking’ is done with a computer mouse. Ravan is the alter ego of Steve Farrant, a 34-year-old body builder from Essex; Ruby’s real life persona is Jayne Roden, a 39-year-old divorced mum of two from Wales. They met online at Second Life, a 3D roleplaying game dubbed ‘the chat room on steroids’ which has thrown out the courtship rulebook for 13 million members worldwide. Steve and Jayne’s avatars had ‘virtual sex’ and even got married in a dream no-expenses-spared wedding on the Second Life website before they bit the bullet and met up in real life. For them, it worked out and they’ve set up home together.

Welcome to the virtual world of cyber-dating, the fastest-growing trend in the multi-billion dollar industry of online dating, to which a growing number of people are turning as foreplay to finding a soulmate in the real world. The novelty of virtual sites like Second Life and OminiDate.com

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is that everything seems so real. Avatars do nearly everything humans do: kiss, hold hands, make love, go shopping, plan dinners and buy beach houses (Second Lifers use a make-believe currency called Linden dollars which they buy through PayPal).

They can even express ‘emotion’ and ‘feel’ virtual sex remotely, via an interface which users attach to themselves to provide real-time stimulation!

It may seem phoney but research shows that people who try virtual dating first have better chemistry in subsequent face-to-face meetings than those who’ve only viewed profiles. The only danger is that virtual sites raise unrealistic expectations because avatars are idealised images of beauty; it can be a shock when you finally meet in the real world…

Virtual or real, modem match-making is heading off the Richter scale. From mobile phone dating to online personal ads, chat rooms, introduction and matrimonial sites, there have never been so many ways to hook up with a partner. In Britain alone, one in three of the county’s 15 million singles (13 per cent of the total population) are shopping for love online – an industry valued at £1billion in membership fees, advertising revenues and web products such as virtual Valentine’s roses, that’s forecast to grow by 10 percent annually. A YouGov survey of 2,000 couples found that 15 per cent had met online and the over-55 ‘baby boomer’ market is by far the hottest ticket. Globally, online dating traffic totals over 22 million – the largest segment of ‘paid content’ on the web, after pornography.

NETTING A SOULMATE Whether you’re a simple country girl from Hicksville or a streetwise dude from The Smoke, the worldwide web is your oyster with a wealth of dating agencies catering for every predilection.

Some charge a fee from the outset, others are free to register, others still charge for add-on services.

The most popular sites for British users include Datingdirect.com, Match.com and Plentyoffish. com, started by Canadian Markus Frind from his apartment and claiming to be the largest, with 400,000 hits per day. Social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace offer romantic hook-ups too, chat rooms are also branching off down the dating route while the use of file sharing and webcams has sparked a prolific rise in ‘cybersex’. Although chat rooms usually have stringent rules (and, often, an independent moderator) to maintain safety for users, there’s concern that, as many are frequented by minors, they can facilitate illegal sexual contact and ‘grooming’.

Some sites offer psychometric testing to match members on a more scientific level than a shared love of pizza or poetry. eHarmony’s sophisticated software stores information on more than 20 million registered members who have completed a detailed questionnaire, a process that takes almost one billion calculations for a single user. Some sites have added webcam chatting, demographic searches and handwriting analysis to narrow the pool of potential matches. Woome.com is a free online speed-dating site enabling people to join chat sessions or start one

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SEXTING SHORTHAND of their own. Participants have up to two minutes to impress one of the other people on screen. If they want to take it further they click on the ‘woo me’ button which, if reciprocated, can lead to the relationship continuing by email.

It can still be a hit and miss affair as misleading photos and ‘white lies’ about personal details are rife, hence disappointments are common. When attractive Daily Mail columnist Julia Stephenson dipped her toe in Match.com’s dating pool, which has nearly 15 million members worldwide, she wrote: “Within 24 hours I was being contacted by men from all over the globe. Unfortunately, they weren’t my type at all. I was being cyber-assaulted by Tasmanian sheep farmers and Alaskan oil riggers… One crazy American even invited me to a seedy airport hotel in Minneapolis.” She concluded: “Looking for a man with the click of a mouse will never beat the frisson of smouldering eyes meeting across a crowded room.”

Not everyone is looking for romance, of course. The casual dating service C-date.com is one of the most used in Spain, with a unique audience score of 449k. And a survey by the University of Texas found that 30 per cent of women who met men online had sex on their first date (and 77 per cent of men didn’t wear a condom).

NICHE DATING

People of all ages have heard of LOL, SMS shorthand for ‘lots of love’ or ‘laugh out loud’ but the teen trend for sexting (sexplicit mobile phone texting) has spawned a shorthand of it’s own. Here are some common abbreviations: SorG – Straight or Gay? K4Y – Kiss For You IMEZRU – I Am Easy, Are You? GNOC – Get Naked On Cam TDTM – Talk Dirty To Me RUH – Are You Horny?

IWSN – I Want Sex Now GYPO – Get Your Pants Off DUSL – Do You Scream Loud?

8 – Oral sex P911 – Parent Alert LMIRL – Let’s Meet In Real Life

If you’re a Star Trek geek looking to meet your mate, you no longer have to wait for the annual convention to find the trekkie partner of your dreams. Intergalactic love is now just a click away at the dating site TrekPassions.com Niche dating sites cater for all manner of social and sexual sub-cultures: JDate (for Jewish singles), Christian Mingle, Manhunt (for gay men), Amigos (for Latino singles), Asian People Meet and Shaadi (for Indian singles). Looking for someone to share bottles of black nail polish with? Try Gothicmatch.com. Meet someone who cares about the planet at Greenfriends.com or, if you’re obese, find similarly-contoured contacts at BBPeopleMeet.com – and it gets crazier than that. WomenBehindBars.com targets those temporarily removed

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Avatars from Second Life

Some real life experiences taken from www.onlinedatingmagazine.com Desperate male, 38: It’s been a terrible

experience that has disrupted my work and personal life but has never led to one date. I tried offering a $5,000 reward to women if they knew of a nice lady and would put her in touch with me but, despite complaints about so many women being ‘greedy’, no woman on any site has considered it.

Disenchanted female, 32: Men don’t take the

time to read the ad, they just look at your picture and write, not caring if they are what you are looking for. They think they are that one 55-yearold, fat, bald guy who has the magical powers to sweep you off your feet.

Scared male, 46: I answered an ad for an

attractive blonde. She turned out to be a very large hairy-armed woman with a moustache.

Being a gentleman I bought her a drink and something to eat and offered to be a friend.

Afterwards she called and called. Then the sobbing and sniffling became accusations of groping and molesting her at that bar. I had to change my email and phone number. Note to self... run next time.

Nervous female, 40: At first he seemed pretty

normal but with a lot of baggage (kids, ex wife, etc). Within several months, however, he turned into a complete nut job: possessive and with a serious personality disorder. This guy had potential abuser written all over him. And it makes me wonder, does online dating draw these freaks because they can hide who they really are longer?

Cynical male, 36: No matter how great the date

may be, the alternatives will always be on her mind. Even if she has a wonderful time, chances are within a few hours of the date being over, she’s back online and reading the latest email from other potential suiters. Before long you’re a fuzzy memory.

Disgusted male, 53: Women I’ve emailed,

spoken to on the phone and dated have been 20 years older than their picture, angry baggage carriers, wackos or slobs. I mean, when a guy’s apartment is cleaner than his date’s, there’s something going on!

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from society; ALT.com is a popular fetishist site for people into BDSM (bondage, discipline, sadism and masochism); DiaperMates caters to AB/DLs (Adult Babies and Diaper Lovers) who get their kicks from either wearing nappies or changing them; ScientificMatch.com requires a saliva sample for DNA analysis to match biologically-compatible partners; MyFreeImplants.com is for women who want breast augmentation ops and men who want to pay for them; and AshleyMadison.com’s tagline, ‘Life is short. Have an affair!’ says it all; there are over four million members and (surprise!) men outnumber women by nearly six to one.

TELEPHONE TRYSTING The mobile phone, for dating on the go (or making a ‘booty call’ for casual sex) is the most modern 21st century dating method already more popular than Internet dating in Japan. Sites, ranging from the harmlessly recreational to the downright raunchy, resemble PC-based services with bulletin boards, chat rooms and anonymous messaging.

The difference is that services are made to fit the tiny screens of Net phones, a feature that has made cyberdating as portable as a handbag and as simple as ordering a pizza. In Britain, Connect2Cupid and Dateline are just two companies offering this service.

It’s generally free to register and construct a profile (complete with photo if your phone has that feature), search and browse other people’s profiles and receive alert messages. You only need to subscribe if you want to send a personal message to another person, or chat with them. Some services use Blue Tooth homing devices to alert users when another is within a few feet of them, known variously as ‘proximity dating’, ‘toothing’, ‘bluejacking’ or ‘snarfing’.

Mobile dating is forecast to double by 2013, in line with the greater sophistication of dating softwear, GPS-enabled smart phones and 3G-enabled phones with their potential for one-to-one video calling.

Already, 500,000 Americans have posted photos and mini profiles on their cell phones so be warned – the driver in front of you could be cruising for a date.

A spin-off from mobile dating is ‘sexting’ – sending sexually-explicit SMS text or images. A 2008 survey by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and CosmoGirl. com claimed that 39 per cent of teens have sent sexually suggestive messages by SMS text, email or instant messaging and 50 per cent have received

them. This becomes a legal issue when minors are involved.

THE DARK SIDE OF e-DATING Everyone wants to believe they’re going to find Mr or Ms Right, rather than just another person who is going to play games or lie to them. But the IT arena is a playground for paedophiles and perverts, identity fraudsters, scammers and even serial killers.

Only last year, former American medical student Philip Haynes Markoff was indicted with the armed robbery and murder of two women in Boston hotels.

He has been dubbed ‘The Craigslist Killer’ because he is alleged to have met his victims through the Craiglist online personals site.

Online predators find electronic dating sites especially attractive because they provide an unending supply of new targets. It’s relatively easy to create an account, using a stolen identity, and run multiple scams at once. Before you know it, you could be set up as a target for cyber-stalking – being spammed with unwanted pornography or even pressured into a ‘real-world’ meeting, when 23-yearold Dave the Rave could turn out to be 60-year-old Jack the Ripper.

Some online dating sites conduct background checks on members to avoid problems of this nature. One Oregon-based company is marketing Iovation device recognition technology to fight online fraud, allowing dating sites to flag a person as abusive, blacklist them and let other sites in the online dating community know about it. For a small fee, HonestyOnline sells ‘verification badges’ that ‘take the lie out of online’, with checks that can confirm not only marital status, height and weight but also bodily fluids, to assure potential mates you have nothing dangerously communicable. After you pass muster, you graduate to a sticker on your online profile.

As competition hots up, there will be greater professionalisation of the online dating industry to eradicate risks. Dating directory WebPersonalsOnline.com predicts that, in the immediate future, more of these sites will be of the ‘try before you buy’ type, vying with each other to offer the most advanced features such as personal video profile uploads and live customer service agents who can resolve problems on the spot. For the foreseeable future, it looks like electronic seduction is set to put Cupid and Eros out of a job! n

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8TH-11TH

APRIL

2010

2nd Gibraltar International Boat Show The countdown is now on for Gibraltar International Boat Show 2010 scheduled for 8 to 11 April at the multimillion pound Ocean Village marina. Now expanding across two locations, Leisure Island and an Exhibition Arena, this Boat Show will be even bigger and better than its predecessor.

If you want to benefit from exhibiting at one of Europe’s most attractive locations for business and high net worth individuals contact the Boat Show team. Repeat bookings have already been received from last year and priority will be given to early reservations from new exhibitors.

For further information on this year’s Gibraltar International Boat Show contact: sales@gibraltarboatshow.com, telephone 00 44 1392 811 520 or visit www.gibraltarboatshow.com.

Ocean Village, Gibraltar 8th-11th April 2010

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THEPEOPLE LOVE

Celebrity LIVES Report belinda beckett

A

ctress Cameron Diaz showed savvy beyond her ditzy blonde image when she said: “Love lives of the famous are distractions from people’s own love lives. There are some celebrities who like to sell their own experiences, who are just out front with it. And that’s something that people can buy.”

Perhaps she had publicity seekers Jordan and Peter Andre in mind, or the farcical feud-by-music between Mariah Carey and rapper Eminem who has written several songs referring to an alleged relationship with the nubile pop singer. In Bagpipes from Baghdad on his 2009 album Relapse, he insulted Carey and her husband with the lyrics: ‘Nick Cannon, I wish you luck with the ****ing whore’.

Carey responded with her own release, Obsessed.

For those in the public eye, the course of true love has less chance of running smooth when the paparazzi are forever hot on their heels, hyping up every bill, coo and argy-bargy and the constant partner-swapping that has been dubbed the ‘Hollywood Shuffle’.

Actors Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal’s on-off love affair has provided months of tabloid fodder. Nor has Hollywood’s hottest

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couple – collectively known as Brangelina – been immune to the gossip mongers. Long before the official announcement of their split, the scandal rag US Weekly was reporting that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie had ‘broken up so many times it would make your head spin’.

Some couples manage to thrive under the media spotlight’s glare, such as David and Victoria Beckham. No strangers to marital infidelity (remember Rebecca Loos) they’ve stuck together for 12 years now (married 10), and have three sons in a marriage that seems super-glued. Then there’s golden oldie couple Sting and Trudie Styler who have four children and a relationship dating from 1982 (perhaps it’s all that Tantric sex). A less likely success story is that of Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher, an item since 2003 despite their much-hyped age gap (she’s 47, he turns 32 this month). But sparks still seem to be flying: Demi didn’t even object when Ashton posted a sexy photo of her on Twitter, captioned: “Shhh, don’t tell wifey. Watching my wife steam my suit while wearing a bikini. I love God!” Here’s a look at how other celebrity couples are faring of late.

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In the most sensational celebrity love scandal of the decade, golfer Tiger Woods scored a multiple bogie against his marriage with a bevvy of beauties (16, say some reports), giving new meaning to his 2009 PGA Player of the Year title. Tiger’s sexual forays and allegations of drug-taking have lost him valuable endorsements while shares in companies he represents, including Nike, have lost 12 billion dollars since the news broke. The dirt hit the fan in a ‘domestic incident’ outside his home in November, triggering an explosion of jokes on the Internet such as: ‘Tiger Woods crashed into a fire hydrant and a tree. He couldn’t decide between a wood and an iron’. And ‘What were Tiger Woods and his wife doing out at 2.30 in the morning?

They went clubbing.’ His teed-off model wife Elin Nordegren, who gave birth to their second child last year, wants a divorce, sole custody of the children and half Tiger’s estimated £370 million fortune.

Tiger, tail firmly between legs, is taking ‘indefinite leave’ from golf.

The whole thing started off like a fairy tale. But then it felt like an evil fairy tale. He went all Jekyll and Hyde.” Ekaterina Ivanova Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood’s fling with a Russian cocktail waitress young enough to be his grand-daughter ended acrimoniously for the 62-year-old rocker. Ivanova, 21, dumped him after a public street brawl which landed Wood in court, blotting his (incredibly) unblemished record with a caution for common assault. Ivanova was quick to cash in on interviews, describing Wood as “an evil goblin king”, and is set to star in the latest Big Brother. As for Jo Wood, Ronnie’s wife of 23 years, with her pre-Christmas quickie divorce and £7million settlement, she’s laughing all the way to the bank.

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All I want is a gentleman. I’m sick to bloody death of bastards.” Katie Price

Katie (alias Jordan) and Peter Andre sold their story when they got together after the 2004 I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. Two children and five years later, they sold it again (several times over) when the wheels came off their romance. He released an album, she went off with a cross-dressing cage fighter. Since her pre-Christmas phone call to Andre begging him to take her back, cynics say they’re planning to rake in loads more money with ‘back together’ interviews.

I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true to my values.” Tiger Woods.

Last summer ‘forever bachelor’ George Clooney introduced us to his newest squeeze, Italian TV star Elisabetta Canalis. She’s accompanied him to the Venice and Rome Film Festivals but will she be his official date at the Oscars next month?

He split with former girlfriend Sarah Larson shortly after taking her to the Academy Awards so an invite is no prelude to ring shopping in Clooney’s little black book.

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To be brave is to love someone unconditionally, without expecting anything in return.”

Madonna

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I like marriage … in the movies.”

George Clooney

Are Madonna and her gorgeous pouting toyboy Jesús Luz still an item? The 51-year-old singer met the 23-year-old Brazilian model during a photo shoot for W Magazine in Rio last year but the pop queen deserted her luscious Latin lover at Christmas to spend quality family time with ex-husband Guy Richie and the kids. Perhaps, for the Material Mum, Jesús only lives as arm candy. essential marbella magazine

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I don’t believe monogamy is realistic.”

Kate Hudson

Baseball season is over and so are Kate Hudson and New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez. Apparently Kate tired of his continued attempts to keep in contact with former girlfriend, Madonna. But the latest news on Goldie Hawn’s daughter is that she’s turned to old flame Owen Wilson for consolation. The pair, who ended their relationship in April 2009, are said to have ‘unresolved feelings’.

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I love it when I meet a woman and her sexuality is dancing across her face, so it’s apparent that all we need to do is nod and find a cupboard.”

Russell Brand

Marriages are not rose-petal paths that you skip down, they were never intended to be.”

Cheryl Cole.

Her latest single is Fight for This Love and she admits its lyrics were inspired by her own rocky marriage to Chelsea footballer Ashley Cole. The 26-year-old Girls Aloud singer has ‘forgiven’ at least two infidelities but there were signs their relationship was losing its X Factor when she appeared on Simon Cowell’s show without her £160,000 diamond wedding ring. In a revealing recent interview, Cheryl commented: “I don’t trust anybody in life except my mother and my dogs.”

Self-confessed sex addict Russell Brand’s reputation as a ladies’ man won him The Sun newspaper’s Shagger Of The Year award three years running but he’s been dating American singer/songwriter Katy Perry since last September and says he’s ready to settle down and start a family with her. As for his string of previous relationships, he says: “I thought I was promiscuous, but it turns out I was just thorough to get the right girl.” Do we believe him?

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I don’t know if I believe in marriage, I believe in family, love and children.” Penelope Cruz

Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem have been igniting engagement and wedding rumours for a while now, although these two Spanish actors are extra-protective of their privacy. They first met while filming Jamón, Jamón in 1992, began dating in 2007 and canoodled in the Maldives this autumn. Cruz has said that when she decides to raise a family she wants it to be “my best project in life.”

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I just want to say I am deeply ashamed and upset that I’ve hurt Sienna and the people most close to us.” Jude Law

They were the glam couple of the mid-Noughties until Jude had sex with his children’s nanny and was dumped by fiancée Sienna. So why has she been spotted leaving his New York apartment and holidaying with him in the Caribbean? Could be convenience as both have been starring on Broadway but latest reports say they are planning to reset up home in London together this spring. However, Sienna’s sister Savannah recently told the Daily Telegraph that any reconciliation would be a “completely ridiculous assumption.”

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Silversea’s one aim - Excellence

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For more information, suite allocations, bookings/deposits, etc, please contact: Silversea officially appointed sales agent for Gibraltar, Spain and Portugal since 1994.

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THEPEOPLE

RICO PERSSON

Love

A Higher W

hen Rickard ‘Rico’ Persson first stepped foot on the shores on the Costa del Sol from his native Sweden, it wasn’t out of a desire to escape to the sun, make his fortune or enjoy the party atmosphere. Rather, Rico had paid heed to an urgent phone call from a friend who was heartbroken after the end of a relationship, seeing that the best way to put a smile on his friend’s face was to make a brief visit. “I told him, ‘I’ll come to Marbella, see you and hug you and stay for two weeks,” he says. That visit led to what now seems like a lifetime of travelling to and from Marbella. It is also telling of the nature of this gentle 34-year-old musician. Rico, who founded a school for children in the poverty-stricken village of Coza/Simbaya in Guinea, Africa in 2007, has always been there, be it for a friend, a family member or, as destiny would have it, a higher cause.

In person, Rico is the typical young musician: a fan of African drums, dressed in sun-bleached, baggy clothes and oozing affability from every pore, he somehow makes it easy to smile. Rico says his passion is music but we suspect it lies elsewhere… in the hidden villages of Africa, where food, education and, most importantly, clean water are luxuries which only a small percentage are privileged enough to enjoy. Rico is in love with happiness, as it manifests itself in the smiles of those whose lives he has made a difference to.

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Rico’s quest began with a visit to Africa in 2004.

He says, “I went there to discover the rhythms of Africa. I originally went for three weeks then went back for six months because I loved African music so much. I made very good friends there. They were so poor but still they gave me everything: their culture, their bed, food… and I felt strange because I thought, ‘I’m a f****ing millionaire compared to them!’. When I came back to Marbella and the café where I worked, I spoke with my colleagues about the brutal reality in Guinea, where orphans run around chasing rats for food. We all agreed to do our share. We took a biscuit box and put our tips into it, saving it for a good cause in Africa. Clients started putting money into the box as well, because they knew we would use the money in a good way. Pretty soon, the box was full and we thought, ‘We have to do something more!’”.

Rico and his friends then thought up the idea that would give structure to their altruistic plans: a concert they would call the Baobab Festival, bringing together musicians with a host of different styles to play for Africa. Says Rico, “The concert raised €1.400, a small amount which I took with me to Guinea, still not knowing where to start. There were many people without legs and I thought about buying them wheelchairs. Another option was starting up a kitchen serving free food to suffering families. However, I found out that there was an empty locale for rent

in the village I was staying at, and that there were five teachers who were out of work, because nobody could afford to pay for school.”

Rico interviewed the teachers, chose one and proceeded to open a school, making benches with carpenters, painting the walls, installing a blackboard and welcoming the children. When the Baobab School opened in April 2007, there was room for only 20 students aged five to 12. The students began attending school five days a week and, when Rico came back to Marbella, it was with both a sense of happiness and a feeling that more needed to be done. He explains: “The first festival was very small, but with just 300 visitors to the event, we managed to collect enough money to open our first classroom in Guinea, so we decided to organise this event the first weekend of September every year, and to make it bigger. This lead to the foundation of the non-profit organisation, Pasos Positivos, and from then we seemed to double the amount of visitors every year.

In 2009, 5,000 people came to the three-day festival in Estepona.”

Rico, and Pasos Positivos have many plans for the future, including extending the school curriculum so it offers nine years of classes. After that, he says, “We’d like to set up a sustainable business there so the families of the children can support the school themselves.” Water is another problem. “We lost a

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“Positive thinking and acting is never about you only. It affects the people you directly influence, and changes the world around you.”

Rickard Persson

Report Marisa CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF RIckARD PERSSON

boy recently because of the poor water,” he laments, adding, “The water is of such poor quality, and the children are often sick. Our next trip to Guinea we want to set up water filters so that the children of the school can have clean water and be able to attend school without feeling ill. We need helping hands or sponsors to set up a water filtering system for the whole village.”

As our readers may imagine, all this hard work leaves little time for a personal life and Rico admits that he lives “like a gypsy”, with little time for stability or even a girlfriend, much to the dismay (and pride!) of his family in Sweden. “I run around so much, no girl could keep up with me,” he laughs. “I’d like to stay in Spain permanently, working on similar projects, but as long as the organisation is not funded by external sources there is a limit to what we can do. We are currently seeking funds from sponsors who can ‘help us to help’. Dedicating 100 per cent of my time to these kind of projects I could do so much more.”

At the moment, the lack of a permanent source of income means that Rico dedicates three months a year in Spain organising the Baobab Festival, another three months in Africa running the school, and the rest of the year working for himself in countries such as Norway and Sweden to be able to make a living.

When I ask Rico if he sometimes regrets foregoing

the typical nuclear family existence, he replies, “For me, the most important thing is to have personal freedom from the material world. I would love to live on a farm and grow my own produce, being totally independent from modern society, but that would go against another vital value in my life: responsibility.

Being on a farm is good from an ecological standpoint but, if I know I have the power to help 100 or 1,000 people in the world, then that’s much more important than pursuing freedom only for myself.

“I found happy people in one of the poorest countries in the world and I found my own happiness as well. When the mothers of the school children come knocking on my door and go down on their knees with tears running down their cheeks, praying to God to be good to me so I can continue helping them, this feeling is difficult to describe in words. In Africa, they’re not used to white people giving them something for nothing; many white people just go to Africa to do business using cheap workers and take their diamonds, then they go away. The first year the school opened they couldn’t believe it was free!”

If personal and collective happiness are a goal for you, take note that Rico is currently seeking help on many levels. He says: “We didn’t ask for donations in the past because we wanted to complete a serious project before asking for money, so people would

know who we are and that we are doing something real. Finally, we have opened an account for this purpose and we are happy to promote private companies if they wish. We are also looking for volunteers who would like to start up small collective projects in Spain or Europe, or take some time out to go to Africa. Companies offering solar power or water filters are also welcome to donate their products, and we need teachers to train our local teachers.”

Rico is also receiving a helping hand from the AMPA association (The Asociación de Madres y Padres de Andalucía), which donates yearly to one cause and, this year, has selected the Baobab School.

“They will have a collection of funds in which every child will be invited to bring a euro to school. There are about 40 schools, so if everyone brings one euro, that will be a big help.

“People think that charities need only doctors and degree-qualified volunteers but that’s not the case,” says Rico. “Everybody has at least one quality we need. Everybody can help. And if you don’t know how, just ask us; we will give you the ideas!”

i

www.positivefootsteps.net/ ricoperso@hotmail.com/ baobabfestival@yahoo.es essential marbella magazine

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MARBELLA FUNDRAISING EVENTS: February 1: Gala event at the Hotel Incosol If you’re reading this the day we begin distribution, you’re still in time to give your all for Haiti at the Incosol Solidario Con Haití Gala event on February 1 at 8.30pm, presented by top Spanish celebrities including Agustín Bravo, Rappel, Silvia Tortosa, Menchu Balcarce, Alejandro Vega, Eva Gálvez and Josemi Álvarez. There will be special performances by Toni Dalli, Mario Méndez, el Mago Eliseo, acrobats, singers and a pianist. From 4pm onwards, there will be a display of luxury cars including Ferraris, Lamborghinis and antique cars. For €50, enjoy a fun ride in one of these cars. For €100, dine with one of the celebrities who will be attending the gala. To book tickets, Tel:

is currently living on the streets, having lost everything to the quake. The organisation has set up a Special Projects Fund for Haiti. www.childcareministries.org

Doctors Without Borders has been working in Haiti for 19 years. Things are still desperate for this group since, as one senior doctor comments, “The situation is chaotic. I visited five medical centres, including a major hospital, and most of them were not functioning.” The organisation states that its immediate response in the first hours following the Haiti earthquake was only possible thanks to unrestricted donations from around the world received before the earthquake struck. More funds are desperately needed for medical supplies.

www.doctorswithoutborders.org

952 860 909. www.incosol.com

MADRE, the international women’s rights charity, joins the Zanmi February 5: The Haiti Earthquake Charity Celebrity Golf Day and Gala Dinner

Maurice Boland

Estepona Golf and Talk Radio Europe will be hositng a golf tournament for Haiti, at the Estepona golf course. Sign up for an action-packed pairs, two ball, better ball and stableford competition. The entrance fee is only €50, with all proceeds going directly to Haiti. In the evening there will be another event: a swish Gala dinner at La Quinta Golf, hosted by Maurice Boland featuring a three-course dinner and performances from guest comedian, Stan Boardman; all-round entertainer Kenny Lynch; snooker player and comedian Dennis Taylor; top tenor Stephen Lloyd-Morgan; Mel Williams; the Sotogrande School Choir; and the Marbella Big Band, followed by a raffle and auction. Tickets cost €50 per person. Proceeds will go to the Ark Christian Fellowship, which has been working in orphanages in Haiti for the past eight years. For further information, please contat

Maurice Boland on Tel: 952 799 953 / 697 783 942.

March 13: Costa del Golf Challenge Gala Dinner

Tres Divos

The Costa del Golf Challenge golf tournament (9-13 March) has now opened its Gala Dinner & Prize Presentation evening to the public to help raise much needed funds for Haiti. This five-course gala dinner at the Hotel Andalucía Plaza will include a prize giving ceremony for winners of the competition and will be presented by Maurice Boland, with guest appearances

by Tim Healey and his wife, ‘Loose Woman’ Denise Welch.

Entertainment will be provided by X-Factor finalist, Rowetta Idah and the gorgeous Tres Divos. Tickets cost €95.

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www.madre.org

Action Against Hunger has had a team in Haiti since 1985, and is flying aeroplanes from Paris to Port-au-Prince to bring victims much-needed food and medical supplies.

www.actionagainsthunger.org

UNICEF has worked in Haiti since 1949, thereby possessing the local knowledge necessary to help needy families, with food, water and housing. www.unicef.es

The International Rescue Committee, which in the past has resettled Haitian refugees in the United States, is sending emergency response teams to assist overworked local aid groups.

The organisation focuses on medical, water, and sanitation assistance. www.theirc.org

Hope for Haiti Now: This charity is providing life-saving relief supplies including food, clean water, blankets, medical supplies and tents to children and families devastated by the earthquake and aftershocks in Haiti. www.hopeforhaitinow.org

For further information, Tel: 951 319 138.

DIRECT DONATIONS: If immediate action is a concern, make

THEY TOO HAVE HELPED:

a direct donation using your credit card. We recommend the following trustworthy associations:

Many stars have pulled out all the stops to help the needy, including George Clooney, who hosted a telethon to raise money for victims of the Haiti earthquake. Celebrities like Jack Nicholson, Daniel Day-Lewis, Ben Affleck and Mel Gibson manned a bank of telephones, while stars including Madonna, Justin Timberlake and Rihanna belted out their best songs to boost telethon donations. Others, such as Nicole Kidman, Robert Pattinson and Matt Damon shared stories of some of the earthquake survivors. Many of these stars have donated generous amounts to the relief fund, including Matt Damon, who donated $1 million, and Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who also gave $1 million.

International Childcare Ministries (ICCM) is a child

Stephen Lloyd-Morgan

Lasante Clinic, founded by Partners in Health, to provide the most urgently needed medical supplies, including bandages, broad-spectrum antibiotics and other medical supplies.

sponsorship initiative serving in 26 countries around the world.

The organisation coordinates with Free Methodist Church workers in local settings for high levels of care and accountability.

Through education, meals, and medical care, children in need are given an opportunity for a better life. The charity has done much to improve the situation in Haiti, providing water, water filters and medicine for earthquake victims. ICCM runs many schools in Haiti, and has recently reported that its voluntary staff

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Help for HAITI

The 12th of January was just another day for most of us.

We got up, had breakfast, drove to work and probably enjoyed wrapping up the day with a peaceful dinner with our families. For the people of Haiti, however, that day marked the end of life as they knew it, with a devastating earthquake measuring 7 on the Richter scale taking over 150,000 lives and turning the country upside-down. With no access to food, water and medical care, many are still, to this day, feeling hunger and despair. Marbella is worlds away from Haiti, but there is plenty we can do to feel closer to our Haitian brothers and sisters. Here are a few ways we can lend a helping hand.

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the trend PRODUCTS & IDEAS

The Latest Gadgets

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THETREND Report Marisa CUTILLAS

Eco-friendly gadgets

GADGETS

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New website www.soy-eco.com is a fantastic new online store offering a range of environmentally-friendly products that give you and your family the choice of living a more sustainable life, with low carbon, recycled, organic and water saving products.

The site also offers energy saving ideas, water facts and top eco tips as well as a blog and events calendar. This month, we feature some of Soy-Eco’s funky new items.

1 Ecocamel shower head

Water is not only becoming a scarce commodity in many parts of the world; it is also making its presence felt in our monthly utility bills. The Ecocamel shower head is an aerated shower which uses less water and more air, providing a refreshing, invigorating shower experience that offers maximum enjoyment as well as savings on both water and energy usage. The shower functions by ‘inhaling’ air from a venturi hole located at the bottom of the handset, saving up to seven litres of water a minute in the process. The effect reduces scale build-up, lowers your carbon footprint and, best of all, no plumbing is required.

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Solar security light The Centurion is the answer to protecting your property without the need of electrical wiring and expensive installation costs. The powerful solar security light is equipped with the very latest technology, including 30 Superbright LED’s with a strong industrial battery to power the light for an incredible 10 hours of output at full charge. The amorphous solar panel has a 5M lead that will allow charging even on the days with least sun. The fitting is equipped with time and sensitivity dials which allow you to select how long you wish the light to remain on after movement is no longer detected. Fitting instructions are easy.

Just fix both the security light and the solar panel to the intended surface, plug in the lead from the solar panel and let the sun work its magic.

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Revolution Eco Media Player The Revolution Eco Media Player gives you the freedom to listen to your favourite music, watch dazzling movie clips, tune in to FM radio stations and thumb through photo albums, all without the need for external power or expensive and environmentally-harmful batteries. Just wind the machine for one minute and enjoy up to 45 minutes of play time. Whether you’re commuting or you spend many hours in the great outdoors, Revolution is the ideal personal entertainment solution.

4 Ecological table clock

This device is so simple, it’s a wonder it’s not used in every household. Just fill it up with water and the ecological table clock will give you the time, 24/7, brightening up your room with its digital, colourful design.

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Ventus iTravel The Ventus iTravel is the World’s first, self-powered FM/MW radio and MP3 player. It offers three-way eco power with windup, solar and USB options and features a superb FM/MW radio with digital tuner. This gadget plays digital music from any SD card and comes equipped with a super-bright LED torch and the ability to charge your mobile phone in an emergency. It’s perfect to take down to the beach, to the park or for camping holidays. Although there are other wind-up products on the market, the iTravel as with the Baylis MP4, features the TCL Power-ItNow high power generator which offers over 25 minutes operation for each minute of winding.

i www.soy-eco.com

6 The Eco Kettle

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Did you know that if everyone boiled only the water they needed to make a cup of tea or coffee, instead of ‘filling’ the kettle every time, we could save enough electricity to run practically all the street lighting in Spain? The Eco Kettle looks like a stylish electric jug kettle but it has a special feature which allow users to fill it to its maximum yet boil between one to eight cups, according to requirements. The kettle has a unique double chamber that allows you to measure out exactly how much water you want to boil, saving electricity, water, money and time. And you still get to enjoy a steaming hot cuppa, just the way you like it!

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THETREND

INTERNET Report phil morse

Marketing Essentials, part 1

Direct Marketing

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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

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ention “big marketing budget” or “in-house PR team” to the average business on the Costa del Sol, and you could well be met with rolling eyes. Fact is that while there are some corporates operating from the south of Spain, the majority of enterprises around here are small to medium-sized, where margins are tight and every euro of marketing has to be hard won.

While magazine and newspaper advertising is still pretty much a given, if you’re ready to take your efforts up a notch, there are many cost effective methods to choose from. Over the next six issues we will be looking at a few simple tricks and tactics for getting your name out there in lean times, starting with direct marketing.

Letters A short sales pitch, briefly explaining your services or latest offer and asking people to get in contact can be an effective way to introduce your business to potential new clients, or keep yourself at the front of existing clients’ minds.

In transient markets (e.g. the Costa del Sol) and hard times (like now), there is a reassurance about wellpresented direct mail that can really help you to grow trust in your brand. Combined with an email blast, this kind of approach can be especially valuable.

If you set up and include a special web or email address for people to get in touch (www.yourbusiness. com/januaryoffer, or januaryoffer@yourbusiness.com, for instance) you can easily measure how effective a direct mail campaign has been.

Another simple tip to get more ‘bang for your buck’: Studies have shown that simply handwriting addresses can lead to a 300 per cent increase in your ‘read rate’.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Email marketing Ubiquitous old email, with all its faults, is here to stay.

If you can cut through the clutter in someone’s inbox, it is still a cost-effective form of advertising.

Emails can be as simple as text-only messages, BCC’ed to your contact list from your desktop PC. Get above a few dozen though, and issues creep in – not least that there are email quotas on most public servers, and you could be blocked for spamming.

A branded email, possibly with a professionally designed template that looks great on all recipients’ screens, is a far smarter step. There are many online services that can handle the sending of it for you (Constant Contact and Vertical Response are two of the most popular), and once you’ve had you template designed, it can be used again and again with minimal changes.

If you want to reach many new clients, it is possible to rent email addresses by the thousand. Once you get to this level, it does become essential to enlist professional help, as data rental is a somewhat cut-throat business, with potentially expensive pitfalls for the inexperienced.

Following up One of the most important things is to follow up your direct marketing promptly. Research has shown that following up emails with a phone call five minutes after they’re opened can dramatically increase the closing rate than if you leave it for a few days. Email software can show you in real time your customers opening their emails: make use of it!

Direct marketing needn’t cost a lot of money to be relevant and distinctive: a little thought and careful execution can reap big rewards. n

Next month. Websites and blogs

>>>>>

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THETREND ENVIRONMENT

What exactly is deforestation?

Report victoria wood

Deforestation is the cutting down, burning and otherwise destruction of forests. This is occurring at such a rapid pace that if the current rate continues, the rain forests will disappear by the year 2100 and with them, more than half of the animal and plant species on the planet. Nearly 40 million acres of natural forest were destroyed per year during the 1990s, and from 1990 to 1995 alone a total area of forest nearly twice the size of Italy was wiped out.

What effect does deforestation have on our planet and us?

Deforestation threatens the existence of every living thing on the planet. The world’s tropical rainforests are extremely valuable ecosystems that contain more than 60 per cent of the world’s plant and animal life. Forests help prevent an increase in global warming by serving as carbon sinks, i.e. areas that trap and store carbon dioxide. Trees absorb the gas from the air and then replenish the air with oxygen. The more trees we have, the better the air.

Why must deforestation be prevented?

Preventing deforestation is critical because forests help protect coastal regions, control avalanches and desertification, stabilise sand dunes and prevent soil erosion and degradation. And, for millions of people around the world, deforestation threatens their survival, as forests are their home and their source of food, medicine and energy, as well as representing their spiritual and cultural identity.

So why do we do it in the first place?

Deforestation is practiced to make way for cattle raising and agriculture, especially in the tropical rainforests of South America and Southeast Asia but also in parts of western Europe and North America. Deforested land often becomes unfarmable, which then fuels the need to clear even more trees for more land. Costa Rica is an example of such forest destruction. Since the end of World War II, approximately 80 per cent of its forests has been cut down to provide pasture for cattle to meet the global demand for beef, especially for the fast food market (not mentioning any names).

Widespread logging is the cause of deforestation in many regions. Global desire for teak furniture, for example, is causing the destruction of the last of the teak forests in Indonesia, home to one-tenth of the world’s tropical hardwood forests. And, on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, all of the lowland forests will vanish this year unless illegal logging is stopped immediately. Other causes of deforestation include urbanisation, mining and oil exploration while acid rain and fire also contribute to forest destruction.

Deforestation has not gone unnoticed. Many governmental and non-governmental agencies around the world are attempting to reduce and reverse the destruction by engaging in reforestation – the restoration of deforested regions by planting seeds and/or saplings.

e r o f e r e h W art thou, Forest?

How can we help?

There are many volunteer projects around the world crying out for helpers. If you are seriously interested in making a big difference and getting involved, then be prepared to get your hands dirty when you volunteer with any of the life-renewing reforestation projects that are underway around the globe. Some of them are listed below and could use your hands today. uReforestation in Guatemala. Quetzaltenango strives to restore 200,000 indigenous trees per year. Tasks include bagging and transplanting seedlings to the forest, preparing the soil and collecting seeds. Room and board is with a host family. i www.globalcrossroad.com/ guatemalaconservationreforestation.php uIf you have a basic knowledge of trees, are interested in reforestation and are fluent in Spanish, you can help create a tree nursery at the Lalo Loor Dry Forest reserve on the Pacific coast of Ecuador. You will stay in the reserve’s dormitory and help collect tree seeds, plant and care for seedlings and assist with the nursery facility. A one-month minimum commitment is requested. i www.ceiba.org/volunteer.htm uPlant trees, nurse seedlings and more in Ghana, where more than 90 per cent of the country’s high forests have been logged since the 1940s. i www.volunteerghanaproject.org uTijuca National Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, needs volunteers for reforestation. Stay two weeks or longer, with a Brazilian family. i www.bridgelinguatec.com uConservation Volunteers Australia sponsors many reforestation programs, e.g. Galapagos Islands and Ecuador. All are two-week projects including accommodation and meals. i www.conservationvolunteers.com.au uReforestation project in Kenya – work at the Menengai Hill Forest Station or Mount Kenya. Stay from one-to-12 weeks. i www.i-to-i.com uRural reforestation project in Nepal. Daily tree planting duties and stay with host family during your two-week experience. i www.shop.btcv.org.uk On your next vacation, you could help restore our rapidly disappearing forests and give the planet what it needs – a breath of fresh air and a chance for a future.

If you would like to help but can only offer your services locally, there is an organisation named Pinsapo which arranges tree-planting days on the Costa Del Sol. To get involved, check out the website of event sponsors Terra Sana for upcoming dates at www.terrasana.net or go to Terra Sana on the Golden Mile for more information.

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

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the chic DÉCOR AND FASHION

Romantic Wear by Alma Aguilar

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THECHIC FASHION

Alma Aguilar’s latest collection features a series of light, breezy gowns and sleek tailored suits that are perfect for a romantic dinner with your loved one, or a sexy night out if you’re single. Rose and black tones set the mood, with flirty sequins and metallic hues stealing the limelight for just a few seconds.

Aguilar, whose designs shine seasonally at Cibeles Fashion Week in Madrid, is just the antidote we need to the gloomy crisis. With glamour taken to this level, it’s easy to forget our worries and focus on love, which is surely our aim this month.

Report Marisa CUTILLAS

LBD Magic

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Tailored Perfection

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19th Century Style Romance

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Rose Sophistication

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Dazzling Metallics

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Black elegance

i www.almaaguilar.com

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THECHIC FASHION NEWS

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to say er time of year There is no bett an Valentine’s Day. ‘I love you’ th with th, surprise her This February 14 quisite items, just one of these ex e world to you. ns th because she mea

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1 - Seductive underwear by La Perla 2 - Cocktail dress by Herve Leger 3 - Evening dress by Roberto Torretta 4 - Flirty cocktail dress by Javier Larraínzar 5 & 6 - Rings by Rabat 7 - Caroline pink crocodile leather bag by Chopard 8 - Happy sport chrono watch by Chopard 9 - Ribbons and bows bracelet by Mimo Silver 10 - Colourful gem and diamond rings from Chopard’s So Happy collection 11 - Sexy lingerie by La Redoute 12 - Flirty dress by Littlewoods

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Chopard www.chopard.com Herve Leger www.herveleger.com Javier Larrainzar www.lawebdelanovia.com La Perla www.laperla.com La Redoute www.laredoute.com littlewoods www.littlewoods.com Mimo Silver www.mimosilver.com Rabat www.rabat.it Roberto Torretta www.robertotorretta.com

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THECHIC

DECOR NEWS

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Report belinda beckett

1 - Inspired by hearts and flowers, the all-weather Fiore garden sofa is perfect for intimate tête-à-têtes, à deux or in the company of close friends. i www.b-alance.ch 2 - States is a seating system designed for small rooms, countering the old-established static furniture concepts with adaptable scenarios that come together in one flexible, space-saving unit. i www.lanuovacasa.de 3 - Joyful colour is used to make a bold statement in this ergonomically-curved washbasin and bathtub by Saturnbath Co. Ltd. of Korea. i www.saturn.co.kr 4 - The Zisha Tea Project is a ceramic take on traditional tea sets, designed in China for connoisseurs of the cup that cheers. i www.neriandhu.com

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SIMPLyred

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5 - Create a steamy red light area in your home with this stylish, two-component corner light. i www.juna-ryan.de 6 - The passionate Italians know how to make love in style. With this supercomfortable bed from the Ottovolante product family, which has a double base reminiscent of an air cushion, the stage is set… i www.lanuovacasa.de

Red is the hottest of all the colours, scientifically proven to increase respiration rate, raise blood pressure and stimulate the libido. Above all, red is the colour of love, associated with lush lips and passionate hearts this Valentine’s month. Add a little red to your interior décor with one of these stylish pieces (all winners of the prestigious annual Red Dot Design Awards) and watch the sparks fly!

7 7 - Red is for romance with this funky Kao wall, ceiling or pendant lamp. i www.artemide.com 8 - With the beauty of precious natural fibres, this extravagant alpaca wool blanket is produced in-house, from first step to finish.

Available in 21 colours, turn up the heat with red. i www.steiner1888.at 9 - The ergonomic Siben chair is upholstered over a powder-coated steel frame. In red fabric or suede, it’s a show stopper. i www.kff.de

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THECHIC

BUSINESS

Warmwave Heating Panels

One of the advantages of living on the Costa del Sol is its sunshine record but winter happens (as we know from one of the wettest Costa Christmases on record). Now you can get the effect of the sun’s radiant warmth even on the dampest, dreariest days of the year with the Warmwave heating system.

i For further information, contact Leslie or Dave on Tel: 952 388 558/ 672 354 471.

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Report belinda beckett

Winter Sunshine in Your Home

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opular in northern Europe for many years and newly arrived in Spain, among Warmwave’s claims to fame are its low running cost which, at three centimos per hour (equivalent to three light bulbs) can be up to 50 per cent more economical than any conventional gas central heating system, slashing your heating bills. Not only that, it’s healthier (preventing the spread of germs and easing complaints like asthma and arthritis), eco-friendly (with zero carbon emissions) and beautiful too (no pipes or plumbing required). The slimline, elegant wall or ceiling panels are of cutting-edge design, available in a variety of colours and materials that can be displayed as objets d’art to showcase the ultimate symbiosis of form and function. The mirror panels are perfect for hanging in the bathroom and help cut down on steam while the marble, metal or glass panels can add a contemporary feel to your living areas, also taking up far less space than unsightly radiators or storeage heaters. In fact, the system seems to have so many plus factors – from cutting out condensation, mould and damp to reducing your carbon footprint and even helping you to detox and lose weight – you may wonder how you have managed to live your life without it.

“We’re really excited about this system because it provides all the solutions home owners are looking for in Spain, from people who appreciate beautiful homes to those wishing to lead healthier lives and anyone – and that’s probably everyone – interested in reducing their household bills,” says Leslie Heads of Warmwave Andalucía who, together with her husband Dave, have the sole distribution rights in Spain. “With conventional convection heating, like central heating or a gas fire, the air is heated up and circulated around the room, creating cold spots and dust. Warmwave works like the natural warmth of the sun, producing waves of heat that are absorbed by the fabric of the building and reflected back into the room, giving an even temperature throughout. Damp and condensation will dry out, no dust or germs are circulated and, as the air is not being heated, heat is not lost when the door is opened.”

Since ancient times, it has been known that exposure to sunshine can maintain and even enhance health. Warmwave heaters use FIR (Far-Infrared Radiation) rays, the invisible rays of natural sunlight that have the longest wavelength and are now known to have beneficial effects on all kinds of ailments,

from easing muscle and joint pain to preventing the spread of colds and flu. In the USA, some hospitals’ premature baby units use FIR heaters. Numerous care homes and medical centres also use warm wave heating to help patients with breathing complaints like asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis. NASA research scientists found that FIR stimulation helped maintain cardiovascular conditioning in astronauts during long space flights; scientists in Japan have used FIR treatment to unclog blood capillaries and dissolve hidden toxins; and the American Medical Association journal has reported that regular use of a radiant heat sauna – which uses FIR rays – may be just as effective a means of burning off calories as regular exercise!

The elegant glass Warmwave heating panels are simple to install and use with no need for plumbing or building work. They can be hung on the wall like a flat screen TV or even on the ceiling, using special brackets, plugged in to the nearest electrical socket and, within minutes, your room is warm and cosy. The size of heater you need depends on the capacity of the room but, because the output of a Warmwave heater is multiplied by 1.6, you will get a lot more heat from a small heater. For example, a 1000kw Warmwave heater will produce 1600kw of output.

With prices starting at just €300, Warmwave compares favourably with buying other conventional heating systems while guaranteeing big savings on future heating bills. All Warmwave heaters are covered by a two-year manufacturer guarantee but, because there are no moving parts to maintain or service, their lifespan is so much longer.

From the most economical design (Studio, a thermoquartz slimline panel in a choice of 19 different colours) to the Power Globe (a high tech heater in a spherical design that can be suspended from the ceiling and warms up to 75 cubic metres, ideal for large, high-ceilinged spaces such as barns, conservatories and restaurant terraces), there’s a Warmwave design to suit anywhere that requires cheap, clean, instant warmth – beautifully.

Leslie and Dave of Warmwave Andalucía can travel to homes throughout the region to provide an in situ quotation and are planning to open Spain’s first Warmwave showroom in Marbella later this year.

Give them a call today and you could be walking on sunshine every day of the year. n

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Slimline 21st Century Eco Heating Technology » » » » » » »

100% efficient Invisible design Eliminate damp & mould Amazing health and medical benefits Reduce your carbon footprint Save up to 60% on heating costs Wide range of applications

Economic, efficient and elegant

For further information contact Leslie, your exclusive representative for the Andalucía region.

Tel: 952 388 558 Mobile: 672 354 471 email: warmwaveandalucia@gmail.com www.warmwave.co.uk

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THECHIC ART NEWS

Report Marisa CUTILLAS

František Kupka at the Museo Picasso de Málaga

From February 15 until April 25, an exhibition by renowned Czech abstract painter, František Kupka, will be on show at the Museo Picasso de Málaga. The exhibition, part of the permanent collection of the prestigious Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, contains approximately 90 works, including oil paintings, drawings, gouaches and engravings. It focuses on the contribution made by Kupka to modern art, covering his most important periods, from the fusion of Austrian fin-de-siècle motifs with explorations of the earliest avantgarde forms, right through to his special interest in movement and abstraction. The works on display are legacies donated in 1959 and 1962 by the artist’s widow, Eugénie Kupka.

i C/ San Agustín 8, Málaga. Tel: 952 127 600. www.museopicassomalaga.org Stefan Dowsing and Ellen Zaks at De Vittori of Switzerland International business consultants, De Vittori of Switzerland, is currently housing a joint exhibition by renowned British artists, Stefan Dowsing and Ellen Zaks. Stefan Dowsing, born in Cambridge and now residing in Marbella, has contributed to important collections including the Victoria & Albert Museum, and has exhibited at the Tate Gallery and the Photographer’s Gallery in London. Dowsing is known for taking risks and for innovating in his work, where Nature and the Universe are main inspirations.

Ellen Zaks, meanwhile, gives life to physical subjects in figurative pieces painted with oils on canvas. A trained classical dancer, she is inspired by movement, which she sees as ‘a dance of life within the living Universe’. Zaks, born in England and now residing in Marbella, is inspired by invisible energy, such as electricity, thought and emotion, and the world of poetry. She has also published a collection of poems called Outcries. Zaks has held numerous successful exhibitions in London and the South East of England at galleries such as Alchemy, the Crinan Gallery, Bear Cave and Lewes Gallery. The joint exhibition can be viewed throughout the month of February.

i C.C. Le Village, Ctra de Istán km 0,9, Lomas de Sierra Blanca, Marbella.

Tel: 952 858 532.

Paint a Future Exhibition at the Clínica Buchinger Paint a Future is a charity founded by Hetty van der Linden, a Dutch artist who travels all over the world to paint alongside disadvantaged children. Hetty asks the children to paint their dreams, telling them that one day, they may come true. Established artists from around the world are then invited to create works inspired by the drawings of the children, who receive all the proceeds when they are sold. The aim is for the children and their families to have a better future. This month, view some of these colourful paintings at the Clínica Buchinger, and buy a painting, CD or even a 2010 calendar, published in favour of the charity. Works can also be bought online from the Paint a Future website.

i Avda. Buchinger s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 764 300. www.paintafuture.org 54

Paula Vincenti at the Casino Marbella Paula Vincenti, the Argentinean-born artist famed for her personal, autobiographical paintings and photography, presents her latest collection of paintings at the Casino Marbella this month. Her work expresses the isolation, rhythm and joy of modern life, with funky characters in the foreground of urban, sometimes solitary, scenes. The prolific artist, who also designs cool, trendy T-shirts, is always on the lookout for new ways to express her keen interest in people and their emotions. The exhibition can be viewed from 7pm ‘til late at the Casino. Don’t forget to take your DNI or passport.

i Hotel H10 Andalucía Plaza s/n, Marbella.

Tel: 952 814 000. www.casinomarbella.com

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the spa BEAUT Y AND HEALTH

Watsu Treatment at the Hotel Selenza Spa

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Beauty News

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Pure Essential Oils

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Health News

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Scientific News & Research

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...and this month don’t forget to have a

View essential marbella magazine on-line where you can flick through and read just as if it was in your hands.

Visit www.essentialmagazine.com and click on the open magazine for a full screen experience.

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THESPA BEAUTY

A Return to Innocence Watsu Therapy at the Selenza Estepona Thalasso & Spa Report Marisa CUTILLAS photography kh Photography

I

knew trying to write about the Watsu experience would be very difficult from the first swoosh…

Watsu is a massage and spiritual experience at once and it takes place in the water. Just you, the therapist and the ‘million hands of the water’ take you to a place you probably don’t remember… as far back as your mother’s womb, where you are loved and protected, where trust is not an option because your life depends on it. Watsu is certainly not like anything I had ever experienced in many years of writing on health and beauty.

Watsu was developed in 1980 by therapist Harold Dull, President of the Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association, creator of innovative therapies Watsu®, Tantsu® and Co-centering, and a former pupil of the renowned creator of Zen Shiatsu in Japan, Shizuto Masunaga. Watsu combines the very best of water and shiatsu, hence the clever name. The treatment may sound new in Marbella, yet it is practiced in over 40 different countries, was voted the best of all treatments offered at Asian spas by the Asian Spa Association and is taught in universities around the world. Watsu helps put an end to chronic pain and is highly effective in relieving stress.

The Selenza Spa is the only centre in Marbella offering Watsu, one of many treatments covered by its Sea of Sensations programme. In this programme, visitors can stay for a minimum of four nights at the Selenza Hotel, with all meals included (prepared at healthy Mediterranean in-house restaurant, Ducamara), and enjoy all the treatments they wish to experience for three days. Step one is a consultation with the Medical Director, Dr. Lorenzo Guerra, who counsels visitors on the best treatments for their condition or needs, though the spa is also open to day visitors who simply wish to enjoy a massage, facial, or the groundbreaking Watsu.

My Watsu experience began when therapist, Jesús Casado (a trained osteopathist) lead me into the largest sea water pool in Selenza’s impressive thalasso circuit, After asking me to stand with my

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feet apart and knees bent (the starting position in Watsu), he told me that when the treatment was over he would grab my hands and squeeze them. With that one statement, I suddenly knew exactly what it was all about. I knew that I would be so relaxed, Jesús would need to practically wake me out of my stupor. In seconds he had me floating on my back, swooshing gently from side to side, and I completely gave in to a deep sensation of complete trust.

In no other treatment do therapist and ‘patient’ get quite so close. As Jesús stretched, swayed, softly pushed and pulled my body in the water, getting rid of contractions and tensions in my spine and muscles in a gentle yet profound manner, there were times he held me in a semiembrace, others where he was stretching my leg over his shoulder or to the sides of my body. At one point, the therapist’s and patient’s chests are touching to the point that the therapist can hear the rhythm of his patient’s beating heart.

Some positions were particularly fantastic, such as when Jesús gently bent my body so that my head came close to my knees and I could feel the pressure in my back dissipating.

As he moved my body through the water, he would apply pressure to specific points, as with shiatsu, releasing pent-up energy and restoring equilibrium to body and soul.

Five minutes into the session, my smile gave way to repressed tears as I began to sense that, for the first time in my life, I knew what a baby in its mother’s womb felt like… The warm sea water working its magic of resistance, the tender embrace of the therapist and the gentle sound of my body moving through the water connected

me to my recently born son and bestowed within me a feeling of regression and a return to innocence. At times, when Jesús swayed me faster through the water, I felt different: like a dolphin out at sea, and tears again welled in my eyes as I contemplated the sad fate of dolphins living in marine parks under confinement. It is a known fact that dolphins need to swim many hundreds of kilometres to feel free; during the Watsu, I came to know this joy, this necessity, this sense of absolute freedom. It is no wonder that Jesús tells me that many patients end the treatment confessing to a feeling of wanting to cry; but they are tears of liberation, not sorrow.

Watsu is a treatment that should be experienced, rather than described. If you have always searched for the one treatment that can make you feel spiritually as well as physically nourished, the one treatment where therapist and patient are at one, where experience and innocence are reconciled, this is it.

i CN 340, km 165, Estepona. Tel: 952 899 499. www.selenzahoteles.es

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ic e Th Cho ’s le

Pe

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e

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THESPA

Be kind to your body on

Valentine’s

BEAUTY

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1 – Philosykos Body Cream by Diptyque Diptyque claims to have trapped the essence of an entire fig tree in one bottle! Philosykos Body Cream contains the roots, milky sap of the fruit and bark of the fig tree, as well as the fresh aroma of its leaves. The heady cream, so smooth it is almost a balm, also contains shea butter and argan oil to nourish the skin profoundly. A sensual touch is added with white cedar, a potent and long-lasting scent.

i www.diptyque.com

2 – Do Son Perfumed soap by Diptyque With the pure simplicity and exquisite creaminess of Diptyque’s first eau de toilette, Do Son perfumed soap is an infusion of spices and flowers inspired by a 16th century recipe. Made from vegetable-based ingredients, the soap also contains almond seed oil and glycerin to protect the skin.

i www.diptyque.com

3 – Exotic Island Flower Body Balm by Elemis Pure extracts of hydrating marigold and soothing St. John’s Wort soften the skin while the oat milk base works to nourish and support the natural structure.

Soothe your body and soul with hand-picked jasmine, ylang-ylang and osmanthus for a truly sensuous, perfumed body.

i www.elemis.com

Report Marisa CUTIL

LAS

Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about sharing time with your loved one and giving them all the affection and attention they need – but it all begins with you. When you feel sexy, special and seductive, your energy levels rise, as does your self-confidence, and you become more inclined to be giving, playful and romantic. This month, make your pampering session a whole-body ritual with one of these lovely products.

4 – Peppermint Body Scrub by Malin + Goetz This beautifully scented scrub contains 1.5 per cent peppermint extract, bamboo and pumice, along with amino acid hydration technology, perfect for removing rough spots and dead skin cells and leaving your skin smooth as a baby’s.

i www.malinandgoetz.com 5 – Bergamot Body Cleanser by Malin + Goetz This foaming cleansing gel is made with soothing bergamot to gently and effectively purify and balance all skin types. Amino-acid cleansing agents, unlike traditionally harsh detergents, are blended to hydrate and rinse off without irritating, drying or stripping the skin of essential oils. The cleanser helps to reduce epidermal stress and boasts a natural fragrance and colour.

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i www.malinandgoetz.com

6 – Foot Care Kit by Essentially Yours Whole body care would not be complete without getting your feet into tip-top condition. Essentially Yours offers a kit containing a refreshing foot scrub, luxury foot massage cream and antimicrobial foot soak. Perfect for those who enjoy spa pedicures, the kit should ideally be used in conjunction with a good foot scrubber to remove dead skin cells and allow softer, newer skin to appear.

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i www.essentially-yours.co.uk

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THESPA HEALTH

essential oils

More than a matter of common scents!

If the Three Kings were to knock on your door one day, which of their three presents would you choose: gold, frankincense or myrrh? Most of you would probably say gold; after all, with this precious commodity, you could probably get your hands on a big bag of the other two but, back in the old days, the most prized of the three gifts were frankincense and myrrh.

A

Report Marisa CUTILLAS

i For Young Living essential oils, please

contact Michelle Julian (independent distributor 1076790) on Tel: 952 929 860. michelle–gatsby@yahoo.com.au As a special offer for magazine readers, Michelle is offering a free gift of lavender and peppermint oil as well as the Nxia Red anti-oxidant drink and an explanatory brochure, for a purchase of three selected oils.

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romatherapy is often erroneously dubbed a ‘New Age’ thing, a trend that is pleasant but, ultimately, works at only the ‘scentual’ level. How wrong this assumption is. Pure essential oils have been used for medical purposes and in cooking since the fifth century and, now, science has proven that they can benefit our mental state and bodily organs and even kill bacteria and viruses when used in cleaning the home. The crucial thing to bear in mind is that we are talking about ‘therapeutic grade’ oils; not just the perfumed bottles you find at most shopping centres but oils obtained from the right plants, cultivated on exceptional soil and reaped at the right time. Therapeutic grade oils are distilled correctly, in an effort to keep their ‘living organic energy’ at maximum level. When obtaining the oils from plants, bark and flowers, it is essential to use stainless steel, low temperatures and low pressure. Oils should also be 100 per cent pure, not mixed with chemicals, pesticides or harmful metals. The phytochemical profile of oils can also be tested, and they should be high in order to extend therapeutic effects.

I recently discovered Young Living essential oils and was pleased to find all these requirements fulfilled. The company was founded by Dr. Gary Young, an American scientist who can lay claim to 20 years’ experience in the field. According to Young, “Essential oils have transformed the way we treat illnesses and ageing and they are causing a revolution in natural medicine.”

Much of the benefits of essential oils have to do with their bio-energy. The average person in a healthy state has a frequency of between 62 to 68 MHz. The frequency of oils, meanwhile, varies from as low as 52 MHz (that of basil oil) to as high as 320 MHz (the frequency of rose oil).

For comparison, fresh produce has a frequency of up to 15 MHz, dry herbs from 12 to 22 MHz and fresh herbs from 20 to 27 MHz. Canned and processed foods, on the contrary, have no measurable frequency whatsoever. When we apply essential oils, the latter’s higher frequency raises one’s energy, thereby correcting the many imbalances in our body, mind and soul. Essential oils do not resonate with toxins or negative energies which is what enables them to help the body to expel the latter. As Dr. Young notes, “Clinical research shows that essential oils have the highest

frequency of any natural substance known to man, creating an environment in which disease, bacteria, virus, fungus, etc., cannot live.”

How can we use essential oils to make a difference to our health? There are many ways we can do so. We can wear them as fragrances, use them in massage, apply them to our skin, inhale them directly or apply a few drops to a paper towel and pop it atop a humidifier. Young Living also has an essential oils diffuser that I can only describe as magic. The day I brought mine home my husband (who was working at our home office) and myself (I was playing with our young son in the living room) started competing for the machine as though it were the coveted gold band in The Lord of the Rings… The diffuser is easy to use: you just fill it with water, add around 15 drops of pure essential oils, press the ‘on’ button and watch the most beautiful light display as you breathe in the scent of heaven. Not any diffuser will do; most cannot reach a high enough level of diffusion, leaving the beneficial essence of the oils behind. The Young Living diffuser has an optimal frequency of 2,400,000 cycles per second which distributes the essential oil into a microscopic mist, increasing its benefits. The levels of oxygenating molecules in the air is increased and, as we breathe in the mist, we stimulate the body’s ability to transport oxygen into the cells. The essential oil molecules also enter the blood stream, delivering nutrients to our cells. Pets can also benefit from essential oils, which can be massaged onto the back of their necks or their paws to calm them, or repel ticks and fleas, for instance.

If you’re new at the essential oil game, it could be tough deciding which oils to use; some are calming, others energising, still others are blends of various essential oils, promising peace, calm and joy itself. I can vouch to feeling newly uplifted, satisfied and happy. And it all began with a little puff of air… n

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THESPA HEALTH

Report Marisa CUTILLAS

A Brand new smile at Paul Arts Dental Clinic

Dental surgeon, Dr. Paul Arts, established on the Costa del Sol for over twenty years, is excited about innovations he has incorporated into his clinic, aimed at improving not only results but also the comfort and ease of clients. Dr. Arts and his team, guaranteed to make the most of any smile through the use of crowns, bridges and veneers, have stepped into 2010 with a host of new features to offer their clientele. Dr. Paul Arts is currently the only dentist in Andalucía qualified to offer Lumineers, the revolutionary American ‘smile shapers’. Lumineers are ultrathin, porcelain veneers which slip over existing teeth without drilling or grinding down natural teeth in preparation. Whatever is coming between you and a radiant smile; gaps, discoloration, chipped or crowded teeth, Lumineers provide a painless and long-lasting solution. The Paul Arts Clinic also boasts a totally new, modern surgery, complete with digital equipment for instant X-ray results and optimum communication between dentist and patient. Just sit back, relax and watch the mesmerising TV screen on the ceiling during treatment.

Patients will be particularly thrilled with ‘laughing gas’, that miraculous substance administered with a mask over the nose, which takes all the stress out of a session with the dentist. The Clinic prides itself on friendly, personalised service, with the back-up of a multi-lingual hygienist trained in Germany. Her thorough but careful cleaning with the help of the ‘air-flow’ system for optimal removal of plaque and discolorations are plenty of motivation to understand the vital importance of prevention. Fluent in English, Dutch, Spanish and German, Dr. Paul Arts informs clients about the procedures in a straightforward manner, making visits to the dentist as relaxed as possible. For an impressive array of before and after photos, visit the Clinic’s new website.

i

Centro Romano (by the bull ring), Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. Tel: 952 817 110. www.paularts.es

Eat pistachios to fight cancer Researchers at the University of Texas have indicated that eating pistachios on a daily basis could reduce the risk of lung and other cancers, owing to their high content of a type of Vitamin E called gamma-tocopherol, which seems to be influential in lowering cancer rates. The researchers conducted a study on 18 people who ate 68 grams of pistachios a day, comparing them with a control group of the same number who did not eat pistachios. The findings showed that those in the first group had a significantly higher rate of gamma-tocopherol in their blood, indicating that it might be a good idea to incorporate the healthy nut into our daily diets. After all, not only are they one of the least fattening nuts, they are also one of the healthiest. Other nuts containing high levels of gamma-tocopherol include pecans, soybeans, corn oils, walnuts and peanuts.

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Commonsense advice to beat Swine Flu

If you haven’t had the swine flu vaccine and you’re worried about the possibilities of catching this sometimes deadly disease, good advice conmes from Dr. Vinay Goyal of the Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre in Malad, India. The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it’s almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1, in spite of all precautions, but contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections there are some very simple steps to follow (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu) although they are not always fully highlighted in most official communications: u Wash your hands frequently. u Adopt a ‘hands-off-the-face’ approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of the face (unless you want to eat or wash). u Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use a good mouthwash if you don’t like salt). The H1N1 virus takes two to three days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. Don’t underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method. u Clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population. u Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (oranges and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure they come with zinc to boost absorption. u Drink as many warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. This has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. It washes proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

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THESPA

Report belinda beckett

RESEARCH

Stop Press Scientists have discovered that chemicals used in plastics are ‘feminising’ the brains of baby boys in the womb and reducing sperm count in later life. Male embryos exposed to phthalates, which can mimic the female sex hormone, oestrogen, are less likely to play with ‘male’ toys like cars and less willing to join in ‘rough and tumble’ games. Although the EU has banned such ‘gender bender’ chemicals from many products, including teething rings and children’s toys, pregnant women are still exposed to phthalates (used to soften plastics) in items such as shoes, PVC flooring and shower curtains. They can also leach into food and drink via plastic packaging. A more detailed study has been called for.

Oxytocin: the love-hate hormone?

A study carried out at the University of Haifa has found that oxytocin, the ‘love hormone’ which affects behaviours such as trust, empathy and generosity, also affects opposite behaviours such as jealousy and gloating.

Previous studies have shown that oxytocin, a hormone released in the body naturally during childbirth and when engaging in sexual relations, has a positive effect on positive feelings. However, in the latest study, it has also been found to emphasise negative feelings, such as envy.

In the new study, half of the participants inhaled a synthetic form of the hormone in the first session and were given a placebo in the second session; the others were given a placebo in the first session and oxytocin in the second session. Following drug administration, each participant was asked to play a game of luck along with another ‘unknown’ competitor (a computer). Each of the participants was asked to choose one of three doors and was awarded the sum of money that was hidden behind that door. Those participants who inhaled the ‘hormone of love’ displayed higher levels of envy when the opponent won more money, and of gloating when they were ahead.

“Subsequent to these findings, we assume that the hormone is an overall trigger for social sentiments: when the person’s association is positive, oxytocin bolsters pro-social behaviours; when the association is negative, the hormone increases negative sentiments,” concluded Dr. Simone Shamay-Tsoory, who carried out the research. “We had been investigating the possible use of the hormone as a medication for various disorders, such as autism. The results of the study show that the hormone’s undesirable effects on behaviour must be examined before moving ahead.”

The Passionate Spanish Love is… sizzling hot, if you’re Spanish. A new study has shown that Spaniards’ romantic conception of love is an irresistible passion which involves great intimacy and a strong physical attraction, classified scientifically as Eros Love. Far fewer of them view the sentiment as a lasting commitment based on closeness, friendship, companionship and affection (Amiable Love), a model more common in northern Europe.

The findings were revealed after a series of telephone interviews conducted last St. Valentine’s Day by five psychologists from the University of the Balearic Islands. In Spain, 80 per cent of those interviewed agreed with the idea of a passionate kind of love. “In this respect, we are similar to other Latin countries, such as Latin America, and differ from others that are geographically closer but have a more different culture,” said study leader Victoria Ferrer, Professor of Social Psychology. Ferrer found it surprising that this “mythical idea of love” predominated among older people, explaining: “The acceptance level dips a little in middle aged groups, when people are more pragmatic, but it rises again among older age groups.”

The researchers believe that contributory factors could include the more expressive culture of Latin people and the fact that gender equality in Spain is a relatively recent phenomenon, compared with northern Europe. “Romantic love is probably less egalitarian than friendship-based love, although this is something we are studying,” said Ferrer, adding, “Hollywood has a lot to do with Eros being the dominant conception of love. Cinema has created many myths, and has made us believe things that are not real because, in reality, passion dwindles and life in a couple is a transactional game in which one has to overcome frictions.”

Couch Potatoes are More Fertile!

It’s the perfect excuse indolent husbands have always dreamed of! A new study reveals that household chores could reduce their chances of having children.

Researchers exposed male volunteers to electromagnetic fields, high doses of which are produced by all electrically-charged objects such as vacuum cleaners, dish washers and microwave ovens, and found that exposure could double the risk of having poor-quality sperm.

Fertility expert Dr. De-Kun Li of Stanford University, California said his work offers the first evidence of a link between electrical goods and declining male fertility. “This may provide a logical explanation for why we have seen reductions in sperm quality in men over the past century and I would advise men and couples trying for a baby to reduce their exposure to electromagnetic fields as much as possible,” he said. “I’m not saying you shouldn’t use a microwave but it makes sense to turn it on, then move away and go back when it is done. Keep devices, especially those with electric motors, away from the body.”

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“I got fixed teeth within 24 hours without bonegrafting” Heather was not happy with her illfitting full denture. Implantologists told her she needed bonegrafting.

Because I’ve always had problems with my teeth, I have been wearing a denture for a very long time. It often came loose or made a rattling noise, even though I had it adjusted again and again. That was so embarrassing. Laughing, eating, talking: it all became a nightmare and I hardly went out anymore.

My dentist explained to me that my jawbone had atrophied over time. I went to see four different specialists on dental implants, but was told that implants wouldn’t be possible without bonegrafting.

I was really afraid to have that done, because of the pain and the possible complications. Also they told me the whole process of bonegrafting, placing the implants and making the bridge would last up to one year.

But then I heard from a friend about Agave Clinic in Marbella. They told me that implants were possible for any patient, without bonegrafting, in only one surgical procedure, regardless of how little jawbone was left. Then, the bridges would be placed only 24 hours later!

In the lower jaw, normal dental implants are placed, yet in the upper jaw so-called “zygomatic implants” are used. These unique 4–5 cm long implants are anchored in the upper jawbone and in the very dense cheekbones.

The day after the surgery the bridges were screwed onto the implants. At first I couldn’t believe that was really all. And I had virtually no pain. They even let me bite an apple immediately after having placed the bridges. For many years I hadn’t been able to do that.

It is really exciting what modern medical technology can do today!

I’m very pleased with my new teeth and would recommend Agave Clinic for dental implants.

They are very professional and such a nice team!

X-rays and plaster casts of my jaw were made and a short time later it was time for the operation. Four zygomatic implants were placed in my upper jaw and six normal ones in my lower jaw. They were inserted under general anesthesia.

At the end of the day I was able to leave hospital.

Heather is enjoying life again with her implant-borne teeth, that were placed the day after surgery without bonegrafting.

w w w. a g a v e c l i n i c . c o m +34-952.864.191 International Centre for Advanced Maxillofacial and Plastic Surgery

Marbella

Av. Severo Ochoa, 24. Marbella (next to the USP hospital).

Email: info@agaveclinic.com

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THEPRO

BUSINESS

ENTERPRISE Report Marisa Cutillas

New paddle tennis centre in Málaga The fashionable area of Teatinos in Málaga now houses a brand new sports centre called Smash Padel, a sophisticated sports complex which opens 365 days a year. The centre measures an impressive 3,000m2 and includes six indoor paddle courts, a shop, a Fitness & Life gym, changing rooms, a restaurant and a kids’ area. The courts boast cutting edge technology, including artificial grass, climatisation and glass walls. Top teachers are on hand to help players perfect their skills, with Jordi Muñoz, number one on the Andalusían paddle tennis ranking, heading the team as Sports Director. More branches of Smash Padel will be opening in many cities throughout Spain, including Sevilla, Madrid, Asturias, Pontevedra, Murcia, Córdoba, Ciudad Real and Zaragoza.

i C/ Alfredo Corrochano 7, Málaga. Tel: 952 002 104. www.smashpadel.com Singles party away at the Strictly Singles Dance The Strictly Singles gala dinner dance, held at the Hotel Gvadalpín, was a great success, attracting single men and women from over 15 different countries. The evening, organised

by Barbara Fernando of Revelation Marbella Events, included a champagne reception and dinner with a live performance by acclaimed classical guitarist Kurt Ketter-Borough and his wife Melanie, a classical singer from South Africa. Ron Terre, from The Drifters, crooned away with top romantic tunes while World Ballroom Dancing Champions, Lia and Sean Mullins, delighted guests with their graceful moves. Solo artist, Jennifer Phillips, gave a sensational performance, keeping guests on the dance floor until late.

i For further Strictly Singles information, contact Barbara on Tel: 664 469 445.

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The magic of Studio 54 comes to Suite In the late 1970s, anyone who wanted to rub shoulders with celebs like Andy Warhol, Yves Saint Laurent or Eartha Kitt, knew that the place to be was fashionable Manhattan disco Studio 54, the mecca of glamour and style. Suite recently brought the magic of this famed discoteque to Marbella, with a retro dinner and dance that had guests grooving to the beat until late, thanks to a mix of top Studio 54 tracks, and a live performance by the fabulous Yanela Brooks. Suite has many more fantastic themed evenings lined up, so if a night on the dance floor is your idea of heaven, visit their website to stay updated on upcoming events.

i Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900. www.suiteclubs.com

Conferences and television series at the Incosol Spanish economist, Professor and environmentalist Dr. Ramón Tamames held a well-attended conference at the Hotel Incosol, entitled The Predatory Human Species and the Limits of the Biosphere. Tamames, who has published various important books, including La Reconquista del Paraíso: Más allá de la utopía, wowed the audience with information on how, despite the Kyoto protocol and other similar promises from governments, mankind is continuing to exploit the planet beyond sustainable levels. Another interesting talk was given by Dr. Otto Brusis, a pioneer in cardiac rehabilitation, who informed the audience of the great benefits to be imparted by Incosol’s new cardiology unit. “The most important way to recover from a heart condition is by improving one’s quality of life,” said Dr. Brusis. Incosol also hosted a press conference featuring Fernando Colomo, Director of Spanish mini-series El Pacto, which featured Incosol in a crucial scene in the first episode. El Pacto is the tragic tale of a group of schoolgirls who agree to get pregnant simultaneously as a dramatic statement against their dysfunctional families. Sadly, it is based on a true story which occurred in the USA.

i Urb. Golf Río Real s/n, C/ Incosol, Marbella. Tel: 952 860 909. www.incosol.com essential marbella magazine

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DM Properties opens new Marbella rentals department Diana Morales Properties has just announced a brand new service aimed at clients seeking to rent a property in Marbella. The growing demand from clients wishing to ‘try out’ a property before buying it, or rent until they find the home of their dreams, has led the company to open a Properties Rental division, described as “a small department created to offer a dedicated, specialised service”. DM Properties offers long- and short-term rentals of good quality on well-located properties in Marbella and along the Costa del Sol.

i Avda. Ricardo Soriano 72, 1B, Marbella. Tel: 952 765 138. www.dmproperties.com

Top European football teams to train at La Cala The year 2010 promises to be a fruitful and action-packed one for La Cala, with top football squads choosing the resort for their winter training camp.

Teams include the Grasshoppers from Switzerland, Borussia Mönchengladbach from Germany, Sparta Prague from Czechoslovakia, Legia Warsaw from Poland, Metalurg from Ukrania and Dinamo Moscow from Russia. The players will be using La Cala’s football facilities to train for important final rounds in their respective national tournaments, as well as for European competitions. La Cala was also the ‘it’ venue at the recent La Cala Junior Masters, a two-day event in which teams of four (two boys, two girls) competed in a 36-hole strokeplay tournament, with the best scores on each day determining the winners. Some of the top names in amateur golf have competed in this event, including Álvaro Quirós, Jorge Campillo, Azahara Muñoz, Belén Mozo and Pablo Martín, who recently won the Alfred Dunhill Championship in South Africa.

i La Cala de Mijas, Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 669 000. www.lacala.com 70

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Barbary Rock Adventures: an adrenalin rush on the rocks Have you ever dreamed of the thrill of climbing the Rock of Gibraltar, trekking or making your way along a protected climbing route of skilfully installed fixed cables, ladders and gorge-spanning bridges? If so, new company Barbary Rock Adventures is ready to provide a host of challenging, fun activities. The company, based in Gibraltar, is comprised of outdoor climbing experts who have been pursuing adventures on rock for most of their adult lives. Barbary Rock Adventures aims to bring the thrill and excitement of the outdoors to all who seek a little bit more from life. The company specialises in rock climbing, trekking and Via Ferrata, operating within Gibraltar, Andalucía and Morocco, areas which offer an ideal base to learn and practice a variety of techniques. Learn basic climbing skills, take a one-day course, learn what multi-pitch sport climbing is all about or take your skills to the next level with the experienced team. Get up close to spectacular natural areas such as La Concha, Torrecilla, Río de la Miel or El Picacho and, if you’re over 50, don’t worry: there are activities for all age groups.

There are also special courses and activities for women, whether in groups or alone.

i For further information, Tel: 00 350 540 15063. www.barbaryrockadventures.com

‘Nurturing your Business’ seminars by Rose & Clavel Rose & Clavel Chartered Accountants will be running a series of three seminars themed on Nurturing your Business, aimed at helping businesses gain a better understanding of Spanish business practices and improving their profits. The first seminar, which will take place at the Rose & Clavel offices on February 2nd, will cover a variety of important topics including the importance of market research on competition, issues with starting a business as an SL company and how to ensure that numbers stack up in terms of costs, overheads, profit margins and required volume. The other two seminars will be held further into the year.

i Centro Plaza, Oficina 1F, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella.

Tel: 952 815 365. www.roseandclavel.com

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AEHCOS awards excellence in business The Asociación de Empresarios Hoteleros de la Costa del Sol (AEHCOS) recently held the third edition of the AEHCOS Awards in which three businesses were recognised for excellence in their field. Isabel María García Bardón, President of Grupo Fuerte Hoteles, was awarded for her contribution to tourism; Diario Sur Málaga won the award for Best Business in the Tourism Sector; and golf pro Miguel Ángel Jiménez was named Málaga’s Personality of the Year. The ceremony took place during a well-attended lunch, and the awards were presented by José Carlos Escribano, President of AEHCOS.

i For further information, www.aehcos.es First International, English-speaking Rotary Club on the Costa del Sol Rotary recently held a series of presentations at a well-attended luncheon in preparation of the initiation of the first English-speaking, multi-cultural International Rotary Club on the Costa del Sol. At the event, new members were admitted and there was a presentation of the many activities undertaken by Rotary International and its 32,000 individual clubs from around the world. The new Rotary Club will be organised by Nina Jarlov, Ramiro Gago and Graciela Waen.

i For further information, www.gobernador2009-10distrito2203.com

Barbara Weber opens new fashion boutique Barbara Weber has opened a fashionable new boutique in Marbella called The Bonsai Palace, featuring clothes from her new collection, vintage collections and clothing by other renowned designers. The boutique, which will include items for men and women from a number of different brands, also sells trendy accessories, bags, belts, scarves and fashion jewellery.

i C/ Fuerte 2, Marbella. Tel: 630 166 189.

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New Women’s Fitness and Fat Loss Boot Camp A new women’s fitness and weight loss Boot Camp week is being offered in El Molino del Conde, a natural paradise about 45 minutes north of Málaga and five minutes from Lake Iznajar. The transformational course will feature personal trainers, nutritionists, life coaches, etc., in an attempt to help women shed a significant amount of excess weight in a week, through exercise and high-protein, low-sugar seasonal food. The mind also receives a workout, with a life coach on hand giving advice. There are many fun activities to keep you busy throughout, including cookery classes, personal nutritional consultations, fitness training, kayaking, horse riding, climbing, etc. There will even be a hairdresser on board for a makeover! Says founder of the Boot Camp, Spencer Cuckney: “It is proven that exercising outdoors is much better for you and, with the Spanish climate, it should be a great week to get involved in. This won’t be your typical Boot Camp.

We don’t operate military-style training but we do use years of experience to train people at a level appropriate to their own levels of fitness.”

i For further information, Tel: +44 1425 477 090/ +44 7919 101 208. www.spencer@fitnessmaster.co.uk

Paris Market: Top designer brands at discount prices Shopaholics take note: new discount boutique, Paris Market, has recently opened in Puerto Banús, offering top designer brands for men and women with a 50 per cent discount on prices. Feast your eyes on clothing by a plethora of designers, including Marc Jacobs Marni, Miu Miu, Balenciaga, Chloé, Yves Saint Laurent, Paul Smith, Prada, Golden Goose and Manoush. Boutique Manager, Zakia Zougarr, is excited about offering top designs at affordable prices, and hopes to bring the chic style of cities like Paris or London to our shores. There are many plans for Paris Market in the near future, including the launch of another boutique in Madrid this year. For fashion addicts in Marbella, however, there could be no time like the present to give their wardrobes an overhaul, with a wide range of luxurious yet tasteful items.

i Plaza Marina Banús, 27/28, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 812 814.

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Fundación Unicaja organises jazz concerts The Fundación Unicaja recently held a five-day jazz event at La Sala María Cristina in Málaga, the first of many to be held until June 2010. The event consisted of five concerts, with performances by renowned local and international artists such as Iñaki Askunze Sextet, Trio D’3, La Pompe, Cuarteto Ignasi Terraza and Toni Solá, Mulgrew Miller and Steve Nelson. The Fundación is currently finalising its line-up for upcoming concerts so, if you are a jazz fan, visit the website to keep informed on dates and times.

i www.unicaja.es

First Children’s Paddle Tennis Tournament of the Costa del Sol Prizes were awarded to the winners of the first Children’s Paddle Tennis Tournament of the Costa del Sol at the Club de Padel y Tenis Nueva Alcántara de Marbella. The competition, sponsored by Dabber, was composed of seven different mini-tournaments held at different tennis clubs in Nueva Alcántara, Estepona, Bel Air, Los Granados, El Mirador, Fuengirola and Benalmádena. Top winners included José María García, Jesús Herrera, Victoria Caracuel, Elena Camacho and Alicia Terol. The children beamed with pride while receiving their trophies, and all promised to give their very best at next year’s competition. Organisers are already hoping that the tournament will help foment a love of the sport of paddle tennis.

i www.circuitopadelmenores.com British Chamber of Commerce hosts seminar on ‘How To Thrive, not Survive’ On February 9th, the British Chamber of Commerce will be offering businesses across the region the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of one of the UK’s top sales and marketing experts, Steve Clarke, during a ‘lunch and learn’ seminar to be held at El Rincón restaurant in the Gran Hotel Gvadalpín Banús. Steve will be speaking about his simple success formula to boost business sales and accelerate business success, even during tough times. If you would like to attend the luncheon and seminar, please book ahead as space is limited.

i For further information, Tel: 952 815 365. www.britishchamberspain.com essential marbella magazine

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A more convenient way to pay penalties with Linea Directa

Peace Conference in Nerja “When people ask me what weapon would be able to match the power of the atomic bomb, I answer that the most powerful weapon of all is peace.” Albert Einstein’s words were the inspiration for this year’s Jornadas por la Paz 2010 (Peace Conference) in Nerja, which took place from January 22 to 30. During the conference, artworks inspired by the idea of peace were exhibited and students from local schools read winning texts from a competition held to commemorate National Peace Day in Schools. The event was organised by art association Artes Libres, the Asociación Todos Ciudadanos and the Asociación Cultural Entrelíneas.

i www.arteslibres.net

Expats with a valid Spanish driving licence and those that have successfully transferred their overseas licence to comply with regulations here in Spain, can now pay traffic fines at the touch of a button. The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has made it possible for nationals and foreigners alike to pay fines for their driving offences via the Internet, wherever they may be, 24/7, with a credit or debit card. What’s more – and provided that the driving licence has not been withdrawn for the infraction of a serious offence – a 30 per cent discount is available for those who pay the penalty within 30 days of receiving the fine. If you wish to pay your fines online, here’s how to do it: u Access the DGT´s website at www.dgt.es and enter the Trámites y Multas section located on the left hand menu. u Select the fourth option on the sub-menu (¿Alguna Multa?) and subsequently, Pago de Multas.

u Select option A – this will allow you to pay the fine without a Digital Certificate or Electronic ID Number. u Now enter the following information in this exact order to receive a receipt of payment: document type, document number, first name, first surname, second surname, record/file number and the total amount of the fine.

Clients who have cover with Línea Directa (Spain’s largest direct line insurance provider that offers its expatriate customers all documentation and services in English) have yet another option.

With motor cover from Línea Directa, all policy holders are able to leave the management of their fines and relevant legal matters in relation to road traffic accidents in the company’s hands, at no extra cost.

i For further information, Tel: 902 123 104. www.lineadirecta.com

Dog Show at the Colegio Platero in Marbella Every year, the Colegio Platero school puts on a fantastic dog show, spurred on by Principal Francisco Guerrero’s great interest in breeding and showing dogs (his preferred breed is the pug). This year’s show was filled with informative and fun activities, including a talk by staff from Fuengirola Zoo, a parade of police dogs, a parade of pedigree dogs by a professional handler and a talk by veterinary clinic, El Dogo Azul, entitled Animals are not Toys. Children and their families were also able to show off their dogs at a competition, and receive information from stands such as the Dogo Azul, Fuengirola Zoo and Royan Canin/Eukanuba.

i C/ Joaquín Rodrigo s/n, Urb. Elviria, Marbella. Tel: 951 270 527.

Golf tournament for Haiti Estepona Golf and Talk Radio Europe have organised a golf tournament for Haiti, which will take place on February 5 at the Estepona golf course. Competitors will battle it out in a pairs, two ball, better ball and stableford match. The entrance fee is €50, with all proceeds going directly to Haiti. If you can’t make the golf, why not come to the evening Gala dinner? The swish affair will be hosted by Maurice Boland and feature a three-course dinner with performances from guest stars such as comedian, Stan Boardman; all-round entertainer Kenny Lynch; snooker player and comedian Dennis Taylor; and talented tenor Stephen Lloyd-Morgan. There will also be a raffle and auction. The venue and price is to be confirmed as we go to print.

i For further information, please contact

Maurice Boland on Tel: 952 799 953.

To donate directly via credit card, please visit www.childcareministries.org/donate /special_funds.php

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Guided tours of the Museo del Bonsai If you’ve always wanted to know more about the intricate art of growing bonsais, this month is perfect, since the Museo del Bonsai is offering guided tours of its magnificent bonsai trees, famed for their excellent condition and antiquity. The museum, brainchild of its founder, Miguel Ángel García, houses important species such as a Chinese ‘Almez’ tree, cared for by the same Chinese family for five generations, or the ‘Acebuche’ olive, which is 300 years old. The museum is famed for having one of the best collections of bonsais in the world, and for its impressive array of wild olive bonsais. The layout of the trees is interesting, with many species forming part of mini landscapes containing water formations and unique rock sculptures from El Torcal. Best of all, you can plan your visit with the rest of the family, since the museum opens every day, morning and afternoon.

i Parque Arroyo de la Represa, Avda. Del Dr. Maíz Viñal, Marbella. Tel: 952 862 926.

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essent ial LUXURY PROPERTIES

Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3+1 Built 282 m2 Terrace 75 m2 Price 345.000 Euros LOVELY CORNER TOWNHOUSE IN ATALAYA GOLF Setting by Atalaya Golf Club just outside San Pedro de AlcĂĄntara. This 4 bedroom, 3,5 bathroom property faces south west with lovely views over the mountains and the countryside. Being a corner house, this property is very bright as it has windows on 3 sides and terraces and gardens wrapped around the house. There is also a large basement with a playroom and one bedroom with en-suite bathroom in addition to a large garage for two cars. The property also has gated guest parking on its plot. Quiet community of only 16 houses with communal garden and a heated swimming pool. EXCEPTIONAL LARGE PROPERTY AT A BOTTOM PRICE!

Marbella estates s.L.

T (+34) 952 90 42 44 T (+34) 686 940 306

info@marbella-estates.com www.marbella-estates.com

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

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

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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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the traveller SPORTS AND DESTINATIONS

The Hotel Barceló Bobadilla

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THETRAVELLER HOTEL

Hotel Barceló La Bobadilla

T

his Valentine’s Day, you may think of surprising your partner with a romantic weekend in Paris, a midnight gondola ride in Venice or a hand-in-hand stroll through the ancient monuments of Rome.

All these destinations are temples of romance and art but, for many of us, few things are as appealing as being set free amid the impressive magnitude of nature.

Andalucía houses secrets: cherished escapes discovered by a lucky few with wanderlust and a passion for adventure.

One such escape is the Hotel Barceló La Bobadilla, the five-star Grand Luxe hotel set within 350 hectares of Mediterranean forest and olive groves in Loja, a village encircled by the cities of Granada, Málaga, Sevilla and Córdoba. The Hotel Barceló La Bobadilla may seem a well-kept secret but it has already attracted the eye of the international tourist sector, winning prizes such as Most Excellent European Resort, awarded by Condé Nast Johansens. In 2009, it also took home the latter’s Most Romantic Hotel in Europe. Not only that, it is groundbreaking in its approach to the environment, relying only on olive pits from its own olive groves to power all the heating in the hotel, including the hot water.

La Bobadilla is as different from the average five-star hotel as you could conceive, with an architectural style inspired by ancient Andalusían palaces.

The hotel seduces visitors with lush gardens and a labyrinth of patios and passageways infused with the beauty and aroma of flowers. Visions of Andalucía’s most famous mosques and palaces appear before your eyes in the shape of multiple arches (reminiscent of the Great Mosque of Córdoba) and wide, elegant patios with flowing fountains that sing the same song as those of Granada’s La Alhambra. The bedrooms, too, are imbued with that same essence: arched wooden windows that open out onto a breathtaking view of the

forest, wooden beamed ceilings and the marriage of dark hard wood, marble and brick so characteristic of Arab-Andalusí architecture.

Despite being Grande Luxe, the hotel houses only 70 rooms, each individually designed and lavishly decorated with either classical or rustic motifs. Guests can choose from a number of options, from a Classic Double Room to the Grand Presidential Suite. Those travelling with little ones normally book the Family Suite, 108m2 in size and boasting two bedroom suites, two bathrooms, a large living room, a private garden and all mod cons. I personally dream of calling the Presidential Suite home for a night, soaking in the rays at the private solarium or wallowing in the pristine white, in-room Jacuzzi, strewn with bright red rose petals. Afterwards, toasting marshmallows in front of the fireplace or listening to romantic songs on the CD appeals to the senses, though guests could be forgiven for preferring to enjoy most of their stay in the quiet and great outdoors, where silence is interrupted only by the sound of bird song.

Getting in touch with Nature is easy indeed at the La Bobadilla, which even has its own stables. Enjoy a horse ride with the family through the forest, dip into the 1,500m2 outdoor pool or improve your fitness with a game of tennis, paddle or badminton on the purpose-built courts.

There is also an inviting gym featuring top equipment, and a spa measuring 800m2.

Do laps at the heated counter-current pool, indulge in a cervical hydro massage in the Jacuzzi or relax your joints and muscles

in the hydrotherapy pool. For something different, try the Scottish shower with essential oils and colour therapy, or the Turkish bath, where you can detoxify and get your circulation going. There are a plethora of treatments for those who need pampering, including hydro jet spray treatments, massages and facials. A team of beauty and sports medicine specialists are on hand to soothe your pain and relax both mind and body.

The gastronomic offer is outstanding, inviting guests to choose from three different restaurants. For intimate dinners we suggest La Finca, an elegant à la carte restaurant offering a range of creative Mediterranean dishes in a luxurious yet cosy atmosphere where hand-painted chairs, red brick interiors and romantic lighting do plenty to set the mood. For local and regional dishes, El Cortijo is a popular choice featuring excellent Spanish wines.

If it is a family affair, your best bet is the seasonal pool bar and Mirador outdoor restaurant, offering light snacks and informal lunches.

It’s no wonder that the Hotel Barceló La Bobadilla is a popular choice for wedding celebrations. Its quaint, Mudejar-style chapel houses a 1,595-pipe organ, perfect for playing the wedding march or a soulwrenching Ave María. After the ceremony, what better place to spend the night than within the rustic, wooden interior of the bedroom, where the warmth of the fireplace and the exquisite décor take you to times past, when there was a whole lot less technology and a whole lot more conversation and love. This Valentine’s, if you’ve been searching for the one place that will fill your heart and soul with joy and togetherness, it’s got to be the Hotel Barceló La Bobadilla. n

Report marisa cutillas photography courtesy of the hotel barceló la bobadilla

i Finca La Bobadilla,

Ctra. Salinas, Villanueva de Tapia, km 65.5, Loja.

Tel: 958 321 861. www.barcelolabobadilla.com

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THETRAVELLER SITGES

It’s world famous for its gay scene, a chic weekend hangout for hip young Barcelonans and picturepostcard cute too but, if you’ve never seen Sitges strut its uninhibited stuff during Carnival Week, now’s the time to gatecrash the wildest party in Spain!

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SITGES

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he Brazilians go overboard with Carnival in Rio, in New Orleans it’s all about Mardi Gras while the British celebrate Shrove Tuesday with a pancake binge. Whatever you choose to call the last blow-out party before the abstinence of Lent, one of the best places to go gloriously OTT is Sitges.

Perhaps due to its reputation as one of the gay capitals of Europe, Sitges takes pride in throwing one of the largest, longest and louchest parties of all: Carnestoltes, a full-on, seven-day orgy of over-indulgence held from February 11-17 this year, when literally anything (and everyone) goes. Behind the more decorous tourist board programme of parades and masked balls is an unwritten but widely-recognised schedule of outrageous happenings organised by the resident gay population, attracting some of Europe’s top professional drag divas. From Noche Rosa (dress code pink) to Noche de las Mantillas (when that stunning woman sporting the traditional headgear of brides and widows could turn out to be a guy), the incredible spectacle of exquisitely-primped and preened drag queens in cutting-edge costumes riding flamboyant floats flanked by dazzling dancers and athletic acrobats has to be seen to be believed.

The official festivities, presided over by greedy King Carnestoltes and his entourage, begin on Jueves Ladero (Fat Thursday), when every barrio lays out an unbelievable food fest, a week-long exercise in conspicuous consumption culminating on Ash Wednesday with the traditional Burial of the Sardine (a ceremony enacted all over Spain to symbolise the beginning of Lent).

In between, expect wild days and sleepless nights that reach their zenith with the two main carnival parades, when more than 300,000 party goers cast aside their inhibitions and dive headlong into the crazy carnival spirit: the Debauchery Parade on Sunday night, riotous and risqué; and the Extermination Parade, on Tuesday night, a wake rather than a funeral to ‘mourn’ the death of King Carnestoltes (most likely from over-eating) and the end of the celebrations.

But of course, there’s no reason for sorrow in Sitges, a sybarite’s paradise all year round. Even under Franco when Carnival was banned throughout the country, Sitges was a hot bed of fascist counterculture; with the return of democracy, it mellowed into a groovy town with an Ibiza vibe and a laidback tolerance that, of late, has become a bit too relaxed for the authorities’ liking. Last autumn, the Catalan government announced a sobering crackdown on discount ‘Happy Hour’ tipples to curb binge drinking, a move that the Ministry of Health may introduce nationwide.

A bohemian bolt hole since the 18th century when wealthy traders built holiday villas here, Sitges became a magnet for artists and writers seeking inspiration from the azure waters, whitewashed houses and wild landscape. The artist and writer Santiago Rusiñol, leader of Catalan Modernism, did his best work here and the town’s reputation as a hang-out for European intelligentsia was sealed as it drew other creatives to its shores: artists Ramon Casas and Miquel Utrillo, arts patron Charles Deering and, later, Picasso, Dalí, Miró, the writer Tennessee

Report belinda beckett photography courtesy of turisme de sitges

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Expect fireworks at the Fiesta Major

Williams and the swashbuckling Hollywood actor Douglas Fairbanks. Today, hundreds of painters and decorative artists tout their wares from bijou galleries lining the cobbled streets of Calle Major.

Along the craggy coast 35 kilometres southwest of Barcelona where the Costa Brava and Costa Daurada meet, Sitges has not suffered the same high rise concrete fate of other coastal resorts. With its slo-mo charm and metropolitan heartbeat, it remains a picture postcard seaside town with narrow cobbled streets, beautiful Spanish architecture and an élan all of its own. Its artistic heritage is on show in several fine galleries and art museums, stunning Cuban-style colonial homes built on the wealth of the sugar trade and many grand neo-classical Catalan mansions with magnificent carved timber doors, hand-painted ceramic tile murals and intricate wrought iron balconies. An enrapturing palm-studded esplanade slung along the length of the town centre beach showcases El Xiringuito, the beach restaurant that gave its name to all the thousands of chringuitos that came after it. Said to originate from a word used in Cuba to order coffee, the name was popularised by the famous journalist Don Cesar Gonzalez Ruano who wrote articles for La Vanguardia newspaper from one of the tiled tables inside.

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Moving to an alternative tempo, its secluded coves and off-beat party scene catering to the more exhibitionist bohemian set, Sitges attracts a diverse crowd of wealthy weekending Spaniards, fun-seeking foreigners and Euro-gays who come to cruise its three marinas and tan on its 17 meticulously-raked beaches (13 of them award-winning, with the full gamut of watersports and chill-out music zones, plus several adapted for the disabled with amphibious chairs) while its ritzy real estate has earned the town the label of ‘the St. Tropez of Spain’. Proximity to Barcelona and Prat International Airport are other advantages that make tourism, conferences and business travel Sitges’ Big Three money-earners. The Town Hall plans to increase the stock of four and five-star hotels and add a new convention centre to milk this key source of income to the max.

Although cosmopolitan (some 35 per cent of permanent residents hail from Europe) part of Sitges’ charm is its intrinsic Spanishness: you have to be sharp-eyed to spot a bar serving Full English breakfast on the seafront. Nor is it’s alter ego as the Home of the Pink Euro (the first gay disco in Spain opened here) exaggerated. Same-sex couples can walk hand-in-hand without a second glance, guys can cruise with relative impunity, there are gay nudist

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A stroll around the town reveals architectural gems from the world of Art Nouveau

The iconic Bastion

All the colour and spectacle of Carnival

beaches (discreetly situated at the far end of town), dozens of gay restaurants and nightclubs, boy bars, girl bars and gender-specific accommodation, too.

In high season the open air L’Atlantida Disco, on the waterfront with its own private beach, hosts a weekly Gay Beach Party and the notorious Legend Party (the first rave in Spain organised for lesbians) while the first Gay Pride event will be held this year, from July 9-11. Even heterosexuals have to admit that many of the guys are so amazing, in how they look and what they wear, that they are a sight-seeing attraction in their own right!

Talking of which, Sitges has plenty of culture for all predilections. Inhabited since Roman times and for centuries a simple fishing village, its most important historical legacy stems from more recent times. A stroll around the twisting streets of the old town reveals a series of architectural gems from the period of the Americanos who emigrated to Cuba and Puerto Rico between the 18th and early 20th centuries to seek their fortune and, on their return,

built stunning mansions combining an amalgam of styles, from Neoclassicism to Modernism and Noucentisme (‘Nine-hundredism’, referring to the 20th century Catalan cultural movement). Off Cap de la Vila Square, Sitges’ nerve centre, points of interest include the Art Nouveau Clock House, the Old Market (now a cultural venue) with its decorative ironwork, Santiago Rusiñol Library and Calle Bosc, the town’s oldest street, which preserves a fragment of the original medieval walls. Climbing up to the Baluard (Bastion) and the 17th century Baroque parish church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla, one of the town’s most emblematic buildings also known as La Punta (The Point), the entire three-kilometre esplanade can be surveyed.

Nearby, a street of old white-washed mansions (Racó de la Calma - The Quiet Corner) contains the Museu Cau Ferrat, the home and studio of Santiago Rusiñol, known as the cradle of Catalan Modernism. It contains not only his own creations but two outstanding El Grecos as well as works by his friends, Picasso included. Next door, the Museu Maricel del Mar contains an awesome collection of Catalan ceramics and sculpture. Back in town, the Neoclassical Museu Romàntic takes visitors on a journey back in time to discover the life of well-todo Sitgetans in the 19th century. Exhibits include a fascinating set of working musical boxes and one of the most complete antique doll collections in the world. These three museums house over 13,000 artworks and artifacts, including Gothic carvings, Modernist paintings, wrought iron, ceramics, glass, furniture and curios, all the product of different collectors’ passion for art and the town. The Prado Suburense Casino and El Retiro Theatre, both over 200 years old, and the Palau Maricel, built in the early 20th century and now used for concerts and conferences, are other characteristic symbols of Sitges’ quirky architectural legacy which can be viewed on a variety of themed guided tours.

Not content to rest on these laurels, a project

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The Art Nouveau Clock House

for future development called Paisatge de les Arts (Landscape of the Arts) envisages the creation of new centres of art and culture under the Cau Ferrat title, including a Cau Ferrat of Gastronomy to be designed by Oscar Tusquets, the architect who devised the extension and remodeling of Barcelona’s Palau de la Música. This will be a boutique hotel combined with a high-level catering school. Other plans include the pedestrianisation of the town centre to make it a car-free space for walking and leisure.

The creative impetus that imbues Sitges manifests itself in a calendar of events that must be the busiest in Spain, making the town deserving of its Vila de Festival title. There’s at least one fiesta if not several, every month, whether it’s the BarcelonaSitges International Vintage Car Rally (held every April since 1959), Corpus Christi in June, the International Tango Festival in July, the Fiesta Major in August, the Music Festival throughout July and August, the Food & Wine Festival in September or the International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia in October, the world’s number one fantasy film fest

The chic paseo

Tradtional Xató with a modern twist

The creative impetus that imbues Sitges manifests itself in a calendar of events that must be the busiest in Spain, making the town deserving of its Vila de Festival title

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when Hollywood actors mingle with locals for an entire two weeks.

To go with its bubbly reputation, Catalunya is the home of cava and Sitges, on the fringe of the Penedès wine-growing region, is well placed for visits to some of the famous bodegas, often located in stunning properties. Prestigious marque Miguel Torres offers a multi-sensory exploration of its vineyards on a mini train fitted with audio guides that drives through a Tunnel of Aromas. Sweet Malvasia wine is also produced here on the fringes of the Garaff Nature Reserve (a bleakly exotic limestone landscape that offers a mountain of possibilities, from bird-watching to rock climbing) as well as locally at the Hospital Sant Joan Baptista in Sitges.

Sitges’ extraordinary gastronomic variety takes the world-renowned Mediterranean cuisine to the highest level but whatever you try, you must sample it’s most typical dish, Xató, allegedly first popularised by artists Rusiñol and Utrillo who sampled it during the Carnival of 1896. The main ingredients are escarole lettuce, cod, tuna, anchovies, aubergine and black olives but the essence of the dish is its dressing, made with scalded chillies, toasted almonds, garlic, olive oil, salt, vinegar and hot peppers. The complete xató meal comprises tortillas or fricandó (a typical Catalan stew) and coca de llardons (made from pork scratchings), served with a bottle of Penedès black wine. OTT it most certainly is but in Sitges, in Carnival Week, there are no media raciones!

i www.sitgestour.cat

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ESSENTIALS 1-1 new:Maquetación 1 12/01/2010 13:51 Page 1

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The editorial backbone of our publications is based on 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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THETRAVELLER

report and photography paul brazell Acosta

GOLF

i EL PARAÍSO GOLF CLUB

Urb. El Paraiso, Ctra. de Cádiz, KM. 167, Estepona, Málaga, Spain.

Tel.: +34 952 883 835. www.elparaisogolfclub.com

D

esigned by Gary Player, this course was opened in 1973 and is one of the oldest-established on the coast. Whether you have a low handicap or just want to enjoy a round of golf on your holiday, the course offers golfers of all ages and abilities an exciting challenge. The setting is incomparable – lush fairways punctuated by meandering streams, flanked by palm trees and an abundance of exotic flora including oleander, jacaranda and mimosas. Lakes provide a home for water birds and the golf balls of the unwary!

HOLE 3

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

HOLE 5 Par 3, S.I. 16, 173m from yellow tee This is what I call a ‘fun pitch & putt’ hole, perfect for making bets on (which is what I used to do with my father and brother, winning a few times as well)! Aim at the hole and go for a hole in one – why not? It’s not impossible! Careful though; out of bounds is on the left and the green has bunkers to both left and right.

Par 4, S.I. 6, 401m from yellow tee The views on this hole are magnificent and it also has a little bit of personal history. When I was a teenager, my family used to stay at the El Paraíso Hotel and this was the first golf course in Andalucía I ever played. At night time we used to throw ‘parties’ on this tee which was the first hole of the course, also on the green of the 18th! Always respecting the grass, of course...

Grab your driver and give it all you’ve got on this hole, aiming slightly towards your right. Left is out of bounds, so be careful. If you manage to land your drive on the fairway, you will only need a mid-iron shot to place your ball on a well-guarded green and putt for a birdie!

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HOLE 6 Par 5, S.I. 10, 435m from yellow tee This is El Paraíso’s signature hole, a dog leg to the left par 5, with the famous ‘water magnet’ on the right to wach out for, especially on your second shot. I have ended up in the water too many times, and now aim towards the left on the second shot. Be careful with your drive, and avoid the bunkers to both left and right. A birdie is not impossible on this hole, you just have to play it safe with your approach. At the same time, enjoy the beautiful birds and views which you will find not only on this hole but during your entire round of golf! n

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THETRAVELLER

HONEYMOONS

HONEYMOONS

MADE IN HEAVEN

The “I do’s” have been said, the cake cut, the toasts made and the in-laws and guests embraced and now, for most couples, comes the best bit of the wedding: the chance (as Marlene Deitrich would appreciate), to be alone. Belinda Beckett looks at 10 hot honeymoon hideaways in the world’s most romantic locations.

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n decades past, white sandy beaches, swaying palms and a brace of pina coladas did it for most newlyweds. Today’s savvier travels cite adventure, culture and authenticity as other vital components of the romantic honeymoon cocktail. Nor is a four-poster bed and room service all that the modern couple requires. Today they expect butler service, private plunge pools, walkin rain showers, His and Her spa treatments and other luxurious novelties to make their stay complete.

Two-centre holidays that combine rest with recreation, such as an African or Amazon jungle safari with a beach add-on and an opportunity to enjoy high adrenalin sports like scuba diving or rafting, are more likely to float the modern honeymoon couple’s boat, these days. Another growing trend is for Destination Weddings, or ‘weddingmoons’, which combine the cost of the ceremony and holiday at one overseas resort. A recent Mintel report revealed that 16 per cent of UK marriages (some 45,000) now take place overseas, up from 10 per cent in 2003. Surprisingly, getting married abroad can be a budget option as the average cost of a UK wedding is now put at £20,000, whereas couples can spend as little as £2,000 for a weddingmoon package in Cyprus, popular with the British for its value and easy bureaucracy. Because non-residents cannot always marry in some destinations, the two-centre weddingmoon is also a new trend. For example the Maldives, a honeymoon favourite, can be twinned with nearby wedding-friendly Sri Lanka.

While exotic beaches (St. Lucia, Antigua) have always been popular and dramatic scenery (the Norwegian Fjords, the Great Wall of China) are growing attractions, classic city destinations like romantic Venice or vibrant Las Vegas have perennial appeal while the movie Mamma Mia has fuelled an upsurge in honeymoons to the Greek islands. Despite the economic downturn, couples are venturing further afield and taking lengthier honeymoons although resort all-inclusives remain in demand because couples know the bottom line, price-wise. Meanwhile, the trend for renewing vows among older couples has boosted the second honeymoon cruise market where the appeal of being able to sleep as late as you want, enjoy the ship’s amenities and see beautiful places without having to pack and unpack is clear.

Although honeymooners are less cost-conscious than other types of holidaymaker, perfect memories are paramount on this, the most important trip of their lifetime. Thanks to travel 2.0 sites like Trip Advisor where they can read the real life experiences of other couples staying at specific hotels and destinations, they no longer need to take the travel brochure’s word for it.

But for most couples, a honeymoon must be a magical experience, one that will stay in their memories as well as their photo albums, to be shared with their children and their children’s children. Check out these 10 great honeymoon ideas.

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FRENCH CHÂTEAU CHIC Burgundy is a romantic rural idyll of old villages, vineyards and forests where the graceful Saône and Rhône rivers merge, while a bright firmament of restaurants offer gourmet tables overflowing with fine wines and some of the best cuisine in France. But, for a real fairytale honeymoon, the 13th century Château de Bagnols set in the burgeoning Beaujolais winelands near Lyon, ticks most fantasy boxes. The finest five-star deluxe château hotel in France with a moat, drawbridge and towers of honey-coloured stone, its Renaissance wall and ceiling paintings have been painstakingly restored to their former glory. It also boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant: dine by the fire in winter; in summer eat in La Salle d’Ombrage, an al fresco dining space shaded by 100-year-old lime trees. There are 21 charming period rooms and suites, a heated outdoor pool in summer and numerous activities, from hot-air ballooning and horse riding to wine-tasting and guided tours of Lyon and the historic castles and villages of Beaujolais.

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i www.chateaudebagnols.co.uk

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CARIBBEAN CONNECTION For the ultimate destination wedding, Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos comes close to perfection. One of the Caribbean’s top private-island resorts (1,000 acres), this spa hotel and its secluded villas are made for the honeymooning A-List but the pièce de résistance is The Sanctuary villa: two houses, each with four bedrooms including two second-floor master suites with 360-degree views of the island, perfect for a double wedding and a select party of your closest friends. Couples only need to be on the island for 48 hours before applying for a marriage license and the ceremony can take place in a flower-filled bower at the water’s edge. Part of designer Donna Karan’s own compound on the island, this heavenly villa has its own private beach access, an infinity pool, personal chef and two butlers. Expect sand-between-the-toes chic with a Balinese touch, capacious daybeds, teak furniture, water features and candles galore. The hotel has a watersports centre, tennis courts, gym, DVD library and Guest Services team to help co-ordinate exciting off-island adventures, from kayaking to mountain biking. Beyond, the TCI’s eight principle islands and 40 desert island cays, home to frigate birds, rock iguanas, pink flamingos and a myriad of tropical fish, are yours to discover on a champagne cruise or scuba dive.

The Sanctuary honeymooning villa was made for the A-List © Como Hotels

i www. parrotcay.como.bz

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Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos is one of the Caribbean’s top island resorts © Como Hotels

A fairytale honeymoon is guaranteed at the Château de Bagnols in Burgundy © von Essen Hotels

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3 BOOTILICIOUS BALI The Indonesian island of Bali is one of the world’s top ten honeymoon destinations and no wonder. It’s a dozen flavours of paradise, with its gorgeous beaches fringed by dense jungle, great shopping, sexy hotels, sleek bars and Zen vibe. Chic new restaurants have made the island a regional culinary hotspot while its largely Hindu religious heritage has dotted its tropical hinterland with architecturally intriguing temples and marked its calendar with an endless string of festivals. For those interested in preserving such treasures for future generations, The Balé in Nusa Dua is an excellent choice as it prides itself on its paper and water recycling plants and interaction with the local community. This serene, luxurious resort of white stone, pale brick and glass comprises 29 pavilion rooms, each with a sleek modern interior and simple garden, and a spa offering an extensive programme of Balinese massages and treatments. With its no-children policy, it is the ultimate retreat for those in search of peace and love.

Candlelit dinner for two

i www.thebale.com

around the pool at The Balé

En suite dreams at ‘the Cip’ in Venice. Photographer, Genivs Loci © Hotel Cipriani

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LA DOLCE VITA IN VENICE See Venice and die, the saying goes. Well, hopefully not, but Venice is to die for, one of the few tourist icons that exceeds its advance billing, especially in Valentine’s month when the curtain is raised on Carnival.

And, if Venice is a theatre, the Hotel Cipriani is the Royal Box. Four minutes by private launch from San Marco, on the tip of the Giudecca Island, the Cipriani is a synonym for the dolce vita, Venetian style – 95 rooms and suites sharing a view to be seen nowhere else, restaurants to please the finest palates and impeccable service await you. The Cip, as devotees refer to it, has been voted the number one hotel in all of Europe and attracts celebrities and royalty alike. The Casanova Spa boasts an Olympic-sized swimming pool (the only one in the city) and a couples massage suite or, if you’re feeling particularly daring, why not enjoy a unique massage in a gondola as only the Italians know how!

i www.hotelcipriani.com

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An outdoor Victorian copper bathtub and viewing deck with splash pool are Private Suite luxuries at Eagle Island Camp in Botswana.

Photographer, Philip Schedler © Orient-Express Hotels (UK) Ltd

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African Adventure For lovers who dream of a more dynamic holiday than sitting under a palm tree on a beach, a safari honeymoon offers high adrenalin excitement. However for something a little different, Eagle Island Camp on Xaxaba Island in Botswana’s Okavango Delta has reinvented the classic safari. Breakfast with up-close views of hippos, crocodiles and elephants in your private tented suite, set on a raised wooden viewing platform shaded by a traditional African thatch roof and set apart from the main camp, giving guests the sensation of being surrounded by wildlife and the pulse of river life. The most luxurious suites feature an outdoor Victorian copper bathtub, a viewing deck with splash pool set among trees and a personal safari guide. Game viewing is by motorised boats or mokoro (traditional dugout canoes) or, during low water season from November to March, by open 4x4s. Dinner is wild, served al fresco in the Bush.

i www.eagleislandcamp.com

OMAN ODYSSEY Privacy is a crucial concern for honeymooners, and resorts are increasingly catering to solitude seekers. At the Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, in the Sultanate of Oman, seclusion doesn’t come more sensual. Ideal for honeymooners who crave authenticity and adventure as well as luxury, this muchtalked-about resort on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula is dramatically situated between the ruggedly craggy Hajar Mountains and Zighy Bay’s 1.6 kilometre sandy beach. Guests have the choice of three arrival experiences: a scenic fifteen-minute speedboat trip; a winding drive down from the hill top overlooking the bay; or as a companion passenger with the Six Senses Hideaway’s professional paraglider! The spectacular ethnic lodgings echo the traditional Omani village style, with rustic-chic pool villas composed of natural stone and local timbers, a nine-treatment room spa, two Arabian hammams, a wine cellar and open-air deli. For ultra-seclusion, there are two Private Retreats with their own infinity pool, spa, private beach and butler. Redefining experiences include an excursion to the local fishing villages by Arab dhow, dune buggy riding, a champagne and canapé cruise of the Musandam Fjords by private speed boat, a Chef’s Table on the beach, shopping in Dubai and sunset cocktails in the mountains at the vertiginous Drinks on the Edge Bar.

i www.sixsenses.com Private Retreat at Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay © Six Senses Resorts & Spas

The pool and ma Zighy Bay © Six in pavilion at Six Senses Hi deaway Senses Resorts & Spas

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PERUVIAN PARADISE

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Gourmet heaven for lovers of fine dining, Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons. Photographer, Adrian Houston © Orient-Express Hotels (UK) Ltd.

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Imagine spending your honeymoon at the top of the world, up where the condor flies! Peru’s ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, located 2,432 metres above sea level, was largely unknown to the outside world until its rediscovery in 1911 and its dry-stone wall construction is a masterpiece of architecture and engineering. The same might be said of Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, built up in the clouds in the shadow of the Lost City and the only hotel adjacent to the ruins of this world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spectacular sunrises, mystical moonlit nights and the silhouette of iconic Huayna Picchu mountain, framed in every window, will fuel the passions of any couple! The magnificent gardens, nestled between the mountains and ablaze with many native plants and flowers, including rare orchids, are a stunning place to begin the day with breakfast, and it’s said the spiritual vibe of this sacred place is catching. As romantic eyries go, this is the perfect love nest.

i www.machupicchu.orient-express.com

MARRIED BLISS AT LE MANOIR For hedonists who appreciate excellent food in atmospheric surroundings with stunning sights on the doorstep, the picturesque Oxfordshire village of Great Milton will more than fit the bill. Visit the dreaming spires of the university city of Oxford, take a punt along the Thames to the Botanic Gardens, tour magnificent Blenheim Palace or enjoy a pint of real ale at an old world pub. However, the real reason this tiny village is famous the world over is Raymond Blanc’s two-Michelin-star Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, one of the most illustrious gastronomic experiences in Britain. The good news is, it’s also a hotel that oozes the quirky charm of an Agatha Christie thriller, set regally within walled 17thcentury gardens with Japanese ponds and extensive herb and organic vegetable gardens which are heavily featured on the menu. The hotel has 32 individuallydesigned rooms, a croquet lawn and, as it’s frequented by the world’s highest flyers, a helipad too. And of course, the food is to die for. If money’s no object, the hotel can plan your wedding too.

i www.manoir.com A superior suite at Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons. Photographer, Adrian Houston © Orient-Express Hotels (UK) Ltd.

The breakfast terrace at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.

Photographer, Genivs Loci © Orient-Express Hotels (UK) Ltd

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LOVE IN LAS VEGAS For high rollers who get a buzz from bright lights, razzmatazz and conspicuous excess, no city does it quite like Las Vegas. Famed for its virtual environments (you can visit Venice, Paris, New York or Egypt without leaving Nevada) you can also get married here at the drop of an ‘I do’ in one of the hundreds of themed chapels. You don’t need a blood test, and there’s no waiting period. But if you want the earth to move on your honeymoon, the newly-refurbished Mirage with its erupting 50-feet volcano feature which spits fire every 15 minutes will rock you to your socks. South Seas vibe meets Strip excitement in the Polynesian décor, creating an oasis of lush greenery with waterfalls and lagoons, two tropical pools with islands and grottos, a 20,000-gallon saltwater tank containing 90 species of fish in the foyer and Bare, billed as ‘an exclusive adult alternative to the typical Las Vegas pool experience’ with DJ-spun music, iced towels and chilled cucumber slices for the eyes! There are also six specialty restaurants, seven casual eateries and more than 100,000 square feet of gaming space to throw your money around in. Don’t miss the hotel show, Love, combining the magic of Cirque du Soleil with the music of The Beatles in a powerful entertainment experience.

9 The earth will mo ve Vegas, with its for couples staying at the Mi exploding volca no © Mirage Larage Las s Vegas

i www.mirage.com

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A suite at La Residencia in Mallorca © Orient-Express Hotels (UK) Ltd

LUNA DE MIEL IN MALLORCA

tourist island ents the brash Residencia pres tels (UK) Ltd La of arm ch The old world w light © Orient-Express Ho Mallorca in a ne

of

Mallorca has had a bad press as a lads’ and ladettes’ package holiday haunt but, away from the bright lights of the brash coastal resorts, there are many charming discoveries to be made. One of these is La Residencia in Deià, a rural hamlet surrounded by woodland where time seems to have stood still. La Residencia has been restored from two 16th and 17th century manor houses into an award-winning luxury spa hotel hewn from local stone, tucked into the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains on the north-west coast. Each room is unique, some with high ceilings and romantic corners, decorated with antique Mallorquin furniture and original works of art. La Residencia specialises in tailor-made honeymoon packages which include spa treatments and a five course gala dinner in the hotel’s gourmet El Olivo Restaurant, a refurbished 16th century olive press that makes for one of the most romantic settings on the island.

i www.hotel-laresidencia.com

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E VERYTHING ABOUT DINING

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Passion Café

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The Orange Tree Food News

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Chef’s Profile: Noom from Thai Gallery

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Galician Wines

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Listings

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THEGOURMET

Passion Café: A pioneer in healthy, funky cuisine

RESTAURANT

Report marisa cutillas photography kh photography and courtesy of passion café

I

t’s hard to believe I’ve been writing for magazine for almost ten years now. At the outset, I was living in Málaga and rarely ventured forth into Marbella. I clearly recall the occasion, however, when my best friend suggested that we head for San Pedro, for lunch at a restaurant she had been raving about for months: Passion Café. That day I tucked into my first ever California wrap and I still remember the beautiful marriage of savoury and sweet flavours, the tenderness of the chicken and the hearty size of the servings. I now understand why my friend, who hails from California, would drive for over an hour to enjoy a kind of cuisine that was unprecedented on the Costa del Sol at the time. When it comes to healthy cuisine infused with a strong Oriental and world cuisine influence, Passion Café stood alone. Today, the spacious, bustling restaurant is still at the top of the game, commanding over the Centro Comercial La Colonia and enticing both business people in the area, and foodies from far and wide.

Passion Café is one of the few places open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Offering everything from a full Irish breakfast (the owner is Irish) right through to nachos, quesadillas, sandwiches, generous salads, wraps and wok dishes, it is the ideal venue for friends and family, since the wide selection of dishes on the menu makes it easy to please everyone. There are slices of inspiration from all over the world, with Mexican, Argentinean, Thai, Morroccan, Indian, Japanese and many more international flavours tantalizing the palate. At Passion Café you can make it a quick lunch, ordering a bagel or a plate of fajitas, or take it nice and slow with a plate of Argentinean beef or an Indian spice-crusted monkfish. There are many lovely side dishes to indulge in, such as mushy peas, slaw or a hearty baked potato, and kids have their own special menu. With a separate menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, working your way through the menu could take many repeat visits.

My first experience at Passion Café was but the first of many. My life has changed a lot since then but this is still my favourite place to

take my husband and toddler, for the ambience is cool, laid back, nonpretentious and, quite simply, comforting. It’s loads of fun to take a look around at the bar area or the sunny terrace to view office workers, young couples, groups of friends and families, all in their own world and clearly enjoying the sizeable, colourful plates that are brought to their table in record time.

The day before I sat to write this, I once again chose Passion Café for a special lunch with a work colleague who had plenty to report about exciting events that had ensued while we were on our Christmas break.

We ordered two entrees, which we shared: the classic Thai roast duck and peanut spring rolls, deliciously crisp and light and authentically Thai in taste, served with a fresh Asian cucumber salad. The salad contained a generous portion of hot peppers, a personal weakness, which beautifully complemented the sweet Thai flavours. We also opted for a colourful Asian salad, brimming with plump prawns, mango, pear and cress and a lovely sweet Oriental dressing that whet our appetites for more.

The portions at Passion Café are generous indeed, so brace yourself for main dishes like the sizeable deliciouslymoist pumpkin, spinach and ham quiche, whose texture and flavour are highlighted by a wonderful warm side salad of spinach and lentils. The dish, which was on the list of chef’s specials, is a perfect instance of the fusion of cultures, with French, Spanish and Californian elements blending together beautifully. We also tried the honey and sesame-seed coated salmon fillet, served over basmati rice, with oriental vegetables on the side.

The sweet, crisp skin of the fish broke through to reveal fresh, flavourful meat, while the soothing Thai flavour of the rice and vegetables turned this dish into a star. Not surprisingly, it is part of the list of ‘Favourites’ on the menu, always a sure bet if you’re feeling indecisive.

Passion Café is a classic that has stayed on the pulse of all things cool owing to a mix of friendly efficient service, a distinctly trendy yet relaxed atmosphere and a cuisine that brings us the best from lands both exotic and familiar. With irresistible touches such as generous Sunday roast lunches, home-baked bread and fruit-packed smoothies, Passion Café is a testimony to the prized values of quality and taste.

i C.C. La Colonia, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 781 583. essential marbella magazine

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THEGOURMET

RESTAURANT

Love is… dinner at

the Orange Tree Restaurant Report BELINDA BECKETT photography kh photography

A

s a resident on these shores for nearly 20 years and a restaurant reviewer for at least half that time, I have to confess a sin. I’ve never voluntarily eaten in Plaza de los Naranjos, the pretty orange tree-framed plaza in Marbella Old Town that’s on every tour itinerary, mainly because I always imagined it to be a TROZ (‘tourist rip-off zone’, in ex-pat speak). That was until I was asked to review The Orange Tree Restaurant, just off the square, after which I’m forced to admit that only one thing left a bad taste in my mouth: having to eat my words!

Along with lovingly-prepared food and a welcoming atmosphere, the prices are friendly too and if you’re looking for somewhere to take your partner on St. Valentine’s Day I can highly recommend this intimate little restaurant, unostentatiously furnished with terracotta tiled floors, candles and banquette seating. But book early, it only seats 34 inside (plus 16 outside in summer).

In fact, The Orange Tree is no best-kept secret (except, until now, from me). It has attracted a following of repeat customers (including many celebrities) since Faik, from Tunisia (known as Frank) and his Irish wife Irene opened the doors in 2003. It became clear early on that offering a menu small enough to feature fresh seasonal produce, and changing it every six-to-eight weeks, was a recipe for success. For starters and mains there are always three fish dishes, three meat dishes and a vegetarian option. (Veggies who return before the menu changes can have something different cooked to order.) The restaurant bakes its own delicious bread (black olive and herb focaccio on the night I visited, served with a tangy tapenade) and Frank and Irene have gone out of their way to make the restaurant family friendly, with a children’s menu and a great value Early Bird menu served from 6.30 – 8pm (two courses, €19.50, three courses, €23.50, all taken from the à la carte menu).

“The early menu works well all year round, in summer because many families like to come straight from the beach and eat; in winter because people think of eating as soon as it gets dark,” says Irene, who has her hands full at the moment, having given birth to second son Noah just before Christmas. Despite this, either she or Frank are at the restaurant six nights a week. Loyal staff are another success secret and some have been at The Orange Tree for over four years. However the undoubted

USP of this restaurant is its innovative dishes – a cosmopolitan fusion of ideas from three chefs of different nationalities (French, Dutch and Irish) and Frank’s Tunisian input, presented in a creative contemporary menu that draws on everything from Asian to Mediterranean influences as well as perennial favourites like good old Irish fillet steak.

My starter, an unusual braised rabbit and white truffle pie with poached pears, was made with kataffi pastry – a nod to Frank’s Arabic roots: a ramekin topped with a bird’s nest of this finely-shredded pastry revealed tender, deboned rabbit, lent a deep, wintery flavour by the truffles and stock, refreshed by the fruit; really delicious! My partner enjoyed the Tian of Atlantic crab which bonded beautifully with the cherry tomato and spring onion salsa, acidic apple and earthy beetroot. Our dishes were served with a mellifluous Sauvignon Blanc – from Spain, as are all the wines – excellent value at €14 a bottle.

For mains I chose roasted duck breast, attractively served atop a bed of butternut squash cocooned in a nest of wilted spinach. The rich meat was beautifully counterbalanced by plum chutney and balsamic jus. I also sneaked a taste of my companion’s pan-fried king prawns, served with a crunchy mange tout, bean sprout and cashew nut stir-fry and melt-in-the-mouth cardamom-scented belly pork with a scrumptious crisp topping.

Thankfully, Frank had arranged a shareable dessert platter as we wouldn’t have been able to choose between the rich Belgian chocolate and fig pudding with pistachio ice cream and chocolate sauce; the glazed lime and Malibu tart with raspberries; the pear, apple and walnut crumble with crème anglaise; and (our favourites by a short nose) the baked caramel vodka cheesecake with forest fruit coulis.

Being only a bridal bouquet’s throw from Incarnation Church, a favourite wedding venue, the restaurant is popular with couples and on Valentine’s Night, you and your significant other can try a delectable selection of these desserts as part of a romantic menu devised for the occasion. And if that doesn’t produce declarations of amour by the end of the evening, you’ll most certainly fall head over heels in love with The Orange Tree.

i The Orange Tree, Plaza General Chinchilla, Marbella Old Town, Tel: 952 924 613. Open daily for dinner from 6.30pm.

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THEGOURMET

FOOD NEWS

National Danish Cooking team visits Roca Tranquila in Fuengirola

Report Marisa CUTILLAS

Serious foodies must set aside the evenings of February 18 - 19, and 25-26, for a truly magical experience. On these nights, the National Danish Cooking team will be presenting show cooking spectacles and offering diners the very best in international creative cuisine. The team is composed of four of Denmark’s top chefs, each with his own speciality. The team gets together every four years, to test dishes, take part in competitions and show off their skills, with the aim of taking home the winning prize in the Cooking Olympics, held every four years in Erfurth, Germany. In November, it will be competing in the World Cup of Cooking, to be held in Luxembourg. The Danish maestros have been brought to the Costa del Sol by various sponsors, including Danish magazine La Danesa, the Patronato de Turismo de la Costa del Sol, Caviar de Río Frío and top wine makers Bodegas Conrad de Ronda, Bodegas Añadas and Bodega Sauci. Diners can enjoy a tasty menu featuring a welcome entrée, followed by a three-course dinner with a well-planned wine and food pairing, dessert and coffee. Previous booking is required.

i Roca Tranquila, C/ Tórtola 9, Urbanización Torreblanca, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 196 067. www.rocatranquila.es Fine cuisine for a good cause Four top Costa del Sol restaurants have joined together for a good cause: to raise funds for the Fundación Theodora, a nonprofit organisation which brings live performances from artists to the children’s wards of many hospitals. The restaurants, Albert y Simon, La Hacienda, Messina and Roca Tranquila, are offering a €45 menu, with 15 per cent going to the Fundación. The incentive will run until March 30, so make sure to book in time to enjoy fine cuisine while you help kids in need. The menu includes three small entrées, a fish dish, a meat dish and a dessert. At the restaurant, clients will be asked to fill in a form with their contact details so the Fundación Theodora, can personally thank everyone and confirm receipt of the correct amount. And all this is only the beginning, with local restaurants planning similar events for other charities throughout the year.

i

Albert y Simon: Urbanización Nueva Alcántara.

Edificio Mirador, Bloque 4-B, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 783 714.

La Hacienda: CN 340, km 193, Marbella. Tel: 952 831 267. Messina: Avda. Severo Ochoa 12, Marbella. Tel: 952 864 895.

Roca Tranquila: Urb. Torreblanca del Sol, C/ Tórtola, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 196 067.

Wine pairing evenings at La Meridiana del Alabardero If you’re new to the rich culture of wine, a great way to learn more about Spanish varieties while having a great meal is at the wine pairing evenings

by La Meridiana del Alabardero, organised by the Head Chef and the Sommelier of the restaurant.

Guests recently enjoyed a three-course meal featuring dishes such as the seafood crepe with steamed vegetables (accompanied by a fine Dehesa del Carrizal), a truffled duck royale (complemented by a wonderful Hacienda la Vizcondesa) and a white chocolate soufflé with Grand Marnier, capped off by an excellent Cava Marqués de Monistrol.

i

For further information on future wine pairing events, contact La Meridiana del Alabardero. Camino de la Cruz s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 776 190. www.lameridiana.es

Sushi des Artistes presents Naruto Tokyo Fans of Japanese Manga comic and anime character, Naruto, know that the hyperactive ninja’s favourite food is the Ramen noodle, also a current craze in Japan, where many youngsters and adults can be seen devouring bowls of delicious soup made with the scrumptious noodle.

The team behind chic Marbella Japanese restaurant, Sushi des Artistes, are bringing the ambience of Tokyo to the Costa del Sol with their new restaurant, Naruto Tokyo, featuring a variety of soups that the Japanese usually enjoy for lunch and dinner, and even at midnight, early in the morning or after drinks. The soup is made from a chicken base, and is served with tender noodles and a list of toppings each client can select. The new restaurant, which opens on February 16, will also offer snack-size dishes such as gyozas (Japanese dumplings), already a firm favourite at Sushi des Artistes. Best of all, the price seems to have been designed to combat the current crisis, with main dishes costing around €8, and smaller dishes costing approximately €4. Tapas and sake are a highlight of the menu, and there is a take-away service for those who prefer to dine at home.

i C.C. Cristamar 24 (beside Goyo pastry shop), Puerto Banús. Tel: 671 606 684.

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THEGOURMET CHEF PROFILE

Noom of Thai Gallery

report marisa cutillas photography kh Photography

i Thai Gallery is open seven days a week for dinner from 8pm. CN 340, km 175, Edif. Rimesa, Bajos Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. Tel: 952 818 392.

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n the world of haute cuisine and Michelin-starred establishments, the last quarter of the 20th century was undoubtedly marked by a fusion of cultures, flavours and traditions, with dishes defined by the warm, aromatic flavours of herbs and spices such as chilli, lemongrass, ginger, turmeric and even the native Thai galanga. The Oriental penchant for tantalising the tastebuds, and presenting dishes as colourful, edible canvasses has taken off, and the influence has also worked in the opposite direction (although arguably, to a much smaller degree), with top chefs from the Orient turning to savvy cities like London or New York to add a touch of modernity and a cool, funky ambience to their restaurants.

The select list of top Oriental restaurants in Marbella reflects trends established in bustling European and American cities, where style, décor and appealing presentation are crucial elements in the quest to attract the ‘in’ crowd. This is only to be expected from restaurateurs of the calibre of the team behind Thai Gallery: Lincoln, Lani and Ping, who together can lay claim to decades of experience both in their native countries and in the world’s most fashionable cities. The mix of authenticity and artistry has led to their restaurants being hailed as firm favourites by foodies far and wide, so that neither the competition nor the crisis has dented their success. Thai Gallery, in its enviable location in Puerto Banús, is famed for its warm, inviting interiors, where dark wood, contemporary art and the pleasant aroma of warm spices are magnificent complements to what is perhaps the biggest crowd puller of all: the cuisine, authentic as it gets, whipped up by Head Chef, Noom.

Noom is the classic Thai chef, saturated from his earliest years in the sights, smells and flavours of real home cooking, since his mother owned a busy restaurant in his hometown. Noom, who has called Marbella home for four years, began his professional life at the Insular Hotel in Thailand, starting out as an assistant to seasoned chefs. So keen was the young apprentice on his craft that by the tender age of 25 he was already a qualified chef, and he spent 12 years in

his homeland honing his craft. In his cuisine, this 38-year-old maestro aims for ‘completeness’ of flavour, explaining, “Traditional Thai ingredients like coriander, galanga and chilli find their way into most of my dishes because my goal is to awaken all the senses with my cooking”.

After over a decade in Thailand, Noom decided to heed the call of far-off lands, accepting the challenge to head the kitchens of a successful Thai restaurant in Frankfurt, where he spent three years. There he met Lani, one of the founders of Thai Gallery, who enticed him to come to the sunny shores of Marbella to give new life to the kitchens of a popular local Asian-cuisine restaurant. The next logical step was to head for Thai Gallery, where he entices diners with cuisine reminiscent of the fare found in Thailand’s best restaurants.

At Thai Gallery, Noom offers all the traditional Thai favourites: a Tom Yam Koong packed with plump, juicy prawns; an irresistible Num Tok (Thai beef salad) and, of course a must in any Thai meal, moist, flavourpacked Pat Thai noodles. Noom’s creativity, however, is given free reign in dishes such as the chicken stuffed with seafood and rice, served with a red curry sauce, or the tenderloin stuffed with Thai herbs, served as a salad. Noom has also brought old recipes to life, such as the grilled fish with galanga sauce which, in his own words, “I used to make regularly in Thailand but only recently incorporated into the Thai Gallery menu”.

As is the case with the world’s top chefs, food is everything to Noom. When asked if travel, sports or leisure activities take a share of his free time, he answers, “Actually, in my free moments I surf the Net to find what Thai restaurants are up to around the world. I like to keep abreast of new developments; that way, the restaurant can always stay at the top of the game.”

Noom, who is lucky enough to have family from Thailand in Marbella, is now enjoying his fifth year at Thai Gallery and things are only looking upwards.

Serving cuisine that is nothing but ‘the real thing’, heading a tight, well-connected team and working alongside the terrific trio composed of Lincoln, Ping and Lani, diners can look forward to many more years of terrific, spicy, heart-warming food that feeds the soul as well as the stomach. Koh hai cha-roen ar-harn!

(In Thai, Enjoy your meal!) n

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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.

Oriental Delights

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THEGOURMET

WINE COLUMN

Y

BAGPIPE WINES

ou may have friends who have ‘done’ the Camino de Santiago, and if they are anything like mine they will be immensely proud of it.

Not those who go by bicycle or horse but those who have actually walked it. It is absolutely not a stroll in the park, and tales of lancing blisters and dressing ragged feet each evening are par for the pilgrimage.

So are stories about arriving late at the pilgrim’s free hostels and finding all the sleeping places have gone and there is no alternative but pay for a hotel or pension. But worst of all is the weather.

Galicia, in the top left-hand corner of Spain, gets all the rain anyone could ever want and the lush hills are as green as England’s. In summer the heat can be stifling and certainly does not make for stress-free walking.

Galicia was settled by the same Celtic races that inhabited the other western coasts of Europe, which is probably why the Gallegos feel at home in Wales, Ireland and Brittany. This also explains why you could walk down the street in any town and hear the skirl of bagpipes, something which often surprises visitors but to the Gallegos is as normal as drinking

Report aj Linn

Ribeiro wine out of porcelain saucers instead of glasses. Since Galicia did not become part of Spain until 1492 and is an established autonomous region, much of the populace believes it should have the same level of autonomy as Cataluña enjoys; but, of course, it is very poor area.

Certainly the wines are different. Production is small and prices are high. Gone are the days when the producers aimed to make large quantities for export and used wine from other regions, notably La Mancha, to bulk out the local stuff. These days Albariño wines particularly, and Rías Baixas (literally, low estuaries) wines are among Spain’s top ranking gourmet products. There is an unofficial contest to decide which white wine typifies Spanish production and Albariño is, currently, marginally ahead of Rueda in the race.

Galicia is still one of the very few DO regions that uses only local grape varieties, mainly Albariño and Treixadura, turning its back on the imported varieties that are used with varying levels of success in other areas. And indeed, why should it do anything else with the success its wines enjoy? Many Spaniards will not consider drinking anything but Albariño (or its cheap and cheerful poor cousin, Ribeiro) with seafood, so it stands to reason that a lot gets drunk at home thanks to the huge amount of shellfish that comes ashore at the tiny Galician fishing ports. Ever enjoyed a marisquada: a full platter of as many as seven or eight different types of shellfish, from crab to whelks?

There are also three distinct wine-producing areas within the Rías Baixas region that produce Albariño.

The southern one runs all the way from the mouth of the Miño river up to where the Portuguese border with Spain turns south, a coastal strip centred on

the delightful beach resort of Cambados, and the largest zone just south of Santiago de Compostela.

Each has a different micro-climate, and real experts can tell which of the three areas any particular Albariño wine comes from. If you visit, do not expect to see rows of neatly cultivated vines stretching into the distance. The vineyards are small and spread about wherever the uneven terrain allows, and the grapes have to be kept high to protect them from mildew, so stone posts are used instead of wood, for the trellising. This keeps prices high, as labour is intensive, and the limited production means only wines with an acceptable level of production find their way out of the region.

Of all the white wines, those from the Rías Baixas are the ones to be drunk youngest, for no other reason than they do not keep well in the bottle. This is because the pressing of the grapes is as delicate as it gets, with only 20 grams of pressure compared to 70 with most wines. There are red wines but I have never seen them for sale outside Galicia, where they are drunk enthusiastically, as indeed is the orujo, the ‘schnapps’ or ‘grappa’ equivalent drunk in small shot glasses at the end of a meal to aid digestion… so they say. Perhaps it is not for nothing that Galicia reputedly has the highest level of alcoholism among its population of any region in Spain.

Several name wineries from other regions have set up in Galicia, including the famed Rioja winery of Marqués de Murrieta which landed in Galicia in 1991 and founded a new winery, Pazo de Barrantes.

The vineyard is small, only eight hectares, without any plans for expansion but the wine is of a very high quality and, thanks to the parent winery’s distribution network, is available in most outlets. n

i A new product to watch for typifies the

very best of Rías Baixas wines and comes from the new bodega, Lagar de Condesa; only two wines so far: a very de-luxe Albariño in a sexy bottle and an even more up-market twin, aged in oak for lovers of white wines with that particular taste. Not budget range at 18 euros for the Lagar and 21 for the Vía XIX but, if you are not acquainted with Galician wines, there can be no better place to begin. www.lagardacondesa.com/ingles/index.html

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RESTAURANTS Price guide

Per head for a three-course meal with wine

RESTAURANTS

Buenos Aires South

AMERICAN

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

Under €25

HARD ROCK CAFÉ

€25 – €40

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

C/Ramón Areces, esq. Marina Banús, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 908 024

€40 – €60 €60 plus

Jacks Open seven days a week from noon till late.

Puerto Banús, Tel: 952 813 625, Puerto Marina, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 563 673

INDIAN

INTERNATIONAL

iN

Yanx

GRILLS

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

TGI Friday’s

FRENCH

GREEK

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

Clericó Open every day for lunch and dinner. Avda.

Antonio Belón, 22, Marbella. Tel: 952 765 683.

FRENCH

El Carnicero 2 Open every day for lunch and dinner. Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 176, Marbella. Tel: 952 867 599

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

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.

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

RESTAURANTS

AMERICAN

ARGENTINEAN

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

Open daily for both lunch and dinner. Pueblo Viejo Cancelada. Between San Pedro & Estepona. Tel: 952 886 307

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

Nestor

Tony Roma’s

B.Ayres

Urb. Guadalmina Alta, C.C. Guadalmina, Local 3, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 883 003

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iNGS LISTINGS LISTings puente romano beach club

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

Open every day for lunch. CN 340, km 177, Marbella.

Tel: 952 820 900

Mughal village

Open every day except Sunday for lunch and dinner.

C/ Mediterráneo, Edif. Mediterráneo, 1 (next to Marisquería Santiago), Marbella. Tel: 952 777 334

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

auld dubliner

Casanis

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

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

baboo lounge and restaurant

cerrado del águila

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

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

beach club restaurante grill 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

Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm for breakfast, lunch and snacks. Centro de Negocios Puerta de Banús, local 22, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 929 411

beach house

cortijo fain

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

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

boulevard

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Front line Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 814 371

Open Friday for dinner and Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner. El Castillo de Monda s/n, Monda.

Tel: 952 457 142

Open every night for dinner. Puerto Banús, Marbella.

Tel: 952 811 716

khans 2

alminar

Brunings

Open daily for dinner. Edif. On Line, C/ Las Malvas, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella (opposite Andalucía Plaza Hotel). Tel: 951 319 161

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

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

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

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

Massala

Areté

Calima

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

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

INDIAN

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

indian dreams

Taj Mahal

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

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

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

khans

INTERNATIONAL al bacar

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

Bubbles

Chic brunch & café

Don Leone

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

Tel: 952 834 748

el bistro lounge de pan y mermelada Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Urb. Marbella Real, Local 16, Marbella. Tel: 952 829 308

El Bolero

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RESTAURANTS

INTERNATIONAL

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

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

El lago Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner. Urb. Elviria Hills.

Avda. Las Cumbres s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 832 371

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

EL OLIVO 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

El Patio de los Perfumes Open daily for dinner. C/Aduar 1, Casco antiguo, Marbella. Tel: 952 828 650

El Relicario

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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

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

IVy

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

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

Finca El Forjador

LA biznaga

La Terraza

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

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

Finca Besaya

Finca las brasas Open daily for lunch and dinner. Ctra. FuengirolaMijas, between CN-340 and highway. Tel: 952 580 513

Galeria San Pedro Open from 11am until midnight. Closed Sundays.

Avda Las Palmeras 15, San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 780 927

hermosa

La cabaña del mar

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

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

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 veranda lobby bar

LA CANTINA DEL GOLF

La Verandah

Open for breakfast and lunch until 8pm. Closed Sunday. Flamingo Golf Club, Cancelada, Benahavís.

Tel: 951 318 815

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

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

Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner from 7pm.

Closed Monday. Local 1A. Puerto de Cabopino. Tel: 952 837 483

El Restaurante del Casino

Herrero del Puerto

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

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

Casas de Campos, 1, Málaga. Tel: 952 122 075

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

El rincón de gVadalpín

hotel marbella club buffet

la fonda de marbella

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

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

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

Hotel LoRcrimar

La Hacienda

La Esencia

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

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

los bandidos Open every night for dinner. Muelle Ribera, Puerto Banús.Tel: 952 815 915

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iNGS LISTINGS LISTings magna café Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. C/ Calderón de la Barca, s/n. Tel: 952 929 578

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

Mc café

passion café

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Marbella Club Hotel. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n. Tel: 952 822 211

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

Messina

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

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

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

Tel: 952 815 840

polo house

952 937 800

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

shiraz Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

Puerto Deportivo, Local 15, Marbella. Tel: 952 778 334

Skina

polynesian’s restaurant & cocktail bar

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

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

Small world café

Miraflores Golf Restaurant

Relais de Paris

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

Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

Paseo marítimo Benabola, s/n. Tel: 952 819 078

Open Monday to Friday for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 9am-2am, Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner, 12.30pm-2am.. C.C. Le Village, local 15, Ctra. Istán km. 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 771 046

nestor

roca tranquila

Starz

Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner and Sunday brunch. Urb. Alzambra, Edif. Vasari, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 929 020

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

Open Monday to Saturday for breakfast and lunch.

Centro Plaza, kiosko 3, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella.

Tel: 952 816 313

OCHO

Rojo

SUi-to

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

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

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

Ogilvy & Mailer

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

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

oyarbide

Salsa marinera

schilo Open Thursday to Saturday for dinner. Hotel Finca Cortesín. Crta. Casares s/n, Casares, Málaga. Tel:

Swing Open from 12-4pm and 7.30pm until midnight.

Closed Wednesdays. Arena Beach, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 151, Estepona. Tel: 952 796 320

tanino

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. CN 340, km.168, Benamara, Estepona. Tel: 952 883 259

Terra Sana 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

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

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

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

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GOLF

iN

Oriental

SCANDINAVIAN

SEAFOOD

SNACKS

SPANISH

CASINOS

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

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

Amore e Fantasía

MADE IN SARDINIA

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

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

Aretusa

Marco dallis

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

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

Caruso

Metro

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

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

Open every day for lunch and dinner.

C/ Ramón Areces, local 7, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 810 448

Da Bruno

Pizzeria Picasso

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

Open daily from 12 noon. Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 813 669

Da Paolo

Rosmarino della Piazza

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

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

De Medici

terraza dual

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

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

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

saleto

Sakura

gold restaurant

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. Avda.

Jardines del Puerto, L.5, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 817 536

Villa Tiberio

Sapporo

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

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

Tel: 952 888 710

lebanese

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

ITALIAN

Open every day for lunch and dinner except Tuesday lunch. C/Lirios s/n, Nueva Andalucía.

Tel: 952 817 691

Luna Rossa

Open every day from 10am to 12 am.

Complejo Benabola 13, Beach Side, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 929 055

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

RESTAURANTS

Asiatico Zen

Al Dente

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

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

Lombardo’s

110

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

Pizza Marzano

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

Ristorante Roberto Open daily for dinner. Beach Club, Hotel Puente Romano, CN-340, km 177.5, Marbella.

Tel: 952 820 900

zafferano Open every night for dinner except Sunday.

C/Gloria II, 11, Casco Antiguo, Marbella. Tel: 952 863 125

lebanese marrush Open every day for lunch and dinner.

Complejo Cine Gran Marbella, Marbella. Tel: 952 814 819

Oriental Asia Food Open daily for lunch and dinner. Centro Comercial, Pinares de Elviria, Marbella. Tel: 952 850 060

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

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

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

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

Naga Open daily for lunch and dinner. Locales 1821, 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

Sukho Thai Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday.

Centro Comercial Marbellamar. Tel: 952 770 550

Sushi des artistes Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

CN 340, km 178.5, Marbella. Easy parking. Tel: 952 857 403

Sushi Katsura 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

Tai Pan Open seven days a week for dinner. H. Puente

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iNGS LISTINGS LISTings Casino Torrequebrada

Thai-china

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

Open daily for lunch and dinner except for Tuesday lunch. CN 340, km 197, Calahonda.

Tel: 952 939 017

SNACKS & Brasseries

Alcaidesa Links

Thai Gallery

Megabowl and Sports Bar

Open seven days a week for dinner from 8pm.

CN-340, km.175, Edif. Rimesa, Bajos, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 818 392

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

Romano, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 177, Marbella.

Tel: 952 777 893

Wok Away Open every day for lunch and dinner. Avda.

Julio Iglesias, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 907 304

Wok Buffet

SPANISH Buenaventura

CN340, Km220, Benalmádena T: 952 446 000

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

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

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

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

Aloha Golf Club

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

Wok Wang

Casa de la era

Atalaya Golf

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

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

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

Casa Fernando

Cabopino Golf

Yuan

Open from Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Avda. del Mediterráneo s/n, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 853 344

18 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 850 282

Hacienda

Club de Golf La Cañada

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

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 956 794 100

La Meridiana

Estepona Golf

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

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

la moraga

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

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

SCANDINAVIAN Skandies Open Tuesday to Sunday from 7pm to 11pm.

Closed Mondays. Avda. Antonio Belón, 26 (behind the lighthouse), Marbella. Tel: 952 776 323

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

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. C/ Ramón Areces s/n, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 817 448

Cipriano

La Taberna del Alabardero

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

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

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

RestaurantE Eddy & Marisa’s

La Veranda

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

Cerrado del águila 18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 951 703 355

El Paraiso Club de Golf 18 holes, Par 71.

Tel: 952 883 835

Finca cortesín golf club

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

Golf Río Real 18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 756 733

Golf Torrequebrada 18 holes, Par 72.

Tel: 952 442 742

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

Guadalmina Golf

Mesón el adobe

54 holes, Pars 71, 72 and 73.

Tel: 952 669 033. www.lacala.com

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

Tragabuches Open from Tuesday to Sunday for both lunch and dinner. C/José Aparacio,1, Ronda (pedestrian street between bullring and Parador). Tel: 952 190 291

CASINOS

36 holes, Par 72.

Tel: 952 883 375

La Cala Golf Resort

La Dama de Noche 9 holes, Par 70.

Tel: 952 818 150

La Duquesa Golf & Country Club 18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 890 425

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

La Reserva Sotogrande

Casino Nueva Andalucía

18 holes. Tel: 956 695 209

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

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

La Zagaleta Golf & Country Club

Casino San Roque

Lauro Golf 18 holes

Restaurante El bote

CN340, Km124, San Roque T:956 780 100

Alhaurín de la Torre. Tel: 952 412 767

18 holes. Members only. Tel: 952 695 209

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RESTAURANTS

GOLF guide

GYMS

HOTELS

TENNIS

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Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club 18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 784 600

Los Naranjos Golf Club

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

Atalaya Park Hotel, Marbella. Tel: 609 571 920

HOTEL PUENTE ROMANO CN340, Km77,5. Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

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

HOTELS

Marbella Club Golf Resort

GYMS & SPORTS CLUBS

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

Almenara Golf Hotel & Spa

18 holes, Par 73. Tel: 952 113 239

ALHAMAR GYM

MARBELLA GUN & COUNTRY CLUB

Marbella Golf & Country Club

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

Monda. Tel: 952 112 161

Avda. Almenara s/n. Sotogrande.

Tel: 956 582 000

18 holes. Tel: 952 830 500

ATENAS

MARBELLA SPORT

Gran Hotel Elba & Thalasso Spa

Mijas Golf

Barquilla 1. Marbella. Tel: 952 776 240

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

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

36 holes, Par 70.

Tel: 952 476 843

AZTEC COUNTRY CLUB

MULTI SPORT

Gran hotel gvadalpín Marbella

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

Miraflores Golf

Urb. Riviera del Sol, Mijas-Costa.

Tel: 952 934 477

02 CENTRO WELLNESS

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

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 931 960

CENTRO DEPORTIVO EL FUERTE

Plaza del Mar. Marbella. Tel: 952 900 420

Gran hotel gvadalpín puerto banús

Monte Mayor Golf & Country Club

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

P-E SPORTS CLUB

18 holes. Tel: 952 113 088

CENTRO DE YOGA Y SALUD INTEGRAL

Arroyo El Rodeo, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella.

Tel: 952 899 700

Parador Málaga del Golf

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

Urb. Parcelas del Golf, Aloha Gardens, N.Andalucía.

Tel: 952 818 357

18 holes. Tel: 952 381 255

CENTRO PLAZA GYM

SATURNIA REGNA

Real Club de Golf Las Brisas

Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 817 074

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

José Meliá s/n. Marbella.

Tel: 952 770 300

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 810 875

Cerrado del águila

SEVEN STARS SCHOOL

hotel byblos andaluz

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande

Mijas Costa, Málaga. Tel: 951 773 523

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 785 014

CLUB DE SOL

Tai Chi & yoga. Pasaje Estrecho, Estepona.

Tel: 952 923 055

Mijas Golf, Marbella.

Tel: 952 667 691

San Roque Club

Tennis /paddle classes. Calahonda.

Tel: 952 939 595

SPORTCLUB ROUTE 66

Hotel Don Carlos

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 613 030

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

Santa Clara Golf

FITNESS CENTRE NEW STYLE

SPORTING CLUB ALHAMAR

CN340, Km192. Marbella.

Tel: 952 831 140

18 holes. Tel: 952 850 111

Amapolas, s/n Nueva Andalucía. T el: 952 817 916

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

Hotel La Cala Golf

Santa Maria Golf & Country Club

SPORTING CLUB ATALAYA PARK HOTEL

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 831 036

GIMNASIO ESTADIO

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

La Cala de Mijas Tel: 952 669 000

Sotogrande Club de Golf

Trav. Huerta de los Cristales, Marbella.

Tel: 952 828 217

TICKET-TO-RIDE

Hotel Puente Romano

18 holes. Tel: 956 785 012

Cristamar, Pto. Banús. Tel: 952 905 082

Valderrama

HAPPY DIVER’S CLUB

Vitality studio

CN340, Km179. Marbella.

Tel: 952 820 900

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 815 206

MANOLO SANTANA RACQUETS CLUB

Gran Meliá Don Pepe

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iNGS LISTINGS LISTings Hotel Torrequebrada

Marbella. Tel: 952 889 099

Hotel Selenza

Avda. del Sol s/n, Benalmádena Costa.

Tel: 952 446 000

Beatriz Palace & Spa CN340, Km207. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 922 000

CN340, Km165, Estepona.

Tel: 952 899 499

Hotel Triton

Benabola Apart Hotel

H10 Andalucía Plaza

Avda. Antonio Machado, 29.Benalmádena Costa.

Tel: 952 443 240

Benabola. Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 815 000

CN340 Km 174. Nueva Andalucía.

Tel: 952 812 000

Incosol Hotel Medical Spa

Golf Hotel Guadalmina

NH almenara golf

Urb. Golf Rio Real s/n. Marbella.

Tel: 952 828 500

Guadalmina Baja. Marbella.

Tel: 952 882 211

C/ Almenara s/n, Sotogrande.

Tel: 956 582 000

Kempinski Hotel bahía estepona

Gran Hotel Benahavis

NH Marbella

CN340, Km159. Estepona. Tel: 952 809 500

Marbella Club Hotel

Huerta de Rufino, Benahavís. T el: 902 504 862

C/ Conde Rudi, s/n. CN340, Km178. Marbella.

Tel: 952 763 200

CN340, Km180. Marbella. Tel: 952 822 211

HM gran hotel costa del sol

NH SAN PEDRO

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

Villa Padierna

La Cala de Mijas, Mijas Costa.

Tel: 952 587 710

C/ Jerez 1, San Pedro de Alcántara.

Tel: 952 853 040

Club Madroñal

Hotel El Fuerte

Parador de Ronda

Club Nueva Alcántara

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

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

San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 788 315

SENTIDOS Hotel

Lew Hoads Tennis Club

Hotel Meliá Marbella

CN340, Km185, Urb. Golf Rio Real s/n. Marbella.

Tel: 952 765 732

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

Sunset Beach Club

Ctra. de Istán, Km2. Marbella.

Tel: 952 778 580

CN340, Km166, Exit Cancelada. Benahavís.

Tel: 952 889 150

AGH Estepona CN340, Km 166.5, Estepona.

Tel: 952 889 040

TENNIS CLUBS Aztec Country Club Urb. Riviera del Sol, Mijas-Costa.

Tel: 952 934 477

Club deL Sol Tennis/paddle classes. Calahonda.

Tel: 952 939 595

Club de tenis don carlos Hotel Don Carlos, CN340, km 192.

Tel: 952 831 739

Club Internacional de Tennis

Benahavís. Tel: 617 647 223

Manolo Santana Racquets Club

Alanda Carib Playa

CN340, Km175. Pto. Banús.

Tel: 952 810 500

CN340, Km 194. Tel: 952 902 537

Hotel Playa Bonita

Alanda Club Marbella CN340 Km192. Marbella. Tel: 952 902 537

CN340, Km217. Benalmádena Costa.

Tel: 952 442 840

Amanhavís Hotel & Restaurant

Hotel Princess Playa

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

Atalaya Park Hotel

Paseo Marítimo. Marbella.

Tel: 952 820 944

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

Hotel Riu Rincón Andaluz

HOTEL PYR MARBELLA

Tenis El Casco

barceló golf

CN340, Km173. N. Andalucía.

Tel: 952 811 517

Avda. Rotary International, s/n, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 817 353

El Rosario. Marbella.

Tel: 952 837 651

C/ de Granadillas, s/n. Urb. Guadalmina Alta,

Avda. del Sol, 5. Benalmádena Costa.

Tel: 952 579 400

Tamisa Golf Hotel Camino Viejo de Coín. Km 3.3. Mijas Golf.

Tel: 952 585 988

Miraflores Tennis Club Urb. Miraflores, Km199. Calahonda.

Tel: 952 932 006

Puente Romano Hotel Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

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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

Pets + kids = better reading DEAR (Dogs Educating and Assisting Readers) is a new programme underway in a Washington D.C. school, where dogs join students once a week for an hour of reading. The programme, founded by the Fidos For Freedom group, serves as an incentive for children with reading difficulties since it creates a relaxed, quiet atmosphere in which kids read out loud to dogs. “Dogs don’t judge you or make fun of you if you get it wrong so it really helps with kids’ self-confidence,” says Debbie Taylor, a volunteer for the DEAR programme. Every year, potential dog helpers are tested for their personality, and those found to be affectionate, gentle and non-aggressive are chosen to help kids with some extra reading. Parents are claiming that their children have improved in a variety of aspects, including comprehension and fluency. Trust is another crucial quality fomented by the programme which is so popular at the school, nearly all parents are requesting that their children to be part of it.

Report Marisa Cutillas

“When a man’s best friend is his dog, that dog’s got a problem.”

Anonymous

i

If you are interested in starting up a dog/ child reading group at a local level, and you’d like some information on how to do it, log onto www.fidosforfreedom.org

Cats whiz through agility tests Most of us associate agility (the sport in which a handler directs a pet through an obstacle course in a race for both time and accuracy) exclusively with dogs. But American handler Jill Archibald is proving that cats are just as adept at the activity and, sometimes, even quicker than dogs. Armed with nothing more than a fluffy toy that catches her moggies’ attention, Archibald entices them to speed through tunnels, climb over obstacles and jump through hoops. “People don’t know cats can be trained,” she says, adding, “Cats are great athletes and, yes, they are trainable.” Archibald is Chairperson of the Cat Fanciers’ Association, where she specialises in Feline Agility. In the US there are already established rules for the competitions, for example the cat must complete the course in a set time and must overcome obstacles in a predetermined fashion. To ascend a series of steps, the cat is expected to actually land on each step and not miss any in an effort to get to the top quicker. Archibald’s cats are quicker than most, completing the course in under 20 seconds. Now she is keen on inspiring more owners to realise their cat’s potential, hoping more will train their cats to compete. She suggests owners start training with home-made obstacles which they can make from PVC piping. Moggies should start training when they are kittens, completing simple courses before proceeding to more complex obstacles.

Dog-friendly cars set to hit the market Car manufacturers are always at the competitive edge, dreaming up new ways to make their models more enticing to buyers, with special features for babies, children and now… dogs! Honda is ahead of the game when it comes to pooches, since it is currently working on vehicles that include a collapsible ramp for dogs to climb in and out of the car easily, a cushioned pet bed, restraint systems and even an integrated dog bowl. While this may seem far-fetched to those who don’t have pets, those whose dogs are an integral part of the family have long lamented the absence of restraints, in particular, which would protect our dogs better in the event of an accident. The new car is the ‘dog-friendly version’ of the Element EX and Honda is already poised for competition from close rival, Toyota, which is adapting its Venza model for families with dogs. The new Venza will also have doggy seat mats, restraints and a ramp. Toyota found its inspiration from a motor show car called WOW, which stands for ‘wonderfully open-hearted wagon’. The WOW received so much praise from visitors that Toyota decided it was time to put a doggy-friendly car on the market, and we can only hope other manufacturers take note.

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

WHAT’S ON

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FEBRUARY 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 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

Through February until March 24 EXHIBITION – FUENGIROLA A journey through the USA in 20 photographs taken during 2008 by Málaga-trained photographer Hanna Quevedo, Collective Image Gallery, Puebla Lucía. Further information, www.fuengirola.org

soundtrack, Padre Manuel Cultural Centre, 9pm.

Entry €3. Further information, Tel: 952 802 002/ www.estepona.es

Thursday February 4-24 EXHIBITION – FUENGIROLA Paintings by Ivan Riis, Casa de la Cultura, inauguration Febraury 4 at 8.30pm. Further information, www.fuengirola.org

Friday February 5 CHARITY EVENT - ESTEPONA Charity golf tournament, pairs, two ball, better ball, stableford at Estepona Golf Club from 9am, 50€ per person including buggy with all proceeds going to help the recovery effort in Haiti. Following this, there will be a Gala evening with Stan Boardman, Kenny Lynch, Dennis Taylor, Stephen Lloyd-Morgan and others. For further information Tel: 952 799 953 / 646 247 996. www.esteponagolf.com CONCERT – ESTEPONA Música Romántica, 8.30 pm, Padre Manuel Cultural Centre. Further information, www.estepona.es

Friday February 5-9 THEATRE – FUENGIROLA Entertaining Mr. Sloane, Joe Orton’s outrageous comedy, Salon Variétes Theatre, nightly at 8pm, Sunday at 7pm. Box office, Tel: 952 474 542, open Monday-Friday from 10.30am-1.30pm and 7-8pm.

Further information, www.salonvarietestheatre. com

Saturday February 6

XV LOVE LETTERS COMPETITION – MIJAS PUEBLO Write a poem or letter to love or lost love, in Spanish, in this annual contest. Closing date for entries, March 31st. For full list of rules, contact Tel: 952 590 380/www.mijas.es

SEMINAR – ESTEPONA Conocer El Flamenco, understanding Andalucía’s music and dance genre, 8.30 pm, Padre Manuel Cultural Centre. Further information, www. estepona.es fashion show – MARBELLA Agustín Torralbo presents the ‘Marbella Marbella’ Winter Collection at the Hotel Incosol from 7.30pm, with a performance by Yanela Brooks. Entry 15€, includes music, food, wine and fashion show.

Tickets available from a range of venues. Further information, Tel: 610 373 480.

Every first Wednesday of the month

Every Saturday and Sunday

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

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.

Through February until March 31

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 BRIDGE CLUB – CASARES COSTA Duplicate Bridge Club meets 7pm at the Centro Comercial, Urb. Marina de Casares. Partners found for single players. Further information, Tel: 952 893 633/ cbc@pageseuro.net

Every Thursday CINE CLUB – ESTEPONA Top films shown weekly in Spanish or original

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

Until Sunday February 7 EXHIBITION – MÁLAGA Fuego de Estrellas, an exhibition of paintings and drawings by Spanish artist Öscar Domínguez at Picasso’s Birthplace Museum, Plaza de la Merced, open Monday to Sunday, 9:30am-8pm except holidays, entry €1. Further information, Tel: 952 060 215.

Until Monday February 8 EXHIBITION – MIJAS PUEBLO FotoCity On, a collective touring exhibition of thought-provoking contemporary photographs, Casa Museo. Further information, www.mijas.es

Monday February 8 NADFAS LECTURE – FUENGIROLA Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth by Jo Walton, 4.30pm, Salon Variètes Theatre. For information on other social events or membership, contact Pauline, Tel: 952 382 713.

Centres. Further information, www.estepona.es bazaar – san pedro Cudeca is holding a bazaar featuring crafts, homemade goodies and international tapas, at the Hotel Barceló in Guadalmina Alta. Further information, Tel: 622 532 230.

Saturday February 13

LUNCH & LEARN SEMINAR – PUERTO BANÚS Join CCG and The British Chamber of Commerce in Spain for a Lunch & Learn Seminar: How to Thrive, Not Just Survive, with guest Speaker Steve Clarke, a leading UK expert on boosting sales and accelerating success, 2pm at Restaurante El Rincón de Gvadalpin, Gran Hotel Gvadalpin. Price, €30.

RSVP to Jennifer, Tel: 902 486 000.

NADFAS TALK – LOS BOLICHES Illustrated NADFAS talk, Raphael by Jo Walton, St. Andrews Church Hall, 10.30am.

FAMILY CONCERT – MARBELLA Concert of classical music for all ages by Fernando Argenta and the CEEM Orchestra of Málaga, 6pm at the Palacio de Congresos, entry €2. Further information, Tel: 952 828 244.

CLASSICAL CONCERT – MARBELLA Música Con Encanto presents Grandes Dúos with cellist Tilman Mahrenholz and pianist Jorge López, 8.30pm at Les Roches Marbella. Tickets, € 25 from Fnac La Cañada. Further information, Tel: 689 000 944/ www.musicaconencanto.org VALENTINE’S GALA DINNER – MARBELLA Three course dinner with cava, wine and coffee plus live Latin music and dance spectacular at the Hotel Gvadalpin, 8pm-1am, tickets €65, Tel: 664 469 445. A raffle will be held in aid of the Manacare Orphanage in Sri Lanka.

Every second Tuesday of the month

Sunday February 14

JAZZ – ESTEPONA The coast’s Jazz Appreciation Society meets at Benavista Country Club at 8pm. Classic videos followed by a live jazz performance plus a special dinner for members afterwards. To book the dinner, Tel: 952 888 106. Further information from Brian Parker at Tel: 669 504 942.

VALENTINE’S GALA DINNER – estepona A romantic evening of dining (3-course dinner) and musical theatre at the El Paraiso Country Club with Welsh tenor Stephen Lloyd-Morgan, €35. To reserve, Tel: 952 883 799. Further information, www.slmlive.com/elparaiso

Tuesday February 9

Wednesday February 10-26 EXHIBITION – LOS BOLICHES Ceramics exhibition by Colectivo Albatros at the Tenencia de Alcaldía, inauguration on 10th at 8.30pm. Further information, www.fuengirola.org

Friday February 12 THEATRE – FUENGIROLA Teatro del Lazzi presents La Nueva Familia, Casa de la Cultura, 8.30pm. Further information, www. fuengirola.org THEATRE – ESTEPONA No Tengo Palabras, 9 pm, Padre Manuel Cultural Centre. Further information, www.estepona.es

Friday February 12-14 PADEL CHAMPIONSHIP – ESTEPONA Padel tournament at various Municipal Sport

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fund, featuring a host of racing personalities, including jockeys and trainers, on Saturday at Mijas Golf, followed by The Mijas Cup on Sunday. Further information from Jamie Parker, Tel: +44 790 068 1519/jamie@owstonhall.com

EXHIBITION – MÁLAGA Artworks from the Centre Pompidou Collection showcasing Czech painter František Kupka (18711957), ranging from his earliest academic work to his pioneering abstract art. Further information, Tel. 952 127 600/ www.museopicassomalaga.org

Sunday February 28 ANDALUCÍA DAY – PUBLIC HOLIDAY IN THE REGION CONCERT – FUENGIROLA Municipal Band concert to mark Andalucía Day, Parque de España, 12.45pm.

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

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.

Thursday February 18-Sunday February 21 DISNEY ON ICE – MÁLAGA All the magic of a spectacular ice skating show with Disney On Ice – Sueños de Princesas at the Palacio Municipal de los Deportes Martin Carpena.

Performances on Thursday at 7pm, Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm and 4pm matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets from El Corte Inglés, Tel: 902 400 222. Further information, www.disneyonice. es

Yoga, 8.30 pm. Padre Manuel Cultural Centre.

Further information, www.estepona.es

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

Saturday, Sunday, February 27, 28 REGATTA – MARBELLA Copa de España Plata and III Grand Prix Costa del Sol yacht races start midday on Saturday, 11.30am on Sunday from Marbella Port, organised by the Club Marítimo de Marbella. Further information, www.gpcostasol.es Charity event – mijas Golf charity event in aid of the UK injured jockeys

Friday February 19 JAZZ – FUENGIROLA Concert by Javier Denis & Jazz Connection Trio, Casa de la Cultura, 8.30pm. Further information, www.fuengirola.org THEATRE – ESTEPONA Encerrada en Libertad, 8.30 pm, Padre Manuel Cultural Centre. Further information, www. estepona.es

February/March: SPRING CUDECA CONCERTS Following the overwhelming success of The Autumn Concert for Cudeca last October at The Hotel Kempinski, Estepona, there will be a series of spring charity concerts starring the world-famous, 75-strong Pontarddulais Welsh Male Voice Choir, with guest soloists, sponsored by Ibex Insurance in aid of The Cudeca Hospice.

Saturday, Sunday, February 27, 28: Pontarddulais Welsh Male Voice Choir and soloist soprano Siân Hopkins at the Salon Varietes Theatre, Fuengirola, 8pm Saturday, 7pm Sunday.

Tickets, €14, from the box office, open weekdays 10.30am-1.30pm and 7-8pm, Tel: 952 474 542/ www.salonvarietestheatre.com Wednesday March 3: Pontarddulais Welsh Male Voice Choir and soloists, Welsh tenor Stephen Lloyd-Morgan, British pop singer Yazz and soprano Siân Hopkins, 9pm, Hotel Don Carlos, Marbella, hosted by Maurice Boland of Talk Radio Europe. Tickets €30, from Anglo Wines, Sotogrande; Beccy´s, Monte Duquesa; Christina´s Cards, Sabinillas; Glitterati Books, Benavista; The Cudeca Shops in Marbella and Estepona and The Hotel Don Carlos or Tel: 697 783 942. Limited V.I.P. tickets, €50, include premier seating, cava, canapés & all drinks (excluding spirits) can only be reserved by calling Tel: 697 783 942. Further information, www.slmlive.com/choir

THEATRE – MÁLAGA Celebrating the XXVII Theatre Festival of Málaga

In the Echegaray Theatre: Friday, Saturday, February 5-6: The Society, a black comedy presented by the Jo Stromgren Kompani of Norway, Friday at 9opm, Saturday at 8pm.

Saturday, Sunday, February 13-14: El Jardín Japonés, presented by Teatro Piazza o d’Occasione, interactive children’s theatre using digital images and a magic carpet, Saturday 6pm and 8pm, Sunday, 11am and 1pm.

In the Cervantes Theatre: Sunday, February 7: Metropolis, stage adaptation of Fritz Lang’s 1927 film about a futuristic city, presented by Teatro Che y Moche, 7pm.

Thursday-Saturday, February 11-13: Ser o No Ser, presented by the Teatro Meridional, Thursday and Friday at 9pm, Saturday at 8pm.

Other events at the Cervantes: Friday & Saturday, February 19, 20: Málaga Philharmonic Orchestra concert with works by Schumann, Albéniz and Arbós, Friday 8.30pm, Saturday 8pm.

Sunday February 28: Málaga Philharmonic Orchestra and Opera Choir present the zarzuela Cádiz, 8pm.

Ticket sales from the relevant box office/ Tel: 902 360 295/ www.generaltickets.com and other outlets. Further general information, Tel: 952 224 109/ www.teatrocervantes.com

Friday February 19-24 MUSIC HALL – FUENGIROLA A musical trip down memory lane with Jubilee Music Hall, Salon Variétes Theatre, nightly at 8pm, Sunday at 7pm. Box office, Tel: 952 474 542, open Monday-Friday from 10.30am-1.30pm and 7-8pm.

Further information, www.salonvarietestheatre. com

Friday February 26 BOOK LAUNCH – ESTEPONA Presentation of the book, Diccionario Práctico de

* BUS & TICKET For the Saturday 20th concert, 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. essential marbella magazine

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THEBLOG STARS

STforARS February ARIES [21 MAR - 20 APR] You are valuing your privacy more than ever and are certainly more withdrawn than usual, taking extra time to rest and reflect. This is necessary right now and, if you don’t do it on your own, the cosmos might force you to do so! Nevertheless, friends are mostly supportive. Coming to the aid of a partner feels good now, as does being in on a special secret. You have been analysing many aspects of your life, including love, but by mid-March, you will be feeling more directed and re-energised.

TAURUS [21 APR - 20 MAY]

LEO [23 JUL - 22 AUG] Your popularity runs high this month, even though you continue to keep some emotional distance. Those close to you, however, are likely to sense that you are not as enthusiastic and direct as usual; but it’s a necessary period in which you take a step back and analyse what works for you, and what doesn’t. Your ego is completely tied up in your success with others just now, and this means you are especially attentive to the needs of loved ones. Good luck, particularly with finances, is likely around the 13-15 and 27-28.

VIRGO [23 AUG - 22 SEP]

Work is demanding this month but also very rewarding. Higher-ups are putting more faith in you and your management skills. Friends are especially helpful and enjoyable to be with. You are likely to find that by networking and paying attention to people in the same career field as you, or to those with similar interests, you are able to come up with some excellent ideas for your own life. A reward or helpful connection on the 7-9 or 13-15 is likely. The 27-28 brings illumination to a romance.

February is an excellent month for your relationships. You are feeling especially willing to please and partners, or potential ones, are attentive and romantic. Your openness to partnering and tolerance of others are qualities that will help improve your relationships many times over this year. Opportunities to connect, and for a happy, productive relationship, are abundant. Work matters are strong and mostly straightforward, having recovered well from any complications encountered near the beginning of 2010. The 13-17 and 27-28 are especially strong days this month.

GEMINI [21 MAY - 21 JUN]

LIBRA [23 SEP - 23 OCT]

Career and professional matters are strong, rewarding and exciting this month for Geminis. While you cannot say your career is carefree these days, as challenges are also part of the experience, you are bound to find many opportunities to grow and develop on a professional level, this month and beyond.

You are dreaming big, too, and many of you are experiencing a rebuilding of inner faith. The 13-14 is excellent for beginning any positive thinking or life management programme because your heart and mind are entirely ready for it.

While life has been filled with pressures and, perhaps, setbacks for many of you recently, the first three weeks of February bring great opportunities for recreation and enjoyment. Romantic new beginnings are possible – but keep your eye out for deception or self-deception. Complications with a partner or friend continue this month, and the only thing to do now is to give them space. If you find that you’re only going through the motions, let time pass before making any decisions. The 7-8 and 13-15 are potentially magical days for you.

CANCER [22 JUN - 22 JUL] Plenty of career developments are in the works, as you take the time to re-assess your professional world. In March and April, matters will begin to move quickly, with a raise a definite possibility; but now is the time for analysis, rather than action. Love has been tricky recently and continues to baffle you in February. The chance to have some adventurous fun, however, can help take your mind off your troubles on the 7-9, 14-16, and 27-28. Some of you will have opportunities for higher learning, travel, or other mind-expanding experiences.

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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] Challenges with work continue and are unlikely to clear up until mid-March. While some of you are encountering difficult circumstances in your professional life, most of you are experiencing loss of enthusiasm. You might be going through the motions for the time being. You are sure to regain energy and zeal, as well as a sense of direction, next month. For now, both career and home are demanding, and it’s hard to find a balance. The 13-15 is strong for romance and creativity.

February ends on a high note, with more time for recreation.

SAGITTARIUS [22 NOV - 21 DEC] You are paying much more attention to personal matters than you are to professional and social endeavours, these days. The focus is on your feelings, intuition and comfort rather than what the rest of the world expects of you. This theme is strong now, particularly after mid-month. The first two weeks of February are exceptionally busy for paperwork, errands, learning and intellectual projects.

Family and those close to home are especially helpful to you in February. A friend might be disapproving or difficult. The 28th, however, brings career surprises.

CAPRICORN [22 DEC - 19 JAN] A strong focus on practical matters this month keeps your mind on security and comfort for the most part. At the same time, you have so many ideas for the future that it’s hard to make a choice. This is not the best month for presenting your ideas, however, because they need more work, refinement and thought before implementation.

It’s a period of adjustments rather than new beginnings. The 28th brings new opportunities for learning, teaching, sharing and, for some of you, publishing or promotion.

AQUARIUS [20 JAN - 19 FEB] February is a strong month for finances and possessions. You could receive a gift, rebate or loan, especially around the 13-15 and 28. Others are really in your corner this month. While relationship problems are still part of your life, those of you involved in casual connections are finding many opportunities to enjoy yourself, and singles are not lacking for attention. This is a strong period for creative projects and endeavours. Mid-month is a powerful period for feeling a sense of inner renewal.

PISCES [20 FEB - 20 MAR] February starts slowly but quickly picks up speed midway through, when you’ll experience lots of activity and attention. Gifts, refunds or rebates may be forthcoming now. Although it’s a strong time for career and career opportunities in general, there are some snags to deal with when it comes to work schedules. You might also be losing some enthusiasm for work, and going through the motions, which should change by mid-March. You receive good news and vibes on the 13-14 and a partner gives you a boost on the last day of the month.

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