Essential Magazine December 2015

N º 196 - DECEMBER 2015

VEGA

-SICILIA

DAWN DROPHEAD

ROLLS-ROYCE CARIBBEAN dreaming

LA DAZZLING SMART ZAGALETA DELUXE CHRISTMAS EXCLUSIVE DIOR JEWELLERY PUTTING ON

THE RITZ

essential magazine® marbella

ISSUE 196 • DECEMBER 2015

ESSENTIAL FOR LUXURIOUS LIVING

essential

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 S T Y L E I S PA I P R O I L E I S U R E I G O U R M E T & M O R E

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COMPLIMENTARY EDITION

MARBELLA

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Ag So en le cy Enclosed: 1,718 m² Terrace: 503 m2 Plot: 8,324 m² Price: € 4,950,000

EL MADROÑAL

Stunning 8-bedroom residence with guest house on an extensive plot featuring panoramic sea and mountain views, spa area with indoor pool. Landscaped garden with plenty of space for outdoor entertaining. Sought-after gated community with 24-hour security, close to golf courses and within a 7-minute drive to Puerto Banús. Priced to sell, reduced from €6,500,000 Ref. ES7881

An International Associate of Savills

Ag So en le cy Enclosed: 1,037 m² Terrace: 262 m2 Plot: 5,451 m² Price: € 6,950,000

CAsCADA DE CAMOján Modern 6-bedroom masterpiece with Bali touches and superb sea and mountain views. Designed by well-known architect Carlos Lamas and built to the highest standards throughout. Located in a gated community with 24-hour security. Heated salt water pool, cinema room, garage with revolving floor, domotic system, wine cellar and many more features. Ref. ES8873

Offices at the Puente Romano Hotel & opposite the Marbella Club Hotel Tel. (+34) 952 863 750 info@panorama.es www.panorama.es

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Issue 196 • December 2015

S T A F F

PUBLISHER AND DIRECTOR IAIN BLACKWELL director@essentialmagazine.com

YEARS

GENERAL MANAGER ANDREA BÖJTI sales@essentialmagazine.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR MARISA CUTILLAS editorial@essentialmagazine.com PRODUCTION MANAGER SUSANNE WHITAKER design@essentialmagazine.com

U ANNIVERSARY U

SALES SUPPORT JAN DENDAUW jan@essentialmagazine.com RÉKA VIDÁTS reka@essentialmagazine.com ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE MARIANO JEVA cuentas@essentialmagazine.com OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR MONIKA BÖJTI info@essentialmagazine.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR ANDREA BÖJTI DESIGN & LAYOUT INMA AURIOLES STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER KEVIN HORN (WWW.PHOTOGRAPHERMARBELLA.COM) CONTRIBUTING WRITERS IAIN BLACKWELL, MICHEL CRUZ, CRISTINA FALKENBERG, RIK FOXX, RUSSELL GRANT, ALI PARANDEH, RAQUEL PÉREZ, CARLOS READ, TONY WHITNEY, DAVID WISHART, KEVIN WOODFORD PRINTING JIMÉNEZ GODOY A. GRÁFICAS, MURCIA DEPÓSITO LEGAL D.L. MA-512-99 EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICES COMPLEJO LA PÓVEDA, BLQ. 3, 1º A, CN 340, KM 178, 29600 MARBELLA, MÁLAGA. TEL: 952 766 344 FAX: 952 766 343

ESSENTIAL MARBELLA MAGAZINE

@ESSENTIALEDITOR

www.essentialmagazine.com Member of the Association of Spanish Periodical Publications affiliated to:

conditions:

The publishers make every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are correct, but cannot accept Marbella Magazine cannot accept responsibility for the effects of errors or omissions. responsibility for the claims, goods or services of advertisers.

Marbella Magazine. © Publicaciones Independientes Costa del Sol S.L. for 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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Merry Christmas & Best Wishes for a Prosperous New Year

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FRANCE



SPAIN



PORTUGAL



CYPRUS



MALTA



UNITED KINGDOM

w w w . b l e v i n s f r a n k s . c o m

You only live once,

Puente Romano: Rare opportunity to purchase an exquisite villa offering luxury living in one of Europe’s best addresses, just meters from the beach in the prestigious grounds of the Puente Romano Hotel. Spa, cinema, fantastic gardens. 5 beds, 5 baths, built 813 m², plot 1.722 m².

E&V ID: W-0239P1. P.O.A. Tel.: 952 86 84 06.

Marbella Club: Unique opportunity! Newly built modern villa in the most exclusive area in Marbella. Sea views, highest qualities, luxury fittings, spa, gym, cinema. 7 beds, 7 baths. Built 1.019 m2, plot 1.200 m2.

E&V ID: W-022EKC Price 7.900.000 €. Tel.: 952 86 84 06.

Sierra Blanca: One of a kind modern, minimalistic villa with stunning panoramic sea views. Built with unique materials including full luxury amenities. 8 beds, 8 baths, built 2.047m2, plot 3.118m2.

E&V ID: W-021QA9. Price: 10.000.000 €. Tel.: 952 86 84 06.

La Zagaleta: Spectacular villa, offering the best in architecture and luxury. Cinema, wine cellar, lift, indoor pool, gym, sauna, hammam, putting green, pool pavilion . 5 beds, 6 baths. Built 1.707 m2, plot 4.366 m2.

E&V ID: W-023UUC. Price upon request. Tel.: 952 85 98 60.

La Zagaleta: Unique contemporary architecture presenting luxury living at its best. Spectacular sea views. Separate spa with indoor pool, sauna, bar, gym and cinema. 6 beds, 5 baths, Built 1.080 m2, plot 4.600 m2.

E&V ID: W-021GYA. Price upon request. Tel.: 952 85 98 60.

Office Marbella: 952 86 84 06 · Office Puerto Banús: 952 85 98 60 www.engelvoelkers.com/MarbellaPuertoBanus

we will show you where!

Beachfront Los Monteros: Unmatched in design and location, the most exclusive and impressive beachfront property available!

Spectacular decoration, highest qualities. Indoor pool, sauna, steam bath, gym and cinema. 7 beds, 6 baths. Built 1.548 m2, plot 2.700 m2.

E&V ID: W-01ZHBN. P.O.A. Tel.: 952 83 20 40.

Marbella East: Stunning contemporary villa with sea views just meters from the beach. Luxurious and very chic, built to the highest qualities. 4 beds, 5 baths. Built 320 m2, plot 1.372 m2.

E&V ID: W-023R8J. Price: 3.250.000 €. Tel. 952 83 55 80.

Sierra Blanca: New designer villa, built in a contemporary style, offering luxury and comfort. Exclusive fittings, highest qualities and latest technology throughout. 5 beds, 5 baths. Built 820 m2, plot 1.500 m2.

E&V ID: W-0217CZ. Price: 3.700.000 €. Tel.: 952 86 84 06.

Beachfront Río Real: Spectacular beachfront apartment situated in a luxurious complex with direct beach access. Very spacious and bright rooms, large terrace. 3 beds, 3 baths. Living area 165 m2, terrace 40 m2.

E&V ID: W-0237P5. Price: 1.250.000 €. Tel.: 952 83 20 40.

Beachfront Los Monteros: Luxurious apartment in Los Monteros Palm Beach, a gated community with 24 hours security. Magnificent sea views from all rooms. 3 beds, 3 baths. Living area 170 m2, terraces 42 m2.

E&V ID: W-023DUQ. Price: 990.000 €. Tel.: 952 83 20 40.

Office Elviria: 952 85 55 80 · Office El Rosario: 952 83 20 40 www.engelvoelkers.com/MarbellaAndEast

Villa with sea views and extensive plot – El Madroñal, Benahavis 7 beds 6 baths 637m2 Built 14000m2 Plot

Villa – Puerto del Almendro, Benahavis

Villa – Los Monteros, Marbella

Villa – Carib Playa, Marbella East

Villa – Los Monteros, Marbella

Sea views 6 beds 5 baths 519m2 Built 3500m2 Plot Ref: DM3674 Price: 2.750.000 €

Sea views 5 Beds 3 Baths 323m2 Built 941m2 Plot Ref: DM3734 Price: 1.200.000 €

Over 417 Offices in 58 Countries

Price: 2.500.000 € Ref: DM3715

Close to beach 5 beds 6 baths 597m2 Built 1122m2 Plot Ref: DM2612 Price: 1.850.000 €

Close to beach Ref: DM3741

3 beds 3 baths 253m2 Built 776m2 Plot Price: 950.000 €

Villa with panoramic sea views – La Zagaleta, Benahavis 5 beds 5 baths 781m2 Built 6434m2 Plot

Price: 3.400.000 € Ref: DM2071

Duplex Penthouse - Marbella Town

Villa – Nagüeles, Marbella Golden Mile

Villa – Nagüeles, Marbella Golden Mile

Villa – Ancon Sierra, Marbella Golden Mile

Sea views 3 beds 3 baths 249m2 Interior 192m2 Terraces Ref: DM3565 Price: 2.600.000 €

Great location 5 Beds 4 Baths 233m2 Built 1400m2 Plot Ref: DM3749 Price: 1.275.000 €

Tel: 952 765 138 info@dmproperties.com DMproperties.com

Sea views 5 beds 4 baths 451m2 Built 1390m2 Plot Ref: DM3645 Price: 2.400.000 €

Gated complex 3 beds 3 baths 318m2 Built 357m2 Plot Ref: DM3742 Price: 995.000 €

DMproperties.com

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con contents The Trend Cinema 30 Home Viewing 32 Music News 34 Books 36 Technology: Smart Christmas 38 The Rolls-Royce Dawn Drophead 40

The Focus Designer Christmas Gifts 46 La Zagaleta 58 Loma de Casasola 64 Rock Lounge 68 María Testa of Música Con Encanto 70

The Style An Outstanding Villa in La Zagaleta 74 Fashion Feature: Dior 84 Fashion News 92

The Pro 110 Enterprise 120 Finance: Inheritance Tax II 122 Law: Changes in Marbella Planning 124 The Vibe

The Leisure 132 Florida, Havana and the Bahamas 140 The Ritz Hotel in Madrid

The Gourmet 145 Los Bandidos 147 Zozoï 148 Food News 150 Kevin Woodford’s Thanda Game Reserve 152 Restaurateur’s Profile: Peter of Hanuri 154 Wine: Vega-Sicilia

The Guide

Moniko Fashion Bags 94

156 Listings

The Spa

The Blog

Eyebrow Threading 98

165 Pet News

Beauty News 100

166 What’s On

The Subtle Face of Depression 104 Health News 106

168 Stars for December 170 Family Fun

The Hyperbaric Medical Centre in Estepona 108

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Sierra Blanca, Liszt 2

architects

20 years experience in developing luxury architecture in Marbella

C/ Azaleas 51, 1 derecha. 29660 Nueva AndalucĂ­a - Marbella (Spain) phone 951 402 080 info@p4arquitectos.com www.p4arquitectos.com

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NEW PERSONALIsED MAGAZINE FOR

The Hotel Villa Padierna Palace UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

T

he Hotel Villa Padierna Palace is the latest hotel to have a personalised edition of magazine. This elegant 5 star resort is a high profile icon for visitors to the Costa del Sol, offering first class service in palatial surroundings that drew their inspiration from classic Tuscany, with Renaissance architecture set amid beautiful Mediterranean gardens which contain a Roman amphitheatre. Famed for its luxury and sophistication, it offers a full quota of resplendent rooms, memorable dining options, a sumptuous spa, beach club, two full size golf courses and a highly-regarded golf academy.

The new personalised edition of magazine is exclusively available from this month in all of the bedrooms, suites, restaurants and reception areas of the hotel. Combining beautifully presented features on travel, personalities, fashion, health and beauty, food and wine, with a must-read guide to all the best the area has to offer, it brings Marbella excitingly to life!

There are now more than 20 top local hotels placing copies of magazine in the accommodation for their guests. Such high profile visitors clearly comprise a unique group of valued readers, reinforcing ’s status as the leading lifestyle publication in southern Spain. e

UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

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‘TIS THE

SEASON TO BE READY WORDS BY IAIN BLACKWELL

T

he bells may not be ringing here on the coast, but Christmas is definitely on the way and it’s time to start preparing for it. To help get you in the mood, we bring you a bumper issue full of festive frolic.

Wow your loved ones with designer gifts from some of the world’s most admired jewellery and watch makers, view our Smart Christmas selection and consider classy couture from Dior to don at this season’s top soirées.

Come Christmas, everyone is on holiday relaxing with friends and family, having fun at fairs and parties and enjoying great gourmet gatherings. See our suggestions for top movies to watch at home and in the cinema, events taking place this month, and classic dining venues such as Los Bandidos, Zozoï and Hanuri.

For the utmost in luxury, don’t miss our main feature on La Zagaleta and be astounded by a unique property taking shape there, in one of the most exclusive enclaves in Europe. Music also features strongly in this edition, including interviews with David Giles and Martin Tye of Rock Lounge, and María Testa of Música Con Encanto. Out and about, we check into the Ritz Hotel in Madrid, luxuriate in the new Rolls-Royce Dawn Drophead, and take off for Florida, Havana and The Bahamas.

Happy Christmas to one and all!

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Bespoke Creations

We’ll Design Yours

Diamond Delight

Boutique and Jewellery Design Studio C. C. Cristamar, Locales 15-16, Puerto Banús (Marbella)

•

www.paves.es

•

paves@paves.es

•

Tel 952 818 822

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essential marbella速 magazine W W W. E S S E N T I A L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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Villa: Vega de Colorado, Nueva Andalucia – Ref. MPV2709: 6 beds / 6 baths / 695 m2 built / 2.750 m2 plot – Price: 4,950,000€ Stunning contemporary home with beautiful golf and sea views in one of the most exclusive gated communities in Nueva Andalucia with 24-hour security. The property was completely renovated to the highest specifications and offers great facilities to suit Marbella Lifestyle.

Villa: Marbella Golden Mile – Price: 1,275,000€ Ref. MPV2748: 5 beds / 4 baths / 515 m2 built / 1.400 m2 plot Great family home in one of the best areas in Marbella, minutes´ drive away from the amenities, Marbella centre and international schools.

Villa: la Reserva de la Quinta, Benahavis – Price: 2,380,000€ Ref. MPV2737: 5 beds / 4 baths / 548 m2 built / 1.568 m2 plot Front line golf villa in an exclusive gated community in La Quinta. Brand new family home built to highest specifications and enjoying golf and mountain views.

Villa: Nueva Andalucia – Price: 1,100,000€ Ref. MPV2750: 5 beds / 5 baths / 377 m2 built / 1.187 m2 plot Charming south facing villa situated in Haza del Conde within minutes drive to Los Naranjos Golf Club. The property is very private and enjoys lovely views down the valley to the golf and sea.

Apartment: Marbella Golden Mile – Price: 550,000€ Ref. MPA2747: 5 beds / 5 baths / 190 m2 built / 350 m2 plot Charming ground floor apartment with a large private garden and separate guest accommodation in Ancon Sierra, gated community with 24-hr security, lush gardens, pool and easy access to Marbella centre and Puerto Banus.

Centro Expo Loc. 11-12, Bulevar Alfonso Hohenlohe. Marbella 29602 (Málaga) t. (+34) 952 866 072 | f. (+34) 952 866 963 | e. info@mpdunne.com

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E Y L C SO EN AG

Villa Magna. Puente Romano Ref. MPV2776: 4 beds / 4 baths / 440 m2 built / 409 m2 plot – Price: 4,900,000€ Absolutely unique property in the first class location set within the Puente Romano urbanization on the famous Marbella Golden Mile. A detached Villa just meters away from the beach and promenade and next door to the Puente Romano Hotel and Sea Grill restaurant. The Villa features a private pool, large sunny terraces offering total privacy, BBQ area, formal lounge with open plan luxury kitchen and dining area, a second living room with dining area and kitchen, cinema & games room, gym, garage, private lift, master suite with sea views and 3 further bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Truly stunning property in an unbeatable location!

Centro Expo Loc. 11-12, Bulevar Alfonso Hohenlohe. Marbella 29602 (Málaga) t. (+34) 952 866 072 | f. (+34) 952 866 963 | e. info@mpdunne.com

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trend READING / MUSIC / FILMS / GADGETS / MOTORING / TRENDS

The festive season has taken us by surprise, the warm weather seemingly extending summer beyond its natural course. As the cool nights have arrived, make the most of the extra time with your loved ones by catching up on the latest cinema releases or enjoying an entertaining film at home.

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Cinema

32

Home Viewing

34

Music News

36

Books

38

Technology: Smart Christmas

40

The Rolls-Royce Dawn Drophead

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THE TREND cinema WORDS marisa cutillas

e BLOCKBUSTER OF

THE MONTH

n

»» Genre Science Fictio s (Super 8) »» DirectoR J.J. Abram mill Carrie Fisher, Mark Ha d, »» Actors Harrison For first-ever m that dazzled us in the The original acting tea saga that the of latest installment Star Wars is back in the years 30 set is film The millions. continues to fascinate fit yet ing the Jedi and our age after the The Return of forces k dar the t ven pre ir best to group of warriors do the se. ver from taking over the uni

aThres: SEptisaodre VW II – Force Awakens

»» Genre Action/Adventure »» Director Ron Howard (The

Da Vinci Code) »» actors Chris Hemsworth, Benjamin Walker, Cillian Murphy

In the Heart of the Sea

In the winter of 1820, the Essex, a whaling ship from Nantucket, Massachusetts, was attacked by an unimaginable foe: a giant sperm whale with an iron will and a thirst for revenge that made it seem human. This real-life disaster stranded the crew for 90 days at sea, forcing them to take unprecedented and horrific measures to stay alive. As they faced hunger, thirst, panic and desperation, the men began to question ethics of their profession and even the value of their own lives.

»» Genre Drama »» Director Robert Zemeckis »» actors Joseph Gordon-Levitt, »» Genre Comedy/Terror »» Director Michael Dougherty (X-Men 2)

»» ACTORS Adam Scott, Toni

Collette, Allison Tolman

Krampus

A boy who is having a bad Christmas accidentally summons an evil Christmas demon to his family home, causing various Christmas figurines to come to life and seek revenge, and forcing his fragmented family to work together to find a solution to this supernatural condundrum.

Ben Kingsley, Charlotte Le Bon

The Walk

I have a theory that any film starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt (500 Days of Summer, Inception) is bound to be a winner, and I have a feeling that The Walk will only prove me right. The film tells the true story of Philippe Petit, the young man who dared to do the impossible: walk a tightrope (illegally) between the Twin Towers of New York. Some 12 men have stepped on the moon but only one man has ever (or will ever) cross two of the most iconic structures built by man.

»» Genre Comedy »» Director Jessie Nelson (I am Sam) »» ACTORS Olivia Wilde, Amanda Seyfried, Marisa Tomei

Love the Coopers

When four generations of the Cooper family gather together to celebrate Christmas Eve, the arrival of unexpected visitors and a series of unfortunate events leads them to rebuild broken bonds and discover the unique value of having a large family.

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Plot size: 2195 m2 Total built area >> 1030 m2 divided following way:

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THE TREND home viewing

Marisa Cutillas brings us a few of the season’s top DVD releases. »» Genre Documentary »» Director Laura Poitras (The Oath) »» actors Edward Snowden, Glenn Greenwald, William Binney »» IMDB Rating 8.1/10

Citizenfour

In the year 2013, Laura Poitras began receiving mysterious e-mails from CITIZENFOUR, who claimed to have proof of illegal covert surveillance programmes run by the world’s most powerful intelligence organisations. A few months later, she and two news reporters took a plane to Hong Kong, to meet the man who turned out to be Edward Snowden.

Une Nouvelle Amie »» Genre Drama »» Director François Ozon (In the House) »» ACTORS Romain Duris, Anaïs Demoustier, Raphaël Personnaz

»» IMDB Rating 6.6/10

D RELEASE e FEATURED DV »» Genre Drama »» Director Zaza

Urushadze (Sami Sakhli) Lembit rs to »» ac Ulfsak, Elmo Nüganen, Giorgi Nakashidze

»» IMDB Rating

8.4/10

OF THE MONTH

ia in 1990, War is a rife in Georg farmer, yet Ivo, an Estonian homeland, his e fle decides not to to his crop of since he must tend lent scuffle, vio a er tangerines. Aft at his t lef is n ma d de a woun choice no s ha doorstep and Ivo end to his att d an in him e but to tak minated no s wa s injuries. Tangerine and ard Aw y em ad Ac for both an st Be for a Golden Globe Award Foreign Film.

Tangerines »» Genre Comedy »» Director Paul Feig (Bridesmaids) »» ACTORS Melissa McCarthy, Jude Law, Jason Statham

»» IMDB Rating 7.2/10

Spy

Spy was, for this viewer, one of the funniest films in the year, and also a movie that shows that female comedians can be as talented (or more so) than their male counterparts.

Magnificent actor, Melissa McCarthy, plays a desk-bound CIA analyst who is forced to channel the spy within her and infiltrate a deadly terrorist group to save the world from destruction. Make sure you see this film, if only for the hilarious disguises (which are, in fact, almost identical) the protagonist dons, to seem as homely and unassuming as possible. Jason Statham is also amazing as a powerful but slow witted spy with a golden heart.

Based on a short story of the same name, Une nouvelle amie is the story of Claire, a young woman who falls into a deep depression when her best friend, Laura, dies. One day, Claire discovers that David, Laura’s husband, now dresses as a female. She wonders if David’s transformation is due to the void that Laura has left behind and she accompanies him on his quest to shape his identity.

Xenia »» Genre Drama »» Director Panos H. Koutras

(Strella)

»» actors Kostas Nikouli, Nikos Gelia, Yannis Stankoglou

»» IMDB Rating 6.9/10

Danny, 16, and Odysseus, 18, embark on their very own Greek odyssey after their mother, an Albanian citizen, passes away.

The teens are determined to force their father to acknowledge them, so they can obtain the much-coveted Greek citizenship. Despite the many obstacles they encounter, the boys are determined to make their dream come true; along the way, they discover what being a man is all about.

32 / DECEMBER 2015 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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Meisho Hills urbanization is situated on 3,5 hectars of land in Sierra Blanca, an exclusive residential area in Marbella. 58 luxurious townhouses of 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms which boast a total surface area of 350 to 950 m2, in the heart of Nagüeles National Park with magnificent sea and mountain views, surrounded by numerous golf courses.

Equipped with spacious terraces and porches, private swimming pools, individual ZEN gardens, garages for 2 to 3 cars, wine cellars, home cinema and private elevators. The community includes 3 spas with heated indoor pools, sauna, turkish bath and gym, 2 outdoor pools, gardens and 24-hour security.

The finest selection of materials are used throughout, combining wood, stone and marble with modern conveniences such as underfloor heating, air conditioning, smart home systems and jacuzzis in every bathroom.

c/Verdi 38 – Urb. Sierra Blanca, 29602 Marbella (Málaga) Spain, email: aleksandram@tradeunique.com tel. office: +34 952 859 495, mobile: +34 608 417 003

ELVIS PRESLEY

THE TREND music

¿QUÉ PASA? WORDS RIK FOXX

COLDPLAY As the year draws to a close there’s not much going on along the coast except for the Spanish teen sensation twins the GEMELIERS (contestants in last year’s Spanish TV reality show La Voz Kids), who play Málaga’s Palacio de Ferias y Congresos on December 11. Ticket info: www.ticketmaster.es But with the festive season just around the corner, there’s bound to be some last minute arranged action so check your local press every week. All info on this page was correct at the time of writing.

Get over those post festive blues by watching the legendary BRYAN ADAMS at the Palacio Deportes de Granada on January 24. Ticket info: www.ticketmaster.es As expected, ADELE conquered the world (number one album in over 100 countries) with 25. Everybody wants to record with her, film offers are on the table and everyone wants her to tour – but it looks like all will be turned down as she is putting her child first. After recording the BBC TV special (shown November 20) she went Stateside and on November 17 she recorded a US NBC TV concert special which is scheduled for a December 14 transmission.

Meanwhile RIHANNA is doing an ‘Adele’ as she is not happy with her forthcoming album, Anti, and is going back to scratch to re-record some 26 songs which include collaborations with PAUL McCARTNEY and KANYE WEST. She also turned down a tune that was co-written by ADELE and SIA, the latter then made the track, Alive, her

new single. Meanwhile the Bajan beauty has banked $25m from Samsung to help promote its Galaxy line of products and the company will also sponsor Anti (when it is finally released) as well as the accompanying world tour.

Last month we told you about the bosses of ONE DIRECTION milking the cash cow dry. The boys played their last gig on October 31 but they are scheduled to perform at the BBC Music Awards on December 10. Also on stage that afternoon are ELLIE GOULDING, ELTON JOHN (TBC), LITTLE MIX and MUMFORD & SONS. TV highlights will be shown at a later date. 1D are still on the short list to perform at next February’s prestigious half time Superbowl show along with MAROON 5, BRUNO MARS and COLDPLAY. Talking of COLDPLAY, their comeback single, Adventure of a Lifetime, was released last month and it is followed on December 4 by the album A Head Full of Dreams, which features collaborations with NOEL GALLAGHER and BEYONCE. Main man CHRIS MARTIN says they could play at 2016’s Glastonbury festival but this could also be their last ever studio album.

Staying with Mr GALLAGHER, both he and sibling LIAM have agreed to take part in an OASIS documentary which will be made next year by the team behind this year’s successful AMY WINEHOUSE biopic. And BLUR release New World Towers, a DVD documentary about the band during the past few years on December 2.

FOO FIGHTERS

The Y Factor (as in why?) finally concludes this month and to try and boost falling audiences the programme’s bosses want to introduce holograms with JACKO, AMY and ELVIS for starters – something that the latter’s former wife is not very happy about, saying it will “abuse his precious legacy”. And that legacy continued last month when If I Can Dream gave THE KING a record breaking 12th UK number one album. He has now had more chart topping LP’s than any other male solo artist.

The FOO FIGHTERS are to play a gig in Cesena, Italy, after a video of 1,000 local fans singing one of their songs and begging for a concert went viral.

It seemed like BIEBER was maturing going by his recent Channel 4 TV TFI appearance but on a recent visit to Spain to promote his November 13 released Purpose album, he walked out of a 40 Principales radio interview after the DJs asked him to “break the Internet” with some “crazy Justin”.

He was also asked questions that he didn’t want to answer about his love life, his clothes and his night time habits, then after nine minutes he became ‘disinterested’

with the DJ’s antics and made a sharp exit. He also walked off stage during a concert in Norway as fans were mocking him.

Did you hear about the man who, as a joke, started a petition calling for the United Nations to stop PHIL COLLINS from emerging from retirement as “there’s already too much suffering in the world?” It was signed by over 4,500 people before it was closed. COLLINS has said he is coming out of retirement to show his children “what their dad does”. He is apparently doing so to avoid relapsing into alcohol addiction – if he does return to the music scene this will probably drive a lot more people to drink! e

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magical sleep comfort Jensen Supreme Continental gives you an utterly enchanting sleep comfort.

Part of the secret is hidden in the soft shoulder zone and the additional support for the lower back, which makes sure that the body gets an even and continuous support.

Jensen Store S I N C E

2 0 0 5

PolĂ­gono Nueva Campana 23 Nueva AndalucĂ­a, Marbella Phone +34 952 90 88 55 Open mon - fri 10-14, 15-18 www.jensenstore.com

THE TREND books

Life is Stranger

than Fiction

Marisa Cutillas brings our readers her list of top non-fiction reads for 2016 and one very special novel set in the south of Spain…

BINGE BY TYLER OAKLEY

Social advocate, pop culture guru and LGBT+ voice, Tyler Oakley, penned this best-selling collection of witty, hilarious essays, in the same style that has earned him over 21 million followers on social media.

The book touches on a wide range of topics, including Tyler’s childhood, his ranking of Disney Prince handsomeness and the downhills he encountered along his way to the top. A word of advice: watch a few of his videos on YouTube; if you like his style, the book will definitely be a worthwhile investment.

M TRAIN BY PATTI SMITH

Musician and award-winning author, Patti Smith, brings us this beautiful memoir of the cafés, homes and exotic lands she has visited, as she ruminates on the nature of art, writing, and loss.

Smith takes us to Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul in Mexica, attends a meeting of Arctic explorers in Berlin and rests in a beachfront bungalow in New York’s Far Rockaway, sharing memories of her fascinating life and her views on television, travel, literature and love. The book contains stunning illustrations and photographs, taken by Patti Smith on her many sojourns.

BEING MORTAL

BY ATUL GAWANDE

Surgeon, Atul Gawande, delves into the way doctors often fail patients who are nearing the end of their lives. He follows a hospice nurse on her rounds, a geriatric specialist in his clinic, and reformers who are changing the approach to the treatment of patients in nursing homes.

He argues that the ultimate aim should not be a good death, but a good life – until we take our very last breath.

UNFAITHFUL MUSIC & DISAPPEARING INK

BY ELVIS COSTELLO

Famous musician, Elvis Costello, has lent names of hit songs to books in the past (Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity and Bret Easton Ellis’ Less than Zero), but this time, the best-selling work is all his.

Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink is the story of his musical success, but also of the many mistakes he made (and bridges he burned) along the way. He tackles the embarrassing episode of when he got into a drunken brawl and referred to Ray Charles as “blind and ignorant,” expressing his regret but also placing the incident into context.

SHADES IN THE SUN

BY STEVE TAYLOR

If you liked 50 Shades of Grey but you wish it were laced with a little more irony and humour, then you’ll love Shades in the Sun, a parody of the famous best-seller. The book’s protagonist, Christian Brey, is, to all intents and purposes, a ‘winner’. He is about to be promoted at work, he has a gorgeous girlfriend and he’s living in a lovely flat.

However, his world is turned upside down when a smash hit novel is released, with a main character bearing a similar name to his. Bogged down by the attention, Christian heads to sunny Andalucía until the frenzy dies down, but how long will his peace last?

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Have a Merry Marbella Christmas!

With love from Nordica

Making property dreams come true www.nordicamarbella.com  sales@nordicamarbella.com  Tel: 952 811 552 

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THE TREND technology

Smart

CHRISTMAS The Netatmo Camera, The 3Rings Plug, The Bowers & Wilkins P5 Bluetooth Headphones and the Hermès Smart Watch

If you are still in business (as opposed to retired) you know that Christmas starts in September, but for the rest of us consumers it really starts pretty much after Halloween. The dreaded questions and job of what to buy your loved ones: most of you who read this will agree with me that there are few things left that he or she does not have and even those rare items that you can think of are still not the best. That’s when some of you turn to gadgets, especially when it comes to us men. I can’t help you much in the women’s department but I can certainly help with this one.

WORDS ALI PARANDEH

Y

ou remember that in the April issue, I wrote about Smart Watches and the Apple Watch was still due to be released.

Well it is, but forget the Apple Watch.

There is something still much sexier, better and just as Smart. It is the Hermès Watch. It is Hermès by design and Apple inside. By far this is the best you can get in the market, it is to all sense and purposes Smart; it is chic and it is an Apple Smart watch. Let’s see if my wife reads this article in time. I might be lucky and receive the gift I really want.

Before I get what I want, I know she will be looking at things for the kids. So I have already suggested a number of things. The Bowers & Wilkins P5 Bluetooth Headphones for our 12-year-old. They are classy but most importantly built well and

look solid. No more cables, pulling laptops and phones. We also did consider the mobile handset from Acoustic Research (AR-M2) model.

It can make a good gift for a 16 year old and above. The question remains: what do you get a 3 year old? After a long debate the decision was a good few new Apps (check out http://www.kevinbradford.org for a really good list of educational apps), apart from the other non hightech toys that the grandparents and friends will provide.

Next on my list, is the elderly parents. What do you get them?

Another jumper? Windows 10? Or iPad Air? If it was me, I would buy a 3Rings Plug. Sounds an odd item, but you will love it. British by design, this gadget will keep you informed of the use of different electrical

appliances in your parent’s house. If you felt that you had to worry before, now you don’t. Plug it in and then check your phone for updates. Wifi enabled, this device keeps sending information as to the use of different appliances in the house. It is the perfect non-intrusive monitor that you were waiting for. I might even think of installing some at home, for while we are away on holiday!

Finally, something for yourself, that gadget that is useful and you haven’t got one like it. It has to be the Netatmo Camera. Apart from the offputting, almost unpronounceable name, this little DYI security system is by far the most interesting one I have come across. First of all, it has an 8GB internal micro SD and no running costs. Secondly, and most importantly, it is designed to

distinguish faces. So it will recognise your butler Jim and cleaner María, but should Paco or Tom enter without permission or invitation you are immediately alerted by phone or its app. It is as useful for the entrance as it is for your study or office.

Well, that’s it for now. I hope one of the above tickles your interest and I hope that you will enjoy your holidays. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

g Ali Parandeh, is the Founder of PC Doctor & Urbytus. He has written five books in the fields of Internet and Biotechnology. He is currently an independent mentor at the Founder Institute and helps entrepreneurs with getting their ideas and work off the ground. parandeh@urbytus.com

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THE TREND motoring

ROLLS-ROYCE Dawn Drophead

The announcement of a new Rolls-Royce is always an event worth celebrating because they simply don’t come along that often. Thankfully, cars in the Rolls-Royce class (though there are few) don’t change very much once they’re launched. Given this dictum, expect to see the latest model – the Dawn drophead – around for a good many years with only minor updates. WORDS TONY WHITNEY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ROLLS-ROCYE

T

he name ‘Dawn’ has something of a history with Rolls-Royce as there was a large saloon (later offered as a drophead) with that name back in the early 1950s, the Silver Dawn. The name was used again more recently for a variant of the Silver Spur model.

The splendid new Dawn, with its convertible top, is light years away from earlier cars that bore the name and is based on the Wraith coupé, the historic company’s smallest car, though ‘small’ is a relative term here.

Rolls-Royce describes the Dawn as “The sexiest Rolls-Royce ever built,” which is an interesting departure from the august manufacturer’s usual, rather formal, approach when promoting its products. Of course, they’ve hit the nail squarely on the head and the car is certainly very alluring in every way.

It’s supremely elegant and seductive, though it thankfully boasts no gimmicky features and is actually rather plain in many ways. Certainly it has the famous radiator grille and ‘spirit

of ecstasy’ bonnet ornament plus tasteful, understated, lines, but there are no swoopy curves or discordant elements in the graceful bodywork. As with so many luxury vehicles nowadays, LED lighting abounds and there’s nothing ‘traditional’ about the head and tail lights. The narrow rectangular headlights may not look very big, but their power is exceptional.

The driver also benefits from a head-up display and a heat detection system that seeks out wayward animals or people on a dark road.

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The new drophead (please don’t say convertible, in Rolls-speak) has a roomy four seats and lots of boot space too so it’s a wonderful conveyance for long distance touring. The roof is naturally fabric of the highest quality and according to Rolls-Royce, delivers the silence of the Wraith and glides into place in just 20 seconds, ever when you’re cruising along at 50 km/h. It’s claimed to be the quietest open top car even built and specially tailored seams in the fabric help cut wind noise altogether.

The Dawn is powered by a mighty 6.6-litre twinturbo V-12 engine which has, as might be expected, BMW origins. Rolls-Royce, as most people know by now, is part of the BMW group. The powerplant is mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission which is ‘satellite aided’ and uses GPS data to allow the car to see beyond what the driver can spot. So gears are selected seamlessly to set you up for a hill around the next corner or a tight turn in the road.

The V-12 develops a lusty 563-horsepower and my experience with big Rolls-Royce models is that they are a lot sportier than one might think and can be driven with a good deal of verve on winding roads thanks to some clever suspension work.

Of course, technical features apart, one of the reasons people buy Rolls-Royce motor cars is for the astonishing level of workmanship that goes into every model. There’s nothing quite like the quality of

the exterior paint with its innumerable coats and the way all the panels fit. The Dawn even has a reminder of the old ‘boat tail’ days of car building on the rear deck just behind the open cabin. It looks like the kind of wood old speedboats used to be made of.

There’s a lot of technology packed into this car and the remarkable navigation system is a reminder of this. It uses a touch pad, rather than a touch screen so you don’t get unsightly finger marks at eye level.

Voice activation is also a feature and once you’ve set your route, you can sit back and enjoy a sound system that uses 16 speakers.

The interior trim is dealt with in Rolls-Royce tradition and is amazing in its opulence and quality.

The finest leathers and carpeting are used to create an ambiance that even the biggest names in the luxury car field can’t quite match.

The Dawn is an expensive car, there’s no denying that, but to those with the means, it presents an uncompromising driving experience in a conveniently smaller package than the huge Phantom drophead. According to Rolls-Royce, they only built 28 of the original 1950s drophead that bore the Dawn name but I have a feeling that they’ll sell an awful lot more of these 2016 models and that the car will remain in the Rolls-Royce range for many years to come. e

Z ENGINE: 563-horsepower V-12 6.6-litres.

Z TRANSMISSION: Eight-speed automatic aided by GPS system.

Z ACCELERATION: Zero to 100 km/h in 4.9-secs.

Z TOP SPEED: 250 km/h (governed).

Z I LIKED: Great-looking car, whether open or closed. Excellent roof with very fast action for a four-seater.

Unmatched prestige, if that’s what the buyer is seeking. Surprisingly sporty performance from what might be thought a ‘stately’ vehicle.

Z I DIDN’T LIKE: Very expensive and no doubt costly to maintain. As with all super-luxury cars, depreciation is dramatic, so plan to keep your Dawn for many enjoyable years.

Z MARKET ALTERNATIVES: Bentley Continental Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet.

Z WHO DRIVES ONE? People who’ve always bought Rolls-Royce and will continue to do so. Owners of the big Phantoms who’d like a ‘sports car’ in the garage, buyers who have never owned a Rolls-Royce and are attracted to the Dawn’s fairly compact dimensions and ease of driving. Buyers who’ve owned a Bentley convertible and would like to ‘move up’ to something a little more exotic.

Z PRICE AND AVAILABILITY: Coming next spring at €350.000.

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Christmas & New Year Special Offer

Buy a Day Pass for 2 and receive one free relaxing massage*

Daily Lunch Menu & Sunday Roast available

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CULTURE / HISTORY / FEATURES

focus FAMOUS PEOPLE / INTERVIEWS / HUMOUR

Wow your loved ones with designer gifts from the world’s most exclusive jewellery and watch makers, discover what makes La Zagaleta such an exclusive area to live in, and visit new luxury villa project, Loma de Casasola.

Music is in our blood this month, with articles on Rock Lounge and María Testa, founder of Música Con Encanto.

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Designer Christmas Gifts

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La Zagaleta

64

Loma de Casasola

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Rock Lounge

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María Testa of Música Con Encanto

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THE FOCUS gifts

D AY- D AT E 4 0

ROLEX YA C H T M A S T E R 4 0 D AT E J U S T PE ARLMASTER 39

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L A D Y- D AT E J U S T 2 8

R O L E X W W W. R O L E X . C O M

FOR

TIME

Stumped as to what to get your lover for Christmas? Marisa Cutillas presents stunning watch and jewellery collections by some of the world’s most prestigious brands…

LUXURY

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AUDEMARS PIGUE T R O YA L O A K O F F S H O R E T O U R B I L L O N R O YA L O A K A U T O M AT I C R O YA L O A K L A D Y

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MILLENARY A U D E M A R S P I G U E T W W W. A U D E M A R S P I G U E T. C O M

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CARTIER R I N G I N P I N K G O L D, B LU E SA PPH I RES, C H A LC E D O N I ES A N D LAPIS LAZULI EARRINGS IN PINK G O L D, B LU E S A P P H I R ES, C H A LC E D O N I ES, L A P I S L A ZU LI, T U RQUOISE, M O O N STO N ES, AQUAMARINES AND

Photography © Vincent Wulveryck

DIAMONDS BRACELE T IN PINK G O L D, A M E T H Y S T S, TO U R M A L I N ES, AQUA M A R I N ES, SPI N ELS AND DIAMONDS

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RING IN PINK GOLD AND DIAMONDS C A R T I E R W W W. C A R T I E R . C O M

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ID E A L J OY EROS CHAUME T MINI PENDANT I N R O S E G O L D A N D PAV E DIAMONDS FROM THE LIENS COLLECTION. PIAGE T E ARRINGS IN WHITE GOLD AND DIAMONDS FROM THE ROSE COLLECTION. FOPE BRACELE TS FROM THE EK A COLLECTION, IN R O S E, W H I T E O R Y E L LOW GOLD WI T H DIAMON DS.

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ANUNCIO ESSENTIAL OCTUBRE 2015_Maquetación 1 22/10/15 13:30 Página 1

PASSION FOR PROPERT Y

+34 952 85 00 01

Mijas Golf

REF: MLSV520667

2.350.000€

• Finest estate available in the area • First line to Mijas golf course • Classical architecture with a contemporary twist • Timeless elegance • Five bedrooms • Five bathrooms • 530m2 built • 2.245m2 plot

Centro Comercial Elviria, local 6 & 7 • Urbanización Elviria • 29604 Marbella, Málaga Tel: +34 952 85 00 01 • contact@ResidenciaEstates.com

www.ResidenciaEstates.com

C H AU M E T H O RT E N S I A R I N G I N PI N K GO L D A N D D I A M O N DS. I D E A L J O Y E R O S W W W. I D E A L J O Y E R O S .C O M

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“ Wh e n yo u are s er i o u s ab ou t R eal Es tate”

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2016!

Built: 1645 m2 Plot: 1645 m2 Price: 4.600.000€

Bahia de Marbella. Beachside 5 bedroom villa under construction, 250 meters from the beach located in an exclusive residential area and to be finished in 6 months. Built on 3 levels +basement with parking for 5 cars, sauna, and a large room of 180 m 2. R2538536

Built: 169 m2 Terrace: 65 m2 Price: 312.000€

La Cala de Mijas. Brand new development, 10 minutes’ walk to the beach, 2-3-4 bedroom apartments available from 312.000€. All the apartments have panoramic sea views and built to the highest standards. To be completed in January 2017. R2527229

Built: 152 m2 Plot: 116 m2 Price: 495.000€

Azalea Beach. Beachside South facing corner townhouse with 6 bedrooms located only a few minutes away from San Pedro and Puerto Banus, small private garden and communal gardens with 2 swimming pools and underground parking included. R2520497

Built: 446 m2 Plot: 1066 m2 Price: 1.995.000€

Nueva Andalucia. Beautiful good quality 4 bedroom villa in the popular area, Las Brisas. Very private villa with fantastic pool area and BBQ area by the pool.

The house is southwest facing and features open style kitchen, living room with high ceiling, large windows and garage for 2 cars. R2543381

Built: 303 m2 Terrace: 123 m2 Price: 1.875.000€

Beachfront Puerto Banús. Penthouse with 3 bedrooms in an luxurious development located on the beach only a 10 minutes’ walk to Puerto Banús. Tropical gardens including swimming pools and 24 hours security.

The penthouse is in immaculate condition and furnished.

R2231372

marbella-estates.com • Tel. +34 952 90 42 44 • info@marbella-estates.com 196 Marbella Estates.indd 1

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THE FOCUS golf

LA ZAGALETA when exclusivity becomes tangible The country club that arose from a hunting estate in the foothills above Marbella has become one of the most exclusive living environments in Europe – its name by now the very embodiment of prestige and the premium lifestyle setting.

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

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2

5 years ago, La Zagaleta was still La Baraka, a hunting estate sprawling across the lower reaches of the Sierra Bermeja mountain range. Famously the former property of the extravagant Saudi magnate Adnan Kashoggi, the area was about to undergo a transformation and become an exclusive country club in the true sense of the word for an international clientele that prizes privacy, security and top-level amenities.

On the site of Kashoggi’s villa a luxurious clubhouse took form, itself the centre point of an 18-hole golf course designed by the Californian architect, Bradford Benz, that is ranked among the best in Spain. Its scenic, undulating greenery unfurls across valleys like a green carpet, skirting private villas as it reveals stunning mountain and sea views that take in much of the Marbella coastline all the way to Gibraltar. From this elevated position, views and natural beauty are an everyday companion, making it hard to believe that the bustle of Marbella and Puerto Banús is just fifteen minutes hence.

There are many gated communities here

as elsewhere, but what set La Zagaleta apart from other luxury residential areas and country clubs from the outset was a sense of privacy and selectiveness that has since come to define it. Essentially conceived as a private domain expressly for residents only, the name has come to stand for the highest standards of exclusivity. Now, in its 25th year, La Zagaleta is a brand that represents the values of luxury we associate with such renowned marques as Bentley, Bulgari and Breitling.

The Creation of a Luxury Brand Many believe that luxury is all about the quality of materials, décor and amenities proffered, especially when dealing with real estate, but these elements are just part of the alchemy that goes into the creation of that elusive sense of prestige and desirability that the finest brands evoke. History and pedigree are other ingredients, but most important of all is a determination to attain a superlative level and jealously guard it

through an unwavering dedication to quality and service.

“We put the sign up 25 years ago,” says Ignacio Pérez Díaz who, as the group’s head of business development, has helped to create the blueprint for what has become an internationally recognised landmark of luxury living. “The name was new, the setting was stunning and the proximity to Marbella very important, but all of this was just the beginning. What we did in 1990 was to develop a concept of luxury beyond the norm and continue working at it every day since then. It is this vision that has shaped La Zagaleta and gradually made it a luxury brand in its own right.”

In other words, the sign that was put up 25 years ago has now become a reference of luxury and uniqueness, which the company that created and manages La Zagaleta has sought to nurture and safeguard. Today, La Zagaleta is a globally protected brand name that forms part of a portfolio of trademarks.

Building on this, the company went public in 2000.

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The Evolution of First Class Having attained this level of prestige and recognition for the quality it offers in its setting, properties and accompanying lifestyle and services, where does La Zagaleta go from here? “To maintain our present status one cannot stand still, but must always be pursuing perfection and evolving with the times. Times have changed and today’s premium resident demands a more amplified mix of amenities and support services, yet the desire for privacy and security has remained as strong as ever, so the validity of a top end, integrated resort is greater than ever.”

La Zagaleta has an estimated €2.5 billion worth of real estate within its country club setting, and the owners of such homes form part of an international elite that demands the very best. “Among our residents are corporate CEOs, industrialists, technology entrepreneurs and international figures from the fields of sport and entertainment,” says Ignacio.

“These are well-informed people who are not easily fobbed off when it comes to service, infrastructure and the other elements that go into the kind of lifestyle La Zagaleta offers.”

It keeps the management team at La Zagaleta on its toes and always looking to improve. “We have a responsibility to our residents not just to provide the highest levels of facilities, maintenance and service, but also to protect and raise the value of their properties.”

To this end the country club is undergoing its most detailed beautification ever, a process aimed especially at modernising the amenities while maintaining the refinement and spirit upon which La Zagaleta has built it luxury reputation.

Among the improvements are a complete makeover of the original 18-hole residents-only golf course, which when completed will nicely complement the new course opened in 2006.

They form the focal point of a country club estate that covers 900 hectares of beautiful green valleys set within pine-clad hills where deer roam amid groves of trees, streams and waterfalls. The amenities here include an equestrian centre where homeowners can stable their horses and take horse-riding lessons, a racquet club and a clubhouse that forms the heart of the community.

“We provide a residential environment in which people can enjoy their homes without being overlooked. Our homeowners can decide for themselves if they seek privacy and seclusion or wish to mingle.” For the latter, the clubhouse has long been the social meeting point, and its recent renovation represents a carefully maintained balance between modern luxury and the preservation of La Zagaleta’s classic appeal. “As a management company, ours is a long-term commitment to our residents, and it starts with maintaining everything from the protected landscape to the over 60 kilometres of roads in tip-top order, as well as ensuring our residents have high-speed internet connections and elegant facilities that negate the need to leave La Zagaleta.”

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Expanding the Concept In working to keep this promise to its community of homeowners, the management of La Zagaleta has acquired specialised expertise in the creation and maintenance of a luxury residential brand that enjoys international recognition. “While the setting of La Zagaleta is not repeatable this know-how is,” says Ignacio. “We are growing as a company and are embarking upon new projects that may not be entirely identical to La Zagaleta but will carry the same philosophy, if not the name. I cannot be specific until we are ready for an official launch, but the ingredients that have gone into making La Zagaleta what it is today – a concept in luxury resort living – will expand the concept into new areas.”

Marbella know-how exported to other prime settings is what it boils down to.

Just as the cosmopolitan homeowners at

La Zagaleta have taught its management a great deal through the high standards they demand, and raised the real estate profile to another level through the magnificent properties constructed here, so its concept of a master-planned elite living environment will be introduced to different physical settings.

Like the legendary brands that have become global icons of luxury and privilege, the spirit that built La Zagaleta is spreading its wings while remaining true to the spot where it all began. “As we evolve, our commitment to La Zagaleta continues undiluted,” says Ignacio Pérez, “and as this is the pearl that our brand is built upon, the latest improvements reflect the undiminished desire to ensure that this country estate continues to be Europe’s best.” i www.lazagaleta.com

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THE FOCUS property

LIVE THE HIGH LIFE IN THE HEART OF MARBELLA

LOMA DE CASASOLA

The talk of the town in terms of property is undoubtedly the new project of promoter, Eric Albert (of Casas de Benahavís), whose dream of providing discerning homeowners with villas designed by the best in the business and bearing quality installations, will soon be a reality. Loma de Casasola is a private, gated urbanisation just five minutes by car from Puerto Banús, currently in construction and comprising six beautiful villas whose architect is none other than Juan Antonio Fernández, whose Boulevard in San Pedro has completely transformed the area, turning it into a reference point for family-focussed architecture in the south of Spain.

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN AND COURTESY OF LOMA DE CASASOLA

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T

he new luxury urbanisation is ensconced in the luxurious area of Guadalmina Casasola, a stone’s throw from some of the most highly prized villas in all of Marbella. Of course, these villas offer something many older styled homes do not: cutting edge design and materials and a style of architecture that looks to the future instead of the past. Eric explains: “These houses are built to last an eternity. We have spared nothing in terms of materials, relying on the very best suppliers in each market.”

The flooring and tiling, for instance, is provided by companies the calibre of Porcelanosa and Keraben, the external aluminium woodwork by Schüco, with fully equipped kitchens

by Bulthaup b3 and appliances by Gaggenau. The bathroom ware is designed by Philippe Starck, the electrical installation by Hager and a gorgeous system of illumination designed by Illusion and Deltalight.

The underfloor heating and air conditioning is by Daikin.

Eric’s ultimate objective is to provide the utmost in durability, comfort and beauty, in every tiny detail. Technology is also right up there in his scale of values.

The homes boast, as is expected, installation for a LUTRON domotic system and a cutting-edge elevator

that travels from the garage to the top floor. “Our aim is to create homes filled with warmth, not cold minimalism,” he says.

If you are familiar with the work of architect, Juan Antonio Fernández, then you know that ‘visionary’ probably best sums up his idea of beauty and harmony. The villas boast between four and five bedrooms, a garage for two to three cars and a built area of 501m2 – 581m2. All homes have ample terrace areas on the main and uppers floors, as well as their own swimming pool, with pre-installation for climatisation.

The distribution in each of the villas is similar, with slight variations.

In all villas, the ground floor, where the garage is located, comprises a laundry, bedroom with ensuite bathroom and a 60m2 space which can be used as a gym, games room or cinema. The uppers floors contain an open kitchen, dining room, living room a guest bathroom and three or four bedrooms more (all with an ensuite bathroom) and a dressing room.

At Loma de Casasola, the star player is undoubtedly the natural light that streams into every floor from the large windows and terraces.

The first and second floors boast large open terraces whose views are unhampered by columns. The living

areas themselves are separated from the terraces by cutting-edge glass, which affords a crystal clear view outside, but which is opaque when viewed from the exterior.

Explains Juan Antonio, “The glass is thermally treated, thereby keeping the home cool in the summer and warm in winter, and greatly reducing the consumption of energy.”

Location is another attractive feature of the urbanisation: the villas face an open area, which is officially classified as a protected ‘green zone’.

The surrounding architecture is lowbuilt and homes enjoy a partial view of the sea. The villas are just 700m from the beach, so that homeowners can enjoy the best of the beach lifestyle as well.

To visit Loma de Casasola is to appreciate its full majesty. The spacious open terraces, dreamlike pool, and large rooms speak to Platonic ideals of beauty and inspire universal sensations such as joy and awe. Since the villas are currently under construction, if you’d like to obtain an idea of what the Loma de Casasola lifestyle can offer you, take a virtual visit, made possible by the talent of Silvia Molina and the team at Area Design. “We took the existing green spaces and features surrounding the villas, incorporating them into the 3D visual experience,”

she says, adding, “All spaces are designed to actual size, so you see exactly what you get.”

In addition to bringing the vision to reality via 3D, Silvia is also an interior designer. If you are interested in a villa, she can bring each room to life with the furniture of your choice, designing rooms as they will actually look with your selected items and finishings. “We can completely furnish the villa,” she says, “envisaging the client’s dream interiors alongside them.” Each villa is offered with an interior design proposal.

Loma de Casasola boasts a highly skilled, experienced and friendly team whose aim is to create the home of your dreams, down to the finest detail. At the offices, you will be greeted by affable architect, Ana Salinero, who manages the project, while the friendly Anastasia Axcerias is in charge of sales.

Alongside the promoter, the team holds a passionate belief in the excellence of what they are creating, and are ready to share the luxury of the Casasola lifestyle with clients who appreciate the value of forward thinking architecture and design. g Loma de Casasola is promoted by

Casas de Benahavís, S.L. Tel: 677 492 493. www.lomadecasasola.com

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Ofreciendo lo mejor desde 1990 Offering the best since 1990

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30LEUFNITT!S

THE FOCUS people

EX PE RIE NCE

Music

THE ROCK LOUNGE

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

The partnership between longstanding promoter David Giles and Martin Tye brings together a wealth of industry and commercial expertise, but above all a passion born from a lifelong love of music. Under the Rock Lounge banner they will be introducing a whole new range of top acts to Marbella next season.

O

ver the past ten years, David Giles has brought artists such as Rod Stewart, Van Morrison, Michael Bolton, Blondie, The Gypsy Kings, Kool & the Gang and Earth, Wind & Fire to Marbella, with the Puente Romano tennis club forming the setting for many a classic, balmy summer night. The annual season of events has become a part of the Marbella social calendar, and while the town has in recent years become the scene of a full summer of musical events, David and his business partner Martin Tye believe there is a gap in the market for more affordable events that also incorporate the option of a very special VIP Rock Lounge experience.

“The Rock Lounge is already an established

concept in Marbella,” says David, “but it actually has its roots in Miami, Florida, where we organised our first concerts and events.” These include the Soul Frito Music Festival at Sunlife Stadium and Island Lounge at Miami Beach, which is part of the World Cup Beach Polo. Other trademark events include the Desert Lounge at venues such as exotic Pacha in Marrakech and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi – not to mention of course the Rock Lounge Concert Series held in Marbella, Palma de Mallorca and the Algarve.

“Our concept has always been to bring top acts to special parts of the world where people gather to enjoy themselves in style,” says David,

and I think we have delivered on that.” From tens of thousands thronged on the beaches of Miami on New Year’s Eve to select hospitality gatherings, he has matched the concept to the occasion, while remaining true to the dual mission of providing affordable concert tickets and a top notch VIP experience. “At the higher end of the market, particularly in places like Palma, Marbella and Abu Dhabi, it entails enjoying a special experience, and we have created those in a heady, luxurious environment with superb hospitality.”

“It’s all about creating a sense of occasion,” says David, “accompanied with personal attention and a Bohemian chic approach to

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A New Season of Exciting Concerts

partying,” adds Martin, who lives in La Quinta with his wife Veronika and their three children, and has the commercial expertise necessary, having been both chairman and managing director of several listed and private companies in the UK. Above all, however, the partnership is founded on a shared love of a very wide variety of music that between the two transcends pop, rock and soul to also include more classical genres. “Though we come from different professional backgrounds, I think music has played a central part in both our lives. The fact that we are more or less contemporaries means we have a similar soundtrack that spans back several decades.”

Crazy Music Productions

This shared interest finds expression in Crazy Music Productions S.L., which will be launching the Concert Series with renewed vigour under the Rock Lounge banner. “It’s a strong brand that people associate with great music in top venues, as well as the concept of providing good value for money and a madeto-measure VIP guest hospitality environment with enhanced security procedures, so we’re building on that reputation to offer a whole new slate of major events next summer,” says David. In keeping with the company’s

philosophy, tickets will be available from €40, running all the way up to luxury packages with a guest box including Champagne and waiter service.

Asked if it isn’t very difficult to offer the two simultaneously, David responds: “Not really.

In effect you create an event by contracting a top act, a venue to match and then set about adding in the specific details – be it a classic standing or seated concert experience or a VIP guest hospitality environment. It’s not that dissimilar to attending a major sports event like a football match, where both normal seats in the stands and corporate and private hospitality are offered within the same stadium venue around a single event.”

Of course, that makes it all sound rather easy, when in reality the realisation of any big event, let alone a concert with an important hospitality component, requires detailed organisation. “A lot of negotiation is required beforehand, followed by a highly synchronised schedule and teamwork that functions like a well-oiled machine.” He still remembers the first Rock Lounge in the UK. Held at Highclere Castle, where Downton Abbey is filmed, it brought together names such as Eric Clapton, Roger Waters and Bryan Ferry, and was hosted

by Jeremy Clarkson.

The public sees the glamorous side of such events, but it requires a knowing hand to organise them. “When we line up an event we put in long hours, negotiating with acts and venues, and coordinating a great team, but I enjoy it so much it never seems like work to me,” says Martin, whose enthusiasm is part of a new drive to expand and develop the Rock Lounge brand and its offering of events.

As he quotes, “It’s only Rock & Roll but we like it,” and that’s a sentiment shared by many, including the thousands who have enjoyed Rock Lounge concerts over the years and the thousands who will be doing so again next summer. “Our season starts in July and runs through to the end of August,” says David, by which time we will have presented a full calendar of top name concerts in Marbella, Palma de Mallorca, the Costa Blanca and in the Algarve.” The first big name to be confirmed for next season is Simply Red, who wooed not only the crowds at the last Rock Lounge concert in Palma, but also the then Crown Prince Felipe and Princess Leticia, as well as Boris Becker, Steve Macmanaman and other international celebrities.

“We are going to attract great acts,” says Martin, “and present a variety of stunning venues that suit each performer and occasion, bringing together thousands of music lovers and offering premium hospitality including pre and post-event entertainment.” With at least three big name concerts scheduled for the Marbella area next season and two for Palma de Mallorca, we can look forward to a fruitful new musical partnership for a sizzling hot summer of 2016.

g C.C. Centro Diana, Bloque 3,

Local 32, Estepona.

Tel: 952 883 832. info@crazymusicproductions.com www.crazymusicproductions.com

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THE FOCUS people

The Spark that Started the Coastal Cultural Revolution

MARÍA TESTA OF

Música con Encanto

There is a big misconception surrounding Marbella that María Testa, professional pianist, culture vulture and founder of Música con Encanto, has made it her mission to erase: the idea that all we have to offer is sunny weather, a party vibe, and good beaches. While these and other features make ours an ideal town in which to raise a family, it would all mean nothing in the absence of something that feeds our mind, our soul and our spirituality, and this is where music comes in.

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

M

aría has been dedicated to music all her life. She studied Musicology at the Catholic University of Argentina, heading to Marbella when she was 22 to accompany prestigious pianist, Ramón Coll, and to finish her studies in piano. After graduating, she worked for many years at the Teatro Cervantes, forming the Philharmonic Orchestra of Málaga.

Following her marriage, María returned to Marbella, teaching artistic expression workshops at the Hotel Puente Romano. “I taught for two years, during a difficult economic time for Spain.

The workshops were just a seed that I always knew would bloom into something larger. I had my children and began working with Alessandro Cavalli, a violoncello player. I also formed the Duo del Sol, performing piano recitals alongside fellow musician, Irina Natskikh.

In 2004, María founded Música con Encanto, in an effort to bring the beauty of music to a wider audience. She notes: “At that time, there was hardly any cultural activity taking place on the Coast. There was a philharmonic society, but it was private. My idea was to build a more

open, egalitarian meeting point for musicians.”

Although María is a highly trained and seasoned pianist, Música con Encanto would not be limited to professionals: “We wanted not only to offer concerts by beginers and renowned musicians, but also to build a pedagogical project, to bring musical experiences to all ages. Thus, the Pequeña Orquesta Mediterránea and Music Appreciation Courses were born.”

The musicians that formed the grassroots of the new musical movement on the Coast began meeting at iconic restaurant, El Relicario, once a week. “The restaurant closed on Tuesdays and a bunch of us would bring various instruments to play together. The meetings grew more and more popular and we soon needed a larger place for our gatherings. We searched out new venues, such as Vasari’s beautiful patio, which we continue to use for our concerts in the summer.” In the Winter, many events and Músical documentary screenings take place at the La Virginia church.

The Salon El Olivo, at the Les Roches school, is another popular venue. Says María: “The management at Les Roches are very generous.

They love our project and loyally support us.

Recently, the Clínica Buchinger also invited us to use their grounds for our concerts, which we truly appreciate, while other concerts take place at the Salón La Caseta at Casino Marbella.”

Música con Encanto holds one concert every month, from September to June, every year. “We haven’t cancelled a single event,” beams María, “and in addition to live performances, we hold cinema evenings and organise cultural trips.”

María recently organised a bus excursion to take music lovers to and from the Teatro Cervantes, where they enjoyed Puccini’s Madame Butterfly after indulging in tapas, for just €10 (for the bus ride), plus the price of the ticket. “Excellent singers from Japan performed and it was a truly spectacular affair. What pleases me the most is seeing many parents with their teenage kids. Children need to be exposed to music so that its appreciation lives on.” The Pequeña Orquestra Mediterránea, founded in 2008 by Musical Director, Alison Harling, aims to do just that. Currently, over 30 students from as far as Sotogrande and Málaga, meet every Saturday

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at Les Roches, and perform for the public every Christmas and Summer.

Informative talks are also on the agenda for María and the team: “We have started a new Music Appreciation Course, since we believe that the more people know about music, the more they enjoy it.” Some 28 people meet every Monday evening at Vasari.

One event that has seriously raised Música Con Encanto’s prestige factor is the proclamation of Daniel Barenboim as Honorary President.

Barenboim, an Argentine pianist and conductor, is Director of La Scala in Milan and the Staatsoper Berlin. He is also renowned for his work with the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, an orchestra of young Arab and Israeli musicians based in Seville.

“When Barenboim signed onto our project, it enabled us to receive much greater recognition and helps us obtain more aid. We are a non-profit organisation; our budget comes from private support, as well as some companies and professionals in Marbella, but the rest of our expenses are fronted by tickets to our concerts.” The costs of running the organisation run to some €50.000 a year.

Música con Encanto is fast gaining recognition with some of the world’s best musicians, who have come to Marbella to delight local audiences with their talent. The organisation collaborates at many prestigious music awards, including the Maria Canals Piano Prize (2009), the Santander International Piano Competition (2014) and the International Seville Guitar Competition (2008).

Música con Encanto was officially recognised with the Premio de la Cultura 2015 for their work to create a cultural space in Marbella.

In addition to keeping busy with Música con Encanto, María continues to perform, sometimes with the organisation and sometimes working on her own projects. She accompanies soprano, JulieAnne Hunter on the piano, and performs various recitals throughout the year. She also helps raise funds for the organisation, reminding us that its existence depends on sponsorship and donations, since the project doesn’t have any institutional support. The website features the organisation’s GoFundMe link, so if you think that culture and music are worth fostering on the Coast, do your share and sign up as a sponsor or private donor. e

Música Con Encanto will be keeping us very busy this month, with the following activities lined up: »» December 12: The Pequeña Orquestra Mediterránea plays at the Salón de Actos del Ayuntamiento de Benahavís at 5:30pm, accompanied by the David Lenker Trio (playing jazz and film scores) and Rainer Krass on the violincello, under the musical direction of Alison Harling. »» December 28: Música con Encanto will be holding a screening of The Tempest, by Thomas Adès, a MET project based on the Shakespeare play and dreamed up by artist, Robert Lepage. At La Virginia Church in Marbella at 7pm. g Tel: 689 000 944. www.músicaconencanto.org

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style

INTERIORS / ARCHITECTURE / ART / DESIGN

Marvel at the beauty of a uniquely individualistic villa in La Zagaleta, don your best Dior dress and read up on the latest must-have fashion items.

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THE STYLE decor

JOINS THE

MARBELLA

A-list

Amazingly, considering the proliferation of luxurious villas and penthouses, it is often said that Marbella lacks the kind of properties that belong to the upper international echelons. With the creation of this singular home in La Zagaleta, the gap is being bridged.

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CALLUM SWAN REALTY

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M

arbella is not only rich in luxurious, multi-million euro villas and penthouses, it is in many ways characterised by them. How is it possible then that this glamorous resort town, for all its upmarket credentials, lacks the kind of A-list properties that fetch stratospheric prices in London, Paris, Dubai, Monaco, the Côte d’Azur and large parts of the USA? Yes, in the very finest addresses, such as the Golden Mile, La Zagaleta and seaside Los Monteros, sums in excess of 20 million euros can be achieved, but such properties remain rare and those that combine a top location with the kind of property that the international elite demand today, are even scarcer.

A home that does combine these factors, and qualifies as modern A-list real estate of the kind found in the most exclusive locations in the world, is this new villa arising in a prime location within La Zagaleta. Contemporary in its architectural styling, it is also unique, not a pastiche of mainstream designs but a property with a very unique look and very personal character and ambience. The long list of must-have elements of today’s top level home are all there, ensuring that this is a 21st century palace in the true sense of the word – made for living, relaxing and entertaining without a want for anything.

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The Making of a Modern Mansion What goes into the making of a modern mansion? We visit palaces and chateaux, and marvel at their opulence, scale and unending attention to artistic detail, not to mention the precious materials that went into their making. Yet we don’t always realise that today’s grandest homes are a representation of the same process, and therefore directly linked to the mansions, palaces and stately homes of the past. Born of the same desire to achieve earthly perfection and create an impressive personal oasis of elegance and luxury, they require an unerring dedication to nothing less than the very best.

With his characteristic whit, Winston Churchill stated that he was “easily satisfied with the very best,” so one would assume that he would have been a very happy guest at this mansion in the foothills overlooking Marbella. Indeed, the first step in creating a singular home is finding a suitably imposing location – a real estate truism that is simply inescapable. For this the owner had to purchase an existing villa, for the best spots are always the first taken, and replace a charming but ageing home with something that truly embodies luxury and grandeur in the modern day.

Tucked discreetly behind trees that flank the large gate, the villa is out of sight from the road but itself enjoys an open window on the world below it, from the golf courses and villa suburbs of Marbella to the shoreline and the Mediterranean Sea that unfolds beyond it. All around the property are hills clad in a green cover of pine and cork oaks, where the estate’s deer roam peacefully.

With this prime location as his canvas, the owner has created an ode to modern architecture and premium living on a private domain.

Outdoor bar and relaxing area with putting green

Your own private domain with a window on the world

Living spaces for an international elite – also to be used in big if possible

The magnificent style and qualities of the interior

An A-list property in Marbella

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Another Level At 3,188m2 this is a large and imposing villa, yet the clean white lines and rounded edges produce not only a personalised style but are also very effective in diminishing the volume of the home.

And yet it remains imposing, for as you follow the beautifully lightscaped driveway with a 50-metre long water feature to the front entrance you cannot help but be impressed. The huge glass and dark wood entrance plays a large part in this, but it is when you cross the threshold that your breath will most likely be taken away, for the first thing you see as you enter the house is a 15-metre fountain that forms a wall of water trickling down a central atrium from the upper levels.

It is rude to stare, but this is the kind of feature that deserves admiration, and the visual spectacle it produces has a mesmerising effect.

You will by now have noticed that this cascade is backed by a wall dressed in magnificent honeytoned onyx – a reminder of the beautiful materials used in the construction and decoration of this unique home. The finest marble sourced from around the world covers the floors, leading past

another of the villa’s A-1 features, a glass lift that connects the ground floor living quarters, upper level private quarters, entertainment area on the lower floor and the panoramic rooftop chill out lounge as an alternative to the elegant stairs that flow along the atrium.

Continue on and you realise that this really is a Marbella property on another level, with intricately hand-laid floor tiles, tall ceilings and grand windows that let the panoramic views in – not to mention under-the-skin intelligence that manages everything from lighting and fountains to floodlit projections, climate control, security and a host of other features. The living room is naturally a study in comfort and elegance, the formal dining room impressive and the modern kitchen the very best available today, combining form and function to perfection. Step out onto the large but elegant terrace and your glance is directed along the magnificent swimming pool to the broad horizon of sea and sky interspersed with the greenery of the surroundings.

Inside, light, space and the very finest

materials envelope you in a world of opulence and optimal luxury. Everything, from the furniture and lights to the sliding doors and wall cladding, is made to measure especially for this one home – just as it was in the days of the grand estates and chateaux. With the same exacting attention to detail, the owner has sourced materials from around the world, allowing himself to be inspired and enthused as he did so. “We have had some changes as the project went on,” admits the construction manager, “but I have to admit that they were always for the better.”

Thinking outside of convention and driven by a desire for the very best, the owner has made this a labour of love – and it shows. No developer would create a home in this way; thinking of their profit margin they cannot but approach the process in a more clinical fashion, yet here arises a villa with all the artistry and delicacy bestowed by someone with a vision to create a truly exceptional home. Set free from the usual constraints in this way, it is a singular home on another level altogether.

Luxurious styling with a nautical hint

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Opulent bedroom suites made to measure A world of relaxing and entertainment options

The finest stone, marble and onyx available has been used

Your own Turkish bath

Making an impact as you enter the home

Nautical Inspiration The influences that have gone into the making of this singular villa are many, but a recognisable theme is the cross-fertilisation of ideas taken from the very finest floating palaces of our day. The level of opulence attained in the world’s most luxurious yachts is such that their décor now inspires the furnishing and dressing of homes of this standard.

This much is evident in the magnificent polished wood that adorns part of the living area, extending from the salon to the equally stylish open kitchen with polished perfection.

It is a highly effective decorative combination, especially when melded with the very finest tastefully styled furniture pieces and crystal chandeliers that accentuate the home’s generous proportions. This level of lacquered elegance is also visible in the private quarters, each of which is more luxuriant than the next, complete with the most cosseting beds flanked by comfortable seating areas and handmade cabinets that look like they were crafted by Louis Vuitton himself.

Here, as throughout the home, the walls are not merely painted or plastered but consist of multiple layers perfectly laid to produce a clean, crisp surface whose smooth perfection hugs the villa’s often rounded architecture with geometric precision.

Where wood detailing, wallpaper or, as in the bathrooms, inlaid tiles are used, they are finished to a level not normally seen in these parts. The effect is a case study in contemporary elegance with a nod to classical and Art Deco styles. This is further embellished with floors and walls in exquisite red onyx from Pakistan or richly veined lacquered wooden furniture pieces that speak of taste, refinement and the very best quality money can buy. Like the seven bedrooms, the twelve accompanying bathrooms are private domains of pampering luxury and comfort, some featuring tiles and soft furnishings while others are clad in the finest marble and include modern stylistic details.

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The panoramic rooftop lounge area

Modern elegance and refinement

Bar, billiards, bowling and home cinema in sumptuous style

Even the private office is a study in timeless appeal, with handcrafted desks and wood panelling that call to mind Art Deco and nautical references yet above all speak of quality. Take the lift or follow the steps down to the lower floor and you enter a world of private indulgence – as if the rest of the home did not already qualify as such!

Polished hardwood ceilings, tiger eye onyx walls and columns, and gentry trickling water features combine with elegant sitting corners in soft, plush white leather to provide the backdrop for an entertainment area that redefines the concept altogether.

Instead of separated rooms dedicated to a singular function the various entertainment options all flow into one exquisitely styled and finished space. Within a single glance you spot seating areas for lively socialising or relaxing,

a magnificent bar that could grace the most luxurious deluxe hotel, a cinema area with plush seating and state of the art equipment, bridge tables and even a ten pin bowling alley in the home’s customary standard of finishing. Billiards, a virtual driving range, a simply stunning wine cellar and a true spa – all just a few steps away.

For the latter you will enter gorgeous marble bathrooms and dressing rooms before succumbing to the equally opulent sauna, steam bath and real ice room, not to mention a sensually styled indoor swimming pool with large porthole windows—another reminder of the interior’s nautical links. This is not a subterranean space either, for open a door and you encounter an outdoor bar and terrace area – overlooking your own putting green – that represents the best of today’s style. The same is true of the rooftop

Your own golf experience

lounge, from which you can contemplate beautiful views across the coastal plain and shoreline to the Mediterranean as you relax in one of the luxuriant seating areas, enjoy a drink at the bar or just generally make the most of the amenities of the home’s very own beach club setting.

Add a state of the art gym that overlooks the surrounding greenery and coastline from an elevated position and you begin to get a picture of just how complete this magnificent villa is. Along with a private, secure setting in one of Marbella’s finest addresses, this is the stuff that A-list homes in the 21st century are made of.

g Tel: 952 810 608. info@callumswan.com www.callumswanrealty.com

A private spa worthy of a resort hotel

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THE STYLE decor

Kambyses Persian Carpets

A DYING ART AND SURE-FIRE INVESTMENT In the near future, our grandchildren will have to visit museums in order to view a Persian carpet up-close. Far from an empty warning, this is, sadly, a harsh reality. The Persian carpet trade (whose current state is symbolised by Puerto Banús haven, Kambyses’ closing down sale) is on the way to extinction, and it isn’t because of a waning demand; on the contrary. The industry itself is dying, owing to the impossibility of making carpets in Iran at a low cost.

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

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K

ambyses was founded in 1978 by Kambiz Daemi, owner of one of the most renowned establishments dedicated to the millenary art of Persian carpets. Kambiz muses that he is closing his shop next to the bullring in Puerto Banús, not because he cannot make sales, but rather, because he cannot source new stock. He explains, “The rise in the cost of living in Iran and the effects of globalisation have made it impossible for the industry to thrive at competitive rates. Young Persians are seeking easier, less engaging ways to make a living. They aren’t willing to put in the time and sacrifice that older generations did. The industry of carpet making is almost completely gone at this point.”

Currently, the totality of Persian carpets (stunning Ghom, Tabriz, Isfahan, Nain, Bidjar, Baluch and Ghashgai varieties) in Europe are being sold at prices much lower than their actual production costs in Iran and this is only possible thanks to establishments such as Kambyses, currently disposing of stock purchased at a time when prices were more competitive.

Kambiz explains, “In Europe, manual craftsmanship is impossible because of the cost involved and the same phenomenon is occurring in Iran.”

Kambiz predicts that once current stocks in shops throughout Europe disappear, the prices of carpets will skyrocket to what they used to be in the 1970s, when a silk Ghom Persian carpet with one million knots measuring 3x2m cost two million pesetas (the same price as an average apartment at that time).

Persian carpets don’t just make great investments; they are also an ideal way to liven up your home.

Kambyses is not just for those with deep pockets;

buyers will find everything from small rugs costing less than €100, to beautiful silk carpets worth €150.000.

Kambiz is a highly knowledgeable man who kindly shows me some of the shop’s most exclusive carpets.

The detail and artistry is simply breathtaking. Many of the carpets bear an impressive 70 per cent discount, bringing their price to within smaller budgets. I am stunned by a carpet bearing an incredibly amount of detail. Blue roses, beautiful wild animals and stunning foliage come to life within a labyrinth of colours and patterns that merit hours of contemplation.

Kambiz also shows me a variety of styles: some carpets bear a single hue, livened up by varying shapes or geometric lines, others are far more elaborate. The size of the showroom and the number of carpets is impressive, comprising everything from small entrance runners to magnificent pieces larger than the average apartment living room!

If you are looking to add a work of art at a very reasonable price this Christmas, step into Kambyses and allow yourself to fall in love with the myriad of patterns, colours and shapes. Better yet, grace your home with a piece of art that harks back to a millenary tradition which sadly, will soon be a thing of the past, yet remains an excellent investment for the future.

Kambyses also specialises in the cleaning and restoration of oriental carpets; during the period that the shop remains in liquidation, clients can bring in their carpets for these services. g Avda. Pilar Calvo 43 (just before the Nueva Andalucía

bullring), Marbella. Tel: 952 812 222. www.kambyses.com

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Embroidered pastel silk organza dress • Embroidered white silk organza dress with jacquard knitted top

THE STYLE fashion

DIOR HAUTE COUTURE AUTUMN/WINTER 2015-2016

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Long flowing capes, floral print fabric and the most delicate silk garments make for a collection fit for a princess. Marisa Cutillas brings you a few highlights from Dior’s most dazzling collection.

When Fashion is a Fairytale

Printed silk chiffon dress with jacquard knitted top • Printed pastel silk faille coat ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM DECEMBER 2015 / 85

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Hand painted pastel dress with jacquard knitted top • Hand painted pastel dress

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Embroidered printed silk chiffon and wool crepe dress • Embroidered printed silk organza evening dress

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Dark navy velvet coat with royal blue trousers • Dark navy silk crepe dress

i www.dior.com

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Embroidered off-white silk Gazar dress • Off-white pleated silk crepe and dark navy cashmere coat with brown silk chiffon skirt

THE STYLE fashion

e by

Clutches

B a g by D

ior

Dior

by M o n s

oon

SHIMMER AND SHINE

Sho

We bring you our personal selection of ‘it’ items for the season, for girls who like to make a statement wherever they go…

COMPILATION MARISA CUTILLAS

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CONTACTS: ACCESSORIZE: www.eu.accessorize.com DIOR: www.dior.com LINKS OF LONDON: www.linksoflondon.com LOUIS VUITTON: www.louisvuitton.com MONSOON: www.monsoon.co.uk REBECA SANVER: www.rebecasanver.com

Petite Malle ba

g by Louis Vu

itton

Champagne and Ice Bucket Charm by Links of London

Be

Twist bag by Louis Vuitton

an

ie

D by

ior

Victorian star brooch and Celestial brooch by Accessorize

Stole by Louis Vuitton

Boot by Dior

Boot by Rebeca Sanver Boot by Louis Vuitton

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THE STYLE fashion

O K I N O M

N O I T I D A R T H T I W T F I G A

r the usive gift fo r a truly excl fo d in g in pe ok ee lo st bstance, If you are e, a gift of su bag lif a ur en yo th , in gn woman ique desi un a ng ti as gs d bo e ba tradition an The handmad to Japan, ay fit the bill. m ue o iq ik un on s M ile by tage of text ri he centuries, ch ri er e honour th their craft ov ed lis ia ec ns sp the kimonos where artisa which graced hs ot cl e lebrates im bl . Moniko ce producing su ning women un st works t ny os m the compa of Japan’s tisans today; ps in ar ou es gr ag t ur ofi and enco and non-pr ps ou gr ople p el lf-h elihood for pe alongside se ing a fair liv id ov in pr a, ps si A l grou South East dia and loca ies in Cambo ht and lively ig br or es with disabilit t serious hu er th he nd her perfec W fi a.

Malaysi ing, you will th ’s dy la ur yo patterns are o Bag. autiful Monik be a in ch at m

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e unique item t one of thes g To reques com oniko-spain. visit www.m 557 Tel: 663 002

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The Continuation of History, is now Your Story...

Celebrating the rich heritage of textiles unique to Japan, the fate of the fabric lies in your hands when you hold a Moniko bag. We trust you will honour the humble traditions and treasure it as did those who came before you.

M ONIKO RECRAFTED KIMONO

Each bag is unique, made from authetic Kimono fabric and avaliable to order through www.moniko-spain.com with fast delivery. T I (+34) 663 002557

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PRODUCTS / Beauty / SPA / SCIENCE

We undergo an eyebrow threading experience at Shiva’s Salon Con Amour and breathe in 100 per cent pure Oxygen at the new Hyperbaric Centre in Estepona.

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TREATMENTS / health

98

Eyebrow Threading

100 Beauty News 104 The Subtle Face of Depression 106 Health News 108 The Hyperbaric Medical Centre in Estepona

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BEAUTY

Eyebrows have certainly come a long way in the past decade, with stars like Lily Collins and Cara Delevingne bringing back full, beautifully arched brows, in stark contrast to the sparsely populated, almost pencil-fine eyebrows of the 1990s. If you have over-plucked or your brows have naturally lost volume over the years, fear not; Shiva, at salon Con Amour, is here to help you achieve the beautiful eyebrows you have always wanted to have.

ADVICE

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

EYEBROW THREADING at Shiva’s Salon Con Amour

S

hiva is a trained beautician, having honed her craft at college in London. She moved to Marbella a couple of years ago, and was lucky enough to chance upon The House Hairdressing salon, famed for its hairstyling provided by talented British staff. At this salon, Shiva provides a plethora of beauty treatments, including facials and nails (Shellac and Gelish are just two products she works with), though her speciality lies in hair removal.

HD eyebrows are all the rage across the globe. The trend involves threading, waxing and filling in fine areas via tinting and the application of specific eyebrow-enhancing products at home. While you can normally expect to pay in the region of €60 for an HD service, Shiva provides the same outcome for a much more reasonable price (just €20).

Having never had my eyebrows threaded and admitting to being slightly afraid of the pain factor, I was totally surprised when Shiva tested my pain threshold

by removing just one hair using her technique, and I hardly noticed anything. Threading is an ancient technique used in the Far and Middle East and it involves creating a loop with the thread, twisting it various times and using a specific motion to pull out even the tiniest of hairs. “What makes threading different from waxing is that it is much gentler on skin,” explains Shiva. Waxing places undue stress on the eyelids, contributing to sagging and the appearance of droopiness.

Threading also enables greater precision: “It is easier to target just one or a few hairs, which is almost impossible to do with waxing.” The whole process is very quick; first, Shiva cleaned my brows and applied a little powder, then proceeded to thread above, then below my brow, asking me to hold my brow up to stretch out the skin.

Threading leaves eyebrows with a really clean, well-defined look. I was very pleased with how my own brows brushed up after the treatment, though Shiva

suggested that since my hair was so dark, I would benefit from a bit of tinting. She applied a colouring product to my brows and we waited around five minutes to give the colour time to sink in.

I was totally surprised when she gave me a mirror and I noticed that my brows, usually too thin and asymmetrical for my liking, were much thicker. I had a lovely arch as well, and the whole brow had a natural, full look I had always yearned for. Apparently, we all have more hair than we think on our brows. However, because fine hairs can be light, they tend to be invisible, a problem which can be easily solved with a bit of tinting.

I was beaming at the result, but Shiva informed me of even better news: soon, she will be offering semi-permanent eyebrow tinting, a treatment which is ideal for those wishing to reshape or refill their brows, with effects lasting between one and three years.

“Tinting works well, but does eventually wash off,” so more touch-ups are required than with semi-permanent make-up.

As I was so pleased with the result, I resolved to visit Shiva again soon; she recommended that I could do with a deep cleansing facial (in which steam is used to facilitate the process of pore unblockage). Not only did I feel like a new person after the treatment (particularly since I also had a haircut afterwards with the talented Sheila), the entire treatment was a pleasure, owing to Shiva’s lovely, warm, friendly personality, which made me very comfortable and not at all shy about consulting beauty issues.

If you have been unhappy with your eyebrows for many years and feel like they are beyond help, you may be surprised by the extent to which just half and hour with Shiva could make a difference.

Change is always possible, but you must desire it first!

g At The House Hairdressing.

Local 28, Pinogolf de Don Carlos, Coto de Dolores, Elviria.

Tel: 952 835 317.

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Enjoy the relaxing Shanti-Som Wellbeing Retreat RESTAURANT - SPA - YOGA - HOTEL

Relax and Enjoy

...only 10 minutes from Marbella Open daily for lunch to the public

Ctra. de Ojen km 22 - A355 Monda - Marbella Tel: 952 86 44 55 or 628 79 30 13

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BEAUTY

Pull out your most glamorous gowns and doll up for this season’s swishest festive parties with these top buys, compiled by Marisa Cutillas.

1

2 PRODUCTS

3

IT’S BEGINNING TO

1 – AUDACIOUS MASCARA BY NARS: Your eyelashes will be on fleek all night with this magnificent eyelash enhancer.

2 – MUST DE CARTIER PERFUME: Top off your look with the perfect Christmas scent: the bold, sensual, musky Must de Cartier.

3 – PURE LIQUID ENVY BY ESTÉE LAUDER: Give lips a touch of colour with this long-lasting lipgloss.

4 – ORGASM ILLUMINATOR BY NARS: This lovely illuminiser has a rosy glow to it; it is perfect for picking up tired looking skin.

5 – PEONY BLUSH SET BY BOBBI BROWN: Take your pick from a host of festive shades. For a playful look, stick to fuschia tones.

6 – GLITTERY NAIL LACQUER BY LOTTIE LONDON: Take your pick from elegant black or bold burgundy.

7 – EYESHADOW PALETTE BY BOBBI BROWN: Nude is in this season, but this palette contains a couple of glittery shades which are perfect for a bit of shine.

8 – ARGAN ILLUMINIZER BY JOSIE MARAN: Add a touch of sparkle to your foundation with this moisturising, Argan-rich product.

LOOK A LOT LIKE

Christmas

7

8 6

5 4

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g All items can be purchased at El Corte Inglés, beauty stores and online.

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Jeannine Aslani

The Secret of Success is Passion

W

hen meeting Jeannine Aslani, what first strikes you is her amazingly friendly disposition, and her beautiful smile. It is easy to understand why she was known by children at the hospitals she used to work at, as ‘an angel’, for she always has an upbeat disposition and a willingness to make a visit to the doctor an easy, welcoming experience… a bit like coming home.

Jeannine is an example of what vision and a vocation for medicine, can achieve. A surgical nurse who has honed her craft at numerous operating theatres in Germany, Austria and Spain, she is also half of the dynamic duo that owns and manages one of the most successful plastic and aesthetic surgery clinics on the Coast: Cirumed Clinic, which has just moved into beautiful new premises boasting a number of treatment and consultancy rooms.

Jeannine runs Cirumed alongside her husband, renowned surgeon, Dr. Alexander Aslani, who has been the Head of the Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery Department of the Quirón Hospital in Málaga since 2009, and of the Quirón Hospital in Marbella since 2007. Dr. Aslani is perhaps best known for his ‘Brazilian Butt Lift’ operation, a groundbreaking way to achieve a curvy, pert, yet natural looking derrière.

Jeannine has her own areas of

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specialty; having trained in beauty and Ayurvedic Medicine in addition to surgery and the treatment of wounds, she takes charge of a variety of treatments, though her ‘baby’ is undoubtedly CoolSculpting, the revolutionary fat-freezing treatment which achieves similar results to liposuction, without the need for surgery. The success of CoolSculpting is testimony to Jeannine’s keen business acumen. There are only five Zeltiq CoolSculpting machines in the entirety of Spain and two of these are located in Cirumed. Jeannine explains, “We decided to invest in a second machine because of the big demand. Zeltiq CoolSculpting is the only FDA-approved machine, a certification which is very difficult to achieve, and which means that the machine is both safe and effective.

Indeed, our clients are raving at the results.” In case you were wondering what CoolSculpting was like, the treatment targets stubborn areas of fat (such as love handles and ‘pot bellies’ which refuse to disappear through exercise and dieting). “The machine has various applicators which ‘freeze fat’ in these areas,” explains Jeannine. “With two machines, we can target various areas at once, so that more can be achieved in just one or two sessions.”

CoolSculpting is a vital component of Cirumed’s success, so much so

that Jeannine is even considering the purchase of a third machine in the near future.

As an entrepreneur, Jeannine believes in the value of hard work and quality of service. “We opened our Clinic in Marbella in 2007, just before the crisis hit.” The couple were, however, unfazed by the tough economic times that soon affected Spain. “We have a sound business plan and we always planned on slow but steady growth. Our aim was to offer the very best service and to build a team comprising the very best surgeons, nurses and administrative staff.”

Cirumed is now a happy, burgeoning team united by a passion for service and characterised by a welcoming friendliness married to the utmost professionalism. Jeannine, alongside Alexander, leads a team of over 16 staff members, so one of the biggest tasks in her day-to-day life, is management. “We are constantly seeking ways to increase efficiency and client satisfaction,” she says, adding, “our Patient Coordinators are the first point of contact for new patients. They are keenly aware of what each client needs and are able to provide a variety of solutions, both surgical and non-surgical, for each individual client.”

In addition to leading a talented and hardworking team, Jeannine is also continually increasing her

knowledge base. “I believe in the value of training. For instance, in addition to working in surgery and as a wound specialist, I made it a point early in my career to obtain my qualifications as a Beauty Therapist, since I thought that non-surgical beauty treatments would complement our surgical offerings at the Clinic beautifully.”

These treatments make it possible for patients to have more than one therapy in a single visit: for instance, while having their thigh, fat or belly fat blasted away with the CoolSculpting treatment, patients usually opt for laser treatment (to rejuvenate skin) or sugaring (a much gentler and more efficient way to remove hair than waxing). “This allows patients to kill two birds with one stone and also brings in more revenue.”

Jeannine knows that a Clinic, like any other business, requires cutting edge service and the utmost in personalisation, to succeed. However, she has not forgotten one crucial element – something which cannot be taught, bought or fabricated – and that is the sincere desire to make clients happy. “Sometimes, one small change can make the difference between a person feeling insecure, and feeling confident. If a patient decides it is time for a change, we are ready to accompany them every step of the way, to make their vision a reality.”

g Cirumed Clinic Marbella Edif. Panorama, Planta Baja, Local 2, CN340, km 184, Marbella.Tel: 952 775 346. www.cirumed.es 11/20/15 11:19 AM

THE BEST X-MAS PRESENT โ ข

CoolSculpting Consulting Day! 15th December 2015 @ Cirumed Clinic 11-14.00 pm & 16-20.00 pm only by appointment special x-mas offers Cirumed Clinic /// Edif. Panorama, Planta baja, Local 2 /// Ctra. De Cadiz, km 184 /// E - 29603 Marbella /// Tel: +34 952 775 346 /// www.cirumed.es /// www.alexanderaslani.com /// www.alexander-aslani.es

DR. ALEXANDER ASLANI Chairman of the Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery Hospital Quirรณn Mรกlaga Hospital Quirรณn Marbella Director of Cirumed Clinic Marbella

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HEALTH

THE SUBTLE

UPDATE

DEPRESSION WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

As the Christmas season fast approaches, countless people can feel a sad cloud settling over their horizon. It is a myth that depression is always visible, palpable, easily recognised by others. Often, this disease, the most common mental illness in the world, manifests itself in subtle signs, which should not be ignored. Depression has been linked to various conditions and illnesses, including cancer, inflammation, obesity, dementia and heart disease, and it should be treated as soon as symptoms occur. These are just some signs of depression which can often slip under the radar:

Z DEEP FEELINGS OF GUILT: A person who is depressed can look back at their life and see only the wrongs they have suffered by other people or done by themselves. They can become consumed with regret, even about circumstances they could not have changed in the past.

Z PROBLEMS CONCENTRATING: If you find that you are performing poorly at work or in your studies, be watchful. Often, people do not seek help until others notice a drop in their performance and in essence, ‘failure’ is the mind’s way of protecting itself against deterioration.

Z PERFECTIONISM: Having to be number one at everything can be tough and it is very difficult to live with an ‘all or nothing’ mindset. Sometimes, life throws spanners at our best laid plans and a flexible, accepting approach is key.

Z NEGATIVITY: When you find it hard to see the silver lining, or you can only see negative traits in people, it may, once again, be your mind’s subtle way of protecting you

against disappointment and rejection.

Often, those who are depressed are highly sensitive individuals who find it difficult to overcome past hurts. However, shrouding oneself in negativity is isolating and ultimately leads to unhappiness and dissatisfaction.

Z ESCAPING SADNESS VIA HARMFUL ROUTES: Are you self-medicating or drinking more than you used to? Have you started smoking again after successfully quitting? Are you taking medications such as benzodiazepine, prescribed for someone else or for another condition? Those who are depressed will often seek to soothe symptoms through alcohol, substances and prescription pills, or will attempt to calm their nerves through habits such as smoking. Some people become over-confident, taking part in risky activities that give them at least a temporary high. Still others become highly sociable, going out and partying in an effort to lose themselves in a false party atmosphere that

masks how they feel when they are alone. Workaholics, too, can use their career as a means to escape their inner needs. When you clearly start neglecting yourself or putting yourself at risk, there is a reason; if it is depression, seek professional help before the problem grows bigger.

Z FREQUENT CONFLICTS WITH OTHERS: If you find that you are always angry at someone, and that you cannot resolve conflicts without raising your voice, you may be acting out the frustration that depression can cause. Poor conflict resolution skills are the other side of the coin of negativity; depression can make us withdraw deep within ourselves, making us impervious to what others are saying or feeling. At other times, it can show up in poor anger management skills; those who cannot keep their wrath to reasonable limits may hit items of furniture when angry, hurt themselves in a rage or have difficulty getting their point of view across without shouting or crying.

Z FEELING NOTHING: Depression

isn’t always about sadness; sometimes, it’s about not feeling anything at all, growing numb to people and circumstances or feeling like one is on another plane altogether.

The sense of disconnection can be overwhelming.

If you are feeling depressed, take heart; you are not alone. According to the World Health Organisation, around one out of 10 people face depression in Europe, with an estimated 83 million people affected by mental disorders as a whole. If you are one of them, know that there are many treatments, both natural and medical, which can help you recover in leaps and bounds. From yoga to Tai Chi, mindfulness to Nature walks, group therapy to individual therapy, there is a way and there is no time like today to find it. Currently, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the ‘gold standard’ treatment for battling depression. It involves taking note of the relationship between how we think, feel and behave, and ending negative thought and behavioural patterns that steer us off course. e

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HEALTH WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Tooth Decay Risk Double in Children Exposed to Secondhand Smoke

UPDATE

STAY ACTIVE TO AVOID KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke at the age of four months have a greater risk of tooth decay at the age of three, according to a new study published in the British Medical Journal. Some of the ways that secondhand smoke can cause this phenomenon is by provoking inflammation of the oral membrane, damage to the salivary gland function and a drop in Vitamin C levels. Secondhand smoke also affects children’s immunity.

Osteoarthritis in the knee is a painful condition affecting approximately half of European and two thirds of obese people. It arises when cartilage, the rubbery material which covers the bones in the knee joint area, deteriorates, thus limiting movement and causing sharp pain. Recent research suggests that simply increasing our physical activity can keep knee osteoarthritis at bay, by enabling cartilage to reabsorb synovial fluid (a vital fluid which continually leaks out of the pores in cartilage, leading to a decrease in cartilage thickness).

The best types of exercise to lessen knee pain include brisk walking, swimming and strength exercises – as long as you are moving, you are probably doing your knees a great deal of good.

Meet Julia, the cute new friend of Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch and the rest of the gang living on Sesame Street. In addition to being bright, healthy and happy, she also happens to have autism. The new character is very much a reflection of Sesame Street’s core values, which include acceptance and understanding of all people, regardless of race, sex, age and any condition they may have. To learn more about Julia and autism, search for Sesame Street and Autism: See All in Amazing Children; the latter is available as an app or in desktop format. It includes an array of resources for friends and family of children with autism.

Celiac disease can rear its ugly head in the most unexpected of ways, especially when you mistakenly think you’re consuming gluten-free food.

While modern day packaging has made great strides in terms of identifying foods with gluten, it can be difficult to ensure strict standards when you are eating out. In steps Nima, a tiny triangular sensor which is capable of detecting gluten in foods, in just two minutes. Just place a tiny piece of your food item into a disposable container inside the gadget and you will soon know whether or not it is safe for consumption. The gadget costs around €225. i www.nimasensor.com

NIMA, Sesame Street Adds Autistic Character to its Cast

the GlutenDetecting Gadget

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HEALTH

Oxygen for Life THE CENTRO MÉDICO HIPERBÁRICO ESTEPONA

UPDATE

The Centro Médico Hiperbárico Estepona opened in summer this year, offering a brand new lease on life to residents and visitors to the Costa del Sol. Marisa Cutillas enlightens readers on how inhaling pure Oxygen can help you feel like you’re walking on Cloud Nine… PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

M

ention ‘hyperbaric Oxygen chamber’ and the image of the King of Pop, Michael Jackon, probably pops up in your head. The singer, way ahead of his time in many ways, was aware of the most lauded health trends and was said to energise himself before performances by getting a bit of R ‘n’ R in his very own chamber at home. Although we normal folk can’t afford our own hyperbaric set-up, the good news is, we don’t need to; the Centro Médico Hiperbárico in Estepona was recently launched in an effort to provide controlled, supervised Oxygen therapy to everyone from athletes seeking to perform at maximum potential to patients suffering from a painful infection of the bones known as osteomyelitis.

At the Centre, treatments are supervised by Oxygen Therapy specialist, Dr. Rafael Sánchez, who notes that “Oxygen therapy has been big in Europe for many years.

It is currently used in countless hospitals, though the Centre is the first of its kind on the Coast.”

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

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How Should I Prepare for the Treatment?

Simply arrive at the Centre with no make-up, hair products, deodorant, jewellery, hairpieces, etc. Do not consume alcohol or fizzy drinks for at least four hours before the treatment.

total body chamber. Normally, the blood brings Oxygen to the body via the red blood cells. Through this therapy, Oxygen is dissolved directly into the lymph, bone, plasma, central nervous system and other fluids, so that damaged tissues can recover and heal more efficiently. Inflammation is reduced and white cells become more capacitated to fight bacteria; moreover, new blood vessels can grow more quickly in damaged areas. In patients with brain injuries, Oxygen can stimulate dormant tissue and help them return to normal function. Says Dr. Sánchez, “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy works at a cellular level, by resetting the mitochondrial (energy) system within cells.” In young children, cognitive function can be greatly improved. The treatment is simple and has no negative side-effects.

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Used For? Some common conditions/areas

which can be improved/aided by this therapy include: Z Ulcers Z Diabetic skin and feet Z Bone infections Z Injuries Z Effects of radiotherapy Z Neurological problems Z Ischaemic stroke in newborns Z Effects caused by a heart attack Z Cerebral hypoxia Z Air or gas embolism Z Soft tissue infection Z Thermal burns Z Autism Z Migraine Z Traumatic brain injury Z Recovery from plastic surgery Z Lyme disease Z Sports performance Z Stress

What Happens During the Treatment?

During my recent visit to the Centro Hiperbárico, Dr. Sánchez began by asking me a few questions (regarding my state of health, medication, etc.) and checked my heart and blood pressure. After he gave me the all-clear, Jesús, the therapist, gave me a cotton pyjama to change into, and asked me to lie on a comfy bed, which he then slid into the impressive looking, clear chamber. He asked me whether I preferred to listen to music or watch TV; I chose the latter. He led me through every step of the way, explaining that in the first five

minutes, the sensation is similar to when a plane is descending (in terms of pressure). He instructed me to swallow saliva, yawn or blow outwards while holding my nose, as I would normally do when on a plane. The ear pressure soon dissipated and I was invited to freely move about within the chamber (or even try a few yoga stretches). Once in a while, Jesús would pick up a phone and ask me if I was doing well (the answer was always a resounding ‘yes’). I lay within the chamber for about an hour, feeling more relaxed by the minute. I almost fell asleep, yet once the treatment was over, I felt wonderfully energised. No wonder many Marbellís de-stress by visiting the centre once a week.

Ultimately, hyperbaric Oxygen therapy is for everyone; keen athletes (the therapy reduces injury recovery time by around 40 per cent), children and adults of all ages; the therapy has powerful anti-ageing effects and can even help insomniacs catch up on some zzzs. Apparently, most Fortune 500 companies on Wall Street have their own hyperbaric chambers, where executives channel their most creative thoughts before taking a decision at an important meeting. Madonna, Fidel Castro and top level football players are also in on the therapy; aren’t you tempted to inhale the most lifegiving element in the world?

g Avenida España 242, Estepona. Tel: 952 806 796. www.centrohiperbarico.com 11/20/15 3:25 PM

THEY ARE NOT FROM ANOTHER PLANET, THEY USE MEDICAL THERAPIES THAT ARE ALSO AVAILABLE TO YOU!

HYPERBARIC OXYGEN

=

QUALITY OF LIFE Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) consists in a patient being placed into a hyperbaric chamber where increased atmospheric pressure in used in order for the patient to breathe100% oxygen. Under these conditions, oxygen becomes a medicine and begins therapeutic treatments on the body. The treatment is particularly recommended for reducing inflammation, generally helping wounds to heal, as well as wounds that are difficult to heal, such as ulcers or diabetic foot.

It can even be used to prevent cases of amputation. Furthermore, its effects on the post-operative recovery process have been proven as have its support for plastic and reconstructive surgery.

It is also recommended for sports injuries, bone fractures, neurological damage, autism, providing relief from the effects of radiotherapy or burns, and reducing stress and chronic fatigue.

Specifically, it is the oxygen going through the blood in greater concentration that helps the body on a general level. The hyperbaric chamber at the Hyperbaric Medical Centre is made from entirely transparent material, and has room for one person, allowing for direct communication with medical staff; as well as offering hygienic, comfortable and exclusive conditions with the greatest possible availability of times.

CENTRO MÉDICO HIPERBÁRICO Avda. de España 242.

Estepona (Málaga) Tel.: 952 806 796 / 663 418 023

www.centrohiperbarico.com

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thepro NEWS /ENTERPRISE / LOCAL BUSINESS

/PROFILES / FINANCE / LAW

COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

SILVER SNOW STUDIOS OPENS IN MARBELLA

Silver Snow Studios is a production company owned by award winning Fashion Photographer Saud Rifat, based in Marbella. He has personally hand picked each component of his team, carefully selecting each member, not only for their creativity and skills, but for their passion for the job. The company specialises in different fields, including high-end fashion, corporate and commercial photography, audiovisual solutions, production, aerial photography and video, event organisation, marketing, and much more. i www.silversnowstudios.com

INAUGURATION OF HONORARY CONSUL OF RUSSIA IN MARBELLA The launch of Marbella’s new honorary Russian consulate took place recently in Casa Rusia, and was presided over by the Russian Ambassador in Spain, Yuri P. Korchagin; Honorary Russian Consul in Andalucía, Esther Morell García; and representative of the Russian Orthodox church, Father Dmitry Osipenko. José Bernal Gutiérrez, Mayor of Marbella, was also present.

The event coincided with the first anniversary of Casa Rusia, a meeting point for the Russian community, centred on culture, events, gastronomy, fashion, health and wellness.

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ALOHA GOLF CLUB CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Members of Aloha Golf Club celebrated their 40th anniversary in great style, with an elegant gala dinner on the Club’s terrace, which was covered with a silk-lined marquee and graced with large chandeliers, beautifully decorated tables with flower balls, and specially emblazoned golf balls. Guests were greeted with a glass of cava as they made their way to overlook the 18th fairway to watch a thrilling fireworks display before enjoying a speech from the President, Raphael Fontán. Chef Fermin and his team served a delicious dinner with special wine to over 400 members, who danced the night away to live music from the Chatanooga Big Band. i www.clubdegolfaloha.com

MORELLI BROTHERS HONOURED AT FUNDRAISING GALAS Sandro Morelli, owner of iconic restaurant, Villa Tiberio, was recently honoured at a fundraising event held for Syrian children and Cudeca, organised by Barbara Fernando, Caroline Anderson, Faith Baxter, Selina MacKenzie, Nati Gómez and Susan Briggs, which raised more than €40.000 during the evening. The highlight of the evening was when football manager, Harry Redknap, presented Morelli wth a 24-carat golden rose and inscribed vase, uniquely designed by Frank Fernando of Goldgenie in London, given to thank Sandro for his generosity of spirit over the years. A second fundraising evening at sister restaurant Valparaiso was also very successful, with owner Rafaelle also being awarded a special golden rose and trophy for his contribution to charity work in Spain.

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New Yogic Programmes at the Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa’s Six Senses Spa

Six Senses Spa Marbella at the Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa has launched three different yogic programmes: Discover Yoga, Yogic Detox and Yogic Sleep. Discover Yoga is ideal for novices and guests wishing to try a new form of body and mind exercise. The main goal is to develop an understanding of how the body engages in each posture while the yoga master guides one’s awareness to specific areas and aspects of the practice to enhance the body’s natural intuition. Yogic Detox is suitable for more experienced yoga practitioners looking to cleanse the body and mind in a non-invasive way. It draws upon different hatha yoga cleansing techniques including sat kriya (movement and breathing exercises) yogic intestinal wash, forceful exhalation breathing and candle flame meditation to cleanse the internal organs and achieve harmony between the major pranic flows.

Six Senses Spa Yogic Sleep is designed to boost the quality of relaxation and thus improve sleep by combining yoga nidra, pranayama and gentle yoga practice with relaxing spa treatments. i www.puenteromano.com

A Good Night’s Sleep on a Jensen Bed

Jensen beds embrace your body and give you the experience of harmony and well-being. Its team of dedicated experts, led by a skilled physiotherapist, develop beds that ensure optimum sleep comfort. Body and soul wake up well-rested and ready for a new day. Jensen’s zone system provides correct support for the entire body while you are resting or sleeping. The support for the lower back in combination with a soft shoulder zone gives you an entirely new sleep experience. The zone division creates a more even and comfortable support, where the shoulders and hips sink deeper into the mattress. Jensen is also inspired on Nature. All beds are made in Norway to the highest quality standards. The company has been awarded twice with the Award for Design Excellence from the Norwegian Design Council. i www.jensenstore.com

Size HH: New Book on the Importance of Being Healthy and Happy!

Tee Off and Cover Yourself Against the Unexpected with Liberty Seguros

We usually think of insurance being related to car or home but never related to sporting activities like golf. However, being on the golf course can be a hazardous place so it is a good idea to ensure you are covered against any issue that may occur. Basic Golf Insurance cover from Liberty Seguros for amateurs starts at just €72 per year, a small price to pay for peace of mind on the fairways of Spain, and around the world. Depending on the policy taken out, you can be covered not only for your golf clubs themselves but also for personal accidents and for third party liability, while on the golf course. g Tel: 902 255 258. libertyexpatriates.es

Local author, Eva George, has published a book offering simple and practical ways for women to improve body confidence and become the healthiest version of themselves, without dieting or disrupting their lifestyles. The e-book, called Size HH (Happy & Healthy), will be launched on December 2 with a day of online activities in association with Costa Women, including a Facebook event, Twitter chat and competitions. g For further

information, www.sizehh.com

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Skin aging is a process that is undeniably changing the appearance and characteristics of our skin. Factors such as age, hormones, sun exposure and tobacco are linked directly to this process. Aesthetic treatments can combat cellular aging as effectively as facial rejuvenation surgery.

Dr. Mario Arques has a unit dedicated exclusively to aesthetic medicine procedures, providing excellent results without surgery for many common problems. A highly qualified team dedicated to skin, health and beauty that seeks as its main goal, true to the philosophy of the doctor, to provide full patient satisfaction with the final result and offers a full range of solutions that care for the youth of the skin and ensure a radiant look.

Dr. Mario Arques who has been dedicated to medicine for 20 years, graduated in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Granada in 1995 and with a Masters degree in Aesthetic Medicine by the Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid.

He began his career in aesthetic medicine through participation in numerous accredited courses and by completing a Masters in Aesthetic Medicine at URJC. He then went on to hone his medical skills in the Andalusian Health Service, where he worked at an advanced level of Clinical Management in Almanzora for the Agency for Health Quality in Andalusia.

He is still training in prestigious academies and holds workshops and conferences in national and international locations. He is a pioneering physician incorporating the latest techniques for the implementation of beauty treatments, as well as the highest quality professional products in the field with the ultimate exclusive ageLOC technology treatments.

Urbanizaci贸n Alzambra- Vasari n煤mero 1 Puerto Ban煤s. Marbella Collegiate member 111107877 info@Arquesclinic.com 路 www.arquesclinic.com

tel. 662 408 408 Doctor Mario Arques/Arques Clinic

NEW CHAIRMAN FOR UHY

SOTOGRANDE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SHINES IN INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

Sotogrande International School made history recently with a sensational victory at the International Schools U11 Football Tournament held in Verona, Italy. SIS became the first International School from Spain to claim the U11 trophy. The school would like to thank DeVere Finance and the SIS PTA for their support of the tour. The SIS U11 Boys played teams from Geneva, Monaco, Milan, Nice, Lancy, Padua and Alexandria. After eight matches over three days, with the score tied at 2 -2, SIS triumphed in the final over Lancy (Switzerland) on penalties. Daniel Sanchez stroking home the decisive kick after goalkeeper Felix Jones had made an outstanding top corner save for SIS. On their return to Spain the SIS players received a special invite by the Captain to show their trophy to the flight deck. i www.sis.ac

UHY, the international accounting and consultancy network, has elected Bernard Fay as its new Chairman, following 17 years as a UHY Board Director. With Bernard’s election, the UHY network will be led for the first time by a Director from outside its founding countries, the USA and UK, reflecting the increasingly international mix of the work undertaken by member firms. Bernard is one of the managing and founding partners at UHY Fay & Co, UHY’s Spanish member firm.

Trilingual in French, Spanish and English, and educated in several European countries including the UK, Bernard has extensive experience of leading multicultural and international projects.

He developed, and leads his team, which specialises in helping businesses expand internationally. i www.uhy-fay.com

THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS AT AGROJARDÍN GARDEN CENTRE

The Agrojardin Garden Centre in Estepona recently inaugurated the magic of Christmas at a cocktail event, in order to display a wide array of festive decorations and gift ideas, to clients and friends. The Centre is now home to dozens of different Christmas tree types, as well as Santa Claus figures, Christmas houses, nativity scenes, stuffed toys and so much more.

Agrojardín is your one-stop shop for all things that will make your home feel a whole lot more Christmassy. i www.agrojardin.com

GIVE TO THE INTERNATIONAL BLACK AND WHITE ASSOCIATION TOY BANK The International Black and White Association is currently collecting toys for chidren in need.

Give new life to old toys by heading for C/ Córdoba (next to portal 10), Fuengirola, from 11am to 1:30pm, Monday to Friday. g For further

information, Tel: 699 186 127. www.ibwassociation.com

FIRST PRESIDENTS CLUB GOLF TOURNAMENT

Presidents and administrators from different urbanisations recently gathered at the Marbella Club Golf Resort to take part in the first Presidents Club Golf Tournament. The event, a first of its kind, was organised by Ali Parandeh, Founder of Urbytus and The Presidents Club. Ali states: “The club provided us with just the right atmosphere.

Everyone enjoyed the game and exchanged ideas and knowledge. One President said that we learnt about negative equity and how we can help people in those situations and another mentioned how they found out about different aspects to community debt recovery.” Overall, Ali says it was a fantastic event which will be repeated very soon. He encourages more community Presidents and administrators to join. i For further information or to register online,

www.urbytus.es/join/

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Skin Beauty Secrets Revealed at Six Senses Spa in Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa The Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa and Six Senses Marbella recently organised a talk, given by Dr. Eric Schulte, CEO of renowned company, QMS Medicosmetics. The talk took place at the Sea Grill restaurant, with guests enjoying canapés and drinks beforehand. Dr. Schulte began his career in trauma surgery in Germany, where he was a specialist in wound healing.

His experience led him to constantly seek the latest innovations in the beauty sector and he discovered that introducing natural collagens could boost the skin and enhance its appearance. Consequently, he decided to focus completely on the research of new skincare products, founding the prestigious company, QMS Medicosmetics. His presentation was followed by mini massages, facial consultations, and gift giving. i www.puenteromano.com

The Royal Golf Federation of Andalucía Renews Support for The Gecko Tour, 2015/2016 The Royal Golf Federation of Andalucía (RGFA) has decided to continue its commitment and support for The Gecko Tour in 2015/2016, agreeing to provide official referees at all three-day tournaments this season which are hosted on federated golf courses. As a result, all tournaments meeting the requirements of The Royal Golf Federation of Spain will qualify for National Ranking Points in 2015/2016 for Spanish players. i www.thegeckotour.com

Dario Poli Invited to 70th Anniversary of United Nations Gala at The Hague Talented composer, Dario Poli, is pleased to have been invited to The Hague recently, to attend the 70th year anniversary gala of the United Nations.

Dario was previously asked to compose music for The Peace and Justice Foundation; the work will be presented at another swish gala event in September, 2016.

Dario enjoyed the anniversary gala immensely, meeting an array of dignitaries and personalities from all over the world. Dario is perhaps best known in Marbella for having composed the wonderful Marbella Marbella. i www.marbellamarbella.es

Marbella Surgeon Leads Reconstructive Surgery Mission to Rural Africa

A team of seven doctors and nurses will travel to Kenya next March to perform life changing reconstructive surgery on children and adults.

Led by Dr. Kai Kaye, Head Surgeon at Ocean Clinic Marbella, the team will operate on patients with disfigurements such as cleft lips, cleft palates, tumours, burns, scars and other deformities. Organised in collaboration with the Pablo Horstmann Foundation Spain, the nine-day charitable mission is designed to help the poorest families in Lamu, an archipelago located in the northeastern coast of Kenya.

Dr. Kaye notes: “Our team of volunteers give up their time for free, but in addition to this they have to pay for their own flights and accommodation, so it’s a big commitment.”

Companies and individuals are invited to support the mission. g For further information,

Tel: 951 775 518. info@oceanclinic.net.

Young Tennis Hopefuls Head for the Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa An important phase of the prestigious tennis competition, the Mutua Madrid Open Sub 16, took place last month at the Puente Romano Tennis Club, attracting a bevy of upcoming Spanish tennis players.

The youngsters had already competed in Santander, Vigo, Valladolid, Murcia, Bilbao, Madrid and Mallorca. The winners of the event at the Puente Romano will be able to take part in the last phase of the tournament, which will take place in May at La Caja Mágica in Madrid. i www.puenteromano.com

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Give Love to Cudeca at Christmas Time

The festive season is one of the busiest times of the year for Cudeca.

Many events have taken place in the lead-up to Christmas, including the Christmas Choir Extravaganza at the Salon Varietés, a charity book sale at the Arroyo de la Miel library, and more. Taking place soon is Avanto’s Christmas fayre in aid of Cudeca at Avanto Restaurant in La Cala de Mijas, on December 5, from 2pm onwards. On December 6, meanwhile, runner, John Gow, will be running the VI Cabberty Málaga Marathon to raise funds for the hospice. If you’re stuck for gift ideas, you might want to purchase Cudeca’s annual calendar, all proceeds from which will to the hospice. i www.cudeca.org

Música Con Encanto Presents Concert at Clínica Buchinger Wilhelmi

The beautiful gardens of the Clínica Buchinger Wilhelmi recently hosted a well-attended piano concert, organised by Música Con Encanto. The concert was performed by one of Portugal’s most renowned musicians: Filipe Pinto-Ribeiro, who played music by Tchaikovsky, Piazzolla and Carrapatoso. i www.musicaconencanto.org

Innovative Hand Hygiene Technology Now in Marbella The BeautyCiti Hair, Beauty & Fashion Gibraltar Awards Lights up LA Sala Gibraltar

The glamorous BeautyCiti Hair, Beauty & Fashion Gibraltar Awards took place recently at La Sala Gibraltar. The event, dreamed up by BeautyCiti CoFounder Tracy Ann and Fashion Stylist Sean Vincent Acris, was attended by the Honourable Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo and his wife, Justine Picardo, and was hosted by Jessica Baldachino (Miss Gibraltar 2012) and company co-founder, Endy Okezie. Some 14 Awards were presented, ranging from Beautician of the Year, to Hair Salon of the Year and Retailer of the Year. Tracy Ann is looking forward to the BeautyCiti Awards Marbella in May, 2016. i The public can vote now for their favourite category in

If you ever feel like your hands are dehydrated after you use a disinfectant product, or you’d like to keep the restroom in your clinic or company clean and tidy (while saving water), you may be interested in a brand new product which is now all the rage in clinics, hospitals, gyms, etc., in many countries of the world. The product comprises disinfectant wet wipes which clean hands, skin and surfaces in a few seconds, but also contain a special formula which hydrates skin. The product saves water, avoids germ contamination via hand dryers and is free of all carcinogens. g For further information, contact Heidi

on Tel: 672 099 174. heidi@trendcraft.es / www.trendcraft.es

Spain on: www.beautyciti.com/hair-beauty-fashion-gibraltar-awards-2015/

Marbella Guadalmina Rotary Club Raises €9.000 for Charity Members of the Marbella Guadalmina Rotary Cub recently took up a big challenge: climbing to the summit of La Concha mountain, to raise money for two Spanish charities: Ser Humano, and Hogar Betania. The walk was enjoyed by adults and children alike, and the Club hopes to hold many more fundraising events for good causes. i www.rotaryclub-marbella-g.org

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Aloha College Shines in Basketball Tournament

The Aloha College Year Six basketball teams recently competed in the International Schools Basketball Tournament at Swans School. The competition was split into two categories, with A and B leagues. In what was an incredible day, Aloha College won every single game in both leagues to become champions of both categories. Aloha also recently celebrated Maths Week, featuring a host of events, including games and interesting talks. Primary and secondary students gathered together, with older pupils patiently explaining concepts to younger pupils. i www.aloha-college.com

Costa Christmas Collections

Marbella Chosen Location for New Spy Drama Leading television production company, Wanda Halcyon Television of Europe, has announced that its latest political thriller Operating Naked – A Black Bag Job by espionage author Jon Augustine, will be filmed in Marbella, Toronto and Washington DC. This edge-of-your-seat drama about US operatives during the controversial impeachment hearings from 1997-1999, is based on the author’s clandestine days as a Special Operations officer in the US Army Intelligence Support Activity (USAISA), and is a fictional account of real life events, many of which occurred in Marbella.

After the huge success of last year’s Costa Christmas Collections, Kara and Gary Robertson and Charley Caradas of The Boardwalk Restaurant in Marbella and Slainte Restaurant in Puerto Banús have teamed up with Karen Carter Southall to make Christmas a happy one for the children of Cuidad de Los Niños, the Alora Orphanage, and the Amusivig (Houses of Domestic Violence.) The children in these houses range from one to 18, so don’t forget gifts for the older ones!

Toiletries, clothes, gadgets, sports equipment, school bags, books and DVD’s (Spanish) are top recommendations for the twelve-to-eighteen-year-olds, while toys, learning activities, clothing, books and DVDs are the requests for those under 12. Simply purchase a present, wrap it up and label it with the sex and the age of the child, then deliver to one of the many drop off points along the coast. g For exact clothing sizes and

to ask about drop-off points, please contact Kara Robertson on Tel: 672 575 644.

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THE PRO finance

INHERITANCE WORDS RAQUEL PÉREZ

T

he tax reform will put an end to the discrimination suffered by non-residents as regards inheritance and donations tax. The change in regulations being proposed, which has been given the green light by the Tax Office, is in line with the ruling by the European Court of Justice, which declared that Spanish legislation was contrary to Community regulations. Inheritance and Donations Tax is a tax over which the regional governments have a great deal of power and they have established discounts and deductions. However, when the tax payer is a non-resident, their tax bill is higher because state legislation, with fewer tax benefits, is applied.

In the eyes of Brussels, there is no justification for this discrimination and therefore they ordered that the legislation of the corresponding Autonomous Region should be applied to non-residents. This means that if a German inherits a property in the Balearic Islands, they will be taxed in the same way as those who are resident in that Autonomous Region.

These measures also benefit those resident taxpayers who, for example, inherit an asset situated abroad.

The change brought in now might well be important depending on the part of Spain in question since, from now on, non-resident Europeans (those residing in the 28 countries of the EU, plus those living in Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland) have the right to the same tax benefits as residents. The change is of interest to three different groups: Z Non-residents of Spain with properties and other assets in Spain.

Z Those who, as non-residents, have received an inheritance or donation in the last few years.

Z Residents in Spain (regardless of nationality, but who must be nationals of a EU country) who have received or are going to receive an inheritance or

TAX CHANGES

donation from abroad while they lived or are living in Spain.

The situation is similar to when Spain was forced to change the regulations governing the tax paid by non-residents for capital gains obtained in Spain (residents had, until then, paid 15% and non-residents 35%). Spain not only changed the discriminatory Law but was also forced to refund the difference between the 35% and the 15%.

With Law 26/2014, Spain did away with this discriminatory treatment towards non-residents and those who were adversely affected by that discrimination now have the right to request a refund from the Spanish tax authorities. The only thing which is not clear is whether it will only be possible to request a refund for ISDs which have not expired (the expiry period in Spain is four years) or if it can also be done for those which have expired (which was not possible in the case of expired capital gains tax as mentioned above).

Regardless of the applicable regulations, which cases fall under the jurisdiction of the State?

In the case of ‘mortis causa’ inheritances: Z When the originator (the deceased) is a non-resident.

Z When the successor (inheritor) is non-resident in Spain although the originator is a resident.

In ‘intervivos’ inheritances (Donations): Z Donations of properties abroad when the tax subject is a resident (if they are non-resident, they are not subject to the tax in Spain).

Z Donations of properties in Spain when the tax subject is a non-resident.

Which regulations apply from January 1st 2015?

We would have to identify several different cases depending on whether the assets are acquired through inheritance or donation, according to

the place of residence of the originator and the successor and according to where the transferred assets are located.

‘MORTIS CAUSA’ INHERITANCES a) Originator resident in Spain • If the successors (inheritors) are Community residents, resident in Spain or in another country of the EU or the European Economic Area, they are subject to the regulations of the Autonomous Region in which the originator resided.

• If the successors are not Community residents, that is to say, they reside in a country other than those which make up the EEA, they will be subject to state regulations. b) Originator from within the EEA but not resident in Spain • If the successors are Community residents, residents in Spain or in any other country of the European Economic Area, the values of the assets situated within each Autonomous Region will be added together and the regulations of the Autonomous Region with the assets of greatest value will be applied.

If there are no assets in Spain, only those successors resident in Spain would be liable for tax in the Autonomous Region in which they reside.

• If the successors are not Community residents, that is to say, they reside in a country other than those which make up the EEA, they will be subject to state regulations. c) Originator resident in a state not included in the EEA • The successors will be subject to state regulations regardless of whether they are resident or nonresident in Spain (Community or NonCommunity).

‘INTER VIVOS’ INHERITANCES OR DONATIONS There are differences depending on where the assets are situated and where the tax subjects are resident:

a) Donations of assets situated in Spain • Tax subject resident in Spain: Pays tax in the Autonomous Region where the property is located applying the regulations in force in that Region.

For assets other than real estate, tax is paid in the Region and under the regulations of the Region where the tax subject is resident.

• Tax subject residing in the EEA but not in Spain: Falls under the jurisdiction of the State but the regulations of the Region where the property is located will be applicable.

For other types of assets, other than real estate, the regulations of the Region in which the asset has remained for the greatest number of days during the 5 years prior to the due date of the tax will be applied.

• Tax subject residing outside the EEA: Will be under the jurisdiction of and governed by the regulations of the State. b) Donations of assets situated in a EU or EEA state • Tax subject resident in Spain: The tax is the jurisdiction of the State, but is paid according to the regulations of the Autonomous Region where the person receiving the asset resides.

• Non-resident tax subject (Community or non-Community): Logically he is not liable for paying the tax in Spain. c) Donations of assets situated in a state which is not part of the EU or the EEA • Tax subject resident in Spain: Under the jurisdiction of the state and the regulations of the State are applicable.

• Non-resident tax subject (Community or non-Community): Not liable for paying the tax in Spain. g Raquel Pérez is Director of the Perez Legal Group, comprising Lawyers, Chartered Accountants and Fiscal Advisors. www.perezlegalgroup.com

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SPENCE CLARKE & CO

ARE VERY PROUD(AND A LITTLE STUNNED) TO ANNOUNCE THAT

2015 MARKS THEIR 30TH ANNIVERSARY IN SPAIN!

Spence Clarke & Co. HAVING BEEN HERE FOR 30 YEARS WE KNOW WE CAN ADVISE YOU ON ALL ASPECTS OF TAX IN SPAIN. WHETHER DEALING WITH YOUR PERSONAL TAXES OR YOUR BUSINESS TAXES AND ACCOUNTS, WE KNOW WE CAN HELP YOU.

PERSONAL TAXATION • TAX RESIDENCY • SPANISH TAX AND ACCOUNTANCY SPECIALISTS • INSOLVENCY & COMPANY LAW • PAYROLL MANAGEMENT • PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS • INHERITANCE PLANNING AND WILLS

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT US AT WWW.SPENCECLARKE.COM OR PHONE ON (+34) 952 822 943 OR EMAIL INFO@SPENCECLARKE.COM Members of: Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales - Instituto de Censores Jurados de Cuentas de España - Asociación Española de Asesores Fiscales

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THE PRO law

O

n November 4, three rulings of the Supreme Court in Madrid nullified the 2010 Marbella Plan, called the Plan General de Ordenación Urbanística or PGOU (pronounced ‘pegou’). The message was clear and the next day, so as to reinforce it, the Land Planning for the entire Costa del Sol was declared null as well.

The news actually couldn’t be better. Since the Plan came into force in 2010, numerous amendments and corrections had been made. Of the many payments, compensations and exchanges of land it sought to prompt, very few had taken place.

The Supreme Court noted that EU rules on Conservation Studies, indispensible to all Planning projects, hadn’t been followed correctly.

Alternatives weren’t duly justified, and the ‘do nothing’ option hadn’t been taken into account, despite being mandatory.

Regarding the economic sustainability of the Plan, the necessary reports were lacking too.

Conservation and an economically viable plan are cornerstones to its long term development. As the Supreme Court noted, the Marbella 2010 PGOU seemed to glance more at the past, than look to the future, which is its true purpose.

Quite rightly, the Court reminded the planners that it’s not their mission to produce a calculus of sanctions and compensations payable to the Town Hall for illegal developments, when their demolition can be avoided. This is good news as numerous properties were affected

Marbella Planning,

NOW WHAT?

WORDS CRISTINA FALKENBERG

by charges running into many thousands of euros, to be paid by the developer or the owners.

One of the problems was that the developers had been made responsible, which unfair as it might seem in the case of Marbella, is contrary to the law. Only current owners are responsible to the Town Hall for urbanistic charges, though redress may be sought from developers. Another problem was how these charges should be distributed among owners in a development, as the quota in the community rule didn’t necessarily apply. With the 2010 Plan nullified, that’s another issue avoided.

The Court also stated that it wasn’t the mission of those formulating the plan to re-write the law, redefining its concepts. Quite rightly it emphasised the obligation to define the areas to be developed, providing for suitable infrastructure, greenbelts, roads and the like. If an area’s characteristics are those of urban and fully developed land, the planner can’t classify it as anything less.

This is most relevant to owners.

Depending on the degree of development of their land, they will

be subject to different charges – or even none at all. In particular, it’s the Town Hall that must foot any bill for infrastructure on land classified as urban and fully developed.

Also, certain last-minute alterations to the 2010 Plan cast doubts as to their legality.

The consequences of the Supreme Court’s ruling are twofold.

Firstly, anything done while the 2010 Plan was in force is valid. Secondly, from November 4, 2015 onwards, Marbella goes back to the 1986 Plan, in force since November 2000 when it was finally published in the Provincial Bulletin. It is a well-known Plan with which architects and lawyers have been working for over twenty-five years.

Quite true, the old 1986 Plan doesn’t adapt to Marbella’s current requirements due to the great development experienced. However, the Town Hall is working hard on a transitional set of rules which should come into force within the next six months. A team of local experts has been assembled, and the head of the Planning Department is an architect.

Scrapping the 2010 PGOU

should allow Marbella to correctly consider conservation and economic sustainability, while normalising what was built illegally. The Town Hall and the Regional Government are working along those lines.

A much more workable Plan is required if we want to see Marbella grow in a positive, rational way. In conjunction with new legislation providing for fully electronic administration such as crucial Law 39/2015, delays and irregularities should start being a matter of the past.

A vital aspect of land planning is public participation, called trámite de audiencia. Insufficient response to individual claims was one of the main reasons for turning down the POT (or Plan de Ordenación Territorial), the general plan for the Costa del Sol, which governs relevant matters such as preserving the landscape, natural reserves, riversides and the coastline.

A new Plan for Marbella is a wonderful opportunity to take part and have your say. This time, we’re convinced the Town Hall is listening. e

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THE VIBE

Halloween at the Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa’s Suite The Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa’s elegant nightclub, Suite, came to life at its recent Halloween party, with guests sporting spooky costumes of varying designs. Vampires, witches and mummies celebrated the scariest night of the year in style. i www.puenteromano.com

“It’s as much fun to scare as to be scared” – Vincent Price

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THE VIBE

Sekretza Grand Opening Ian Taylor recently welcomed guests, dignitaries and members of the press to the official launch of Sekretza, a new art gallery and décor store. Invitees sipped on Champagne and tucked into canapés while marvelling at the stunning paintings and art items on display. i www.sekretza.es

“This world is but a canvas to our imagination” – Henry David Thoreau

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THE VIBE

Blevins Franks Lecture at the Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa John and Chris McCann, of International Tax and Wealth Management company, Blevins Franks, recently held a lecture at the Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa, focused on The Rothschild Heritage and the Art Market, with a specific emphasis on art sold at record breaking prices.

After the talk, guests gathered for wine from Compagnie Vinicole Baron Edmond de Rothschild, and canapés catered by Dani García. i www.blevinsfranks.com

“If you invest in beauty, it will remain with you all the days of your life” – Frank Lloyd Wright

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PHOTOGRAPHY Tünde Serban 11/24/15 1:02 PM

Gallery: www.luzdelavida.es

FABELKUNST EVA JOENSEN +45 29869794 WWW.FABELKUNST.DK Sculptures by Lieuwke Loth +31650408977 WWW.LIEUWKELOTH.COM

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THE VIBE

Villa La Campanella Presentation

by Grupo Polo Grupo Polo recently invited an exclusive group of real estate agents, clients and collaborators to a cocktail party, to present its newest architectonic jewel: Villa La Campanella, in Sierra Blanca. Style and comfort combine seamlessly in a home created for the modern, sophisticated homeowner. i www.grupopolo.es

“Where we love is home – home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts” – Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

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THE VIBE

By Kariné Cocktail Party The Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa’s trendy restaurant, Sea Grill, was the chosen setting for the presentation of

by Kariné jewellery and elegant fashion.

The brand was founded in 2001 by Karin Eensaar, an internationally certified gemologist with an FGA diploma. “The gem dictates everything: Nature has already done half the job,” Says Karin, whose unique designs left guests dazzled. i www.bykarine.com

“Fashion fades, only style remains the same” – Coco Chanel

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THE LEISURE travel

Fantastic

FLORIDA I love America. Not enough to live there, but when I visit I like to go for more than a week. Two months, ideally in Florida, is more like it, when I can settle in â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and use it as a base to explore its fabulous beach resorts, and occasionally hop over to dreamy islands in the Bahamas and Caribbean.

There is a huge range of accommodation from grand hotels to Airbnb bargains, golf galore, big cruise gateways, and genuinely friendly people.

Even the immigration guys.

WORDS DAVID WISHART PHOTOGRAPHY GENEVIEVE BALTHAZARD AND SHUTTERSTOCK

You can really get away from it all at the Abaco Club

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Want a sail? Just grab a catamaran from the beach at the Abaco Club

COSTA RICA TO HAVANA

A lovely spot to enjoy the sunset at Abaco Beach Resort

Abaco Beach Resort hangs over the water

T

here we were on a cruise ship, handing over our passports to an American official. He looked at my partner’s French passport and said with a big smile, “Bonjour babe!”

Some cruises require a flight, but few take longer than three hours, such as the one that pushed our boat out, from Miami to San José, Costa Rica. Too many cruisers fly much longer distances to exotic places, get on a ship right away, and miss out on great experiences. Costa Ricans, known as Ticos, are as friendly as Filipinos, and their lush country has coastlines on the Pacific and Caribbean. So the fish is good, and the ceviche outstanding.

Beach lovers and surfers go west for pretty pink sand beaches, one a former haven for pirates, offering dramatic views of small islands and rock formations.

Expats are building beautiful homes cantilevered on hillsides facing the sea.

In San José, savvy travellers avoid the big expensive hotels and grab a room in the quirky but very friendly Don Carlos. The city’s Spanish colonial architecture is worth seeing as is the gold museum.

As Costa Rica is just 274 kms wide, it was an easy ride to Limon, on the Caribbean coast, where the Sea Cloud awaited. The cruise on this classic four-master windjammer was covered in the July issue, but it is worth repeating that the arrival at Cuba was quite an experience. Sea Cloud sailed into Havana harbour under mighty cannons as countless Spanish galleons would have done since the start of the 16th Century.

Do this if you can in Sydney, Hong Kong and London. It sure beats Heathrow.

Havana is well worth a few days, but it only has two good hotels — the Iberostar Parque Central and the Saratoga. Avoid quirky in Cuba unless you are a backpacker. Skip the Tropicana as well; the ‘spectacular’ might have been an eye-opener when the Mob was here but these days you’re better saving your money for the Moulin Rouge in Paris.

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Take a tour of Havana in a 1950s car

HAVANA TO NASSAU Riding around in 1950s American cars is fun, although few retain their original V8 motors; ours had a four-banger Korean diesel. We drove to Hemingway’s home, Finca Vigía, which he bought for $18,000 in 1939. Here he wrote Death in the Afternoon, Green Hills of Africa and To Have and Have Not. His beloved boat, the Pilar, is there as well.

Cuba to the Bahamas is an interesting contrast, as the former was Spain’s base in the New World and the Bahamas, although the site of Columbus’ first landing, were very much a British colony.

It is less than one and a half hours flying time from Havana to Nassau, and from here you have a choice of 700 islands to hang your Panama hat.

Sean Connery, who moved to Nassau from Marbella, has secluded himself in the gated community of Lyford Cay. He had a pretty good idea of what to expect having filmed several Bond movies here including Thunderball and Never Say Never Again.

Nassau has good beaches, golf and nightlife, but it does get busy, particularly when the festival of Junkanoo is on. This featured in Thunderball and is a smaller version of Rio’s carnival, and I once took it in after arriving on a Carnival cruise ship nicely docked a few hundred meters away.

The room where Hemingway wrote, and had his siestas

You can visit Hemingway’s Cuban home and see the author’s typewriter

Inside Hemingway’s home just outside Havana

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One of the two golf courses at the Breakers resort

ParadIsiacal abaco

High rollers head to Paradise Island (formerly known as Hog Island) which has a cracking golf course where Ernie Ells has a waterfront home.

Latterly, however, I have discovered the outer islands such as Abaco, just a quick hop on a flight from Nassau. Pirates including Blackbeard hid among the islets and inlets and pounced on Spanish treasure galleons. He drank rum laced with gunpowder and his toast was “give me a short life but a merry one!”

These days the boaters around Abaco busy themselves with bonefishing, while couples and families can enjoy the Abaco Beach Resort at Marsh Harbour, rejoicing in a super pool, tennis courts and a marina with boats for hire. Ferries leave from the nearby dock to Man-O-War Cay and Green Turtle Cay, perfect for a picnic or those in search of one of the many seafood restaurants.

I like the easy ambiance of Abaco, which allows safe strolls along waterfronts to restaurants and boat rental outfits, while at a helpful American’s shack you can rent a bike or a car.

Golfers should take the road on the other side of the airport to the Abaco Club, a very chic members’ hangout that also welcomes visitors in a variety of accommodation, including knockout villas and terrific

octagonal-shaped cabanas on a long, secluded beach.

Originally developed by Peter de Savary, who sailed into Winding Bay one day and decided there and then he would build a private members’ club similar to his Skibo Castle in Scotland. When he moved on the vision was taken over by David Southworth, whose company has a string of seriously upmarket retreats including Machrihanish Dunes golf, also in Scotland.

As he puts it, this place has everything money can’t buy.

The delightful beach comes with a couple of Hobie Cats for fun sailing, while the star attraction is the golf course, a links in excellent condition. Meals are at a rustic restaurant overlooking the sea, and many an evening comes with dancing to a local rake and scrape band. Good times can be had here!

a small community with no high-rises, rather small hotels such as the Windjammer on a perfect beach anchored by a pier. Offshore is one of the state’s best reefs for diving and snorkelling.

BACK IN FLORIDA

Fort Lauderdale is a short flight from Abaco, home to 63 golf courses, 100 marinas and the Greek Islands Taverna, which for my money is the best restaurant in Florida, perhaps America. It does great lamb with garlic and olive oil, lots of smiles, and no reservations.

Beat the nightly queues by sitting at the bar.

If all the seats are taken you can have a glass of wine while waiting. My recommendation for a base is nearby at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a laid back beach community in Florida

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Abaco Club has a perfect location on secluded Winding Bay

Old rockers play at the Aruba – one happy restaurant – under swaying palms by the pier, and weekends around here can be quite lively with couples who went out for some crab, lobster and shrimp find themselves dancing to Mustang Sally, then walking on the beach in the moonlight.

Centre of everything is the Publix supermarket, an employee-owned operation that does everything right. The people you meet here are a big part of the mix; everyone is on holiday, and from all over. At the Windjammer there are BBQs by the pool where guests sometimes gather wine in hand, and chops on the grill.

Drive up to Pompano Beach and there’s Briny’s pub with lots of atmosphere, sport on the TV and good fish and chips. Not far from there, on the south side of the inlet, Italian food lovers are found at a cozy little diner called Ruby’s-by-the-Sea.

Of course if you are eating well you need exercise. Next best thing to swimming in the gentle surf is kayaking on the inland waterway. Golfers can play at Crystal Lake, a Rees Jones course at Deerfield Beach, for $25, while big hitters (and here we’re talking about money) should drive down to Trump National Doral, located next to Miami airport.

Trump has spent millions upgrading the course and hotel, making the entire resort a fabulous place to stay. Service is a big thing and each flight has to take forecaddies, which also speeds up the game. Green fees at the Blue Monster can reach $390 plus forecaddie and tip, with cart included.

I had the good fortune to play with David Whyte, producer of the top video show Golf Passport (running on Air France and other leading airlines) and Roberto Borgatti, professional to the rich and famous at Longboat Key.

Both were fresh from the big PGA Show, as you can see from this entertaining video: https://youtu.be/2aXpQlz_Amo. A short drive to Miami also puts you on the road to Key West or Gulf resorts such as Sarasota. I had a nice game at University Park Country Club there, whose $100 green fee is good value for this coast.

Going farther afield can also be inexpensive if you check websites such as Travelzoo. Recently it had an airfare of $158 Miami to Las Vegas return. For discounted, last minute cruises check VacationsToGo. On one visit we hopped on a plane to Scottsdale, Arizona, home of the famous Boulders golf course and spa. Not next door, but well worth it.

And that’s America, which has, as David Southworth might have said, everything money can buy.

The beach goes on forever at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

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The Breakers is the last word in elegant luxury at Palm Beach

Two Great Getaways The Breakers, Palm Beach: It opened in 1896 when dinner, bed and & breakfast was $4. Today, figure four figures a night, but money well spent.

Take the golf, a manicured course next door, another a short drive away. At both the rental clubs include Scotty Cameron putters, while the buggies drive like limousines.

The hotel is magnificent, one of those rare places with style and atmosphere that is anything but ordinary.

Rooms hang over the sea, beach bungalows overlook an adults-only pool, and a new fitness centre is expertly done.

While many of the guests – and Carnegie, the Astors, Vanderbilts and Rockefeller have stayed – are routinely

The lobby of the Breakers could be a palace in Venice

spoiled for choice, it would take a hard man not to be impressed by how the Breakers can made a steak restaurant in the golf clubhouse into a culinary palace.

Evenings are for checking out the bars – look out for the killer margaritas – and seven other restaurants, and exploring the gorgeous Italian-Renaissance building with rooms such as the one with murals of great figures in history, starting with Columbus.

The designer could have included the Breakers’ founder, Henry Flagler, whose railroad opened up Florida. He built a grand hotel called the Royal Poinciana in 1894 and two years later something similar nearby on the waterside. After that, guests were increasingly heard to say they preferred the hotel “by the breakers” so he

Unbeatable swimming beach at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

doubled it in size and renamed it. Following a fire, the Breakers was lavishly rebuilt with 75 artisans brought from Italy to work on the magnificent paintings on the lobby ceiling.

Golfer Rory McIlroy is a neighbour.

Last-minute cruises: look no farther than Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades, where the big operator is Holland America with 10 vessels sailing out of there including the elegant Eurodam.

Our seven-day cruise was one of several itineraries criss-crossing the Caribbean allowing holiday makers with time on their hands to cruise again and again and never see the same island twice. Well maybe San Juan, St. Maarten and St. Thomas, but all of them have their charm.

St. Thomas, for example, has one of the finest golf courses in the Caribbean, Mahogany Run, famous for its Devil’s Triangle teetering over the ocean.

At St. Maarten, escape from the crowded port as quickly as possible and had over to the French side for tranquil beaches and decent restaurants, while in San Juan, just take a stroll in the old town amid the Spanish colonial architecture.

On the other hand, many passengers hardly left the Eurodam, enjoying its spacious decks where there was always a quiet spot to read, pools with cabanas, and a willing crew on hand to bring a cool drink.

Seven dining options include Tamarind, Holland America’s first Asian restaurant, and Canaletto, a family-style Italian diner. The Pinnacle Grill was my favourite. Twice a week passengers can get dressed up for formal evenings, but this does not mean stuffy, because entertainment has not been overlooked in this grand ship with BB King’s Blues Club, a cosy piano bar and more.

Holland America, traditionally, has shower/tub combos in most cabins, and keeping up with the times, has attractive spa cabins.

Look out for more that’s new, such as family cabins, on the Koningsdam, going into service in April. e

Windjammer Resort has two pools, not to mention the Atlantic Ocean

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PUENTE ROMANO BEACH RESORT & SPA

DISFRUTA DE LAS VENTAJAS DE SER SOCIO · MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Pases temporales de 1, 3 y 6 meses Acceso a la zona de aguas, gimnasio, tratamientos, asesoramiento de salud y bienestar.

Descuentos en el club de tenis, el restaurante Sea Grill y noches de hotel.

Nuevos programas de yoga

1, 3 and 6-month passes Spa Facilities, Gym, Treatments, Health & Wellness Assessment.

Discounts at the Tennis Club, the Sea Grill Restaurant and room nights.

New Yogic Programmes

información y precios · information & price lists

reservations-marbella-spa@sixsenses.com

Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa · Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n · 29602 Marbella · Málaga · Spain · T (+34) 952 820 900 · puenteromano.com

THE LEISURE hotel

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE HOTEL RITZ MADRID

PUTTING ON

THE RITZ… at Christmas Time

Madrid is a beautiful city at any other season of the year, but at Christmas time, it takes on a magical feel, especially when the first snowflakes make their way from the skies, settling softly on iconic spots such as the Plaza Mayor, which is always dotted with stands selling nativity figures, delicate Christmas ornaments and, of course, culinary delights of the season.

M

adrid also hosts a busy season of theatrical and musical performances in the winter, including children’s shows and choirs, and for those with a few free days, the City makes a magical place to get away from it all.

If the idea of Madrid has won you over, an ideal place to stay, is the Ritz. The ‘Hotel of Kings’ has a host of special events lined up for Christmas, including a Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas day brunch, and a special New Year’s Eve gala, which brings back the identical menu served on the same evening, in 1915. Delights to be savoured include a Galician beef with a potato soufflé and Perigord sauce, Cantabrian langoustine served with a vegetable tartare, and an impressive selection of cheeses, accompanied by award-winning wines and Champagnes. If you have other plans for the evening, you can always attend the New Year’s Day brunch, featuring a selection of fantastic dishes whipped up

by Chef Jorge González, paired with a fine selection of wines and Champagnes.

The Ritz dresses up in its finest Christmas wear, so it is easy to feel warm and cosy as you walk through its stately halls. Built in 1910, it was originally a belle epoque palace, as famed for its beauty as for its magnificent location: the Hotel rises proudly within Madrid’s ‘Golden Triangle’ and is a short walk away from some of the City’s major culture and dining venues. It is a lively gathering place for the Spanish jetset throughout the year, owing to the unique vibe of its restaurants and bars.

The rooms are inviting indeed, in terms of design and comfort; choose from a Superior (24m2) or Deluxe (35m2) Room, or, if travelling with family, relax in luxury at a Suite: the Ritz has a One-Bedroom suite (45m2),

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Deluxe Suite (67m2), Presidential Suite (104m2) and of course, a Royal Suite (164m2), boasting a magnificent view over the Prado Museum and Neptune’s Square.

You will be spoiled throughout your stay in terms of the gastronomy: there are two fabulous restaurants (the Goya Restaurant and Terrace, serving fine creative Spanish cuisine livened up with French and Basque touches), The Ritz Garden (more ideal in the spring and summer months), and The Hall (serving sandwiches, light meals and pastries, as well as flavour-packed tapas throughout the day). To really experience luxury to its full, however, you must visit the Krug Bar, serving a selection of the world’s best caviar, oysters and Iberian goods with Krug Champagne. The bar opens from midday ‘til late, so you can indulge your inner gastronome at cocktail hour, lunch, or dinner time.

Christmas is a time of indulgence, but also the leadup to the New Year. To start off on the right foot, stay fit and don’t pack on the pounds, by working out regularly at the gym. The Hotel also boasts a luxurious spa, touted as an oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation, where you can have a plethora of body and facial treatments that will turn back the hands of time and take your stress quotient to less than zero.

When you’re not making the most of this sophisticated hotel, do enjoy your time in Madrid, visiting the Prado and the Thyssen Museums, catching a show (The Lion King has been on for some months but is still going strong) and sampling some of Europe’s most renowned gourmet cuisine. It’s easy to feel truly privileged and content in this buzzing city, but the ‘it’ factor rises like bubbles in Champagne, as soon as you step into the Ritz once again. e

i www.mandarinoriental.com/ritzmadrid 11/20/15 3:26 PM

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met

RESTAURANTS / REVIEWS / NEWS / WINE / CHEFS / GUIDE

Los Bandidos has been one of the Port’s most successful restaurants for almost 30 years, while Zozoï in the Old Town is another culinary classic. We speak to Peter, founder of Korean restaurant, Hanuri, and sip on exquisite wine from Vega-Sicilia.

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Los Bandidos

147

Zozoï

148 Food News 150

Kevin Woodford’s Thanda Game Reserve

152

Restaurateur’s Profile: Peter of Hanuri

154

Wine: Vega-Sicilia

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Calle TetuĂĄn, 7, 29601 Marbella Tel: 952 771 560 Open Monday - Saturday 6pm - Midnight www.momomarbella.es

Urb. MarbellaMar, Golden Mile, 29602 Marbella Open every day for lunch and dinner.

Tel: 952 770 760 www.suttonmarbella.com

o Pian d e v i L sic an Mu ger for Sin istmas Chr nd a ar!

Ye New

Celebrate Christmas and New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve With Us! We have set Christmas menus for Lima & Momo on the 24th for dinner and in Sutton for Christmas day Lunch.

All are open for New Years Eve with a set menu!

Plaza Practicante, Manuel Cantos 2, 29601, Marbella Tel: 952 866 630 Open every day except Wednesday 6pm - Midnight www.limamarbella.com

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restaurant THE GOURMET

COMING HOME TO

LOS BANDIDOS

Los Bandidos, on the frontline of Puerto Banús, has always held a well deserved reputation for offering an unbeatable dining experience, where the most exclusive produce and fine wines are married to the very best service. Without a doubt, however, the experience is that much more special in the presence of Jill Lindberg, founder of the iconic restaurant.

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN AND COURTESY OF LOS BANDIDOS

I

t is a Thursday evening in springlike November and at 8pm, every table at Los Bandidos is taken. Jill, as glamorous and friendly as ever, is seated windowside, putting her talent of ‘360º vision’ to good use, as she makes sure that all diners are satisfied, their glasses topped up and the temperature set to warm, toasty perfection.

Los Bandidos is no less than an entrepreneurial phenomenon.

Founded by Jill in 1986, it has never ceased to be the ultimate standard bearer for fine international dining in Marbella.

Jill no doubt has a keen business acumen; she obtained her degree in political sciences in Sweden, but was unconvinced that her future lay in politics. One area she did shine in since her childhood, was in cooking; she learned traditional French and international recipes at the hand of her grandmother. She laughingly recalls, “As a child, I loved to eat and cooking gave me the perfect opportunity to enjoy delicious meals!”

Since her family usually vacationed on the Coast, Jill decided to open quaint restaurant, La Fondue, on the Port. “I worked hard for two years and with my savings, bought the Los Bandidos locale.” In 1986, what is now the chicest side of the Port was abandoned and totally dark. “People used to walk up from

the other end of the Port and turn around because there were no lights… it took a few months before people discovered us,” says Jill. ‘A while’, for Jill, is but the blink of an eye for most: in just three or four months, Los Bandidos was the place to be and, today, almost 30 years down the line, it still is. The restaurant typically serves two sittings every night, with both the early and late crowd enjoying their fill.

Most new diners enquire about the catchy name of the restaurant, which was actually inspired on the ‘gang’ of Jill’s then-husband, Kurt, who played golf and partied alongside some of the world’s most famous stars and celebrities – including Sean Connery and Frank Sinatra. Kurt has since passed, but his name lives on in one of the dishes: Kurt’s Favourite, comprising a fillet of beef with a black pepper sauce and a gratin of green tagliatelli on the side. It was created by Jill to show her husband that pasta wasn’t “a woman’s dish” and she was right; Kurt was soon hooked and the dish became his all-time favourite.

The secret to the success of Los Bandidos is its respect for the essential elements we crave when we go out to dine: dishes made with the very best produce and great respect for tradition. On the evening of my visit, Jill tells me she is just back

from La Rioja, where she has made her latest purchase of Joselito ham: “You have to buy the ham two years in advance,” she says, “such is the demand.” Jill heads a staff of over 30 but still travels herself to source her produce. Moreover, a vast majority of the dishes are made to her own recipes.

The menu at Los Bandidos is ample, boasting the finest wild fish, tender meat dishes and heavenly desserts. On the day of my visit, I opted for the tuna tartare for my starter, served over slices of fresh avocado and red onion. It was, as usual, exquisite, the freshness of the tuna taking precedence over all other flavours. Jill savoured a pil-pil: not the ordinary kind, but made with flat parsley and thus bearing a refreshing

g Open nightly for dinner. Muelle Ribera, Casa M, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 815 915. www.losbandidos.es 196 ReR Bandidos.indd 145

green sauce seemingly made for bread dipping.

The main courses were to-die-for.

Jill’s lamb cutlets served with whole garlic were buttery soft and flavourful (accompanied perfectly by a bottle of a full-bodied Alberdi Rioja), while my Sole Los Bandidos (comprising a fillet of sole topped with prawns, béchamel, Duchess potatoes and caviar), was heavenly and filling. Portions at Los Bandidos are generous, perfect for even the biggest appetites.

For dessert, we tucked into fresh berries of all kinds, ice-cream and a crisp-on-top, creamy-beneath crème brûlée. The end of the meal was as sweet as the beginning. There can be no doubt that the welcoming warmth of Los Bandidos, the exquisite touches within (such as the hanging gardens that envelop diners in lush greenery) and the wonderful food and service, are universal qualities that every discerning diner dreams of.

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AT THE PLAZA VILLAGE IN THE HOTEL PUENTE ROMANO

Puente Romano Hotel, Blv. Principe Alfonso Von Hohenlohe, Marbella. www.thaigallerymarbella.com

Tel: 952 818 392

TAI PAN chinese cuisine polynesian bar

Serving Marbella in a Select Atmosphere for Decades.

Tel: 952 777 893 / 952 775 500 Puente Romano, Fase 2, Marbella.

Open Daily for Dinner from 8:00 www.taipanmarbella.com

SUKHOTHAI Exquisite Royal Thai Cuisine

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

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I

t’s one of Marbella’s finest delights to find yourself wandering through the meandering cobblestone streets of the old quarter. Whether it’s a balmy summer’s evening or a cosy winter’s day, this is an area rich in charm and atmosphere, with little boutiques, bars and leafy squares distributed throughout. The Old Town is also a culinary centre with a growing reputation, and its popularity as such rests in part on restaurants such as Zozoï.

Already a well-established and much-loved eatery, this Belgianstyled bistro fits right into and makes the most of its enchanting setting.

In summer, its front terrace adds life and vibrancy to the ‘Casco Antiguo’, complemented by an inner courtyard terrace that is no less rich in ambience. In winter, diners seek the cosy bistro charm of the restaurant’s interior, where a more intimate atmosphere prevails. We visited on such a night, and while the dining room filled up there were also those who chose to make the most of the mild weather and enjoy the terrace.

The comfy blankets available to anyone who feels a little nippy are a sign of the details and level of service that, along with the atmosphere and fine food, make Zozoï so popular. The restaurant is particularly loved by diners who seek a sociable evening out in a special setting that is elegant in a natural, informal way. As we sat down to a glass of fino we were offered an hors d’oeuvre of ceviche of scallops with coriander that was full of flavour and surprisingly refreshing, clearing the palate and preparing us for the following courses.

restaurant THE GOURMET CONTEMPORARY BISTRO Zozoï might best be described as a contemporary bistro, for it exudes a blend of classic bistro style and modernity in both its cuisine and its ambience. This welcoming but up to date environment is another reason why it is so favoured, and a look at the menu confirms that the FrancoBelgian kitchen forms the heart of the restaurant’s offering. There are many enticing examples of this, but I chose a seasonal starter in the form of a classic cream of onion soup with melted cheese. There’s nothing wrong with a classic if it is beautifully prepared – after all, dishes don’t become world famous unless they have a lot going for them!

For this reason it is as nice to return to a well-known favourite as it is to discover something new or sample the inspiration of a creative chef, as in the case of the green asparagus with chafings of Parmesan cheese drizzled with balsamic vinegar.

Beautifully presented, it is a simple creation but one few of us could ever replicate to such a standard in our own kitchens. For this very pleasant start to the evening we followed the advice of our attentive and knowledgeable waiter, and chose the Lacrimus, a Crianza 2011 from Rioja that is one of the house reds.

Spain is a great country for dining, except for one thing: there are still far too many restaurants that do not really cater to the dietary needs of a growing proportion of people with lactose, gluten and other intolerances.

Zozoï is very different in this respect, with the waiter going out of his way to ensure that all requirements could be

met and the standard menu adapted without fuss or a compromise to the quality, flavour and presentation of the dishes. This is exactly what people want from a restaurant today.

THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS Zozoï has all the ingredients of a successful restaurant – setting, ambience, service and great food. It provides a highly enjoyable venue for a sociable lunch or dinner, and just the kind of place you want to spend time in. In a restaurant, however, the bottom line is the quality of the food and in this regard it scores consistently high, with a good range of menu options complemented by the chef’s daily specials.

As he is a Cordon Bleu trained professional it means you can look forward to some delicious enticements. Mine was off the menu and came in the form of a Tournedos Rossini in a cherry sauce with parsley root and beautifully presented vegetables. It’s a dish that looks almost as good as it tastes, and I have to say the cherry sauce is a divine accompaniment to the beautifully flavoured beef. This

high point was possibly topped by the unilateral-cooked salmon that arrived in a smoke-filled glass cloche, which once removed revealed a gorgeous, perfectly salmon-pink fillet. The succulent salmon came with a pretty little salad and French fries, and it really proved to be a high point.

Desserts in a restaurant like this are also something to look forward to, and the menu at Zozoï reveals clear Franco-Belgian inspiration, with a mi-cuit fondant, Belgian waffles, Crème Brûlée, Dame Blanche and Café liégois, a ‘grown up’s’ coffeeflavoured ice cream topped with coffee ice crystals and a deliciously thick cream. The other dessert we favoured was a Pavlova with strawberries and vanilla, all washed down with an authentic mint tea.

It isn’t hard to figure out why Zozoï is one of the jewels in the crown of Marbella’s Old Town gastronomic scene. Experience the charming surroundings, the friendly and welcoming staff, and the delightful food, and you will know exactly why it is one of the best-loved restaurants in Marbella.

A PLEASURE FOR ALL SEASONS Zozoï is one of the little treasures that make Marbella’s Old Town so appealing – a restaurant whose charm, setting and ambience make you want to return time and again.

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

Zozoï

g Plaza Altamirano, 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 858 868. www.zozoi.com 196 ReR Zozoi.indd 147

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THE GOURMET news

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

New Catering Service for Aidan’s Bar & Grill If you have a special event or party coming up and you’d like someone to take the hard work off your hands, why not rely on Aidan’s Bar & Grill’s catering service? Chef Aidan Chadwick, who trained in the Mirabeau Restaurant Dublin and The Ritz Hotel in London, ran an amazing catering business in Dublin for 12 years called Unique Dining, providing fantastic food and service for house parties, christenings, weddings, movie premieres, product launches and more. Having moved to Estepona three years ago, Aidan felt there was a gap in the market for quality outside catering and Unique Catering was born. Aidan’s tailors menus to the requirements of each client, using the best quality ingredients and preparing meals with zest and passion. g C/ 4/5 Montemayor, Cancelada. Tel: 673 443 187. www.aidanchadwick.com

If towering burgers, delicious salads and refreshing cocktails are your thing, the time has come to visit new haven, BARBQ Artesanal Burgers, in the centre of Marbella. The new restaurant serves the best Galician meat and handmade cellar beer in a chic atmosphere. Partners Luis Oliveira and Eduardo Lima have travelled the world to create a versatile restaurant and to offer their customers unique moments along with innovative theme parties, live music, flamenco and a flavourful experience. g C/ Jacinto Benavente 5, Marbella. Open Monday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

Tel: 952 770 656. www.BARBQ.es

The BARBQ Artesanal Burgers Come to Marbella

COOKIES FACTORY

New Haven of Creative Cookie Making If you have a special party or event coming up, why not add a bit of colour and life into the equation, in the form of creative cookies? Cookies Factory is a new company in Marbella that is ready to cater for all your cookie needs. This Christmas, they have a host of beautiful designs, inspired on the season’s most festive themes. g Tel: 951 436 927. www.cookiesfactory.es

DA BRUNO Builds New Training Centre in Cabopino The Da Bruno Group is pleased to announce that it is soon to open a €5 million training centre in Cabopino. The project will include a restaurant (called Da Bruno Italy), a school, crèche and areas for celebrating events. The centre is expected to be ready in three years time. Bruno Filippone, founder and owner of the Da Bruno Restaurant Group, explained that the new centre will initially function as an internal training school for staff; later, it will be open to external students as well. i www.dabruno.com

STARBUCKS and the Legend of Tea Starbucks at El Corte Inglés, El Capricho, recently held a free workshop centred on the tea industry. Guests listened to an informative talk regarding all the secrets surrounding this millenary beverage, while they sipped on their favourite Starbucks drink. Visit the shop at El Capricho to enquire about future workshops. i www.elcorteingles.es

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THE GOURMET

KEVIN WOODFORD’S © Gary Edwards

Thanda Game Reserve

I

’m always amazed at people who relish the thought of a camping vacation. Having experienced sleeping in a tent twice, I came to the conclusion that it was without doubt the most uncomfortable means of accommodation ever devised. My first camping expedition in a field full of cow pats, made me realise I would never make a Boy Scout. Then many years later it led to a family mutiny when we pitched our tent at the base of a mountain in Switzerland and it rained! I accept that for members of the Special Forces it must be an integral part of their survival training, but really, as a holiday, not for me thank you very much!

So you will understand my reluctance when it was suggested that I try a safari holiday in South Africa, which involved sleeping in a tent. I envisaged sleeping on a damp thin mattress with only a thin sheet to keep me warm at night and my only protection from wild animals being a flimsy tarpaulin. Well how wrong can a man be!

Thanda Game Reserve is situated 260km from Durban and set within 14,000 hectares of land which is home to a large collection of wild animals, ranging from lions, cheetahs,

elephants through to a huge number of exotic birds. This is a private game reserve staffed by some of the most knowledgeable trackers in the business – thus ensuring that the safari element of the vacation is unrivalled. However, if you’re like me, you’ll be thinking thats all well and good, but what about the sleeping arrangements?

There are several options, each one quite stunning in its own way. For the adventurous among us, those looking for the real safari experience, there’s the Thanda tented camp with just 14 tents. Each tent has a private sun deck and en-suite canvas bathroom. Wild animals are deterred from entering the camp area by means of an electrified fence, but this doesn’t prevent you from feeling that you are so close to them during the darkness of night, that a furry friend may join you at any moment. It’s hard to describe just how incredible this experience is and I’m sure that if, unlike me, you enjoyed your scouting days then this would be for you.

The second option is Jabula; each tent has its own lounge, dining area, double bedroom with a huge bed and en-suite bathroom. There’s a great outdoor shower and you can soak up the remarkable view while chilling out

in the splash pool. While that sounds wonderful, the fact still remains that it’s camping, so for me it has to be the third option.

The ultra luxurious Villa iZulu is set within beautifully manicured grounds, which are framed by an austere African landscape. Each of the 5 suites have their own fabulous bathrooms and a private viewing deck so that you can relax and sip a large gin & tonic (served by your private butler) while spotting the various wildlife at the villa’s private watering hole. During the period that you’re not out on safari with the specialist guides, you can spend your days keeping fit at the patio gym, swimming, relaxing in the outdoor Jacuzzi, benefitting from a deep muscle massage at the Spa or, like me, enjoying the gastronomic skills of your personal chef as he skilfully cooks the locally produced ingredients.

If only the leader of my old Boy Scouts group had been able to accommodate me in something similar to Villa iZulu in my formative years, then I’m confident I’d have still been a Boy Scout to this day.

g Kevin is an Internationally

renowned chef, former Head of Department for one the UK’s most prestigious Colleges of Higher Education and more latterly one of the BBC’s most versatile television presenters, having presented Holiday, Ready Steady Cook, Can’t Cook, Won’t Cook, Big Kevin, Little Kevin, Planet Cook, The Heaven & Earth Show and a host of other network shows. He was the recipient of a National Television Award and the subject of This is Your Life and acts as a consultant to several International Hospitality Companies. Kevin Woodford is also a Presenter at BBC Watchdog.

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THE GOURMET profile

Fanning the Flames of Traditional Korean

Cooking

SANG DOO (PETER) PARK

FROM HANURI WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

B

efore Peter, there was nothing… in terms of Korean food in Andalucía, at least. Although we pride ourselves on our famed Michelin-starred establishments and rich culinary tradition, we still need to catch up with countries like Australia or England, when it comes to Oriental cuisine. Marbella has many good Asian restaurants, but those of us who were fascinated by the colour and presentation of Korean cuisine, as seen on many international cooking sites, had to content ourselves with viewing images of exotic treats we might never manage to sample.

Peter changed all that in 2014, when he opened Hanuri at quite an easy spot to access for all – on the CN340, just past Sitio de Calahonda.

Peter was a top executive in the shipping industry, and has worked in various countries, his international background being put to good use at Hanuri. “Having visited different countries for business, I experienced a plethora of cuisines and cultures, and studied how to bring Korean food to people who have never experienced it,” he explains.

Peter may be a shipping magnate,

but his true passion likes in the culinary sphere. “My family has been devoted to making good food for many generations; in Korea, we are known for our soy sauce production, which we carry out with a great respect for tradition on our estate.”

Soy-making is a laborious business, I discover, as Peter explains the months-long process: “First the new crop of bean is steamed, ground and tied with plant fibre and left to hang. After a few weeks or months, the dried and fermented beans are placed in barrels filled with salted water and the fermentation process continues.” Interestingly, says Peter, the secret to the production of the gleaming black sauce, is not what you might expect: “The reaction between the fibre and the soy starts off the process of second fermentation. Without a fibre like dried rice straw , the whole chemical process would be impossible.” The solid substance that remains in the sac post-fermentation, is used to make thick sauces to accompany the different meat and seafood varieties.

Peter explains that far from using one standard format, “each

grandmother in the family has slightly changed the recipe,” so that the sauce has evolved, similar to wine. “In Korea, there are many different spices you can use to elicit a particular flavour, but no two home-made soy sauces taste alike.” Soy sauce is an important component of meat marinade, which lends Korean meat a very particular flavour. “In addition to the sauce, we use different fruits to add a slightly sweet taste, and many spices to add a bit of piquant to the equation.”

At Hanuri, diners can look forward to enjoying an art that has taken hundreds of years to perfect. There are 26 barbecue tables, made with a special structure so that “the fat that rolls off the grill doesn’t touch the coal; therefore, there is no smoke.”

Guests enjoy what is no less than a feast, with so many colourful dishes accompanying the grilled meats, which diners cook to perfection at their table. The restaurant also has many ‘fine creative Korean’ a la carte dishes which are made according to traditional family recipes.

Hanuri has both a downstairs and upstairs dining area. The upstairs, designed in the fashion of a

traditional Korean home, is ideal for those seeking an elegant ambience, though the buzzing atmosphere of the ground floor is equally fun for diners up for a feast that can last for hours.

In addition to his work, Peter is also a proud dad of two children, who are adapting to life on the Coast beautifully. The restaurateur is delighted at the success of Hanuri, and tells me that the Calahonda location is ideal, since many of his clients drive in on weekends from as far as Sevilla or Córdoba. “We open nightly for dinner, but on Saturday and Sunday, we serve lunch as well, to accommodate clients travelling from afar.” Anyone who has ever dined at Hanuri and savoured the mouthwatering spices and top quality meat and seafood will probably tell you that we owe Peter a big ‘thank you’ for bringing one of the World’s best cuisines to our shores.

g Open daily for lunch and dinner except Monday.

C.C. Los Jarales 6, Calahonda.

Tel. 951 406 082/ 952 932 011/ 674 573 243.

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Pablo Álvarez, President of Vega-Sicilia

THE GOURMET wine

VEGA-SICILIA

In dark but uplifting 1975, I was studying in Valladolid, ostensibly on a school exchange programme but, for various reasons, I ended up living in a Jesuit run residence for students and car workers.

WORDS CARLOS READ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BODEGAS VEGA-SICILIA

I

t was very cold and in the evenings I taught English, hanging out – by turns – before and after, either with the trainee priests at the historic Scots seminary or with a curious expat crowd who frequented a bar called The Chelsea opposite the Arts Faculty.

One of this set was a lugubrious 50-year-old Irishman called Hugo who carried a large oldfashioned revolver under his long coat and was clearly in hiding.

Sometimes, in the evenings, just before the end of class, several truckloads of guardia civil would pull up in front of the bar, to surround the huge door the students emerged from and systematically beat the crap out of them, exulting in their newly provided electric truncheons.

Franco died, and while the TV ran propaganda films about Juan Carlos that continued during a week of mourning through which the country totally shut down, I went to a dark mining village called Guardo, in Palencia, with one of my fellow residents, where we partied for three days.

My emergency contact – for I was young – was the most excellent Jesús Anadón of Vega-Sicilia and life-long friend of my parents Jan and Maite.

I was often invited to lunch there on Sundays.

My father Jan takes up the story: Small and entirely uncharacteristic of the region as a whole, this bodega and its vineyards lie on the main road to Zaragoza, 40 minutes to the east of Valladolid and at a height of 765 metres. The estate is pleasantly sited on the southern margins of the River Duero; on the other side, the valley is abruptly bounded by a line of low hills with outcrops of chalk. The lands are described in the records of an old census as pagos de la Vega de Santa Cecilia, from which it would appear that ‘Sicilia’ has nothing to do with ‘Sicily’ but is a corruption of ‘Cecilia’.

The vineyards are set back from the river on gently sloping ground fringed with pine woods and fragrant wild thyme.

In their present form they date from 1864, when Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves, whose family founded the bodega, travelled to Bordeaux and acquired a

variety of select French vines from the nurseries of Beguerie & Co, which were subsequently acclimatised to the conditions of the high valley of the Duero.

For a time foreign controlled, Don Jesús Anadón, a modest man of great charm who disclaims any opinion on his wines except that they appeal to the instructed taste, has been administering the bodega for the last forty or so years, producing wines of outstanding excellence even by the standards of Bordeaux and Burgundy, with more than a passing affinity to Portugal’s most beautiful Barca Velha.

I did not realise it then, but Jesús, who had been both General Manager and Technical Director of Vega-Sicilia since 1956, was unquestionably the total dynamo, spearhead and figurehead of the winery and would continue to be so well beyond his ‘retirement’ in 1985 right through to his death in 1992 – for in between times he stayed on as an invaluable consultant.

It was he who not only introduced the, now legendary, young Mariano García (born on the estate), who took over the winemaking in 1985 (and would continue right through till 1998) as a measure of self-protection but also managed and juggled absolutely everything as the public face of the winery – on the one hand famously and most sincerely offering a piqued Prince Charles just two cases of VS for his wedding with Diana – and on the other most seriously the gentle power that engineered the creation of the Ribera del Duero DO in 1982.

In between times, the Álvarez family had bought the winery in 1982 from previous absentee owner Venezuelan Hans Neumann, who had bought the enterprise for his son Miguel as something special to add to their portfolio of international investments, but was essentially the owner in the shadows.

The Álvarez family, were, however at long last moneyed owners with vision who would involve themselves seriously and directly and it is Pablo – one of seven children – who has been piloting

the ship ever since, following the acquisition of the estate by his father David, kicking off with the following mission statement: “Morally, we cannot live off the demand which comes from historic prestige without offering more.”

Things have since therefore moved apace – not just at Vega, which now comprises some 1,000 hectares – 210 of which are vineyards (90% Tinto Fino, 10% Merlot and Cabernet with a tiny proportion of Malbec) – not just with important corn and cereal crops but also an awesome new project involving the long-term plantation of some 1.5 million cork trees on its most fertile soils.

Wine-wise, absolutely no expense has been spared and, since 2010, 81 individual steel fermenters vinify the fruit of their individually picked 19 different soil types with their own coopery craft and some three thousand barrels yearly of specially imported oak from Ohio and Kentucky – seasoned usually for two years outside and one indoors, though the complicated oak regime applied to Vega and Valbuena also involves the use of special barriques from the likes of Radoux, Saury, Vicard and Taransaud.

In between times, the commercial umbrella has resulted in a number of most excellent complementary offshoots: with the creation of the Alión winery and its 100 hectares of vineyards in 1992; the purchase of Tokay Oremus and its 120 hectares in Hungary in 1993; in 1997 the establishment of Pintia, with 97 hectares, in far flung Toro; and most recently of all, a joint Rioja project with the Rothschild family on the basis of some 88 hectares of old Tempranillo vineyards spread around both Alta and Alavesa.

All tribute too to laconic Catalan winemaker Javier Ausás, who took over from Mariano García in 1998 and departed just this August for other horizons.

I have vivid memories (and tasting notes!) of a plethora of vintages going back to the early 1960s, but will limit my observations to the current releases.

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Z PINTIA 2010 (15%) DO Toro

Tinta de Toro with some 13 months in new oak (70% French and 30% US); and one of the best three wines made in Toro.

Damson red in colour; middle weight, truly opulent and with a delicious combination of red cherry fruit and mocha; excellent balance, with most agreeable freshness, good acidity and delicious, unobtrusively fused oak. Enjoy now or cellar short term.

Z ALIÓN 2011 (14%) DO Ribera del Duero

Tinto Fino grown on chalk soils with between 14 and 18 months in new French oak and two years in bottle prior to release.

Violet in hue, this is intensely aromatic with an abundance of savoury but subtle red and black fruits complemented by very fine smoky oak with suggestions of cocoa and spice. Friendly tannins, replete with energy, and most elegant, this is most precise and already a pleasure; will also repay limited bottle age.

Z MACAN 2011 (14% DOCa Rioja

Pure Tempranillo from 35-year-old vines grown around San Vicente de la Sonsierra.

Spare, Atlantic and mineral in style, this is most elegant but very dry and quite austere with its marked tannins and fine toasty oak masking a plethora of underlying red and black fruits that are currently strangled and just seething to emerge. Fans predict a 50 year drinking window for this, but my view is that it should be sat on for a year or two and might already by then be blossoming.

Z VALBUENA 2010 (14.5%) DO Ribera del Duero

95% Tempranillo and 5% Merlot.

This is the best Valbuena within memory: big, grippy, lively, and with loads of substance – interwoven black and red fruits – with freshness, structure and immense length. Good tannins but soft ones, a measure of sweet spice, a hint of eucalyptus and oak so nicely integrated that it’s just part of the harmonious offering.

Totally approachable, my advice is enjoy now and over the next two or three years.

Z VEGA-SICILIA 2007 (13.5%) DO Ribera del Duero

Tinto Fino and Cabernet with just five years in various oaks, though as a rule of thumb normally aged for between six and nine years in oak plus a further three in bottle, this is an uncharacteristically early release from one of Spain’s trickiest vintages.

Just 60,000 bottles were produced.

Already quite evolved, ripe black fruits vie with elements of earth, expresso, cedarwood together with a touch of mint and chocolate. Great structure, nice tannins, excellent length and neat acidity notwithstanding, it’s all there now in its seductive, up-front, melded flavour so this is not one to cellar but to exult in short term. e

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theguide RESTAURANTS / CINEMAS / GOLF

Price guide per head for a three-course meal with wine

RESTAURANTS

GYMS / TENNIS / SCHOOLS

under €25

€25 – €40

Yanx

AMERICAN

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

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

C/ Ramón Areces, esq. Marina Banús, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 908 024

ARGENTINEAN

HARD ROCK CAFÉ

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

Mr. gourmet burger Open from 6pm ‘til late every evening.

Avda. Luis Braile 20, San Pedro de Alcántara.

Tel: 952 785 257

ROUTE 66 Open 10am until midnight every day.

Plaza Antonio Banderas 17/29, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 951 136 333

Buenos Aires South

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

el banco Open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to midnight.

Urb. Aloha Pueblo, Local 35, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 907 570

€40 – €60

€60 plus

BELGIAN El Coto

Open daily for both lunch and dinner. Ctra. de Ronda (El Madroñal), San Pedro de Alcántara.

Tel: 952 786 688

mytilus

Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 132.2 Sotogrande, Cádiz.

Tel: 956 791 200

Gluten-free celicioso

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Plaza de Los Naranjos, Puerto Sotogrande. Tel: 956 790 212

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

At the Puente Romano Hotel on the Golden Mile.

Tel: 952 820 900

FRENCH

GREEK

Open Monday to Saturday from 1pm to 11pm. C/ Calderón Estébanez 19, Marbella. Tel: 952 774 578

Open daily for both lunch and dinner.

Muelle Ribera, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 812 148

Casa mono

gauchos

le bistroman

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C.C. Laguna Village.

CN 340, km 159, Estepona. Tel: 952 897 744

Open daily for lunch and dinner. El Corte Inglés, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 909 990

ruta 40

Valderrama Restaurant

Open from 9am to 12 midnight daily. C.C. El Zoco, Sitio de Calahonda. Tel: 951 133 737

Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner only and on Sunday for Buffet Lunch. Apartado 1,

Red Pepper

GRILLS

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

Asador guadalmina

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

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

cabaña nagüeles

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C.C. Odeon, Locales 9-10, C/ Las Yedras, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 003 434

Open Monday to Thursday from 11am to 2am and on Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 3am. Urb. La Carolina, Marbella. Tel: 951 134 083

El Carnicero

VOVEM

INDIAN

Jaipur palace

Albert & simon Open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Friday and for dinner only on Saturday. Closed Sundays.

Urb. Nueva Alcántara, Edif. Mirador, Bloque 4-B, Marbella. Tel: 952 783 714

alberts Open daily for lunch and dinner. Puerto Cabopino.

Tel: 952 836 886

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Urb. Coto de los Doles, Carril del Relojero, Elviria, Marbella.

Tel: 952 839 458

beckitts Open Monday to Sunday for dinner. C/ Camilo José Cela 4, Marbella. Tel: 952 868 898

Besaya Beach

Open daily for both lunch and dinner. Pueblo Viejo Cancelada. Between San Pedro & Estepona.

Tel: 952 886 307

Open every night except Tuesday for dinner. CN340, km 194, next to Camping Cabopino, Marbella. Tel: 951 310 004

alumbre Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Strachan 11, Málaga. Tel: 951 500 022

Open Monday to Thursday for lunch, Friday and Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sunday for lunch.

Urb. Coral Beach s/n, km 176, Marbella.

Tel: 952 777 299

El Carnicero 2

Jaipur Purple

Amanhavis

BIBO

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

Open daily for dinner. CN 340, km. 166, Estepona.

Tel: 952 888 353

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

El Gaucho

Massala

ambrosia

Open daily for dinner from 7.30pm. Galerías Paniagua.

Sotogrande. Tel: 956 795 528

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

Open daily from 9am ‘til late. Avda. Álvarez Quintero 20, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 781 310

Open every day for lunch and dinner except Sunday afternoon and all of Monday. At the Hotel Puente Romano. Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella. Tel: 951 607 011

El gaucho de banús

Mumtaz

amigos

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Muelle Benabola 9-11, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 812 167

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

Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday.

C/ Málaga 3, Benahavis. Tel: 952 855 175

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Muelle Benabola, under the Torre de Banús, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 815 607

aroma

bono’s beach

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Moncayo 23, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 665 502

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Cervantes s/n, Urb. Costabella, Playa El Arenal, Marbella.

Tel: 952 839 236

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

Restaurante Rancho

INTERNATIONAL 11&11 Restobar

Open Monday to Thursday from 7pm ‘til late, on Friday and Saturday from 1pm to 4pm and from 7pm ‘til late and on Sunday from 10am ‘til late. Dársena de Levante, Local 39, Estepona Port. Tel: 951 703 060

Aidan’s bar & Grill

baboo lounge and restaurant Open every day for lunch and dinner, closing Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at 8pm. Ctra. Arroyo de la Miel, s/n, Benalmádena. Tel: 902 102 675

Open Thursday to Tuesday for dinner from 5:30pm.

Closed Wednesdays. C/ 4/5 Montemayor, Cancelada (opposite the Farmacia). Tel: 952 887 828

Bahia beach

Al Rolo

barbq artesanal burgers

Open from 1pm to 4pm and 7pm to 11pm daily.

At Reserva del Higuerón. Avda. del Higuerón 48, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 661 174

Open every day for lunch and dinner. C/ Jacinto Benavente 5, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 656

Open daily for lunch and dinner. CN340, km 146.5, Casares. Tel: 951 704 884

beach house

Black and white Marbella

Brunings Kitchen continuously open Monday to Friday from 1pm to 11pm. Saturday – dinner only. Closed Sunday.

Las Palmeras 19, San Pedro de Alcántara.

Tel: 952 786 156

CAFÉ DE RONDA Open daily for breakfast and lunch until 7pm.

Avda. Ramón Gómez de la Serna 23, Marbella.

Tel: 952 862 149

Cafetería ke Open daily for lunch and dinner. Puerto Deportivo

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Price guide per head for a three-course meal with wine

de Sotogrande, s/n. Tel: 956 790 333

cappuccino grande cafe Open daily for lunch and dinner. José Meliá s/n (Hotel Gran Meliá Don Pepe), Marbella. Tel: 952 868 790

Casanis Open every day from 6pm except Sundays.

C/ Ancha, 8, Marbella. Tel: 952 900 450

celima Open every day for lunch and dinner. Hotel Hermitage, Ctra. de Casares, Casares.

Tel: 952 895 639.

cerrado del águila

under €25

€25 – €40

€40 – €60

Azalea, Edif. A, CN340, km 173, Nueva Andalucía.

Tel: 951 339 309

€60 plus

Miraflores Playa, Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 587 550

Tel: 952 780 927

EL OLIVO

GD Gourmet deli marbella

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

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 Campanario

El Restaurante del Casino

Open 9:30am to 9pm from Monday to Friday and Saturday from 12am to 6pm. Closed Sundays.

Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe 7, Marbella.

Tel: 952 774 049

Open every day for lunch. Open for dinner on Friday and Saturday. CN 340, km. 168, Estepona. Tel: 952 880 126

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

Fabiola

Open daily for dinner from 6.30p.m. Avda. del Prado, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. Tel: 952 813 859

EL CASTILLO

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 Tuesday to Sunday for dinner from 7pm.

Closed Monday. Local 1A. Puerto de Cabopino.

Tel: 952 837 483

Finca Besaya

Herrero del Puerto

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

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

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

Finca El Forjador

hills cafe Open every day for breakfast and lunch, except Monday. Dinner by reservation is possible on Friday and Saturday. Tel: 952 856 171

El Bolero

Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner. C/ El Pilar s/n, Benahavís. Tel: 681 294 442

girasol hermosa

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

El Corzo

c’est la vie

EL GRAN GASTBY

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Paseo Las Palmeras, 15, San Pedro de Alcántara.

Tel: 952 783 394

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Muelle de Honor, Puerto Banús. Tel: 951 778 797

EL JINETE

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

cortijo fain

Open daily for dinner except for Friday. Ctra. La Cala Golf, km 45, La Cala de Mijas. Tel: 952 119 170

fonda restaurante el postillón

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

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

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 7:30pm to 11pm. Ctra. de Mijas, km. 1, A-387, Alhaurín El Grande.

Tel: 951 254 520

EL MIRADOR

funky tapas

Open for breakfast every day. At the Kempinski Hotel Bahía Resort. CN 340, km. 159, Estepona.

Tel: 952 809 500

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

Avda. Miguel de Cervantes, 68, La Campana. Tel: 952 814 041

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

Galeria San Pedro

D-wine

El oceano beach hotel Restaurant & Spa

Open every evening for dinner. Playa del Rodeo, Marbella. Tel: 951 319 372

Open Monday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. C.C.

Open daily for lunch and dinner. CN 340, km 199,

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

del mar Open daily for lunch and dinner. At the Hotel Puente Romano. Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

Don Leone Open every night for dinner. Puerto Banús, Marbella.

Tel: 952 811 716

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

Open from 11am until midnight. Closed Sundays. Avda Las Palmeras 15, San Pedro Alcántara.

Horizon steakhouse Open daily for lunch and dinner. Avda. Antonio Machado s/n, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 560 094

hotel marbella club buffet il mare karma

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Open every day from 10am until late. C/ Las Violetas 7, Conjunto Andalucía Garden Club, Nueva Andalucía.

Tel: 952 815 736

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

LA biznaga

Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner.

Hotel Villa Padierna, Urb: Flamingos s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 889 150

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

la brisa Open for dinner Thursday to Monday from 7pm.

Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona. CN 340, km. 159, Estepona. Tel: 952 809 500

La cabaña del mar Open every day for lunch and for dinner from Monday to Saturday. Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona CN 340, km 159, Playa El Padrón, Estepona.

Tel: 952 809 500

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

Tel: 951 318 815

LA GRANADA DIVINO Open daily for lunch and dinner except Tuesday.

C/ de las Piedras, Gaucín. Tel: 951 709 075

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

La Terraza

La Veranda

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

Tel: 956 615 998

La veranda lobby bar

Tel: 952 816 105

Macaoo beach Open daily for lunch and dinner except Sunday. C/ Jose Echegaray, San Pedro de Alcántara.

Tel: 952 113 618

Magna Café Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. C/ Calderón de la Barca, s/n. Tel: 952 929 578

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

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

Messina

les cubes

MOJO

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Urb. Oasis Club, CN340, km. 183, Marbella. Tel: 952 868 396

Open from Monday to Saturday for dinner from 8pm ‘til late. Monte Paraíso Golf, Marbella. Tel: 951 217 272

LIMA

momo marbella

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 6pm to 12am and for lunch on Sunday from 12pm to 5pm.

Plaza Practicante Manuel Cantos 2, Marbella.

Tel: 952 866 630

Open Monday to Saturday from 6pm to midnight. C/ Tetuán 7, Marbella. Tel: 952 771 560

los arcos Open every night for dinner. Hotel Meliá La Quinta, Urb. La Quinta Golf s/n, Marbella.

Tel: 952 762 000

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

Los naranjos restaurant Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Urb. Los Naranjos de Marbella. Nueva Andalucía.

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

Miraflores Golf Restaurant Open daily for Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 199. Urb. Riviera Golf.

Tel: 952 931 941

NELI Gs Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. C.C. Benavista, Estepona. Tel: 952 928 576

nōmō brasserie Open for lunch and dinner every day except for Sunday. Bulevar de San Pedro, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 951 702 168

NUEVA CAMPANA

Open daily for lunch and dinner, except Tuesday.

Avda. Miguel de Cervantes, 68, La Campana.

Tel: 952 814 041

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

oyarbide Open daily from 12pm to 12am. C.C. Guadalmina, Urb. Guadalmina Alta. Tel: 952 882 820

Palmyra Open daily from 9am ‘til late. Avda. Arturo Rubenstein s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 858 423

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

puente romano beach club Open daily for lunch. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella.

Tel: 952 820 900

Restaurante royal Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the Hotel Torrequebrada, Benalmádena Costa.

Tel: 952 441 414

Rojo Open every day for lunch and dinner except Sunday.

C/ Granada, 44, Málaga. Tel: 952 227 486

Sea grill At the Puente Romano Beach Club. Open daily for lunch and dinner. CN340, km 187, Marbella.

Tel: 952 820 900

shanti-som – amrita Open Monday to Thursday from 1.30pm to 4.30pm,

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Price guide per head for a three-course meal with wine Friday and Saturday from 1:30pm to 4.30 pm and 8pm to 10.30pm. Ctra. de Ojén, km 22, A355, Marbella-Monda. Tel: 952 864 455

shiraz Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

Puerto Deportivo, Local 15, Marbella.

Tel: 952 778 334

Skina Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Friday and Saturday for dinner only. Closed Sunday and Monday. C/ Aduar 12, Old Town, Marbella.

Tel: 952 765 277

under €25

€25 – €40

€40 – €60

€60 plus

Swing

tikitano

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

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

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Urb. Guadalmansa, CN340, km 164, Estepona.

Tel: 952 798 449

tanino

Trocadero arena

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

CN 340, km 168, Benamara, Estepona.

Tel: 952 883 259

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Torre Real Beach, Marbella. Tel: 952 865 579

Terra Sana

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Playa de la Carolina, Marbella. Tel: 610 704 144

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

Tel: 952 813 464

Trocadero Sotogrande

aragona

Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Paseo del Parque s/n, Sotogrande.

Tel: 956 795 012

Open every day for dinner. Avda. del Mar 3, Marbella. Tel: 951 134 322

UNI

Open daily for dinner. Front line P. Banús.

Tel: 952 812 898

trocadero beach

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ctra.

Istán, km 1, C.C: Le Village 15, Marbella.

Tel: 952 771 046

Open Monday to Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nueva Andalucía next to the Casino.

Tel: 952 906 205. Marina Banús, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 817 977. C.C. Laguna Village, Estepona. Tel: 951 901 050. C.C. Mary Sol, Sotogrande. Tel: 956 796 931. C.C. La Cañada, Marbella. Tel: 952 868 663. C.C. Parque Miramar, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 663 937

smart café

the little geranium

Open 8:30am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9:30 am to 6pm on weekends. C/ Los Olivos 1, above the Enjoy Golf Academy in front of Aloha College.

Tel: 690 001 045

Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. C/ Ronda, La Cala de Mijas, Mijas Costa (pedestrian street behind the Town Hall). Tel: 952 493 602

Suave

Open 9am to 11pm every day except Sundays.

Avda. Ricardo Soriano 1, Local 1 (Edif. Portillo), Marbella. Tel: 952 772 577

villa padierna club de mar

The orange tree

zest

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

Open Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to 4:30pm and for cocktail hour from 4:30pm to 8pm. Centro Plaza, Marbella. Tel: 951 319 151

THE PLAYWRIGHT

zozoI

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Manzana, Locales 8-11, Pueblo Los Arcos, Elviria.

Tel: 952 830 868

Open Wednesday to Monday for dinner. Closed Tuesday. Plaza Altamirano 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 858 868

SMALL WORLD CAFé

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Paseo Maritimo Rey de España 93, Fuengirola.

Tel: 952 866 627

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

sutton Open nightly for dinner. Urb. Marbellamar 93, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 760

The meeting room

Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner. At the Puente Romano Hotel on the Golden Mile. Tel: 952 820 900

Venta garcía Open daily for lunch and dinner every day except Monday. Ctra. de Casares km 7, Casares. Tel: 952 894 191 Open daily for lunch from 1pm to 6pm.

CN 340, km 166, Marbella. Tel: 647 791 515

ITALIAN Al Dente

Open every day for dinner. Closed on Mondays.

Urb. Jardines del Puerto, local 12, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 906 181

Amore e Fantasía

Aretusa Carpaccio Open every day for lunch and dinner. Frontline Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 813 357

casa tua Open every evening for dinner. C/ Ortiz de Molinillo 14, Marbella. Tel: 951 712 227

CIBO Open from 12pm until midnight daily. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe 11, Marbella. Tel: 952 900 380

CONRADS IL Ristorante Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

Avda. del Prado s/n, Edif. Sport Café, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 628 593 409

Da Bruno Open all day. Da Bruno Cabopino: CN-340 Km.

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Tel: 952 802 144

C.C. Laguna Village, Estepona. Tel: 952 808 035

LA pappardella sul mare

Ristorante Regina

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

Open every night for dinner and Sunday for lunch.

Edif. La Ruleta, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 814 529

la trattoria de marbella

ristorante san martino

Open nightly for dinner from 6:30pm.

C/ Las Malvas, Edif. Online, Local 4, Nueva Andalucía.

Tel: 952 817 591

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C.C. Pinares de Elviria s/n, Elviria, Marbella. Tel: 952 832 702

Da Paolo

Leonardo da vinci

Open everyday for lunch and dinner. Muelle Ribera, casa G-H, local 43, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 816 453

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

Open every day from 12pm ‘til midnight for lunch and dinner. C.C. Pinogolf de Don Carlos 34, Elviria.

Tel: 952 850 148

Lombardo’s

seraFina

Don giovanni

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

Open from Monday to Saturday for dinner at the Puente Romano Hotel on the Golden Mile.

Tel: 952 771 798

BAMBOO

trattoria l’impronta

Dragón de Oro

Open daily for lunch and dinner except on Tuesday.

Avda. Salamanca, Edif. San Pedro del Mar, Local 14, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 785 943

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

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. Da Bruno Mijas Costa: Ctra. de Mijas, km. 3.6, Mijas. Tel: 952 460 724

Open Friday to Monday for dinner. At Hotel Finca Cortesín. Ctra. de Casares, Casares. Tel: 952 937 800

Frascati Open daily for lunch and dinner. Plaza de Los Naranjos s/n, Sotogrande. Tel: 952 790 392

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

Il Tartufo Open from Monday to Saturday for dinner from 6:30pm. C/ Tetuán 9, Marbella. Tel: 951 087 323

la fiorentina Open daily for lunch and dinner. C.C. El Pilar, Local 11 (opposite the Crown Plaza Hotel), Estepona.

Tel: 952 885 765

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

MADE IN SARDINIA Open every night for dinner. C.C. Cristamar, Avda.

Julio Iglesias, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 906 608

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

nunos Open daily for lunch and dinner. At the Caleta Hotel. Catalan Bay, Gibraltar. Tel: +350 200 76501

O mamma mia Open every day except Sunday for lunch and dinner. At El Corte Inglés Food Hall, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 909 990

Rosmarino della piazza

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

Mediterranean Beata’s Vino y Mar

Open Monday to Sunday from 2pm to 11pm. Avda. del Prado 20, Marbella. Tel: 602 822 598

Pizzeria Picasso

Restaurante bar carmen

Open daily from 12 noon. Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 813 669

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. C.C. Laguna Village, CN 340, km 159, Estepona.

Tel: 952 806 739

portofino laguna village Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Oriental Asia Food

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

Asian fusion bing Open 12.30pm-4.30pm and 6.30pm to 12am daily.

Fuengirola, Paseo Marítimo, L-42C. Tel: 952 470 218

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

Tel: 952 817 691 Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

Ctra. Istan km 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 906 674

golden wok Open every day for lunch and dinner. Urb. Marbellamar, Marbella. Tel: 952 866 840

Hanuri KOREAN BBQ & BAR Open Tuesday-Friday dinner only from 6pm ‘til late and Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner.

C.C. Los Jarales 6, Calahonda.

Tel: 951 406 082/ 952 932 011

KABUKI raw Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner. At Finca Cortesín Hotel. Ctra. Casares s/n, Casares.

Tel: 952 937 800

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THE GUIDE Price guide per head for a three-course meal with wine 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

Makitake Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Ribera s/n (above disco Seven), Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 811 592

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

Namazake Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner. Hotel Puente Romano. Tel: 952 820 900

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

Sakura Open every day for lunch and dinner. Avda.

Jardines del Puerto, L.5, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 817 536

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

Tel: 952 888 710

Sukho Thai

under €25

€25 – €40

€40 – €60

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

Sushi des artistes Open every day for lunch and dinner.

CN 340, km 178.5, Marbella. Easy parking.

Tel: 952 857 403

Sushi Katsura

€60 plus

tHapa thai Open every day for lunch and dinner. Urb. Puerto Deportivo 13, Edif. Poniente, Estepona.

Tel: 951 318 445

top thai Open daily for lunch and dinner. Centro Plaza, 64, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 951 319 778

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

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

Tse yang Dimsum club

La Torre

Open daily for lunch and dinner except Sundays.

At El Corte Inglés Food Hall, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 909 990

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

Tai Pan

Wasabi

Open seven days a week for dinner. H. Puente Romano, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 177, Marbella.

Tel: 952 777 893

Open daily from 1.30 pm for lunch and dinner. C.C. Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 908 577

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

Tahini Open daily for lunch and dinner. Hotel Meliá don Pepe. C/ José Meliá s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 902 936

Ta-kumi Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Gregorio Marañón 4, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 839

Teppanyaki samurai Open daily for lunch and dinner. Avda. Manolete 20, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 816 549

thai gallery At Plaza Village at the Hotel Puente Romano. Blvd.

Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella.

Tel: 952 818 392

Thai Style Open daily for lunch and dinner. Avda. Playas del Duque s/n. Edif. Gaviotas IV, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 813 675

SCANDINAVIAN Aloha restaurant

Open every evening for dinner from 6pm to 11.30pm. Avda. del Prado s/n, Nueva Andalucía.

Tel: 952 811 285

Skandies Open Tuesday to Sunday from 7pm to 11pm. Closed Mondays. Avda. Antonio Belón, 26 (behind the lighthouse), Marbella.

Tel: 952 776 323

SEAFOOD

cervecería ostrería santiago Open daily for lunch and dinner. Avda. del Marzo, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 078

El Barlovento Open from 11am-4pm and 7.30-11pm every day

Marisquería La Pesquera Restaurante El bote Open every day for lunch and dinner. Paseo Marítimo Rey de España, Fuengirola.

Tel: 952 660 084

palapa Open daily for lunch and dinner. C.C. Laguna Village, CN 340, km 159, Estepona.

Tel: 952 808 165

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

SPANISH

Bahía

Open every evening for dinner. At Hotel Don Carlos. Avda. Zurita s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 768 800

beach club restaurante grill

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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

Casa de la era Open only for lunch – call for times. Ctra. de Ojén, km 0.5, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 625

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

DGust Open Monday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Avda. Duque de Ahumada, Marbella.

Tel: 952 863 780

Open daily from 9.30am to 6pm. Playa La Fontanilla, Marbella. Tel: 952 821 450

La Taberna del Alabardero 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

Mesón el adobe Open daily for lunch and dinner except Tuesdays. Avda. La Fontanilla, Edif.

Balmoral, Bajo 3, Marbella. Tel. 600 003 144

mi taberna

VEGETARIAN loving hut

Open daily from 10.30am to 11.30pm. Avda.

Miguel Cano 11, Marbella. Tel: 951 245 889

CINEMAS & THEATRES

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

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

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. CN340, km 178, Marbella. Tel: 952 827 880

AUDITORIO PARQUE DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN

Paellas y Más

CENTRO CULTURAL EL INGENIO

Open daily from 10:30am to 11pm. C/ Jacinto Benavente 33, Marbella. Tel: 952 822 511

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

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

Restaurante 1870

La Cañada. Marbella. Tel: 902 333 231

Open nightly for dinner. C/ La Concha, 11, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 783 836

cines teatro goya

La máquina

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

El Portalón Open Monday to Saturday for lunch 1-4pm and dinner from 8pm-midnight. Ctra de Cádiz, km 178, Marbella. Tel: 952 827 880

Hacienda

Open daily for lunch and dinner except Sunday.

At El Corte Inglés Food Hall, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 909 990

la moraga Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Ramón Areces s/n, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 817 448

La red

Tragabuches

Vila do grove Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. C/ Las Malvas, Edif. On Line, Local 2, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 813 415

Marbella. Tel: 952 825 035

CINESA LA CAÑADA Avda. Julio Iglesias, Puerto Banús. Tel: 951 196 665

cinesur C.C. Miramar, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 198 605

MULTICINES ALFIL Avda. Camilo José Cela, s/n. Fuengirola.

Tel: 952 800 056

MULTICINES MEDITERRÁNEO Mijas. Tel: 952 663 738

PALACIO DE LA PAZ Recinto Ferial. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 589 349

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THE GUIDE TEATRO ALAMEDA

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 784 600

MULTI SPORT

Mayfair Academy

Calle Córdoba 9, Málaga. Tel: 952 213 412

Los Naranjos Golf Club

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

TEATRO CERVANTES

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 815 206

New Concept Training

Ages 4-18. Atalaya Park, Estepona.

Tel: 952 784 923

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

Marbella Club Golf Resort 18 holes, Par 73. Tel: 952 113 239

Monte Paraíso Country Club, Camino de Camoján s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 866 843

Monseñor Rodrigo Bocanegra

TEATRO CIUDAD DE MARBELLA Plaza Ramón Martínez, Marbella.

Tel: 952 903 159

Marbella Golf & Country Club

02 CENTRO WELLNESS

Performing Arts Academy

18 holes. Tel: 952 830 500

Plaza del Mar. Marbella. Tel: 952 900 420

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

TEATRO SALON VARIETES

Mijas Golf

P-E SPORTS CLUB

Peter Pan School

Emancipación 30. Fuengirola.

Tel: 952 474 542

36 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 476 843

Miraflores Golf

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

Tel: 952 818 357

Ages 0-3. Bilingual nursery. San Pedro.

Tel: 952 782 051 Benalmádena. Tel: 952 562 103

VERACRUZ CINES

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 931 960

qi sport

Saint George’s School

Veracruz. Estepona. Tel: 952 800 056

Monte Mayor Golf & Country Club

Urb. La Alzambra, Marbella. Tel: 952 907 090

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

YELMO CINEPLEX

18 holes. Tel: 952 113 088

SATURNIA REGNA

Sotogrande International School

Plaza Mayor. Tel: 902 220 922

Parador Málaga del Golf

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

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

18 holes. Tel: 952 381 255

SEVEN STARS SCHOOL

St. Javier’s International School

Real Club de Golf Las Brisas

GOLF GUIDE

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

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 810 875

Tai Chi & yoga. Pasaje Estrecho, Estepona.

Tel: 952 923 055

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

Alcaidesa Links

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

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande

Sport Club Reserva del Higuerón

Ages 4-16. Tel: 952 900 453

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 785 014

Avda. del Higueron, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 565 761

Sunny View School

Alhaurín Golf

San Roque Club

SPORTCLUB ROUTE 66

Ages 2–18. Torremolinos. Tel: 952 383 164

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

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 613 030

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

Santa Clara Golf

SPORTING CLUB ATALAYA PARK HOTEL

Swans international school el capricho

Almenara Golf

18 holes. Tel: 952 850 111

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

Ages 3–10. Marbella. Tel: 952 773 248

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

Santa Maria Golf & Country Club

TICKET-TO-RIDE

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 831 036

Cristamar, Pto. Banús. Tel: 952 905 082

Swans international school Sierra blanca

Aloha Golf Club

Sotogrande Club de Golf

Vitality studio

Ages 11–18. Marbella. Tel: 952 902 755

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

18 holes. Tel: 956 785 012

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

Atalaya Golf

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

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

Cabopino Golf 18 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 850 282

Cerrado del águila

Valderrama

GYMS & SPORTS CLUBS

sChools Aloha College

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

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

Stagecoach Theatre Arts School

TLC Tutorial College Ages 13-18. Calahonda. Tel: 952 933 249

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

TENNIS CLUBS Aztec Country Club

ALHAMAR GYM

british school of marbella

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 951 703 355

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

Ages 18 months-8. Marbella. Tel: 952 779 264

Urb. Riviera del Sol, Mijas-Costa.

Tel: 952 934 477

Club de Golf La Cañada

ATENAS

Calahonda International College

bel air tennis and paddel club

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 956 794 100

Barquilla 1. Marbella. Tel: 952 776 240

Ages 3-18. Tel: 952 930 080

Urb. Bel-Air, Estepona. Tel: 952 883 221

El Paraiso Club de Golf

AZTEC COUNTRY CLUB

Calpe School

Club deL Sol

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 883 835

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

Ages 2 1/2–11. San Pedro. Tel: 952 786 029

Estepona Golf

CENTRO DEPORTIVO EL FUERTE

Childrens placE Bilingual nursery

Tennis/paddle classes. Calahonda.

Tel: 952 939 595

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

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

Atalaya, Estepona. Tel: 952 928 444

Club de tenis don carlos

CENTRO DE YOGA Y SALUD INTEGRAL

Colegio Alborán

Finca cortesín golf club

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

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

Hotel Don Carlos, Avda. Zurita, CN340, km 192.

Marbella. Tel: 952 768 800

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

CENTRO PLAZA GYM

Colegio Alemán

Club Internacional de Tennis

Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 817 074

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

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

Flamingos Golf Club

Cerrado del águila

Colegio Las Chapas

Club Madroñal

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

Mijas Costa, Málaga. Tel: 951 773 523

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

Benahavís. Tel: 617 647 223

CLUB DEl SOL

Colegio San José Guadalmina

Club Nueva Alcántara

Golf Río Real

Tel: 952 883 858 Estepona. Tel: 952 800 148

San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 788 315

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 756 733

Tennis /paddle classes. Calahonda.

Tel: 952 939 595

Dolphin Nursery

Hofsaess tennis academy

Golf Torrequebrada

Dynamic training centre

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 442 742

C.C. Le Village, Marbella. Tel: 952 775 021

Ages 6 months-5 years. San Pedro.

Tel: 952 799 563

Monte Elviria (next to German School).

Tel: 952 835 812

Guadalmina Golf

FITNESS CENTRE NEW STYLE

Ecos College

Lew Hoads Tennis Club

36 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 883 375

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

Ages 1–18. Elviria. Tel: 952 831 027

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

La Cala Golf Resort

Fuerte Gym

English InteRnational College

Manolo Santana Racquets Club

54 holes, Pars 71, 72 and 73.

Tel: 952 669 033. www.lacala.com

Avda. El Fuerte, Marbella. Tel: 952 861 624

Ages 3–18. Elviria. Tel: 952 831 058/9

Ctra. de Istán, Km 2. Marbella. Tel: 952 778 580

GIMNASIO ESTADIO

Hijas de María Auxiliadora

Marbella hill tennis club

La Dama de Noche

Ages 3-12. Marbella. Tel: 952 771 396

9 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 818 150

Trav. Huerta de los Cristales, Marbella.

Tel: 952 828 217

Avda. El Fuerte, Marbella.

Tel: 659 677 539

La Duquesa Golf & Country Club

HAPPY DIVER’S CLUB

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 890 425

Atalaya Park Hotel, Marbella. Tel: 609 571 920

La Quinta Golf

HOTEL PUENTE ROMANO

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

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

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

KRAV MAGA SELF-DEFENCE CENTRE

Inlingua Language School

Urb. Miraflores, Km 199. Calahonda.

Tel: 952 932 006

La Reserva Sotogrande

At Hotel Pyr, Puerto Banús. Tel: 655 689 455

All ages. Marbella. Tel: 952 774 942

Puente Romano TEnnis club

18 holes. Tel: 956 695 209

MANOLO SANTANA RACQUETS CLUB

Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

La Zagaleta Golf & Country Club

Ctra. de Istán, Km 2. Marbella. Tel: 952 778 580

the InteRnational SCHOOL of ESTEPONA

18 holes. Members only. Tel: 952 695 209

MARBELLA GUN & COUNTRY CLUB

Ages 2-12. Estepona. Tel: 952 884 789

El Rosario, Marbella. Tel: 952 837 651

Lauro Golf 18 holes

Monda. Tel: 952 112 161

Sport Club Reserva del Higuerón

Alhaurín de la Torre. Tel: 952 412 767

MARBELLA SPORT

Laude San pedro international college

Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club

Km 171.5. San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 788 315

Ages 2–18. San Pedro. Tel: 952 799 900

III language schools

marbella playa tenIs CN340, km 189, Marbella. Tel: 657 619 630

Miraflores Tennis Club

royal tennis club marbella Avda. del Higueron, Benalmádena.

Tel: 952 565 761

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pets THE GUIDE WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Pets Too Will Soon Be

TAKING SELFIES Love it or loathe it, the selfie craze is here to stay. A new product called PetBot is cashing in on the habit, making it easy for your dog to take and send you their very own selfie. The PetBot is a little box-like apparatus that contains a voice message calling your dog and a load of treats to entice them. Once your pooch approaches, the camera clicks and the snap is sent instantly to your phone.

The device is also meant for use with cats and rabbits though you may have to wait a little longer than this Christmas to get your hands on it; the makers are still thousands of euros short of their financial target!

Dogs Learning HOW TO DRIVE In case you thought there was a limit to the number of tricks you could teach a dog, check out the work of the New Zealand Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). As amazing as it may sound, staff have successfully taught three rescued dogs to drive. We’re not just talking holding the wheel, but shifting gears, turning and accelerating. The aim of the exercise was to create viral content showing that mixed breed dogs in shelters are incredibly intelligent and capable of so much more than people give them credit for. Before buying, head for a shelter; there are so many dogs in desperate need of their very own ‘forever home’.

BEWARE THE FIREWORKS

Fireworks may be considered the ultimate symbol of celebration for some, but for others (and their dogs and cats), it is a source of great frustration and fear – year after year, holiday after holiday. Many dogs and cats experience anxiety (and an accelerated heart beat!) when they hear fireworks and the holiday season is one of the most notorious in terms of pets running away from home in a panic. As holiday season comes around, be sure to prepare your home for New Year’s Eve. This year, make sure your dogs are indoors, in the quietest room in your home. Check they are wearing their dog tags in case they should escape, and finally, see your vet about anti-anxiety medication if necessary.

There are gentle, natural products on the market that can make a real difference to your pets. If you have a relative living in a quieter area who is willing to offer their home for the night for your pets, do avail of the opportunity.

DON’T OVER-STROKE your Cat A study undertaken by researchers at the University of Lincoln has shown that cats who reluctantly allow themselves to be petted by their owners, experience more stress than cats that avoid affection altogether. The study looked into the respective stress levels of cats living alone, in pairs or in larger groups. The findings indicated that younger cats (aged under two) experienced more stress than cats of the same age living in larger groups, largely because their owners tended to over-pet them. The researchers noted that in groups, stress is less because cats can organise themselves better, avoiding contact so as to reduce stress. Also, when owners have various cats, some enjoy being petted, giving others the opportunity for more personal space.

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THE GUIDE what’s on

Events in December

Until December 21 ART EXHIBITION – MARBELLA

MARC CHAGALL – MARBELLA

The Museo Ralli de Marbella celebrates its 15th anniversary with a new space dedicated to the great Marc Chagall.

Featuring lithography work, including The Blessing of Jacob (1953) and The Lovers (1951), among other works. www.rallimuseums.com/sp

The Kasser Rassu Gallery-Showroom is hosting Creative Colour: an exhibition of work by contemporary artist, Paula Menchen. The artist spent most of her early life in Canada, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree from the Otis Art Institute of Parsons School of Design, where she majored in Painting and Installation Art. She has shown her work in Los Angeles, San Francisco and now, the Coast. The exhibition coincides with Kasser Rassu Gallery-Showroom’s sixth anniversary. www.kasserrassu.com

The Museo Histórico-Etnológico de Mijas presents Mijas de Ayer, an exhibition which recreates the Mijas of old. Featuring ancient cooking items, farming tools, fishing equipment and more. www.mijas.es

Until December 31 MINIATURES – MIJAS

Until January 16, 2016 ART – CÓMPETA

The Museo de Miniaturas de Mijas presents a collection of miniature works which surprise and delight owing to the originality of their subject matter. www.mijas.es

JEAN COCTEAU – MARBELLA

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Jean Cocteau: one of the most influential writers and filmmakers of the 20th century and there is no better way to enjoy his art than by visiting the Centro Cultural Cortijo Miraflores.

Featuring manuscripts, drawings and original photographs that celebrate the power of the written word and visual media. Tel: 952 902 714.

MIJAS OF THE PAST – MIJAS

Enjoy a colourful art exhibition at Galería Luz de la Vida in Cómpeta. Featuring works by Eva Joensen, Lieuwke Loth and others. Open Thursdays from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 8pm, and Saturday from 11am to 2pm. www.luzdevida.es

Until January 17, 2016 AI WEIWEI – MÁLAGA

The Contemporary Art Centre of Málaga (CAC) presents an exhibition by one of China’s most renowned contemporary artists: Ai Weiwei. Featuring 12 bronze sculpture measuring over three metres in height, representing animals from the Chinese zodiac. www.cacmalaga.eu

Until January 19, 2016 ART EXHIBITION – MIJAS PUEBLO

Margit Björklund, Sinikka Ahokas-Gröhn, Jane Gomis, Gunnvor SØrhus, Richard Wood and Elaine Carlton have put together an exotic mix of eye catching art with an interesting blend of works in oil, silk painting, watercolour, acrylic and textile. At Casa Museo in Mijas Pueblo. www.artistaseclecticos.com

Until January 30, 2016 ART – MÁLAGA

The Russian Museum presents an exhibition by avant-garde Russian artist, Pavel Filonov. Featuring 66 stunning works. www.coleccionmuseoruso.es

Until February 21, 2016 ART – MÁLAGA

The Museo Picasso Málaga presents Picasso. Registros Alemanes, an exhibition which explores the bonds and antagonism between Picasso and 18 German artists, including Otto Dix, Max Ernst, Emil Nolde and more. www.museopicassomalaga.org

NEW AND REGULAR EVENTS Monthly on different days AMERICAN CLUB – MARBELLA

The American Club Costa del Sol Chapter meets monthly for excursions, sports and social events. Tel: 952 772 789. www.americanclubcostadelsol.com

AMIGOS DE LA CULTURA – COSTA DEL SOL

The members of this cultural group meet at different times and places for lunches, lectures, concerts, ballet, theatre, opera, etc. Further information, Tel: 669 445 809.

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE – MARBELLA

Integral Psychotherapist Gabriella Kortsch helps you with everything from relationship breakdowns to depression, poor communication with loved ones or financial stress, at her weekly group meetings, which start at 7:30pm.

For information on locations, info@advancedpersonaltherapy.com

Saturday December 19

BEETHOVEN’S NINTH – MÁLAGA Cultural group, Música Con Encanto, is organising a trip from Marbella to Málaga, for a live performance of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony at the Teatro Cervantes de Málaga. Tel: 689 000 944. www.musicaconencanto.org / www.teatrocervantes.com

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday JIVE – MIRAFLORES, ESTEPONA AND LA DUQUESA

Learn to dance with Colin and the team from Jive Spain at Miraflores Restaurant on Tuesday, El Campanario on Wednesday and El Goleto at Duquesa on Friday. For precise times, colin@jivespain.com

Every Wednesday ART – MÁLAGA

The Museo Picasso de Málaga offers free guided tours in English (included in the entry price), from 11:30am to 2pm.

Tickets cost €8 for adults. Children enter for free. www.museopicassomalaga.org

FLAMENCO – MIJAS

Every Wednesday at 12pm, a dazzling flamenco show takes place at the Plaza Virgen de la Peña in Mijas Pueblo. www.mijas.es

Every first Wednesday of the month CULTURE AND COCKTAIL – MARBELLA The Association of Art and Culture Marbella holds a monthly cocktail at Magna Café at Magna Marbella Golf, from 8pm-10pm. Tel: 627 833 262. www.artandculturemarbella.com

Every Thursday NETWORKING – MARBELLA

The Marbella Business Group holds its weekly breakfast meeting, which features presentations, discussions and introductions of new members.

At 8am at the Hotel Senator in Marbella.

To become a member, www.marbellabusinessgroup.com

Every last Friday of the Month COFFEE MORNING – ESTEPONA

ADANA animal rescue charity coffee morning at Plaza Manilva (outside Longman’s Bookshop) 11am – 2pm.

Kennels open 10am – 5pm Monday – Friday and 10am – 2pm Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Further information, Tel: 952 800 975. www.adana.es

BUSINESS LUNCH – MARBELLA

Marbella Business Institute holds an invitation-only lunch club for local and visiting business people, active and retired. To apply, visit www.marbellabusinessinternational.org

Every Saturday MARKETS – PUERTO BANÚS

Head for the Puerto Banús bullring every Saturday for a fun street market featuring everything from clothing to music, accessories and home ware.

Starts at 9am and ends at 2pm. www.marbella.es

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Every First Sunday of the month OPEN DAY – MIJAS

PAD animal shelter, Cerros del Águila, welcomes visitors from 12pm-3pm.

Further information, Tel: 952 486 084. www.padcatsanddogs.org

Thursday December 3 OPERA – MARBELLA

Da Bruno Sul Mare presents a live opera performance during dinner time. www.dabruno.com

Friday December 4 CHARITY GALA – MARBELLA

The Butterfly Children Christmas Ball organised by the Masons of Andalucía, will be taking place at the Marbella Golf and Country Club at 7pm, featuring a live performance by The Rat Pack. To attend, Tel: 695 165 064. butterflyspain2015@gmail.com

Friday December 4 to Tuesday December 8 CHRISTMAS REVUE – FUENGIROLA

taking place at the Salón Varietés Theatre at 8pm. Featuring all your favourite Christmas tunes. www.salonvarietestheatre.com

ECOS DEL rocío – MARBELLA

Popular Spanish musical group, Ecos del Rocío, will be performing at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Marbella at 9pm. Further information, www. ecosdelrocio.net/event/marbella-malaga/

GEMELIERS – MÁLAGA

Popular twin duo, Gemeliers, will be singing pop tunes at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga at 8pm. For tickets, www.nvivo.es

Saturday December 12 ANTONIO JOSÉ – MÁLAGA

Winner of this year’s The Voice television show, Antonio José, will be performing at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga at 9:30pm. For tickets, www.nvivo.es

The Salón Varietés Christmas Revue, entitled Home for Christmas, promises to be the hottest Christmas show in town. The show starts at 8pm nightly and 7pm on Sundays. www.salonvarietestheatre.com

Sunday December 13 CHILDREN’S THEATRE – MARBELLA

Friday December 11 RICKY LAVAZZA – FUENGIROLA

Monday December 14 CULTURAL TALK – FUENGIROLA

Ricky Lavazza’s Christmas concert will be

Dubbi Kids and Once Torres present Cenicienta (Cinderella), a fun musical for kids, at the Teatro Ciudad de Marbella at 6pm. For tickets, www.elcorteingles.es

Costa del Sol DFAS presents a talk

Saturday December 5

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING – ESTEPONA The Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona will be lighting its Christmas tree and hosting a fundraising market from 4pm to 8pm. Featuring roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and Christmas carols. www.kempinski.com

by Sarah Searight on The Art and Architecture of Armenia. Sarah will reveal a unique artistic tradition, influenced by the Iranian, Greco-Roman and Byzantine worlds. Entrance costs €10. www.costadelsoldfas.com

BALLET –MÁLAGA

The Saint Petersburg Classical Ballet Company performs Giselle, the story of a young country girl in love with a rich Duke disguised as a country boy. At the Teatro Cervantes de Málaga at 9pm. www.teatrocervantes.com

Wednesday December 16 CARMINA BURANA – MÁLAGA

The Ukrainian State Choir and Orchestra will be performing Carmina Burana by Orff at the Teatro Cervantes at 9pm. www. teatrocervantes.com

Friday December 18 COPLA CONCERT – MARBELLA

Lovers of Spanish musical genre, La Copla, shouldn’t miss out on this concert, featuring the voices of Joana Jiménez and Antonio Cortés. At the Teatro Ciudad de Marbella at 9pm. For tickets, www.elcorteingles.es

Saturday December 19 RUSSIAN CHRISTMAS SHOW – MARBELLA

The Palacio de Ferias y Congresos will be hosting the Great Russian Christmas

Show for kids, featuring theatre, dance, games and a competition for best Christmas outfit. At 11:30am. www.marbellacongresos.com

Saturday December 19 to Tuesday January 5 PANTOMIME – FUENGIROLA

The Salón Varietés Theatre presents Mother Goose, a pantomime for the whole family, directed by Peter Mitchell.

For precise times and tickets, www.salonvarietestheatre.com

Sunday December 20 christmas show – marbella

The Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Marbella presents De Cuentos El Musical, a fun show featuring a host of popular characters, including Alice in Wonderland and Elsa from Frozen. At 6pm and 8:30pm. www.marbellacongresos.com

CHRISTMAS CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT – MARBELLA

Málaga de Cámara presents a classical music concert with plenty of festive inspiration. At 7pm at the Teatro Ciudad de Marbella. www.elcorteingles.es

Monday December 28 SWAN LAKE – MÁLAGA

The National Ukrainian Ballet of Odessa presents Swan Lake at the Teatro Cervantes Theatre at 9pm. For tickets, www.teatrocervantes.com

Saturday December 12 to Sunday December 13

PEPPA PIG SHOW – MARBELLA The Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Marbella will be hosting a fun Peppa Pig show, featuring musical acts, three photocall zones where kids can take free photographs and interactive activities.

The morning sessions are at 10:30am and the afternoon session at 4:30pm. www.marbellacongresos.com

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www.russellgrant.com

THE GUIDE stars

Russell Grant’s

Monthly Horoscope December 2015

SAGITTARIUS November 23rd December 21st The opening days of December sharpen your intuition. Trust your instincts at this time, especially regarding romantic matters. Don’t accept a work assignment without asking plenty of questions on the 4th. This project will be more than you can handle. You’ll find an enthusiastic audience for your ideas during the first half of December. This is a great time to organise a charity drive for underprivileged children. The New Moon on the 11th may prompt you to change your look in some way.

Getting a different style or updating your wardrobe will be lots of fun. Practice moderation during mid-December, or you will be too tired to make the full round of holiday parties.

The Full Moon falls on Christmas. This is a fabulous time to pledge your devotion, exchange rings, or join households. You’ll be looking your best at the end of December. Be sure to wear something fabulous to a New Year’s Eve party.

You’ll be looking your best at the end of December. Be sure to wear something fabulous to a New Year’s Eve party

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ARIES [21 MAR - 20 APR]

Power struggles erupt in the opening days of December leaving you angry and exhausted. Fortunately, a loving in-law or teacher will be on hand to take your mind off your stresses and tension. Be open to seeing a movie or show with this friend. The change in surroundings and the relaxed atmosphere will do you a power of good. The New Moon on the 11th gives you a chance to travel overseas. Take this opportunity to visit a country that has always fascinated you. If you can’t get away, read a book or watch a movie set in an exotic locale.

By the time Christmas arrives, you’ll be ready to spend some quality time with family. This will prove one of the most enjoyable holidays ever, with a variety of relatives coming together in the interest of peace and harmony.

You will receive some really nice gifts, too. Ring out the old year with friends from a different country. Observing their traditions and enjoying their native land’s cuisine will be fun.

TAURUS [21 APRIL - 21 may]

An intimate relationship is a profound source of happiness throughout early December. Whenever you encounter a problem, your partner will be there to help. When you experience good fortune, they’ll be on hand to celebrate. The two of you will be working in perfect harmony. The New Moon on the 11th brings great financial news, when your best friend or partner gets a raise. You will be sure to get a share of their earnings. Alternatively, you could win a lawsuit or get money through an insurance settlement. Go ahead and splurge on Christmas presents and decorations. You have a lot to celebrate. The Full Moon on the 25th causes your phone to ring off the hook. Friends, relatives and neighbours will be eager to wish you a happy holiday.

Take this opportunity to reconnect with your nearest and dearest. Ring out 2014 with your favourite person by your side. New Year’s Eve will be extremely romantic.

GEMINI [22 May - 21 June]

A friendship could turn to romance quite suddenly in early December. If you’re already in a relationship, make an effort to respect your partner’s family traditions throughout the holiday season. Be sure to fill out forms during the first half of the month to obtain an insurance refund, legal settlement, or tuition money. The New Moon on the 11th is wonderful for getting engaged, married, or having a commitment ceremony. If you’re already in a relationship, your amour will do something special to celebrate your union. Pretend to be surprised. The Full Moon on the 25th ensures this will be one of the best Christmases in recent memory. Your stocking will be filled with lavish gifts. Best of all, you’ll have a marvellous opportunity to connect with your nearest and dearest.

Ring out the old year with the object of your affection.

If you’re single, you are sure to meet someone special at an intimate party.

CANCER [22 June - 23 July]

Early December is perfect for finding love. If you’re single, be sure to go to as many holiday parties as possible. You’re likely to meet someone special on one of these outings.

Are you already in a relationship? Arrange to spend some quality time with your amour. Make dinner reservations at a fancy restaurant. Schedule a weekend getaway at a cosy retreat. Buy your partner a meaningful token of your affection. Do whatever you can to keep the passion alive. The New Moon on the 11th will bring an exciting job

offer. Make preparations for Christmas with your best friend or romantic partner. This is sure to be a special season for both of you. The Full Moon on the 25th prompts someone to make a selfless gesture on your behalf. Get a head start on your New Year’s Resolutions by launching a health program at the end of December.

LEO [24 July - 23 Aug]

You’ll be filled with energy throughout early December helping you get into the festive Christmas spirit. Take this opportunity to shop for gifts, put up decorations and throw a party. You’ll get great news about a legal matter on or around the 9th, which adds to your joy. The New Moon on the 11th is suffused with romance. If you’re single, you will meet someone special at a Christmas celebration. Are you already in a relationship? Your partner will be extra affectionate.

The second half of the month will be busy with work, as you might have to cover for a holidaying colleague.

The Full Moon on the 25th marks one of the happiest Christmases in recent memory. Revel in the company of family and friends. You’ll be able to ring out the old year in style, when you receive an invitation to a very glamorous party. Wear something special to this glittering occasion.

VIRGO [24 AUG - 23 SEP]

Someone will offer you free tickets to an exclusive event in early December.

Accept this generous gift right away, before a rival steals them away.

Spending lots of money won’t buy someone’s affection on the 6th. You’re better off waiting for someone who loves the real you. The New Moon on the 11th is perfect for sealing all sorts of deals and arrangements. You’ll either get a spacious place for a good price, or sell a property for a handsome profit.

The second half of December finds you making merry with friends, neighbours and colleagues. Attend as many holiday parties as possible. The Full Moon rises on the 25th, giving Christmas a magical feeling you will never forget. Don’t be surprised when a cherished wish is granted to you. Ring out 2014 at a glamorous party. You’re sure to make some valuable professional contacts at this event, so bring some business cards.

LIBRA [24 SEPT - 23 Oct]

More money for luxuries becomes available in early December, making holiday shopping especially enjoyable.

Go ahead and splurge on decorations, food and gifts. The New Moon on the 11th gives you an opportunity to teach or take a class. This course will give you lots of intellectual stimulation. It will also put you on the path to romance. If you already have a partner, your amour will prove helpful with completing homework assignments or creating course materials. A generous relative will give you a family heirloom in mid-December, enhancing the season’s spirit even further. The Full Moon falls on Christmas and it looks like you will be receiving some truly fabulous gifts. A big dinner featuring traditional recipes will make this a day to remember.

You’ll get a last minute invitation to an exclusive New Year party. Be sure to accept. You’ll be rubbing elbows with some very attractive people at this gathering.

SCORPIO [24 Oct - 22 NOV]

Spend the opening days of December negotiating a pay raise. If you’re unemployed, this is a good time for job interviews. Don’t bother blending in with the crowd. Seek to distinguish yourself in some way, like by wearing a

vivid colour or striking piece of jewellery on an interview.

You’ll attract plenty of admiring glances on the 5th; this is one of the best times of the entire year to find love. The New Moon on the 11th brings an unexpected source of income. Use this money to pay off debts and buy a lavish Christmas present or two. An intense flirtation adds a welcome dash of spice to the second half of December.

The Full Moon falls on Christmas this year, making it one of the most romantic holidays in recent memory. Ring in the New Year with your favourite people this year. An intimate gathering is preferable to a big bash.

CAPRICORN [22 DEC - 20 JAN]

You’re feeling pretty reckless in early December, but beware of pressing your luck with your boss. Taking their generosity for granted could lead to trouble. The New Moon on the 11th affords a welcome opportunity to rest, relax and rejuvenate before the holidays are officially underway. Try not to take on more than you can handle in mid-December, since you’ll need all of your energy for family festivities.

Some last minute shopping will lift your spirits on the 17th, when you find the perfect gift for your favourite person. The Full Moon on the 25th marks a tender celebration with the one you love. Prepare to receive a lovely present that brings tears to your eyes. Are you single? A relative or neighbour will offer to set you up on a blind date. Go ahead and accept. 2015 ends on a quiet note. Spend New Year’s Eve cuddled in your amour’s arms, rather than attending a wild party.

AQUARIUS [21 JAN - 19 FEB]

You’ll be able to strike a very good deal in the opening days of December. This is one of the best times of year to sign a contract.

Take care to negotiate a fair deal for yourself or you could miss out on a significant sum of money. A talented legal professional will give you the guidance you need. Don’t begrudge them of their fee; this expert is worth every penny you pay. The New Moon on the 11th is ideal for launching a fundraiser for underprivileged members of your community. Your professional prospects will improve as a result of this effort. Christmas will be a relaxing, laid back holiday this year. The Full Moon falls on the 25th, inviting you to cuddle with the one you love. If you’re single, you may opt to spend a few hours on a rewarding creative project. You’ll feel a lot more social on New Year’s Eve, when you’ll attend a glamorous party.

PISCES [20 Feb - 20 Mar]

The opening days of December are ideal for negotiating a pay raise. Don’t let a pessimistic friend discourage you from asking for the top amount.

If you stick to your guns, you will be happy with the result. The New Moon on the 11th brings an exciting career opportunity. Not only will your responsibilities be interesting, but the pay will be fantastic. Your best friend or lover may not be enthusiastic about this job, but that’s only because they’re afraid of how it will affect your relationship.

Give them all the reassurance they need and more.

This month’s Full Moon falls on Christmas, making it one of the most romantic holidays in recent memory.

Be sure to give your amour a beautiful token of your appreciation. If you’re single, somebody will race forward to kiss you under the mistletoe. Be sure to attend a work party on New Year’s Eve. You’ll have a fabulous time.'

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THE GUIDE family

Christmas is right around the corner and this month Marbella hosts more events than there are days in December. Christmas markets, tree lighting festivities, kid’s festivals, charity runs, nativity scenes, concerts and of course, visits from Papa Noel, all help to bring a warm holiday spirit to the Costa del Sol.

December Calendar

FAMILY FUN The Marbella Town Hall and local establishments truly shine this time of year by sponsoring a vast assortment of family holiday events, which run well into January. Get the latest updates on MarbellaFamilyFun.com by clicking on Calendar of Events. And don’t forget to get your El Gordo Lottery ticket – one of Spain’s holiday traditions. Happy Holidays!

DECEMBER 3 – 5: Feria del Stock.

Although it is not a Christmas themed event, you will find great gifts here for the holidays. There will be over 100 stands to browse featuring an array of wares and live entertainment. Free entry for kids under 13. 10am – 10pm at Palacio de Congresos in Marbella.

Tel: 952 828 244.

DECEMBER 5: Boutique Christmas Market. This event will include a traditional lighting of the Christmas tree, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and carolling from the Magnum Mysterium choir. Father Christmas will also sing!

4pm – 8pm at the Kempinski Hotel Bahía. Tel 952 809 50.

DECEMBER 5-6: Arte Sano Healing Arts Festival. This event will bring together artisans, therapists, natural and organic food producers and artists. Live dance performances and

music from around the word. For kids, there will be a dedicated play area with activities and games. The fair will be at the Antiguo Recinto Ferial in San Pedro Alcántara, 10:30am – 9pm.

Tel: 659 537 525.

DECEMBER 8: Childrens Show – Mickey’s Music Festival. A fun-filled day for the little ones with music, dancing, singing, magicians, jugglers and more.

12:30pm at the Palacio de Congresos in Marbella. Pre-purchase tickets for €7 or at the door for €10.

Tel: 952 828 244.

DECEMBER 12: Christmas Concert.

Under the direction of Música Con Encanto, the Pequeña Orquestra Mediterránea (Youth Orchestra) will perform a series of classical Christmas songs as well as a modern repertoire. Free admission at the main city performance hall in Benahavís at 5.30pm. Tel: 689 000 944.

DECEMBER 12-13: Peppa Pig & Friends in Marbella. This could make your child’s dreams come true this month.

Meet Peppa Pig, her family and friends at a festival full of games, songs and fun activities for all the family. Tickets available at El Corte Inglés. Palacio de Ferias y Congresos in Marbella.

10:30am – 2:30pm.

Tel 952 828 244.

DECEMBER 13: Cinderella: A family-friendly, musical theatrical performance, has been modified to emphasise current family values such as: love, friendship, respect and tolerance. 6pm at Teatro Cuidad in Marbella.

DECEMBER 13: Día de Santa Lucia (St. Lucia Day) celebration is taking place at the Plaza de la Encarnación in the Old Town, by the Swedish school. Enjoy Swedish cookies, chocolate and glogg (hot wine). Casco Antiguo, Marbella.

DECEMBER 16: The Nutcracker, Royal Opera House. A Christmas classic, you can enjoy the beauty of one of the pre-eminent ballet companies right here in Puerto Banús. The event will be broadcast on the magnificent screens at the finest cinema house in town.

Cines Teatro Goya in Puerto Banús. Tel: 951 196 665.

DECEMBER 19: Carrera de Pavo (Turkey Run) is a bicycle race to win a traditional Christmas Turkey. The race will be a roundtrip from Café Marbella in Avda. Ricardo Soriano to Gasolinera Siebla. The first race starts at 10am. For details, visit www.marbellaexclusive.com DECEMBER 19: Russian Christmas Show. This is a Christmas show for children featuring Russian folk

tales, dancing, games and a competition for the best Christmas costume. 11:30am – 1:30pm at Palacio de Congresos in Marbella.

Tel: 678 741 929.

DECEMBER 20: The Arboretum Winter Festival will be held outdoors in the beautiful setting of the edible gardens within the Arboretum. You’ll find stalls and loads of activities for children and the theme will be eco-friendly Christmas trees. You’ll even be able to make your own tree out of recycled materials! Located at Arboretum Marbella at Finca El Trapiche.

Tel: 951 137 210.

DECEMBER 20: A Musical for Children, De Cuentos. This child friendly programme will feature fun entertainment including characters from popular kids shows.

Palacios de Congresos in Marbella.

Two shows, 6:00pm and 8:30pm.

Tel: 952 828 244.

DECEMBER 22: El Gordo Lottery Draw.

A Spanish Christmas institution, this is the biggest lottery prize of the year.

DECEMBER 26 – JANUARY 4: MIMA Kids Fair. Huge kids fair that lasts right through the season. Fun fair, rock climbing, ice-skating and more!

Palacio de Ferias in Málaga.

Tel: 952 045 500. e

MARBELLAFAMILYFUN.COM WISHES YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A JOYOUS HOLIDAY SEASON, AND A NEW YEAR OF HEALTH, HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY.

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NOCHEVIEJA EN MC C AFÉ New Year’s Eve Menu Lingote de Foie y Praliné Crema de Boletus Terrina de Ave y Queso de Cabra Rodaballo Grillé Sorrentino de Centollo y Mantequilla de Apio Rave Solomillo de Ternera Lechal, Tián de Patatas y Verduritas con Jugo de Trufa Cremoso de Chocolate Negro Baileys y Avellanas

Block of Foie & Praliné Cream of Boletus Mushroom Chicken Terrine & Goat’s Cheese Grilled Turbot Spider Crab Sorrentino & Celery Root Butter Suckling Veal Sirloin Potatoes & Vegetables with Truffle Jus Dark Chocolate Pudding Baileys & Hazelnut

¤ 125 IVA INC. por persona / per person Música en vivo / Live music Bebidas no incluidas / Drinks not included Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n, 29602, Marbella, Málaga, Spain Telephone (34) 952 768 936 / (34) 952 822 211 Fax (34) 952 82 88 84 marbellaclub.com

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