Essential Magazine February 2017

N º 210 - FEBRUARY 2017

COMPLIMENTARY EDITION

LIBRARIES PEACE

REGENERATIVE

RETREATS

JAGUAR JOHN F-PACE LENNON

+ NICK CAVE

COHEN

NEW IMAGINE LEONARD

TO LOVE ASSOCIATIONS

PIONEERS

OF PEACE

I S S U E 2 1 0 • F E B R UA RY 2 0 1 7

ESSENTIAL FOR LUXURIOUS LIVING

essential essential magazine® marbella

w THE TREND p THE FOCUS d THE STYLE n THE SPA z THE PRO h THE LEISURE b THE GOURMET . THE GUIDE

e

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MARBELLA

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Ag So en le cy Built: 738 m² Plot: 5,520 m² Price: € 3,950,000

LA ZAGALETA Andalusian cortijo-style frontline golf villa with 5 en-suite bedrooms. Magnificent golf and mountain views.

Beautiful landscaped garden with heated salt water pool. Sauna and gym. La Zagaleta offers the highest levels of security, privacy and facilities for residents, club members and guests. Ref. ES8703

Built: 513 m² Plot: 858 m² Price: € 2,995,000

GOLDEN MILE Superb, modern 5-bed villa bordering Sierra Blanca. Panoramic sea views. High specs. Ideal for entertaining. Ref. ES9363

Built: 777 m² Plot: 1,610 m² Price: € 1,975,000

RÍO REAL GOLF Priced to sell! Brand-new modern frontline golf villa. 5-beds. Gated community within a 10-minute drive to Marbella. Ref. ES8272

Built: 350 m² Plot: 1,380 m² Price: € 1,295,000

CARIB PLAYA 5-bed beachside rustic-style villa

Built: 478 m² Plot: 5,000 m² Price: € 1,695,000

EL MADROÑAL 3-bed Andalusian-style villa, plus independent 1-bed guest apartment. Sea, golf & mountain views. 24-hr security. Ref. ES9341

east of Marbella, just a few minutes’ walk to the best beaches and close to all amenities. Ref. ES9295

An International Associate of Savills

Built: 2,719 m² Plot: 5,107 m² Price on application

SIERRA BLANCA Spectacular contemporary-style 7-bed mansion in the most sought-after area of Marbella. Panoramic coast and mountain views. Top quality specs throughout. Spa area, gym, cinema/games room and staff apartment with independent access. Terraces comprise 873 m2 of total built area. Ref. ES8976

Built: 916 m² Plot: 2,022 m² Price: € 3,400,000

GUADALMINA BAJA Modern 6-bed mansion built on a very private plot within walking distance to the beach and all amenities. Ref. ES9481

Built: 1,047 m² Plot: 1,894 m² Price: € 5,950,000

GOLDEN MILE Superb villa with 7 en-suite

Built: 325 m² Plot: 1,000 m² Price: € 845,000

BENAHAVÍS Well-priced 4-bed villa in a gated complex above San Pedro. Open views and only 8 minutes’ drive to Puerto Banús. Ref. ES9543

Built: 528 m² Plot: 1,005 m² Price: € 1,800,000

MARBELLA EAST Mediterranean-style, beachside 4-bed villa in Elviria. Walking distance to amenities and 120 metres to the sea! Ref. ES9523

Regulated by RICS

bedrooms, sea and mountain views in Sierra Blanca.

Top quality materials. 24-hr security. Ref. ES8202

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 210 • February 2017

S T A F F PUBLISHER AND DIRECTOR

YEARS

GENERAL MANAGER

ANDREA BÖJTI andrea@essentialmagazine.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

MARISA CUTILLAS editorial@essentialmagazine.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER

U ANNIVERSARY U

IAIN BLACKWELL director@essentialmagazine.com

SALES SUPPORT ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR DESIGN & LAYOUT STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

PRINTING DEPÓSITO LEGAL

SUSANNE WHITAKER design@essentialmagazine.com JAN DENDAUW jan@essentialmagazine.com MARIANO JEVA cuentas@essentialmagazine.com MONIKA BÖJTI info@essentialmagazine.com

ANDREA BÖJTI INMA AURIOLES KEVIN HORN (www.photographermarbella.com)

IAIN BLACKWELL, BELINDA BECKETT, MICHEL CRUZ, CRISTINA FALKENBERG, RIK FOXX, RUSSELL GRANT, CARLOS READ, TONY WHITNEY JIMÉNEZ GODOY A. GRÁFICAS, MURCIA 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

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CONDITIONS

The publishers make every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are correct, but cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information published herein, or be held accountable for any errors, omissions, or claims for damages.

Marbella Magazine cannot accept responsibility for the claims, goods or services of advertisers. © Publicaciones Independientes Costa del Sol S.L. for Marbella Magazine.

No part of this magazine, including texts, photographs, illustrations, maps or any other graphics may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of Publicaciones Independientes Costa del Sol S.L. Printed on recyclable paper, produced without wood and bleached without chlorine.

210Mh.indd 1

27/01/2017 12:04

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La Zagaleta: Spectacular panoramic sea views! A rare opportunity to purchase a fantastically priced villa in classical style in the most sought after Golf & Country Club in Europe, La Zagaleta. Indoor entertainment area. 5 beds, 4 baths. Built 830 m2, plot 6.750 m2.

E&V ID: W-0276V8. Price: 3.900.000 €. Tel.: 952 85 98 60.

El Rosario: Newly built designer villa with breathtaking panoramic sea views offering contemporary style at its best. Highest qualities and all desirable amenities. 5 beds, 5 baths. Built 637 m2, plot 1.411 m2.

E&V ID: W-0272ZN. Price: 2.500.000 €. Tel.: 952 83 20 40.

Elviria: Situated in a small gated urbanization, minutes from the most beautiful beaches, this recently built modern villa offers the highest standards for luxury living. 4 beds, 5 baths. Built 488 m2, plot 1.478 m2.

E&V ID: W-025TAV. Price: 1.295.000 €. Tel.: 952 83 55 80.

Cascada de Camoján - Imara: Fantastic sea views! Immaculate penthouse built on one level in one of the most contemporary developments in Marbella. 3 beds, 4 baths. Living area 226 m2, terrace 144 m2.

E&V ID: W-021M8H. Price: 1.850.000 €. Tel.: 952 86 84 06.

Sierra Blanca: Absolutely beautiful and luxurious! Garden apartment with a large terrace in the elegant gated community of Lagos de Sierra Blanca. 3 beds, 3 baths. Living area 182 m2, terrace 80 m2.

E&V ID: W-026U4Q. Price: 695.000 €. Tel.: 952 86 84 06.

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

we will show you where!

Sierra Blanca: Breathtaking sea and mountain views! Incomparable in prestige and luxury, this majestic villa is built with the highest quality materials and attention to every detail. 2 guest apartments, bodega, sauna. 5 beds, 6 baths. Built 1.130 m², plot 2.001 m².

E&V ID: W-0278GE. Price: 4.900.000 €. Tel.: 952 86 84 06.

Golden Mile: Fantastic sea views! Fantastic price! Beautiful villa in an exclusive gated community next to Sierra Blanca, Monte Paraíso Country Club. 4 beds, 5 baths. Built 640 m², plot 1.300 m².

E&V ID: W-01GHWJ. Price: 2.200.000 €. Tel.: 952 86 84 06.

Sierra Blanca: Opportunity! Set in the highest position in Sierra Blanca, elegant villa with the best sea views and absolute privacy.

Separate guest apartment. 5 beds, 5 baths. Built 850 m², plot 2.002 m².

E&V ID: W-0237P0. Price: 2.950.000 €. Tel.: 952 86 84 06.

Frontline Beach Los Monteros: A spacious apartment with golf and sea views. Direct beach access in the exclusive Palm Beach complex.

2 pools, 24h security. 3 beds, 3 baths. Living area 170 m2, terrace 43 m2.

E&V ID: W-026VB7. Price: 1.350.000 €. Tel.: 952 83 20 40.

Frontline Golf Los Naranjos: Exceptional apartment with golf views and fantastic reception areas. 24h security, 2 pools, sauna, gym, 2 squash courts. 3 beds, 3 baths. Living area 172 m2, terrace 90 m2.

E&V ID: W-0269I3. Price: 949.000 €. Tel.: 952 85 98 60.

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

1

We are currently building more than 55 quality homes in prime locations such as Nueva Andalucia, The Golden Mile & La Quinta.

With a dedicated and professional team of architects, project managers and advisors we aim to be a safe and trustworthy partner for our clients. Whether you are looking for a holiday home or an investment property, we can help you.

One of our headline projects, Los Olivos Marbella, consisting of 18 luxury villas within a 24h gated community has been a great success. With only 2 units remaining, we urge you to come and visit our new Show Villa and see for yourself. Prices now from ¤ 1.895.000.

Find all our projects on www.solvillacollection.com Please come by and meet us at our sales office in the Marbella Club Hotel above the MC CafĂŠ, or at our development office in Centro Expo. We look forward to meeting you.

OFFICE +34 952 765 060 MOBILE +34 618 886 885 EMAIL info@solvilla.no Hotel Marbella Club, Oficina 10, Blvd. Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, 29602 Marbella, Spain WWW.SOLVILLA.NO

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1. La Cerquilla 21A, Nueva Andalucía - Luxury Villa for Sale. 5 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms, Built: 575 m2, Plot: 1.684 m2. Price ¤ 2.750.000. Construction starting January 2017.

2. Los Olivos, Nueva Andalucía - New Development of 18 Villas, within a gated community with on-site security and sea/golf views. Only 2 units left. Prices from ¤ 1.895.000.

3. Haza del Conde 28, Nueva Andalucía - Exclusive new villa with sea & golf views, currently under construction in Nueva Andalucía, completion August 2017.

Price ¤ 2.385.000.

4. Beachfront Villa in El Paraiso, New Golden Mile - 7 Bedrooms, 7 Bathrooms, Built: 860 m2, Plot: 1.676 m2. Price ¤ 7.900.000. Construction starting January 2017.

4

los naranjos golf - NUeva andalucía

4 Beds

4 Baths

399m2 Built

1.589m2 Plot Price: 2.300.000 € Ref: DMV182

Stunning contemporary frontline golf villa, beautifully decorated and renovated with high specifications.

Lush gardens with golf views. Three spacious suites on ground floor. One bedroom guest apartment with independent access.

aloha - NUEVA ANDALUCÍA Frontline golf

5 beds

4 baths

270m Built 2

Ref: DMV1027

VENTURA DEL MAR - PUERTO BANÚS 1.132m Plot

Duplex Penthouse. 24h security

Price: 1.895.000 €

Ref: DMV892

2

3 beds

3 baths

303m2 Built Price: 1.795.000 €

LOS GRANADOS GOLF - NUEVA ANDALUCÍA

FUENTE ALOHA - NUEVA ANDALUCÍA

Duplex Penthouse. Golf and sea views

Penthouse. Gated complex

Ref: DM3603

4 beds

4 baths

758m Built 2

Price: 1.595.000 €

Over 411 Offices in 59 Countries

Ref: DMV944

2 Beds

2 Baths

118m2 Built Price: 460.000 €

NUEVA ANDALUCÍA Av. del Prado, Urb. Fuente Aloha 2A - Tel: 952 908 415

T EN AG LE SO CASCADA DE CAMOJÁN - MARBELLA GOLDEN MILE

8 Beds

8 Baths

1.844m2 Built

2.169m2 Plot Price on application Ref: DM3365

Villa with unique aesthetics, carefully designed to maximize its privileged position and spectacular panoramic sea views.

Finest materials and high tech specifications throughout. Gated community with 24h security.

SIERRA BLANCA - MARBELLA GOLDEN MILE

DON GONZALO - MARBELLA TOWN

Sea views. 24h security 5 beds

2nd line beach. 24h security

4 baths 561m Built 1.546m Plot 2

2

Price: 3.650.000 €

Ref: DM3730

Double plot. Sea views 5 beds 3 baths 267m Built Ref: DM3680

2.060m Plot 2

Price: 1.690.000 €

MARBELLA Av. Cánovas del Castillo, 4 - Tel. 952 765 138

4 baths

327m2 Built Price: 1.850.000 €

Ref: DM3272

LOMAS MARBELLA CLUB - GOLDEN MILE

ROCIO DE NAGÜELES - GOLDEN MILE 2

4 beds

Sea views. Gated development Ref: DM3629-03

3 Beds

3 Baths

303 m2 Built Price:535.000 €

DMproperties.com

GUESS H2-1 Essential Marbella Spa Feb.indd 1

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GUESS H2-1 Essential Marbella Spa Feb.indd 2

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contents the trend Cinema 24

Cinema Greats: Darren Aronofsky 26

Music News 28

Battling Injustice by Supriya Vani 30

The New Investigatory Powers Bill 32 The Jaguar F-Pace 34

the focus

Peace Associations 40 Beautiful Libraries 46 The Nobel Prize 52 Pioneers of Peace 54 John Lennon 60 Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave 62 Property: Loma de Casasola 68

the style A Stunning New Architectural Gem in Sierra Blanca 72 Vintage Cushions 78

the pro 102 Enterprise 110 Law (Work in Communities) 112 The Vibe

the leisure 114 Peaceful Retreats 120 The London Citizen M

the gourmet 125 Sea Grill 127 Tanino 128 Food News 130 Victor Carracedo of the Meliá Don Pepe Hotel 132 Wine: Gerardo Méndez of Bodegas Do Ferreiro

the guide 134 Listings

Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer Fashion for Men 80

141 Pet News

Fashion News 86

142 What’s On

the spa

144 Stars for February 146 Family Fun

The Amazing Kat Von D 90 Beauty News 92 The Connection between Physical and Mental Health 96 Health News 98 The New Oasis Dental Clinic in Elviria 99 Shanti-Som Wellness Retreat 100

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24/01/17 13:38

D WORDS BY IAIN BLACKWELL PUBLISHER

T

he world we live in today bears little resemblance to the one envisioned in John Lennon’s immortal words. With so much conflict, instability and competition for diminishing resources, we really could do with a harbinger of peace before things spiral out of control. Accordingly, we dedicate this month’s Valentine’s edition to the ideal of co-existing in greater harmony.

We shine the spotlight on International Peace Associations, which arose following the devastation of two World Wars, and profile a few famous Pioneers of Peace, who made such a difference in their time. We also focus on female Nobel Peace prizewinners, the importance of attaining Peace of Mind, and suggest some regenerative Peaceful Retreats.

Famous songwriters convey powerful messages that move us and inspire us immensely and we profile three of the best: John Lennon, Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave.

Aesthetics also figure strongly in this issue, with features on the World’s Most Beautiful libraries and an architectural classic which has recently been completed in Sierra Blanca.

If you are seeking a nice romantic location for a memorable dinner on the 14th this month, look no further than Sea Grill at the Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa, T-Bone Grill at the Gran Meliá Don Pepe or Tanino in Benamara, all of which are featured in our Dining section.

“WHEN THE POWER OF LOVE OVERCOMES THE LOVE OF POWER THE WORLD WILL KNOW PEACE” – JIMI HENDRIX

Imagine all t he people Living life in peace…

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8 exclusive gated residences in Lomas Del Marbella Club The C8NCEPT, is a highly select, fully gated community of 8 luxurious private residences situated in one of the most desirable addresses in Marbella. 24-hour state-of-the-art security ensures this gated community can offer its residents total peace of mind within a personal oasis in the heart of Marbella. Stunning Mediterranean sea views, unique architectural styling, free-flowing modern interior layouts and a level of luxury found only in the finest homes.

www.conceptmarbella.com

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Email: info@conceptmarbella.com

Tel: (+34) 952 810 785

6/27/16 11:40 AM

w the trend READING MUSIC FILMS GADGETS MOTORING TRENDS

24 Cinema

26

Cinema Greats: Darren Aronofsky

28

Music News

30

Battling Injustice by Supriya Vani

32

The New Investigatory Powers Bill

34

The Jaguar F-Pace

THE COAST HAS BEEN A LOT COOLER THAN WE HAVE COME TO EXPECT… ALL THE BETTER FOR HOME-LOVERS WHO ENJOY SNUGGLING BY THE FIRE AND CATCHING UP ON THE LATEST NEWS FROM CINEMATIC, MUSICAL AND LITERARY SPHERES. WHEN SUNNIER DAYS ARRIVE, WHY NOT DREAM OF GOING FOR A DRIVE IN THE BRAND NEW JAGUAR F-PACE?

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w THE TREND cinema

COMPILED BY MA RIS

e BLOCKBUSTER OF

A CUTILLAS

THE MONTH

. Anderson (Pompeii) »» DIRECTOR Paul W.S n tio Fic e enc Sci »» GENRE h ch, Ali Lar ter, Wentwort ovi Jov a Mil ST CA » » Miller

geance, y where Resident Evil: Ven The film begins exactl tion after inc ext of nk bri the ended. Humanity is on the sole in Washington D.C. As Wesker betrays Alice nkind, Alice ma to wn kno tle bat sur vivor of the toughest Raccoon ce where it all started: must return to the pla g the final ttin plo is ion rat rpo Co City, where the Umbrella calypse. few sur vivors of the apo attack against the last

Resident Evaiplt:er The Final Ch

»» DIRECTOR Yimou Zhang (Hero) »» GENRE Adventure/Fantasy »» CAST Matt Damon, Willem Dafoe, Andy Lau

The Great Wall This exciting film promises to be one of the biggest hits of the season. Made with a budget of €126 million, it tells the tale of an elite force that makes an heroic stand atop the Great Wall of China to annihilate a battalion of monsters. “I was born into battle. I fought for greed and Gods. This is the first war I’ve seen worth fighting for,” says the hero, played by the charismatic Matt Damon.

»» DIRECTOR Guy Ritchie (Operation U.N.C.L.E.) »» GENRE Fantasy »» CAST Charlie Hunnam, Jude Law, Annabelle Wallis, Aidan Gillen

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

Attractive actor, Charlie Hunnam plays a young King Arthur who walks the streets of Londonium with his band of merrymakers, oblivious to his destiny to rule a kingdom… until he finds Excalibur, the magical sword that will ensure his future is very different from what he imagined. With great power comes great duty and Arthur is immediately called upon to prove his worth in a series of tests he passes with flying colours. Arthur joins the Resistance and meets a beautiful young woman called Guinevere. Together, they battle evil tyrant, Vortigern, who stole his crown and murdered his parents to rule Camelot.

»» DIRECTOR James Foley (House of Cards) »» GENRE Romance »» CAST Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Tyler Hoechlin

Fifty Shades Darker Anastasia Steele has achieved the impossible: getting sadomasochistic bachelor, Christian Grey, to commit. However, just as the couple start to trust each other and achieve a semblance of stability, Christian’s past comes back to haunt him and threatens to destroy their budding relationship. Temptation comes in the form of a beautiful woman called Elena, who first introduced Christian to the S&M lifestyle and who is determined to drive a wedge between her ex-lover and his new flame.

»» DIRECTORS Eric Summer (Profilage), Éric Warin (Alex and the Ghosts) »» GENRE Animation »» VOICES Elle Fanning, Dane DeHaan, Maddie Ziegler

Ballerina Paris, 1884. Little orphan, Félicie, leaves Britain and arrives in Paris to make her dream of becoming a ballerina come true. Félicie is penniless, so she assumes the identity of a rich student and is accepted into an elite ballet school. The difficult existence of a dancer and competitive schoolmates make life almost impossible for her, until a young inventor called Victor appears in her life, and she realises she has found her soulmate.

24 / FEBRUARY 2017 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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20/12/2016 15:35

w THE TREND cinema

DARREN ARONOFSKY and the Beaut y of Devotion

There are two reasons why anyone would want to see a film – to be uplifted (gorgeous actors, expensive sets, faced-past action or love scenes), and to feel real – every sense, every pore open to intense emotion – love, hate, jealousy, revenge, fear – sensations which may be uncomfortable but which remind us of the complexity of the human condition. Films in the latter category are often populated by profound characters who are sometimes more anti-hero than hero, but always redeemable, and they are invariably present in the films of Darren Aronofsky. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS Black Swan The Wrestler

T

his New York-born director studied Social Anthropology and Film at Harvard University.

Technically, he is famed for creating beautiful montages, the most oft commented of which is probably the drug taking scene in Requiem for a Dream (in which various scenes flash before one’s eyes with a rhythmic pop-sniff-sigh-siren in the background). The imagery rushes from the material (money is exchanged, a lighter is lit, a syringe is prepared, a pinch of heroin is dropped onto a table, a plastic bag is torn with someone’s teeth), to the physical (pupils dilate, chemicals rush through the brain). The short (1:15) scene is so powerful yet beautiful it is testimony to the potency of this type of montage when it comes to expressing what dozens of lines of text would fail to do. (Watch this snippet by searching for Requiem for a dream (Drug scenes) on YouTube. Of this technique, Aronofsky says, “Hip-hop montages. When I was at college, I was experimenting with that idea and I think it came out of the fact I grew up in Brooklyn in the ’80s, when hip-hop was exploding, and I was trying to fuse the idea of sampling to storytelling.”

Darren Aronofsky is best known for his characters – who are always victims or products of an immense

Requiem for a Dream

obsession, of passion for what they do or the object of their addiction. Some of his most memorable works include the above-mentioned, Requiem for a Dream (Jared Leto won his Oscar for Dallas Buyers Club but he has never been better than in Aronofsky’s visionary film). Leto plays a young junkie who resorts to the lowest depths possible, stealing the one thing his mother lives for: her television. His mother, meanwhile, has addictions of her own – game shows and diets, and her descent into madness parallels her son’s dangerous spiral into the world of drugs. Full of pathos is the mother’s obsession for becoming ‘thin’ – in the midst of her poverty, loneliness and tragedy, as she watches her beautiful son slowly fade away.

Black Swan is arguably Aronofsky’s tour de force.

The film received five Oscar nominations – Best Picture, Director, Film Editing, Cinematography and Actress – with Natalie Portman taking home the latter. The film is harsh, cutting and stark, inviting the audience into the nightmarish life of the main character, a lead dancer in the New York Ballet (Nina, played by Natalie Portman). Nina is fully dedicated to being the best – so much so that she completely denies her sexuality,

starves herself to stay light on her feet, and trains until her body is broken. But there is one thing Nina cannot obtain merely through effort: the sensuality required to play the Black Swan in Swan Lake. In steps, a new dancer (Mila Kunis), who parties by night, arrives late for rehearsals, yet embodies the freedom and rebelliousness the Black Swan should possess. Nina at first resents then ‘befriends’ the new dancer, as she descends into madness and the film alternates between dream, hallucination and reality.

The Wrestler is another of Aronofsky’s best works.

Mickey Rourke gives the performance of his lifetime (one which garnered him the Oscar for Best Actor) as a burnt-out wrestler who works in a supermarket by day but dreams of making his ‘big comeback’. He isn’t up to it, of course – his age, decrepit body and health conditions mean he can hardly run a mile let alone subject himself to the physical thrashing required to shine in the ring. But like Aronofsky, the Wrestler pursues his passion, his art, above all other things. Meanwhile, those who unconditionally love him, are left hopelessly on the sidelines, stoically accepting that their father/ lover/friend, must live and die doing the thing he loves. e

26 / FEBRUARY 2017 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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20/01/2017 14:12

New Golden Mile

Frontline Beach villa with 60 metres of direct access in a tranquil setting with uninterrupted sea views that stretch the 50 km across the Mediterranean to Morocco. Villa occupants may equally enjoy the privacy of one of the 12 bedrooms, socialise in the huge central lobby, kickback pool-side with direct access to the beach or indulge on the sundeck

with rooftop plunge pool. The villa features a complete private westwing as well as a gym and sauna on the first floor with a full glass facade offering panoramic sea views, an indoor pool, cinema room, bodega and a games room. 12 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, built 2.513 m2, plot 4.125 m2.

E&V ID: W-022BEK. Price: 1.250.000 €.

Office Estepona · Tel.: 952 91 91 69 · Estepona@engelvoelkers.com Office Marbella West · Tel.: 952 88 38 71 · MarbellaWest@engelvoelkers.com Office Marbella · Tel.: 952 86 84 06 · MarbellaGoldenMile@engelvoelkers.com

w THE TREND music

¿QUÉ PASA? GEORGE MICHAEL

WORDS RIK FOXX

ELTON JOHN

The ONE WORLD SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA are back at Málaga’s Teatro de Cervantes by public demand with their Symphonic Rhapsody of Queen tribute on February 8 featuring 40 plus musicians including PATTI RUSSO (of MEATLOAF fame) on vocals. The same venue also hosts the blues legend JOHN MAYALL on the 11th. Ticket info: teatrocervantes.es The city’s Palacio de Deportes Martín Carpena has the popular Spanish singer VANESA MARTÍN on February 24. Ticket info: ticketmaster.es For those into rockabilly, the 23rd Rockin’ Race Jamboree Festival takes place in Torremolinos between February 2 to 5 including free performances in the Plaza de Nogalera on the 4th (12.00 to 15.00); and the Plaza del Remo on the 5th (13.00 to 14.00). This annual get together usually attracts big audiences and over 30 bands are playing. For the full line-up, venues and prices check out rockinrace.com Marbella’s Starlite Festival has already named several artists including ELTON JOHN on July 20 with more big names to be added. For updates: starlitemarbella.com On the gogglebox this month, at about 01:45 during the early hours of Monday February 6, the prestigious American football Superbowl half-time show features LADY GAGA live on stage and maybe a special guest or two will join her.

Over the past few years JAMES BLUNT has gained respect from many – not for his music – but for his self-deprecating humour when responding to Internet trolls. A recent tweet said “If you thought 2016 was bad – I’m releasing an album in 2017” – you have been warned!

Well 10 days in to the New Year and not a major name has departed (not like last year on this date) yet - but PETER SARSTEDT was the first reported to climb on to the Stairway To Heaven after dying from a degenerative brain disease aged 69. He is best known for his 1969 UK number one single Where Do You Go To (My Lovely?) which won him an Ivor Novello award which he shared with DAVID BOWIE. Staying with the great man: on July 3, 1973 he killed off his Ziggy Stardust persona at the end of a gig at London’s Hammersmith Odeon. A video of that iconic concert is being shown to a sell-out crowd at Hammersmith’s Eventim Apollo on February 16 and, due to demand, the film will go on a European cinema tour from March 2. Keep your fingers crossed that Costa del Sol cinema bosses will screen it down here.

CLEAN BANDIT dominated the UK singles charts for the last two-months of 2016 with Rockabye, thanks to the unpopular streaming process – but it also picked up the unwanted title of the lowest selling Christmas number one single of all time (taking over from Mr Blobby) and its reign came to an end thanks to ED SHEERAN who is expected to have a good year with a new album due very soon.

Despite his death, GEORGE MICHAEL is said to have left about three albums worth of unreleased material. An interesting story has surfaced: in November 1996 he gave the Big Issue magazine a scoop speaking openly about his sexuality for the first time. It was due to hit the streets on a Monday but one of the printer’s wives passed a copy on to The Sun on Sunday which printed its 'exclusive' the day before.

People were so disgusted with the newspaper’s underhand tactics and as a result the Big Issue had its best seller ever.

© Beni Köhler

This month’s main attractions are all in the Costa capitol but keep an eye on your local weekly publications to see what’s going on.

All information on this page was correct at the time of writing.

PATTI SMITH On a pre-festive UK trip, yours truly had it confirmed that the ONE DIRECTION reformation is on. My fellow Wulfrunian LIAM PAYNE got hundreds of presents he had purchased for kids delivered to the city’s hospital (where he was born and my sister works); and it was confirmed that the group will “100 per cent” be getting back together – it’s not known when, but you can bet Syco Records SIMON is already rubbing his hands with glee.

As expected, BOB DYLAN didn’t collect his Nobel Literature Award but has promised to play three concerts in Sweden on April 1, 2 & 9 – instead,

1970s/1980s new wave legend PATTI SMITH was there on his behalf and performed his song A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall which was reported to rank with ARETHA FRANKLIN singing Natural Woman for the outgoing US President as the best things to watch from 2016.

After her New Year’s Eve live TV lip-sync cock-up, mad MARIAH CAREY was once again a laughing stock – apparently, while selecting sunglasses for a new range of her MAC Collection, she refused to take off the ones she already had on and couldn’t tell the designs apart – only in Mariah’s World eh! e

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w THE TREND books

BATTLING INJUSTICE The Stories of 16 Women Nobel Peace Laureates by Supriya Vani

Supriya Vani is a human rights defender, international journalist and author, as well as an advisory board member of the Hague Justice Portal and The Peace, Justice and Security Foundation. She has just published the book Battling Injustice: The Stories of 16 Women Nobel Peace Laureates. Marisa Cutillas reports…

S

upriya Vani has met some of the most fascinating women in history – women like Aung San Suu Kyi (who was placed under house arrest for 15 years for launching a non-violent movement for the restoration of democracy and human rights in Myanmar) or Malala Yousafzai (the young student who defied the Taliban in Pakistan while defending the cause of girls’ education in the Swat Valley of Pakistan, alongside her father).

Most of us know these stories and are astounded by the bravery of such women, but few of us realise what it was like to “be in their skin during their most difficult moments.”

In her new book, Supriya Vani invites us into their world, allowing us to know “how Malala felt after she was shot, how she valiantly sustained almost fatal injuries” or “how Aung San Suu Kyi defied the Military Junta in Myanmar and how she felt upon being deprived of her freedom.”

Supriya is profoundly inspired by these women, yet also saddened to note that, “In the Nobel Peace Prize’s 115-year-history, only 16 laureates are women.” This despite the fact that so many of these women have

had to endure much more than their male counterparts. For instance, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (President of Liberia and 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate) suffered sexual assault at the hand of her husband. Wangari Maathai (who won the Peace Prize in 2004), was determined to promote sustainability, democracy and peace, encouraging women to plant trees throughout Kenya and saving lands from encroachment.

The President of Kenya, Daniel Arap Moi called her “a mad woman” and labelled her a threat to the peace and security of the country. “Imagine trying to carry out valuable work when one is humiliated in that way,” states Supriya. In her book, Supriya summons women to find inspiration from discovering a few defining moments in their lives.

The stories of the women Nobel laureates show that exceptional things can be achieved even in the face of powerful adversity. We all have great potential yet often need to tap into it and unleash it. Supriya herself was hugely inspired by many Nobel Peace Laureates, who encouraged her to fight for peace and women’s rights by using her

journalistic skills to bring a greater awareness of issues faced by women in the world.

Supriya delves into the humane, personal side of each of the women.

She fondly recalls that, of all the women she interviewed, it is perhaps Malala Yousafzai who holds a special place in her heart. She says, “Malala and her family welcomed me with open arms. When she met me she gave me a warm embrace. She said that she had always wanted to ask her attackers why they bombed schools. Malala continues to work tirelessly to personally ensure no child in the Swat valley is left out of the school.” Supriya was also particularly influenced by Shirin Ebadi, the Iranian activist who was the first-ever Muslim woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize (in 2003).

Suprayi’s book is a must for all women who are unaware of how

their individual efforts can bring about momentous change. The author seeks to inspire and start a movement that will see women working together for sustainable peace, education and justice. Her book has a release date of February, 2017. It covers all 16 laureates and includes interviews with all surviving prize winners: Malala Yousafzai, (2014, Pakistan), Aung San Suu Kyi, (1991, Myanmar), Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (2011, Liberia), Betty Williams (1976, Ireland), Mairead Maguire (1976, Ireland), Leymah Gbowee (2011, Liberia), Tawakkol Karman (2011, Yemen), Shirin Ebadi (2003, Iran), Jody Williams (1997, USA) and Rigoberta Menchú Tum (Guatemala,1992).

Much research has been placed into this valuable work; Supriya has trotted the globe to meet these fascinating women in person. The book provides rare insight into the personality traits and vision of individuals who have made the world a better place, or who have at least tried to. “Our backgrounds may be different, but we have the same values,” says Supriya. i www.supriyavani.net

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w THE TREND technology

T

he Bill was first presented in November 2015 by Theresa May. It purports to give government security the right to hack into servers, mobile gadgets, computer networks, computers, etc. According to The Guardian, security could effectively download information from an unattended phone, or record every single action pressed on a keyboard. In its most severe form, this vigilance could extend to copying material from a user’s computer or tracking their every online move. Security forces will also have access to user’s online histories – thus being able to monitor every website we visit – this information can be stored for a maximum of a year.

According to Edward Snowden, “Snooper’s Charter legitimises mass surveillance. It is the most intrusive and least accountable surveillance regime in the West.”

To those who argue that they don’t need privacy because they have

nothing to hide, he answers that that is the same as saying, “I don’t need free speech, I’ve got nothing to say. Rights equal power.” What security has a right to access is not simply communications data; “it is… a comprehensive record of your private activities… it’s the activity log of your life.” Snowden retweeted a post revealing how article 106 of the Bill would allow the government to obtain general warrants for any communication or activity records.

Snowden’s files show that the GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters) collected a plethora of emails from major media groups, including The New York Times, the BBC, The Washington Post, Reuters, Le Monde, The Sun, and more. Some of these emails were generic, but others comprised correspondence between editors and journalists, etc. This, alongside information obtained by Snowden indicating that security considered

Both Houses of Parliament in the UK have passed the Investigatory Powers Bill, which will become law once royal assent is achieved. The bill, known as the Snooper’s Charter, has been heavily questioned, with over 100,000 people signing an online petition for it to be repealed. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

investigative journalists a threat, is considered worrisome by critics of the Bill. Thus far, over 100 editors have signed a letter addressed to then-PM, David Cameron, protesting against the intrusion into their communications.

In addition to having access to individual’s Internet histories, security will also be able to glean the apps they use and to discover how much time they have spent on a website, as well as their IP and information about their computer.

The information will be stored by Internet providers, who will be paid by the government for this service.

Of course, those who wish to keep their online activities top secret will still be able to use Tor or VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), which allow users to hide their IP addresses. According to the Tor website: “Tor helps to reduce the risks of both simple and sophisticated traffic analysis by distributing your transactions over

several places on the Internet, so no single point can link you to your destination. The idea is similar to using a twisty, hard-to-follow route in order to throw off somebody who is tailing you – and then periodically erasing your footprints.” Evidently, only a small minority of users rely on Tor and VPNs; most people lack the technological savvy required to surf the web anonymously.

Just a few months ago, Joe Cannataci, the UN's Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy, stated that specific provisions in the Bill, particularly those concerning bulk interception of data and bulk hacking, "run counter to the most recent judgments of the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights, and undermine the spirit of the very right to privacy." He noted that the Bill may have big ramifications, not only for UK residents but also for those living far beyond British shores.

How Will the New Investigatory Powers Bill

AFFECT YOU?

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w THE TREND motoring

JAGUAR F-PACE LUXURY CROSSOVER/SUV Years ago, even before its short period of Ford ownership, Jaguar management made it quite clear that the storied British carmaker would never build an SUV. It was ‘not Jaguar’s thing’ and the very idea of offering such a vehicle, rather than concentrating on sports sedans and pure sports cars was not even worth thinking about.

WORDS TONY WHITNEY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JAGUAR

B

ut times change and the vehicle buying public clamours for SUVs, with even Bentley and Rolls-Royce getting in on the act. Luxury SUVs are particularly hot and products from Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus, Maserati and others have been strong sellers, some of them for many years. In some cases, SUVs have saved carmakers from financial disaster and with others, the sturdy, practical vehicles have added massively to the profit line.

Finally, Jaguar has taken the plunge with its all-wheel drive F-Pace crossover/ SUV and anyone who’s driven it will confirm that it was worth the long wait.

From a styling viewpoint, the vehicle is

fairly conservative and Jaguar has taken a cautious approach, rather than trying anything too radical. The company has a great understanding of its customers and research must have proved this was the best way to handle the design job. It’s a handsome vehicle from every angle and the grille area is, expectedly, an adaptation of the company’s current ‘nose job.’ It looks distinctive, fresh and athletic. Like other models in the Jaguar range, it’s produced from aluminium and the structure is both rigid and light. The manufacturer always strives to endow its products with what it calls ‘Jaguarness’ and with the F-Pace, they’ve probably pulled this off nicely.

F-Pace buyers have a great choice of models, which range from a basic 4-cylinder turbo-diesel to a potent and lavishly equipped variant with a 380-horsepower supercharged petrol engine. There are also different trim ranges and all kinds of tempting extras to choose from and this contributes towards the very wide price range of the new F-Pace. The transmission, incidentally, is an 8-speed automatic, which uses Jaguar’s excellent rotary shift dial, which glides handily out of the console when you fire up the engine. There’s a pair of paddles behind the steering to give the driver a degree of manual control. No manual transmission is listed.

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The roomy interior is especially Jaguar-like, even on the least expensive models. It’s very tastefully done with excellent materials and lots of colour choices. I found the rig very comfortable to drive and it’s certainly a vehicle that could be driven 1,000 km or more in a matter of hours without discomfort – a true ‘grand tourer’ to be exact.

Cargo volume is very good and the rearmost seatbacks can be folded down to create even more space. Buyers can opt for a very large touch

screen for various functions, including satnav.

Tests have proven that the F-Pace offers more space than two main rivals – the Porsche Macan and the Mercedes GLC43.

Just recently, Jaguar announced its concept electric I-Pace which uses the basic F-Pace platform but upgrades sportiness with different bodywork, emphasised by a lowered roof and coupé-like lines. Jaguar has promised that we’ll see the I-Pace on the road in 2018. e

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Z ENGINE: Wide range of diesel and petrol variants. Tested, 3.0-litre V-6, 380-horsepower.

Z TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic.

Z ACCELERATION: Zero to 100 km/h in 5.5-seconds.

Z TOP SPEED: 250 km/h.

Z I LIKED: Great handling and power, very much like a Jaguar saloon. Very entertaining to drive and surprisingly sporty. Roomier inside and in the cargo area than many competitors.

A very handsome SUV with just the right element of Jaguar to set it apart from rivals.

Very comfortable for long runs, making it a relaxing vehicle to drive even in heavy traffic.

Jaguar’s rotary dial gear selector is the best in the business!

Z I DIDN’T LIKE: Not too much not to like about this new Jag. It’d be nice to see a really powerful ‘R’ version sometime to give it an edge against the Mercedes-Benz AMG variants in this class.

Z MARKET ALTERNATIVES: Mercedes-Benz GLC43 and other GLCs, BMW X3, Porsche Macan, Audi X5 and others.

Z WHO DRIVES ONE? Certainly a Jaguar owner and fan who’s longed for an SUV from his or her favourite carmaker. Buyers who have never owned a Jaguar before, but are attracted to the idea and the reasonable entry-level price of the F-Pace.

Z PRICE AND AVAILABILITY: Price range is €46.200 to €93.700.

i www.cdesalamanca.com

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p the focus CULTURE HISTORY FEATURES CELEBS INTERVIEWS HUMOUR

40

Peace Associations

46

World’s Most Beautifully Designed Libraires

52

The Nobel Prize

54

Pioneers of Peace

60

John Lennon

62

Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave

WE FOCUS ON PEACE THIS MONTH, AT A TIME WHEN MAJOR WORLD EVENTS SUGGEST WE NEED TO UNITE AS A PLANET INSTEAD OF BEING DIVIDED. WE ENTICE YOU WITH FEATURES ON THE WORLD’S MAJOR PEACE ASSOCIATIONS, THE NOBEL PRIZE AND PIONEERS OF PEACE. WE ALSO TURN OUR EYE TO DESIGN IN OUR REPORT ON THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL LIBRARIES. MUSIC LOVERS WILL DELIGHT IN OUR PROFILES ON JOHN LENNON AND GREAT SONGWRITERS LEONARD COHEN AND NICK CAVE.

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p THE FOCUS peace

IN SEARCH OF

PEACE

The idea of managing global conflicts through negotiation and international mediation first arose in the 19th century, took root in the League of Nations and eventually led to the United Nations. 70 years on, is it still working for us? WORDS MICHEL CRUZ

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I

n the distant past, kings warred, signed peace treaties and moved on before inevitably declaring war upon each other again. As time passed, these conflicts grew larger in scale, drawing in whole camps of allies and gradually involving territories across the world. The first ‘World War’ is said to have been the Seven Years War of 1756-1763, during which time most of Europe was drawn into a conflict that spilled over into the Americas and Asia. Not much later, the Napoleonic Wars did the same, so by 1815 it was clear that Europe needed a system of conflict resolution other than heading off to battle.

The Congress of Europe was an idea whereby the great powers would discuss matters both directly and indirectly affecting them, mediate on behalf of others and generally aim to pursue their interests without disrupting the balance of power – the delicate measuring of influence according to which no one country was allowed to become too dominant, as France had done under Louis XIV and Napoleon Bonaparte. For most of the 19th century Britain was the main naval and colonial power, but this was balanced by Russian, Prussian and French strength on land, thus establishing a precarious but workable balance between the leading nations.

The Congress of Vienna marked the end of more than 20 years of war, acting as a peace conference but also setting out the intention to replace immediate military action with dialogue. It was the first of a series of conferences in cities such as London, Paris and Berlin that helped to resolve many a difference and greatly contributed to the relative peace of the century. The conference system managed to protect Europe from a great deal of potential war and destruction, pushing much of the existing conflict beyond its own borders, but as

the century grew to a close, the rise of German and also American power upset the established order and produced new dangers. Simmering tensions between France and Germany after the FrancoPrussian War eventually hardened into a splitting of the continent between two camps.

The alliances created in the process promised mutual support in the event of a military attack from ‘the other camp’, and eventually this mechanism led to the commencement of hostilities that later grew to become known as World War One. The sheer scale and horror of this war, which was perhaps the last of the grand imperial wars of Europe, reminded people just how much mankind needs a system of checks and balances by which issues can be resolved or mediated internationally and armed conflict kept at bay as the final resort. Just as the Napoleonic Wars inspired the conference system, so WWI led to the creation of the League of Nations, the forerunner of today’s United Nations.

The Congress of Vienna, 1815

The former headquarters of the League of Nations in Geneva, now a UN complex

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FROM DIPLOMACY TO WORLD GOVERNMENT Founded in 1920 and set up in elegant headquarters in Geneva, the League of Nations was the first major attempt to create an international body that would provide a platform for negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution between nations. Still very much led by major powers in what remained a colonial era, its membership was mostly made up of European monarchies, a handful of Asian countries and the republics of the Americas. The fact that many countries came and left, and that the USA never joined the League of Nations, severely handicapped its effectiveness from the beginning. Though this meant it was primarily a diplomatic club of (most of) the leading nations, the LN did lay the foundations for a more legal approach to international politics.

An example of this is the establishment of the Permanent Court of International Justice, which for the first time really brought international law into politics and made countries legally liable for their actions. This

forerunner of the International Court of Justice was weak by comparison. Its legal mandate built on the shaky grounds of voluntary acceptance of its jurisdiction, yet even so it had its impact, including the establishment of the system of mandated protectorates, giving the former colonies of Germany to Britain, France and Japan to manage and prepare for eventual independence. Though quite successful initially, the LN failed in its covenant of securing peace, disarmament and a system of collective security because it lacked the back-up to do so. This became painfully evident when it proved unable to check the aggression of the Soviets and the Axis powers during the 1930s.

The ravages of World War Two produced a new, enhanced version of the LN – the United Nations. Backed up by the International Court of Justice in The Hague, the UN has the legal and political power the League of Nations lacked.

Not to be a member state is to be a pariah in the international scene, much like excommunication

from the Church once was. In fact, a nation or regime’s very legitimacy is linked to being part of a UN mechanism that covers all matters legal, economic, financial, political, technical, medical and environmental, though in the last field it has fallen short from the outset.

More a political and legal configuration, this intergovernmental organisation has grown into a huge global network that originally set out to maintain peace, resolve conflict and promote good governance for the betterment of mankind but which has expanded into many administrative and legislative fields of its own. For many, it represents the onset of a World Government just as organisations such as the EU and cultural and economic globalisation do. Some see collusion between such super-national structures and the world’s multinationals as a dreaded government of the future, while others welcome the day when national boundaries and governments are replaced by a central HQ that manages us all.

The UN headquarters in New York

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A symbol to nonviolent conflict resolution outside the UN headquarters

Either way, one can’t help thinking that, while definitely stronger, the UN is beginning to go the way of the League of Nations, having started impressively but gradually lost its ability to make a difference in the ongoing theatres of war and destruction.

Where the LN was mostly a club of 50 or so established states, the UN was engulfed in the era of decolonisation by waves of newly created countries. Some are huge, but many of its almost 200 member states are tiny pinpricks on the map, making it hard to balance the voting power of a tiny island with the influence of a superpower. The Security Council, which originally granted special powers to the leading nations, has been expanded to include rotating secondtier nations, but essentially it remains hard not to over-value the voice of a country of a few thousand while not succumbing to the overbearing authority of countries such as the US and China.

The era of decolonisation, basically

the 1950s and 60s, held great promise for future cooperation, liberty and the universal betterment of the human race, but such hopes were soon overshadowed by the Cold War and the constant flood of conflict and human rights abuses that beset the newly independent countries. Initially, the UN’s peacekeeping missions – using diplomatic and military peacekeeping resources volunteered by member states – were quite successful in African civil wars such as Biafra, Katanga and Zanzibar, but as time passed, the number of new states and factions grew, and the peacekeeping missions began to stretch UN and member states alike.

Correspondingly, their influence became increasingly symbolic and impotent. The inability of the blue helmets to do much more than watch as militant groups slaughtered one another in Lebanon, Bosnia, South Sudan, Zaire, Ethiopia, Nicaragua and many other countries has encouraged dictators, terrorists and guerrilla fighters, as well as providing

some superpowers with the excuse to effect regime change all by themselves.

Though it continues to do vitally important work in many fields across the world, the United Nations is increasingly failing in its original mandate of securing peace and providing a platform for discussion and the resolution of differences. Even its General Assembly, where all states have an opportunity to communicate openly, has long since become a sideshow used by politicians for propaganda purposes and the furthering of their own agendas. If the structure and effectiveness of the UN is wanting, it reflects a world that lacks balance and ultimately the goodwill required to make it work. For short of the kind of global dictatorship that none of us want, organisations such as the United Nations will also depend upon the desire of the majority to cooperate and follow rules, and their determination to punish those who break them within the confines of a legally legitimate framework. e

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p THE FOCUS libraries

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL

LIBRARIES

d l r o W e h t in

Despite the rise in popularity of e-readers, the love of printed books will never cease. Nor will we ever do away with libraries – the vessels of academia that intellectuals hold near and dear to their hearts.

Today’s libraries differ vastly from those of a few decades ago, since most embrace new technological developments and indeed, make technology a central part of the experience. It is no surprise, therefore, that in this day and age, new libraries continue to be built. In this article, we bring you a tiny selection of some of the world’s most stunning libraries – old and new, all ideal spots to discover something about the world – or yourself – so you can write the story of your life with greater information, artistry and imagination. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE RESPECTIVE LIBRARIES OR AS CREDITED

TAIPEI PUBLIC LIBRARY IN BEITOU Taiwan, Republic of China

There is something incredibly calming about studying or reading in the midst of lush natural surrounds and this is exactly what academics at the Taipei Public Library in Beitou are fortunate enough to do. Everything about this eco-library celebrates nature, with features such as solar panels, natural ventilation and water reclamation reducing its carbon footprint. Spacious open-air balconies are the perfect spot to curl up with your favourite book and there are many to choose from – over 63,000 in fact, with a large selection dedicated to environmental sustainability. “The building was designed to “breathe,” said Kuo Ying-Chao, the architect, and indeed his philosophy makes sense.

Reading is a unique time in which to relax and destress, and the presence of natural wood lends the space a cosy ambience that engenders a sense of mindfulness.

© 玄史生

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© Thomas Guignard

STUTTGART CITY LIBRARY

Stuttgart, Germany

Stuttgart has done plenty to up its cultural appeal in the past decade, with the amazing Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums providing car lovers with a great excuse to travel to this serene yet lively city. Both museums attest to the southern German penchant for clean, minimalistic styles, which makes special sense in a library, where the key is to find exactly what you are looking for without wasting precious time.

The Stuttgart City Library is divided into various sections – including the Children’s Section (featuring thousands of books as well as audiovisual and digital media). The Music Section includes everything from sheet music to an extensive audiovisual collection, and a Sound Studio in which to play around with digitisation programmes, musical software and more. In the Life Section, avid readers will find material on everything from psychology right through to education, religion, medicine, philosophy and more… Additional areas include the World Section (containing information about countries and cultures), and the Literature and Art Sections.

BEDALES MEMORIAL LIBRARY, Hampshire, England

It is hard to believe that this stunning library actually belongs to a school – the Bedales School for children aged 13 to 18. This learning institution is known for its focus on developing inquisitive, critical thinkers through first-hand experience. The library itself was built in 1921 to pay homage to those who had died in World War I. The school is one of the most expensive in England – similar in prestige and cost to Eton or Harrow. One of the most surprising features of this library is that there are no penalty fees for late returns – all children are trusted to do the right thing and return any books they borrow.

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BIBLIOTHÈQUE SAINTE-GENEVIÈVE,

© sJorge Royan

© Marie-Lan Nguyen

Paris, France

Paris is known for its cultural and artistic wealth, so it is logical that it should also be home to some of the most stunning libraries in the world, one of which is the Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève.

Located across from the Panthéon, it comprises an iron building built in the first half of the 19th century by Henri Labrouste, who also designed the beautiful Bibliothèque Richelieu. The façade bears engravings of the names of great thinkers – including Shakespeare and Galileo – and additional highlights include the grand marble entrance hall, the sunny, 80 metre-long reading room and the beautifully detailed ceiling that harks back to lavish railway stations of the 19th century.

© Luis Villa del Campo

THE STRAHOV MONASTERY LIBRARY Prague, Czech Republic

The Strahov monastery was originally built in 1143 though the library itself was not completed until 1679. The building, set up in the socalled Theological Hall, was the dreamchild of philosopher and theologist, Jeroným Hirnheim, Abbot of Strahov. In 1772, the library’s magnificent Philosophical Hall was built, also stunningly designed and featuring priceless works.

Some of the Strahov Library’s most stunning features include the ceilings (covered in intricate

Biblical frescoes by Siard Nosecký and Anton Maulbertsch) and the ‘compilation wheel’ in the Theological Hall – which allows readers to rotate shelves without any books falling off.

The Theological Hall contains over 18,000 books centered on theology. Stunning wood-carved cartouches bearing pictures and inscriptions indicate the type of books which can be found.

The Philosopher’s Hall, meanwhile, is home to medical, pharmaceutical, mathematical,

juridical, philosophical, geographical, astronomical disciplines, and other books, as well as the famous Rarity Cabinet, featuring scientific collections of animals, minerals and fruits. One intriguing part of the edifice is the dendrology (tree) library, featuring books whose covers are made of the respective trees they mention. There are also fascinating models of warships, cannons, military apparel, and a wealth of first copies, antique books and priceless prints.

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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Established 1971

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As a school, we have an excellent track record of delivering the IB Diploma Programme. We offer the widest range of subjects on the Costa del Sol and, last summer, our students gained some of the best results worldwide, including one score of 44 points, equivalent to the top 0.5% of students in the world.

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GEORGE PEABODY LIBRARY Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA

THE ROYAL LIBRARY Copenhagen, Denmark

This library, known as The Black Diamond, is the largest in the Nordic countries and also Denmark’s national library. It was originally built in 1648 but was renovated in 1999 and now bears a stunningly contemporary architectural style. Located on the waterfront of Copenhagen, its black granite exterior was meant to reflect the ebony waters of the Nyhavn canal.

The library is home to an impressive collection of manuscripts and first editions – including Karen Blixen’s manuscripts, Hans Christian Andersen’s diary and Søren Kierkegaard’s letters to his fiancée. The most valuable items are called Gems; they comprise works on cartography and colonisation, the history of Denmark, war and battle, religion and philosophy, literature and drama, music, natural science, photography, correspondence and visual art.

Don’t miss the beautifully decorated envelopes

by Henri Matisse, the detailed woodcuts of Turkey by Danish painter and draughtsman, Melchior Lorck, or the stunning abstract ceiling fresco painted by Danish artist, Per Kirkeby.

© Karsten Bundgaard

© Matthew Petroff

The star of this library is undoubtedly its five-tiered atrium, graced with delicate wrought-iron balconies and columns that lend it an air of elegance and stateliness – so much so that the library is Baltimore’s premiere wedding and events venue. The library, which specialises in British and American history and literature, also boasts a vast collection of books on archaeology, travel, Greek and Latin Classics and historical works. It was founded in 1857 by George Peabody – a philanthropist who founded the Peabody Institute to express his gratitude to the citizens of Baltimore. The library, which opened its doors for the first time in 1878, was designed by famed architect Edmund G. Lind, who created ornamental cast-iron balconies that rise an impressive 18.6 metres above the black-and-white marble floor, all the way up to a scenic skylight. The building contains a wealth of luxurious embellishments, including decorative railings, gold leaf details and stately wooden furniture.

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CENTRAL LIBRARY Vancouver, Canada

© Shutterstock

This library is architect Moshe Safdie’s take on the ancient Roman Colosseum.

Like the building it is inspired upon, it is a meeting point for urban dwellers, its first floor dotted with shops and cafés. The library is as savvy as you would expect of an urban library in a bustling city like Vancouver – visitors will find thousands of e-books and downloadable audiobooks, digital newspapers and online articles and encyclopedias – meaning that as beautiful as the library may be, a personal visit may not be necessary after all!

LIYUAN LIBRARY

© 準建築人手札網站 Forgemind ArchiMedia

Jiaojiehe, China

Once again it is the Chinese who turn to nature for inspiration while learning.

Renowned architect, Li Xiaodong built this peaceful library in the midst of stately chestnut, walnut and peach trees in the depths of a lush valley in the small village of Jiaojiehe. He was inspired by the many fruit trees that grace the village, so he created a wood-filled library atop a steel and glass box, with fruit tree twigs decorating the exterior walls and roof for a rustic, simple look.

The uneven shapes of the twigs invite light into the reading spaces and keep rooms warm in winter and cool in the summer. So pure is this edifice’s aesthetic that it can be difficult to distinguish from the natural surrounds. The interiors shine with the golden glow of wood, and there are no chairs or desks – just a cosy wooden floor with a few elevated platforms for readers to sit back and enjoy their favourite books. e

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p THE FOCUS nobel

The Scandinavians have acquired an enviable reputation for their scientific and humanistic endeavours. Both are encapsulated in the Nobel Prize – an international institution that embodies the Nordic ideal of research, development and human harmony. WORDS MICHEL CRUZ

Scandinavian inst it ut ions

THE NOBEL PRIZE

T

oday we know the Scandinavians as a peaceloving people. Beacons of social democratic utopia since the sixties, their advanced societies stand as an example to others around the world, yet it is sometimes hard to reconcile this modern fact with their rather less gentle Viking origins.

For centuries, Sweden was a major power involved in conflicts across large swathes of Europe, while the mettle of the Finns during the Winter War proves just how tough the people of the North can be.

In the modern world, however, the Scandinavian countries have established themselves as a shining example of order, efficiency and prosperity in combination with a progressive social model aimed at reducing imbalances and promoting tolerance and international solidarity.

But the Nordic countries have not only produced social philosophers and daydreamers, for this is a region rich also in scientific achievement.

Think of Carl Linnaeus, the father of modern botany, of Danish physicist Niels Bohr, and of the many engineers, inventors and medical researchers who have made such a great contribution to our body of knowledge.

THE CELEBRATION OF ACHIEVEMENT The social involvement of the Scandinavians and their desire to work towards a better world makes them want to celebrate not just those who strive to create

peace and harmony, but also the unique individuals whose skills and dedication to a field of study – be it a science, the arts or economics – enriches mankind.

In the organisation’s own words, the Nobel Prizes are awarded for outstanding contributions for humanity in chemistry, physics, physiology or medicine, literature and peace. Of all these, the Nobel Peace Prize is the most famous, if also the most likely to raise controversy. Decisions to award it to a former terrorist turned statesman or to President Obama not for what he did but for who he is, have tainted the reputation of one of the world’s most inspirational accolades, yet do little to diminish its impact.

The responsibility for making these unenviably difficult choices lies with the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, the Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institutet and, in the case of the Nobel Peace Prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Since its inception in 1901, the Nobel has been awarded to over 800 individuals and more than 20 organisations. While it is possible to receive it more than once, no more than three people can share the award – a factor of importance as scientific research is often the product of teams rather than individuals.

THE AWARD Among the most famous scientists to become Nobel laureates are Marie and Pierre Curie, Ernest Rutherford, Max Planck, Alexander

Fleming, Henri Becquerel, Severo Ochoa and of course Albert Einstein, while the notable winners of the Literature Prize include Harold Pinter, Pablo Neruda, Samuel Beckett, John Steinbeck, Jean-Paul Sartre (who politely refused), Boris Pasternak, Ernest Hemingway, T.S. Eliot, Thomas Mann, George Bernard Shaw and Rudyard Kipling.

They would have accepted their award at a glamorous gala dinner in Stockholm, while recipients of the Peace Prize travel to Oslo.

The famous names in this list include US President and war hero Theodore Roosevelt, the Red Cross, Fridtjof Nansen, Albert Schweitzer, Dag Hammarskjöld, Martin Luther King, Anwar Sadat and Menachem Begin, Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, Mikhail Gorbachev, Aung San Suu Kyi, Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk, Médecins Sans Frontières and controversially, Henry Kissinger.

Only a little heated is the discussion around the Economics Prize, which was first added in 1969. It includes the likes of Milton Friedman, Jean Tirole and Jan Tinbergen, whose macroeconomic model was later used in the US and UK. In addition to standing in the spotlight not just on the night of the ceremony but among their peers, winners of the Nobel Prize receive a diploma, a 24-carat gold medal and a sum of just under €1 million – all funded by the Nobel Foundation, the enduring legacy of Swedish inventor and industrialist Alfred Nobel.

Peace and Progress from War and Destruction It might sound a little melodramatic, but the man who founded this lofty organisation is likely to have been motivated in part by atonement, for most famous – and lucrative – among Alfred Nobel’s many inventions was dynamite. The man who himself symbolised scientific endeavour but was destined to be remembered for his contribution to the development of ever more powerful weapons, must have wanted to leave behind a more positive legacy.

It was necessary, for the public perception of Nobel was such that mistaken reports of his death prompted a French obituary to announce the news with the title ‘The merchant of death is dead’. Has Alfred Nobel succeeded in clearing his name?

Yes, for today he is remembered not so much for the advances in warfare he made possible, as for the Nobel Foundation upon which the Nobel Prize and its promotion of scientific and humanistic progress are built.

In spite of occasional controversies over choices of laureates, the Nobel Prize provides an important sense of perspective and inspiration of just what we humans are capable of when we cooperate and strive for knowledge, reason and compassion. i www.nobelprize.org

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PIONEERS OF

PEACE The history of humanity is dogged by a long succession of wars, conflicts and ambitious despots who abused their power rather than harnessed it for good.

Many a list catalogues the dictators and warlords of the past and present, but here we focus on those who sought to bring peace instead. WORDS MICHEL CRUZ

Mahatma Gandhi achieved Indian independence with Nonviolent Opposition

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I

t is tempting to call such people ‘Angels of Peace’ and somehow sanctify them, but ultimately they too were just people and as such neither perfect nor uniquely good.

Some had chequered pasts or deviated from violence to follow a path of reconciliation, while a few truly can be said to have dedicated their lives to the betterment of humanity, but what makes these individuals really stand out is the contribution they have made to peace in a world where lists of aggressors are easier to compile than those of peacemakers.

INDIA

Most considerations of the pacifist movement first lead to India. This may surprise some, as this huge, often troubled country with its teeming, impoverished masses is certainly not devoid of violence and strife. But in spite of this, India also has a long pacifist tradition that is historically best embodied by Siddharta Gautama, otherwise known as Buddha, or the Enlightened One. A mythical figure right at the heart of one of the world’s leading religions, he like Jesus Christ had a message

of peace, conciliation and spirituality for the peoples of this world that still resonates today. Through the centuries it found root in another of history’s inspiring figures, Mahatma Gandhi.

Perhaps the most famous of all pacifist leaders, he led India away from a potentially destructive violent campaign for independence to one of Nonviolent Resistance.

Amazingly, nonviolent opposition or civil disobedience proved effective, but without the large-scale damage that a bloody conflict would have wrecked upon both India and Britain. Maybe this is the reason why the postcolonial relationship between the two nations is not marred in bitterness, though even Gandhi was not able to contain the letting of blood between Hindus and Muslims that followed independence.

Though it is tempting to depict him as such, Gandhi was no doubt neither perfect nor consistently good, but he will go into history as a man of law, peace and a nationalist who did not allow the love for his fatherland to blind his principles. Above all, he appears to have been devoid of the feverish ambition that seems to gradually corrupt the potentially good and puts them in the debit column of history.

Siddharta Gautama became Buddha, the Enlightened One

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A MODERN-DAY SAINT Beatified shorty after her death, Mother Theresa pretty much embodies our concept of a life spent in the service of others. Selfless and dedicated, this wizened, diminutive Albanian lady could not have imagined that she would become her nation’s most famous citizen when she chose to become a nun who travelled to the other side of the world to work with the poorest of the poor in an effort to lighten their burden.

Another path might have seen her become a forgotten peasant of the Albanian highlands, but through her work among the impoverished masses of Calcutta, Mother Theresa would become the personification of selfless sacrifice in the service of others. Many strive to become famous and ‘immortal’, but she who apparently sought no such fame will go into history as one of the last great champions of humanity.

SCANDINAVIAN SOCIAL CONSCIENCE With its advanced social democratic system and lofty liberal ideals, Scandinavia has long been held up as the ultimate example of what a modern society should look like. Though it is a prosperous region home to an impressive number of multinational corporations, Scandinavia also puts great currency in balancing this with an environmental and humanitarian approach that for a long time made it a shining beacon in the dark.

This tradition really began in the post-war years, when countries such as Sweden and Denmark discovered a penchant for modernity and progressive thinking that absorbed not only social democracy but also a strong sense of international fraternalism. In other words, as they became more prosperous the Scandinavians also grew ever more concerned with the plight of people in the so-called Third World.

The reputation for being the

champion of its poor masses was earned through diplomats such as Dag Hammerskjold, the Norwegian Secretary General of the United Nations who rallied support for the independence of colonies across Africa and Asia, and then worked feverishly to resolve the civil wars that spread in the post-colonial era.

He died in an air crash while visiting southern Zaire during the Katanga Crisis, the first of the civil wars that still affect Africa today.

The late Swedish Prime Minister, Olaf Palme, is another leader fondly remembered for his humanitarian stance, especially through the rehousing of entire populations beset by war and strife to Sweden, which was then the bastion of peace and prosperity.

Such policies are still in place more than 40 years later, but with the intervening scale of war and population growth they appear less effective than ever in bringing peace to the world.

Olof Palme

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EBONY AND IVORY The cry for nations, classes, races, religions and those of different ideologies to live side by side in harmony has all too often fallen on deaf ears, but there are some illuminating cases where leaders were able to inspire entire nations and bring them together, however briefly. The struggle between groups of haves and havenots often takes the form of the ‘evil oppressor’ and the ‘righteous oppressed’, but in blindly pursuing their own interests and repeating the evils of their predecessors, most ‘liberators’ contribute to conflict rather than its resolution.

Some leaders have broken this cycle of selfserving conflict by focusing on conciliation. A notable example is Nelson Mandela. The man raised to the status of the Second Coming by the Western media, started his political career as an activist who planted bombs that killed both white and black civilians in the South Africa of the 1960s. Imprisoned for many years, he began a dialogue with the white regime that eventually led to the opening up of the country

in the early 1990s, and his election as President shortly after his release from Robben Island.

In a continent beset by rich dictators, warlords and genocidal conflicts, Mandela rose to become a great leader when he desired his people to bypass the usual post-colonial orgy and follow a path of conciliation and responsible democracy. The process was partly made possible by his opposite number, former Prime Minister FW De Klerk, who paved the way for universal franchise and treated Mandela with the dignity he deserved. Sadly to say, his legacy has been on the wane ever since.

The USA is another country where history – and how it is perceived by both sets of antagonists – pitched white against black. Most other ethnic groups tend to more or less get on with their lives and grab a piece of the American Dream, but a significant proportion of blacks and whites in the US continue to be trapped in the kind of resentment, entitlement and selfidentification as both the superior one and the

victim that appears to be spiralling out of control again.

It is worrying how institutionalised bigotry towards black people remains in The States, just as the chip many African Americans carry on their shoulders about slights both historic and present contributes to the problem, not the solution. What is needed is the voice of reason, someone like Martin Luther King who, like Gandhi and Mandela, not only preaches conciliation and universal humanitarian ideals but also has the ability to impregnate the hearts of the masses with such messages. Martin Luther King inspired black and white alike.

However, it is only when we can replace our own icons and heroes with leaders who somehow jointly effected peace or liberation, such as Mandela and De Klerk, Lincoln and Luther King, or even Sadat and Begin, that we begin to understand that creating and maintaining peaceful coexistence is the joint responsibility of us all. e

Martin Luther King inspired black and white citizens

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He campaigned for world peace from his honeymoon bed, fought discrimination by climbing into a bag and imagined a world without possessions while living in luxury. Since his assassination, at 40, John Lennon has attained secular sainthood – but was he a 20th century musical Messiah or a druggy dreamer with a Jesus Christ hairstyle? Belinda Beckett finds out.

“

We’re trying to sell peace like a product, you know, sell it like people sell soap or soft drinks,” explained John Lennon to David Frost on his TV chat show in 1969.

“It’s the only way to get people aware that peace is possible and it isn’t just inevitable to have violence.”

“Is that too simple a truth?”, the bemused broadcaster asked the

soon-to-be-ex Beatle, resplendent in a pink velvet suit next to his new Japanese wife, Yoko Ono, dressed in funereal black.

“What is too simple about me not killing you?” retorted Lennon, his famous dry wit triggering gales of studio laughter.

John and Yoko were rarely out of the headlines that year, with their quickie wedding in Gibraltar,

their bed-ins for peace, their stark naked debut album cover (Two Virgins had to be sold in brown paper bags) and their theory of ‘bagism’ which they demonstrated by climbing into a sack together at a press conference in Vienna. “If people did interviews for jobs in a bag they wouldn’t get turned away because they were black or green or long haired, you know, it’s total

communication,” Lennon told Frost, as the interviewer’s eyebrows rose to his hairline.

That December, at the height of anti-Vietnam fervour, the couple plastered advertising hoardings in 12 major cities with posters declaring ‘WAR IS OVER! If You Want It – Happy Christmas from John & Yoko’. The slogan inspired the hit single.

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“Imagine there’s no countries, It isn’t hard to do, Nothing to kill or die for, And no religion, too; Imagine all the people Living life in peace…

You… You may say I’m a dreamer, But I’m not the only one; I hope someday you’ll join us, And the world will be as one.”

Lennon the evangelist was not Lennon the gifted songwriter. "If everybody demanded peace instead of another television set, then there'd be peace" was one of his more profound statements, dismissed by the media as 'the politics of the infants' school' and 'the sort of thing Miss World contestants say'.

But if the press painted the couple as crackpot peaceniks, President Richard Nixon took them more seriously when they settled Stateside because, as Lennon controversially remarked, The Beatles were “more popular than Jesus”. The last thing Nixon needed in an election year was someone more famous than Christ rallying the anti-Vietnam cause, and the FBI’s four-year campaign to deport him was ‘more vigorous than those used against Nazi war criminals’, according to one immigration chief.

Few artists have had that kind of impact. ‘The true measure of his greatness was that he terrified the most powerful man in the world,’ wrote Time magazine.

Lennon got his green card and attained musical martyrdom after he was gunned down outside his New York apartment by a crazed fan in 1980. There are monuments

dedicated to him all over the world, from an airport in his hometown of Liverpool to a tower of light in Iceland, a graffiti wall in Prague and a chunk of Central Park named Strawberry Fields, where his ashes are scattered. Placed eighth in the BBC’s 100 Greatest Britons series, ahead of Queen Elizabeth II and Alfred the Great, artists from Elton John to Madonna have covered his 1971 hit Imagine. Considered one of the greatest peace anthems of our time, it’s played every New Year’s Eve in New York before the Times Square Ball drop, and was performed at the 2012 London Olympics Closing Ceremony.

‘John Lennon was not God,’ Time magazine noted on the 20th anniversary of his death. ‘But he earned the love and admiration of his generation by creating a huge body of work that inspired and led.

Appreciation for him deepened because he then instinctively decided to use his celebrity as a bully pulpit for causes greater than his own enrichment.’

His critics point out that Lennon took no part in political activism during his art student days and enjoyed a lifestyle contrary to the sentiments expressed in Imagine.

His former PA, Neil Aspinall, hearing him moaning about the costs of running his business empire, jibed: 'Imagine no possessions, John...'

'It's only a bloody song,' Lennon snarled back.

The Lennons lived in the luxurious Dakota building overlooking Central Park, decorated with priceless ancient Egyptian relics and a Renoir.

Yoko worked at a desk inlaid with gold, they employed a battalion of assistants, psychics, masseurs, maids and a man whose sole job was to polish the brass doorknobs.

Elton John, discovering Yoko had a refrigerated room just for her fur coats, composed a ditty to mark John’s 40th birthday: 'Imagine six apartments / It isn't hard to do / One is full of fur coats / The other's full of shoes'.

‘They justified their ludicrous antics by insisting that they were promoting world peace, a fashionable cause in the era of the Vietnam War,’ writes Dominic Sandbrook in his 2015 book, The Great British Dream Factory. ‘But this was nonsense because nothing they did advanced the cause of peace by so much as a millimetre.’

Lennon’s son Julian by his first wife Cynthia was another unbeliever.

“Dad was a hypocrite,” he told the press in 1998. “He could talk about peace and love to the world but he could never show it to his wife and son.”

But if John was a flawed hero he was the first to admit it. “I'm not claiming divinity,” he told Rolling Stone Magazine in an interview three days before his death. “I've never claimed purity of soul. I've never claimed to have the answers to life.

I only put out songs and answer questions as honestly as I can – no more, no less.”

Lennon wrote lyrics on everything from feminism (Woman is the Nigger of the World) to politics (Revolution, Power to the People) and inequality (Working Class Hero).

Most of his post-Beatles work was filled with social commentary, aided and abetted by avant-garde artist

Ono. He admitted the bed-ins were a ‘gimmick’ and he knew the media would turn up hoping to see them having sex. Instead, he and Yoko preached peace and love in their PJs from the honeymoon suite at the Amsterdam Hilton for one week straight, giving over 100 interviews.

“There’s many ways of protest, and this is one of them,” he said.

They did it all again three months later in a Montreal hotel bedroom where Lennon wrote and recorded Give Peace a Chance. It became the unofficial refrain of the anti-Vietnam War movement, sung by over half a million protesters at a rally in Washington lead by folk singer Pete Seeger. No wonder Nixon was running scared.

Asked what the bed-ins accomplished, Lennon said: "I couldn’t give you a concrete example, except for a few good cartoons and letters from England.

Some old woman said she’d had the best laugh of her life. If the least we can do is give somebody a laugh, we’re willing to be the world’s clowns.”

From the birth of their son Sean, Lennon dropped out of the music scene to focus on being a husband and father and it was five years before he released his next album. Double Fantasy initially received negative reviews but three weeks later, Lennon was dead.

Posthumously, it charted at number one on both sides of the Atlantic.

Ono, now 84, has dedicated her life to preserving the Lennon legacy through philanthropy, creating the biennial $50,000 LennonOno Grant for Peace in 2002. As her own memorial to John, every year between October 9 (his birthday) and December 8 (the day he died), the Imagine Peace Tower in Iceland is lit in remembrance, shooting a beam powered by geothermal energy into the night sky. The monument is inscribed with the words ‘Imagine Peace’ in 24 languages. Ono said the tower was the best thing she and John had ever done. e

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p THE FOCUS people

© Rama

They have been called dark, mysterious and even ‘gothic’ yet those who are well versed with the work of Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave know that these terms do not begin to scratch the surface of these two composers.

Nick Cave, with his love of the southern tales, stories of the Bible and philosophy; Cohen with his deep understanding of the flawed yet infinitely beautiful nature of relationships. They could very well be the successors of poet, William Blake, who defined the life experience as dancing to the contrary rhythms of innocence and experience… WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

“Forget your perfect offering.

There is a crack in everything.

That’s how the light gets in” Leonard Cohen

Let There be

Light,

Let There be

COHEN

NICK C

Darkness

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LEONARD

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NICK CAVE

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The black swan theory speaks of an event (or person) that comes as a surprise, has a major effect on the word yet is inappropriately rationalised afterwards with the benefit of hindsight. Those of us who have seen Australian writer, composer and singer Nick Cave perform live in his youth (in the 1980s and 1990s), know that he fits this definition to a tee. Nick Cave is, quite simply, a phenomenon that by all means should not have occurred.

Born in a small rural town in Australia in 1957, the ‘prince of darkness’ is one of rock music’s most respected writers, an intellectual who has written an introduction to the Gospel according to Mark and who has composed various soundtracks, in addition to starring opposite Brad Pitt in the tragi-comic Johnny Suede. Cave has been the subject of books of all kinds – from biographies to vegan cookbooks!

He has written his own novels – including sthe magnificent And the Ass Saw An Angel (about a mute boy who undergoes a devastating mental breakdown), as well as anthologies of poetry, lyrics and writing. He recently penned a dramatic opera called Shell Shock, which can be listened to on iTunes.

Cave began writing about love and death, folk tales, Dostoyevsky-like Christ figures, at a time when the local ambience was distinctly anti-academic. It’s not just his lyrical ability that stuns, however, but his sheer godliness on stage and his larger-than-life personality. Photographers, directors and journalists alike have referred to the man as daunting, scary and unpredictable. Cave towers over mere mortals at 190cms and is said to grab items violently, storm off and have little patience for idle talk. At the same time, he is known by fans as uniquely gentle – many of us have seen him sitting or walking by right before a concert, engaging in conversation or posing for a photograph. Many lucky fans have been invited unexpectedly backstage to meet the band.

Cave is perhaps best known for frontlining Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, though the magic began in the 1970s, with his band The Birthday Party, which spearheaded the post punk movement in Melbourne. The boys moved to London early in their career and eventually to West Berlin.

Following their breakup, Cave formed Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds in 1983 alongside highschool friend and talented instrumentalist, Mick Harvey, and wild German guitarist, Blixa Bargeld. Today, the band consists of Cave, bassist Martyn P. Casey, keyboardist Conway Savage, and violinist and instrumentalist, Warren Ellis (the latter is also part of The Dirty Three – if you never knew how savage, rebellious and beautiful the violin can be, listen to the track I Remember a Time When Once You Used To Love Me from The Dirty Three’s album Horse Stories).

It is difficult to recommend specific works by Nick Cave because he is so prolific and each of his albums tells its own story – the very best idea would probably be to begin with The Birthday Party and work your way up to his latest album, Skeleton Tree. Fans of Cave note that he has not mellowed with age, nor has his work lost its creative spark, not even after the loss of his 15-year-old son, Arthur, who, in 2015, fell off a cliff in Brighton, where Cave resides with his wife, model Susie Bick, and Arthur’s twin, Earl.

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Today, the Seeds are perhaps not as loud or brash as they were in the 1980s and 1990s, yet Cave has written some of his best work to date, accompanied by Ellis’ gentle violin as words of mourning should be. In Girl in Amber, Cave sings to a woman (clearly his wife) and her “blue eyed boy.” He toys with the idea of death after a loss of this magnitude but advises her, “If you want to bleed, just bleed… And if you want to bleed, don’t breathe a word/ Just step away and let the world… spin.” The film One More Time With Feeling, directed by Andrew Dominik, delves into the tragic backdrop to the writing of Skeleton Tree. Another crucial documentary is 20,000 Days on Earth, which premiered at the Sundance and Berlin Film Festivals and which depicts a fictitious 24-hour period in Cave’s life.

There are many sides to Nick Cave – one is Nick the Biblical scholar – in his introduction to the Gospel of Mark, he says, “When I bought my first copy of the Bible, it was to the Old Testament that I was drawn, with its maniacal, punitive God who dealt out to His long-suffering humanity punishments that had me drop-jawed in disbelief at the very depth of their vengefulness. I had a burgeoning interest in violent literature, coupled with an unnamed sense of the divinity in things and, in my early twenties, the Old Testament spoke to that part of me that railed and hissed and spat at the world… But you grow up. You do. You mellow out. Buds of compassion push

through the cracks in the black and bitter soil. Your rage ceases to need a name.

You no longer find comfort watching a whacked-out God tormenting a wretched humanity as you learn to forgive yourself and the world. The God of Old begins to transmute in your heart, base metals become silver and gold, and you warm to the world.” Thus, he says, he grew fascinated by the lonely, intense Jesus of Mark’s gospel.

Cave’s interest in the figure of Christ is captured in his iconic song Mercy Seat, one in which a prisoner on death row likens his incumbent death to the crucifixion of Christ: “In Heaven His throne is made of gold/ The ark of his Testament is stowed/ A throne from which I’m told/ All history does unfold/ Down here it’s made of wood and wire/ And my body is on fire/ And God is never far away.” The song in intense – you can almost smell the smoke rising from the flesh, feel the prisoner’s anxiety under your skin. You yearn, like him, for it all to be over. You, too, grow tired of “all this weighing up of truth… of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.”

At times Cave is wonderfully romantic – his ultimate love song would have to be Into My Arms, which he sang at the funeral of INXS frontman, Michael Hutchence. “I don’t believe in an interventionist God/ But I know, darling, that you do/ But if I did I would kneel down and ask Him/ Not to intervene when it came to you/ Not to touch a hair on your head/ To leave you

as you are/ And if He felt He had to direct you/ Then direct you into my arms/ Into my arms, O Lord/ Into my arms, O Lord…”

Darkly romantic is Deanna – Cave’s song about a childhood friend who committed double murder after suffering from abuse. The weapon she used was a gun stolen by herself and Cave from an unattended home. The result? Deanna was sent to a psychiatric facility, Cave to a boarding school in ‘the big smoke’. Years later, he would write about their “little crime-worn histories/ Black and a-smokin’ Christmas trees…”

At times Cave is rough – Stagger Lee is a deliciously comic yet dark story about a “bad motherfucker called Stagger Lee” whose level of evil is right up there with Lucifer – make sure to read the lyrics while you listen to this one.

Another classic is Tupelo – named after the small town where Elvis was born.

The singer chants rhythmically, warning us of a coming storm which brings devastation but also the birth of Elvis, in conditions similar to the birth of Jesus in his manger. Two sons are born, yet one dies: “Well Saturday gives what Sunday steals/ And a child is born on his brother’s heels/ Come Sunday morn the first-born dead/ In a shoebox tied with a ribbon of red.” Elvis, too, was a twin – his brother passed away at birth, the King was born… and the world was never the same.

It is fitting that Nick Cave very much found his calling, in the words of Leonard Cohen. He explained his fascination for

the poet: “I discovered Leonard Cohen with Songs of Love and Hate. I listened to this record for hours in a friend’s house. I was very young and I believe this was the first record that really had an effect on me… The sadness of Cohen was inspiring, it gave me a lot of energy. I always remember all this when someone says that my records are morbid or depressing.”

There are many wonderful albums with which to discover Nick Cave’s energy – the wonderful stories in Murder Ballads, the quiet soulfulness of No More Shall We Part, the sexy energy of Let Love In, the romanticism of Boatman’s Call, the sophistication of Push the Sky Away… and if you feel like witnessing the powerful appeal of the man himself, watch the video for the song Henry Lee, which has a wonderful anecdote attached to it. Polly (PJ) Harvey had sung on the track, which was a duet with Cave, but the two had never met until the day they recorded the video. What takes place during the uncut recording is known as one of modern music’s sexiest moments – you could cut the tension between the two artists with a knife, say those who were present. The end of the video features Nick and PJ’s first unexpected kiss – those who were present say the couple rushed away from the set, and began a love affair that would be intense but short-lived. The result was one of Cave’s best albums and the song, written for Harvey – Into My Arms.

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LEONARD COHEN Leonard Cohen is the granddaddy of musical poetry, the man countless artists have sought to emulate, arguably the only other musician who would have been worthy of the Nobel prize.

As Rolling Stone’s Richard Gehr so eloquently put it, “Cohen was the dark eminence among a small pantheon of extremely influential singer-songwriters to emerge in the 1960s and early 1970s.

Only Bob Dylan exerted a more profound influence upon his generation.”

Cohen is, perhaps, best known for his songs of love, loss and passion.

For less ardent fans, his defining hit might be considered Hallelujah, largely owing to Jeff Buckley’s iconic 1994 interpretation. The tune is symbolic of Cohen’s gift for touching on sexuality and spirituality with apparent ease… The song speaks of the relationship between the writer and his muse, but also a God who is outrageously fickle, “There was a time when you let me know/ What’s really going on below/ But now you never show it to me, do you?/ And remember when I moved in you/ The holy dove was moving too/ And every breath we drew was Hallelujah.”

Cohen taps into his baser impulses in I’m Your Man – a raw, sexy love tune that captures the contrary nature of love – the selfishness and sacrifice of its essence. He says he would “crawl

to you baby and I’d fall at your feet/ And I’d howl at your beauty like a dog in heat/ And I’d claw at your heart, and I’d tear at your sheet/ I’d say please, please/ I’m your man,” yet there is little he would not do for the object of his desire: “if you’ve got to sleep a moment on the road/ I will steer for you/ And if you want to work the street alone/ I’ll disappear for you/ If you want a father for your child/ Or only want to walk with me a while across the sand/ I’m your man.”

Indeed, Cohen was always keenly aware of the polar sentiments that mark human existence. He stoically faced the vicissitudes that life throws in the way of happiness – age, loneliness, abandonment, taking it all as part and parcel of being “your man.”

Cohen has too many iconic songs to mention – take Suzanne – whose “tea and oranges” are as sensual as they are unforgettable; Everybody Knows (arguable Cohen’s most pessimistic song – Everybody knows that the dice are loaded/ Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed/ Everybody knows that the war is over/ Everybody knows the good guys lost/Everybody knows the fight was fixed/ The poor stay poor, the rich get rich); Bird on a Wire (written while Cohen was suffering from depression); So Long Marianne (written

for the love of his life – Marianne Ihlen, a beautiful Norwegian single mother he first met on the bohemian island of Hydra in 1960). Then there is the painfully sensitive Famous Blue Raincoat, in which a man sings to his wife’s lover: “And what can I tell you my brother, my killer/ What can I possibly say?/ I guess that I miss you, I guess I forgive you/ I’m glad you stood in my way/ If you ever come by here, for Jane or for me/ Well, your enemy is sleeping, and his woman is free/ Yes, and thanks, for the trouble you took from her eyes/ I thought it was there for good so I never tried.” The ultimate Cohen lyrics?

Probably Avalanche – open to endless interpretations. Nick Cave’s version gives life to the mysterious words in wonderfully emotional fashion.

As fascinating as his work is the man himself – Leonard Cohen, the Quebec-born visionary who became a poet after reading the work of Federico García Lorca and learning flamenco guitar. Frustrated by his inability to make a living off his poems, Cohen decided to dedicate his life to music, writing prolifically until his death and touring

the world without pause. In the 1990s he took a break from it all, becoming an ordained Buddhist monk and taking on the name Jikan (‘Silence’). After discovering his manager had embezzled funds from his account to the tune of $5million, he embarked on a Grand Tour from 2008 to 2013 to cover his losses.

His last album, You Want It Darker, was recorded by his son on a home laptop owing to Cohen’s health issues.

It received rave reviews though Cohen knew his end was near. “I am ready to die,” said the writer, who passed away four months after his former lover, Marianne. Cohen had written her a beautiful goodbye letter, which her friend, Jan Christian Mollestad, read to her at her death bed. He told the press that when he read Cohen’s words, “stretch out your hand,” Marianne did just that. “Only two days later she lost consciousness and slipped into death.

I wrote a letter back to Leonard saying in her final moments I hummed Bird on a Wire because that was the song she felt closest to. And then I kissed her on the head and left the room, and said ‘So long, Marianne’.” e

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essential magazine is the longest established publication dedicated to Marbella’s opulent lifestyle, mixed with lively features from all around the world. Always in great demand, we continuously strive to produce quality content that will inform and entertain you. Available free from all the best commercial locations and in luxury hotel bedrooms along the Costa del Sol, we present your brand to a high-end market, benefitting from the unrivalled prestige and recognition we have achieved over the last 17 years. Don’t miss out!

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p THE FOCUS property

A private gated community of six luxurious modern villas, Loma de Casasola embodies the contemporary Marbella luxury so sought after now.

Contemporary Marbella Luxury

LOMA DE CASASOLA WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LOMA DE CASASOLA AND KEVIN HORN

M

ore and more of today’s buyers here and abroad are looking for homes that offer sleek modern architectural styling paired with the latest in comfort, luxury and technology. This trend is clear and by now well-established, but in terms of supply the problem is that the amount of land available for new development in Marbella’s prime locations is very limited. As a result, there is lots of scope for new-built homes in newer, more remote areas, but little to be found in the highly desirable established residential addresses that are close to beaches, San Pedro, Puerto Banús and Marbella town.

LOCATION AND PRODUCT Homebuyers have always favoured top locations, but increasingly they

focus on the quality of the offering too – and today that often means a state-of-the-art new villa. Loma de Casasola is a private community of six villas that combines both factors – a luxury modern living environment surrounded by greenery

and space in a prime location close to all amenities. Having beaches and sports facilities within walking distance, it also finds itself near the roads that lead directly to Benahavís, Estepona, Puerto Banús and Marbella, yet ensconced within

a private and peaceful environment that looks out over green fields.

Designed by leading local architect Juan Antonio Fernández, the villas feature advanced contemporary lines in which form and function work hand in hand.

His work is characterised by an overall philosophy that aims to bring functionality and beauty to full harmony – and Loma de Casasola is the elegant result. “We chose Juan Antonio because of this commitment to detail and the final living experience offered by the villas,” says Project Manager Ana Salinero Soriano. “Our desire was to create a small, private community that fits well within its green, spacious setting and provides the kind of personal space that embodies the concept of a sophisticated modern home.”

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QUALITY AS THE DEFINING FACTOR Lifestyle is a key factor today and naturally it is also very important in shaping the most advanced of homes. A community of six villas within the greater gated residential area of Casasola, Loma de Casasola sets the tone the moment the gate slides open and you enter this private domain. Each of the homes has its own two-three car garage and entrance leading to imposing modern front doors. “Ultimately, it is quality that is at the heart of these villas, as we’ve purposely chosen the finest materials and suppliers over industry standards,” says Ana. “The developer has built Loma de Casasola exactly as he would build a home for himself, and it shows.”

Large terraces and swimming pools surrounded by easy to maintain but spacious gardens zoom in on the views across open spaces protected from future construction while also providing a very personal living space.

Inside, the villas feature open living marked by double height ceilings and large panoramic windows that flood the open-plan living room, dining area and sleek Bulthaup kitchen with Gaggenau appliances in light. The expansive top-of-the-range Schüco windows slide open to merge inner and outer living spaces. The villas, which range in size from 501-581m2, have four-five en-suite bedrooms and a master bedroom with dressing room and a spacious panoramic deck.

DESIGN YOUR PREFERRED LIVING STYLE No sooner was the show house completed than the first property was sold and the next one reserved, leaving four villas available for buyers.

The latter have the opportunity to personalise their homes to a level that is seldom seen in Marbella. “The properties have been constructed

and completed ready for the new owner to add the finishing touches and create their own interior style.

This means not only a full choice of floor finishes, materials, tones, textures and decorative designs, but also the opportunity to adjust the configuration of the rooms to your own needs and preferences.”

In other words, buyers will be

able to adapt the villa to create the perfect spot in which to enjoy their ideal lifestyle. “Again, we offer the finest brands and bespoke options, working with a specialist contractor who is an expert at finishing homes to the highest level,” says Ana. “Apart from creating your preferred living style, you can also adapt the number of bedrooms and create spaces such as a private gym to suit your personal preferences.” Offering stylish contemporary architecture, the latest amenities and luxuries, and the opportunity to create your own modern masterpiece in a peaceful location close to beaches and all of Marbella’s facilities, Loma de Casasola is a new villa development with a difference.

i www.lomadecasasola.com Loma de Casasola Prices from €1.850.000

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d the style

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d THE STYLE architecture

We love contemporary architecture, yet amid the many modern designs recently built in Marbella how refreshing is it to see a newly built villa of classical distinction.

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY WAYNE CHASAN

“

This is without a doubt one of the finest homes to have been built in Marbella in recent times,” says Callum Swan. The co-owner of the boutique property agency that carries his name knows his stuff, for not only is he a leading specialist in the top segment of the market who is entrusted with the sale, renovation and management of many of Marbella’s most luxurious homes, but he has personally seen the town evolve over the past 30 years.

In other words, he has experienced Marbella’s growth and the coming and going of its design trends up close since first coming here on holiday as a youngster back in the early eighties. “Many of the modern style properties being built right now are a delight, but I have to say it is very refreshing to see a brand new villa that is built to the very latest standards and features the best in today’s technology and luxury, yet does it within a clean, contemporary interpretation of classic Mediterranean good looks.”

A classic Mediterranean villa in the midst of a fantastic Marbella setting

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JEWEL

A MODERN CLASSICAL

in Marbella

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A well thought out distribution of space

TIMELESS ELEGANCE It’s a well-known reference used to describe the finest watches, cars, fashion and other luxury items whose style has an enduring quality that never fades or loses value the way many of the more short-lived trends and fads inevitably do.

The modern design trend that has had Marbella in its grip over the past few years is a bona fide style movement with positive connotations, yet throughout such cyclically led waves there is always a place – and a need – for alternatives.

Without such options any predominant style trend will simply fade sooner, and no, alternative choices should not only come in the form of existing resale properties but also include newly built homes that are as modern under the skin as all the others while offering a more classical architectural style and distribution. “It is undeniably true that a large proportion of today’s buyers are looking for modern style homes, but equally there remains a significant number for whom such properties don’t suit their needs, lifestyle or taste,” says Callum.

Until now their choice has been limited to older existing homes with the option of modernising their infrastructure and giving them a facelift. This villa in Sierra Blanca – one of the first modern homes built in Marbella that deviates from the now-standard contemporary architectural styling – brings timeless Mediterranean elegance right into the 21st century. “As an agent I am thrilled, as it is always a good thing to be able to offer homes in a wide variety of styles, locations and configurations.”

A sense of timeless refinement as soon as you enter

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Contemporary elements woven into a classic look

CLASSIC STYLE IN A MODERN HOME Make no mistake, regardless of their aesthetic and lifestyle preferences, there aren’t a lot of people who would turn down a home with the latest comforts, technologies and efficiencies in favour of an old one. “Normally, you would have to fall in love with a historic home to forfeit today’s comforts,” says Callum, “but there aren’t many of those in Marbella, so our clients tend to cherish good construction and modern amenities even when they don’t feel at home in one of the latest modern style properties.”

This stylish villa set in the foothills of the Sierra Blanca mountain range overlooking Marbella and its coastline is just as modern as any of the other new homes being completed right now, so if you like more classical looks it offers the best of both

worlds. In fact, though everything ‘under the skin’ is of the latest, this home has the presence and bearing of an established ancestral estate. This also applies to the sense of privacy bestowed, in spite of the fact that you’re only minutes away from Marbella town.

The feeling is different, though, as you follow the private driveway and the gate slides open to reveal not a cubic white villa but a stately Spanish house that immediately feels at home in this spot.

An elegant entrance opens up to a hallway that, like the rest of the home, is stylishly impressive yet tastefully proportioned to be intimate and welcoming. The ceilings are tall throughout, natural light brightens the home and its well thought out

distribution creates a flow from room to room that is comfortable and almost intuitive.

The connecting areas are broadly proportioned to become refined spaces in their own right that are bathed in the natural light which comes in through the central courtyard with its pretty fountain. The latter does not follow the classic Andalusian format here but more that of a grand French home, and indeed, with its grey shutters this villa does carry some Provençal overtones.

Downstairs, large tiles, many of matte Italian travertine marble, complement soft grey walls to create a colour tone that forms the ideal palate for decoration in a range of styles – from modern and classical to eclectic.

The grand living room

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Architectural details that add character to a home

Natural wooden floors and a fresh, neutral palate

A STYLISH FAMILY VILLA Few homes look as good as this empty, and one can only imagine how beautiful the end product will be once completely decorated. “It will look fit for the pages of a décor magazine,” says Callum, and looking at the large kitchen with its tasteful windows, the dining room and the classically proportioned living room overlooking the garden, you realise the potential this villa offers to be a superbly stylish family home.

Tall ceilings, natural light, wonderful views, fine quality materials and an intimate feel in every room set the tone and state this villa’s credentials as a home made by people with discerning taste. “It’s all in the original concept, the lifestyle philosophy behind that and the detail in the home’s execution,” says the owner, who with this refers to both design and construction. “Luxurious homes often feature space and fine amenities, but the difference is in the detail. Above all, using an architect who knows how to impose but also create a sense of homeliness by mastering dimensions.”

Indeed, the dimensions of this four-bedroom, six-bathroom villa of 680 square metres seem just right, and in so doing complete the elegant architecture and detailing created by Diego Noguera Gallego, the man also responsible for the rebuilding of many of the palaces owned by the Duquesa de Alba and her family. Highly experienced in working with luxury homes, he naturally included such practical details as a separate delivery entrance that connects with the laundry and kitchen, and in so doing bypasses the living quarters.

Elegant spaces make the villa

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Spacious outdoor living spaces

The bearing of a classical home that sets the tone for stylish modern living

The ground floor also features two spacious and beautifully finished bedroom suites with lovely garden and mountain views, a guest cloakroom, maid quarters/office and a spacious covered terrace that connects with a terraced garden where the pool remains in view but does not detract from the sophisticated outdoor living environment just waiting to be created here.

The private quarters on the first floor are similarly marked by tall ceilings, natural light and in this case matte wooden floors from Italy. They help to create a stylishly informal setting for the two bedroom suites, the master suite of which features a well-proportioned bedroom flanked by his-and-hers bathrooms complete with a dedicated dressing room for the ‘lord and lady of the manor'. Offering perhaps the finest views to be had in this quality home, the master bedroom also has a spacious outdoor living space in the form of a large connecting terrace from which you can contemplate wonderful sea vistas while enjoying full privacy.

Just as every era has its innovators, trends and followers, so it produces creations that stand out for their individuality and quality, and in the case of this fine Sierra Blanca villa, a timeless elegance. i www.callumswanrealty.com

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d THE STYLE decor

From the Ar t Co

llection From the Animals Collection

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llection

VINTAGE

Marisa Cutillas has selected just a few examples from the vast collection created by Nichollette Yardley-Moore. Vintage Cushions are known for the quality of their stitching and the keen attention to detail. All seams are hidden and the interior of the cushions receives as much care as the exterior.

There are a plethora of designs available, with different inspirations (abstract, animals, oral, retro, travel and more). These are just some of the loveliest cushions available:

From the Graphic Collection

From the Floral Collection

From the Retro Collection

CUSHIONS Luxury Cushions for a Lifetime From the Travel Collection

From the Arrow and Aitken Collection

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d THE STYLE fashion

Marisa Cutillas brings you just a few highlights from Louis Vuitton’s impressive collection for men.

LOUIS VUITTON Pre-Collection Men’s Spring/Summer 2017

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Casual Chic

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Perfect in Plaid

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d THE STYLE fashion

and Black

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Stun your Valentine at your special evening for two, with one of these gorgeous small yet sexy bags.

Go ld C

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& Spencer

Look

Black Glitter Clutch by New Look

utch by Marks

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CONTACTS: JAEGER www.jaeger.co.uk MARKS & SPENCER www.marksandspencer.eu NEW LOOK www.newlook.com WALLIS www.wallis.co.uk

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COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

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PRODUCTS BEAUTY SPA SCIENCE TREATMENTS HEALTH

90

The Amazing Kat Von D

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Beauty News

96

The Connection between Physical and Mental Health

98

Health News

99

The New Oasis Dental Clinic in Elviria

100 Shanti-Som Wellness Retreat

MEET BEAUTIFUL TATTOO ARTIST AND MAKE-UP DESIGNER, KAT VON D, DISCOVER THE CONNECTION BETWEEN PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH, AND TAKE A BREAK FROM IT ALL AT SHANTI-SOM WELLNESS RETREAT.

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Love of Beauty is Taste The Creation of Beauty is Art Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery Aesthetic Medicine Orthopaedic Surgery Vascular Surgery Bariatric Surgery

Yo u r H e a l t h & B e a u t y C l i n i c i n M a r b e l l a

Dental Cosmetic

Av. Ramรณn y Cajal, 7 - 29601 Marbella / 0034 951 775 518 Mรณvil : 670 770 455 / info@oceanclinic.net - www.oceanclinic.net

n THE SPA beauty

KAT D

How

Became the Biggest Thing in Make-Up without Knowing Anything About It

Kat Von D is probably most famous for her reality show, LA Ink, which highlights the ins and outs of her tattoo parlour in Los Angeles, one of the best known and most favoured by celebrities in the United States. Kat is everything you would expect a make-up designer NOT to be: alternative, deliciously dark and covered, quite literally, in tattoos from head to toe. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

S

till, her make-up line, sold exclusively by Sephora, is one of the make-up house’s most successful. Her matte foundation, smoky eye palette and liquid eyeliner are some of her best sellers and as a firm fan myself, I have to admit to owning more than one product. Her Lock-It matte foundation is right up there with MAC’s long wearing foundations, leaving skin flawlessly smooth and providing fabulous coverage. Equally impressive is her Tattoo Liner – the ultimate liquid eyeliner for the perfect cat’s eye effect. Her make-up palettes are simply stunning: everything from her contour set (Shade + Light Contour Palette) to her eyeshadows (which come in palettes, including the topselling Chrysalis palette) and finally, her brushes – beauty perfectionists will find all kinds, including concealer, foundation and eyeshadow brushes, all soft and beautifully designed, a perfect complement to her superior products.

Kat Von D appeals to the inner Goth in many women – those who are into matte looks, darker eyeshadows and bold matte lips. Her website features a host of gorgeous short videos in which the artist shows you how to apply her products and how to combine different colours. She usually uses her fancy brushes though she admits that she handles make-up the same way she does with tattoos and sketches: with her hands. She knows that applying foundation with your fingers “is not the right way of doing it,” but she just doesn’t care.

Those who are fans of Kat Von D’s reality show have probably noticed that she does not deck herself out in excessive colour on a day-to-day basis. She may be super glamorous and boast porcelain-like skin, but she is ultimately an alternative icon, more rock star than model. Her daily look is based upon her favourite makeup item: eyeliner, which she admits to using for more than creating her

famous cat look – for shaping her eyebrows and contouring her face, for instance. In reality, she seems to be arguing for a minimalist approach to beauty in which a whole look can be created with just one or two products.

Always humble, Kat admits that she knows very little about makeup. She knows plenty enough about how to create Gothic styles, though, and this very much shows up in her exquisite packaging. Take her Lock-It foundation – the little spout that releases the thick fluid is covered by a black rose, which you have to pop off every tine you use the product. Her eyeshadow palettes, meanwhile, are covered in a raised Gothic font, setting the mood of her entire collection. Her lipsticks are not only stamped with Gothic prints; their cover comprises soft black pyramid studs that up the cool factor to an

untold extent. A wealth of Gothic prints make their way into many of her products – take her lip glosses, bearing sketches of roses, leaves and odd Gothic curves.

Kat Von D’s success reveals that many women don’t identify with ‘normal’ as much as they used to. They are after original, art-filled products that feel as good and last as long as some of the industry’s most famed brands. Moreover, nearly all her products are pigment rich – meaning that a little bit goes a long way and lasts all day and night. The foundation, for instance, promises 24-hour wear and actually delivers!

To view Kat Von D’s latest collections, pop into any Sephora store… and whatever you do, treat yourself to at least one of her Gothic treasures. i www.sephora.es/Kat-Von-D/BKVD

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SUBLIME

HAIR wit h

l a n o i s s e f o r P n o l v e R Revlon Professional is a range dedicate to offering the ultimate in professional hair care for women. Whether preserving your colour as long as possible, adding shine, or augmenting volume is your aim, this line will undoubtedly improve your look.

1 – UNIQ ONE TREATMENT: This amazing spray, made with Lotus flower, has 10 benefits for hair: it moisturises dry hair, adds shine and controls frizzing, protects against the sun, adds softness and silkiness, protects against UVA and UVB rays, eases brushing and styling, detangles hair, helps styling last, prevents split ends and adds volume.

The spray comes in two additional fragrances: Original and Coconut.

2 – OROFLUIDO MASK: This deeply hydrating hair mask can be used on natural and coloured hair alike. It is the ideal rescue remedy following time spent in the sun or after excessive drying and styling.

3 – OROFLUIDO HAIRSPRAY STRONGHOLD: This is the ultimate spray for those who need a tough hold yet plenty of shine.

4 – COLOR SUBLIME SERUM: This product is made up of colour sealing capsules that ensure that coloured hair maintains its intensity and shine.

5 – INTRAGEN SEBUM BALANCE: If you have oily hair and are tired of having to wash and style it every day, try this range, featuring a shampoo and concentrate treatment.

6 – INTRAGEN ANTI HAIR LOSS: This is a threepronged treatment, comprising a patch treatment, shampoo and concentrate treatment. Made with plant extracts, these products (meant for men and women alike) stimulate micro-circulation, fight free radicals and maintain the equilibrium of the scalp. i www.revlonprofessional.com

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7th & 9th of February 2017 from 11:00 till 6:pm by appointment

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n THE SPA health

Any approach to health that does not take into account the intricate connection between the body and mind, is bound to fail. Integrated procedures, which comprehend the extent to which how we think and feel affects how we function and vice-versa, make sense in this day and age, when stress-related illnesses such as depression and the anxiety, are the two most common (and costly) mental conditions to treat. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

The Connection between

PHYSICAL AND

T

hose who live with a serious mental condition also suffer from physical problems. Studies have shown, for instance, that those facing depression also report suffering from three times as many physical ailments as those without depression. There are practical reasons behind this fact: for one, having serious anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or depression, is linked to higher rates of unemployment, poverty and solitude. Persons battling anxiety or depression tend to make poorer health choices – they may be unable to get out of bed every morning, let along shop at the local market, prepare a healthy meal or work out at a gym. Poor nutrition is a known risk factor for many diseases, including Type II diabetes (closely related to obesity and the sedentary lifestyle) and heart disease. One fascinating study showed that children who are anxious tend to have a poorer sense of balance – stress affects us in infinite and sometimes mysterious ways.

Physical illness, too, can affect our mental health and wellbeing. There are many conditions, such as breast cancer, which are closely related to depression. It makes sense; anybody battling such an invasive disease has to fight against their own fear and worry, while they receive treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which can leave them feeling fatigued, unmotivated, anxious and depressed.

One groundbreaking study on patients receiving radiotherapy for breast cancer, however, found that mindfulness based activities such as yoga, can significantly reduce symptoms of depression, improve mood and vitality, and promote better sleep. In this sense, Western medicine has woken

MENTAL HEALTH up in the past decade to the importance of taking an integrative approach to health, as has been done for centuries in the East, through procedures such as acupuncture and the reliance on holistic practises such as pranayamic breathing, mindful meditation and Tai Chi. These activities are currently being used as much in top rehabilitation centres (for drug and alcohol addiction, PTSD sufferers, patients with Alzheimer’s, persons with eating disorders, etc.); they are also being recommended for treating diseases whose symptoms worsen with stress.

The symptoms of both types of illness (physical and mental) are similar and can exacerbate concurrent problems. They are linked to a lack of motivation, sedentarism and dearth of social interaction. Sometimes, a physical issue can affect mental function – for instance, those living with chronic pain can become depressed. Conversely, physical conditions can cause high blood glucose levels and affect circulation, thereby impacting brain function. They can also stop a person from obtaining the exercise they need; one fascinating study carried out by scientists at the University of Illinois found that the size of the hippocampus is directly related to one’s physical fitness. The fitter we are, the larger our hippocampus – as we age, our hippocampus shrinks, leading to cognitive decline, and loss of memory. Exercising regularly is therefore vital to keep our brain in tip-top condition.

Stress plays a big role in physical illness.

“There’s substantial evidence to demonstrate the environment we live in has direct impacts on our health,” says exercise physiologist Rebecca Hasson, PhD, director of the Childhood Disparities

Research Laboratory at the University of Michigan.

When we subject our body to high levels of stress hormone, cortisol, chronically, this hormone stops insulin from absorbing and storing blood glucose.

It keeps sugar in our system, just in case we need it to defend ourselves (by using our muscles to fight) or to run away. In essence, stress invokes our ‘fight or flight’ response – the latter is useful when we are in a real situation of danger but when we keep our body in this mode for too long, the result is too much glucose in our system, which can contribute to the development of Type II diabetes, not to mention heart disease and cancer.

In a study carried out by the National Institute on Aging and National Cancer Institute on a group of women who had recurring breast or metastasized cancer, there was a significant relationship between stress and likelihood of remission. Women who defined themselves as having “no traumatic or stressful life events” achieved remission longer than those who admitted having faced stress and trauma, even early on in life, prior to developing the disease.

Anger, too, can be deadly, heightening our risk significantly for developing heart arrhythmias.

As responsible human beings, we need to work hard to take a combined approach to our health.

Often, we know exactly what is causing us mental or physical grief – do we need to lose weight? Do we have anger management issues? Are we taking on more work than we can afford to mentally, thereby living under constant stress? Take action while it is still early enough to do so. Science has spoken loud and clear – our physical and mental health are one and the same thing. e

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COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

TEEN DRINKING

Here’s another good reason why adolescents should avoid binge drinking: repeated abuse of alcohol during one’s teens years can affect the brain functioning of one’s offspring, significantly increasing the latter’s chances of developing metabolic disorders, as well as mental conditions such as depression and anxiety. These findings were made by researchers at the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, who concluded that heavy drinking was detrimental both to the adolescents themselves, and future generations, since it causes molecular changes to DNA in the hypothalamus (the area of the brain responsible for our stress response, food consumption, reproduction, sleep cycles, etc.).

VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION

May Help Children with Autism

Can Affect Future Offspring

A new study published by Dr. Khaled Saad in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry has found that the symptoms of autism (including social withdrawal and hyperactivity) can improve significantly following Vitamin D3 supplementation.

Previous studies had already shown a link between autism and Vitamin D insufficiency but recent testing shows that Vitamin D3 in particular can have significantly positive effects.

HOW TO COVER A Metabolic Surgery SNEEZE? TO CURE DIABETES

We all sneeze, whether as a reaction to an allergen, to pollen or to hair, or when we catch a cold. If you’ve ever wondered what the best way to sneeze is (so as to avoid infecting others), the answer is: with a tissue! Using your hands to cover your mouth will stop germs from travelling a huge distance to your colleagues and family, but it is of no use unless you immediately wash your hands afterwards, to avoid germ adherence to common surfaces.

Sneezing or coughing into your sleeve is also better than using your hands, because you are unlikely to touch surfaces other people use with this part of your clothing. Best of all, if you have a cold, stay home! Your colleagues will thank you and your recovery will be speedier. Don’t forget to wash your hands frequently and disinfect doorknobs, tablets and other frequently touched surfaces, to prevent contamination.

Metabolic surgery has fast become the most effective treatment for patients suffering from light obesity (i.e. a Body Mass Index of between 30 and 35) and severe obesity (a Body Mass Index of between 35 an 40), who also have Type II diabetes. Prestigious studies, including one published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine, have revealed that this type of surgery produces better results than diets and medical treatments for obesity. So-called ‘restrictive techniques’ such as tubular gastrectomies, cure the disease in 40 to 60 per cent of all patients while mixed techniques (such as gastric bypasses) boast a curation rate of 70 to 85 per cent. New techniques (such as the Apollo Method, which allows speedy recovery and no scarring) also produce excellent results. The Quirónsalud Hospital in Marbella carries out all these operations so if weight loss is on your mind, see the staff at the Gastroenterology department. i www.quironsalud.es

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health THE SPA n

OASIS DENTAL

CLINIC IS BACK,

WITH A NEW LOCALE AND NEW PARTNER WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

J

ust a couple of years ago, Marbella suffered what many considered a significant loss for the dental sector when Dr. Nina King, who founded the Oasis Dental Clinic in the centre of Marbella, headed to Dubai to experience international dentistry at its best. We had featured Dr. King in our health section, noting the unique approach she took to dentistry and the service she offered her patients.

Personalisation was always key to Dr. King’s practice; she spends considerable time creating a plan for each client which values longterm results; subtle, natural looking teeth; the specific desires of each patient and above all, dental health as the ultimate goal. As she says, “You cannot assume to know what a patient wants. You have to listen to them and elicit their wishes – whether these comprise greater functionality, improved aesthetics or simply the ability to smile in family photos without feeling self-conscious.”

After a successful experience in Dubai, Dr. King is back, with a new practice in Elviria (which is much easier to access than the centre of Marbella and which offers free parking). She is joined by Dr. Sacha Miller-Wojtan, who has worked for over 10 years at one of the Coast’s most renowned international dentistry practices. Dr. Miller-Wojtan

is interested “in aesthetic treatments and in improving people’s self-esteem and confidence in their appearance.”

Like Dr. King, however, she also practices general dentistry and enjoys “the dynamics of carrying out a wide range of treatments.”

Both Dr. King and Dr. Miller-Wojtan hold excellent qualifications and have many years of experience. Dr. King is a UK-registered specialist in Prosthodontics (the replacement of missing teeth), who obtained her undergraduate degree from the Royal London Hospital in 1998 and obtained her fellowship degree and Masters in Clinical Dentistry, as well as the highest specialist qualification in Prosthodontics (Member of Restorative Dentistry) from the Royal College of Surgeons in London (2006).

She has worked for over 15 years in private clinics and hospitals alike.

Dr. Miller-Wojtan, meanwhile, graduated from Copenhagen University 2006, heading directly for Spain to work. She has completed various courses in aesthetic dentistry through the ESCD (European Society of Cosmetic Dentistry) and AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry), as well as several local courses to improve her skills and knowledge and to remain up-to-date.

Dr. Miller-Wojtan was intrigued by Dr. King’s offer to join her in starting

their own practice: “My family means everything to me, which is why I came to Spain in the first place (my parents and brother all live here). I was keen on starting my own practice because of all my thoughts and dreams regarding the type of environment I wanted to work in. I wanted to create a really professional practice that still allowed me to be there for my children as they are growing up. I am excited about this partnership, since Nina and I share the same vision and we are both focused on the same professional goals.”

At the new Oasis Dental Clinic, Dr. King and Dr. Miller-Wojtan seek to offer outstanding service. “The clinic has a dedicated consultation room in which we can sit and listen to our patients’ wants. It can be difficult for patients to focus on expressing themselves while sitting in a dentist’s chair, and it is crucial for us to identify with them when we are going to do elective dentistry to create their dream smile,“ says Dr. Miller-Wojtan. Dr. King adds, “Work has to be planned to last a lifetime. A patient may want to have only particular teeth fixed but if their case is not planned well, there may be problems with their bite and breakage may ensue long-term, so they need to understand how everything works together. Long-term health and functionality are key, as is addressing

any underlying problems such as gum disease, etc.”

Dr. King and Dr. Miller-Wojtan plan on spending “plenty of time with each patient.” A dental examination at Oasis Dental Clinic, for instance, includes oral cancer screenings, testing of jaw function, and checking for signs of tooth wear or oral disease.

The doctors will be joined by highly qualified specialists in areas like orthodontics and endodontics. Both dentists are currently offering free examinations to all their previous patients on their first return visit, says Dr. King, “as we believe in continuation of care and would like to thank them for all their support in the past.”

For the ultimate in personalised dentistry with long-term results, pay a visit to the new Oasis Dental Clinic, at the Elviria Medical Centre – oral health, after all, is more than a matter of having a beautiful smile – it affects your self-confidence, ability to enjoy your food, and your health as a whole.

Let 2017 be the year you start making health a priority. g ELVIRA MEDICAL CENTRE Centro Comercial Elviria Lower floor, Block B Avenida de Las Cumbres 3, Marbella.

Tel: 952 837 442. www.oasisdentalmarbella.com smile@oasisdentalmarbella.com

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7SHANTI-SOM

Good Reasons to Visit WELLBEING RETREAT

O

ur body tends to send us subtle signals when we are overburdened with stress – headaches, insomnia, weight gain or loss… when we feel this way, nothing quite appeals like the idea of just leaving it all behind and heading for a lush paradise where peace, relaxation, pampering and good food are key. Shanti-Som, just 10 minutes up the Ojén road from La Cañada commercial centre, is conveniently near, yet another world away. Ensconced in the verdant forests of the Sierra de las Nieves, it is a wellness resort that instantly sets the mood, with its gigantic statue of Buddha lying in front of a flowing stone fountain wall and its luxurious Balinese/Thai interiors.

Shanti Som comprises a hotel, spa, restaurant, pool area and more. In case you haven’t visited the resort yet, here are seven reasons why you should: Z 1 – RECONNECT WITH YOUR TRUE

SELF: How often do you pause to check in with yourself and ask yourself important questions about where your life is going and what important changes you may need to make? Shanti-Som is best known for its weight loss, yoga and detox programmes, yet there are many experiences that can offer you greater

insight and take you to a whole new level of awareness.

Z 2 – THE POSITIVE ENERGY WILL HAVE A LASTING EFFECT: Return from your wellness stay with a new kind of energy that can last for weeks or even months, having a rippling effect on your life and the lives of those you love. At Shanti-Som, seasoned professionals will give you the tools you need to pursue a new lifestyle that is more beneficial to your physical and mental health.

Z 3 – FEELING HAPPIER AND HEALTHIER: Whether you are just starting out on your journey to health or you are already well experienced, a stay at this haven of peace will immerse you in healing, providing a greater sense of grounding and advice on how to maintain the wellness lifestyle on a long-term basis.

Z 4 – RECONNECTING WITH NATURE: Most of us are sorely divorced from Nature; we spend hours a day hooked up to technological devices, missing out on the proven health benefits of spending time in Nature, including lowering levels of stress hormone, cortisol, and keeping obesity at bay through exercise in the great outdoors. Yoga is an excellent way to de-stress and to pursue greater flexibility, strength and mind-body control.

Mindfulness meditation, meanwhile, is currently used in a variety of health

settings owing to its ability to keep anxiety at bay.

Z 5 – IMPROVING SLEEP: One session of the ancient practice of Yoga Nidra (meaning ‘psychic sleep’) is equivalent to many hours of shut-eye. The practitioner talks you down to the moment when your body is still enough to sleep, but your mind is still conscious. The goal is to ‘quiet the agitations of the conscious mind and awaken the immense healing potential of the subconscious.’ The practice is deeply relaxing, and as you become more masterful, you are able to enjoy longer periods of blissful sleep.

Z 6 – ENJOY EXCELLENT CUISINE: The restaurant at Shanti-Som (also open to clients not staying at the hotel) serves up wonderful Asian fusion cuisine, which is as stimulating as it is nutritious and wholesome. Health-conscious selections of beef, chicken, seafood, vegetables, fruits, tofu, soups and sauces, are made from fresh ingredients designed to energise or detoxify the body.

Z 7 – MEET SHANTI-SOM’S NUTRITION COACH: In India, Nepal, and other parts of the East, Ayurveda is considered serious medicine – with schooling that is akin to a Western medical degree. Yet, unlike Western medicine, a basic evaluation goes beyond a physical exam. An Ayurvedic specialist will take your pulse, check your tongue,

and assess your appearance, give you a simple blood test, and then ask you a series of questions about how you handle and respond to various scenarios.

If all these reasons aren’t enough to convince you, what about the need to simply reward yourself with the gifts of relaxation and joy? Sip on a glass of wine by the pool, go for a walk in the lush forest or feel the pain and stress slip away with a soothing massage. Whether you have a weekend or a whole week to spare, Shanti-Som is the ultimate wellness getaway. * WINTER OFFER AT SHANTI-SOM WELLBEING RETREAT Shanti-Som Wellbeing Retreat, the paradisiacal getaway for those wishing to relax, de-stress, detox and recoup, now has a special winter offer, valid until February 28. Guests can obtain a 15 per cent discount on the following retreats: Weight Loss/Turbo weight Loss, Fitness high Intensity, Pilates, Detox or Turbo Detox, or Yoga. The offer is valid for bookings of a minimum of three nights and depends on availability. g For further information, Llanos de Purla A355, km 2, Monda – Marbella.

Tel: 952 864 455. www.shantisom.com

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

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

www.shantisom.com

Open daily for lunch to the public

...only 10 minutes from Marbella

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z z THE PRO enterprise

the pro

ENTERPRISE LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILES FINANCE/LAW THE VIBE

COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

FUERTE HOTEL GROUP CELEBRATES 60TH ANNIVERSARY 2017 marks the 60th anniversary of the opening of the Fuerte Marbella in 1957, the first hotel built in Marbella Pueblo.

Since its opening, the Hotel has hosted a number of high profile guests, including Walt Disney (and his dog, Pluto), Lola Flores and Rafael Alberti. The Hotel Group now boasts six holiday hotels and one apartment complex – all are located in Andalucía. Congratulations to the Fuerte Hotel Group – here’s to another 60 years of success! i www.fuerte-group.com

CLAUDIO GRANAROLI AT THE PALACIO DE FERIAS Y CONGRESOS DE MARBELLA

© Paolo Biava

From February 10 to 12, enjoy a fantastic exhibition by contemporary artist, Claudio Granaroli. This is the artist’s first exhibition in Spain. He was born in Milán in 1939, where he studied art at the Brera Academy and received his diploma in 1964. He has exhibited his work at top museums in an array of countries, including Italy, Norway, Russia, Austria, Germany, France, Denmark, Ireland, Brazil, the United States and more. i www.granaroliclaudio.it

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CALLIGARIS FURNITURE SHOP LAUNCHES IN MARBELLA Renowed Italian furniture brand, Calligaris, recently opened its only shop in Andalucía, right here in Marbella. The objective of Calligaris is to interpret contemporary living through its authentic Italian design collections and customised lifestyle spaces. Since the company was founded in 1923, it has been famed for design, innovation and quality. Calligaris has a large catalogue of chairs, tables, beds and accessories, with over 800 products to choose from, including items by top designers such as Paolo Pininfarina, Dondoli and Pocci and Stephen Burks. The company also boasts a Department of Interior Design, where you can make your dream project come true. g Centro de Negocios Oasis, Ctra. Nacional de Cádiz KM 176, Local 15-B, Golden Mile, Marbella. www.calligaris.com

NEW LAND ROVER DISCOVERY C. de Salamanca recently presented the much-anticipated new Land Rover Discovery at its installations in San Pedro de Alcántara. Visitors were impressed with the sleek lines and multi-functionality of the new full-sized SUV, which can comfortably accommodate 7 adults with ease. Both sets of rear seats fold flat at the touch of a button, providing an extremely spacious load capacity. The new model combines luxury and stability with the indomitable spirit of adventure. i www.cdesalamanca.com

© Kevin Horn

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z THE PRO enterprise

COSTA PRESS CLUB IN SEARCH OF TALENTED YOUTH

LOCAL SCHOOLGIRL OBTAINS 100 PER CENT GRADE AT LAMDA EXAMS

communicator-award/

© Fotografiti ART

Sienna McCormack, age 11 (pictured far right above), is the first pupil in the history of The Marbella Stage School to gain a 100 per cent pass in her recent LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) Acting examination. Jayne Melville, her teacher, has entered hundreds of students over the past 25 years and Sienna has scored the highest possible grade. Sienna is truly gifted and has also won one of the leading roles in her school's production of the famous musical Bugsy Malone, playing at Aloha College from February 14 to 16. i www.marbellastageschool.com

The Costa Press Club will be giving a ‘Young Communicator of the Year’ award for the first time, in celebration of its 15th anniversary, and is asking for help from local schools and parents. The annual Communicator Awards honour excellence in journalism and content provision on the Coast. They are organised by the Costa Press Club, the coast’s association for local media professionals. Anyone aged 19 years or under who lives on the Coast can enter a piece of writing, visual media or content in English and be considered for the special award.

Nominations are encouraged from student reporters, budding bloggers, young YouTubers and other teenagers with an interest in journalism or broadcasting. i Further information, www.costapressclub.com/

BE WOMAN BE TRAVEL BY CRIS & KIM CRIS & KIM Travel Designers, a Marbella agency specialising in tailor-made travel, presents the new product BE WOMAN BE TRAVEL (BWBT), led by María Villar, a tireless traveller who has journeyed all over the world looking for new adventures which she would love to share with women keen on experiencing travel in a different way. Touring with María will give you the opportunity to discover her unique, intense way of travelling, always with the guarantee of the CRIS & KIM organisation. There are four routes scheduled for 2017: Costa Rica (February), New York (June), Tanzania (August) and Myanmar (November). i www.bewomanbetravel.com

FUNDACIÓN TIERRA DE HOMBRES EVENT AT THE GRAN MELIÁ DON PEPE HOTEL Fundación Tierra de Hombres, which aids children needing help with everything from heart disease to traumatology and maxillofacial issues, recently held an event at the Gran Meliá Don Pepe Hotel to present their new project Viaje Hacia la Vida (Journey To Life), which will aid patients at the Hospital Parque San Antonio de Vithas and the Materno Infantil Carlos Haya. i www.tierradehombres.org

MANIFESTO DESIGN LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE Content marketing and creative agency, Manifesto Design, invites you to explore their new website, www.manifestodesign.com Launched in January, it has a sleek look to accompany the agency’s recent rebranding and showcases the strategy, content and design skills of this well-established Marbella marketing company based in Guadalmina. “We are excited about the launch of our new website,” says Manifesto’s founder and Creative Director, Michel Cruz. “It allows us to highlight our broad range of marketing services within a few clicks and the interactive portfolio was designed to offer optimal engagement and make it fun to visit the site.” i If you would like help with your marketing strategy, contact Manifesto

Design for a free consultation. www.manifestodesign.com

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z THE PRO enterprise

WHAT DOES GOOGLE KNOW ABOUT YOU? CIT CONFERENCE CIT, a local association of business professionals, recently held the interesting conference What does Google Know about You?, which highlighted ways to protect one’s privacy on the Net. The event, held at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos, covered a number of topics, including social networks, blogs, online newspapers, Cookies, etc. i www.citmarbella.com

DRUMELIA REAL ESTATE WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD Drumelia Real Estate’s Villa Arcadio, a luxurious six-bedroom villa nestled in La Zagaleta, recently took home the award for Best Residential Property in Europe, at the International Property Awards, held in London and attended by developers, architects, interior designers and heads of real estate companies from all over the world. This year, the International Property Awards received more than 2,000 entries from over 110 countries, with the total value of competing projects estimated at over 20 billion British pounds. i www.drumelia.com

NEW WEBSITE FOR HOLLAND & BARRETT MEET ALFRED: NEW VIRTUAL BUTLER Worldline e-payment Services is proud to announce that it has taken part in the creation of ‘Alfred’: a virtual butler built for older persons in Andalucía. Alfred’s aim is to provide solutions to older persons who wish to maintain their independence, to facilitate coordination between these individuals and their carers, and to foster social inclusion among Andalusian elderly people. One of the technologies employed is advanced voice interaction. i For further information, www.worldline.com

Popular health shop, Holland & Barrett, is proud to announce that its brand new virtual shop is up-and-running. The online store delivers within 72 hours to anywhere in Spain or in the Balearic Islands, with a 24-hour delivery option available as well.

The site stocks all the products Holland & Barrett is famous for, including vitamins, supplements, Dr Organic products, select food items, detox products, skin and hair care supplies, etc. i Check out all the fabulous goods available at

www.hollandandbarrett.es

NEW HEATERS AT TIPTOPSHADE Stunning sails, awnings and pergola store, TipTopShade, is now an official dealer of EcoSmart Fire and Heatsail, the leading Belgian providers of state-of-the-art bioethanol fireplaces and powerful infrared heaters. The products combine clean and clever technology with sleek lines for warming your cosy inside-out areas during those chilly evenings. i www.tiptopshade.com

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Behavior Correction

This service is intended for dogs with behavioural issues that require special monitoring therapy.

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Once the animal's problems are solved, we set some guidelines so that the owner knows how to guide their pet independently.

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z THE PRO enterprise

EXPLORE THE CONTINENTS OF THE WORLD AT NEW BOTANIC DEVELOPMENT The Costa del Sol is now home to spectacular gardens representing five continents. The gardens are part of Botanic: a luxurious yet eco-friendly holiday home project with panoramic views of the gardens and fairways at Los Arqueros Golf. The stunning 4.5-acre grounds include pine trees and cork oaks representing Europe and more exotic varieties of flora such as the ginkgo tree and the Himalayan cedar representing Asia. This outstanding assortment of species are exactly what any keen gardener would have on their Christmas wish list. Leading Spanish homebuilder, Taylor Wimpey España, carefully designed the gardens, located adjacent to their brand new site, Botanic, starting with the European area. i www.taylorwimpeyspain.com

MARK RYDEN AT THE CENTRO DE ARTE CONTEMPORÁNEO DE MÁLAGA The Centro de Arte Contemporáneo of Málaga is playing exclusive host to Mark Ryden’s first retrospective exhibition in Europe. The exhibition, curated by Fernando Francés, comprises 55 works in small and large format canvases, in addition to several sculptures which summarise the complex world of the ‘Godfather of Pop Surrealism’. The artist’s work fluctuates between the cryptic and the beautiful, tracing a fine line between melancholy and the disturbing. i Until March 5. www.cacmalaga.eu

NEW WEBSITE AND CORPORATE IMAGE FOR EO ELISABETH OP DE BEECK Events and production, PR and advertising, social media and press and sponsorship company, EO (Elisabeth Op de Beeck), has launched a brand new site and new company image in an aim to keep up with the changing times. EO has been involved with sporting and luxury event organisation, shining at a number of events including the Senior Masters Cup, Neon Night and Mutua Madrid. i For further information,

www.eopdebeeck.com

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enterprise THE PRO z

NEW HIGH RESOLUTION HOSPITAL FOR ESTEPONA The Mayor of Estepona, José María García Urbano, recently informed the press that the year 2016 had ended “in the best possible way” for Estepona. The city will soon be home to a high-tech hospital known as the Hospital de Alta Resolución (High Resolution Hospital). The Mayor referred to the Hospital as “the most important infrastructure to be carried out in our area.” It will feature modern, cutting edge equipment, bringing many benefits to residents. i www.estepona.es

BRAND NEW WEBSITE FOR EVENT DESIGN BY MAITE AZCUE Maite Azcue is one of the Coast’s most renowned event organisers, famed for imbuing every event with artistry and design, the kind that makes any occasion an extraordinary, memorable one. Maite is a seasoned journalist who has designed cultural programmes for Canal Plus and style programmes for Canal Estilo, among many other projects. She also has over a decade of experience organising weddings, celebrations, inaugurations and presentations, and is famed for giving 100 per cent to every event. Maite now boasts a brand new website, which describes her services and displays the elegance and style of her projects. g For further information, Tel: 607 681 717.

www.eventdesignmarbella.com

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z THE PRO law

If you plan to build, you must seek a license from the Planning department (called Urbanismo) at your Town Hall.

In general, if you’re not erecting a new structure, your works will be considered minor, with a simpler license.

WORDS CRISTINA FALKENBERG

I

n addition to following your local Planning rules, you should take into account your neighbours’ rights derived from Civil Law, such as those regarding privacy, views, access, light or the expected course of rain water, for that matter.

A good rule is to inform your neighbours in writing, presenting them with a clear drawing of exactly what you intend to do and providing an expected start and end date.

If you live in a Community, though, additional issues arise and you might want to make sure you get the right answers even before seeking your license from the Town Hall.

As always, checking with the right sources helps. Asking your President or your Administrator won’t always mean you receives the correct information. The President is normally not a legal professional and unfortunately not all Administrators are up to standards. Backhanders and an interest in promoting works on the edge of legality or even beyond are not unheard of.

However it’s your money that’s at stake, and if there are any problems, you alone will be left to face the consequences.

WORKS IN COMMUNITIES

The first thing you want to know is if your project encroaches on communal elements or, if despite only affecting private ones, there are any community rules – whether contained in the Statutes or the by-laws – you need to follow. Most luxury developments will contain provisions in their statutes pertaining to aesthetics, conservation and other aspects aimed at ensuring the urbanisation is kept to the highest standards.

Developments may be organised as a regular community or not. In the former case, the developer will have granted a deed called ‘escritura de otorgamiento de la propiedad horizontal’. It describes the land, the common elements and the individual properties. Older deeds may have evolved over time and you should check for any alterations they could have undergone.

Irregular communities lack such deeds, and though certain elements are clearly common, others can be doubtful.

In general, façades, roofs, entrances, gangways, communal land, its enclosures and anything built or planted on it will be a common element. Private properties

will be enclosed spaces, available only to their owners and with access either to the common elements or directly to a public road.

Alterations in common elements always require a community agreement. The exception is to be found in emergency repairs, due to their nature and notwithstanding the obligation to inform the owners.

Changing the look of one’s façade, putting anything on a roof, building enclosures, pergolas, installing glass curtains and awnings on terraces, etc. require a vote of approval by simple majority at a General Meeting, as they entail an alteration of common elements. Not respecting these rules means you could be asked to take down your construction.

All communities must hold at least one annual General Meeting and any owner may ask the President, in writing, to include any points of their interest in the Agenda. Alternatively, 25 per cent of the owners representing at least 25 per cent of the quotas may ask the President to call an Extraordinary General Meeting at any time.

Installing telecommunications and renewable energy systems

(solar panels) requires one third of the properties voting expressly in favour, and only they will pay for the new facilities and their maintenance.

If anyone voting against wishes to join at a later stage, they may do so by paying their share plus the legal rate of interest. A one-third vote is required too when installing systems improving the use of water or energy, even if for the benefit of a few owners. Again, only those benefitting will pay for it. No vote is required to install a plug and a metre for your electric car in a communal garage. You only need to inform your President.

Facilitating universal accessibility – including works altering the deed or the statutes – requires only a majority vote. All owners pay the cost, even if they voted against. Should the improvement be mandatory, upon request of certain owners, all will pay the cost, though limited to one full year of additional fees per owner.

Other improvements require a 60 per cent favourable vote. Should you vote against and the cost is in excess of three months ordinary fees, you cannot be obliged to pay (but you won’t enjoy) the new works. e

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z THE PRO vibe

ANDREW MARTIN SHOWROOM LAUNCH

Renowned British designer, Andrew Martin, has an impressive new showroom at the Marbella Club Hotel Galería Comercial. The Hotel celebrated the launch with a swish cocktail attended by Marbella’s who’s who.

Andrew Martin design configurations can be found at El Lodge Ski & Spa resort in Sierra Nevada as well as at the Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa. i www.andrewmartin.es

“Design is an opportunity to continue telling the story, not just to sum everything up” – Tate Linden

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PUENTE ROMANO BEACH RESORT & SPA

SIX SENSES INTEGRATED WELLNESS

At Six Senses Spa, we guide you on your path to well-being and provide inspiration to make you feel your best every day, at every age.

Start your journey with a wellness screening and enjoy a personalised program designed to your specific needs.

En Six Senses Spa, te guiamos por el camino hacia el bienestar e inspiramos este sentimiento todos los días, a todas las edades.

Empieza con un análisis de wellness y disfruta de un programa personalizado diseñado para tus necesidades específicas.

SIX SENSES BIENESTAR INTEGRAL 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

h THE LEISURE travel

RADICAL RETREATS

Be more Zen in 2017 and take a transformational trip that sets you up for the challenges of the year ahead. Get thee to a designer monastery in Umbria, spend a week in pyjamas at a five-star ashram in the Himalayas or beat a retreat to the former Brangelina’s outré Utah escape. Belinda Beckett discovers five ravishing refuges specialising in mind and body makeovers that last a lot longer than a suntan.

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Retreat to the rooftop of the world

ALILA JABAL AKHDAR, OMAN Feel on top of the world at a ‘gorge-ous’ mountain hideaway If life’s challenges leave you staring into the abyss, try some five-star aversion therapy at this elite eyrie teetering on the edge of a jaw-dropping 600m mountain gorge. The humbling widescreen views will shrink your problems to microscopic proportions.

Alila is Sanskrit for ‘surprise’ and two-year-old Alila Jabal Akhdar lives up to the resort chain’s name.

Skirting the monster ravine at 2,000 metres above sea level, the infinity pool seems to cascade over the edge and there are dizzying views at every turn. (Children are welcome but would you want the stress?)

Jabal Akhdar is Arabic for the ‘green mountain’ that provides most of this desert region’s crops and fruit. Junipers and walnuts, dates and pomegranates are watered by the clouds at this altitude. The damask roses that wrap the hills in a pink shawl in spring are turned by local farmers into Oman’s famous rosewater, used in the hotel’s spa treatments and Arabic-inspired cuisine.

The exterior of hand-cut stone and timber suggests the sort of place Wilma and Fred Flintstone might have gone to renew their vows and the roads haven’t greatly improved since prehistoric times. A 2.5 hour drive from Muscat, the hotel can only be reached

in 4x4s. Don’t be put off by the Middle East location.

Although Oman borders Yemen and Iran, it has been ruled by the same Sultan since 1970, and ranks as the 74th most peaceful country in the world.

The opulent interiors fuse Omani and contemporary western design, with baronial polished oak doors, gleaming copper ornaments, frankincense burners and ostrich egg-shaped bathtubs placed in front of windows to soak up the views. Damask rose motifs stencil the walls of the 86 rooms and suites.

Each room took one local craftsman three days to complete.

The spa is a temple to Asian healing with whirlpool tubs, workout spaces and treatment suites offering red clay facials and flavoured body wraps (cocoa, coffee, coconut). And the sunrise tai chi with canyon views makes it well worth setting your alarm clock (the hotel is wifi-and-TV-connected). But nature is the real star and the hotel will pack you off with picnic hampers, cushions and blankets to explore it. There are also immersive excursions to a rosewater farm, a desert oasis, a goat market and the historic capital of Nizwa, whose circular UNESCO fort is Oman’s most visited national monument. i www.alilahotels.com

The infinity pool

Juniper Restaurant terrace The infinity pool

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Luxurious lap pool

Luminous spaces lead to enlightenment

VANA, UTTARAKHAND, INDIA

Holistic healing in a Himalayan ashram endorsed by the Dalai Lama Step out of your persona into kurta pyjamas on a pampering path to renewal at India’s swankiest wellness retreat. After the minimum seven-nights stay, you’ll emerge lighter in body as well as mind and spirit, according to reviews.

The antithesis of a vanity-driven beauty spa, Vana is run by therapists with letters after their names. There are pavilions dedicated to ayurveda, watsu and Tibetan Sowa-Rigpa, practised at a centre blessed by the Dalai Lama himself, along with daily sessions of yoga, sufi singing and om chanting around a bodhi tree.

Conde Nast Traveller magazine’s Best Spa for Holistic Healing 2016 is also seriously luxurious, serving up an à la carte choice of therapies in luminous surroundings. The food is said to be divine and non-fattening by those who have stayed, scoffed and lost weight.

And the location is spot on. Uttarakhand is where the Beatles meditated transcendentally and Hindus flock to worship on the banks of the Ganges in rituals ‘Vanavasis’ can join in. Rishikesh, yoga capital of the world, and Sakya Monastery, run by the Dalai Lama’s second in command, are other experiences on offer.

A 30-minutes flight from Delhi, Vana sits on the Sal-forested slopes of the sacred Doon Valley among mango and lychee plantations.

The Indian owner, once an organic farmer in Spain, and Mallorcan architects Esteva i Esteva have created a neutral-toned temple of tranquility with soaring ceilings, exotic artwork and spectacular lighting.

Bedrooms are bamboo-floored cocoons, bathrooms are stocked with herbal products to suit your ‘dosha’ and healthy minibars are filled with fruit-infused spring waters. Suites

have fireplaces, heated plunge pools and meditation rooms. Contemplative gardens and healing caves lit by Himalayan-crystal salt lamps are other bonuses. There’s even an Ayurvedic chef who runs the resort’s Indian restaurant (one of two). Menus feature organic, whole grain, stone-ground, unrefined ingredients presented in artistic, caloriecontrolled portions.

There are a few rules... Personal electronic devices are permitted only in the bedrooms, alcohol is limited to wine at dinner and guests must be over 16. Wearing the white cotton kurtas which appear freshly laundered in wardrobes each day is not compulsory but preferred, as a ‘leveller’. There are no VIPs at Vana, which vetoes personal bodyguards and pre-arrival inspections, stating: ‘We encourage potential guests with public lives to leave their skin outside Vana.’ i www.vana.com

The antithesis of a vanity-driven spa

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Ravishing rock pool

Since Brangelina stayed here, half of Hollywood’s heading to the Mormon State to try out this designer oasis in canyon country.

There’s no beach, no bright city lights and nowhere to flaunt the yacht. But for those in the public eye, Amangiri’s remoteness is the star attraction, along with striking architecture, mind-blowing scenery and hipster Native American spa treatments.

Aman means ‘peace’ in Sanskrit and extreme pampering in serene surroundings is the motto of the 20-country resort chain. Amangiri, opened in 2014, is a stark-but-sleek Cubist pavilion of polished concrete emulating the rugged sandstone landscape of Utah’s outback in a raw aesthetic of angular lines, dazzling light and intense shade. The infinity pool curves around a surreal rock formation like a shimmering mirage; glass curtains in suites draw back on dusty desert vistas and terraces have fireplaces to take the chill out of the night air. You can just imagine Angelina and

Brad (before their breakup) enjoying the sky terrace and lap pool with floating steps in the Amangiri Suite, best in the hotel.

The expansive spa with a step pool open to the dunes offers massages, scrubs, wraps, flotation therapy and workouts with dramatic views.

Treatments based on local Navajo healing traditions promote ‘hózhó’ (harmony and balance). Candlelit and moonrise yoga and canyon hikes are included, along with all meals (this really is the middle of nowhere) so you’ll certainly chill out, even if the bison ribeye,

AMANGIRI, CANYON POINT, UTAH

buttermilk-dredged onion rings and hand-cut fries with Utah chilli salt pile on a few pounds.

But you can work that off. Big Country adventure awaits in this Grand Circle destination, within striking distance of the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon and the largest concentration of national parks in the United States. Day-to-day worries will evaporate as you climb wind-sculptured rocks by via ferrati (fixed iron rungs), explore the region’s iconic slot canyons and kayak on Lake Powell.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Amangiri’s restorative powers are the talk of Tinsel Town and although it may not have worked out for the PittJolies, families with up to US$15 million to spend are buying property here. Amangiri has 36 Mesa Homes under construction, which come with a 50-metre infinity pool, 100 hours of private jet flights from Arizona and a BMW X5 in deep brown, ‘to complement the landscape’. i www.aman.com

Desert drama

Explore your Navajo Indian hózhó in America’s wild west

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Gili Lankanfushi has the desert island castaway experience down pat

A spa for spying on fish

A table for two doesn’t get more private

GILI LANKANFUSHUI, THE MALDIVES Sleep with the fishes on an Indian Ocean sandbar For barefoot escapism, nothing beats the desert island castaway experience and indulgent Gili Lankanfushi even throws in a Man Friday to babysit the kids, turn your bed down and cater to your every whim.

A 20-minute speedboat trip from Malé airport zips guests to a world hermetically sealed from civilisation, TV and newspapers (but not wifi). Guests are invited to deposit their footwear in a bag before they step onto the island, where they’ll need nothing more formal than ‘dress flip-flops’ for the duration of their stay.

Novak Djokovic swears by the ‘no shoes, no news’ tonic the resort bottles. The spa doesn’t bristle with technical gadgetry but who needs a hydrotherapy circuit when you’ve got the Indian Ocean lapping around this five-star resort on stilts. It even flows beneath the Meera Spa’s glass-floored massage rooms, allowing

guests to spy on reef sharks and stingrays while enjoying a bamboo massage with aromatic Asian oils.

Voted Best Hotel in the World 2015 on TripAdvisor, Robinson Crusoe would be eaten up with envy to see the opulent overwater villas, linked to the island by wooden jetties strung across a sparkling lagoon. Lounges are open to the breezes, bathtubs have sea views, steps descend from the sundeck into your own private patch of ocean and gently lapping waves provide sound surround throughout.

Or have Friday make your bed up on the rooftop to appreciate the night sky in one of the last destinations on earth with near-zero light pollution. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the constellations first, at the resort’s planetarium. Other attractions you don’t expect to find on a sandbar include a subterranean wine

bodega, a chocolate-tasting cave and a jungle cinema where you can curl up your toes in sand at the scary bits and get popcorn!

Meals are also pretty theatrical. At dusk, the beachfront, overwater restaurants and neighbouring private dining islands become torch-lit stages for culinary productions of every ethnic concoction, backed up with a programme of themed buffets and food markets Treetop yoga, hot stone massages, sandbank picnics and dhoni cruises are other temptations designed to deflect guests from the deadly sin of sloth in this scuba diving paradise although doing nothing at all is absolutely fine and just might be the best antistress programme ever invented. i www.gili-lankanfushi.com

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EREMITO HOTELITO DEL ALMA, FABRO-FICULLE, UMBRIA Extreme monastic recharge off grid in Umbria A boutique hotel with the aura of a medieval monastery, where you can recharge your batteries without plugging into the national grid. Indeed, lack of wifi is turned into a virtue at Italy’s first digital detox hotel. Along with no internet, there’s no TV or telephone (except in emergencies) and candlelight is preferred to electric at this five-star rehab centre for connectivity addicts.

You’ll also need to switch off your personal chat function over dinner which is eaten in silence to encourage introspection and a greater appreciation of the flavours of food.

Isolated in a densely wooded valley 50km from Perugia, three-year-old Eremito looks every inch the authentic 14th century monastery it was built to emulate. Stone-flagged floors, brickwork arches, vaulted ceilings and torch-lit corridors transport guests back to the not-so-Dark Ages. The untamed landscape

Monastic charm in Umbria

of dark forests and rushing rivers edged with wild rosemary and rosehip add to the sense of sanctuary.

Guests are invited to ‘rediscover the priorities lost in the distractions of daily life’ through fasting, colon detox, Gregorian chant, icon painting and special retreats themed on everything from Ashtanga yoga to Bhuddist meditation.

The elegant simplicity gets acetic in the 14 ‘celluzze’ – chaste bedrooms modelled on hermit cells with stone desks and chairs and single, iron-framed beds. ‘Eat, pray but don’t love’, as one critic wittily put it. However, since winning a Conde Nast Traveller magazine award for Best Mental Recovery Space 2016, this ‘new concept in luxury tourism for the solo traveller’ offers a concession for couples – one double room.

It’s not all about denial. The celluzze have en suite bathrooms, underfloor heating and glorious valley

views. The spa features a cosseting steam bath, hot tub and cushioned-and-candlelit relax cave. And while meals are rustic and strictly vegetarian, the breads, pastas and cakes are all home-made, veggies are unearthed fresh from the kitchen garden and there’s no stinting on the local sweet red wine.

Guests eat at a communal table, either al fresco under the trees or beside a roaring log fire in the welcoming Refectory. And you won’t need sign language at breakfast or lunch, when talking is permitted.

Although the lifestyle may not be to everyone’s taste, TripAdvisor reviews are generally positive. ‘If you stay in one hotel in your lifetime, let this be that one,’ raves one guest, while another suggests it’s not even worth exploring Umbria as to spend even one day away would ‘ruin the experience’. i www.eremito.com/en

Silent dinners are served in the Refectory

Cushions and candlelight

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h THE LEISURE hotel

What’s the Buzz at the

CITIZENM TOWER OF LONDON? For modern day aesthetes, a great hotel stay is about more than just location. Rather, artistry – interior design and views – are key to ultimate satisfaction. Marisa Cutillas presents six good reasons why, when it comes to style, the CitizenM Tower of London Hotel should be on the top of your list.

ZZ THE VIEW: The Tower of London has long been the subject of fascination among historiographers and tourists alike. It has served many purposes, including royal residence, treasury, armoury, prison and torture chamber and you can enjoy the best of this national treasure from the lofty heights of the CitizenM. The hotel has 370 rooms, designed in a vibrant, modern style, with mainly white, cream and bold red furniture exuding youth and vitality. The rooms are small but have everything that matters – free WiFi, XL King-size beds and a sweeping view of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, thanks to the wall-to-wall windows. All rooms have an international plug system for charging your phone, so don’t worry about packing all those messy cables.

ZZ THE LOBBY/LIBRARY: Think of the lobbies of all hotels you’ve visited.

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The one thing they probably have in common is that they are meant as a point of transition. Most have a couple of tables or maybe even a coffee shop but the CitizenM Tower of London takes it to a whole new level, with a reception bearing the look and ambience of a chic living room.

Comfy sofas, warm wooden floors and floor-to-ceiling libraries bearing books on art and design make it easy to feel right at home. Read your mail using the free WiFi and if you haven’t brought a computer, don’t worry; use the Hotel’s iMacs to share details about your holiday or catch up on some work.

ZZ ART: Feast your eyes on works by Mario Testino, Andy Warhol and Julian Opie, to name just a few masters. The Hotel’s façade bears the installation Walking in the City, by Julian Opie, featuring an array of people walking busily to God-knows-where. Another

marvellous work is the ‘kinetic light’ installation in the atrium. Created

by Dutch company, Studio Drift, it comprises 14 kinetic ‘flowers’ that float upwards and downwards non-stop – capable of instilling a welcome sense of mindfulness.

ZZ COOL CONFERENCE SUITES: As a writer who has visited a bevy of hotels, I must testify to the fact that most conference halls are boring with a capital B. CitizenM puts all the fun back into work with creative meeting spaces housing plush Vitra furniture, cutting edge design, speedy Wi-Fi supporting cloud software, chalkboard and whiteboard walls, free espresso, etc.

ZZ CANTEENM: The CitizenM Tower of London is as reasonably priced as it is avante-garde, so one thing you will have to forego during your stay here is room service. If you’re feeling peckish, step down to canteen, with its gorgeous

open kitchen serving warm baked goodies for breakfast, light lunches and simple yet satisfying dinners. During the day, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea at the coffee bar, which converts into a cool cocktail bar at night.

ZZ QUICK CHECK-IN: Make the most of your time in London by checking in quickly, at the self check-in terminals, which make it possible to check in and out in seconds!

ZZ THE BRAND-NEW RETAIL CONCEPT: How many times have you stayed at a cool hotel and dreamed of taking home a décor piece or accessory that you’ve seen? CitizenM has curated a marvellous collection of items, including books, art, design pieces, travel accessories and much more, made by over 20 different brands.

Order an item and have it delivered to your home, or make your purchase at the Hotel’s ‘table of desire’. i www.citizenm.com

20/01/2017 14:32

There’s snow, there’s sun, there’s après-ski… & there’s Valentine’s!

Nieve, sol, après-ski y… ¡San Valentín!

El Lodge Ski & Spa C/ Maribel, 8 - 18196, Sierra Nevada, Granada, Spain T (+34) 958 480 600 ellodge.com / reservas@ellodge.com

b the gourmet RESTAURANTS REVIEWS NEWS GASTRONOMY CHEFS WINE

125 Sea Grill 127 Tanino

128 Food News

130 Victor Carracedo

132 Gerardo Méndez – Albariño Artisan

WE GIVE IN TO TEMPTATION BY THE SEA AT SEA GRILL, TUCK INTO A TASTY MEAL AT TANINO, TALK TO VICTOR CARRACEDO, HEAD CHEF AT THE GRAN MELIÁ DON PEPE HOTEL, AND VISIT BODEGAS DO FERREIRO IN RÍAS BAIXAS.

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Cena de San Valentín / St. Valentine’s Dinner

Martes, 14 de febrero Tuesday, 14th February Ceviche de Bogavante Huevas de Lubina en Tempura y Espuma de Espárragos Blancos Rulo de Lenguado y Calabacín Muselina de Erizo al Pol Roger y Zanahoria Crujiente Lasaña de Pato Crujiente Ragout de Funghi Porcini y Espárragos con Salsa a la Canela Mousse de Chocolate Fruta de la Pasión y Nueces de Macadamia Caramelizadas

Lobster Ceviche Sea Bass Roe in Tempura with White Asparagus Foam Sole and Zucchini Roll Sea Urchin Muselin au Pol Roger & Crispy Carrots Crispy Duck Lasagne Ragout of Funghi Porcini & Asparagus with Cinammon Sauce Mousse au Chocolat Passion Fruit & Caramelised Macadamia Nuts

Menú especial de enamorados: cenas del 10 al 18 febrero · Special Romantic Dinner Menu available from 10th - 18th February

¤ 55 IVA INC. por persona, bebidas no incluidas/per person, drinks not included LIVE MUSIC · JAZZ DIVA HELENA PAUL

Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n, 29602, Marbella, Málaga, Spain Reservas (+34) 952 768 936 / (+34) 952 822 211 marbellaclub.com

restaurants THE GOURMET b

Fine Dining by the Sea

SEA GRILL

Previously, I had always visited Sea Grill, the Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa’s beachside dining haven, by day, when the restaurant comes alive with the colour of the sea and the appealing sight of families and friends who gather at the tables to enjoy a hearty buffet and cocktails or refreshments by the bejewelled Mediterranean. This visit, however, was different; a friend and I chose Sea Grill for a dinner feast, eager to taste the freshest charcoal grilled fish and seafood after a surprisingly long hiatus from the sea. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

T

he buzzing daytime atmosphere gives way to a distinctly more romantic, elegant vibe after the sun sets. The stylish interiors, by renowned British designer Andrew Martin, feature modernistic pieces, which somehow mesh perfectly with the cosy sofas, wooden decked flooring and cool-hued furnishings.

The man behind Sea Grill’s appeal is Thomas Stork, hailed Best Chef in Andalucía at the Andalusian Gastronomy Awards in 2013. If you’ve met Thomas before then you know he is as dynamic as he is forward thinking; the seasoned Chef is very much on the pulse of what a five-star dining experience should be. His vast experience at stalwart establishments on the Coast and abroad, combined with his confidence and keen knowledge of world flavours, make him the ideal captain for such a key ship to the Resort’s success. Tradition meets innovation in his dishes, many of which are prepared atop sizzling coals or within a Tandoor oven.

Sea Grill is the ideal venue for those after a hearty or light dinner alike. When in Spain do as the Spaniards… keeping dinner healthy and fresh. We started out by sharing a wonderful Angus beef tartare, prepared on the spot by the friendly waiter, who also suggested a lovely wine to accompany the exquisite meat: a fragrant, full bodied Viña Ardanza Reserva Rioja. I don’t know about you, but as a big fan of tartare I am quite particular about the spice level and capers are a must! All the ingredients were laid out before us and we selected our respective spice levels, ingredients, etc. The result was a wonderfully appealing temptation whose tender quality was appreciated with every bite.

Before our starter, Thomas surprised us with an unexpected treat: an oyster served in its shell above a warm mountain of salt, topped with a beautiful citrusy curry sauce – quite possibly the most enjoyable oyster experience I can recall. I am not a fan of raw oysters,

yet this was a totally different thing – the moreish sauce definitely sparked my interest in sampling this delight again. We also tucked into a plate of tender manchego cheese and jamón pata negra, complemented beautifully by a dry fino.

My dining companion then delved in to a juicy Tandoori Jumbo Madagascar Prawn with Ginger and Chilli – the lover of Indian cuisine that he is, he raised his thumb at this one, enjoying the exotic flavours alongside various sides, which included basmati rice and crisp sautéed seasonal vegetables. I opted for something lighter: an entire sea bass cooked a la sal, cut into fillets and served with a generous bowl of patatas a la lionesa (a baked potato dish with onion) – heavenly in its simplicity, texture and flavour.

The menu at Sea Grill is select yet well crafted enough to tempt everyone, with impressive looking cocktails (including a tangy pisco stone sour or a refreshing rain forest mojito), warm starters, pasta and

g Open daily for lunch and dinner. Bulevar Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900. www.puenteromano.com 210 ReR SeaGrill.indd 125

rice dishes, charcoal grilled fish, seafood and meat, and a list of mains which includes everything from slow cooked shoulder of baby lamb with thyme to a sole meunière.

As tends to be the case with five-star restaurants, the sides are also to die for, with various sauces, rice, potato dishes and salads available.

The dessert list is too tempting for anyone attempting to shed unwanted pounds. We tucked into a warm chocolate dessert served with fruits, nuts and a smooth orangemint sorbet. Afterwards, we enjoyed great conversation as we somehow found room for delicate mignardises and a comforting cup of coffee.

Sea grill was buzzing with diners on the night of our visit, testament to the fact that its night offerings are no longer such a ‘well kept secret’. The knockout combination of ambience, service and top quality dishes make this restaurant a modern classic to be frequented when the heart fancies an evening to be remembered.

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restaurants THE GOURMET b

Style, cuisine and fun come together at

TANINO Tanino in Benamara offers the whole package: ambient fine dining, a winter terrace and lounge area for tapas and drinks, and a lively summer terrace with bar in the summer. WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

T

here is a perception in Marbella that true cuisine, quality service and stylish décor – as in calibre restaurants – can only be found between the town centre and Puerto Banús. The truth is that there are some very good restaurants across the greater Marbella area, such as Tanino Restaurant Bar, a now well-established venue popular among residents and seasonal visitors alike.

During the summer months, much of the focus is on the attractive terrace which, with its cosy sitting areas, Bacardi bar and live entertainment, has become something of an institution in these parts. The interior, meanwhile, features some of the most attractive décor of any restaurant in Marbella.

Many embrace the current design trends but few have the rich ambience and eclectic chic of Tanino. What’s more, this is a restaurant that fits many moods and occasions, as it also offers a welcoming winter terrace popular with smokers, a tapas area and attractive sofas where you’re welcome to pop in for a drink, some cake or a hearty snack.

In winter there is live music on Friday nights and in the summer a full schedule of diverse acts and events.

The restaurant has the space to accommodate these different zones, yet the individual areas are connected

in such a way that they engage with one another while remaining intimate and cosy – perfect for a romantic dinner like the upcoming Bollywoodthemed Valentine’s Day evening, which will transport you to the flavours and ambience of India, complete with live music. Together with attentive service and an engaging menu, it makes for the kind of dining experience that you look forward to with anticipation.

GREAT CHOICES AND FLAVOURS

In addition to an exciting mix of Spanish-Asian fusion in its tapas, Tanino offers a menu that concentrates on selected choice delicacies from around the world. In this way you can enjoy Thai and Indian curries while your companions choose more classic Mediterranean dishes or give in to their cravings for quality Argentinean grilled meats. Vegetarians and vegans are well looked after too, with options that extend beyond salads to include madeto-measure vegetarian versions of meat-based spring rolls, pastas, curries and grilled dishes.

Head for the terrace, the lounge or the tapas area and you can count on delicious snacks in a suitably trendy setting, but if you opt for the dining room expect true quality. Not surprising when you know that the chef used to

work at Skina. We had the chance to sample a truly representative range of Tanino dishes and the tone was set right from the off with beautifully crispy and peppery lentil poppadoms.

With one of Spain’s best mixologists manning the bar, Tanino is famous for its cocktails, and the Ginger Ale, Ginger Beer and toasted mango chutney taste sensation certainly lived up to expectations.

It formed an interesting and surprisingly effective combination with the slightly smoky red tuna tartar served with homemade brioche. The coco and seafood soup with langoustine-filled wonton and seasonal vegetables is equally rich yet sensitive in flavour, while the homemade gnocchi filled with beef and a gorgonzola, tomato and pine nut sauce confirms why it is one of the restaurant’s favourite light starters.

The wine menu offers an ample choice, including a refreshing Chardonnay from Navarra – which we enjoyed with the Chicken Tikka Massala and spinach Saag Bahji with langoustines and white rice. The attentive maître d’ brought us classic chilled Daiquiris as we were joined by Tanino’s owner, José, whose passion for design, food and fine wine has made the restaurant what it is.

Argentinean-born, he naturally

g Open daily from 12pm to 1am. Ctra. de Cádiz km 168, Urb. Benamara, Estepona. Tel: 952 883 259. www.tanino.es 210 ReR Tanino.indd 127

knows his meat, as was evident in the gorgeous Black Angus steak served with grilled vegetables, but Tanino also produces a Mama’s Sole a la Parmesana that makes you want to run off with the recipe. The fish was accompanied by a La Ola del Melillero white wine made from Pedro Ximenez and Muscatel grapes and produced in the Sierras de Málaga, while the equally succulent beef was paired to a red Ribera del Duero charmingly called ‘El Primer Beso’, the first kiss.

This wonderful sampling of what Tanino offers was concluded with two delicious desserts – a rich but fresh chocolate and Oreo mousse with vanilla cream and gianduja chocolate ice cream, and a white chocolate biscuit with fondant style warm mango cream filling served with Bulgarian frozen yoghurt. They are both delicious but the ‘mango fondant’ is a homemade creation that has become a Tanino classic of which José is just as proud as The Whim, which made the semi-finals of the Bacardi Legacy Global Cocktail Competition 2017.

Made with Bacardi, St Germain liqueur, mint, natural pineapple juice, lime juice and a slice of fresh caramelised pineapple, it is very much Tanino itself: spicy, refreshing, stylish and exciting!

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b THE GOURMET news COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

The Gastronomic Academy

OF MÁLAGA AWARDS

New Head Chef for

EL LAGO RESTAURANT

The Gastronomic Academy of Málaga’s annual prize-giving ceremony is one of the hottest events of the annual calendar in the culinary sector though this year was extra special, since the Academy is celebrating its 40th anniversary. A number of prizes were given at the awards ceremony. Skina took the prize for Best Restaurant, Diego Gallegos of Sollo was deemed Best Chef and Restaurante La Viñuela took home the prize for Best Traditional Cuisine. i www.academiagastronomica.com

El Lago is one of Marbella’s best loved restaurants and, this year, the team is proud to announce that they have a brand new Head Chef: Juan José Carmona, a 33year old, Fuengirola-born Chef who has honed his craft at famed establishments the likes of Tragabuches, Hacienda Benazuza El Bulli Hotel and Mugaritz.

Carmona launched his own restaurant Girol, alongside his family, receiving a Michelin Bib gourmand recommendation. At El Lago, he will be highlighting the wonderful flavour of local, seasonal produce, bringing the cuisine of Málaga and Andalucía to new heights. i www.restauranteellago.com

New Cooking School

ACINIPO OPENS IN MIJAS COSTA,

Pepekitchen is a brand new cookery school in the Benalmádena area, catered for those who wish to work in the culinary sector, or those who wish to hone their skills.

Pepekitchen is headed by chef and professional trainer, José Maldonado, who has planned an intensive course comprising 300 hours of training in the very latest techniques. i For further information, www.pepekitchen.com

Acinipo is a brand new Mijas Costa restaurant, the first in Málaga to serve only wines from the area of Málaga (bearing a D.O. of Málaga or Sierras de Málaga).

Sommelier Rafael Cebrían will be in charge of recommending the very best bottles to diners, who will also enjoy creative cuisine bearing traditional flavours.

Dishes to watch out for include the malagueño salad with smoked cod and orange vinaigrette, fried pescaíto with a lemon-lime ali-oli and Ronda cheese platter. g Open daily for lunch and dinner. Sitio de Calahonda, Mijas Costa.

Tel: 607 680 999.

for Benalmádena

with over 200 Wines from Málaga

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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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b THE GOURMET profile

Víctor Carracedo of the Gran Meliá Don Pepe Resort

MAD ABOUT FOOD WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

T

here is an engaging ambience at the Hotel Gran Melía Don Pepe on the day of my interview with famed Executive Chef, Víctor Carracedo.

The dazzling new Salazonia (a coffee shop and gourmet product store) adds an incredibly inviting touch to the main hall, with local delights (including cheese from Ronda, excellent wines and conserves) available to be enjoyed on the spot, or purchased as gifts for friends and family back home. Salazonia is just one of the many things on Víctor’s mind, of course. His work is a 24/7 obsession with perfection – the Don Pepe, after all, has always been synonymous with five-star luxury and is considered one of Marbella’s most emblematic resorts.

The Gran Meliá Don Pepe has various restaurants, including the Tahini Restaurant & Sushi Bar, La Palapa (by the pool) and a swish Oyster & Caviar Champagne Bar. Víctor and the team are perhaps most excited, however, by the new T-Bone Grill, a magnificent restaurant adjacent to the reception and serving top grade meat as well as salad, rice dishes and dazzling entrées. Also at the hotel is

Darcis: famed chocolate and dessert maker from Belgium, hailed as much for its colourful macarons as it is for its delicate chocolate.

The Chef takes me on a tour of Salazonia and the T-Bone Grill, and he can hardly contain his excitement about a new gift for regular diners: 'personalised knives.' The smoothbladed knives sit elegantly in rows within a crystal display which, Víctor notes, “will surely grow in size over the years.” Other diners are also pampered: “We have a knife menu, and our staff can make suggestions for the perfect blade for different cuts of meat.”

Víctor admits to working hard but his vivacity and nerve make him the perfect fit for such a hectic job. There are often many things to attend to – preparing for special holidays and events, ensuring that guests have an evening to remember on occasions such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day. He rises to each challenge with aplomb, though, having been with the Meliá Group for almost 10 years.

Víctor was born and raised in Zaragoza, where he commenced

culinary school at a young age. “I have always had a thing for cooking. My mother used to spend lots of time in the kitchen, since we were five children in the family – I’m the youngest.”

He recalls that his choice to enter culinary school was, perhaps, more unusual than it is today. “There’s been a real boom in the gastronomic trade; these days, children as young as nine or 10 want to be chefs, many attend cooking workshops, etc. Back in my day, you either wanted to become a football player or a doctor,” he laughs.

The biggest challenge in his job is undoubtedly that of pleasing a wide variety of diners. “On the one hand you have Spanish clients, who know a lot about our national gastronomy and who are very selective. On the other, there are the international clients, who expect the food to be on a par with the rest of the world.” The way to win the hearts of all these diners, is through “product-based cuisine.”

Víctor notes, “Our clients tend to be savvy diners who have eaten at some of the best restaurants in the world.

The way to impress them is to offer seasonal produce of the very best quality, cooked exactly to perfection.

The meat we serve is matured for 30 days, which lends it a beautiful texture and flavour.”

The menu at T-Bone Grill, he says, is dynamic. “While we always serve our star dishes, we also have various specials, depending on what is available seasonally.” Top offerings include the famous beef shin, which is cooked for over 16 hours at just 72ºC! The meat literally falls off the bone and is accompanied by seasonal vegetables and a creamy potato mash. Another firm favourite is the tuna tartare, served with an emulsion made of capers and pickles.

Víctor may wax lyrical about the exquisite cuts of meat (including succulent T-bone steaks) served at T-Bone Grill, but just a peak at his Facebook page reveals dishes whose aesthetic beauty are comparable to those of breathtaking works of modern art. His greatest talent, however, may very well be that of dedicating heart and soul to the thing he most loves – the creative, sacrificial yet fulfilling world of food. g C/ José Meliá s/n, Marbella.

Tel: 952 770 300. www.melia.com

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SAN VALENTÍN / VALENTINE’S FIESTA “PARTNERS IN CRIME” PARTY

CENA DE SAN VALENTÍN · ROMANTIC DINNER

Anticípate a San Valentín celebrando en pareja o con amigos.

Valentines’s Pre-Party for couples, singles & friends.

Un menú romántico a pie de playa.

A beachfront romantic menu.

SÁBADO 11 DE FEBRERO · SATURDAY 11TH FEBRUARY

MARTES 14 DE FEBRERO · TUESDAY 14TH FEBRUARY

PUENTE ROMANO BEACH RESORT & SPA Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n · 29602 · Marbella · Spain (+34) 952 820 900 · puenteromano.com · hotel@puenteromano.com

b THE GOURMET wine

GERARDO MÉNDEZ A lbariño A rtisan

Gerardo Méndez is a practical, generous hearted man imbued with enormous patience who loves what he does and with consummate passion, skill, and always a smile, each year unfailingly provides a growing legion of fans with the best wine he can produce on his very particular spot of the planet. WORDS CARLOS READ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GERARDO MÉNDEZ

A

ided in this by his daughter Encarna and son Manuel, the family live in a splendid, spacious, impeccably restored granite farmhouse perched on a dramatic slope in the Meaño district of the Salnés Valley, which is the true heartland of Albariño wines.

Pontevedra lies 30 minutes south east, the popular summer resort of Sanxenxo less than 10 minutes south and Cambados 10 minutes due north.

The property has been in the family for well over 200 years and although Gerardo’s father

was a blacksmith (ferreiro in Galician and hence the name of the wines), like most of the inhabitants of this beautiful, rural part of the world, he made his own wine, as had his ancestors – who bought the property in around 1790.

Indeed one special hectare of old but still active vineyards – for the Albariño is a most hardy variety – dates back to this period, although no one is quite sure as to its specific age. “My grandmother often told me that her grandmother said that the vines were already very old when

she was a little girl,” says Gerardo.

Gerardo, meantime, passionate about wine from an early age, at 16 went off to study oenology and viticulture in Requena, and, following his compulsory military service travelled, worked, observed and gained outside experience primarily in Valencia, Rioja, Penedès and Bordeaux.

Horrified by the density of plantation and massive volumes of production in these areas, which struck him as “the world upside down,” once permanently settled back home in the early

1970s and ready to embark on a business – which he did in 1973 – he vowed instead to adopt the altogether simpler and more respectful small scale approach to winemaking that had wowed him in Burgundy and Piemonte especially, where he identified with similarly minded family producers dedicated to getting the best out of their grapes on the basis of disciplined but natural viticultural methods.

“Wine is not truly made in the winery,” he says, “and neither is it necessary to use an atomic bomb to dispose of a worm.”

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His art is therefore in essence the careful husbandry of his vines in order to achieve balance; he uses no herbicides so as not to prejudice the abundant local birdlife and insects and instead employs age old methods to dispel the latter with, for example, solutions of nettle – which they find most disturbing but it does not kill them – and of valerian to revive his plants in periods of intense cold.

Being organic here is however simply impossible given such copious rainfall, and so he has no option but to use the so called Bordeaux Mix/Caldo Bordelés – made of copper sulphate, slaked lime and water – to fight the mildew and other fungi that regularly materialise.

Selection is another key element of what he does, and to this end Gerardo picks his

ALBARIÑO DO FERREIRO 2015

approximately 160 parcels of vineyards individually and only when they are properly ripe. This is an epic task, not least because, in addition to the family’s own four hectares of vineyards, they contract a further six and these cover a wide geographical radius; and although beneath the often thin soils of the Salnés Valley lies a base of limestone – which imparts freshness and pronounced acidity – the surface soils can be remarkably different.

The finished, straight

Albariño Do Ferreiro is therefore in fact a blend of 15 to 16 markedly different wines vinified separately in accordance with when the grapes come into the very neat little high tec winery appended discreetly to one side of the house.

DO Rías Baixas currently has some 183 wineries and if, like me, you are a stickler for quality, I reckon that in any given year at least one of Gerardo’s offerings will always feature in the region’s top 5.

Put them on your priority shopping list therefore!

Gerardo’s classic style: pale straw in colour with a mélange of buzzy lemon, nectarine and tangerine notes, no uncertain substance and plenty of verve.

“Dive into this elegant, citrusy albariño whose zesty, lime and lemon peel spiked fruit is a winter whizz,” urged Jane MacQuitty of The Times this November past.

Z Production: 80,000 bottles

ALBARIÑO DO FERREIRO ADINA 2015

Just the second vintage and made from a tiny parcel of vineyards growing on red and black slate near the sea.

Mouthwateringly fine, with a pronounced grapefruit character, citrus notes, and a hint of brine and wet stones.

Z Production: 2,500 bottles

ALBARIÑO DO FERREIRO CEPAS VELLAS 2015

Made from a single hectare of centenary vines of which a small percentage are often subject to botrytis/noble rot, which results in additional complexity.

Only produced in specific years (2013 was the previous), this is rich and dense with elements of marzipan, greengage and baked apple yet most pleasing acidic zip. Ages gloriously, developing with time additional overtones of melon, white fruits and honey so track down a Magnum and cellar it for a year or three.

Z Production: 8,000 bottles

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. . THE GUIDE listings

the guide

PRICE GUIDE per head for a three-course meal with wine

*restaurants

under €25

€25 – €40

€40 – €60

LISTINGS PET NEWS WHAT’S ON STARS FAMILY FUN €60 plus

YANX

ORIGEN

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 daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Gregorio Marañón s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 900 968

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

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

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

HACIENDA PATAGONICA Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ de la Acera de la Marina 2, Marbella. Tel: 952 900 968

RUTA 40 Open from 9am to 12 midnight daily. C.C. El Zoco, Sitio de Calahonda. Tel: 951 133 737

belgian EL COTO

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

Tel: 952 786 688

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

TO DALLY Open daily from 2pm to 11pm. Avda. del Prado, first floor, above Conrad’s Restaurant. Tel: 952 818 133

french

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

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

VALDERRAMA RESTAURANT Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner only and on Sunday for Buffet Lunch. Apartado 1, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 132.2 Sotogrande, Cádiz.

Tel: 956 791 200

gluten-free

CELICIOSO

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

At the Puente Romano Hotel on the Golden Mile.

Tel: 952 820 900

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greek

RED PEPPER Open daily for both lunch and dinner.

Muelle Ribera, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 812 148

grills

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

ASADOR CRIOLLO GRILL

OLD TOWN GRILL

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

Open Monday to Saturday for dinner and Sunday for lunch. C/ San Lázaro, 3, Pza. Victoria, Marbella.

Tel: 952 867 306

ASADOR GUADALMINA Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

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

RESTAURANTE RANCHO

CABAÑA NAGÜELES

VOVEM

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

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C.C. Odeon, Locales 9-10, C/ Las Yedras, Nueva Andalucía.

Tel: 952 003 434

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

Tel: 952 886 307

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

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

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

EL RANCHO DEL PUERTO Open for lunch and dinner every day. Muelle Benabola 4, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 816 252

GRILL DEL PUERTO

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

indian

JAIPUR PALACE Open every night except Tuesday for dinner.

CN340, km 194, next to Camping Cabopino, Marbella. Tel: 951 310 004

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

Tel: 952 888 353

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

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

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

ACINIPO Open daily for lunch and dinner except Tuesday.

C.C. El Zoco, Sitio de Calahonda, Mijas Costa.

Tel: 607 680 999

AIDAN’S BAR & GRILL Open Thursday to Tuesday for dinner from 5:30pm. Closed Wednesdays. C/ 4/5 Montemayor, Cancelada (opposite the Farmacia). Tel: 952 887 828

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

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

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

ARENAL BEACH BAR & RESTAURANT Open daily from 11am until late. Urb. Playa del Arenal, Avda. Cervantes s/n, El Rosario, Marbella.

Tel: 951 507 426

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

AVANTO Open for events only. C/ Rota 9, Mijas Costa, La Cala de Mijas. Tel: 952 587 539

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

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

ALBERT & SIMON

BARBQ ARTESANAL BURGERS

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

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

ALBERTS Open daily for lunch and dinner. Puerto Cabopino.

Tel: 952 836 886

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

AMIGOS Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday.

BEACH HOUSE 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

BIBO Open every day for lunch and dinner except Sunday afternoon and all of Monday. At the Hotel Puente Romano. Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von

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Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella. Tel: 951 607 011

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

Tel: 952 815 607

Las Palmeras, 15, San Pedro de Alcántara.

Tel: 952 783 394

CORTIJO FAIN Open every day for lunch and dinner. Ctra. de Algar, km. 3, Arcos de la Frontera, Cádiz.

Tel: 956 704 131

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

EL MIRADOR

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

DON LEONE

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

Tel: 952 809 500

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

EL OCEANO BEACH HOTEL RESTAURANT & SPA

D-WINE

CAFÉ DE RONDA

Open Monday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. C.C. Azalea, Edif. A, CN340, km 173, Nueva Andalucía.

Tel: 951 339 309

Open daily for lunch and dinner. CN 340, km 199, Miraflores Playa, Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 587 550

BRUNINGS

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

CAMURÍ

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

EL CAMPANARIO

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

EL RESTAURANTE DEL CASINO

HILLS CAFE

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Avda. Antonio Machado s/n, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 560 094

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

EL CASTILLO

Open every day from 6pm except Sundays.

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

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

CELIMA

EL CORZO

FINCA BESAYA

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

Tel: 952 895 639.

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

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

EL GRAN GASTBY

FINCA EL FORJADOR

CERRADO DEL ÁGUILA

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

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

EL JINETE

FONDA RESTAURANTE EL POSTILLÓN

EL LAGO

Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner from 7pm.

Closed Monday. Local 1A. Puerto de Cabopino.

Tel: 952 837 483

HORIZON STEAKHOUSE

CASANIS

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Paseo

HERMOSA

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

C’EST LA VIE

GD GOURMET DELI MARBELLA 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 breakfast and lunch, except Monday. Dinner by reservation is possible on Friday and Saturday. Tel: 952 856 171

Open every day for lunch. Open for dinner on Friday and Saturday. CN 340, km. 168, Estepona.

Tel: 952 880 126

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

Open from 11am until midnight. Closed Sundays.

Avda Las Palmeras 15, San Pedro Alcántara.

Tel: 952 780 927

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

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C.C. Laguna Village, local 24-25, Estepona. Tel: 951 217 871

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Urb. Cerrado del Águila, Camino del Acevedo, s/n, Mijas Costa. Tel: 951 773 521

Tel: 951 254 520

GALERIA SAN PEDRO

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 7:30pm to 11pm.

Ctra. de Mijas, km. 1, A-387, Alhaurín El Grande.

HOTEL MARBELLA CLUB BUFFET IL MARE Open every evening for dinner. Playa del Rodeo, Marbella. Tel: 951 319 372

KARMA Open every day from 10am until late. C/ Las Violetas 7, Conjunto Andalucía Garden Club, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 815 736

KAVA

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Open nightly for dinner. Plaza de Los Naranjos, Old Town, Marbella. Tel: 952 824 108

Club, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 166 (Cancelada exit), Benahavís. Tel: 952 889 150

LAGUNA BEACH RESTAURANTE

LA PLAGE DE CASANIS

C.C. Laguna Village, local R1, Estepona.

Tel: 952 800 873

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Urb. Zaragoza s/n, Las Chapas (exit km 190.5), Marbella.

Tel: 952 900 450

LA BIZNAGA 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 TERRAZA

LA BRISA

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

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

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

LA TERRAZA LA TIENDA Open nightly for dinner except Mondays. C/ La Tienda 1, Urb. La Virginia, Marbella. Tel: 626 273 882

LA VERANDA Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner.

Hotel Villa Padierna, Urb: Flamingos s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 889 150

LES CUBES Open daily for lunch and dinner. Urb. Oasis Club, CN340, km. 183, Marbella. Tel: 952 868 396

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.

Tel: 952 816 105

MACAOO BEACH Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Jose Echegaray, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 113 618

MAGNA CAFÉ

from 8pm ‘til late. Monte Paraíso Golf, Marbella.

Tel: 951 217 272

MOMO MARBELLA Open Monday to Saturday from 6pm to midnight.

C/ Tetuán 7, Marbella. Tel: 952 771 560

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

OCHO

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

C/ Calderón de la Barca, s/n. Tel: 952 929 578

Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

C/ Moncayo 12, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 460 232 / 648 502 822

LA CANTINA DEL GOLF

LA VERANDAH

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

Tel: 951 318 815

Open week days for dinner at 7:30pm and weekends for lunch and dinner, closed Tuesdays.

Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 136. Playa Guadiaro, Torreguadiaro, Cádiz. Tel: 956 615 998

MARE NOSTRUM

PASSION CAFÉ

Open daily for breakfast and dinner. At the Hotel Amàre Marbella. Avda. Severo Ochoa 8, Marbella.

Tel: 800 843 493

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

LA VERANDA LOBBY BAR

MC CAFÉ

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

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

Open daily for lunch. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

LIMA

MESSINA

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

LA FAMIEKE Open Monday to Saturday for dinner from 7pm.

Closed Sunday. Calle Cruz, Plaza Puente Ronda, Marbella. Tel: 952 775 412

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

MOJO Open from Monday to Saturday for dinner

PUENTE ROMANO BEACH CLUB 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

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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

DA BRUNO Open all day. Da Bruno Cabopino: CN-340 Km. 194,7. Tel: 952 831 918. Da Bruno a Casa: Marbella Mar, Local 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 857 521 – closed on Sunday. Da Bruno A San Pedro: Avda. del Mar, local 1E, San Pedro. Tel: 952 786 860 – closed on Monday. Da Bruno Sul Mare: Edif. Skol, Paseo Marítimo, Marbella. Tel: 952 903 318/19. Da Bruno Mijas Costa: Ctra. de Mijas, km. 3.6, Mijas. Tel: 952 460 724

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

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 SEA GRILL At the Puente Romano Beach Club. Open daily for lunch and dinner. CN340, km 187, Marbella.

Tel: 952 820 900

952 906 205. Marina Banús, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 817 977. C.C. Laguna Village, Estepona. Tel: 951 901 050. C.C. Parque Miramar, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 663 937. Puerto Marina, Benalmádena. Tel: 951 915 069

SHANTI-SOM – AMRITA

THE LAUNDERETTE

Open Monday to Thursday from 1.30pm to 4.30pm, 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

Open daily 10am to midnight. Avda. Julio Iglesias s/n, Puerto Banús. Tel: 951 319 292

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

SOLLO Open nightly for dinner except Sundays. Urb. Reserva del Higuerón, Málaga. Tel: 951 385 622

SUAVE 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

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

TERRA SANA Open Monday to Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nueva Andalucía next to the Casino. Tel:

THE LITTLE GERANIUM 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

THE MEETING ROOM Open 9am to 11pm every day except Sundays.

Avda. Ricardo Soriano 1, Local 1 (Edif. Portillo), Marbella. Tel: 952 772 577

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

THE PLAYWRIGHT

Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner. At the Puente Romano Hotel on the Golden Mile. Tel: 952 820 900

Open every day for lunch and dinner from 1pm to midnight. Puerto Deportivo de Estepona.

Tel: 952 802 144

VENTA GARCÍA

LA PAPPARDELLA SUL MARE

Open daily for lunch and dinner every day except Monday. Ctra. de Casares km 7, Casares.

Tel: 952 894 191

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

VILLA PADIERNA CLUB DE MAR Open daily for lunch from 1pm to 6pm.

CN 340, km 166, Marbella. Tel: 647 791 515

Open daily from 7pm to 11pm.

At the Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa. Avenida Zurita, s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 768 800

ZEST

LEONARDO DA VINCI

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

Open every night for dinner. Urb. Doña Lola, Local 21-22, Calahonda, Mijas Costa.

Tel: 952 934 667

ZOZOI

LOMBARDO’S

Open Wednesday to Monday for dinner. Closed Tuesday. Plaza Altamirano 1, Marbella.

Tel: 952 858 868

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

italian

LA TRATTORIA

MADE IN SARDINIA Open every night for dinner. C.C. Cristamar, Avda.

Julio Iglesias, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 906 608

AL DENTE

METRO

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Manzana, Locales 8-11, Pueblo Los Arcos, Elviria.

Tel: 952 830 868

Open every day for dinner. Closed on Mondays.

Urb. Jardines del Puerto, local 12, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 906 181

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

TIKITANO

AMORE E FANTASÍA

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Urb. Guadalmansa, CN340, km 164, Estepona.

Tel: 952 798 449

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

Tel: 952 813 464

Open daily for lunch and dinner. At the Caleta Hotel. Catalan Bay, Gibraltar. Tel: +350 200 76501

TROCADERO ARENA

ARAGONA

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Torre Real Beach, Marbella. Tel: 952 865 579

Open every day for dinner. Avda. del Mar 3, Marbella. Tel: 951 134 322

TROCADERO BEACH

ARETUSA

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Playa de la Carolina, Marbella. Tel: 610 704 144

Open daily for dinner. Front line P. Banús.

Tel: 952 812 898

UNI

CARPACCIO

NUNOS O MAMMA MIA Open every day except Sunday for lunch and dinner. At El Corte Inglés Food Hall, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 909 990

PIZZERIA PICASSO Open daily from 12 noon. Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 813 669

PORTOFINO LAGUNA VILLAGE Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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C.C. Laguna Village, Estepona. Tel: 952 808 035

RISTORANTE SAN MARTINO Open daily for lunch and dinner. C.C. Pinares de Elviria s/n, Elviria, Marbella. Tel: 952 832 702

ROSMARINO DELLA PIAZZA Open Monday to Saturday from 12pm ‘til midnight for lunch and dinner. C.C. Pinogolf de Don Carlos 34, Elviria. Tel: 952 850 148

SERAFINA Open from Monday to Saturday for dinner at the Puente Romano Hotel on the Golden Mile.

Tel: 952 771 798

VALPARAÍSO Open nightly for dinner. Ctra. Mijas – Fuengirola, km. 14, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 485 996

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

mediterranean

RESTAURANTE BAR CARMEN Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. C.C. Laguna Village, CN 340, km 159, Estepona.

Tel: 952 806 739

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

BAMBOO Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

Ctra. Istan km 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 906 674

DRAGÓN DE ORO Open every day from 12.30-4pm and 7pm until midnight. Closed Monday lunchtime. Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 141, Urb. Hacienda Guadalupe, Manilva.

Tel: 952 890 956

GOLDEN WOK Open every day for lunch and dinner. Urb. Marbellamar, Marbella. Tel: 952 866 840

KABUKI RAW Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner. At Finca Cortesín Hotel. Ctra. Casares s/n, Casares.

Tel: 952 937 800

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

OMBÚ

TA-KUMI

Open from 7pm to 11pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

At the Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa. Avenida Zurita, s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 768 800

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Gregorio Marañón 4, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 839

OSAKA

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Avda. Manolete 20, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 816 549

Open every evening for dinner from 6pm to 11.30pm. Avda. del Prado s/n, Nueva Andalucía.

Tel: 952 811 285

THAI GALLERY

SKANDIES

At Plaza Village at the Hotel Puente Romano.

Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella.

Tel: 952 818 392

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

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

SANTOKU Open daily for dinner. At the Villa Padierna Palace Hotel. CN 340, km 166, Marbella. Tel: 952 889 180

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

TEPPANYAKI SAMURAI

THAI STYLE Open daily for lunch and dinner. Avda. Playas del Duque s/n. Edif. Gaviotas IV, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 813 675

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. Also at C.C. Laguna Village, Local 11-13, Estepona.

Tel: 952 806 661

scandinavian ALOHA RESTAURANT

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 except Mondays. Puerto Deportivo de Sotogrande, Cádiz. Tel: 956 790 370

RESTAURANTE LA MARINA

TSE YANG DIMSUM CLUB

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 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

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

WAGAMAMA

MARISQUERÍA LA PESQUERA

Open daily for lunch and dinner. 19 Ocean Village promenade, Gibraltar. Tel: +350 200 44182

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

TAI PAN

WASABI

RESTAURANTE EL BOTE

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 every day for lunch and dinner. Paseo Marítimo Rey de España, Fuengirola.

Tel: 952 660 084

SUSHI DES ARTISTES (HIDEYOSHI WAGYU) Open every day for lunch and dinner. CN 340, km 178.5, Marbella. Easy parking. Tel: 952 857 403

SUSHI KATSURA

LA TORRE

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. THE GUIDE listings

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

CASA DE LA ERA Open only for lunch – call for times. Ctra. de Ojén, km 0.5, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 625

At El Corte Inglés Food Hall, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 909 990

LA MORAGA BISTRÓ Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Ramón Areces s/n, in front of El Corte Inglés, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 817 448

LA RED 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

CASA FERNANDO

MESÓN EL ADOBE

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

Open daily for lunch and dinner except Tuesdays.

Avda. La Fontanilla, Edif. Balmoral, Bajo 3, Marbella.

Tel. 600 003 144

DGUST

MI TABERNA

Open Monday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

Avda. Duque de Ahumada, Marbella. Tel: 952 863 780

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

CN340, km 178, Marbella. Tel: 952 827 880

HACIENDA

Open daily from 10:30am to 11pm. C/ Jacinto Benavente 33, Marbella. Tel: 952 822 511

Open from 1-4.30pm and 7.30 -11pm. Closed on Sunday afternoons and Mondays. Urb. La Alcaidesa, La Linea de la Concepción.

Tel: 956 582 700

LA COCINA Open daily for lunch and dinner except Wednesday. CN 340, km. 151, Arena Beach.

Tel: 952 796 320

LA MÁQUINA Open daily for lunch and dinner except Sunday.

PAELLAS Y MÁS 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

vegetarian LOVING HUT

Open daily from 10.30am to 11.30pm. Avda. Miguel Cano 11, Marbella. Tel: 951 245 889

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pets THE GUIDE .

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

GROOM: FASCINATING DYSON Eliminating Fur CAT TONGUES Before it Becomes a

If you have ever felt your cat’s tongue, then you have probably noticed that it is rough and bristly, with its plethora of sharp spikes. New research by mechanical engineer, Alexis Noel, however, has revealed that a cat’s tongue has much more to teach us than we ever imagined.

When the tongue reaches a knot or snag in the cat’s fur, the spikes rotate and penetrate the snag deeper, enabling the cat to rid itself of tangles faster. However, when the tongue is not in use, the spikes ‘rest’, providing an opening for the hair to slip out with a single swipe. Noel and her co-researchers printed a 3-D cat tongue, finding that it is incredibly efficient at selfcleaning. Says Noel, “The cat tongue is flexible, but it can pull apart tangles in fur. So we’re trying to develop a cat tongue-inspired surface based on our 3D-printed mimic. The flexibility of cats’ tongue spikes may have broad-reaching applications from an easy-to-clean hairbrush to wound cleaning within the medical field.”

PETPACE:

Problem

If you are at your wit’s end because you don’t know how to eliminate pet fur from your sofa, clothing or other furniture pieces at home, why not vacuum your pet? It is vital to note at this point that you should NEVER use a normal vacuum cleaner for this purpose, since you could cause serious harm. Rather, you will need to purchase the Dyson Pet Grooming Tool, designed to suck up fur before it reaches your furniture.

The tool comprises tiny bristles and a gentle suctioning component; with one flick of a button, the hair immediately drops down into your bin. The product has received rave reviews from thousands of users and you may wish to read some of these to understand the full extent to which this grooming tool can make life a whole lot easier. It sells for under €50 on Amazon though you might find better deals elsewhere. i www.dyson.com

Stay on Track of Your Pet’s Health!

PetPace is a smart, non-invasive collar that continuously monitors your pet’s vital signs and behavioural patterns, so you can be aware of the first indications of illness or stress. The collar is fitted with non-invasive sensors which track breathing, pulse, activity, temperature, calories consumed and burned, and heart rate variations. Because pets can’t speak, we often discover disease when it is already at a moderate or advanced stage. With this nifty gadget, you have a fighting chance of catching any serious illness asap!

CHILDREN CAN BE CLOSER TO PETS than to their Siblings Research carried out at the University of Cambridge has shown that children often feel closer to their pets than their brothers or sisters. Head researcher, Matt Cassels, found that children who had suffered painful events (such as the death of a parent, divorce, illness or extreme poverty) were closer to their pets than their siblings, though they were also more likely to perform worse at school and to suffer from more health problems. Pet lovers also tended to be more socially interactive, helping their peers, sharing and cooperating more than those without pets. Children somehow feel a special bond with their four-pawed friends, even if they don’t fully comprehend their problems. Sometimes, unconditional love can heal like words never can.

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what’s on...

. THE GUIDE what’s on

FORTHCOMING EVENTS Until February 2 ART – MÁLAGA

The Russian Museum presents the exhibition Chagall and his Contemporaries, featuring works by some of St. Petersburg’s most prolific artists. www.coleccionmuseoruso.es

Until February 5 ART – MÁLAGA

Until May ART – MARBELLA

The Museo Ralli presents the exhibition Retratos de Mujer (Portraits of Women), comprising works created between 1900 and 1980, including André Derain, Marie Laurencin, Jacques Villon, Louis Latapie and Nicolas Tarkhoff. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm. www.museoralli.es

The Museo Picasso de Málaga presents an exhibition by Uruguay-born artist, Joaquín Torres-García, who had the courage to experiment as an artist throughout his life, in the same vein as Pablo Picasso himself. The exhibition, entitled Un Moderno en La Arcadia, includes 170 of his best works. www.museopicassomalaga.org

NEW AND REGULAR EVENTS

Until March 11 EXHIBITION – MARBELLA

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.

Taller Ricardo Alario presents From Variety to Matter, a modernistic painting exhibition by Bernd Reinhard. Visiting hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 10am to 1pm and 5pm to 8pm. www.ricardoalario.com

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

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

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 Tuesday and Friday PAINTING CLASSES – MARBELLA

Talented artist Ricardo Alario will be teaching budding painters the secrets of his craft from 10am to 1pm (first group) and 5pm to 8pm (second group). For further information, Tel: 952 859 671. www.ricardoalario.com

Every Wednesday ART – MÁLAGA

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

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

Until February 23

EXHIBITION – MARBELLA Magpie International Gallery presents an exhibition entitled Relationships, by Austrian artist, Dana Nowak. The artist, who received her degree in fine arts in Hamburg, is a painter who has exhibited her work in various countries. She is famed for her blend of classical technique and modern methods such as collages, videos and installations. www.magpie.international

Until February 27

ART – MÁLAGA Alfajar presents a new exhibition by contemporary painter, Fernando Robles, entitled Suite para cielo-infierno. C/ Císter 1 (in front of Málaga Cathedral gardens), Málaga. Tel: 952 211 272. www.alfajar.es

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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

Every First Sunday of the month OPEN DAY – MIJAS

EVENTS IN FEBRUARY

Thursday February 2 GLORIA ESTEFAN TRIBUTE – MIJAS

Wednesday February 8 SYMPHONIC RHAPSODY OF QUEEN – MÁLAGA

Saturday February 4 to Sunday February 5 SIXTIES SHOW – FUENGIROLA

Saturday February 11 JOHN MAYALL – MÁLAGA

Da Bruno Mijas will be hosting a fun Gloria Estefan tribute, featuring the greatest hits from her prolific career.

For reservations, Tel: 952 460 724. www.dabruno.com

The Salón Varietés Theatre presents Echoes of the 60s: a fantastic journey through the greatest musical decade of all time: the 1960s, starring three of the coasts top artists: Ron Howells, Michelle Daniles and Mark Connor. www.salonvarietestheatre.com

CIRCUS SHOW – MÁLAGA

The Teatro Cánovas in Málaga presents the Ludo Circus Show featuring juggling, humour, acrobats and more. At 6:30pm on Saturday and 12pm on Sunday. For tickets, www.elcorteingles.es

PAD animal shelter, Cerros del Águila, welcomes visitors from 12pm-3pm.

Further information, Tel: 952 486 084. www.padcatsanddogs.org

The Symphonic Rhapsody of Queen is one of the world’s leading tribute acts to the band that rocked a generation in the 1970s and 1980s. The band will be playing at the Teatro Cervantes at 8pm. www.teatrocervantes.com

Live and love the blues at John Mayall’s latest tour. The artist, member of the Blues Hall of Fame in the United States, will be playing music from his new album, Talk about That, and plenty more music.

Mayall will be joined by Greg Rzab on the electric bass and Jay Davenport on the drums. www.teatrocervantes.com

CHARITY DANCING – VÉLEZ MÁLAGA

Restaurante Trapiche near Vélez Málaga will be hosting the fun Come Dancing for Cudeca event, part of a series of dances which are usually held on the first or second Saturday of the month, featuring ballroom, Latin, jive, modern sequence, old time, Scottish and party dancing. For further details, Tel: 616 046 713.

MOUNTAIN RUNNING – MARBELLA

The Asociación Mujeres en las Veredas presents the fourth edition of the CXM Sierra Blanca run, which will take place in the rolling mountains of Sierra Blanca.

For precise times and meeting points, www.mujeresenlasveredas.blogspot. com.es/

Tuesday February 14 VALENTINE’S DAY

We certainly hope you haven’t just realised this is Valentine’s month, and that you have had enough time to organise a special dinner and present for your loved one. Whether you will be dining in or out, make it an extra special night!

Saturday February 25 to Sunday February 26 TOSCA – MÁLAGA

The beautiful Teatro Cervantes will be a perfect backdrop for Tosca, the famous opera by Puccini, featuring jealousy, treason and torture. The show starts at 8pm on Saturday and 7pm on Sunday. www.teatrocervantes.com

Tuesday February 28 ANDALUCÍA DAY – ANDALUCÍA

Celebrate Andalucía day with your family; the entire region of Andalucía will be enjoying a day off as well.

Until March 5

Sunday February 12

Mark Ryden is known as ‘the Godfather of Pop Surrealism’ so if modern art is your thing, don’t miss out on this important exhibition, currently on at the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo (CAC) Málaga. Featuring paintings, sculptures, drawings and more. www.cacmalaga.eu

Teatro Ciudad Marbella presents Medea, a dramatised reading by famed actor, Aitana Sánchez-Gijon. The show starts at 8pm. For tickets www.mientrada.net

ART – MÁLAGA

THEATRE – MARBELLA

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www.russellgrant.com

. THE GUIDE stars

Russell Grant’s

Monthly Horoscope February 2017 It’s possible you’ll get a chance to return to a place you’ve always loved during the first half of the month. Be ready to travel on a moment’s notice

AQUARIUS January 21st - February 19th Acquiring a new skill will be lots of fun at the beginning of February. You’ll enjoy being with people with upbeat energy and they’ll admire your inventive approach to learning. It’s possible you’ll get a chance to return to a place you’ve always loved during the first half of the month. Be ready to travel on a moment’s notice. A Lunar Eclipse on the 11th will prompt you to look at things from a different point of view. This fresh beginning will help you discover hidden talents. Valentine’s Day promises to be a special time, prompting you and your partner to pursue a cherished dream. If you’re single, you may decide to steer a friendship into romantic waters.

The Solar Eclipse on the 26th marks a significant moneymaking opportunity. Starting your own business or moving to a new company will greatly increase your standard of living. Splash out on a few of life’s little luxuries; you’ve earned them.

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ARIES [21 MAR - 20 APR]

Your charisma will be burning brightly at the start of the month. Take this opportunity to enhance your appearance. Getting a makeover, updating your hairstyle or splashing out on some new outfits would be a good plan. A person from your past will try to reconnect with you; consider carefully whether you want to take up where you left off. On February 11th, a Lunar Eclipse could mark the satisfying end of a group association. The conclusion of this matter will leave you free to devote more time to a close relationship. Two heads will be definitely better than one during this highly romantic month. Getting engaged or married on Valentine’s Day is a distinct possibility.

If you’re already in a committed relationship, take this opportunity to celebrate in style with your amour. On the 26th, a Solar Eclipse could trigger a powerful dream.

Your subconscious is trying to send you a message; pay careful attention.

TAURUS [21 APR - 21 MAY]

Take time out of your busy schedule during early February to enjoy the activities you love most. Instead of attending every party that comes along, think about staying in for a few nights every week. This will restore your spirits and put a spring in your step. The Lunar Eclipse on February 11th will bring the end of a professional role. After this milestone, you’ll go on to more creative assignments, which will appeal to your artistic nature. On Valentine’s Day, you’ll have a passionate encounter that deepens your commitment to a lover. Making things official would bring a welcome sense of stability and security to your life. If you’ve already exchanged vows, you or your partner could get a fabulous career opportunity that improves your lifestyle.

The Solar Eclipse on 26th is perfect for attending a social occasion; you’ll meet some interesting people at this gathering. A lifelong friendship could take root in February.

GEMINI [22 MAY - 21 JUN]

Why not host a gathering or get together at the beginning of February. This will be a great time to bring friends, family and neighbours together under one roof.

A romantic interest from your past will reconnect with you during the first half of the month; this could be your chance to redeem a damaged relationship. On the 11th, a Lunar Eclipse will bring the successful conclusion to a legal matter. At long last, you’ll be able to return to a creative project you had to put on hold. Valentine’s Day will bring some exciting news about an engagement or marriage; prepare for a big celebration. A Solar Eclipse on the 26th will attract a remarkable professional opportunity. Your chance to embark on an intellectually stimulating career. Being paid handsomely to bring beauty to the world will be the answer to a prayer. There will be a compassionate element to this work that is highly rewarding.

CANCER [22 JUN - 23 JUL]

You’ll make a fabulous impression at work in the early days of the month.

Take this opportunity to make a presentation or sales pitch that is close to your heart. People will be very receptive to your ideas at this time. A family reunion could take place during the first half of February; this will be a good time to reconnect with people who love you unconditionally.

A Lunar Eclipse on the 11th may deliver a big windfall to your bank account. This money will help you pay off a bill and achieve the financial freedom you’ve always

wanted. Once you satisfy your debts, get into the habit of putting money aside each month. The Solar Eclipse on the 26th may usher in a period of travel that will be tremendously enlightening. Update your passport, invest in some good luggage and prepare to see the world.

LEO [24 JUL - 23 AUG]

Travel and adventure will colour your world in the early part of February. Take this opportunity to enjoy a trip you’ve been dreaming about for years. Good news will come your way during the first half of the month; a disappointing decision could be overturned.

On the 11th, a Lunar Eclipse could mark the successful conclusion of a course of study. You could graduate with honours or receive a scholarship for further academic work. Valentine’s Day could be very special. You may be celebrating with someone who is much older or younger than you. Alternatively, news of a pregnancy or adoption could be announced at this special time. A Solar Eclipse on the 26th will bring passion and intimacy to your life.

Let down your defences with someone who has proven their love. A close relationship will have a transformative effect on you. Your partner will help you break a bad habit or embark on a healthier lifestyle.

VIRGO [24 AUG - 23 SEP]

A passionate relationship will spice up your life in early February. This is a wonderful time to embark on a romance. If you’ve been looking for work, you could get a chance to join a former employer during the first half of the month. This experience will be enriching, both financially and emotionally. Pay close attention to the days surrounding the 11th, when a Lunar Eclipse will bring an end to a steady job, opening up even better opportunities for you. Valentine’s Day will bring some stability to your domestic life. Moving in with your partner or putting a down payment on a home are distinct possibilities. On the 26th, a Solar Eclipse will start a new chapter in your personal life. Getting engaged or married will pave the way for a happy, fruitful future. If you’re already in a committed partnership, your other half will get a fantastic promotion that dramatically improves your standard of living.

LIBRA [24 SEP - 23 OCT]

Love, romance and friendship will be your top priorities in the opening days of February. This would be a wonderful time to get engaged or married. If you’re already in a committed partnership, you may exchange roles with your amour. Allowing your other half to take the lead will give you more time for the creative activities you enjoy. A Lunar Eclipse on the 11th will allow you to put the finishing touches to a creative project.

Submitting this work for review could lead to fame and acclaim. Valentine’s Day could be especially stimulating.

If you’re single, someone will ask you on a date. This will be the beginning of a passionate romance. Toward the end of February, a Solar Eclipse may attract a thrilling job offer. Getting paid to express your imagination will make you glow with happiness. People may ask if you’ve been to a spa. This is also a good time to launch a health enhancing programme.

SCORPIO [24 OCT - 22 NOV]

Devote yourself to work that you truly enjoy at the beginning of February.

A labour of love will fill you with new vigour and enthusiasm. You may be so busy that you’ll adopt a lower profile during the first

half of the month. On the 11th, a Lunar Eclipse will find you wrapping up a real estate deal or family matter.

Finishing this business will give you more time to enjoy solitary pursuits. It will almost be a relief to put some distance between you and your nearest and dearest.

You could get a fabulous gift on Valentine’s Day. A lavish token of your partner’s love and affection will be a delightful surprise. On the 26th, a Solar Eclipse will usher in a highly romantic phase. This is a wonderful time to go on a fairy tale vacation. You and your lover will have a wonderful time kissing, cuddling and gazing into each other’s eyes.

SAGITTARIUS [23 NOV - 21 DEC]

If you’re looking for love, you will find it in the early part of the month. Don’t be surprised if you meet someone special at a sporting event or some other type of outdoor competition. It’s even possible an old friendship could take a romantic turn. A Lunar Eclipse on the 11th will bring the successful conclusion to a course of study. Your newly acquired expert status will open doors for you. Valentine’s Day could prompt you to make a serious commitment. If you already have a partner, a special outing will feel like you’re falling in love with each other all over again. On the 26th, a Solar Eclipse will give you a chance to find your dream home. You’ll be able to negotiate a remarkable deal for a beautiful piece of property. Use your powers of persuasion to work wonders with a lending institution.

A generous relative could be about to offer you the money for a down payment.

CAPRICORN [22 DEC - 20 JAN]

Home is where the heart is in early February. Take this opportunity to attend a family reunion or to entertain relatives in your own home. A job offer from a former employer may arrive during the first half of the month. You’ll be enthusiastically welcomed back into the fold. On the 11th, a Lunar Eclipse will bring an end to a moneymaking venture, leaving you free to accept other potential-packed opportunities. Your professional star will be on the rise. As the month winds down, you’ll get some surprising news about a creative venture. You may be asked to edit a newsletter, write an article or teach a class. This assignment will give you a great deal of intellectual stimulation and emotional fulfilment. Your dry sense of humour will be a big hit with your audience. It’s possible you’ll also use social media as a way to spread your message.

PISCES [20 FEB - 20 MAR]

More money for luxuries will become available in the opening days of the month. In addition to the cash you earn, you’ll get an unexpected windfall in the form of an inheritance, legal settlement or royalty payment. Use the cash to put a down payment on a home or car. A Lunar Eclipse on the 11th will bring an end to a period of seclusion. You’ll be able to enter the dating scene or reconnect with an attentive romantic partner at this time. Valentine’s Day could be especially sweet, highlighting your professional achievements. All the work you have done in secret will be acknowledged and celebrated. Give yourself a pat on the back and a great big treat. A Solar Eclipse on the 26th ushers in an exciting new beginning for you. Embarking on a different lifestyle, adopting a new look and assuming a fresh role are all possibilities.

Dream big during this fateful period, when wishes can come true.

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. THE GUIDE family

FEBRUARY

FIESTAS Whether you are a resident of Marbella or are simply visiting for a few days, check out these timely tips on fun things to see and do during the month of February.

NEW PLAY CENTRE FOR KIDS

There’s an all-new play centre in town called Mundo Mania which is ideal for kids up to 10 years of age. You’ll find an expansive indoor jungle gym, party rooms and a fun menu filled with tasty food that will delight even the most finicky eaters. Whether you are simply looking for a place for the little ones to burn off some steam or for a full birthday party venue, this new centre is sure to become a favourite with families this year.

Tel: 952 938 173.

FOR FITNESS, SWIMMING & SPINNING

Check out GLOW in the heart of Puerto Banús for one of the hottest gyms in town. Not only will you discover a wide range of fun programmes for the whole family, this facility features an amazing, heated indoor pool which is perfect for those bright (but chilly) February days. Tel: 952 908 507.

HIKES FOR KIDS & TEENS

La Concha is Marbella’s most popular mountain, but did you know there are several different routes to the summit? For those looking for adventure, try reaching for the skyline’s most definitive feature from a new approach. Whether you opt for the easier path via Refugio Juanar or attempt to reach the top from the charming town of Istán, you’ll find stunning views, wellmarked trails and a memorable experience awaits you. If you’re going for the first time, we recommend contacting one of the guides at Health First Adventure Tours to make sure you enjoy a safe journey.

Tel: 637 886 788.

SEGWAYS & BIKE RENTALS

This is the tour of Marbella that kids and teens will want to last the entire day. The team at G2Move Marbella offers Segway

Tours for kids as young as 10 years of age. They begin tours from their conveniently located facility at the Gran Meliá Don Pepe Hotel in downtown Marbella and offer a variety of routes for every level of expertise. Their easy-to-ride Segways allow you to literally float above the pavement and discover completely new parts of town. Kids and families are always accompanied by a guide for training and safety. You can also try a tandem bike ride for an extra-special Valentine’s Day treat! Tel: 617 669 761.

Wishing you a fabulous February full of fantastic experiences with the family.

For more information about these and other events taking place on the Costa del Sol, visit MarbellaFamilyFun.com

February is ‘Fiesta Month’ as the Spanish Carnival season kicks off in Marbella with music and colours exploding everywhere. Love is also in the air this month as Valentine’s Day reminds us to take a bit of time to remember the ones we care about most.

FAMILY FUN

FEBRUARY CALENDAR FEBRUARY 14, VALENTINE’S DAY: Love is always in the air in Marbella, especially since we are graced with the romantic Mediterranean coastline.

Many restaurants in town will be offering special Valentine’s Day meals and events. If you’re looking for something special for the love of your life, there will be no shortage of tantalising gifts of all shapes and sizes.

FEBRUARY 25 – MARCH 5, SEMANA BLANCA: The kids will be out of school for half-term, so this is a great time to take advantage of Marbella’s unique microclimate and get outdoors. Many of the local clubs will be offering week-long camps for the kids or you could consider taking a drive up to Sierra Nevada to build a snowman and snow angels. For details on family recommended things to see and do during the break, check out the Things to Do section on MarbellaFamilyFun.com FEBRUARY 25 – MARCH 4, MARBELLA CARNIVALS: This year, the Carnival will feature a line-up of hilarious comedians and well known productions, raising money for local charities.

Organised by the The Marbella Town Hall, this is a classic Spanish holiday event for the whole family.

FEBRUARY 28, DÍA DE ANDALUCÍA: This local holiday this year falls on a Tuesday so make sure you do your shopping early as many local businesses will be closed. This is a great day to enjoy delicious churros with chocolate or other tasty Spanish treats in your favourite local café.

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