Essential Magazine January 2015

COMPLIMENTARY EDITION

MARBELLA

DREAMING

LIVE AND LET

DIET

I S S U E 1 8 5 • JA N UA RY 2 0 1 5

ESSENTIAL FOR LUXURIOUS LIVING

e

N º185 - JANUARY 2015

essential essential magazine® marbella

MARBELLA

MISS WORLD

Málaga JAMES BLUNT GLAM UP YOUR HOME WITH

ROCHE BOBOIS

Fairytale

Year!

HAPPY NEW

CASTLES TOP LIFESTYLE

LOCATIONS NEW YEAR

NEW YOU

N E W S I C U LT U R E I P E O P L E I T R E N D I S T Y L E I S PA I P R O I L E I S U R E I G O U R M E T & M O R E

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Enclosed: 845 m² Plot: 2,002 m² Price: €3,950,000

SIERRA BLANCA Immaculate 5-bedroom villa in the higher part of this residential area, enjoying magnificent panoramic views of the sea, Gibraltar and the African coast. Beautiful garden with sunny pool. Sauna and games area with built-in bar. Offered fully furnished. Ref. 4954

Enclosed: 715 m² Plot: 2,303 m² Price: €1,000,000

NAGÜELES Large Andalusian style family home in

one of Marbella’s finest residential areas. 7 bedrooms.

Reduced from €3,000,000. Ref. 3536

Enclosed: 188 m² Terrace: 116 m² Price: €1,990,000

PUERTO BANUS Luxurious renovated 3-bedroom

Enclosed: 150 m² Terrace: 83 m² Price: €845,000

MARBELLA GOLDEN MILE 3-bedroom beachside penthouse in Alhambra del Mar, steps from the Beach. Close to Marbella centre & amenities. Ref. 8331

Enclosed: 569 m² Plot: 1,524 m² Price: €1,850,000

SIERRA BLANCA Superb villa in most sought-

beachfront penthouse. Unbeatable views. Prestigious complex, 24-h security, spa & fitness area. Ref. 8496

after area. 4 en-suite bedrooms. Amazing sea and mountain views. Heated salt water pool. Ref. 7982

An International Associate of Savills

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Enclosed: 1,718 m² Plot: 8,324 m² Price: €5,750,000

MADROÑAL Elegant mansion with stunning sea views, surrounded by nature. This amazing 8-bedroom property is located in the mountains above San Pedro, close to golf courses and within a 7 minutes’ drive to Puerto Banús. Gated community with 24 hour security. Beautiful independent guest house. Ref. 7881

Enclosed: 685 m² Plot: 3,000 m² Price: €3,250,000

GOLDEN MILE Stunning 5-bedroom villa in exclusive urbanization. 24-hour security. Wonderful sea and mountain views. Ref. 7333

Enclosed: 538 m² Plot: 1,980 m² Price: €2,150,000

RIO REAL GOLF Magnificent colonial style villa.

6-bedroom. Beautiful tropical gardens and panoramic views. Built to the highest standards. Ref. 8477

Enclosed: 1,099 m² Plot: 3,678 m² Price: €3,995,000

LA QUINTA Fabulous 5-bedroom villa on one of the best plots, close to the hotel and golf club.

Excellent sea views. Ref. 7427

Enclosed: 589 m² Plot: 2,294 m² Price: €2,300,000

GOLDEN MILE Wonderful 6-bedroom villa

by Cesar de Leyva in Lomas del Marbella Club.

Mediterranean style with a Morrocan touch. Ref. 8501

Offices at the Puente Romano Hotel & opposite the Marbella Club Hotel Tel. (+34) 952 863 750 info@panorama.es www.panorama.es 185 Panorama DPS.indd 2

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Issue 185 • January 2015

S T A F F PUBLISHER AND DIRECTOR

IAIN BLACKWELL director@essentialmagazine.com

GENERAL MANAGER

ANDREA BÖJTI sales@essentialmagazine.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

MARISA CUTILLAS editorial@essentialmagazine.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER SALES SUPPORT

SUSANNE WHITAKER design@essentialmagazine.com JAN DENDAUW jan@essentialmagazine.com RÉKA VIDÁTS reka@essentialmagazine.com

ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR DESIGN & LAYOUT STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

MARIANO JEVA cuentas@essentialmagazine.com MONIKA BÖJTI info@essentialmagazine.com ANDREA BÖJTI INMA AURIOLES KEVIN HORN (WWW.PHOTOGRAPHERMARBELLA.COM) BELINDA BECKETT, IAIN BLACKWELL, MICHEL CRUZ, CRISTINA FALKENBERG, RIK FOXX, RUSSELL GRANT, CARLOS READ, GEOFF SIMPSON, TONY WHITNEY

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY ADRIANA SÁNCHEZ RIVAS, Miss World Málaga 2014 Photography STEFAN RANDHOLM • Artistic Director: HUMBERTO HERNÁNDEZ MUA: THEGLOW MAKEUP • Hairdresser: ESTELA GUERISOLI Photo Assistant: HEYWOOD SIMILON • Making of: SARA RODRÍGUEZ Stylist/Fashion: BAILLY BIJOUX • Location: LOS NARANJOS GOLF CLUB PRINTING DEPÓSITO LEGAL

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 affiliated to:

conditions:

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

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

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essential marbella magazine

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contents The Trend Cinema 18 Home Viewing 20 Music 22 Books 24 Gadgets 26 The New Jaguar F-Type Coupé 28

The Focus Best Places to Live and Work 32 Crazy Health Kicks and Fad Diets 36 James Blunt 40 Adriana Sánchez Rivas 42 Laura Olea – Hat Designer 44

The Style Décor: A Stunning Villa in La Zagaleta 48 Décor News – Roche Bobois 56 Fashion: Bailly Bijoux 58 Fashion News 64

The Pro

The Guide

76 Enterprise 82 Revision of Cadastral Values 84 The Vibe

108 Listings

The Leisure 86 European Castles with Luxury Facilities 92 Nature: The Abies Pinsapo

g

The Blog 117 Pet News 118 What’s On 120 Stars for January 122 Kid’s Zone

The Gourmet 100 Besaya Beach 102 Food News 104 Chef’s Profile: James Woo of Hanuri 106 Wine: Finca Torremilanos

The Spa Beauty: Hair Trends 2015 68 Men’s Beauty 70 The Benefits of Yoga 72 Health Profile: The Reserva del Higuerón Sport Club and Spa 74

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You only live once,

Beachfront Río Real: Unique apartment offering 293 m2 of elegant living, situated in a luxurious, small beachfront complex with direct beach access and stunning panoramic views to the Mediterranean. 5 Beds, 6 baths. Living area 293 m2, terrace 81 m2.

E&V ID: W-0218A0. Price: 2.250.000 €.

Los Monteros: The best opportunity in Los Monteros! Contemporary villa by the beach. Large plot. Separate guest bungalow and pool house.

Outdoor and indoor pools. 7 Beds, 8 baths. Built 979 m2, plot 3.266 m2.

E&V ID: W-01ZLAM. P.0.A

Elviria: Contemporary chic in a unique location! Outstanding, newly built villa. Breathtaking sea, mountain and golf views. Constructed to highest standards. 4 Beds, 3 baths. Built 594 m2, plot 1.611 m2.

E&V ID: W-01Z306. Price: 2.950.000 €.

Bahía de Marbella: Stunning villa with sea views on a large even plot, only meters from the beach. High qualities throughout. Beautifully decorated. Heated pool. 5 Beds, 4 baths. Built 698 m2, plot 1.740 m2.

E&V ID: W-01U3UR. Price: 3.200.000 €.

Beachfront Río Real: Luxury penthouse with large terraces and breathtaking panoramic views. Tropical gardens with various pools and direct beach access. 4 Beds, 4 baths. Living area 227 m2, terrace 134 m2.

E&V ID: W-020FYE. Price: 2.250.000 €.

Office El Rosario: 952 83 20 40 · Office Elviria: 952 83 55 80

we will show you where!

Golden Mile: Palatial residence, one of Spain’s most exquisite estates! Stately property offering sophistication and luxurious living. Spectacular sea views. Spa with indoor pool, sauna, cinema, gym, wine cellar. Separate staff villa. 2 Lifts. 12 Beds, 12 baths. Built 4.903 m2, plot 11.009 m2.

E&V ID: W-01ZS6S. P.O.A

Frontline Beach Guadalmina: Exquisite property on the Mediterranean front, under construction. Indoor pool, gym, sauna, wine cellar, lift, staff house. 8 Beds, 9 baths. Built 2.015 m2, plot 5.175 m2.

E&V ID: W-020KOK. Price: P.O.A.

Golden Mile: Exquisite estate with fabulous design and decor. Separate guest villa, lift, wine cellar, home cinema. Spa with sauna, gym, massage room. 8 Beds, 8 baths. Built 2.492 m2, plot 10.000 m2.

E&V ID: W-01ZS7B. P.O.A.

Marina Puente Romano: Fantastically priced! Luxurious, large 3 bedroom apartment, beautifully decorated in the 5 star complex Marina Puente Romano. 3 Beds, 3 baths. Living area 147 m2, terrace 62 m2.

E&V ID: W-020KV9. Price: 890.000 €.

Beachfront Golden Mile: Spectacular duplex penthouse with private pool and breathtaking views in a newly built, gated community with direct beach access. 3 Beds, 3 baths. Living area 170 m2, terraces 60 m2.

E&V ID: W-01EJRG. Price: 1.590.000 €.

Office Marbella: 952 86 84 06 · www.engelvoelkers.com/MarbellaAndEast

publisher’s letter WORDS BY IAIN BLACKWELL

W

elcome to the New Year edition of Marbella which is our first January issue since 2010! In this month’s magazine, we explore the theme of New Year, New You and it is our hope that each of you will find inspiration for making positive changes in your life during 2015!

We start with a brilliant discourse on The Best Places to Live and Work, contrasting desirable global destinations for anyone who does not feel settled in their current situation, and follow this up with suggestions for reading on Self Renewal, New Hairstyles for Women and New Beauty Regimes for Men. The start of another year is always a great time for introspection and for those of us who vow to become fitter, calmer and more in tune with Nature, check out our articles on Crazy Health Kicks/Fad

Diets, The Benefits of Yoga and the first in a series of spreads from award-winning documentary photographer and naturalist, Geoff Simpson.

For a truly pampering experience come with us as we tour European castles with luxurious facilities, perhaps arriving in the new Jaguar F-Type Coupé, which would also be an appropriate choice of vehicle to park on the driveway of the simply stunning villa in La Zagaleta, gracing these pages.

Elsewhere, we profile James Blunt following his recent wedding in Mallorca, talk with Laura Olea – hat designer to the stars – and interview Miss World Málaga, Adriana Sánchez Rivas, a beauty who exudes intelligence – she is also the model for this issue’s Cover and Fashion Feature.

So sit back, relax and savour.

Slange Var!

Happy New Year!

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trend CINEMA

WORDS MARISA CUTILL

AS

e BLOCKBUSTER » GENRE

Drama /Biopic

» DIRECTOR

Tim Burton (Edward Scissorhands)

» ACTORS

Amy Adams, Christoph Waltz, Krysten Rit ter

OF THE MONTH

true Big Eyes is based on the painter a e, an story of Walter Ke 1950s the in e fam ed iev who ach of ngs nti pai and 1960s for his s. The eye s ou orm en h wit en childr ck aba en tak s artistic world wa t the tha d ere cov dis s wa it when lter, but real painter wasn’t Wa Eyes is Big . ret rga Ma e, his wif ning as ake aw r the story of he ultuous tum the of d an ist an art ented tal a en we relationship bet ge rria ma a to ed om do couple lry. riva n marked by kee

Big Eyes

» GENRE Drama/Comedy » DIRECTOR Matthew Warchus (Matilda)

» ACTORS Imelda Staunton,

Bill Nighy, Dominic West

Pride

This historical film highlights a unique moment in history, which took place in 1984, when a group of gay activists put heart and soul into supporting a strike by the National Union of Mineworkers.

» GENRE Comedy » DIRECTOR Sean Andres

(Horrible Bosses) » ACTORS Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day, Jason Bateman

Horrible Bosses 2 » GENRE Thriller » DIRECTOR Morten Tyldum (Headhunters) » ACTORS Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira

Knightley, Charles Dance

The Imitation Game

In the winter of 1952, the British authorities entered the home of renowned mathematician, analyst and war hero, Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch), arresting him and accusing him of ‘grave indecency’. The authorities had no idea that they were incriminating a man who would be the pioneer of modern computing. Turing was known for having cracked the code of the incredibly complex Enigma machine, used by the Germans to communicate secret messages during World War II.

» GENRE War » DIRECTOR David Ayer (End of Watch) » ACTORS Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf,

Logan Lerman

Fury

The year is 1945 and as the allies undertake their last offensive on the European front, a charismatic sergeant known as Wardaddy (Brad Pitt) takes command of a Sherman tank and a five-man crew in a crucial mission behind enemy lines. Outnumbered and with far less weapons than their opponents, the soldiers launch a final, heroic attack against the Nazis.

Horrible Bosses was an absolutely brilliant film about all the different types of crazy bosses that exist: the boss that constantly promises a promotion yet never gives one; the authoritarian boss who controls even the tiniest details; and the boss who sexually assaults her employees (the latter was played to perfection by Jennifer Aniston).

Nick (Jason Bateman), the eternally suffering worker who managed to break free from his cruel boss in the first film, returns for another round of punishment. This time, he has set up his own business and is delighted not to have to ‘report’ to anyone, though things take a nasty turn when one of his investors decides to exert a little authority.

Nick and his partner, Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) dream up an insane plan to regain control of their company…

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Villa Granada is located in Altos de Puente Romano in a natural setting, in the heart of the exclusive Golden Mile, granting the privilege of living in a private complex with 24-hour security cameras and specialised personnel.

Where classic and contemporary styles find perfect harmony Elegance and contemporary style have been combined in this outstanding villa that enjoys superb views across the garden and pool to the Mediterranean.

An extensive hall welcomes you into this charming villa with 1,100 m2 of ample interior spaces. An open plan living and dining room, modern fully fitted kitchen with breakfast corner and guest room en-suite, all lead to a large covered terrace.

Large spaces full of light On the first floor you find the south facing master bedroom en-suite with spectacular views of the swimming pool, gardens, pool house and the sea. The space offers independence and privacy with a cosy salon, large walk-in wardrobe and its own terrace.

The villa has five spacious bedrooms and five bathrooms en-suite. All the furniture and finishes are bespoke, allowing the space to become personal, sophisticated & special.

The four levels of this villa can all be reached by elevator and stairs. On the lower level is the spa area with a large indoor pool, leisure room, gym and sauna, games room with bar and a further 2 guest bedrooms and full bathroom.

The solarium has a Jacuzzi and wooden built-in sun loungers with enough space for a large sitting area with 360º degree breathtaking views.

For further information contact:

Vasari Real Estate

Centro Comercial La Alzambra - Oficina 1-3, 29660 Marbella (Málaga) - España Tels.: +34 952 90 71 61 • +34 607 645 545 Mail: info@vasariproperties.com Web: www.vasariproperties.com

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trend HOME VIEWING

Marisa Cutillas brings us a few of the season’s top DVD releases. » GENRE Drama » DIRECTOR Laurent Cantet (Time Out)

» ACTORS Ali Liebert, Catherine Disher, Michelle Nolden » IMDB RATING 6.2/10

The Fault in our Stars

Foxfire

» GENRE Drama » DIRECTOR Josh Boone (Stuck In Love) » ACTORS Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort,

The year is 1953 and the place, a working class ghetto in New York.

From the violent culture of the post-war era, controlled by men, a small group of tough girls forms a sisterhood called Foxfire, whose aims it to put an end to all discrimination based on gender and social class. With the enigmatic Legs as their leader, the women embark on a voyage towards greater freedom and justice; all they want is to play by their own rules and follow their own laws, despite the high price they may have to pay.

Laura Dern

» IMDB RATING 8.1/10

ASE OF THE MONTH

D RELE e FEATURED DV » GENRE Thriller » DIRECTOR

Alex van Warmerdam (Abel) » ACTORS Jan Bijvoet, Hadewych Minis, Jeroen Perceval

» IMDB RATING 6.8/10

d for the This dark film, nominate 2013, forays Palme d’Or at Cannes in the most in l evi of ure into the nat an is rgm unexpected places. Bo rms sto o wh t ran a charming vag ogant upper arr an of s live the into avelling class couple, quickly unr d lifestyle. ate cur sly lou ticu me their ly, orld erw Mysterious and oth ry eve on ll spe a ts cas Borgman m as the ng usi ily, member of the fam e. em sch us licio ma part of his

Hazel Grace is a beautiful, intelligent adolescent who also happens to have cancer. When her mother insists that she attend a meeting for young persons with cancer, the last thing she expects is to find the love of her life: Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort), a young survivor of cancer who encourages her to live her dreams.

Augustus is always upbeat, positive and hopeful, yet he is hiding a big secret that will turn Hazel Grace’s world upside down. The film is based on the best-selling book by John Green.

Borgman » GENRE Comedy » DIRECTOR Nick Cassavetes (Alpha Dog) » ACTORS Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, Kate Upton » IMDB RATING 6.1/10

The Other Woman Leslie Mann plays a loving housewife who lives and breathes for her conniving husband. When she discovers that he is having an affair with a gorgeous businesswomen (Cameron Diaz) she confronts ‘the other woman’ about it, in an effort to find out more about the affair. The two soon find that they have more in common than they suspected, when they spy on ‘their man’ and find that there is a third special lady in his life.

Together, they decide to give the philanderer a taste of his own medicine.

» GENRE Thriller » DIRECTOR Isabel Coixet

(My Life Without Me), Cathy MacPhail (in her debut film) » ACTORS Sophie Turner, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Claire Forlani » IMDB RATING 5/10

Another Me

Another Me is a psychological thriller about teenager, Fay (Sophie Turner), whose apparently perfect life begins to crumble when she suspects that she is being followed by a mysterious doppelganger who intends to steal her identity.

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trend MUSIC

¿QUÉ PASA? WORDS RIK FOXX

A winter of discontent is here concert wise and there’s nothing decent at the time of going to print – but there’s bound to be something arranged at the last minute so check your local press by the week.

Another dreamer is NADINE COYLE who has said “Never say never” to a GIRLS ALOUD reunion despite being unfollowed on Twit(ter) by former band mates NICOLA ROBERTS and CHERYL whatever she’s calling herself these days. There is still bad feeling after the former signed a solo deal, which was a chart flop, behind the backs of the rest of the band. In the meantime she is keeping herself busy with a major role in the MICHAEL FLATLEY Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games world tour.

Now LIAM GALLAGHER has given up on BEADY EYE, former guitarist ANDY BELL (also in OASIS), is revamping his former outfit RIDE and posters currently around Barcelona say they will play at the city’s Primavera Sound festival in May. RIDE were big in the 1990s and were the subject of a Channel 4 TV documentary in 2001. With the split, bookies are taking bets on OASIS reforming – possibly for the Glastonbury festival this summer – when asked about that, big brother NOEL said the words “LED ZEPP, chance, more of” but not in that order (despite LIAM hoping otherwise) and, “My new solo album, Chasing Yesterday, will be out in March”

It seems like the planned WESTLIFE reunion is not ship-shape. At least one of the boys said he will rock the boat if BRIAN McFADDEN is included in the plans – he said members all agreed that when he left the band in 2004 that it was for good and there’s no going back on that decision despite the management wanting him in on the soon to be recorded album and tour.

2014 was a year and a half for 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER but the four were cut to a three-piece when MIKEY CLIFFORD lost his passport and had to be left home alone in New York while the others came to London for a prestigious pre-Christmas gig – will this year be as successful as 2014 for the Aussie youngsters? And what does this year hold in store for ONE DIRECTION? Once married, will ZAYN MALIK branch off in a different direction?

The biz is waiting with baited breath for the new ADELE offering, which was originally pencilled in for November. As we all know, the 25-year-old named her first two albums after her age at the time (19 and 21) but rumours suggest the new one could be entitled 26 or even 27 as she separates her time between the studio and looking after her young child. Apparently she has laid down enough demos for a double album but will not commit to the final takes.

Over the festive period, yours truly bumped into a fellow writer who was getting excited about LENNY KRAVITZ playing at the Starlite Festival this summer – the impression given was that the person in question has not heard anything since the heyday of the singer’s 1990s set list (even though 2004’s California is still in these eyes (and ears) one of his best ever songs) and obviously was not at the Hipódromo de Mijas gig in 2005.

ROCHELLE of THE SATURDAYS has a busy start to 2015, with the band recording their sixth album soon and she has also designed another fashion range, in addition to co-presenting a new BBC talent show Frank Sinatra: Our Way – on the way sometime this month.

The daughter of WHITNEY HOUSTON – BOBBI KRISTINA – is not happy that she was not chosen to play her late mother in the much anticipated TV biopic that will air in the US this month.

It’s directed by ANGELA BASSETT (who portrayed TINA TURNER in the film What's Love Got To Do With It) to mark the third anniversary of her death – it’s a month early so is another greatest hits package on the way?

Sticking with TV specials coming soon – the daughter of KURT COBAIN, FRANCES BEAN, is the Executive Producer of Montage Of Heck, the first fully authorised film about the NIRVANA frontman featuring lots of unseen footage – what’s the bet her hot-headed mother (COURTNEY LOVE) has already had a Montage Of Heck of her own as she was overlooked when the documentary was in production. If you didn’t already know, there is no love lost between mother and daughter. The latter now controls the publicity rights to the name and image of her late father after a California Superior Court ruled all in her favour.

At the time of writing all information was up-to-date

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trend BOOKS

Self Renewal

Harnessing Your Inner Strength in 2015

While the act of self-renewal certainly shouldn’t be limited to the first month of the year, the present is the perfect time to catch up on best-selling reads meant to help you build a newer, better you.

Marisa Cutillas brings you a few top suggestions:

SELF-RENEWAL: THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE INNOVATIVE SOCIETY BY JOHN W. GARDNER

This wonderful book by Stanford Professor, John W. Gardner was one of Amazon Editors’ Favourite Books of 2014. It is poignantly described by writer, Clark Kerr: “Gardner’s is not a ‘howto-do-it’ book for the conduct of modern society. It is something rarer these days and more basic: a ‘why-to-do-it’ book.” Gardner focuses on the importance of self-renewal of societies and of people; he taps into the essence of what makes us continue to grow and be creative, rather than fall into decay. He forays into the dynamics of change, discussing the usual obstacles that discourage us from taking bold leaps for mankind and the Planet.

THE MOTHER’S GUIDE TO SELFRENEWAL: HOW TO RECLAIM, REJUVENATE AND RE-BALANCE YOUR LIFE BY RENEE PETERSON

TRUDEAU

This is a beautiful book to accompany women in their first few months of motherhood.

Featuring gorgeous photography, entertaining stories and fun anecdotes, it explores the main issues that surround being a woman and a mother. It teaches women to reconnect with who they are, to manage their energy, ask for help, build a support system and view motherhood as a spiritual journey.

IF YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT ME, WHY AREN’T YOU DEAD YET? BY CYNTHIA HEIMEL

This cool read by Cynthia Heimel taps into many women’s insecurity about finding the right man; women, she notes, usually feel that unless they are perfect (in the looks or success department), they will not be able to attract Mr. Right. The author, however, argues that all you need to do to find him, is nothing. She notes that even if you have “greasy hair, spinach in your teeth, and your skirt inside out,” the right guy will still think you are worth your weight in gold. Now there’s a refreshing thought for all the perfectionists out there!

BODY RENEWAL: THE LOST ART OF SELFREPAIR BY JAY GLASER

Learn how to repair the everyday damage your body encounters, and to avoid chronic problems which pile up as the years go by.

Jay Glaser delves into a host of fascinating health issues, including the secrets of longevity, mastering the mind-body connection, improving the immune system, the importance of play and how to avoid digestive upset.

I’M TOO SEXY FOR MY VOLVO: A MOM’S GUIDE TO STAYING FABULOUS BY BETTY LONDERGAN

For many new mothers, the pressure to look good, stay at the top of their game and be the perfect mum, can be overwhelming. This great book steers clear of the heavy stuff, focusing on fun, practical suggestions for new mums. We love the tip on buying bracelets prior to your due date, since so many photographs of your baby are likely to feature your forearms/wrists!

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trend ELECTRONICS

Native Union Lightning Power Link Tassel: Fashion and technology converge in this cute key holder, with Micro USB and USB connectors. i www.amara.com

HOOP Bluetooth loudspeaker: This cute loudspeaker will stick to any wall in your home, providing a great sound experience without taking up any space. i www.design3000.de

Native Union Monocle Handset: This stylish device works as a speaker, speaker phone and handset all at once.

Offering optimal sound, daisy chain technology (hook it up to other monocles for louder sound) and a pick up / hang up button to take hands-free calls. i www.amara.com

Guitar memory stick by Wilko: This cute pen drive stores 2GB worth of data. i www.wilko.com

COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

Ring in the New Year

in Style

You may be using the same phone, smartphone or music device as last year, but these cool accessories will add a touch of novelty to your daily tasks.

Smartphone-Ladeakku Powerbank: Charge your phone in style with this colourful device. i www.design3000.de

Native Union Switch Portable Bluetooth Speaker: This gorgeous device includes three speakers for optimal sound, a mobile phone charger and up to 14 hours of music.i www.amara.com 26 / JANUARY 2015 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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T

When Jaguar introduced its F-Type roadster to the world in 2013, it was made clear that a closed version would quickly follow. Of course, the much-loved E-Type of the 1960s came in both versions and to my eyes, the coupé was always the better-looking car (though not the awkward and ungainly 2+2, which ruined the whole concept). Since Jaguar itself called the F-Type ‘the spiritual successor to the E-Type’, a follow-up closed car was obvious.

here will be a lot of discussion as to whether the new coupé looks better than its roadster stablemate because both are wonderfullystyled motor cars and it’s very much a matter of ‘six of one and half a dozen of the other.’ There’s nothing more delightful than driving a great sports car top-down on the right day, but for my money, coupé variants always have the edge for looks. I prefer the coupé because this particular body style has always been associated with great classics from the past built by Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo and other reputed manufacturers. Check out a Ferrari 250 GTO and you’ll see what I mean.

One glance at this new Jag will be enough to convince you that this car was styled in the classic tradition of long nose, stubby tail and sleek, sculptured lines. It’s a beautifully balanced design and it looks great from every angle. The big mesh opening in the nose lets in lots of air for the engine and is also a reminder of Jaguars of old. Two large ‘gills’ on either

side of the intake give the car a purposeful look and the headlights look like streamlined teardrops. It’s a pity that registration plates in many countries spoil the frontal aspect to some extent, but there’s not a lot can be done about that.

Years ago, serious sports car fans preferred coupés to convertibles because the bodywork was usually much stiffer and, consequently, handling was always a notch better than the ragtop. Today though, open cars are far more carefully designed from a structural standpoint and that maxim doesn’t apply the way it once did. Still, the coupé is a very rigid and rattle free car and handling might just be a little better than that of the roadster when pushed very hard. Another advantage is a powered rear hatch that reveals space for a couple of golf bags, though I’ll leave it to colleague David Wishart to confirm that.

One of the benefits of buying an F-Type Coupé is that you can opt for an ‘R’ version, which endows

the car with a 550-horsepower supercharged V-8.

This engine choice isn’t available with the roadster version. The F-Type R puts this car right into the Porsche 911 Turbo category. The basic powerplant is a 3.0-litre supercharged V-6.

All versions of both body styles use an 8-speed automatic transmission with manual override paddles on the chunky steering wheel. I was not that wild about the transmission shifter, which seemed a little vague and easy to accidentally nudge out of position. I prefer the excellent rotary shift knobs on other Jaguars, but I suppose the company felt a sports car should have a console-mounted lever.

One of the great things about the F-Type is the fact that you can choose a more throaty exhaust note using a button on the console. Go and find a tunnel, roll down the windows, step on the accelerator and you’ll get the idea! Even without any boosting, this is one of the best-sounding sports cars you’ll ever drive.

WORDS TONY WHITNEY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JAGUAR

THE 2015 JAGUAR

F-TYPE COUPÉ

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Discussing the shift lever brings us to this Jaguar’s interior, which is a joy to behold and even better when you get behind the wheel. There’s no pretence about this being anything but a two-seater, so once you climb in, there’s lots of headroom and shoulder space for the two occupants.

Everything is easy to reach, though it will take an owner a while to get used to the rather complex array of instruments and controls. The seats are so body-hugging that there’s no chance of you sliding around during hard cornering. They’re comfortable too and I can testify to this, having done several lengthy drives in these great cars now.

Many enthusiasts are saying that this is the best sports car Jaguar has ever built and it’s certainly a claim that could easily be argued. Like all of today’s Jaguar range, it’s beautifully built and finished and certainly compares well with anything from Germany or Italy where most rivals seem to come from. And right from its humble beginnings many decades ago, Jaguar always aimed to provide exceptional value for money in every model. The F-Type Coupé is very keenly priced and though the car can get expensive when the top model is well optioned, at the entry level you still get a wonderful car with performance to match its looks. For many buyers, that will be all they really need.

Z ENGINE: 3.0-litre V-6 or 5.0-litre V-8, both supercharged.

Z TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic with manual override.

Z ACCELERATION: Zero to 100 km/h in under 4.5-seconds (R version).

Z TOP SPEED: 300 km/h (electronically limited).

Z I LIKED: This a great looking sports car by any standards.

Very few sports coupés are as enjoyable to drive, regardless of price. Everything from the cockpit ambiance to the exhaust note makes this Jaguar something special – and the pricing is very competitive.

Handling is outstanding and thus the car is enormous fun to drive hard.

Z I DIDN’T LIKE: Not much not to like, but some buyers will bemoan the lack of a manual gearbox option. The gear selection lever isn’t the best around and many might prefer Jaguar’s rotary dial system used on other models.

Z MARKET ALTERNATIVES: Porsche 911 and Cayman, Alfa Romeo 4C, Audi R8, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Maserati Granturismo.

Z WHO DRIVES ONE? Lovers of Jaguar products who might find this one of the best Jags ever built. Buyers who want a sports car with exceptional performance at a reasonable price. Enthusiasts who may never have bought a Jaguar and are disenchanted by the pricing of some rivals with less performance.

Z PRICE AND AVAILABILITY: Available now from €77.220 to €119.070.

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CULTURE / HISTORY / FEATURES

focus FAMOUS PEOPLE / INTERVIEWS / HUMOUR

The New Year is always a time to reflect on the year gone by and to make the necessary changes for a better, happier life. In this edition, we suggest the Best Places to Live and Work if you’re considering a move, we present some of the craziest Health Kicks and Fad Diets of all time, and we invite readers to learn more about pop sensation, James Blunt, Miss World Málaga, Adriana Sánchez Rivas, and trendy milliner from Málaga, Laura Olea.

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Best Places to Live and Work

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Crazy Health Kicks and Fad Diets

40

James Blunt

42

Adriana Sánchez Rivas

44

Laura Olea – Hat Designer

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THE FOCUS

Doha, Qatar

IN SEARCH OF THE

BEST PLACE TO WORK AND LIVE WORDS MICHEL CRUZ

‘

New year, new opportunities’, or so the saying goes. But what happens when you do wake up in January, push all the clichéd resolutions aside and decide that the time has come to carpe diem, so to speak, and pursue that career you believe is within your capabilities?

Well, a lot depends on your age, your education and experience, but also on external factors such as where you live, the economic cycle you find yourself in and the field in which you seek to pursue career opportunities.

Most important of all are your own drive

and perseverance – how much you want this – but even that may not amount to much if you find yourself in the midst of a depressed region. You may therefore have to move, retrain, learn new languages and be altogether flexible to become that ‘new you’ with the upwardly mobile career.

Luanda, Angola

In case you wanted to use the New Year to broaden your horizons and see where your career opportunities could take you, we’ve had a look at the best places to find work, do business, live, and enjoy an optimal work-life balance in affordable surroundings…

© Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock.com

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Shanghai, China Dubai, U.A.E.

Best places to find work So where to look? Traditionally, you would move within your country or continent, breaking out of these geographical confines only if ready to make an almost lifelong and certainly life-changing commitment to emigrate for good. Moving to places such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the US and Brazil required a rather painful severance of ties with families and friends back home, but today the playing field has changed considerably.

An increasingly global world makes it not only easier to communicate on a daily basis with loved ones across the planet, follow your local football team and even mail order those things that used to make immigrants dreadfully homesick, but it’s accelerating pace and cycles also mean you needn’t move for good.

Where being posted to different cities around the world for a few years at a time was once the preserve of those who worked for multinationals, it now is something clever career planners could decide for themselves.

My advice to young people would be to add languages such as Mandarin, Russian and Arabic alongside classic European ones, and many are doing just that.

Preparing yourself in this way opens up a range of opportunities

for work in many of the world’s most vibrant economic – and career – hotspots. However, it might be a tough task for those who are already working and have most of their formal training behind them; it would be highly beneficial to take night classes in Chinese, but assuming you’re not ready to postpone your career drive until you reach spoken and written fluency, there has to be another way.

The first step is to analyse your skills, both innate and in terms of education and experience. Armed with the knowledge that you are, in fact, a highly accomplished individual in the field of electronics, finance, marketing, journalism or a plethora of other possibilities, you should then look at those spots that offer the best prospects for finding suitable employment.

There are many lists you can Google, but if you’re really looking to emerge from your comfort zone and enter a boomtown in all its pioneering glory, some of the best options available to skilled expatriate workers are the following: Z 1 LUANDA, ANGOLA Z 2 DOHA, QATAR Z 3 DUBAI, U.A.E. Z 4 SHANGHAI, CHINA Z 5 HONG KONG Z 6 SINGAPORE

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The setback is that you cannot just wander into these countries and take up residence at your leisure, so you will need to have a job sewn up before making the move. While offering fantastic opportunities in finance and technology, the main route to a job in Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai is through large corporations – yet you should greatly increase your chances with them by not limiting yourself to more conventional postings in Europe, North America and Australia.

Much of the same applies to Dubai and Doha, though sharing some similarities with Marbella (albeit on a far greater scale), these rising business entrepôts also offer career opportunities with smaller, more informal companies.

Naturally, starting up for yourself is always tempting, especially if you see a niche, but it would always be wise to first learn how things work and the best way of doing this is working for someone else.

With an economy currently buoyed by oil production, Angola’s capital Luanda is positively booming. It too has a great need for skilled people, though this is very much a rough-and-ready boomtown best suited to those who already know their way around the world. If you want to pursue your dreams within Europe’s slightly more limited confines, there are of course many opportunities in cities such as London, Zurich, Geneva and Frankfurt, but here the playing field is more level and the competition intense, so it will take that much more tenacity and commitment.

Zurich Cost of living Now we’ve hit a bit of a snag. Assuming you’re career chances look good and the pay makes your mouth water, so far, so good – but before you dance around the room and start booking your ticket there are some more things to bear in mind. A vital one among these is the cost of living. You see, booming cities with good job opportunities also have the nasty habit of being very expensive, so while your prospective remuneration may look good it could suddenly go flat once you’ve factored in all those expenses that make up your cost of living.

Think of taxes and social contributions, rent or house prices, travel costs and other important factors such as food, clothes, utilities, leisure and indeed inflation. Big cities are fast-paced and expensive, and while you may not feel the need to keep up with the Joneses there are certain

representational costs involved with most career opportunities. Blending the various lists of the most expensive cities in the world, we see some familiar names: Z 1 TOKYO, JAPAN Z 2 LUANDA, ANGOLA Z 3 MOSCOW, RUSSIA Z 4 ZURICH & GENEVA, SWITZERLAND Z 5 SINGAPORE Z 6 HONG KONG Not only are Switzerland, Singapore and Hong Kong expensive places in which to establish yourself, but even Luanda has fought its way up to the top of the list. This would make it difficult to gain significant financial traction and save while working very hard to further your career. It would take a very dedicated and preferably young person to make such a sacrifice and focus on the longer term.

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The best of both

Vancouver, Canada Quality of life At the end of the day, such a momentous move cannot be about money alone. You do not leave home to be miserable thousands of miles away, so quality of life, safety and communication facilities are also factors for consideration. Shanghai, for instance, might offer good employment prospects for the right person, but at the cost of living in an environment with heavy pollution, limited personal freedom and not much chance to let off steam as we are accustomed to do in the West.

Dubai and Doha are not as far away, but though rich in every material amenity and famous for the quality of their services – which is particularly true of Dubai – expatriates may not always find it easy to live within the confines of a regime and culture that differs greatly from their own. This can also extend itself to the climate and landscapes that are largely devoid of natural features, though have many manmade amenities to compensate.

Look at the best places to live, as described by the Top-10 lists, and you will see that Australia, New Zealand, Canada,

Switzerland and Austria rank very highly. The Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands also do very well in so-called ‘happiness indices’, but best cities are defined not only by political freedom and transparency, safety, social equality, educational facilities, medical care and transport amenities, but also by factors such as climate, natural environment, cultural offer, leisure opportunities and economic situation.

If it were up to this list, we would all head for the likes of Auckland, Toronto, Vancouver, Melbourne and Adelaide, but life isn’t quite that simple. Firstly, one man’s Elysian Field is another man’s Siberian outpost, but one must also consider the rueful fact that the nicest places are not always the ones where you’re most likely to find a job. Take Brazil: In this booming BRIC country you would probably choose to live in sexy Rio de Janeiro, close to such icons as Ipanema and the Copacabana, but even if you spoke fluent Portuguese your best chances for a job would be in the more industrial surroundings of São Paulo or a dusty mining town.

If you are demanding enough to want to pursue a choice career and live in a beautiful setting, your options will naturally be more limited. Or will they?

Looking at the now-famous lists compiled by the likes of PriceWaterhouseCooper, the spots that stand out for optimal career-lifestyle combinations include Sydney, Vancouver, Toronto and Vienna.

These are places of work that also happen to offer a great lifestyle where the living is not cheap but largely matched by the salaries offered.

But as we’ve realised by now, life usually doesn’t revolve around pointing to a spot on a map and booking a flight. Most of us are simply not that flexible and unattached to our surroundings, so we have to find compromises that balance our needs and requirements as well as possible. On a practical level this means that we might actually realise our aspirations closer to home – say in London, Stockholm, Paris or indeed Marbella – and not always in the manner we had originally envisaged.

There are too many successful accountants, lawyers, mathematicians and so-called school dropouts who have found their metier in something completely different, be it real estate, design, retail, e-commerce or financial services, for us to hold on too tight to career plans that are gradually gathering dust. The question we must ask is if those dreams are still relevant, or if fate might actually have opened a different path to personal fulfilment, be it through work, family, relationships, or indeed the attainment of success in career and material terms. Whatever the answer is for you, the important thing is not so much to be haunted by old goals and feel compelled to move across the globe in search of them, as to ensure that the potential that you can attain does not go unfulfilled – sometimes the solution lies much closer to home than you might have thought. e

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a n e iv

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L

THE FOCUS diets

Let Diet

Whether you’ll be slugging down a beaker of bentonite clay for breakfast this January, or digging out your grandad’s gas mask for a more heightened hypoxic workout, you won’t be alone. New Year is the season for daft diets and fitness fads and 2015 looks like being another vintage year, as Belinda Beckett reports.

‘

Eat! Eat! Eat! & Always Stay Thin’, reads an advertisement for weight-loss pills in an American newspaper published 100 years ago this month. It sounds like every dieter’s dream until you discover that the ‘miracle pills’ contained the eggs of ‘Sanitized Tape Worms’.

Happily, few Edwardian women could stomach the idea of a 30-foot parasitic worm taking up residence in their intestines and plumped for corsets.

But are the 21st century’s crop of fad diets any less daft? Maybe not, when one of the latest crazes calls for drinking a substance used in cat litter.

The Clay Cleanse involves taking bentonite clay tablets (or powder), a volcanic ash mined in the US and China that swells in the stomach to curb hunger pangs. It helped actress Zoe Kravitz to drop 20lb for a movie role as an anorexic in The Road Within, but left her “feeling awful”. Model Elle McPherson and American actress Shailene Woodley are among other ‘Claylisters’ who’ve tried the grey gloop.

In fitness too, grey is the new black. New York personal trainer Kristen James hit the best-sellers list with her sexercise manual, 50 Shapes,, inspired by the ‘moves’ performed by the protagonists in Fifty Shades of Grey.. “People weren’t talking about what the lead characters were getting up to but how they were doing it and all I would hear was, ‘Are you kidding me? How did she bend over like that?’” says James, who coined the Lusty Lunge, the Seductive Squat and the Dirty Diamond to improve performance in the boudoir.

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The BIG Issue In a world where ‘globesity’ is the new malnutrition and a supermodel body the Holy Grail, diet and fitness gurus are quite literally ‘living off the fat of the land’. One in three of us will try out at least one new diet or fitness regime this year; one in 20 of us will try six!

A study this summer revealed that the average British adult spends a staggering £798.48 a year on health foods, diet books, exercise classes, gym memberships, sports clothes and equipment. Within a few weeks, most will relegate the costly cross-trainer to

the basement (hands up if you use yours as an indoor clothes dryer) and reacquaint themselves with chocolate. It’s commercial bulimia, by any other name, repeating itself in a ‘voracious circle’. ”With so many fad diets and fitness crazes promising quick or amazing results, it’s easy to see how people want to give them a go,” commented a spokesman for British Lion Eggs, which commissioned the research. “But parting with such a large amount of money on schemes that ultimately only last a few weeks,

or even less in some cases, isn’t the best way to go about it.”

According to the World Health Organisation, worldwide obesity – defined as having a body mass index of more than 30 – has nearly doubled since 1980. Almost 70 per cent of American adults are either obese or overweight, a primary risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes. In Britain, a government health study predicts 60 per cent of men, 50 per cent of women and 25 per cent of children will be obese by 2050.

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An Expanding Market Further proof that the market is expanding at the rate of our waistlines comes from Amazon.

Key in ‘health, fitness and diet books’ and some 87,000 titles will be thrown back at you, with more coming next week! Among this slimming season’s bumper crop is the Eat Bacon, Don’t Jog diet (a dig at diet gurus who died in poor health) and The Wild Wisdom of Weeds (how to forage for and cook them), whose author Katrina Blair had a ‘life-changing experience’ when wild plants ‘spoke to her, beckoning her to become a champion of their cause’...

Then there’s the book that was on every fad dieter’s Santa list this season: The Bulletproof Diet, by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Dave Aspey.

Aspey spent 15 years and over $300,000 hacking his own biology to lose 100lbs on a high-fat diet, without having to count calories or exercise excessively. Along with sharing the secrets to that, the book promises side-effects of a higher IQ, a lower biological age and less stress.

Before you rush out and buy it, take note that Aspey is the same man who claimed a eureka moment at the top of Mount Kailash in Tibet, when he was rejuvenated by a cup of coffee whitened with yak butter. Her claims that substituting grass-fed butter for milk in our morning brew can have “a massive effect on cognitive function”.

To be used with his own trademark (expensive) Bulletproof Coffee brand, of course! Hmm. At least it’s probably more palatable than snake oil.

Hollywood Hype Whether you count calories or cut carbs, go high fibre or low fat, monitor your glycemic index, become a martyr to macrobiotics or simply have your jaws wired together, it often depends on the foibles of your favourite celebrity.

Beyoncé started the Hollywood craze for the Master Cleanse, now back in vogue, to drop 20 pounds for Dreamgirls. Also known as the Lemonade Diet, you ingest a concoction of water, lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper sixto-12 times a day, for 10 days. If you’re still hungry, you can ‘treat’ yourself to a salt-water flush in the morning and a herbal laxative tea at night. Beyoncé said it made her “evil”. You’d feel that way too, after all those trips to the loo.

Meanwhile, Miley Cyrus and Megan Fox have been returning to their Stone Age roots with the Paleo Diet, featuring hunter-gatherer fare: fruit, veg, nuts, seeds and protein staples. Anyone for bison carpaccio?

Renee Zellweger sucked ice cubes, Reese Witherspoon spoon-fed herself jars of baby food and for Christina Aguilera it was the 7-Day Colour Diet: red food one day, greens the next, a rainbow (trout?) on your treat day. Sex and the City siren Kim Cattral swallowed salmon on the Perricone Diet (aka the ‘fish facelift’ due to salmon’s anti-ageing omega-3 content). Lady Gaga’s Drunk Diet was just plain gaga, although her ex, Lüc Carl, made a mint from the book.

And who in Hollywood hasn’t been on the Cookie Diet? Probably everyone except Kim Kardashian, who was accused of sabotage when she Tweeted that it was “unhealthy” while promoting a rival regime. The Cookie Diet isn’t rocket science: on six cookies and one 300-calorie meal per day, who’s NOT going to lose weight? Ditto the Five-Bite Diet.

Skip breakfast and eat whatever you like for lunch and dinner, but only five bites of it. Open wide…

Beyoncé: © DFree / Shutterstock.com Miley and Christina: © s_bukley / Shutterstock.com Renee: © Everett Collection / Shutterstock.com Reese: © Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com

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Wacky Workouts

Wishful Shrinking

Z KARAOKE YOGA Down dog while belting out a Gloria Gaynor number. You will survive, promises Personal Trainer Jennifer Pastiloff: “It’s not about alignment; it’s about connecting to your joy.” She’s from L.A., of course.

Z SAUNA SUITS Connect with your inner Michelin man in a rubber or vinyl suit during your workout. You’ll squeak like a whoopee cushion but no pain, no gain.

Z STILETTO CALISTHENICS Trash the Nikes and don your best Jimmy Choos for a high-heel workout. You’ll improve balance, tone legs and strengthen core muscles although you could also shorten your Achilles tendons and fall flat on your face.

Z RETRO RUNNING Also called ‘gninnur’ – running spelled backwards – what began as a

One of the craziest diets of recent times is the KEN (Ketogenic Enteral Nutrition), aka the Wedding Dress Diet as it’s popular with brides hoping to squeeze into a Size 8 gown. It involves eating nothing at all. Instead, for ten days, a patented liquid formula of protein and nutrients is dripped in via a plastic nasal tube. Offered by clinics under medical supervision, How body fat is burned off more rapidly fad through a process known as fitness adds g ketosis. The fact that dieters spendin ritain B have to walk around intubated, up in PER YEAuiRpment carrying an electric pump eq H Spor ts/gym 3 PER MONfoTod £27.47 and two litres daily supply £39.9 t fa s per year Healthy/low classes of liquid, is not the least of Fitness DVD Exercise 43 0 5. £ .2 12 £ ) its drawbacks. Side effects et (2 a month p £10.30 lls/herbal di rshi Slimming pi ts £10.56 include dizziness, bad breath Gym membe ons/weight en m supple ipti Diet subscr ps £6.55 and constipation... and can loss grou 36 5. .48 and drink £ going out in public wearing a TOTAL: £798 Spor ts food 8 8 1.

6 £ nose drip ever be considered a TOTAL: Lion Eggs d by British e d good look? vi ro p Data As most of the above diets should be taken with an unhealthily large pinch of salt, you could do worse than follow the advice of U.S. News, which posts an annual Z GAS MASK TRAINING As your ranking of the most popular diets. The DASH (Dietary great granddad will confirm, Approaches to Stop Hypertension) snagged this year’s exercising in a gas mask restricts top spot. Although initially developed to fight high blood oxygen intake, resulting in a ‘seeing pressure, the panel of experts gave it high marks for its stars’ effect. Exponents claim it has nutritional completeness, safety and ability to prevent cardio benefits and boosts lung or control diabetes. It emphasises fruits, veggies, whole capacity. Detractors say it’s like grains, lean protein, low-fat dairy and hold the sugar, so being strangled. And, of nothing new there. course, you’ll look stupid. e But in another trial by medics in Canada last autumn, significant weight loss resulted from any lowcarb, low-fat diet. In which case it seems simpler (and cheaper) to forget the latest fads and invent your own low-carb, low-fat regime. The Save ££ while you Lose lbs Diet? There could be a book in that!

therapy for hamstring injuries is now being proposed as an Olympic sport. Said to be ‘fun’ and an antidote to strain from conventional running, the risks include tripping, falling and spraining your neck.

Z THE THIGHMASTER Two pieces of metal tube bent in a loop, connected with a hinge that you squeeze between your legs to tone thighs. Be careful it doesn’t pop out, fly across the room and knock the dog unconscious.

Z THE SHAKE WEIGHT UPPER BODY WORKOUT A phallicshaped dumbbell with a thrusting action so hilariously suggestive, the infomercial clips went viral on YouTube.

And with $40 million in sales, the manufacturers are laughing too.

Z EAT YOURSELF SLIM… while you stuff your face at the dinner table with the 1.5-pound Knife and Fork Lift. It’s a bicep and tricep-toning workout in a weighted cutlery set that makes every forkful a trial of strength.

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THE FOCUS people

Though he has sold millions of albums across the globe, James Blunt divides opinion like few others. Is he as annoying as some claim or does this unusual and multifaceted artist stray just a little too far from the stereotypical norm expected of pop stars?

H

aving rocketed to fame with the hit singles You’re Beautiful and Goodbye My Lover from his debut album Back to Bedlam, James Blunt briefly basked in the glory of critical and chart success before a smear campaign began to catch on with the more easily led members of the public and he was officially declared un-cool and undesirable by the fashion police. What followed was a rare case of pop star victimisation.

Few pop stars have received as much abuse as James Blunt, yet he also has a loyal following that stretches around the world, hence the comparison with Marmite. The fact that most of his detractors are to be found in the UK, where lower forms of celebrity life such as TOWIE, One Direction and every other manufactured instant celebrity are worshipped with religious zeal is particularly interesting.

It seems to indicate that the criticism is not based on a question of talent or even musical tastes, but says more about a society keen to shoot down someone because he is perceived to be posh. Of course, this is not a unique incident of reverse class discrimination but, in James Blunt’s case, you feel it is enhanced by the fact that he doesn’t fit the comfortably conventional picture of a self-destructive, dysfunctional pop star.

James Blunt Mister Marmite

WORDS Michel cruz

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Not an ordinary pop star Most of us know that he was in the army before he became a pop star. This already makes him different, and forms the starting point for a great many myths and urban legends about the man, but in reality the graduate of Sandhurst also holds a degree in sociology from the University of Bristol.

Yes he is rather posh, coming from a military family with a long line of service, but James Blunt cannot be summed up simply as a toffee-nosed Sloane who spent a while in the forces.

In many ways he is an enigma, far more complex and contradictory than the tabloids and Twitter attacks would have you believe.

Not only did he famously serve with the Life Guards’ cavalry regiment in Kosovo, leaving after six years with the rank of captain, but Blunt is also a patron of Help for Heroes and an active supporter of Médecins Sans Frontières, an organisation of doctors, medics and nurses who risk their lives to provide first-class medical care in strife-torn regions of the world.

His military service saw him join the Household Cavalry alpine ski team, where he became the star athlete and eventually overall champion of the Royal Armoured Corps. To this day, he hits the slopes of Verbier, not just content to race down the official pistes but occasionally dropping out of helicopters to explore a tougher downhill challenge. Versed in languages, horse riding and even reliability, Blunt is indeed not your typical bad-boy pop idol. While some regard this as refreshing others seem to be threatened by it, and yet he’s not exactly a choirboy either.

Not averse to drink, parties and above all women, he is no stranger to the club scene

and seems as happy rubbing shoulders with the showbiz jet set as he is drinking with strangers in dingy bars or hanging out in the seclusion of his Ibiza finca. His voice may be posh but in many ways he is more approachable and in everyday ‘normal’ life than many of the celebrated stars on whose lips we hang. From going for cycle tours while touring cities to cruising on motorbikes and strapping his guitar to his tank in Kosovo, James Blunt’s behaviour is a hard one to pin down.

That guitar was used to provide entertainment for himself, his fellow soldiers and also refugees in camps and hospitals, a coping mechanism from which came the song No Bravery and ultimately a successful musical career. Alternating between playing the fool on talk shows, appearing a thoroughly civilised chap (for a pop star) and stage diving into the crowd at concerts, the lasting impression is of someone who tries not to take himself too seriously and retains a boyish streak about him.

as a popular artist. For the latter hit, Blunt choose the scorched fields of Mijas to shoot a video centred upon the theme of rebirth and second beginnings. The critics who, for so long, had the upper hand in their strange hate campaign appear to be losing ground to an artist whose commercial success (over 20 million copies sold) was never in doubt, and whose very unusual pop star appeal also ensures he is not merely another celebrity, but a personality. e

Back on top For several years the anti-hype around him reached a peak and radio stations responded by ‘banning’ his music in a bizarre back to the future scenario of suitability censorship. For a while he became better known for his witty responses to his Twitter detractors, but 2014 seems to have been the comeback year for James Blunt. Not only did he get married to Sofia Wellesley (yes, related to Wellington) in Mallorca this September, but his fourth and latest album Moon Landing raced up the charts.

A spate of invitations to primetime talk shows and positive reviews of the album and its first single releases, Bonfire Heart and When I Find Love Again,, have seen him reclaim his status

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THE FOCUS people

Adriana

Sánchez Rivas

MISS WORLD MÁLAGA

Adriana Sánchez Rivas walks Magazine into and all heads turn, though the statuesque beauty hardly seems to take notice. Standing on vertiginous heels, her naturally long, sleek hair tied back in a ponytail, she smiles graciously and begins to knock down pre-established notions of what a beauty queen is, from the moment she utters her first words.

PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

A

driana, aged 23, nabbed the Miss World Málaga title a few months back, not simply owing to her spectacular looks, but also to her intellectual pursuits. The young beauty was actually spotted by a headhunter from Más Que Modelos (the savvy agency responsible for finding and training candidates for Miss World and Miss Universe), when she was walking through the city centre after a tough set of exams.

“In the Miss Universe pageant, the judges look mainly for curvaceous bombshell types, while Miss World is more interested in the educational qualifications of candidates,” says Humberto Hernández, Director of Más Que Modelos. Adriana is a University-trained Philologist who has completed a Masters thesis and is considering commencing work on her Doctorate. She also holds a black belt in karate (first dan). In the Talent section of the Miss World

contest, she wowed the judges with a stunning karate demonstration performed to music. To mark the special occasion, her brother, a Spanish national champion, lent her his weighty karategi uniform, which makes beautiful swishing sounds as its wearer completes different movements.” Like her brother, Adriana takes part in competitions, smiling as she acknowledges, “My height certainly gives me an advantage when I’m up against adversaries.”

As one might expect from a Philology graduate, Adriana speaks English perfectly, and she delights in talking about her favourite authors: “Dickens and J.K. Rowling would have to be my favourites,” she muses. “Harry Potter is a veritable metaphor for life; it delves into the nature of all the systems that govern us: politics, education, economics, and presents issues like racism in a way which children and adults

alike can grasp.” She is also keen on literature about African slavery in America. In addition to her studies, Adriana honed her English skills in Newcastle, where she lived for six months with American and French flatmates. Adriana has also studied French and Italian, making her an ideal candidate to represent Spain before the world.

Part of her candidacy to the Miss World Title included a social project; Adriana chose to teach English to children with cancer who were staying at the Materno Hospital.

“When children are hospitalised for a period, they can fall behind in their studies so it is important to give them a helping hand to make the back-to-school transition easier.” I ask her if working at the hospital ever affected her spirits; she answers, “Thankfully, the doctors said that around 90 per cent of children successfully battle cancer so there are many positive stories to

tell.” Adriana also accompanied the children to fun excursions (“We went dolphin watching in the high seas”) and worked as a volunteer at charity shops for the children.

Adriana is the type of young woman that would make any country proud. It’s not just her achievements that make her shine, it’s the empathy and joie de vivre that come from within, that most stand out. She is incredibly easy to talk to and, dare I say, so intelligent one could imagine chatting with her for hours about literature, history or philosophy. Humberto tells me that he is hoping to convince Adriana to compete in the Miss Universe pageant: “I don’t think we’ll ever find a better candidate than her,” he says. Certainly, if beauty is a concept which embraces physical, mental and spiritual ideals, Adriana is the ideal world representative. i www.masquemodelos.es

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

Built: 635 m² Plot: 5.005 m² Price: €2.950.000

MARBELLA CLUB GOLF RESORT A rustic style 5 bedroom villa offering spectacular views over the coast, the mountains and the Mediterranean. South facing, garden with corks and pine, large heated swimming pool, with a lot of privacy. Settled within the Marbella Club Golf with 24hrs security. Only 10 minutes from all amenities. Ref R1921386

ED UC E! D C RE PRI

Built: 610 m² Plot: 2.960 m² Price: €1.790.000

MARBELLA HILL CLUB Charming, rustic-style villa with 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. A big plot including 2 guest houses. Stunning views over the coast and only 5 minutes to Marbella centre. Ref R732061

Built: 428 m² Plot: 2.853 m² Price: €2.450.000

MONTE MAYOR COUNTRY CLUB A unique brand new villa in Monte Mayor Country Club. 6 bedrooms, very modern, open plan design and south facing with spectacular panoramic mountain and sea views. Ref R1921242

ED C E! U D C RE PRI

Built: 376 m² Plot: 400 m² Price: €3.500.000

THE GOLDEN MILE Beachside 4 bedroom villa, close to the prestigious Hotel Puente Romano. One step away from the beach with magnificent sea views and private garden. Swimming pool on the top terrace. Ref R1966866

Built: 363 m² Plot: 5.800 m² Price: €1.225.000

ATALAYA ALTA Modern contemporary villa with 4 bedrooms. The house is totally renovated into a modern style.

Garden with large pool and fruit trees offers a lot of privacy, only 5 minutes’ drive to Puerto Banús. Ref R1955162

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THE FOCUS people

Where Artistry Meets Entrepreneurship

LAURA OLEA, HAT DE S

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In the UK, most women with an eye for fashion simply can’t wait for the next occasion when they can show off a new hat. Be it with a view to capturing the limelight at Ascot or simple walking down the High Street with a wooly fedora in winter time, hats mark a women with style.

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

I

E SIGNER

n Spain, and in Málaga in particular, we are only just beginning to discover the immense degree to which a hat can beautify the face and add elegance and/or an avante-garde touch, to even the most casual outfit. Groundbreaking designers like Málaga-born Laura Olea, however, are always a step ahead – or in this case – a whole decade ahead.

In 2004, Laura Olea first became a milliner, after completing a course in Madrid. Her fascination with hats, however, commenced long before that, when someone very special to her was about to celebrate a wedding: her sister, Marta.

“The wedding was to be held at midday, which was very unusual back then. Until very recently, most people in Spain would celebrate their wedding in the evening. The event warranted very special hats that would complement our dresses… this inspired me to try my hand at creating the perfect fit for the women in my family.”

Laura was also hugely inspired by her period at the Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design in London, where she studied, of all things, computers! “It was at Saint Martins that I realised that it was indeed possible to make a living from one’s creativity. I was in awe of all the artistry I saw around me and I was compelled to find my own niche in the world of art and design.” Laura has also studied photography, possessing an eye for detail in everything from her logo to the choice of studio, located in what is arguably Málaga’s most coveted office space: Calle Larios, in a building with an imposing, centuries-old wooden door, a winding marble staircase, lofty ceilings and an enviable view. Here, she and her hardworking team cut, shape and colour each hat by hand for discerning clients.

Before opening her studio, Laura was working as a successful marketer in a television station in Barcelona. She founded her Málaga studio with the help of her mother, who was a cinch at sewing.

“At the time I opened the studio, it was considered a bit of an odd choice for a business but within no time at all, I had people queuing up the steps to our door.” Laura opened a shop in Córdoba as well, since hats are big in the south and the ladies are used to dressing to the nines for weddings.

“Many women bring me a piece of cloth from a dress, so I can recreate the exact tone in a hat.”

Laura notices a big change in the way hats are viewed: “In the past, bespoke hats were mainly demanded by the mother or sisters of the bride, but now, women are embracing every opportunity to show a bit of glamour.”

Laura’s studio is a veritable dream for lovers of fine millinery: hats of all shapes and sizes adorn the shelves, and every drawer contains valuable hand-made flowers, feathers and metal details from countries like France or Germany. “I travel to Paris twice every year to view current trends and to purchase things like wooden moulds and materials for the hats. I buy small numbers of each accessory to ensure each hat is 100 per cent unique.”

In addition to hats, Laura designs colourful belts and has recently expanded into the world of bags. “All our bags are made with leather from Ubrique and unlike designer hats, bags and belts can easily be placed in other fashion boutiques, which extends our period of production. By Christmas time, we will be selling the bags in two or three boutiques in Marbella.”

Laura notes that while the peak season for hat making is in the months leading up to weddings, belts and bags are popular all-year-round.

However, she find that designing bags is a little like stepping through a wardrobe into Narnia: “Leather has such a unique texture that learning to work it is a real art.” In addition to servicing individual clients, Laura and the team have also created items for film and television projects, as well as for companies seeking to find a perfect look for their employees.

Laura’s ascent is testimony to the value of heeding one’s inner calling; her big dreams gave rise to the artist that she is today, a designer whose products are featured in Hola Magazine and whose regular client base includes the woman who is arguably Spain’s most revered fashion icon: Naty Abascal. Laura’s studio is a place created for the woman who dances to her own rhythm and who isn’t afraid to turn heads at the swishest of affairs. g www.lauraolea.com

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style

INTERIORS / ARCHITECTURE / ART / DESIGN

Immerse yourself in the lap of luxury in a dream villa at La Zagaleta, view some of Roche Bobois’ trendy accessories, check out elegant fashions by Bailly Bijoux, modelled by Adriana Sánchez Rivas, and read up on the latest news from the fashion scene.

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Décor: A Stunning Villa in La Zagaleta

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Décor News – Roche Bobois

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Fashion: Bailly Bijoux

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THE STYLE decor

Marbella Dreaming WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF PANORAMA

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We’ve all heard about California Dreaming – but a sumptuous contemporary villa like this represents a Marbella dream come true.

S

peak to any good architect, real estate agent or interior designer and they will tell you that a beautiful property is far more than the sum of its elements. More indeed than just fine masonry, landscaped gardens, beautiful materials and a long list of amenities – more even than a home, its quality lies in the lifestyle it not only makes possible but actually conjures up.

In the foothills of the exclusive private country club of La Zagaleta – one of the most select of its kind in Europe – lies a modern estate that represents the very best Marbella has to offer. Set on a hectare of land, it is surrounded by manicured private grounds that create a personal park-like setting framing open views to the Mediterranean Sea. In classic Marbella tradition, these stretch all the way across to the shores of North Africa, at the

point where they almost touch Gibraltar at Europe’s southern end.

To call this six-suite villa encompassing 1,150m2 of built space a mansion is no exaggeration, and in truth it is an impression that is formed as soon as you pull up before the property’s imposing portico, which blends Neoclassical overtones into its contemporary architecture. Doing so at dusk or in the evening, as the entrance is bathed in soft lighting, is even more impressive – and makes you eager to find out what lies within.

Quite apart from aesthetic issues, good design is also reflected by proportions that please the eye and are in balance with their surroundings – in this case spacious, landscaped grounds whose palm trees and Mediterranean flora evoke the privileged setting of the villa. Inside, luxurious modern

materials such as large stone tiles, chrome railings and fine leather harmonise with touches of solid wood, soft-toned walls and large-fronted glass windows that invite panoramic views into the home.

Together with uncluttered, open-plan rooms that flow into one another and a clean design language, the effect is modern and refined with classical undertones of elegance. From the moment you pass through the imposing front door, the eye is trained along a mesmerising perspective that runs through the villa and out past the expansive outside terrace down the right-angled swimming pool to where its outline merges with the horizon. Here turquoise meets the azure of the Mediterranean and the deep blue of Marbella skies.

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Creating a privileged lifestyle From the entrance hall – bathed in natural light – you step into a stylish yet welcoming living room that leads out on to the spacious terrace with its lounge and dining areas in a manner that allows for the merging of interior and outdoor living areas. It is an open flowing space where rooms are connected yet intimate and comfortable, creating areas you just want to spend time in. The main living room features a stunning modern fireplace set against a glass wall feature that resonates well with the stylish contemporary décor, velvet Fendi sofas and accompanying works of art.

Haute design and home comforts come together in this award-winning décor, which won its owners and creators the European Property Awards’ 2011 Best Residential Property Interior Spain. Having searched across the Marbella area for the kind of home that would embody their sense of style and the lifestyle they sought to enjoy, the owners found the answer in La Zagaleta – or more specifically, in the complete reconstruction of an older property in one of its finest locations. “The best plots are always the first to go, so it made sense to rebuild in this spot,” says the owner, who created the design for the home together with Marbella architect Marcos Sáinz.

Indeed, he had a largely level plot to work with, as well as a blank sheet on which he could create the kind of living environment that personifies contemporary style and sophistication while offering privacy, security and stunning panoramic views across the coastal region and the sea.

“In designing this villa, we wanted to steer away from traditional styles and layouts, yet also not create the archetypal square, white modern villa.”

Instead, he used soft tones to instil a warmer, more homely feel that adds solidity to the villa’s modern lines.

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SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE

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O N CE I N A L IF E TI ME

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SAVE EUR 1.349

AN G LO DI NI NG TAB LE Dark grey cement, truffle grey color legs, 140x140.

AM E RY C OR N E R S OFA Dark blue Dallas fabric, 3 pillows, chrome metal legs.

N I C E L OU N G ESET Cornersofa and coffee table. Nature/brown poly rattan.

EUR 799

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WE HAVE ALL ITEMS IN STOCK

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DELIVERY WITHIN 24 HOURS Oasis Business Center, Ctra. De Cรกdiz KM 183 Golden Mile, 29660 Marbella (Mรกlaga) Phone +34 952 772 139

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This is particularly true of the home’s central living area, where the main lounge leads on to a more informal sitting area with a Blue4HD multimedia system and bay windows whose light reflects off an Enzo Catellani sphere-shaped lamp. Directly connected to the open-plan Danespan kitchen with Gaggenau appliances – itself endowed with a dining area – the family room is also linked to the large covered terrace that, surrounded by manicured gardens, flows on to a stylish swimming pool bordered by an equally attractive chiringuito, as its creator describes it.

Here you can dine, relax and entertain in a style more akin to a beach club but with all the informal charm of your own private chiringuito beach bar – all the while spoiled for choice of views across the property to the verdant mountains rising up behind and the land that slopes down towards the Mediterranean shoreline. It is an imposing villa indeed, but also one designed as a comfortable home and, as its owner says, its value lies not so much in a standard checklist of amenities but in the creation of areas you simply want to spend time in. That, after all, is the definition of a true home.

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Contemporary pleasures The ground floor level furthermore features a large master bedroom suite with sumptuous bathroom and Jacuzzi, a stunning dressing area, fireplace and direct access to the pool and entertainment area. From this opulent place of private retreat – whose heated marble floors are a feature replicated throughout the property – you can step straight out into a landscaped area enveloped in greenery and views, where you will find not just a heated swimming pool but also an outdoor Jacuzzi and the stylish chill-out area mentioned above.

The décor is clean and uncluttered, the furniture pieces large, luxurious and comfortable – with soft leather sofas and chaises longues enhanced by ambient lighting and fine art details.

The private quarters on the first floor reveal a further four bedroom suites fitted with noble wooden floors, a study made for a gentleman and a welcoming private cinema room that marries fine comfort in glorious leather chairs with Imax spec audiovisual equipment and sound quality. It is merely a step up from the integrated music system and Domotics-operated entertainment equipment found throughout this 21st century mansion.

Two levels down you will find a beautifully equipped games room whose styling has more in common with a trendy Vodka bar than a mere children’s playroom or male den.

Rather than a room tucked away for occasional use, this multifunctional area is designed to bring the family together in one place, featuring tasteful sitting areas, a large bar, home cinema system, modern pool table and other entertainment pieces.

Close by are a fully equipped gym and a private spa with sauna, Turkish bath, massage room, showers and dressing area – all designed to create spaces in which you feel special. To such facilities are added a six-car garage, laundry room and a fully independent apartment that can be used as staff or guest accommodation, completing a villa with many classic Marbella lifestyle elements that are brought fully into the 21st century thanks to a design that is modern yet warm and homely.

“In many ways this villa is the culmination of other properties we have built, restored and decorated,” says the owner, “so it harmonises our experience, sense of aesthetics, the location, views and natural surroundings – and above all, what we consider to be the ideal Marbella lifestyle in which to enjoy indoor and outdoor living, and great home comforts in true style.” g The property is for sale with Panorama

Tel: (+34) 952 863 750. www.panorama.es

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THE STYLE decor

Style Inspirations for 2015 This month, we bring you a selection of beautiful furniture and dĂŠcor items, courtesy of the brand you can always count on to bring warmth and elegance to your home: Roche Bobois.

by Roche Bobois

Voyager Lamp

Merlin Mirror

Loop Chair Mistic Mirror

Edito Armchair

Achille Armchair

Sismic Tables

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Cages Dorees Ceiling Lamps

Londo

n Cu sh

ion

Les Pescadous Vases

Pupilla Cocktail Table

Radian Small Table

Kukka Lamp

i www.roche-bobois.com

Nell Vases

ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM JANUARY 2015 / 57

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THE STYLE fashion

Photography: Stefan Randholm Model: Adriana Sánchez Rivas, Miss World Málaga 2014 Artistic Director: Humberto Hernández MUA: TheGloW Makeup Hairdresser: Estela Guerisoli Photo Assistant: Heywood Similon Making of: Sara Rodríguez Stylist/Fashion: Bailly Bijoux Avda. Ricardo Soriano 7, Marbella.

Tel: 951 245 423. www.bailly.es Location: Los Naranjos Golf Club

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World Class

Style

Miss World Mรกlaga 2014, Adriana Sรกnchez Rivas, is our covergirl and fashion feature model for the month. In this stunning spread, she wears clothing by Bailly Bijoux, a brand known for its feminine, romantic evening wear with 14 Bailly Bijoux stores in the province of Mรกlaga.

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CONTACTS: BENETTON: www.benetton.com, DIOR: www.dior.com, FURLA: www.furla.com, LOUIS VUITTON: www.louisvuitton.com, MIRIAM UNGRIA: Available at El Corte Inglés. www.elcorteingles.es

THE STYLE fashion

According to numerologists in the know, 2015 is a magical number that inspires luck and the promise of great wealth. This year, forget about boring ‘wardrobe essentials’ and splurge on an item or two ‘just for the heck of it’. Marisa Cutillas brings you some fabulously flirty suggestions…

NEW YEAR,

NEW YOU 64 / JANUARY 2015 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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Bag by Dior Top by Benetton Necklace by Miriam Ungria

Evening shoe by Louis Vuitton

Ring by Miriam Ungria

Bag by Dior

Jacket by Benetton

Skirt by Benetton Bag by Dior

Dress by Benetton

Evening shoe by Louis Vuitton

Bag by Furla

Leggings by Benetton

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spa

PRODUCTS / Beauty / SPA / SCIENCE

Discover new feminine hairstyles for 2015 and beuty products for men; find out why Yoga is the Panacea for the 21st Century and discover an oasis of sport, fun and wellbeing: the Reserva del Higuerón Sport Club and Spa.

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TREATMENTS / health

68

Beauty: Hair Trends 2015

70

Men’s Beauty

72

The Benefits of Yoga

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Health Profile: The Reserva del Higuerón Sport Club and Spa

12/17/14 11:30 AM

COOLSCULPTING® BY ZELTIQ, A NON-SURGICAL CONTOURING TREATMENT THAT FREEZES STUBBORN FAT, WHICH THEN IS NATURALLY ELIMINATED FROM YOUR BODY. No needles, no special diet, no supplements, no surgery.

And most importantly, little to no downtime. It’s safe, medically-cleared and effective.

Cirumed Clinic /// Avenida Ramón y Cajal 7 – 4 /// 29601 Marbella /// Tel: +34 952 775 346 www.cirumed.es /// www.alexanderaslani.com /// www.alexander-aslani.es

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

Elegance and simplicity rule; if you have long hair, use a large hair donut to create this gorgeous look.

Waves

Flowers

Hair accessories

The elegant ponytail is back; wear it long and don’t be afraid to opt for a slightly wet look in the spring and summer.

Metallic combs and clips will be seen on all the coolest updos of the year.

This type of hairstyle may take a good hour to create, but the key is to make it all look effortless and casual.

9

Cute asymmetric buns make for a youthful, trendy look.

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This sexy style is cool as a cucumber and sizzling hot all at once.

Hairstyles

to Own in 2015

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We will be seeing many hairstyles incorporating braids, not the neat variety of old, but the mussed up, grungy variety you can wear to sleep and sport again the next day!

The wet look

Asymmetry

ADVICE

Women will be turning to Frida Kahlo for inspiration this year.

Casual updos

Gorgeous styled waves and plenty of volume will be seen on the most stylish femmes, both during the daytime and at night.

Casual plaits

The ponytail

BEAUTY

Buns

spa

Marisa Cutillas brings you some of the top hair trends for the New Year.

12/17/14 11:05 AM

Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery in Marbella

Love of Beauty is Taste The Creation of Beauty is Art Avenida Ram贸n y Cajal, 7 - 29601 Marbella / 0034 951 775 518 - M贸vil : 670 770 455 / info@oceanclinic.net - www.oceanclinic.net

spa

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BEAUTY

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3

4

6

5

PRODUCTS

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IT’S A MAN’S

WORLD

2015 is the perfect time to start a regular beauty routine if you’ve been neglecting your skin of late. Enjoy our top picks for the winter season, compiled by Marisa Cutillas…

1 – DAILY MOISTURE BOOST BY ELEMIS: This light cream boosts your hydration levels without leaving skin oily. Ideal for the action man on the go. i www.elemis.com 2 – S.O.S. SURVIVAL CREAM BY ELEMIS: An ideal choice for those with sensitive, irritated, dry or blemished skin. i www.elemis.com 3 – KIEHL’S FACIAL FUEL ANTI-WRINKLE CREAM: This skin defence treatment for men invigorates and contains a potent blend of Vitamins C and E, chestnut extract and soy. i www.kiehls.com 4 – TIME DEFENCE EYE REVIVER BY ELEMIS: Clinically proven to reduce the depth of wrinkles and increase moisture, this eye cream is perfect for men worried about

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unsightly crow’s feet. i www.elemis.com 5 – CLARINS MEN ANTI-FATIGUE EYE SERUM: Fight dark circles and puffiness with this light, easily absorbed serum. i www.clarins.com 6 – LANCÔME MEN RÉNERGY 3D YEUX: This gentle eye cream has a lifting, anti-wrinkle, firming effect. i www.lancome.com 7 – HOUSE OF FRASER SIGNATURE COLLECTION: Featuring black pepper & ginseng aftershave balm, face wash, shower gel and hair & body wash. i www.houseoffraser.co.uk 8 – MODERN GENT’S FRAGRANCE KIT BY THE BODY SHOP: Featuring White Musk Eau de Toilette, Hair & Body Wash and Aftershave Balm. A great travel grooming kit to carry with you on business trips. i www.thebodyshop.es

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spa

HEALTH

Those who have been practicing yoga for years probably can’t help but smile to themselves every time they read about a new discovery regarding the benefits of this millenary practice. Western medicine is finally embracing the wisdom of the East, but this seems to have become the case only after numerous scientific studies have proven what yogis have always instinctively known: yoga is a healer for the body, mind and soul. These are just some of the most fascinating findings on its benefits.

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

ADVICE

A Panacea for

YOGA Z YOGA LOWERS STRESS: Hundreds of studies have shown that yoga lowers levels of the stress hormone, cortisol; it also decreases the heart rate and blood pressure. This has led to the choice of yoga as a top complementary therapy for those recovering from addiction, posttraumatic stress disorder, eating disorders or Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Yoga has also been found to be helpful for women with breast cancer. The harsh nature of treatments like radiotherapy and chemotherapy means that these patients often face serious sideeffects, including fatigue, depression and poor sleep, which interfere with positive outcomes. A recent study carried out at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in the US showed that regular yoga sessions reduced fatigue and depression and increased the quality of sleep among women receiving radiotherapy for breast cancer.

The secret to yoga’s ability to improve mental health is thought to be housed in two of its pillars: controlled (pranayamic) breathing, and meditation, which steers the mind away from worries and encourages

presence ‘in the here and now’. The focus of yoga is on ‘being’ instead of achieving; it works on principles of self-compassion rather than selfimprovement.

Z YOGA SOOTHES PAIN: Yoga teaches practitioners to use the mind as a resource for healing and to take charge of the body even when we are in pain. Studies thus far have shown significant pain reduction in those suffering from chronic lower back pain, migraines, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. Yoga is also used to battle muscle stiffness, joint pain and physical discomfort, by increasing flexibility, range of motion and strength.

Z YOGA AND ATHEROSCLEROSIS: Another groundbreaking study showed that yoga is able to stop the progression of atherosclerosis (the narrowing of the artery walls owing to a build-up of plaque), even in very severe cases; it has also been proven to cause the regression of plaque build-up in the arteries.

Z YOGA BATTLES PRE- AND POSTNATAL DEPRESSION: An important study carried out in 2013 showed that yoga reduces stress in those

Stress and Pain

undergoing high-risk pregnancies; previous studies had shown that regular yoga sessions are linked to lesser complications (including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and lower Apgar scores for babies) in high-risk pregnancies. Yoga also helps women ease pregnancy related pain in the upper back, chest and shoulders.

Z YOGA IS USED SUCCESSFULLY AS A THERAPY FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED: Those with limited visibility are forced to restrict their movement from their early years, which can impede their development in many areas and lead to social isolation, obesity, lack of strength and flexibility, psychological issues, etc. Yoga can help the visually impaired gain security in their surroundings and decrease tension.

Z YOGA IS MORE THAN AN ACTIVITY; IT IS A LIFESTYLE: It is not surprising to find that many yogis are vegetarians and/or environmental activists. This is in no small part owing to The Eight Limbs of Yoga, which comprise a series of yamas and niyamas, or values to live by – one of the most vital of these espouses the importance of kindness and compassion to all sentient things, as well as to oneself. To embrace

the yogic lifestyle is to seek out healthy states of mind and practices that foster physical, mental and spiritual growth. In practical terms, this involves pursuing a sound diet and avoiding negative mental states and energies. The yogic lifestyle also encourages us to get closer to Nature and to protect the living things that form part of the many ecosystems that surround us. In this sense and given the current state of environmental devastation, it is a highly practical and useful philosophy to live by.

Z YOGA ENCOURAGES SOCIAL INTERACTION: For many new yogis suffering from depression, yoga offers a safe, pleasant practice and the opportunity to meet new people with a shared interest in well-being.

Z YOGA MAKES YOU FEEL BETTER ABOUT YOURSELF: Studies have shown that yoga is an excellent way to increase one’s self-confidence, and that perfection of the different asanas (poses) often leads practitioners to develop an interest in other forms of exercise, holistic and conventional alike. In many ways, yoga is like a drug, except that in this case, the high is all-natural. e

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

Relax and Enjoy

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

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

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spa

HEALTH Around half an hour from Marbella and a short 10-minute drive from the Málaga airport lies a veritable oasis for the body, mind and spirit: Reserva del Higuerón, a lavish community comprising different residential constructions, a four-star hotel, a renowned restaurant, a lively sports club and the exquisite Nagomi Spa, as famous for its stunning circuit pool as it is for its programme of treatments. If you’ve been searching for a peaceful yet lively getaway for your family, a place where luxury, exclusivity and a healthy sporting atmosphere abound, look no further than the Reserva del Higuerón Sport Club. These are just some of its highlights:

Reserva del Higuerón Sport Club & Spa Fitness, Wellness and Relaxation for the Whole Family

ADVICE

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF RESERVA DEL HIGUERÓN

Z THE CLUB: Step into the Reserva del Higuerón Sport Club and you will be instantly enamoured by its laidback and exclusive family vibe. Gorgeous natural stone abounds on the floors and walls and the inner reception area leads to a technologically savvy gym, various sports halls and a magnificent indoor pool, kept at an ideal temperature all-year-round.

Outside, the site of fun-filled play at the exterior paddle courts catches your eye and with its plethora of paddle and tennis courts, the Sport Club is a true haven for lovers of racquet sports.

A little further to the right, flanked by carefully manicured gardens, is the magnificent outdoor pool, circular and with a shallow end for the youngest of swimmers. It is embraced by a stylish café, dressed in bright, pastel hues and offering indoor and outdoor seating and a menu that comprises both snacks and heartier dishes for those who have burned a day’s worth of calories on the courts.

The Sport Club is about much more than racquet sports, of course; fervent athletes can complete a gruelling workout at the gym, or at one of numerous activities, which include Pilates, Spinning, Power Tone, Box Combat, Aguagym and much more.

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Kids, too, are spoiled for choice.

Classes offered include swimming, tennis, paddle tennis, capoeira, yoga, Zumba, etc.

Children also have the time of their lives at special camps during Semana Blanca, Holy Week and Summer (July and August), enjoying an array of different sports that take their fitness levels to new heights.

Z BEACH VOLLEYBALL: Beyond the gardens lies the impressive Beach Volleyball area, measuring almost 4000m2 and home to the Reserva del Higuerón 2014 Spanish National Beach Volleyball Championships, participated in by some of the biggest names in the sport, including Pablo Herrera and Adrián Gavira (World Nº 1 duo in the sport) and Liliana Ferández and Elsa Baquerizo (the best female Spanish duo in the history of the sport).

The four-day event was a huge success, attracting over 1,500 spectators and featuring heavily in the media.

Z THE NAGOMI SPA: This luxurious spa is

one of the best on the Coast and this year, it celebrates its 10th anniversary. The Spa contains a circuit pool with programmed water jets for the feet, ankles, calves, knees, thighs, glutes, lumbar region, arms, back, shoulders and the cervical area.

The jets relax and soothe tired muscles, and are complemented by massage beds, waterfalls, a bubbling Jacuzzi, contrast pools, a relaxation area, solarium, etc.

There is also an ample treatment list with everything from anti-ageing facials to sedating massages, sports massages, lymphatic drainage and couples treatments. A dedicated salon provides the perfect spot for hair styling for a special event. If you’re stressed or tired, why not unwind at the Spa? Look into the different membership packs offered at the Sport Club, which enable you to make the most of the Spa as well.

Z A WEEKEND AWAY: There are many ways to enjoy Reserva del

Higuerón; one is by living there – the Group’s new Collections, comprising The Palm (a collection of villas), The Hill (made up of apartments), The Bay (comprising villas) and The Peninsula (made up of semi-detached homes) – are selling fast; a further residential development, South Beach, is practically all sold out). Another way to live the dream is by taking out a long-term membership at the Sport Club and Nagomi Spa. You can also sign up for individual activities without having a membership, or visit the Spa and have a treatment at will.

One of the best ways to enjoy the Reserva del Higuerón experience is by enjoying a romantic weekend for two at the adults-only Hotel THB Class Reserva del Higuerón, with its contemporary interiors and majestic Deck Bar, located on the top floor of the Hotel and boasting a magnificent infinity pool with panoramic views of the Bay of Fuengirola. The Hotel is also home to gastronomic sensation, Al-Rolo, as it is to a lively buffet with live cooking shows.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide when and how you wish to enjoy Reserva del Higuerón; one thing, however, is clear as crystal: it truly is a haven of sport, relaxation and pure, unadulterated fun.

g CN340, exit 217, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 565 761. www.reservadelhigueron.com 12/17/14 11:08 AM

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thepro NEWS /ENTERPRISE / LOCAL BUSINESS

/PROFILES / FINANCE / LAW

DOM3 Architecture Prize Exhibition at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Marbella The first edition of the DOM3 Architecture Prize, created by the DOM3 Association for High-End Housing, was a huge success, receiving entries from all over the world. The Association wishes to share some of the most stunning entries to the competition, which was won by Architects Simón Francés and Judith Sastre from Madrid studio, Frances + Sastre Architects. The prize was an impressive €40.000 and the construction of the winning project at La Zagaleta. The exhibition features over 100 projects from numerous European, Asian and Latin American countries.

g www.dome3.es

Nordica launches new home styling service The team from Nordica Sales and Rentals recently launched a new home styling and interior design service in Aloha Gardens, with a well-attended cocktail event and Masterclass.

Nordica Interior Design Group will style properties to sell, help sellers achieve the price the property deserves and create a home that buyers will love to live in. At the launch, the free, one hour Home Styling Masterclass offered owners practical advice, inspiration and tips on how to style their property for a quick sale. g www.nordicapropertymarbella.com

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Spanish Superyacht Charter Fleet Burgeons after Tax Exemption With charter yachts of any length now exempt from paying 12 per cent matriculation tax while operating in Spanish waters, superyachts are queuing to register in Spain. The country’s most popular cruising ground – the Balearics – is feeling the effects.

Lorenzo Vila, Director of Mallorcabased easyboats, comments, “Matriculation Tax, or IEDMT, had all-but obliterated Spanish charter by driving business into far-morefavourable EU waters. However, with the tax exemption now inscribed in law, alongside new legislation allowing non-EU-flagged boats to offer charter services, our superyacht charter market is burgeoning. A preliminary study by the Spanish Association of Superyachts shows that 21 yachts over 24 metres joined the Balearic charter market for the 2014 season.” g www.easyboats.com

George Mccrae Performs at Da Bruno Sul Mare on New Year’s Eve New Year’s Eve is traditionally a time to enjoy fine food in good company, so why not spend it with your family at Da Bruno this year? All Da Bruno restaurants will be offering special menus and a fun-filled New Year’s party; legendary 1970s singer, George Mccrae, whose list of hits includes 1974’s Rock Your Baby, will be performing live at Da Bruno Sul Mare. g www.dabruno.com

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BNI Ideas Conference at the Hotel Gran Meliá Don Pepe The Hotel Gran Meliá Don Pepe recently hosted the BNI Ideas Conference, organised by Charo Moreno, Director of BNI Ideas. The aim of the event was to exchange ideas aimed at improving the way we do business in Marbella, by bringing together leading professionals from various sectors.

g www.bnimalaga.com

Great Lengths Hair Extensions at Reflections Hair, Nails & Skincare If long hair or bountiful volume have always been beyond your reach, Reflections Hair, Nails & Skincare Salon is about to show you that you really can have it all. Celebrity hair colourist, Jonathan Yeadon and hair cutter extraordinaire, Gerry Tona, are now offering Great Lengths Hair Extensions and Jonathan tells us that this is about to change the face of beauty on the Coast: “With my eye for colour and Gerry's precision cutting, we are now able to do what was impossible in the past – create beautiful hair, even for those with little volume.

For those in the know, we're their best kept secret.” g www.reflectionsmarbella.com

Graduation Ceremony for Les Roches Students Leading international hospitality management school, Les Roches, recently held its 21st graduation ceremony for students obtaining a Diploma in Bachelor of Business Administration and its 23rd ceremony for students receiving their Postgraduate qualifications in Hotel Management. Friends and family enjoyed a cocktail party afterwards, hopeful about the bright future that awaits their loved ones. g www.lesroches.es

Thai Spa Marbella Opens in the Centre The new Thai Spa Marbella, located on Avda. Ricardo Soriano, promises to boost the wellbeing of body and mind, through the ancient healing art of Thai massage.

Boasting three cabins for massages, seven futons for Thai massage and a shower area, the Spa seeks to contribute to the idea of harmony through a variety of treatments: reflexology, cranial massage, sports massage, traditional Thai massage and a variety of relaxing massages. g Avda. Ricardo Soriano 48, Marbella.

Tel: 951 899 236. www.thaispamarbella.com

Christmas Extravaganza at the Kempinski Hotel Bahia Estepona EventEmmalaga recently hosted a charity event at the Hotel Kempinsi Bahia Estepona to raise money for the Asociación Nuevo Futuro de Estepona, a charitable organisation which has worked hard for many years to help needy children in the area of Estepona. The event, which bore the title of High Tea Day, featured a wide selection of teas and cakes, as well as a Christmas market, performances by Funky Vocals and Fleur Weber, and a dazzling fashion show displaying designs by Francisco Amaral, Lauriane L´Eplattenier and Raissa Faber.

g www.eventemmalaga.com

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Busy Days for Cudeca Christmas time is traditionally a very busy one for Cudeca and 2014 was no exception. The cancer hospice benefited from a charity concert by Spanish pop sensation, David de M谩ria at the Teatro de Cervantes de M谩laga, as well as from a lovely Christmas concert, raffle and luncheon. The charity also announced an amazing feat by 75-year-old Tony Simmonds, who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro accompanied by his son Jeremy and daughter Wendy, to raise funds for Cudeca. g www.cudeca.org

Oncology Conference at the Quir贸n Hospital in Marbella The Quir贸n Hospital (Marbella) is hosting an impressive conference, in an aim to share the importance of the early diagnosis of cancer. The event, which started in December, will continue until May and will feature talks on different types of cancer (ovarian, endometrial, breast, lung, colon cancers and lymphoma). The seminars will take place on the last Tuesday of every month, at 6:30pm.

g www.quiron.es

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THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGERY PUBLISHES ARTICLE ABOUT THE FACIAL TEAM CLINIC OF MARBELLA In June 2014, prestigious international journal, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, published a groundbreaking scientific study on forehead reconstruction, led by Dr. Capitán and Dr. Simon of Facial Team, a surgical group based in Marbella and Sao Paulo which focuses exclusively on Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS). The article, entitled Facial Feminization Surgery: The Forehead. Surgical Techniques and Analysis was published in October, 2014, in the official publication of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The journal, published monthly, detailed the reconstructive experience of doctors attending to hundreds of patients in need of FFS. g www.facialteam.es

THE SOCIAL CONNECTION: WELCOME TO MARBELLA BRINGS BUSINESS AND FRIENDSHIP TO THE COAST Local entrepreneurs, friends and guests enjoyed a fun-filled social networking event, held at the Gran Melía Don Pepe hotel. Attending companies included representatives from Caviar de Riofrio (who offered a popular tasting session of their finest products) and Narbona Solis (who invited guests to savour two wines: the award-winning Amatista Rosé, Reymos Selección from Valencia, and Málaga-made wine, Antakira). Guests also enjoyed sweet treats from exclusive confectionary Darcis, as well as specialties by the Hotel’s own Japanese cuisine restaurant, Tahini. g www.melia.com

ORGANIC WITH LOVE: THE COSTA DEL SOL’S FIRST ORGANIC LIFESTYLE PROVIDERS The Organic With Love (OWL) Organic Family Fair took place at the Marbella Montessori School recently, enjoying resounding success. OWL offers organic, ecological, chemical free and environment friendly products, from organic children’s clothing to organic food, wine and cosmetics. “I’m so excited to bring organic and ecologically certified quality products to the Costa del Sol. We have received a fantastic response during the event and everyone is as enthusiastic about what we have in our online shop. Soon, we will be opening our very own OWL Boutique!’’ said Oxana Mess, Creative Director and Co-Owner of the company.

DANCEFIT 40+ ROCKS CLUB CASA RUSIA Club Casa Rusia recently played host to a fun-filled event called Dance FIT 40+, which involved the use of low impact dance moves to firm up and shape the body and promote greater vitality. Dance enables you to concentrate better in sports, at work and in your daily life, but also stimulates detoxification, boosts your metabolism and stimulates lymph flow.

g For further information, Tel: 606 590 779. coach@move2smile.com

GALERÍA DE ARTE PEDRÍN LAUNCHES NEW SPACE AT THE HOTEL KEMPINSKI BAHIA ESTEPONA The Galería de Arte Pedrín, brainchild of talented and highly renowned artist, Pedro Rodríguez, now has its own permanent space at the Hotel Kempinski Bahía Estepona. The Hotel celebrated the event with a swish cocktail affair attended by dignitaries, business people and members of the media. Pedro Rodríguez is famed for creating beautiful sculptures in wood, bronze and clay. His insignia, the ‘Toro de Kempinski’ with the apt name of Orgulloso, is located in the lobby. g www.kempinski.com

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Peter Stanway at Collection Rimon Talented artist, Peter Stanway, recently presented his latest exhibition at Collection Rimon in Marbella. The artist studied at the Glasgow School of Art, concentrating soon after on photography for the mainstream music press and eventually being proclaimed Scotland’s Top Rock and Pop Photographer.

Stanway has returned to painting and he was recently joined by invited guests for an entertaining cocktail filled with vivid colour and the warmth of good conversation. g www.collectionrimon.com

Famous Colombian Opthamologist Operates in Marbella Dr. Carlos Rincón, a renowned opthalmologist from Colombia, recently returned to Marbella after working in politics in his home country for many years, to help patients suffering from myopia. Dr. Rincón’s technique, which costs far less than laser eye surgery, is aimed at those with no more than four diopters. His method is completely manual and takes just 10 seconds per eye, restoring perfect vision immediately. He will be carrying out all his operations at the Life & Sun Clinic at the Gran Hotel Meliá Don Pepe. g www.lifeandsunclinic.com

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THE PRO law

Regularisation of

WORDS CRISTINA FALKENBERG

Cadastral Values

The ‘Catastro’ is a department belonging to the Ministry of Public Administration and Tax (Hacienda). It is a land registry.

Properties are listed, physically described and located on a map. Each property receives a unique number, which identifies it in any economic or tax-relevant transaction.

The Catastro is different to the Property Registry. The latter is dependent on the Ministry of Justice and focuses on inscribing acts and contracts relative to properties.

I

n the Land Registry, each property receives a valuation, called its ‘cadastral value’. The latter amounts to at least 50 per cent of the estimated market value of a property; it is the basis for calculating numerous taxes, including inheritance tax, wealth tax (still in force in 2015), the small plusvalías tax and, more importantly, personal income tax on second properties of residents in Spain, and on properties of non-resident physical persons in Spain. The latter amounts to two per cent of the cadastral value, or 1.1 per cent, should that value have been revised on or after the 1st January 1994.

Two other major taxes dependent on the cadastral value are the ITP tax (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales) and the IBI tax (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles).

ITP is paid by the purchaser of a property on the full sales price, at the rate of eight per cent up to

€400.000, nine per cent thereafter up to €700.000 and 10 per cent on the excess. Certain minimum rates apply; they are the result of estimating a minimum sales price equivalent to the cadastral value, multiplied by a coefficient. Current coefficients may be found in the Order of 9th July 2014 (Andalusian Official Bulletin – BOJA – of July 27); they depend on the year in which the cadastral value of properties was revised, as well as other additional factors. Some coefficients are: Benahavís (1996) 1.70, Casares (2006) 1.22, Estepona (2008) 1.10, Manilva (2011) 1.00, Marbella (2012) 1.31, Ojén (2011) 1.05, San Roque (2010) 1.14.

Another relevant tax determined by the cadastral value of a property is the municipal IBI tax, set by the Town Hall within a bracket of between 0.4 and 1.1 per cent of the cadastral value (0.3 to 0.9 per cent for rustic property). Reductions

or increases may apply, up to a maximum of 1.3 per cent (1.07 per cent for rustic property). Since the IBI tax is one of the main sources of income for Town Halls, they sometimes ask the land registry to revise values. This was the case in Marbella in 2011, as the values revised in 1988 were estimated at 20 per cent of the market value, differing considerably from the 50 per cent target.

If the municipality in which a property is located is one of the factors which determines its cadastral value, further construction carried out on properties is another relevant factor. A major legal revision is being carried out in this area, since many residents have failed to declare improvements made to their homes within the two-month period stipulated by the law. All extensions to a property must be declared, whether indoors or outdoors (e.g. the construction of a swimming pool must be declared).

The plan to check the physical characteristics of properties commenced in 2013 and will continue until 2016. The municipalities of Casares, Estepona, Manilva, Marbella, Torremolinos and Málaga will be reviewed between October 31, 2014 and October 30, 2015, while the dates for San Roque

lie between August 1, 2014 and July 1, 2015. The Benalmádena and Fuengirola areas have already been checked. Any possible extensions to properties are identified via aerial photographs. The location of a property may be checked at http:// www.catastro.meh.es/ (search by address or cadastral reference number, which is the long number on the green IBI tax bill).

Title-holders receive a notice with the new proposed cadastral value, which may be challenged within fifteen days. The fact that aerial photographs are used means numerous improvements will go unnoticed, however, physical inspection of properties may take place, as has occurred in Mijas, where entire properties are simply not registered.

A tax of €60 is charged for regularisation and a bill for any unpaid taxes – such as the IBI – dating back four years, may be claimed by the Town Hall, based on the difference of the cadastral value, whenever applicable. The good news, though, is that no fines or surcharges will be imposed, even if extensions were not declared on time. Eventual urbanistic fines for illegal works are imposed irrespective of the cadastral regularisation. Such fines should not arise from this process. e

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THE VIBE

Christmas Bazaar at Aloha College Aloha College celebrated its anual Christmas Bazaar, raising an impressive €25.071 for a new sound system for the school and additional gym equipment for the new Arts and Sports Hall. Parents and children gathered together to enjoy choir singing, dance performances and a fun-filled raffle.

There were stands of all sorts, featuring tombolas, toys, books, DVDs and traditional Christmas treats. i www.aloha-college.com

“Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we’re here for something else besides ourselves” – Eric Sevareid

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PHOTOGRAPHY Rob DAVIES 12/17/14 11:50 AM

THE VIBE

Graduation Ceremony at Les Roches Students at top hospitality management school, Les Roches Marbella, celebrated one of the most memorable days of their lives, their graduation, proudly receiving Diplomas as Bachelors of Business Administration and Postgraduate qualifications in Hotel Management in front of friends and family. A lively cocktail was enjoyed by parents and guests after the ceremony, which was attended by various politicians and dignitaries.

“The aim of education is the knowledge, not of facts, but of values” – William S. Burroughs

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THE LEISURE travel

If you’ve ever dreamt of a fairytale escape why not start the year off as you mean to go on and book a magical castle getaway.

Noble presidential suite at Ashford

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or those who yearn for something that brings luxury and style together with adventure and exoticism there is more than lying on a distant beach or indulging in resort comforts. If you’ve experienced cruises, river excursions and have had your share of big city excitement, then why not take a step back in time and do as the kings of old did – enjoying opulence and luxury within the atmospheric setting of a grand European castle.

Pick the right one and you needn’t put up with draughty corridors and creaky stairs, revelling instead in the style of an aristocrat as you survey the sprawling estate from your bedroom suite. You can’t but feel quite the lord of the manor as you explore the hidden delights of ‘your’ castle or roam its manicured grounds, all the while pampered and indulged like a true nobleman or woman. As the following pages show, not all castles are battle-worn ruins eroded by the winds of time; you will find the pick of the crop to be every bit as luxurious as a palace yet full of the power and martial flair of a classic castle stronghold.

The selection below is a sample of some of Europe’s finest castles now functioning not to deter visitors but to welcome them with open arms. For an exclusive experience with a difference, we visit six of the best in Ireland, France, Austria, Germany, Italy and Portugal.

The aristocratic style of Ashford Castle

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Ashford, a study in classic breeding

Castles

IN THE AIR WORDS MICHEL CRUZ

Ashford Castle, Ireland

These days you needn’t own a castle or a title, nor indeed wait for an invitation from such a person to stay at one of Europe’s castles. Often the seat of an ancestral line dating back to the Middle Ages, the castle is the forerunner of the château or manor house – second only in status and splendour to royal palaces and in many cases one-time royal residences in their own right.

In the rugged northwest of Ireland, Ashford Castle is a fine example of a palatial castle set amid an expansive estate whose greenery rolls on as far as the eye can see.

Founded in 1228 by the Anglo-Norman De Burgo family, the castle would remain their stronghold for over three-and-ahalf centuries. From then on the estate would grow and be updated until it was converted into a luxury hotel in 1939.

In the 1950s, it was home to Hollywood stars shooting a movie nearby, in 1970, a golf course was added and by the

1980s it was recognised as one of the finest resort hotels in Ireland – and Europe.

To enter this grand property is to feel like a privileged visitor to a landed estate, capable of transporting one into a Downton Abbey scene in the present. For this reason you almost feel that you should arrive in style, traversing its imposing long driveway in something suitably luxurious and classical. An Aston Martin or Range Rover would do nicely as you pull up before the castle and its sprawling wings, attended to by butlers and footmen… I mean helpful hotel staff. Inside, Ashford Castle is a study in classic ambience and breeding, complete with grand chandeliers, wood-panelling, plush carpets, fine antiques, mantelpieces and reception rooms. The dining rooms, used for banqueting, fine dining and also business conferences, are similarly impressive and, combined with a broad choice

of sumptuous rooms and suites with deluxe four-poster beds fit for a royal couple, they explain the popularity of this venue with professionals, wedding parties and those who simply enjoy the better things in life.

During your stay you can wallow in luxuriant opulence, be pampered with high tea, a variety of first-class restaurants and relax while taking in the views, but Ashford Castle also caters to more active guests. For them there is golf, falconry, lake cruising, fly fishing, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting and a host of other somewhat less aristocratic pursuits such as kayaking and water skiing. You might even want a chauffeur to take you on a private tour of this ruggedly beautiful region of Ireland – Champagne and hors d’oeuvres included in your packed picnic basket of course! i www.ashfordcastle.com

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Château de Bagnols, France A château, but unlike the later aristocratic homes that sprung up across France, Château de Bagnols is a true fortress estate that has been guarding this verdant, undulating part of Burgundy for over eight centuries. Immersed within its winegrowing surroundings, the property is an ever-present mix of rural earthiness and military severity on the one hand, with luxurious interiors, formal gardens and elegant pathways on the other.

Not surprisingly, this is a national historical monument, and visitors to the luxury château hotel will be suitably impressed as they traverse the long driveway to the entrance. Here they Château de Bagnols, modern interiors in a classic setting

will encounter a veritable marriage of history, tradition and luxury. You know you are staying in a château as you explore the fragrant gardens or the interior of a true palatial stronghold.

The suites likewise are large, impressive and rich in authentic presence. Step through an atmospherically lit courtyard and you enter the kind of fine dining experience that befits not just a property of this kind but also the region of Burgundy, which is regarded as the culinary epicentre of France.

In the Salles des Gardes you will be treated to rare gastronomic pleasure in what is the

breadbasket of France, while the languid pampering of health and beauty treatments awaits guests in the wellness centre. Stroll into the gardens or relax by the pool and a world of views opens up before you that spreads like a green carpet all the way to the rolling hills on the horizon. Burgundy becomes your proverbial oyster as you choose between a private tour of the region and its wineries, a hot air balloon ride, golf, nature hikes, helicopter rides or a picnic in glorious countryside. i www.chateaudebagnols.com

Château de Bagnols – the culinary epicentre of France

Château de Bagnols, a national historic monument

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A winter wonderland, Schloss Fuschl, Austria

Schloss Fuschl, Austria

Palatial elegance of the Sissi Suite

Pampering in style at Schloss Fuschl

Fine dining in magical surroundings

Located on the Fuschlsee near Salzburg, this castle turned luxury spa resort has all the alpine enchantment you could ever wish for. Wonderful in summer, when you can hike, relax and explore the surrounding towns at your leisure, it is a veritable fairytale in winter – adding to an already magical castle setting surrounded by the scenic glory of the Alps.

Once again you will wish you had brought the Roller or the classic Mercedes as you approach towards the impressive entrance, where you are met with Germanic efficiency softened with alpine hospitality. The castleresort is set upon one of those pretty valley lakes, but all around you see the wooded peaks of mountains – a scene that turns into a snowy wonderland in winter.

A mouth-watering choice of luxury rooms and suites awaits the guest, each more elegant and luxurious than the other, while the tea rooms, dining rooms and lounge areas are just as skilfully balanced between classical and contemporary style. It creates a setting and ambience that is aristocratic yet adapted to modern tastes, a factor further enhanced by a state-of-the-art spa and haute cuisine dining that lives up to the latest standards.

There is a choice of lovely settings for the latter, ranging from opulent formal rooms to terraces overlooking the lake and mountains.

As if to further bolster the dignified feeling, Schloss Fuschl also offers concierge services that will make you feel like you’ve got your own butler and chauffeur. The latter will take you on limousine tours of the region while the former will see to it that everything from handwashed laundry and midnight snacks to a round of golf or a horse-drawn sleigh carriage is on tap. Welcome to an Austrian fairytale. i www.schlossfuschlsalzburg.com

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Pousada de Obidos, Portugal When it comes to castle hotels it doesn’t get much more authentic than the Pousada de Obidos. Set within a charming little whitewashed village an hour or so north of Lisbon, this ancient castle not only has seen a lot of true martial action but also finds itself within a car-free village that is rated among the prettiest of its kind in Europe. Leaving your car outside the solid town walls, you follow the cobblestone streets that dissect this lovely little maze of houses until you come to the towering giant that is the Obidos Castle.

Its stone ramparts softened by white plaster and green shutters, this fortress still has a commanding outlook over the surrounding farmland, rolling hills and the Atlantic shores that lie just a short distance away.

Inside, it harbours classic elegance fused with tasteful contemporary details and that typically Portuguese touch – the azuleijo tiles that give the imposing entrance, the pretty suites and the ambient dining room a distinct feel. The restaurant proudly offers dining fit for a king where you can enjoy contemporary

interpretations of Portuguese cuisine, the pick of the well-stocked wine cellar and wonderful views over this picture perfect village and its green surroundings.

With activities as varied as sailing, golf, horse riding, fishing, surfing and lying on long sandy beaches – not to mention exploring the hidden tavernas and quaint port wine bars of Obidos, this is a very pleasant spot to be ‘besieged’ in. i www.pousadas.pt

Obidos Castle: the real thing

Serenity and style at Relais La Suvera, Tuscany

Hotel Relais La Suvera, Italy

The Duca di Genova suite, La Suvera

Thought to derive from the word ‘souverain’, La Suvera is a gorgeous little castle-palace once inhabited by a relative of Clovis, King of the Franks. It has belonged to Dukes, Countesses, Popes and bankers, and over the centuries has undergone a transition from a real fortress castle into a more luxurious Renaissance estate. Interestingly, the current owner – a marquis – traces his roots to the original founders of La Suvera almost nine centuries ago.

A setting not only of opulence and tradition, but also of culture and gastronomy, La Suvera has its own little museum dedicated to the provenance of the castle and the history of its surroundings.

Within these you will find the Tuscan gem of Siena, though even its architectural beauty is no match for

the graceful lines, tasteful interiors and manicured gardens of La Suvera. To sleep in its rooms is to be transported to a Shakespearean setting, to dine in its restaurants is to delve into the very epitome of Italian cuisine and to stroll through its grounds or relax by the pool is to indulge in glorious Italian ‘dolce far niente’.

You might also take the waters in the medieval Balneum spa, enjoy a sea salt massage-scrub or simply rent a classic car and head out into the lofty Tuscan hills, stopping only to sample the famous food and wine of the region or visit hilltop villages. In many ways La Suvera represents the best of rural Tuscany. i www.lasuvera.it

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Dine surveying the Rhine at Castle Schönburg

Castle Hotel Auf Schönburg, Germany

Decidedly German in its architecture and ambience, Castle Hotel Auf Schönburg stands atop a hill surveying the famous Rhine roughly midway between Frankfurt and Koblenz. Its surroundings are picture-perfect, as the river carves its way through terraced vineyards that look down on a watercourse rich in myths and legends. With its imposing setting and architecture, the castle feels like it has seen its fair share of them, and yes, it is hard to resist a touch of Brothers Grimm romance slipping in as you walk into the courtyard or take breakfast amid sweet half-timbered buildings.

You will be gratified to find an authentic knight’s room, now cosy and laid out for dinner. That is, if you can be torn away from the panoramic terrace overlooking the Rhine and its hilly surroundings.

Lovely four-poster beds and classical bathrooms add to the allure of the comfy suites, where you feel rather like an erstwhile Baron or Junker. To enjoy a meal or wine tasting ensconced within its medieval walls is a true experience, and just the prelude to a day’s rambling through the nearby village of Oberwesel or the enchanting countryside of the Middle Rhine. i www.hotel-schoenburg.com

The medieval walls of Castle Schönburg, Germany

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THE LEISURE nature Abies pinsapo buds – Sierra Bermeja, Andalucía

The Abies Pinsapo

AN ICE-AGE Remnant WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY GEOFF SIMPSON NATURALIST & PROFESSIONAL DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHER © VISIONWILD.COM

Hoarfrosted Pinsapo remnants – Sierra de las Nieves

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The World’s Rarest Fir Tree Species With the exception of a few human beings, some living and others who have passed away, trees are what I most revere. The knowledge that within a 25km drive from Marbella along the road to Ronda, we are blessed enough to find the world’s rarest fir tree species, the Abies pinsapo, is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Things which are wild are always so much more special than those which are tame; surely, everyone with a genuine love of Nature would agree with this notion.

I have always loved trees – their shape, texture, colour and smell; I could not imagine a world without them. I’ve even hugged a couple of them, a little secret I’ve kept to myself until now.

I’ve planted a few trees in my lifetime, watching with excitement as one small seed turned into a towering tree, providing a verdant bower for those seeking respite from the sun.

I often sit on my balcony in the white mountain village of Gaucín and gaze down at the wilderness

of the Serria Bermeja mountain range. Sometimes (though not frequently enough) I walk in the midst of these stunning, beautiful trees, knowing in my heart that were it not for the special protection they are afforded, they would undoubtedly be culled for use by the construction industry.

The Abies Pinsapo, also known as the Spanish Fir, grows abundantly in humid bioclimatic zones where the average annual rainfall exceeds 1500mm, at altitudes of between 1400m and 2800m. The trees grow in scattered stands, typically on north-facing dolomitic limestone slopes of mountain ridges. They form part of mixed forests, growing alongside a range of other species (predominantly oaks and maples).

An ancient Abies pinsapo covered in ice – Sierra de las Nieves

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An ancient Abies pinsapo covered in ice – Sierra de las Nieves

All Abies Pinsapo trees are located in various parts of Andalucía, where they are protected at a regional level by Spanish law; this is the very least we can offer a species of tree that survived the last glaciation period some 12,000 years ago.

The tree grows to a height of about 25m; taller specimens exist, though they are very rare and can only be found in the Sierra de las Nieves. The trunk is straight and cylindrical in shape, though in older trees, it can be twisted and irregularly shaped.

Each individual tree possesses both sexes; to prevent inbreeding, the female cones are located at the top of the tree, while the male cones are positioned in the middle.

Mature Abies pinsapo and skeleton covered in ice, Sierra de Las Nieves

The Abies pinsapo is, biologically speaking, a fir tree; it belongs to a group of plants known as gymnosperms (like cedars, cypresses and pines), since it does not grow real flowers. The tree can be found in only three forests: the Sierra de Grazalema (Cádiz), Sierra de las Nieves and Sierra Bermeja (Málaga).

In the Sierra de Grazalema, they mainly grow along the Sierra del Pinar; the trees have not yet reached maturity and saplings are a rarity. In the Sierra de las Nieves, the largest concentration of trees can be found in the municipalities of Yunquera, Ronda and Tolox. The smallest and most isolated population stands

valiantly on the steep rugged slopes of Sierra Bermeja, occupying an area of just 0.7 km². In February, 2012 this fragile population was very nearly wiped out by a wildfire, though as luck would have it, fire breaks held back the flames and the trees survived yet another close brush with man’s carelessness.

Additional threats to the Abies Pinsapo include pests and diseases, which are particularly prevalent during years of drought. Over the past decade, regional warming and a decrease in precipitation has resulted in the increased mortality of trees at elevations below 1200m.

Nature was kind to the Abies pinsapo, allowing it to occupy the parts of the Sierras where few other trees are capable of flourishing, owing to the thin soil, humidity, and lack of sunlight. Interestingly, for the Abies Pinsapo, these conditions are almost mandatory. This species’ adaptation to local topography and climatic conditions are part of its uniqueness and while global warming is always mentioned as a possible threat, I believe that forest fires have a more devastating impact on the Abies Pinsapo and many other species found within the region.

Abies pinsapo pine skeleton covered in ice, Sierra de Las Nieves

Male cones of the Abies Pinsapo

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onl i ne&oi nes ol ut i ons

ma r k e t i nga sy ouha v ene v e r s e e nbe f or e. . .

www. me di a t i x . e s i nf o@me di a t i x . e s

Abies pinsapo forest – Sierra de las Nieves Abies pinsapo female cones

Discovery & Binomial Nomenclature Abies Pinsapo is a contraction of two words: ‘pine’ and ‘sapino’. The latter also means fir in Spanish, but is now an obsolete word in this language.

Edmond Boissier was a young Swiss botanist who explored the Kingdom of Granada looking for new discoveries in 1837. After his expedition, he published his findings in his book, Voyage Botanique dans le Midi de l’Espagne pendant l’année 1837 (Botanical Journey to South Spain in 1837).

The botanical discovery of the Abies Pinsapo is often attributed to Clemente Rubio. In 1809, during a trip to the Serrania de Ronda, he wrote: “We entered the pine forest in which there are a few oaks and an abundance of pinsapos. From a distance, they look like dark cypress trees and bear a conical shape.”

However, the scientific community attributes this tree’s discovery to the Pharmacists, Haenseler and Prolongo, who showed a few sprigs of pinsapo to Botanist, Edmond Boissier, of Geneva. The latter visited the city of Málaga in 1837. He was able to witness the majesty of the Pinsapo tree with his own eyes during an autumn excursion to Sierra Bermeja.

After thorough examination, he determined the tree’s cone as belonging to the genus Abies. In his book, Edmond Boissier describes his first encounter with

this imposing tree: “to describe the emotion of the moment... very near there, the guide showed us the first Pinsapo from afar (and there were) cries of joy… full of emotion… Unfortunately, the tree had no fruit.

A second, third look gave me false hopes… I was lucky enough in the end and saw a tree whose upper branches were laden with upright cones. We hastened to pick up (the fallen cones) and there was no doubt about the kind of tree and its uniqueness. Boissier reported the discovery in a scientific publication the following year, assigning the tree the scientific name of Abies Pinsapo.

Protection The Abies Pinsapo is protected by Andalusian environmental laws and regulations and by European directives. The Sierra de las Nieves has been listed as a Biosphere Reserve. The tree is listed as Endangered (EN) on the Red List of Threatened Vascular Flora of Andalucia.

About Geoff Simpson Geoff Simpson is an internationally awarded professional documentary photographer and naturalist. His work is represented by some of the world’s leading stock agencies, they include: Getty Images, Corbis, Saatchi Art and The Nature Picture Library. To find out more about Geoff please visit his website: www.visionwild.com

The distinctive branches and buds of the Abies pinsapo – Sierra Bermeja Portrait of Geoff Simpson

by Bethan Lord

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RESTAURANTS / REVIEWS / NEWS / WINE / CHEFS / GUIDE

Enjoy a fine meal by the sea at the new Besaya Beach restaurant, read up on the latest Food News and meet talented Chef, James Woo of Hanuri, who has honed his craft at some of the finest restaurants in Singapore and New York. As the festive season is upon us, make the most of the moment by sipping on a glass of fullbodied Finca Torremilanos wine.

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THE GOURMET restaurant

BESAYA BEACH BY DAY FINCA BESAYA BY NIGHT The name Finca Besaya has always been associated with Marbella’s most glamorous nights… housed in an elegant mansion and serving fine yet heart warming cuisine, this gastronomic haven has stood the test of time in an area characterised by seasonal launches of pop-up establishments. Finca Besaya is now part of a threerestaurant group (the Besaya Group), which also includes TikiTano and Besaya Beach (the latter, formerly known as Café del Mar, is located on the seafront of the Coral Beach urbanisation, in the heart of the golden mile).

T

he team recently took the opportunity to make the most of this uniquely toasty, summery winter period by enjoying a seafront lunch at the new Besaya Beach. Only TikiTano comes close in terms of the panoramic sea view, though Besaya Beach is uniquely close to the sparkling Mediterranean. Boasting full-length crystal doors which shield the chic interiors from the rattan-filled exterior dining area, the restaurant seemingly floats above the horizon; the sound of the waves crashing is vivid and the sight of joggers and families walking by and enjoying the sea air, reminds us of how lucky we are to be living an eternal summer.

Besaya Beach has this much in common with its sister restaurants: excellent service from attentive, friendly staff; fantastic cuisine (created, in this case, by French Chef, Frederick Ferrere, who was the Head Chef of Finca Besaya for 10 years) and carefully sourced produce – seasonal, market fresh and top quality are adjectives that spring to mind when tucking into delights like the tuna tartare, served with plump pieces of avocado and given a uniquely Asian touch through the addition of cilantro.

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The close proximity to the sea definitely inspired the choice of fish for our main meal as well; we selected a wild sea bass fillet, grilled to perfection and served atop fresh seasonal stalks of green asparagus, colourful red pepper and purple cabbage purées and a crisp potato rösti. Dessert was equally satisfying: a rich chocolate Chaud-froid served with airy coconut ice-cream.

The menu is select but comprehensive, with an array of creative, seasonal meat and fish dishes available. Two of its specialties, the smoked salmon and foie gras, can even be taken home, owing to popular demand by diners. The wine list is

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN equally well crafted, with everything from an affordable Cantos de Valpiedra to an exclusive Roda I and world-class Champagnes and Cavas beckoning lengthy tapas sessions in the elegant interior lounge.

This is the kind of restaurant that inspires a long, leisurely lunch or dinner, its seaside appeal clearly attracting a chic international crowd, as was evident from the many languages spoken at the tables. It was a Monday, a usually quiet time for most restaurants, yet here it was buzzing with life; tables were filled with friends and business acquaintances who made the most of this uniquely relaxing view.

The surroundings are elegant yet casual, stunning in design yet laidback in ambience. On Sundays, diners tuck into a hearty roast (last week, says Kryssia Alfaro, the Director, they enjoyed a pig on the spit lunch), with live music playing in the background, making the restaurant the ultimate place to chill.

Besaya Beach isn’t just for adults; families are welcome and there is

a small kids’ play area in the back, as well as hammocks which invite diners to enjoy a well-deserved siesta beneath the sun after their meal. The restaurant also has a casual snack area outside, perfect for those who have spent the day on the beach and need to fuel up with some good food.

By the entrance, there is an elevated deck which is ideal for those who wish to watch the world go by.

The beachside venue may have opened just a couple of months ago, but its reputation for great food is matched by its excellent wine selection; exclusive and more affordable bottles are on offer, as is the always-welcome Enomatic machine, which allows diners to enjoy exclusive wines by the glass.

The restaurant is open Monday to Thursday for lunch, Friday and Saturday for lunch and dinner, and Sunday until 9pm. With its appealing seasonal cuisine, free parking, excellent views and Golden Mile location, it is set to become a favourite jaunt for both entrepreneurs and families alike.

g Urb Coral Beach km 176, Marbella. Tel: 952 858 785. www.besayabeach.com 12/17/14 5:35 PM

Beachside chic...

Marbella’s Classic Night Out

Urb. Coral Beach S/N Km 176, Marbella Tel: 952 777 299 - www.besayabeach.com

Urbanizacion Rio Verde Alto, 29600, Marbella Tel: +34 952 861 382 - www.ďŹ ncabesaya.es

Panoramic views, intimate fine dining Urb. Guadalmansa, Ctra. de Cadiz KM 164, Estepona.

Tel: +34 952 798 449 - www.tikitano.com

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THE GOURMET news WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Hanuri

Dazzles El Corte Inglés Clients with an Impressive Showcooking Demonstration

FIRST GOURMET ECOLOGICAL OIL IN MARBELLA

James Woo, Head Chef of popular Korean restaurant, Hanuri, delighted clients of the El Corte Inglés Costa Marbella shopping centre with a dynamic cooking show, in which he demonstrated how to prepare one of the most classic Korean dishes of all time: bibimbap, a sticky rice sensation jazzed up with a bit of foie. Now is the perfect time to enjoy Hanuri’s warm barbecued dishes; the restaurant opens every day except for Monday for lunch and dinner. g C.C. Los Jarales 6, Tel. 951 406 082/952 932 011.

Belvis de las Navas

Sandro Gamazo Hohenlohe proudly presented new gourmet ecological oil, Belvis de las Navas, before a packed audience at the Hotel Marbella Club. During the event, he explained how his family took over an old olive plantation to create a splendid oil made from various types of olives, extracted in a natural way. The oil is manufactured on the Coast and contains a blend of local olive varieties, including Hojiblanca, Manzanilla Aloreña, Acebuchina, Zorzaleña and Verdial Vélez Málaga. i www.belvisdelasnavas.com

New Head Chef for La Cala Resort Top Costa del Sol golf resort, La Cala, has a brand new Head Chef: Iván Álvarez Santamaría, born in Madrid and schooled at the Escuela Superior de Hostelería y Turismo. Iván has honed his craft in emblematic restaurants like Arzak, Urepel and Jockey. At the tender age of 26, he opened his own establishment, Restaurante Teté, to great critical acclaim. Iván hopes to bring the very best of Mediterranean and international cuisine (as well as tapas) to keen golfers and foodies alike. i www.lacala.com

Mama Lotties Cookbook a Major Success Gibraltarian Graphic Designer, Justin Bautista, is mad about Gibraltarian cuisine, so it was no surprise when late last year, he published a wonderful book called Mama Lotties Cookbook, containing traditional recipes from his Grandmother as well as other Gibraltarian families. Justin recently attended a fun-filled book signing at WHSmith on Casemates Square in Gibraltar, where he was surrounded by readers with a true love for food and tradition. The book is available at all local Gibraltar Bookshops, from Casemates Square to the Gibraltar International Airport. To date, the book has sold around 800 copies, though there is no limit on the print run. i www.mamalotties.com

Book Presentation by Cristóbal Rueda, Head Chef of the Los Monteros Hotel

Cristóbal Rueda, Head Chef of the luxurious Hotel Los Monteros, has made diners very happy for many years, but during his recent book launch, the spotlight was on the Chef himself rather than on his delicious dishes. The book, called Mi Cocina: treinta recetas desde el tacto con amor y una esperada, is published by Alvaeno Ediciones. It delves into the history of Marbella, dedicating an entire chapter to Malagueño extraordinaire, Antonio Banderas. i www.monteros.com

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THE ART OF FINE THAI CUISINE RESERVATIONS: 952 818 392 Open Every Evening for Dinner Ctra. de Cรกdiz Km. 175 PUERTO BANร S (Behind The Shell Petrol Station) Marbella www.thaigallerymarbella.com

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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THE GOURMET profile

Where Focus Meets Balance

JAMES OF HANURI

James Woo, Head Chef of new traditional Korean cuisine restaurant, Hanuri, has led an adrenalin-charged life over the past 20 years, carefully creating everything from fine Japanese cuisine to traditional Korean royal cuisine in the farthest corners of the globe, from Seoul to New York, Singapore and now to the Coast.

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

T

he laidback rhythm of the south of Spain is something he is unused to, for he has forged his career over the flames at high-octane cities like the Big Apple, where a typical night involved cooking for anywhere from 200 to 400 guests.

Here, on the Coast, he is ready to bring diners something they have had to await for decades: authentic Korean cuisine with tantalising touches from the Western culinary tradition.

James was just a child when we began idolising the man who would shape his destiny: Nobu Matsuhisa, the Chef who first brought the purity and perfection of Japanese cuisine to the Western world in the 1970s and 1980s. “I learned all about Nobu’s life, career and philosophy. I wanted to be just like him and decided to dedicate my life to doing for Korean cuisine, what he had done for Japanese cuisine.”

James enrolled in cooking school to learn the fine art of Royal Korean cuisine, the type which is “served only on special occasions, banquets, weddings and other high-profile events.” After three years honing his craft in Korea, he was offered the chance to work at a Korean restaurant in Singapore. “There are over 100 Korean restaurants in Singapore,” he says, “so diners there demand the very best.” Korean barbecue dishes, grills and noodles were some of the dishes he delighted clients with until he decided to head back to Seoul to study at the prestigious Le Cordon

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Bleu cookery school. “I was impressed

by French cuisine; I wanted to know why it was considered the best in the world. The French really know how to extract a world of flavour from just one ingredient.”

James says that his time at Le Cordon Bleu taught him about the essential difference between Eastern and Western Cuisine: “In Asia, it’s all about balance; in the West, it’s all about focus. I try to offer diners both these things at Hanuri.”

James also recently worked in New York, “a city with 982 Michelin restaurants to its name.” He loved the hustle and bustle of the city that doesn’t sleep and there, he meet many prestigious Chefs with whom to share information, techniques and above all, his deep-seated passion for food.

James was headhunted by the Founder of new Calahonda Korean culinary haven, Hanuri, Peter (Sang Doo) Park, who says he “chased James across the globe for several years.” At Hanuri, Peter and James offer diners ‘the real thing’: tablegrilled meats marinated to perfection, warm, sticky bibimbap and an array of delicious sides like kimchi and sweet onion salad. The upper floor bears a decidedly elegant look and feel, with a large bar serving 10 different draught beers, and a swish dining area where those keen to savour

fine Korean cuisine, enjoy a hearty degustation menu.

In order to lure James to our shores, says the Chef, Peter used a powerful tool: “The jamón! In New York, pata negra ham was so expensive and I cherished the chance to live and work in a country that produces this delicacy.” It certainly is a big contrast to go from working across the Empire State to the more serene Costa del Sol scene, but it is one James and Peter accept with a clear vision: to share the rich Korean culinary tradition with an international clientele that prizes the banquet like atmosphere of every Korean meal. “The cuisine at Hanuri

can be described as 99 per cent tradition, one per cent vision,” says James.

As far as his own tastes are concerned, James likes to keep it simple. “I like very plain foods, perhaps something as simple as plain rice, but it must be cooked to perfection.”

Noodles are another favourite, served with just a touch of olive oil, salt and pepper. At Hanuri, James dishes and sauces are far more intricate; just one marinade, for instance, might contain a blend of garlic, soy sauce, ginger, onion, apple and sesame oil. The careful balance of flavours, added to exquisitely tender meat and seafood of the highest quality, makes for a unique culinary tradition which celebrates health, life and the importance of sharing excellent food in great company.

g Open daily for lunch and dinner except Monday. C.C. Los Jarales 6, Tel. 951 406 082 / 952 932 011.

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THE GOURMET wine

Ricardo Peñalba is a dynamic, passionate, and restless young man with not just far too much on his plate but a nagging bee in his bonnet.

Wine highlights

FINCA TORREMILANOS

The Unacknowledged Kings of Ribera del Duero WORDS CARLOS READ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FINCA TORREMILANOS

T

his is, however, entirely unsurprising for since his father’s untimely death in 2006, he has been at the helm of perhaps the most impressive wine producing estate in Ribera del Duero.

Located on the south western fringe of Aranda del Duero, just two minutes away from the A1 highway that gets you to Burgos in around 40 minutes, Madrid is some 90 minutes due south.

This is just as well as his wife, who runs a pharmacy in the capital, and their two small children, live in Madrid as she refuses to live in this relative backwater.

This does not make life easy for Ricardo for the family estate comprises some 400 hectares of which roughly half is forest and half vineyards; and the vineyards – at between 800 and 900 metres above sea-level – comprise about 140 different plots which essentially means an annual harvest lasting around 7 weeks given the impressive diversity of styles produced and the complications, in such an austere

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part of the world, of ensuring that the family’s 14 different wines (or thereabouts!) offer a certain continuity. In addition, many of the styles produced are organic purely as a matter of principle.

There is, meantime, the family’s excellent hotel to be taken into account. Modern but built in a traditional style, this is universally rated as the top hotel in the area, much favoured by wine trekkies and also hugely popular as the swish local place to get married.

The food is outstanding (best croquettes in the world) and most unusually in this carnivorous part of the world where lechazo and cochinillo hold sway there are always wonderful fresh vegetables in addition, of course, to Castilian specialities (their morcilla/black pudding is mouthwatering).

However, with Ricardo’s 70+-year old mamá Pilar ruling the roost (not only does she insist on personally generating all the company’s invoices and has no qualms in sending rude messages when she feels that pricing is too low, in addition she looks after her own mum aged over 100), it is

also up to him to run the hotel.

Stressed or what, given that, in addition, he is the convincing family presence that must make the all important export trips?

Bee In Bonnet The Ribera del Duero DO was only founded in 1982 and has become hugely famous and sought after.

Its most prominent offerings are now highly priced thanks to the glitz generated by, for example, Pesquera & Pingus, as a result of their influence with American wine critics.

The other side of the coin has been a giant surge in profiting from the region’s name and so all manner of come-by-night producers are now attempting to cash in.

Finca Torremilanos ultimately outdoes them all in terms of quality, choice and diversity, having started in 1903 on an estate basis thanks to its iconoclastic founder Calixto Seijas and at a time where this mainly Co-op dominated region was selling most of its wine to Rioja, quietly, and in bulk.

Z MONTE CASTRILLO TINTO 2013 Made purely from youngish (15 to 20-year old) Tinto Fino vineyards, this is dark, effusive, totally approachable fruit-driven stuff with lovely red plum and cherry qualities complimented by just a few months in American oak to give it a little reassuring vanilla.

Z LOS CANTOS 2012 Made from a single plot with an overlay of surface pebbles, this is altogether darker and black fruit flavoured with pronounced minerality, more substance, grip and tannin. With 13 to 15 months in mixed American and French oaks and around 5% Merlot.

Z CYCLO 2009 Some 9,000 bottles of this are made from three low yield centenary vineyards amounting to about 8 hectares, which, says Ricardo, “is an ode to Nature and about the beginning of my dictatorship.” Plush, chocolatey nose, some sweet blackcurrant fruit and minor menthol overtones, rich and with tangy, almost custardy oak, yet relatively gentle, long and savoury.

Z TORRE ALBÉNIZ 2009 Black crimson in colour, this is old Tinto Fino with a little Albillo and 24 months in new French oak.

Big, lush and exuberantly fruity – pure blackberries – yet pleasingly lively with a most satisfying lightness of touch.

Z TORREMILANOS 2010/2011 The winery’s flagship from a single 55 hectare block of 50 year old vines. This is opulent, layered, and cedary with a lovely blackcurrant core and elements of toffee, coffee, fig and cocoa. There is 5 to 6% Cabernet in the blend and it spends between 18 and 20 months in 1st, 2nd and 3rd use oak, primarily French.

The 2010 is rather tighter and more sinewy and will repay bottle ageing; the 2011 is feminine and immediately drinkable. i www.torremilanos.com 12/16/14 3:46 PM

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theguide RESTAURANTS / CINEMAS / GOLF

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

RESTAURANTS

GYMS / TENNIS / SCHOOLS

under €25

€25 – €40

€40 – €60

€60 plus

Tango

AMERICAN

Open 10am until midnight every day.

Plaza Antonio Banderas 17/29, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 951 136 333

HARD ROCK CAFÉ

Yanx

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

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

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

BELGIAN

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

ARGENTINEAN

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

Tel: 952 786 688

GREEK

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

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

Open daily for dinner except Sundays.

Puerto Banús (opp. the car park).

Tel: 952 812 358

El Coto

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

FRENCH Casa mono

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

Valderrama Restaurant

Red Pepper

Open daily for both lunch and dinner.

Muelle Ribera, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 812 148

GRILLS

Asador Criollo Grill Open nightly for dinner. CN340-A7, km. 166,

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Cancelada, El Saladillo. Tel: 952 784 463

Asador guadalmina Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

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

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

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

Tel: 952 886 307

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

Tel: 952 867 306

Piratas flame grill Open every day for lunch and dinner except Sunday. Puerto Deportivo de Marbella, Locales 37-40, Marbella. Tel: 952 865 940

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

The Grill House restaurant

El Carnicero 2

Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday.

C.C. Cristamar, Local 32, Puerto Banús. Tel: 951 319 842

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

INDIAN

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

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

Old Town Grill

Chowka

Mumtaz

aroma

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

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

INTERNATIONAL

baboo lounge and restaurant

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

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

Albert & simon

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

Bar d’o restaurant & Lounge Open daily from 11am to 2am (3am on weekends).

Avda. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, Edif. Milla de Oro, Local 567, Marbella. Tel: 952 821 229

beach house

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Avda. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 900 380

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

Jaipur palace

alberts

beckitts

Open every night except Tuesday for dinner.

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

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Puerto Cabopino.

Tel: 952 836 886

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

alumbre

Besaya Beach

Jaipur Purple

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

Open Monday to Thursday for lunch, Friday and Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sunday for lunch. Urb. Coral Beach s/n, km 176, Marbella. Tel: 952 777 299

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

Tel: 952 888 353

Massala

Amanhavis

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

Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday from 8.00pm. Calle del Pilar 3, Benahavís.

Tel: 952 856 026

Mr. india

amigos

Open daily from 6pm. Milla de Oro (next to Da Bruno a Casa), Marbella. Tel: 952 867 868

Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday.

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

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

Tel: 952 839 458

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

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Price guide per head for a three-course meal with wine Black and white Marbella Open daily for lunch and dinner. Muelle Benabola, under the Torre de Banús, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 815 607

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

Tel: 952 839 236

Brunings Kitchen continuously open Monday to Friday from 1pm to 11pm. Saturday – dinner only. Closed Sunday. Las Palmeras 19, San Pedro de Alcántara.

Tel: 952 786 156

CAFÉ DE RONDA Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Avda.

Ramón Gómez de la Serna 23, Marbella. Tel: 952 862 149

Cafetería ke

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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

c’est la vie Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Paseo Las Palmeras, 15, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 783 394

cortijo fain

under €25

€25 – €40

Friday and Saturday. CN 340, km. 168, Estepona.

Tel: 952 880 126

€40 – €60

€60 plus

Pueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro, CN-340, km. 132, Sotogrande, Cádiz. Tel: 956 695 114 / 619 694 484

EL CASTILLO

Finca Besaya

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

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

El Corzo

Finca cortesín Beach Club

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

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Bahía de Casares, Casares. Tel: 952 897 296

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

EL GRAN GASTBY

Finca El Forjador

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

dani García restaurante

EL JINETE

funky tapas

Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

At the Hotel Puente Romano. Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 764 252

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

Open daily from 12 midday to 12 midnight.

Avda. Miguel de Cervantes 34, Marbella.

Tel: 952 811 590

del mar

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Puerto Deportivo de Sotogrande, s/n. Tel: 956 790 333

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

cappuccino grande cafe

Don Leone

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

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

Casanis Open every day from 6pm except Sundays.

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

Open Monday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. C.C. Azalea, Edif. A, CN340, km 173, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 951 339 309

celima

El Bolero

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

Tel: 952 895 639.

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

cerrado del águila

Open every day for lunch. Open for dinner on

D-wine

El Campanario

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

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

Tel: 952 809 500

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

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

Avda Las Palmeras 15, San Pedro Alcántara.

Tel: 952 780 927

fonda restaurante el postillón Open Tuesday to Sunday from 7:30pm to 11pm.

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

Tel: 951 254 520

GD Gourmet deli marbella

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

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

Fabiola

girasol

Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and on Sundays for lunch. Cortijo Los Canos,

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

El Restaurante del Casino

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hermosa

LA CANTINA DEL GOLF

Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner from 7pm.

Closed Monday. Local 1A. Puerto de Cabopino.

Tel: 952 837 483

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

Tel: 951 318 815

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

mosaik4

Herrero del Puerto

LA GRANADA DIVINO

los arcos

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

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

Open daily for lunch and dinner except Tuesday. C/ de las Piedras, Gaucín. Tel: 951 709 075

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday. Urb. Las Chapas, Marbella.

Tel: 952 839 901

hotel marbella club buffet

La Loggia

Open every night for dinner. Hotel Meliá La Quinta, Urb. La Quinta Golf s/n, Marbella.

Tel: 952 762 000

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

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

karma

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

los bandidos

La Terraza

Open daily from 12pm to 3am. Avda. Manolete, esq.

C/ Los Lirios, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 929 467

mozaic

Miraflores Golf Restaurant

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

Open daily for Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 199. Urb. Riviera Golf.

Tel: 952 931 941

Los naranjos restaurant

NELI Gs

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

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Urb. Los Naranjos de Marbella. Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 816 105

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. C.C. Benavista, Estepona. Tel: 952 928 576 Open daily for lunch and dinner, except Tuesday.

La Campana, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 814 041

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

La Terraza

Magna Café

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

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

LA biznaga

La Veranda

Mc café

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

Tel: 951 275 750

Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner.

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

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

La Verandah

Messina

la brisa Open for dinner Thursday to Monday from 7pm.

Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona. CN 340, km. 159, Estepona. Tel: 952 809 500

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

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

La cabaña del mar

La veranda lobby bar

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

LIMA

MOJO Open from Monday to Saturday for dinner from 8pm ‘til late. Monte Paraíso Golf, Marbella. Tel: 951 217 272

NUEVA CAMPANA OCHO Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

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

oyarbide Open daily from 12pm to 12am. C.C. Guadalmina, Urb. Guadalmina Alta. Tel: 952 882 820

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

puente romano beach club

momo marbella

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

Open Monday to Saturday from 6pm to midnight.

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

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Laguna Village,

PURO BEACH

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Price guide per head for a three-course meal with wine Playa El Padrón, CN 340, km 159, Estepona. Tel: 952 800 015

Istán, km 1, C.C: Le Village 15, Marbella.Tel: 952 771 046

Restaurant lounge camurí

Suave

Open daily for lunch and dinner. At Laguna Village.

CN340, km 159, Estepona. Tel: 951 217 871

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Paseo Maritimo Rey de España 93, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 866 627

Restaurante royal Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the Hotel Torrequebrada, Benalmádena Costa. Tel: 952 441 414

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

Sea grill At the Puente Romano Beach Club. Open daily for lunch and dinner. CN340, km 187, Marbella. 952 820 900

shanti-som – amrita 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

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

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

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

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

Terra Sana

Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

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

Open Monday to Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nueva Andalucía next to the Casino.

Tel: 952 906 205. Marina Banús, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 817 977. C.C. Laguna Village, Estepona. Tel: 951 901 050. C.C. Mary Sol, Sotogrande. Tel: 956 796 931. C.C. La Cañada, Marbella. Tel: 952 868 663. C.C. Parque Miramar, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 663 937

Skina

The meeting room

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

Open 9am to 11pm every day except Sundays.

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

SMALL WORLD CAFé

Open every evening from 6:30 pm-11 pm. Plaza General Chinchilla 1, Plaza de los Naranjos,

shiraz

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ctra.

The orange tree

under €25

€25 – €40

Marbella. Tel: 952 924 613.

THE PLAYWRIGHT Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Manzana, Locales 8-11, Pueblo Los Arcos, Elviria. Tel: 952 830 868

tikitano Open every day for lunch and dinner. Urb. Guadalmansa, CN340, km 164, Estepona. Tel: 952 798 449

Trocadero arena Open every day for lunch and dinner. Torre Real Beach, Marbella.

Tel: 952 865 579

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

Trocadero Sotogrande Open daily for lunch and dinner. Paseo del Parque s/n, Sotogrande. Tel: 956 795 012

Venta garcía

€40 – €60

€60 plus

Plaza Altamirano 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 858 868

ITALIAN Al Dente

Open 7 days a week for dinner. Closed on Mondays.

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

Tel: 952 906 181

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

Tel: 952 813 464

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

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

Carpaccio Open every day for lunch and dinner. Frontline Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 813 357

Open daily for lunch and dinner every day except Monday. Ctra. de Casares km 7, Casares. Tel: 952 894 191

casa tua

villa padierna club de mar

CONRADS IL Ristorante

Open daily for lunch from 1pm to 6pm.

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

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

Avda. del Prado s/n, Edif. Sport Café, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 628 593 409

zest 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

zozoI Open every day for dinner from 7.00pm till late.

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,

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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

la trattoria de marbella

Da Paolo

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

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

Don giovanni Open daily for lunch and dinner. Avda. de Antonio Belón 3, Marbella. Tel: 952 765 550

Frascati Open daily for lunch and dinner. Plaza de Los Naranjos s/n, Sotogrande. Tel: 952 790 392

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

Il Tartufo Open from Monday to Saturday for dinner from 6:30pm. C/ Tetuán 9, Marbella. Tel: 951 087 323

la fiorentina Open daily for lunch and dinner. C.C. El Pilar, Local 11 (opposite the Crown Plaza Hotel), Estepona. Tel: 952 885 765

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

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

Open nightly for dinner from 6:30pm. C/ Las Malvas, Edif. Online, Local 4, Nueva Andalucía.

Tel: 952 817 591

Leonardo da vinci Lombardo’s Open daily from 7pm. Galerías Paniagua, Sotogrande, Cádiz. Tel: 956 795 924

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

Julio Iglesias, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 906 608

mesana Open nightly for dinner. At the Gran Hotel Gvadalpín. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 771 133

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

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

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

Tel: 952 909 990

Pizzeria Picasso Open daily from 12 noon. Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 813 669

portofino laguna village Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

C.C. Laguna Village, Estepona.

Tel: 952 808 035

Ristorante Regina Open every night for dinner and Sunday for lunch.

Edif. La Ruleta, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 814 529

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

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 12pm ‘til midnight for lunch and dinner. C.C. Pinogolf de Don Carlos 34, Elviria.

Tel: 952 850 148

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

trattoria l’impronta

golden wok

Open daily for lunch and dinner except on Tuesday. Avda. Salamanca, Edif. San Pedro del Mar, Local 14, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 785 943

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

Villa Tiberio

Open daily for lunch and dinner except Monday.

C.C. Los Jarales 6, Calahonda. Tel: 951 406 082/ 952 932 011

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

Mediterranean Beata’s Vino y Mar

Open Monday to Sunday from 2pm to 11pm. Avda. del Prado 20, Marbella. Tel: 602 822 598

tempora Open nightly for dinner. C/ Tetuán 9, Old Town, Marbella. Tel: 952 857 933

Oriental Asia Food

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

Hanuri KOREAN BBQ & BAR

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

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

under €25

€25 – €40

€40 – €60

€60 plus

Makitake

Wasabi

La máquina

PALACIO DE LA PAZ

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Ribera s/n (above disco Seven), Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 811 592

Open daily from 1.30 pm for lunch and dinner. C.C. Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 908 577

Open daily for lunch and dinner except Sunday.

At El Corte Inglés Food Hall, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 909 990

Recinto Ferial. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 589 349

TEATRO CERVANTES

Aloha restaurant

La Meridiana del alabardero

Open every evening for dinner from 6pm to 11.30pm. Avda. del Prado s/n, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 811 285

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

TEATRO CIUDAD DE MARBELLA

Skandies

la moraga

TEATRO SALON VARIETES

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

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

Emancipación 30. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 474 542

La red

Veracruz. Estepona. Tel: 952 800 056

Open daily from 9.30am to 6pm. Playa La Fontanilla, Marbella. Tel: 952 821 450

YELMO CINEPLEX

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

Namazake Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner. Hotel Puente Romano. Tel: 952 820 900

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

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

Sakura Open every day for lunch and dinner. Avda.

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

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

Tel: 952 888 710

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

Sushi des artistes Open every day for lunch and dinner. CN 340, km 178.5, Marbella. Easy parking. Tel: 952 857 403

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

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

Tahini

SCANDINAVIAN

SEAFOOD

cervecería ostrería santiago

La Taberna del Alabardero

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Avda. del Marzo, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 078

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

Tel: 952 786 265

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

TEATRO ALAMEDA Calle Córdoba 9, Málaga. Tel: 952 213 412 Ramos Marín, 199, Málaga. Tel: 952 224 109 Plaza Ramón Martínez, Marbella.

Tel: 952 903 159

VERACRUZ CINES Plaza Mayor. Tel: 902 220 922

GYMS & SPORTS CLUBS ALHAMAR GYM

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

Mesón el adobe

ATENAS

Open daily for lunch and dinner except Tuesdays.

Avda. La Fontanilla, Edif. Balmoral, Bajo 3, Marbella.

Tel. 600 003 144

Barquilla 1. Marbella. Tel: 952 776 240

mi taberna

CENTRO DEPORTIVO EL FUERTE

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

CN340, km 178, Marbella. Tel: 952 827 880

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

La Torre

Paellas y Más

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

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

Open daily from 10:30am to 11pm. C/ Jacinto Benavente 33, Marbella. Tel: 952 822 511

CENTRO PLAZA GYM

Marisquería La Pesquera

Restaurante 1870

Cerrado del águila

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

Open nightly for dinner. C/ La Concha, 11, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 783 836

Mijas Costa, Málaga. Tel: 951 773 523

Restaurante El bote

Tragabuches

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

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

Tennis /paddle classes. Calahonda.

Tel: 952 939 595

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

Tel: 956 171 531

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

SPANISH Bahía

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

CENTRO DE YOGA Y SALUD INTEGRAL Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 817 074

CLUB DEl SOL Dynamic training centre C.C. Le Village, Marbella. Tel: 952 775 021

FITNESS CENTRE NEW STYLE

Vila do grove

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

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. C/ Las Malvas, Edif. On Line, Local 2, Nueva Andalucía.

Tel: 952 813 415

Fuerte Gym

VEGETARIAN

Avda. El Fuerte, Marbella. Tel: 952 861 624

GIMNASIO ESTADIO Trav. Huerta de los Cristales, Marbella.

Tel: 952 828 217

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Hotel Meliá don Pepe. C/ José Meliá s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 902 936

Open every evening for dinner. At Hotel Don Carlos. Avda. Zurita s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 768 800

loving hut

HAPPY DIVER’S CLUB

Ta-kumi

beach club restaurante grill

Open daily from 10.30am to 11.30pm.

Avda. Miguel Cano 11, Marbella. Tel: 951 245 889

Atalaya Park Hotel, Marbella. Tel: 609 571 920

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

CINEMAS & THEATRES

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

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

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

Tel: 952 818 392

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

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

Tse yang Dimsum club Open daily for lunch and dinner except Sundays.

At El Corte Inglés Food Hall, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 909 990

Casa de la era

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

KRAV MAGA SELF-DEFENCE CENTRE At Hotel Pyr, Puerto Banús. Tel: 655 689 455

AUDITORIO MUNICIPAL MIJAS

MANOLO SANTANA RACQUETS CLUB

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

Plaza de la Libertad 2. Mijas.

Tel: 952 590 380

Ctra. de Istán, Km 2. Marbella. Tel: 952 778 580

Casa Fernando

AUDITORIO MUNICIPAL TORREMOLINOS

Monda. Tel: 952 112 161

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

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

MARBELLA SPORT

AUDITORIO PARQUE DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN

Km 171.5. San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 788 315

Marbella. Tel: 952 825 035

MULTI SPORT

DGust

CENTRO CULTURAL EL INGENIO

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

Open Monday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

Avda. Duque de Ahumada, Marbella. Tel: 952 863 780

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

New Concept Training

CINESA LA CAÑADA La Cañada. Marbella. Tel: 902 333 231

Monte Paraíso Country Club, Camino de Camoján s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 866 843

El Portalón

cines gran marbella

02 CENTRO WELLNESS

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch 1-4pm and dinner from 8pm-midnight. Ctra de Cádiz, km 178, Marbella. Tel: 952 827 880

Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 810 077

Plaza del Mar. Marbella. Tel: 952 900 420

cinesur

P-E SPORTS CLUB

C.C. Miramar, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 198 605

Hacienda

MULTICINES ALFIL

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

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

Avda. Camilo José Cela, s/n. Fuengirola.

Tel: 952 800 056

qi sport

MULTICINES MEDITERRÁNEO

SATURNIA REGNA

Mijas. Tel: 952 663 738

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

MARBELLA GUN & COUNTRY CLUB

Urb. La Alzambra, Marbella. Tel: 952 907 090

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

Sport Club Reserva del Higuerón Avda. del Higueron, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 565 761

SPORTCLUB ROUTE 66 Ctra. Mijas, 1.5km. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 461 648

SPORTING CLUB ATALAYA PARK HOTEL CN340, Km 168,5. Estepona. Tel: 952 888 212

TICKET-TO-RIDE Cristamar, Pto. Banús. Tel: 952 905 082

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

TENNIS CLUBS Aztec Country Club

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

bel air tennis and paddel club Urb. Bel-Air, Estepona. Tel: 952 883 221

Club deL Sol Tennis/paddle classes. Calahonda. Tel: 952 939 595

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

Tel: 952 768 800

Club Internacional de Tennis Ctra. Cádiz, km 173. Marbella. Tel: 952 813 341

Club Madroñal Benahavís. Tel: 617 647 223

Club Nueva Alcántara San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 788 315

Hofsaess tennis academy Monte Elviria (next to German School). Tel: 952 835 812

Lew Hoads Tennis Club Ctra. de Mijas, Km 3,5. Mijas. Tel: 952 474 858

Manolo Santana Racquets Club Ctra. de Istán, Km 2. Marbella. Tel: 952 778 580

Marbella hill tennis club Avda. El Fuerte, Marbella. Tel: 659 677 539

marbella playa tenIs CN340, km 189, Marbella. Tel: 657 619 630

Miraflores Tennis Club Urb. Miraflores, Km 199. Calahonda. Tel: 952 932 006

Puente Romano TEnnis club Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

royal tennis club marbella El Rosario, Marbella. Tel: 952 837 651

Sport Club Reserva del Higuerón Avda. del Higueron, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 565 761

Tourist offices Benahavís Tel: 952 855 500 Benalmádena Tel: 952 442 494 Estepona Tel: 952 802 002 Fuengirola Tel: 952 467 625 Gibraltar Tourist Board Tel: 956 774 950 Marbella Tel: 952 822 818 Málaga Tel: 952 213 445 / 952 216 061 Mijas Tel: 952 485 900 Ronda Tel: 952 871 272 San Pedro Tel: 952 785 252 Tarifa Tel: 956 680 993 Torremolinos Tel: 952 381 578

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DANESA

LA

La revista danesa en España / Det danske magasin i Spanien

JANUAR 2013

NORSKE Det norske månedsmagasinet på Costa del Sol

Det

magasinet

S PA N I E N F Ö R S V E N S K A R

Sesongen er godt i gang på Europas sørligste skisportssted, Pradollano i Sierra Nevada.

Et ægte boutique-hotel

De vinder mere og mere frem, særligt i de europæiske storbyer, og nu også i de spanske.

La Danesa har studeret det hippe boutique-fænomen.

Mandesnak hos Mærsk

Torben Gram forlod sit job i Danmark til fordel for et liv i Spanien uden på forhånd at have arbejde, bolig eller kendskab til sproget.

• Intervjuer • Nyheter • Utflukter • Sport • Fakta • Kultur • Profiler • Politikk • Mote • Helse • og mye mer...

Jacob Haugaard er tilbage

La Danesa har mødt manden, som den 17. februar besøger Kysten med sit show ”Jacob – Solo”.

Spanske barn møtte Karius & Baktus

Siesta - myter og realiteter

Nesten 200 spanske barn og deres foreldre fikk nylig sitt første møte med de norske tanntrollene Karius og Baktus.

Du trodde kanskje at siestaen var en så inngrodd del av spansk kultur at ingenting kan rokke ved den. Tro om igjen!

Loja - en blomst blant torner Loja ligger 60 km vest for Granada, og det var selveste Isabel la Católica som i 1486, da byen overga seg til de kristne, kalte byen en blomst blant torner – “flor entre espinas”.

JANUAR 2013

Ecológico

Med inspiration hentet i Spanien og i Wien har Kirsten Vaupel begået sin første roman, og kan nu tilføje titlen forfatter til rækken af kulturelle hverv på sit farverige visitkort.

El Mercadillo

Les mer om aktiviteter på Costa de Sol i ¿Qué pasa?

Kirsten Vaupel debuterer med roman

Tomatkrig, vikingeslag og tyreløb, religiøse optog, pilgrimsfærd og menneskepyramider er blandt højdepunkterne på Spaniens kuriøse, kulturelle kalender.

en

Januari 2013

Sesong i Sierra Nevada

• Interviews • Nyheder • Bolig • Finans • Udflugter • Sport • Fakta • Kultur • Profiler • Politik • Mode • Helse

Kuriøse fiestas año 2013

sueco

Fler och fler upptäcker kustens kanske hälsosammaste marknad

Utflykt

El Escorial tronar på minnen om makt och historia.

Motor

Trike – trehjulingar för vuxna.

Resa

Läs ett vykort från Aten.

Profil

Lennart Lundquist är mannen bakom Internetsidorna Svenskar i Spanien.

Golf

Det nya året inleds med stora rabatter.

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

pets THE GUIDE

Hayden Panettiere

Shows Her Love for Animals Heroes star, Hayden Panettiere, recently put her money where her mouth is, donating enough funds to provide a cuddly gorilla at the Kiev Zoo in the Ukraine with a large enclosure and all the installations and toys it needs to feel happy and entertained. Hayden describes her first meeting with ‘Tony’ the gorilla: “There I stood, facing this creature with the strength of many men, separated by nothing but a thin wire fence. Suddenly, the most amazing thing happened, he walked over, sat down in front of me and stared into my eyes. Looking back into his, I could see how wise, curious and deeply intelligent he was. He took one of his massive fingers, stuck it through the fence and gently, as if I were made of glass, touched my cheek, then my nose, and finally my lips. He pulled his finger back and smelled it! He did this repeatedly during my first visit with him while I fed him his favorite fruits: bananas and cherries.” Saddened by the small size of Tony’s ‘home’, Hayden decided to make a difference to his life by paying for extensive renovations. She said, “Animals have always brought me joy in my darkest hours” and we would have to agree that animals and pets deserve every bit of love and support we can give them.

DOGS RECOGNISE

Familiar Faces from Images When you spend so much time with your dogs, countless questions enter your mind, such as – ‘Do they think of us when we’re not at home?’ ‘Do they remember specific memories?’ or, ‘Would they recognise us if they were prompted to look at our photograph?’ Scientists are still working on answering the first two questions though luckily, they seem to have stumbled on the reply to the third. Researchers at the University of Helsinki recently found that dogs do recognise their owners when looking at images, fixing their gaze more often on familiar faces and eyes than they do on unknown ones. Interestingly, dogs spend more time looking at other dogs’ images, regardless of whether the pooches are known or unknown to them. Dogs also tended to gaze longingly at the eyes of their owners, even when the images were turned upside-down!

Cats and Dogs Have SUPER VISION

If you ever catch your cat or dog staring intently into space, it may be because they can see things which are invisible to the human eye. A recent study has shown that cats and dogs have UV vision, just like birds, fish and some amphibians and reptiles.

UV vision can be useful for tasks like spotting colours or patterns in plants that can lead bees to nectar; reindeer, meanwhile, use UV vision to spot polar bears, which can easily blend into the white background of snow. The human eye blocks out UV light through its lens, primarily because we need to see in greater detail, and UV light is thought to make things look blurry. So the next time you catch Rex or Moggy staring into space, pay heed; there could be a polar bear on your trail!

TOP 3 PETS to Follow Online If you are one of those Internet users who spends a considerable amount of time watching, sharing and laughing at photographs and videos of dogs, cats, birds, elephants and indeed all four-footed or feathered creatures, then you may want to know who the pets with the largest online following are. Number one on the list is Boo, an amazingly cute Pomeranian you would swear was a stuffed toy, were it not for the videos of his royal cuteness in motion. Boo has 15 million Likes on Facebook. Second on the list is Grumpy Cat – with six million Facebook Likes, he has been the inspiration for a host of memes, owing to the perpetually angry look he has on his face. Third is Graham The Kitten, who apart from being exceedingly cute, also happens to belong to British crooner, Ed Sheeran. i Follow Graham on Twitter: @GrahamShizza.

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THE GUIDE what’s on Monday January 5 CABALGATA DE REYES – ALONG THE COAST

The Three Wise Men will be riding their carriage through the city centre in various municipalities, throwing out lollies and sweets to children. The event starts at different times in each municipality (at 12pm in Marbella and 1pm in Estepona, for instance) so make sure to contact your Town Hall or check out their website to glean information on precise locations and times.

EVENTS IN JANUARY AND THE FIRST WEEK OF FEBRUARY

ART EXHIBITION – MARBELLA

Local artist, Roger Thomas Cummiskey, will be holding a solo exhibition at the Club Danés in Mijas. Roger is a professional visual artist from Ireland and the President of the Andalusian International Artists group. www-rogercummiskey.com

Until January 19 ART – MIJAS

Until January 6, 2015 ART – MIJAS

Until January 8 ARCHITECTURE EXHIBITION – MARBELLA

The Marbella Palacio de Ferias y Congresos will be hosting the exhibition of entries to the DOM3 Architecture prize, a prestigious international competition for architects from Spain and abroad, organised by the DOM3 Association for high-end housing. www.marbellacongresos.com

Until January 9 ART (SEX PISTOLS) – MÁLAGA

From Sex to Punk is the name of an exciting exhibition at La Térmica in Málaga, featuring a series of visuals belonging to the collection of John Tiberi, photographer and ex-Tour Manager of the Sex Pistols. www.latermicamalaga.com

Until January 11 PLAYMOBIL EXHIBITION – FUENGIROLA

Kids and adults alike will love this gorgeous exhibition of Playmobil sets, featuring almost 3,000 items. At the Museo de la Ciudad from 4:30pm to 8:30pm from Tuesday to Friday and from 10am to 2pm and 4:30pm to 8:30pm on weekends. www.clickeros.es

Until February 15 MAFALDA – MÁLAGA

Talented Scottish photographer, writer and artist, Peter Stanway, exhibits his latest collection of paintings at Collection Rimon in Marbella. www.collectionrimon.com

Sinikka Ahokas-Gröhn, Richard Wood, Astrid Frida Zehetner and Enrique Augusti Lafuente, all members of Artisticas Eclecticos, are exhibiting their latest works at El Jinete restaurant in Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 119 170.

Until January 23, 2015 ART – ESTEPONA

Gabriela Fernández and Peter Gold present a joint exhibition at El Campanario Golf & Country House. www.elcampanarioresort.com

Until January 28, 2015 ART – BENALMÁDENA

The THB Class Hotel Reserva del Higuerón will be hosting a not-to-be-missed art exhibition by talented impressionistic artist, Andrés Rueda. www.reservadelhigueron.com

Until January 30 ART – ESTEPONA

The Villa Padierna Palace in Estepona is hosting an exhibition entitled Paisajes, by painter and journalist, José María Camacho.

The works can be considered an ode to Nature. www.villapadierna.es

Until March 1 ART – MÁLAGA

The Museo Carmen Thyssen in Málaga

Mafalda is a well-loved comic character created by Argentinean cartoonist, Quino, in the 1960s and 1970s. She is also the subject of a new exhibition at La Térmica in Málaga. Feauring dolls, illustrations, sketches and much more. www.latermicamalaga.com

presents Casas – Rusiñol. Dos Visiones Modernistas, an exhibition of work by two of Catalunya’s most famed artists: Santiago Rusiñol and Ramon Casas. www.carmenthyssenmalaga.org

Mondays at 10:30am, Wednesdays at 10:30am and Saturdays at 11am at the Manolo Santana Racquets Club. www.yoga-in-marbella.net Tel: 639 845 285.

NEW AND REGULAR EVENTS

Every Tuesday JIVE – MIRAFLORES, ESTEPONA AND LA DUQUESA

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

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

AMIGOS DE LA CULTURA – COSTA DEL SOL

Every Second Tuesday of the Month JAZZ – ESTEPONA

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. smartkidsmarbella@gmail.com

TOASTMASTERS – MARBELLA

The Achievers Toastmasters Club Marbella meets every week at Aloha Gardens, Nueva Andalucía to practise public speaking skills.

For further information, contact Maria on Tel: 603 133 805 or Percy on Tel: 646 533 112. www.toastmastersmarbella.com

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 Monday, Wednesday and Saturday YOGA – MARBELLA

Lori Sjollema teaches yoga classes on

The Coast’s Jazz Appreciation Society meets at Benavista Country Club at 8pm. Classic videos followed by a live jazz performance then dinner. To book, Tel: 952 888 106.

Further information from Brian Parker, Tel: 669 504 942.

Every Wednesday SALSA – MARBELLA

If you’re feeling the Latino vibe, brush up on your moves at Buddha Bar Marbella’s special salsa nights (featuring the Nicolás Valiente Dance Academy), which take place every Wednesday at 10:30pm. Tel: 655 480 748.

ART – MÁLAGA

The Museo Picasso de Málaga offers free guided tours in English (included in the entry price), from 11:30am to 2pm. Tickets cost €8 for adults. Children enter for free. www.museopicassomalaga.org

FLAMENCO – MIJAS

Every Wednesday at 12pm, a dazzling flamenco show takes place at the Plaza Virgen de la Peña in Mijas Pueblo. www.mijas.es

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Every first Wednesday of the month CULTURE AND COCKTAIL – MARBELLA

Saturday January 17 GUITAR – 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

Florian Larousse, winner of the V Concurso Internacional de Guitarra de Sevilla, will be playing live at the Iglesia de la Virginia in Marbella at 7pm. www.musicaconencanto.org

Every Wednesday and Friday MARTIAL ARTS – SAN PEDRO

Taekwondo expert Justin Menchen, who studied and received First Dan in Los Angeles (from Master Keith Jones) teaches Taekwondo to adults and children at TKD Studio. From 5:30pm to 6pm for Wassabi Warriors, 6pm to 7pm for kids and 7pm to 8pm for adults.

Poomsae and Sparring WTF (light to medium contact) available. To sign up or for a free introductory class, Tel: 666 756 692.

Every Thursday NETWORKING – MARBELLA

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

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

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

BUSINESS LUNCH – MARBELLA

Every First Sunday of the month OPEN DAY – MIJAS

Every last Friday of the Month COFFEE MORNING – ESTEPONA

Every Saturday MARKETS – PUERTO BANÚS

Friday January 2 to Monday January 5 PANTOMIME – FUENGIROLA

ADANA animal rescue charity coffee morning

Marbella Business Institute holds an invitation-only lunch club for local and visiting business people, active and retired. To apply, visit www.marbellabusinessinternational.org

Head for the Puerto Banús bullring every

PAD animal shelter, Cerros del Águila, welcomes visitors from 12pm-3pm.

Further information, Tel: 952 486 084. www.padcatsanddogs.org

Tickets cost €10 and can be purchased at the door. www.cosadelsoldfas.com

Friday January 16 to Saturday January 17 JOHNNY G & THE LENGENDS OF SOUL – FUENGIROLA

Popular singer, Johnny G, brings back the magic of the 1960s and 1970s in this entertaining show. Featuring special guests, The Soul Sisters, plus a tribute to The Blues Brothers. At 8pm on Saturday and 7pm on Sunday. www.salonvarietestheatre.com

The Salón Varietés in Fuengirola presents Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, a fun-filled pantomime directed by Peter Mitchell. At 8pm on Friday, 3pm and 8pm on Saturday, 7pm on Sunday and 3pm on Monday. www.salonvarietestheatre.com

Tuesday January 6 GOSPEL CHOIR – MÁLAGA

The Alabama Gospel Choir gives it their all to sing emotion-packed gospel songs at the Teatro Cervantes de Málaga at 7pm. www.teatrocervantes.com

Wednesday January 7 CELTIC LEGENDS – MÁLAGA

Irish dancing troupe, Celtic Legends, weaves their magic at the elegant Teatro Cervantes Theatre at 9pm. www.teatrocervantes.com

Saturday January 10 to Sunday January 11 THEATRE – FUENGIROLA

Saturday January 24 EL BARRIO – MÁLAGA

Monday January 12 COSTA DEL SOL DFAS LECTURE – FUENGIROLA

Tuesday January 27 ONCOLOGY CONFERENCE – MARBELLA

Henrik Hagensen directs a talented cast in My Brilliant Divorce, starring Bobbye Aaron.

At 8pm on Saturday and 7pm on Sunday. www.salonvarietestheatre.com

Wednesday January 14 to Thursday January 15 VIOLETTA – MÁLAGA

Violetta is a major idol for female tweens and teens around the world and this month, she will be performing live at the Palacio de los Deportes de Martín Carpena in Málaga! The show starts at 8:30pm on Wednesday and 9:30pm on Thursday. www.nvivo.es

The Costa del Sol DFAS presents a talk called Wanderers above the Sea of Fog: The Art of the Baltic, by Dr. David Cross, at the Salón Varietés Theatre in Fuengirola at 4:30pm.

Hit Spanish singer and composer, El Barrio, performs at the Palacio Municipal de Los Deportes José María Martín Carpena, at 10:30pm. Tickets available on www.elcorteingles.es

The Quirón Hospital Group presents a vital oncology conference on the last Tuesday of every month, until May 26. On January 27, the talk will be on Breast cancer. At the Quirón Hospital in Marbella. Tel. 952 774 200.

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www.russellgrant.com

THE GUIDE stars

Russell Grant’s Monthly Horoscope January 2015

CAPRICORN December 22nd - January 20th The first days of January will seem restrictive. It will be difficult to wiggle out of a work obligation at this time. Use your powers of persuasion to negotiate an alternate arrangement with your boss. The Full Moon on the 5th finds you at odds with your best friend or lover. This is another situation where work will get in the way of a relationship. It’s time to strike a better balance. Working behind the scenes will give you a greater measure of freedom. You won’t get as much acclaim as you did in the past, but it’s better than being chained to your desk all of the time. The New Moon on the 20th brings an alternative source of income. Working for a government agency, university, or hospital will prove quite lucrative. It will also allow you to spend more time with your nearest and dearest. False praise will backfire as January turns to February.

Working behind the scenes will give you a greater measure of freedom. You won’t get as much acclaim as you did in the past, but it’s better than being chained to your desk all of the time

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ARIES [21 MAR - 20 APR] There will be a contest of wills between you and someone younger as 2015 gets under way. Resist the urge to try and buy their loyalty, support or friendship with expensive gifts and special privileges, or you will set them up for failure.

It’s up to you to establish strict boundaries. The Full Moon on the 5th forces you to settle a property deal.

You may have to take a hit on cashed-in investments or sell something for less than it’s worth, or buy a home for more than you anticipated. Try to keep the big picture in mind. Operating under the radar is a good idea midmonth, when rivals will be watching your progress with interest. Don’t tell anyone if you’re interviewing for a job or developing a new project. The New Moon on the 20th brings a welcome opportunity to have fun with a group of friends. Be sure to bring some business cards to a party, as you’ll make at least one valuable professional contact.

TAURUS [21 APR - 21 MAY] You’ll have an opportunity to go for an advanced degree in the early days of the month. There’s never been a better time to enrol on a course to study with a respected master.

The Full Moon on the 5th warns against making bold declarations. You’re missing some important pieces of the puzzle. Take care not to jump to conclusions, especially about your relatives and neighbours. Flattery won’t take you far mid-month. If you’re going to advance at work, you will need to put in long hours and produce concrete results. Fortunately, the New Moon on the 20th is ideal for getting a promotion or better paid job.

Don’t hesitate to ask a former boss or colleague for a recommendation. You’ll be able to spend more time on social pursuits as January turns to February. Take this opportunity to throw a big party, complete with great food, upbeat music and a varied guest list.

GEMINI [22 MAY - 21 JUN] The Full Moon on the 5th brings an abrupt end to a source of income. Fortunately, you will have the opportunity to find a good job in the education field. Your best friend, lover, or business partner will be instrumental in landing this position. Alternatively, you may decide to take this opportunity to go back to education full time. Getting an advanced degree will improve your career prospects.

By mid-January, you will be asked to teach a class or demonstrate a valuable skill. Teaching will give you a lot of pleasure. The New Moon on the 20th will prompt you to expand your horizons. Let someone close to your heart introduce you to their favourite food, film maker, or author. A public presentation on the 30th will go very well. This is your big chance to make a name in your desired field. Fame and acclaim will be yours by the end of January.

CANCER [22 JUN - 23 JULY] Power struggles at work will compromise your personal life in early January. Prepare to put in long hours at the office. Your best friend or lover won’t be happy with this arrangement, but rest assured it is only temporary. Best of all, a raise or promotion is on the cards for you. The Full Moon on the 5th gives you an opportunity to rearrange your schedule. Make more time for the people and projects that are dear to your heart. Your boss won’t be thrilled with this alteration, but it can’t be helped. You have to stand in your own defence. Money from an inheritance, refund or grant will

allow you to afford more luxuries mid-month. The New Moon on the 20th marks an exciting new chapter in an intimate relationship. This is a great time to experiment with lovemaking techniques. Are you single? Be ready to meet someone special at work.

LEO [24 JULY - 23 AUG] Early January finds you working hard to impress an authority figure. At times, the two of you will butt heads. If you remain open to their suggestions, though, you will land a great assignment. The Full Moon on the 5th makes you feel isolated. You’ll be in much more demand when you get some advanced technical training. Your love life will sizzle with excitement in the first half of the month. Resist the urge to rush things with a new romantic interest. It’s better to savour the courtship phase. The New Moon on the 20th marks a turning point in a relationship. This is a fantastic time to embark on a business partnership with a seasoned expert. If you have a romantic partner, you’ll have to take over some responsibilities. Be as generous and compassionate as possible. By rising to these challenges, you and your amour will become closer than ever.

VIRGO [24 AUG - 23 SEPT] The year opens on a romantic note, when your allure attracts the attention of a powerful executive. The Full Moon on the 5th forces you to tear yourself out of your lover’s arms to attend a social event. Resist the urge to cancel, or you will hurt a friend’s feelings. A freelance work assignment will fall into your lap midmonth, giving you extra money for luxuries. The New Moon on the 20th is perfect for launching a fitness regime. This would be a good time to invest in some home exercise equipment. You’ll have to discard a work project during the second half of January. Try not to get frustrated; the more flexible you are, the faster you can finish this job. A public presentation will go very well at the end of the month. Don’t be surprised when your boss gives you better assignments as January turns to February.

LIBRA [24 SEPT - 23 OCT] You’re wonderfully attractive in the early days of January, drawing admiring stares wherever you go. This is an ideal time to embark on a love affair or go on a romantic holiday. The Full Moon on the 5th finds you facing off with an irritable authority figure. You might have to cancel a date to keep some work obligations.

Push yourself to fulfil personal obligations throughout the second half of January, or you will offend your nearest and dearest. The New Moon on the 20th is ideal for launching a creative project. Be sure to take an experienced artist’s advice to heart during this exciting time. An inheritance, refund, or legal settlement will give you more money for luxuries as January turns to February. Buy yourself some beautiful new clothes or a handsome piece of jewellery. Better yet, invest in a gorgeous work of art that has been tempting you since last year.

SCORPIO [24 OCT - 22 NOV] Voicing controversial opinions attracts plenty of publicity in early January.

It feels great to stir the pot. The Full Moon on the 5th brings an end to your outspoken ways, at least at work.

A colleague is upset by your statements. If the two of you are going to work together, it’s best to avoid controversial topics like religion and politics. You’ll be quite competitive in mid-January. This is a great time to participate in a contest, race, or debate. The New Moon on the 20th is ideal for buying or selling a piece of property. If you need to relocate, you’ll find a wonderful place in an old fashioned neighbourhood. Trust your romantic perceptions at the end of January. If you suspect someone has a crush on you, you’re probably right. You’ll have to make the first move – your admirer is in awe of you and doesn’t have the courage to admit their true feelings.

SAGITTARIUS [23 NOV- 21 DEC] Moderation is critical in the early days of January. Although you’ll be attending lots of parties, you need to practice restraint with food and drink. Overdoing it will put undue strain on your body. The Full Moon on the 5th prompts you to make a financial settlement. This will take a big chunk of cash out of your bank account, but it can’t be helped. Resist the urge to drown your sorrows with a shopping spree during the second half of January. It’s important to be frugal in these lean times. The New Moon on the 20th brings a job involving teaching, writing, or research. It will feel wonderful to earn money through your expertise. You can save money by spending more time at home at the end of January. Not only that, but focusing on domestic life will strengthen family relationships. Take this opportunity to reconnect with your nearest and dearest.

AQUARIUS [21 JAN - 19 FEB] Patience is a virtue in early January, when your best friend, lover, or business partner will drag their feet. Pressuring them to make a decision will only add to the tension. Your natural good looks will be emphasised on the 3rd, making this a perfect time to make a public appearance. If you’re single, you will meet a seasoned expert who stimulates your intellect.

The Full Moon on the 5th prompts you to change your diet and exercise routine. Do yourself a favour and move slowly towards your goal. A radical overhaul of your habits will be disastrous. By taking a series of small baby steps to reach your target, you will achieve success. Working on behalf of a charitable organisation will be enjoyable in mid-January. You’re bound to make some friends along the way. The New Moon on the 20th is ideal for updating your look. Get a different hairstyle or schedule a cosmetic procedure.

PISCES [20 FEB - 20 MAR] Money will be tight in early January. If you’re looking for work, your best bet is to find it through social networking.

Right now, who you know is more important than what you know. The Full Moon on the 5th brings a disappointing conclusion to a creative venture.

Try not to be too hard on yourself, as there wasn’t enough money to do justice to this endeavour. Your ambition will soar on the 12th; take this opportunity to go after a job or relationship you really want. Don’t let a pessimistic authority stand in your way of success.

The New Moon on the 20th invites you to launch a solo project. If you do a good job with this venture, you’ll pave the way for a prestigious career. You’ll look your best as January turns to February. Take this opportunity to win someone’s heart. If you’re already in a relationship, your partner will be like putty in your hands.

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THE GUIDE family

Baking Classes for Kids at Be Sweet Cakes & Cupcakes WORDS Marisa CUTILLAS

If your child is a budding Jamie Oliver or Martha Stewart, few things will delight them quite as much as attending cooking school at new academy, Be Sweet. Children attend cooking classes once a week, where they learn to make healthy traditional, vegan and savoury (as well as sweet) recipes, including chocolate truffles, quiches and a variety of cakes. i For further information on classes and times, contact Natalia on Tel: 661 214 966. www.besweet.es

FAMILY FUN ANCRAA Giant Donkeys

Cuddle a donkey or become a volunteer to help save this humble but threatened animal. CN 340, km 164, Finca los Pajaritos, Estepona.

Tel: 952 790 511 Aventura Amazonia Kids and adults alike will have fun in this outdoor adventure park, featuring exciting ziplines. C/ Valeriano Rodríguez 2, Marbella. Tel: 952 835 505. www.aventuraamazonia.com Bioparc Fuengirola Award winning zoo covering Madagascar, Africa and the Far East. C/ Camilo José Cela, 6. Tel: 952 666 301. www.bioparcfuengirola.es Black Box Teatro Dramatic Arts School for all ages. C/ Notario Luis Oliver 6, Marbella. Tel: 952 779 172. www.blackboxteatro.com Born to be Wild Jeep and dolphin eco-tours for the whole family. Open 9am-8pm. Blue Dolphin Beach Club, Estepona Beach. Tel: 639 720 246 Cable Ski Marbella Water ski cable system and pool. Open 11am-9pm (closed Mondays).

Urb. Las Medranas, San Pedro.

Tel: 952 785 579 Camelot Fun play centre in La Cañada with a wealth of games and activities and qualified child minders. Special events include baby and toddler mornings and a baby grow clinic, for mums to be and newborns. Ctra. de Ojén s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 764 766 Crocodile Park Educational park with more then 300 monsters. Pose with baby crocodiles. Open 10am6pm. C/ Cuba, 14, Torremolinos.

Tel: 952 051 782 Dariela’s Cake Sugarcraft store and workshops for kids and adults.

Avda. Mayorazgo 6, Local 25, Marbella. Tel: 952 824 238

El Refugio del Burrito

Donkey sanctuary just 40 minutes north of Málaga. Open 11am-7pm.

Fuente de Piedra, Málaga.

Tel: 952 735 513 Flamenco Classes Children aged 5 to 8 can learn to dance flamenco with Isabel Gil, a professional dancer. Classes on Monday and Wednesday at the Nueva Alcántara Tennis Club.

Tel: 952 788 315 Fuerte de Nagüeles Camps, adventures, farm school and sports for kids. Pinar de Nagüeles s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 821 400. www.albergue-nagueles.com Funny Beach Kids paradise with go-karts, trampolines, minimotorbikes, mechanical bull.

Open daily. East side of Marbella.

Tel: 952 823 359 Galaxia Versatile and fun play centre for children of all ages, with separate areas indoor and outdoor.

Mega slide, mini planetarium, birthday parties, summer camp.

Life size characters. C.C. Guadalmina, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 885 530

Ice Skating Rink and Indoor Swimming Pool New sports centre with public ice skating, indoor pool, children’s pool. Avda.

García Lorca, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 577 050

Inter Marbella Football Academy Football Academy

for boys and girls of all ages, at Estadio Santa Maria in Las Chapas, Marbella. Training is on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5pm. Tel: 646 427 589. info@ intermarbellacf.com

Karting Club Málaga Go-kart

circuit for kids and adults who feel a need for speed. Open 10ammidnight. Ctra. De Coin, Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 581 704

Kid’s Club at the Marbella Club Hotel Help with homework

and fun artistic and sporty events for kids daily. Tel: 660 998 800. laurap@marbellaclub.com Kids Multi-Sports Club A plethora of sports for children of all ages and abilities, from tennis through to football, cycling and skateboarding. Parties with games, activities and bouncy castles. Urb. Parcelas del Golf, Avda. del Prado, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 656 618 712 Kidz Kingdom Fun play centre and birthday party area for kids, with a mini disco. Urb. Bel-Air, CN 340, km 166.2, Estepona.

Tel: 952 925 936

Le Petit Milk & Roses

Pampering sessions for little girls, including manicures and dressups. C/ Estebañez Calderon 6, Marbella. Tel: 952 859 223 Little Fishes Swimming classes for newborns to 3-year-olds in Marbella, Estepona and Riviera.

Tel: 686 498 561/ 607 875 949. www.littlefishes-spain.com

Little Gem Swimmers

Swimming courses for babies and toddlers along the Coast. Contact Blaise on Tel: 628 882 655 or Sami on Tel: 628 093 017. www.littlegemswimmers.com

Marbella Stage School

Kids can take accredited courses in dance, drama, musical theatre and singing after school on weekdays and all day on Saturdays. Tel: 952 906 865. www.marbellastageschool.com

Musical Babes Babies and

toddlers aged 6 months to 3 years enjoy singing, playing simple instruments and playing games.

Tel: 952 853 027. Los Jazmines 11, Bajo B, Nueva Alcántara, San Pedro de Alcántara. www.brainwaves-spain.com

NMA The Nelson Music Academy Kids aged 4 to 12 are

introduced to music in its funnest aspects. Classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm, Saturdays from 11am to 1pm.

Edif. Jupiter 44, Local 3, C/ Jesús Cautivo, Los Boliches, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 478 416. www.nelsonmusicacademy.com Original Dolphin Safari The original dolphin safari, established in 1969! Daily sailings from Marina Bay, Gibraltar. Tel: +350 200 71914. www. dolphinsafari.gi Parque La Batería Kids will have fun in this park, built in the civil war era and featuring four replica cannons, underground bunkers and passageways. Urb. Montemar Alto (near the train station), Torremolinos.

Plaza Mayor Family entertainment with multi-screen cinema, bars, restaurants, bowling alley and kids play area. Málaga.

Tel: 952 247 580 Scouting Kids will have fun being a boy or girl scout. The programme followed is the same as that in the UK. Tel: 680 870 270 Sealife Centre See 2 metre long sharks. Touch pools and walkthough glass tunnel. Open daily 10am-6pm. Benálmadena Port.

Tel: 952 560 150 Selwo Adventure Park Over 2,000 animals, 4x4 tours, plus

adventure activities. Open 10am9pm. CN340 Km 162.5, Estepona.

Tel: 902 190 482 Selwo Marina Dolphins Exotic birds, penguins and virtual reality shows. Open 10am-6pm. Parque de la Paloma, Benalmádena.

Tel: 902 190 482 Stagecoach Renowned performing arts school for singing, dancing and acting skills. The academy is open to four to 16-yearolds. Tel: 952 900 453/666 838 213. www.stagecoach.es Steam Train Ride Enjoy a steam train ride crossing the Andalusian mountains with a scenic trip from San Roque to Ronda. Tel: 952 931 186 Swim Bebé Swim Swimming classes for under 4’s and AquaNatal classes for mums-to-be. Tel: 617 520 588

Teleférico Benalmádena

Cable car to top of Calamorro mountain, falconry, trekking and horseriding. Arroyo de la Miel. Open 10am-6pm. Tel: 902 190 482 Tennis Camp Tennis lessons for kids from 4 years on, with professional coaches. Open 10am1pm. Club del Sol, Calahonda.

Tel: 952 939 595 The Music House Kids learn, grow and have fun making music. Open to children from 2 years on. Edif. San Pedro del Mar, Blq 7, local 12, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 785 515. www.themusichouse.es Tivoli World Biggest amusement park on the Costa del Sol. Open daily from 1pm. Avda. de Tivoli, Benalmádena.

Tel: 952 577 016

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FIN E W ATC H ES & EXQ U ISITE JEW ELLERY

Muel l eRi ber a-L ocal M2 8-Puer t oB anús .

Mar bel l a T el .

9 5 29 07 01 0 www. i deal j oy er os . com