Essential Magazine March 2015

COMPLIMENTARY EDITION

LIVE AND LET

Dye

ISSUE 187 • MARCH 2015

ESSENTIAL FOR LUXURIOUS LIVING

e

N º187 - MARCH 2015

essential essential magazine® marbella

MARBELLA

TRADEMARK

COLOURS STUNNING NEW

FORD GT MULTICOLOURED

DESTINATIONS Outlandish

Fashion

Colour Kaleidoscope of

INTREPID EXPLORER JOHAN ERNST NILSON A PERFECT

PENTHOUSE

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: 695 m² Plot: 2,703 m² Price: € 3,500,000

NUEVA ANDALUCÍA Magnificent front line golf mansion set in a prestigious community with 24-hour security overlooking

Las Brisas golf course. Designed by the renowned architect Melvin Villaroel. High specifications throughout. 6 en-suite bedrooms, including independent guest house. A tropical oasis ideal for entertaining, only minutes from Puerto Banús. Ref. 6037

Enclosed: 108 m² Terrace: 33 m² Price: € 1,200,000

MARBELLA

GOLDEN MILE Duplex penthouse in beachfront complex. Fabulous views, walking distance to Puerto Banús & amenities. Ref. 8353

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

SIERRA BLANCA Beautiful 5-bedroom villa in

Enclosed: 157 m² Terrace: 57 m² Price: € 1,090,000

GOLDEN MILE The best 2-bedroom penthouse in Mansion Club, a 5-star complex with 24-hour security.

Short drive to Marbella centre. Ref. 8158

Enclosed: 600 m² Plot: 3,000 m² Price: € 5,150,000

GOLDEN MILE Ultra-modern 4-bedroom villa in Lomas del Marbella Club. Panoramic sea views. Excellent qualities. Spa area, gym and much more. Ref. 8220

prestigious area, in community with 24-hour security.

High specs throughout. 6-car garage. Ref. 4954

An International Associate of Savills

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Enclosed: 985 m² Plot: 3,375 m² Price: € 5,900,000

GOLDEN MILE Modern masterpiece in exclusive community with 24-hour security. Set on a double plot with

stunning views. Recently built to top specifications, it offers 5 bedrooms. Heated infinity pool, domotic & home automation systems, security cameras, wine cellar, special interior lighting & many more features. Ref. 8556

Offices at the Puente Romano Hotel & opposite the Marbella Club Hotel Tel. (+34) 952 863 750 info@panorama.es www.panorama.es 187 Panorama DPS.indd 2

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Issue 187 • March 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

MARIANO JEVA cuentas@essentialmagazine.com MONIKA BÖJTI info@essentialmagazine.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR ANDREA BÖJTI DESIGN & LAYOUT INMA AURIOLES STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER KEVIN HORN (WWW.PHOTOGRAPHERMARBELLA.COM) CONTRIBUTING WRITERS BELINDA BECKETT, IAIN BLACKWELL, FEE BROOKES BUTLIN, MICHEL CRUZ, CRISTINA FALKENBERG, RIK FOXX, RUSSELL GRANT, ALI PARANDEH, CARLOS READ, TONY WHITNEY PRINTING JIMÉNEZ GODOY A. GRÁFICAS, MURCIA DEPÓSITO LEGAL D.L. MA-512-99

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICES COMPLEJO LA PÓVEDA, BLQ. 3, 1º A, CN 340, KM 178, 29600 MARBELLA, MÁLAGA. TEL: 952 766 344 FAX: 952 766 343

ESSENTIAL MARBELLA MAGAZINE

@ESSENTIALEDITOR

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

conditions:

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

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

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You only live once,

El Rosario: Contemporary newly built villa, to be completed by October 2015. The modern property boasts outstanding sea views and is built to the highest standards. Private lift, 2 pools. 5 beds, 6 baths. Built 550 m2, plot 1.019 m2.

E&V ID: W-021JRI. Price: 1.495.000 €.

Hacienda Las Chapas: Impressive villa set on a large plot in the elegant community of Hacienda Las Chapas. Beautiful interior and exterior areas. 3 beds, 4 baths. Built 552 m2, plot 1501 m2.

E&V ID: W-01ZS6E. Price: 1.450.000 €.

Hacienda Las Chapas: Contemporary, luxury villa set on a large plot.

Built and finished to highest standards. Beautiful tropical gardens with high-tech salt water pool. 5 beds, 5 baths. Built: 716 m2, plot 1562 m2.

E&V ID: W-01SJNB. Price: 2.750.000 €.

Beachfront Los Monteros: Best priced luxurious penthouse in the prestigious community Los Monteros Playa. Exceptional sea views.

Direct beach access. 3 beds, 3 baths. Living area 166 m2, terrace 60 m2.

E&V ID: W-021NWV. Price: 1.900.000 €.

Beachfront Río Real: Spectacular frontline beach luxury apartment in Rio Real Playa. Large terraces with breathtaking panoramic views.

Direct beach access. 3 beds, 3 baths. Living area 160 m2, terrace 43 m2.

E&V ID: W-021JXZ. Price 1.100.000 €.

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

we will show you where!

Cascada de Camoján: Exceptional high quality villa with unobstructed panoramic sea views from all levels. Classic modern design, heated pool with gazebo, under-floor heating throughout, separate guest apartment, electrical shutters. 4 beds, 3 baths. Built 489 m2, plot 1.075 m2.

E&V ID: W-021NH5. Price: 2.200.000 €.

Sierra Blanca: Beautifully designed villa with manicured gardens and spectacular, panoramic sea views from all levels. Gym, spa, staff quarter.

Separate guest apartment. 5 Beds, 4 baths. Built 738 m2, plot 1.391 m2.

E&V ID: W-020N66. Price: 2.700.000 €.

Altos Reales: Gorgeous villa, stylishly designed and decorated, set in the most exclusive gated community in Marbella. Separate guest apartment, under-floor heating. 4 beds, 4 baths. Built 761 m2, plot 1.250 m2.

E&V ID: W-01XJUK. Price: 2.900.000 €.

Sierra Blanca: Spectacular penthouse with panoramic sea and mountain views situated in the contemporary gated community of Imara.

Built on one level. 3 beds, 4 baths. Living area 226 m2, terrace 144 m2.

E&V ID: W-021M8H. Price: 1.950.000 €.

BeachfrontGoldenMile:4bedroomsduplexpenthousewithseaviews in a frontline beach complex on the Golden Mile, close to Marbella Club Hotel. 4 beds, 4 baths. Living area 124 m2, terraces 68 m2.

E&V ID: W-021TDB. Price: 1.200.000 €.

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

contents contents The Trend Cinema 22 Home Viewing 24 Music 26 Books 28 Technology 30 Cars: The New Ford GT 2017 32

The Focus Trademark Colours 36 Natural Dyes 42 Andrés Rueda 48 Johan Ernst Nilson 50

The Style Décor: A Perfect Penthouse 54 Décor News 62 Fashion: Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada 64 Fashion News 70

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The Spa

The Leisure

74 Beauty News 76 Colour Therapy 78 FOOD & COLOR 80 Health News 82 Macarena Arjona, Midwife at Hospiten 84 Dr. Carlos Rincón, Eye Surgeon Extraordinaire

98 Travel: Colourful Destinations 106 The Hotel Santos Porta Fira: Dreaming in Red

The Pro

The Guide

86 Enterprise 92 Nicole King of the Marbella Now TV Show 94 Law: Taxation on Property 95 Children’s Foundation stage 96 The Vibe

116 Listings

The Gourmet 109 The MC Café 110 Tones of Taste 112 Food News 114 Wine: Sierra de Salamanca

The Blog 125 Pet News 126 What’s On 128 Stars for March 130 Family Fun

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publisher’s letter WORDS BY IAIN BLACKWELL

S

pring is the season synonymous with colour as our surroundings burst into bloom, contrasting starkly with the drabness of winter.

At the same time, colour is such an encompassing part of our lives, affecting our emotions and sensibilities (blues music, seeing red, tickled pink) that, accordingly, we devote our March edition to all things colourful.

Colour association is a vitally important marketing concept, as we will witness in our lead feature on Trademark Colours. Meanwhile, learn where some of these hues originate from in Live and Let Dye. Prepping our palette further, find out about Colour Therapy, see how tones affect our taste and be blown away by Agatha Ruiz de la Prada’s riot of colour coming in her new collection.

Come with us to some of the World’s brightest destinations, check out intense interiors courtesy of Quiirk, and dream in red with Barcelona’s landmark Hotel Santos Porta Fira.

Dont miss our interviews with impressionist artist, Andrés Rueda, intrepid adventurer, Johan Ernst Nilson, and eye surgeon extraordinaire, Dr. Carlos Rincón.

Elsewhere, take a look at the stunning new Ford GT 2017, visit a perfect penthouse here in Marbella and enjoy the authentic MC Café experience.

Warning! You may have to read this month’s issue with shades on!

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

Our words take on a more vivid hue as we embrace the magic that colour brings to our lives.

Enjoy top cinematic and home viewing releases and read some of the most exciting books on colour and its effect on our moods, tastes and health. Don’t miss too, our new column on Technology, starting with Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things.

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22 Cinema 24

Home Viewing

26 Music 28 Books 30 Technology 32

Cars: The New Ford GT 2017

2/23/15 10:40 AM

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

WORDS MARISA CUTILL

CINEMA

AS

e BLOCKBUSTER » GENRE

Drama

» DIRECTOR

David Cronenberg (The Fly)

» ACTORS

Julianne Moore, Mia Wasikowska, John Cusack

OF THE MONTH

Touted as a modern day morality tale about the Maps obsession with fame, to the Stars centres on sack), Stafford Weiss (John Cu elp f-h sel d a psychologist an ctive ote rpr ove an h wit r autho r me for a is wife, a son who o wh er ght dau a d an r TV sta ma fro ed eas has just been rel ’s ord ff Sta n. tio titu ins l menta s ou fam a biggest client is play the actress who is about to yed in pla r the same role her mo 0s. the 196

Maps to the Stars

» GENRE Adventure » DIRECTOR Baltasar Kormákur (2 Guns)

» ACTORS Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael

Kelly, Josh Brolin

Everest

This film is inspired on the incredible events which took place during an attempt to climb Mount Everest.

Two intrepid teams face one of the worst ever snow storms known to man, fighting against the elements to achieve the impossible and to survive.

» GENRE Action/Adventure » DIRECTOR Ron Howard (The Da

» GENRE Science Fiction/Adventure » DIRECTOR Robert Schwentke

» ACTORS Chris Hemsworth,

» ACTORS Shailene Woodley, Theo

Vinci Code)

Benjamin Walker, Cillian Murphy

In the Heart of the Sea

In the Winter of 1820, the New England Essex was attacked at high sea by something nobody imagined: a gigantic whale.

The maritime disaster would inspire Moby-Dick by Herman Melville, but the famous novel told only half the tale. In the Heart of the Sea delves into the secret of what happened afterwards, when survivors were forced to resort to ungodly means to stay alive. Faced with terrible storms, hunger and panic, the men began to question their deepest values while their captain desperately sought a way to escape to freedom from their seafaring foe.

(Divergent)

James, Ansel Elgort

Insurgent

The Divergent trilogy is the exciting story of Tris, a young girl who takes on the government to defy the latter’s classification of all young people as belonging to one of five factions: Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), Erudite (the intelligent), Abnegation (the selfless), and Candor (the honest), all of which are given a serum to keep them under control. After defying the national government, Tris seeks allies in the outskirts of the Chicago of the future, accompanied by her friend and lover, Four (Theo James).

» GENRE Black Comedy » DIRECTOR Paul Thomas

Anderson (The Master) » ACTORS Joaquin Phoenix, Jena Malone, Reese Witherspoon

Inherent Vice

In the drug-fuelled LA of the 1970s, pothead detective, Doc Sportello (Joaquin Phoenix) is visited by his ex-girlfriend Shasta (Katherine Waterston), who is now the girlfriend of real estate honcho, Mickey Wolfmann (Eric Roberts). Shasta wants Doc to help her stop Mickey’s wife from having Mickey committed to a mental institution. This film has received rave reviews and has been compared to The Big Lebowski, owing to its dark comedic flavour and the labyrinthian structure.

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

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trend HOME VIEWING

Marisa Cutillas brings us a few of the season’s top DVD releases. » GENRE Thriller » DIRECTOR Daniel Monzón (Celda 211)

» ACTORS Luis Tosar, Jesús Castro, Bárbara Lennie » IMDB RATING 6.7/10

El Niño

The Congress

If you speak Spanish or don’t mind reading subtitles, don’t miss out on El Niño, a quick-paced thriller about a Young La Línea boy who agrees to captain a speedboat carrying bags of cocaine across the strait of Gibraltar. Jesús Castro, who plays El Niño, is already being touted as ‘the new Paul Newman’ owing to his piercing blue eyes and solid acting ability, though the high point of the film, for many, is the performance of Luis Tosar, Spain’s version of Robert DeNiro. Tosar plays an obsessive cop who is hell-bent on capturing El Niño, only to lose sight of the bigger picture, in which powerful international drug lords play with local big fish as pawns in a highly sophisticated game.

» GENRE Science Fiction » DIRECTOR Ari Folman (Waltz

with Bashir)

» ACTORS Robin Wright, Harvey Keitel, John Hamm

» IMDB RATING 6.6/10

ONTH

D RELEASE OF THE M

e FEATURED DV » GENRE

Drama

» DIRECTOR

Amma Asante (A Way of Life)

» ACTORS

Gugu MbathaRaw, Matthew Goode, Emily Watson

» IMDB RATING 7.4/10

le, ry of Dido Elizabeth Bel Belle is the real-life sto the of iral adm an of er the mixed-race daught great uncle, Lord Royal Navy. Reared by her Belle is allowed certain Mansfield and his wife, t permitted to take no is privileges, yet she affairs of women of her part fully in the social y, s she will ever fit in full ubt do social class. Belle is o wh son ’s tor h a pas when she falls in love wit er, they eth Tog . ing com is nge convinced that cha the Mansfield, President of fight to convince Lord d in lan Eng in y ver sla lish Supreme Court, to abo the 18th century.

This oddball sci-fi flick gathers a number of genres (science fiction, animation, romance, comedy, drama) in the most ingenious of ways, inviting us to contemplate the meaning of freedom and the human condition. Robin Wright is sensational as usual; she plays herself, a successful middle aged actor who is offered one last tempting job which, in effect, is an invitation to sell her soul.

A fascinating flick, especially for lovers of Yellow Submarine-styled surreal animation.

Belle » GENRE Adventure » DIRECTOR Michael Bay (Armageddon) » ACTORS Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, Jack Reynor

» IMDB RATING 5.9/10

Transformers: Age of Extinction Five years after the defining battle of Chicago, people have grown to fear the Transformers. An elite CIA team has been called upon to hunt down the remaining Decepticons and Autobots, despite the fact that the Autobots were granted protection by the government. Optimus Prime and his faithful team of robots beg a struggling inventor (Mark Wahlberg), to help them overcome the secret unit that seeks to put an end to their existence.

Step Up All In » GENRE Romance » DIRECTOR Trish Sie

(Not Alone)

» ACTORS Briana Evigan, Ryan Guzman, Alyson Stoner » IMDB RATING 5.9/10

The Step Up series (this is the fifth film in the series and surely not the last) never fails to impress, with its usual plot of ‘losers vs the world’, a battle which is always won by the ‘good guys’ on the dance floor. This time, allstars from all the previous instalments battle it out for victory in Las Vegas, for the ultimate dance-a-thon of their lives.

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trend MUSIC

¿QUÉ PASA? WORDS RIK FOXX

As we go to press there is no real action on the coast but check your local press by the week just in case.

But the name game for the Spanish festivals has started giving fans something to look forward to once the weather warms up (details below). At the time of writing, all info on this page was correct.

March 20 sees 1970s disco legends CHIC release their first material in 23 years. I'll Be There is a track from a new album which will land later this year and the group are touring the UK this month featuring their highly respected band leader NILE RODGERS.

Festival news: on the coast, LENNY KRAVITZ (July 22) and LIONEL RITCHIE (July 29) are Marbella bound and the son of BOB, DAMAIN MARLEY, is headlining the Weekend Beach Festival in Torre del Mar (July 8 - 11).

Ticket info: www.weekendbeach.es MUMFORD & SONS have downed tools and stopped painting fences to return from their hiatus to headline the Bilbao BBK Live Festival (July 9 - 11) with MUSE, JESUS AND THE MARY CHAIN, KODALINE and THE TING TINGS. Ticket info: www.bilbaobbklive.com Spain’s biggest festival, Benicàssim (July 16 -19), has so far named NOEL GALLAGHER, FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE, PORTISHEAD, CLEAN BANDIT, BASTILLE, veteran hip hoppers PUBLIC ENEMY plus THE PRODIGY as headliners. Ticket info: www.fiberfib.com Staying with THE PRODIGY, LIAM, KEITH and the rest of the crew return with a “violent-sounding” new offering, The Day Is My Enemy, features their recent Instagram hit, Nasty, on March 30.

Last month you were informed about BOB DYLAN releasing a FRANK SINATRA cover version album – well it topped the UK charts on its first week of release.

This year, Old Blue Eyes is to be celebrated globally with a series of commemorative centennial events.

His son, FRANK JR. will perform in Europe this summer and talk suggests a hologram appearance to add to the on-stage visual footage of the late legend. There is also a homage evening in Marbella on July 24 – details to follow.

Another tribute album that will no doubt go to number one is launched on March 9 – ex Y Factor runner-up REBECCA FERGUSON will put her vocal talents to the golden greats of BILLIE HOLIDAY on Lady Sings The Blues. The 28-year-old, who many in the music biz believe to be the best voice to ever come off the reality music TV show production line, took longer than expected to record this due to mid-session naps as she was heavily pregnant at the time.

US rock dinosaurs the GREATFUL DEAD are reuniting for three final farewell gigs in Chicago to celebrate their 50th anniversary in the business. And another name from the past, LULU, has somehow pulled a new recording deal and releases an album, Making Life Rhyme, on March 30 featuring a first ever complete collection of self-written tracks by the 66-year-old Scot who burst on to the scene at the age of 15 in 1964 with a cover of the ISLEY BROTHERS classic Shout.

This year’s contest is taking place in Vienna on May 23 and Spain has already announced its seeded contestant, EDURNE GARCIA. The 29-year-old came to fame on the Spanish equivalent of Pop Idol in 2005 and is the girlfriend of Manchester United goalkeeper DAVID DE GEA. And this is not an early April Fools prank – Australia has been invited to enter the competition and have been seeded straight into the final – what’s all that about?

Someone not known for his voice is MIKE TYSON but he features on Iconic, a track from the new MADONNA LP, Rebel Heart, which surfaces on March 9. Several of the songs leaked on-line last December angering Madge who said it was “artistic rape” and “a form of terrorism”. An Israeli man was arrested for hacking her computer and putting the songs on the web.

Here’s something to avoid – on March 31, the BBC’s 60th anniversary Eurovision Song Contest concert features former winners and their songs including 1976’s BROTHERHOOD OF MAN (Save Your Kisses for Me), 1980 and 1987 Irish winner JOHNNY LOGAN (What’s Another Year and Hold Me Now), 1998’s gender bender DANA INTERNATIONAL (Diva), 2006’s Finland surprise heavy metal act LORDI (Hard Rock Hallelujah) and last year’s winner CONCHITA WURST. The show is being broadcast throughout Europe.

NOEL GALLAGHER has continued his mind games while promoting his Chasing Yesterday LP which drops on March 2. If little brother wants some songs to record – "call me", and the same goes for the much rumoured Glastonbury gig. And he wouldn’t mind an ED SHEERAN free world.

The said singer has ruled himself out of the running for the theme to the forthcoming JAMES BOND movie, saying “I’m too wet to sing the Spectre theme” – there – you heard it straight from the horse’s mouth. e

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trend BOOKS

In Living Colour

In this month’s reading page, we obtain our inspiration from the primary colours that make us happy, sad or contemplative.

Colour is mood, taste and style; it dominates the way we think, and the way we express and see ourselves. Which colour of the rainbow best describes your outlook on life?

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

AN INTRODUCTION TO COLOUR ENERGY BY INGER NAESS

Colours are wavelengths of energy; they appear because an object reflects or absorbs different wavelengths. For instance, a red object absorbs all colours except green, a white object reflects all colours and absorbs none, while the opposite is true for black. The energy centres in our body, also known as chakras, have a corresponding colour and when our energies are imbalanced, we can use colour to bring them back in sync. This booklet discusses how chromotherapy can affect you physically, mentally and emotionally and how it can alter your mood and even heal.

WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PERSONALITY?: RED, ORANGE, YELLOW, GREEN… BY CAROL RITBERGER

Carol Ritberger asserts that we each have a single, original personality type which falls within one of the following categories: red, orange, yellow and green.

Experiences, both good and bad, may change your personality type, but the way you deal with events will always be influenced by your original character.

Additionally, prolonged exposure to an environment we are not inherently comfortable with causes us to become stressed and unhappy.

RED – YELLOW – BLUE: COLORS IN ART BY SILKE VRY

This visually stunning book invites readers to learn about the greatest masterpieces in art through a study of the use of colour – from the deepest purple to the cheeriest yellow, each chapter delves into how tonality can determine concept, symbolism, composition and theme. Readers wander through an imaginary art gallery where each room is dominated by a different hue. It begins with black and white, continues with primary, then mixed colours, and presents the evolution of pigment, ending with a treatise on the use of brown and gold.

BLUE MYTHOLOGIES: REFLECTIONS ON A COLOUR BY CAROL MAYOR

There is something about the colour blue that enamours the soul: perhaps it is because the sea, the most mysterious and profound exponent of nature, is many shades of blue. In this enlightened exploration of the colour of peace, Carol Mayor delves into how blue mythologies have made their way into science, religion, gender, sex, film and much more. Blue is the colour of death, of a newborn baby’s eyes and of optimism, depression, innocence and even a revered cheese.

COLOR CHOICES: MAKING SENSE OUT OF COLOR THEORY BY STEPHEN QUILLER

Best-selling author and renowned artist, Stephen Quiller, shows artists how to create beautiful colour blends. The book contains the author’s very own ‘Quiller Wheel’, a special fold-out wheel containing 68 hues. He demonstrates how to interpret colour relationships and mix colours for optimal effect.

He then introduces us to five structured colour schemes, suggesting how to use colour in unusual ways and to employ underlays and overlays to create unique works of art.

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Apertura en Marzo 2015

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trend TECHNOLOGY

On December 2, 2014, Stephen Hawking suggested that “the development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race.” His argument is that humans could not compete with an AI which would redesign itself and reach an intelligence that could surpass that of humans.

WORDS ALI PARANDEH

Silicon Chip Inside Her Head T

he title of this article is actually part of the lyrics of a song by The Boomtown Rats and the words that follow are “gets switched to overload”. The song was actually about a shooting tragedy in a school and not too far off the script of the movie Terminator, with a twist. In this movie, Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a robot that becomes selfaware and perceives all humans as a threat, seeking to wipe out humanity itself. The movie might still sound like fantasy to some, but its subject is a debate at the heart of Artificial Intelligence. In the next few articles I will cover the trend and changes that have come, may come or are about to come in different forms.

I would like to start this article with the Internet of Things (IoT).

In the 2000 movie The Sixth Day, a story set in a futuristic 2015 about a family man (Arnold Schwarzenegger, again, who is cloned without his knowledge or consent), an Internet fridge talks to Arnold informing him that the milk is off and asks him to confirm a new order. In fact that same year in June, LG had launched

the world’s first Internet refrigerator.

While unsuccessful at launch, the latest 2014 model (approx. €12,000) has received very good reviews.

While it will be some time before we upgrade our main home appliances, for most of you reading this article you will have already purchased your first smart TV, smart watch or one of the current wearable devices that form part of the current generation of the Internet of Things. Devices that tell you about your sleep pattern, your use of calories and numerous health checks or bioinformatics that we did not think we needed, but now can’t live without.

What do we really want from these devices? From home appliances to Google glass and the new trend of wearable accessories, apart from the show-off factor for some, we are looking for more comfort. By comfort I include instant access to information that we already have in print or in a digital format and other insights that we don’t even notice right now. From safety to energy efficiency, the next set of appliances and devices, wearable or not, will be able to talk to each other;

shutting off furnaces, heating up just the right amount of water for your tea or shower, controlling lighting and setting themselves up to fit into the existing household by knowing what – and who – is there and adapting as needed.

The next set of household appliances will grow and change with you and your home. Imagine the doors opening as you drive up to the house, the car locking as you walk away and the tea already hot as you walk into the kitchen. Do your shopping from the fridge door by simply swiping the last empty milk bottle and having it delivered to your back door by a drone the following morning.

The IoT moves way beyond consumer electronics and household appliances to include jet engines, oil rig drills and entire factories. From a consumer standpoint IoT will be home automation, but a major part of it will go way beyond our immediate homes to become an integral part of our lives. According to a study by the International Data Corporation (IDC) the IoT market by 2020 is estimated to be worth $7.1 trillion and a recent

report by Erricson suggests that there could be as many as 100 billion internet-connected objects around the world in the next 5 years.

This is hardly Artificial Intelligence but it is part of the greater changes which are feeding AI. Devices that talk to each other and that can have more information about us, our lives and habits, probably more than you could know or wish for. Devices that will change our lives and possibly even control it in the long run. No more chocolate as the fridge door locks, detecting you’ve already had enough and anyway, you are diabetic.

In coming months, I will be covering Smart watches, self-driving cars, mind-reading robots and virtual reality.

g Ali Parandeh, is the Founder of

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

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trend MOTORING

2017 FORD GT SPORTS SUPERCAR Ford created something of a stir around the auto salons earlier this year when it announced plans to produce a new sports supercar. Generally known for its range of ever-improving lower and midpriced models, Ford nonetheless has something of a history in the high end race/road car ďŹ eld.

WORDS TONY WHITNEY

I

t all goes back to the 1960s when then-boss Henry Ford II was negotiating to buy Ferrari, partly to give his company a foothold in the racing field. The plans fell through so Ford decided to build his own racing GT car and beat Ferrari at Le Mans, a notion which at the time drew more laughs than praise. Working with experienced British designers and engineers, he created the GT40 which went on to win Le Mans four years in a row in the late 1960s and endow Ford with a performance image it had never enjoyed before.

Though a small number of road versions of the GT40 were built, that wasn’t the original intent.

Fast forward to 2005 when Ford launched a new Ford GT to very enthusiastic response. It bore a very sympathetic likeness to the original GT 40 and was a fine car by any standards. It was only built for a couple of years, but that was the original plan. There was even a model in the old Gulf Racing Le Mans colours of orange and pale blue.

This time around, Ford is making an even more

serious effort to take on established supercar makers like Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Maserati and the others. Production starts next year and the car will be available far more widely than the last one was. Like the original GT40, the new GT will remind Ford customers that the folks behind the blue oval can build exotic performance products as well as affordable and efficient family and business transportation. And besides that, the GT will will attract lots of customers to Ford dealers just to have a look at it.

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If the car has any hand-me-down styling cues from the original car, they don’t show very well.

It’s more of a totally new design and it looks spectacular. It’s intensively sculptured with the kind of aerodynamic elements you’ll find on most cars in this class – huge vents in the rear bodywork that morph into an efficient-looking wing and more on the bonnet and nose. Ford says that every surface was designed to reduce drag and add downforce and stability. It looks more Ferrari than Ford, but not too many people will complain about that. The doors swing upwards rather than outwards, although they seem to take up a lot of space when they’re used. This is not the kind of car you’d want to squeeze in between a couple of others in a car park.

Ford has taken the usual step towards weight reduction that’s employed by most supercar makers nowadays and carbon fibre is used extensively for the bodywork. The subframes are aluminium and the carbon fibre panels are attached to it to create a very light, though stiff, structure. Ford points out that this kind of structure will eventually find it’s way to ordinary production vehicles in the years ahead.

The rear drive, mid-engined, GT is powered by what Ford describes as the ultimate EcoBoost engine. All Ford cars use EcoBoost engines now, but I’d guess that with the GT, the customer would be getting ‘more boost than eco.’ It’s a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V-6 based on a racing engine used in the US IMSA Tudor sports car championship which includes the legendary 12 Hours of Sebring. In the GT, this powerplant should produce more than 600-horsepower, which will make for a very exciting road car indeed. The transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle unit which

promises near-instantaneous gear changes and optimum driver control.

Naturally enough, the suspension is designed to take care of the power of this car as it should be. There’s no point having lots of power if the car doesn’t have handling to match. Adhesion is helped by huge 20-inch multi-spoke wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres. The GT boasts carbon-ceramic brake discs all round so it should be easy enough to keep all those horses under control. It’s a pity, though, that the GT won’t have all-wheel drive, but this feature is sometimes difficult to engineer in cars of this configuration.

In the cockpit, there are seats that are actually integrated into the carbon fibre ‘passenger cell.’

The Formula One inspired steering wheel with paddle shifters incorporates most of the controls the driver will need and the fully digital instrument panel can be configured for specific driver needs.

It can be switched around for multiple driving conditions as required. A similar approach is used in today’s military jet aircraft and plenty of civilian variants too.

Ford has promised that the GT will go into production next year, so there will be a wait before they reach the showrooms. It will be sold in what Ford describes as ‘selected global markets’ and no specific details are available yet. It’s bound to be an expensive car which is to be expected given the GT’s power, production techniques and performance potential. There’s even talk of a racing version for the 24 Hours of Le Mans and this could certainly happen, especially when considering that 2016 is the 50th anniversary of Ford’s first of four wins at the big endurance race with the GT40. e

ZZ ENGINE: 3.5-litre EcoBoost V-6, 600-plus horsepower.

ZZ TRANSMISSION: Seven-speed transaxle with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

ZZ ACCELERATION: Not yet available, but expect this Ford to be seriously quick.

ZZ TOP SPEED: Not available, but bound to be in excess of 300 km/h ZZ I LIKED: Wonderful styling, though not much resemblance to the old GT40. Promising performance potential and should handle as well as it looks. Carbon fibre and aluminium bodywork probably points to future Fords. It’ll attract lots of attention wherever it goes.

ZZ I DIDN’T LIKE: Doors are going to be tough to open in tight spaces and drivers will have to almost plan ahead when it comes to parking.

All-wheel drive would have been good with that much horsepower, but Ford will no doubt come up with a well-balanced car by way of compensation.

Luggage space doesn’t look very promising.

ZZ MARKET ALTERNATIVES: This Ford is in the Lamborghini/Ferrari/McLaren class and the price will no doubt reflect this.

ZZ WHO DRIVES ONE? Serious drivers who want the latest supercar and are prepared to pay whatever it costs. Collectors of classic Ford cars. Buyers who share the view of many critics that this is the most muscular Ford ever built.

Z PRICE AND AVAILABILITY: No price has been announced yet, but the car will be available late in 2016 as a 2017 model.

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CULTURE / HISTORY / FEATURES

focus FAMOUS PEOPLE / INTERVIEWS / HUMOUR

We discover the why and wherefore of the world’s leading trademark colours, delve into the dynamic world of natural dyes, step into three-dimensional paintings by impressionist artist, Andrés Rueda and go on expedition with intrepid adventurer, Johan Ernst Nilson.

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THE FOCUS brands

THE BUSINESS OF

COLOUR The secret to successful sales isn’t always black and white. Belinda Beckett discovers how brands blatantly use colour psychology to tempt us with their products.

“Apple gets it right with white”

W

ith the simple slogan, ‘It doesn’t have to be beige’, Apple brought colour into the dull world of desktop computing in 1998 with the revolutionary iMac G3, wrapped in vibrant ‘Bondi blue’ casing. Next came the ‘13 flavours of iMac’ – computers in fruity hues like strawberry, lime, blueberry and tangerine, promoted in a TV commercial backed by the Rolling Stones track, She’s a Rainbow.

It was a brilliant marketing ploy. The G3 became a bestseller of its time, reinvigorating a brand that had lost over $1.8 billion during the two years prior to the product’s launch and transforming our ‘greige’ offices forever.

Colour is a powerful marketing hook that is blatantly used by companies to boost sales of their products. Humans trust their sight more than any other sense. We make a subconscious judgment about a product within 90 seconds of initial viewing, and between 62 and 90 per cent of that assessment is based on colour alone, studies show.

“Colour is the first sensory touch point with a customer, before shape or smell or price. Before anything else, the customer sees colour”, says US Colour Consultant Leslie Harrington. “Colour in commerce is not an artistic choice or preference but, rather, a grounded business decision”.

Researchers at Chicago’s Loyola University found that colour increases brand recognition by up to 80 per cent. In another study, 62 per cent of people who were shown three-second advertisements recognised the brand purely by the colours they saw.

In supermarkets, we pass 300 products per minute, on average considering 1.2 brands when we stop and take 12 seconds to make our selection. As 73 per cent of purchasing decisions are made in-store, catching our eye is critical to successful sales. Garnier hair products are packaged in fluorescent lime green to jump off the shelves. Rival brands will often emulate the colours of best sellers – the reason so many washing powders are packaged in blue and orange – in the hope that consumers will select the lesser-known brand by mistake.

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Tiffany blue is synonymous with the prestigious jewellery company worldwide © GettyImages for Tiffany & Co.

Humans attach meanings and emotions to different colours. Brands use that to reflect their personalities like a subliminal language – although one that speaks in many tongues.

Preferences depend on age, gender, culture and context. Women prefer red, men prefer blue, children under seven favour yellow.

Purple means royal in Europe, excessive spending in China. Orange says fun and affordability in the West but, in the East, the sacred colour of Hindus and Buddhists speaks of spirituality.

Sometimes, brands get it wrong. Crystal Pepsi was discontinued within a year of its launch because of negative reception to its water-coloured cola in ice blue cans – a colour associated with death in south-east Asia.

The appropriateness of colour to product is key. Contact lens solutions are mostly sold in blue or green packaging but never red, with its suggestion of bloodshot eyes. A pink undertakers might seem like a great gimmick but few of us would feel good about burying grandma in a fuchsia coffin!

“Brands use colour like a a subliminal language – but it speaks in many tongues”

Conversely, Heinz proved how brands can temporarily manipulate trademark colours to boost sales when it introduced EZ Squirt Blastin’ Green ketchup in 2000. The ketchup tasted the same but kids loved the dramatic departure from tomato red and sales rocketed

by US$23 million.

Some brands have become inextricablylinked with their colours – Ferrari Red, Tiffany blue, Orange mobile, Johnny Walker Black Label whisky. Some have attempted to ‘own’ their colour – famously, Cadbury, which lost a five-year court battle against rivals Nestlé in 2013 to trademark its decadent Dairy Milk purple.

Christian Louboutin had more luck against rivals Yves Saint Laurent, when it sued for trademark protection of its distinctive redlacquered soles on women’s shoes. The court ruled that it could keep red providing the shoe’s ‘upper’ was a contrasting colour – leaving the field free for YSL to use red soles in its own red shoe designs.

Tiffany & Co’s robin’s egg blue jewellery boxes are trademark-protected in the USA. Produced as a private custom colour by Pantone numbered 1837, the year the company was founded, the shade emulates the turquoise gemstones popular in 19th century jewellery and conveys Tiffany’s timeless heritage of exclusivity and flawless craftsmanship.

One colour alone doesn’t always do it. Most companies follow the 60-30-10 rule – a three tone ratio used for background, base and accent colours – to create their corporate look and guide customers to take a particular action.

Understanding the impact of colour is essential to smart marketing decisions, bridging the gap between brand message and customer perception. Check out how different brands around the world have staked their claim with colour, to dazzling effect.

“It’s red or dead for dynamic mega-brands like Virgin and Coca Cola”

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True Blue

Z WHAT IT MEANS: The business world is an ocean of blue. The colour code for trust, integrity, logic, justice and communication is used by one third of the world’s most popular brands. Warm blue tones cause the body to produce soothing chemicals while its sea and sky associations make it a natural choice for airlines, often combined with a splash of red to convey speed. Weight lifters perform better in a blue gym and nearly all sports are enhanced in blue surroundings. Blue also works as an appetite suppressant so is rarely used by food industries.

Z WHICH BRANDS USE IT: The major social media companies are big on blue.

Twitter’s turquoise expresses the fun side of social media; LinkedIn’s darker blue adds gravitas; Mark Zuckerberg chose sky blue for Facebook for no other reason than he’s red-green colour-blind. “Blue is the richest colour for me – I can see all of blue,” he says. Britain’s National Health Service uses blue to reflect dependability – although the way things are going, perhaps it’s in need of a colour make-over too.

Juicy Orange Z WHAT IT MEANS: The most flamboyant colour on the planet is associated with exuberance, fun and vitality. Said to stimulate physical activity, competition and confidence, it is heavily used by sports teams and in children’s products. It is also seen as ‘cheap and cheerful’ healthy (oranges = vitamin C) and safe (life jackets, traffic cones) and is often used to trigger impulse buys at Sales time.

Z WHICH BRANDS USE IT: Orange by name and by nature, the telecommunications company uses the colour as a brand to promote its philosophy of positive forwardthinking: ‘the future’s bright, the future’s orange.’ Few telecommunications companies would be foolish enough to try and out-orange Orange although the easyGroup tried with easyMobile. It had better luck with easyJet. The original low-budget airline continues to fly the skies in orange livery, with huge success.

Eco Green Z WHAT IT MEANS: The buzzword for environmental awareness is also the colour of money, envy, youth, health and vitality. Deeper greens are associated with wealth and prestige (Landrover, Hunter wellies), lighter greens are calming. Labelled ‘the green effect’, one study found that participants had more bursts of creativity in a green-tinted environment.

Green is less popular with fashion brands as it doesn’t suit everyone.

Z WHICH BRANDS USE IT: Harrods uses deep moss green, embossed with gold, to emphasise its snob appeal. The green logo at the centre of every Starbucks cup underscores its fair trade coffee products. Tobacco companies use green to differentiate menthol cigarettes and are up in arms at plans to introduce plain packets next year, complaining: ‘The pack is the brand’.

Z WHAT IT MEANS: Stable, reliable, wholesome and orderly, brown is associated with all things organic. Alone, it can be perceived as boring and dull; paired with gold, silver or ivory, it delivers style with a capital S. Terracotta shades also convey an upscale look and, if you want to stand out from the crowd this season, choose marsala, a deep rust shade chosen by Pantone as 2015’s ‘in’ colour.

Z WHICH BRANDS USE IT: Original M&Ms brown packaging conveys warm comforting feelings of sweet chocolate. Louis Vuitton luggage in brown, embossed with gold lettering, suggests durability and sophistication.

Brown’s ability to hide dirt is one reason Pullman railway coaches chose the colour. Pullman brown, as it became known, was also adopted by America’s United Parcel Service to post a message of reliability.

n w ro B y h t r a E

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Racy Red Z WHAT IT MEANS: Power, passion, confidence, energy, aggression and danger are all associated with the most attention-grabbing colour in the spectrum. Seeing red activates the pituitary gland, increasing heart and breathing rate and stimulating appetite, making it a no-brainer for food brands. Most branches of the medical profession avoid red because of its obvious connotations with blood.

Z WHICH BRANDS USE IT: A great many of the world’s most dynamic mega-brands – from Coca Cola, Virigin Atlantic and Vodaphone to McDonalds, KFC and Pizza Hut. Sports car manufacturers like Porsche and Ferrari like red for its association with speed. One study showed that drivers of red cars attract more speeding tickets, possibly because red car owners drive faster or are more noticeable to traffic police.

Royal Purple

Z WHAT IT MEANS: Mystic, regal, arrogant and slightly eccentric, purple is the favourite colour of rebellious teenage girls. It is said to uplift, calm nerves and stimulate problem solving. It’s also symbolic with spirituality (purple is the colour of Advent and Lent in Christianity), bravery (America’s Purple Heart military award) and luxury (purple poker chips have the highest value).

Z WHICH BRANDS USE IT: The Cadbury brothers have wrapped their Dairy Milk chocolate in purple for more than a century in tribute to Queen Victoria, as it was her favourite colour. Yahoo! uses it to communicate its value as an online information Z WHAT IT MEANS: The colour of the robes provider. Just before tobacco advertising was banned worn by lawyers and judges represents power, in the UK, Saatchi & Saatchi created a TV campaign authority, masculinity and strength. Black also says glamour, for Silk Cut cigarettes featuring an opera singer sophistication, timelessness and exclusivity, which explains why in a purple silk dress, mirroring the colour of it is so often used in high-end products. It denotes intelligence and the ribbon on cartons and referencing the professionalism, but it’s also the colour of mourning and the dark arts saying, ‘It’s not over until the fat lady sings’. and too much can be overwhelming.

Consumers continued to associate purple Z WHICH BRANDS USE IT: Chanel (remember the ‘little black dress’) and with the low-tar cigarette long after the TV Yves Saint Laurent are among many exclusive black-sporting brands. advertising blackout.

Ralph Lauren launched its Polo Black men’s fragrances to denote dark sex appeal. Guinness, aka The Black Stuff, has strong macho appeal.

In its advertising, Guinness invites revellers to ‘paint the town black’ on St Patrick’s Day, and makes liberal use of black and white in its multi-award-winning campaigns. e

Basic Black

Think Pink

Z WHAT IT MEANS: Romance, femininity, nurturing and caring – hence the pink ribbons that have become a universal symbol of hope and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. Pink has many shades of meaning. Hot pinks suggest confidence and sex appeal (cosmetic companies love it), softer pinks convey youth and innocence. Conversely, in Japan, where pink cherry blossom is said to represent fallen Japanese warriors, it has masculine connotations.

Z WHICH BRANDS USE IT: Increasingly used in the staid business world as a punchy accent colour, T-Mobile’s eye-catching magenta ‘T’ is a prime example, building recognition and revitalising the brand. Calm pinks are typically found in female-focused industries, such as wedding planning, clothing and baking.

Victoria’s Secret is a pink-branded company that uses both hot and soft pinks to target women’s 50 shades of sexuality.

Z WHAT IT MEANS: Universally associated with sunshine, happiness and creativity, curiously too intense a shade makes babies cry and people angry! It’s eye-catching, it stimulates awareness and it’s a danger colour in the insect world, which is why it’s used for traffic warning signals and wet floor signs.

Z WHICH BRANDS USE IT: McDonald’s ‘golden arches’ symbolise the gold standard of its brand across the world. IKEA uses yellow to tell consumers that shopping in its stores is a fun experience. Studies show we are more likely to remember what we read on yellow paper, as it makes messages stand out better, so it’s a common colour for Post-It notes and, of course, the Yellow Pages.

w o l l e Y s u o i r u C

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THE FOCUS history

M

ankind emerged into a world full of colour – blue skies, green fields and the bright abundance of plants, flowers and wildlife all around – yet for much of our time on the planet our own immediate environment was perhaps a little drab and devoid of colour.

Think of cave dwellings in various shades of grey and brown, tan and earth-toned tents made from the hides of animals and early fashion restricted to deep brown, black or occasionally white furs.

The manmade environment wasn’t a very colourful place to be, and as we know dark, sombre tones have a way of getting us down, so it wasn’t long after people began weaving clothes that they started to look for a little bright diversion.

But colours were used even before that, when cavemen used natural pigments to draw mysterious depictions of animals and hunting scenes in dark rock cavities. These early Picassos would have used blood, soot and other by-products of everyday

cooking and husbandry. Berries would also have provided natural tones for those who wanted to ‘doodle’ or express mystical beliefs around 35,000 years ago.

Fast-forward to the Neolithic age, almost 30,000 years later, and you find settled communities farming and living in villages and the early towns that marked the birth of civilisations.

By this time, people had replaced furs and skins for woven cloth and leather sandals just as they had come out of caves and

tents to settle in mud-bricked huts and houses. The ancient knowledge of plants and animals had furnished them with the ability to make natural dyes from roots, bark, leaves, berries, fungi and other vegetation, added to by the colours and hues produced by animal by-products, charcoal, stones and minerals. Local materials usually defined the range of colours available, though as civilisations grew and trade expanded, new and exotic dyes became highly desired objects

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v e i L a

Since the earliest of times people have been looking to reproduce the splendour of nature and represent the depth of their imaginations through colour.

The wealth of tones surrounding us today have their origins in natural dyes and pigments that have been used for thousands of years to add a little colour to everyday life.

Dye

often used in religious depictions or as status symbols by the wealthy and powerful.

The original method employed to transfer colour to leather and textiles was simply to boil it in water and let the natural dye bleach into the desired object. With time, mordants were developed that helped to transfer and retain the colour. They included salt, tannin, vinegar and even ammonia from stale urine. As a result, many a tannery developed a reputation for being an affront to the nose

L e d t n WORDS MICHEL CRUZ

even though the products they produced were kind to the eyes. The flowering of civilisations from India and China to the Fertile Crescent and Europe brought with it an explosion of colour that saw itself expressed in robes, art, temples, palaces and jewellery – all of which used natural dyes to bring bright-toned splendour into the world and celebrate mankind’s rise.

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Symbolic meaning

In Mesopotamia and Persia turquoise tones inspired by precious stones were particularly prized, while the ochre, orange, red and burgundy tones popular in India and the Buddhist world also saw themselves reflected in classical Greece and Rome. We think of white togas in the case of the latter, but the Minoans and Roman legions were more often clad in the above colours. Gradually white became a colour associated with wealth and purity, most likely because of the resources required to keep it clean, and so colours began to take on special meanings, be they as symbols of religion, power, class or state identity. Before long, kings, priests and armies were dressed accordingly, lest they be confused with subjects or enemies. With colour was born the uniform as a method not to create universality but distinction, and so we have delivered to this day the image of the British soldier in his red tunic, his French and American counterparts in blue and those of Prussia, Austria and Russia in various combinations of white, black and green.

Our ability to manipulate such colours and create endless shades and hues is a relatively recent thing, starting with the mastering of synthetic chemical dyes in the 19th century.

As chemical technologies developed, the range of tints for everything from fashion and packaging to house paint exploded in all directions, leaving us with a riot of tones long before mass media and the digital revolution added yet more pixels to our beleaguered eyes. Today, we live surrounded by neon lights, cameras, brightly coloured branding and flat screens capable of reproducing many thousands of tones in high definition, yet in classical times the few natural dyes available were the stuff empires were built upon.

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Much is made of the trade in silks and spices between East and West, but dyes were very much a part of this rich exchange in goods whereby Tyrian purple, crimson kermes, saffron, indigo and madder were bought and sold for untold sums. The rarity of some natural pigments is shown by Tyrian purple.

Also known as royal or imperial purple, this red-purple dye was derived from secretions produced by rock-dwelling sea snails. It was so prized that the legendary trading nation of Phoenicia was named for its ‘land of purple’, although they also produced the purple-blue indigo dye for which India would later become famous too. By the 16th century western fleets were travelling the oceans in search of snailbased purples, insect-derived reds, sepia brown harvested from cuttle fish and yellow from yes, cow urine.

Various plants, roots and flowers produced mustard yellows, blue, red, pink, orange, green and black dyes, which were transferred onto cotton, silk, wool, leather and used in inks and paints. Some parts of the world became famous for particular dyes, resulting not only in lucrative exports but also a daubing of their surroundings in the corresponding colour. In this way Moroccan towns like Chefchaouen and the robes of Touareg nomads of the Sahara are dipped in the light to deep blue hues of indigo dyes first established in these parts by the Phoenicians some 4,000 years ago. Where much of the world has succumbed to the chemical paints imparted to us by the industrial revolution, places such as Fez in Morocco still retain the natural dye tanneries that were so famous in medieval times.

If you can stand the smell it is a fascinating process to behold, and naturally the colours derived from non-synthetic sources are so much more subtle and engaging than those produced by chemical plants – encouraging many to return to clothes, tapestries, carpets, furniture and houses painted with pigments that live, breathe and age along with the elements. In an age of bright colours these are the truest of tones for those who seek to represent the tonal abundance of nature and find upliftment through quality rather than quantity. e

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

Built: 385 m2 Terrace: 126 m2 Price: 595.000€

Newly renovated 3 bedroom townhouse located in Last Green, one of Nueva Andalucia’s most popular areas. South facing with nice sea and mountain views. Fantastic layout and very good quality and price, with private garage for four cars. Ref. R742906

!

LD SO

Built: 324 m2 Terrace: 156 m2 Price: 419.000€

Fabulous 3 bedroom penthouse with an enormous wrap-around terrace of total 150m2. South facing with nice sea and mountain views and private garage. R2173205

Built: 699 m2 Plot: 2185 m2 Price: 3.700.000€

Beachside luxury 4 bedroom penthouse

Built: 190 m2 Terrace: 97 m2 Price: 675.000€

Brand new villa with 4 bedrooms situated in the exclusive urbanization La Alqueria. Beautiful south facing with fantastic panoramic views over Golf Course, the sea and Africa. Ref. R2359835

ED UC E! D C RE PRI

Built: 350 m2 Terrace: 95 m2 Price: 1.275.000€

in beautiful Bahia Marbella. Southwest facing apartment in a very prestigious urbanization. Spacious terraces with a Jacuzzi on the terrace on the upper level. Ref. R2290949

Beachfront 3 bedroom duplex penthouse

on The New Golden Mile. High quality apartment in Alcazaba Beach, a gated complex with 24hrs security.

South facing with big terrace and sea views, several pools, fitness and social club. Ref. R2353736

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THE FOCUS people

I

Andrés Rueda Journey Towards the Light

WORDS Marisa CUTILLAS Photography kevin horn

mpressionist artist, Andrés Rueda, may have been born in Ávila but his soul undoubtedly belongs to the South. Enamoured

by La Alhambra in Granada, with which he feels he has a special connection, he can often be seen strolling through the romantic, winding cobblestoned streets that lead to the many paradors offering a heavenly view of the mystical palace of Arabian Kings. “I’m not sure if it is because the Queen who conquered Granada, Isabel la Católica, was from Ávila; I have a profound understanding of this place; it is where I most feel at home.” Andrés describes a hidden nook he recently discovered with childlike wonder: “Next to the Mirador de San Nicolás, near the Arabian mosque… I discovered a blue I had never seen before… it has a violet hue; it’s luminous and quite unique.” His discovery of this magical place was quite casual: “Many years ago a client decided to launch his new art gallery in Granada with an exhibition

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of my work. I fell in love and I decided to stay.”

Andrés was first inspired to be an artist when he discovered impressionism in the work of Monet and Renoir (he admires Monet for his mastery of light and describes Renoir as being “way ahead of his time.”) When asked about Van Gogh, he answers that he was surprisingly disappointed when he came face to face with the Dutch artist’s work in Paris for the first time since, in his view, artists like Benjamín Palencia or Joaquin Mir “are vastly superior”. Palencia, says Rueda, had extremely humble beginnings yet, somehow, his work expressed the kind of “absolute freedom” artists of far greater means, had yet to discover.

He left his native Piedrahita to study in a prestigious fine arts school, and it was there that he would come across painters that would open his mind in many ways.

“I always had a rebellious spirit,” he says, “and I knew that I wished to

give life to Nature in my own way.”

Andrés describes his artistic journey as an attempt to capture a given light. “I couldn’t recreate one of my own works,” he says, “since the process is such an emotional one.” He doesn’t sketch or draw his subjects beforehand, or mix colours on the palette. Like one of his idols, Jackson Pollock, he uses a unique technique during the process of creation, though instead of pouring paint onto the canvass, he flicks it on, creating new tonalities on the surface itself and lending each work a 3D effect that produces a dizzy joy upon contemplation. “I don’t place things where I should on the canvass… I place things where I feel they should be at a given time.” To create his masterpieces, Andrés works in his studio, where he can set just the right ambience, play just the right music… “I prefer to paint in artificial light so the colours never change.”

He is most inspired by Nature and this shows in his

choice of subject: a solitary tree, a spring meadow filled with colourful flowers, a gentle lake in the autumn… they are familiar subjects, lent a surprisingly lifelike feel through the artist’s unique method and ability. Despite being highly impressionistic, each work is a kind of Narnia-like wardrobe, inviting you to jump in and pick the otherworldly flowers, or walk through dreamlike meadows in silent contemplation. Andrés is also moved by poetry: “My mother used to read me poetry every night and to this day, I love poems and I get on better with poets than other painters!”

Few artists quite manage to capture the beauty of Nature in such a vivid manner, a good reason why Andrés Rueda’s work is highly valued by some of the world’s most famed collectors. His largest sale was of 300 commissioned works, though other clients can lay claim to owning approximately 40 or 50 paintings. One client,

he says, selects the painting he wishes to view on a given day, lays it against the wall and allows his mind to wander. Andrés Rueda’s work is, after all, an invitation into another state of mind, worthy of contemplation for hours, days and even a lifetime. “The process of natural selection means that an artist’s worth is only really known after he dies,” he says, yet somehow, this living, breathing artist is creating works that are cherished and coveted by those with an eye for beauty and a soul filled with sensitivity. g On the Costa del Sol, Andrés is represented by Art Moves, brainchild of dynamic duo, Dunja Royer and Elena Zamora Hesse.

Art Moves represent some of the most talented artists of our times, including Nimrod Messeg, Johan Wahlstrom and Juan E. Mendoza, among many others. To view or purchase Andrés Rueda’s work, contact 629 087 246 / 609 354 870. : artmoves.DyE

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THE FOCUS people

JOHAN

ERNST NILSON THE SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JONAH ERNST NILSON

I

n this day and age a large part of humanity looks up to celebrities, sportsmen and entertainers for inspiration, but it is a passive activity that deflects and in some cases even replaces their own ambitions and dreams with the apparent successes of others.

Born within a ‘normal’ family in Stockholm, Sweden, Johan was not one of those highflying people destined for great things from the word go. In fact, his school grades were average, he was terrible

at gym and most sports and there was nothing he particularly excelled at. Like so many people, as a youngster he seemed to be destined for nothing too adventurous at all – and yet he has become a true 21st century explorer and adventurer who takes life by the scruff of the neck and makes the most of the experience.

“I was just tagging along until I suddenly realised that most things you do – and therefore the difference between doing and achieving – lie within your head.

In other words, we have a lot more power to shape our destinies than we realise, so if you set your sights on a goal, and are willing to develop the focus, determination and

sacrifices required to achieve them there is every chance you will.”

Having come to this conclusion at a young age, he decided that life was too short and it was time to set a goal that was ambitious yet achievable. “Like most young people I loved music, but I decided to move from passive listening to actually playing music, and while I was at it I wasn’t going to learn some chords on an electric bass guitar but learn to play the piano.”

Not just that, but he decided that within three years he would be good enough to be paid to play the piano.

“A lot of people, my friends included, thought I was boastful or even a little naïve, but naturally

I didn’t just will myself to play, I had to learn it the conventional way.” And so he took classes, not with the indifferent attitude of most who take on such an interest, but with the dedication, sacrifice and passion of the person who truly wants to master the skill in question. “It was a lot of work, I can assure you, and naturally there were times when I got fed up, but I persevered, and in this I had the full support of my parents, who were not adventurous people themselves but never stood in my way. You could say that they didn’t teach me to fly, but they never clipped my wings either, and for that I am very grateful.”

Free of the pressure to find a

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Johan Ernst Nilson is an explorer, an adventurer, mountaineer, author, speaker, environmentalist, coach, guide and peace campaigner. A man of many talents and ambitions, he is one of those people with a life force too strong to pin down to a single skill or profession. In other words, someone to seek inspiration from.

‘normal’ job, Johan could focus on achieving what was to become the first of many goals he would set himself. “One evening, after performing at the Grand Hotel in Stockholm, I was having a drink with some friends who reminded me how bad I’d been at gym back at school. They were impressed at how I had mastered the piano but put it down to an innate natural skill.

By now I knew that this was not so, and that I had opened the door to something we all have to varying degrees, which is the mental and internal power to persevere and make things happen. So I took a bet, saying that within a year I would have completed an expedition from Stockholm to the Sahara.”

It was to be the first of several such expeditions, which saw him cycle, kayak and ultimately use a flying boat of his own design to cross thousands of kilometres of varied terrain from Sweden to Marbella en route to the Sahara. In the process, a young adventurer and explorer was born whose Antarctic voyage and scaling of the world’s leading peaks, including Mount McKinley, Aconcagua and Everest have seen him awarded by The Explorers Club and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences among others. In addition to jetski adventures across the Atlantic there is also a more serious side to Johan, as he takes pleasure in guiding children with disabilities or

health problems to such peaks as Kebnekaise in Sweden or Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus, as well as providing motivational lectures on and campaigning for respect for the environment.

A Global Ambassador for an organisation called Non-Violence, which raises awareness about global violence, Johan’s latest project will see him assemble a team to become the first individuals allowed to climb Mount Hillary and Mount Tenzing in Nepal. “If we succeed, we’ll have the honour of being the first to reach the summits of these 7,600 and 7,900 metre Himalayan peaks, and we have permission to erect the symbol of the NonViolence movement, a revolver with

a knot in the barrel, on it.” Heaven knows how Johan will manage to get this large metal sculpture to the peak, but his approach to life is one of always seeking the solution, even if it isn’t immediately obvious.

“This is something that being out in the wilds on your own teaches you, especially when it becomes a question of survival.”

Johan Ernst Nilson and his team will set off on 23 March for this two-month expedition and intend to post notice of their success by mid-May, so keep a lookout for the latest challenge of this inspiring 21st century adventurer with his heart in the right place. i www.johanernst.com

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style

INTERIORS / ARCHITECTURE / ART / DESIGN

Step into the wonder of a beautiful penthouse in Marbella, discover the latest colourful collection by Quiirk home interiors and tap into your bold side in a vibrant outfit by Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada.

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GARDENS / FASHION

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Décor: A Perfect Penthouse

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Décor News

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Fashion: Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada

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Fashion News

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THE STYLE decor

Penthouse perfection

IN LAS BRISAS Big city penthouse sophistication matched to a setting surrounded by greenery and mountain and sea views – with the fairways of Las Brisas on your doorstep – makes for a very attractive mix.

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

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Much is said about how the finest apartments and penthouses offer the space, amenities and refinement to match a luxurious villa, yet do so with the kind of convenience, security and ease of use that a large house with gardens can’t match.

The idea of living in an environment of style, comfort and elegance – in other words, having your own private domain – while being able to simply shut the door

behind you when you travel is an appealing one, and it explains why many homeowners have made the switch from a villa or estate to a luxurious penthouse apartment.

This type of property is particularly well suited to the big city environment, where it enables one to be at the heart of things yet retreat into a private and comfortable space. For this reason the most alluring penthouses are usually associated with

the likes of New York, London or Paris, yet imagine taking the style and sophistication of a big city pad, removing it from its urban landscape of streets, tall buildings and crowded masses, and transplanting it in an elysian setting surrounded by green hills, distant mountain ranges, blue skies, the shimmering tones of the Mediterranean Sea and the lofty fairways of a prestigious golf club.

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Urban Sophistication in a Natural Setting In such a case you would be speaking of Marbella, or more specifically, of Nueva Andalucía, at a spot just a few minutes from Marbella’s downtown centre, Puerto Banús and the sea. The golf course in question belongs to the renowned Real Club de Golf Las Brisas, and the property itself is located within the exclusive Los Granados complex.

Embraced by natural views and open spaces, this duplex penthouse is a villa with an elevation that offers 360-degree vistas and a convenient lifestyle that makes you realise why it is such a popular alternative to sumptuous villas with sprawling grounds.

Even with the spacious, green setting of Nueva Andalucía, with its peaceful leafy streets, this home is set within a private enclave enveloped by gardens. The architecture is classic Marbella elegance, with tastefully styled low-rise blocks of white marble set within intense greenery, as the diminishing volume of the upper level rises to meet the clear blue of Marbella skies.

In this world of green and blue tones, the white buildings are not only fresh and modern looking, but also sophisticated and timeless. In keeping with the luxurious big city apartment concept, there is security, concierge and an attractively designed owners-only club with spa, gym, heated indoor pool and lounge areas.

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Such features are not unique in a serviceorientated place as Marbella, but it is when you take the private lift to the top floor apartment that you step into a world of contemporary style and panache. The elevator opens onto a bright, attractive hallway that leads to the kitchen and living areas, as well as providing access to the private stairs that complement the lift. Featuring a colour palette of white, greys and black, accentuated with a combination of earthy and primary tones, this is a bright and welcoming room that enjoys the soft ambient lighting and also natural sunlight that characterises the whole home.

From here the natural flow is towards a spacious, open-plan living and dining room that really brings modern sophistication to Marbella – amid classic Marbella views across golf courses to the sea. The fact that the penthouse has been customised to detail, replacing gold fittings and galley kitchens with chrome and stainless steel detailing, and a spacious modern Bulthaup kitchen suite ensures that this is a one-of-a-kind bespoke property within this sought-after development.

Uniquely contemporary in its style and decorative dressing, the penthouse offers urban chic in a sunny setting.

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A Clear Style Philosophy The interior décor of the penthouse displays a consistent design philosophy that creates a sense of harmony and continuity without ever seeming repetitive or regimented. Herein lies the knowing touch of a skilled designer, for the predominant white, grey and black colour tone is also consistent without at any point seeming cold or colourless. Perhaps it is the use of textures – such as plush long-haired carpets and richly tiled walls that contrast with the marble floors, built-in modern fireplace and smooth, lacquered furniture that creates a pleasing play of tones and forms.

The artwork and decorative items likewise add splashes of colour and warm, earthy elements in a way that complements rather than contrasts. As a result, the home is stylish but also comfortable, and not stark but welcoming. Decorated primarily with main pieces from Pedro Peña and B&B Italia, this is a property that can certainly be classed as a designer home – just made for the pages of a décor feature. This applies to the formal living and dining room as well as to the modern designer kitchen and the four spacious bedrooms that all enjoy their own imposing views, direct access to the wrap-around terrace and inviting marble bathrooms.

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The main bedroom suite is, as you would expect in a property of this quality, a private domain within a private domain. Spacious, elegantly styled and comfortable, it features a walk-through dressing area, marble bathroom with jet bath and Japanese-inspired dark wood detailing.

Step out on to the terrace from here and you take in panoramic mountain views as you look back across Nueva Andalucía towards the Sierra Blanca range and La Concha Mountain. A few steps will take you round the expansive terrace to the outdoor dining area that connects with the kitchen and the panoramic lounge that is an extension of the formal living room.

A perfect expression of the Marbella lifestyle matched to a modern penthouse, this sunny and shaded terrace connects with the rooftop terrace and private heated swimming pool that collectively offer 400m2 of terraced area combined with 300m2 of interior space. You could also take the private lift up to this top level – or down to the garage – which additionally features a large family room with bathroom that matches style with optimal comfort and cosiness.

It is a room in which to indulge yourself, relax, read or press the button on the domotic home automation system that the entire property is connected to and turn this recreational space into a home cinema.

Press another button and the shades come up, bathing you in sunlight and views to the sea and mountains. The terrace here is ideal for sunbathing, relaxing or entertaining, and in addition to the swimming pool – with wave system to swim against – it features a shower and the space to create a rooftop lounge bar all of your own. Surrounded by magnificent 360-degree views, you’d be the envy of many a hotel or lounge club.

g THE PROPERTY IS FOR SALE WITH CALLUM SWAN REALTY

Urb. Las Torres del Marbella Club, Local 2, Blvd. Principe Alfonso de Hohenlohe, 29602 Marbella.

Tel: +34 952 810 608.

Email: info@callumswan.com www.callumswanrealty.com

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THE STYLE decor

Free blown glass in teal by Gottfred Petersen

Vases by Juliette Bigley

FLOATING ON A RAINBOW with Quiirk

Let your spirit take ight with these colourful interiors ideas ideas..

COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

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Tropical textiles: Beam your imagination up to sunnier climes with these cool cushions by Love Loli, Rebecca Otero and Anna Jacobs.

y Ta z Pollard

Chunky vibrant bottle in blue by Taz Pollard

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The Sound of London print by Michael Wallner

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i All items can be purchased on www.quiirk.co.uk

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Window and Two Men in the Mirror by Rennie Pilgrem are giclee prints on archival somerset photo, 100 per cent cotton paper

Prints with a Pow! Factor; this one is called Friends II, by Richard Levine

Brighton Rock and Mini by Ella Freire, are screen printed by hand onto Somerset enhanced radiant white satin paper

Hand screen print by Ella Freire

THE STYLE fashion

QUEEN OF HEARTS

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Technicolor Dreaming If there is one Spanish designer whose name is associated with bright colour, youthfulness and an undeniable joie de vivre, it’s got to be Agatha Ruiz de la Prada.

We bring you highlights from her latest collection. COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

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FLOWER BOMB

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COLOURS OF SPRING

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DIPPED IN A RAINBOW

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BLAST FROM THE PAST i www.agatharuizdelaprada.com

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THE STYLE fashion

1

4

Asymmetric earrings

by Ararat Ring by Accessorize Gold gemstone earrings

by Aisling Wallace Evening bag by Ralph Lauren

Bag by Juicy Couture Colourful bangles by A Piece of Jewellery London

2

6

Tote bag by Ralph Lauren Patent leather belt

by Ralph Lauren

Crossbody bag

by Ralph Lauren One shoulder lace dress

by Juicy Couture Skinny trousers

by Juicy Couture

3 Evening clutch

by Ralph Lauren Silver and jade necklace by A Piece of Jewellery London Imperial Jade watch

by Chopard

5 Sandal by Ralph Lauren

CONTACTS ACCESSORIZE: www.accessorize.com AISLING WALLACE: www.aislingwallace.com A PIECE OF JEWELLERY LONDON: www.apieceofjewellerylondon.co.uk ARARAT: www.araratjoyas.com CHOPARD: www.chopard.com JUICY COUTURE: www.juicycouture.com RALPH LAUREN: www.ralphlauren.com

COLOUR

1

SO

2

G N I R P S F

Vivid colours are the new black, as they tend to be when Spring comes round. Marisa Cutillas brings you a select list of items which will brighten up your life.

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spa

PRODUCTS / Beauty / SPA / SCIENCE

Colour therapy is more than a passing fad, it is an increasingly popular way to pursue health and wellness from the inside-out; FOOD & COLOR is a new company aiming to teach Marbella residents how to lead a physically, mentally and spiritually richer life through nutrition.

Dr. Carlos Rinc贸n is a leading eye surgeon who is helping people from all walks of life see the beauty of the world, without the need for glasses.

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TREATMENTS / health

74

Beauty News

76

Colour Therapy

78

FOOD & COLOR

80

Health News

82

Macarena Arjona, Midwife at Hospiten

84 Dr. Carlos Rinc贸n, Eye Surgeon Extraordinaire

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spa

BEAUTY COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

What would an edition centred on colour be without a small homage to the rose, symbol of purity (white), friendship (yellow) or love (red), as desired by the giver with a sensitive heart and mind? We focus on beauty products made with what many would argue is the most sensual scent of all: that of the rose.

THE BEAUTY

Rose OF THE

PRODUCTS

1 – ROSEWATER HAND CREAM BY CRABTREE & EVELYN: This lovely cream will soothe and hydrate dry, cracked hands. Use it daily and watch your skin go from weathered to baby smooth.

2 – ROSE DAY CREAM BY DR. HAUSCHKA: This classic day cream is especially indicated for skin that is prone to redness and irritation. It contains precious extracts of rose petals, as well as avocado oil, rose petal wax and shea butter, to moisturise and strengthen skin.

3 – ROSEWATER BATH & SHOWER GEL BY CRABTREE & EVELYN: This is the ideal gel for those who feel that a shower or bath should be luxurious and long, leaving the skin fragrant for many hours to

come. To enhance this scent, dab on some Evelyn Rose Body Cream afterwards, also by Crabtree & Evelyn.

4 – ROSE IMAGINAIRE FRAGRANCE

BY ROGER & GALLET: Famed for its Nature-inspired, long-lasting scents, Roger & Gallet has reached sheer perfection in this light, youthful rose cologne.

5 – WILD ROSE SMOOTHING DAY CREAM BY WELEDA: This certified natural day cream keeps skin young and glowing and reduces the appearance of fine lines.

6 – ATLAS MOUNTAIN ROSE EAU DE TOILETTE BY THE BODY SHOP: This light, fresh fragrance contains rose extract and Community Fair Trade organic alcohol, made from sugarcane.

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g Items can be purchased at www.elcorteingles.es, www.thebodyshop.es and/or leading perfume and cosmetic shops.

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spa

BEAUTY

Colour Therapy Balancing the Flow of Energy

ADVICE

Chromotherapy is a treatment that uses the visible colours of electromagnetic radiation to cure illness. It can be traced back to Einstein’s groundbreaking equation, E=mc2, which stipulated that energy and matter are, in some sense, equivalent. Newtonian science worked on observable principles (i.e. solid matter and objects can be observed in the earth’s gravitational field), and in many ways, modern medicine has adopted this philosophy, attempting to ‘fix’ or ‘replace’ diseased organs or to treat them with medications that can have negative side-effects. The emphasis is on addressing symptoms rather than identifying the source of illness, which chromotherapists, by adapting the concepts of Einstein, would define as ‘diseased energies.’ WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

I

n a fascinating article published in the journal, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, S Yousuf Azeemi et. al. note, “Einstein’s approach deals with the human body not as an assemblage of chemical parts but as a total, complete system operating in harmony with the electromagnetic/energy system of the universe. The key to understanding chromotherapy/ vibrational healing lies not in the Newtonian mechanistic approach but in rerouting energy fields that form complex relationships with other fields such as those surrounding the physical/cellular substance and others relating to more nonphysical energies.”

Chromotherapy works on the principle that every cell and organ in our body has its own particular frequency. When different parts of the body lose this optimal state of energy, disease can ensue. The idea is to use the vibratory rates found in colour to restore the correct energy patterns to affected areas.

Interestingly, chromotherapy is

far from a new science, having been used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese and Indians.

Chromotherapy is intricately related to the theory of chakras.

The most groundbreaking therapists of our time (Ghadiali and Klotsche, for instance, equated specific colours with chakras; for instance, red was the root chakra, green the heart chakra, etc.). Each chakra provides energy to different organs and each is responsive to a different colour.

In 1970, scientist, Robert Gerard conducted various experiments, proving that warm colours decreased symptoms of depression and increased blood pressure and muscular tone in patients with hypertension. Cool colours, on the contrary, had a relaxing effect, easing tension and anxiety, reducing muscular spasms and insommia, and lessening eye blink frequency.

Chromotherapy has been (and is currently) used for many conditions, including neonatal jaundice (in which infants were first exposed to white, then later,

blue light). Bright white light is also used to treat cancers, seasonal affective disorder, insomnia, jetlag, alcohol and drug addiction and eating disorders. Blue light, meanwhile, has been proven to be effective at treating rheumatoid arthritis. In some cases, chromotherapy can reduce the need for medication; it has also been used to reduce aggression and violence and to help athletes keep energy levels up for more sustained periods.

Research has also shown that colour can be used to stimulate the production of hormones, in particular of melatonin (which is related to sleep) and serotonin (a vital hormone known to have a stimulating effect).

Colour can be applied in various ways; sometimes by direct application, and at others through immersion in water, to ease absorption. Some luxury spas have a chromotherapy tub, in which clients are asked to lie in a Jacuzzi-style tub while an array of coloured lights are aimed at different parts of the body.

One of the most groundbreaking uses of chromotherapy is

photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer, in which the body is injected with photosensitive chemicals that identify cancer cells under UV light. These chemicals accumulate in the cancer cells and destroy them when they are activated with red light (which has a long wavelength and penetrates tissue to a far deeper extent than other hues).

Colour therapy has sadly been relegated to ‘alternative’ status by Western medicine, despite its proven efficacy in many cases. Further research is currently being conducted on the optimal medium to impart colour therapy, as well as on the preventive abilities of this treatment. One very interesting discovery was made by Russian scientists, who successfully photographed the aura that surrounds the human body.

They found that disease first appears in the aura (some six to eight months before it manifests itself in the body). Therefore, an interesting role could be played by chromotherapy in anti-ageing and preventive medicine. 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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SHANTI-SOM We l l b e i n g R e t r e a t 6/23/14 12:15 PM

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HEALTH

FOOD & COLOR

Feeding Body, Mind and Soul In the Western world, the world ‘diet’ is often associated with a superhuman effort to lose unwanted kilos, depriving ourselves of the foods we love and enjoy and embarking on a strenuous exercise regime. For Raquel Álvarez, Founder of FOOD & COLOR, however, the right approach does not involve only the body, it addresses the needs of the mind and spirit as well. Consuming healthy, nutritious foods, enables us “to peel away the layers that have been blocking our health, happiness and feeling of wellness. A healthy diet enables us to make our choices with the heart. As we begin to choose foods that promote mental clarity, we become empowered and motivated to achieve our personal and professional goals.”

ADVICE

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

A

t FOOD & COLOR, Raquel leads an eight-week course, guiding participants on how to feed body and mind to obtain greater health and beauty.

It’s all got to do with restoring the body’s natural alkalinity, by avoiding high-sugar and processed foods, fructose-rich fruits and other highacid foods, and enjoying a blend of raw fruits and vegetables, legumes and healthy protein sources. Raw foods are important, since they contain essential enzymes; the latter keep the body vital and healthy, regenerate cells, detoxify the system and help cells perform at optimal levels.

The process of change is gentle: it simmers on low heat but has powerful effects. Raquel explains: “Your body may have spent 30 years or more working at a hectic pace, so when you make a change and decide to eat differently, your organs begin to say, ‘Wait a minute!

We’ve been on overdrive for 30 years and now you expect us to change?’ The process of cleansing the body takes time and in my course, I give people the tools they need to do so, over a 21-day period.” The ultimate aim is to obtain clarity, so you can begin to really listen

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to your body and follow its lead when it comes to food.”

Raquel certainly knows her business; she is a trained Chef, having graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in London and having lived and honed her craft in Venezuela (her home country), New York, London and Brasil. After graduating from cookery school, she worked in some of the finest establishments in the world, including three-Michelinstarred stalwart, The Oak Room (manned by the great Pierre White) and Le Broche, alongside the great Sergi Arola (who, she says, used to create a great vibe in the kitchen by playing heavy metal music at high volume. “He was incredibly creative, so different, I found his way of working to be immensely inspiring.”

After travelling the world and living in Madrid for a few years, Raquel and her husband grabbed the opportunity to head for the warmer climes of Marbella.

She manned a busy Terra Sana restaurant for many years, and though she loved working with people and food, she took a three-year sabbatical to de-stress and conduct research into

the connection between food and integrated health and wellness. The result was FOOD & COLOR, whose name, she says, “was inspired by my absolute passion for life in colour. It is the essence of beauty in everything you see: in Nature, in art and in food. My world is the world of food and I aim to show people that the mind needs to see beauty to feel connected to the body and to listen to the soul.”

Raquel’s course comprises a one-hour class each week; each class focuses on a specific theme.

“In the beginning, we simply talk about how a healthy, varied plate of food should look like. It should include a protein source, a legume and a raw vegetable, to restore alkalinity… as the weeks progress, we look into things like respiratory techniques to provide oxygen to cells. I also explain all about ‘green gold’: a powerful mix that helps cells regenerate (the mix comprises chlorella, spirulina and barley grass). Algae is so complete in

terms of their nutritional content that we could survive on the Planet if it were the only food available. Green gold is taken by astronauts in space, owing to its high energetic content.”

Raquel has spent 15 years researching and studying to foster greater conscious personal development. “I have learned many things along the way from great Masters and at one point, I even took off to the desert to enjoy the silence,” she smiles, exuding a warmth and love that is a clear testimony to the power of her method. “Conscious eating enables the body and mind to walk together towards greater health and happiness.” Her method is not radical in any way, shape or form, since “we are busy people and most of us have to reconcile family and working life and this can be tough.” She provides many easy, practical ways to change the way we eat and live, with a host of free recipes on her website. If the idea of harmonising body and mind sounds appealing, perhaps you, too, could use a little more colour in your life.

g Tel: 667 673 557. www.foodandcolor.es; raquel@foodandcolor.es

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TOO MUCH RUNNING IS BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH

HEALTH

A report published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology says that too much jogging can be as detrimental to your health as not doing any exercise at all. Scientists observed over 1,000 joggers for a 12-year period.

Those who ran for over four hours a week or who were physically inactive, had the highest death rate, while those who jogged at a regular pace for less than 2.5 hours a week had the lowest likelihood of death. Those who ran at a speed of over 7mph (11.2 kmh) more than three times weekly were doing harm to themselves, suggested the researchers, who noted that there should, perhaps, be recommended limits on the amount of exercise undertaken, since too much of a ‘good’ thing may just end up having the opposite effect.

UPDATE

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Cooking Food at High Temperatures Raises Alzheimer’s Risk A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease shows that cooking food at high temperatures increases the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. This type of cooking increases the number of AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products) in the food we consume. AGEs are compounds comprising sugars, proteins and other molecules. Their presence not only produces premature ageing of skin, it also increases the risk of various serious diseases by increasing inflammation and oxidative stress. AGEs additionally bind to RAGEs (Receptors for Advanced Glycation End Products), transporting harmful proteins along the blood-brain barrier and fostering the development of Alzheimer’s Disease.

BEAUTY CAN BOOST THE IMMUNITY

New research undertaken at the University of California Berkeley has revealed that taking in the majesty of Mount Everest, gazing at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, or listening to your favourite aria by Puccini may strengthen your immunity.

An appreciation of art, Nature, or music, it seems, lowers levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (proteins which indicate that the immune system is overworking). Cytokines are necessary to fight infection, yet when they are present at high levels for too long, they are linked to diseases such as heart disease, arthritis and Type II diabetes. One of the authors of the study, Psychologist, Dacher Keltner, explained, “That awe, wonder and beauty promote healthier levels of cytokines suggests that the things we do to experience these emotions – a walk in Nature, losing oneself in music, beholding art – has a direct influence upon health and life expectancy.” We hope you take the time to give your immunity a boost by allowing the glory of the Great Outdoors, or the wonder of your favourite work of art, to take your heart and soul to somewhere truly magical.

Heavy Drinking in Middle Age May Augment Stroke Risk

New research published in the journal, Stroke, shows that drinking more than two alcoholic beverages a day in middle age may raise one’s risk of stroke more than typical factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The research was based on a study of 11,644 middle-aged Swedish twins, who were observed for 43 years. The study showed that heavy drinkers are at a 34 per cent increased risk of stroke compared to light drinkers (those who consume less than half a drink a day). Those who drink abundantly in mid-life are likely to have a stroke five years earlier than their non-drinking counterparts. These findings suggest that those in their 50s and 60s should limit their alcohol intake, to lower their risk of stroke.

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It is never too late for a

brighter smile

Ten years ago only 10 per cent of all orthodontic treatments were performed on adults.

Today at Clínica Dental Dr. Hotz, over 40 per cent of patients opting for orthodontic treatments are aged over 35. Evidently, orthodontic treatments for adults is a brand new trend!

ORTHODONTIC TREATMENTS FOR ADULTS

ADVERTISING FEATURE

T

here are many reasons why orthodontic treatments for adults are more popular than ever.

The costs of these treatments have reduced drastically and the techniques used are more comfortable, effective and discrete. Moreover, the time needed to obtain the desired result has been reduced significantly with the new methods.

Patients now also have the option to use invisible templates, which are removable for cleaning. This makes orthodontic treatments for adults much more attractive.

Needless to say, straightening teeth brings numerous advantages: Z The aesthetic advantage: Straight teeth take the strain

off your face and make you look more attractive and naturally younger. The result of an orthodontic treatment can enhance your self-confidence and make you want to smile more often.

Z A beautiful, clean and healthy mouth with correct interdental spacing is beneficial for your oral health. Daily oral hygiene becomes much faster and easier.

This results in better overall teeth preservation, less gum bleeding and a fresher breath.

Z As we get older, the gumline slowly recedes and teeth appear longer. When teeth are out of line there is a greater risk of losing them. This can be prevented through orthodontic treatments.

Z Well-aligned teeth tend to reduce joint pain. Orthodontic treatment corrects faulty bites

and can avoid more expensive corrections with crowns.

Dr. Hotz works with in-house Orthodontist, Lilian Totoran López, who boasts over 20 years’ experience in the field.

She studied at the University of Maryland in the United States, a renowned institution for orthodontic education.

The Clinic itself has been established on the Costa del Sol for over 25 years and is owned and run by Dr. Med. Dent. Nadine Hotz MSc. Dr. Nadine Hotz has a Master of Science in Oral Implantology from the German Assosiation of Implantology and studied at the renowned Charité in Berlin, Germany.

The San Pedro-based clinic offers a wide range of dental treatments, such as 3D planned

implants, laser treatments, general and cosmetic dentistry, innovative implantology, orthodontics and tooth whitening. All treatments are available with painless laughing gas sedation – a unique service on the Costa del Sol. Whether you are looking for a basic dental consultation, an orthodontic treatment or an advanced implant treatment, our friendly multilingual team will provide you with an excellent service and after care.

CLÍNICA DENTAL DR. HOTZ MSC. Calle Marqués del Duero, 76, 1a Planta, 29670 San Pedro Alcántara, Málaga.

Tel: 952 786 362. www.implantsmarbella.com

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HEALTH

“Bringing children into the world is a magical experience” An interview with Macarena Arjona, Midwife at Hospiten Estepona

ADVICE

M

acarena Arjona has been a midwife since 2004 and during her 11-year career, she has seen hundreds of children born. She assures us that in the same way that having a baby is a magical experience for parents, so too, is it special for a midwife. It is also a big responsibility.

A supporter of natural birth with as little medical intervention as possible, she prefers to give the birth time and to provide the parents with privacy in a relaxing and comfortable environment that helps them enjoy the experience.

What role does the midwife play in a birth?

The midwife is recognised as the professional who is in charge of giving women the support, care and assessment they need during the preconception period (family planning), pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period, in addition to caring for the newborn baby and infant.

Part of our job is to offer education and assessment in questions of health, not only for women, but also for families and the community. The job involves prenatal education and preparing people to be parents and covers women’s health and sexual or reproductive health.

During a delivery the midwife is in charge of monitoring the condition of the mother and

the baby, to evaluate progress in the delivery and detect any warning signs that may warrant the intervention of a doctor. In my opinion, one of the most important tasks of a midwife during a delivery is to provide the ideal conditions in which the couple can have privacy and relax together, with uninterrupted support so the birth can take place as easily and as naturally as possible without the need to intervene.

When should preparations to give birth begin, and why?

A pregnant woman should not only prepare herself physically and emotionally to give birth, but also for the pregnancy, maternity and bringing a child up.

There is a lot to learn, so my recommendation is to start as soon as possible with videos, reading material, etc.

The maternal education or childbirth programme can begin in the second trimester of pregnancy, when the usual symptoms of the first trimestre are over and when the healthy development of the fetus is ensured.

During the course, we help women to prepare physically and psychologically to give birth with gymnastic exercises to strengthen the muscles, as well as breathing and relaxation exercises to ensure the birth is as natural as possible.

In theory classes, women receive information on the physical

and emotional changes that take place during pregnancy, symptoms and how to combat them, the signs that indicate that a woman is going into labour, pain relief methods, the different types of birth, breastfeeding and formula feeding, caring for a newborn baby, etc.

What do women ask for most during delivery?

During delivery women ask for emotional support above all.

They and their partners also ask to be kept informed at all times of what is happening and to be protagonists of the birth of their own baby, making their own decisions based on preparation and information.

Do you think it is important for the mother to be with the baby from the start?

It is fundamental that a mother and her newborn baby not be separated after delivery so that they can bond, prompting the production of the mother’s milk. At Hospiten Estepona, we encourage skin-to-skin contact between the mother and her baby for the first two hours after delivery.

What do you feel after delivering a baby?

After every delivery, I am absolutely amazed at the wisdom of Mother Nature! The capacity of a human being to create new life is thrilling, as is the ability of a woman to carry that new life for nine months and help it to come

into the world. Simply magical!

Of the hundreds of deliveries you have attended, do you have any special memories?

I have many special memories.

I trained and worked as a midwife in the UK where many different cultures exist together.

I helped women in their homes, water-births, women of different cultures who gave you very different perspectives of childbirth and motherhood. Cultural factors determine the way a woman behaves while giving birth, the way she expresses pain and how she receives her baby.

In some cultures, a woman does not receive the baby herself, but rather it is the grandmother who wraps the baby in a white sheet while praying in its ear.

In others, family members sing throughout the whole birth. I have, on occasion, attended to women in presence of their other children.

I have endless memories that make me adore my profession.

What advice would you give a mother-to-be?

To enjoy her pregnancy as much as she can, to learn and prepare herself for the most marvellous and difficult experience of her life – to bring a child into the world, to give him/ her the best start in life and to bring her child up to become an independent, autonomous and confident adult. e

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HEALTH

Dr. Carlos Rincón

“People don’t want to wear glasses… they simply want to see!”

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

Eminent Colombian doctor, Carlos Rincón, is bringing his groundbreaking surgical technique to patients at the Life & Sun Clinic. His aim is to offer good eyesight to everyone; not just those from affluent backgrounds.

ADVICE

D

r. Carlos Rincón greets me at the Life & Sun Clinic with plenty of joie de vivre, eager to share his plans to bring good eyesight to those who may have been struggling with glasses and contact lenses for years. Marbella is not new to him, since he lived here before heading for Colombia 12 years ago to take part in politics and run for the Presidency.

At the Life & Sun Clinic, Dr. Rincón specialises in surgery for myopia (near-sightedness). Rather than using laser technology, his technique, which he first performed some 36 years ago, is called radial keratotomy; it involves making eight incisions in the cornea to correct the abnormal corneal curve. “The operation lasts just 10 seconds and when a patient walks out, they can see well immediately,” he says. Dr Rincón notes that his contribution to medicine lies in having simplified this procedure. He has operated on over 98,000 patients so far. He performed a record-breaking operation to cure myopia in just four seconds and on one occasion, he operated on 187 people in a period of 10 hours: “That amounts to 374 eyes!” he muses.

Dr. Rincón claims that his

technique, which costs less than half of laser surgery and which can cost even less when performed on a mass scale, should be supported by the government, since it is quick, inexpensive and highly efficient.

“In Spain, 38 per cent of people suffer from near-sightedness; it is simply unacceptable that so many people have to rely on reading devices. To put it simply, people don’t need glasses or lenses… they need to see!” He elaborates: “Imagine the situation in which a pilot or soldier drops their pair of glasses at a crucial moment… they should have optimal eyesight at all times and surgery can achieve that.” In addition to performing surgery himself, he also teaches his technique to other doctors aiming to reduce costs for their patients.

I soon realise

that Dr. Rincón is ready and willing to shatter all stereotypes about doctors. Far from having a merely scientific mind, he is an actor, author, cyclist, former football player for Seville and many more things.

He has been awarded a prestigious prize by UNESCO and considers himself a social warrior in addition to a sight-giving doctor.

He is also an inventor. “In order to enable doctors to bring my technique to poor populations across the globe, I invented a refractive surgery suitcase that contained everything a surgeon would need.”

In addition, he is an “expert in massive visual health brigades,” i.e. he has organised 187 ‘sight camps’ to help the impoverished in Colombia, Argentina, Italy and Puerto Rico. He laments that national governments have failed to show great enough support for his work, since poor eyesight is a cause for global concern. Earlier in his career, he began working on creating artificially intelligent vision, to help those who would

eventually have to face blindness (such as severe glaucoma sufferers), ‘see’ their surroundings through auditory stimuli. He also designed a system to help those suffering from presbyopia, a condition that occurs around the age of 45, when people find it difficult to focus on near items when reading or working on their computer. Further research needs to be carried out on both systems, though vital government support is required. Above all, Dr. Rincón considers himself to be “un creativo” (a creator), since no single field provides all the answers humanity needs.

Dr. Rincón shows me a few of the plays he has written; one in particular is a ‘what if’ theatrical work musing on the way the world will change with the advent of the female Viagra pill, due to be released in the earlier half of 2015. Laced with humour, the work is an exponent of Dr. Rincón’s active imagination and a reflection of human sexuality and social interaction.

As a man with a keen interest in politics, Dr. Rincón speaks of many current social ills: corruption, unemployment and above all, social apathy. Having created a unique technology that restores the most valuable sense of all (our sight), he asks that we use our eyes for more than just seeing. g The Life & Sun Clinic is

at the Gran Meliá Resort Don Pepe. C/ José Meliá s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 056. www.lifeandsunclinic.com

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thepro NEWS /ENTERPRISE / LOCAL BUSINESS

/PROFILES / FINANCE / LAW

COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

CLIMBAT: LARGEST CLIMBING CENTRE IN ANDALUCÍA, LAUNCHES IN MÁLAGA Almost one thousand people made their way to Climbat: a new climbing centre that is the largest of its kind in the province of Andalucía. The launch was attended by the Mayor of Málaga, Francisco de la Torre, as well as the Councillor for Sport, José del Río and the President of the Andalusian Federation of Mountain Sport, Julio Perea.

The centre boasts a host of different climbing walls and obstacles of various difficulties. It will be headed by elite athlete, Bernabé Fernández, who will also be running a Climbing School at the new centre. g www.climbat.com

BABAK ALIMORADIAN WINS BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU CHAMPIONSHIP Adventure company, Team XTreme’s owner, Babak Alimoradian, made Marbella proud, taking victory at the European Jiu Jitsu Championship in Lisbon recently. The 40-year-old former wrestler and proud father of two has been training hard and his results show it; he has won the European Championship three times and the World Championship twice.

The competition saw Babak compete against athletes in the same belt rank, age and weight class, making it a fair test of their respective abilities. g www.teamxtreme.es

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Healthouse Las Dunas Health & Beach Spa is ‘Project of the Year’

Healthouse Las Dunas Health & Beach Spa is proud to announce that it is the ‘Project of the Year,’ as deemed by Ejecutivos magazine at the 10th edition of the Premios Ejecutivos Andalucía in Seville. During the ceremony, the Editor of the publication, María Victoria de Rojas, spoke of the importance of 2015 for the magazine, which will be celebrating its 25th anniversary soon. Raúl Huerga, Director of Healthouse Las Dunas, received the prize, which is a recognition that one of the most renowned health resorts in the world is situated on the Costa del Sol. Healthouse offers a wide range of programmes to help clients obtain better health and wellness, all in five-star surrounds and under the guidance of a highly skilled team of professionals. Programmes focus on areas like weight loss, detoxification, anti-ageing and much more. g www.healthouse-naturhouse.com

Second Campus for The British School of Marbella in September, 2015 The British School of Marbella will be opening a multi-million-euro second campus near the Monte Paraíso Golf Course in September this year, which will house the school’s older year groups.

Located on a 60,000 m2 plot of land, BSM Monte Paraiso will be constructed in several phases and will eventually accommodate all years up to A-Level students. Once building work is complete, the school will boast world class facilities including a football pitch, basketball and tennis courts, a swimming pool and a theatre for school productions. The British School of Marbella currently has a campus on Calle Jacinto Benavente in the centre of town, and this will remain open for the Foundation Stage and Lower Primary aged children – with shuttle busses running between the two schools.

Meanwhile, students at the primary school kept busy during book week, dressing up as their favourite literary characters, taking part in drama workshops run

by Stagecoach and completing writing themed activities. g www.bsm.org.es

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MonteAlminara Centre Offers Pioneering Bilingual Addiction Rehabilitation Programme The MonteAlminara Centre in Málaga has just launched a bilingual rehabilitation programme, aimed at helping English speakers beat addiction. The Centre also hopes to take sociocultural elements into the equation, to enable therapists to speak to patients in a way they can relate to. The programme follows the ‘Minnesota Model,’ considered the ‘Gold Standard’ in addiction therapy. It relies on cognitivebehavioural therapy and personalisation, to enable patients to make maximum progress.

g www.montealminara.com

Perfect Marbella announces corporate rebrand and new website launch

New Fine Art and Bepsoke Greeting Card Website for Caroline Lang Sotogrande Artist, Caroline Lang, is pleased to announce that she has a brand new website, featuring a broad body of work inspired mainly by local influences. Caroline’s paintings range from sunsets over Málaga to the indigenous plants of Cádiz and flowers in bloom; viewers can purchase a selection of ‘oil on canvas’ pieces online. Caroline also creates ‘one-of-akind’ greeting cards, which are perfect for birthdays and other occassions. g www.carolinelangstudio.com

Long-established Norwegian-owned real estate specialist ‘Spanord’ was recently rebranded and is now trading as ‘Perfect Marbella’. The company also launched an impressive new website featuring the latest styling and functionality. The new name was chosen to give clients a better understanding of the company’s connection to the Coast and the property market in Marbella. The company was established in 1999 and soon became one of the largest Norwegian property businesses in Spain. It initially helped Scandinavian buyers, but today, its clientele is drawn from a much wider international audience, which needed to be reflected in their branding. The website also reflects the company’s rounded approach, not only in providing professional property services but also legal, rentals, maintenance and construction services. Design and functionality were painstakingly considered to adhere to the company’s exacting standards and attention to detail, to showcase the wealth of properties available and provide an enjoyable user experience. Just click on the stunning aerial map of the Costa del Sol coastline and select your chosen area to reveal a search facility for instant access to the desired properties. There are also some useful tips on the buying process, a comprehensive golf guide, area guide and a blog section. g www.perfectmarbella.com

Deep Clean Your Furniture with Steam on Wheels Steam on Wheels is a Marbella-based company, launched in 2008, relying on cutting edge technology (dry steam, hot water injection and active foam) to clean everything from upholstered furniture to curtains, rugs, carpets, kitchens and bathrooms. The company stands out owing to its dry steam technology, which eliminates 99.9 per cent of bacteria from furniture, as well as dust mites and bed bugs. Steam on Wheels also specialises in deep cleaning and disinfecting mattresses. Your furniture will be cleaned very efficiently and will dry quicker (since the company uses far less humidity than competitors). All products used are biodegradable and safe. g For further information, www.steamonwheels.es

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New Management for Hotel Reserva del Higuerón Last month, THB Hotels and Reserva del Higuerón Servicios Hoteleros finalised their contractual relationship; Hotel Reserva del Higuerón will now be managed by the latter company, offering top class service to clients and suppliers. g www.reservadelhigueron.com

Accompanied Caesareans at the CERAM Hospital The CERAM Hospital is pleased to announce that it has now has an ‘accompanied caesarean’ protocol in force, which will enable expectant mums to have a companion by their side during non-emergency caesarean births. The aim is to provide mothers with crucial support, and to ‘humanise’ the birthing process. The baby benefits as well, enjoying immediate contact with its mother and father after seeing the world for the first time. g For further information, www.hospitalceram.com

Specsavers Opticas Launches Glasses Collection Campaign for Lions Clubs International Specsavers Opticas is now collecting unwanted glasses for Lions Clubs’ ‘Recycle for Sight Month’ campaign, aimed at enabling many people who desperately need glasses, to see. There are two Specsavers Opticas stores on the Costa del Sol (in Marbella and Fuengirola). They are calling on their local communities to get involved so that they can collect as many pairs of glasses as possible and beat their 2013 campaign, which collected an impressive 4,436 pairs. The campaign will until April 29, 2015. g To find your nearest store, www.specsavers.es.

Breast Cancer Conference at the Quirón Hospital in Marbella The Quirón Hospital in Marbella recently held a series of conferences focusing on cancer.

The subject was the most common cancer in women: breast cancer. In Spain alone, some 22,000 cases are identified every year. During the conference, Dr. Arturo Aboal spoke of the importance of breast screening, and answered important questions from the audience regarding prevention and treatment. The Quirón Hospital also celebrated Word Epilepsy Day; Dr. Manio von Maravic, Head of the Neurology Department of the Quirón, reminded us that during an attack of epilepsy, patients “should be placed on their side to facilitate respiration, they should not be held, something soft should be placed under their head and their mouth should not be obstructed.”

g www.quiron.es

Paula Vincenti Presents ‘Wake Up Portraits’ If you’d like to be part of the ‘wake up movement’, launched by renowned Artist, Paula Vincenti, then all you have to do is pop by her studio for a fun photo session, choose an image design and return in 10 days to collect your 60cm x 60cm portrait/art work, which you can hang on your wall to add a fun, funky ambience to your home. g paula@paulavincenti.com

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What our clients say: “The website you have created really made a difference in terms of what we could offer as presentation of our property to the potential buyers and agencies. The property has sold after just 6 months. Thank you!”

Peter, Monte Paraíso, Marbella “Someone contacted me through the website’s form, which was sent to my email explaining he found my property through the internet and thought the apartment looked really nice. He then arranged a flight specifically to come and have a look at it and ended up making an offer. Thanks ever so much!”

Diana, Cabopino

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THE PRO business

NICOLE KING

Uniting Marbellís from Across the Globe Whether you have heard her uplifting voice on Mi Marbella radio, or been seduced by her charismatic manner on the Marbella Now lifestyle show, chances are, you know and love Nicole King. A killer smile, messy curls and an incontravertibly positive personality are all key ingredients that will enable her to achieve her undoubtedly ambitious aim: that of uniting the people of Marbella, both Spanish and foreign, to convert our 27km of Paradise into the most successful, vibrant and fun area in Spain.

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

N

icole may have been born and raised in England, but her heart beats to the rhythm of the Costa del Sol. “I was just three when my parents first brought me here… we used to stay at the Gran Meliá Don Pepe and, back then, we used to hang out together on the Don Pepe beach.” Nicole fondly recalls the waiting staff from this famed hotel, “The staff was amazing, they took great care of me and treated me like family.”

Nicole longs for the sense of unity among nations, which she feels needs a boost in the present day. “I remember dancing at Pepe Moreno’s alongside Rosario Flores and having friends from Marbella and from all over the world. Nowadays, it seems that the Spanish feel like they don’t have a voice here, while foreigners tend to separate into groups. I also feel that people don’t really realise how much effort our Town Hall puts into making our area so fantastic.” The TV shows, Marbella Now and Marbella News and radio show, MiMarbella with Nicole King on RTVM, share the same aim: to inform residents and visitors of all the latest happenings in the area, to give Spanish and foreign

residents alike a voice and to enable viewers to stay on the pulse of new developments.

Funnily enough, Nicole had not worked in the media before; she boasts decades of experience in introducing new brands into Spain, including Disney and BeSafe; the latter is a special seatbelt for pregnant women. “Before BeSafe, it wasn’t compulsory for women to wear seatbelts owing to safety; thanks to this new, specially designed system, we managed to change the law in 2006 and now, women can once again safely wear seatbelts.”

In Nicole’s view, the most important brand she introduced was ChromaGen, a special lens that adjusts the frequency of transmission of information from the retina to the brain. “Problems like dyslexia, myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism are caused by double vision. ChromaGen adjusts and coordinates the speed at which light reaches the brain.” Nicole recalls the first time her daughter, who has dyslexia, read a book through a tinted ChromaGen lens: “She said, ‘Mum, the words are stuck to the page!’ All along, the words had ‘danced’ on the

RTV MARBELLA ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAMMES MI MARBELLA - RADIO Mondays to Fridays 3.30pm - 5.30pm on 107.6 fm MARBELLA NEWS - TV Thursdays 7.00pm MARBELLA NOW - TV Thursdays 7.30pm - 8.30pm

page for her. ChromaGen lenses, in a way, restored reality for her and for millions of people around the world.”

Nicole is used to making a difference to people’s lives and through her radio and TV shows, she plans on doing it once again.

Marbella News TV, for instance, keeps locals informed on all the goings on in the area: building works, news plans, exciting events, etc. “Marina Robertson presents the news, informing our audience of developments like the new extension to the Paseo Marítimo, while Marbella Now is a lifestyle show, presented by myself and Johnnie Gates. We also have a Buy Local section and What’s On by Roz James.”

Mi Marbella 107.6FM has lots of exciting guests. Nicole elaborates,

Plaza Marqués de Salamanca, Avda. Ricardo Soriano 12-14, 29602 Marbella.

MiMarbellaRTVM@gmail.com MiMarbellawithNicoleKing MarbellaNow www.marbellaexclusive.com www.rtvmarbella.tv

Magazine’s “Iain (Blackwell, Publisher) was one of the first people to come on board. He was so open and enthusiastic about the show and its potential and every month, he stops by to tell me about the contents of the magazine.”

The TV show is equally vibrant: “We invite local talent (singers and other performers) to take part, with a growing team covering outside broadcasts, which will keep the show on its toes.” The show has a dynamic website, (www.marbellaexclusive.com) from which viewers can download any episodes they may have missed. If you know of anything exciting going on, or you feel that you would like to take part in Nicole’s exciting new project, now is the time to make Mi Marbella, your Marbella. e

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THE PRO finance

Entire books could be written on the subject and specific advice should be sought in each case, yet this article will attempt to outline the basic taxes you will encounter should you decide to purchase real estate in Spain.

WORDS CRISTINA FALKENBERG

Taxation on property L

ocal taxes on property must be paid whether one is a resident or not. The most important of these taxes is the IBI tax, a percentage of the cadastral value and which may vary greatly from one municipality to another: it currently stands at 1.03 per cent for Marbella but only 0.4 per cent for Ojén or Benahavís.

Other local taxes are the refuse tax, to be paid whether you live here or not; or sewage, which comes as part of your water bill. Some taxes only arise if one undertakes certain initiatives, such as enjoying a private driveway, cutting or heavily pruning very large bushes and trees or carrying out construction and major maintenance works.

For maintenance works valued under €6.000 and meeting certain conditions, Marbella has waived the tax.

Town Halls may impose a specific tax called ‘contribución especial’. It applies to owners of specific properties enjoying additional improvements or services, imposed at the initiative of the Town Hall.

Apart from these local tax

contributions, simply owning property generates a series of taxes which are different, depending on whether you are a resident or not. If you are a resident, the main tax you face is wealth tax, still applicable in 2014 and 2015 and which starts at €700.000 net worth, with different rates depending on where you are fiscally domiciled in Spain.

The other tax you may be assessed for as an individual is a presumed rent, to be declared in your personal income tax, on any second homes you might own.

It arises to 1.1 per cent of the cadastral value of the property if it was revised after the 1st January 1994, and 2 per cent if it was not.

These same rates apply to urban properties located in Spain belonging to non-resident physical persons. In the case of properties owned by corporations, a 3 per cent tax on the cadastral value applies if the company is located in a country with which Spain has no agreement to exchange tax information (i.e. a tax haven), whether it has a double taxation agreement with that country or not.

You will also be paying wealth

tax even if you are a non-resident physical person, if you qualify, given your assets and income in Spain.

A 100 per cent reduction in wealth tax is planned for 2016.

Should you be letting your property, any rents minus expenses derived from the contract accrue to your personal income tax base if you are a resident and to your non-resident tax base otherwise, at the general rate of 24 per cent or the reduced 19 per cent rate if you are resident in an EU member state or a state of the European Economic Union with which Spain has an agreement of exchange of information.

If the property is not residential, VAT applies to the rent.

When transfering your property, different taxes arise, depending on if it’s a sale or a gift or inheritance, governed by its own tax. The small plusvalías tax on the increased value of urban land is paid by the seller (or by the inheritor or person receiving the gift).

Simplifying matters very much, 10 per cent VAT applies to delivery of new properties (21 per cent if commercial). However on second

and further sales of properties the buyer shall be paying the ITP tax, incompatible with VAT. ITP amounts to 8 per cent of the sales price up to 400.00 Euros, 9% between that amount and €700.000 and 10 per cent thereafter.

One of the more relevant taxes on the sale of property is capital gains tax. If you have carried out improvements or purchased furnishings it is vitally important you keep the invoices at hand, so the expense may be deducted from the sales price.

If you are a fiscal resident in Spain and the house you are selling is your usual place of residence, any amounts reinvested in your new home are exempt from capital gains tax. Should you be over sixty-five or with a declared severe disability, all proceeds whether reinvested or not, are exempt. As a general rule, the house should have been yours for the last three years.

If you are non-resident, you’ll be taxed at the rates above or if resident, at the new rates of 20 per cent up to €6.000, 22 per cent from that amount up to €50.000 and 24 per cent thereafter. e

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education THE PRO

The best start to a child’s educational journey

Words Kate Edwards Head of Foundation Stage, Aloha College

First steps towards successful, lifelong learning

IN SCHOOL – What does learning look like in a classroom?

As children enter the world of education they embark on an exciting journey of attainment and discovery. These initial years are crucial in instigating and embedding a love of learning, establishing a solid infrastructure of knowledge to build upon in future years.

The Foundation Stage settings are paramount in nurturing a child’s natural curiosity, teaching invaluable social skills, enabling children to build self-confidence and develop critical thinking skills, while teaching them how to express themselves appropriately in day-to-day scenarios.

As a parent, would you prefer your child to be busy, or your child to be busy learning?

The setting in which children learn is imperative. Classrooms and schools that create an atmosphere of excitement and challenge, in which children feel safe to freely explore, are principal to their development. It can be tempting to guide children to the correct answers; however, children should have opportunity to learn from their mistakes and build upon their successes. Allowing them to come to conclusions of their own will mean they acquire thinking skills that will support future learning, both in school and at home.

As children are naturally inquisitive, providing them with enjoyable, independent areas of learning, such as role-play spaces, book corners and challenge areas, facilitates the acquisition of knowledge, skills and understanding.

With all of this in mind, children

are unique in their development and learn at different rates, determined by many different factors. By providing fun, multi-sensory exploration, incorporating a variety of learning styles, children can access learning at their own level, thus participating in their personal educational journey.

From Home To School And Back Again Bridging the gap between home and school is a brilliant opportunity to understand how your child learns while having lots of fun. As a parent, you can easily provide children with the same opportunities, hence linking the home and school environments.

Doing so will support children, reinforcing and processing what they have learnt, making sense of the world around them.

AT HOME – How can you as parents help children at home?

This is a stage of your child’s

development which is magical and full of wonderment. You have the opportunity to enhance it and it is a lot of fun to get involved in.

You can enrich your child’s learning, making connections between what happens in school and at home: ZZ Talk to your child about their day at school and ask them to explain their learning to you.

ZZ Encourage thinking skills by letting your child explore their natural surroundings and asking questions about it.

ZZ Engage your child in creative, representational play.

ZZ Explore stories, poems and rhymes. Look at the characters, settings, illustrations and discover the fun of role play.

ZZ Identify numbers and print in the environment, look for patterns and play simple matching/sorting games. i www.aloha-college.com

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THE VIBE

“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning” – Benjamin Franklin

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PHOTOGRAPHY Tünde Serban 2/23/15 12:48 PM

THE VIBE

OCEAN CLINIC EXPANSION

In addition to carrying out cutting edge surgical operations, one very important thing has been on Dr. Kai Kaye’s mind since last year: the expansion of his Ocean Clinic Hospital, in the centre of Marbella. The Clinic has been extended by over 240m2 and boasts a whole new floor with five patient suites, all measuring between 17m2 and 20m2, incorporating the latest technology for patient comfort and safety. Ocean Clinic has two additional doctor’s offices, a new treatment room for radiofrequency and massage and a meeting room for live DH transmission surgical courses. It also has a bigger team of doctors, offering everything from facial fillers to plastic surgery. Dr. Kai Kaye recently inaugurated the expanded premises with a swish cocktail party involving some of the clinic’s many friends, colleagues and clients. i www.oceanclinic.net

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THE LEISURE travel

It’s a

We don’t always recognise it, but this world of ours is truly a colourful place – from the greens of its forests and fields to the white of the poles and glaciers, the ochre and terracotta tones of deserts, and the blue of the oceans. The human world, likewise, occasionally explodes in riots of joyous colour, and here are some of the finest examples of brightly dazzling travel destinations.

bright world WORDS MICHEL CRUZ

Night view of Manarola, one of the five villages of the Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, Italy For mesmerising contrasts in colour, tone and texture, few spots surpass the Cinque Terre coastal region of Liguria. Amid its dramatic rocky coastline the five towns of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore not only appear to cling on to jagged cliffs, but in so doing splash dabs of bright colour onto the menacing grey stone.

Set within a region also known as the Italian Riviera, the Cinque Terre forms part of a national park where both nature and cultural heritage are protected. Hard to reach, the

relative inaccessibility of these quaint coastal jewels has preserved their charm, where steeply sloped car-free streets simply add to the attraction from the visitor’s perspective.

The dark red, ochre, orange, salmon and pale blue tones are not riotous but contrast to great effect with the natural setting, creating a sense of beauty and drama that makes these five coastal towns uniquely appealing.

Tradition has it that the houses were painted like this so that the village fishermen could identify their homes from out at sea, and make sure that their wives were out on their porches working. It’s unsure if this really was the origin of the tradition, but whatever the initial cause, it has done the Cinque Terre villages no harm at all.

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Blooming spring flowers in Holland´s famous Keukenhof

Keukenhof,

Holland

Traditional flower shop at the Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse, Netherlands

A myriad of blooming tulips in the Keukenhof park in Holland

Though its explosion of colour is derived from flowers not painted buildings, the Keukenhof is very much a manmade creation. In fact, it’s more accurately described as man’s ultimate mastery of nature’s beauty, conducted and orchestrated into a symphony of colours, textures and gently swaying movement.

Also known as the Garden of Europe, the 32-hectare park forms part of a beautifully wooded estate near Lisse, a town in the midst of Holland’s famous bulb-growing region.

Here, just a short few kilometres from the dunes of the North Sea, over seven million flowers famously burst with exuberant colour every spring, heralding the arrival of nature’s rejuvenating season in the most celebratory way imaginable.

The former hunting estate, with the beautiful Castle Keukenhof at its heart, opens its doors to visitors from mid-March to midMay, when millions of visitors from around the world come here to witness a sea of colour unfurl between green carpets of grass, tall forests, lakes, streams and bridges.

Though it is a magnificent calling card for the Dutch flower exporting industry, whose extensive tulip fields surround the estate, the Keukenhof represents gardens and landscaping traditions from around the world.

A natural environment fit for a fairytale, this idyllic manmade landscape is also used as the backdrop for annual events such as the Floriade flower parade, Christmas fairs, the Ladies Winternight, classical concertos and Castlefest, a medieval folk festival inspired by the ancient pagan traditions of Europe.

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Colourful houses, church and boats on the picturesque Venetian island of Burano

Isola di Burano, Italy A striking window from the island of Burano near Venice

Like flowers sprouting in the midst of earthy tones of rock and sand, so the little island of Burano appears like the palette of an artist floating in the mirrored waters of the Venetian Lagoon. An extended part of that legendary trading city, Burano is not so much an island as four little isles joined into one rather unique village. To stand out in a place like Venice is no mean feat, but Burano has earned notoriety in its own right thanks to the brightly coloured houses that pack its quaint little streets and squares.

Situated seven kilometres from Venice and measuring just over 21 hectares in area, this ancient littoral village of fewer than 3,000 people has always lived off a combination of trade, crafts and fishing. Much of Burano’s existence has passed in the shadow of its illustrious neighbour, but in the late 15th century the making of the intricate lace for which the island village was to become renowned increasingly brought wealth and fame.

It is not exactly known when the tradition of painting houses in bright colour first originated, but the wealth that came to Burano from the 16th century

saw its architecture grow more substantial, more colourful and better maintained. It is also during this period that rules were laid down to orchestrate the colourful profusion of the Burano townscape. These days tourism has replaced lace making as the main economic activity, so as you join the visitors and soak up the happy tones of this pretty ‘floating’ town you may not be aware of the fact that the apparently random colouring actually follows a systematic pattern.

Homeowners who wish to paint or change the colour of their properties therefore have to submit a request to do so to the authorities, who will provide a fixed range of colours to choose from for each and every individual home on the island. Just to wander through Burano’s delightful streets and canals is an uncannily pleasing experience – and one that aptly demonstrates just how powerful an impact colours can have on our state of mind and sense of wellbeing. Often visited as a quaint curiosity, this little island floating between heaven and water will have you feeling uplifted by the time you leave.

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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.

View of downtown Willemstad, Curaçao at twilight

Willemstad, Curaçao Like a Nyhavn in the Caribbean Sea, the capital of the Dutch Antilles island of Curaçao is an historical gem richly adorned with colour. Its classic Dutch gables feature not the red brickwork of Amsterdam or Leiden but present themselves adapted here to the bright ochres, blues, greens, whites and pinks of the tropics.

Captured from the Spanish in 1634, Willemstad was named after the long succession of kings and stadholders of the name, becoming the bastion of the Dutch West Indies Company

and its trading empire. The elegant old warehouses and merchant homes that line the waterfront with such dazzling tones are the product of that trade. It is this mixing of people, goods and ideas, along with the mildly riotous transient nature of ports that makes them such a melting pot of styles and open to bright colours.

It can’t, therefore, be a coincidence that port districts such as this are colourful in tone as well as ambience.

Willemstad’s eclectic population and cultural heritage also includes one

of the oldest Jewish communities in the Western Hemisphere, with synagogues standing alongside equally bright churches, grand public buildings and trader’s mansions now converted into hotels, cafés and tourist shops – all crammed into a tightly packed district that leaps out of the Caribbean water like a pastel mosaic.

The 17th century waterfront at Nyhavn

Nyhavn,

Copenhagen

Though you won’t be walking amid a carpet of purple, red, yellow, pink and green that extends as far as the eye can see, Copenhagen’s Nyhavn harbour quarter is just as much of a fairytale setting as the Keukenhof. Indeed, it just leaps off the pages of a Hans Christian Andersen tale, mixing quaint architecture and intimate spaces with bright, friendly colours to produce what must surely be the very definition of charm.

It won’t surprise you that the celebrated Danish writer lived here for many years, no doubt drawing inspiration for the tales that would travel the world. To our modern eyes the merchant houses that line this canal and 17th century waterfront in the Danish capital have all the toy box appeal of a Lego town, but back in the day

this was the place to live.

Rich merchants wanting to be close to where their ships docked built these elegant homes on the waterside and christened the area Nyhavn – or New Harbour.

Today it is above all a lively entertainment area full of cafés, restaurants and shops where locals and tourists happily rub elbows on sunny wharf-side terraces. Classical sailing boats are encouraged to moor here, adding to the historic charm of this listed heritage district. Some have been pressed into service as museum ships, theatre boats, floating restaurants or are used for sailing trips, but their presence reminds one that this lively, happy quarter of Copenhagen was once a bustling trading port – albeit one of the prettiest ones you’ll ever come across.

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Portmeirion, Wales Not as well known as the previous destinations, but famed nonetheless as the iconic setting of the cult 1960s TV series, The Prisoner, the pretty little resort town of Portmeirion is all the more fascinating for it. Though it has all the exotic lustre of a classic Ligurian resort designed for Europe’s wealthy elite, this Welsh seaside town is a relatively recent

creation. As a matter of fact, it’s spiritual father, Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, built this idyllic interpretation of a gentleman’s retreat between 1925 and 1975, though to walk through its Italianate parks, seaside promenade and brightly coloured houses conjures up the warm breezes of the Mediterranean.

Though its creator denied it, many believe the village is styled on Portofino in Italy.

The Italian inspiration, however, is as clear in the buildings of this remarkable resort as in Sir William-Ellis’s own words: “How should I not have fallen for Portofino? Indeed, its image remained with me as an almost perfect example of the manmade adornment

and use of an exquisite site.”

And that is exactly what Portmeirion represents: to take a lovely natural setting and not detract from it but actually add beauty with manmade structures.

Some might say his buildings are twee and nostalgic or even contrived, but when compared with resort towns that have been allowed to grow organically, governed only by economic motives, Portmeirion is a pearl of human inspiration and a wonderful place to visit.

Its colourful parks, palatial mansions, charming cottages and village houses, as well its promenades, gardens and water features bring together the best of a quaint Wales and elegant Italy in an inspiring coastal setting not far from Holyhead.

Red wall with decorative detailing

A wealth of ornate architecture

The ‘Campanile’ bell tower rises above Portmerion town square

Cobbled streets and painted archway, Portmerion

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Chefchaouen old medina quarter Architectural detail in blue Chefchaouen old Medina

Chefchaouen, Morocco Where most colourful destinations are characterised by their bright combinations, this town in the northwest of Morocco is famous for being… blue. Like a mesmerising bluetoned version of an Andalusian white village, Chefchaouen’s blue-washed walls combine with their flowing architecture and almost liquid lines to cast a very particular spell.

Hippies discovered the town, nicknamed the Blue Pearl, in the 1960s, when people like Mick Jagger added to its growing international fame.

Today, it is a very popular tourist destination, with the main distinguishing feature being a blueness that imparts a particularly otherworldly quality to the Rif hill town. No doubt this is one of the reasons why Chefchaouen is popular not only with backpackers and cultural visitors, but also with those in search of a spiritual ambience.

Seen from afar, Chefchaouen is a pleasant pale blue blotch spreading across the hillside; once inside, the entire world takes on ever-varying hues of blue as walls, steps, archways, doors, passages, portals and roofs cascade around you in a free-flowing stream of blue-washed plaster. Today’s popular tourist destination was originally founded as a fortress town and partly populated with Moriscos expelled from Iberia. The fortress still stands, but Chefchaouen now happily trades on its uniquely blue existence, catering to visitors with an alluring array of markets, tearooms, curio shops and over 200 hotels distributed within its ultramarine-walled labyrinths.

Wherever you go across the globe, search out the colour and you will discover that ours is a far brighter world than we often realise – you just have to know where to look for it. e

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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

THE LEISURE hotel

DREAMING IN RED

Hotel Santos Porta Fira

I

to has defined architecture as ‘clothing’ for city dwellers; with every architectural creation, he aims to find the balance between the public and private life of human beings. His masterpiece, the Sendai Mediatheque in Japan, imagines what a public museum and library should look like in the digital age. Designed in 1995 and completed in 2001, it is considered one of Tokyo’s most iconic buildings, built entirely in glass and harbouring 13 steel-ribbed shafts that provide stability for the vertiginous structure, which is surprisingly located in the heart of a known earthquake-prone area. Ito is known for breaking established boundaries, however, and nowhere is this more evident than in his graceful homage to the beauty of the lotus flower: the Hotel Santos Porta Fira.

A Ruby Red Jewel in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat The Hotel Santos Porta Fira boasts a deconstructivist style and a double skin design; its inner layer is made out of stainless steel panels, while its exterior comprises red aluminum tubes coated in metallic resin. The tubes are an abstract representation of the leaves of the lotus flower, wrapping the building in a ruby red sheen as it soars towards the sky. The modern, sleek interiors are the perfect complement to the building’s exterior; they set a contemporary, urban tone, without sacrificing the comfort and practicality which characterises the world’s best hotels.

A Room in the Clouds The Porta Fira has 311 fully equipped rooms, with creature comforts like individually-controlled air conditioning, Wi-Fi, an outdoor telephone line, cablesatellite TV, etc. There are four room categories.

Z Urban Rooms (measuring 24m2) are an ideal choice for a couple, have a double or King-sized bed, plasma TV, a separate shower and toilet, etc. They bear a neutral look, with white and beige holding sway in the décor and bedding.

Z Privilege Rooms (30m2) can be shared with a child or baby; they are decorated in line with the building’s architecture in red, black and white, and also have a double or King size bed.

Z Privilege Class Rooms (45m2) are located on the 22nd floor of the Hotel, affording dreamlike views 106 / MARCH 2015 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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over the city of Barcelona. Bright and chic, they boast an abundance of white, with blood red touches in select furniture pieces and bedding.

Z For ultimate comfort for a bigger group, the top choice would have to be the Family Room (60m2), which can accommodate two adults and two children or even two children and a baby (just ask for an extra bed or cot). The connected Family Rooms comprise two Privilege rooms, one of which has a King-sized bed and the other, twin beds.

Some of the many services that will make your stay at the Porta Fira a dream include: Z Wi-Fi in common areas Z A Wellness Area (featuring a sauna, massage cubicles and sensation shower) Z Concierge service Z Laundry and ironing service Z Business centre and conference rooms Z 24-hour parking Z Daily newspapers, etc.

It’s the sixth tallest building in Barcelona and the winner of the prestigious architecture prize, Emporis Award 2010, for Best Skyscraper in the World (2010).

Designed by Japanese architect, Toyo Ito, winner of the Pritzker Prize (2013), the Hotel Santos Porta Fira, piercing the Hospitalet de Llobregat skyline with scarlet fury, is a testimony to the beauty of ‘conceptual architecture’: the place where the real and virtual worlds meet.

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE HOTEL SANTOS PORT FIRA

Creative International Cuisine at Spiral Spiral, the Hotel’s restaurant – serving breakfast, lunch and dinner – is a bit of a hotspot for savvy urbanites who call the City of Gaudí home. The menu reads like a gastronomic tour through the length and breadth of Spain (with dishes such as Andalusian style calamari or northern anchovies), though international influences can also be noted (the octopus with Kennebec potatoes, red pepper gelée and winter sprouts is famed for its tenderness, while the cocotte in a perigueaux, foie and pancetta sauce pays homage to the renowned French gastronomic tradition). Despite being one of the most elegant establishments you are likely to find in the area, the restaurant offers surprisingly affordable ‘menús’ (the ‘Menú Ejecutivo’, for instance, costs just €23 per person). Kids, meanwhile, have their very Life’s own menu, while those a Celebration up for something a little The Hotel Santos Porta quicker will find what Fira is marketed at families they are looking for and entrepreneurs alike, with a at the cafeteria and variety of function rooms for snack bar. everything from weddings to

banquets, meetings and conferences.

Location is Everything

The Porta Fira is not located in the heart of the city, though there is a tube stop just around the corner. In just 15 minutes, you can reach the middle of the city that has inspired artists, filmmakers and architects alike, to produce some of their most brilliant work.

i www.hotelbarcelonaportafira.com 2/23/15 3:37 PM

met

RESTAURANTS / REVIEWS / NEWS / WINE / CHEFS / GUIDE

Dazzle your sense of taste and sight at the MC Café, discover why colour and taste are inextricably linked, stay updated on the latest happenings on the food scene and enjoy a glorious glass of wine from the Sierra de Salamanca.

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M I É RCO L E S 1 D E A B R I L · W E D N E S DAY 1 s t A P R I L F I E S TA D E I N A U G U RAC I Ó N D E LA P R I M AV E RA Cóctel VIP a las 21 h y fiesta a partir de la medianoche · VIP Cocktail from 9 PM & Party from midnight

PUENTE ROMANO BEACH RESORT · MARBELLA · Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n

R E S E RVA S · T (34) 952 820 900 · restaurantes@puenteromano.com

restaurant THE GOURMET

MC Café

World Class Flavours, Home Style Comfort The Marbella Club Hotel Group is currently soaring to new heights, having embarked on an ambitious plan of expansion that has seen the Shamoon family and their talented teams extend to Sierra Nevada (El Lodge is set to reopen December 2015), Marrakesh and into countries as far-off and distinct as Estonia, French Polynesia and Latvia, with a new resort soon to launch in Ibiza in the spring of 2016. Not content with running these five-star stalwarts of excellence in customer service, the Group has also taken it upon itself to manage top restaurants and hotels across the globe, all of which have various things in common: luxurious surroundings, top customer service and an attention to detail.

WORDS Marisa CUTILLAS Photography kevin horn

D

espite being in the midst of a period characterised by movement and flux, the MC Group has chosen wisely not to interfere with what works well: one of these things is undoubtedly the MC Café. A hotspot for the jetset since Marbella’s golden era, this restaurant has lost neither its charm nor its popularity over the years; it is always abuzz with groups of friends and business associates who are after an excellent meal in an intimate, familiar setting.

The success of the MC Café can, perhaps, be attributed to the synergy of various elements, including its casual, laidback ambience and easy accessibility (the restaurant is located at the forefront of the Marbella Club Hotel and can easily be reached on foot from most of the businesses which pepper Alfonso

von Hohenlohe boulevard).

The perception of excellence is highly subjective and I can only speak of my own sensations; the MC Café conjures up images in my mind of fresh, seasonal Mediterranean produce, world spices, Asian aromas and Middle Eastern influences, all of which rekindle my finest memories with each delicious bite.

The undoubted star of the MC Café is Jose Lara: a young culinary whiz who was born in Málaga (where he completed his culinary studies) and who honed his craft at some of Marbella’s finest dining establishments (including the iconic La Esencia and Michelin-starred restaurant, El Lago), as well as in China and Dubai (where his star shone amid some of the world’s most talented Chefs at the Jumeirah Group). Jose says his years abroad

satisfied his intense curiosity and taught him the staples of universal favourites such as Lebanese, Chinese and Moroccan cuisine.

Jose and the team offer guests three different ‘specials of the day’ menus, which always merit enjoyment. On my recent visit for lunch, the Chef was sending our taste buds into overdrive with a tempura maki starter, beautifully light and crisp and filled with a creamy brandada de bacalao (confited cod in an emulsion made from its juice). The main was a richly spicy chicken kofta, served over a bed of traditional Lebanese salad, with tiny pieces of cucumber, radish and shredded lettuce, seasoned with extra virgin olive oil and lemon, every bite packed with an inviting blend of citric and salty flavours.

This Spring, Jose tells me that diners can look forward to an array of similarly inspired international dishes, including cold corn soup with seabass ceviche (the Chef is a big fan of Peruvian cuisine); burrata cheese salad served over a beetroot

g Avda. Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 768 936. www.marbellaclub.com 187 rer.indd 109

and strawberry tart and drizzled with a balsamic vinegar sauce; and the tempura maki, mentioned above.

“Our changing specials are a great way to ascertain our clients’ tastes and to add specific dishes to the menu,” he says, admitting that the maki “has been a huge hit so far.”

For desert, meanwhile, how does a white chocolate tiramisu sound?

“We are also working on a tasting menu in which all dishes will be paired with a cocktail.” It sounds like just the kind of notion that will be making waves with regular diners and newbies alike. Who else is a little tired of traditional wine pairings? The thought of enjoying Jose’s light and healthy dishes with a chilled Martini certainly whets our sensory appetite.

A visit to the MC Café would not be quite the same without the final piece in the puzzle: the people.

Friendly, warm and discrete, the staff has been here for quite some time and the relationship with diners is reminiscent of family. The MC Café is the perfect escape for those seeking a cosy, casual meal which nevertheless lives up to the Marbella Club’s reputation for five-star cuisine and service. Chic but never stuffy, the MC Café promises to continue raising the bar for the Costa del Sol dining scene for many years to come. e ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2015 / 109

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THE GOURMET colours

e t s ta

F O S E N O T THE WORDS MIC

HEL CRUZ

Though they relate to different senses and experiences, colour and taste are so entwined as to overlap in meaning – making yellow synonymous with lemons, brown with chocolate and orange with, well oranges. The strength of the relationship is revealed when you imagine a topsyturvy world in which beer is green, tomatoes brown and rice blue…

W

e associate colours and tastes to such an extent that we mix them, speaking of lemon yellow, lime green, tangerine, plum red, chocolate brown and so on. In fact, many of the characteristics we ascribe to a certain tone, such as fresh green or deep burgundy, are at least in part drawn from the foodstuff they remind us of. Naturally there are also variants, such as white chocolate, green tomatoes and brown rice, but while we have grown used to these, it feels odd to stray too far from the combination of tones and flavours that have become engrained in our brains, as well as our eyes and taste buds.

This connection is so strong that a certain colour can conjure up associations with taste groups, such as citric fruits, or even specific flavours such as orange or lemon. The reverse is also true, ensuring that we would struggle to enjoy a strawberry flavoured drink if it was brown. I imagine I would have trouble convincing you to try – and enjoy – green orange juice or blue wine, but imagine a world in which all our known colour and taste associations would be randomly turned on their head. It might just prove to be the best diet plan ever conceived.

Taste, smell and sight These three senses form a central part in our everyday existence, with taste and smell directly related through the interaction of nose and palate. We might think that we smell with our noses and taste with our tongues, but in reality both the perception of flavour and fragrance are the product of a chemical reaction detected by specially designed receptors to which each organ contributes. What we discern in this way has been categorised into the seven basic tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, savoury, piquant and metallic.

Combinations of these exist, increasing the range of options available to us, but it is above all through endless variations of smell that we can significantly widen the range of possibilities as used by the world’s food industry. Manufacturers of soft drinks and ice creams conveniently change the smell of their products without having to alter the actual flavour much, a process used extensively in a field where the natural content of strawberry or pineapple is often replaced by natureidentical flavour compounds whose chemical structure is a synthesised, manmade replica of the original.

Thus produced, a raspberry drink need not – and often isn’t – purple red, as the natural juice would be, yet to make their products acceptable to consumers food companies add colorants that return the juice, yoghurt or pudding to its familiar tone. They have to do this because of the third element in our sensory

relationship with food – sight. The most conceptual and psychologically based of the three, sight influences the mind when you eat something, feeding information to the brain that can trick us into believing that what we’re eating or drinking tastes different, when it doesn’t.

Adding green to beer or a fruit juice will often make it appear bitter, lemon introduces a sense of fresh, citruslike acidity while a burgundy tone will imply a deeper, mature sweetness. The function behind this visual role is largely a protective one, in which mankind has grown to associate certain characteristics with certain colours and allowed himself to be guided not just by his nose – as in detecting food that’s gone off – but also by his eyes.

Brown tones are often a warning that something’s past its best, while we are, generally speaking, turned off by inorganic colours such as blue or grey.

Our eyes therefore remind us what a certain foodstuff should taste like even before our tastebuds have had the chance, and when the two messages conflict it creates a sense of confusion that turns our sensory world upside down. Can one adapt to unusual taste and colour combinations? Certainly, but our natural tendency to group them in familiar patterns not only serves to enhance our sensory experience but also protects us so, as food manufacturers have discovered, it is best not to get too creative and to allow us to engage all three senses when we tickle our tastebuds. e

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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 news WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Taberna del Alabardero

Awards Diplomas to First Batch of Cooking School Graduates

ASPANDEM

Taberna del Alabardero recently held its first graduation ceremony, awarding diplomas to the proud graduates of its ‘Restaurant and Catering Cook’ course.

Students learned everything from cooking techniques to how to treat produce and manage a kitchen. The course was organised by Alabardero Formación Málaga, with the help of Grupo Lezama and the Superior Hostelery School of Seville. i www.alabarderoformacion.es

Fundraising Dinner

ASPANDEM, the charity whose aim is to help children and families in need, recently held a fundraising dinner called ‘Differences are what make us unique’, at the Estrella del Mar Beach Club in Marbella. The meal was prepared by a talented team of Chefs, including Mauricio Giovanini of Messina. Collaborating entities included Tanino, Vincci Estrella del Mar, La Marea, 1870, El Lago and more. i www.lasdiferenciasnoshacenunicos.org

Classic Cars at Da Bruno The Classic Car Club of Andalucía recently celebrated its monthly meeting at Da Bruno Mijas-costa, exhibiting 40 classic cars at the Centro Idea carpark. The Club was founded in 2008 and, since 2009, members have enjoyed monthly races and exhibitions, as well as lively lunches and dinners. This time Italian cuisine was on the agenda and members tucked into Da Bruno’s classic dishes, made with an authentic passion for tradition. i www.dabruno.com

Olive Oil Fair in Benalmádena Benalmádena, a half hour drive from Marbella in the direction of Málaga, will be hosting the annual Feria del Aceite de Oliva de la Costa del Sol, at the lively Puerto Marina, from April 11 to 13. Entrance is free and there will be tastings, show cooking events and displays of an infinitely large variety of olive oils. i For further information, www.feriadelaceite.com

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THE GOURMET wine

Salamanca is a medium-sized city of some 170,000 souls, around two hours north west of Madrid and just an hour east of Portugal. Celebrated for its University, founded in 1134 – the 3rd oldest in Europe after Bologna and Oxford, its charming historical quarter is a joy; the city attracts myriads of foreign students set on learning the purest possible Spanish and lives primarily from tourism.

WORDS CARLOS READ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DOP SIERRA DE SALAMANCA AND VINOS LA ZORRA

The Sierra de Salamanca V

enture, however, an hour south west to the Natural Park of Las Batuecas in the Sierra de Francia bordering Extremadura and you’ll discover one of the most beautiful protected spaces in Spain. Comprising some 15 municipalities in a spectacular marvellously green and forested area, it is also famous for its wildlife (black storks, cuckoos, partridges, turtledoves, shrikes, wagtails, Eurasian blue tits and on another level multifarious water striders), fauna and flora – all set in a verdant undulated landscape. The altitude varies from 400 metres above sea level to around 1,000 metres with lots of small valleys and all manner of interesting and dramatic rock formations.

Motoring around by car, one encounters few other vehicles but frequent, random groups of walkers of all ages

for this is truly a place to chill out; and for those interested in a quiet few days I would recommend either the very tiny and ancient village of San Martín de Castañar (population around 300) or slightly larger Mogarraz (population perhaps 500) which is more commercial by virtue of a handful of emporia dedicated to the cause of selling the most wonderful hams; for the much prized food in this mountainous part of the world is hail, hearty and often pork-based. Look out too, by the way, for good alubiabased dishes in various forms and roasted goat – a speciality at La Alberca.

Unsurprisingly, of course, there is also locally produced wine; and despite the recently established DO (2010) being quite tiny (just 80 hectares and six wineries spread over 26 municipalities producing some 250,000 kilos) to the point that it’s actually a ‘DOP’ – Denominación de Origen Protegida) it is notable as the sole source of one of Spain’s many indigenous grape varieties: in this case the Rufete.

This is a thin-skinned black grape – possibly related to the

Mencía variety found further north but without its reductive qualities, which finds its best expression at Vinos La Zorra based in Mogarraz – whose 2013 Raro made from old vines grown on granite and slate soils, and aged for 111 days in oak (Agustín is very specific) is like a cross between a young Syrah and a Mencía bursting with bright, effusive red and black forest fruit, a minerality that only high altitude and stony soils can provide and a long, polished finish. Just 4,300 bottles were produced.

Intriguingly, meantime, although this tiny region also produces white wines with authorised varieties Viura, fine grain Moscatel and Palomino, there is also a time honoured local variety grown in microscopic amounts and known popularly as Rufete Blanco but also as Verdejo Serrano (no connection to the Rueda variety).

Officially, this has been refused DO status as it’s been in a bureaucratic queue at the main official Spanish government lab in Murcia since 2009, but word has it that when someone blows the cobwebs away, Rufete

Blanco will shortly be declared as one the planet’s first newly discovered totally unique grape varieties.

Should you like a sneak preview, the pioneer – yet again – is Agustín Maillo of Vinos La Zorra in Mogarraz, and the wine in question is his non-DO 2013 8 Vírgenes.

59 per cent Palomino, 29 per cent Rufete Blanco and 12 per cent fine grain Moscatel; steel-fermented with wild yeasts and five months in Allier oak barrels there is major depth and complexity here, no obvious vanilla or butterscotch flavour; instead there are floral and yeasty notes from the lees, great acidity, and wonderful minerality.

This isn’t a cool-fermented fruit-driven Spanish white; some recent tasters suggest Loire Chenin Blanc as a comparison, while my thoughts turned to Savagnin from the Jura.

Less than 7,000 bottles were produced, and with the US market already buying fast, only tiny quantities will ever be available in Europe. i www.dosierradesalamanca.es/en/

http://vinoslazorra.es/

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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

gauchos

mytilus

AMERICAN

Open 10am until midnight every day.

Plaza Antonio Banderas 17/29, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 951 136 333

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

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

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

HARD ROCK CAFÉ

Yanx

ruta 40

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

Open from 9am to 12 midnight daily.

C.C. El Zoco, Sitio de Calahonda.

Tel: 951 133 737

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

ARGENTINEAN

Tango

Buenos Aires South

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

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

BELGIAN

el banco Open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to midnight. Urb. Aloha Pueblo, Local 35, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 907 570

El Coto

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

Tel: 952 786 688

FRENCH

Casa mono

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

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

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

Tel: 956 791 200

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GREEK

Grill del puerto

Open daily for both lunch and dinner.

Muelle Ribera, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 812 148

MARBELLA CLUB GRILL

Red Pepper

GRILLS

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

Asador guadalmina Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

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

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 for lunch and dinner every day. Muelle Ribera 47H, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 811 686 Open every night for dinner. Marbella Club Hotel. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 822 211

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

Tel: 952 867 306

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

Chowka

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

Tel: 952 888 353

Massala

Málaga. Tel: 951 500 022

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

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,

Open Monday to Thursday for lunch, Friday and

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

Tel: 952 839 458

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

under €25

€25 – €40

€40 – €60

€60 plus

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

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

BIBO

celima

El Bolero

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

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

Black and white Marbella

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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

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

Tel: 952 880 126

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

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

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

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

El Campanario

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

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

Fabiola

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

cortijo fain

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

D-wine

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

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

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GD Gourmet deli marbella

la brisa

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

Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe 7, Marbella. Tel: 952 774 049

Open 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

La cabaña del mar

La veranda lobby bar

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

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

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

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

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

LIMA

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 for dinner Monday to Saturday. Avda.

Severo Ochoa, 12, Marbella. Tel: 952 864 895

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

momo marbella Open Monday to Saturday from 6pm to midnight.

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

mosaik4

Open daily from 12pm to 3am. Avda. Manolete, esq. C/ Los Lirios, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 929 467

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

Tel: 952 839 901

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 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

Open daily for lunch and dinner, except Tuesday.

La Campana, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 814 041

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

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

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,

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Price guide per head for a three-course meal with wine €40 – €60

under €25

€25 – €40

€60 plus

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

PURO BEACH Open daily for lunch and dinner. Laguna Village, Playa El Padrón, CN 340, km 159, Estepona.

Tel: 952 800 015

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

Open 9am to 11pm every day except Sundays.

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

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

THE PLAYWRIGHT Open 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

Sea grill

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

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

952 820 900

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

shanti-som – amrita

Venta garcía

Open Monday to Thursday from 1.30pm to 4.30pm, Friday and Saturday from 1:30pm to 4.30 pm and 8pm to 10.30pm. Ctra. de Ojén, km 22, A355, Marbella-Monda. Tel: 952 864 455

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

Tel: 952 894 191

shiraz

Open daily for lunch from 1pm to 6pm.

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

Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

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

Skina Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Friday and Saturday for dinner only. Closed Sunday and Monday. C/ Aduar 12, Old Town, Marbella.

Tel: 952 765 277

SMALL WORLD CAFé Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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

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

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

Swing

Trocadero Sotogrande

villa padierna club de mar 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.

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

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

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

Aretusa

tanino

Carpaccio

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

CN 340, km 168, Benamara, Estepona. Tel: 952 883 259

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

Terra Sana

Open every evening for dinner. C/ Ortiz de Molinillo 14, Marbella. Tel: 951 712 227

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

The meeting room

Open daily for dinner. Front line P. Banús.

Tel: 952 812 898

casa tua CONRADS IL Ristorante Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

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

Da Bruno Open all day. Da Bruno Cabopino: CN-340 Km. 194,7. Tel: 952 831 918. Da Bruno a Casa: Marbella Mar, Local 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 857

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521 – closed on Sunday. Da Bruno A San Pedro: Avda. del Mar, local 1E, San Pedro. Tel: 952 786 860 – closed on Monday. Da Bruno Sul Mare: Edif. Skol, Paseo Marítimo, Marbella. Tel: 952 903 318/19. Da Bruno Mijas Costa: Ctra. de Mijas, km. 3.6, Mijas. Tel: 952 460 724

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

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

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

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

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

la pappardella di estepona 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

la trattoria de marbella Open nightly for dinner from 6:30pm. C/ Las Malvas, Edif. Online, Local 4, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 817 591

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

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 Open every day from 12pm ‘til midnight for lunch and dinner. C.C. Pinogolf de Don Carlos 34, Elviria. Tel: 952 850 148

trattoria l’impronta 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

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

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

Ta-kumi Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Gregorio Marañón 4, Marbella.

Tel: 952 770 839

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

Thai Gallery Open seven days a week for dinner from 8pm. CN-340, 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

Wasabi Open daily from 1.30 pm for lunch and dinner. C.C. Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 908 577

SCANDINAVIAN Aloha restaurant

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

Villa Tiberio

camurí RestaurantE lounge

meca

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

Open daily for lunch and dinner. At Laguna Village. CN340, km 159, Estepona. Tel: 951 217 871

Open every day for lunch and dinner. C.C. Pino Golf, Don Carlos, Local 1, Elviria, Marbella.

Tel: 952 830 365 / 658 646 829

Dragón de Oro

Namazake

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

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

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

SEAFOOD

Mediterranean Beata’s Vino y Mar

Open Monday to Sunday from 2pm to 11pm.

Avda. del Prado 20, Marbella. Tel: 602 822 598

Restaurante bar carmen Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

C.C. Laguna Village, CN 340, km 159, Estepona.

Tel: 952 806 739

golden wok

tempora

Hanuri KOREAN BBQ & BAR

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

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

Oriental Asia Food

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Centro Comercial, Pinares de Elviria, Marbella.

Tel: 952 850 060

Asian fusion bing

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

KABUKI raw Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner. At Finca Cortesín Hotel. Ctra. Casares s/n, Casares. Tel: 952 937 800

Kaiden Sushi

Open 12.30pm-4.30pm and 6.30pm to 12am daily. Fuengirola, Paseo Marítimo, L-42C. Tel: 952 470 218

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

Tel: 952 896 508

asiatico zen

Kama Kura

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

Tel: 952 817 691

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

BAMBOO

Makitake

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Ctra. Istan km 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 906 674

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

Osaka

Skandies

cervecería ostrería santiago

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

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Avda. del Marzo, Marbella.

Tel: 952 770 078

Sakura

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

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

El Barlovento

Restaurante La Marina Open every day from 1-4.30pm and 8pm until midnight.

Paseo Marítimo s/n, La Atunara, La Linea de la Concepción, Campo de Gibraltar. Tel: 956 171 531

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

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

Open every day for lunch and dinner.

CN 340, km 178.5, Marbella. Easy parking.

Tel: 952 857 403

Restaurante El bote

Sushi Katsura

palapa

Open for lunch from Monday to Friday and for dinner from Monday to Saturday.

C/ Ramón Gómez de la Serna, 5, Marbella.

Tel: 952 863 193

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C.C. Laguna Village, CN 340, km 159, Estepona. Tel: 951 217 871

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

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

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

SPANISH Bahía

under €25

€25 – €40

€40 – €60

C/ Las Malvas, Edif. On Line, Local 2, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 813 415

€60 plus

Mijas Costa, Málaga. Tel: 951 773 523

Marbella. Tel: 952 768 800

CLUB DEl SOL

Club Internacional de Tennis

Tennis /paddle classes. Calahonda.

Tel: 952 939 595

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

Open every evening for dinner. At Hotel Don Carlos. Avda. Zurita s/n, Marbella.

Tel: 952 768 800

VEGETARIAN loving hut

Dynamic training centre

Benahavís. Tel: 617 647 223

beach club restaurante grill

Open daily from 10.30am to 11.30pm.

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

C.C. Le Village, Marbella. Tel: 952 775 021

Club Nueva Alcántara

FITNESS CENTRE NEW STYLE

San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 788 315

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

Hofsaess tennis academy

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

Monte Elviria (next to German School).

Tel: 952 835 812

AUDITORIO MUNICIPAL MIJAS

GIMNASIO ESTADIO

Lew Hoads Tennis Club

Plaza de la Libertad 2. Mijas.

Tel: 952 590 380

Trav. Huerta de los Cristales, Marbella.

Tel: 952 828 217

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

AUDITORIO MUNICIPAL TORREMOLINOS

HAPPY DIVER’S CLUB

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

Plaza de España, Recinto Ferial.

Tel: 952 379 521

Atalaya Park Hotel, Marbella. Tel: 609 571 920

Marbella hill tennis club

HOTEL PUENTE ROMANO

AUDITORIO PARQUE DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN

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

Avda. El Fuerte, Marbella.

Tel: 659 677 539

KRAV MAGA SELF-DEFENCE CENTRE

marbella playa tenIs

DGust

Marbella. Tel: 952 825 035

At Hotel Pyr, Puerto Banús. Tel: 655 689 455

CN340, km 189, Marbella. Tel: 657 619 630

Open Monday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

Avda. Duque de Ahumada, Marbella.

Tel: 952 863 780

CENTRO CULTURAL EL INGENIO

MANOLO SANTANA RACQUETS CLUB

Miraflores Tennis Club

Garcia Morato, s/n. San Pedro.

Tel: 952 786 968

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

MARBELLA GUN & COUNTRY CLUB

Urb. Miraflores, Km 199. Calahonda.

Tel: 952 932 006

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

Tel: 902 343 410

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

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

CINEMAS & THEATRES

Club Madroñal

Manolo Santana Racquets Club

El Portalón

CINESA LA CAÑADA

Monda. Tel: 952 112 161

Puente Romano TEnnis club

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

La Cañada. Marbella. Tel: 902 333 231

MARBELLA SPORT

Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

cines gran marbella

royal tennis club marbella

Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 810 077

Km 171.5. San Pedro Alcántara.

Tel: 952 788 315

Hacienda

cinesur

MULTI SPORT

El Rosario, Marbella.

Tel: 952 837 651

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

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

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

Sport Club Reserva del Higuerón

MULTICINES ALFIL

New Concept Training

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

Tel: 952 800 056

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

Avda. del Higueron, Benalmádena.

Tel: 952 565 761

La máquina

MULTICINES MEDITERRÁNEO

02 CENTRO WELLNESS

Open daily for lunch and dinner except Sunday.

At El Corte Inglés Food Hall, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 909 990

Mijas. Tel: 952 663 738

Plaza del Mar. Marbella. Tel: 952 900 420

PALACIO DE LA PAZ

P-E SPORTS CLUB

Recinto Ferial. Fuengirola.

Tel: 952 589 349

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

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

TEATRO ALAMEDA

qi sport

Calle Córdoba 9, Málaga. Tel: 952 213 412

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

La red

TEATRO CERVANTES

SATURNIA REGNA

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

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

Marbella Tel: 952 761 475, Elviria.

Tel: 952 834 835

La Taberna del Alabardero

Plaza Ramón Martínez, Marbella.

Tel: 952 903 159

la moraga

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

TEATRO CIUDAD DE MARBELLA

SEVEN STARS SCHOOL

TEATRO SALON VARIETES

Tai Chi & yoga. Pasaje Estrecho, Estepona.

Tel: 952 923 055

Emancipación 30. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 474 542

Sport Club Reserva del Higuerón

VERACRUZ CINES

Avda. del Higueron, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 565 761

Mesón el adobe

Veracruz. Estepona. Tel: 952 800 056

SPORTCLUB ROUTE 66

Open daily for lunch and dinner except Tuesdays.

Avda. La Fontanilla, Edif. Balmoral, Bajo 3, Marbella. Tel. 600 003 144

YELMO CINEPLEX

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

Plaza Mayor. Tel: 902 220 922

SPORTING CLUB ATALAYA PARK HOTEL

mi taberna Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

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

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

GYMS & SPORTS CLUBS

CN340, Km 168,5. Estepona.

Tel: 952 888 212

TICKET-TO-RIDE

ALHAMAR GYM

Cristamar, Pto. Banús. Tel: 952 905 082

C.C. Alhamar, CN-340 km 197.

Tel: 952 934 684

Vitality studio

ATENAS

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

TENNIS CLUBS

Restaurante 1870

Barquilla 1. Marbella. Tel: 952 776 240

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

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

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

Tragabuches

CENTRO DEPORTIVO EL FUERTE

bel air tennis and paddel club

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

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

Urb. Bel-Air, Estepona. Tel: 952 883 221

CENTRO DE YOGA Y SALUD INTEGRAL

Club deL Sol

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

CENTRO PLAZA GYM

Tennis/paddle classes. Calahonda.

Tel: 952 939 595

Vila do grove

Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 817 074

Club de tenis don carlos

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

Cerrado del águila

Hotel Don Carlos, Avda. Zurita, CN340, km 192.

Aztec Country Club

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

TRAIN

Customer assistance T: 952 128 267 General Info T: 902 240 202 Reservations T: 902 240 202 Ave T: 952 128 079

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pets THE GUIDE WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Education, Dog-Friendly Areas can Tackle Obesity A new study carried out by scientists at the University of Liverpool has revealed that investing in dog owner education and facilities can be a highly useful strategy in battling obesity. Estimates show that up to 40 per cent of dog owners do not take their dogs out for daily walks; almost a quarter of the population are dog owners, yet less than half meet the recommended amount of physical activity (150 minutes a week). The study showed that there were two ways that people could become more active and shed unwanted pounds: first, through awareness campaigns. People need to know that their dogs need a daily walk to lead a long and healthy life; they should ensure that their pooch gets between half an hour to an hour of exercise a day. Secondly, it is vital that there be more high-quality areas in which to take a dog for a walk, for instance, dog parks, where dogs can be left off-leash.

The study also revealed that people living in areas that do not support pet ownership are significantly less likely to venture into the Great Outdoors with their four-pawed friends.

SMALLER MEALS MORE TIMES A DAY

May Battle Feline Obesity

VOYCE:

Discover How Your Dog is Feeling Voyce is a new wearable health band you can place on your dog to determine its vital signs (heart rate and respiratory rate), sleeping patterns and level of activity. It also looks at calories burned, restlessness and restfulness, which are important indicators of when your dog might be experiencing pain or discomfort. The collar can be used by older and ill dogs, though it was originally created for healthy dogs.

The collar also sets goals and reminders and stores your dog’s medical records.

Dogs instinctively hide illness and pain, so this device can help with early detection. i www.mydogsvoyce.com

Feline obesity is a rising epidemic that is cutting the life of many cats short. Attempts to cut back on calories often do not reach their desired aim and, many times, any weight lost is immediately gained back. Research carried out at the University of Illinois has shown that the secret to lasting weight loss may lie in feeding cats various smaller meals throughout the day, which makes them more active during the ‘anticipatory period’ (the period comprising two hours before their next meal). To make dietary portions seem more substantial, add water to dry kibble, or use wet canned food. If your pet is obese, it is vital that you seek help from your veterinarian, since severe diets can cause grave harm to your cat. Bear in mind that the amount of food your cat needs depends on various factors, including their age, whether or not they are spayed, etc.

Discuss all these factors with your vet to come up with a safe plan.

DON’T LEAVE KIDS Unsupervised with Dogs

A new report published in the British Medical Journal asserts that children should not be left unsupervised to play with a dog. In order to prevent bites, little ones need to be taught how to treats dogs with respect, avoiding eye contact and teasing. They should also learn that it is unsafe to approach an unfamiliar dog, to pet a dog without letting it sniff you first, or to run or shout in the presence of a dog. Finally, children should not be left alone with a dog under any circumstances; every year, 250,000 people are bitten by dogs in the UK and attend emergency units. Half of all children are reportedly bitten by dogs at some point in their lives, with more boys than girls affected. Further research shows that young children are especially vulnerable to severe dog bites in the head and neck, and that more incidents tend to occur during the warmer seasons, mainly because children spend more time outdoors.

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THE GUIDE what’s on

EVENTS IN MARCH AND THE FIRST WEEK OF APRIL

Until March 7 EQUESTRIAN COMPETITION – MIJAS

The Hipódromo de Mijas presents the Winter Cup, a six-week event attracting top equestrians like the Infanta Elena, Alfonso de Borbón and more. From Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm. www.hipodromocostadelsol.es

Until March 8 ART – MIJAS

Textile artist Elaine Carlton has a new exhibition at La Luna restaurant at Urb. El Coto, Mijas Campo. Elaine is showing work in antique fabrics, silk, felt and mixed media all demonstrating her unique style. The artist has also expanded her machine embroidery techniques to include thread painted landscapes. Tel: 952 588 036. www.artistaseclecticos.com

ART – MÁLAGA

The Contemporary Art Centre of Málaga presents the first individual exhibition in Spain by artist Adrian Ghenie, whose beautiful works are inspired by the cinema and by historical events which took place in the 20th century. www.cacmalaga.eu

Until March 18 ART – MÁLAGA

Alfajar Sala in Málaga invites you to White Porcelain and Blue-White Porcleain with Fluting and Slip Trailing, an exotic exhibition of sculptures by Korean artist, Heekyun Jeong. www.alfajar.es

BLOG COURSE – FUENGIROLA

The Centro de la Información a la Mujer is holding sessions every Wednesday on how to create your own blog. At 8pm. Tel: 952 463 525.

Until May 17 ART – MÁLAGA

The Museo Picasso Málaga presents Movements and Sequences, a dialogue between the work of Picasso and

Wednesday March 4 JOAQUÍN SABINA – MÁLAGA

Spanish cantautor and poet, Joaquín Sabina, will be lighting up the Palacio Municipal De Los Deportes José María Martín Carpena at 10pm. Sabina is back after a much publicised break owing to stage fright. He will be singing new and old hits alike. Tickets available on www.elcorteingles.es

contemporaries such as Braque, Gris, Matisse and Miró. www.mpicassom.org

NEW AND REGULAR EVENTS Monthly on different days AMERICAN CLUB – MARBELLA

The American Club Costa del Sol Chapter meets monthly for excursions, sports and social events. Tel: 952 772 789. www.americanclubcostadelsol.com

AMIGOS DE LA CULTURA – COSTA DEL SOL

The members of this cultural group meet at different times and places for lunches, lectures, concerts, ballet, theatre, opera, etc. Further information, Tel: 669 445 809. 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

Every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE – MARBELLA

Integral Psychotherapist Gabriella Kortsch helps you with everything from relationship breakdowns to depression, poor communication with loved ones or financial stress, at her weekly group meetings, which start at 7:30pm. For information on locations, info@advancedpersonaltherapy.com

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday JIVE – MIRAFLORES, ESTEPONA AND LA DUQUESA

Learn to dance with Colin and the team from Jive Spain at Miraflores Restaurant on Tuesday, El Campanario on Wednesday and El Goleto at Duquesa on Friday. For precise times, colin@jivespain.com

Every Second Tuesday of the Month JAZZ – ESTEPONA

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. Chidlren enter for free. www.museopicassomalaga.org

FLAMENCO – MIJAS

Every Wednesday at 12pm, a dazzling flamenco show takes place at the Plaza Virgen de la Peña in Mijas Pueblo. www.mijas.es

Every first Wednesday of the month CULTURE AND COCKTAIL – MARBELLA

The Association of Art and Culture Marbella holds a monthly cocktail at Magna Café at Magna Marbella Golf, from 8pm-10pm. Tel: 627 833 262. www.artandculturemarbella.com

Every Thursday NETWORKING – MARBELLA

The Marbella Business Group holds its weekly breakfast meeting, which features presentations, discussions and introductions of new members. At 8am at the Hotel Senator in Marbella. To become a member, www.marbellabusinessgroup.com

Every last Friday of the Month COFFEE MORNING – ESTEPONA

ADANA animal rescue charity coffee morning at Plaza Manilva (outside Longman’s

Bookshop) 11am – 2pm. Kennels open 10am – 5pm Monday – Friday and 10am – 2pm Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Further information, Tel: 952 800 975. www.adana.es

BUSINESS LUNCH – MARBELLA

Marbella Business Institute holds an invitation-only lunch club for local and visiting business people, active and retired. To apply, visit www.marbellabusinessinternational.org

Every Saturday MARKETS – PUERTO BANÚS

Head for the Puerto Banús bullring every Saturday for a fun street market featuring everything from clothing to music, accessories and home ware. Starts at 9am and ends at 2pm. www.marbella.es

Every First Sunday of the month OPEN DAY – MIJAS PAD animal shelter, Cerros del Águila, welcomes visitors from 12pm-3pm.

Further information, Tel: 952 486 084. www.padcatsanddogs.org

Sunday March 1 to Friday March 6 MARBELLA INTERNATIONAL RUSSIAN FILM FESTIVAL – MARBELLA

The Teatro Goya in Marbella will be hosting the Marbella International Russian Film Festival, featuring top Russian films. The event will be attended by a bevy of filmmakers and celebrities, including Ekaterina Guseva, Vladimir Menchov and Sergey Kristovski. For a full programme of events, www.mirff.com

Saturday March 7 FLAMENCO FASHION SHOW – MARBELLA

The Hermandad de nuestra Señora del Rocío presents a colourful fashion show of flamenco wear, ideal for those seeking the perfect outfit for the upcoming feria season. At the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Marbella at 3pm. www.marbellacongresos.com

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.

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Thursday March 5 to June 14 IMPERIO ARGENTINA – BENALMÁDENA

Friday March 6 NANCYS RUBIAS – MÁLAGA

Popular group, Nancys Rubias will be performing at the Sala Trinchera in Málaga at 10pm. For tickets, www.ticketmaster.es

The Centro de Exposiciones de Benalmádena presents Imperio Argentina, El Legado de una Estrella, an exhibition featuring film, photographs and music by famous Singer, Magdalena Nile del Río, better known as Imperio Argentina. www.benalmadena.es

GALA DINNER – MARBELLA

The Asociación Marbella Ayuda will be holding a gala dinner at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Marbella at 9pm, to raise funds for the Ser Humano Association of Marbella. For tickets, call Tel: 690 658 546. asociacionmarbellayuda@gmail.com

LATIN DANCE – MARBELLA

The Beach House will be holding a fun Latin dance night and Argentinean grill. Featuring a ballroom show, live saxophone and DJ, and afterparty. www.marbellabeachhouse.com

JAZZ – MÁLAGA

The Museo Interactivo de Málaga presents Eva Jiménez, who will be playing her own compositions as well as classical jazz pieces. The performance will begin at 9pm. www.musicaenaccion.com

Sunday March 8 FLAMENCO MUSICAL – MARBELLA

The Maribel Urbano Dance Academy presents La Pasión, a flamenco show about the passion of Christ. Proceeds from tickets will go towards the Fibromyalgia Association of Marbella and Caritas Divina Pastora in Marbella. At the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Marbella at 7pm. www.marbellacongresos.com

Monday March 9 LECTURE – FUENGIROLA

The Costa del Sol DFAS presents One Architect, Two Temples and Three Museums: The adventures of Charles Robert Cockerell, which traces Architect, C R Cockerell’s adventures in Greece and Turkey, where he drank with Byron, excavated art treasures, bribed Turkish pashas and much more.

At 4:30pm at the Salon Varietés Theatre.

Tickets can be purchased at the door. margitb@my-rasgos.com

Tuesday March 10 LECTURE – MIJAS

The Costa del Sol DFAS presents The Bilbao Effect on Spanish Modern Architecture, which highlights the central role played by the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, on contemporary Spanish architecture. At The Danish Club, Urb. Haza del Algarrobo, Carretera de Mijas, at 10:30am. margitb@my-rasgos.com

Thursday March 12 CLASSICAL MUSIC – BENALMÁDENA Ludovico Einaudi, Yann Tiersen and Yiruma will be playing the piano and accordion at a special concert at Benalmádena’s beautiful Castillo Bil-Bil at 8:30pmwww.benalmadena.es

Friday March 13 SERGIO LABANDÓN – MÁLAGA

Composer, Singer and Actor, Sergio Labandón will be performing songs from his debut album, Déjame Cantar, an album inspired on romance and love. Tickets available on www.elcorteingles.es

Friday March 13 to Sunday March 22 OKLAHOMA (MUSICAL) – FUENGIROLA

The Salon Varietés Theatre presents one of the best-loved musicals of all time: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma.

Evening and matinee shows available. www.salonvarietestheatre.com

Saturday March 14 CLASSICAL MUSIC – MARBELLA

Esperanza Martín, York Kwong and Vicent

Morelló will be playing the harp, viola and flute, respectively, at Iglesia de la Virginia at 7pm. The young musicians are members of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Sevilla. They will be playing music from the commencement of the 20th century. www.musicaconencanto.org

Saturday March 14 to Sunday March 15 KIDS’ WORKSHOP – MÁLAGA

The Museo Interactivo de la Música will be holding a workshop, in which children aged five and above will learn to make their own musical instrument. At 12pm. www.musicaenaccion.com

Sunday March 15 DANCE FESTIVAL – MARBELLA

The Fes Dance Festival will be taking place at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Marbella at 3pm. Featuring classical and modern dance, gymnastics, etc. www.marbellacongresos.com

Thursday March 19 business networking event – MARBELLA

The Marbella Business Group will be celebrating their third year anniversary at the Senator Marbella Spa Hotel at 7.30pm.

To be part of this networking opportunity, info@marbellabusinessgroup.com

Friday March 20 to Sunday March 22 PADDLE TENNIS – FUENGIROLA

The Hotel Myramar in Fuengirola will be hosting a paddle tennis tournament for men, women and children, and will be presenting an exhibition paddle tennis tournament, featuring Cata Tenorio, Victoria Iglesias, Mari Carmen Villalba and Alba Galán.

There will also be clinics for kids. www.myramarhoteles.com

Sunday March 22 KIDS OPERA – MÁLAGA

The Teatro Echegaray presents the opera version of popular kids’ tale, Hansel and Gretel, at 11am and 1pm. www.teatroechegaray.com

Thursday March 26 to Friday April 17 ART – BENALMÁDENA

Group Ígneo presents a joint exhibition of contemporary paintings at the Castillo Bil Bil. www.benalmadena.es

Friday March 27 to Saturday March 28 MOZART – MÁLAGA

The Teatro Cervantes de Málaga will be hosting a performance of Mozart’s Requiem K. 626, featuring Beatriz Díaz (soprano), Anna Alàs i Jové (mezzosoprano), Pablo García López (tenor) and Alfredo García (baritone) as well as the Carmina Nova chorus. At 9pm on Friday and Saturday. www.teatrocervantes.com

Saturday March 28 to Sunday March 29 LU JONG CURATIVE TIBETAN YOGA – MARBELLA The Clínica Buchinger in Marbella presents a two-day course on Lu Jong Curative Tibetan Yoga, a technique developed over 8,000 years ago by Tibetan monks who lived without access to medicine in the Himalayan mountains. Lu Jong involves specific therapeutic movements based on the holistic Tibetan view of health. www.buchinger.es

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www.russellgrant.com

THE GUIDE stars

Russell Grant’s Monthly Horoscope March 2015

PISCES February 20th - March 20th A lucrative job will fall in your lap during the opening days of March. The Full Moon on the 5th forces you to make some sacrifices for a neglected lover. If you’re single, it may be because you are unrealistic about how much time an intimate relationship requires. Money will come in quite quickly during the first half of March. Resist the urge to go on a wild spending spree. You’re better off putting your earnings where they will work for you.

You’ll be given a greater measure of freedom at work mid-March, when a boss is too busy to monitor your progress. A Solar Eclipse on the 20th is ideal for transforming your appearance. Now is the time to get a salon treatment, cosmetic procedure, or dental work.

Keep your mobile charged as March turns to April, because you’ll be fielding a lot of calls. That’s the price you have to pay for being popular.

Keep your mobile charged as March turns to April, because you’ll be fielding a lot of calls. That’s the price you have to pay for being popular

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ARIES [21 MAR - 20 APR] The early days of March are ideal for meeting someone special. Don’t bother blending in with the crowd, stand out and shine. The secret of your allure is a distinctive appearance. The Full Moon on the 5th will mark the end of a difficult period. The results will be mixed, which is disappointing, but it can’t be helped. You can’t please all the people all the time. Your love life will blossom and bloom like spring flowers mid-month, but your work will suffer. Don’t be surprised if your boss starts taking you to task for leaving on time and doing the bare minimum.

Fortunately, the Solar Eclipse on the 20th brings an exciting career opportunity. Working behind the scenes at a hospital, university, or government agency works well for you. Your financial situation will improve dramatically towards the end of March. Take care to put a portion of your income into a savings account or your boosted bank balance will soon disappear.

TAURUS [21 APR - 21 MAY] Spending time on your own will refresh your energy in early March. Sneak off to some secluded beauty spot that has always inspired you. Even waking up early to watch the Sun rise will prove therapeutic. The Full Moon on the 5th brings an angry conclusion to a relationship matter.

You may decide a lover’s demands are excessive, or that you’re not ready for a romance just yet. Things will settle down during the second half of the month, when your charm, wit and good looks will attract a legion of admirers. The Solar Eclipse on the 20th is perfect for launching a group activity, joining a humanitarian organisation or helping a charitable fund raising effort.

Don’t be surprised when a respected authority figure develops a crush on you as March turns into April. The two of you will make an impressive power couple. Do you already have a lover? Then take a romantic trip together.

GEMINI [22 MAY - 21 JUN] You’ll be feeling restless at the beginning of March, but resist the urge to schedule a trip. You’ll just have to cancel when a pressing obligation occurs. Fortunately, friends will be a welcome diversion while you’re stuck at home. Be sure to attend a big surprise party. You’ll have a lot more fun than you expect. The Full Moon on the 5th will force you to scale back work in favour of domestic responsibilities. Be realistic about how you schedule your time. It won’t be possible to carry a heavy work load this month. Fortunately, your boss will be receptive to your suggestions after the 13th.

Schedule important career talks after this date. A Solar Eclipse on the 20th invites you to apply for a position that becomes available quite unexpectedly. This is your chance to move up the ladder of success. This job will have significant fringe benefits. Your social life picks up as March melts into April.

CANCER [22 JUN - 23 JULY] A raise, promotion, or well paid position will be offered to you in the beginning of March. Your star is on the rise. The Full Moon on the 5th warns against hasty communications.

Bite your tongue instead of making sarcastic jokes. The last thing you want to do is insult someone who could be a powerful ally. You’ll be put in charge of an unusual project in the first half of the month. Your unorthodox management style will prove effective. A Solar Eclipse on the 20th will find you taking an overseas trip. This

unexpected journey will prove to be extremely romantic.

If you’re in a relationship, be sure to take your partner along. Spending more time with friends will brighten your mood as March turns into April. Attend as many parties during this exciting period as possible – all eyes will be on you. This calls for a shopping expedition.

LEO [24 JULY - 23 AUG] Your broad minded optimism attracts lots of fans in early March. Don’t be surprised if you’re given an opportunity to study abroad or publish a book. The Full Moon on the 5th forces you to take a second look at your budget. You’ll have to make a few adjustments to cover increased expenses. A mentor will push you to expand your horizons mid-month. You would be wise to follow this advice. A Solar Eclipse on the 20th brings an unexpected windfall. Put a good chunk of this money into savings, where it will protect you against financial uncertainty. A romance with someone who is much older or younger spices up the final days of the month.

The two of you have lots to teach each other. If you’re already in a relationship, encourage your partner to develop their artistic talent. Your support will prompt your amour to reach a whole new level of success.

VIRGO [24 AUG - 23 SEPT] Your love life will sizzle with excitement as March gets underway. Don’t expect much cooperation from colleagues, who will be annoyed by your dreamy expression. It’s hard to focus on work when you’re falling deeper and deeper in love. The Full Moon on the 5th makes it difficult to find time for yourself. It’s important to put your needs first, even at the risk of having an argument. Your best friend or lover will simply have to fare for themselves while you do the things you enjoy. A close relationship will get stronger mid-month, when the two of you join forces on a creative project.

The Solar Eclipse on the 20th will prompt you to launch a romance, business venture, or both. Two heads are much better than one on this magical day. Creating a budget is strongly advised towards the end of the month, when your financial priorities will change.

LIBRA [24 SEPT - 23 OCT] A hidden benefactor will come to the rescue with a domestic matter in early March. Don’t be surprised if someone gives you an inside tip on a property or investment deal. Taking advantage of this offer will result in a big, spacious home that is quite affordable.

The Full Moon on the 5th brings an unpleasant secret to the fore. You will look at a colleague in a whole new light after this news comes out. An intimate relationship becomes a lot more serious during the second half of March. It looks like you and your amour are on the verge of making an earnest commitment. If you already have a partner, they will come in to some extra money, which will benefit you. A Solar Eclipse on the 20th brings a fabulous work assignment. Getting paid to be creative is an answer to a prayer. The final days of March are perfect for adding decorative touches to your home.

SCORPIO [24 OCT - 22 NOV] A promotion or high profile job will be awarded to you quite suddenly in early March. It’s good to know you have the confidence of your superiors. The Full Moon on the 5th tears you away from an attentive lover.

Although you’d rather be locked in your amour’s arms,

it’s better to attend a special occasion for your best friend. You’ll be able to quit a bad habit on or around the 6th, thanks to your terrific willpower. Resist the urge to do battle with a colleague in mid-March, or it will become impossible to do your work. A Solar Eclipse on the 20th is perfect for falling in love, getting engaged, or launching an art project. The final days of March will prove romantic, when your partner gives you a fabulous gift. Are you single? This is a great time to post a provocative profile on an online dating site.

SAGITTARIUS [23 NOV- 21 DEC] Beware of promising more than you can deliver in the first days of March. Unexpected delays will force you to cancel a commitment. Extraordinary romantic luck is coming your way on the 3rd. If you’re looking for love, you will find it in an unusual place. If you’re already in a relationship, your amour will have some exciting news that benefits you both. The Full Moon on the 5th forces you to spend more time away from home than you would like. Career demands will require you to put in long hours at the office. If you’re out of work, you may get disappointing news about a job you wanted. Keep your chin up; better times are ahead. An opportunity to travel, write, or teach will arrive in mid-March. The Solar Eclipse on the 20th is perfect for finding a more spacious home or adding a member to your household.

CAPRICORN [22 DEC - 20 JAN] The beginning of March augurs very well for your home life. If you’re looking for a place to live, search an up and coming neighbourhood. You could find a spacious home for an incredibly good price. Are you already happy with your abode? Think about making improvements to the bathroom or kitchen. Modern conveniences will add tremendous value to the place. The Full Moon on the 5th warns against getting into religious or political discussions. Although you’re offended by someone’s beliefs, you won’t be able to change them. It’s better to agree to disagree. Fighting will just undermine your reputation and make everyone around you miserable.

You will have to reconsider a spiritual matter in midMarch. Be willing to back away from a limiting philosophy.

A Solar Eclipse on the 20th will prompt you to sign up for an art class. Developing your creativity will boost your self esteem and bring hidden talents to the surface.

AQUARIUS [21 JAN - 19 FEB] Practice humility throughout the early days of March. A wonderful teacher will come forward to help you. Turning away their assistance will be a terrible waste.

Open yourself to new ideas. Working with a group will allow you to turn a good idea into a great one. You’re sure to get some valuable feedback from the quirkiest members of the group. The Full Moon on the 5th forces you to dig down deep to pay a bill. You’ll have to be extra frugal throughout the rest of March. Big changes will impact your social circle on the 17th, forcing you to reassess several friendships.

Prepare for some shocking secrets to come to light.

A plum position will be offered on the 20th, when a Solar Eclipse improves your financial prospects. This job will give you an extra measure of freedom, which is a relief. The closing days of March are ideal for domestic pursuits of all kinds.

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THE GUIDE family WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Science4you

Intelligent Toys for Curious Kids

Albert Einstein once said that “the majority of the fundamental principles of science can be explained in a language that is understandable by everyone.” It is with this spirit that Science4you was born, a company aiming to teach kids the basis of science through a series of educational kits at highly affordable prices. The kits include the Science of Water, DNA Detective, Perfume Factory, a Solar House, Science in the Kitchen and Plants. Through observation, experimentation and play, children can hone vital life skills like the importance of recycling and alternative energies. i www.la-trastienda.com

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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