Essential Marbella Magazine March 2013

ROBERTO

VERINO GARDEN PARTY

ISSUE 164 • MARCH 2013

ESSENTIAL FOR LUXURIOUS LIVING

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N º164 - MARCH 2013

essential essential magazine® marbella

MARBELLA

COMPLIMENTARY EDITION

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Season Preview

JEREZ TESTING

ENIGMATIC

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Fun Family Adventures BIRD’S EYE

VIEWS

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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 P A 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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Issue 164 • March 2013 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 PATRICK McCREANOR patrick@essentialmagazine.com RÉKA VIDÁTS reka@essentialmagazine.com

ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

You are holding an

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

award winning

DESIGN & LAYOUT

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

publication

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

At the end of 2011, the largest national association of publishers, the Asociación Española de Editoriales de Publicaciones Periódicas (AEEPP), selected Marbella Magazine as the Best Free Publication in Spain.

Over 100 titles were considered nationwide in only a handful of categories for these prestigious annual awards and was proud to accept the limited edition medal as its prize at the awards ceremony in Madrid.

This is a wonderful recognition for all the hard work put in by the team over the past 13 years and the perfect inspiration for them to continue to bring you a high quality publication every month that is always entertaining and informative.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

PRINTING DEPÓSITO LEGAL

MARIANO JEVA cuentas@essentialmagazine.com MONIKA BÖJTI info@essentialmagazine.com ANDREA BÖJTI INMA AURIOLES MELINDA SZARVAS KEVIN HORN IAIN BLACKWELL, BELINDA BECKETT, MICHEL CRUZ, RIK FOXX, RUSSELL GRANT, AJ LINN, MIGUEL REYNOLDO, GEORGINA SHAW, TONY WHITNEY, DAVID WISHART GARY EDWARDS, FAMOUS, JOHNNY GATES, KEVIN HORN (www.khphotography.co.uk) JON SEGUI JIMÉNEZ GODOY A. GRÁFICAS, MURCIA D.L. MA-512-99

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

ESSENTIAL MARBELLA MAGAZINE

@ESSENTIALEDITOR

www.essentialmagazine.com Member of the Association of Spanish Periodical Publications

ultradesign®

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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contents The Trend Cinema 22 Home Viewing 24 Music 26 Books 28 Gadgets 30 The New Jaguar F-Type 32

The Focus F1 Season Preview & Test in Jerez 36 Aerial Photography by Daniel Posner 44 Family Adventure Activities 54 Top Start-up Companies of 2012 60

The Style An Impressive Villa from Fine & Country 66 La Cerquilla Hills by Marbella Estates 74 Fashion Feature: Roberto Verino 80 Fashion News 88

The Leisure Travel: Hong Kong 112 Hotel: El Lodge in the Sierra Nevada 120

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The Spa Beauty: Spring/Summer 2013 Make-up 92 Beauty News 94 Health Tourism on the Coast 96 Specsavers Marbella 98

The Pro Enterprise 100 Business Profile: Patrick Murphy, New Director of La Cala Golf 109

The Gourmet 125 Sukhothai Marbella 127 Da Bruno Mijas Costa 128 Food News 130 Chef Profile: Benjamín Alloza of La Meridiana del Alabardero 132 Rewarding Wines

The Guide 134 Listings

The Blog 142 What’s On 144 Stars 146 Kid’s Zone

g

2/22/13 11:16 AM

Spain’s new overseas asset reporting law.

Are your assets tax efficient?

We need to talk.

We are holding small private seminars to discuss this issue and the opportunities that may arise from it. Please contact us if you are interested in attending, or if you would prefer a private appointment.

900 460 174 PS01B-es

southernspain@blevinsfranks.com Blevins Franks Financial Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority in the UK, reference number 179731. Where advice is provided overseas, via the Insurance Mediation Directive from Malta, the regulatory system differs in some respects from that of the UK. Blevins Franks Trustees Limited is authorised and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority for the administration of trusts and companies. Blevins Franks Tax Limited’s advisers only give taxation advice and are fully qualified.

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

publisher’s letter

words BY IAIN BLACKWELL

March is a special month and this year it will be a busy one with Easter arriving early. Here at Essential, we have also been fully engaged with Gibraltar the preparation of the new magazine, set to be launched this month, but this hasn’t derailed us from pulling out all the stops in this bumper Easter edition.

Revving to the max, our lead feature previews the F1 Season, following in the tail lights of the recent testing at the Jerez circuit, meanwhile, taking a pit stop, we soar above the coast on an aerial photography foray and, safely back on terra firma, suggest some action-packed fun adventure activities for the whole family to join in on this semana santa.

Continuing the pulsating theme, we invite you to sample the unique heritage of Hong Kong, where east meets west, to take a trip in the much-awaited F-Type Jaguar, and to soar down the Sierra Nevada slopes while putting up at El Lodge, the Marbella Club Hotel’s recent acquisition.

Impressive property is the order of the day and we bring you outstanding examples of contemporary design, as is sumptuous dining, courtesy of Sukhothai Marbella, the new Da Bruno Mijas Costa and La Meridiana del Alabardero.

With further features on top start-up companies, award-winning wines and stunning Roberto Verino Haute Couture you will need some serious time out to take all this in.

n i l a n e r Ad So why not relax, enjoy, and put yourself in the picture Marbella magazine? with your copy of

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ESSENTIAL MARBELLA 230X300 PLAYA INGLES.indd 1

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F&C Marbella Ess.Ad MARCH 2013_Layout 1 22/02/2013 12:02 Page 1

Multi-award winning luxury estate agents in 300 locations worldwide SO

LD

MARBELLA CLUB GOLF RESORT– 2.950.000€ BUILT SIZE 454m² • PLOT SIZE 5005m² • 5 BEDROOMS • 4 BAThROOMS SEPARATE SELF-CONTAINED GUEST COTTAGE Ref: 101572

ThE GOLF vALLEY, NUEvA ANDALUCIA - 2.450.000€ BUILT SIZE 565m² • PLOT SIZE 2525m² • 5 BEDROOMS • 5 BAThROOMS SEPARATE SELF-CONTAINED GUEST hOUSE Ref: 99538

BEAChSIDE, ThE GOLDEN MILE, MARBELLA – 1.600.000€ BUILT SIZE 420m² • PLOT SIZE 700m² • 6 BEDROOMS • 5 BAThROOMS SEPARATE SELF-CONTAINED APARTMENT Ref: 103065

EL CAPITAN, BENAhAvíS – 1.475.000€ BUILT SIZE 266m² · PLOT SIZE 1169m² · 3 BEDROOMS · 3 BAThROOMS Ref: 102255

Elegantly presented traditional-style villa with sensational sea views, situated on an elevated plot on this tranquil Golf Resort. The villa, which was designed by the renowned architect Cesar Leyva, is built around an Andalucían style courtyard and has a lagoon shaped heated swimming pool set within the beautiful mature gardens, which have many ancient cork-oak and olive trees carefully selected to merge with the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Pretty family villa, situated in this prestigious and very sought after area, within a short walking distance to all amenities and the beach. It was completely refurbished in 2008 so is in excellent condition and has the added advantage of being sold fully furnished.

The lovely landscaped garden has a swimming pool and alongside it a Gazebo which can be utilised for al fresco dining during most of the year in the glorious Spanish sunshine.

Fine & Country Marbella

Uniquely designed frontline Golf villa, situated on a double plot in this sought after location which is close to all amenities, several renowned Golf courses and only a five minute drive from the beach. The villa, which features Andalucían architecture, is also bright and open to enhance the flow between indoors and outdoors. The fabulous landscaped gardens have a Jacuzzi alongside the swimming pool and stunning views of the Golf course and Mount Concha.

Unusually designed newly built villa, which from its elevated position enjoys spectacular views of the coast, the mountains and the Mediterranean. Situated in a small and tranquil gated community it is only a five minute drive from the beach and the town of Puerto Banús with all the amenities that it provides. The property is very well presented offering spacious rooms throughout and is set amongst lush tropical gardens with a large swimming pool.

Marbella Club Hotel, Bulevar del Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, 29600 Marbella, Málaga, Spain

tel +34 952 76 40 10 email marbella@fineandcountry.com www.fineandcountry.com

F&C Marbella Ess.Ad MARCH 2013_Layout 1 22/02/2013 12:02 Page 2

Marbella

LA ZAGALETA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB – 12.500.000€ A cutting-edge example of modern family living.

BUILT SIZE 1170m² • PLOT SIZE 9627m² • TERRACES 160m² • 6 BEDROOMS • 6 BAThROOMS

Ref: 103027

If privacy, seclusion and mesmerising coastal views are a priority, this spectacular villa is one of the finest options and being situated in this privileged location it enjoys 24/7 vigilant security, the use of two Golf courses, an Equestrian centre, a Clubhouse and a helipad. The home has relaxed open-plan interior spaces, a Spa and gymnasium as well as a cinema, an indulgent bodega and a games room. Created with entertaining in mind, it has several open and covered terraces and expansive gardens with a heated infinity swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Chiringuito and a BBQ area which is ideal for al fresco dining whilst enjoying the magnificent views.

High-tech State of the Art Designer Villa Constructed area: 943 m2 129 m2 covered terraces Plot: 3580 m2 6 Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms Gymnasium + Jacuzzi + Sauna + Turkish Baths Study (7th bedroom) Pool Room (8th bedroom) Full speciďŹ cations, plans, more photos and further details on www.sotograndedirect.com

www.khphotography.co.uk

THE SOTOGRANDE DIRECT COLLECTION OF FINE HOMES

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Sotogrande - Front Line Golf An impressive luxury modern villa in a commanding position within a gated community.

Superb views – designer living at its best!

Priced to sell: 4,350,000 Euros Call Tony Cassidy: (+34) 637 939 359 tony@sotograndedirect.com

AGENT ENQUIRIES WELCOME

СОТОГРАНДЕ – ПЕРВАЯ ЛИНИЯ ГОЛЬФА Роскошная вилла, расположенная в хорошем месте на территории охраняемой урбанизации. Цена продажи: 4.350.000 Евро Контактный телефон: (+34) 619 962 440 Анастасия anastassia@ahlstrom-investments.com

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You only live once,

Bahía de Marbella: Bargain! A truly unique property with fantastic sea views in a contemporary, elegant design close to the most beautiful beach on the coast.

The property offers great potential with large entertainment rooms, lush garden and gazebo, sauna and bodega. 5 Bed., 5 bath. Built 825 m2, plot 1.711 m2.

E&V ID: W-0090R2. Price reduced from 4.500.000 € to 2.000.000 €.

Los Monteros: Stylish villa with sea views close to the beach and “La Cabane” beach club in Los Monteros. Hiqh quality materials and fantastic design. Underfloor heating, high tech alarm system, 5 Bed., 5 bath. Built 334 m2, plot 830 m2.

E&V ID: W-01E2IL. Price: 1.950.000 €.

Los Monteros Beachfront: Investment opportunity in a prime location! A unique beachfront property set on a large, private plot with magnificent sea views.

Can be converted into a modern house. 5 Bed., 4 bath. Built 669 m2, plot 2.153 m2.

E&V ID: W-00UZUL. Price: 2.950.000 €.

Los Monteros: Beautiful villa with fantastic sea views set one a large double plot, only 150m from the beach. Separate guest house, indoor pool, gazebo with kitchen. 5 Bed., 5 bath. Built 325 m2, plot 2.396 m2.

E&V ID: W-008W1J. Price: 3.500.000 €.

Elviria Hills: Opportunity! Luxurious duplex penthouse with panoramic coastal views. 11 Pools, tennis court, golf course & academy, Michelin star restaurant. 3 Bed., 3 bath. Living area 160 m2, terraces 45 m2.

E&V ID: W-014E7U. Price reduced from 655.000 € to 475.000 €.

Office Elviria: 952 83 55 80 · www.engelvoelkers.com/MarbellaAndEast

Argentina · Australia · Austria · Bahrein · Belgium · Bostwana · Chile · China · Croatia · Cyprus · Czech Republic · France · Germany · Great Britain · Holland · Hungary · Ireland · Italy · Jordan Luxemburg · Mozambique · Namibia · New Zealand · Peru · Portugal · Qatar · Romania · Russia · Slovenia · South Africa · Spain · Switzerland · Thailand · Turkey · UAE · Uruguay · USA · Zambia

we will show you where!

Sierra Blanca: Distinguished by its contemporary design, this property enjoys a sought after location in the most exclusive gated community of Marbella.

The villa is very private, has a unique, modern design, high quality materials and offers an ideal distribution. 6 Bed., 6 bath. Built 783 m2, plot 1.350 m2.

E&V ID: W-008Q10. Price reduced from 3.300.000 € to 2.500.000 €.

Marbella Hill Club: Inheritance opportunity! Exceptional price. Stylish Andalusian villa in a privileged location, beautiful unique elements and mature gardens. 5 Bed., 6 bath. Built 490 m2, plot 1.648 m2.

E&V ID: W-008UQL. Price reduced from 2.250.000 € to 1.300.000 €.

Sierra Blanca: Beautifully designed villa offering lovely sea views, situated in the most exclusive gated community. High quality materials.

Cinema room, bodega. 6 Bed., 5 bath. Built 800 m2, plot of 1.445 m2.

E&V ID: W-00BHQA. Price reduced from 3.800.000 € to 2.800.000 €.

Marbella Hill Club: Great opportunity! Set on a large plot, designed by Cesar de Leyva. Centre courtyard with a fountain, separate guest & staff apartment.

Under-floor heating throughout. 6 Bed., 6 bath. Built 495 m2, plot 2.947 m2.

E&V ID: W-01E0WI. Price: 1.750.000 €.

Sierra Blanca: Fantastically priced! Beautiful villa with magnificent sea views, offers high qualities, ideal distribution for families, under-floor heating throughout and manicured gardens. 4 Bed., 4 bath. Built 568 m2, plot 1.524 m2.

E&V ID: W-013HPP. Price: 2.250.000 €.

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

Argentina · Australia · Austria · Bahrein · Belgium · Bostwana · Chile · China · Croatia · Cyprus · Czech Republic · France · Germany · Great Britain · Holland · Hungary · Ireland · Italy · Jordan Luxemburg · Mozambique · Namibia · New Zealand · Peru · Portugal · Qatar · Romania · Russia · Slovenia · South Africa · Spain · Switzerland · Thailand · Turkey · UAE · Uruguay · USA · Zambia

BAHIA DE MARBELLA

Ref. 04-116 This truly stunning property is set within the desirable urbanization of Bahia de Marbella. The house is south facing and has sea and mountain views. One of the best beaches in Marbella is only 100 meters from the front door. The property has been meticulously cared for inside and out. It has 4 bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms, a large living room and separate dining room, family bathroom and study/office. The large terraces are all south facing and look out onto the landscaped gardens and heated pool. The high quality fully equipped kitchen has a separate breakfast room overlooking the pool.

â‚Ź 3.500.000 4 Beds / 4.5 Baths Built: 698 M2 Plot: 1.740 M2

SANDS MARBELLA PROPERTY Centro Comercial Nuevo Rosario, Local 1, Urb. El Rosario, 29604, Marbella

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Ref. 01-141

EL ROSARIO

Newly built, modern contemporary villa set in the secure urbanization of El Rosario. The extremely private villa has fantastic sea views and is surrounded by beautiful green gardens. Large terraces, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and a pool area bathroom. The upper tower level consists of a master bedroom suite, its private terrace has panoramic views of the mediterranean sea. The main entrance level has an interior patio surrounded by living room, fully fitted kitchen, dining area and direct access to the garage, porch and terrace. The lower level has three bedrooms, one en-suite, a separate lounge area, utility area and bathroom.

€ 1.450.000 4 Beds / 3.5 Baths Built: 486 M2 Plot: 1.050 M2

www.sandsmarbellaproperty.com • Tel: 952 836 646 • M: 607 602 020

a

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

Easter is a fantastic time to catch up on books and films, as well as to discover the coolest gadgets on the market. If you’re after slightly more high-octane action, don’t miss our feature on the stylish new Jaguar F-type!

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Cinema

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Home Viewing

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Music

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Books

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Gadgets

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The New Jaguar F-Type

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trend CINEMA

WORDS MARISA CUTILL

AS

e BLOCKBUSTER

OF THE MONTH

s e r u t a e r C l u f i t Beau » GENRE Drama d LaGravenese (P.S. I Love You) » DIRECTOR Richar mpson, Emmy Rossum, Jeremy Irons » ACTORS Emma Tho some of the most played the backdrop to h The sprawling South has tradition continues wit in movie history and the g llin breath-taking scenes t-se bes based on the supernatural love story is Beautiful Creatures, a ch) (Alden Ehrenrei Margaret Stohl. Ethan ice novel by Kami Garcia and us newcomer, Lena (Al who falls for mysterio a small-town teenager an Eth n, soo start and otherworldly from the ).

Engert). Lena appears creating powerful magic of e abl r (a being cap be l discovers she is a Caste wil to see if she waits with baited breath On her 16th birthday, she of Light or Dark. chosen by the forces

» GENRE Comedy

DIRECTOR Josh Radnor (Happythankyoumore -please) » ACTORS Zac Efron, Josh Radnor, Elizabeth Olsen

Liberal Arts

» GENRE Comedy/Drama » DIRECTOR Roger Michell (Notting Hill) » ACTORS Bill Murray, Laura Linney,

Olivia Williams

» GENRE Fantasy » DIRECTOR Sam Raimi (The Evil Dead)

» ACTORS James Franco, Michelle

Williams, Rachel Weisz

Hyde Park on Hudson

Biopics about American Presidents seem to be all the rage these days, with films such as Lincoln raking in big winnings at the box office.

This month, history buffs can look forward to yet another historical instalment with Hyde Park on Hudson, which reveals the steamy romance between Franklin D. Roosevelt and his lover (and cousin), Margaret Suckley. Bill Murray plays the famous President with plenty of gusto, bringing us closer to the mind of a man who was as relentless in his search for love as he was committed to the welfare of his nation.

Oz: The Great and Powerful

James Franco plays Oscar Diggs, a worldweary magician who visits the town of Oz after one too many brushes with the law.

The town seems filled with wonder and opportunity and soon, Oscar is able to fool its inhabitants into believing he is a powerful wizard. A trio of witches (Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz and Mila Kunis) grow determined to prove him nothing more than a charlatan and fraud. But Oz is quite a magical land and Oscar surprises even himself with his authentic wizardly gifts.

» GENRE Crime/Comedy » DIRECTOR Michael Hoffman (The Emperor’s Club)

» ACTORS Colin Firth, Cameron Diaz,

Alan Rickman

Gambit

Penned by talented brothers Ethan and Joel Coen (Fargo), Gambit promises to be one of the top comedies of the season, featuring the refined comedic talent of Oscar winning actor, Colin Firth. The latter plays an art expert whose aim is to convince his vicious boss to purchase a fake Monet. He enlists the help of an eccentric Texan beauty (Cameron Diaz), only to find that she may be more hindrance than help!

Josh Radnor directs and stars in this film, which deals with the perennial human obsession with youth. Radnor plays Jesse Fisher, a New York intellectual who returns to his University to attend his favourite Professor’s retirement dinner. At the party he meets Ziby (Elizabeth Olsen), a young drama major who shares his penchant for Mozart and Massenet, and who suggests they begin a pen friendship using real, oldfashioned pen and paper. The attraction between them is palpable but soon, tiny cracks begin to form in their seemingly perfect relationship. Ziby likes ‘that vampire trilogy’; Jesse thinks it’s a pile of rubbish; Ziby is having the time of her life at University while Jesse feels like a fish out of water. Jesse begins to wonder if his student days were really as perfect as he remembered them to be.

22 / MARCH 2013 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Rock of Ages

Rock of Ages, which first lit up the stages of Broadway in 2006, is one of the most revered rock musicals of all time and it’s easy to understand why; it’s set in the late 1980s and features some of rock’s most amazing songs, by knockout bands such as Journey, Guns N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, Twisted Sister and Whitesnake. The film is also the love story of a small-town girl who moves to New York to chase her dreams. On her way up the ladder to fame and fortune, she becomes caught in a tense love triangle with a gorgeous young singer and a world famous rock star, Stacee Jaxx, played to perfection by Tom Cruise. The film is entertaining, light and musically magnificent; a real treat for anyone who grew up in the 1980s.

» GENRE Musical » DIRECTOR Adam Shankman (Hairspray) » ACTORS Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Russell Brand, Catherine Zeta-Jones

The Hypnotist

» IMDB RATING 5.9/10

LEASE OF THE MONTH

e FEATURED DVD RE

» GENRE

Science Fiction/Acti

on

» DIRECTOR Rian Johnson

) (The Brothers Bloom

» ACTORS

tt, Bruce Joseph Gordon-Levi Willis, Emily Blunt DB RATING 7.7/10

» IM

Looper

u ’s Inception blew yo If Christopher Nolan r pe Loo , pth de y and away with its originalit ster bu ck blo e Th y. alle will be right up your Joe, a young man film tells the story of 44, who works as a living in the year 20 who assassinates ry na rce ‘looper’: a me into the past (from targets sent 30 years o a drug addict, als is e Jo . the year 2074) all and emotion. He numb to the world tless lives without un co puts an end to questioning the batting an eyelid or of his actions, all for s ethical implication rs of silver… but his much coveted ba with an extremely a chance encounter Joe on a diversely crafty target leads begins to wonder different path and he d belief in man’s whether free will an n actually inspire innate goodness, ca change.

» GENRE Drama » DIRECTOR Lasse Hallström

(What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?) » ACTORS Tobias Zilliacus, Mikael Persbrandt, Lena Olin » IMDB RATING 5.5/10

Based on a best-selling novel by Lars Kepler, The Hypnotist is Lasse Hallström’s first Swedish film in 25 years and Sweden’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 2013 Oscars. The film stars Mikael Persbrandt as a talented hypnotist who is enlisted by the police to help them with a challenging investigation.

A family has been murdered in their home and it is the hypnotist’s job to find out exactly what happened by unlocking the mind of the assassin’s traumatised sole survivor: a little boy who is the only link to his missing sister.

» GENRE Animation » DIRECTOR Enrique Gato

(Tadeo Jones y el sótano maldito) » VOICES Meritxell Ané, Óscar Barberán, Carles Canut » IMDB RATING 5.8/10

» GENRE Action/

Adventure

» DIRECTOR

Simon West

» ACTORS Sylvester

Tadeo Jones

Stallone, Arnold Scwarzenegger, JeanClaude Van Damme, Bruce Willis

» IMDB RATING 6.9/10

The Expendables 2

The biggest action heroes of the 1980s are back and the audience seems to approve, judging by the film’s knockout sales figures. Sylvester Stallone takes the lead as Barney Ross, a mercenary who flies to Russia to recover a mysterious package from a plane wreck. Ross discovers he is not the only one interested in the package when a member of his team is taken hostage. He resolves to track down his enemies and save the world from nuclear disaster; no easy feat for even for one as talented as Stallone.

This lively animated film may not have been produced by Disney/Pixar but it raked in big earnings at the box office, taking home almost €3 million in Spain on its opening weekend alone. As you might have guessed from its title, it’s a thinly disguised parody of Indiana Jones, as well as a wonderful adventure that takes the viewer to the exotic land of Peru in search of treasure, adventure and romance. The film is colourful and adventurous enough to appeal to children, with plenty of humour and irony to keep parents glued to the screen as well.

24 / MARCH 2013 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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trend MUSIC

¿QUÉ PASA?

WORDS RIK FOXX

ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR JOE IN GRANADA The late CLASH frontman JOE STRUMMER is to have a plaza named after him in Granada when more than 2,000 residents signed a petition calling for him to be honoured. The legendary singer first visited the city in the 1970s with Spanish girlfriend PALOMA ‘PALMOLIVE’ ROMERO – the drummer with punk girl group THE SLITS. He spent a lot of time there and produced an album for Spanish band 091 who he first heard on a jukebox in a bar and named the city in the CLASH song Spanish Bombs. JOE died aged 50 of an undiagnosed congenital heart defect in 2002.

THE RETURN OF THE THIN WHITE DUKE

in Spain than anywhere DEPECHE MODE, who are bigger g a new album, Delta asin rele else in the world, will be be playing at the Machine, on March 22 and will arist MARTIN GORE Guit 13.

Bilbao BBK Festival on July comment saying that recently made a light hearted Ironically there is a t. sho SIMON COWELL should be re you can aim at a whe as Veg Las in ge ran shooting ul. mog pop ed dummy of the much hat

JIMI HENDRIX fans take note – on March 4, Classic Rock Magazine is exclusively releasing People, Hell and Angels, 12 previously unreleased studio recordings from the Jimi Hendrix Experience sessions. The album, which will only be available for four weeks, comes with a 124-page magazine and can be ordered from www.myfavouritemagazines. co.uk/Hendrix. In the meantime, the biopic, All Is By My Side is taking shape with OUTKAST main man ANDRE BENJAMIN in the lead role, but the Hendrix Foundation denied the film makers access to any of the great man’s songs.

On January 8, 66-year-young DAVID BOWIE gave his fans a birthday present that created a worldwide buzz – his first new song for 10 years. Where Are We Now, which looks back on his decadent years in Berlin, reached number six in the UK singles chart and number nine in Spain. Also a new album, The New Day, will be released on March 11 and long time collaborator TONY VISCONTI says it is fairly rock-orientated. And, after the success of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars, which was remastered last year to mark its 40th anniversary, the 1973 vinyl legend, Aladdin Sane, will also be rereleased on April 15. The iconic singer says he may do a oneoff gig this summer and London’s Olympic Stadium, which will host concerts to mark the first anniversary of the Games, has been mentioned.

So RIHANNA finally came clean on her relationship with CHRIS BROWN saying that the rest of us “just don’t get me and Chris”. The Bajan beauty has upped her security after receiving several death threats on Twitter from angry fans and defended her decision, saying, “Even if it’s a mistake, it’s my mistake.” The two rekindled their romance over the past six months after recording a duet, Nobody’s Business, for last November’s album Unapologetic. He recently got into a spat with fellow hip hopper FRANK OCEAN over a car park space and he has been warned by JAY-Z that if he ever hurts RI-RI either emotionally or physically again the Jigga Man will ‘finish him’ career wise.

As JAY-Z threatens to ruin one career, he is trying to resurrect another having persuaded KYLIE to sign for his Roc Nation promotions and a single and album are on the way. The Aussie ‘pocket rocket’ recently revealed she was taking a break from music to revamp her acting career, but obviously the big man made her reconsider.

It seems all is not well on the SPICE rack as the allegedly hard-up GERI wants the girls to go on the road as a foursome seeing as the skinny one isn’t interested – which has upset the footballer’s wife who is said to be ‘hurt and angry’. Her ladyship has also found a way of not having to smile for the press – she sticks one of her designer bags over her head. Now a body language expert has branded her all too familiar photographic pose – it’s a ‘smout’ – a mix of a smile and a pout. And after Mr BECKHAM recently signed for a Paris club she says she wants to spend a lot more time between the fashionable city and London – maybe he should buy her a place in Dover.

Can you believe it’s been six years since BIEBER first came to light on YouTube? His concert in Bilbao this month has been cancelled due to ‘logistical problems’. He recently had a run-in with the LAPD after his Fisker Karma ran out of power and they towed it away. He is also being investigated for alleged assault by Canadian cops after he fired a Nerf gun pellet at a female security guard – as the catchphrase says on the reruns of that classic UK comedy Dad’s Army – “Stupid boy!” e

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trend BOOKS

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

BEST-SELLING BOOKS! This month, we let the vox populi do the talking, with a selection of books from The New York Times Best-Seller list.

We suggest top reads from the Fiction, Non-Fiction and Children’s categories.

1 CROSS ROADS BY WM. PAUL YOUNG

Anthony Spencer is a successful entrepreneur who has reached dizzy heights of success by stepping on whoever gets in his way. When a cerebral hemorrhage leaves him comatose in a hospital, he ‘awakens’ to find himself in a parallel world similar to his ‘earthly’ life. He has vivid encounters with people he assumes are projections of his self-conscious and develops the ability to see the consequences of his actions through the eyes of those affected by them. He also begins to understand how his own personal losses have contributed to his way of thinking and lack of trust in his fellow mankind. If Tony is given a second chance, will he redeem himself by becoming a new man and putting right the injustices he has caused?

NON-ON FIC TI

FICTIO

N

NO F I C T IN ON

NON-ON FIC TI

7 I SUCK AT GIRLS

BY JUSTIN HALPERN

3 SERIOUSLY… I’M KIDDING BY ELLEN 2 PROOF OF HEAVEN

BY EBEN ALEXANDER

Dr. Eben Alexander III is a neurosurgeon who spent most of his professional life dismissing the validity of near-death experiences, attributing them to the complex hard wiring of the human brain. All that changed when, in the year 2008, he contracted bacterial meningitis and went into a coma, falling into a near-death experience which brought him into the arms of God.

DEGENERES

Popular North American TV host, Ellen DeGeneres, proves to be more than a comedic genius in this book, which is packed with lessons she has learned over the years about life, love and success. Life is a high-octane ride for Ellen and she suggests facing it with courage, self-confidence and above all, plenty of laughter.

4 ONE DIRECTION: DARE TO DREAM

BY THE MEMBERS OF ONE DIRECTION

CHIL

DR EN

’S

You would think that selling millions of CDs was reward enough, but now, the teen stars of pop sensation One Direction have another thing to brag about: authoring two books that have made The New York Times bestseller list! The boys tell us what life was like before The X Factor, how Simon Cowell’s top-rated show made their dreams come true and how they are adjusting to being the UK’s biggest boyband ever.

FIC TI

ON

5 MERRY CHRISTMAS, ALEX CROSS

BY JAMES PATTERSON It is Christmas Day and Detective Alex Cross risks not making it home for his family’s traditional meal when he is called upon to help deal with a violent hostage crisis. Faced with such a high-risk situation, Cross is forced to rely on more than his training and experience and he begins to trust in his instinct and creativity.

FIC TI

ON

CHIL

DR EN

’S

6 I FUNNY BY JAMES PATTERSON AND CHRIS GRABENSTEIN

Jamie Grimm is a schoolboy who is determined to become the World’s best stand-up comedian ever, despite the fact that life is looking pretty grim. He has just moved to a new town, he’s living with his uncle and aunt, and his evil cousin, Stevie, is a notorious bully.

Determined not to be knocked down, Jamie performs his standup routines in front of friends, family and clients at his uncle’s diners. Jamie decides to enter a comedy competition, ignoring Stevie’s assertion that the only way Jamie will win is if the judges pity him for being in a wheelchair.

This hilarious book grew out of a conversation shared between the author and his father. Justin was about to propose to his girlfriend and when he giddily told his father the good news, the latter replied: “You’ve been dating her for four years. It ain’t like you found a parallel fucking universe.” His father eventually suggested that Justin took some time to think about everything he had learned about women over the years before taking the big leap, and Justin did just that, writing this book along the way.

It is difficult not to laugh out loud at some of the embarrassing anecdotes faced by the author in his nerdy childhood and adolescence, while his dad’s bizarre, side-splitting pieces of advice on a host of hairy situations are simply epic.

8 THE RACKETEER BY JOHN GRISHAM

Malcolm Bannister is a former attorney who is currently a prisoner at the Federal Prison Camp near Frostburg, Maryland. Though he’s on the losing side of the law, he has one last card to play: he knows who killed a Federal Judge and he’s willing to trade this information for freedom. The police have no witnesses, evidence or leads so Malcolm’s testimony is crucial if the mysterious crime is to be solved.

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VILLA MARKETING Since 1983

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Price: €2.670.000

NUEVA ANDALUCIA Ref. 9464 A single storey villa in perfect condition. South facing with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, spacious living room with fireplace, separate dining room with wooden beams on ceiling, underfloor heating. Walking distance to Golf Course.

Price: €675.000

NUEVA ANDALUCIA Ref. 10561 Villa in very central position within walking distance to shops, restaurants and amenities. Recently refurbished, the villa has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, large living area, modern kitchen open and joined to dining area.

Price: €749.000

MARBELLA Ref. 10591 New top quality apartment in a unique position within walking distance to beach and to Marbella Town. 3 Bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, on a 4th floor with sea views, facing south and west. 3 garage spaces, store room, 24 hour concierge.

50% Reduction.

Price: €595.000

NUEVA ANDALUCIA Ref. 10217 Villa with 3 bedrooms now reduced to an attractive price to sell. The villa faces south and is situated in a prestigious residential area close to the golf courses.

Could be converted into a 4 bedroom villa as the master suite has an adjoining living area.

Prices: €440.000

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2/22/13 3:14 PM

trend ELECTRONICS

1

2 3

4

5 t h, s m on e t s i h T . l on a a dg functilection of g s i t i s a se ed a designeaders with y l l u f rr u ti 1 - GRIFFIN TWENTY This as bea esenting ou e b s y r simple, modern looking digital audio a p w y l b er ld a amplifier uses Apple’s AirPlay wireless audio/ t shoulliant found e g d a video protocol to connect your AirPort Express and i g r a b t s tha ple’ your non-powered speakers. Play music from your iPhone, statedmage to Ap l at once. e c iPod touch, iPad or any other AirPlay-supporting device, or enjoy n o l o s a h b l b s a ic Jo ay tunes from your computer’s iTunes library. i www.griffintechnology.com Steve a Cutillas p g and pract 2 TEENAGE ENGINEERING OP-1 SYNTHESIZER If you like making s n i i Mar re stunn music while you’re on the go, take this retro inspired keyboard with you on your a t tha next journey and record your next big hit like a pro! Featuring 24 voices, eight

IN DESIGN WE TRUST

6

synth engines, a flexible sequencer, four-track virtual tape machine and 16-hour performance on a single charge. i www.teenageengineering.com 3 - LOCKITRON KEYLESS HOME LOCK Lockitron is a keyless device that allows you to lock or unlock your door from anywhere in the world with the use of a smartphone, allowing you to welcome guests from afar, extend their stay and, of course, summarily expel them if they’ve been naughty! Equipped with Bluetooth, WiFi and NFC technology, this battery-powered box attaches to a door’s deadbolt and even unlocks automatically as you approach, making for an easy, no-fuss experience. i www.lockitron.com 4 - WII U Nintendo’s new console allows you to play your favourite Wii games while everyone else is watching the TV, inviting you to play multi-player games with a distinct advantage – you can pose challenges to other players. Wii fans can look forward to using the new U with updated versions of games like Zelda, Wii Fit and Pikmin, plus a wide range of new titles like Cloudberry and Kingdom. i www.wii.nintendo.es 5 - LENOVO YOGA 13 This device combines the productivity of an Ultrabook with 10-finger multi-touch touchscreen technology. The new Yoga 13 boasts Windows 8 functionality, Lenovo Motion Control technology, an integrated webcam, a 360º flip screen and Lenovo Cloud storage to access files from other devices. i www.lenovo.com 6 - LG 140-CENTIMETRE OLED TV Four years ago, Sony’s tiny XEL-1 gave us a taste of how incredibly vivid and ultra-fine TV displays would one day be, but LG’s new 140-centimetre takes the home viewing experience into a whole new dimension. The display is only 5mm thick and weighs less than eight kilograms. i www.lg.com

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trend MOTORING

JAGUAR F-TYPE SPORT PROFILE & PREVIEW WORDS TONY WHITNEY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JAGUAR

L

ooking back, the new-for-2013 Jaguar F-Type has had an incredibly long gestation period.

It was first shown in ‘design study’ form way back at the 2000 Detroit auto show. It was widely praised at the time, but few of us who were there believed it would ever be built without considerable modification. Now, over a dozen years down the line and following a couple of ‘try-outs’ that never made it to the market, the F-Type is almost here. The big question is whether or not it lives up to the billing it was given that morning in Detroit – is it a true successor to the legendary E-Type of the 1960s?

The truth is that there will never be another E-Type and, for those in the know, that’s probably just as well. Despite its stunning looks and outstandingfor-the-day performance, the E-Type was a mass of problems and the expensive restorations you’re likely to see today are certainly a lot better than the original cars.

The F-Type is certainly a worthy successor to the E-Type in that it is compact and agile and has great looks. It also features technology that was only a dream back in the 1960s and it’s likely to boast a far higher level of reliability. The bigger XK series sports cars were never really ‘E-Type successors’ but they remain solidly in the Jaguar lineup to meet the demands of a different kind of buyer. The original E-Type was amazingly inexpensive in its day and we can’t really say that about the F-Type, which nevertheless will be the least costly Jag sports car.

The F-Type makes its debut as a roadster with

a foldaway fabric hood, but a coupé is said to be on the way. There’s even talk of a hybrid variant, but this – if it ever happens – will be some time in the future. It’s a pity Jaguar didn’t cover both body styles by offering a folding hardtop. It’s true that there isn’t much room to stow a roof like that on the F-Type, but Mercedes manages it with the SLK and even Mazda with its diminutive MX-5.

There are three versions of this new Jag - F-Type, F-Type S and F-Type V-8 S. As might be imagined, the major difference between the three options is under the bonnet. The base car has a 3.0-litre V-6 developing 340-horsepower; the F-Type S has an uprated version of the same engine giving 380-horsepower and the top ‘F’ offers a potent 5.0-litre V-8 putting out 495-horsepower. The V-8 is a familiar unit that is used elsewhere in the Jaguar lineup so a high level of performance can be expected. The V-6 is new, but since it’s derived from the V-8, it should be durable and long-lasting. All three engines use a technically fascinating 8-speed automatic transmission but, as yet, no manual gearbox is on offer. Quite frankly, the shift speeds of modern automatics make manual gearboxes more of a nostalgia choice than a practical benefit. For enthusiasts who must have at least some manual gearbox control, there are paddle shifters on the steering wheel – a common enough feature on performance cars these days.

The bodywork is very handsome indeed – sculpted and sensual but at the same time, chunky

and aggressive-looking. The Jaguar badge sits on a black mesh radiator grille and either side of this grille, Jaguar has sited intakes that look like shark gills. From a side view, the nose looks long and sleek and there is a hint of Jags from years gone by. The car is a few inches longer than a Porsche Boxster and very slightly shorter than a Porsche 911, but it doesn’t look oversized. The alloy wheels (with grippy Pirelli P-Zero tires) are of large diameter, as is currently the norm with cars like this, and they fill the arches nicely. From a styling standpoint, this new Jaguar gets very high marks – the rear end with its slim lighting units is especially attractive. Incidentally, like many other Jaguar/Land Rover products, the bodywork is fabricated from aluminium with a composite material used for sills, bootlid and spoiler.

The cockpit is highly driver-oriented and most controls and switches are located on the main instrument panel or on a central console. There’s not much Jaguar tradition about the interior and it could easily have been designed in Japan. The seats are highly supportive and on climbing in, the driver very much becomes ‘part of the car’, which is the aim of all sports car designers. Oddment space around the cockpit is limited, as it always is in cars of this class, but the boot will take a decent amount of cargo.

It took a while, but it’s great to see Jaguar bringing us a car like this and it’s bound to be a major seller for the Indian-owned UK manufacturer.

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Z ENGINE 3.0-litre V-6/5.0-litre V-8 Z TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic Z ACCELERATION Zero to 100 km/h in approx. 4.3 seconds (V-8 version) Z TOP SPEED Approx. 300 km/h (V-8 version) Z I LIKED Great-looking car that nobody will mistake for anything but a Jaguar. Nice to have the two engine choices. Nimbler and easier to park than the XK, which is rather too big for a sports car.

Beautifully built and trimmed.

Z I DIDN’T LIKE While the fabric hood is very well made and thoroughly weatherproof, it would have been nice to see a folding hardtop for this model, much like the Mercedes-Benz SLK. Owners would then have the best assets of both roadster and coupé designs in one car.

Z MARKET ALTERNATIVES Porsche Boxster, Porsche Cayman, Mercedes-Benz SLK, BMW Z4, Audi TT Roadster, Nissan GT-R Z WHO DRIVES ONE? Sports cars enthusiasts who find the XK too large – but always wanted a Jag. Older buyers who yearned for an E-Type, but never quite got there. Buyers new to Jaguar who have finally found a model they can afford.

Z PRICE AND AVAILABILITY Available this summer, price to be announced.

It’s a little more affordable than any Jaguar sports car we’ve seen for years and, in fact, it’s more of a ‘true’ sportster than the (nonetheless outstanding) XK model. The V-8 option may be overkill for Jaguar because the V-6 versions are just about all any driver could want and offer better fuel economy. Both V-6 and V-8 powered units are supercharged and use advanced electronics to monitor fuel usage. As with most premium vehicles now, the F-Type has every imaginable comfort and technological benefit and the safety systems are state-of-the-art.

Price predictions place the F-Type somewhere between Porsche’s Boxster and 911 models, which seems fair enough, although the car battles in a very competitive market segment with lots of tempting alternatives. Even so, Jaguar sales have been strong worldwide in recent times and this is a manufacturer that’s very much proceeding on the right path. The F-Type can only enhance this success. e

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thefocus CULTURE / HISTORY / FEATURES

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Fun and adventure are in the air, as is an electric charge of adrenalin from features on the forthcoming F1 Season, photography from up in the air and adventure family activities on the Coast!

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O G !

O G THE FOCUS formula one

aining t r e t n e t s o the m f ent o w e t n a o h t s a n w w o n owd easo s h s e a n O d n a l a u s r m e r The 2012 Fo h eight different winn3 hold in store? in years wite wire. What does 201 down to th

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!

O G !

O G GUI RAPHY JON SE OLDO PHOTOG ilton Lewis Ham team mate er ason if rm se fo g n d an r a frustrati am fo h in er ar. e at b C d of t as last ye who could so well ahea inconsisten as o e gi ar er ith Toro Ros es S w Merced hopes for ussia. rings new of Sunday, Vettel ar his b g M an in to d ti n am as or an te ed m eb e A new accustom ove r front, S t 7am on th he can get the al GP n if red lights ab On the drive fi on d e e ve an b fi th e ld ez in u th Pér world title r points co March 17, so id in e n fo gr th lo g sh d A e n u o re ti p th d ar cu a g se Park st e leadin ng Fernan new car, the Alber t probably b V8 powered the ason, beati 2 ill of se 2 w e d d e st or h la an an t m t u g t of b xpec Rosber cards the will go ou e points. E to , with Nico throttle for Melbourne ado by just thre determined will go full field charge is id es tor Maldon m an in as 3 h m P 1 0 ac er 2 ile G m h e e w : th th g; t ct of u racing er fa t b b g ar e e st sam ” to terestin Nico Hülken to mark th at potential in a row. In first bend in Europe he has “gre ake it four gn. ce s m ai in in Spain ra ve p w e ie m e gl el n ca lu b b si e n tracks n’t win a out of the hile id 9 Formula O w d 1 is h t e el si ic tt on vi tw Ve ill ve e thre us w impro of its nished top The F1 circ ly another losing one and only fi Gutiérrez ere was on with Spain th last May. 0 d 2 a an n of o lo s Esteban d instea e podium five rookie nso won tw ture, Barce th e lo fu g A n th e g kerb but f yi th O in ra n in sp and e wasn’t ably the F1 lear ch ever y h b ea ro on en two races p t P h G w ill es b w s for a o t e tw could b a will hos watched. A r wing men to 11 ont two ; agne. Thei and Valenci s has to be d is down p fr ta el e fi am ot th h 1 B C F i of e er mes Valtt And th failed g in the fu luck guys. other year. ut fades HRT team be followin rest – good ar ts well b e ter Spain’s st . th af s n s ay io or w at ct al id ru u er const e Massa ent into liq Mark Webb n and Felip uyer and w ed Bull are summer su R e to find a b Ferrari. ts th at h es it gg w on ter su ance salo ith w ch g ch st la er Pit lane pat p ’s r it f thei any finishin knows knocked of surprised m k to oc en cl ön e kk ld th u äi there to be k R co bac Kimi man’ ing to turn and the ‘Ice their er Ferrari look ird in 2012 1 roost. On F if his par tn th e d th an d ; n le ru the much tic bouts agai d ra ea when they er an er is th en h e ar ol b contr high ill be McL sjean can s are also uld exhausts w Romain Gro Expectation aviour he co r s. u u eh fo b ot l L p d to ee h e w th eh ve h. Also -t improve it ie d w el in beh reckoned and they b e ce b es or d to F , e ce er rc er b fo for M son Button h but Sau become a will be Jen their within reac ts e on n ar e oi b s p r ill am fo te iams w fighting s, ossibly Will e tail-ender India and p th es av le . That rear wheels L REYN WORDS MIGUE

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Sebastian Vettel

STARTING GRID

(line-ups on February 13) RED BULL RENAULT 1. Sebastian Vettel 2. Mark Webber FERRARI 3. Fernando Alonso 4. Felipe Massa McLAREN MERCEDES 5. Jenson Button 6. Sergio Pérez LOTUS RENAULT 7. Kimi Räikkönen 8. Romain Grosjean MERCEDES 9. Nico Rosberg 10. Lewis Hamilton SAUBER FERRARI 11. Nico Hülkenberg 12. Esteban Gutiérrez FORCE INDIA MERCEDES 14. Paul di Resta 15. Jules Bianchi or Adr ian Sutil (TBC) WILLIAMS RENAULT 16. Pastor Maldonado 17. Valtteri Bottas TORO ROSSO FERRARI 18. Jean-Éric Vergne 19. Daniel Ricciardo CATERHAM RENAULT 20. Charles Pic 21. Giedo van der Garde MARUSSIA COSWORTH 22. Luiz Razia 23. Max Chilton

Felipe Massa

Jenson Button

WHEN AND WHE RE

All races start at

14.00 CET unless ot he

MARCH 17 Australia (7am) MARCH 24 Malaysia (9am) APRIL 14 China (9am ) APRIL 21 Bahrain MAY 12 Spain MAY 26 Monaco JUNE 9 Canada (8 pm) JUNE 30 Great Brita in JULY 7 Germany JULY 21 Open date

Lewis Hamilton

rwise stated

JULY 28 Hungary AUGUST 25 Belgium SEPTEMBER 8 Italy SEPTEMBER 22 Sin gapore OCTOBER 6 Korea (8am) OCTOBER 13 Japan (8am) OCTOBER 27 India (10.30am) NOVEMBER 3 Abu Dh abi NOVEMBER 17 USA (8pm) NOVEMBER 24 Braz il (5pm)

Jean-Éric Vergne

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22 ND

SP

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RIN ARC OP G SE H, 201 EN AS 3 ING ON

28TH MARCH, 2013 12:00-22:00 – SEASON OPENING DAY PARTY Guest DJ, Jan Blomqvist

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As in years Andalucía’s gone by, very own Circuito de Je to the F1 ci rez played host rcu pre-season s for the first te February st between constructors5 and 8. All 11 but one noti were present ce was Fernan able absentee d decided to o Alonso, who a fitness pro concentrate on gram Canary Isle me in the s instead.

DAY ONE: The sun welcomed one driver fr five hours of om each team track time, w hen his McLar and it was Je stint. en broke dow nson Button n with a fuel who set the DAY TWO saw pump failure benchmark af Lewis Hamilton after just thre ter missing ’s Mercedes de after a loss of e la ps of his openin but but he sp rear brake pr g morning ent the aftern essure sent hi the fastest la oon in the m m crashing in p in both the ot or to m home with on a tyre barrier. orning and af DAY THREE: Se ly 14 laps com ternoon sess It was left to bastian Vettel ions beating pleted the Lotus of made his firs Ferrari’s Felip Bu Romain Gros tt t appearance on’s time from e Massa show jean to set in the new Re ing him a quic th e More drama pr evious day. d Bull but co ker way arou on th uld only post nd the circui break while th e final day, a pothole appe the third fast t in what turn ared near the e quick drying est time with ed out to be kerb on turns cement set th three days. th e fastest time 10 and 11. Ever en Kimi Räikkö of the week. yone took an nen put a Lo FOUR DAY SUM extra 50 min tus on top of MARY: of the ute lu the timesheet 23 drivers taki two days. The for the second nch ng part, Esteba fastest three time in n Gutiérrez (Sau were Felipe M was the unsign assa (day thre ber) was the ed Frenchman bu e) si fo es Jules Bianch day four – th llowed by Kim t, completing i, who staked e Ferrari prot i Räikkönen (d 252 laps over égé hopes to a his ay four) and his only day have impresse claim for the keys to the su behind the w rp risingly, in th ca d the team’s r heel. of ir th d e va cant seat at owners after Force India on being faster than the Wor ld Champion on

JEREZ WINT ER

TESTING RE PORT

Winter test ing has alw ays been a unknown, case of clo but Lotus ak and da m ust be hap times of th gger with py posting e week. Fe fuel loads the secon lipe Massa a different d and fourt said drivin planet” co h best g th mpared to e new Ferr day perform ari is like b his 2012 st ance on a eing “on e e d .

M d irty track w any noted while all th ith no rub McLaren’s e top time b e first s r o b ve a se and a h But not m r the week uch is gain ard tyre se were mad ed by just t-up e on the so Williams o reading in fter compo ut of the e to fast test und. quation as ti m e s and you they ran w can take ith last yea r’s model.

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Advantages A Visa card is not your average plastic card. It is your shortcut to foreign currencies – and to travel insurance, discounts, access to airport lounges etc.

Choose between three Visa cards with different advantages.

A common feature of the cards is that you can raise the withdrawal limit in a few minutes, that you can have

your card issued in the currency you prefer, and that there is no monthly charge.

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Jyske Bank (Gibraltar) Ltd. is licensed by the Financial Services Commission, Licence No. FSC 001 00B. Services and products are not available to everybody, for instance not to residents of the US.

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18-01-2013 09:36:37

THE NEW K ID

ON THE GR ID

Britain is back to fo ur F1 start with Maru ers after M ssia. The ax Chilton 21-year-o finished fo landed a ld steps urth in last drive up from year’s poin Carlin. He GP2, whe ts table w also spen re he it h t two wins fo the final fe the F1 sist r Marussia w months er team sh a s th a d e owing both with a Fri official rese day P1 se their drive rve for ssion at la rs and wa Reigate-b st Novem s rewarde orn racer b d e r’ also teste s Abu Dh But he m d for Forc abi GP. T ay have to e h In e d ia in 2011. play seco team mate nd fiddle , another to his mo rookie, Lu finished ru re experie iz Razia. Th nner-up in nced is 23-yea the 2012 and has r-old Brazi GP2 cham three sea lian p so ionship w ns of F1 (2010), T ith four w testing un eam Lotu ins d s e r (2 his belt w 011) and in 2012. ith Virgin for Toro R o ss o and Forc Two othe e India r drivers have also Esteban G moved up utiérrez fi n fr ished thir om the G old Mexic d with thre P2 ranks. an having e wins an spent fou Sauber h d the 22-y r ye as now be ars as test earen reward and reserv der Garde ed with a e driver fo , a 27-yea fi rs r t r-old Dutc team drive with two w hman, fin . Giedo va ins for Ca is n h e d te si rham Rac xth in the driver for ing and w standings their pare as also th nt F1 team e 2012 re After seve w h o he will ra serve ral notice ce for this able perf over the p year. ormances ast two ye in ars for W Friday F1 Bruno Se illiams, V nna. The practice altteri Bo 23-year-o he has im ttas has re ld F inn has lit pressed th placed tle other e e William xperience s manage but ment with his enthu siasm.

TV COVERAGE

Sky has full coverage of every race plus qualifying and all three practice sessions on its F1 channel. The BBC has 10 races live and, for the remainder, there are extended highlights plus full live audio commentary on Radio 5 Live or 5 Live Extra – and online. With the big satellite switch off said to be taking place in July or August, the only option then will be the Spanish channel Antena 3, which is also showing every race live or via the Internet. e

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THE FOCUS photography

That Magnificent Man in hisFlying

Machine

H

aving been a pilot for over 20 years and a land-based pro-photographer for 15, Daniel quickly realised that the views he was experiencing from his aeroplane were too good not to share. So he decided to combine his two passions in order to create an exciting new career.

The Perfect Companion for an Aerial Photographer Daniel used to fly much bigger aeroplanes, but realised that these wouldn’t work for taking photos as the views were so restricted, the aircraft was too fast

and he wouldn’t be able to fly low enough to his subject to have the flexibility he needed. Next he explored the helicopter. A popular choice of aircraft among aerial photographers due to it’s ability to hover, allowing the photographer to spend time framing the shot. However, being inside any aircraft was restricting for Daniel. “I need to have a full 360-degree view, without encountering any doors or windows in my viewfinder”. Also, with overheads at around €5.000 per hour and a huge dependence on other people (flight crew), helicopters were soon ruled out.

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A high-altitude panoramic view of Marbella A view over Marbella apartments

Daniel Posner is no ordinary photographer.

He is one of the very few professionals brave enough to tackle the complex logistics involved in placing himself, and his camera high up in the sky in order to capture breath-taking images.

It goes without saying that Aerial Photography is not for the faint-hearted, but Daniel’s unique Danie l in his studio approach takes the fear factor to new heights.

Using a Paramotor (think petrol driven fan) strapped to his back and suspended by just a small harness linked to a fabric wing, he is able to climb up to 4,000 meters, and often ventures up to 4km out to sea, in order to capture the vision he and his clients are after. “I know it sounds unusual, but basically, this little machine transports me to my studio,” he explains.

WELCOME TO DANIEL’S UNIQUE WORLD OF MINIMALIST AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY. NO PLANES, NO HELICOPTERS AND NO INTERIORS! WORDS GEORGINA SHAW

ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2013 / 45

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Plaza de los Naranjos, Marbella

Finally, through a process of elimination, he arrived at the Paramotor. A small powered paraglider, consisting of a frame surrounding a propeller, driven by a small two-stroke engine, a fabric harness and integrated seat. The whole machine, including the wing, weighs only 30kg and would fit into the boot of his car, yet was powerful enough to transport him to over 4,000 meters, or, if need be, to fly just above the ground.

This truly was the minimalist flying machine Daniel had been searching for.

Of course, the perfect Aerial Photography tool comes with certain risks, ones that Daniel is all too aware of when he says goodbye to his wife and eightyear old daughter before a photo shoot. “Assuming you fly in safe meteorological conditions (good weather to you and me), the main danger is if the engine seizes, or the propeller breaks. Paramotors are lightweight and therefore quite fragile machines. When I’m taking photos I have to be totally aware of all my equipment, a loose glove sucked into the propeller could seriously ruin my day.”

However, he was keen to stress that although ever present, the dangers can be managed and he takes safety very seriously, never flying without a life jacket, generally flying high enough to make an engine failure a minimal problem, flying only in favourable conditions and avoiding the temptation to carry out stunts and tricks. “In fact,” he said, “although I’m careful to minimise the risks of my profession, the reality is that I am probably more at risk when I venture onto the N-340 in my car than when I am flying.”

Ocean Club

The Nueva Alcántara Tennis Club

A romantic wedding

Marbella Old Town

Lake Conception

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27 bedroom property, beach side San Pedro - Marbella

Direct from the owners this 27 bedroom Cortijo style property is just 3 minutes from Puerto Banus and features: • 6,800 square metre secluded plot • Beautiful parkland style gardens • 27 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms • 1,526 sq. metres built - scope for more • Commercial kitchen / large lounge area • Car park for 18 cars / Office facility • Pool / physiotherapy room - gym • Short walk to beach

This stylish and tranquil property is suitable for use as a clinic (for which there is an existing licence), a boutique hotel, an educational facility or a private house with a difference. The property would benefit from some updating but could also be immediately fully operational if required.

Price guide: 3.5 million euros - (agents welcome)

Telephone (34) 610 645487 or email: cpenquiries@gmail.com

Swimmers revelling in the water

Super yacht

The Villa Padierna Hotel

A car graveyard

The Largest and Most Beautiful Photography Studio in the World

Daniel and his family moved to the Costa del Sol in 2007 and it was only then that he thought seriously about doing aerial photography as a profession. “This is a unique place, the air is so free – I have the skies to myself” he exclaims adding; “The Costa del Sol is so pretty from above and of course there’s the incredible light – in my opinion this is one of the best places in the world for aerial photography.”

Ever the perfectionist, Daniel is always looking for those “really special days”; the days where North Africa is clearly visible. These days only occur about six times a year. “I forewarn my wife, that no matter what plans we have made, if we wake up in the morning and it’s one of those rare ‘clarity days’, I’ll be heading up to my studio.”

Temperature is also an important factor, for example, if it’s 18 degrees on the ground, it can be as low as minus 10 at 2,500 meters. As he cannot take photos with gloves on, these low temperatures can be very uncomfortable and occasionally dangerous.

The first time Daniel flew up to 2,500m he recalls, “I was flying round and round in circles trying to get the perfect combination of shots, when suddenly I couldn’t find the shutter release button. I had lost all feelings in my hands and arms, my whole body was

shaking and I realised that I needed to get down quickly before hyperthermia set in.

It took a long 30 minutes to descend to the ground, and a further 3 hours for my body to thaw. I knew then I would need better equipment and to take more care.” He now uses a specialised all-in-one flying suit, wears gloves to climb up to the right altitude and tries to ensure that the time spent at high altitude is minimised through thorough planning.

When the weather is right, he is ready to head to his studio in the skies, but not without a clear brief from his clients and a preview of his shooting zone courtesy of Google Earth. He explains, “There’s so much to think about when you’re flying, therefore it’s vital that the job is 100 per cent clear in my mind. If it’s a low-level shoot, such as photographing a property close up, or an event, then I want to get in and out as quickly as possible, so as not to bother the local residents. I will choose my best take-off point, plot the route and target, and identify spaces for an emergency landing. Then I fly in, take some higher shots for a sense of place, drop down lower, go round a 360-degree circuit taking pictures and then I am out of there.”

Increasingly Daniel is asked to produce individually commissioned, point-to-point panoramas, capturing very

specific stretches of coastline, which would typically be the areas in which the client operates. These images are destined to be printed and mounted for public viewing, so it goes without saying that they need to look spectacular, but his clients want more than just pretty wall art, primarily these prints will be used as a working tool, where close up, clear detail must be visible, therefore the resolution must be extremely high to allow the image to be printed up to four metres wide, without losing any of the precious detail.

The creation of his trademark multi-image panoramas tends to be a little more complicated. “One of the issues with high altitude shoots, is there’s really no way of knowing what the wind will be doing up there. It can be calm and lovely on the ground, yet blowing 60kmh at 2,500 metres, which means that I’m going to be flying backwards at around 30kmh. Now that’s a problem, as it’s very easy to be blown too far out to sea.”

For a 2,500 metre shoot, Daniel needs to be approximately four kilometres out to sea. Once in position he removes his gloves, takes out his 36 megapixel Nikon D800E camera (the highest resolution DSLR camera in the world), sets it up for the current lighting conditions, and then shifts his weight to one side so the Paramotor will turn very slowly through a 180-degree arc, carefully taking overlapping photos as he circles. This procedure is repeated dozens of times, taking hundreds of pictures with varying settings. “Usually, I will capture around 500 exposures during the shoot and then later whittle them down to 8 images that I can stitch together perfectly. From then, it takes up to 100 hours of editing on the computer before I am happy to release the final image.”

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Marbella Old Town The White House

Unusual architecture

Passionate about Photography and Service

Puerto Banús

Ronda

The lengths he goes to, striving for beautiful images, are all to achieve the results that his clients are looking for. He is a perfectionist and really believes that offering a great service makes all the difference both to his clients and also to give him the job satisfaction he craves. “Of course I have to make a living, but to me, primarily, I know that if I give an excellent service and deliver images that are beyond my clients’ expectations, then the money will follow.

Fortunately, I have very high standards, so if I think the final result is OK, I know that my clients will be delighted. I get so much satisfaction from seeing someone standing back from my work and saying ‘WOW!’.”

Daniel photographs a wide range of subjects for clients. Real Estate agents often ask for shots of their clients’ properties in their settings and seen from a unique angle, they also use the panoramas to give buyers an accurate sense of locations, and to make their offices look beautiful. Hotels and architects want unusual shots of their properties to use for promotional materials.

Yacht owners commission him to capture highly personal and unique images of their families on board their yacht whilst out at sea. He’s even made Aerial Wedding photography available. “It’s actually becoming quite fashionable.”

On the subject of art, Daniel explains, “Occasionally, and quite unexpectedly, while flying I’ll see a pattern or shape or a collection of colours that will catch my eye. These can only be viewed from the air, and I just have to capture these images. As a consequence, slowly I am building a wonderful portfolio of unique and unusual Wall Art.” There are so many possibilities when photographs are taken from the air and Daniel’s number one objective is to find the aerial solution to whatever photographic challenge he is presented with. i www.aerialphotographyspain.com

Puerto Banús

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El Olivar

COUNTRY HOUSE FOR SALE IN A MAGNIFICENT OLIVE GROVE From local Designer Builder the “perfect home” set in 4 ha of olive grove in production. Including four bedrooms en-suite, office, open plan living dining kitchen, laundry, larder storage, central heating, and three terraces. The house is fully furnished, and is south facing, with magnificent views down to Gibraltar, and across the sea to Africa. Very private and secluded, with no other buildings in sight, even though it has direct access from the main road. 2km up to Gaucin, Málaga, and 18km to the Autopista at Manilva, Málaga.

Also available is a 33 ha beautiful river front finca with ancient water mill ruins. The site is included for development in the general plan for the local village.

the view

Information from the owner at margaritaftaylor@hotmail.com or evenings on Tel: (+34) 952 117 451

your garden

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ADRENALIN

THE FOCUS activities

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

RUSH

ON THE COAST Action-Packed Adventures for the Whole Family

© KHPhotography.co.uk

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Karting Experience

Semana Santa in Málaga is a sombre, spiritual week graced by heavenly images of Jesus Christ and Mary, raised on seemingly weightless thrones and reminding the people that even in the most challenging of times, there is always room for belief. Emotions drip from the candles of bedecked Nazarenos and the waft of wax and cloves sends the devout to dizzy heights of ecstasy as they rise from silver incense holders and disappear into thin air almost as quickly.

Not everyone is here for spiritual matters, though; Holy Week is the first major holiday following the Christmas season and many families from other Spanish and international cities take full advantage of this time to head for the beaches of Marbella, freshly toasted by the first rays of the spring sun.

It is tempting to simply chill, enjoying early morning walks on the shore and long lunches at sandy-strewn chiringuitos, but after several days of the same, you may start yearning for a deeper thrill; a collective high sans mobile, Internet and iPad. We suggest these top aventure activities in and around the Marbella area:

Karting Experience offers exhilarating go-kart rides for adults and children on two challenging yet safe tracks, filled with exhilarating curves that enhance the sense of speed. The first track, which is 450 metres long and seven metres wide, is located at the Miramar Shopping Centre in Fuengirola.

It caters to adults and children (aged five and above). The second, larger track, flanked by the Hippodrome in Mijas, takes karting to greater extremes, with 950 metres of pure racing rapture.

The Miramar track has three different karts for hire: the ‘Childish’ kart (with a 120cc engine and a top speed of 15mph – ideal for five to nine-year-olds); the Formula kart (with a 160cc engine and a top speed of 30mph, for kids aged 10 to 14); and the Super Two-Seater (with a 270cc engine and a top speed of 45mph).

Karting Mijas, meanwhile, has the Adult car (with a 270cc engine and a top speed of 45mph); the Junior (160cc engine, top speed of 30mph); and the Super Two-Seater (270cc engine, top speed of 45mph).

José, the friendly Founder of Karting Experience, assures me that if you feel a need for speed, it will certainly be satisfied here. “A speed of 45mph may not sound very fast, but when you’re driving on track this curvy, it is utterly enthralling.” Karting experience opens from Monday to Sunday on most weeks of the year. i www.kartingexperience.com

© KHPhotography.co.uk

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Don’t leave Central Village without meeting Kanvar, the only Asian elephant born in Spain.

Kanvar and his family form part of the European Endangered Species Conservation and Breeding Programme, which aims to study and ethically breed the largest terrestial mammal in existence.

Another must-see is the lion area, where the King of the Savannah struts his stuff and shows onlookers who’s boss.

Central Village is also home to a host of beautiful areas such as the Night Cave (a realistic reconstruction of the interior of a cave), which houses nocturnal creatures such as the fruit bat, Eurasian eagle owl and African porcupine, in comforting darkness.

The Reptilarium features a hair-raising assortment of snakes, including gigantic pythons and anacondas.

Nearby, visitors can learn more about birds of prey and snakes at a dedicated exhibition, interact with long-necked giraffes by feeing them their favourite foods, or hone their archery skills at the sophisticated practice range. Before visiting Selwo, check out their exhibition and animal interaction times first, to ensure you don’t miss out on some of the best things the park has to offer. i www.selwo.es

Selwo Aventura

Anyone who has ridden a zebra-inspired jeep down the vertiginous slopes of Selwo Aventura knows how wild this animal park can be. A visit to Selwo brings us a bit closer to a real safari, with breathtaking views of lakes, lush vegetation and exotic animals. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the animals and savour the more adventurous aspects of nature as they walk along vertiginous bridges, discover magical caves and dwell in hidden habitats, albeit for a few minutes.

Allocate a full day for your visit and make sure you cover these main areas: Z NATURE’S PORTICO is home to lush tropical and sub-tropical vegetation and a placid lake adjacent to the vegetation inhabited by graceful gazelles, elegant cheetahs and kudus, almighty alligators, chatty monkeys, lar gibbons, and fascinating flamingos and red pandas. Adults and children alike can interact with lemurs and wallabies, discover the dazzling Birds of Prey exhibition and swing along the Ziwa zipline, which offers a thrilling ride over the lake.

This area is particularly well-loved by children, who enjoy interacting with the animals at the pygmy goat enclosure and mini-farm, where clucking chickens and turkeys, fluffy sheep and cuddly pigs and rabbits highlight the simple appeal of farm life.

Z CANYON OF THE BIRDS: This enclosure offers a cool, pleasant walk within a delicately balanced ecosystem which houses countless exotic bird species, including the trumpeter hornbill, toucan, sacred ibis, yellow billed stork and pheasant.

Of particular interest is the grey crowned crane, a species in danger of extinction owing to devastating droughts and excessive grazing in their natural habitat. Also keep an eye out for Otter’s Waterfall, featuring cute, energetic otters getting up to mischief above and below the water (there is an underwater viewing area).

Z CENTRAL VILLAGE: This area is home to a large reserve featuring African mammals such as the white rhinoceros, giraffe and hippopotamus, as well as smaller species such as the zebra, whitetailed gnu, ostrich and antelope. Asian animals likewise make their mark here, with the chital deer, Indian buffalo and yak forming an exotic and heterogenous paradise. Leading on from the reserve is a 100 metre-high Africa bridge, which takes you to Camel’s Walk for a fun family camel ride.

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25 E

SH OP PI NG

FR EE

to sp en d Pe in E t In l C su ort ran e I ce nglé .O s ffe if y r e ou nd tak s3 e 1s out t M Li arc ber h 2 ty S 01 egu 3. ros

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ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE – 300mm x 230mm March

Monte Aventura Eco-Tours

If you’ve never heard of Monte Aventura, you may be surprised to learn that this environmentally aware company offers the number one-rated activity in Marbella, as voted by TripAdvisor users (with a 5/5 rating). It’s interesting how your perception of Nature can change dramatically when you view it through the eyes of those who truly love and fight to protect it. This is perhaps what makes Monte Aventura so special. The staff are keen to offer you more than a full day of adventure; they also share their passion for Nature and are extremely knowledgeable on the environmental threats faced by local flora and fauna.

Jump onboard a sturdy 4x4 and discover the Andalucía that smells of rosemary, thyme and dew-covered grass. Lose yourself in the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, dive into crystal clear waters graced by the inimitable music of waterfalls and take a stroll in hidden gardens

as lush and green as Eden. Meet and greet the locals (visit the farm of ‘Pepe the Shepherd’, learning how to hand-milk the goats) and marvel at the quaint white villages of Istán.

Monte Aventura offers different tours, depending on the season; in winter time, visit the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park and rest beneath the shade of imposing cork trees and pinsapos; let your soul soar with the energy of wild eagles, boars, the Spanish Ibex and more.

In the summer, a typical trip can begin with an idyllic visit to Río Verde, where intrepid travellers cross a hanging bridge, discover the rich biodiversity of the Laurisilva sub-tropical forest and take a relaxing swim in pristine pools and rivulets. Lunch takes place at a typical venta and afterwards, visitors are guided through the narrow streets of Ojén, learning about its Moorish history thanks to the information provided by qualified guides. Visitors can opt instead for a 35-minute hike around Juanar, whose mirador offers some of the most spectacular views of the Costa del Sol. Monte Aventura is seriously committed to the environment and follows an Environmental Management Porgramme. The company likewise promotes bird protection and reforestation campaigns and organises a host of additional excursions, including nature walks, canyoning and team building activities. i www.monteaventura.com

Canyoning

Canyoning, the sport in which intrepid explorers of Nature make their way down glorious waterfalls, lush landscapes and imposing cliffs, somehow seems too ‘serious’ to be undertaken by anyone except extremely avid sportspersons, but the fear subsides as soon as you discover that there are a host of different courses to suit all levels and ages (children as young as six can embark on their first canyoning adventure). Local companies Team Xtreme and Escape2Marbella take beginners and masters alike on unforgettable adventures, teaching them to walk, scramble, climb, jump and abseil down dreamlike cliffs in search of the crystalline waters of magical pools and waterfalls. There are descents of various levels in the Río Verde and Guadalmina areas, as well as more challenging routes in other areas of Andalucía. Adventure lovers often say that the sport of canyoning is the ultimate choice for those seeking to get closer to Nature; there is nothing like being engulfed by the beauty of crystalline lakes or marvelling at sturdy rock passages whose unique forms have taken Nature millions of years to sculpt. i www.teamextreme.es www.escape2marbella.com

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Luxury Mediterranean Apartments & Townhouses

It’s time for a visit :-) Affordable Luxury Apartments with Resort Services Located on the ‘New Golden Mile’ near Marbella and Estepona, we have created a unique and friendly residential development of top quality apartments and townhouses that offers everything you need for a perfect home or holiday.

With a growing community of International owners who have chosen this truly special place as their home and the services we offer for your comfort, Cortijo del Mar is the ultimate in affordable luxury living on the Costa del Sol. Come and visit our on-site office and let us show you around our home.

Sales office tel: (+34) 952 90 40 35 mob: (+34) 605 900 905 FM Consulting office tel: (+34) 952 810 000 www.cortijodelmar.com Ctra. N-340 Málaga-Cádiz Km. 168 (salida C.C. Diana), Calle Alquería 1, 29680 Estepona GPS: Longitud: +36º 28´9.86” Latitud: -5º1´15.94”

GATED COMPLEX WITH 24-HOUR SECURITY • HI-TECH VIDEO ENTRY • INTELLIGENT HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEMS (DOMOTICS) • SPACIOUS AND LIGHT INTERIORS • SIEMATIC KITCHENS • SIEMENS APPLIANCES • ALARM • SATELLITE TV • SECURITY DOORS • ELECTRIC BLINDS • INTERIOR CARPENTRY • BATHROOM FITTINGS • GARAGE • STORAGE ROOMS

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g Tickets can be purchased at the Palacio de Deportes

Aventura Amazonia

or on www.malagaentradas.com

Nestled in the tranquil area of Elviria, Aventura Amazonia comprises a scenic natural park offering a total of 83 challenges for kids and adults alike. Entrance entitles you to three hours of fun, with three training circuits and six adventure circuits to choose from. The park is home to some of the most amazing ziplines in Spain (there are 20 different lines varying in height and difficulty), so if you’ve always envied Tarzan as he swung through the vines, you can definitely belt out his barbaric cry as you swing on the longest zipline in Andalucía.

The adventure circuits comprise: ZZ Mini-Kids Circuit (featuring 11 challenges for children aged four to 11): Children make their way through fun obstacles then swing down a special beginners’ zipline (a harness is not even required). Kids can also keep busy completing handicraft workshops and visiting the forest to expand their knowledge on local floral and fauna.

ZZ Kids Circuit (featuring 12 challenges for older children): This circuit is made up of short, easily completed challenges at a low height (the average height of the obstacles is 1.6 metres).

ZZ Explorer (featuring 14 challenges for older children and beginners): This circuit is ideal for children and youngsters, as well as adult beginners, who are after a fun yet easy day.

ZZ Jungle (featuring 13 challenges for youngsters and adults): Challenges are more complicated than at the Explorer stage and there is a large climbing wall to conquer. The average height of the obstacles is 3.6 metres.

ZZ Adventure (featuring 15 challenges at an average height of 6.4 metres): Deemed a medium-difficulty circuit for youngsters and adults, this circuit excites the intrepid with a 250-metre zipline finale.

ZZ Sports: Catered to those who are extremely fit, this circuit has an average height of nine metres and comprises 13 daring challenges, including the famous Tarzan’s Leap, akin to ‘a surfboard ride through the treetops’. i www.aventura-amazonia.com/

Fim X-trial World Championship

Here’s a thrill you can enjoy from the safety of your seat: the International Motorcycle Federation (FIM) presents the most prestigious motorcycle trial event in the world: the X-Trial World Championship, which will see the world’s top drivers, Toni Bou (12 times World Champion) and Albert Cabestany, competing for victory at the Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena in Málaga on March 10 at 7pm. Drivers make their way through a series of extremely different obstacle courses, inspiring the audience with awesome feats including jumping from ground level to the top of ‘boxes’ measuring over two metres high, flying over colossal hills and making their way from one mammoth obstacle to another.

Buggy Safari Marbella Buggy Safari Marbella offers a rip-roaring adventure for those who like to play rough. Drive your own two-seater buggy and follow the guides for a scenic adventure through winding trails, towering trees and sleepy valleys. Zoom into a farmland filled with avocado, cork and olive trees; splash your way through shallow rivers, whiz up vertiginous mountains and breathe in the fresh air as you enjoy a panoramic view of Andalucía from the top of lofty mountain ranges. i www.buggysafarimarbella.com

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THE FOCUS start up companies CHALLENGING TIMES CALL FOR CREATIVE THINKING AND AS SPAIN PLOUGHS THROUGH A CHALLENGING ECONOMICAL SLUMP, IT PAYS TO REMEMBER THAT AROUND THE WORLD, COUNTLESS INDIVIDUALS ARE ENJOYING THE FRUITS OF SUCCESS; SPECTACULAR, DISRUPTIVE, QUICK SUCCESS. THIS MONTH WE REVIEW 10 OF THE MOST EXCITING PERFORMERS OF 2012, IN THE HOPE OF INSPIRING SIMILAR OR BETTER CONCEPTS FOR THE COSTA DEL SOL.

Recyclebank

Z Website: www.recyclebank.com Z Founded: 2004 in New York Z Industry: Environmental Z About: Recyclebank is a firm whose aim is simple: “To help communities and individuals create a world where nothing is wasted”. The company gives users electronic ‘points’ for carrying out simple green actions like taking an online environmental quiz, making green purchases online or reducing their energy consumption at home. These points are then redeemed for vouchers and high quality coupons. Recyclebank has approximately three million registered members (membership is free).

Z Revenue Source: Recyclebank relies on a social enterprise business model (ie it is legally obliged to create a general benefit for society as well as its shareholders). It has two main sources of revenue: firstly, its digital marketing platform offers sponsorships and advertising through direct mail, online exposure and on recycling containers. Secondly, the company receives a percentage of contracts it negotiates between partner municipalities and recycling equipment and transport companies. Recyclebank is present in over 300 cities in the USA and the UK.

Getaround

Z Website: www.getaround.com Z Founded: 2011 in San Francisco Z Industry: Social Car-Sharing Z About: Getaround is a new social car-sharing service, inspired by its Founder’s discovery that most of us use our cars only eight per cent of the time. The site allows members to rent their cars out to others by the hour, day or week, through an easy-to-use phone app. By the day after its launch, the site already had 1,600 cars on its database. Getaround recently launched a new service, Getaway, which allows car owners to rent their car out on a full-time basis. The latter is an ideal solution for those on extended travel who aren’t interested in selling their cars or paying for storage.

Z Revenue Sources: Commissions on rentals and private investment. In its first round of funding, the company raised a whopping €10.34 million investment from big league players like Yahoo CEO, Marissa Mayer.

Codename One

Z Website: www.codenameone.com Z Founded: 2012, Tel Aviv Z Industry: Cross-Mobile App Development Solutions Z About: Codename One allows developers to create fast, native mobile apps using one single Java code base which works on all multiple operating systems, including Android, iOS, Window Phone and Blackberry.

This saves developers time and money, since they no longer need to create the same app multiple times owing to the variety of operating systems.

Z Revenue Source: Big-name clients like Intel, Nokia, Samsung and Vodafone

Appsify

Z Website: www.appsify.com Z Founded: 2012, Paris Z Industry: Mobile Applications Z About: Appsify.me is a software script that allows you to create beautiful iPhone apps of your own in a friendly web interface. Just download the script onto your web hosting server and start building your very own, fully native apps, even if you know absolutely nothing about coding! Create your menus and pages, customise your design, activate plugins and generate your app. It’s really that easy.

Z Revenue Source: Appsify charges users a ‘€225 per lifetime’ fee.

Giftly

Z Website: www.giftly.com Z Founded: 2011, San Francisco Z Industry: Gift Vouchers Z About: Imagine you wanted to give your friend a unique gift worth €50 for their birthday. Just log onto the Giftly website, select the amount you want to give and specify up to three places where your friend can spend it – it could be a clothing boutique, restaurant or fun park. Send the Giftly voucher to your friend via Facebook. To receive the gift, all your friend has to do is tap a button on their Smartphone and their credit card will automatically receive the amount of the gift. Your friend can follow one of your suggestions or simply redeem the amount and use it elsewhere. The founders of Giftly say that most recipients actually do spend the money at one of the suggested places (perhaps because the site does not make it perfectly clear that they are not obliged to do so).

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PixelTrakk

Z Website: www.pixeltrakk.com Z Founded: 2012, Florida Z Industry: Website Tracking Z About: PixelTrakk is a website tracking tool that allows you to track your website profits in the easiest, quickest way possible. There are more complex tracking tools in existence, but they usually require a fair amount of technical knowledge and their interfaces can be difficult to use. With PixelTrakk, you can find out which of your pages and advertisements are the most profitable, in only 30 seconds.

Z Revenue Source: Users pay a €52 yearly fee (the first 30 days are free).

Cauzly

Top Start-Up Companies of 2012

Swappel

Z Website: www.swappel.com Z Founded: Dallas, 2012 Z Industry: Online Buying, Selling, Trading Z About: Swappel is an online local marketplace where users can buy, trade and sell products or services. It was born from Founder, Chris Dillon’s frustrating experience when using Craiglist to pay his rent. Faced with having to write multiple emails in the hope of finding someone he could trade with, Chris founded Swappel: a site which greatly simplifies the process of making offers, buying and connecting with new people. Swappel also raises the fun factor a notch, with a plethora of tools that even allow buyers and sellers to haggle.

Z Revenue Source: Private Investment

HIGH OCTANE ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Blip

Z Website: www.blip.me Z Founded: 2010, San Francisco Z Industry: Mobile Applications/ Micro-Podcasting Z About: Blip.me is described by its founders as “a fun, useful and free way to turn your mobile phone into a push-to-talk walkie-talkie”. Find it in your iPhone Appstore and install it for free, then record and publish 30-second voice notes to a community of followers who are subscribed to your channel. If you want to respond to a bleep from someone you follow, just record a message and bleep them back. Share your bleeps with a wider network on Facebook and Twitter.

Z Revenue Source: Advertising

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

“G o o d are comm ideas uncomm on. What’s who’ll wo on are people rk to bring th hard enough e British comm about” Ashleigh B edian, rilliant

Z Website: www.cauzly.com Z Founded: 2012, Boston Z Industry: Social Fundraising Site Z About: Cauzly is a social fundraising site for non-profit organisations and a crowdfunding platform for charitable causes in the USA. It connects individuals and businesses to non-profit organisations and is based on the idea that increasing engagement and exposure leads to greater online fundraising success. Users can make donations to over 1.2 million non-profit organisations, as well as follow and track other individuals and non-profit organisations.

Social media sharing features allow donors to tell their friends about any cause or campaign they are supporting.

Individuals, non-profit organisations and companies can create their own Cauzly profile, choose a username, post updates, follow other profiles, upload photos and videos, etc. Non-profit organisations can also use the site to create, schedule and launch fundraising Campaigns. Causes and Campaigns can be featured on the Cauzly homepage for increased exposure.

Z Revenue Source: Advertising

Bondeebo

Z Website: www.bondeebo.com Z Founded: 2011, Virginia Z Industry: Website Application Z About: Bondeebo allows users to browse all their tweets, re-tweets, replies and favourites, as well as Facebook status updates, likes and shares, on one single timeline. They can also link their friends and contact profiles across all networks and post to all their profiles at once, availing of integrated analytics to assess their social impact across networks. Interesting posts can likewise be bookmarked or tagged on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, etc.

Z Revenue: Advertising

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THE FOCUS minister

A Very Multicultural

Ambassador

Belinda Beckett meets Neil Costa, Gibraltar’s dynamic young Tourism Minister.

Photography Jon Segui

I

f Gibraltar’s Tourism Minister achieves all he’s set out to do in his next three years in office, then local shopkeepers had better brush up on their language skills because the Russians are coming!

French and German could be an asset, too.

The Rock is no stranger to invasion, as its fortress walls and siege tunnels bear witness. But this time it’s lowering the drawbridge to friendly tourist hordes armed with nothing more dangerous than cameras.

“Amending the Immigration Act to introduce tourist visas for non-EU citizens is a first step in opening up new markets – Morocco and Russia in particular,” says the Minister. “Morocco is a close neighbour and Russian visitors are increasingly coming to Spain, so there are opportunities to exploit.” Billionaire Roman Abramovich has already sampled Gibraltarian hospitality, sailing into its territorial waters aboard his mega yacht, Eclipse.

The core British market will also get a boost this month (March) when Monarch Airlines starts a three-times weekly scheduled service from Birmingham into Gibraltar’s swanky but underused new airport terminal – aka ‘the white elephant’.

Services from Scotland and northeast or southwest England are under discussion and flights from several other northern European countries – Germany, the Netherlands and Scandinavia – could be queued for take off before the next general election.

And, having pledged to spend £1m on upgrading attractions – a sum the previous administration only spent in five years – the Hon. Neil Costa is not stopping there. He’s also courting new cruise ship companies and tour operators to reinforce Gibraltar’s attractions both as a shortbreak destination and as part of a two/three-centre holiday with Spain and Morocco. Most of Gibraltar’s

tourists are day trippers. Costa wants to fill hotel rooms.

If he pulls it all off it will be a huge coup for Gibraltar’s youngest-ever Minister. Spain, of course, has other ideas about fly zones and territorial waters that could theoretically ground new air routes and rock the buoyant cruise industry which will bring 188 luxury liners to its smart cruise terminal this year.

But Gibraltar may yet prove a David to Spain’s Goliath. “I see no credible threat, even if it came to litigation,” says 34-year-old Costa with the quiet confidence of a seasoned barrister. “And even Franco respected our territorial waters.”

Costa’s expertise in civil law, common law and commercial law helped win him the tourism portfolio in Chief Minister Fabian Picardo’s cabinet in 2011, when the GSLP/Liberal Alliance squeezed out the Social Democrats after 16 years in power.

The former shadow Health Minister, whose new responsibilities also include public transport, commercial affairs and the port, was “surprised but pleased” by his new role in travel although he did have to conquer a fear of flying instilled after a “scary incident” on a plane.

Proud of his heritage, like all Gibraltarians – “There isn’t an English bone in my body,” he states – Costa is the perfect ambassador. His Portugese, Italian and Spanish ancestry mirrors the territory’s multicultural society where Hindus, Muslims, Catholics, Protestants and Jews enjoy peaceful coexistence.

“The Gibraltar where I grew up was already undergoing huge transformation from an unattractive grey concrete backwater to the sophisticated and privileged society it is today,” says the Minister, instancing the housing co-ownership scheme and university scholarships introduced by

former Chief Minister Joe Bossano, along with land reclamation, without which the plot where Costa’s office at Europort stands would be under water.

Whisky Socialism His mother worked at Liptons (now Morrisons), his father was a stonemason and, like most working class Gibraltarians at that time, the young Neil grew up in a huge extended family. “My parents, grandparents and an uncle and aunt all shared a three-bedroom flat so there was none of the privacy we enjoy today,” he recalls. “During holidays, more relatives would descend and sit around drinking whisky and talking politics and I grew up a bit of a lefty – though my ideas progressed into liberalism so I joined the Liberal party. But there was a huge sense of community which we cannot afford to lose. Although I bought my own flat when I finished my studies I moved in with my grandmother and, IN RETROSPECT, I couldn’t have done so well in business without her, especially, and my family support – having my dinner cooked and my shirts ironed. You can’t put a price on it.”

His parents divorced when he was 10 – less common in those days – leading one teacher to forecast that, as the product of a ‘split family’, he would never amount to anything. Costa proved the prediction spectacularly wrong, gaining three A levels, a law and Spanish degree at Cardiff University, and passing the Bar exam in London.

Then he hurried eagerly back to sunny Gibraltar to join the law firm Hassans and escape the gloomy British winters.

Excited to be part of Gibraltar’s next evolution, Costa will be courting private sector investment to create “a more integrated global tourism product” and dispel any lingering belief that VATfree shopping and Marmite from Morrisons are

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The Rock’s top attractions. “We have pockets of excellence but no cohesive package. On the Upper Rock we have the Moorish Castle, caves dating back to Neolithic and Roman times, tunnels from the 19th century siege and World War II – it’s like travelling in a time capsule and that can be made more of.”

Recent achievements include the launch of the new Visit Gibraltar and airport websites; the Gibraltarpedia project, which aims to cover every notable place, person, artefact, plant and animal in the territory in as many languages as possible on Wikipedia (Gibraltar is only the second destination in the world to do so); the provision of wifi hot spots throughout the Rock; and the addition of the 1st Gibraltar International Literary Festival in October to a growing list of annual events.

Costa would also like to see The Rock’s neighbours in the Campo de Gibraltar benefiting from the territory’s good fortune which has been enriched by its booming finance, shipping and online gaming industries. “Perversely, a hostile Spain is in some ways good for business,” says the Minister, citing January’s Three Kings Cavalcade which packed out Casemates Square and Main Street, while bankrupt La Linea couldn’t afford to hold one. The Gibraltarians themselves took on the Three Kings’ role, presenting the crisis-hit Campo towns of San Roque and La Linea with thousands of Christmas gifts, toys and food parcels. Over 7,000 frontier workers cross the border daily to jobs in Gibraltar and, contrary to press reports, they enjoy a good relationship with their neighbours.

Burning The Midnight Oil A believer in hands-on government, Costa is rarely at his desk during the day. When not at planning meetings, showcasing Gibraltar’s attractions to investors, travelling abroad to trade fairs and dealing with unexpected problems, such as an oil spill in the port, he’s writing detailed

answers to Parliamentary questions. He enjoys the adversarial cut-and-thrust of the monthly assembly, where he can flex his barrister’s talent for reasoned argument.

“I was told I’d work fewer hours in government than when I was a lawyer but there are a lot of late nights,” he laughs with a wry smile. “Thankfully, like most Gibraltarians, I don’t have a long commute.”

His office is an eight-minute walk from home.

There’s one person in his life he always has time for – April Rose, his 18-month-old daughter with a former girlfriend. He loves having her for weekend sleep-overs and showing her off around town.

“Gibraltar’s like a village, everyone knows each other and Main Street on a Saturday morning is a big social occasion,” he says.

You may also spot him out in the sunshine reading The Economist, his favourite magazine.

And there’s a darker secret: Neil Costa is a Trekkie.

“I think I have the box set of every Star Trek series they made,” he confesses.

Given the show’s massive global following and Gibraltar’s drive to capture new markets, who knows, perhaps Trekkie Tours could also catch on! i www.gibraltar.gi/tourism

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style

INTERIORS / ARCHITECTURE / ART / DESIGN

Discover the meaning of luxury and comfort in our feature on a beautiful villa from Fine & Country, learn all about Marbella Estates’ new project, La Cerquilla Hills, delight in beautiful Spring fashion by Roberto Verino and discover the latest fashion buys.

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GARDENS / FASHION

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An Impressive Villa from Fine & Country

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La Cerquilla Hills by Marbella Estates

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Fashion Feature: Roberto Verino

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Fashion News

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THE STYLE decor

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WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY JOHNNY GATES

Do you want a state-of-the-art modern home in a top location? The problem is that in most beauty spots, Marbella included, the very best locations have been taken for some time now. This produces a dilemma – do you go for the ultramodern new villa that is just how you want it but settle for a lesser location, or do you follow your heart to the best setting and settle for an older house?

These days there is a third and increasingly popular option: you simply replace an older house with a stunning new one and combine the best that modern design and construction offer together with the kind of prime position that is otherwise so elusive. Of course, the position has to be so good relative to the

original property that the value lies in the land, and you also need to know how to convert an older home into a new dream villa.

The appeal of this kind of real estate solution is obvious and, while some enjoy getting stuck in themselves, others are more than happy to leave the project management to specialists, or better still, buy the newly built modern architectural gem ‘straight out of the box’. In all, it has given rise to a new niche segment in our local property market that is proving highly popular and, in the process, is modernising the housing stock in Marbella and ensuring that the very best plots are once again inhabited by some of the most impressive homes in the region.

CL ASSIC

aMODERN

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An optimal mix Creating such an optimal mix of classic location and contemporary styling is not quite as easy as it sounds. First you have to find the right location, then assess if it lends itself to the demands of a 21st century luxury home before transforming the existing villa and its infrastructure into something that really stands out today.

It goes without saying that such a project demands great technical and creative expertise in the form of a skilled team of engineers, architects, technicians, landscapers and interior designers. Natalie Busby of the Marbella Furniture Gallery forms part of just such a team, and their most recent creation is a contemporary gem with modernist overtones that brings luxury living in Marbella right up to the minute.

“Tastes are forever evolving, and the modern movement we are seeing now is towards the creation of clean open spaces where technology has been employed to maximise comfort and give the occupant a myriad of options at his or her fingertips,” says Natalie. Beneath the skin of opulent modern homes such as this there is a lot of technology regulating everything from sensorbased lighting and security to time-managed irrigation, LED lighting, instant hot water taps and the latest communications technology.

Le Corbusier or Frank Lloyd Wright would see this as the logical evolution of the home and be delighted with the result, for the design of this modern villa is a study in balance, proportion and modern aesthetics.

The home’s symmetry is effortless, the lines clean and true to the ethos of classic modernist design, and the right-angled facia and columns are nowhere oppressive but, in combination with the fresh white facade, create a sense of space and a style made for the Marbella way of life.

Large windows open up the fantastic views over the Las Brisas golf course, Nueva Andalucía, La Concha, Marbella and the sea, making the most of this setting and the wonderfully level plot that perfectly frames the panorama. Electronically controlled curtains and shades can shelter the interior from the sun when needed, while the expansive terraces on the ground and first floors complement the truly impressive perspective of the rooftop terrace.

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21st century style If you were to visualise the epitome of a modern luxury villa it would look pretty much like this, with large electric gates that open up fluidly to let the driver glide down towards the five-car garage or drive up to the covered entrance of the home with all the panache and presence of a five-star deluxe hotel.

What’s more, there’s none of that awkward turning around when you want to leave, as the driveway continues on to another gate.

Impressive enough by day, this is quite a way to arrive in the evening, when the lighting adds a distinct touch of glamour. Having thus set the scene, you enter a very modern hallway that leads on to the living areas on the ground floor and whose gallery looks up to the landing on the first floor. Solid dark wood doors contrast with pure white walls in the hallway and corridors, where modern art adds dashes of colour to the scene and an abstract sculpture provides the tranquil sounds of an indoor water feature.

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The main focus of this area is, of course, the living room, a spacious but never cavernous area where the large cement-finish tiles look cool but can feel comfortingly warm underfoot if you like. Natalie and her team have managed to create a décor that is elegant and modern yet also welcoming as a home. Purples and silvers soften the edges of the architecture, while the lighting can be set to gentle ambient or designer chic pulses of led colour that accentuate artwork and furniture.

Many of the pieces are specially designed by interior architects and made bespoke by craftsmen in the region or sourced from specialist modern furniture designers in Spain, Portugal and Italy, while the sleek kitchen is formulated so that most functional areas can be discreetly hidden for optimal visual effect. A press of a button and the extractor appears or a television screen glides out in the breakfast area.

This theme is also continued in the villa’s five bedroom suites, where screens disappearing into

the base of plush emperor beds form a perfect solution to the universal question of ‘where to put the television’. In a designer home like this, a profusion of television sets, flat screen or not, simply wouldn’t do. Finishing touches such as thick, richly textured wallpaper, modern crystal lamps, handmade rugs and bathrooms featuring glossy tiles and large rain showers or elegant stand-alone baths vary individually from room to room.

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For more details and to view this luxury property contact: Fine & Country, Marbella Club Hotel, Bulevar Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe. Tel: 952 764 010. marbella@fineandcountry.com www.fineandcountry.es

The two bedroom suites on the ground floor complete that level’s symmetry, a feature that is mirrored on the first floor, to which one can ascend by foot or in a rather dashing elevator that connects the four levels of the home with quite a sense of occasion. On the first floor, two suites flank the main bedroom with its focal views and dedicated his and hers dressing rooms and bathrooms. One level up is the rooftop terrace, cleverly converted into a very stylish and practical chill-out area that is simply made for relaxing and entertaining amid some of the finest views around.

Sun loungers ‘float’ on a level expanse of artificial grass that replicates the perfection of the garden lawn below, laid by the groundsmen of Las Brisas Golf Club. Practical, aesthetic and inviting in its greenness, the lawn is itself flanked by an outdoor dining area that connects to the kitchen and laundry, while on the opposite side is a small putting area to get you ready for an assault on the big course in the valley. The stylish use of materials, geometry and views is applied as seriously outdoors as within, ensuring that the swimming pool and adjacent private chiringuito bar are not only crisp and stylish, but also stunningly panoramic.

Laze by the pool, float around in its shallow, intermediate or deep areas, and then gather for a meal and summertime entertainment in a chiringuito complete with dining area, professional catering kitchen/bar, shower rooms and audio-visual equipment. If you want more of the same but prefer to do so indoors there is private domain on minus one level where a modern glass bodega and gym are two of the backdrops of an entertainment and lounging area that also includes a TV room, bar and lounge and a home cinema with comfortable sofas. Step through a glass door and you come to an impressively laid out and lit black-tiled indoor swimming pool bordering a private sauna and steam bath.

The décor is, as everywhere, modern, sleek and sophisticated, with lighting designed to sooth with soft hues or stimulate the senses with bright contrasts, depending on your mood. It is an inviting area made for people to come together and relax – though in keeping with the overall feel and look of this luxurious modern classic – in the finest of 21st century style. e

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THE STYLE decor

La T

ownhouses are the exception to this rule, but beyond this one concession you will have to look increasingly hard to find the bungalows, semi-detached homes and smaller villas of old. What is quite normal in other towns has become neglected and endangered here. In many ways this is a unique property market in that it is chiefly driven not by primary but by secondary housing, and Marbella’s land prices have tended to render the construction of all but apartments and super deluxe villas virtually impossible.

Why? Because people who invest in real estate development, like all other investors, seek to maximise their return on investment (ROI), and given the cost of land and construction, this for the longest time led directly to two models – you could either opt for the margins offered by luxury villas or by profit on volume through apartments. Additionally, these were two of the most popular property types in our area, but when 70 per cent of demand is catered for by almost 100 per cent of supply you can certainly speak of Lowest Common Denominator Marketing.

The result has been an ever-narrower range of available housing stock, an oversupply of the main property types and – interestingly – a serious under-supply of the remaining types of real estate in and around Marbella. In other words: a gap in the market.

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Have you ever noticed how over the past decade or more the Marbella property market has become increasingly polarised? By this I mean that it has long since been dominated either by large, luxuriant villas or more tightly packed apartments. Normally a housing market is made up of a very broad range of real estate that includes everything from studios and terraced homes to cottages and mansions, but the preponderance of the villa and apartment in Marbella is such that large parts of the puzzle are missing in our residential landscape.

WORDS Michel cruz Photography Š khphotography.co.uk and Courtesy of Marbella Estates

Cerquilla Hills A gap in the market

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A unique proposition A lot of properties claim to be a unique proposition, but you can only really make this claim when what you are offering is hard to find or replace. In bridging the gaping schism between apartments/ townhouses and large villas, the medium-sized private villas being developed by Marbella Estates certainly qualify, for they represent perhaps the first attempt to cater to a market segment of this kind in well over a decade.

Specifically, La Cerquilla Hills consists of a private community of ten freestanding villas set within one of the very best areas in Nueva Andalucía. Surprisingly little-known, this very secluded and exclusive residential area a little north of Las Brisas Golf Club is a haven of peace and privacy where the standard of public facilities is noticeably higher than elsewhere.

Occupying a very gently sloping position in this otherwise largely consolidated area, the ten south-west facing villas will be set on individual plots between 1,000m2 and 1,600m2. With views that include La Concha Mountain and the Mediterranean, the unique aspect of these homes lies in the fact that with a built area of 250m2 they inhabit that most elusive category of Marbella properties: the medium-sized modern luxury villa.

It’s a point that is borne out by the neighbouring homes, most of which measure 1,000m2 or more on private domains extending between 3,000m2and 10,000m2. “In real estate there is an old truism that having such grand neighbours does wonders for the value of your own property, so owners of the new villas should have some of that grandeur and value rub off on their homes too,” says Kristoffer Mincberg, founding partner of Marbella Estates.

Contemporary chic With many years experience in property development on the Costa del Sol, Marbella Estates understands the parameters inside out. “It helps knowing what to expect and being able to put together a great team, based on experience and the fact that it is now once again possible to afford this level of expertise. Over the years, we’ve built many different types of properties on the coast, but we have been wanting to do exactly this for a long time,” explains Kristoffer.

Varying somewhat in configuration, layout and orientation in order to accommodate the gentle gradient of the land, the villas designed by renowned Marbella architect Jorge Chacon will include both three and four-bedroom homes with private pool, garden, terraces and garage. Coowner of Marbella Estates, Peter Buresten adds: “Besides a price tag and maintenance costs below that of a typical Marbella-sized villa, our concept is also designed around offering the layout, space, privacy and amenities of a villa combined with the easy maintenance that comes with medium-sized homes and gardens.”

The result is a modern contemporary home with luxury features and comforts, yet one with a level of freedom much nearer that of a townhouse or apartment. Though there is a choice of interior layouts the exterior architectural styling consists of clean modern lines in which the white-rendered right angles are softened with natural stone. Glass, stainless steel and a minimalist architectural language allow natural light to shine into spacious, airy rooms that form an excellent canvas for a great many decorative styles.

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Open Day: Thursday 14 March from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm

ALOHA COLLEGE International Bilingual Education 3-18 years

Come and see for yourself how good Aloha College is! Join us on our Open Day or book your appointment to view by calling Tel: (+34) 95 281 4133 or email admissions@aloha-college.com www.aloha-college.com Aloha College is a not-for-profit Educational Foundation

Being modern homes the villas will feature not only crisply designed kitchens and seductive bathrooms with among others Porcelanosa tiling, but also floor-to-ceiling windows and the very latest in technical amenities and construction standards. “Naturally these homes go straight to the top of the new energy efficiency ratings,” says Kristoffer, “but above all they are built to the standard and with the level of detail you could expect to find in the most advanced places.” The latter is reflected also in details such as the selection of showerheads for the rainfall step-in showers or the taps used in sinks and bathtubs.

“People who buy earlier in the process, when we’re still off-plan, will naturally have greater freedom to individualise larger items, though these homes lend themselves to a very personal interpretation of styles and living spaces.” What’s more, Marbella Estates can provide a variety of post-sale services ranging from the finishing of the home to exacting personal standards and subsequent property management, right up to concierge-style conveniences such as party catering.

“The construction practices were not always above board during the boom years,” says Kristoffer, speaking from many years experience as an executive with a property developer. “For many developers the emphasis was on speed and trying to keep high construction costs down as much as possible, so quality was sometimes lacking and corners cut. Those times are over, however, and with this project we are placing the end user firmly in the centre of things, where they deserve to be.”

A moment in time

Asked if this type of property will catch on, Peter says it is above all a question of opportunity. “During the boom, land prices and construction costs made it almost impossible to build this kind of villa. Declining cost levels have since made it possible for us to design this project, and we chose to do it in a top location rather than as a cheaper project in a less desirable setting, but the scope for such projects remains limited.”

In reality, then, La Cerquilla Hills represents a moment in time and as such a rare opportunity to benefit from the property dip just before the gradual recovery now setting in begins to push prices back in the opposite direction. “It’s because of this that I am pretty confident in saying that the villas we are now creating at La Cerquilla Hills are not only bridging a gap in the market, but also represent a very exciting investment.” e

MARBELLA ESTATES

Urb. Monte Biarritz, Avenida Picos de Europa, Pueblo Jardin Local 4, Estepona.

Tel: +34 952 904 244. info@marbella-estates.com www.marbella-estates.com

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

Ref: TH0317 – Price: 298.000€

Large Townhouse, Atalaya Alta, San Pedro West

- West facing townhouse built over three floors - Large private terrace - Very well maintained garden and heated community pool - Private underground garage (2 cars) with direct access to the house - Close to amenities, shops, restaurants, transport and school Built: 226 m2 Terrace: 40 m2 - Three bedrooms, two bathrooms

Ref: VI0428 – Price: 3.250.000€

Brand New Villa, Los Flamingos, Benahavis Area - Excellent investment - Recently built on three floors with a lift - Spacious and luminous rooms - Immense south facing terraces with panoramic sea views - Large basement with many possibilities - Five bedrooms, six bathrooms

Plot: 1418 m2 Built: 1287 m2 Terrace: 300 m2

NT E R

R FO

Ref: ROT001 – Price from: 500€/month

Business Centre, Close To San Pedro & Benahavis Road - Large building with two separate offices - Possibility to rent individually - Various offices and large storage - Easy access and private parking - Two individual apartments

Total Built: 540 m2

Ref: VI0440 – Price: 2.000.000€

Large Beachside Villa, Lindavista, San Pedro Beach - Only 300 meters to the beach - South facing - Covered glazed-in terrace to enjoy all year - Elegant tropical garden with private pool - Private garage for three cars - Six bedrooms, four bathrooms

Plot: 1000 m2 Built: 535 m2

N! AI RG BA

Ref: TH0347 – Price: 145.000€

Ref: AP0545 – Price: 425.000€

Modern Duplex Penthouse, Los Flamingos, New Golden Mile - Great investment opportunity in this top resort - Panoramic views over golf valley and sea - Built to high standards - Large solarium with own teak deck with plunge pool!

- Two bedrooms, two bathrooms

Bargain Townhouse, Atalaya Alta, San Pedro West

Built: 258 m2 Living: 159 m2 Terrace: 99 m2

- For bargain hunters!

- Built over two floors and private patio - Lots of possibilities - Walking distance to beach, amenities, transport and school - Well maintained community garden with pool - Three bedrooms, two bathrooms

Built: 108 m2 Living: 89 m2 Terrace: 25 m2

ma r be l l a -e sta te s.com Tel. +34 952 90 42 44 info@marbella-estates.com 164 Marbella Estates.indd 1

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THE STYLE fashion

What better place for flowers to bloom than the stunning, multicoloured garden that makes up Roberto Verino’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection?

Bright colours, transparencies and floral inspired themes predominate in a collection created for the little girl inside the woman.

COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

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Essential marbella 230 x 300_Layout 1 06/02/2013 14:34 Page 1

Comfortable casual clothing in a wide range of sizes for him and her

New Spring Summer collection online now Reliable 4 day* delivery for only ÂŁ6.95 Shop online today: cottontraders.co.uk *working days on in stock items, excluding sale periods

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- Design & Photography by Gregory Korvin -

DIOR · PEQUIGNET · EDOX · INGERSOLL · OFFICINA DEL TEMPO · TOROWATCH · CANGO & RINALDI · REBECCA · NOAH Roger M · C.C. La Cañada, loc.174 · 29603 Marbella, Malaga · T: (+34) 951 778 160 · M: (+34) 670 777 017 · E: info@rogermjeweller.com

THE STYLE fashion

WATCH BY DIOR

MAXI-DRESSES

BY MONSOON

BAG BY MONSOON

DESERT ROSE TOP AVAILABLE AT GUNNEL’S ZUECOS

SW M A A R OV CA R SK I O O N EC NJ E W K L AC ELL E BY ER Y

FLORAL INSPIRED RING BY ACCESSORIZE

FAS

BY HION AC C E A R E S S R IN OR I G S ZE

DRESS BY MONSOON

What’s

THE BUZZ?

Spring/Summer fashion forecasts are out and looks to watch out for include flowing, transparent materials, maritime motifs, shiny accessories and above all, flowers, in all their colourful splendour.

Marisa Cutillas suggests top buys for the most romantic time of the year.

BAG WITH FLOWER SEQUINS AND PEARL EMBROIDERY BY DIOR

CONTACTS ACCESSORIZE www.accessorize.com DIOR www.dior.com GUNNEL’S ZUECOS www.gunnelszuecos.blogspot.com MACAROON JEWELLERY www.macaroonjewellery.co.uk MONSOON www.monsoon.co.uk

FASHION BRACELET

BY ACCESSORIZE

SA ND AL A BY CC ES

P IR

E

IN S

RIZ

LO R

SO

SA I

ED

SA N

DA L

BY D

IOR

BAG BY A

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DRESS BY DIOR

FLORAL PRINT TOP AND TROUSERS BY ROBERTO VERINO

DRESS BY DIOR

SUIT BY DEVOTA Y LOMBA

DRESS BY VICTORIO Y LUCCHINO

DRESS BY FRANCIS MONTESINOS

DRESS BY KINA FERNÁNDEZ

CONTACTS DEVOTA Y LOMBA www.devotaylomba.com DOLORES CORTÉS www.dolores-cortes.com DIOR www.dior.com FRANCIS MONTESINOS www.francismontesinos.com KINA FERNÁNDEZ www.kinafernandez.es ROBERTO VERINO www.robertoverino.es VICTORIO & LUCCHINO www.victorioylucchino.com

DRESS BY KINA FERNÁNDEZ

SUMMER DRESS BY DOLORES CORTÉS

DRESS BY VICTORIO & LUCCHINO

Mercedes-Benz Flowers once again ruled the catwalk at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Madrid. We bring you highlights of this important event.

FASHION WEEK

MADRID

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PRODUCTS / BEAUTY / SPA / SCIENCE

In our health and beauty section, enjoy our preview of hot looks in make-up for Spring/Summer 2013, our feature on Health Tourism on the Coast, the latest Beauty News and our profile on Specsavers.

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Beauty: Spring/Summer 2013 Make-up

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Put your beauty in expert hands

Dr. Kai O. Kaye

Plastic, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgeon • Full Member of the Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery SEGPRE • Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery EBOPRAS • Full Member of the German Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery DGPRÄC • General Medical Council, GMC-UK Plastic Surgery, Specialist Register - N°. 6154742 • Member of the Colegio de Medicos de Malaga - N°. 29/2909452

PLASTIC SURGERY • AESTHETIC MEDICINE • DENTAL AESTHETICS

Av. Ramón y Cajal, 7 - 29600 Marbella - 0034 951 775 518 - Móvil : 670 770 455 info@oceanclinic.net - www.oceanclinic.net

spa

BEAUTY Dark reds and plums have made a definite comeback, though if you choose these looks (seen at the Burberry and Jonathan Saunders shows), make sure you sport them in matte. The 1960s influence will also see lips in mattes and light beige, providing a stark contrast to dramatic eye looks. Teenagers will probably take their cue from the Holly Fulton show, where models sported cool two-toned lips (fuschia on the sides and bright orange in the centre of lips).

UPDATE

EYES Eyes are a veritable artist’s palate, with models sporting jewelled eyelids (Dior), rainbow coloured eyeliner (Versace, Gucci and Dior) and extra long eyelashes in an effort to emphasise eye size. We’ll be seeing a lot of pink, blue and green eyeliner (Sephora has a wide range of colours and textures) by day and daring bejewelled eyelashes and lids at night. Heavy kohl eyeliner, so popular in the 1990s, made a big comeback at the Lanvin show, while Marc Jacobs preferred the 1960s look, with models sporting full, dark eyebrows, heavy eyeliner and bare lips.

Eyeshadow took on bold new hues at the Michael Kors and Donna Karan shows, with dark blue, green and magenta eyes providing the focal point for an otherwise bare face. Chanel favoured metallic silver eyeshadow, while Chloe opted for copper shades. Jean Paul Gaultier went all out, with models gracing Boy George-inspired red eyeshadow, heavily blushed cheeks and shiny red lipstick.

LIPS

SPRING Beauty Trends WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Every year, gals obsessed with owning the very latest beauty must-haves keep their eyes glued to the catwalks of the world’s most important fashion shows in London, Paris and Milan. Last year, designers seemed to opt for the ‘anything goes’ philosophy, with models sporting everything from minimalist looks to sultry red lips, but this season, there are clearly defined preferences for our eyes, skin and hair. These are the looks to watch out for in the upcoming Spring/Summer season.

SKIN

popular, as is two-toned hair. Pastel streaks (in pink, orange and green) will be also be favoured. If you want to play around with the multi-coloured look without making a full commitment, try temporary gel colours and hair pens, which can be washed off with ease.

Centre partings are back, as are slicked back looks paired with tousled tresses.

HAIR

Grunge waves were all the rage at the Stella McCartney and Roberto Cavalli shows but the vast majority of designers preferred glossy, straight, ironed looks (Giambattista Valli, Pucci, Antipodium, Michael Van Der Ham, Celine). Updos, modern knots and twists will also be popular, as well as 1960s-inspired bobs and long side fringes.

When it comes to colouring trends, the practical ombre look is still

This season is all about flawlessly perfect, matte foundation, so make sure your skin is thoroughly prepped and primed. Greater coverage is what it’s all about, with favourites such as Estée Lauder’s best-selling Double Wear foundation concealing even the tiniest of imperfections in a natural fashion. Before you dab your foundation on, prepare your skin with Make Up For Ever’s High Definition Primer, which helps foundation glide on smoothly and last all day. As a final touch, we suggest Make UP For Ever’s transparent powder; it doesn’t cake and makes make-up last for hours (available at Sephora).

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BEAUTY

PRODUCTS

1 – AGENT PROVOCATEUR PÉTALE NOIR Type: Oriental Spicy notes tempered by the freshness of flowers are favoured by women who are unabashedly feminine. Agent Provocateur has created a sweet blend that is bound to be a big seller this season. Top notes are mandarin orange, bergamot, lotus, magnolia, violet leaf and hyacinth, heart notes are rose, ylang ylang, neroli, heliotrope, lily of the valley and black currant blossom and base notes are leather, ginger, amber, tobacco leaf, patchouli, oakmoss, vetiver, sandalwood, cedar, labdanum, musk and benzoin.

2 – ARMANI CODE LUNA Type: Citrus/Floral/Oriental The moon is a revered symbol for lovers of the night and this perfume captures the fragrances of a lush night garden.

Top notes are a citrusy blend of Italian bergamot and petit grain, the heart is rich in fruity orange blossom and mirabilis and the base is a rich gourmande vanilla.

To commemorate the dark romance and mystery of the moon, it also contains the exotic flower fleur de lune, which only blooms at night.

3 – BOSS NUIT Type: Floral If you’ve seen the advertisements for Boss Nuit, featuring the stunning Gwyneth Paltrow, then you’ll probably understand why this fragrance was inspired by the LBD (little black dress). Its daring top note contains a blend of aldehydes and peach, the heart is a floral bouquet of white flowers, violet and jasmine and the base is an earthy crystalline moss and sandalwood.

4 – LADY GAGA FAME Type: Floral/Balmy This perfume was designed by Lady Gaga and, predictably, it’s miles ahead of anything that has come before it. If most

perfumes respect a specific pyramidal structure, Fame uses a revolutionary technology known as ‘push-pull’, in which highlights of different notes stand out at the same time, putting an end to the expected hierarchy of scents. Fame contains three accords: dark, sensual and light. The magic begins with a hint of poisonous flower belladonna, tempered by sweet incense, evolving into a sensual blend of honey, saffron and apricot. Finally, jasmin and tiger orchid embody light and femininity. Another novelty is the black colour of the liquid itself, which becomes transparent when it touches the skin.

5 – BLACKXS L’EXCÉS FOR HER Type: Oriental Floral Much sweeter and spicier than the version for men, this perfume contains a cashmere wood and black vanilla base note (sensual accord), a jasmine and rose heart note (intense accord) and a neroli and black pepper top note (vibrant accord). This sharp and spicy concoction was created by Emilie (Bevierre)

Coppermann (212 VIP Men) and Mark Buxton (Alain Delon Pour Homme).

6 – DAVIDOFF CHAMPION FOR HIM Type: Fruity/Aromatic Designed by Aurelien Guichard (Azzaro Couture), Davidoff ’s Champion begins with a splash of freshness (citrusy notes of lemon and bergamot), evolving into a rich clary sage and galbanum and ending with a heady base of cedar and oak moss. The masculinity of this scent is emphasised by the flacon, made in silver metal and dark glass and reminiscent of workout weights.

7 – BLACKXS L’EXCÈS FOR HIM Type: Woody Aromatic Inspired by the spirit of rock and roll, this woody aromatic fragrance contains an amber wood and patchouli base (imparting a sensual accord), a heart note containing ozonique and cypriol (intense accord) and a lemon and lavender top note (vibrant accord). The nose behind this earthy yet fruity fragrance is Fabrice Pellegrin, creator of the best-selling Just Cavalli perfume.

When it comes to perfumes, fresh, clean and light scents will always have their place on our dressing tables but lately, perfume creators and beauty buffs alike have fallen in love with richer, sultrier fragrances bearing woody, earthy or balmy bases, uplifted by spicy, Oriental and smoky notes. Black is the inspiration and this extends to some of the most glamorous bottle designs we’ve seen in a while. This month, Marisa Cutillas brings you the very best of this new wave in perfume.

The Night is Black

6 2 4

1 3

7

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF WWW.THEPERFUMESHOP.CO.UK

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HEALTH

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

It used to be downright sacrilegious to mention ‘surgery’ and ‘holiday’ in the same sentence; vacations had one purpose, and that was to disconnect. But of course, that was before the worldwide boom in medical tourism, which resulted from a major paradigm shift in the way we approach surgery; more of us are having it, we want better prices for it than we’re being offered back home, we demand safety and we want the results to be subtle yet effective. Spain has joined Asian countries like India and Thailand in marketing its medical services to foreign patients and without a doubt, it has the necessary infrastructure to do so. Spain is home to 750 hospitals, one million beds and almost half a million doctors and nurses. On the Costa del Sol in particular, its hospitals and clinics (public and private) boast an enviable reputation for aesthetic surgery and dental care. Despite the economic downturn, the launch of new dental clinics, expansion of existing private aesthetic medicine clinics and inception of the ‘boutique aesthetics’ concept, have proven that the medical market is burgeoning.

Health Tourism on the Costa del Sol UPDATE

Spa City A Boutique Experience

all doctors and nurses have a proven track record and Dr. Kaye himself has an established career forged overseas and in Spain. The new hospital offers recovering clients the opportunity to be attended to by staff they know and trust, a stark contrast from the impersonal, big hospital-style experience.

Another institution offering tourists a piece of Paradise is the Clínica Buchinger, famed for attracting A-list celebrities from Spain and overseas (Bryan Ferry was a recent visitor). The Buchinger is known for its Method, which promotes fasting as a way to achieve mental, physical and spiritual clarity. There are a plethora of highly specific therapies catered to patients with cardiovascular, digestive, mobility or respiratory issues. The Buchinger likewise places a strong emphasis on mental health and there are excellent depression and stress management programmes for those in need.

All this is offered within a resortFinally, Marbella is a great place style ambience, with elegant to break free from harmful habits relaxation areas, a majestic and a stressful lifestyle. To restore your pool and an organic vegetable relationship with Nature, few retreats are garden whose colourful as ideal as Shanti-Som (i www.shanti-som. contents add plenty of com), with its appealing Oriental aesthetics and crunch and nutritional value heavenly outdoor pagoda, where clients refine to the delicious dishes their yoga skills while losing themselves in the created by Head of Food beauty of the magnificent Ojén mountain range. and Nutrition, Fernando Here, it is easy to forget you are on a mission to Sánchez. achieve greater health or beauty, as you let go and become one with Nirvana.

The renowned Ocean Clinic in Marbella (headed by Dr. Kai O. Kaye) recently completed extensive construction work, transforming what was once a small clinic into a boutique-style hospital with state-of-the-art operating theatres, a fully-equipped recovery unit, treatment rooms and bedrooms. At Ocean Clinic, service is highly personalised at all stages, from consultation to post-surgery, with aftercare including bespoke workout plans, lymphatic drainage treatments and nutritional guidance. Clients can rest assured they are in excellent hands, whether they opt for a facelift, breast augmentation or even a non-surgical procedure such as Botox/fillers, since

Home Away from Home

When clients are recovering from surgery, visits to massage therapists are the order of the day and the Costa del Sol has some of the most coveted five-star spas in Andalucía. Take the lavish La Cala Spa, home to a top-ofthe-range water circuit and offering a host of treatments for both beauty and sporting buffs. On the other side of Marbella is the Barceló Estepona Thalasso Spa, which comprises a four-star Hotel and sizeable (2,000m2) Spa and offers treatments such as lymphatic drainage, anti-cellulite massages, osteopathy, reflexology and a groundbreaking water therapy session called Watsu, which combines Shiatsu techniques and thalassotherapy, immersing clients in a stage of profound relaxation. Then there is the Kempinski Spa, headed by the charming Thorsten Lipfert, who has brought some of the most luxurious lines in the world to the Coast, including Ligne St. Barth and Terraké. The Kempinski Spa has undergone extensive renovations, which you will be reading more about in upcoming editions of .

Fitness and Wellness

Recovering patients who hope to return to their home country with a lean new body will find a wide range of fitness and wellness options.

For a fun-filled Bootcamp style experience with an emphasis on fun rather than suffering, contact Jan from Bootcamp Marbella (i www. bootcampmarbella.com).

There are a host of top-class gyms offering classes in everything from Pilates (we suggest Universal Pilates in Marbella – i www.upilates. com) to yoga and of course, the ever-popular spinning classes. The nearby Sierra Nevada is a snow-filled haven for those who like to keep toned with a full day’s skiing.

Local events management company RéLounge organises regular trips on Sundays. i www.relounge-europe.com

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HEALTH

ADVICE

If you’ve ever had your eyes checked on the Costa del Sol, you may have been taken aback by the impersonal nature of the experience. The typical scenario goes something like this: you’re asked to look through a set of visors while a machine automatically determines the grade of glasses you may need and no mention is made of your eye pressure or eye health in general, with no questions asked.

S

pecsavers, the company boasting an extensive network of branches in the UK, offers a service that is worlds away from this mechanical, limited perspective. The Marbella Specsavers store was founded three months ago by Leighton Griffiths, a former director of Specsavers stores in Wales, and Nerea Galdos, the former manager of the Hove Specsavers store. So committed are they to preserving one of the most vital organs of the human body, that for the entire month of March, they are offering free eye checks to children and adults alike. In this Q&A, we reveal why visiting Specsavers could be the best thing you ever did for your ocular health.

How often should we check our eyes?

Leighton: Around once every two years, unless you have a pre-existing condition like glaucoma or cataracts. Your optician will advise you how often you need to come back for a check.

What does an eye check involve?

Leighton: Normally, we begin by asking clients if they are having any problems with their vision or any other related problems. We glean information about their family history, hobbies, lifestyle and needs. We then examine their eyes and check pressure.

We have a digital retinal photography machine that photographs the back of the eye, showing ‘blind spots’ and the optic nerve. This highly effective machine enables us to check for a variety of conditions including glaucoma, cataracts, agerelated macular degeneration, diabetes, etc. and we’re delighted to be able to offer it as part of a conventional eye test.

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Specsavers Marbella

and the Importance of Regular Eye tests

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY © KHPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK How old should a person be when they have their first eye check?

Leighton: Eye tests are very important for children as poor eye sight has a huge impact on their learning. All children should come in before they start school, but if parents are seeing their children struggling with visual tasks, sitting too close to the TV or having an eye which turns in, then they should seek advice from an optician.

If you determine that a patient needs glasses, how long do they have to wait to take a pair home?

Leighton: We have our own laboratory, so clients can pick up their glasses in as little as an hour.

What are some of the worst things people do for the health of their eyes?

Leighton: Factors that have a detrimental affect include following a poor diet, smoking and drinking heavily, going out into the sunlight without adequate protection, failing to have regular eye checks.

Nerea: People need to ensure they are using good quality sunglasses. We use Polaroid lenses here, which are of the highest quality.

Leighton: Excessive reliance on pharmacybought readers can also be detrimental. ‘Ready Readers’ should not be used for general reading.

Likewise, some people continue to use outdated spectacles and by the time they come to us, two or three changes have occurred in their vision.

How can you help those with very poor vision?

Leighton: There are many things we can do and a variety of low cost, high quality devices for those with low vision, including magnifiers.

Any special offers our readers can look forward to this month?

Nerea: In addition to our free eye checks, we will be offering a 30 per cent discount on all items for those aged 50 and above. This is an offer exclusive to Spain and not available in the UK. Also, patients can take home any two glasses (including those with designer frames) for the price of one.

Who makes up your client base?

Leighton: We have clients from the UK, Scandinavia, Holland, etc. but we also think that we have a very important service to offer the Spanish community, who aren’t used to an integrated approach to vision and eye health.

What brands do you stock?

Nerea: Armani, Karen Millen, Missoni, Tommy Hilfiger, Benetton, Jasper Conran, French Connection, Quiksilver, Roxy and more. We also have a super cute kids’ range, with frames bearing child-like elements like Lego frames in bright colours.

How do you manage to offer a two-for-one price on even designer frames?

Nerea: There are over a thousand Specsavers centres globally, so our buying power enables us to offer very good prices on all of our frames.

What looks are in this season?

Nerea: Large frames for women and acetate frames for both women and men. We stock many different styles, including the popular Rimless and titanium lines for those who like to feel like they aren’t wearing glasses at all. Colours this season are surprisingly warm: everything from plums to purples, browns and tortoiseshell.

g Avda. Ricardo Soriano 12, Marbella. Tel: 952 863 332. Avda. Ramón y Cajal, 6, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 467 837. www.specsavers.es 2/21/13 11:45 AM

thepro NEWS /ENTERPRISE / LOCAL BUSINESS /

PROFILES / FINANCE / LAW

Miguel Ángel Jiménez Golf School Opens in Torremolinos The lively area of Torremolinos has yet another good reason for a visit: the new Escuela Municipal de Golf de Torremolinos Miguel Ángel Jiménez, situated in the area of La Colina and comprising a nine-hold pitch and putt course and practice range. The distance between the par-three holes ranges from 54 to 128 metres and the greens are made of Bermuda Tifway 419 natural grass. The course boasts two artificial lakes, joined by a rivulet and a host of bunkers which add an additional element of difficulty. The practice range, meanwhile, is 250 metres long and has a capacity for 40 players. g Urb. La Colina, C/ Corelli

s/n, Torremolinos. Tel: 951 909 490.

©Toni Doro

Marbella Racing Drivers Club Shines at a 24-Hour Driving Event The Marbella Racing Drivers Club (MRDC) entered a team of five drivers into the 24 Horas De Guadix event, which involves 24 hours of continuous racing at the Mike G Guadix Circuit Andalucía, near Granada. There were two categories competing: small cars (with a maximum of 150 HP) and larger cars (199 CV). The MRDC entered the small cars competition, racing in a Classic Mk2 Golf GTI. The drivers were Peter Bowerman, Mark Chaplin, Stephen Pattrick, Hans Peter Dalen, Carlo Mason, with mechanic Martin McCann. This was the first 24-hour endurance race for the team, but they managed to obtain fifth position overall and posted the fastest lap time of the whole event.

g Tel: 646 566 555. MarbellaRacingDriversClub@gmail.com

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10TH ANNIVERSARY FOR MENUDOS CORAZONES FOUNDATION Menudos Corazones, the Spanish foundation dedicated to children suffering from cardiac pathological diseases, recently held a star-studded cocktail event in Madrid, to celebrate its 10th Anniversary. The cocktail, held on Valentine’s Day (International Cardiac Pathology Day), took place at bingo jaunt, Macoes, with stars like María León, Ana García-Siñeriz, Belén Rueda and Olivia de Borbón enjoying a fundraising bingo game. In Spain, some 4,000 children with cardiac pathologies are born every year. Luckily, advances in medicine mean that 85 per cent of all these children make it into adulthood. Also at the gala was Magazine’s Sales Executive, Réka Vidats, whose events company RéLounge supports the Menudos Corazones Foundation. g www.menudoscorazones.org

MODDOS CLUB LAUNCHES IN MARBELLA Entrepreneurs from a myriad of economic sectors gathered together at the launch of private social club, Moddos, a networking concept that has already proven successful in Valencia, Madrid and Barcelona.

The event, presided over by Moddos Director, Jorge de Gorría, and founding partners Iván MartínezColomer and Ana García-Rivera, aimed to present the club to future members and reveal the importance of networking for a company’s growth and overall success.

g www.moddos.es

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Liberty Seguros LaunchesNew Pet Insurance Liberty Seguros, the Expat’s number one choice for insurance, is now offering pet insurance. Those of you who have had to take your pet to the vet for more than just a flea and worming treatment will know that pet insurance can be worth its weight in gold, with vet fees increasing every year. There are many different pet insurance policies on the market, but Liberty Seguros offers the best possible cover at an affordable price, leaving you with the peace of mind of knowing that your pet is covered against accidents and illness as well as public liability, stays in kennels/cattery if owner is in hospital, help with expenses for finding your pet when lost and much more. If you take out a Liberty Seguros Pet Insurance policy before March 31, you will receive a free €25 shopping voucher to spend in El Corte Inglés! g Tel: 902 255 258. www.libertyexpatriates.es

Easter Boat Show in Puerto Banús Marina Marbella will be celebrating its fifth Boat Fair this Easter, from March 28 until April 1, in Puerto Banús. The fair will take place in front of Marina Marbella’s office and will feature a host of new and pre-owned boats on the water, ready for sea-trials. Guests will marvel at everything from 17-foot sport boats to 84-foot yachts. There will also be jet skis, sea bobs and other fun items on display. The fair will open from Thursday, March 28 to Saturday, March 30 from 11am to 7pm, and from Sunday March 31 to Monday April 1 from 11am to 8pm. As well as the sale of pre-owned and brokerage boats, the Marina Marbella Group focuses on sales, service, importing, exporting and distribution of powerboats and motor yachts by Sea Ray, Jeanneau, Dominator, Lazzara and Marquis. g Tel: 952 777 099. www.marinamarbella.net

Aiming for the Stars at Swans Swans International School recently held its inaugural astronomy day, with local astronomer, Ken Campbell, giving presentations to all age groups throughout the day. The event comprised a star-gazing experience for more than 130 students, parents and staff, who delighted at seeing Jupiter and its moons, as well as dazzling constellations such as Orion.

g www.swansschoolinternational.es

St. Patrick’s Day at the Marbella Marina The inaugural St Patrick’s Day Festival Marbella will take place on Sunday, March 17, on the Terraces overlooking the Marbella Marina, from midday to 6pm. Established Irish restaurants Beckitt’s, The Hogan Stand, The Orange Tree, Aidan’s Bar & Grill and The Playwright will provide tasty Irish tapas-sized food, while the Claddagh bar will host a Guinness tent, offering Murphys and Magners cider as well.

There will be a specialty Irish whiskey bar, a wine and cheese bar and an Irish coffee bar. Former Riverdancer, Gemma Cannon, and the Irish Dancers from Aloha College will perform at 12pm, and there will be Irish music and songs in the afternoon. Local G.A.A. club, Costa Gaels, will be playing Irish football on the beach and are already looking for new recruits to join them! All nationalities are invited.

g www.irishclubmarbella.com

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MED & BEAUTY COSTA DEL SOL PROMOTES TOURISM TO THE COSTA DEL SOL Med & Beauty Costa del Sol is a new initiative bringing together 13 different companies in the medical and beauty industries, with the aim of consolidating the Costa del Sol’s reputation for excellence in health and beauty tourism. Andalucía’s Minister of Tourism, Rafael Rodríguez, and the President of the Confederación de Empresarios de Málaga, Javier González de Lara, supported the initiative in their presentation at FITUR 2013, Spain’s most important tourism fair. g www.medandbeautycostadelsol.com

SULI THE ORANGUTAN ARRIVES AT BIOPARC FUENGIROLA Bioparc Fuengirola is pleased to announce that it has a brand new inhabitant: Suli the Borneo Orangutan, who is said to be adapting nicely to her new home. Borneo Orangutans have been classified by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature as a “critically endangered species”, since their birth rate is generally low, with only one baby born every eight or nine years in their native habitat. During the past 20 years, man has cleared around 80 per cent of the orangutan’s habitat and researchers predict that the species will be completely extinct in as little as 10 years.

g www.bioparcfuengirola.es

COTTON TRADERS EXCITING NEW COLLECTION AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW

COUNT RUDI VISITS ROTARY CLUB MARBELLA-GUADALMINA Rotary Club Marbella-Guadalmina was thrilled to welcome honoured guest, Count Rudi von Schönburg, to lunch at the Cortijo de Ramiro. Count Rudi, Marbella’s supreme Ambassador, gave an amusing talk about the early days of Marbella and the Hotel Marbella Club. g www.rotaryclub-marbella-g.org

After a successful 25 years in the UK, Cotton Traders opened their online shop to delivery to mainland Spain and the Balearics last summer, in response to customer demand.

With a three-day delivery service of items in stock at a very reasonable price, their collection of clothing and footwear has been well received to date. Cotton Traders offers a range of leisurewear, outdoor and casual clothes in sizes S-5XL, footwear and accessories for both men and women. g www.cottontraders.co.uk

BOOK WEEK AT THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF MARBELLA The British School of Marbella (BSM) saw the arrival of a plethora of pretty princesses and dashing superheroes, to celebrate Book Week. During the event, children's author, Beverly Saunders, held workshops to teach the youngsters how to write their own stories. Staff at the school also got into the swing of things by dressing up as their favourite book characters including Harry Potter, Minnie Mouse and an elephant. Even more recently, Foundation Stage students celebrated Chinese New Year, marvelling at a giant dragon and snake created by fellow pupils. g www.bsm.org.es

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Fundraising Gala for Children at the Gran Hotel Elba Estepona The Gran Hotel Elba Estepona and the Fundación SOS recently hosted a Children’s Gala, raising the amount of €5.000 for Emaús (the Estepona Charity Canteen).

Guests enjoyed fantastic performances by a myriad of entertainers, including singer Sara Vega, flamenco guitarist, Daniel Casares and flamenco dancers Las Flamenquitas, who were finalists in popular Spanish TV competition, Tú Sí Que Vales.

g www.hoteleselba.com

TEDxMarbella 2013: Pioneering International Networking Event TEDxMarbella is an international events organisation programme seeking to bring together a diverse group of speakers to share their experience and vision with others. The group’s first event will take place on March 8 at Michelin-starred restaurant, Calima.

Speakers will include specialists from various sectors, including tourism, health, technology, art, philanthropy, management and more.

g www.tedxmarbella.com

Delicias de la Huerta: Gourmet Deli and Market in Nueva Andalucía Anyone who loves to cook or values authentic, organic and upmarket gourmet products should step into Delicias de la Huerta: a store in Nueva Andalucía that brims over with impressive items sourced both locally and from all around the world. The selection of cheeses almost reaches the roof of the shop and there are a wide range of vegetables you have probably found it impossible to source until now: Kenyan beans, Jerusalem artichokes and Thai asparagus, for instance. The store stocks the very best (5J and Víctor Gómez) pata negra hams, as well as a lovely selection of salts, chocolates, jams, olive oils and canned goods. Wine and liqueuer lovers will love the exclusive bottles of champagne, wines (such as Hacienda Monasterio from Ribera del Duero) and liquor (including a blue-label Johnny Walker whose bottle can be personalised). Budding chefs will find everything from edible gold to the Férran Adrià-invented caviaroli. Fresh Belgian bread, pastries and desserts are also sold. g Avda. Girasoles (next to the Opencor), Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 816 796.

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Engel & Völkers Enjoys 32 Per Cent Growth in Spain Engel & Völkers, the leading German real estate firm with a worldwide presence, is proud to announce that it has experienced a 32 per cent growth rate in Spain in the year 2012. This impressive result contrasts with the 14.6 per cent drop in sales suffered by the real estate industry in Spain as a whole, during the first nine months of 2012. Engel & Völkers managed to increase sales from €224 million in 2011 to €293million in 2012, meanwhile the average sale price rose to €645.000, from €525.000 in the previous year. In 2012, Engel & Völkers opened six new branches in a number of cities, including Madrid, Valencia and Alicante.

The company also granted licences for the opening of 12 new branches in 2013. g www.engelvoelkers.com/es

Aloha College News Aloha pupils and teachers have been keeping busy as usual, with a number of fun events. Children from Years 4 to 6 joined in an orienteering race organised by the Marbella Town Hall for local schools. They used their skills of map-reading, de-coding and quick thinking to decipher the clues left for them and follow the trail. Additionally, students aged three to 18 ran the Save the Children Charity Race alongside their parents, raising nearly €2.000 for food, medical care and education for the children in the Sahel Desert in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, primary school pupils collected bottle tops in aid of children suffering from butterfly skin disease.

g www.aloha-college.com

Cristal Opus Clinic Opens in Marbella Da Bruno Sul Mare provided the perfect backdrop to the presentation of a new clinic due to open in Marbella in June: the Cristal Opus Clinic, brainchild of Russian Professor Konstantin Korotkov. The latter seeks to bring specialised, personalised and mainly non-invasive treatments to patients in Marbella, employing innovative methods and technology to attack the causes, rather than the symptoms, of disease. g www.korotkov.org

© Jonathan Caballero

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© Johnny Gates

New Sports Complex Opens in La Campana The Mayor of Marbella, Ángeles Muñoz, accompanied by the Councillor for Works, Javier García, and entrepreneur Paul Bramley, recently visited the new sports complex in La Campana, Nueva Andalucía. The area features a large parking area, clubhouse, tennis courts, basketball area, paddle tennis court, outdoor gym equipment and space to play darts, table tennis or chess. The project, which started two years ago, has been implemented in several phases, commencing with the refurbishment of the tennis courts, which were in a state of neglect. Further works were funded by Paul Bramley, who provided €80.000 of funding, in addition to the €200.000 invested by the City. “Some 150 young people and 50 members of Aspandem currently use these sport facilities,” said the Mayor.

Ballroom Tea Dance Raises Funds for Cudeca Vivan Benveniste recently organised a tea dance at Tikitano to raise funds for Cancer Hospice, Cudeca. The event was attended by over 100 people, who enjoyed a traditional English tea with scones, a Victoria sponge and a selection of sandwiches. A fun raffle was held and SpecSavers showed their support by donating a voucher for €200 for a pair of designer glasses.

International Ballroom Champion, Lea Mullins, taught several dances throughout the afternoon. g To book

your place at the next tea dance (which will take place on March 6), please call Vivan on Tel: 952 884 881/ 690 083 113.

International Child Cancer Day at the Hospital Materno Infantil Managers of the Hospital Materno Infantil in Málaga were joined by authorities from the Junta de Andalucía and the Málaga Town Hall to celebrate International Child Cancer Day. A manifesto expressing support for, and solidarity with, those suffering from cancer and their families, was read by a member of the Cesare Scariolo Foundation and dignitaries from the public Social Rights and Health sectors. Dozens of multi-coloured balloons were released into the sky as a sign of hope and a call to all those who are able to support this worthy cause with time or financial resources.

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business THE PRO

A Change is Coming to La Cala Resort Patrick Murphy has been at the helm of La Cala Resort for just one week, but he is every inch the confident, consummate professional I expect to find on the day we meet. The son of a farmer, a passionate player of ‘the fastest game on grass’ (hurling), a cultivated culture buff whose passion for travel has taken him from his native Ireland to the lush greens of the world’s best golf courses in Australia, Switzerland and Portugal, Patrick has forged his career in the hospitality and golf trade, managing iconic hotels like Carton House in Kildare, Ireland – built in the 1700s as an aristocratic country estate and home for the second time this year to the Irish Open.

P

atrick most recently managed the five-star Resort Quinta do Lago in Portugal, a veritable institution in the top echelons of golf. His decision to take up a new challenge in a country whose language he has yet to master was based on two considerations: his competitive sportsman’s streak (“Taking a resort from Point A to B is an exciting challenge I cannot resist”) and a personal goal set alongside his wife, Catherine: to learn Spanish and enjoy the best of Andalucía, a land where even in the so-called peak of winter, the weather hovers at around 22º. “Do you know how much this sunny weather means to an Irish boy like myself?” he smiles. It is a warm, broad smile, and incidentally, completely intact despite the fact that Patrick once broke four teeth in a high-octane hurling game.

Henceforward, La Cala will no longer be associated exclusively with golf. If, in the past, its name was always mentioned in the same breath as its three 18-hole courses, dreamlike landscapes and Leadbetter Academy (the only one of its kind in Spain), Patrick and his team are determined to shine the light on La Cala in its totality, highlighting it as an upscale resort with impressive tennis courts, squash facilities, a state-of-the-art football pitch, beautiful hotel, high-tech gym facilities and

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Patrick Murphy WORDS Marisa CUTILLAS Photography © khphotography.co.uk

one of the best spas in Andalucía: the La Cala Spa, which now offers leisure lovers and sporty types a host of new treatments focusing on wellness and physiotherapy (and not just beauty and relaxation).

“We are already setting many plans in motion; we hope to launch a tennis academy, which, like our golf classes, are aimed at both high-level amateurs and highly involved players who are seeking a personalised coaching approach.”

Food and beverage is another area undergoing exciting changes. “I have always laid great emphasis on the importance of being able to enjoy good cuisine at all the resorts I have managed. If people are here for a week’s stay, the food should be so good that they opt to dine here at least three or four times in that time period.” Patrick leads me to popular golfers’ jaunt, La Bodega, a tapas-style bar that blends the best of rustic Andalucía (with high barrel tables and comfy stools) and a more international ambience (lower, round tables for those who prefer the ‘tablecloth experience’. “We have a fantastic new Head Chef, Ivan Bravo,” gushes Patrick, “and he is dreaming up both traditional tapas dishes and snacks with a fusion-like feel, for those who may be a bit reticent to try something so unknown to them.” The waiting staff is excited about removing any insecurities or fear clients may have about

chartering unknown culinary territories, through friendly suggestions and warm, professional service.

“What differentiates a good from an excellent hotel are the small things,” Patrick reminds me, “like having a good night’s sleep, waking up to a good cup of coffee, enjoying a comforting meal or feeling like you’re in your second home.” In addition to the traditional southern fare of La Bodega, diners will enjoy exquisite Mediterranean/International cuisine at La Terraza, based on a winning combination of fresh, seasonal produce, traditional cooking techniques and beautiful presentation.

Andalucía also plays a starring role in La Cala’s new plan of action: “La Cala is unique because it’s got lots of heart and personality. Everything should exude its unique Andalusian character.”

Thus the new design of La Bodega restaurant and the recent refurbishment of the bedrooms, which now bare a more contemporary look, blended with traditional touches like wrought iron headboards, delicate chandeliers and wooden-beamed ceilings.

Traditional motifs abound in both rooms and common areas, with Andalusian tiles, wrought iron artworks and warm Spanish imagery providing the perfect backdrop to the enveloping touch that will soon be the defining characteristic of a stay at La Cala.

Don’t be surprised if you’re playing a round on Campo America and you bump into Patrick who, though “not the best of golfers”, is every inch a people’s person. He has already bonded with everyone from his highly experienced management team to the greenkeeper (with whom he did so instantly owing to his own rural heritage), and the accommodation assistants. “My job involves quite a bit of administration, but it is vital for me to be on the floor, listening to my colleagues and paying attention to what’s working well and what needs improvement. That is the only way we, as a team, can move forward.”

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THE VIBE

50 Shades of Pink Fashion, Flowers and Music The ladies from networking group Costa Women Marbella recently celebrated the fun-filled 50 Shades of Pink party, featuring tasty canapés, live music, fashion show, flower arrangements and sexy appearances from the hunks at MyCheekyButlerMarbella! At the same time, funds were raised for the Positively Pink charity, which provides free breast screening programmes for British women on the Coast.

“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving” – Mother Teresa

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PHOTOGRAPHY Agata Jensen 2/22/13 3:32 PM

THE VIBE

Q+ Lunch at El Gran Gatsby Non-profit networking group, Q+, recently enjoyed a magnificent lunch at frontline Puerto Banús restaurant, El Gran Gatsby, which was also attended by Marbella’s Mayor, Ángeles Muñoz. An interesting address was given by lawyer and President of the Diputación de Málaga, Elías Bendodo, who spoke of the power of change in even the most challenging of times.

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world” – Mahatma Gandhi

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THE LEISURE travel

View of Hong Kong from the Arch

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WORDS DAVID WISHART PHOTOGRAPHY HONG KONG TOURIST BOARD

H

ONG KONG – It is 7 am and from my hotel window high above Victoria Harbour a cruise ship is returning with a load of weary gamblers who have been up all night trying to beat the floating bank. I would normally be just as worn out after a long flight from Europe, but am not because I also arrived by ship.

Not a gambling ship dedicated to one night going nowhere, but a rather special ship, the Azamara Quest, tasked with going everywhere and taking its time about it. A slow boat to China if you will.

Arriving at any great seaport, whether Sydney, Cape Town or San Francisco, makes for wonderful travel experiences, but that is only half of it. Dashing to the airport for a dismal flight home is such a waste, particularly when the likes of Hong Kong awaits with all its charms.

So I stuck around, to enjoy rediscovering Hong Kong, which I first visited 30 years ago (I was very young), when home base was a leave flat belonging to the make-up artist who prepared Nancy Kwan for the movie World of Suzie Wong. I had an extended stay then, allowing for an editing job on the late, great Far Eastern Economic Review, and working with characters who were legends in their own lunchtime. Heroic drinkers they might have been, they also liked to eat.

The American Restaurant in Wanchai, famous for its love hotels and shops selling no-squeak shoes, was conveniently close to the office. Its Peking duck was highly regarded by us hacks, but also wealthy Chinese, who often had a bottle of cognac on the table. Old China hands like Richard Hughes used to say the best food in China was in Hong Kong.

I recalled this the day after stepping ashore from the Azamara Quest, when lunch was at a Michelin-starred restaurant called the Island Tang.

Everything about this place was superb, from its elegant décor to the silky service. But one thing stood out – the dim sum, so renowned that mainland China chefs now come here to learn.

In the evening we were Kowloon-side and walking up Nathan Road, which has more people, life and sparkle than Oxford Street when the sales are on. And that’s not including Chungking Mansions, once called postmodern Casablanca, where, shall we say, a lot goes on, such as filtering the distribution of 20 per cent of the cell phones in sub-Sahara Africa.

You can also get a good curry in Chungking Mansions, but we had a loftier goal, Nanhai No 1, named after a Chinese treasure ship and currently a culinary hotspot in Hong Kong. It has, of course, a Michelin star. It was here, as we dined on exquisite seafood, I realised that this was a new Hong Kong with more affluence and style. One clue was the dish with an XO sauce, which tops the five-star cognac of my American Restaurant days.

But, as a Hong Kong private equity guy had warned me on the ship, there are no cognac bottles on tables any more. Now it’s the best wine, which might have occurred to me as two years ago Hong Kong overtook New York as the world’s wine auction capital.

You might choke when I recount that lunch the next day was another Michelin star restaurant, the third in a row. But Tim Ho Wan is different. It is the cheapest and smallest Michelin star restaurant in the world.

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Aberdeen Floating Restaurant

Wong Tai Sin Temple Peak Tram

For one third of the price of lunch number one, you can have a dining experience like no other – crammed in a noisy room, full of people jubilant simply because they are in, some having lined up around a Mong Kok block for two hours or more. It’s that good, the work of Mak Pui Gor, formerly dim sum maestro at the Four Seasons here. He has two other restaurants, one with a star and the other a cert to join the club. At all of them you have to take a number, and wait. But do it – the pork bbq bun alone is worth the trip to Hong Kong.

I could fill a page about the great eating in Hong Kong – such as Wong Chun Chun for Thai and Harlan’s for its salad bar and view – but one I cannot miss out is the Island Seafood & Oyster Bar, in the Knutsford Terrace restaurant row in Kowloon. If that location keeps popping up it is for a reason – Kowloon is the place to be these days if you are a tourist.

So what to do? First find a hotel, such as the Harbour Grand, with a water view. Ours was spectacular, and I noted Air France crews stayed here. They don’t do second best.

Take the Aqua Luna, one of Hong Kong’s few remaining red-sail junks, for an evening cruise to see the Symphony of Lights projected on Central’s amazing skyline.

You must do the Star Ferry, the world’s best value travel experience. That means you are on Hong Kong-side. No problem. If it’s daytime take the Peak Tram (built 1888, Chinese allowed on board since 1912), and after dark go to the Armani Bar for an outdoor view of Joel Robuchon’s threestar restaurant, which is as close as you want to go with your wallet in one piece.

Then back to Kowloon for the Temple Street night market. Not a shopper? Go round the corner and check out the fortune tellers.

Kowloon Walled City Park

Stanley Market

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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.

Shopping on Nathan Road

For history, visit the Kowloon Walled City Park. What was once a seething den where criminals took refuge is now a quiet park, as is the Nan Lian garden and Wong Tai Sin temple. Amazingly, Hong Kong has places where you can relax and admire carefully tended plants. There’s islands too, such as Lantau, with its giant Buddha. If you want a bird’s eye view of everything take the express lift at Sky 100 and enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view.

And what a bargain this is compared to the Shard in London, whose 72nd-floor viewing deck is a whopping £25 or 31 Euros for a look. Hong Kong’s tower beats it hands down with a stunning view, 100 floors up, for a modest £12 or 15 Euros.

Changed days from my first visit to Hong Kong, when one of the best views was from the gentlemen’s toilets at the old Foreign Correspondents’ Club next to the Furama Hotel. With the windows slung up, we hacks could stand and stare across the harbor to Kowloon and beyond to a China pretty well off limits.

These days Kowloon is China as good as it gets, with old favourites such as the jade and flower markets, the latter a treasure for photographers. And while cameras are probably not the bargain they used to be, designer shops are coining it in from the huge number of mainland Chinese flooding into Hong Kong on shopping trips.

At Canton Road, near the Star Ferry, there are line-ups, with velvet ropes and security men, outside Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton. As for Rolex, you’d be hard pressed to find a mall without an outlet.

Everyone in China must have one by now.

For those of us on more modest budgets, go to a 7-Eleven and buy a SIM card for your mobile phone.

It costs peanuts for a Hong Kong phone number and enough calling time for two weeks. Also, get a PCCW wifi card as many hotels charge, and how!

Finally, think ahead a few months, when the old Kai Tak airport reopens as a cruise terminal. No doubt it will attract more ships, affording a majestic location to dock after that thrilling harbour entrance. i www.discoverhongkong.com

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Hong Kong Under A Symphony of Lights

Po Lin Monastery

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If you’re planning to visit, timing is important For the best weather, avoid June to September, when it is wet, humid and typhoon time. October and November are good, and March is the month for the famous and fun Hong Kong rugby sevens event. It takes place March 22 to 24.

Rugby lovers who recall the game before it became professional, ferocious, injury-prone and riddled with stoppages will enjoy shades of an almost vanished ethos, starting with the opening ceremony when teams parade around the pitch with flags, Olympic-style. The referees like to join in, usually carrying white sticks and wearing dark glasses.

Entertainment is often hilarious, such as the year Barings Bank collapsed. Nevertheless the local honchos were there in a box, presumably with champers and cucumber sandwiches.

In fairness, it should be pointed out that it was probably all booked and paid for before Nick Leeson did his dirty work.

Anyway, a bunch of Australians (who else?) positioned themselves on the edge of the pitch, just below the Barings’ box, and sang “Where’s Your Money Gone… far, far, away…”

You might also feel that the long haul to Hong Kong makes it worthwhile to visit more of the region, and the obvious place to start is the former Portuguese colony of Macau. Beware: there are casinos galore in Macau, but it does have some fine old buildings, and the food can be amazingly good, particularly if you like it spicy.

Star Ferry’s Harbour Tour

Hong Kong makes a good stopover on the way to Australia and New Zealand, and of course the rest of China awaits nearby.

Take the opportunity to fly Cathay Pacific, one of the world’s great airlines. Business class upstairs is a treat and if the budget can stand it go first class.

Many cruise ships not only call at Hong Kong, but there are some attractive itineraries that start and end there, such as Vietnam cruises, which run between Hong Kong and Singapore.

As for golf, no surprises that you can play here, considering how big the game is today in China and throughout Asia. Fact is golf in the region started in Hong Kong, when expatriates, mostly Scots, founded the Royal Hong Kong Golf Club. Now known simply as the Hong Kong Golf Club, the course at Fanling is tree-lined, always in fine condition, and is a must-play. Be warned, a round with a caddy (including his lunch) will cost you the best part of 250 Euros.

There are 10 other courses to choose from, including the legendary Shek O, one of the most exclusive clubs in the world. No green fees – just members and their guests. It was founded by a small group of taipans who got a lease of the government land to begin from the time they all built a villa on the course. When one died with the work in progress, a keen mind suggested leaving his section uncompleted. That done, the lease would run forever, as it certainly does to this day…

Finally, a guide such as Denny Ip is invaluable for getting the most out of a short time. What he does not know about Hong Kong, and its islands, is not worth knowing. Particularly restaurants and all things food. He can organise cars and drivers, and suggest itineraries. i denny@angleproduction.com

View from Victoria Peak

Aerial view of Shek O - Country © Shutterstock.com

The busy Temple Street © Jess Yu / Shutterstock.com

Hong Kong Sevens Rugby

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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 The Hotel Marbella Club is riding on a high, having recently been deemed Best Hotel in Spain and Europe by a prestigious panel of judges at the International Hotel Awards, held at the Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square, London.

El Lodge

An Oasis in the Snow T WORDS Marisa CUTILLAS Photography courtesy of El Lodge

he well-loved Hotel has always been associated with the glamour and passion for Andalucía of its Founder, Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, though far from resting on its laurels, it has kept up with the times through constant improvement, refurbishment and incursions into new terrain. Its beautiful Champagne Room, for instance, was restored to the pinnacle of its glory by renowned Designer Jean Pierre Martel and is now a regular jaunt for those seeking one of the finest selections of Champagnes in Andalucía.

An even bolder move was the purchase and extensive renovation of El Lodge, a dreamlike ski getaway in Monachil, in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Ski Resort. Constructed entirely from seasoned Finnish timber and boasting dreamlike views over the snowy mountains, it is the only luxury, ski-in, ski out property in Sierra Nevada.

The ambience at El Lodge is warm and cosy, akin to a traditional hunting lodge. Walls, doors and flooring, all in wood, impart an altogether Alpine feel, which is intensified by a plethora of animalinspired elements including faux animal skin throws, cowhide armchairs and antler chandeliers.

Vintage fabrics, bespoke pieces of furniture, retro portraits and even Andrew Martin’s signature ‘library patterned’ wallpaper, exude tradition and modernity at once.

There are 20 spacious rooms (16 bedrooms and four suites), whose cosy décor make a magical sleep a given. If you’re travelling with family, we recommend hiring out an entire floor (comprising four to six bedrooms, with a maximum capacity for

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12 adults and three children). A group of skiers, on the other hand, might want to hire the entire chalet and make the most of Sierra Nevada’s legendary party atmosphere after sunset.

El Lodge pays a nod to Marbella in areas like its stunning al fresco Suite Nevada Terrace restaurant, whose design is inspired by the Hotel Puente Romano’s Suite del Mar. Teak and wooden furniture add an Oriental feel and conjure up memories of Marbella’s most luxurious beach clubs in the height of the summer. Equally stunning is The Lounge, a distinctly masculine room with a sizeable pool table, aged leather Chesterfield sofas and an open fire that invites skiers to gather together and share the best experiences of the day on the vertiginous slopes. The Lounge is also a popular place to watch vintage films, play backgammon or chess while enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail.

For a fabulous meal, you can’t go wrong at the MC Grill, with its elegant bar and international cuisine with a marked penchant for game. Savvy diners will meet their match in the wide range of fresh, seasonal dishes and delights such as the Riofrío caviar, produced 100km south of the Sierra Nevada and hailed as ‘the only organic caviar in the world’.

El Lodge has an impressive spa, with two pools, a sauna, gym and a plethora of treatments including the Après-Ski Massage, Glacier Massage for Tired Legs, Sierra Nevada Massage with Herbal Pindas, Lymphatic Drainage, Shiatsu and Hot Stone Massage. There are a host of holistic treatments as well, including Reiki, Ayurveda Massage and the

White Magic Bioyoga (a must if you’ve been feeling out-of-sync laterly). Fitness buffs can work out at the gym, rewarding themselves afterwards at the Outdoor Pool and Sundeck area, which bears the only outdoor heated pool in Sierra Nevada.

Equally irresistible are the Finnish hot tub and large, naturally-lit sauna.

If you are a newcomer to the addictive world of skiing, fear not, El Lodge has everything you need to become the next Marcel Hirscher. The staff can organise ski gear hire as well as skiing or snowboarding classes with the best professionals in the Resort. And if you’re worried about what to do with the kids while you’re revelling in the snow, don’t be; there is a stunning Kids Games room, designed

by MiniMec, with a host of options to keep those little hands and minds busy with games, drawing and craft activities.

g C/ Maribel 8, Monachil, Sierra Nevada, Granada. Tel: 958 480 600. www.ellodge.com 2/21/13 10:47 AM

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gour

RESTAURANTS / REVIEWS / NEWS / WINE / CHEFS / GUIDE

If nothing makes you happier than an excellent meal with your loved ones, invite them to try out the fine fare at our featured restaurants, Sukhothai and the new Da Bruno in Mijas Costa, meet the enigmatic Head Chef of La Meridiana del Alabardero and wonder at the world of medal-winning wines.

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Sukhothai Marbella

127

Da Bruno Mijas Costa

128 Food News 130 Chef Profile: BenjamĂ­n Alloza of La Meridiana del Alabardero 132

Rewarding Wines

2/22/13 3:51 PM

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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restaurant THE GOURMET

Royal Thailand in Marbella WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY © KHPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

SUKHOTHAI A

s the prime purveyor of royal Thai cuisine in Marbella, Sukhothai has become a reference point on the Golden Mile. The mix of classic Thai dishes offered within a refined modern ambience is one that has earned the restaurant a loyal following across the different age groups and nationalities. Popular with both residents and visitors, Sukhothai highlights the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Marbella as it brings the finest in Thai cuisine to its multinational clientele.

Some restaurants are warm and inviting, others impressive and sleek, but this one is both.

Step through the door and both impressions are formed immediately. Warm lighting and a modern décor softened with intimate purple hues and Asian decorative touches creates the setting for a dining experience that represents the best about dining out in Marbella. English, Spanish, German, French and Russian are just some of the languages that float up in the air and mingle with the fragrance of classic Thai treats.

When it comes to cuisines such as that of Thailand, some might say there isn’t much scope for variation or refinement, essentially suggesting that one Thai restaurant is pretty much like another, but they would be wrong.

Just as practically all the famous culinary traditions around the world have passed from the simple country table to the avant-garde experimentation of highly trained chefs, and there been metamorphosed into gastronomic works of art, so Thai food can be raised to new levels of sophistication and enjoyment.

In Marbella this happens at Sukhothai, where ambience, service and most importantly the chefs create a dining experience that is a full level above the ‘conventional’ Thai restaurant standard. It starts with using superior ingredients and allowing skilled chefs to aim for perfection when creating dishes ranging from curries to grilled jumbo prawns. As a result, our starters of grilled chicken satay with peanut sauce and pickled cucumber or the classic Thai fish cake had little in common with most dishes that go by the same name.

Tropical delights Of all the kingdoms in the tropical belt of Asia few have the élan of Siam, and it shows in the country’s sophisticated eating culture. A culture that has produced such delicacies as seafood soup flavoured with lemongrass or Tom Yam Kung, a clear soup with spicy prawns that simply bursts with tropical flavour. At Sukhothai,

they acquire a further element of refinement seldom associated with Asian dining.

The main courses were another reflection of this, in the form of dishes such as Beef Panang and Massaman Beef – gorgeous beef fillets in a Massaman curry sauce with peanuts and a coconut milk curry respectively. The rich flavours of the curries are offset by the lightness of the ingredients, and while at home you may be tempted to dip some white rice into the simmering pots here we had to show some decorum.

The ladies opted for poultry dishes; stir-fried chicken with ginger and spring onions that was perfectly balanced between intense flavour and lightness, and the rather exotic barbecued duck in a spicy coconut milk with lychee and basil leaves. It is this ability to mix and contrast flavours that ‘makes’ Thai cuisine – and they were doing it long before ‘modern’ chefs began their experimenting spree. For good measure some of us asked for extra chillies, and while the spiciness is adapted slightly to western tastes, the menu does indicate the relative heat of different dishes.

One dish I would definitely recommend is the Pat Thai. We enjoyed the intense flavours of this noodle dish flavoured with egg, spices and prawns as a little intermezzo between courses, but it can also be mixed with main dishes or be enjoyed as a starter.

While the others returned to Europe with their coffees and highly tempting fruit sorbets, I remained true to South East Asia and ordered fried banana with coconut and honey, as if to extend my stay in this seductive environment.

Sukhothai is just that; a refined modern restaurant in which to enjoy the highest levels of Thai cuisine within a cosmopolitan Marbella ambience. e

g Avda. Principe Alfonso Hohenlohe, C.C. Marbella Mar L3A, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 550. www.sukhothaimarbella.com 164ReR Sukothai.indd 125

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restaurant THE GOURMET

T

he Da Bruno name is associated with much more than real, homemade Italian cuisine and a service that is unparalleled; Bruno, Giuseppina and Giancarlo Paparusso are part of the fabric that makes Marbella the multi-cultured, forward-thinking and socially aware place that it is. Da Bruno is a constant presence in everything from sporting acts to charity events; when it comes to lending a helping hand, Da Bruno wears its heart on its sleeve.

Today, the sizeable restaurant group comprises six restaurants; their newest, Da Bruno Mijas Costa, run by the charming Giancarlo Paparusso (also the Director of Da Bruno a Casa), is the apotheosis of Mediterranean charm and elegance, with a heavenly Andalusian terrace and modern, youthful interiors graced with the warmth of natural light.

Despite the fact that all Da Bruno restaurants brim over with clients even on the slowest months of the year in the toughest recession Spain has known, the family is keeping it exclusive. “There is a lot of interest from both national and international investors; funnily enough, we are quite well-known in Miami and there are offers to do something there,” says Giancarlo, “but it’s something we would really have to think about, because running a restaurant like this is a 24/7 job and finding the right people to play such an important role is our biggest challenge.”

Giancarlo may be a busy man, but he always has time to connect with his clients, check with the staff, attend to the press. He takes me through the beautiful kitchens and each of the three stories of the new restaurant, which is impressive in size and is poised to function as the restaurant group’s central kitchen in the near future.

One can easily understand why launching a Da Bruno is no easy task; for the new Mijas restaurant, Giancarlo sourced Travertine marble for the walls, clay tiles for the flooring (with a rustic aged-wood look), handmade lamps and granite table-tops made in Italy. The restaurant also stands out for its strict policy of environmental sustainability: all equipment in the kitchen (such as food coolers and plate heaters) boast the very latest in sustainable design. “Our new oven, just out this year, saves 30 per cent of energy compared to its predecessor from last year,” says Giancarlo. Meanwhile, renowned scientist Dr. Reinhard Hefele, creator

It is sometimes tempting to wonder if, on the day they first opened Da Bruno Pasta in Marbella almost 20 years ago, Bruno and Giuseppina Filippone sensed that they would change the face of dining on the Costa del Sol. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY © KHPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK AND COURTESY OF DA BRUNO

THE NEW DA BRUNO RESTAURANT IN MIJAS

Family Dining at its Finest

of the world-famous micro-capillar under-floor heating system, ensures diners are kept warm and toasty without contributing to our already excessive carbon footprint. Large solar panels atop the roof have ushered Da Bruno into a bright, bold and environmentally friendly future.

Da Bruno Mijas is situated in the Centro Idea, formerly home of Muebles Daneses; the three-story building is surrounded by a plethora of fashionable Danish-owned boutiques and shops. The airy Andalusia terrace, with its scenic fountain and palm trees, seats 100 and the interior restaurant (an ideal setting for banquets and special events) houses 120 diners. On Saturday nights, talented performer Sofía croons both traditional Italian ballads and modern pop melodies, with saxophonist, Ricardo bringing life and music to the starry night.

The cuisine at Da Bruno Mijas is everything you would expect: fresh, varied and seasonal. In addition to revered pizzas and pastas, diners can order from the seasonal menu, or opt for the Chef’s special recommendations. There is also a daily lunch menu (normally featuring a soup, salad and main dish) for only €15. The new gourmet haven is a hot spot at afternoon tea time, with an irresistible home-made dessert and coffee for only €3,90.

To commemorate the new opening, I opted for the finest the season had to offer: for starters, a fried brie with wildberry marmalade, warm, creamy

g Open Monday to Saturday from 12pm to 12am. Tel: 952 460 724. www.dabruno.com 164ReR Da bruno.indd 127

and finely fitting for a chilly winter’s lunch. My main dish was quite a stunner: an exquisite lobster ravioli, bearing the unique appeal of day caught lobster in the creamiest of sauces.

Marbella foodies know that no matter how busy things are at Da Bruno, the service is always warm and caring. It comes as no surprise to read thank you letters from clients with special needs, such as those with celiac disease, who can look forward to dining out and enjoying their favourite gluten-free pasta, topped with Da Bruno’s knockout sauces. Authentic gratitude from clients is something Giancarlo cherishes in his heart, since he is a regular presence at a restaurant that exudes his own warmth and genuine friendly vibes. “There’s something special about this place,” he says, “something that made me fall in love with it when I first came here three years ago.” Does the man make the surroundings or is it the other way around? It’s a difficult question to answer and really, why bother questioning the nature of perfection when it’s so much easier to just enjoy it. e ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2013 / 127

2/22/13 12:31 PM

THE GOURMET news WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

New Look for Campana Restaurant

Well-known local restaurateur and self-confessed foodie, Garry Waite, recently expanded his popular Nueva Andalucía restaurant, Nueva Campana, by refurbishing the locale next door. “I asked Continental Design in San Pedro to reform the area with new walls, ceilings and wooden floors; they truly turned a sow’s ear into a fabulous silk purse!” says Gary, elaborating, “It has now become a room in its own right. We use it for private dinners as well as for the day-to-day restaurant use. And of course it’s been a must for Sunday Lunch.”

g Avda. de Miguel de Cervantes 68, Nueva Andalucía.

Tel: 952 814 041. www.nuevacampana.com

© Ruth Anna Jones

Select Pickings at CAFÉ DE RONDA Cafe de Ronda is pleased to announce a joint venture with Relais de Paris. The popular Marbella restaurant will now be serving Relais de Paris’ famous, secret ‘sauce orginale’. See what all the fuss is about by ordering their special set menu, comprising a green salad, entrecote with the tasty ‘sauce originale’ and french fries, for just €9,50. You no longer need to travel to Paris to enjoy this amazing dish!

DARCIS

g C/ Ramón Gómez de la Serna 23, Marbella.

Tel: 952 900 899.

New Belgian Chocolatier Opens on Golden Mile If you agree that nothing quite encapsulates happiness like a piece of authentic Belgian chocolate, you must head for Darcis, the new chocolate, macaron and ice-cream/sorbet shop, recently opened on the Golden Mile. The shop’s founder is Jean-Philippe Darcis, a renowned pastry chef and Master Chocolatier, who holds the prestigious title of Belgian Chocolate Ambassador. Darcis melds tradition and creativity with masterful savoir-faire, reinventing basic techniques and creating new combinations which release subtle, infinitely rich and exquisite tastes.

g Bulevar Alfonso de Hohenlohe, Urb. Marbella Real, Local 10, Marbella.

Tel: 952 772 593. Marbella@darcis.com

DA BRUNO

SUPPORTS CRECE FOUNDATON

The Da Bruno restaurant continues to show its firm commitment to the local community by making a donation of €850 to CRECE Marbella, which works with children affected by Down’s Syndrome, autism and spina bifida. The funds were raised through the sale of Bruno Filippone’s book, Libro de Recetas Da Bruno. Bruno Filippone presented CRECE with the cheque at Da Bruno Sul Mare and told the press that children were a cause that is particularly close to his heart. Guests were also informed of Da Bruno’s new €18 Fantasy Menu, which comprises an aperitif, salad, entrée, main dish, drink, coffee or desert. The menu can be ordered from Monday to Saturday for lunch at Da Bruno Sul Mare. i www.dabruno.com

EL LAGO

Presents New Market Ecological Mar

Fervent foodies know that Michelin-starred restaurant, El Lago, is famed for its passion for local, seasonal produce. The restaurant’s Head Chef, Diego del Río, recently held a show cooking demonstration at a fantastic ecological market held in Elviria, organised by the Guadalhorce Ecological Association.

The event was so successful that it will now be taking place every second Saturday of the month. To find the market, just take the Elviria exit and head for Avenida de España.

The market, which opens from 10am to 2pm, is located in front of the Supersol supermarket. i www.restauranteellago.com

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RESTO

EL COTO

BELGIAN RESTAURANT бельгийский ресторан

NEW MENU Open every day Ctra. de Ronda Opposite Madroñal, nº 3 29679 Benahavis Tel: 952 786 688 belgianresto@gmail.com НОВОЕ МЕНЮ открыты ежедневно дорога Ronda напротив Madroñal, No 3, Benahavis телефон: 952 786 688

RESTO

MYTILUS BELGIAN RESTAURANT

BELGIAN SPECIALITIES Mussels and fries, steak tartare, vol au vent etc.

Open every evening.

Saturday & Sunday open all day.

Puerto Deportivo Sotogrande Tel: 956 790 212 belgianresto@gmail.com

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THE GOURMET profile

“I Am the Sum of My s” Experience

A Z O L L A N Í M A BENJ DERO R A B A L A L E D A N IA ID R E M OF LA

WORDS MARISA CUTILL

OTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

PH AS PHOTOGRAPHY © KH

M

eek in countenance, gentle in speech, hesitant in espousing his achievements, Benjamín Alloza emerges from his comfort zone, the kitchens of revered Marbella restaurant, La Meridiana del Alabardero, to share his vision with me for a short but significant period of time.

The story of Benjamin’s ascent up the culinary ladder begins at the Escuela de Hostelería de Aragón, where the young chef from Teruel first came across the techniques and traditions that would form his gastronomical foundation.

Destiny would take him far and wide, to bubbling, boiling kitchens in the Basque Country, Cuenca, Barcelona and even the Pyrenees. In Barcelona, he would meet Juan Carlos Cantero, Director of the successful Grupo Lezama in Marbella. At the time, Cantero was at the cusp of acquiring what has always been a veritable institution in Marbella, La Meridiana, which would be ushered into modernity with a brand new name: La Meridiana del Alabardero.

Benjamín began his career with Grupo Lezama in 2001, holding the post of Head Chef at the Alabardero Resort. Soon after he joined the La Meridiana del Alabardero team, and he has been Head Chef here for the last few years. Since his earlier career was steeped in northern Spanish cuisine, he welcomed the new Andalusian produce he encountered with fervour: “I had never cooked with Iberian pork (white pork is used in the north) and products like huevos de choco or sea anemone were new to me,” he

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gushes. Soon, the new textures and flavours set fire to his creative spirit, which found a natural outlet in dishes like the heavenly sea anemone carpaccio. The very basis of good cuisine is quality produce and Andalusian prawns, King prawns, langosta and bogavante (two varieties of lobster), as well as fresh scallops sourced from the Coast, give rise to new dishes based on lessons bestowed by tradition. “I am what I have learned and experienced; nobody is born a master of anything,” he says. “I’m extremely grateful to those who taught me valuable lessons throughout the years and to have the chance to continue learning on a day-to-day basis.”

Benjamín’s greatest influences include Pedro López (from Subur restaurant, in Sitges), Aitor Elizegi (From Gaminiz in Zamudio) and Manolo de la Osa (from Las Rejas, in Cuenca). “It was through these Chefs that I discovered the reality of cuisine.” The gentle Chef also mentions Juan Mari Arzak, Pedro Subijana and Hilario Arbelaitz (the fathers of avante-garde cuisine) and Férran Adriá, who sparked a movement which Benjamín feels is still dominant in fine cuisine worldwide. “There are only five or six true artists in gastronomy and Férran Adriá is one of them.

The rest of us simply try to adapt techniques they have discovered to create new dishes.” Benjamín also speaks wonders of Santi Santamaria, who was far more traditional in his philosophy than Adriá but “extremely careful in the presentation of his cuisine”; and of Joan Roca, a big mover and

shaker on the haute cuisine scene.

Benjamín takes me through the impressive kitchen of La Meridiana del Alabardero, which is as spacious, organised and compartmentalised as one would expect to find in a five-star hotel. He ushers me into his office and reveals new dishes for the Spring/Summer season. One creation is similar in colour and spirit to a Miró: a San Lucar tiger prawn carpaccio ‘al pil-pil’ served with a warm Sefardí couscous and garlic chips, drizzled with a garlic oil and ephemeral drops of caramelised Pedro Ximénez. Equally dazzling is the steamed seabass with black pepper sauce, served with a warm sushi roll. The tuna tataki, and the monkfish and bacon lollipop, whet the appetite through the very sense of sight. Benjamin’s technique and patience are palpable; it is fascinating to hear of the various cooking process he employs, including that of aromatising olive oil with garlic or herbs then blending it with the juices obtained from the process of grilling cuttlefish or King prawns, creating a creamy emulsion that can serve as a mayonnaise or a base for even more complex sauces.

Benjamin’s eyes light up toward the end of our talk, as he recalls some of his most pleasurable dining experiences at institutions like El Bulli; with childlike wonder he recalls tasting dishes like an artichoke foam, which “tasted more like artichoke than artichoke”. As he returns to the place he is most himself, the kitchen, his sheer passion for his craft, is nothing short of inspiring. e

g Camino de la Cruz s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 776 190. www.lameridiana.es 2/21/13 10:40 AM

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IN ES

THE GOURMET wine

D

ecanter Awards, International Wine Challenge, Tanzer, Verema, Challenge International du Vin, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Parker, Los Vinos Favoritos de la Mujer, Selections Mondiales des Vins, Robinson, IWSC, Wine Olympics, Great Chardonnay Showdown, Peñin, International Wine Contest, and the Berlin Wine Trophy are a few of the events or individuals ranking wines according to their quality, with the stated purpose of helping consumers choose between, for example, the 25,000 varieties currently on sale in the USA. Nearly all of these wine prize-givers and points-scorers have emerged over the last half century. Prior to that you could count the number of widely-read European wine critics on the fingers of two hands, and of the half dozen wine competitions held at the time, at least one of them required competitors to provide six cases of each wine. Currently an entry fee is more usual, such as the International Wine Challenge’s £87 sterling.

In the very old days, every world capital had its ‘Great Exhibition’, at which there was invariably a wine contest. A gold medal was really something back then, and would be faithfully duplicated on the label of the winning wine for as long as a century afterwards.

Now we have gone from scarcity to overabundance, with the resulting lessening of the significance of prizes and scores.

Every wine judging event, whether at the vast Decanter Awards or the bi-monthly Wine Advocate ratings, depends on blind tastings. Obviously a committee effort is better than an individual opinion such as

REW ARD IN G

W

Hell is a place where no wines get awarded prizes and no experts give them points. Or at least this is what the people who give prizes and points would like us to believe. But why is wine singled out as one of the few consumables subject to such a barrage of rating agencies?

What about potato crisps, dark chocolate, coffee beans, vodka, foie gras or bourbon?

Agreed, there are scores awarded to cigars but no proper cigar contest is held, nor any cigar gurus marking them, and the only actual cigar competition is for rolling the things rather than ranking their smoking qualities.

WORDS AJ LINN

those of the grand-guru of them all, Robert Parker, but unless you have exactly the same taste in wines from all areas as the grape counters, it is all contentious. Whether it be Tanzer, Jancis Robinson, or José Peñin, many tasters will, if put in a corner, admit that blind tastings can give unreliable results.

On the very few occasions when judging panels have been persuaded to repeat the identical experience the following day, the outcome would lead you to believe they had tasted completely different wines.

New York Times wine critic, Eric Asimov, opposes tasting notes and hates blind tastings, to the extent that he is considering eliminating them from the paper’s reviews. But whether a tasting panel, or a lone wolf like Parker, wine guru-land is in disarray when it comes to the modus operandi. What all the experts and publications have in common is a lack of standardisation that makes it hard to connect different reviewers’ opinions.

The most contentious point of all is that almost none of the multiple systems used for rating wines take into account the price/ value aspect. Any fool can give a Château Lafite a top score but only one drinker in a thousand can afford to buy it. The merit, surely, lies in selecting out of the 50,000 red wines that cost under €10, the ones that represent outstanding value for money, although some critics have started dividing cheaper wines into price categories.

None of these gurus is infallible, and to confuse matters Parker recently sold his business to the ‘ex’-owner of Singapore’s largest drinks distributor, so what price impartiality in future Wine Advocate scorings?

So the moral is obvious: if you need help choosing wines, then a high score or an international award may be better than nothing, and when you come across a wine you do not know that has won a prestigious contest, you are unlikely to be disappointed. In our own backyard, a Ronda wine, Cortijo de los Aguilares’ Pinot Noir, has twice won the top prize in the most esteemed competition in Switzerland that in a blind tasting puts 2,000 pinot noir wines in front of a panel of 20 international judges! e

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THE GUIDE

theguide

RESTAURANTS / CINEMAS / GOLF / GYMS /

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

RESTAURANTS ::: AMERICAN ::: HARD ROCK CAFÉ

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. C/ Ramón Areces, esq. Marina Banús, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 908 024

Jacks

TENNIS / SCHOOLS

under €25

€25 – €40

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

::: ARGENTINEAN ::: Buenos Aires South

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

Open seven days a week from noon till late.

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

Clericó

Mr. gourmet burger

Tango

Open from 6pm ‘til late every evening. Avda. Luis Braile 20, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 785 257

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

ROUTE 66 Open 10am until midnight every day. Plaza Antonio Banderas 17/29, Puerto Banús. Tel: 951 136 333

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Avda.

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

::: BELGIAN ::: El Coto

€40 – €60

€60 plus

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

Tel: 952 786 688

Tel: 952 813 912

Valderrama Restaurant

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

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

::: FRENCH :::

::: GREEK :::

Open Monday to Saturday from 1pm to 11pm.

C/ Calderón Estébanez 19, Marbella. Tel: 952 774 578

Open daily for both lunch and dinner.

Muelle Ribera, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 812 148

mytilus

Casa mono

Chateau Mona lisa Open every day for lunch and dinner. Muelle Ribera 8, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 908 808

rendez vous Open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 6pm and Sunday from 9am to 2pm. Closed Tuesday.

Avda. del Prado, Aloha Gardens, Nueva Andalucía.

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.

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

El Carnicero

::: INDIAN :::

Jaipur palace

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

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Muelle Benabola, under the Torre de Banús, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 815 607

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

alberts

Jaipur Purple

alumbre

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

Tel: 952 888 353

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

Little India

Amanhavis

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

Open daily for dinner from 7pm. Conj. Buenavista, L 21-22, Avda. de España, Calahonda. Tel: 952 931 829

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

el rancho del puerto

Massala

amigos

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

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

Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday. C/ Málaga 3, Benahavis. Tel: 952 855 175

Grill del puerto

Mr. india

aroma

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

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

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

MARBELLA CLUB GRILL

Mumtaz

auld dubliner

Open every night for dinner. Marbella Club Hotel.

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

Tel: 952 822 211

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

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

safFron

Old Town Grill

Open from 7 pm ‘til late night every day. Parque de Elviria, local 7-9, Las Chapas (take second exit, after Hotel Don Carlos), Marbella. Tel: 952 830 146

baboo lounge and restaurant

Open every day from 6pm except Sundays.

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

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

celima

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

Tel: 952 886 307

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

El Gaucho

Open 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

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

::: INTERNATIONAL ::: Albert & simon

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

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Puerto Cabopino.

Tel: 952 836 886

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

Tel: 952 839 458

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

Black and white Marbella

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

Brunings Open for dinner Monday to Saturday from 7 pm. Las Palmeras 19, San Pedro 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

camuri Open daily for lunch and dinner. CN340, km 176, Marbella. Tel: 952 765 533

capitán Open for lunch and dinner every day except Wednesday. C/ Avila, Blq. 5, Local 1, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 799 635

Casanis

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Hotel Hermitage, Ctra. de Casares, Casares. Tel: 952 895 639.

cerrado del águila Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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

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

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

under €25

€25 – €40

€40 – €60

€60 plus

Cosy

Tel: 952 809 500

girasol

Open every night for dinner from 7pm. Paseo de Las Palmeras 25, San Pedro de Alcántara.

Tel: 951 087 899

EL OLIVO

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

Monday to Saturday. Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona CN 340, km 159, Playa El Padrón, 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

Herrero del Puerto

La Esencia

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

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

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

hotel marbella club buffet

La Loggia

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

Don Quijote Open every evening for dinner (7pm-12am). Urb. El Rosario, km. 188, Marbella. Tel: 952 834 748

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sunday for lunch. At Marbella Golf & Country Club.

CN 340, km. 188, Marbella. Tel: 952 830 500

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

Fabiola

Open Monday to Sunday for lunch. Ctra. de Istán, km. 0.9, C.C. Le Village, Marbella. Tel: 952 775 021

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 Bolero

Finca Besaya

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

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

El Campanario

Finca El Forjador

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

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

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

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

EL JINETE

Galeria San Pedro

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

Open from 11am until midnight. Closed Sundays.

Avda Las Palmeras 15, San Pedro Alcántara.

Tel: 952 780 927

Dynamic Café

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.

Finca las brasas

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

Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe 7, Marbella.

Tel: 952 774 049

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

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

khala Open Monday to Saturday for dinner. NH Alanda Hotel, Marbella. Tel: 952 899 600

LA biznaga

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

Tel: 952 889 150

La Menorah Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

Arena Beach, CN 340, km. 151.2, Estepona.

Tel: 952 792 734

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

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

Tel: 951 275 750

La Terraza

la brisa

Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner.

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

Open for dinner Thursday to Monday from 7pm.

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

La cabaña del mar Open every day for lunch and for dinner from

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

La Veranda

La veranda lobby bar Open every day for lunch and dinner. At the Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona. CN 340, km 159,

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Estepona. Tel: 952 809 500

Campana, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 814 041

La Verandah

Nueva Kaskada

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

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

Open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

Closed Monday and Tuesday. Urb. La Montua, C/ Chorreadero 39, Marbella. Tel: 952 864 478

los arcos Open every night for dinner. Hotel Meliá La Quinta, Urb. La Quinta Golf s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 762 000

Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

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

los bandidos

passion café

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

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

Tel: 952 937 800

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

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

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

shiraz

The Clubhouse Bar & Brasserie

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

Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

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

Open Tuesday to Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Urb. Los Naranjos de Marbella, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 908 844

max beach

POCO loco BEACH

Skina

The meeting room

Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. CN 340, km. 198, Cambio de Sentido Riviera del Sol, Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 932 780

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Playa Hermosa, CN 340, Km 189, Marbella.

Tel: 952 836 170

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

Open 9am to 11pm every day except Sundays. Avda.

Ricardo Soriano 1, Local 1 (Edif. Portillo), Marbella.

Tel: 952 772 577

Mc café

polo house

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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

Open daily for dinner from 7pm and Sunday Lunch, with club/dancing. CN 340, Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe 11, Marbella. Tel: 952 900 380

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ctra.

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

Messina

puente romano beach club

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

mozaic

OCHO

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

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

SUite

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

Tel: 952 924 613.

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

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

Trocadero arena

Swing

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

NUEVA CAMPANA

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

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

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

Open daily for lunch and dinner, except Tuesday. La

schilo

tanino

Open daily for lunch and dinner every day except

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

Tel: 952 839 901

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

PURO BEACH

SMALL WORLD CAFé

Terra Sana

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

Tel: 952 800 015

Rojo

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

Venta garcía

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

Monday. Ctra. de Casares km 7, Casares.

Tel: 952 894 191

viera bistro Open Monday to Sunday from 11 am until late. C.C. Centro Plaza 64, Avda. Manolete 1, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 929 645

What’s cooking deli and takeaway

under €25

€25 – €40

€40 – €60

€60 plus

LA pappardella sul mare

Camojan s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 861 457

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

tempora

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

Lombardo’s

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

::: Oriental ::: Asia Food

Open daily from 10am to 7pm. C.C. Guadalmina, Local 34, Marbella.

Tel: 952 886 748

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

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

Luna Rossa

asiatico zen

zozoï

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

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

Tel: 952 817 691

MADE IN SARDINIA

Dragón de Oro

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

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 every day for dinner from 7.30pm12am. 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

Metro

Amore e Fantasía

nunos

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

Aretusa

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Puerto Marina, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 446 460 Open daily for lunch and dinner. At the Caleta Hotel. Catalan Bay, Gibraltar. Tel: +350 200 76501

O mamma mia

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

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

Open daily for dinner. Front line P. Banús.

Tel: 952 812 898

Open every day except Sunday for lunch and dinner. At El Corte Inglés Food Hall, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 909 990

Carpaccio

Pizzeria Picasso

Open every day for lunch and dinner.

Frontline Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 813 357

Open daily from 12 noon. Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 813 669

Caruso

portofino laguna village

Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday 7pm until midnight. Avda. de la Constitución, corner C/ Andalucía, San Pedro de Alcántara.

Tel: 952 782 293

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

Da Bruno

Ristorante Regina

Open all day. Pasta Da Bruno: Avda. Ricardo Soriano, 27, Marbella. Tel: 952 860 348 – closed on Sunday. Da Bruno Cabopino: CN-340 Km. 194,7. Tel: 952 831 918. Da Bruno a Casa: Marbella Mar, Local 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 857 521 – closed on Sunday. Da Bruno A San Pedro: Avda. del Mar, local 1E, San Pedro. Tel: 952 786 860 – closed on Monday. Da Bruno Sul Mare: Edif. Skol, Paseo Marítimo, Marbella.

Tel: 952 903 318/19. Da Bruno Mijas Costa: Ctra. de Mijas, km. 3.6, Mijas. Tel: 952 460 724

Open every night for dinner and Sunday for lunch. Edif. La Ruleta, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 814 529

Da Paolo

salotto

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

Open Monday to Saturday for dinner. Avda. del Prado, Via 1, local 2, Aloha Golf, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 818 112

De Medici

terraza dual

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

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

Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday.

Centro Comercial Marbellamar. Tel: 952 770 550

trattoria l’impronta

Sushi des artistes

Frascati

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

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

Villa Tiberio

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. 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

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

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

Tel: 952 820 900

Rosmarino della Piazza Open Monday to Friday for lunch and daily for dinner. C.C. Pino Golf, local 34, Elviria, Marbella. Tel: 952 850 148

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

::: Mediterranean ::: Sala mirador

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Monte Paraíso Golf, Casa Club, Camino de

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

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

Tel: 952 830 365 / 658 646 829

Osaka Open every day 13:30-16:00 & 19:30-24:00.

CN-340, km. 166 (Benavista). C.C. Costa del Sol. Tel: 952 885 751

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

Sakura Open every day for lunch and dinner. Avda.

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

Sapporo Open daily for lunch and dinner. C.C. Costa del Sol, upper level. CN-340, km. 166 (Estepona). Tel: 952 888 710

Sukho Thai

Sushi Katsura

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

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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. Paseo Marítimo Rey de España, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 660 084

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

Santiago

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

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

::: SPANISH :::

Almenara Golf Aloha Golf Club 18 holes. Tel: 952 907 085. www.clubdegolfaloha.com

Bahía

Atalaya Golf

Open every day for lunch and dinner.

Urb. Puerto Deportivo 13, Edif. Poniente, Estepona. Tel: 951 318 445

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

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

Tse yang Dimsum club

beach club restaurante grill

18 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 850 282

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

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 951 703 355

Casa de la era

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 883 835

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

Estepona Golf

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

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

Julio Iglesias, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 907 304

Wok Buffet

Casa Fernando

Cabopino Golf Cerrado del águila Club de Golf La Cañada 18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 956 794 100

El Paraiso Club de Golf 18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 937 605. www.esteponagolf.com

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

Finca cortesín golf club

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

Wok Wang

El Portalón

Flamingos Golf Club

Open every day for lunch and dinner. C/ Camilo José Cela, C.C. Plaza del Mar, planta 0, local 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 925 478

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

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

Yuan

Hacienda

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 756 733

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

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

Golf Torrequebrada

La máquina

La Cala Golf Resort

Open daily for lunch and dinner except Sunday. At El Corte Inglés Food Hall, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 909 990

54 holes, Pars 71, 72 and 73.

Tel: 952 669 033. www.lacala.com

La Meridiana del alabardero

9 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 818 150

::: SCANDINAVIAN ::: Skandies

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 7pm to 11pm.

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

the little mermaid Open daily from 9.30am to 5pm except Sundays. C.C. Centro Plaza, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 929 181

::: SEAFOOD :::

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

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

La fishita Open Tuesday to Saturday from 1pm to 11pm and Sunday and Monday from 6pm to 11pm.

C/Las Violetas, Local 7, Nueva Andalucía.

Tel: 952 813 598

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

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

Golf Río Real 18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 442 742

Guadalmina Golf 36 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 883 375

La Dama de Noche La Duquesa Golf & Country Club

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

La Taberna del Alabardero

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 890 425

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

La Reserva Sotogrande 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

18 holes. Tel: 956 695 209

Mesón el adobe

Alhaurín de la Torre. Tel: 952 412 767

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

Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club

mi taberna

Los Naranjos Golf Club

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. CN340, km 178, Marbella. Tel: 952 827 880

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 815 206

Tragabuches

Marbella Golf & Country 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

18 holes. Tel: 952 830 500

::: VEGETARIAN ::: loving hut

La Zagaleta Golf & Country Club 18 holes. Members only. Tel: 952 695 209

Lauro Golf 18 holes

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 784 600

Marbella Club Golf Resort 18 holes, Par 73. Tel: 952 113 239

Mijas Golf 36 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 476 843

Miraflores Golf 18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 931 960

Monte Mayor Golf & Country Club

Open daily from 10.30am to 11.30pm. Avda.

Miguel Cano 11, Marbella. Tel: 951 245 889

18 holes. Tel: 952 113 088

GOLF GUIDE

18 holes. Tel: 952 381 255

Alcaidesa Links

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 810 875

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

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

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande

Restaurante El bote

Alhaurín Golf

San Roque Club

Marisquería La Pesquera

Parador Málaga del Golf Real Club de Golf Las Brisas 18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 785 014

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Tai Chi & yoga. Pasaje Estrecho, Estepona.

Tel: 952 923 055

Saint George’s School

Santa Clara Golf 18 holes. Tel: 952 850 111

SPORTCLUB ROUTE 66

Santa Maria Golf & Country Club

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

Sotogrande International School

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 613 030

Ages 2-8. San Pedro. Tel: 952 786 606

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 831 036

SPORTING CLUB ATALAYA PARK HOTEL

Sotogrande Club de Golf

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

St. Javier’s International School

18 holes. Tel: 956 785 012

TICKET-TO-RIDE

Ages 1-7. Marbella. Tel: 952 823 457

Valderrama

Cristamar, Pto. Banús. Tel: 952 905 082

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

Vitality studio

Stagecoach Theatre Arts School

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

Ages 4-16. Tel: 952 900 453

sChools

Ages 2–18. Torremolinos. Tel: 952 383 164

ALHAMAR GYM

Ages 3-18. Nueva Andalucía.

Tel: 952 814 133

Ages 3–10. Marbella. Tel: 952 773 248

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

Angela’s School

ATENAS

Ages 6-14. Marbella. Tel: 952 823 042

Swans international school Sierra blanca

Barquilla 1. Marbella. Tel: 952 776 240

british school of marbella

Ages 11–18. Marbella. Tel: 952 902 755

AZTEC COUNTRY CLUB

Ages 18 months-8. Marbella. Tel: 952 779 264

TLC Tutorial College

Urb. Riviera del Sol, Mijas-Costa.

Tel: 952 934 477

Calahonda International College

Ages 13-18. Calahonda. Tel: 952 933 249

CENTRO DEPORTIVO EL FUERTE

Ages 3-18. Tel: 952 930 080

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

Calpe School

Ages 4 months - 5 years. Marbella.

Tel: 952 772 910

CENTRO DE YOGA Y SALUD INTEGRAL

Ages 2 1/2–11. San Pedro. Tel: 952 786 029

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

CENTRO PLAZA GYM

Childrens placE Bilingual nursery

Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 817 074

Atalaya, Estepona. Tel: 952 928 444

Cerrado del águila

Colegio Alborán

Urb. Riviera del Sol, Mijas-Costa.

Tel: 952 934 477

Mijas Costa, Málaga. Tel: 951 773 523

Ages 3-18. Ricmar. Tel: 952 839 645

bel air tennis and paddel club

CLUB DEl SOL

Colegio Alemán

Tennis /paddle classes. Calahonda.

Tel: 952 939 595

Ages 3-18. Elviria. Tel: 952 831 417

Urb. Bel-Air, Estepona.

Tel: 952 883 221

Colegio Las Chapas

Club deL Sol

Dynamic training centre

Ages 5–18, girls school. Elviria. Tel: 952 831 616

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

Colegio San José Guadalmina

Tennis/paddle classes. Calahonda.

Tel: 952 939 595

FITNESS CENTRE NEW STYLE

Tel: 952 883 858 Estepona. Tel: 952 800 148

Club de tenis don carlos

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

Dolphin Nursery

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

Marbella. Tel: 952 768 800

GYMS & SPORTS CLUBS

Aloha College

Ages 2–18. Sotogrande. Tel: 956 795 902

Sunny View School Swans international school el capricho

wendy kindergarten

TENNIS CLUBS Aztec Country Club

Fuerte Gym

Ages 6 months-5 years. San Pedro.

Tel: 952 799 563

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

Ecos College

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

GIMNASIO ESTADIO

Ages 1–18. Elviria. Tel: 952 831 027

Club Madroñal

Trav. Huerta de los Cristales, Marbella.

Tel: 952 828 217

English InteRnational College

Benahavís. Tel: 617 647 223

Ages 3–18. Elviria. Tel: 952 831 058/9

Club Nueva Alcántara

HAPPY DIVER’S CLUB

Fiona Jones School of Dance

San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 788 315

Atalaya Park Hotel, Marbella. Tel: 609 571 920

Hofsaess tennis academy

HOTEL PUENTE ROMANO

Ages 9–14. Manolo Santana Racquets Club.

Fuengirola. Tel: 610 764 439

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

Hijas de María Auxiliadora

Monte Elviria (next to German School).

Tel: 952 835 812

KRAV MAGA SELF-DEFENCE CENTRE

Ages 3-12. Marbella. Tel: 952 771 396

Lew Hoads Tennis Club

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

III language schools

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

MANOLO SANTANA RACQUETS CLUB

Manolo Santana Racquets Club

Monda. Tel: 952 112 161

San Pedro. Tel: 952 778 492 Marbella. Tel: 952 822 191 Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 908 558 Estepona. Tel: 952 794 059

MARBELLA SPORT

Inlingua Language School

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

Km 171.5. San Pedro Alcántara.

Tel: 952 788 315

All ages. Marbella. T: 952 774 942

Miraflores Tennis Club

MULTI SPORT

the InteRnational SCHOOL of ESTEPONA

Urb. Miraflores, Km 199. Calahonda.

Tel: 952 932 006

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

Ages 2-12. Estepona. Tel: 952 884 789

Puente Romano TEnnis club

New Concept Training

Laude San pedro international college

Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

02 CENTRO WELLNESS

Ages 2–18. San Pedro.

Tel: 952 799 900

El Rosario, Marbella.

Tel: 952 837 651

Plaza del Mar. Marbella. Tel: 952 900 420

Mayfair Academy

P-E SPORTS CLUB

Ages 4-18. Atalaya Park, Estepona.

Tel: 952 784 923

TRAIN

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

MARBELLA GUN & COUNTRY CLUB

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

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

Monseñor Rodrigo Bocanegra

qi sport

Ages 3-16. Marbella. Tel: 952 770 077

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

Performing Arts Academy

SATURNIA REGNA

Ages 3-18. Marbella. Tel: 952 906 865

Marbella Tel: 952 761 475, Elviria.

Tel: 952 834 835

Peter Pan School

SEVEN STARS SCHOOL

Ages 0-3. Bilingual nursery. San Pedro. Tel: 952 782 051 Benalmádena. Tel: 952 562 103

Club Internacional de Tennis

Ctra. de Istán, Km 2. Marbella.

Tel: 952 778 580

marbella playa tenIs

royal tennis club marbella

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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THE GUIDE what’s on EVENTS CONTINUED FROM FEBRUARY

Coolest Hotel, at the THB Reserva del Higuerón Hotel in Fuengirola.

Tel: 951 505 101.

Until March 3 WALKING AND CULTURE – SIERRA DE LAS NIEVES

Until June 9 ART – MÁLAGA

The Andalusian Walking and Cultural event will comprise a full programme of walks, talks and social events, with special accommodation and transport packages to visit the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park. Each day there will be a choice of two walks of different difficulties and at night there will be live music, paella and astronomic night walks. For further information, www.worldwideadventures.com

Until March 4 ART – MIJAS

Margit Björklund from Sweden, Don Widdall from England and Sinikka Ahokas-Gröhn from Finland present a collective contemporary art exhibition at Jinete Restaurant. Open every day except Friday from 1pm to 10pm.

Tel: 952 119 170.

ART – MARBELLA

The Kasser Rassu Gallery hosts a painting exhibition by Harriet Nilsson, an artist who seeks to bring healing energies into spaces through her art. Tel: 650 463 447.

Until March 21 ART – FUENGIROLA

The International Black & White Association in Spain presents an international art exhibition at Tenencia de Alcaldía de Los Boliches to commemorate International Women’s Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. A full programme of activities will be available, including free books for children, prizes and fundraising efforts. For further information, see The International Black & White Assocation’s Facebook page.

Until March 31 ART – ESTEPONA

The Hotel Kempinski Bahía Estepona will be housing a spectacular modern art exhibition by painter Hans-Joachim Pietrula, a renowned artist who recently created BMW’s popular Art Advent Calendar. The works can be viewed at the Hotel’s Meeting Centre. www.kempinski.com

ART – MARBELLA

Japanese contemporary painter, Yuko Murata, presents her latest collection of paintings, Somewhere, featuring simple compositions of minimal lines and forms, deeply influenced by 18th-century minimalist Japanese paintings.

The subjects of Murata’s works are derived from existing photos such as old postcards, tourist leaflets and encyclopaedias. At the Yusto Giner Gallery. www.yusto-giner.com

Until April 30 PHOTOGRAPHY – FUENGIROLA

Jesús Ponce exhibits his beautiful, minimalist photographs from the collection entitled

The Museo Picasso de Málaga presents 55 works from Picasso’s earliest period, as well as a host of important documents that enable us to glean vital information on what Picasso’s youth and earliest influences were. 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

Meets at different times and places for lunches, lectures, tickets to concerts, ballet, theatre, opera, etc. Further information, Tel: 669 445 809. smartkidsmarbella@gmail.com

Every Monday SALSA CLASSES – MARBELLA

Learn how to shake your hips like a true Latino at El Campanario, under the guiding hand of professional dancer, Rafa. At 7:30pm.

Prior booking is necessary. Tel: 952 904 233. www.elcampanariogolf.com

Every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday LANGUAGE WORKSHOPS – MIJAS PUEBLO

Spanish/English and English/Spanish conversation with fellow native speakers, 10:30am to 12pm and 6:30pm to 8pm.

Mondays in La Cala, Tuesdays in Mijas Village and Thursdays in Las Lagunas.

At the Pensioner’s Day Centres. Further information on meeting points, Tel: 952 589 010. www.mijas.es

Every Monday and Wednesday YOGA – MARBELLA

Lori Sjollema teaches Gentle Hatha Flow yoga on Mondays at 10:30am and Intermediate Vinyasa Flow on Wednesdays at 10:30am at the Manolo Santana Racquets Club.

Tel: 639 845 285.

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 go from 7:30pm to 9pm. For information on locations, info@advancedpersonaltherapy.com

Every Tuesday JIVE – ESTEPONA

Learn to dance and feel confident on the dance floor at the three-hour jive dance sessions

Every Wednesday and Friday MARTIAL ARTS – MARBELLA

Every first Tuesday of the month INTERNET – MARBELLA

Café Ideas is an informative event that takes place from 9:15am to 11am at the Hotel Meliá Banús, aimed at entrepreneurs who would like to learn more about how the Internet and online networking can grow their business. Entrance costs €15.

To reserve your spot, Tel: 952 902 961. info@studioideas.es

Taekwondo expert Justin Menchen, who studied and received First Dan in Los Angeles (from Master Keith Jones) teaches Taekwondo to children and adults, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm at MGM gym. For further information, Tel: 666 756 692. www.marbellataekwondo.com

Every Thursday NETWORKING – MARBELLA

The Marbella Business Group holds networking breakfasts featuring presentations, discussions and introductions of new members. At 8am at the Hotel Senator in Marbella. To become a member, www.marbellabusinessgroup.com

led by Colin and his team from Jive Spain at TikiTano restaurant. People of all ages attend every week and you don’t have to bring a partner or reserve a space. Just come along and join the fun! Tickets cost €10 per person.

For precise times, www.jivespain.com

JAZZ – MARBELLA

Every Second Tuesday of the Month JAZZ – ESTEPONA

Every first Friday of the Month CINE CLUB – 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 Third Tuesday of the Month FLORAL ART CLUB – ESTEPONA

Meets 3-5pm monthly with NAFAS demonstrators at El Campanario Golf & Country Club. Further information from Marilyn Pemberton, Tel: 952 928 197.

Every Wednesday TOASTMASTERS CLUB – MARBELLA Weekly meetings of this public speaking organisation, 7:30pm at Aloha Gardens, Nueva Andalucía. Further information, www.toastmastersmarbella.com

SALSA – MARBELLA

If you’re feeling the Latino vibe, brush up on your salsa 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.

Every first Wednesday of the month CULTURE AND COCKTAIL – MARBELLA

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

Every Wednesday and Thursday CINE CLUB – MARBELLA

Cine Club Buñuel presents films in their original language at the Marbella Instituto Río Verde at 8pm and 10:15pm. Tel: 952 774 638.

Enjoy magnificent jazz music by Agustín Carrillo, Oliver Lepinat and Markus Schneider at Trocadero Arena restaurant from 10pm onwards. Tel: 952 865 579. www.trocaderoarena.com

Top films shown weekly in Spanish or original soundtrack at Padre Manuel Cultural Centre, 9pm. Tel: 952 802 002. www.estepona.es

MODS & ROCKERS – MARBELLA

Enjoy a fun evening filled with mod (garage and soul) and rockabilly (rhythm and blues) at Pub Maverick in Marbella’s Old Town. Tel: 951 506 227. info@activesoundproductions.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: 952 797 405/ 606 274 206. www.adana-estepona.com

BUSINESS LUNCH – MARBELLA

Marbella Business Institute invitation-only lunch club for local and visiting Business people, active and retired. To apply, see www.marbellabusinst.com

Every Saturday MARKETS – PUERTO BANÚS

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

ART – MARBELLA

Enjoy a beautiful art exhibition and art sale from 6pm to 11:30pm at Plaza de la Encarnación, Marbella. The event, organised by the COART Association in conjunction with the Marbella Town Hall, brings local artists and art buyers together in a relaxed,

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informal atmosphere. For further information, asociacioncoart@gmail.com

ORGANIC FRUIT AND VEG MARKET – MARBELLA

If organic fruit and veg are your thing, don’t miss out on this hip market. At the Paseo de la Alameda from 10am to 2pm every Saturday. www.marbella.es

YANELA BROOKS – ESTEPONA

Marbella’s Diva of Disco and Soul, Yanela Brooks, performs at La Cabaña del Mar Beach Club at the Hotel Kempinski Bahía Estpona.

Enjoy a three-course dinner while Yanela belts out your favourite pop and R ‘n B hits. From 8pm to 1am. www.kempinski.com

SINTILLATE – MARBELLA

Enjoy a VIP Terrace Party with Sintillate, featuring live DJ music, Champagne and a chic ambience at Tibv in Puerto Banús. To book a table, www.sintillate.eventbrite.co.uk

Every second Saturday of the month Ecological Market – elviria The Guadalhorce Ecological Association will be holding an organic fruit and vegetable market in front of the Supersol in Elviria. www.guadalhorceecologico.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

Friday March 1 film – MARBELLA

The Marbella International Film Festival presents the award to the winner of the 24 Hour Film Challenge. At the H10 Andalucía Plaza Hotel at 6:30. Also featuring a showing of winning short films and the winning feature film, Dorfman. Stay for a gourmet dinner if desired. To book, joane.f7@gmail.com

Saturday March 2 MONEY – MARBELLA

Joan Antoni Melé Cartañá, Assistant General Director of Triodos Bank in Spain, will be giving a talk on Money and Conscience at the Palacio de Congresos de Marbella at 12pm. The talk will focus on a number of issues, including the current economic crisis, the environmental problem, the foundations of a new economy, the nature and functions of money, responsible consumption, etc. Tel: 951 137 210.

Sunday March 3 BASKETBALL – MARBELLA

Basketball buffs will enjoy a host of fastpaced games at the third Torneo 3x3 Gardensol Tournament, featuring local teams and taking place at Fuerte Nagüeles from 10am to 5pm.

For further information, Tel: 636 362 714. www.gaber-sportsmarbella.com

BLUES – FUENGIROLA

top-rated television channel, Telecinco. Anne will be speaking with the spirits at the Main Auditorium of the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos in Marbella. For precise times, www.marbellacongresos.com

The Little Blues Band delights blues lovers with some of the most classic tunes in history. At 7pm at the Salon Varietes theatre. www.salonvarietestheatre.com

Wednesday March 6, 13 and Friday March 15 COMPUTERS – MARBELLA

Justin Menchen of Marbella MAC Solutions hosts a fun workshop on iTunes, Pages and iBook Author respectively. From 10am to 2pm at Easy Computers in Marbella. Register online on www.marbellamacsolutions.com

Wednesday March 6, 13, 20 and 27 PAINTING CLASSES – MARBELLA

Ricardo Alario teaches ‘matter painting’ classes, featuring abstract techniques and the incorporation of original materials like wood, sand and broken glass. From 10am to 1pm or 5:50pm to 8:30pm at the Taller Ricardo Alario.

Tel: 952 859 671. www.ricardoalario.com

Saturday March 9 FASHION – MARBELLA

The Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Marbella will be hosting a spectacular flamenco fashion show, featuring the most renowned designers in this speciality. www.marbellacongresos.com

Sunday March 10 X-TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – MÁLAGA

World X-Trial motorcycling champion, Toni Bou, will be attempting to defend his world title at the X-Trial World Championships, to be held at the Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium or on www.Málagaentradas.com

THEATRE – MÁLAGA

Theatre troupe, Centro Escénico Pupaclown presents The Three Little Pigs, a traditional tale told in a fun new format.

At the Teatro Echegaray at 11am and 1pm. www.teatroechegaray.com

Monday March 11 ART – FUENGIROLA

Art expert, Dr. Peter Webb will be giving the enlightening talk, David Hockney: Art as Biography, at the Salon Varietes Theatre in Fuengirola at 4:30pm. For further information, please contact Yvonne on Tel: 664 160 652.

Sunday March 17 SAINT PATRICK’S DAY – MARBELLA

The Irish Club Marbella will be hosting the inaugural Saint Patrick’s Day festival in conjunction with the Marbella Town Hall at the Alameda in Marbella from 12pm to 6pm. Featuring food and music, as well as entertainment for kids, including a bouncy castle, interactive football,face painting etc. www.stpatricksdayfestivalmarbella.com

Saturday March 23 ENYA TRIBUTE – MÁLAGA

The Teatro Cervantes will provide a dreamlike backdrop to this spectacular Enya tribute show, featuring drummer Trevor Murrell (drummer for Mike Oldfield and George Michael), Hille Bemelmans (vocalist for Mike Oldfield, Sting and Joe Cocker) and more internationally renowned musicians. Songs featured include Orinoco Flow, Watermark, Book of Days and many more. The show starts at 8pm. www.teatrocervantes.com

Sunday March 24 NLP – MARBELLA Thursday March 14 FILM – MARBELLA

The Marbella International Film Festival hosts Oscar Nights, featuring a showing of the film Argos. At the H10 Andalucía Plaza Hotel at 8pm. Tel: 952 812 200. www.marbellafilmfestival.com

Friday March 15 to Sunday March 24 ANNIE – FUENGIROLA

Peter Mitchell directs a talented cast in the musical Annie, which tells the tale of an abandoned orphan who finds unconditional love from a new father. The show starts every night at 8pm except for Sunday, when it starts at 7pm. www.salonvarietestheatre.com

Tuesday March 19 FLOWERS – ESTEPONA

The Estepona Floral Art Club will be holding a flower arranging demonstration from 3:30pm to 5pm at TikiTano restaurant. The demonstration will be given by Stephanie Laing, NAFAS Area Demonstrator from East Grinstead, West Sussex. For further information, please contact Leslie on Tel: 610 950 810.

Friday March 22 and Saturday March 23 ANNE GERMAIN – MARBELLA

Anne Germain is one of the world’s best known mediums and she has her own show on Spain’s

Enjoy a four-hour workshop with a professional Neuro-Linguistic Programming coach, who will teach you all about charisma and how to overcome your shyness to succeed in business. From 5pm to 9pm at Mozaic restaurant in El Rosario. Tel:616 750 804.

Sunday March 24 to Sunday March 31 HOLY WEEK – THROUGHOUT ANDALUCÍA

Throughout Andalucía, the streets of every city and town will be overtaken by beautiful processions representing the life and death of Christ.

Thursday March 28 WEST END MUSICALS – ESTEPONA

Popular Welsh tenor Stephen Lloyd-Morgan joins forces with Steve Shappelle, Adele Lee Peters and Gemma Lloyd to bring you West End Musicals in Concert: a show featuring songs from some of the most popular musicals of all time. Special tribute will be paid to Les Misérables. www.tikitano.com

Sunday March 31 CHILDREN’S THEATRE – MÁLAGA

Kirucón Teatro presents The Cavemen and the Mastodon, which tells the tale of Caver, a relatively intelligent and friendly caveman who invents tools that make life easier for his community. At 11am and 1pm at the Teatro Echegaray. www.teatroechegaray.com

Wednesday March 13 to Thursday March 14 RUSSIAN MEETING POINT – BENALMÁDENA

The Hotel Holiday Polynesia will be hosting the 4th Russian Meeting Point, which will highlight the value of Costa del Sol real estate for Russian investors. The event will feature stands, a conference hall, business lounge and organised visits to exclusive properties.

For a detailed programme of events, www.russianmeetingpoint.com

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THE GUIDE stars

Russell Grant’s Monthly Horoscopes March 2013 www.russellgrant.com

If you’re already in a relationship, your partner will encourage you to travel, write, or study around the 11th

PISCES February 20th March 20th

You radiate star power in the beginning of March. This is the perfect time to go on a first date, show off your creative work, or launch an advertising initiative. People will be very receptive to your particular brand of charm. Lots of romantic interest will be shown at this time, and you’ll have your choice of suitors. Although all the attention is flattering, you’ll be drawn to the one who exudes experience and authority. If you’re already in a relationship, your partner will encourage you to travel, write, or study around the 11th. Their enthusiasm will help you reach new heights.

Resist the urge to go on a shopping spree on the 27th, as you’ll feel instant remorse for anything you buy. Easter weekend warns against lending or borrowing money.

If you’re resourceful, you can cover your bills and keep all of your friendships intact. It’s just a matter of being more mindful about how and when you spend money.

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ARIES [21 MAR - 20 APR]

March opens with an exciting opportunity to present your ideas to influential individuals; fortunately, your powers of persuasion will be at an all time high making this an effective and exhilarating period for self promotion and success. If you are involved in a liaison, relationship or campaign you’ve been keeping quiet about, then the first few weeks of March could be the time to take the wraps off and come clean. Once you’ve made your move you will find you have the momentum and the motivation to tackle difficult and delaying legal matters and get the upper hand over obstructive individuals who threaten to hold you back. Your power packed personality pushes you forward towards April giving you a zest for life and a drive to improve your fitness levels through exercise or dieting. When your thinking is lean and mean and your figure is trim you’ll be more than a match for anyone.

TAURUS [21 APR - 21 MAY]

March gets off to an exciting start, when you attend a party with several impressive executives. Networking with these people will be both stimulating and helpful. An older, experienced friend will offer valuable advice on developing your raw talent around the 11th.

You can’t afford to rest on your laurels any longer. Look for opportunities to travel, write, and study during the middle of the month. Take care not to push yourself too hard on the 27th, or you could pull a muscle or aggravate an old injury. When it comes to fitness, slow and steady wins the race. Setting aside more time for solitary pursuits like reading, writing and gardening will be rewarding in the final days of the month. You need quiet time for your creative juices to come bubbling to the surface. By the time Easter weekend arrives, you’ll have made admirable progress with a story, painting, song, or dance. You might even be able to sell the fruits of your labour.

GEMINI [22 MAY - 21 JUN]

You’ll be handsomely rewarded for your contributions to an important project in the opening days of March. If you don’t get a raise or promotion, you will get some pretty handsome perks, like the use of a company car or vacation property. Take advantage of these amenities, as you’ve certainly earned them. You’ll be the focus of attention in the days surrounding the 11th. Seize this opportunity to get some impressive work assignments.

In the past, you were willing to take any job that came your way to prove your worth. Now that word has spread of your talent, you should be more discerning about the work you accept. A jealous argument will erupt around the 27th. Your lover has a hard time dealing with your naturally flirtatious ways. Although you have no intention of betraying your amour, their lack of trust angers you.

Don’t let their jealousy stop you looking your best at a party over Easter weekend.

CANCER [22 JUN - 23 JULY]

The opening days of March are ideal for taking a glamorous vacation of some sort. If you can’t get away, you can always armchair travel by reading books or watching movies set in exotic locales. The important thing is to expose yourself to unfamiliar vistas, so that your creativity has a chance to percolate. A teaching opportunity will fall into your lap around the 11th. You’ll feel an immediate connection with a student who seems wiser than their years. Together, you can collaborate on a successful project. An upsetting domestic situation disrupts the

middle portion of March. It’s time to put an end to a codependent relationship. You’ve got to encourage your relative to develop interests and friendships of their own or resentment will set in. Someone will ask you to work Easter weekend, so prepare to refuse. You need to spend some quality time with your loved ones. Work can wait.

LEO [24 JULY - 23 AUG]

The first half of March promises to be a very passionate time for you. If you’re in a relationship, you’ll spend more time in bed than out of it. You’ve always been an extremely sensual soul; now is the time to tap into this powerful part of your personality. By satisfying your physical desires, you’ll experience an upsurge of creative energy. By the time the 11th arrives, you’ll be ready to launch a painting, film, or theatre project. Fortunately, your efforts will get an enthusiastic reception. People respond well to your colourful vision. The 27th warns against pretending to know more than you actually do. By admitting your ignorance, you’ll receive valuable training from an expert teacher. Don’t be surprised when you discover a talent for working with machinery. Easter weekend favours an adventurous outing. Venture into unknown territory during this electric phase; romantic and financial risks will pay off handsomely.

VIRGO [24 AUG - 23 SEP]

A series of passionate encounters heat up the first days of March. Your sex appeal will be red hot; use it to seduce the object of your affection. If you’re already in a relationship, your partner will be extra attentive. Don’t be surprised when you receive a beautiful token of your amour’s esteem.

An engagement or wedding party will be planned for the middle of March. Be sure to bring some business cards along, as you will make some valuable contacts at this gathering. This is a wonderful time to find an investor for a store or business. Money will be tight in the second half of the month; you’ll have to do some budgeting to make ends meet. A creative endeavour won’t go according to plan over Easter weekend; try to be as flexible as possible when you encounter obstacles. The more open you are to trying new approaches, the easier it will be to create a work of art.

LIBRA [24 SEPT - 23 OCT]

The results of a health regimen are evident to everyone in the beginning of March. You positively radiate sex appeal, and will be the object of several suitors’ desire. It’s gratifying to know you are in such great demand. Ultimately, you’re more interested in developing your creative talent than devoting all of your energy to romance. You’ll be offered an impressive job on or around the 11th, helping you get paid to do something you love. The salary may not be impressive, but it will be a steady source of income. Mid-March is ideal for signing a contract or forming a business partnership. By aligning yourself with a powerful person, you’ll have the financial backing and practical help to become a success. Take care that you share credit with the people who have made your achievements possible. Schedule a short trip for pleasure over Easter weekend, when you will benefit from a change of scenery.

SCORPIO [24 OCT - 22 NOV]

Adopt a more open minded attitude towards a business or romantic partner’s plans in early March. You’re worried about making changes at this stage, but the real

danger is standing still while everybody else is moving forward. Go ahead and give your friend the green light; this will make your bond stronger than ever before. A surprising love affair, engagement, or marriage will be revealed on or around the 10th. This exciting turn of events renews your faith in true love. You might even be inspired to make a serious commitment of your own.

A source of income dries up quite suddenly at the end of the month. There won’t be much money available for leisurely pursuits. Fortunately, you’ve always been very resourceful. Finding inexpensive ways to amuse yourself will be relatively easy for you. In the meantime, tell your friends you are looking for work. Who you know is more important than what you know as March draws to a close.

SAGITTARIUS [23 NOV - 21 DEC]

If you want to move, start looking for a new place in early March. This is the best time of year to get a bank loan, even if you’ve been turned down in the past. Alternately, a generous relative will give you the money for a down payment. You’ll find a great place near a beautiful body of water, provided you’re willing to be open minded. Instead of setting your heart on a particular neighbourhood, be willing to look at properties that are a little off the beaten path. By the middle of the month you will find the perfect place, and might even be able to negotiate a lower price. You’ve always had a problem with long term commitments, but buying a place will be a positive influence. A friend will try to make you feel guilty for skipping a wild party at the end of the month. Don’t bother defending yourself; you have every right to opt for an evening of romance over a night of debauchery.

CAPRICORN [22 DEC - 20 JAN]

A teaching or writing position will be offered to you in the opening days of March. You’ll become something of a celebrity as word spreads of your talent.

Getting paid to share your expertise is your idea of heaven. An influential friend will invite you on a trip in the days surrounding the 11th.

The change of scenery will give you confidence. Too often, you underplay your talent. Once you get out of your old routine, you’ll realise just what a hot commodity you really are. An executive decision near the 27th won’t go your way. Try not to dwell on your disappointment; there is a bigger plan at work. Chances are you would have been very unhappy if you had been awarded the position in question. By the time Easter weekend arrives, you’ll prefer to rest and relax with family. Let your relatives pamper and pet you. You’re long overdue for some tender loving care.

AQUARIUS [21 JAN - 19 FEB]

Working behind the scenes puts extra money in your pocket in the opening days of March. A high powered executive admires your humble attitude, and will offer you a big job as a reward. Although your duties won’t afford much creative satisfaction, they will give you an opportunity to buy some luxuries that were previously out of reach. The days surrounding the 11th are perfect for negotiating your salary, as well as a long term contract. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t win a legal settlement near the 27th. At least the matter will be settled and you can move on to greener pastures. The idea of going back to school is tempting, but you’re better off spending more time at home. Your family needs you more than you realise. Easter weekend is perfect for visiting a friend who lifts your spirits. The two of you will have lots of fun catching up on old times.

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KIDS

THE GUIDE family

FREE ENTRY FOR CHILDREN TO BIOPARC FUENGIROLA

PLACES 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 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 Danzzas Ballet, modern dance, jazz, tap, theatre craft and hip-hop for kids. Classes at the Manolo Santana Racquets Club and at Plaza Gym. Contact Fiona on Tel: 663 646 040. www.danzzas.com

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 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, just opposite La Cañada in Marbella.

Training is on Mondays and Wednesdays. Call Craig on Tel: 609 310 409. www.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 Kids Multi-Sports Club A plethora of sports for children of

There’s never been a better time to visit Bioparc Fuengirola than right now, since children can enter for free for the entire year of 2013! It’s this simple: one adult has to purchase a Green Pass for €30 and a child (aged three to 12) obtains a Green Pass for free. The pass entitles its holder to free entry into the park for a full year. (The offer is only valid until March 3). A surcharge of €3 for administration applies (€1 of which goes to the Bioparc Foundation). i www.bioparcfuengirola.es

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

Kidz Kingdom 2 – Space City

Space theamed play centre for daily visits or parties. Life size Barney and Sponge Bob. Urb. El Rosario, CN 340, km 188.5, Marbella. Tel: 952 839 275

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 in Benalmádena. Contact Emma on Tel: 628 567 129. 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 Megabowl & Sports Bar This bowling centre boasts state-ofthe-art tenpin bowling lanes as well as great food, drinks and entertainment. C.C. La Cañada, Ctra. Ojén, Marbella. Tel: 902 232 999. www.megabowlmarbella.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 Trenecito de Marbella Take a relaxing train ride to view the main sights of Marbella. Daily 10am-1pm. Paseo Maritimo.

Tel: 639 765 981 Yaina’s Park Indoor play centre with staff speaking Scandinavian, English and Spanish. Open seven days a week from 10am to 9pm.

Children’s parties, parent’s coffee shop with pool tables, television, food. Avda. Gamonal 4, Edif. Hercules, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena. Tel: 622 005 068

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“Expect the Exceptional”

UNRIVALLED EXCELLENCE IN LUXURY BUILDING Melior Vasari La Alzambra Local 3-1 Puerto Banus Marbella 29660 info@quaypropertygroup.com | www.quaypropertygroup.com Tel: +34 951 319 728