Essential Marbella Magazine Winter 2012

COMPLIMENTARY COPY - COSTA DEL SOL N º162 - WINTER EDITION 2012

essential essential marbella® magazine ISSUE 162 • WINTER EDITION 2012

ESSENTIAL FOR LUXURIOUS LIVING

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Xmas

SHOPPING

HANNIBAL

LAGUNA

GORGEOUS GOWNS

MAX CLIFFORD

Exclusive

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TRAVELOGUE

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Issue 162 • December 2012 PUBLISHER AND DIRECTOR

IAIN BLACKWELL director@essentialmagazine.com

GENERAL MANAGER

ANDREA BÖJTI sales@essentialmagazine.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

MARISA CUTILLAS editorial@essentialmagazine.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER SALES SUPPORT

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

ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR

You are holding an

DESIGN & LAYOUT

award winning

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

publication

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.

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY CLOTHES & STYLING COVER MODEL MAKE UP 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, MALCOLM CLIFF, MICHEL CRUZ, RIK FOXX, RUSSELL GRANT, MARK LANE, AJ LINN, PETER SANDERSON, TONY WHITNEY, ROD YOUNGER GARY EDWARDS FASHIONVILLA CARMEN NAVARRETE (ESTETICPLUS DE ANA GÓMEZ) LIZA MAYNE GARY EDWARDS, FAMOUS, CAMPBELL FERGUSON, JOHNNY GATES, KEVIN HORN (www.khphotography.co.uk), MJ MURPHY 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

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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 24 Home Viewing 26 Music 28 Books 30 Gadgets 36 The Lexus LS 600h 38

The Focus Christmas Gift Ideas 42 LinkedIn 50 Max Clifford 52

The Style Blackshaw Interior Design 56 Roche Bobois Furniture Items 64 Fashion Feature: Hannibal Laguna 66 Fashion News 72

The Spa 76 OPI Nail Bar at El Corte Inglés 78 Beauty News: Christmas Beauty Buys 82 Natural Christmas Scents 84 Health Advice from Chiropractor Dr. Mark Lane 86 Health Profile: Ibramed

The Pro 88 Enterprise 100 Nórdica Sales & Rentals 102 Graham Hunt 105 The Vibe

The Leisure 110 Travel: Tangier 118 Hotel: Finca Cortesín

g The Gourmet 123 Magna Café 125 Güey 126 Food News 128 Restauranteur Profile: Jill Lindberg of Los Bandidos 130 Wine: Spain’s Recommended Reds

The Guide 132 Listings

The Blog 140 Pet News: Doggy Photo Competition Results 142 What’s On 144 Stars 146 Kid’s Zone

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952 809 212 david.bowern@blevinsfranks.com Blevins Franks Financial Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Services Authority only for the conduct of investment and pension business. 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 only gives taxation advice; all of the advisers are fully qualified tax advisers.

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

Christmas Charisma I

t’s December, a month that’s revered by young and old alike, with celebrations and cheer, parties and presents and, best of all, time off work and school to be spent with loved ones and friends, over leisurely lunches, divine dinners and family frolics.

To see out the year, we have put together a bumper issue that will also be distributed during the festive period when it is noticeably more lively here on the coast, starting, of course, with some Christmas Shopping suggestions.

Continuing our series on iconic eco-friendly drives, we get seriously impressed by the new Lexus LS 600h, currently the world’s most powerful full hybrid saloon.

Style and glamour feature heavily in these pages with inspirational design from Roche Bobois, local talent Sally Blackshaw and haute couture evening wear by Hannibal Laguna.

We bring you one-on-one’s with PR guru Max Clifford, Spanish property app pioneer Graham Hunt and successful restauranteur Jill Lindberg, owner of Los Bandidos, one of the most emblematic long-term established dining venues in Puerto Banús.

Feel like a trip to Africa? With the fast ferry from Tarifa, Tangier is little more than two hours away, yet offers a different world, with its souks, bazaars, tea houses and multi-cultural restaurants.

Finally, don’t miss the finale of our doggy Facebook competition, with all pooches entered included, an exercise that has exceeded all expectations, which just goes to show that man’s best friend is a valued one indeed.

Merry Christmas everyone!

See you in February.

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F&C Marbella Essential Ad DEC_Layout 1 20/11/2012 17:35 Page 1

Multi-award winning luxury estate agents in 300 locations worldwide

SIERRA BLANCA, MARBELLA 5.500.000€ BUILT SIZE 800m² • PLOT SIZE 1,700m² • 5 BEDROOMS • 5 BATHROOMS SEPARATE STAFF/GUEST ACCOMODATION

Ref: 99607

In this sought after position only a five minute drive from the amenities of Marbella, its beaches and excellent international schools, this villa would make an ideal family residence. It has been built with the utmost attention to detail and the highest quality materials throughout including a Creston Domotic system.

The property enjoys stunning views of Mount Concha and the Mediterranean with a garden that has been cleverly landscaped to maintain privacy, offering a large family sized swimming pool, pool house, barbecue and play area.

NUEVA ANDALUCIA, MARBELLA 3.950.000€ negotiable (reduced from 4.500.000€) BUILT SIZE 610m² • PLOT SIZE 2480m² • 6 BEDROOMS • 7 BATHROOMS SEPARATE SELF-CONTAINED STAFF APARTMENT

Ref: 99299

The symmetrical proportions of this villa give it an aesthetically pleasing appearance - add to this the fact that this is a beautifully built modern property with stunning décor throughout and it is an ideal combination. Benefitting from fabulous sea views in its elevated position both from the interior and the garden, this property is only a five minute drive from central Nueva Andalucia, and a ten minute drive from Puerto Banus. There is a heated swimming pool and gazebo on the main level of the garden which overlooks the tennis court on the lower level. The furniture is negotiable in the price.

Fine & Country Marbella 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 Essential Ad DEC_Layout 1 20/11/2012 17:35 Page 2

Marbella

AMAZING NEW VILLA PROJECT IN LA ZAGALETA Price on application A rare opportunity to purchase a newly-built home of distinction at this privileged address.

BUILT SIZE 1,582m² • PLOT SIZE 6,368m² • 8 BEDROOMS • 8 BATHROOMS

Ref: 99341

An expansive home set against the backdrop of Spain’s premier Golf and Country Club. In a prime position overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, it sits on what may be the finest remaining plot at this exclusive address. The property will offer all the hallmarks of stylish living, contemporary yet elegant. Incorporating Far Eastern detail, the plans were borne from a desire to create a home unifying two architectural styles. Comprising a main house with five en suite bedrooms, a guest house with three en suite bedrooms, three swimming pools (one indoor), a cinema room, games room, sauna, gym and much more….

TA R I FA – A D V E N T U R E C A P I TA L O F E U R O P E

POA

C184 Casco Antiguo One of Tarifa’s finest historical buildings with great commercial potential.

Poss Beds: 30 Poss Baths: 20 Built: 1,410 m2 Terr: 320 m2

Reduced to 1,950,000 €

V287 Atlanterra Spectacular modern villa with amazing views over the Atlantic.

Beds: 5 Baths: 4 Built: 650 m2 Plot: 1,590 m2

Reduced to 975,000 €

V181 National Park Beautiful stone built lodge in an Alpine meadow surrounded by cork oaks.

Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Built: 225 m2 Plot: 12,000 m2

Reduced to 210,000 €

A525 Los Lances Beach A beachfront apartment enjoying a private terrace with sea views.

Beds: 2 Baths: 1 Built: 65 m2 Terr: 20 m2

Reduced to 199,000 €

TH247 Los Lances Beach Last new townhouses with storage and double garage, less than half price.

Beds: 4 Baths: 2 Built: 148 m2 Trast: 30 m2

www.tarifadirect.com 162 MarbellaDirect_andi.indd 26

Reduced to 159,000 €

A499 Casco Antiguo Duplex apartment in a narrow cobbled street with private roof terrace.

Beds: 2 Baths: 1 Built: 70 m2 Terr: 20 m2

Tel: (+34) 678 974 454 frank@tarifadirect.com 11/27/12 2:40 PM

THE MARBELLA DIRECT COLLECTION OF FINE HOMES

Reduced to 2,500,000 €

MDV00309 El Rosario A spectacular south facing Hi Spec villa with great sea and mountain views.

Beds: 5 Baths: 6 Built: 767 m2 Plot: 1,210 m2

Reduced to 1,850,000 €

MLSV514031 A cool and contemporary style villa in the hills.

Beds: 4 Baths: 4 Built: 478 m2

Mijas Plot: 2,132 m2

Reduced to 1,990,000 €

MDV00308 Elviria An impressive family friendly villa with panoramic views of the coast.

Beds: 5 Baths: 4 Built: 565 m2 Plot: 1,693 m2

Reduced to 1,290,000 €

MDV00298 A beautiful rustic Provencal style villa.

Beds: 4 Baths: 5 Built: 428 m2

El Madroñal Plot: 4,125 m2

G

TIN

SIV

LU

C EX

IS EL

Reduced to 670,000 €

Reduced to 750,000 €

MDA-00293 Albatross Hill The best priced outstanding penthouse in Nueva Andalucia.

Beds: 3 Baths: 3 Built: 210 m2 Terr: 94 m2

Tel: (+34) 607 314 126 iain@marbelladirect.com 162 MarbellaDirect_andi.indd 27

MDA003007 A distressed sale in an exclusive gated community.

Beds: 3 Baths: 3 Built: 255 m2

Sierra Blanca Terr: 48 m2

www.marbelladirect.com 11/27/12 2:40 PM

You only live once,

Beach Front Los Monteros: Spectacular location, stunning modern design and breathtaking views complimented by the sound of the sea.

Unique architectural design, offers luxury comfort and space as well as stunnig decoration. 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms. Built 623 m2, plot 1.617 m2.

ID-No.: W-013EMQ. Price: On Application.

Los Monteros Beach: Elegant Andalusian style villa set on a private southwest plot, a short walking distance to La Cabane Beach Club and the beach. Large reception area, lovely gardens. 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. Built 291 m2, plot 977 m2.

ID-No.: W-00BM12. Price: 2.195.000 €.

Los Monteros Beach: Unique and luxurious beach home in Asian style, situated on a large plot just a few meters from the beach. Tennis court, guest apartment, unique details. 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms. Built 1.161 m2, plot 2.469 m2.

ID-No.: W-00VP3X. Price 3.950.000 €.

Beach Front Elviria: Luxurious beach front penthouse with spectacular views in the exclusive complex White Pearl Beach, with tropical graden, heated pool and security service. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Living area 151 m2, terrace: 134 m2.

ID-No.: W-01592A. Price: 925.000 €.

Beach Front Río Real: Stunning beach front garden apartment with spacious terraces, breathtaking sea views and direct access to one of the best beaches on the coast. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Living area 183 m2, terrace 50 m2.

ID-No.: W-016UNQ. Price: 1.200.000 €.

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: This is certainly one of the most beautiful houses on the coast. Situated on a large flat plot with magnificent gardens, the villa offers impeccable style, luxury and comfort. Cinema, bodega, gym, guest apartment and staff accommodation. 7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms. Built 1.476 m2, plot 3.306 m2.

ID-No.: W-013NTS. Price: 4.950.000 €.

Golden Mile: Close to the beach. Contemporary new villa with breathtaking panoramic views. Beautiful large gardens with gazebo and large swimming pool.

Separate staff apartment. 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms.Built 730 m2, plot 2.329 m2.

ID-No.: W-00UM0R. Price: 5.950.000 €.

Sierra Blanca: The best offer in Sierra Blanca! Luxurious villa situated on a corner, double plot of over 4000 m2. The large villa is built with high quality materials and offers sea and coastal views. 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms. Built 1.156 m2, plot 4.131 m2.

ID-No.: W-01560E Price: 3.500.000 €.

Marbella Hill Club: Exceptional price, reduced from 2.250.000 €! Stylish Andalusian villa in a privileged location, very private, with beautiful unique elements and fantastic mature gardens. 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms. Built 490 m2, plot 1.648 m2.

ID-No.: W-008UQL. Price 1.650.000 €.

Altos Reales: Stunning villa, situated in the most secure community in Marbella, occupying a large and private plot and offering breathtaking sea views from every corner of the house. Impressive architecture. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Built 1.099 m2, plot 3.000 m2.

ID-No.: W-015EZ9. Price: 3.900.000 €.

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

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

The best thing about the Festive Season is snuggling up with your loved ones on a cold wintery day, catching up on a good film, listening to music and enjoying your favourite gadgets together. However, if staying at home isn’t your cup of tea, why not rev up your motor and take a pleasurable drive to a shopping mall in your brand new Lexus LS 600h, as good-looking as it is exhilarating to drive?

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Cinema

26

Home Viewing

28

Music

30

Books

36

Gadgets

38

The Lexus LS 600h

11/27/12 12:55 PM

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trend CINEMA

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

ONTH

OF THE M e BLOCKBUSTER

e v r u C e h t h it W le Troub » GENRE Drama Lorenz (debut film) » DIRECTOR Roberttwood, Amy Adams, Justin Timberlake » ACTORS Clint Eas

lion Dollar in two screen gems: Mil ector to Clint Eastwood Dir nt ista Ass uble yed n. pla beautifully writte Tro Robert Lorenz has ut is no less soulful or deb al ori ect dir his o and talent scout wh is Baby and Mystic River twood), a top baseball Eas int (Cl el Lob s Gu of story r-old attorney called With the Curve is the Gus’s daughter, a 33-yea . ire ret to e tim be y ng it ma for the last having difficulty admitti her scout new players Carolina to help her fat rth No to ads red he s) bo am Mickey (Amy Ad wonder why she the ody father makes her mo r he l, iva arr r n eye he er Timberlake), whose kee time, though soon aft caster Johnny (Justin rts spo g irin asp ets me t. travelling so far. Mickey r when he was at his bes remind her of her fathe rts spo for n sio pas for talent and

» GENRE Animation » DIRECTOR Peter Ramsey (Monsters vs Aliens) » VOICES Hugh Jackman, Isla Fisher, Jude Law, Chris Pine

» GENRE Adventure » DIRECTOR Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain) » ACTORS Suraj Sharma, Gérard Depardieu, Irrfan Khan, Tabu

Life of Pi

This imaginative adventure flick centres on a young man called Pi Pattel, whose deep interest in the animal kingdom is fostered by his father, the keeper of a local zoo in India. When Pi is 16, his parents decide to migrate to Canada, and the whole family (including the zoo animals) board a ship to take them to their new home. Sadly, the ship sinks and Pi finds himself alone on a boat, floating on the Pacific Ocean with the only other surviving company being a zebra, a hyena, an orangutan and a 200kg Bengal tiger.

» GENRE Musical » DIRECTOR Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech) » ACTORS Amanda Seyfried, Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe

Les Misérables

The theatrical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables, about the suffering and passions encountered during the French Revolution, is arguably the most successful musical of all time and it is with eager anticipation that countless fans from all around the world await the star-studded film version. The talented Hugh Jackman plays Jean Valjean, an exconvict relentlessly pursued by a determined policeman (Russell Crowe). The situation grows more intense when Valjean decides to care for a young girl, Cosette, after her mother passes away. In the meantime, unfair working conditions in Paris lay the groundwork for a revolution that will mark a turning point for France.

Rise of the Guardians

Rise of the Guardians promises to be the big hit of the Christmas season. The most popular characters of ‘the season to be jolly’, including Jack Frost, Santa Claus and the Easter Rabbit (okay, maybe the latter is a bit out of place) gather forces to fight Pitch, a malignant spirit whose greatest weapon is fear. Jack Frost is a supernatural being who is eternally young and charismatic, yet somewhat of a loner. His power consists of being able to control the weather with his magic staff, which he uses to summon the wind, storms, cold and snow. Father Christmas is a lot slimmer and tougher than you would expect; he’s got tattoos (of the word ‘naughty’ on one arm and ‘nice’ on the other) and he’s demanding, impulsive and generally larger-than-life. The Easter Rabbit (‘Bunny’ to his friends) is a cool, calm Aussie who takes his cue for action from Nature. The unlikely team of avengers will fight to protect the innocence of all children.

24 / DECEMBER 2012 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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www.dahlercompany.com/marbella

C o m m i t t e d t o va l u e s

Marbell a Club Golf Resort - BENAHAVís || V-DC -127 This Andalusian-style mansion enjoys stunning views over the Costa del Sol from Marbella to Gibraltar and Africa and is surrounded by a beautiful garden with a solar heated pool. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, Price: 2,950,000 € 642 m² built, 5,005 m² plot, garage.

ALT OS REALES - M a r b e l l a | | V - D C -1 3 2 Beautiful villa set in a privileged location in one of the most soughtafter urbanizations in Marbella. Altos Reales offers superb views towards the sea and Africa. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 819 m² built, 280 m² terrace, 3,000 m² plot, heated pool, garage. Price: 3,900,000 €

T o r r e q u e b r a d a - B e n a l m á d e n a | | V - D C - 3 7 Beautiful, very well equipped property with magnificent sea views.

An ideal home for a family wanting to live by the sea. 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 355 m² built, spacious terraces, 1,502 m² plot, gym, spa area, swimming pool, office, garage for 6 cars. Price: 1,900,000 €

Marbell a Club Golf Resort - BENAHAVís || V-DC - 87 Classical villa located on one of the best plots of the Marbella Club Golf Resort offering panoramic views towards Gibraltar, Africa, the golf course and the heated infinity pool. 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 780 m² built, 4,972 m² plot, wine cellar, garage. Price: 2,900,000 €

D A H L E R & C O M PA N Y M A R B E L L A

Bulevar del Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n | CN-340 km 178,4, La Póveda, Local 1 | E-29600 Marbella, Málaga Phone: +34 952 777 664 | Fax:+34 952 777 827 | marbella@dahlercompany.com DC_Spain_Marbella - Essential Magazine 2012-12.indd 1

22.11.2012 12:23:43

trend HOME VIEWING

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Farewell, My Queen

Farewell My Queen focuses on the first days of the French Revolution and the last days of the life of Marie Antoinette. The latter is a little older and more jaded than in Sophia Coppola’s much lauded version and she relies on two confidantes in particular: Duchess Gabrielle de Polignac and a young maid called Sidonie, who reads plays and novels to her when she is bored.

Sidonie is fiercely loyal to the Queen and she uses her intelligence and wit to stay abreast of what is taking place beyond the palace walls. She is devastated to hear that Marie Antoinette’s name tops the list of people the revolutionaries are desperate to behead.

» GENRE Historical Drama » DIRECTOR Benoît Jacquot » ACTORS Diane Kruger, Virginie Ledoyen, Léa Seydoux

» IMDB RATING 6.5/10

LEASE OF THE MONTH

e FEATURED DVD RE

Men In Black 3 could and if you thought no-one Agents J and K are back by the ed pris sur Jones, you will be cut a suit like Tommy Lee Agent of sion ver r nge you a s who play s coolness of Josh Brolin, ape esc is, Bor en a violent prisoner, K. The trouble begins wh s to ide dec and on mo the y prison on from a maximum securit eliminate time travel to the past to arrests er latt the ore bef Agent K ars from ppe him. When Agent K disa » GENRE s the lise rea J nt Age t, the presen Comedy/Action has been tampered with line e tim » DIRECTOR year and likewise travels to the Barry Sonenfield buddy his ore bef day the to 9, 196 (Wild Wild West) gifted a of p hel is killed. With the » ACTORS lines e tim all see can o wh being Tommy Lee Jones, down is Bor t hun at once, the duo Will Smith, Josh each ut abo gs thin rn lea and also Brolin ir the in w other they never kne » IMDB s. future live TING 7/10

The Double » GENRE Thriller » DIRECTOR Michael Brandt

(Wanted)

» ACTORS Richard Gere, Topher Grace » IMDB RATING 5.9/10

If subtle acting and sophisticated yet surprising plots are key elements of a good thriller, you can’t go wrong with The Double. The film stars two highly contained yet elegant actors: Richard Gere, as a retired CIA agent, and Topher Grace, who plays a young FBI upstart. The agents seem to be oil and water but discover how much they have in common when they are called upon to find a Soviet assassin responsible for the murder of a Senator.

The film plods along slowly but throws some very unexpected surprises from mid-film onwards.

RA

» GENRE Documentary » DIRECTOR Gereon Wetzel (Castells) » FEATURING Ferran Adrià, Oriol Castro » IMDB RATING 6.3/10

El Bulli: Cooking in Progress

Forget about the typical fast-paced, heavily stylised food documentaries you may have viewed in the past. El Bulli: Cooking in Progress offers a bird’s eye view of Ferran Adrià’s laboratory in Barcelona, showing exactly what it’s like to work with such a creative genius. You may know that Adrià recently closed the El Bulli restaurant, preferring to build a futuristic academy people from all around the world can attend through the Internet, but if you missed out on his culinary concoctions, fear not; you will enjoy a visual (if not a gastronomic) tour that will make you feel like Charlie in Willy Wonka’s factory. This is the stuff dreams are made of.

26 / DECEMBER 2012 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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trend MUSIC

¿QUÉ PASA?

WORDS RIK FOXX

BENICÀSSIM IS BACK ON Recently it was announced that the future of Spain’s major annual festival, Benicàssim, was in doubt as the company behind it, Music Festivals, went into administration. This year’s event ran at a major loss despite an attractive line-up that included the STONE ROSES. Organisers of the event, which first took place in 1995, blamed the Olympics for the lower turn-out. The 2013 event will take place from July 18-21.

Elsewhere, BLUR have announced they have not split and will perform at next year’s Primavera Festival in Barcelona on May 24 and Spanish favourites DEPECHE MODE plus GREEN DAY and TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB will headline the Bilbao BBK Live festival from July 11-13. Three Day Early Bird tickets, including camping, are on special offer until December 11. i Ticket info: www.bilbaobbklive.com

A ROD STEWART Christmas Special will air on ITV (date TBA) featuring songs from his new album Merry Christmas, Baby.

Guests include KYLIE, MICHAEL BUBLE and violinist NICOLA BENEDETTI. And here’s a shock, he has recorded his first original song since 2001. Beautiful Morning is one of 12 original songs from his still to be named next album which will be released sometime in 2013.

As all their concerts have sold out, ROLLING STONES fans still have a chance to see a gig as Sky Box Office are broadcasting their final show in the US on December 16 at 3 AM (CET). The show will cost £14.95 and for those not wanting to watch live it can be downloaded on your Sky+ planner to watch on demand.

5ive car toon show is being The long forgotten Jackson odes on Januar y 15. It was epis 23 all released on DVD with featured many of their early original aired in 1971/1972 and filed a petition to change his has NE MAI hits. Meanwhile JER rt hearing is scheduled for surname to JACKSUN, the cou February 22. members of the family Other JACKSON news: cer tain cy of MICHAEL’s will – mainly tima legi the continue to debate within family circles that said n sister JANET. It’s allegedly bee s on her own career as she doe if she spent as much effort s. blem pro h cas any e hav t ldn’ bitching about the will, she wou ey hon the in ey re’s more mon And to make things worse, the HAEL died has reportedly MIC re whe sion man the pot now the asking price). From of lf (ha ion mill 1 been sold for $18.

UE CIRQ DU SOLEIL per forms December 26th to 30th the l World Tour at Madrid’s orta Imm The Michael Jackson: info: www.ticketmaster.es Palacio de Deportes. i Ticket

Channel 4 will start 2013 with a new look as the TV channel is dropping its T4 brand after 14 years. Programme controllers are said to be working on three new music shows which will air on Fridays. ITV should take note as the substandard Y Factor (as in why?) is well past its sell by date – at least it finishes this month.

LISA ‘LEFT EYE’ LOPES, who died in a car crash in 2002, is the latest star to be resurrected hologram style for when the surviving members of TLC, ROZONDA ‘CHILLI’ THOMAS and TIONNE ‘T-BOZ’ WATKINS tour next year. These two will also be executive producers for a film about the US girl group which starts filming soon.

PRE XMAS CRACKER IN MARBELLA Winter concerts on the coast in years gone by have been few and far between but on December 13 ALEXANDER O’NEAL returns to these shores after a three-year break and is supported by the REAL THING at the Hotel Don Carlos. i Ticket info: www.heatwavepromotions.com

More TV news: BEYONCE has landed the prestigious American football Super Bowl halftime gig during the early hours of Monday February 4 (approx 1.15 AM CET). The 2012 show by MADONNA pulled a record audience of 117.8 million – three million more than actually watched the game itself.

Good news for JAMES BLUNT fans – despite net rumours, he posted he is alive and sipping cocktails in his Ibiza villa. Also reports in the UK press about him retiring are false and he is going to be working on new material in the US (now that’s bad news for the rest of us). E-mail alert – if you get mail marked ‘free James Blunt concert tickets’ do not open it because they are free tickets!

The release of the new MARIAH CAREY album has been put back to January because she is “so busy”. Maybe having an eight-hour massage while watching the SACHA BARON COHEN movie Bruno on a constant loop doesn’t help (it was bad enough watching it once).

Mad MARIAH has also kissed and made up (for the time being) with NICKY MINAJ who upset some fans at a recent gig in Liverpool when she came on stage draped in a Liverpool FC flag. No one told her the city has two football teams and the Evertonians present booed so loud it almost drowned out her singing.

28 / DECEMBER 2012 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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trend

FIREPLACE READING

BOOKS

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

1 ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU

Marisa Cutillas brings us books that will make the fireside the most hotly solicited spot in your home this yuletide season.

BY LISA MONDELLO

This novel will have die-hard romantics feeling all warm and fuzzy inside as they join its heroine, Lauren Alexander, along the bumpy road to love.

Lauren is a single mom who has been raising her six-year-old daughter, Kristen, without the help of her family, who turned their backs on her when they found out she was pregnant. Lauren is shocked when Kristen tells a department store Santa that all she wants for Christmas… is a Daddy!

Lauren has had her share of hard knocks and no longer believes she will find her ‘Prince Charming’, but what she doesn’t know is that ‘Santa’ may actually have the power to turn her life around.

2 THE CASUAL VACANCY BY JK ROWLING

This is JK Rowling’s first novel since the successful Harry Potter series and it is a far cry from the latter in both subject matter and style. The book delves into the secret lives of the populace of Pagford, a small English town that is shocked to its core when parish councilman, Barry Fairbrother, unexpectedly passes away, leaving his seat vacant. Pagford seems like an idyllic, peaceful town but we soon discover it is rife with struggles between husbands and wives, teachers and students, teenagers and parents.

3 ADAPT OR DIE

BY ROGER NOEL COOK

Steve Rawlings is a premier league hacker and cyber thief who lacks a moral compass.

Rampaging across four continents, he plunders banks, corporations, Iran’s nuclear programme and even sells Pentagon weapon secrets to the Chinese. His only religion is money but nothing this rewarding lasts forever. Eventually, the world closes in on him and all he can do is adapt or die. The book’s author, Roger Noel Cook, is a prolific writer who has penned over 200 scripts for popular TV series, Dr. Who. You can obtain a free copy of his graphic novel, The Devil’s Detail (which will be made into a film in 2013), on www.thedevilsdetail.com. Simply type ADAPT OR DIE by Roger Noel Cook into Google to read the first chapter for FREE!

4 SANTA CLAUS, LAST OF THE WILD MEN: THE ORIGINS AND EVOLUTION OF SAINT NICHOLAS, SPANNING 50,000 YEARS

BY PHYLLIS SIEFKER

If you thought Santa Claus was little more than a jolly elf exploiter, you must make a point to read this book. The author’s extensive research reveals Santa to be one of history’s most famous ‘Wild Men’, worshipped in ancient fertility rites and taking on a variety of forms, from Robin Hood to The Fool, Harlequin, Robin Goodfellow and yes, Virginia, even Satan!

5 SIX GEESE A-LAYING (MINI CHRISTMAS SHORT STORY) [KINDLE EDITION]

BY SOPHIE KINSELLA

Sophie Kinsella, famed author of the ‘chic lit’ genre, offers fans a real treat: Six Geese A-Laying, a short Christmas story which can be downloaded for free from Amazon for Kindle. The story centres on Ginny, a soon-to-be mum who is one of a handful of lucky women to be invited to an exclusive antenatal class attended by the most ambitious yuppy mummies in her area. Ginny has every aspect of the birth and life as a mum worked out… until she attends the last class and all her preconceived ideas are shattered in one fell swoop!

AND FOR THE KIDS…

We recommend four fun picture books, recently released by Digital Leaf Books and Apps Publishers and written by Sotogrande author, Anita Pouroulis. Her titles, recommended for ages four to seven, are: Z PANCAKE PANDEMONIUM A little girl loves pancakes. When her Mum is too busy to make them one day, she won’t take ‘no’ for an answer although she ends up wishing she had!

Z MUM’S CRONKY CAR A young girl and her brother nearly die of embarrassment every time their Mum drives them to school in her old ‘Cronky’ car. Then one day, the ‘Cronk’ does something unbelievable and their adventures together begin.

Z OH, WHAT A TANGLE! A young girl can’t be bothered to brush her hair, which soon comes to resemble a big barnet that is full of suprises…

Z MY MONSTER MAYHEM A little girl keeps getting into trouble with her Mum, but it’s not her who leaves the lights on in every room or clothes all over the floor… it’s a mob of monsters who just want to have a little bit of fun!

30 / DECEMBER 2012 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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VILLA MARKETING Since 1983

NUEVA ANDALUCIA Ref. 9995 Villa facing south with sea views. Built on a large plot of 2.368 m2, with a large living area opening to outdoor covered terraces and an open plan kitchen.

Total of 6 bedrooms, 2 in a separate guest bungalow.

Price: €850.000

Nueva Andalucia Ref. 9526 South facing villa in perfect condition, with views. Four bedrooms, spacious living room, study, plus large area in semi-basement with potential for more rooms. Modern kitchen, underfloor heating, garage.

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New kitchen with granite worktop, several covered terraces, perfect condition.

Nueva Andalucia Ref. 9464 A single storey villa in perfect condition. South facing with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, spacious living room with fireplace, and a seperate dining room with wooden beams on ceiling. Within walking distance to Golf Course.

Price: €675.000

Price: €675.000

Nueva Andalucia Ref. 10282 West facing 2 bedroom apartment in a gated, secure and well maintained community with large green areas and gardens, 2 outdoor pools, 1 indoor heated pool, clubhouse with jacuzzi, sauna, gym and tennis court.

Nueva Andalucia Ref. 9941 Unique semi-detached, sunny villa, with beach and Puerto Banus within walking distance. This 3 bedroom villa has a private garden, private pool and private garage. Spacious new kitchen and bathrooms, no community fees.

Prices: €435.000

Price: €160.000 Casaño 10-B, Nueva Andalucía (Pass the Bullring, beside BBVA bank) Tel: 952 810 695 enquiries@villamarketing.com

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11/21/12 12:18 PM

trend BOOKS

WORDS ROD YOUNGER

KING FILLERS

Books4Spain 1 THE MOON WORSHIPPERS BY AITOR ECHEVARRIA

£5.99 “I shall tell you how a young Negusi warrior made it possible for us to defeat Charlemagne, and the part he played against the Sisters of the Moon…” These are the dying words uttered by a Basque warrior, poisoned and dumped at the doorway to a Benedictine Monastery high in the Pyrenees. The frightened monks understand from these words that the warrior has deep knowledge of one of their closest secrets… The deathbed confession of the warrior continues in a series of flashbacks as he reveals more about the mountain ambush the Basque tribes set for Charlemagne, King of the Franks, as he returned from an unsuccessful invasion of Spain. The monks learn of the power of the Negusi – and of the heroism of a young Basque boy and his wolf dog, without whom the defeat of Charlemagne would have not been possible. This historical adventure story brings the 7th century vividly to life and captures both the spirit of the Basque people and the history behind the rule of the Emperor Charlemagne, one of the greatest military leaders of the Middle Ages.

BUY EARLY TO EN SURE DELIVERY IN

TIME FOR XMAS!

FOR Y A DU OUN G LTS

X M A S STOC

All books featured are available from www.Books4Spain.com CHILFOR DR E

N

5 SOCCER WORLD SPAIN HIM FOR ER OR H

3 MY BASQUE CUISINE: A LOVE AFFAIR WITH SPANISH COOKING F ROMOR A BREAANTIC K

2 SPAIN: STYLISH CITY HOTELS CAPTIVATING COUNTRY HOTELS, AND OTHER PLACES TO STAY

£9.99 with FREE UK Shipping Spain now joins the ‘Charming Small Hotels’ Series alongside Britain, France and Italy, with beautifully re-designed insides and a larger format. This is the only independently inspected English-language accommodation guide to small and charming hotels with colour photos. No hotel pays to be in the guide and it is highly selective. Every entry is more than just a bed for the night: it’s an experience, worth planning a holiday around, or going out of your way for.

£13.99 with free UK Shipping This book was designed after Ash Mair became the 2011 winner of the successful UK show MasterChef. It contains between 80 and 90 recipes, most of which can be made with easily sourced ingredients. The dishes have a connection to traditional Spanish and Basque cuisine but in most cases they have a modern touch and are a bit ‘lighter’. All the techniques are aimed at the home cook and no specialised kitchen equipment is needed to produce any of the recipes. Additionally, there are over 20 recipes in a Sauces and Basics chapter, which include items such as stocks, purees and foundation components that are used in multiple dishes. This book’s focus is on getting the right balance between beautiful looking food and perfectly balanced flavours. Ash Mair shares with us his international food techniques, tips and recipes. Some were cooked on BBC’s MasterChef, while others are family favourites and signature dishes.

4 PIZARRO - SEASONAL SPANISH FOOD

£10.99 with FREE UK Shipping Pizarro’s message couldn’t be simpler – use fresh, good-quality, seasonal ingredients and they will speak for themselves. Season by season, he explores his favourite ingredients from different Spanish regions (illustrated with beautiful location photography), the culture and history behind them and how best to use them with his exceptional recipes. With anecdotes about typical Spanish pastimes and stories from his youth growing up on a farm in Extremadura, this is a truly Spanish approach to the cuisine, which has integrity and charm. Try a Pea Soup with Serrano Ham to welcome spring, add extra virgin olive oil, lime juice and black pepper to the most ripe of summer fruits to bring out their flavour and create some authentic Spanish meatballs to warm you in winter – these are recipes that you will turn to again and again for any occasion.

£9.99 with FREE UK Shipping Suitable for ages seven to nine, this books takes children on a journey to the country that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It explores the culture of Spain through the world’s most popular sport: soccer. From watching an amazing game between world class rivals Real Madrid and FC Barcelona to exploring island volcanic landscapes and witnessing the many fiestas that are celebrated there, readers join professional soccer player Ethan Zohn on the experience of a lifetime.

Activities generated from each chapter include learning a phrase in each of the different languages that Spain recognises, making a sand-drip sand castle to understand the concept of surface tension, and creating a time capsule unique to a family’s culture and era. Readers will also have the opportunity to research a real project in Spain through which they can give back and make a difference in this fascinating country.

32 / DECEMBER 2012 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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LIVINGSTONE ESTATES has your dream home on the Costa del Sol!

We would like to Wish you all the Joys of theSeason.

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Built: 132 m2 • Terrace: 35 m2 • Price: 550.000€

Frontline ground floor apartment on the New Golden Mile. Highquality and elegantly furnished ground-floor apartment literally on the beach, in one of the most secure and exclusive urbanizations on the Costa del Sol. Settled in lush and sub-tropical gardens with very nice pools and stunning views, this is a perfect permanent home or vacation home. Close to all amenities.

Built: 242 m2 • Terrace: 48 m2 Original asking price: 999.000€ • Reduced Price: 750.000€

Villa on the New Golden Mile

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Villa in Cancelada. A beautiful rustic villa, very private but yet close to Cancelada village. This property has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms in the main house and a separate guest studio with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom. Built with German construction, it is in an immaculate condition. Built: 250 m2 • Plot: 2400 m2 Original asking price: 750.000€ • Reduced price: 499.000€

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trend BOOKS

Many readers have a favourite genre of books. If you like crime fiction, you may be drawn to The Sentinel because the story begins with the unearthing of 15 bodies, to be examined by a forensic scientist. On the other hand, as a reader of books from Books4Spain.com, you may be attracted by a story linked to Franco’s Spain of the 1950s.

Is The Sentinel more historical fiction than crime fiction?

In fact, on reading it, you will soon come to realise that to attempt to classify this book is a mistake. Some works of fiction are simply outstanding, worthy of reading by all, whatever their interests might be! Indeed, that is how I would rate this epic debut novel, the first in what is to become a trilogy.

THE SENTINEL WORDS MALCOLM CLIFF

Available from Books4Spain for £8.99/£7.99 (non UK customers)

T

he 15 bodies, we learn, had been buried in the early 1950s at a time when Franco is portrayed as ruling Spain with an iron fist. One of his enforcers is a brute of a man – Comandante Guzmán. As Head of Franco’s secret police – the Brigada Especial – Guzmán takes his orders directly from the Caudillo himself, ensuring that those perceived as ‘enemies of the state’ soon ‘disappear’. Thus, it was Guzmán who was directly responsible for the deaths of the 15, just another example of how he kept the people of Spain in fear, and Franco in power. As the chapters of The Sentinel describe Guzmán’s methods, we can have no sympathy for a man who takes what he wants from life – food, drink, women, and more – and in return delivers vicious punishment on those who cross him!

However, is Guzmán really the man we think he is? Are events being plotted that will displace him from his safe position as a favourite of Franco? These questions and more are answered as we read two of the three plot lines of The Sentinel. The story of Guzmán’s horrific work in 1953 is complemented by chapters graphically explaining how he came to be the Civil War ‘hero of Badajoz’. And both of these plot lines are juxtaposed against the third story, that of an altogether different person. Ana María Galíndez is very much an example of a young, modern 21st century Spanish woman. In

by Mark Oldfield

her role as a forensic scientist with the guardia civil she is asked to examine the 15 bodies, but her investigations lead her to want to know more about Guzmán. Pursuing what may still remain of this monster in the form of a personal account of his atrocities, Galíndez soon finds herself being followed by dangerous people.

Has Guzmán’s power somehow reached out across the years?

Mark Oldfield tells us that the idea for The Sentinel came from talking to two elderly Spanish ladies about the Civil War, one from each side, living in the same city. An interesting catalyst, but one to which he has clearly added knowledge from two aspects of his life.

In his professional life, Mark is a criminology researcher, but he adds to this a real passion for Spain. In The Sentinel, Mark aimed to look at the relationship between two Spains: the Spain in 1953 that was still recovering from the Civil War and the Spain of today. The issues of ‘historical memory’ and el pacto de olvido have clearly been influences on Mark in writing The Sentinel.

The book is written with great intelligence.

Descriptions of Madrid and its people, both in the 1950s, and now, are very vivid. The main characters are well drawn. There cannot be many works of fiction for example, where two main characters fall out arguing from both sides of the positivist – interpretivist paradigm divide.

Non-academics need not worry, though! Just as the reader of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo does not need to know and understand all the subtleties of Swedish politics, neither does the reader of The Sentinel need to know and understand all of the Spanish and other themes presented in this novel. Simply enjoy being transported to another world!

I introduce the title The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo deliberately. That best-selling book was the first in a trilogy and was also described loosely as a crime novel. Some men were portrayed as exerting their power in violent ways. There was a young, gay heroine. Parallels with The Sentinel are clear, but they do not stop there. There is the real quality and intelligence of the writing, but above all, for me, reading The Sentinel gave me the same kind of satisfaction as when I first read that famous Swedish novel. Historical, political and social issues are explored through the vehicle of an engaging and thrilling story. I fully believe that it deserves the same kind of success as Larsson’s bestseller.

The Sentinel can bring a story set in Spain to a truly international audience.

g Review for Books4Spain by Malcolm Cliff who was a senior lecturer at the University of Huddersfield.

Early retirement has enabled him to further his interest in reading crime fiction, especially when the books are set in his favourite country – Spain!

34 / DECEMBER 2012 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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trend ELECTRONICS

LEGRIA HFM56 VIDEO RECORDER BY CANON Record

significant moments with the Legria HFM56, which features Canon’s Full HD CMOS PRO sensor for exceptional quality. With Wi-Fi connectivity, sharing movies on social networking sites is quicker and easier than ever. g Available at El Corte Inglés, Puerto Banús. www.canon.com

K BY JVC UX-VJ5 DOChone or iPod

Gift GADGETS WOR DS M

ad, iP Rest your iP ion, docking stat at ne is on th h as it is is yl st as is which tput e 30-wat t ou functional. Th tion nc fu d soun and surround r sound and ea cl p, ensure cris tput the video ou you can use ne ho iP or ur iPad to connect yo e device Th s. on si vi u to most tele player and yo even has a CD directly from usic El can record m Available at CD to USB. g s. nú Ba to er , Pu Corte Inglés om .c pe ro eu w w w.jsp.jvc-

ILLA CUT A IS AR

S

Gadgets make just about the best gift for any adult, whether their interests lie in health, music, computers or communication. This Christmas, why not splash out on the one you love and make a real difference to their life?

Take your pick from our selection of goodies.

AQUA PLUS RELAX FOOT SPA BY UFESA After a hard day at work, what could be better than sinking your feet into this high tech foot spa, boasting 164 points of stimulation and three different modes: massage, heat plus massage, or heat plus massage plus bubbles? It also comes with accessories for an excellent pedicure and can be used with or without water. g Available at El Corte Inglés, Puerto Banús. www.ufesa.es

SHIATSU MASSAGE CUSHION BY HOMEDICS

This high-tech cushion allows you to direct powerful massage heads to the areas where you most need them and you can also choose from six different automatic programmes. A great gift for someone who’s on their feet most of the day. g Available at El Corte Inglés, Puerto Banús www.homedics.com

IPAD MINI Touted as ‘Every inch an iPad’, the new, 20cm iPad Mini has all the iPad’s best features: fast performance, FaceTime and iSight cameras, thousands of apps, a 10-hour battery life… but it’s so small (it’s 23 per cent thinner) and lightweight (it’s 53 per cent lighter), you can hold it in one hand! g Available at the Apple store in La Cañada shopping centre. Tel: 952 760 800. www.apple.com

IPHONE 5 The recently released iPhone5 is everything we hoped it would be and more, with a thinner, lighter body, faster chip, ultra-rapid wireless technology and an 8-megapixel camera. g Available at the Apple store in La Cañada shopping centre.

Tel: 952 760 800. www.apple.com WIRELESS AUDIO DOCK DA-E651 BY SAMSUNG Enjoy your favourite sounds with this docking system with plenty of swag, which connects to Samsung smartphones and the iPhone and iPod. Thanks to the very latest Bluetooth technology, your music won’t lose quality in the process of transference. g Available at El Corte Inglés, Puerto Banús. www.samsung.com

36 / DECEMBER 2012 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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trend

WORDS TONY WHITNEY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LEXUS

For increasing numbers of conscientious car buyers nowadays, no luxury car is worth lusting after unless it’s easy on the environment.

For them, Lexus offers its big LS 600h hybrid, which happens to have benefited from a major styling and engineering makeover for 2013.

L

exus has by far the largest range of hybrid products in the luxury segment with everything from SUVs to sports saloons. It was back in 1990 when the first full-size Lexus LS was launched and even at that time many very reputable motoring journalists were saying that here, finally, was a large saloon to match the likes of Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi. The car earned a respect that if anything, has grown over the years and nowadays, nobody compares the LS with its German rivals – it stands on its own feet as a large luxury car to be reckoned with. Of course, there was no hybrid variant of those earlier generations of LS. Incidentally, LS stands for ‘large sedan’ or ‘large saloon’ depending on where it’s sold. The car has been quite a success for Lexus, over 730,000 having been sold worldwide during four generations – good numbers for an expensive flagship motor car.

Obviously, the hybrid version has much the same bodywork as the conventional models in this range.

And while earlier LS models placed the styling emphasis on low-key elegance rather than anything close to brash and bold, the 2013 car heads off in some new design directions. The car reflects an exciting new look that other models in the Lexus range have adopted in recent times, including the new ES saloon. Up front, the nose job is very radical compared to earlier LS models and gives the car far more road presence than it had before with its rather understated grille. The grille on the new car is

LUXURY HYBRID SALOON

huge and deep and around it, there’s a sculptured air dam which endows something of a sporty look to the car. The new car uses all-LED exterior lighting, which places it well in step with modern trends. Overall, I’d say this restyling effort was a step in the right direction for Lexus and gives the manufacturer better ‘brand identity’. Lexus points out that the new model LS has over 3,000 changes compared to the earlier model, including some 15 ‘Lexus first’ innovations.

There are two basic versions of the LS 600h – a standard body length (though still large) model and one with a 120 mm bodywork extension and wider rear doors. This is dubbed LS 600h L and in some markets around the world, you can only buy the ‘L’ model. In Spain, both models are available.

The only serious competition for this opulent saloon comes from a hybrid version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and from the Porsche Panamera Hybrid, which although it has four doors and a decent rear seat, is nowhere near as accommodating as the Lexus. The Lexus is the world’s most powerful full hybrid V-8, developing 438-horsepower. Keeping all this power where it belongs – on the road – is an

NEW LEXUS LS 600h

MOTORING

efficient all-wheel drive system.

Other technical highlights include a continuouslyvariable automatic transmission, a pre-collision safety system of considerable complexity (although the driver doesn’t have to do anything!) and a long list of electronic stability control and braking aids.

A blind spot monitor is also on the menu and this is a valuable addition to any vehicle. The cockpit is beautifully done and no luxury car has a better level of fit and finish. I’ve actually heard engineers from top luxury car manufacturers let slip that they ‘benchmark’ the Lexus LS as a standard at which to aim. One engineer from a distinguished German maker I won’t mention because it might cost him his job, told me that his firm’s new model was “as quiet as a Lexus”. Praise indeed.

Most of my driving has been in an ‘L’ version and it proved to be as opulent and relaxing as the spec sheet suggests. Hybrid vehicles always seem quieter and more refined to me and as you’d expect, this big Lexus is no exception. There’s also a generous torque bonus with the electric motor boost and this is quite noticeable. The vehicle is very relaxing to drive – even at high speeds – and

38 / DECEMBER 2012 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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the newly-designed front seats are even more comfortable and supportive than the ones in earlier models. For a large car, it handles really well and winding roads present no problem at all. Of course, the big bonus is that you won’t be stopping for fuel nearly as often as you would with a conventionally powered large luxury car. The instrument panel is very clear, mainly consisting of two large dials and a couple of smaller ones. There are switches and controls everywhere – including on the steering wheel – but everything’s easy enough to reach and for a buyer, owner familiarity will soon take over where confusion may have been the first impression. The SatNav system is easy to deal with and is mostly intuitive. I didn’t have to resort to an owners’ manual of biblical proportions to set a destination.

For anyone with a desire for a seriously competitive luxury saloon, the 2013 LS series is a great choice, whichever model is selected.

You do pay a little more for the LS 600h over its conventionally-powered stablemate, but its refinement, performance, economy and driving pleasure make it all worthwhile. The bonus you get with ‘going green’ and the week-by-week savings at the pump are well worth paying a little extra for. I’ve always believed that however wealthy an individual may be, they’re never too happy handing over wads of money at a petrol station for fuel at artificially inflated prices. With a 600h, that wad of cash or dent in your credit card account will be a little easier to bear than it was before you took the hybrid route. e

ENGINE 5.0-litre V-8 based hybrid powertrain using supplementary electric motor.

TRANSMISSION Continuously variable system developed for hybrid powertrains.

ACCELERATION Zero to 100 km/h in approx. 6.3 seconds.

TOP SPEED Approx. 250 km/h (electronically limited).

I LIKED… More attractive than the earlier model with much greater ‘road presence’. Retains Lexus’ outstanding level of quality, an industry benchmark.

I DIDN’T LIKE… The L model is not easy to maneuver in narrow streets, though it’s no worse than any large saloon in this class. Some would-be buyers worry about battery life and other aspects of hybrid maintenance, but there’s no record of long-term problems with these vehicles.

MARKET ALTERNATIVES Few rivals except Mercedes-Benz S-Class hybrid and Porsche Panamera hybrid. After that, it’s diesel-powered luxury models.

WHO DRIVES ONE? Luxury saloon buyers who may be prepared to pay highly for their transportation, but still want to retain a green image. Tech enthusiasts who want to drive one of the most advanced luxury cars on the market.

And surely, everyone likes to save cash on fuel!

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY Available soon: LS 600h €122.700; LS 600h L €150.000

ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM DECEMBER 2012 / 39

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Penthouse for sale DIRECT FROM OWNER

with beautiful views â‚Ź 279.000 RECENTLY REDUCED TO

BUILT 185m2

TERRACES 44m2

BEDS 3

BATHS 2,5

A 3 bedroom duplex apartment located on the hill in central Calahonda in a well maintained and popular complex. Bright and spacious property with windows all around, featuring an unusually large living room, dining area and terrace overlooking the Coast towards Gibraltar. The downstairs level also includes a guest toilet and a bedroom with balcony and en-suite bathroom, with two further bedrooms upstairs sharing a bathroom and a large exterior terrace.

All windows have been replaced with quality double glazed turn and tilt fittings and all bathrooms are tastefully retiled, as are the terraces. Marble floors throughout, A/C Hot & Cold, Satellite TV, Alarm. The complex boasts a heated indoor pool for year-round use and a large external pool with children's area in lovely mature communal gardens.

Sold fully furnished, very low maintenance, perfect for holiday home or a year-round residence.

Tel: (+34) 607 501 897 - For more photos and information

www.calahonda-property.com

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CULTURE / HISTORY / FEATURES

focus FAMOUS PEOPLE / INTERVIEWS / HUMOuR

Christmas is the ideal time to make the ones you love happy with a present they have always desired, so we hope to provide some inspiration with our feature on gift ideas. We delve into Internet sensation LinkedIn, which is connecting like-minded professionals from all over the world and entertain you with an exclusive interview with celebrity media man, Max Clifford.

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Christmas Gift Ideas

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LinkedIn

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Max Clifford

11/23/12 5:04 PM

Warm Their Hearts with

Food

Gingerbread house by David's and Marketa's Chocolate Manufacture

Macaron gift set by Céline’s Macarons Macaron making kit by Lékué.

Available at El Corte Inglés.

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Fondue set with eight sticks by Tefal. Available at El Corte Inglés.

és.

Gorgeous Chocolate goodies by David's and Marketa's Chocolate Manufacture

Marisa Cutillas helps make Christmas a whole lot merrier, with a wide range of gift suggestions which will hopefully inspire you to make someone you love very happy. Take your pick from these trendy items.

Kripta cava.

Available at El Corte Inglés.

42 / DECEMBER 2012 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

Céline’s Macarons Tel: 622 850 435. www.celinesmacarons.com Davids and Marketas Chocolate Manufacture Available in Gibraltar and at La Tienda del Rey in Estepona. C/ Levante, Local 10, Puerto Deportivo, Estepona. They also deliver cakes in Gibraltar and along the Costa del Sol. Tel: 680 960 601. www.chocolatemanufacture.net El Corte Inglés Tel: 952 909 990. www.elcorteingles.es

THE FOCUS christmas

sack by Mot hercare

Gift Ideas Festive hair clips by Accessorize

Crystal topped perfume bottle by Monsoon

Christmas

Sequinned ball by Monsoon

ACCESSORIZE www.accessorize.es Dunnes Stores C/ Jacinto Benavente s/n, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 474 403 and Camino de la Depuradora s/n, Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 197 109. www.dunnesstores.ie IKEA Avda. Velรกzquez 389, Mรกlaga. Tel: 902 400 922. www.ikea.com Monsoon www.monsoon.co.uk Mothercare At C.C. Plaza Mayor, Mรกlaga. Tel: 951 908 046. www.mothercare.es Next www.next.co.uk

Christmas candles by IKEA

Carolyn Donnelly glass pine cone decoration.

Available at Dunnes Stores

Champagne flute vase by Next

Bauble line lights by Next Christmas inspired coasters by Dunnes Stores.

Cheer Christmas

ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM DECEMBER 2012 / 43

Round Aviator footstool by Timothy Oulton. Available at El Corte Inglés

Dinnerware by IKEA

Glass by Villeroy & Boch. Available at El Corte Inglés

44 / DECEMBER 2012 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM Uniqu Availa e Persian p ble at ic Ma r be t u re f ra me lla Car pet s carpet .

Fur throw by Paul Costelloe for Dunnes Stores

Pegasus keyboard by Royal Pianos Schimmel glass piano by Royal Pianos

Lust

for home life

Beoplay A8 Audio System by Bang & Olufsen, compatible with the new Lightning connector in the iPhone 5.

Gingham cake stand and jug

by Laura Ashley

Bang & Olufsen Avda. Julio Iglesias s/n, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 817 250. www.bang-olufsen.com Dunnes Stores C/ Jacinto Benavente s/n, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 474 403 and Camino de la Depuradora s/n, Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 197 109. www.dunnesstores.ie el corte inglés Tel: 952 909 990. www.elcorteingles.es ikea www.ikea.es Laura Ashley C/ Jacinto Benavente 30, Marbella. 952 764 742. www.lauraashley.es Marbella carpets Edif. Casablanca, Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella.

Tel: 952 773 765. www.marbellacarpets.com ROYAL PIANOS Pol. Industrial La Leala, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 858 777. www.royalpianos.com Yaffé FUSION ART Tel: 951 406 809/ 620 368 954. www.yaffefusionart.com

ch a ro y L ts u G e by a r p et C r p bella a e c ar ad M -m le at d n b H a va i l a A e.

Fusion art photography by Yaffé Fusion Art

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Accessorize C.C. La Ca単ada, Marbella. Tel: 952 778 046. www.accessorize.es Aristopaws www.aristopaws.com ASOS www.asos.com/es ebay www.ebay.com M&Co. www.mandco.com

og er d Bak oming d e o T t gr able prin g. Avail ASOS ba e on n onli

Doggy winter wear by Accessorize

Doggy winter wear by Accessorize Litter tray by Aristopaws

Multi-level perch by Aristopaws

S

pet anta

ha t b

y M&

Co.

Put your paws up in the Leather bed by Aristopaws Doggy winter wear by Accessorize

46 / DECEMBER 2012 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

Air

Meep! Tablet by Diset, featuring over 50 apps, games, music and more. Available at El Corte Inglés

Christmas is for

Kids

Snow globe by Monsoon

Monster High Coffee Bean Coffee House set. Available at El Corte Inglés.

Barbie Fiat Car. Available at El Corte Inglés

Diamante treasure chest by Monsoon

Frankenweenie figurines and plush toy.

Available on ebay

Adventure Time Figures. Available at El Corte Inglés

Carrera Go! Ferrari GT racing system. Available at El Corte Inglés Feber 12V Dareway Child Vehicle.

Available at ocioyjardin

Monsoon www.monsoon.co.uk Ocio y Jardín www.ocioyjardin.com

Supergiro U-Turn Slide

by Smoby. Available at ocioyjardin

ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM DECEMBER 2012 / 47

Fur delight by Fashionvilla

Elegant gown by Fashionvilla

Fashionable Gold, silver and diamond earrings by Be Rich

Gifts Satin bag by Stuart Weitzman. Available at Stravaganza

Femin

ine fo

unt ain

pens

by Ch

opa rd

Three-toned pump by Luciano Padovan. Available at Stravaganza

Satin and sparkle shoe

by Stuart Weitzman.

Available at Stravaganza

Be Rich Muelle Ribera, Puerto Banús. Tel: 951 319 417. www.berich.es Chopard Muelle Ribera, Puerto Banús. Tel: 951 319 188. ww.chopard.com Dior www.dior.com Fashionvilla Paseo de Suiza 394, Elviria, Marbella. Tel: 952 850 501. www.fashionvillamarbella.com House of Fraser www.houseoffraser.co.uk Stravaganza Plaza María Auxiliadora 4, Marbella. Tel: 952 858 377. www.stravaganza.es

Gold, silver and sapphire ring by Be Rich

Ba g by Dior

Warm and woolly fashion by Fashionvilla

Sparkly peeptoe by Luciano Padovan.

Available at Stravaganza

48 / DECEMBER 2012 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

Bag by House of Fraser

Leather bauletto made exclusively for Stravaganza

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THE FOCUS networking In the 21st century the world truly went electronic, or should I say ‘digital’. Where we used to rely on pubs, clubs, societies and sheer chance to socialise and network in the flesh, we now have the likes of Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn to carry us through the lonely moments and keep us connected with potentially hundreds of friends and business contacts, new and old.

What’s more, it is now as easy to be friends with someone in Wellington or La Paz as it is to be friends with your neighbours. In fact, anno 2012 you’re more likely to know someone halfway across the world than those in your own street – all the more so since you do much of your socialising in front of a computer screen. In less than a decade, social media has significantly changed the way in which we interact, and this is only the beginning.

It is amazing to think that LinkedIn was launched in 2003 and has already become such an institution. Though perhaps not quite as well known in the popular domain as other social media such as Facebook and Twitter, LinkedIn is the businessperson’s platform of choice – a digital way of making connections with other professionals and keeping track of who you know, who looks at your profile and the correspondence you’ve had.

What exactly is LinkedIn?

What’s different?

Effectively, LinkedIn is defined as a social networking website, and more specifically one aimed at fostering business contacts. The site allows people to establish a personal profile with a professional emphasis that includes education, work experience, membership of vocational or other relevant organisations, interests, likes and dislikes, and also a selection of criteria on which basis they invite others to connect with them.

These can include career opportunities, business deals, consulting offers, expertise or reference requests and the enticing, though somewhat mysterious sounding, ‘new ventures’. Just to show it’s not only about business, you can also ask people to ‘get back in touch’.

You can also add your fields of expertise, your contact details, website links, upload blogs and other things you’d like to share, and start or join discussion groups on topics ranging from strictly technical to mildly philosophical and enticingly commercial.

Though LinkedIn is said to have around 175 million users it still can’t compete with the volumes of traffic that go through the likes of Facebook and Twitter. So why would you want to be active on LinkedIn? Well, in reality it depends on what you use it for. If you want to chat with friends, stay in touch with relatives on the other side of the earth or post the photographic evidence of your latest exploits then Facebook is probably you’re best bet.

If you like short bursts of information, be it workrelated or personal, then you’ll veer towards Twitter, but if you want to use social media as a way of gaining new business acquaintances and maintaining contact with existing ones, then LinkedIn is the professional’s answer to Facebook et al.

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WORDS MICHEL CRUZ

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> How do you use it?

You start by creating the above-mentioned personal profile, perhaps add a photo of yourself (as recent as you can live with) and fire it off into the ether.

People will begin to look at your profile and some will send you a request to connect, which you can either accept or decline. By the same token, you can view other people’s profiles, search for specific individuals by name and take the bull by the horns and request to become connected with those persons you think could be of mutual interest.

In the meantime, you can update, edit and expand your profile, add content and also keep track of your list of contacts, who you’ve recently added, your correspondence and who’s been looking at your profile. More detailed information is also available, but for that you’ll have to upgrade

your account from FREE to Personal Plus, Business or Business Plus, which range from €5,95 to €35,95 per month, depending on the package and whether you pay monthly or take an annual subscription.

The higher the upgrade the more detailed the information and broader the range of tools available to the user. These include a full list of who’s been viewing your profile, InMail messaging to other members, access to more complete profiles and enhanced search facilities with filter functions that respond to your criterion inputs, an online contact organiser, reference searches and more means to help find clients, staff and/or jobs.

As for user protocol, the overall rule of thumb applies not to use bad language, express alienating

views, insult or badger people, or use the platform as a market bazaar. This is true of all social media, but as an online network of worldwide professionals LinkedIn demands an even higher standard of behaviour. Social media of any kind cannot be equated with straightforward sales pitching, but should rather be seen as the laying of contacts that can be personally rewarding in the short term but more likely to be of any tangible value if built up slowly – in other words, after you’ve had a chance to show your professionalism and good character.

So while it still remains as important as ever to meet and network with people in person, online networking through a platform like LinkedIn provides a valuable added tool for widening the scope of your business contacts. e

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THE FOCUS people

MAX “

Let’s have afternoon tea,” suggests Max Clifford, ever the PR magician even when on holiday. Within minutes, he has conjured up a photo opportunity: four neighbours, fine china cups and saucers, PG Tips and a plate of Cadbury’s Chocolate Fingers, served with a flourish by Jo, his wife of two years and former PA. “It’s a little tradition we like to keep up when we’re abroad,” says Max, sporting a deep mahogany tan and natty white shorts to show it off. In congenial company (the neighbours are friends from back home and he’s practically a newlywed), with a mobile phone in close proximity, Max is in his heaven and all’s right with the world.

“Here’s to love and laughter,” he says, toasting his definition of perfect happiness with the cup that cheers (he doesn’t touch the stuff that inebriates). This is one Brit who won’t be selling up and leaving crisis-hit Spain, though he’d probably make a profit. The building site where he

MARBELL A

bought his luxury apartment 13 years ago has become one of Nueva Andalucía’s ‘most sought-after’ urbanisations – testimony to Max’s success secret: “Being in the right place at the right time.”

“There’s 24-hour security and a VIP service for our washing and ironing,” says Max, counting his blessings for at least the third time in an hour… “Bacon and eggs at Starz cafe – or muesli if I’m being good – stocking up at the supermarket, a look round Corte Inglés, then home for a swim and lunch. Later we’ll go out somewhere nice for dinner,” he adds, reeling off what seem like pretty ordinary activities for a self-made multimillionaire who has represented a celebrity Who’s Who of clients. They include Brando (whom Max took to his favourite Chinese restaurant to cook up ‘Mosbster Lobster’) and Sinatra (whose pal he wound up unmercifully about his Brooklyn accent, and later discovered was a real mafia mobster)!

Londoner Clifford’s own working class upbringing, complete with tin bath, outside loo, wartime rationing and lodgers, taught him to appreciate simple pleasures (his first dip in the Med in 1960s Benidorm), plus he’s constantly witnessing the unhappy side effects of fame and money. But he’s not ashamed of enjoying the luxuries: a cottage in the Cotswolds and, his prize possession, a 20-metre heated outdoor pool at his Surrey home which he uses year-round.

“I’ve been coming to Marbella for over 40 years and though a lot has changed it has never lost its magic,” he says, hard-pressed to think of a downside. “The smoking,” he eventually volunteers. “Even outdoors, it blows over your food.”

Max has never smoked and lost his first wife to lung cancer.

“But the weather, the Spanish welcome, their delicious giant tomatoes… and you can get anything from Iceland,” he enthuses more lyrically than a

realtor’s brochure, though from the mouth of a master media manipulator, it’s worth far more.

Five years ago, during the post-Jésus Gil scandal, Marbella could have had all these selling points on very public record, with endorsements from George Clooney and Simon Cowell (both Marbella fans) and all the other bells and whistles that Max Clifford Associates provides.

“The Mayoress invited me to a meeting of tourism top dogs but none of them could agree who was paying the £30,000 monthly fee,” says Max, who never has to pitch a client and seals all deals with a handshake (no contracts). “Soon after, I was retained by the Mayor of Beijing for considerably more.”

Tea and simpatía: Max and friends enjoy a cuppa on the Costa. L-R, Robin and Katie Tinbury, Max’s wife Jo, Penny and Stephen Less

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Spain has had a bad press of late but, for once, Max Clifford isn’t responsible for the headlines!

Britain’s highest-paid PR has a special affinity for Marbella, where he has a holiday home, and talks it up free of charge whenever he’s in town, as Belinda Beckett reports.

PHOTOGRAPHY © KHPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

So how else would he have promoted Marbella, had things been different? “I would have tried to stop that Marbella Belles reality TV series which was so damaging and trashy,” says Max emphatically.

That’s no idle threat. Clifford has stopped front page news with one phone call. “I’ve known most Fleet Street editors since they were junior reporters. It’s a question of negotiation and it usually works,” says a man who was practicing the ‘give to get’ social networking mantra before Mark Zuckerberg was conceived. “But these days, 75 per cent of my work is about protecting clients and scotching rumours.”

Max left school at 15 to train as a journalist, by 19 he was at EMI promoting a little-known group called The Beatles and at 27 he had his own agency representing the big names of the Sixties and Seventies (Joe Cocker, Muhammad Ali, Marvin Gaye). Today he looks after a small but select stable of clients including Simon Cowell, the Bank of Dave, Vladimir Lisin (Russia’s second richest oligarch whom he defended over “false allegations” of arms shipping to Syria) and a dog that won Britain’s Got Talent. Formula 1

supremo Bernie Eccleston’s daughter Tamara recently sought his help after her husband appeared in a sex romp video. Max knows the full story but isn’t going on record.

Max’s mobile phone vibrates on the coffee table for the fourth time in an hour. It’s not an iPhone?

“I don’t use a computer or email – I leave that to my daughter and the team back home. I wish they’d bring back the portable typewriter,” says Max, who doesn’t read newspapers online either (he has them delivered to his door in Spain).

“This is the very same phone that was hacked by the News of the World,” he says, brandishing his Nokia. No smart phone but one smart cookie, Max reached an out-of-court settlement with the now-defunct tabloid for a cool £1 million – two years before Lord Leveson started his inquiry!

After the call, Max is chipper. “It’s not a job, it’s a way of life. I’m 69 and could have retired but I’ve seen people I was at school with give up work at 60 and age 20 years in two.”

Although he’s not Mr Popular with everyone, the king of kiss-and-tell is disarmingly candid about what he does, and why. With David

Beckham (allegedly bonked PA Rebecca Loos), “It was money – Loos made £750,000 in nine months.” With cabinet minister David Mellor (allegedly bonked an actress while wearing Chelsea football strip) it was “the pleasure of helping to bring down John Major’s Tory government which, in my opinion, was destroying the National Health Service. Just remember their sheer hypocrisy and double standards – lecturing us about family values while both had extra marital affairs!”

Max also gives back in spades, and gets a huge kick from doing so – whether it’s waiving his fees for a genuine case or using his showbiz clients and contacts to brighten a terminally ill child’s day (doing the stars no harm in the process). The Max Clifford Celebrity Golf challenge at La Cala (an old client) in aid of the Rhys Daniels Trust (he’s a patron) has been a big social event on the coast since 2000. And, as patron of every children’s hospice in Britain, being able to arrange a visit from West Life or Simon Cowell gives him super-hero status with the kids. “Then everyone’s a winner,” says Max. “The way I like it best.”

g Read more articles by Belinda Beckett on her blog, www.belindabeckett.com

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style

INTERIORS / ARCHITECTURE / ART / DESIGN

Discover how Blackshaw Interior Design can transform a house into a home, give in to temptation and purchase that designer piece you’ve always wanted from Roche Bobois’ newest collections and dress to the nines in an elegant outfit by Hannibal Laguna.

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GARDENS / FASHION

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Blackshaw Interior Design

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Roche Bobois Furniture Items

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Fashion Feature: Hannibal Laguna

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Fashion News

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THE STYLE decor

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY © KHPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

A 3D image of the lounge, created during the planning stages

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I

n a world ever more aware of design, many of us fancy ourselves rather style-conscious and gifted with a certain appreciation for the finer things in life, yet having a stab at decorating your own home and doing it for a living are two entirely different things. Taking responsibility for projects ranging from small decoration jobs to large-scale home refurbishments or commissions to create and brand commercial and retail spaces is where professionally trained interior designers like Sally Blackshaw really come into their own.

A graduate in retail design, Sally combines technical training with a natural eye not just for complex decorative combinations, but also the ability to assess what might to others seem a straightforward space and see the potential it offers. Her career has taken her from commercial and retail-focused jobs in London to overseeing the decorating of villas and show houses after she moved to Marbella in 2000.

Working for the likes of Fendi, Armani Casa and Interna, she also became involved in the kind of home refurbishment projects that bring together interior design, architecture,

construction and even landscaping in what could best be described as interior architecture.

“I learned how things work here on a technical and logistical level, but also how homeowners in Marbella relate to their properties and what they expect from them as fulltime residences or second homes,” says Sally, for whom these insights are invaluable in understanding the practical needs and aesthetic wants of her clients.

“You develop a certain intuition that makes you visualise what your client is describing to you in a quicker and more detailed way.”

TRANSFORMING

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From decoration to refurbishment It was while working for a developer and teaching at the Marbella Design Academy that a former student asked her to found an interior design company together. “It was my first venture as an independent designer, and we worked with a lot of enthusiasm for several years before I decided to go fully independent and establish Blackshaw Interior Design,” says Sally.

That was almost four years ago, and in the meantime she has built up an impressive list of projects that cover the entire range from small-scale decoration of apartments to the complete redesigning and rebuilding of luxurious villas.

“When I first came here the mostly Northern European clients often had very modern properties back home but wanted to retain a certain Spanish feel in their Marbella villas. Now, however, there is a trend toward contemporary designs, and so people are buying modern architectural villas or modernising them not just in terms of design but in many cases actually refurbishing the entire house.” Though she continues to love smaller-scaled and pure decoration jobs as well, it is the project management of such reconstruction projects for which she has become increasingly in demand and was recently featured in episodes eight and nine of the popular UK television programme Marbella Mansions.

“I am a designer and a creative type, and at my best when on site, driving the project and the team, and finding solutions, working alongside professional contractors. In addition I’m fortunate to have built up a first-class team of builders, carpenters, electricians, plumbers and other craftsmen who help make me as good as my word when it comes to delivering projects within time and budget.” Dealing with third-party suppliers can be a little more frustrating at times, but Sally manages it with a calm determination that allows her to still source much of her furniture and equipment in Spain. “I visit most of the major fairs in Europe, and source beautiful pieces from around the continent, but we also have the ability to make individual furniture pieces to measure that are entirely bespoke and unique.”

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Commercial and Retail design This desire to stay up-to-date with international trends and often be the one to bring new things to Marbella is much appreciated by private clients looking to make their homes stand out, but also serves her well when it comes to the commercial and retail projects that she is once again becoming more and more involved with.

“It’s a field I continue to love, and I’m really happy to be working on commercial projects again. A home requires sensitivity towards the requirements and lifestyle of the

client to create an end product that is the ideal living environment they had envisaged, but designing a retail space is different. Here you’re working on decorating an area too, of course, but it’s a commercial enterprise and in designing it you’re playing a vital part in making it as attractive as possible and giving it an identity that people will remember and want to partake of. After that, I’m afraid the service and the food is beyond my control, but I do love to be a part of the creative process that sets a place like a restaurant or tapas

bar apart from the others.”

For this reason she doesn’t immediately rush off to work on designs but listens carefully to the business concept and audience the venue is intended to connect with, in many cases coming up not only with the design concept but with a complete branding identity as well.

It indicates that Sally has a broad design palette to draw from, though naturally modern styles allow architects and interior designers alike a certain creative freedom of options to explore.

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BLACKSHAW INTERIOR DESIGN Nave 7, Polígono Nuevo La Campana, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. Tel: 952 818 038. www.blackshawinteriordesign.com

Photography courtesy of Blackshaw Interior Design

g SALLY WAS RECENTLY FEATURED IN THE POPULAR UK TELEVISION PROGRAMME MARBELLA MANSIONS

Transforming spaces Whether working one-on-one with homeowners or drawing on her background to understand consumer behaviour, Sally’s ultimate skill lies in the ability to envisage spaces and then make them a reality, be it at the recently refurbished and re-branded Ristorante Il Tartufo in Marbella’s Old Town or a luxury villa in Nueva Andalucía.

Commissioned to completely redesign, renovate and furnish a one-level villa facing Las Brisas Golf Course, she took her clients’ desire for an open flowing modern home to heart and came up with a new floor plan that allows the living room, dining room and kitchen to communicate directly while also taking in the views from the terrace through to the pool, garden and vistas beyond. The project has generated much interest and enticed the owners to sell on and use it as a blueprint to create similar stunning homes under the care of Sally and her team.

“We had to break through some of the walls that were stifling the living spaces while also improving on the bedrooms and naturally maintaining the structural solidity of the home,” says Sally, who applied new materials such as light wood-finish porcelain tiles and created bathrooms with wow factor in the form of elegant free standing bathtubs and chrome taps. Strengthening the terrace pillars allowed their number to be reduced and the view to become panoramic and uncluttered, while the exterior roofline, walls and entrance were all given a clean, modern geometry.

The area between the entrance gate and front door was similarly transformed from a

‘dead’ space to a wonderfully ambient focal point complete with modern wall-mounted fountains and shallow ponds, enlivened with the skilful application of lighting that beautifies everything from the outdoor areas to the swimming pool. Inside too, ambient lighting sets the tone in a variety of modes, and in using modern LED systems and advanced solar panelling, Sally has been able to reduce energy consumption while transforming an older villa into a stunning new home that reflects her passion and skill. e

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THE STYLE decor

Diapo dining table with extra-clear

glass top

Monte Carlo table in wood Cloche clock with mirror with a whit

e Carrara marble base

gor This month, we bring you a selection of

Miriapode bookcase made of Dux

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geous furniture pieces by Roche Bobois.

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h a nubuck finish

Chronophot glass cock tail table

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Arum chair in reinforced

polyurethane and satin

lacquer

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Blog ger

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Cloche mirror with a white Carrara marble base

Long Island sofa in stone washed

linen

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RISA CUTIL

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Chartreuse Charm

Fuschia

Fantasy

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s e l l e B e l g L Jin A IB

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Scarlett Sensation ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM DECEMBER 2012 / 69

Sexy in Lace

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Lovely i www.hannibal-laguna.com

as a Lemon drop

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Dress by Mery Hello

Gown by Mery Hello

THE STYLE fashion

Š Gary Edwards

Belt by Accessorize

Dresses by Missguided

Dress by Fashionvilla Marbella

Ring by Dior

Watch by Chopard

Earrings by Dior Bracelet by Dior

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Contacts Accessorize www.accessorize.es Chopard www.chopard.com Dior www.dior.com Fashionvilla Marbella www.fashionvillamarbella.com Fiorelli www.fiorelli.com Javier Simorra www.simorra.com Mery Hello www.meryhello.es Missguided www.missguided.co.uk VivIenne Westwood Available at www.giftatelier.com

Top by Javier Simorra

Festivities begin

Dresses by Missguided

Jacket by Mery Hello

Purse by VivIenne Westwood Bracelet by Chopard

Bag by Fiorelli

let the

gs us ideal looks for a s b r in l l i t Cu gest party season of t he ye e big i sa h r t ar. a M

Belt by Accessorize

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thespa PRODUCTS / BEAUTY / SPA / SCIENCE

We visit the wonderful OPI Nail Bar at El Corte Inglés Puerto Banús, where you can have the manicure of your dreams from 10am to 10pm from Monday to Saturday! We also offer Christmas beauty gift suggestions and beat the stress bug with Dr. Mark Lane. Additionally, we learn how to stay tight and toned with Brasilian Beauty brand, Ibramed, now in Puerto Banús.

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OPI Nail Bar at El Corte Inglés

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Beauty News: Christmas Beauty Buys

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Natural Christmas Scents

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Health Advice from Dr. Mark Lane

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Health Profile: Ibramed

11/23/12 4:38 PM

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 • Member of the Colegio de Medicos de Malaga (No.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

2D1AYS

THE OPI

GELCOLOR MANICURE

of Sheer Perfection

UPDATE

TOG WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHO

D

o you remember the old days when, right after a manicure, you used to enter into a state of panic as you realised you had to dig into your handbag to find your car keys?

Remember when a good manicure would last, if lucky, a grand total of four days? These dark days in the history of beauty are over, thanks to incredible developments in semi-permanent and permanent gel nail polishes. Within this highly competitive industry, OPI is a world leader, renowned as much for the celebrities who endorse it as it is for its commitment to health and well-being. OPI was one of the first companies in the industry to limit the sale of its products to and through beauty professionals and its famous lacquers (available in over 200 fashion-forward shades) contain no harmful chemicals (like formaldehyde and toluene, which proliferate in most store-bought nail polishes). The family-owned company spends millions a year to educate consumers on the danger of purchasing unsafe products, is firmly committed to excellence and does not conduct testing on animals.

The news that OPI had recently opened a Nail Bar in El Corte Inglés, was welcomed effusively by the many women who had already experienced an OPI treatment overseas. OPI is on the cutting edge of fashion, enticing women with new collections like Skyfall (inspired by the new Bond film and featuring Bond girl Bérénice Marlohe in its campaign), with shimmering lacquers that are seriously glamorous. Another new collection is Germany,

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RAPHY OPI SPAIN/ NACHO LÓP

in elegant tones such as Berline There Done That (a gentle mocha shade) or Every Month is Oktoberfest (in dazzling purple).

You’ll find the new Nail bar on the ground floor (street level) of El Corte Inglés. It comprises three discretely located manicure and three pedicure posts, where clients can opt for anything from a quick 15-minute ‘Minicure’ to a two-hour GelNail construction.

On my first visit, I opted for the Spa Gelcolor manicure, which features a revolutionary technology which keeps your manicure shiny and resistant for 21 days! Unlike many rival gels, OPI Gelcolor is gentle and made with 100 per cent gel (no acrylic), which increases its longevity. The treatment can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the extras you choose. Since my treatment involved a luscious exfoliation, masque and massage, it took one blissful hour, the most cherished moment in my working week.

The technician, Sandra, made it easy to sit back and relax; she is surprisingly passionate about nails and all things OPI and that made for enjoyable conversation. One of the things I most loved about the treatment was the quality of the products, their texture and beautiful scent.

First, Sandra cleaned my nails with a lanolin-free ‘soap’, removing the excess with towels. She then applied an antiseptic gel, which gently exfoliates the nails and removes bacteria. She shaped my nail and pushed back my cuticles using sterilised, vacuum-packed equipment made of surgical steel. She also

BENZAL VERT EZ (2NFHOTO) STYLIST ALICIA

polished my nail and applied a PH regulator.

Finally it was time for the application of the gel; first a clear base coat (OPI has various types depending on the condition of your nails) then two coats of gel; I choose a dark berry shade, so fitting for the winter season, though there are shades to suit every mood. After every layer of gel I inserted my hand into a LED light machine for 30 seconds (this dries the polish very quickly). Finally, Sandra applied the top coat, drying the lacquer again beneath the LED light then applying a nail cleaner to ensure a neat look.

My nails shone like a brand new car and that was exactly what I felt like. Next up was the spa part of the treatment. If you thought you couldn’t sleep sitting down, think again!

Sandra cleansed and exfoliated my hands and lower arms, applying delicious scented soap, then an exfoliant made of cucumber, and pineapple (my arms were still fragrant the following day!). She then wrapped my hands and arms in a shea butter, cucumber and pineapple mask (for 15 minutes), removing the solution and massaging my hands and arms with a cream containing cucumber, pineapple and Vitamins A and E. I fully understand why woman around the world are so mad about OPI: quality, ethics and service combine beautifully in a very slick, relaxing and luxurious experience which merits a 10 out of 10 rating. You can also take many gorgeous products and nail lacquers back home, to extend the magical feeling until your next visit. I certainly can’t wait for mine!

g El Corte Inglés, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 909 990. www.elcorteingles.es/ www.opi.com 11/21/12 3:18 PM

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BEAUTY

1 – DOT BY MARC JACOBS This spectacular looking bottle houses a perfume that is just as exquisite, with fruity, tropical, white floral notes that settles into a sweet coconut base. i www.marcjacobs.com 2 – CAVIAR SCRUB BY BALENCIAGA This exquisitely silky exfoliant leaves skin as smooth as a baby’s behind. i www.balenciaga.com 3 – CREAM BLUSH AND LIPSTICK FROM ESTEE LAUDER’S MAD MEN COLLECTION as beautiful and luxurious as make-up can be. i www.esteelauder.com 4 – ENCRE NOIR PERFUMED HAIR AND BODY GEL BY LALIQUE: Encre Noir is one of the world’s most famous tobacco/leather fragrances, revered by men and women alike. Fans will love this hair and body gel, which lasts on skin for hours and is the ultimate homage to a perfume that will never go out of style. i www.lalique.com

Addicted to

3

PRODUCTS

5 – SUPER SPARKLY NAIL LACQUERS FROM OPI’S SKYFALL COLLECTION. Available at the El Corte Inglés Nail Bar. i www.opi.com 6 – FLORABOTANICA PERFUME BY BALENCIAGA Aimed at a younger audience, this beautifully designed perfume, featuring Kristen Stewart in its campaign, is a floral, green fragrance that is earthy and spicy at once. i www.balenciaga.com 7 – GIFT SET FROM THE BODY SHOP The Body Shop in Marbella has an array of gift sets this Christmas, with prices ranging from as low as €7. Our featured set contains items from the Ginger Sparkle range. i www.thebodyshop.es 8 – FAIRY DANCE BY ANNA SUI This citrus gourmande fragrance invites its wearer to escape into a garden of fantasy, with notes ranging from tangerine, mango and pink pepper, to peony and bamboo. i www.annasui.com

BEAUTY Irresistible Christmas Buys

1

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend but what really boosts our self-esteem on a daily basis is looking our very best. This month we make it easy to shop for the lady in your life (or your best friend), with gorgeous stocking stuffers that are guaranteed to please.

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

7 4 6

8

2 5 3

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HEALTH Celebrities may be called ‘stars’ for a reason.

Every time a red carpet event like the Oscars rolls around, Hollywood’s most beautiful people gather to show off their sparkling jewels and equally dazzling skin. Although diamonds and designer gowns may be hard to come by for mere mortals, achieving a flawless complexion worthy of the silver screen can be done. Proving that she’s just like the rest of us, Kim Kardashian recently admitted to Oprah Winfrey on US television that she makes regular trips to the plastic surgeon to maintain her flawless complexion.

Kim’s not-so-secret treatment weapon? Fraxel laser resurfacing.

Fraxel is currently experiencing enormous popularity in the US, since it has the reputation to provide very impressive results without significant downtime and without lengthy recovery.

FaceTite (Fractora) is the most advanced fractional radio-frequency treatment providing anti-ageing improvements on skin tone and texture for a more radiant appearance.

We’ve heard a lot about the benefits of both therapies, but we were curious to find out a few things before jumping under the laser, for example: Is there a lot

of downtime, and what should we expect on the day?

Jeannine Aslani from Cirumed Clinic Marbella uses both Fraxel and FaceTite (Fractora) treatments regularly in her practice at Cirumed Clinic Marbella. She also works at the department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgery at Quiron Málaga. With this comparative experience of a wide variance of modern laser treatments, she appreciates the Fraxel laser and FaceTite (Fractora) even more.

Jeannine answers some interesting questions regarding these laser treatments.

NON-SURGICAL LASER

TREATMENTS, the latest in red carpet skin

What are Fraxel and FaceTite (Fractora), exactly?

“Fraxel Laser, the latest fractional laser technology, literally resurfaces skin and makes it look smoother and more toned. Called ‘fractionated’ because of the way that it delivers the energy, it involves the delivery of lots of microscopic laser energy into the skin and this creates a column of injury and as the body goes through its natural healing process that column is shed. With that goes excess pigmentation and abnormal cells and it also stimulates the body to lay out new collagen which is one of the main support structures, so you get the filling and smoothing effect.”

“FaceTite (Fractora) is a handset of the Body Tite device and the most advanced fractional radio-frequency treatment available. The difference

between FaceTite (Fractora) and other machines using radio frequency is that, with FaceTite (Fractora), I can use variable penetration depths while, with others, the penetration depth is always 2mm. It can be used in areas that have fine or deep wrinkles, scars or discolored red and brown skin tone. It delivers radio-frequency waves through small pins that stimulate collagen growth and improve the overall appearance of the skin. The methodical scattering of micro-lesions allows the skin to heal faster than if the entire area was ablated”, says Jeannine Aslani, who is using both treatments regularly in her practice.

procedures such as the removal or reduction of acne scars, sun/age spots, wrinkles around the eyes and mouth and melasma.”

“The good thing about laser is while there are other resurfacing options available, most help to improve one or two symptoms of ageing skin.

FaceTite (Fractora) and Fraxel deliver improvements for the broadest range of symptoms of ageing skin, all with one treatment.”

“The treatments are fast, and relatively painless, with significantly less downtime than if you did a deep peeling. It will leave your skin looking smoother and more toned within about a week.”

What can I expect from these treatments?

Are there different types of treatments and intensities?

“The treatments smooth out imperfections and fine lines, and are recommended for a number of

“The best candidates for FaceTite (Fractora) skin

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g Fraxel laser is available in Cirumed Clinic Marbella, Avenida Ramón y Cajal 7 – 4, 29601 Marbella Tel: +34 952 775 346.

PUBLIREPORTAJE

FaceTite (Fractora) and Fraxel deliver improvements for the broadest range of symptoms of ageing skin, all with one treatment resurfacing treatment are patients in reasonably good health who would like to minimise the appearance of minor skin flaws or turn back the clock on their complexion. Common concerns addressed by FaceTite (Fractora) skin rejuvenation include: fine lines, deep wrinkles, loose skin on the jaw and neck, shallow acne scars, pigment irregularities and redness.”

“We have two types of Fraxel Laser treatments. One is Fraxel restore that treats mild to severe damage to the skin. This fractional, non-ablative treatment targets wrinkles around the eyes, acne and surgical scars, age spots, melasma (dark pigmentation of the skin, also known as the mask of pregnancy) and Actinic Keratoses (dry, scaly, rough-textured patches on the skin caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays).”

“Three to five Fraxel restore treatment sessions are usually needed, during which you may experience mild to moderate discomfort.

Social downtime is two to four days.”

The other one is Fraxel repair or so called ‘Fraccional CO2’, which is marketed as a ‘preemptive strike against a facelift’, that provides dramatic results that tighten the skin and correct the severest skin damage. This includes deep frown lines and wrinkles, irregular texture and sun-induced redness. Fraxel repair

is a single treatment procedure involving a fractional ablative CO2 laser. It causes moderate to significant discomfort and requires downtime of a week or more, as well as two to three days of wound care”, explains Jeannine.

and we get patients all the way into their 80’s opting for photo rejuvenation. The bulk of the patients that I see however, are probably between 30 to 60 and it’s mainly for photo rejuvenation.”

Is there any sort of age bracket or anyone too young that you wouldn’t recommend to have Fraxel Laser and FaceTite (Fractora)?

So after you’ve gone through your course of treatments, how long do the results last?

“We use an anesthetic cream, so certainly children wouldn’t tolerate it, but anyone from teenage years onwards.

We get a lot of teenagers that have acne scarring

“Well any collagen that’s laid down as part of the laser, in theory, should last around 15 years.

In our clinical experience, we generally find that after about two to three years people need a bit of a freshen up treatment.” e

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HEALTH

Season

Scent of the

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

UPDATE

There is no time like Christmas to dress up your home with whimsical, winter-inspired décor and pretty coloured lights, or to fill the air with the allure of traditional scents: everything from cloves to nutmeg and cinnamon. There are many sprays, perfumed sticks and scented candles to choose from but if you’re worried about their chemical content or you’re in the process of child-proofing your home, why not go allnatural? This month, we offer five tips for a naturally fragrant home.

SCENTED CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS Scented applesauce and cinnamon ornaments are hugely popular in the US and it’s about time their allure was enjoyed in Spain. All you need are Christmas inspired cookie cutters, three cups of applesauce and three cups of ground cinnamon. Mix the cinnamon and applesauce until the blend is thick enough to hold a shape. Flatten and cut into shapes with the help of your cutters. Place shapes on a cookie tray to dry for three to four days. To use as an ornament, make a hole in the shapes with a toothpick or pencil tip before drying. Before hanging, pipe the ornaments with royal icing for a nice Christmas effect.

ESSENTIAL OILS Our regular readers will know I’m a fan of Young Living Essential Oils. This is because they are therapeutic grade, properly sourced and extremely pure. Put a few drops of your favourite Christmassy oils (nutmeg, frankincense and spruce are divine) into an oil diffuser to impress guests or, better yet, use Young Living’s Christmas Spirit oil: a sweet, spicy blend of orange, cinnamon and spruce essential oils that tap into the happiness, joy and security associated with the festive season.

I also like Exodus II. It’s a blend of the same oils Moses was said to have used as temple incense: olive, myrrh, cinnamon and frankincense. g Michelle Julian is a distributor for Young Living in Marbella. She can be contacted on Tel: 695 845 416. www.youngliving.com

POMANDERS This was one of my favourite home projects last year so I thought I’d share it with you. All you need is a ribbon, one blemish-free orange and 100 cloves (more or less). Wrap the ribbon around the orange, twisting it at the base then tying a knot up top to divide the orange into four quarters. Press cloves into the orange in ‘rows’, leaving hardly any space between them. Hang the pomander on your Christmas tree or make several and put them in a glass bowl; they make a beautiful Christmas decoration. Some people take pomanders very seriously, curing them over a period of months (so the pomander lasts for years.) g To learn how to cure a pomander, www.pioneerthinking.com/crafts

NATURALLY SCENTED CANDLES For many centuries, candles have been given as gifts to ward off dark spirits and to this day, they are still a cherished present for friends and loved ones. I’m a big fan of Candles & Karma in the UK. They have a wide range of hand-made soy wax candles scented with pure essential oils and they last for up to 35 hours. Choose from blends like bergamot and black tea; cinnamon, clove and orange; lemongrass, pepper and thyme and much more. g www.cards-candles-and-karma.co.uk

CINNAMON BAKE Sprinkle the bottom of a pan with cinnamon and sugar and let it warm on the stove (on low heat). Your home will instantly be filled with the inviting scent of cinnamon and the effect lasts for hours!

CHRISTMAS POTPOURRI There are many potpourri scents to choose from though we suggest anything containing orange, cinnamon, clove or apple. You can even make your own. Daisy Gifts in the UK (www.daisygifts.co.uk) offers the following recipe: three handfuls of orange slices, five broken up cinnamon sticks, five whole mandarins, one handful star anise, one handful dried rose hips, one handful cloves and 10 drops in total of cinnamon and orange fragrance oils. Just mix in a plastic bag and you will have a lovely potpourri that lasts for days. Drying the fruit beforehand is a good idea if you’d like the potpourri to last longer, and it’s easy to do (though it does take patience). Just cut citrus fruit into small slices, place no more than four pieces on three layers of paper towel, cover with two layers of paper towel, microwave on 50 per cent power for 30 seconds. Check that the fruit does not burn and if the paper gets soggy, change it. Continue to microwave for 30 seconds until the fruit is dry. g For further information, www.floras-hideout.com

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HEALTH

WORDS DR. MARK LANE

W

ADVICE

e all want to age well. Exercising, eating right, and avoiding stress are basics that help maintain a healthy body as we age, but what about the brain? Do you want to end up in physically good shape, but with a poor memory, become easily confused, indecisive, and suffer from dementia or worse? New research indicates the same strategies that we apply to keeping a healthy body also help promote brain health.

In fact, we now know that simple habits can lead to sharper memory and improved brain health in our later years. Basic scientific research indicates that many lifestyle choices are linked to brain health.

Some of these are as basic as regular exercise and good nutrition. Others literally go as deep as the neurons themselves and their connections, rewiring our brain.

Exercise If we looked at the brain and body as reflections of each another, each of which attempts to imitate and express the other, it would then make sense that physical exercise can also help sharpen the brain. It actually enhances neurogenesis, the generation of new neurons, something until recently was thought to be not possible.

You’ve heard the term ‘Use It or Lose It’. The ‘It’ in this case is the brain. When we exercise our brains, we put our neurons in action. We solidify the connections between our neurons, reducing the risk of the connections breaking and resulting in the loss of cognitive skills. This goes beyond just doing the daily crossword. We also want to explore the areas of our brain concerned with language, as well as the creative sides of our brain. Embrace change, travel, explore the world and experience new situations and make new, independent decisions.

All this is beneficial for keeping good brain health and preventing ageing or degenerative processes.

Neuroplasticity As adults, there can be a tendency to be set in our ways, based on the presumption that if we’ve been doing things the same way for a long time and it works, why change? It turns out, though, that change can be a way to keep ageing brains healthy. This is centred around what is called neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to rewire itself. This is an exciting field which at its extreme is looking to help blind people see. There are also practical benefits which will improve your quality of life now and into the future.

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Ageing and THE NERVOUS SYSTEM Train your brain to focus on positive experiences Our experiences literally reshape our brains and change our nervous systems, for better or worse.

So by focusing on positive experiences, we start to develop and rewire our neural structures in a way that benefits us. “The mind is like Velcro for negative experiences,” Psychologist Rick Hanson is fond of saying, “and Teflon for positive ones.”

However, it does not have to be this way. Learn to internalise positive experiences more deeply, while minimising the harmful physical and psychological effects of dwelling on the negative. This can be as simple as remembering the good events of the day, not just as fleeting thoughts, but converted into positive experiences. Relish in each of them for 20 or 30 seconds.

Manage your stress Stress and anxiety, no matter whether induced by external events or by your own thoughts, actually kill neurons and prevent the creation of new ones.

You can think of chronic stress as the opposite of exercise: it prevents the creation of new neurons.

Chronic stress can damage the hippocampus – a brain region linked with learning, memory and emotion.

All of the above is of course good food for thought, though what counts is not reading this article, or any other, but utilising some of these strategies to create better neurological health as we age. Apply and practice at least one of these steps every day,

until they become your default mindset and you look forward to every new day in a constructive way.

Nutrition A link has been found between mild cognitive impairment and diets high in sugar and carbohydrates. One of the earliest signs of dementia is a decrease in the brain’s ability to use glucose efficiently. As such a dysfunction is at the core of diabetes, some neuroscientists refer to Alzheimer’s Disease as Type 3 diabetes The brain also consists of a lot of fat. Some of the fats present in the neurons’ membranes keeping them flexible and healthy are the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid molecules. Our brain is dependent on our dietary fat intake to obtain enough fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in cold-water fish (such as mackerel, herring, salmon, and tuna), kiwi, and walnuts.

Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is the most abundant omega-3 fatty acid in cell membranes in the brain.

Antioxidants are also very important as the brain is highly susceptible to oxidative damage.

Antioxidants are found in a variety of foods: Alpha lipoic acid is found in spinach, broccoli, potatoes and berries; Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables; Vitamin C is found in citrus fruit and several plants and vegetables.

Hence, a diet containing fatty fish, vegetables and salads, as well as nuts and non-starchy fruits (like berries) is recommended.

g MARBELLA CHIROPRACTIC Urb. Guadalmina Alta, C.C. 4, Local 8, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 880 398. www.marbellachiropractic.com 11/21/12 3:16 PM

The team of Shanti Som Wellbeing retreat would like to thank everybody for the support during 2012 and would like to wish you a very Prosperous and Happy 2013.

Check for our special offer on our web page www.shantisom.com or on our Shanti Som Wellbeing Retreat Facebook Page.

NAMASTE!

Discover the Shanti-Som Experience HOTEL - DETOX - YOGA - SPA - RESTAURANT

Relax, Restore, Rejuvanate ...only 10 minutes from Marbella Open daily for lunch to the public

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

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SHANTI-SOM We l l b e i n g R e t r e a t 11/26/12 3:13 PM

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HEALTH

Y D O B D e r N a A E s C am of A F HE e e

r d T a R FO hatDM

ADVICE

...t

F

ew other nations can lay claim to the lion’s share of beautiful beach bodies and youthful looking complexions than Brazil. “In Europe, people go to the gym then have plastic surgery; in Brazil, people have plastic surgery before they show up at the gym!” says Dimitri, Founder of Ibramed Europe located in Puerto Banús, a company dedicated to the manufacture and commercialisation of equipment used in aesthetic treatments, physiotherapy, pre-surgical treatment and post-surgical recovery.

Dimitri, who is Belgian born and married to a Brazilian, is in Puerto Banús for two reasons: he loves the sunny weather and he is determined to take the Ibramed name far and wide. At a local level the company’s ample range of specialised products have already enjoyed wide acceptance by Marbella’s most renowned aesthetic surgeons, who see the equipment as a perfect way to maximise the results of their work. Yet Marbella is only the beginning. “The company has just opened in Belgium and it will soon do the same in Holland and Morocco.

German and Italian branches are currently at the negotiation stage,” Dimitri says.

Sabrina Gambetta, Ibramed’s Manager, as warm and upbeat as she is knowledgeable on all things related to beauty and well-being, adds: “Ibramed is also offering important business opportunities to those seeking national

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distribution rights overseas, or those interested in opening an Ibramed centre of their own.” For a very affordable price, Ibramed supplies all the equipment and know-how a centre might need, which is a vital push for someone starting in the business.

Ibramed was founded almost 20 years ago in Brasil and sells equipment (wholesale and retail) to surgeries, physiotherapists, beauty centres and individuals, standing out for its top quality and excellent prices, which average 40 to 50 per cent below those of its competitors. Treatments are varied and highly effective and include everything from dermoabrasion to ozone therapy, carboxy therapy, ultrasound combined therapy, radiofrequency and more.

Whether you’d like to work on problems such as cellulite, dark circles under the eyes, abdominal fat or flaccidity, Ibramed offers a series of treatments that speed up your progress full throttle, promising measurable, noticeable changes. Ibramed in Puerto Banús specialises in the sale and distribution of equipment, but you can also visit the staff for your favourite treatment. For just €350 you can visit the centre three times a week with a maximum of 12 treatments monthly.

For €500 you can visit five times a week with a maximum of 20 treatments monthly. Some of Ibramed’s most popular machines are:

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Z HOOKE This radiofrequency machine targets wrinkles, stimulating fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin fibres.

Skin is ‘plumped out’ and the appearance of wrinkles and lines is significantly reduced. The treatment is also ideal for flaccid skin. Says Dimitri: “In just one treatment clients can see the improvement.” Hooke is also used in the important area of fibrosis (internal scarring) following aesthetic surgical procedures such as liposuction or abdominoplasty. Sabrina adds: “If a very large amount of fat has been removed surgically, fibrosis can be visible to the eye. Hooke works on two levels: superficially, to target flaccidity and sagging of skin, but also on a deeper level, eliminating localised fat and fibrosis.” Typically challenging areas, like love handles and saddlebags react extremely well to the treatment.

Z SONOPEEL This device is extremely efficient at cleansing the skin, removing impurities and dead cells with an advanced ultrasound peeling technology. Skin is cleansed, then iontophoresis is used to propel high concentrations of charged anti-ageing products (like ALA, Vitamin C, collagen and elastin) deep into the skin.

Z ARES This carboxytherapy machine delivers CO2, used to treat everything from cellulite to flaccidity, localised fat, stretch marks, hair loss, wrinkles and scars. “Ares is likewise a great choice for speedily removing dark circles from under the eyes,” says Dimitri.

“After just one session, the darkness is reduced by half.”

Z NOVO HECCUS This generator of ultrasound waves is so popular in Brazil, almost every salon has one. It is used in pre- or post-surgery lymphatic drainage and the drainage of hematomas, cellulite, etc. It is also ideal for muscle strengthening. In just one treatment clients can loose between two and four centimetres.

If the idea of a ‘shortcut’ to your best bikini body has always intrigued you, pop into Ibramed for a free first session and see for yourself the vast difference just one treatment can make. Dimitri and his team are super friendly and will gladly recommend the treatment or combination of treatments that can best help you achieve the results you’re after. And if you are interested in riding the highly successful Ibramed wave, talk to Dimitri and Sabrina about the possibility of distribution or ownership! g Plaza Antonio Banderas 15, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 810 448. www.ibramed.eu 11/21/12 3:24 PM

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thepro NEWS /ENTERPRISE / LOCAL BUSINESS /

PROFILES / FINANCE / LAW

BLUE CAT INTERIOR PARKING PLUS: JUST A MINUTE AWAY FROM MÁLAGA AIRPORT Working out what to do with your car can be a real problem when you travel but now, Blue Cat Parking is making it a hasslefree experience. The company has moved its main operating office to the heart of the Málaga airport in a prime location (on the 'golden parking mile' opposite San Miguel), reflecting its commitment to client satisfaction and its philosophy of service, trust and location. The company recently acquired the Car Park Málaga building, which is only one minute from the airport terminal and has opened an exclusive indoor parking garage in the same location, to give clients a wider range of options. Blue Cat can offer individual indoor parking with a battery charging station, ideal for high- performance vehicles with multi-electrical functions. Professional valet services and waxing are also available in-house and mechanical services can be quoted on request. g Tel: 952 475 179. www.bluecatparking.com

BLACKBERRY JAM SESSIONS: HACKER HEAVEN IN MÁLAGA RIM, the company responsible for the innovative BlackBerry product line, availed of Málaga’s reputation as a haven of technology, choosing this city to host its BlackBerry Jam Sessions Andalucía 2012. The sessions are known as ‘the best hackathons in the world’, since they invite techies to plan and develop their own app for BlackBerry over a 10-hour period. Similar events will take place in additional cities around Spain, including Bilbao, Barcelona and Madrid. g For further

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Roche Bobois Presents New Collection It was a cold, rainy night but few would have guessed it from the warm, well-lit interiors of the beautiful Roche Bobois showrooms, where the party of the season attracted the who’s who of Marbella. Guests marvelled at beautiful pieces of furniture from Roche Bobois’ latest collections and Mugge Fischer and Osse del Sol of Artenovum presented the painting, Donna de Paris, from their Donnas of the World series. All enjoyed an open bar, aperitifs and delicate macarons by Céline, as well as a host of delicious savoury snacks.

g C.C. Torrereal, C/ Peter Viertel s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 777 858. www.roche-bobois.com

Female Leadership Conference Presentation at the Casino Marbella The Casino Marbella was the chosen venue for the presentation of one of the most exciting events of the coming year for female businesswomen: the Female Leadership Conference, which will run over 15 weekends, starting on January 18 and 19 and ending on October 25 and 26, 2013. The event will take place at the Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía in Campanillas, Málaga, and will cover a plethora of topics including Management Skills, Communication, Leadership, Experiences and Healthy Habits.

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BUSY DAYS FOR THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF MARBELLA WRITE AWAY MARBELLA: PERSONAL ASSISTANT, RESEARCH AND LANGUAGE SERVICES Struggling with computer tasks? Need another staff member or an assistant, but can’t afford the outlay? Write Away Marbella offers online personal assistant services at very competitive hourly rates. Tasks include travel planning, email handling, minute taking, correspondence, proofreading, Internet research, website content updates, blogging and Facebook page maintenance, Spanish to English translations and professional copywriting for websites and promotional material.

Discover the benefits of a convenient, efficient and flexible virtual assistant that is available as and when you need, reducing your workload, filling the gaps in your knowledge base and basically giving you more free time! g For further details, Tel: 646 072 575. www.writeawaymarbella.com

Students and teachers at the British School of Marbella kept busy with a host of charitable and fun endeavours recently. An art auction featuring works created by talented pupils aged two to nine, raised €833 for a children’s charity. Children also celebrated United Nations day, with classrooms decorated in Russian, Moroccan, British, Spanish, Canadian and Danish flag colours. Children donned traditional garb from different countries and enjoyed a delicious international buffet, prepared by their parents. Finally, teachers and children celebrated Halloween by dressing up as ghoulish characters, carving pumpkins and dancing at a ‘disco’ set up for the occasion. g www.bsm.org.es

ASEA: ADVANCING LIFE

FUN TIMES AT ALOHA COLLEGE Cute witches, wicked warlocks and creatures of all sorts gathered in the halls of Aloha College, on Halloween dress-up day, with students from Years 5 and 6 shaking their bones at a party organised by students from Year 13. The older students showed their creative side by directing younger students in the school play, Drop Dead Juliet, which was a big hit with fellow pupils and parents. g www.aloha-college.com

Asea held its first presentation in Marbella at Magna Café, enlightening attendees with information on a groundbreaking drink which contains trillions of stable, perfectly balanced Redox Signalling Molecules suspended in a pristine saline solution – the same molecules that exist in every cell of the human body. Redox signalling molecules are vital to the immune system and cellular healing. Yet after the age of 12, our cells make fewer of them.

Asea is a vital source for replenishing these molecules. g For further

information, please contact Liv Mostue on Tel: 637 547 419. www.livmost.teamasea.com

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Fashion’s New Reign on the Golden Mile Marbella’s fashion scene will never be the same again… at last, Susie K has opened her long-awaited boutique, Vive La Reine. Seeing it as a glorified extension of her wardrobe, she draws influences from her life experiences of growing up in London in the 1970’s and 80’s, as an international catwalk model, stylist and founder of popular nightclub, Deep. In selecting her stock for Vive La Reine, she brings us seminal designs of past decades, while staying in touch with the mood on the street and, more importantly, filling a much-needed niche in the mid-range retail market. If you are a discerning woman who wants to make a statement of you individuality with inimitable style, visit Vive La Reine and dress like a Queen! g Urb. Marbella Real 20, Marbella. Tel: 633 452 040. www.vivelareine.co

I Challenger Marbella ATP Open at the Hotel Puente Romano The first Challenger Marbella ATP Open saw players battling it out on the courts of the Hotel Puente Romano Tennis Club, in an attempt to win vital qualifying points for the Australian Open, which will take place in Melbourne in January, 2013. Player Albert Montañés beat his rival Daniel Muños-De la Nava in three sets and although the match initially had to be suspended for five hours due to heavy rainfall, the excellent tennis played was definitely worth the wait.

g www.marbellaopen.es

Engel and Völkers’ Smadar Kahana: Mixing Business and Pleasure:

Rotary Club Provides Ambulance to the Public Rotary Club Marbella-Guadalmina is proud to announce that it has raised over €2.000 in a very short space of time to assist with the restocking of a DYA Ambulance with necessary equipment after the dreadful fires that engulfed the local areas in the summer. The Director of DYA, Victor Manuel Mejías said, “The organisation is so proud that after 19 years this is the first ambulance we have acquired that was not second hand, and this is all due to the generosity of Rotary Club Marbella-Guadalmina and the many wonderful volunteers”. The entire cost of the ambulance will be €75.000, so more fundraising events will be organised in the future. g For further information, Tel: 902 226 222/

670 604 392.

Tallarek-Hotz Dental Clinic: Dentistry With A Heart Dr. Nadine Hotz M.Sc. of the Tallarek-Hotz dental clinic in San Pedro showed her support for the local community by giving children at the Colegio María Auxiliadora a free dental check-up, followed by a gift of toothbrushes and toothpaste. "The day went fantastically; all the kids opened their mouths and weren't scared at all of the experience," said the friendly Dr. Hotz, who also provided a box of toothbrushes to the Casa Abril home for children in Málaga, which has been hit hard by budget cuts. "Very small children can benefit from dental check-ups, as by the age of two or three we can already detect plaque build-up and issues that are best solved before they become a serious problem."

Smadar Kahana, owner of Engel & Völkers Marbella, enjoyed the trip of a lifetime, when she was invited by her friend and client, Igor Makarov, to the 20th year anniversary of his private gas company, Itera, in Moscow. Igor sent his private Boeing to pick up Smadar and some friends from Munich, so the journey was comfortable indeed. Performing at the party were fantastic Russian and international singers and artists such as Philipp Kirkorov, Gloria Gaynor and many others. Among the guests were top Russian politicians and entrepreneurs. Smadar enjoyed reuniting with old friends and increasing Engel & Völkers’ client base. g Tel: 952 868 406.

www.engelvoelkers.com.

g Avda. Marqués del Duero 76, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 786 362. www.exclusive-dental-highcare.com 92 / DECEMBER 2012 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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Jive Spain Christmas Dinner Dance Party and Celebrity Media Challenge!

The staff at are waiting with baited breath for JiveSpain’s Christmas Dinner Dance Party, to be held at the emblematic Tikitano Restaurant on December 15. Guests will enjoy a three-course meal and watch the dance battle of a lifetime between members of the local media.

Magazine’s own Monika ‘Don’t Mess with Me’ Böjti and Jan ‘Great Balls of Fire’ Dendauw have been practising rigorously, in an effort to prove they can rock and bop like no other couple. Their competitors include Sur In English’s Ashley Bolton and Donna Fry, who are determined to give them a run for their money. The first prize is €600 and the second prize €400, to be donated to a charity of the winning couple’s choice. g To book your ticket, Tel: 635 717 211. colin@jivespain.com

College of Commercial Agents of Málaga Establish Delegation in Marbella The official College of Commercial Agents in Málaga (COAC) recently signed an agreement to establish its new Marbella delegation in the Melior Vasari business centre. Vasari’s Director, Plácido Alejandre and COAC President Liberio Pérez, agreed that now was the perfect time to support small and medium-sized business and entrepreneurs of all ages. g www.coacmalaga.es

El Corte Inglés: Supporting the Menudos Corazones Foundation Menudos Corazones is a non-profit organisation seeking to improve the lives of children with cardiovascular disease and you can now lend a helping hand by purchasing T-shirts specially designed by Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada for this charity, at all El Corte Inglés shopping centres. g www.elcorteingles.es

Cris & Kim Travel Design: For the Holiday of a Lifetime

Cris & Kim Travel Designers are specialists in personal travel proposals and unique experiences in a carefully selected number of destinations worldwide. Travel proposals are customised and designed to meet each client’s profile, interests and budget. The level and quality of services and accommodation, as well as new and unforgettable experiences, are constantly being surveyed and checked based on first-hand knowledge of the destination. In addition, a new product line has been designed, offering unique visits to interesting private palaces and gardens which are usually not open to the public, as well as gastronomical experiences in Andalucía. g Avda. Cánovas del Castillo 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 859 113. info@crisandkim.com

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Marbella Business Institute 30th Anniversary The Marbella Business Institute (MBI), the longest-running organisation of its kind in AndalucĂ­a, recently celebrated its 30th anniversary at Da Bruno Sul Mare. A raffle and auction were held for local charities, with prizes donated by private individuals, as well as the companies New Asia, Yanx, Da Bruno, Yllera, Jorge OrdoĂąez and Cortijo Los Aguilares wines, Bodyworks Clinic, Mayan Monkey Chocolate Factory and Absolute World, which resulted in the collection of a four-figure sum. The MBI meets on the last Friday of every month for a luncheon, and attendance is on an invite-only basis. g For further information, www.marbellabusinessinstitute.org

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Dahler & Company Hosts Charity Golf Tournament The Marbella office of Dahler & Company willl jointly host the Peter Klein Classic 2012 Charity Golf Tournament on December 1 at the Villa Padierna Golf Club in Benahavís, with all proceeds going to the Lions Club Marbella. The 18-hole golf classic will include a shotgun start, men’s and women’s longest drive award and closest to the pin award. A cocktail and awards ceremony will take place after the tournament at the Los Flamingos Golf members’ clubhouse. Dahler & Company provides premium residential and commercial real estate services in Germany, opening its first representative office on the Spanish mainland in Marbella earlier this year. The company plans to expand considerably, opening 100 offices in Spain within the next 10 years.

g Tel: 952 777 664. www.dahlercompany.com

Stephen Lloyd-Morgan’s In My Father Footsteps on Target Things are looking up for Cudeca and Tenovus, the cancer charities receiving profits from the sales of Welsh tenor, Stephen LloydMorgan’s album, In My Father’s Footsteps.

The album is on target to raise at least €13.000 and can be downloaded on iTunes, Amazon and most good download sites.

g For a physical copy, www.slmlive.com

before

Dreams Do Come True with Cambridge 800! after

Weight loss company CAMBRIDGE 800 knows that losing weight is only half the battle and that keeping it off long-term is what really matters. New consultants begin their journey with Cambridge 800 as customers and, after seeing how well the company’s Steps Programme works for them, many decide that they too want to help others manage their weight. Jane is a perfect example of this process. She was first told she was overweight at age eight and her weight gradually increased until she tipped the scales at 115 kg. After discovering the Cambridge weight loss plan six years ago, she lost 47.6 kilos and has maintained a healthy weight ever since. Now, as a consultant, she thoroughly enjoys helping people achieve their weight loss goals.

g For further information, Tel: 952 586 324. www.cambridge800.es, 96 / DECEMBER 2012 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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New Childhood Illness, Respiratory, Asthma and Allergy Clinic in Marbella If your child is unwell or you are suffering from respiratory problems, asthma or allergies, head for the new clinic opened by specialist Dr. Luzdivina García in the centre of Marbella. Dr. García, who is multi-lingual, focuses on growth and development of children (from birth to 16 years), conducts thorough diagnostic tests and ensures a patient’s continual progress. The Clinic opens from 10am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm from Monday to Friday. g Avda. Ricardo Soriano 36, Piso 1, Of.

107, Marbella. Tel: 952 867 213/ 673 383 945. www.asma-neumopediatra.com

Inspired Group’s First Casual Business Meeting Inspired Group, a ‘low cost’ counselling group comprising lawyers, tax, labour and financial advisors, accountants, psychologists, web experts and more, recently held its First Casual Business Meeting at the Hotel Alanda Club in Marbella, in an effort to create a fun networking environment and add a vital spark to the regional economy. The event was a huge success and was attended by businesspeople, members of the media and the Tourism Councellor of Marbella, José Luis Hernández. g www.inspiredgroup.es

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Pellet Heaters at Pias Chimeneas Pias Chimeneas in Nueva Andalucía is famed for its stylish, beautiful fireplaces, but they are also on the cutting edge of new, environmentally friendly ways to heat the home. The company is now stocking the pellet heater, incredibly modern in design yet economical and incredibly easy to use. The heaters enjoy a long autonomy and rely on a fuel that is renewable, clean-burning and cost stable. Moreover, they can be programmed to the temperature desired. g C/ El Califa 564, Nueva

Andalucía. Tel: 951 275 693. www.pias-chimeneas.com

DEBRA Holds Conference at Marbella Town Hall Butterfly Children Charity, DEBRA Spain recently presented the DEBRA International Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Conference EB 2012, a three-day event held at the Town Hall. Results and conclusions drawn from this important congress will determine the strategies to be followed over the next three years, in search of a cure for Butterfly Skin condition.

g For further information, please contact Minerva on Tel: 952 816 434. www.debra.es

International Black and White Association Celebrates International Day of Tolerance The International Black and White Association celebrated The United Nations’ International Day of Tolerance with an art exhibition in Fuengirola. Artists from various countries (including Russia, Argentina, the USA, Norway, Sweden and Panama) presented diverse works in an attempt to encourage values such as tolerance, respect, dialogue and cooperation. The Association is also collecting old books (written in Spanish, English or French) to donate to the Bisila Bokoko African Literacy Project, which aims to create new libraries in several African countries.

g For further information, please contact Wendy Van Der Veen on Tel: 699 186 127.

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Champagne, Chocolate and Shoes at Stravaganza Stravaganza, one of Marbella’s most stylish shoe and bag boutiques, recently delighted friends and clients with a Champagne and chocolate party and a presentation of the new season’s collections by top designers such as Luciano Padovan, Stuart Weitzman, Coccinelle, Pedro García, Pertegaz and many more. Visitors shopped ‘til they dropped, since all Tarjeta Club holders enjoyed a 10 per cent discount.

g Plaza María Auxiliadora 4, Marbella.

Tel: 952 858 377. www.stravaganza.es

A Party Fit for a Princess at le petit milk and roses If you’ve always dreamed of throwing your little girl the perfect party, few venues are quite as exclusive and chic as the Le Petit Milk and Roses spa in Marbella.

The spa, launched by the same team that founded the milk and roses brand at the Hotel Puente Romano, has dedicated an entire floor to girls’ parties, featuring a host of Disney character dresses for your daughter and her friends to wear, as well as non-alcoholic Champagne and a list of treatments which includes manicures and massages! Your little girl will revel in the beautiful pink interiors and feminine touches and for one day, she will believe she really is a princess. g C/ Estebanez Calderón 6, Marbella. Tel: 952 859 223.

www.lepetitmilkandroses.com

DOM3: Entrepreneurs for High Quality Housing DOM3 is a new association of entrepreneurs and professionals, formed to promote the business of design, development and construction of high quality homes in Marbella, Estepona and Benahavís. The upmarket home sector generated a turnover of over €250 million in 2011, generating 800 direct jobs.

DOM3 hopes to increase the competitiveness of the sector in the international market and strengthen partnerships and synergies.

The association holds weekly meetings, where members exchange ideas, experiences and information, promoting studies and designing action plans in collaboration with public administrations.

g For further information, www.dome3.org

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THE PRO business As I step into the Nordica Sales & rentals offices in Nueva Andalucía, its youthful design, the smiling faces of its staff and the joyful beauty of the gardens in its exterior, evoke a welcoming sensation. The real estate business often carries the stigma of being too serious, too cut-throat, too self-centered, but that is not the ambience I breathe in at Nordica. Playful touches and ebullient conversation between the staff and clients stimulate the senses of sight and sound in an office marked by colour, style and plenty of personality.

Nordica Sales & Rentals Putting the Excitement and Joy Back Into Property Sales and Rentals WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF NORDICA SALES & RENTALS

I

am here to meet Anna-Lena Rosen, who alongside her husband Peter, runs the popular real estate firm, founded in 1982. Nordica Sales & Rentals caters largely to the Scandinavian market, though Northern European, Spanish, Russian and Arabic clients also pose a formidable part of its clientele.

In all these years, Nordica has stood out for a variety of reasons. Firstly, its laid-back approach to rentals and sales makes for a pleasant, no-pressure experience. “We listen to clients and only present them with a select list of properties that truly fulfil their needs. We don’t show them properties we know they won’t like in an effort to make a sale and because we are not pushy, clients know they can

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trust us. We have many repeat customers, some of whom first approached us to rent a home and who subsequently bought a property through us.”

As their name suggests, Nordica Sales & Rentals comprises two divisions, which together represent over 600 properties located mainly in Nueva Andalucía, though the areas of Benahavís, Guadalmina, Sotogrande and Marbella are also covered. The Rentals department was founded by Anna-Lena as a complement to the highly successful Sales division, directed by Peter. Since the 2008 crisis, rentals have played an important role in Nordica’s business structure and although Anna-Lena acknowledges that establishing this division “was very hard work, often involving 15-hour working days,” the results have proven worthwhile. Nordica offers both longand short-term rentals, and the company even has its own Maintenance Division, in charge of inspecting and keeping properties (for rent and sale) clean and uncluttered. Rental fees range from €500 a month for an apartment, to €50.000 a week for a luxury villa.

Peter and Anna-Lena don’t have any preconceived notions when it comes to accepting a house into their portfolio but they do insist that the vendor or lessor have reasonable expectations. “We don’t absolutely insist on exclusivity for properties,” adds Anna-Lena, though the company’s well established reputation means that more and more homes are represented solely by the company.

Another thing that makes Nordica stand out is its specialised knowledge of the Nueva Andalucía area; Peter and Anna-Lena have not only represented houses in this area for decades, they also live here.

“Every time a property comes on the market, be it for sale or for rent, just by naming the street, we already know the particular property in question, its value

and characteristics,” she says, smiling. Although Nordica first opened offices in Aloha, then moved to Puerto Banús, Anna-Lena calls the Nueva Andalucía offices “the best for us”.

Anna-Lena may have devoted much of her life to the family business but she is still excited and positive about where Nordica is heading. The multi-lingual team is always busy looking for ways to improve service, be it through their yearly magazine, Maximo, or their excellent website, which makes it easy to find the property you are seeking, either for rent or sale, with just one click. Select the area, type of property, and specify your budget, and a host of interesting properties will pop up onscreen.

When asked how the recession has affected Nordica, Anna-Lena notes that sale prices have decreased by around 25 per cent, and she foresees big bargains continuing to be available for the next couple of years, though she is extremely pleased to note finally, there is “movement” in sales, with many overseas investors finding bargain homes and investment opportunities.

Finally there is the Nordica team: a vibrant, forward-looking group which together, speaks Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, Spanish, English, German, Italian, Dutch and Russian. Although each member of staff is specialised in one area, all have three things in common: experience, dedication and job satisfaction. “From the beginning, Peter and I always set out to ensure that everyone was happy at work. You can’t do a good job otherwise”. AnnaLena and Peter have hit the nail on the head when it comes to creating a successful family, team and business. At Nordica, finding a home becomes what it was always meant to be: a joyful, exciting, easy experience.

g Avda. del Prado s/n, C.R. Lorcrigolf, Locales 5 - 6, Nueva Andalucia. Tel: 952 811 552. www.nordicarentals.com 11/26/12 3:43 PM

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THE PRO business

Belinda Beckett meets a dynamic realtor who is leveraging the power of internet technology to beat the property crisis in Spain

i

PHOTOGRAPHY © KHPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

The Pad

Entrepreneur

B

reaking his collar bone after his business flatlined and bankruptcy was knocking at the door was the best thing that could have happened to realtor Graham Hunt. The MD of Valprop, who runs his UK-based company from Valencia, was already smarting from the loss of his office and nine staff – the result of sales nose-diving by 85% annually from 2006.

But when others might have hung up the For Sale sign for good, Graham used his enforced downtime to reinvent himself – studying online marketing and operating his laptop with one finger.

Four years later, he’s not only back on track but regarded as something of an internet guru in the online world. Sir Richard Branson has followed him on Twitter and he has over 3,500 followers himself. He runs three property websites and a Facebook writers’ group, and blogs for umpteen other sites; he has authored three ebooks and created 100 You Tube video tips on moving to Spain; he recently challenged negativity about Spain in the British

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press with a ‘hashtag campaign’ that generated 4,500 Tweets per hour and trended nationally as the second most tweeted topic of the day. He also represents a London investment fund looking to purchase Spanish national and regional debt and provide a variety of finance packages for companies listed on the stock exchange.

For his next trick, he’s diversifying into publishing. He recently launched the world’s first Spanish property magazine on iPad, and Marbella was one of his ports-of-call on a 2,000 kilometre road tour of Spain to promote it. Although it’s early days yet, downloads of the tablet magazine are rising by 100% monthly and coming from readers as far afield as Surinam and Singapore – signs that he’s on track to achieve his next goal: feeding his realtor network with a global stream of clients.

And he’s doing it all solo… “I run my entire business with two pieces of technology so it’s always within arm’s length: an iPhone for when I’m standing up, and an iPad for when I’m sitting down,” says this

serial superman who Tweets in bank queues, makes videos in between business appointments and takes photographs on the run.

This was a man who started his first blog with the pessimistic slogan: ‘Being an entrepreneur in Spain is like being a snowboarder in Jamaica’…

“I still stand by that sentiment.

According to the latest World Bank report on the best countries to start a business, Spain is ranked 136 out of 183 behind places like Afghanistan,” says Graham. Nevertheless, this blunt 45-year-old from Widnes has never wanted to live anywhere else but Spain since his degree course in Spanish first brought him here, 20 years ago.

His business strategy is unorthodox. “My motto is JFDI – Just Do It with an adjective in between!

Sometimes I write business plans but more often it’s a case of throwing ideas against the wall and seeing what sticks.”

His Spanish Property Magazine can only be read on iPad, costs €3,99 to download and, with readership still

in the hundreds, he’s not pitching for advertising yet. But he’s clear about his target market. “iPad owners are generally in the A/B market segment and must be thinking of buying a property in Spain if they’ve paid to download the magazine,” he says.

And, while the jury is still out on tablet magazines, Graham believes they’re a no-brainer.

“There are no hefty print and distribution costs and getting content is easy; people want their writing to be featured in magazines so they’re willing to help out. Plus, you can embed videos, include sign-up forms for mailing lists, open web pages and emails from within the platform itself and, with the new screen on the iPad 3, you can even read it on the beach.”

Not that you’ll ever catch Graham lying around on a beach. With all his can-do attitude, the one thing this driven entrepreneur finds it impossible to do is ‘nothing’! g iPad owners can check

out Graham’s magazine at www.houses-for-sale-in-spain.net/SPM1

g www.valencia-property.com www.belindabeckett.com 11/26/12 10:26 AM

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THE VIBE

30th Anniversary Lunch for Marbella Business Institute The Marbella Business Institute (MBI) celebrated its 30th anniversary at Da Bruno Sul Mare with a hearty reunion lunch, attended by many current and past members, followed by a raffle and auction for local charities. The group meets on the last Friday of every month for a luncheon, and attendance is on an invite-only basis. For further information, www.marbellabusinessinstitute.org

“All lasting business is based on friendship” – Alfred A. Montapert

PHOTOGRAPHY Campbell Ferguson ñ 162 Vibe.indd 105

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11/27/12 1:07 PM

THE VIBE

Dazzling Designs at Roche Bobois The crème de la crème of Marbella society lined up for a chic cocktail party at Roche Bobois, to view the latest collections from the prestigious furniture design firm. Mugge Fisher and Ose del Sol took the opportunity to present the beautiful work, Donna de Paris, from their Donnas del Mundo series. Champagne and tempting snacks were enjoyed by all and a fun raffle was held at the end of the evening.

“I’m drawn to furniture design as complete architecture on a smaller scale” — Brad Pitt

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PHOTOGRAPHY Johnny gates ñ 11/23/12 5:19 PM

Christmas Menu 24th of December 7.30

WELCOME DRINK STARTERS Salmon Ceviche Fresh sliced salmon elegantly prepared with a fresh chilli, herb and lemon vinagrette or Goats Cheese Salad Grilled Goats cheese, on top of a thick slice of toasted baguette, and served on a mixed leaf salad with a balsamic vinegar dressing or 5th Avenue Chicken Rolls Sautéed spiced Halaal chicken and mixed vegetables, wrapped in a homemade pancake, breaded and fried, served with ginger chutney sauce MAINS Roast Turkey Traditional roast turkey accompanied with roasted vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and a red wine cranberry sauce or Shrimp Risotto Pan-sautéed rosemary and garlic shrimp, with a creamy truffle risotto, topped with roasted cherry tomatoes or Pork Tenderloin Fillet Rosemary and peppercorn crusted pork fillet, served with mashed potatoes, asparagus, glazed apples and a rich red wine prune sauce

New York City Disco Party 5th Avenue New Years Menu STARTERS Lobster Bisque Soup Rich and creamy, highly seasoned lobster soup or Caprese Tower Salad Italian Caprese salad with fresh Mozzarella, tomatoes, olive oil, basil, laced with balsamic dressing. or Scallop and Sweet Green Pea Risotto Pan-seared scallops served with crispy bacon, on a bed of sweet green pea risotto drizzled with truffle oil MAINS Roasted Baby Leg of Lamb Rosemary & white wine infused braised leg lamb, accompanied with roasted root vegetables and port wine sauce or Sea Bass Fish Pan-roasted sea bass with mild spices, salad of warm spinach, asparagus and sweet cherry tomatoes or Fillet Mignon Pan-sealed beef tenderloin, topped with foie gras and drizzled with truffle oil, served with roasted baby carrots, asparagus, baked potato and a rich red wine sauce DESSERTS Non-baked Cheese Cake or Chocolate Fondant

DINNER & DANCE from 7.30 120 euros p.p. with open bar

OPEN BAR without dinner 50 euros (from 1:00 am)

DESSERTS Christmas pudding or Chocolate Fudge Cake

50 euros p.p. (including half a bottle of wine p.p.)

VIP Tables available!

J! D & t n e m in a t r Live Ente

Merry C ny a p m o C hristmas & our with Us! Y H e t a a r b p py New Y Cele or Dinner ear!

Carretera de Cadiz. km 175, Puerto Banús Lunch next to Iceland Supermarket

5thavenuepuertobanus.es Tel: (+34) 661 006 510 JOHNNIE B Tel: (+34) 952 813 734 162_5avenue.indd 1

11/27/12 5:48 PM

THE VIBE

Taylor Wimpey Presents Los Arqueros Beach Prestigious real estate firm Taylor Wimpey España officially presented their new residential project on the Costa del Sol: Los Arqueros Beach, an ambitious undertaking involving a €15 million investment and the creation of 160 jobs over the next five years. The event was attended by Marbella’s Mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, who was delighted by the enormous social impact Los Arqueros Beach will have on the Costa del Sol. The project comprises 114 apartments and penthouses, boasting features such as spacious terraces, shops and a sizeable pool area.

“The road to success is always under construction” – Lily Tomlin

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PHOTOGRAPHY Johnny Gates ñ 11/23/12 5:20 PM

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11/23/12 11:36 AM

THE LEISURE travel

N

owadays, Tangier is little more than a couple of hours from Marbella, yet it is surprising how few residents or visitors to the Costa del Sol have made the effort to visit it. This may be due to stories of people being hustled on the streets, the poverty or that it may not be the cleanest city on earth. Attempts have however been made recently to clean it up and the government is investing in infrastructure projects, while trade with Europe is booming and the south of Tangier has been made into a huge industrial zone.

The massive presence of the police and the armed forces on the streets is testament to the importance that the authorities put on tourism, which is a significant contributor to the country’s economy.

Visiting Morocco for the first time is like going skiing for the first time, since it is preferable to go with someone who knows the ropes. If this is not possible then one of the best ways for the uninitiated to experience Tangier is to book a two-day trip with Luxotour (www.luxotour.es), leaving Friday evening and returning Sunday evening. They offer two nights in most of the main hotels, breakfast, transport to and from the hotel and the ferry trip. Tangier, which does not really have many riyads, offers hotels to suit all tastes and budgets and some of the better ones can be found in the main boulevard facing the vast expanse of beach opposite which tends to be only used by youngsters to play football. There is the cheap and cheerful Chellah hotel (Tel +212 5 39 32 10 02) in the centre of town and the relatively expensive El

110 / DECEMBER 2012 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

life among the

tangerines A country like Morocco defies description and the same has to be said of Tangier or Tangiers as it is sometimes written. Its strategic location on the narrow strait that separates Africa from Europe and where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean reflects the importance of this city over the ages.

WORDS PETER SANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY MJ MURPHY

ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM DECEMBER 2012 / 111

Minzah (Tel: + 212 5 3933 34 44), a period piece from the 1930s on the edge of the souk. There is also the hotel El Oumnia Puerto (www.eloumniapuerto. com /Tel: + 212 5 39 94 03 67), a fourstar business hotel whose owner comes from Ibiza and the five-star Movenpick hotel and casino (www.moevenpickhotels.com), situated at the far end of the boulevard. Tangier also offers several international restaurants catering for the less adventurous. The Relais (Tel: + 212 5 39 33 18 19) is a French restaurant to be found in the Dawliz complex and is owned and run by Philippe and Remi, who used to have the Biarritz restaurant in Puerto BanĂşs during the 1990s.

Another restaurant popular with visitors is the Miami (Tel: + 212 5 39 32 24 63), situated in the boulevard facing the beach and offering international dishes. Although Tangier is not really a destination for children they are not forgotten since there are two McDonalds restaurants where they can feast upon a McArabia. Mention was made above of the ferry trip and there are two companies which transport passengers and cars between Tarifa and Tangier. The dominant and long-standing company is FRS (www,frs.es) which is also used by Luxotour.

It goes without saying that, like most ports, Tangier also has its own share of louche places and has been described by some as a temple to decadence.

Fortunately, the more seedy aspects of Tangier nightlife are well hidden away from view with this being a Muslim country. Many large hotels have a night club or discotheque and the most you are liable to come across would be a girl

112 / DECEMBER 2012 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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inviting you to buy her a drink. It should be borne in mind that she does this not because she is thirsty!!

The grand souk at the entrance to the medina is the busiest part of the city. The market offers all sorts of fruit and vegetables at 50 cents a kilo and the fish market is a sight to behold and should not be missed.

This part of the city leads on to the kasbah, an imposing fortress overlooking the medina and the whole of Tangier.

Visitors to Tangier will also be surprised by the British and Spanish influences, in addition to the obviously predominant French roots. The imposing building which houses the Spanish Consulate can be found next to the Colegio Ramon y Cajal and the Instituto Severo Ochoa. Not too far away are the Spanish Hospital and the Instituto Cervantes. It may also be surprising to find a bullring in Tangier. Another legacy of the Spanish occupation is the Gran Teatro Cervantes with its art deco facade. These vestiges of the Spanish occupation of Northern Morocco at the turn of the 20th century mean that Spanish is still spoken fairly widely in the area. Not for nothing do

114 / DECEMBER 2012 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

some of the major Spanish companies have their call centres situated in the north of Morocco.

Not to be outdone, the British influence is also very prevalent and has been preserved for posterity in the photographs at the entrance to the El Minzah Hotel. Here, you can see Winston Churchill and the Marquis of Bute being received outside the hotel.

Still standing is St Andrew’s Anglican church and on the outskirts of the city is a cricket club and the Tangier Royal Golf Club which was designed in 1914.

Other sights to be seen include the American Legation museum (www.legation. org), which was gifted by the Sultan to the American Diplomatic Mission in 1821. This was because in 1777 Morocco became the first country to recognise the United States of America as an independent state. It houses a museum together with a Paul Bowles room containing photographs, letters and paintings created by the American writer.

Paul and his wife Jane Bowles formed part

of the ‘Beat Generation’ who took up residence in Tangier during the 1950s and 1960s. Paul died in Tangier in 1999 aged 88 and, as a matter of interest, his wife Jane is buried in the English Cemetery in Málaga.

The modern Tangier has its origins in the early 20th century, when it was made into an international zone with neither tariffs nor taxes. This accounts for the diverse multicultural influences that can be found in Tangier and following this, wealthy Americans and Europeans discovered this stateless city offering a permissive society and a low cost of living. Following reunification with Morocco in 1960, the city entered a period of neglect and economic decline and for the next 40 years it was snubbed by the authorities in Rabat. Since the turn of this century, the current King has arrested this decline and the last few years have seen significant investments in Tangier by the government. Last year, a new football stadium was completed and this will be one of the venues for the 2015 African Nations Cup. A huge investment has been put into the new Tanger-Med port, which is situated 45 kilometres to the east of the city. This is used by the larger ferries, which carry the trucks transporting the merchandise from Morocco to Europe by way of Algeciras.

This port was also conceived taking into

ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM DECEMBER 2012 / 115

account that Renault had decided to site a new car production plant nearby. Both the port and the car plant were inaugurated last year and, from here, Renault will manufacture the new ‘low-cost’ range of cars. It should produce 150,000 vehicles in the first year and be manufacturing 400,000 cars by 2015, all of which will be exported through Tanger-Med port. At the end of 2010, the King also inaugurated the new project to extend the old port (www.sapt.ma) near to the centre of the town with new berths. It will continue to house the fast passenger ferries, the fishing port and the cruise terminal.

Anyone seeing the huge number of trucks leaving the port of Tanger-Med laden full of fruit, vegetables, fish and clothes will realise that Morocco is a relatively rich country. Unfortunately, most of this money does not make its way down to the vast majority of people who remain poor.

Fortunately for them flour, sugar and other staple foods are subsidised by the government: a gas bottle costs only 4 euros and petrol is a little under 1 euro per litre. As a result of Morocco being a low-cost country, there is a significant number of expatriate Europeans who have moved to Tangier and other towns.

From the above, it can be seen that a chequered past together with the city’s various national allegiances over time have resulted in a cosmopolitan city waiting to be discovered.

Unfortunately, a city with a relatively small airport whose principal entry point is from the sea will only be opened up when the low-cost airlines that dominate Málaga airport begin to service our neighbour on the other side of the straits. e

g A Taste of Morocco offers tailor made breaks and

holidays to Tangier, Fez and Meknes. Contact Peter Sanderson on Tel: 629 492 429 for further information. www.atasteofmorocco.net psanderson40@gmail.com

116 / DECEMBER 2012 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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THE LEISURE hotel

THE FINCA CORTESÍN HOTEL WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Redefining Grand Luxury

A Room With a View

T

he Finca Cortesín Hotel, ensconsced close to the picturesque Andalusian village of Casares and overlooking the Mediterranean, is officially a five-Grand Luxe hotel yet from the moment you view its imposing finca-styled construction, quaint cobble stone paths and Portuguese tiled walls, you know it is worlds apart from anything you have experienced. This sublime sensation grows stronger as you drink in the wealth of beauty and art which lies in details like exquisite hand-tiled floors, hand-carved roofs and majestic Arab-Andalusian interiors. Finca Cortesín is renowned as a haven of golf, yet the Hotel itself has plenty to entice clients in search of discretion, exclusivity, top service and above all, beauty. So breathtaking it truly does feel like a break from ‘your previous life’.

The Hotel is nothing less than a labour of love. Each and every door (all are made of wood and often embellished with traditional iron work) is different; in the rooms, the furniture, paintings, lamps… are unique. As you walk along the halls, you are surprised by elegant Arabian arches and columns, pottery, vases, mirrors. The central interior patio is the very epitome of Arab Andalusian creative genius and the gardens exude romance, with leaf-covered archways leading to a romantic gazebo.

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The Hotel comprises 67 suites (Junior, Executive, Pool and the Cortesín Suite) and six villas. The suites boast lofty 4m high ceilings and vary in size from 52m2 to 200m2. The Junior Suite stuns from the word go, with Roman Travertine marble flooring, a spacious lounge area with a sofa, a King-sized bed and its own private garden. The Executive Suites, which vary between 73m2 and 97m2 in size, boast a separate lounge area, a bathroom measuring between 16m2 and 23m2, a porch and private garden or a terrace with golf, sea or garden views. The Pool Suite is particularly interesting for those after a private pool, while the Cortesín Suite, with two separate bedrooms and bathrooms, an enormous lounge and five balconies from which to view the exuberant gardens and the sea, is a popular choice for Presidents and celebrities. If you’re travelling with family, we suggest a 420m2 Private Villa, boasting four en-suite bedrooms, a living room with a fireplace, dining room, fully furnished kitchen, ample terraces and porches, a garden and private swimming pool.

A Meal Fit for a King Finca Cortesín has made a great name for itself in the culinary sector, thanks to legends such as Lutz Bösing, Head Chef of El Jardín, where fine Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine is served in a restored antique setting bearing appealing touches such as Portuguese hand-painted tiles and an al fresco terrace with centuries-old olive trees. For a real treat, why not try the degustation menu at Schilo, brainchild of Dutch sensation Schilo Van

Coevorden? Book a table by the open kitchen and watch Schilo and his team seamlessly create groundbreaking dishes bearing Arabic and Asian influences. For Italian flavours, you can’t go wrong at Andrea Tumbarello’s Don Giovanni and in the summer months, what could be more appetising than lunch at the 6,000m2 beach club, on the frontline of the Bahía de Casares with Balinese beds, a 35m infinity pool and delicious Mediterranean cuisine, seafood and rice dishes? Then there is the Blue Bar, arguably the most visually stunning room in the Hotel.

If you’re looking to celebrate a special business event or party, speak to the staff; there are many dedicated areas (exterior and interior) which will make the perfect spot for an important occassion (we particularly love the colourful Moroccan lounge!).

A Haven of Relaxation Take years off your body and mind at the 2,200m2 spa, with seven different areas for facial and body treatments, massages, thermal baths, an indoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. The spa works with luxury French beauty house, Biologique Recherche and you can have anything from an antiageing facial to an Oriental massage. Wash your cares away at the saunas, Turkish baths and showers or immerse yourself in a Japanese bath. The Spa is also home to -12ºC snow cabin, unique in Spain.

A Hive of Activity Swim your way to fitness at four different pools (from 25m to 50m in length), hone your tennis and paddle tennis skills at the Hotel courts (laid with artificial turf) or work out at the excellently equipped gym.

A Special Christmas and New Year Make the festive season memorable by enjoying a fabulous Christmas Eve meal at El Jardín or Schilo, or celebrate your Christmas lunch or dinner in style at El Jardín. The Hotel also has a special New Year’s Eve dinner and party lined up and on New Year’s Day, what could be better than a hearty brunch?

g Ctra. de Casares, Casares. Tel: 952 937 800. www.hotelcortesin.com 11/26/12 10:23 AM

gour

RESTAURANTS / REVIEWS / NEWS / WINE / CHEFS / GUIDE

This month, dine with us at popular Nueva Andalucía restaurants Magna Café and Güey, read up on the latest news from the gastronomic scene and enjoy our interview with the owner and founder of Los Bandidos, Jill Lindberg. If you like red wine, you’ll love our two-page feature on excellent Spanish reds.

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Food News

128 Restauranteur Profile: Jill Lindberg of Los Bandidos 130 Wine: Spain’s Recommended Reds

11/23/12 4:39 PM

2012 e v E ’s r a e Y New

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Reservas • Booking: 951 77 87 97 162 Gastby.indd 1

11/22/12 3:47 PM

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Precio:

€155 (IVA

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Menú Fi n de Añ o 2012

Reservas • Booking 952 929 578 162 Magna.indd 1

11/22/12 3:46 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

Come and Celebrate this Festive Season in one of Our Restaurant s!

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

MAGNA CAFÉ

It had been a while since I had last seen a friend and I just knew that when I asked her where we should go for our ‘reunion’ lunch, she would say, “Magna Café”. Magna has always been her favourite restaurant and indeed it houses memories of endless lunches and picturesque views of the sun sinking into the cool green slopes of the Magna Golf course at sunset. Magna Café is run by the same successful team that has raised the bar for gourmet tourism in Marbella, with the elegant Gran Gatsby and Il Posto restaurants (in Puerto Banús and Nueva Andalucía, respectively).

Let the Good Times Roll

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY © KHPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

M

agna Café is famed for its traditional Mediterranean style cuisine, where the spotlight is always on top quality produce presented in a creative manner.

Think thick, juicy steaks packed with flavour, wild fish with a texture to die for, or locally sourced, ecological goats cheese that delights the palate with its unique freshness. Magna Café is one of a handful of places that is a sure bet when it comes to pleasing both seasoned gourmets and families up for a hearty meal; the menu is vast, encompassing the very best fish and seafood, meat, vegetable and salad dishes. There are a host of new inspirations on the menu this season, many of which have been taken from sister restaurant, Gran Gatsby.

Magna Café also has a brand new wine list comprising over 200 wonderful wines, from both old- and new-world sources but showing a definite penchant for Spanish wines. Juan Carlos from the Management team is an aficionado and he tells me of his passion for sharing hitherto unknown gems with Magna’s clientele: “When it comes to good Spanish wines people often think of Rioja and Ribera del Duero, but there are so many excellent vineyards in Cádiz, Ronda or Murcia,” he says, recommending the elegantly balanced Clío from Jumilla (a 70 per cent Monastrell, 30 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon blend).

The portion sizes at Magna are generous enough to satisfy even those with an insatiable appetite, so it was just as well we decided to share a tender beef carpaccio, served with rocket leaves, slices of fresh mushrooms, topped with shaved parmesan cheese and drizzled with a garlic olive oil. It’s hard to believe anything that tastes this fulfilling can actually be so light on the stomach (or so low in carbs, for that matter!).

As it was a late lunch, the tantalising entrée only had us begging for more and we satisfied our curry cravings with one of Magna’s most famous dishes: the Africana: plump tenderloin bites served over a curry sauce and accompanied by a caramelised banana. On the side, a colourful dish pays homage to the best of African and Indian cuisine, with slices of mandarin, pineapple, cucumber and mango chutney forming a colourful and refreshing respite from the spicy curry. It is almost sinful to dine at Magna and not order fish: on this occasion we gave into the wild red tuna, lightly grilled, topped with delicate sesame seeds and served alongside a mushy peas and mash concoction whose bright green colour was complemented by stalks of seasonal asparagus, lightly blanched.

Dessert was just as spectacular: a homemade tarte tatin, fine and crisp with super thin slices of apple, served with creamy vanilla ice-cream and visually appealing red raspberries and strawberries.

An important consideration when opting to

g At Magna Marbella Golf, C/ Calderón de la Barca s/n, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 929 578. www.magnacafe.com 162ReR Magna.indd 123

dine out these days is price and Magna once again rises to the occasion. At lunchtime you can enjoy the ‘dish of the day menu’, featuring a main course, drink and coffee for €10,95 or, for something heartier, the ‘menu’ at €19,95, comprising an entrée, main course, dessert, a drink and coffee.

If you’ve never been to Magna Café but you’ve heard your friends ‘ooh and aah’ over the quality of their meat and fish, you may be surprised to learn that they also offer quite sophisticated rice and pasta dishes, including an epic lobsterfilled ravioli and a spezzatino made with fresh, homemade pasta and topped with buttery chunks of tenderloin.

Magna Café is the kind of place that always spells a good time: with its wooden decked outdoor terrace, views to the sea and chilled, relaxed atmosphere, it is at once special and familiar, and always makes me feel lucky to be living in Marbella.

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restaurant THE GOURMET

GÜEY WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY © KHPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

In a relatively short period of time, Güey has become an established name in Marbella, synonymous with a cool, trendy ambience that is married to fine quality food in which the classics and modern innovation are subtly balanced.

S

ituated close to the casino, the restaurant is centrally located yet offers a distinct setting complete with valet parking. You can come for a drink in the SkyBar or in summer join the stylish set in one of the best lounge terraces in Marbella, both of which interact closely with a restaurant that manages to be modern, trendy and also atmospheric.

On the evening we went, there was a fire going and an international mix of diners. Subtle decorative touches remind one this is a restaurant with Mexican roots, though the cuisine is international.

The greatest part of the Mexican link is the fantastic list of tequilas, an exhaustive option of varieties that represents one of the largest collections of its kind in Europe. It is the pride and joy of Antonio, founder and proprietor of Güey, who also has plenty of reason to be proud of his own contribution to Marbella’s gastronomic offering. What stands out is the variety and strength of the menu, which gathers the best of Spanish, Italian, Mexican and Asian cuisine combined with French classics and some inspirational innovations created by chef Edmund Cicans and sous-chef David Zaczek – two young and exciting talents with international experience and fantastic energy.

Fresh ideas

In the world of fine dining it is very hard to stand out and do something truly unique. As David says, you can’t cheat or intrinsically reinvent the classics, but you can add to them, using the building blocks of gastronomy to inspire you to novel interpretations.

This was evident in the selection of starters we sampled.

Take succulent warm goats cheese medallions wrapped in pine and pistachio nuts in a red wine reduction, or tiger shrimps and scallops sautéed with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and a little chilli topped with a parsley foam, for instance. Or how about a parfait of duck liver on brioche cubes in a Pedro Ximenez reduction and a play of red berries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries.

Creatively conceived, skilfully prepared and beautifully presented, such dishes are outshone

A Cool Place to Be only by the gorgeous gambas pil pil Güey style – with tequila and a Parmesan topping. It seems a simple enough addition, but then the best ideas usually are just that, simple. The result is a delight, accompanied in our case by a Noceda Crianza 2008 from Rioja, one of Antonio’s personal favourites and rightly so. In the background are the gentle tones of Dru Chapman a singer with the uncanny ability to entertain without dominating the airwaves too much. He is at Güey on Thursdays, forming a prominent part of a lively music agenda at a restaurant that has always valued live entertainment.

It’s part of the ambience that draws people to this venue, diverse in age, background and nationality.

On the night of our visit the mayor of Marbella added a touch of celebrity when she dropped in and unassumingly settled into a corner table. Good food, good wine and good entertainment leave only good service and good company to complete the ideal mix, and while the company is up to you, the service is friendly and attentive.

At Güey the main courses focus equally on fish and meat, so the turbot fillet served on a bed of leek accompanied with beurre blanc was up to the test. Very unusual and a little challenging for the undeveloped palate is the mashed potato infused with lemon, saffron and olive oil. As its creators say, this is a dish you either love or hate,

g Plaza de las Orquídeas 4, Marbella. Tel: 952 929 250. www.gueymarbella.com 162ReR Guey.indd 125

or maybe just need to get used to – but foodies will almost certainly rejoice in it. Perhaps a little more conventional, but perfect of texture and taste is the beef royal with fondant potatoes, foie gras, haricot beans and a port wine and black truffle sauce.

In summer sushi also forms a prominent part of the proceedings, but the chefs maintain a seasonal menu built around fresh produce that changes every three to four months, and they are planning something truly exciting for next summer. Mental note made to visit the restaurant then and sample these new offerings, we looked forward to desserts that didn’t fail to maintain the level of expertise and creativity we had experienced throughout. The praline cake of black and white chocolate sprinkled with nuts was a case in point, building to a sensory crescendo through layers of sponge cake, moist chocolate and coffee powder.

Such a dish could only be topped by something truly special, and it was, in the form of Japaneseinspired vanilla ice cream in tempura batter surrounded by apple carpaccio and red fruits.

While it respects the classics and presents them with aplomb, creations such as these make dining at Güey an event you’ll want to repeat. Of course, the welcome by maître d’ Roberto and his team, the ambience and the presence of a stylish lounge bar to enjoy a drink with friends, simply add to the experience.

ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM DECEMBER 2012 / 125

11/26/12 10:29 AM

THE GOURMET news

BELLARIA

A Marriage of Good Taste and Good Health Bellaria’s founder Amanda Gedeon may have established her reputation with her mouthwatering cakes and sweets but, over the years, her passion has increasingly steered towards food that is as good for you as it tastes. She now uses 100 per cent organic fruits and vegetables in all cakes, food and juices, offering potent anti-oxidant treats like smoothies with organic spirulina and chlorella, as well as shots of organic wheatgrass. Bellaria also offers a wide range of organic raw cakes and chocolates, providing a lifestyle choice that embraces Nature’s bounties.

g C/ Azahar (next to H10 Hotel/Casino), Nueva Andalucia. Tel: 951 319 023/ 695 153 139. www.bellaria.es

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

MUSHROOM FEST AND A

Charitable Spirit at Da Bruno Da Bruno recently held a popular Mushroom Festival at their emblematic restaurants in Marbella, San Pedro and Cabopino. Diners tucked into tempting delights such as wild mushrooms al Pil-Pil, wild mushrooms sautéed with garlic and sherry, taglierini aglioglio with wild mushrooms, etc. Da Bruno also showed it has plenty of heart, supporting an important cause: the annual Wish List lunch, which raises funds for children’s homes Casa Abril and Ciudad de los Niños, in Málaga. Giuseppina and Bruno Filippone donated vouchers for succulent meals, which were auctioned at the event. g www.dabruno.com

TOUR OF TASTE

with Diego del Río of El Lago If you’re interested in ecological produce and the world of haute cuisine inspires you, why not join Michelin-starred Chef, Diego del Río of El Lago Restaurant, on a tour of the best ecological farms and factories in the province of Málaga? You will visit the garden of the Hevilla family, see how cheese is made at La Hortelana de Coín and taste the warm, freshly baked bread at the Antonio El Colmenero bread shop in Alhaurín. The next tours take place on December 8 and January 26. g For further information, Tel: 952 832 371.

www.restauranteellago.com

The Marbella Club Grill turns 50 The Marbella Club Grill recently celebrated a very special achievement: its 50th anniversary. The restaurant turned back the hands of time on three special nights, offering a three-course meal of culinary classics at 1960s prices – just €10 per head!

Additionally, West End star Shona White gave a dazzling concert at the Hotel’s glamorous Champagne Room, performing classics from some of the most popular musicals in history. g www.marbellaclub.com

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THE GOURMET restaurant “Passion, it lies in all of us, sleeping… waiting… and though unwanted… unbidden… it will stir… open its jaws and howl. It speaks to us… guides us… passion rules us all, and we obey. What other choice do we have? If we could live without passion maybe we’d know some kind of peace… but we would be hollow…”

– Joss Whedon

Jill Lindberg of Los Bandidos

Let

PASSION

L

os Bandidos has been one of Marbella’s top restaurants since the year she opened it, 26 years ago on the frontline of Puerto Banús. Jill Lindberg was a young Swedish girl who studied Political Sciences at the University of Stockholm and although her mother had great expectations for her in the grey sounding world of international politics, her passion lay elsewhere; in the challenging, often laborious universe of gastronomy.

“I am a HUGE foodie,” she tells me, her eyes smiling. Her striking beauty is tempered by an earthiness and a cheeky sense of humour. “I eat a LOT,” she adds, “lunch and a threecourse dinner every day. I don’t go to the gym or do any exercise. I live everyday with passion and drink good red wine every night. Above all, I avoid fast food.”

Jill opened her first restaurant in Puerto Banús 38 years ago. “I was in my 20s and didn’t really have the funds for it, but I managed to find someone who rented me the premises and allowed me to pay a month later. In that short time period, it became ‘the place to be’; its name was La Fondue.” Soon after,

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WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY © KHPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

be Your Guide

Jill married one of her customers but he didn’t fancy her working late nights so after a couple of years, she fed her entrepreneurial cravings by opening a quaint delicatessen in the centre of Marbella.

When Jill and her husband divorced, she obtained the Los Bandidos locale, which back then was “one of the worst spots in Puerto Banús. There were no restaurants, no shops… people would walk halfway down the Port then turn back before getting to my restaurant,” she says.

In the midst of launching Los Bandidos, Jill fell in love with and married her second husband, real estate magnate Kurt Lindberg, who, despite never officially working with Jill, “was the best PR I could have hoped for,” she says. Kurt was part of a group of golfers called LOS BANDIDOS, which included Sean Connery, Bruce Forsythe, James Hunt , Kevin Keegan and well known businessmen. They used to travel and play golf with other celebrities, heeding Frank Sinatra’s invitation to play in Palm Springs alongside comic legend Bob Hope, “one of the funniest players” they could recall.

Jill says: “I was fortunate to travel with and meet fabulous people; the LOS BANDIDOS group significantly raised the glamour stakes in Puerto Banús.”

“In the past years, we’ve had approximately one and a half million people come to dine at Los Bandidos,” gushes Jill. The secret to such longstanding success?

“Traditional cuisine. I don’t care if nouvelle chefs call me oldfashioned. Our menu hasn’t changed significantly over the years. We have many regular clients from overseas who look forward to enjoying their favourite dish, so instead of eliminating dishes I expanded the menu. I also increased the number of cooks to nine.” Los Bandidos classics include Kurt’s Favourite: a juicy fillet steak with a piquant three-pepper sauce, served with a tagliatelli gratinated with emmental cheese and a white wine and mushroom sauce. The apple tart, made à la minute, has made such a name for itself that members of the Saudi Arabian and Qatari royalty are said to be quite addicted to it, often asking Jill to send them orders to their palaces and yachts.

An important element of Jill’s success is her right hand: talented Head Chef, Juan Sepúlveda. “He never tells me he doesn’t like my ideas; he waits for me to say something doesn’t work,” she laughs. Jill and Juan often go to Spain’s most prestigious food fairs, “We try degustation tasting menus with beautiful looking dishes but honestly, sometimes I’d be lucky if I found one dish I could actually use in my type of kitchen.” Jill dines four or five evenings a week at Los Bandidos, quietly listening to what customers say and reporting the feedback to Juan at the end of the working night.

Jill has worked incredibly hard for almost 30 years but admits, “I’ve only started enjoying the fruits of my work in the last few years.” Her great loves are her two dogs (a Yorkie and a Beaver Yorkie) and travel. She is about to embark on a world trip that will take her to many exotic lands but the place she is truly happiest is at home. “You must come to Bandidos for some red wine… and an apple tart!” she says, and as she leaves with a twinkle in her eye, I know she is one of Marbella’s brightest lights.

g Muelle Ribera, Casa M, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 815 915. www.losbandidos.es 11/26/12 10:28 AM

RESTO

EL COTO

BELGIAN RESTAURANT бельгийский ресторан

e Menu

Gam / a z a C e d ú Men

land n salsa cumber uce co te u o cr en re nd sa Paté de lieb ith cumberla w te a p re a h Home made 9.50 ambuesa vinagreta de fr tte n co iz rn o d Ensalada de co d with raspberry vinagre Quail sala 13.50 faisán Croquetas de ettes qu Pheasant cro 11.50

e patatas n croquetas d otatoes co lí a b ja e d Estofado croquette p ar stew with o b ild w y b a B 19.00 tatas oquetas de pa toes cr n co s ia iv d nçonne", en quette pota Faisán "Braba nçonne", chicory with cro ba Pheasant "Bra 22.00 rándanos o, peras con a anberry rt o p o l a vo er h cr Lomo de ci orto, pear wit p h it w s n o ill Stag meda 28.00 e patatas n croquetas d co r" je u M a en yle Perdiz "Bu ena Mujer " st u "B e g d ri rt a P 19.00

New Year Menu Nocheviej a 2013 Kirr Royal *** Appetizer / Degustaci ón *** Duck foie g ra s with swe Foie gras de et onion ja pato con m m and toa armelada d st e cebolla du lce y tostad Or as Prawns and sh ri m p flan Flan de lan gostinos y g ambas *** Clear game soup / Con somé de ca za Lemon sorb ** * et “champa gne” / Sorb ete de limó n “champa ** * gne” Stag meda illons “Gran d Medallón d V e ciervo “Gra eneur“ nd Veneur“ Or Chateaubri and Bearna ise sauce Chateaubri and salsa B earnesa Or Puff pastry with fish an d lobster in C Hojaldre de ardenal sau pescados y ce bogavante salsa Carde n a ** l * New Year’s surprise / S orpresa de Nochevieja ** * Coffee and sweets / Ca fé y dulces Music with DJ / Música con DJ 65€ (Wine & IVA not in cluded / IV A y vino no incluidos)

Open every day. Ctra. de Ronda. Opposite Madroñal, nº 3 29679 Benahavis. Tel: 952 786 688. belgianresto@gmail.com

открыты ежедневно. дорога Ronda. напротив Madroñal, No 3, Benahavis. телефон: 952 786 688 162 ElCoto.indd 1

11/27/12 1:10 PM

THE GOURMET wine

Spain’s Lesser-known

RED HEROES WORDS AJ LINN

T

his article focuses on Spain’s unsung heroes – those fantastic wines that we seldom see, mainly because they are made in such small quantities that many of them never make it to the supermarkets and are only available from specialist stores or direct from the bodega.

Forget about the nonsensical points system used to score wines by so-called gurus such as Parker and Tanzer. The mere idea that there is such a thing as a critic whose tastes concur with everyone else’s for every type of wine is just so improbable as to be unworthy of consideration.

And even if we just consider the Riojas, there are two very distinct camps here that have been facing each other off for years. It goes something like this.

The old, classical styles of Rioja were and still are subtle wines, with a brick colour and a quiet elegance that never shouts ‘I am a Rioja’.

Around the 1970s, mainly in an effort by some of the younger winemakers to show off what they thought Rioja wines were all about, and aided and abetted by the new (back then) flying winemakers, typically Bordeaux’s Michel Rolland and countless New Zealanders, they started making a new type of Rioja, mindlessly referred to as alta expresión.

The phrase is still used and is supposed to convey the fact that these ‘new’ wines have more character than the traditional Riojas. These wines are recognisable by their deep purple hues, overwhelming bouquets, and this time screaming at the top of their voices ‘I am a Rioja.’ The battle

lines have been drawn and the war is far from over.

Traditionalists say that this new breed of over-the-top wines can be impressive at the first taste, but are much too strong and aromatic to accompany food. Likewise, it is too early to tell how long they will last in the bottle compared to the old-type wines. The counter-argument of course is that not everyone wants a wine that can necessarily only be served with food, and, most important of all, the Parkers of this world taste so many wines at one session that they cannot spend more than a minute (yes, the figure has been calculated mathematically) on each wine. Which is why self-serving winemakers want to get their in-your-face flavours noticed from the first sip, and they may be right since it is on record that Parker, his ex-associate Jay Miller, and many of the other so-called points scorers actually prefer an over-flavoured red wine to a subtle, gracious, slow-developing, variety that may need 10 minutes in the glass in order to reveal its true character.

Gradually, knowledgeable aficionados are coming to the conclusion that the best wine is somewhere between these two extremes. We all love the López Heredias, Cunes, Continos and Cantabrias that have been around forever, but they can be, well, just a little bit dull around the edges, while the modern style of wines like Roda and Cirsion grab your attention at first sip.

The dispute is not of course limited to La Rioja.

It has spread to every other region in Spain, even spilling over to other areas where wine is made, of

Every wine lover needs reminding from time to time that there are around 25,000 different wines currently available in Spain. Why do we need reminding?

Because even if we believe we have found the best on the quality/ price scale, there is certain to be a better one somewhere.

which not the least is California. Ribera del Duero is not quite so affected, as the wines from that region are pretty expressive anyway, this being one reason many drinkers prefer them to Riojas.

The same applies to Priorato but even more so, and wines from Toro and El Bierzo run in the same vein.

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What follows is a personal and carefully-researched review of those exciting wines that are somewhere between the over-staid and the over-progressive. For reasons of space many have had to be omitted, and not every reader will agree with every critique. Wines that are outstanding value for money are starred once*, and those not-to-be-missed, twice**.

Z **Pago de Cirsus de Iñaki Nuñez, Selección Familiar 2005, Navarra. Voted by Decanter Magazine as one of the Best 100 World Bodegas, this is the very finest of what Navarra, and Spain, can offer. €18,60.

Z Emina Prestigio Crianza from the Matarromera Group, Ribera del Duero. €18.

Z *Cerrado del Castillo de Cuzcurrita, Rioja 2005. This is real find; a small bodega making an excellent wine but only in the best years. So far only three vintages: 2001, 2004 and 2005. Worth making an effort to find but on sale from the bodega. €33.

Z *Remonte Crianza, Navarra, Bodegas Campo de Enanzo. No great claims to fame but a well-priced, upfront Navarra worth getting to know. €4,50.

Z *Finca Valpiedra Reserva 2007 Rioja. Certainly one of the best, and superbly made. The bodega has been producing better wine every year. €23.

The following three are from the same stable, though from different regions: Z Viña Mayor, Crianza 2009, Ribera del Duero. €9,15.

Z *Glorioso Crianza 2008, Rioja. An old classic but revitalised with a new wine maker. €6,35.

Z *Viña Mayor 2010, Toro. With the acquisition of the Numanthia winery by Luis Vuitton, Toro is definitely on the wine map, and there are dozens of excellent small bodegas. This is good value at €9,50.

Z Vetas Selección 2005, Ronda. There are superb wines coming out of Ronda’s 17 wineries, (including the international award-winning Pinot Noir from Los Aguilares).

However many drinkers believe prices are still too high, although you cannot argue with the quality. €35 - €39.

Dominio de Tares is a relatively new group of wineries in Bierzo, Castilla y Leon and Rias Baixas, that spares no expense in getting the best product from these three regions. Bierzo is certainly an area to watch with new wineries being created all the time. Out of a selection

of eight excellent reds, the Bembibre** from Bierzo is outstanding, though at €20 not the most expensive (this being Tares P3 at €45). The wines from Castilla y Leon start at €7 and are made from the unusual Prieto Picudo grape.

Z *Valenciso Reserva 2006 Rioja. Unusually, this 28-yearold bodega makes only one red wine from old vines and has received many awards. Try it for only €20.

Emilio Moro makes some of the best wines from Ribera del Duero, and rejects the Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva classification in favour of the straightforward French custom of naming only the vintage. All their wines are highly recommended, from the Cepa 21 at €17 to the Emilio Moro 2009 at €18.

Z Castillo de Perelada, in the Catalan region of DO Empordà, sells its very drinkable 5 Fincas for €10,50, that just goes to show this area can produce great reds in spite of some bigoted claims to the contrary. Jean Leon, of the Torres Group, makes what is arguably the best Cabernet Sauvignon** in all Spain, the Reserva costing less than €20.

The ever-resourceful Yllera Group of Valladolid deserves credit for keeping a tight rein on prices, and it’s Bracamonte Crianza 2009* (this time easily found) is, at €10, exceptional value.

Finally, there are at least four amazing wines that deserve to be sought out and tasted at whatever cost.

Somontano is one of the only regions where the reds, whites and rosados are all equally good. Witness the fact that two of its largest bodegas have

been absorbed into major sherry groups, Barbadillo and Gonzalez Byass. In this case, Bodega Pirineos’s Marboré Tinto 2005** is as good as you will get anywhere. €18.

Málaga’s Ordoñez Group owns wineries all over Spain, a recent acquisition being a bodega in the mainly white wine region of Valdeorras in Galicia. It is hard to find a better red than Avanthia Mencia 2009, and at around €30 should be unmissable.

Conca de Barberà is a sub-region of Penedés in Cataluña, and here Miguel Torres makes its very best red wine, Grans Muralles**. Usually compared to top Burgundies, it has everything a devoted red wine drinker can ask for. Produced from a small walled vineyard with a tiny production, it cannot be recommended exactly as value-for-money, but is definitely not to be missed. €110.

When Borja Osborne (of the sherry family) acquired a bodega in Ribera del Duero to found the Jaro company, he hardly imagined that within a short time one of his wines would win the Best Red Wine in the World award at the International Wine Challenge in London, in 2006, beating 9,000 other wines.

Chafandin** is the name of the flagship product and the current 2005 vintage is a collectors’ item – which doesn’t mean you should not drink it. €28.

There are scores of other Spanish wineries producing great red wines that are only to be found on the wine lists of top restaurants and in specialist wine stores. Abadia Retuerta, Ribera del Duero region but not DO, makes superb wines. Fernando Remirez de Ganuza, Rioja, is a living legend, even though he only started a couple of decades ago, previously having been a broker of vineyards, so he knew just where to find the best.

Baigorri, in Rioja, has a full range of wines, although its Baigorri de Garage (sic) is exactly the sort of high-expression wine already referred to. The Reserva is much more gratifying, and only costs around €20.

Z Viña Sastre, Ribera del Duero, is always good value and in the absence of anything else is one of the most reliable value-for-money wines you can order in a restaurant. Around €16 for the Crianza. e ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM DECEMBER 2012 / 131

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THE GUIDE

theguide

RESTAURANTS

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

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. Tel: 952

Red Pepper

::: GRILLS :::

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

Asador guadalmina Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Urb.

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

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

Tel: 952 886 307

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

El Gaucho Open daily for dinner from 7.30pm. Galerías Paniagua.

Sotogrande. Tel: 956 795 528

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

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

MARBELLA CLUB GRILL Open every night for dinner. Marbella Club Hotel. Blvd.

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

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

Tel: 952 867 306

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

::: INDIAN :::

Jaipur palace

alberts

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

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Puerto Cabopino.

Tel: 952 836 886

Jaipur Purple

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Strachan 11, Málaga.

Tel: 951 500 022

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Avda. Ramón Gómez de la Serna 23, Marbella.

Tel: 952 862 149

Amanhavis

capitán

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

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

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

Tel: 952 888 353

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

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

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

alumbre

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

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

baboo lounge and restaurant

Mumtaz Open daily for both lunch and dinner.

Casa No.7, P. Banús. Tel: 952 812 090

safFron

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

Open for dinner Monday to Saturday from 7 pm. Las Palmeras 19, San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 786 156

CAFÉ DE RONDA

Casanis Open every day from 6pm except Sundays.

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

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

Tel: 952 895 639.

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

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

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

Tel: 952 839 458

cortijo fain

Taj Mahal

beckitts

Cosy

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Private parking available. Ctra. Cádiz, km 179 (behind Venta los Pacos).

Tel: 952 857 670/ 629 244 659

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

Open every night for dinner from 7pm. Paseo de Las Palmeras 25, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 951 087 899

Black and white Marbella

Don Leone

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

Open every night for dinner. Puerto Banús, Marbella.

Tel: 952 811 716

boulevard

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

::: INTERNATIONAL ::: Albert & simon

Open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Friday and for dinner only on Saturday. Closed Sundays. Urb. Nueva Alcántara, Edif. Mirador, Bloque 4-B, Marbella.

Tel: 952 783 714

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

Brunings

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

Don Quijote Dynamic Café Open Monday to Sunday for lunch. Ctra. de Istán, km.

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THE GUIDE

RESTAURANTS

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

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

Fabiola

El Bolero

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

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

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

Finca Besaya

El Corzo

Finca El Forjador

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

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

EL JINETE

Finca las brasas

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

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

under €25

€25 – €40

€40 – €60

€60 plus

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

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

karma

La Menorah

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

Tel: 952 815 736

Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Arena Beach, CN 340, km. 151.2, Estepona.

Tel: 952 792 734

khala

LA SALA

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

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. C/ Belmonte, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella.

Tel: 952 814 145

LA biznaga

La Terraza

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

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

El lago

Galeria San Pedro

la brisa

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

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

Open from 11am until midnight. Closed Sundays. Avda Las Palmeras 15, San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 780 927

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

EL MIRADOR

GD Gourmet deli marbella

Open for dinner Thursday to Monday from 7pm.

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

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

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

La cabaña del mar

Re-opening on December 20. Open daily for lunch and dinner. CN 340, km 199, Miraflores Playa, Mijas Costa.

Tel: 952 587 550

girasol

LA CANTINA DEL GOLF

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

EL OLIVO

hermosa

Open for breakfast and lunch until 8pm. Closed Sunday. Flamingo Golf Club, Cancelada, Benahavís. Tel: 951 318 815

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

Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner from 7pm. Closed Monday. Local 1A. Puerto de Cabopino. Tel: 952 837 483

El Restaurante del Casino

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Casas de Campos, 1, Málaga. Tel: 952 122 075

El oceano BEach hotel & spa

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

Herrero del Puerto hotel marbella club buffet

Open every day for lunch and for dinner from Monday to Saturday. Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona CN 340, km 159, Playa El Padrón, Estepona. Tel: 952 809 500

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

La Terraza La Veranda Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner.

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

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

La Verandah

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

Open week days for dinner at 7:30pm and weekends for lunch and dinner, closed Tuesdays. Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 136. Playa Guadiaro, Torre-guadiaro, Cádiz. Tel: 956 615 998

La Loggia

los arcos

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks.

Hotel Villa Padierna & Flamingos Golf Club, Ctra. de

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

La Esencia

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los bandidos

polo house

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

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

max beach

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Avda. del Limonar 24, beach front Las Chapas (El Rosario exit), Marbella. Tel: 665 660 737

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

Suave

tikitano

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

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

Re-opening on December 25. Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. CN 340, km. 198, Cambio de Sentido Riviera del Sol, Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 932 780

puente romano beach club

Mc café

PURO BEACH Open daily for lunch and dinner. Laguna Village, Playa El Padrón, CN 340, km 159, Estepona. Tel: 952 800 015

Dinner and afterwards dance to music by resident DJ. Thursday to Saturday. Hotel Puente Romano, Marbella.

Tel: 952 820 900

Trocadero arena

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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

Rojo

Swing

trocadero beach

Messina

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. Playa de la Carolina, Marbella. Tel: 610 704 144

tanino

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday. Urb. Las Chapas, Marbella. Tel: 952 839 901

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

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

Miraflores Golf Restaurant

shanti-som – amrita

Terra Sana

viera bistro

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

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, MarbellaMonda. 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

Open Monday to Sunday from 11 am until late. C.C. Centro Plaza 64, Avda. Manolete 1, Nueva Andalucía.

Tel: 952 929 645

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

mozaic

NUEVA CAMPANA Open daily for lunch and dinner, except Tuesday. La Campana, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 814 041

OCHO Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. C/ Moncayo 12, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 460 232 / 648 502 822

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

POCO loco BEACH Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Playa Hermosa, CN 340, Km 189, Marbella. Tel: 952 836 170

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

schilo

shiraz Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Puerto Deportivo, Local 15, Marbella. Tel: 952 778 334

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

SMALL WORLD CAFé

SUite

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

Venta garcía

What’s cooking deli and takeaway

The Clubhouse Bar & Brasserie

Open daily from 10am to 7pm. C.C. Guadalmina, Local 34, Marbella. Tel: 952 886 748

Open Tuesday to Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Urb. Los Naranjos de Marbella, Nueva Andalucía.

Tel: 952 908 844

Open every day for dinner from 7.30pm-12am. Plaza Altamirano 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 858 868

The meeting room

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ctra. Istán, km 1, C.C: Le Village 15, Marbella. Tel: 952 771 046

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

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

South beach Marbella

The orange tree

zozoï

::: ITALIAN ::: Al Dente

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

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

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RESTAURANTS

THE GUIDE

952 906 181

Tel: 952 909 990

Amore e Fantasía

Pizzeria Picasso

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

Tel: 952 813 464

Open daily from 12 noon. Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 813 669

Aretusa

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

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

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

Caruso 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

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

dalli’s pasta factory Open Monday to Friday for dinner and on Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner. Second Line Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 815 871 / 952 818 623

portofino laguna village Ristorante Regina Open every night for dinner and Sunday for lunch.

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

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. Pinares de Elviria, s/n, Elviria, Marbella.

Tel: 952 850 148

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

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

trattoria l’impronta Open daily for lunch and dinner except on Tuesday.

Avda. Salamanca, Edif. San Pedro del Mar, Local 14, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 785 943

Villa Tiberio

De Medici

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

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

::: Mediterranean :::

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luna Rossa

Sala mirador

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Monte Paraíso Golf, Casa Club, Camino de Camojan s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 861 457

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

::: Oriental ::: Asia Food

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

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

Tel: 952 817 691

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

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

golden wok

MADE IN SARDINIA

Kaede

Open every night for dinner. C.C. Cristamar, Avda.

Julio Iglesias, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 906 608

Open every day for lunch and dinner. At the Hotel Meliá La Quinta. Urb. La Quinta Golf, Marbella. Tel: 952 762 059

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

nunos Open daily for lunch and dinner. At the Caleta Hotel.

Catalan Bay, Gibraltar. Tel: +350 200 76501

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

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

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

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meca

lighthouse), Marbella. Tel: 952 776 323

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

Tel: 952 830 365 / 658 646 829

the little mermaid

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

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

Sakura Open every day for lunch and dinner. Avda. Jardines del Puerto, L.5, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 817 536

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

Sukho Thai Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday.

Centro Comercial Marbellamar. Tel: 952 770 550

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

Sushi Katsura

Open 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

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

Marisquería La Pesquera

Tai Pan

Restaurante El bote

Open seven days a week for dinner. H. Puente Romano, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 177, Marbella.

Tel: 952 777 893

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

Thai Gallery

Santiago

Open seven days a week for dinner from 8pm. CN-340, km.175, Edif. Rimesa, Bajos, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 818 392

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

Thai Style

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

::: SPANISH :::

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

Bahía

tHapa thai

beach club restaurante grill

Open every day for lunch and dinner.

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

Tse yang Dimsum club

Open every evening for dinner. At Hotel Don Carlos.

Avda. Zurita s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 768 800

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

Open daily for lunch and dinner except Sundays.

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

Casa de la era

Wasabi

Casa Fernando

Open daily from 1.30 pm for lunch and dinner.

C.C. Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 908 577

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

Wok Away Open every day for lunch and dinner. Avda. Julio Iglesias, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 907 304

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

Wok Wang 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

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

::: SCANDINAVIAN ::: Skandies

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 7pm to 11pm. Closed Mondays. Avda. Antonio Belón, 26 (behind the

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

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

Hacienda Open from 1-4.30pm and 7.30 -11pm. Closed on Sunday afternoons and Mondays. Urb. La Alcaidesa, La Linea de la Concepción. Tel: 956 582 700

La máquina Open daily for lunch and dinner except Sunday.

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

La Meridiana del alabardero Open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday.

Closed Mondays. Camino de la Cruz, Marbella. Tel: 952 776 190

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THE GUIDE

TRAIN

TENNIS

SCHOOLS

POST OFFICES

GYMS

GOLF

CINEMAS

La Taberna del Alabardero Open everyday for lunch and dinner except Monday. San Pedro Playa, Urb. Castiglone. Tel: 952 785 138. Also at Ctra. de Ronda, km. 167, San Pedro. Tel: 952 786 265

Aloha Golf Club

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 831 036

18 holes. Tel: 952 907 085. www.clubdegolfaloha.com

Sotogrande Club de Golf

Atalaya Golf

Valderrama

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

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

18 holes. Tel: 956 785 012

Mesón el adobe

Cabopino Golf

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

18 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 850 282

mi taberna

Club de Golf La Cañada

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

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

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 956 794 100

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

El Paraiso Club de Golf

ATENAS

Tragabuches

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 883 835

Barquilla 1. Marbella. Tel: 952 776 240

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

Estepona Golf

AZTEC COUNTRY CLUB

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 937 605. www.esteponagolf.com

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

Finca cortesín golf club

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

::: VEGETARIAN :::

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

CENTRO DE YOGA Y SALUD INTEGRAL

loving hut

Flamingos Golf Club

CENTRO PLAZA GYM

Open daily from 10.30am to 11.30pm. Avda.

Miguel Cano 11, Marbella. Tel: 951 245 889

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

Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 817 074

CINEMAS & THEATRES

Golf Río Real

Mijas Costa, Málaga. Tel: 951 773 523

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 756 733

CLUB DEl SOL

AUDITORIO MUNICIPAL MIJAS

Golf Torrequebrada

Plaza de la Libertad 2. Mijas. Tel: 952 590 380

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 442 742

Tennis /paddle classes. Calahonda.

Tel: 952 939 595

AUDITORIO MUNICIPAL TORREMOLINOS

Guadalmina Golf

Dynamic training centre

36 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 883 375

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

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

La Cala Golf Resort

FITNESS CENTRE NEW STYLE

AUDITORIO PARQUE DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN

54 holes, Pars 71, 72 and 73.

Tel: 952 669 033. www.lacala.com

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

Marbella. Tel: 952 825 035

La Dama de Noche

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

CENTRO CULTURAL EL INGENIO

9 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 818 150

GIMNASIO ESTADIO

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

La Duquesa Golf & Country Club

CINESA LA CAÑADA

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 890 425

Trav. Huerta de los Cristales, Marbella.

Tel: 952 828 217

La Cañada. Marbella. Tel: 902 333 231

La Quinta Golf

HAPPY DIVER’S CLUB

cines gran marbella

Atalaya Park Hotel, Marbella. Tel: 609 571 920

Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 810 077

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

cinesur

La Reserva Sotogrande

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

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

18 holes. Tel: 956 695 209

KRAV MAGA SELF-DEFENCE CENTRE

MULTICINES ALFIL

La Zagaleta Golf & Country Club

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

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

Tel: 952 800 056

18 holes. Members only. Tel: 952 695 209

MANOLO SANTANA RACQUETS CLUB

Lauro Golf 18 holes

Ctra. de Istán, Km2. Marbella. Tel: 952 778 580

MULTICINES MEDITERRÁNEO

Alhaurín de la Torre. Tel: 952 412 767

MARBELLA GUN & COUNTRY CLUB

Mijas. Tel: 952 663 738

Monda. Tel: 952 112 161

PALACIO DE LA PAZ

Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club

Recinto Ferial. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 589 349

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 784 600

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

TEATRO ALAMEDA

Los Naranjos Golf Club

MULTI SPORT

Calle Córdoba 9, Málaga. Tel: 952 213 412

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 815 206

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

TEATRO CERVANTES

Marbella Club Golf Resort

New Concept Training

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

18 holes, Par 73. Tel: 952 113 239

TEATRO CIUDAD DE MARBELLA

Marbella Golf & Country Club

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

Plaza Ramón Martínez, Marbella.

Tel: 952 903 159

18 holes. Tel: 952 830 500

02 CENTRO WELLNESS

Mijas Golf

Plaza del Mar. Marbella. Tel: 952 900 420

TEATRO SALON VARIETES

36 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 476 843

P-E SPORTS CLUB

Emancipación 30. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 474 542

Miraflores Golf

VERACRUZ CINES

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 931 960

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

Veracruz. Estepona. Tel: 952 800 056

Monte Mayor Golf & Country Club

qi sport

YELMO CINEPLEX Plaza Mayor. Tel: 902 220 922

18 holes. Tel: 952 113 088

SATURNIA REGNA

GOLF GUIDE

Parador Málaga del Golf

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

18 holes. Tel: 952 381 255

SEVEN STARS SCHOOL

Alcaidesa Links

Real Club de Golf Las Brisas

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

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 810 875

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

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande

SPORTCLUB ROUTE 66

Alhaurín Golf

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 785 014

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

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

San Roque Club

SPORTING CLUB ATALAYA PARK HOTEL

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 613 030

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

Almenara Golf

Santa Clara Golf

TICKET-TO-RIDE

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

18 holes. Tel: 952 850 111

Cristamar, Pto. Banús. Tel: 952 905 082

Santa Maria Golf & Country Club

Vitality studio

Cerrado del águila 18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 951 703 355

GYMS & SPORTS CLUBS ALHAMAR GYM

CENTRO DEPORTIVO EL FUERTE Ramón y Cajal 21. Marbella. Tel: 952 773 804

Cerrado del águila

Fuerte Gym

HOTEL PUENTE ROMANO

MARBELLA SPORT

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

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

Ages 3-18. Marbella. Tel: 952 906 865

POST OFFICES

Peter Pan School

Calahonda

Ages 0-3. Bilingual nursery. San Pedro. Tel: 952 782 051 Benalmádena. Tel: 952 562 103

C.C. El Zoco. Tel: 952 932 175

Saint George’s School

El corte inglés

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

Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 909 990

Sotogrande International School

Fuengirola

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

Tel: 952 467 843

St. Javier’s International School

Estepona

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

C/ Málaga 82–84. Tel: 952 800 537

Stagecoach Theatre Arts School

Fuengirola

Ages 4-16. Tel: 952 900 453

Pza. los Chinorros. Tel: 952 474 384

Sunny View School

Marbella

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

Jac. Benavente, 14. Tel: 952 772 898

Nueva Andalucía

Swans international school el capricho

C/ Jazmines. Tel: 952 810 887

Ages 3–10. Marbella. Tel: 952 773 248

San Pedro

Swans international school Sierra blanca

Pizarro, 41. Tel: 952 780 393

sChools

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

Aloha College

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

Ages 3-18. Nueva Andalucía.

Tel: 952 814 133

wendy kindergarten

Angela’s School Ages 6-14. Marbella. Tel: 952 823 042

british school of marbella Ages 18 months-8. Marbella. Tel: 952 779 264

Calahonda International College

TLC Tutorial College Ages 4 months - 5 years. Marbella.

Tel: 952 772 910

TENNIS CLUBS Aztec Country Club

Ages 3-18. Tel: 952 930 080

Urb. Riviera del Sol, Mijas-Costa.

Tel: 952 934 477

Calpe School

bel air tennis and paddel club

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

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

Childrens placE Bilingual nursery

Club deL Sol

Atalaya, Estepona. Tel: 952 928 444

Colegio Alborán

Tennis/paddle classes. Calahonda.

Tel: 952 939 595

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

Club de tenis don carlos

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

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

Marbella. Tel: 952 768 800

Colegio Las Chapas

Club Internacional de Tennis

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

Colegio San José Guadalmina

Ctra. Cádiz, km 173. Marbella.

Tel: 952 813 341

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

Club Madroñal

Dolphin Nursery

Benahavís. Tel: 617 647 223

Ages 6 months-5 years. San Pedro.

Tel: 952 799 563

Club Nueva Alcántara

Ecos College

Hofsaess tennis academy

Ages 1–18. Elviria. Tel: 952 831 027

English InteRnational College

Monte Elviria (next to German School).

Tel: 952 835 812

Ages 3–18. Elviria. Tel: 952 831 058/9

Lew Hoads Tennis Club

Fiona Jones School of Dance

Ctra. de Mijas, Km 3,5. Mijas.

Tel: 952 474 858

Ages 9–14. Manolo Santana Racquets Club.

Fuengirola. Tel: 610 764 439

San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 788 315

Manolo Santana Racquets Club

Hijas de María Auxiliadora

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

Ages 3-12. Marbella. Tel: 952 771 396

marbella playa tenIs

III language schools

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

San Pedro. Tel: 952 778 492 Marbella. Tel: 952 822 191 Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 908 558 Estepona. Tel: 952 794 059

Miraflores Tennis Club

Inlingua Language School

Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

All ages. Marbella. T: 952 774 942

royal tennis club marbella

the InteRnational SCHOOL of ESTEPONA

El Rosario, Marbella. Tel: 952 837 651

Ages 2-12. Estepona. Tel: 952 884 789

Laude San pedro international college Ages 2–18. San Pedro. Tel: 952 799 900

Mayfair Academy Ages 4-18. Atalaya Park, Estepona. Tel: 952 784 923

Monseñor Rodrigo Bocanegra Ages 3-16. Marbella. Tel: 952 770 077

Performing Arts Academy

Urb. Miraflores, Km 199. Calahonda.

Tel: 952 932 006

Puente Romano TEnnis club

TRAIN

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

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THE STYLE fashion

WE ASKED YOU TO CAPTURE THE BEAUTY OF YOUR DOGS We were overwhelmed by the amazing response to our Doggy Photo Competition, which was anounced on our Facebook page a few weeks ago! We received hundreds of beautiful photos from you, all taken with such care and love, we soon knew it would be impossible to pick just one winner. For the ‘prize’ we originally donated 50kg of dog food to a local shelter nominated by the winner.

However, given the huge number of entries received, and the number of ‘Likes’ the doggies collected in our album, we decided to double our donation to 2x50kg, and have as many photos published here as possible.

This competition made us realise how important dogs are to our lives, and that all those pictured here are winners for having such loving owners who made such an effort to promote them.

Please help any way you can.

Contacts for some local shelters: FAMA: Tel: 620 354 885. www.famaspain.com Kim’s Animal Rescue: Tel: 608 989 165. www.kimsanimalrescue.com Los Barrios: www.facebook.com/spanishstraydogs PAD: Tel: 952 469 254. www.padcatsanddogs.org Refugio Parque del Duque: Tel: 639 038 064. www.refugioparquedelduque.com Triple A: Tel: 952 771 586. www.tripleamarbella.org

3

and boy. essential prize 1 2 Chocolate doggie

3

50 kg FOOD

going to: Spanish Stray Dogs

...and now, please think about those who don’t have a home

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y...you did! popular vote 615

Mylo 282 364

doggie

50 kg

www.facebook.com/ essentialmarbellamagazine

FOOD

going to: Kim’s Animal Rescue

256

189

essential magazine is now running a permanent campaign for dogs, and we hope that you’ll stay in touch with us by regularly visiting our dedicated Facebook page, Marbella Dogs for Adoption (www.facebook.com/marbelladogs), created exclusively to promote dogs seeking a ‘forever home’. The page can be used by all shelters or people who are trying to re-home dogs.

www.facebook.com/marbelladogs

Daily listings of dogs available for adoption from many local shelters. Even if you can’t own a dog, please ‘Like’ us and share our page to give them as much chance as possible.

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If you are looking to own a dog, please see our page first so they can also find a loving home!

ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM DECEMBER 2012 / 141

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THE GUIDE what’s on

EVENTS CONTINUED FROM NOVEMBER Until January 3, 2013 ART – MIJAS

Artistas Internacionales en Andalucía (AIA) members, Dolores and Roger Cummiskey, Auli Suvanto and Philip Magee present a collaborative art exhibition alongside the Haaga Art Society from Helsinki at the Centro Cutural La Cala de Mijas. Featuring works by 12 artists. For further information, Tel: 666 782 642. www.aia-artgroup.com

Until January 20, 2013 ART – MÁLAGA

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York has loaned the Museo Picasso Málaga a canvas painted by Pablo Picasso in 1965 entitled Lobster and Cat, from its Thannhauser Collection. The work, which is on show for the first time in Spain, can be seen in gallery XI of Museo Picasso Málaga, alongside other works illustrating the important role played by animals in Pablo Picasso’s life and work.

Until February 2013 ART – MÁLAGA

The Grotesque Factor is an exciting exhibition taking place at the Museo Picasso Málaga, featuring exaggerated, satirical, sometimes incongruous works by some of the greatest artists in history, including Leonardo da Vinci, Francisco de Goya, Paul Klee, Otto Dix, Willem de Kooning and Francis Bacon. www.mpicassom.org

NEW AND REGULAR EVENTS Monthly on different days FILM SHOWING AND DINNER – MARBELLA

The Marbella International Film Festival hosts Oscar Nights, which include a showing of a major Oscar winning film and dinner at the H10 Andalucía Plaza Hotel. Tel: 952 812 000. www.marbellafilmfestival.com

Every last Saturday of the month DJ Music - Marbella

Güey in Nueva Andalucía presents Eclectic Night by Andrew Brego and Deepdefunk, featuring Nudisco, Deep House and a wide selection of electronic dance music.

Tel: 952 929 250.

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-12am 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.

Every Tuesday 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

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, from 7:30pm to 9pm. For information on locations, info@advancedpersonaltherapy.com

JIVE – ESTEPONA

Learn to dance and feel confident on the dance floor at the three-hour jive dance sessions 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

Every Second Tuesday of the Month JAZZ – ESTEPONA

The Coast’s Jazz Appreciation Society meets at Benavista Country Club at 8pm. Classic videos followed by a live jazz performance then dinner. To book, Tel: 952 888 106. Further information from Brian Parker, Tel: 669 504 942.

Every 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 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 TOASTMASTERS CLUB – MARBELLA

and received First Dan in Los Angeles (from Master Keith Jones) teaches students life skill whose value reaches beyond the Taekwondo lesson, 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

JAZZ – MARBELLA

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

Every first Friday of the Month CINE CLUB – ESTEPONA

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

Every Saturday MARKETS – PUERTO BANÚS

Weekly meetings of this public speaking organisation, 7:30pm at Aloha Gardens, Nueva Andalucía. Further information, www.toastmastersmarbella.com

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

SALSA – MARBELLA

ART – 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 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.

Every Wednesday and Friday MARTIAL ARTS – 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, 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

Taekwondo expert Justin Menchen, who studied

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Friday December 7 to Saturday December 8 CHRISTMAS MARKET – ESTEPONA

Enjoy a fun Christmas market from 4pm to 9pm at the Kempinski Hotel in Estepona, featuring stands with homemade cookies, marmalade, glühwein and much more. Christmas Carols will be sung by the Carol Singers of Estepona and the Children’s Choir of the San José school. www.kempinski.com

comprise six rounds. To join, Tel: 619 063 600. www.clubajedrezsanpedro.tk

CHILDREN’S THEATRE – MÁLAGA

The Teatro Paraíso Company presents Fly if You Can, an award-winning children’s play about the importance of protecting the environment.

Tel: 902 360 295. www.teatrocervantes.com

Tuesday December 18 TRES DIVOS – LA CALA DE MIJAS 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 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

Saturday December 1 FAIR – NUEVA ANDALUCÍA

Aloha College will be holding its annual Xmas Bazaar at the school between 11am and 4pm, featuring Christmas gifts and decorations, cakes and other goodies, music, dance, games, face-painting, Santa’s Grotto and a bouncy castle, plus a raffle. Entrance €2 per person. For further information, Tel: 952 814 133. communications@aloha-college.com

Sunday December 2 MUSICAL – MARBELLA

Kids of all ages will love Héroes y Princesas, a musical featuring characters from The Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast and many others. At the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Marbella at 12am. www.marbellacongresos.com

Monday December 3, December 10 and December 17 COMPUTERS – MARBELLA

Marbella MAC Solutions teaches you how to make the most of your MAC. On December 3, hone your skills in AddressBook, Calendar and Mail. On December 10 learn all about iPhoto (Albums and Books). On December 17 learn to make movies with iMovie/iDVD. Classes start at 10am. Tel: 666 756 692. www.marbellamacsolutions.com

Tuesday December 4 CHAMBER MUSIC – MÁLAGA

The Con Fuoco Quartet performs music by Haydn and Brahms at the Museo Picasso de Málaga. Tel: 952 127 600. www.mpicassom.org

LUNCH OF WISHES – MARBELLA

Help the children of Casa Abril and Ciudad de los Niños in Málaga by attending the annual Lunch of Wishes at Restaurante La Meridiana at 12:30pm. Enjoy a cava reception, turkey and trimmings and much more, plus a fun fashion show featuring designs by Águeda del Prado, Patricia Nahmad and Estibalitz Díaz de Durana,

plus a raffle with fantastic prizes. For tickets, www.facebook.com/esther.wishlist

Wednesday December 5 ART – FUENGIROLA

Renowned painter from Málaga, Santiago Fernández Aragúez, presents his colourful naïf paintings at the Sala de Exposiciones de la Casa de la Cultura. Tel: 952 589 349. www. fuengirola.es

Thursday December 6 KIDS SHOW – MARBELLA

The Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Marbella will be filled with light and laughter at kids’ show El Mundo Mágico, which will take place at 5:30pm and feature characters such as Mickey Mouse, Dora, Pocoyo and Sponge Bob. www.marbellacongresos.com

Friday December 7 MAGIC – FUENGIROLA

The Fuengirola Town Hall presents the first Magic Festival, which commences at 6:30pm at the Teatro Palacio de La Paz. The show will feature some of Spain’s most famous magicians.

Acts include levitation, disappearances and mentalism. Tickets cost only €5 and can be purchased from Diseña Tu Evento, Tel: 639 011 777 or La Farola Restaurant, Tel: 677 468 600. www.fuengirola.es

Monday December 10 to Tuesday December 11 CONFERENCE – FUENGIROLA, NERJA AND MIJAS

The Costa del Sol DFAS cultural society presents the conference The Master – Noel Coward as Actor, Writer and Painter, at the Salon Varietes Theatre in Fuengirola on December 10 at 4:30 pm and at the Cultural Centre in Nerja on December 11 at 6pm. There will also be an extra lecture at the Danish Club (Ctra. de Mijas, km 2.2), Mijas. Tel: 952 523 457. www.costadelsoldfas.com

Monday December 10 to Monday December 24 CHRISTMAS GROTTO – PUERTO BANÚS Meet and greet Santa at Jacks or bring your kids for a fun afternoon! Every child who enters Santa’s grotto will receive a free surprise gift. Photos will also be available.

Open daily from 1pm to 5pm. Arrive early to see Santa make his grand entrance along the front line of the Port! www. jacksamericanbrasserie.com

Wednesday December 12 to Tuesday December 18 THE NUTCRACKER ON ICE – MÁLAGA

The Imperial Ice Stars present The Nutcracker on Ice, the ice skating version of the popular ballet performed to a marvellous score by Tchaikovsky. At various times on all these days at the Teatro Cervantes. Tel: 902 360 295. www.teatrocervantes.com

Friday December 14 FLAMENCO – MÁLAGA

The Museo Picasso de Málaga (MPM) presents the vibrant flamenco show, My Guitar’s Notebook, by Paco Jimeno at 9pm. Tickets cost € 6 and can be purchased at the MPM and www.uniticket.es

CHRISTMAS CONCERT – MARBELLA

Listen to traditional Spanish villancicos (Christmas carols) at the Teatro Ciudad de Marbella at 8:30pm. Entrance is free. Tel: 952 825 035.

Saturday December 15 TANGO – NERJA

The Costa del Sol’s answer to the Three Tenors, Tres Divos, perform songs by Andrea Bocelli and popular musicals at the Mijas Playa restaurant. Tel: 952 493 749. www.mijasplayarestaurant.com

Wednesday December 19 CHARITY DINNER – MARBELLA

FAMA Spain, a foundation for abandoned and mistreated animals, will be holding a fundraising dinner at Valparaíso, at a time yet to be confirmed. Full details will be available soon on their website: www.famaspain.com

Thursday December 20 to Sunday December 23 PANTOMIME – FUENGIROLA

The Salon Varietes Theatre presents the classic pantomime, Cinderella, featuring the talented Chelsea Greene in the lead role. Tel: 952 474 542. www.salonvarietestheatre.com

Friday December 21, Thursday December 27 and Friday December 28 MAGIC – MIJAS, ESTEPONA AND MARBELLA

If you are a tango fan, this show is definitely worth the trip to Nerja. It stars the renowned Fabián Carbone Tango Ensemble, from Buenos Aires. The show will include live music, dance and song, as well as traditional costumes. A wide variety of tango styles will be performed.

At the Centro Cultural Villa de Nerja at 9pm.

For tickets, Tel: 952 523 863/ 676 929 479/ www.telentrada.com

Renowned Spanish magician, Jorge Blass presents El Arte de Magia, a dazzling show of illusions, at the Teatro de las Lagunas in Mijas on Friday, December 21 at 7pm; the Palacio de Congresos de Estepona on Thursday December 27 at 9pm and the Teatro Ciudad de Marbella on December 28 at 9pm. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or on www.elcorteingles.es and www.atrapalo.com

Sunday December 16 CHESS – SAN PEDRO

Monday December 24 NLP – MARBELLA

If chess inspires and stimulates your mind, why not attend the 9th Christmas Chess Tournament, organised by the San Pedro Chess Club, set to take place at the Asociación de Vecinos El Cruce? The competition will

Enjoy a four-hour workshop entitled The Power of Charisma, which teaches the power of neuro-linguistic (NLP) techniques. At Mosaic restaurant from 5pm to 9pm. For further information, Tel: 616 750804.

Friday December 21 ANTONIO OROZCO – MÁLAGA

Antonio Orozco is one of Spain’s most popular crooners and this month, he takes the stage at Sala Paris 15 at 10pm.

Tickets available on www.nvivo.es

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THE GUIDE stars

Russell Grant’s Monthly Horoscopes December 2012

www.russellgrant.com

“The Full Moon on the 28th isn’t favoured for romantic surprises”

SAGITTARIUS November 23rd - December 21st

Beware of giving too much of your power away to a friend or lover as December gets under way.

You won’t be able to convert a relative or roommate to your point of view on the 11th. The New Moon on the 13th warns against changing your look in a drastic way; wait until next year to get a makeover. Your love life gets a big boost mid-month, when an admirer follows your every move. Don’t be too soft on a manipulative family member around the 16th. The 17th warns against taking a festive fling too far, too fast.

Stand up for the underdog on or around the 27th. The Full Moon on the 28th isn’t favoured for romantic surprises.

A fabulous moneymaking opportunity turns your financial situation around on the 30th. The final days of the year are opportune for creating a new budget for 2013.

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ARIES [21 MAR - 20 APR]

Don’t pretend to know more than you do as December dawns, or you’ll be embarrassed. Distractions can prevent you from mastering an important skill on the 11th; keep your mobile switched off. You may be denied access to an exclusive cultural, religious, or educational institution around the 13th. You may find it easier and more productive to join forces with unconventional types in mid-December. Resist the urge to romanticise a person’s plight on the 16th; they have brought on these problems by their irresponsible behaviour. You’ll find a welcome channel for your talents on the 19th. Perform an anonymous act of charity on the 22nd. The 26th is ideal for going out with friends you haven’t seen in a long time. Family finds fault with your quirky behaviour on the 28th. A very exciting opening or opportunity comes your way as 2013 comes into view, but will you accept it?

TAURUS [21 APR - 21 MAY]

Don’t misinterpret a flirt’s signals in the early days of December; this clown is just playing with your heart. Resist the urge to make a pass at a friend on or around the 11th. The New Moon on the 13th results in a hefty expense; you’ll need to economise in other areas. Someone will confide a juicy secret in the days surrounding the 14th. Your sex appeal is at its highest during mid-month; take advantage of your powers of attraction. Don’t discuss the details of a love affair on the 19th. Let a friend introduce you to an exotic movie, cuisine, or hobby around the 22nd.

A deep seated fear may prevent you from taking an important risk on the 26th. The 27th brings exciting news regarding your lover’s career. The final days of December should be devoted to furthering your career prospects.

GEMINI [22 MAY - 21 JUN]

Don’t bend over backwards to accommodate a best friend, lover, or business partner in the early days of December, or you’ll be disappointed. Be realistic about career demands on or around the 11th. The New Moon on the 13th forces you to make a choice between your happiness and that of a partner.

An unusual outing around the 14th gives you the intellectual stimulation you crave. Iron out problems in your love life mid-December. Your words will be taken out of context on the 17th; prepare to defend yourself. Friendship could turn to romance around the 19th. Schedule an overseas trip in the days surrounding the 26th. The Full Moon on the 28th brings an end to a source of income; your best bet for finding a new job is through personal contacts.

The final days of December find you getting in touch with your sensual side.

CANCER [22 JUN - 23 JULY]

Hidden enemies could sabotage a work project in the opening days of December. You won’t be able to talk sense to a delusional do-gooder on the 11th. The New Moon on the 13th warns against accepting a job that seems too good to be true. You’ll see exciting results from a health regimen by mid-month. Your boss may deny you vacation time around the 16th. Don’t make promises you can’t keep in the days surrounding the 17th, especially as far as work is concerned. You’ll

be the hit of a holiday party on or around the 19th.

Put yourself in your partner’s capable hands on the 22nd. The Full Moon on the 28th forces you to take a back seat to a pushy authority figure. Spend as much time as you can in your beloved’s arms during the final days of the year.

LEO [24 JULY - 23 AUG]

Friends are jealous of a romance in the early days of December; they resent all the time you spend with your amour.

Take precautions with a sexual relationship in the days surrounding the 11th; you need to protect your health. The New Moon on the 13th forces you to take a hard look at your love life; are you neglecting your talent for the sake of a romance? A creative partnership proves productive on or around the 14th.

Make more time for artistic pursuits mid-month.

Making gifts for friends and family fills you with the holiday spirit on the 19th. The Full Moon on the 28th sheds light on a destructive habit; it’s time to get help. Spend the last days of the year formulating a health regimen that will keep you energetic and happy throughout 2013, and beyond.

VIRGO [24 AUG - 23 SEP]

You’ll have to choose between personal happiness and professional success in early December. You won’t be able to talk sense to a delusional friend on the 11th. The New Moon on the 13th prompts you to make more time for family, even at the risk of irritating your boss. A family heirloom will be given to you as a gift mid-month.

Don’t rearrange your home on the 16th without asking other members of your household. Your boss may ask you to work over the weekend on the 23rd, which irritates you no end. Push a youngster to fulfil their potential on the 27th. The Full Moon on the 28th warns against lending money or property to an irresponsible friend. Spend the final days of the year planning an overseas trip; you’ll find some great deals on plane tickets and hotel accommodation.

LIBRA [24 SEPT - 23 OCT]

Follow instructions to the letter in the opening days of December. A colleague who asks for your honest opinion on the 11th really just wants a compliment. The New Moon on the 13th warns against sending emails when you’re angry. You’ll get positive feedback from your best friend, lover, or business partner in the days surrounding the 14th. Don’t tax your system with rich food and intoxicating drinks during the middle of the month. Be sure to follow a movie, music, or book recommendation around the 19th; you will be inspired and your creative ideas will make the coming festivities even more special than usual. Spending time with family will be fulfilling on the 22nd. Loosen your grip on a friend or lover on or around the 26th.

Long term financial security can be yours if you take advantage of a financial offer on the 27th. You’ll have to make a decision between your personal and professional lives as the year comes to a close.

SCORPIO [24 OCT - 22 NOV]

Don’t spend beyond your means in the opening days of December. A handmade gift has more impact than an expensive one on the 11th. The New Moon on the 13th warns

against taking a job that pays on a commission only basis. Accept a freelance assignment that is offered around the 14th; it will lead to more lucrative work.

A beautiful present will be given to you during the middle of the month; prepare a special place for it. An unorthodox health treatment on the 19th could bring some exciting results. Good news about a youngster is music to your ears around the 22nd. The 23rd warns against running up unnecessary expenses in the countdown to Christmas. You will get paid for your expert advice in the days surrounding the 27th.

The Full Moon on the 28th forces you to cancel travel plans. The final days of the year should be spent developing an idea for a lucrative business.

CAPRICORN [22 DEC - 20 JAN]

December opens with lots of culinary temptations; keep your calorie intake to the minimum. The 11th warns against blurting out a secret to a neighbour or relative. The New Moon on the 13th warns against challenging an irritable colleague. Entertaining friends and family will be more fun than you think in mid-December. The 16th is perfect for launching a decoration project.

Beware of overloading your schedule with too many errands on the 23rd. Set boundaries with a rebellious relative around the 26th. Ask an executive to write you a letter of recommendation on the 27th. The Full Moon on the 28th forces you to mediate an argument between a relative and a loved one. Your powerful personality puts you in line for a raise or promotion on the 30th. The final days of the year are perfect for making a public presentation or political appeal.

AQUARIUS [21 JAN - 19 FEB]

Don’t abandon friends for a romantic interlude in the first days of December.

A neighbour’s cruelty upsets you on the 11th; stand in the victim’s defence. The New Moon on the 13th warns against drinking or eating too much at a party. Work with a team in the middle of the month; you’ll finish a tremendous amount of work in a very short span of time. Don’t push a friendship into romantic waters around the 16th. The 17th warns against discussing controversial topics with a friend.

Show off your creative efforts to an appreciative audience near the 19th. Working for a humanitarian organisation puts you in the holiday spirit on the 22nd. Don’t blurt out a secret on or around Boxing Day. The Full Moon on the 28th brings an abrupt end to a job assignment. Devote more time to private pursuits in the last days of the year.

PISCES [20 FEB - 20 MAR]

Let your family pamper you for a change in the opening days of December.

Resist the temptation to ask for a raise or promotion on or around the 11th. The New Moon on the 13th prompts you to look around for other career opportunities. You could find a higher paying job toward the middle of the month. Resist the urge to overindulge at a party on the 16th, or you’ll be embarrassed. The 19th is good for negotiating a business deal or launching a new product. Don’t try to control the Christmas celebrations near the 23rd; you can only achieve perfection in the movies. The Full Moon on the 28th prompts you to make more time for creative pursuits; stop filling your schedule with thankless chores. The year ends with you having fun with close friends; see 2012 out in style!

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KIDS

THE GUIDE family

PRINCIPIA INTERACTIVE SCIENCE CENTRE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

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 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 Crocodile Park Educational park with more then 300 monsters. Pose with baby crocodiles. Open 10am-

6pm. C/ Cuba, 14, Torremolinos.

Tel: 952 051 782 El Refugio del Burrito Donkey sanctuary just 40 minutes north of Málaga. Open 11am-7pm. Fuente de Piedra, Málaga. Tel: 952 735 513 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 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

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

If you’re on the lookout for a new, enriching place to take your children, why not visit the Principia Interactive Science Centre in Málaga? There, children are invited to think, reflect and experiment with science and discover what great fun it can be. The Centre comprises a mini planetarium, museum and experiment rooms.

Visitors are taken on guided tours three times a day (at 9:30am, 12pm and 5pm), every day except Wednesday. There are also fun experiment sessions for kids and planetarium shows at 11:30am and 1pm, every Saturday. Ideal for kids aged four and above and adults. g For further information, www.principia-malaga.com

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 dress-ups.

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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