Essential Magazine, March 2023

4.950.000 €| E&V ID: W-02NFRO

Frontline Golf Los Flamingos Beachside Golden Mile

5.495.000 € | E&V ID: W-02RJ9F

5 BEDS, 6 BATHS | BUILT 1.200 M2, PLOT 1.370 M2

La Quinta

695.000 € | E&V ID: W-02RJ7R

2 BEDS, 2 BATHS | LIVING AREA 119 M², TERRACE 89 M²

6 BEDS, 6 BATHS | BUILT 668 M2, PLOT 813 M2

Nueva Andalucía

890.000 € | E&V ID: W-02R8HU

5.900.000 € | E&V ID: W-02AXY3 www.marbella-ev.com

3 BEDS, 2 BATHS | LIVING AREA 135 M2, TERRACES 130 M2

4 BEDS, 5 BATHS | BUILT 522 M2, PLOT 1.108 M2

DESIGNED FOR BETTER LIVING

Each design-led home at Vista Lago will be quite unlike anything that has gone before. All 18 villas, as well as the furniture and fittings in them, are different from each other. The commonality they share are the breathtaking views across the Mediterranean Sea to Gibraltar and Africa beyond.

The view from your sofa at Vista Lago Residences

„ Wealth tax has been abolished for local taxpayers.

„ The new countrywide solidarity tax only affects those with assets over €4m.

„ Andalucía inheritance taxes have been cut and allowances increased.

„ Your immediate family may escape Spanish inheritance tax as a result.

„ Local income taxes have also been reduced. Andalucía is now a highly attractive place to live from a tax point of view. Contact us for more information on how much tax you could save and what steps you need to take.

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WORDS BY IAIN BLACKWELL PUBLISHER

ON THE MARCH A

fter many cold and wet days, we are all looking forward to a Spring full of sunshine with nature bursting into bloom.

This month’s essential is brimming with life, with features on World Travel Trends 2023, the stunning concept that is THE LINE, being planned in Saudi Arabia, and stylish architectural design from Studio Gronda.

We preview the Málaga Film Festival, running from March 10 – 19, and

the Meta World Congress coming to Madrid on March 31.

Have a look at the all-new Range Rover, check out a racing star of the future in the making, and see the new Marbella Villas blueprinted by top fashion designer, Elie Saab.

On the gastronomic front, we visit highly rated ViGu Restaurant in San Pedro and we look forward to the enticing A Memoir evenings being lined-up by Chef, Diego del Río at Boho Club.

“Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow”

Mahatma Gandhi

Where would you like to travel to this year?

Review the most desirable destinations. Prepare to be stunned by the scale of Saudi Arabian concept, THE LINE. Check out what’s coming up at the Málaga Film Festival. Follow the trajectory of rising star, Nicholas Hoult.

TRAVEL 2023

essential checks out the hottest holiday trends driving our wanderlust this year.

OFF-GRID GETAWAYS

In today’s hyper-connected world, the chance to unplug and get back to nature is the new luxury and 55 per cent of booking.com travellers are surfing for ‘off-grid’ holidays this year. That doesn’t mean roughing it. Off grid is more about getting away from it all geographically, rather than electronically, without sacrificing home comforts. “Travellers are not ready to give up every luxury and would only consider going off grid if it can be at a more indulgent stay,” says the hotel booking platform. “And for over half, phone and internet connection is a nonnegotiable requirement, so expect this cohort to be weathering the wilderness with 5G.”

VISITWWW.ESSENTIALM

Panorama Glass Lodge, Iceland

Watch the aurora borealis from your bed or get an all-over midnight s un tan on the terrace with not a peeping Tom in sight at this remote see-through resort. Set in the highlands of southern Iceland 90-minutes’ drive from Reykjavik, the only noses pressed to your panoramic windows will belong to fluffy Icelandic horses. The four Vikinginspired cabins are packed with home comforts including toasters and Nespresso coffee machines, though you’ll have to drive 30 minutes to the nearest town for your groceries.

Off Grid in Granada

The dramatic Gorafe badlands of Guadix are an unexpected place to find the world’s first fullyautonomous, sustainable podtel – run by robots! Developed by Spanish firm Districthive, the Colony generates its own water, electricity, waste treatment and high-speed Wi-Fi and can run for four days without sun. Everything functions through an app which guests use to control lighting, sound, TV, temperature and order snacks, drinks or a bottle of Bollie from smart dispensers. The 35m2 pod sleeps four, with a separate kitchen and lounge, and throws in a pair of e-scooters and an outdoor anti-gravity floatation tank for horizontal stargazing. ›

© Gonzalo Botet

Tierra Patagonia, Chile

Isolated at the tip of South America on a similar latitude to the Falklands, this jaw-dropping solar-powered eco-lodge/spa makes zero compromise to luxury. Sustainably designed to look like it was blown here by the wind, it offers wide-screen views of rugged Torres del Paine National Park. There’s no TV, no phone in reception and no Wi-Fi beyond common areas and it’s a four-hour flight back to civilisation. But the enforced screen break ensures you’ll make the most of glacier hiking, catch-and-cook fishing in the emerald lakes, do-nothing spa days, and Patagonian slow cooking. ›

2023 HOTSPOTS

The good old Staycation is yesterday’s news. Trip Advisor crunched algorithms to predict this year’s 25 hottest destinations and it’s an exotic long-haul list. Cambodia, Azerbaijan and Nepal make the top ten alongside just one European destination, Poland, hotly followed by Alaska, Chile and Panama. Lanzarote in the Canaries is the only nod to Spain on the list. Check out the top three.

Mauritius

Mark Twain wrote that heaven must be a copy of this perfectly-formed Indian Ocean island and travellers are more determined to see it in 2023. Beyond its pristine beaches and marine reserve clear waters, the jungle interior hides an Eden of waterfalls, caves, rare plants and endangered Mauritius flying foxes, the last-surviving endemic species. Island life is a curry of Indian, African, French and Chinese cultures and the cuisine is equally exotic.

Hoi An, Vietnam

This graciously ramshackle old trading port still showcases the grandeur of its past in a beguiling riverfront setting. Although the paddy fields have retreated under the tourist onslaught, the Ancient Town preserves a captivating legacy of tottering merchant houses, temples, tea warehouses and tailors shops where Hoi An’s master outfitters will run you up a suit as sharp as an Armani.

Cuba

The home of salsa, hand-rolled cigars and sugar cane rum mojitos is officially the trendiest destination on the planet this year. Even the Americans are returning to the communist island republic since travel restrictions eased. First stop Havana for vivid vintage cadillacs, venerable colonial mansions and Cajun and Creole cuisine. With seven UNESCO sites and wildlife to impress Sir David Attenborough, you may never make the beach! ›

SET JETTING

Having spent the Covid years OD-ing on Netflix it’s no surprise that TV has taken over as a key travel influencer with more of us than ever taking our favourite show on tour.

Streamed movies and series are the top sources of holiday inspiration for 68 per cent of travellers, according to Expedia, and will be ‘an even bigger deal

in 2023’.

Among this year’s hot influencers, the idyllic sun-drenched filming locations of HBO’s The White Lotus leads the way. Filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Maui in Hawaii for its first season and the San Domenico Palace in Taormina for its second, the show has set off a small stampede for Sicily and the South Seas.

‘You can also expect lots of travellers heading to Paris in search of love and going on weekend breaks to Bath to explore classical Regency architecture fit for high society,” says Expedia, referencing Emily in Paris and Bridgerton And, two decades on, Lord of the Rings is still driving demand for New Zealand’s epic Middle Earth locations. ›

Ruapehu Crater Lake, New Zealand/Mordor

ELECTRIC ROAD TRIPS

Peter Fonda and Denis Hopper would choke on their Root Beers but the EV revolution has arrived. America is rolling out charging stations the full 3,940 km length of iconic Route 66 so that today’s biker generation can juice up their electric Harleys. In Europe, Range Anxiety

– fear of winding up in the wilderness with nowhere to plug in – is still a big downside to switching from fuel to joules. The Netherlands is way ahead of most with over 90,000

charging stations, Spain only has a few thousand. But a try-before-youbuy boom in electric car rentals has jumpstarted a continent-wide push to expand charging networks to popular out-of-town routes and getting behind a Tesla for a road trip is no longer an impossible dream.

Hertz UK published a Top 10 list of EV-ready routes in Europe last summer, ranked by number of charging points per mile. Spain made the list twice for ValenciaDenia-Alicante-Elche

and Barcelona–Girona–Figueres–Cadaques, both with one charging point ever other mile. This summer the ratio should be even better! Check out the top three.

Northern Italian Lakes: Turin– Milan–Lake Como–Lake Iseo

4.73 charging points per mile Feast your eyes on Turin’s glorious architecture, imbibe Milan’s chic vibe, and push the pedal to the floor through Monza, home of Formula 1, to two luscious lakes.

Loreto island, Lake Iseo

SOLAR STYLE Driving on Sunshine

Pile on the mileage in the world’s first long-range solarpowered car. The sleek Lightyear 0 runs on sunshine and charges on the go. Launched in November, 782 solar cells on the bonnet, roof and boot give you 70km-worth of power a day during a northern hemisphere summer. At an eye-watering €250.000, it’s still a billionaire’s toy but Dutch developer, Lightyear has opened the waitlist for Lightyear 2, set to roar onto the market in 2025 at under €40.000. You may never use your garage again!

Tesla Glamping

Tesla’s traffic-stopping solar-electric Cybertruck is the ultimate in e-glamping, with a fold-out kitchen and space in the back to sleep. ›

Amsterdam Round Trip: The Hague–-Rotterdam–Zeeland–Eindhoven–Utrecht

14.6 charging points per mile

When you’ve explored the canals and cafes of the capital, head south through windmill country and Zeeland’s Land of Dykes, with Utrecht’s fairytale floating Castle of Haar for a finale.

Côte d’Azur: Cannes–Antibes–Nice–Monaco

4.06 charging points per mile

Live the Riviera highlife with the roof rolled down along France’s glam coastal strip. Shop film star fashions on La Croisette, do Picasso’s Trail in Antibes and Nice’s Musée Marc Chagall, and win the cost of the trip back at Monte Carlo’s casinos.

Haar Castle, Utrecht

Tesla

Lightyear

CLASSY ALLINCLUSIVES

‘Authentic’ travellers used to look down their noses at a concept pioneered by Butlins and popularised by Club Med but the recession has changed perceptions. All-inclusive holidays are tipped to be this year’s top trend by the Association of British Travel Agents, with one third of Brits choosing them ‘to help manage

their finances during the cost-of-living crisis’. Today’s resorts have left their holiday camp heritage far behind to offer a classier experience, with fine wines, and menus curated by Michelin star chefs factored into the price at the ‘ultra allinclusive’ top end. The bottom line is not always recessionbusting – Trip Advisor’s top 25 all-inclusives range from €200 a

night to four figures, but you can live it large on poolside cocktails and minibar nightcaps without being slapped with a nightmare bill. And there’s no need to feel like a prisoner. Sleek Greek/Turkish all-inclusive chain Ikos actively encourages hotel guests to ‘go bush’ with dine-out options at local restaurants, and a day’s Mini car hire included in deals. ›

The Ikos Andalucia, Marbella

Ship-shape Chic

It looks like a cruise ship and that’s the whole point of the Titanic Deluxe Lara in Antalya, Turkey. The all-inclusive hotel simulates the glamour of life on board the ill-fated liner with panoramic porthole windows, ornamental lifeboats and a deck made for strolling, dining and re-enacting Leonardo and Kate’s ‘king of the world’ scene from the James Cameron film. With a bewildering choice of swimming pools, restaurants and entertainment, you’ll get the luxury cruise experience without the sea sickness. e

GiftTrees

“Together we have now planted more than 43,000 trees”

“Plant a tree today and join our movement!”

THE LINE SCIENCE FICTION BECOMES REALITY IN SAUDI ARABIA

Stretching from the Red Sea into the Saudi Arabian desert for around 170 kilometres, The Line is a project envisaged to diversify the country’s economy and set it at the forefront of technology, ecological development and a new way of living.

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF NEOM

A 170-kilometrelong city encased within glass walls

The city as we know it is a deliverance of many successive ages, but essentially a mix of a complex, organic, medieval cluster and the more recent evolution of the motor car, which allowed cities to sprawl along road networks. This created the so-called linear city, whose expansion followed the main routes, but the result is traffic chaos, pollution and the breaking up of erstwhile communities in urban spaces

that have become so dependent upon transport that it takes a car to buy a loaf of bread. Good examples are New York and Dubai, but in reality this applies to most of the world’s major metropolises.

With the exception of some of the grand planned capitals of past and present, such as Baron Hausmann’s Paris, Washington DC, Canberra, and Brasilia, most of the cities we live in are therefore a bit of a higgledy-piggledy,

cobbled together organic confusion where layers of successive development have created transport chokepoints, concentrations of pollution, and suburbs without a sense of community. In his vision to diversify and modernise the Saudi Arabian economy, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is actively seeking an alternative to this situation with the creation of The Line, a sci-filike city that is the mother of all planned metropolises. ›

‘Natural’ waterfalls and vegetation in a manmade setting

NEOM — THE 22N CENTURY TODAY

Imagine a city that touches the waters of the Red Sea – complete with harbour, beaches and marinas – and then stretches for almost 200 kilometres into the desert, crossing planes and hill territory before it reaches its eastern extension at the base of a mountain range. Imagine that city to be just 200 metres wide, encased within glass walls for its entire length – within which nine million people live and work amid towering high-rises that stretches 500 metres into the sky. Below these glass edifices that look like something straight out of a Star Wars epic, is an oasis of gardens, lakes and recreational spaces. If you can imagine this, you’re envisioning The Line.

This titanic endeavour forms part of the overall NEOM Development Project, an ambitious economic stimulus plan whose aim is to transition Saudi Arabia’s economy away from the oil that has driven GDP growth and created its wealth thus far. The formula is embracing technological development, and renewable energy, but also utilising the opportunities created by both to rethink production, transport and urban living in a post-automobile world. The sectors that are planned to create 380,000 jobs by 2030 are manufacturing, water and energy supply, food production, healthcare, education, culture, leisure and tourism, media, financial services, transport, technology, and of course construction. ›

A luxurious marina and cruise terminal where The Line meets the Red Sea

The principal beneficiary of the latter will be The Line, the main driver of NEOM. Besides sci-fi buildings soaring into the sky, the out-of-the-box thinking involved here also envisages a complete lack of cars and roads, which will become obsolete thanks to two main elements: a high-speed rail system that will cover the entire length of the city in 20

minutes, and a honeycomb of community facilities that will break the city down into small local areas where you are never more than five minutes to shops and other amenities. The idea is also to foster/rekindle the sense of community that has been lost in most 20th-21st century metropolitan areas. However, instead of the horizontal communities of the

past, the project conceives of layered vertical ones, not unlike the vision of Le Corbusier, whose post-slum high-rise suburbs actually killed most communities. In fact, it was really high-rise that broke up our way of living and isolated us, so living in 500-metre-high towers will have to be very special for it not to do the same.

A city that looks like a sci-fi spaceship

The Crown Prince is adamant that this concept will provide “enhanced human liveability” while also promoting natural preservation. While some herald it as the solution of the future, many are yet to be convinced, comparing it to living on Mars.

In true fashion, though, Crown Prince bin Salman has thrust ahead with his vision, wanting to ensure that this project

does not remain a drawing board fantasy, as construction has already started and the plan is for 1.5 million people to be living in The Line by the end of this decade.

The future is closer than we think, but is it utopian or dystopian?

WWW.NEOM.COM

Zero-emission, but is it liveable?

THE H10 CROMA MÁLAGA

H10 HOTELS' FIRST ESTABLISHMENT IN MÁLAGA

H10 Hotels is one of Spain’s most renowned hotel groups, having launched in the 1980s and grown into a 66-hotel chain that is present in 23 destinations. Currently expanding throughout Europe and the Caribbean, the group is big on quality, as is evidenced by its H10 Quality Excellence Management System. The latter controls sustainability, safety, and prevention and has garnered the company the ISO 9001:2015 certification (H10 Hotels also has the Biosphere’ seal). In the summer of 2022, the brand launched its first hotel in the centre of Málaga, in the lively area of Hoyo de Esparteros.

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE H10 CROMA MÁLAGA

DESIGN FEATURES

The H10 Croma Málaga was designed by architect, Rafael Moneo, a veritable icon in the industry who has conjured up museums, auditoriums, religious buildings, and even a skyscraper (check out the ethereal Torre Puig in Hospitalet de Llobregat, with its hypnotic zigzag facade). The new hotel’s stunning facade features geometric shapes and chromatic colours. Its interior design, meanwhile, was entrusted to the prestigious Lázaro Rosa-Violán studio.

A PLACE TO CALL HOME

There are 138 rooms in total, divided into different categories (including the Superior, Deluxe, and Family rooms, as well as Junior Suites, and the Croma Suite). All have a special feature:

a square-shaped terrace boasting stunning, hand-painted Mensaque ceramic mosaic, whose lively blue patterns are evocative of the sea.

The rooms exude a modern, nature-inspired style dominated by the warmth of wood, curved natural forms, and stunning art works hung above the sizeable beds. The accommodations range in size from 25m2 (the Superior Double rooms) to 55m2 in size (the Croma 216 Suite Room, which features a bedroom and living room with a sofa bed). The suite also has two originally styled, private terraces overlooking the city centre. All rooms come with handy features like smart TVs, a minibar, safe, adjustable climate control system, a Nespresso machine, a bathrobe and slippers, and more. ›

HARNESSING THE CALMING EFFECTS OF NATURE

The reception is a beautiful exponent of biophilic design. Indoor trees and plants abound, as do warm wood hues, curved seating, and inviting features such as pottery, wooden bookshelves, designer stools and lamps, and statement walls with artistic pieces. Indeed, many common areas seem to blur the lines between interior design and nature, bringing instant stress relief. ›

Majestic Luxury Project on the Golden Mile

Splendid luxury project set on a private plot of 1,550m² located just a 15 minute walk to the beach and the famous Puento Romano Hotel on the Golden Mile.

A majestic entrance with water feature welcomes you into this wonderful property.

The large glazed windows bring a lot of light throughout the villa and bring the surrounding nature inside the house. Its wide entrance welcomes you to a spacious and bright living-dining room with fireplace and a functional luxury kitchen fully equipped with high end qualities.

Bedrooms: 7

Bathrooms: 8

Solarium: 77 m²

Built: 720 m²

Plot: 1,550 m²

Price: € 5,500,000

Ref: MFSV1633

info@marbellaforsale.com

marbellaforsale.com

ALT OS DE PUENTE ROMANO

A CENTRAL LOCATION

Location is arguably the first thing tourists consult when booking a hotel and it doesn’t get any better than this.

The H10 Croma Málaga is smack bang in the city centre and is this close to major spots:

» 130m from the buzzing Atarazanas

Central Market

» 350m from the suburban train station

» 350m from the iconic Marqués de Larios street

» 950m from the Roman Theatre and the Picasso Museum and 1.3km from the Picasso Birthplace Museum

» 1.2km from the AVE

» 1.4km from the Alcazaba

And the list goes on…

TAKING A BITE OUT OF MÁLAGA

The H10 Croma Málaga has a select range of dining and drink options. The restaurant offers a full breakfast buffet prepared with top-quality, seasonal products. The lobby bar, meanwhile, is the perfect spot for a quick coffee, cocktails, or snacks. The Hotel has an arty looking bar with a terrace on the ground floor, where gourmets can give in to the temptation of tapas, apéritifs, and a good selection of wines. Finally, there is a rooftop bar, with a plunge pool, sun lounger, and stunning views over the city. This spot is an ideal choice for events and its menu includes snacks, tapas, and cocktails. ›

"The H10 Croma Málaga has brought something magical and new to the city centre"

A PLACE TO DO BUSINESS

The Hotel has also been envisioned as a place for businesses to hold events and conferences. It has three, naturallylit meeting rooms: Azul, Cubismo, and Rosa – all are inspired on Picasso’s most representative artistic periods. The largest room, Cubismo, measures 238m2 and is able to accommodate up to 200 people.

The H10 Croma Málaga has brought something magical and new to a city centre that seemed incapable of housing further surprises: a modern,

beautifully designed hotel that is made to help tourists make the most of a vibrant city with plenty of heart. It promises to be a place to relax, dine, and enjoy some of the best views of the city.

WWW.H10HOTELS.COM

Front line beach villa. 2.900.000€

Elegant luxury villa in Sierra Blanca. 8.750.000€

FESTIVALMÁLAGADE SPANISH CINEMA SHINES AT THE 26TH EDITION OF THE

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE FESTIVAL DE MÁLAGA

Málaga is beginning to feel a little more like Cannes or Los Angeles, as the spring season and the 26th edition of the Festival de Málaga fast approach. This event, born in 1998, will be bringing glamour and artistry to Málaga from March 10 to 19 and will unfold in a myriad of venues across the city. This year’s edition shares the same mission as its predecessors: to promote Spanish cinema both here and abroad. It also seeks to establish Málaga as a city that is steeped in culture and creativity.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENT

SO MUCH WILL BE GOING ON AT ONCE, BUT SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS TO WATCH OUT FOR INCLUDE

WHAT’S ON AT THE FESTIVAL?

The Festival de Málaga will feature Spanish cinema in all its forms –including feature films, documentaries, and short films. It will additionally pay homage to renowned personalities from the cinematic world, and entice cinema goers with various exhibitions and parallel activities. Although the main awards event will be taking place at the Teatro Cervantes, participating venues will include the elegant Teatro del Soho Caixabank, the smaller but still iconic Teatro Echegaray, and the classic movie theatre, Cine Albéniz. Events will also be taking place in iconic spots such as the Museo Picasso Málaga Auditorium, Calle Larios, Muelle Uno, Plaza de la Constitución, Plaza de la Merced, and more.

THE BIZNAGA DE ORO COMPETITION

CONSIDER THIS MÁLAGA’S VERSION OF CANNES’ PALM D’OR. EVERY YEAR, THE FESTIVAL PICKS FILMS THAT WILL FORM PART OF ITS ‘OFFICIAL SELECTION’. THE CHOSEN FILMS COMPETE FOR THE COVETED BIZNAGA (AN AWARD WHOSE DESIGN IS INSPIRED ON MÁLAGA’S FAMOUS WHITE, MULTI-PETALLED FLOWER). THIS YEAR, THEY ARE:

BAJO TERAPIA (IN THERAPY), DIRECTED BY GERARDO HERRERO

This film is based on a play by Matías del Federico and stars

Malena Alterio, Alexandra Jiménez, Fele Martínez, Antonio

Pagudo, Eva Ugarte, and Juan Carlos Vellido.

» The plot is as follows: Three couples attend an unusual type of group therapy. The therapist gives them envelopes with instructions they will have to analyze as a group. The mechanics of the game encourage them to talk, argue, and reveal exactly who they are. The humorous but emotional journey of each character reaches unexpected destinations. ›

EMPIEZA EL BAILE (THE DANCE BEGINS), BY MARINA SERESESKY

Darío Grandinetti and Mercedes Morán are the stars of this comedy about true love. They are joined by a talented cast comprising Pastora Vega, Jorge Marrale, Agostina Pozzi, Lautaro Zera, Marcelo Xicarts, and Carolina Sobisch.

» Synopsis: Carlos and Margarita were once the most famous tango-dancing couple of their generation. Today, little is left of the splendour that saw them share stages, travels, and the very best moments of their lives. Carlos lives in Madrid, while Margarita resides in Buenos Aires, immersed in poverty and solitude. Both

dancers decide to travel with their friend, Pichuquito, in an attempt to reconcile their present with their past and to find something pure and whole in what remains.

UNA VIDA NO TAN SIMPLE (A NOT-SO SIMPLE LIFE), BY FÉLIX VISCARRET

A film about people experiencing a professional and generational crisis. Starring Miki Esparbé, Álex García, Olaya Caldera, Ana Polvorosa, Julián Villagrán, and Ramón Barea.

» Plot summary: Isaías, aged 40, was once a promising architect. Now, he spends his days between his architecture studio and the park outside

his children’s school. His relationship with his wife, Ainhoa, reflects the passage of time and the extent to which caring for kids can put strain on a marriage. Isaías becomes friends with Sonia, the mother of another child at school. He soon realises that raising kids and being a responsible adult aren’t as simple as they sound.

20,000 ESPECIES DE ABEJAS (20,000 BEE SPECIES), DIRECTED BY ESTÍBALIZ URRESOLA SOLAGUREN

This film deals with diversity in its widest sense, and stars Patricia López Arnaiz, Ane Gabarain, Itziar Lazkano, Sofía Otero, Sara Cózar, Martxelo Rubio, Unax Hayden, Andere Garabieta, and Miguel Garcés.

» Its plot is as follows: Lucía is an eight-year-old who is being bullied at school. Her mother, Ane, is submerged in a profound professional and sentimental crisis. When the summer arrives, Ane decides to take her three kids to her mother’s house, where her aunt Lourdes – who is involved in beekeeping – also lives. It will be the summer of their lives; one in which they alone decide how they wish to express themselves to the world. ›

EL CASTIGO (THE

PUNISHMENT),

BY MATÍAS BIZE

This film is all about a mother’s regret. Its cast includes Antonia Zegers, Néstor Cantillana, Catalina Saavedra, Yair Juri, and Santiago Urbina.

» The storyline: Ana and Mateo search for their son after leaving him alone for a few minutes as punishment for his bad behaviour. The setting is a forest and a road. Within a timeframe of 80 minutes, the couple must face fear, guilt, and the fragility of their union. One of the toughest revelations made is the fact that a small

part of Ana doesn’t want to find her child, because she hasn’t been happy since he was born.

The Festival will additionally present officially selected documentaries, as well as a wide array of non-competing films and documentaries. There will also be shorts, special screenings, long

and short films centred on women’s rights, and a section called Cinema Cocina Sección Oficial, with a wide range of documentaries, feature films, and shorts, all of which are focused on gastronomy. Information for these and more events are constantly updated and can be found on the event website. ›

PAYING HOMAGE TO GREATS OF THE SPANISH CINEMA

The Festival de Málaga will be recognising valuable work from seasoned filmmakers, actors, and personalities. Just a few people who will be placed under the spotlight include:

THE RETROSPECTIVE PRIZE – MÁLAGA HOY GOES TO ALBERTO RODRÍGUEZ,

Alberto Rodríguez is considered one of the most active and talented filmmakers in Spain’s recent cinematographic history. Born in 1971, he first came under the spotlight with his short film, Bancos, which received numerous prizes. His solo debut feature film,

El Traje (The Suit) delves into social subjects like immigration in a humorous and dynamic manner. His next film, After, was protagonised by some of Spain’s most famous actors – Guillermo Toledo, Tristán Ulloa, and Blanca Romero. It immerses the audience into the world of sex, drugs, and music that marks the relationship between three friends. One of Rodríguez’s most characteristic and best rated films was the crime thriller, Grupo 7, with Antonio de la Torre and Mario Casas. Another hit film was La Isla Mínima, similar in feel to the acclaimed David Fincher film, Seven (starring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman). In La Isla Mínima, two investigators head to a remote village by

the Guadalquivir marshes to investigate the disappearance of two adolescent girls.

RAPHAEL TAKES HOME THE BIZNAGA CIUDAD DEL PARAÍSO PRIZE

There is no doubt that Raphael has achieved more than any artist could dream, triumphing internationally in various sectors – including music, the cinema, theatre, radio, and television. Born in Linares (Jaén), he began singing as a child and, at the age of nine, was deemed the Best Child Singer in Europe at the Salzburg Festival in Austria.

He appeared in his first film, Las Gemelas (The Twins) in 1963, going on to shine in hits like Cuando Tú No Estás (When You’re Not Here) in 1966, Al Ponerse el Sol (When the Sun Sets) in 1967, and Digan Lo Que Digan (Say What They Will), in 1967.

Raphael’s prodigious voice has earned him standing ovations in some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, L’Olympia in Paris, and Mexico’s Bellas Artes.

Fun moments at the awards gala ©Eloy Muñoz

In 2020, Raphael released an album of duets to celebrate his 60th anniversary as a singer. It featured artists the calibre of Pablo López, Luis Fonsi, Gloria Trevi, Mikel Izal, and Manuel Carrasco. In November 2022, he received a Latin Billboard prize for his entire career and began an international tour. He also released his album Victoria, which was produced by Pablo López.

THE PREMIO MÁLAGA – SUR (MÁLAGA – SUR PRIZE) GOES TO BLANCA PORTILLO

Whether you’ve watched television series or caught a Spanish film at the cinema over the past couple of decades, then without a doubt you are familiar with Blanca Portillo – the brilliant actor whose talent has shone in films by greats like Pedro Almodóvar, Icíar Bollaín, Mario Camus, Álex de la Iglesia, and Gracia Querejeta. Some of her must-see films include Volver and Los Abrazos Rotos (Broken Embraces) – both by Pedro Almodóvar – and Maixabel (by Icíar Bollaín), for which she received the Goya for Best Actress. In Cannes, Blanca and her female co-actors won the prize for Best Female Performance. She also received a Concha de Plata for Best Actress at the San Sebastián Film Festival for Siete Mesas de Billar Francés (Seven Tables of French Billiards).

AS WE GO TO PRINT, SCHEDULING DETAILS FOR THE EVENT ARE STILL BEING FINE-TUNED, BUT JUST A FEW MORE EVENTS TO WATCH OUT FOR ARE:

» Hack MAFIZ – a competition for digital creators who are willing to create content at the Festival Laboratory. They will vie for the attention of producers and international investors, as well as media and important industry leaders from the Ibero-American industry.

» El Espíritu de la Colmena (Spirit

of the Hive) – an event organised by the Festival de Málaga and Diario Sur. Featuring monthly film screenings at Cine Albéniz and discussions with top-level guests, moderated by journalist, Iván Gelibter. The screenings will be as follows:

» March 27: El Evangelio Según San Mateo (The Gospel According to Saint Matthew) by Pier Paolo Pasolini (1964). Featuring the presence of painter, Pablo Cortés del Pueblo and journalist, Fernando de la Guardia.

» April 24: The Billy Wilder’s 1961 hit, One, Two Three, followed by a talk on humour in film by Professor of Science of Communication, Natalia Meléndez.

» May 29: The Big Sleep (1946) by Howard Hawkes. The screening will be attended by Diario Sur journalist, Juan Cano, and Civil Guard Director, María Gámez.

FOR UPDATED SCHEDULES ON EVENTS AND SCREENINGS, KEEP YOUR EYE ON WWW.FESTIVALDEMALAGA.COM

Renowned actor, Blanca Portillo

The talented Raphael

CORK THE NATURAL WONDER MATERIAL

While scientists are hard at work to find alternatives to carbonbased fuels and synthetic chemical materials, nature provides us with the perfect eco-friendly option.

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CORTICEIRA AMORIM

Even furniture can be made from cork

Evidence suggests that Quercus Suber has been used by humans for over 5,000 years, providing floating devices, shoe soles, and also insulation from classical times onwards. The Cork Oak, which is native to the western extreme of the Mediterranean, flourishes in the wooded pasturelands of Spain, Portugal and also parts of Italy and North Africa, where it has formed part of a sustainable blend of pastoralism and extensive forestry for millennia. The difference between cork harvesting and normal forestrelated production is that it is fully cyclical and therefore sustainable, since the trees are not chopped down and

can live for over 300 years. The cork barks are stripped in nine-year cycles when the cork oak reaches an age of 25 years. In this way, cork production forms part of a full-circle system that does not deplete the environment. In fact, the Spanish Dehesa and Portuguese Montado landscapes that characterise much of the Iberian Peninsula prevent desertification and provide an important habitat for large numbers of animal species.

A NATIONAL ECOMATERIAL

Quite distinct from wood, cork is a uniquely light, flexible and impermeable material thanks to a set of physical characteristics

that are found in almost no other natural substances. Composed of a complex structure of flexible membranes, cork is so fantastic because it is: impermeable – which makes it an ideal container or stopper of liquids; light and buoyant; flexible and malleable; a firstclass humidity, heat and sound insulator; natural and recyclable, not to mention fire retardant. Its production exploded with the expansion of the wine trade in the 19th and 20th centuries, yet in more recent times this important export market has come under threat from plastic and aluminium bottle tops utilised as wine stoppers by the likes of Australia, New Zealand and the USA. ›

Cork production is a fully cyclical, sustainable process

Not only do plastic and aluminium products not have a natural origin like cork, but their production also releases respectively ten and 25 times more CO2 than that produced in the process of making bottle corks. Moreover, cork is a naturally degradable product, where aluminium and plastic bottle tops litter the land for decades, eventually leaching into our water supply and food production. It may be clear, then, that cork is one of the most environmentally friendly materials known to humankind. It has been handed to us by nature, with applications that

stretch far beyond mere bottle stops to also include insulation material for the construction industry, machinery and even your humble thermos flask. Flooring, wall panels, decorative items, handbags, shoes, studio insulation, and even clothing can be made from cork—but this is only the beginning.

MODERN TECHNOLOGY LOVES CORK

We see cork as an almost artisanal, traditional industry, and it is, but it is also increasingly a high-tech sector with which science is rapidly

falling in love. The reasons for this are simple: cork is relatively easy to produce, it is natural, offers the kind of sustainable solution we’re looking for right now, and it has an expansive and growing range of exciting applications, ranging from more typical items such as badminton shuttles and baseballs to sealing and friction reduction for machinery, fire insulation, heat shields in spacecraft, shoe manufacture, scale models, construction materials, fishing and boating equipment, recording studios, and as an additive to concrete in building.

Cork is an ancient industry with great future potential

This natural product has a growing number of eco-friendly applications

As a natural alternative to potentially harmful petrochemical materials such as neoprene and polystyrene, cork is a material of the future, giving us the perfect example of production and usage that is in harmony with nature. Though there is some cultivation in North Africa, Italy and southern France, the bulk of global production comes from Spain and Portugal, where Corticeira Amorim is not only the industry leader, but also one of the most important Portuguese conglomerates and a developer of next-generation technologies and applications derived from this most natural and noble of materials.

It is time that this unsung wonder material is given its rightful place in a world that is desperately looking for sustainable, environmentally friendly alternatives, and sometimes guilty of overcomplicating things when the natural solution has been there all along.

WWW.AMORIM.COM

The cutting of the cork bark does not damage the trees and allows them to produce another harvest

HOW TO STAY PRODUCTIVE SPOTLIGHT | WORK « BACK TO CONTENTS ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM »

The workforce landscape has changed in recent years due to several factors. The increased accessibility of technology has contributed to the rising popularity of remote working arrangements. These variations have allowed employees to work from home, in coffee shops, or in any other environment that suits their needs. Plus, the global pandemic which affected economies worldwide has further driven this trend, with many companies having to shift to work-from-home policies.

WORDS BASH SARMIENTO

hile many people have adjusted well to remote work setups, others still find it difficult to focus and be productive. This is especially true for those who are working from home or in any location that is not ideal for productivity. Thus, you must know how to stay productive while working from anywhere. Here are a few tips on how you can do just that.

TRY TO LIMIT DISTRACTIONS

Working remotely often means being surrounded by distractions like the television, social media, or other people! You may be a parent who

Wneeds to take care of your kids while working at home. You may be surrounded by noisy neighbours. Or, you may not have enough space at your place, so you tend to work in public places like a coffee shop or restaurant.

To help stay focused and productive, create a dedicated workspace and block out any distractions by turning off notifications and alerts that can derail your focus. If you do not have the space at home, try working at co-working hubs or public libraries so you are sure to have some peace to boost concentration.

It also helps to set a clear schedule and discuss it with the people who may distract you during work hours. This

way, you can establish fair expectations while also preventing disruptions and staying on track with your tasks.

BREAK PROJECTS DOWN INTO BITESIZED PIECES

Tackling large projects may seem daunting, especially if you are working from home. To make it easier to handle them, break them down into smaller tasks that are more manageable. When you have a list of smaller tasks to do, you can check off each one as you complete them and feel a sense of accomplishment. Also, make sure to give yourself time to rest between tasks, so you don’t get overwhelmed. ›

REMEMBER THAT TECHNOLOGY IS YOUR FRIEND!

Technology is a remote worker’s best friend! Many technologies are now available that can make your work a whole lot easier. Choose from the numerous digital apps available to help you streamline tedious processes like data entry, scheduling meetings, or checking emails.

Aside from administrative tasks, a lot of software is now available to help you collaborate with your team virtually. Select a video conferencing app, chat platform, or other online collaboration tool to help you work more efficiently. Using these types of software, you can communicate with your colleagues and share files easily so that everyone is on the same page. This will ensure that your team can stay connected even if you’re scattered geographically!

TAKE REGULAR BREAKS

No matter how much of a workaholic you are, taking regular breaks throughout the day is important. Taking short breaks in between tasks allows you to recharge your energy and focus to be more productive. It also helps to prevent burnout and allows you to stay creative and motivated throughout the day.

During your break, you can opt to have a quick snack, take a short walk, or simply go outside to stretch and breathe in the fresh air. Being cooped up all day in front of your computer isn’t healthy, so make sure to take breaks and move around as much as you can. Plus, these breaks can clear your head and are especially useful when you feel like you are stuck with something!

SET CLEAR GOALS & DEADLINES

When working remotely, you should always set clear goals and deadlines for yourself. Having a list of goals will help you avoid procrastination or

getting sidetracked by other tasks. Create a ‘To-Do’ list and prioritise tasks based on their urgency or importance. This will help you stay organised and motivated to get things done!

MAKE TIME FOR YOUR OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

It’s easy to get consumed with your work while operating remotely and to let other responsibilities slip. Thus, it would be best to incorporate your personal errands into your daily schedule. Schedule time for meal prep, cleaning the house, doing laundry, walking the dog, and other errands so that you don’t have to worry about them

after work!

Don’t be afraid to explore other digital apps that can help you manage your errands more efficiently, such as grocery delivery apps or meal delivery services!

Aside from the household chores and other errands that you need to run, make sure to set aside time for your family and friends. Schedule days or nights spent with your loved ones so that you can still maintain a work-life balance even when working remotely. You will find that having a healthy social life is especially important in keeping yourself productive and motivated throughout the day! e

ALL-NEW RANGE ROVER

Long regarded as one of the aristocrats of the SUV field, the Land Rover Range Rover was developed over 50 years ago, not as an upscale product but as a larger alternative to the then quite crude and cramped Land Rover.

Despite modest beginnings, the vehicle became a top choice of everyone from wealthier farmers to London socialites, known at the time as ‘Sloane Rangers.’ Eventually, as is widely known, it gained the favour of the British Royal Family and the late Queen herself was often seen driving one.

WORDS TONY WHITNEY

WORDS TONY WHITNEY

Recently, Land Rover launched its fifth generation Range Rover and although it is entirely new, it still has visual design clues that go all the way back to the very first model. The inaugural Range Rover was one of those ‘right from the start’ products that still look good. In fact, when it first appeared, the Louvre in

Paris put one on display as an outstanding example of industrial design.

The initial impression most people form is how amazingly clean the lines of this new Range Rover are. Although earlier versions were not exactly degraded with unneeded embellishment, the new model has barely a crease or fold to mar its smoothness. No other luxury SUV looks

anything like it. There are no ducts or bulges to spoil the design at all and it’s a credit to the design team to achieve this. As with most products from Jaguar Land Rover nowadays, the bodywork is fabricated from aluminium. This practice goes back to the earliest Land Rover from 1948 when aluminium was used because of steel shortages after WW2. ›

Land Rover is famed for the fact that all of its models are true off-road carriers and most of them can go just about anywhere you could take a wheeled vehicle. This applies in every way with the Range Rover, which despite its sophistication, refinement and comfort, can be driven happily in the most rugged territory imaginable. The new rig uses Land Rover’s highly developed all-wheel drive technology which is controlled by the company’s Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) system that’s capable of monitoring grip levels and driver inputs 100 times a second, to distribute torque between the front and rear

axles and across the rear axle. The result is optimal traction on all kinds of surfaces.

Buyers can select either short wheelbase of long wheelbase versions with the LWB variant providing more rear passenger space.

The new Range Rover comes with a wide range of engines, including petrol and diesel turbocharged inline sixes and powerful petrol and diesel V-8s. The flagship engine is a twinturbo V-8. Also available are two plug-in hybrid variants with straight-six power. Claimed electric only range for the latter vehicles is over 100-km. A full electric Range

Rover is promised for 2024. The new Range Rover can tow up to 3,700 kg with the right options added. ›

Climb into a new Range Rover and you’ll be welcomed by an opulent array of fine leathers, fabrics and carpeting. That said, buyers can also choose from some new alternatives to leather. It’s a delightful place to spend even the briefest journey and driver and occupants enjoy an ambiance of luxury, comfort and general wellbeing. The dash area is dominated by a huge touch screen, as befits any truly modern vehicle. The infotainment system and level of connectability is outstanding and the touch screen is easily operable by the driver or the front seat passenger, often the one who takes care of navigation chores. Amazon Alexa is built-in. Like the exterior, the cabin has very clean and uncluttered lines.

The Range Rover has always stood as a huge achievement for Land Rover and was a brave step back in 1969. It’s interesting to consider that when it was launched, a luxury SUV from BMW was still almost two decades away and no other manufacturer was even thinking about competing in this class. Today, luxury SUVs abound and there are numerous choices, but the Range Rover still represents the benchmark product most carmakers try to match. e

» EV DRIVE SYSTEM Inline sixes, V-8s and plug-in hybrid versions available.

» TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic.

» ACCELERATION Zero to 100 km/h in 4.6-seconds (top V-8).

» TOP SPEED Approx. 250 km/h.

» I LIKED Superb overall design with hardly a blemish to mar the coachwork. Outstanding off-road capability. Impressive engine choices with full EV on the way.

» I DIDN’T LIKE Very expensive, but probably justifiable. Most buyers are going for fully loaded vehicles so nobody seems to mind.

» MARKET ALTERNATIVES BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Lexus LX600, Lincoln Navigator, Infiniti QX80, Audi Q8.

» WHO DRIVES ONE? Buyers who want to own the luxury SUV that’s been around longer than any rival and has steadily improved over the decades.

» PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

€149.950 base price. Available now.

NICHOLAS HOULT

A MAN OF CHARACTER

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

If you asked the average person on the street what their favourite Hoult film was, they would probably answer Mad Max: Fury Road (Hoult plays a high-octane War Boy who is both fearful and comedic), or Warm Bodies (in which he played a zombie who was impossible to dislike. Then there is the satirical black comedy, Kill Your Friends, in which he gave life to a psychopathic ‘arts and repertoire’ man in the 1990s whose aim is to find the next hit record and eliminate anyone who stood in his way. His chilling demeanour sent shivers down my spine!

Hoult has managed a feat that only a handful of actors – including Daniel Kaluuya, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Shia

LaBeouf – have achieved. He has carefully chosen his roles, shining in blockbuster and small, independent films, many of which were released almost simultaneously. If an actor’s aim is to prove he can wear many jackets and still bring truth to his craft, then Hoult, at the age of 33, fulfilled his purpose a long time ago.

Hoult is just as good at portraying innocence as he is at representing cool ambition. In a way, his versatility should come as no surprise, considering he has been acting since his childhood. Artistry surrounded his early years, as he shone at ballet, taking part in productions such as Swan Lake and The Nutcracker with the English National Ballet. By the age of 12, he was already enrolled at acting

school, though he also fed his other talents – including choir singing and playing the trombone.

His acting talent was actually discovered at the age of three, when a theatre director watched a play starring Nicholas’ brother and grew impressed by the Nicholas’ intense concentration. The director cast him in his play, The Caucasian Chalk Circle and Hoult was hooked. He began attending various auditions and at the age of five, he appeared in his first feature film (Intimate Relations). He also dabbled in television, unaware at the time that acting would become his passion. Back then, he was simply enjoying being part of something larger than himself; he compared acting to “playing in a football team.” ›

Nicholas Hoult has the good looks and natural charisma of some of the most successful leading men from his generation such as Robert Pattinson, Taron Egerton, or Jamie Campbell Bower. One would have expected him to fall into typical leading roles in thrillers, action flicks, or dramas, yet somehow, he has shone brightest playing eccentric, dark, satirical character roles.

Hoult’s first British-American hit was About a Boy – a Chris and Paul Weitz comedy about a suicidal, quirky tween who is bullied incessantly at school. He was 11 at the time, but his performance was recognised by major critics and the film was a huge success. He enrolled at the Sylvia Young Theatre School yet he left this renowned institution for a regular high school, while working nonstop. In 2005, he made his first appearance in a Hollywood film – Gore Verbinski’s The Weather Man

In his later years as a teen, he again received rave reviews

for playing Tony – an unlikable, egotistical teen in the drama, Skins, which garnered him a Golden Nymph Award Best Actor nomination. He was still a sixth form student at the time, making his achievement all the more spectacular. His popularity in the series meant that his West End theatre debut in William Sutcliffe’s New Boy was a sold-out hit.

The first time I personally discovered Hoult was in A Single Man, by Tom Ford. It was an exquisite, delicate, sophisticated film that blended beautiful design and cinematography with

a profoundly moving script about an English professor who resolves to end his life after his partner dies. Hoult plays a young student who is fascinated by his professor and who resolves to save his life.

The film places great emphasis on the actor’s innocence and vulnerability, creating parallels between his virtue and that displayed by the professor’s great love. The film is a 10 from start to finish and features a dark, comical performance by Julianne Moore. A Single Man earned Hoult a nomination for the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2010. ›

The Menu

Mad Max: Fury Road

X-Men: First Class

A Single Man

Nicholas Hoult attends premiere of The Menu movie at AMC Lincoln Square in New York on November 14, 2022

Commercial success would meet Hoult through two of his most talked-about films: Mad Max: Fury Road, and X-Men: First Class. The latter was as successful as all X-Men films are, but Mad Max: Fury Road marked Hoult as a world-class actor. The film made over $378 million globally, garnering more than any previous instalment (including those featuring the original Max himself, Mel Gibson). The film was steeped in artistry and featured stunning dessert locations, over 150 vehicles

by genius production designer, Colin Gibson, and relentless action. Many of the funniest scenes featured Hoult gleefully sacrificing himself to “die historic on the fury road” so he could “awaken in Valhalla.”

Some of his biggest subsequent hits included X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse, and The Favourite. The latter was particularly suited to an actor with such a passion for his craft. If you haven’t seen it yet and dark comedies delight you,

it won’t disappoint. Olivia Coleman reigns supreme as the bratty Queen Anne, who manipulates two of her courtiers to launch an all-out war to vie for the spot as her number one sycophant. Hoult also showed his funnier side in the Hulu comedy The Great, playing Peter III of Russia. His performance earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. Recently, we have seen him shine in The Menu with Anya Taylor-Joy, as Tyler, who is in awe of eccentric chef Slowik, magnificently played by Ralph Fiennes.What’s up next for this young king of the silver screen, you may ask? He has no less than four films in the pipeline, one of which is Nosferatu (in which he plays Thomas Hutter, the protagonist). The film’s release date is yet to be announced. This year, however, audiences can enjoy him in Renfeld, opposite the talented Nicolas Cage and the always funny Awkwafina. Hoult plays Dracula’s henchman and his inmate at a lunatic asylum! e

Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

Take a look at some of the styling being pioneered by Studio Gronda, architectural specialists in hotel and restaurant design. Check out some of the latest offerings from prestigious fashion brands. Try out Beauty Bakerie, a company that specialises in cruelty-free products.

STUDIO GRONDA WHEN ARCHITECTURE MERGES INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING

The Costa del Sol is the ideal setting in which to merge indoor and outdoor spaces to create one expansive lifestyle area. Diego Gronda, an architect specialist in the field, has found that this concept increasingly appeals to people around the world too.

VP Plaza: Design that makes the impressive spectacular

Diego Gronda is an architect, but one who has become specialised in the blending of interior and exterior living spaces. He is Spanish yet feels international, for his work has taken him around the world, in pursuit of an idealised lifestyle.

“I am passionate about design, but most of all about how details can make such a huge difference in the ambience, flow and enjoyment that a

home or other kind of property can produce – and as a result, how they can make us feel,” says the founder of Studio Gronda.

The Madrid-based architectural firm is in fact a highly diverse company where Diego leads a young, dynamic team that is driven by what they call a holistic notion of design. In layman’s terms it means that they realise only too well how giving style and substance

to anything from a home or business premises to its brand identity and strategy shapes our experience of it. “There are so many subtle elements of design that you can very easily miss, but which affect us greatly on a subconscious level. For most of history, such nuances were poorly recognised and understood, but today specialist fields such as neuroarchitecture are highlighting its relevance and importance.” ›

VP Plaza: Making the views part of the dining experience

VP

Plaza: Modern urban design that communicates with the outdoors

Given this philosophy that puts the human experience of design at the heart of architecture and the spaces it creates, Diego Gronda and his team approach their projects from a somewhat different perspective, be it the creation of a villa, a hotel, restaurant or office space, industrial design, interior design or indeed experiential design. “Design that is rooted in the human experience is not only more intuitive to our needs, it’s also more practical, more likely to be aesthetically pleasing, and it adapts more rapidly and successfully to the changing ways in which we live, work and consume,” says Diego. ›

Hard Rock Hotel: The entertainment space is integrated into the pool area

Studio Gronda from Madrid was responsible for redesigning the exterior spaces of the new Hard Rock Hotel in Marbella

Hard Rock Hotel: The central lobby design reflects Diego Gronda’s extensive experience in experiential hotel architecture

The exclusive dining room of The Saddle

V Villas Phuket: All the best elements come together in the bar and lounge area

The Saddle, Madrid: Creating the right impression

DESIGN THAT SPEAKS TO THE EMOTIONS

New technologies play a part in this philosophy, and Studio Gronda makes full use of the palette of possibilities in this regard, all the while employing new tools in the service of people and communities. “One can become very pseudo-intellectual about it all, and a lot of architects do, but in reality, there is nothing more beautiful than design that speaks to you, stirs your emotions, and makes you feel good. This is exactly the alchemy that we try to achieve within each and every one of our projects.”

It’s this way of looking at things, and approaching their work with

an unusual degree of sensibility that has earned Studio Gronda a growing reputation, not just within Spain but also in locations across the world – leading to major projects in places as diverse as Madrid, London, Miami, the Costa del Sol, Mumbai and Bangkok, among others. Not applying standard solutions but grounding their work in harmonising them with the natural and cultural environment of its location ensures that each project is also deeply and accurately rooted in its setting. “The standards we apply are hightech, modern and international,” says Diego, “but the fabric and feel is always local, or at the very least locally inspired.” ›

Ikos Andalusia: Landscaping that adds to the experience of staying at the resort

HARMONISING SPACES

It has led to impactful designs such as that of the Ginkgo Sky Bar in Madrid, where elegant décor, vegetation and the inspired use of space, light and views create a uniquely integrated feel between the restaurant and the spectacular vistas of Madrid before you. Cleverly placed mirrors enhance this

effect further, bringing in the views and eliminating the barriers between indoor and outdoor spaces that is so typical of Gronda’s work. This was achieved, even more so, at the prestigious Restaurante Saddle, also in Madrid, where Diego melded the interior of the restaurant with an engaging garden, bringing its greenery into

the dining experience. At the V Villas Resort in Phuket, Thailand, he created a system of tall windows that allow for a continuity between the luxurious inner spaces of the homes and the bounty of their natural surroundings, a process also emphasised by the use of natural materials such as wood that flow out onto terrace areas. ›

Diego Gronda has made VP Plaza part of the urban fabric of Madrid

VP Plaza: Design that allows you to experience Madrid like no other venue can

Ikos Andalusia: Diego Gronda is a master at blending indoor and outdoor spaces

Ikos Andalusia: The suite design equally provides a seamless flow between room and terrace

V Villas Phuket: The setting and design of the complex are outstanding

Hard Rock Hotel: Detail

V Villas Phuket: Natural materials meet modern angles and open nature

Much of Diego Gronda’s expertise in this field comes from his years as the Creative Director who led the design of hotel groups such as those of Tony Chi and the Rockwell Group, an experience that gave him a profound understanding of the international market and how to use the transformation of spaces in order to create special living environments and ambiences. This knowledge was also applied at the Hard

Rock Hotel in Marbella, where Studio Gronda was commissioned to design the public areas of the hotel. “Here the integration of inside and outdoor spaces was of primary importance, as the pool and entertainment zones are the focal point,” says Diego, who also created the flowing design for the Ikos Andalusia resort in Estepona, the first of its kind in Spain.

“ARCHITECTURE IS A WONDERFULLY CREATIVE PROFESSION, BUT IT IS WHEN YOU DESIGN FROM A HUMAN EXPERIENCE POINT OF VIEW THAT IT REALLY BECOMES INTERESTING AND YOU CAN TRULY ADD VALUE TO A PROJECT.”

VP Plaza: Design that makes the impressive spectacular

SHOWROOM WITH NEW ARRIVALS

Circu's Covet Town showroom has an extensive exhibition of what the company is capable of. Dreamt up to be the ultimate kid's world, the space features bedroom areas, study and lounging corners, and a playground for all ages filled with colourful, dynamic and functional designs. ›

DESIGNS MAGICAL

There are not many companies that dedicate themselves to creating a magical world with limitless imagination exclusively for the little ones. Portugese brand, Circu dreams up besoke, perfectly hand-crafted pieces in every shape and form, filling life with fantasy. ›

DISCOVERED BY MADDIE QUINN PHOTOGRAPHY BY CIRCU

The pieces are tailor made in Portugal with the highest quality materials. You can find everything from airplane beds, rocket armchairs, to hot air baloon cribs, and if that's not enough, they can also make your specific dream come true.

WWW.CIRCU.NET

Defined lines of minimalist shapes and pale, powdery colours are noticeably trending across premium fashion brands' Spring/Summer 23 Ready-To-WearCollections.

1. Spotted in the Spring/Summer 2023 show and Givenchy's latest campaign featuring Gigi Hadid, the ‘Voyou’ is the new signature everyday bag, combining typical Parisian spirit with all-American attitude.

2. One of Gucci's new looks follows on from the unexpectedly creative SS 23 runway presentation, featuring an identical twin concept.

3. Armani's new Men's Collection reflects the change of season with informal, casual garments in a range of fresh and elegantly suggestive colours.

4. Guess' Creative Director, Paul Marciano makes a strong statement to support green fashion this season, with an "Eco is the smart choice" campaign. ›

Valentino's new SS 23 Collection is one of the most documented of the year in print and online media. Highly wearable, stylish forms in neutral colours layer on inclusive sophistication, complemented with the beautifully designed Valentino Toile Iconographe garments' hypnotic pattern. This season also sees the renewal of the iconic Valentino Garavani Locò bag in unprecedented colour and texture variations.

This spring also introduces Repeat, a reinterpretation of an archival Versace hobo bag from the early 2000s. Available in different shades and sizes.

WWW.GIVENCHY.COM

WWW.GUCCI.COM

WWW.ARMANI.COM

WWW.GUESS.EU

WWW.VERSACE.COM

WWW.CHANEL.COM

WWW.VALENTINO.COM

©imaxtree.com

Chanel promised that its Spring/Summer 2023 Ready-ToWear Collection, recently seen on the runway, would be in boutiques from this month. They present an exceptionally beautiful collection, light and relevant, with every fragrance of the house. Weightless tweeds, chic suits, cardigan jackets, short coat dresses; sparkly, ribbon embroidered or adorned with ostrich feathers, complemented with a new range of stunning accessories. e

BE BETTER, NOT BITTER! BEAUTY BAKERIE

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Talk about guilt-free indulgence! Beauty Bakerie is a brand that makes cruelty free products that look good enough to eat and that have food-related names like Blending Eggs, Flour, and Coffee Break. This brand has some of the cutest packaging in the business, with products housed in milk cartons, coffee bean bags and cookie jars. Despite its playful design choices, Beauty Bakerie actually has a serious story behind it. Cashmere Nicole, the founder of the company, is a trained nurse who has been battling breast cancer for many

years. She is determined to live her life to the fullest and she releases her stress through creativity. Despite her scientific background, she has always dreamed of being an architect.

Cashmere hopes to bring more positivity to the world through her brand. Beauty Bakerie has been a big hit since its launch, with Beyoncé’s longtime make-up artist, Sir John, telling the media that he has used various products from the brand for the diva’s looks. Here are just a few iconic products to own.

WWW.BEAUTYBAKERIE.COM

Blend

Keep

BRONZER PALETTE

A warm, rich chocolate-based palette for the eyes.

A

cute to be true.

A

1. CAKE POP LIPPIES

An ultra-creamy lipstick inspired on the colours of iconic desserts.

2. BLENDING EGGS

your foundation smoothly with these cute-looking eggs.

3. FLOUR SETTING POWDER

your make-up in place all day with this finely milled loose powder.

4. NEAPOLITAN BAR FACE PALETTE

blush-highlighter-bronzer trio that oozes summery vibes.

6. THE ARTISAN MASTER BRUSH COLLECTION

set of make-up brushes that are too

HAIR LOSS

Hair loss is a natural process of a strictly defined hair follicle cycle, which takes place in our body continuously and is mostly hardly noticed. It is only when hair loss exceeds a certain volume that we become aware and get concerned. Women especially are particularly anxious about hair loss and being one I do know why: we love our hair; we spend a significant amount of time caring for it daily and it really is part of the aesthetic image we choose for ourselves. Consequently, for a woman experiencing significant hair loss, it’s a major personal problem.

So what can we do and should we see a specialist and if yes, when and whom? Up to 100 hairs per day reflect the standard healthy shedding that everyone experiences and it is nothing to worry about. Keep in mind, that longer hairs are more voluminous and become more visible than short hairs, while the quantity may be the same! Localised hair loss leaving bald spots is more concerning and often a sign of a pathologic process. In this case, I recommend you talk about it with your doctor.

On the other hand, if you notice that overall your hair is thinning, there may be some things you can do.

First, focus on your lifestyle:

stress with high levels of stress hormones, sleep deprivation, and anxiety will activate a hormonal circle which increases the speed of your hair cycle causing more hair shedding than usual. Healthy food is key! Our hair follicles require the right amount of minerals and vitamins to function properly.

Iron, Vitamin B12 , Zinc and Aminoacids like Biotin and Praline are the supplements best known in playing a significant role. It is definitely worth diagnosing deficiencies and designing treatment plans together with your doctor.

Antioxidants like Vitamin C are also of major importance and should find their way into your daily supplement routine! The next factor is a bit

WORDS MANUELA REISBECK

of a downer for all of us women, simply because we end up hearing about it a lot and it is hardly ever fun: Menopause! The hormonal changes, the fluctuating progesterone levels and the increasing testosterone eventually show their effect on the hair follicles. Our hair becomes thinner and falls out more than we would like; a typical fronttemporal hair loss pattern may also become evident! I do recommend talking with your doctor about medication options, and also to check for all potential lifestyle changes and deficiencies as described above! It is also worth changing your diet to slow down the hormonal effect on your body! ›

Another recently discovered reason is COVID-19 infection.

Up to several months later, women noted episodes of increased hair loss which has been attributed to an inflammatory process in the microcirculation of the scalp and the hair bulb. Luckily, it seems to stop eventually!

So what can we do other than eat healthily and maintain a low stress level? What if nothing works and all vitamins and minerals are well substituted?

In that case, you can talk with your doctor about some prescription options: topical or oral minoxidil and

oral finasteride are usually the prescribed formulations and work in various cases if used regularly and for a prolonged time period. For those who prefer to stay natural, a variety of pure topical serums and oil preparations are available, some proven to benefit significantly, especially if they carry Vitamin C and peppermint as their ingredients. However, as you

can imagine, the offer on the cosmetic market is large and you may have to research extensively to find the right product for you.

The only one thing you should not do is to ignore it. Find the cause and then you should also encounter the solution! Hair loss may not be a life threatening situation but it can cause suffering and psychological problems nevertheless!

DR: MANUELA REISBECK INTERNIST AT REISBECK-MEDICAL PRIVATE PRACTICE AND CARDIOCARE MARBELLA, INTERNATIONAL CARDIO-VASCULAR CENTRE. WWW.CARDIOCAREMARBELLA.COM

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Preview the Meta World Congress coming to Madrid on March 31. Become acquainted with a racing star of the future in the making. Consider the social skills that teens need to thrive in the modern world. Check out must-see films and series coming this month.

THE META WORLD CONGRESS 2023 THE FUTURE IS NOW

The metaverse market size is the talk of the tech world, with a current worth of €461,775 million and an expected worth of over €5 billion by 2030. Already, there are over 3 billion people with access to the metaverse and by 2024, over 2 billion people will be utilising augmented reality tech. If the idea of online universes ignites a spark in your mind, then head to the Meta World Congress. It will be taking place both in real life and in the metaverse, from March 31 to April 1 at La Nave de Madrid/Metaverso.

WHAT WILL THE EVENT COVER?

The Meta World Congress will comprise a series of exhibitions and talks by leading experts, covering a myriad of immersive activities related to the sector. Topics covered will include:

» The Metaverse (a collective virtual open space where virtually enhanced physical and digital realities converge).

» Web 3.0 (a collection of ideas that incorporates technologies and concepts such as decentralisation, token-based economies, and blockchain. Thanks to Web 3.0, all users are owners of their own data and they can

interchange ‘digital actives’, which are represented by tokens).

» Virtual Reality (a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world). Users wear VR headsets and, sometimes, additional devices that permit a deeper interaction with the virtual worlds they enter.

» Augmented Reality (an enhanced version of the real, physical world).

» Immersive Activities (those that ‘pull’ a person into a new reality, enhancing life and learning by making them more engaging and satisfying). Once again, a tech device is required to add

virtual information to the real world.

When it comes to the metaverse, the motto is, ‘Adapt or Die’. The age of data is advancing at breakneck speed, and new technologies and telecommunications structures are also in constant evolution. Within this context, the new wave of content creation, technology, and innovation are centred around the metaverse, Web 3, and virtual and augmented reality. Both private companies and public institutions will need to adapt to the new zeitgeist and make the necessary changes, so they can harness the benefits of the metaverse. ›

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE META WORLD CONGRESS

THE AIM OF THE META WORLD CONGRESS

The event has three main objectives:

» Innovation and development: Its approach will be practical, didactic, and immersive. A lineup of exhibitors, speakers, and activities will cover areas like the blockchain, NFTs, crypto, video

games, DeFi (decentralised finance), augmented reality, virtual worlds, and new possibilities for immersive experiences.

» Visibility and reputation: To be a meeting point for tech companies and investors and enable new technologies to be displayed.

» Networking and business: To connect providers, companies, and investors wishing to develop and promote future initiatives.

365 CONGRESS AND ACTIVITIES

Exhibitors and attendees who visit the metaverse can continue to enjoy the special ecosystem created by the event after it is over. There will be a dedicated programme of speakers and activities, so that those who are interested in doing so can stay connected throughout the year. Moreover, exhibitors can continue to develop their respective virtual spaces, thus offering additional or new content about their brand, products, and services.

TOPICS AND SPEAKERS

The number of topics explored is so vast, we couldn’t possibly cover the entire list. Just a few that may entice you are:

» Digital Transformation and Trends: Where Are We Headed?

» Virtual Reality + Augmented Reality = Mixed Reality

» WebMe: How to Make the Metaverse Work for Me

» Digital Identity Risks: How Can We Protect Ourselves?

» Efficient Management of Immersive Experiences and Engagement in the Metaverse

» Digital Humans in B2C: The

Future of Client Service

» Serious Games: From Leitmotiv to Playmotiv

» From Gaming to the Metaverse: From Pay4Play to Free2Play and Play2earn

» Money and Monetisation in the Metaverse

SPEAKERS, EXPERTS, AND WORLD LEADERS IN THE SECTOR

The event will feature leaders in the metaverse industry, including brands like Outer Ring (one of the best metaverse blockchain games, developed by Nexxyo Labs), Crypto Plaza

(the largest crypto, DeFi and blockchain community in Southern Europe), Bitlab (a top Web3 educational company), and Belobaba (touted as ‘the first crypto investment fund with a regulated security token’). The list of speakers includes Marc Vidal (an expert on digital transformation and economic analysis), Eneko Knörr (a business angel for Spanish startups), Alberto Toribio (an expert in Web3, NFTs and DeFi), and Jesús Sánchez-Bermejo (an investor/advisor specialising in blockchain, DeFi, and Web3).

THE EXHIBITION ZONE AND CONFERENCE AND ACTIVITY AREAS

The exhibition area measures over 6,000m2 and has a capacity for 300 companies and 4,000 visitors. It is a diaphanous space that will be adapted to each exhibitor’s needs. The main auditorium has a 636-person capacity and is equipped with a large screen and top-notch sound and illumination facilities. The building also has seven spaces with capacities for between 20 and

100 persons. These rooms will be used for talks, workshops, and meetings. One final appeal of the event lies in its sustainability. The organisers will be offsetting its carbon footprint with the aid of Coorest, which uses blockchain technology to compensate for CO2 footprints created anywhere in the world.

TICKETS FOR THE EVENT CAN BE PURCHASED ON WWW.ELCORTEINGLES.ES

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COMPILED BY IAIN BLACKWELL

WE ARE ALL ANGEL

Marking the 30th anniversary of its most iconic fragrance, Angel Eau, Mugler has ventured into the Metaverse with the launch of a limited edition of digital art in collaboration with Marc Tudisco. The project features 30 archetypal creatures each with 10 variations of the main design, comprising 300 bold, fascinating and unique crypto-art collectibles.

WEB3.MUGLER.COM

JERÓNIMO’S NEW MENUS

The popular Mexican restaurant, Jerónimo, located in The Madrid EDITION hotel at Plaza de las Descalzas in the capital, recently presented its enticing new bar and executive menus. Lovers of fine Mexican cuisine will meet their match with chef Enrique Olvera’s gastronomic delicacies, along with a signature cocktail such as a Margarita, Omitlán, or Piñata.

BY SAFE HOUSE

Barcelona has a an exclusive new private social venue – the By Safe House. Located on Calle Bruc 147, it’s a lounge club that’s focused on art, oenology and signature mixology. Created by Isidoro Andaluz, known as ‘The Dream Maker’, the space, which covers more than 700m2, will offer members and their guests a wide variety of services.

WW.BYSAFEHOUSE.COM

LEXUS AT THE GOYAS

Lexus was the official vehicle for the recent edition of the Goya Awards Gala, which was held at the Andalucía Auditorium in Sevilla. The new Lexus RX was presented in front of the venue and the brand deployed a fleet of 25 vehicles, including the new RX 500h, RX 450h+ and the RX 350h, to transport the stars from the big screen to the red carpet.

WWW.LEXUS.COM

UBER PARTNERS UP WITH THE TEATRO REAL

Uber recently joined forces with the iconic Teatro Real in Madrid. The mobility platform now has its own information section in the theatre and various signs indicating the location of pick–up points outside. Clients will also be able to make direct reservations for a ride home after the show from the foyer.

WWW.UBER.COM

CASA VERO WINTER EDITION

On March 4, the Astún ski resort will present a unique experience involving the renowned wine, Viñas del Vero from Somontano, along with DJ Rialto. Snow, fun and wine will come together in the best après ski in the Pyrenees. At Casa Vero Winter Edition, skiers and those who prefer to disconnect will be enjoy a unique party experience in the snow.

WWW.VINASDELVERO.ES

SWIMMING TO SAVE THE ANTARCTIC

Calling on world leaders to act to ensure the conservation of the Antarctic and the Southern Ocean, Barbara Hernández entered Antarctic waters at average temperatures of only 2.2ºC, without a wetsuit or protective grease. The Chileanborn athlete completed a record-breaking 45-minute, 50-second swim, covering a distance of 2.5 kilometres.

WWW.ANTARCTICA2020.ORG/ ANTARCTIC-OCEAN-CHALLENGE

L’AGENCE EMPOWERING WOMEN

L’Agence presented its Fall/Winter 2023 collection set against the stylish backdrop of New York’s Bowery Hotel. The collection consists of sensual lines and refined details which capture the brand’s seductive glamour. Floral prints, autumnal hues, after-dark dresses, trademark tailoring, and new denim silhouettes set the tone for the season.

WWW.LAGENCE.COM

You would think that being born in Texas, to a Swedish oil and gas engineer, growing up first in the Unites States and then Norway before settling in Marbella would be enough of a story for a seven-year-old, but when Winston ventured up into his home’s attic one evening, it would open up a whole new world of adventure.

“I didn’t really know what I was looking for or what to expect, says Winston, now nine. “I guess it was just

curiosity, but when I made it into the attic I was a little scared, until I spotted a whole area full of motor racing trophies and equipment.” The paraphernalia in question belonged to his father and granddad, who had both been keen bike racers in their day, and had the titles to show for it.

“I grew up in a motor racing family,” says dad Robert.

“I guess it’s in the blood, because my dad competed in motorbike championships, as did I, becoming a professional motocross racer before

multiple injuries, broken bones and a mounting series of operations caused him to call it a day in his mid-twenties.”

The fact that young Winston was destined to follow in his family’s motor racing footsteps was by no means a foregone conclusion, as his father actively sought to prevent it by hiding it from his two young sons. “We kept all the memorabilia purposely hidden because we didn’t want Winston and his younger brother to be tempted to get hooked as we had done, but it was to no avail.” ›

WINSTON KAMPERIN JUNIOR RACING PRODIGY

Winston’s life was far from mundane before he took up go-karting at the tender age of seven. Since then, the young resident of Marbella has become a growing star in the world of junior motorsport.

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF WINSTON KAMPERIN

A YOUNG STAR IS BORN

Once done, the event produced a curiosity in young Winston that had to be satisfied, so his dad took him to the races and a round at the go-kart track that would end up sealing it. “At first, he rode with me, not frightened at all but loving it and urging me to go faster and faster,” recalls Robert. Before long, Winston was racing for himself in the children’s gokarts, leaving all behind him.

“The talent was obvious from the outset. Without any coaching at all, he was by far the fastest on the track, so it was clear that Winston has an innate speed and affinity with racing.” In fact, the then seven-year-old took to motorsport with such gusto that his father eventually bought him a CRG brand kart of his own. Unlike the previous generations, for Winston the passion was on four wheels.

He acclimatised quickly, rising up the ranks even faster after coaching sessions and summer

training camps, which left the young boy somewhat of a speed devil. “He just kept getting faster and faster as his technical skills and understanding of the dynamics of track racing evolved, and it was impressive to see him grasp rather complex concepts of physics so naturally.”

Others began to notice Winston’s potential too, and he emerged from a training camp with accolades as ‘the biggest talent that had been seen for years’ in the area. Christmas brought him his own kart, and the new year brought the first exposure to competition racing with older, faster boys as he was simply too good for those in his own age group.

A FUTURE MOTOR RACING STAR FROM MARBELLA?

Covid put a spanner in the works for his planned first racing season, yet when Winston returned to the track it was

no longer as a pure hobby, but as a potential future star.

“As you go up the ranks, the level of competition becomes increasingly intense, and costs along with it. Motor racing is an expensive, technical sport, but when he had a chance to compete in the junior Spanish championships going into 2021, we went for it 100 per cent,” says Robert.

It produced the first in an impressive and growing series of trophies – to date five national cups and four regional medals – as the young star worked his way up the ranks, always as one of the youngest drivers on the track. He began to stand out for his technical ability and determination, all the more visible in wet weather conditions such as his first real championship race in 2021. “I was beginning to win races and was usually at the front, even with older boys, and it was a lot of fun,” says Winston.

Now asked to join a proper racing team with a fellow prodigy, he continued to improve amid the hectic schedule of schoolwork and racing. “Winston combines natural talent with a real drive and dedication to learn and succeed,” says his dad, who had long since stopped engineering for his son. The professional who took over has a long track record of high level kart racing and has been able to impart valuable tips, which the young driver has absorbed with intense enthusiasm. ›

CREDENTIALS:

2021

» 4-time podium and 5th overall in Fernando Alonso Academy / Spanish Championship

2022

» Youngest ever pole position holder in Spanish Championship (Age 8-12)

» Youngest rookie winner and 6th overall in Spanish Championship

» 5th overall in the Valencian Championship (Age 8-12)

BIO:

» Name: Winston Robert

Kamperin

» Date of birth: 29 April

2013

» Nationality: American/ Swedish

» Birthplace: Houston, TX

» Residence: Marbella, Spain

» Height: 137cm

» Weight: 32kg

» Nickname: Mr. Pole Position

He was competing in the Fernando Alonso Academy (Spanish Championship for young talents), where all drivers are given similar karts and engines are distributed by a fair lottery. On these level playing terms Winston took a podium spot in his first race with many more throughout the season. “Fun was still the central element, and he was learning the ropes and getting to know the circuits all around Spain,” says a proud dad. By the end of 2021, it was clear that even among older children, Winston had something that set him apart.

Stepping up to the Rookie category in 2022, he quickly found his confidence and raced at the top, becoming the youngest ever pole position holder in the Spanish

Championship. All the time gaining more experience and learning about tactics, timing, slipstreaming techniques, how to look after your kart and also about attacking and defensive driving – a learning curve that accelerated after a few scuffles on the track in both Spain and at the European Series in Italy. Both in 2021 and 2022, Winston was at times hit so hard that his dad first saw him arrive back at the paddock in an ambulance, fortunately only being treated for bruises and contusions.

“Adversity only seems to heighten his drive and determination though, and only hours later Winston bit through the pain and secured first place in the final qualifying race, coming from behind to take the win on the final lap.”

It’s the kind of grit and skill that has seen him attract attention from major teams. Is it too early to think of a professional career? “Naturally, that is the dream, but whether it could be Formula One or the GT or Le Mans series is another question, and in the meantime he has school and a childhood to get through as well,” says Robert, “not to mention more seasons in successively ascending karting championships.”

Asked about his own ambitions, Winston remains focused on the task at hand: “I am aiming for a top-three spot in the major championships this year:”

FOLLOW WINSTON ON INSTAGRAM:

@WINSTON_KAMPERIN

WHAT LIFE SKILLS DOES YOUR TEEN NEED TO THRIVE?

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Just a few decades ago, top companies across the globe (and Fortune 500s in particular) prioritised hard skills – those which were objective and quantifiable such as degrees,proficiency in a foreign language, software knowledge, and similar. While many of these skills are still valued at the hiring stage, soft skills – including leadership, communication, and problem-solving, are now featured in around 78 per cent of jobs posted globally. Of course, teens are not just future professionals. They are also individuals. According to the UN and the WHO, to be happy, confident, and socially integrated, teens need to hone three types of proficiency: thinking, social, and emotional skills.

WHY ARE LIFE SKILLS SO IMPORTANT?

Having key life skills enables teens to display:

» More pro-social behaviour.

» An enhanced ability to plan ahead and succeed academically.

» Improved behavior and selfcontrol.

» An ability to handle tense situations without losing their cool.

» A reduced level of anxiety.

» Less self-destructive and/or negative acts.

» Greater resilience against disappointments.

» A lower likelihood of succumbing to negative peer pressure.

KEY THINKING SKILLS FOR TEENS

Some of the most important thinking skills teens need during their school and university years include:

SELF-AWARENESS: Being aware of their strengths and weaknesses and the way that their behaviours and words impact others. To boost selfawareness in their teens, parents can:

» Encourage teens to identify

and express their emotions, by printing out Plutchik’s Wheel of Emotions for them. This wheel shows that there are eight basic emotions: joy, trust, fear, surprise, sadness, disgust, anger, and anticipation. Each emotion has more and less intense forms. For instance, joy in its mildest state can be described as serenity; in its most intense state, it is ecstasy. Teens can use this wheel to express what they are feeling and/or to journal the effects that specific situations have on their emotions.

» Share their own emotions with their kids. ›

» Talk about stereotypes and labels and how they can limit or hurt other people.

» Help their teen identify their strengths.

» Talk about the importance of leading a purpose-filled life.

» Encourage mindfulness practices, which are centred on recognising and accepting difficult thoughts and emotions without allowing them to define us.

CRITICAL THINKING: The analysis of available facts, evidences, and arguments to form a rational, unbiased evaluation. To encourage your child to think critically:

» Ask questions and encourage them to do the same.

» Provide them with good reading material and talk about the motivations behind the characters’ decisions and behaviours. Best-selling author, Stephen King, says that when he was young, everyone in his family would take turns reading a page from a book, leading to lively discussions and debates.

» Model healthy skepticism, pointing out good research skills, teaching your child to identify quality media sources, and rationally questioning the purpose and possible biases of the material you are consuming.

PROBLEM-SOLVING: Relying on analytical skills to evaluate

a situation and consider alternatives before acting. To solve problems, teens should:

» Define the problem.

» Brainstorm five possible solutions.

» Weigh the pros and cons of each solution.

» Choose one solution.

» Reflect on whether it worked and consider alternative solutions for next time.

TIME MANAGEMENT: The ability to plan tasks and bring them to fruition within a set deadline. Parents can help teens create a schedule for activities such as study, sport, online use, social pursuits, and sleep. When studying for exams, teens should make a schedule two or three weeks before exams. They should divide their subjects into units or topics, and schedule specific study days and times for each subject. This can prevent cramming for exams.

SOCIAL SKILLS FOR TEENS

Some of the most important social skills teens need to be happy and confident include:

CONVERSATIONAL SKILLS: Parents can help teens join, start, maintain, and end conversations by teaching them useful phrases and by encouraging them to ‘read the room’. If a small group of people is huddled with their backs turned to them, for instance, it may not be a good idea to try to join in.

To start a conversation, it is important to prepare something to talk about, find interesting people to chat with, listen actively to them, make eye contact, use open body language, and show an interest in others.

Kids can use prepared conversation starters like, “That class was pretty good, wasn’t it? What project do you think you’ll work on?” If a friendly group is already in a conversation and your teen wants to join it, they might say, “Oh so you’re talking about Mr. Carter’s class. It’s pretty tough, isn’t it?”

Ending a conversation politely is also important. Instead of just saying “I have to go,” they might try something like, “It was great chatting with you, but my dad is here to pick me up. I hope to catch up with you soon.”

CONFLICT RESOLUTION: When faced with hostile situations, teens should know how to calm themselves down and take a solutions-based approach. They should identify and name the source of the conflict, listen to others openly and empathetically, and aim to find a solution that both parties are relatively happy with.

SHOWING EMPATHY FOR OTHERS: Teens who thrive socially usually display empathy for others and build others’ self-esteem. They encourage cooperation, demonstrate good listening skills, and actively show others they understand them.

EMOTIONAL SKILLS FOR TEENS

The main emotional skills teens need to thrive are self-confidence, emotional regulation, and assertiveness.

SELF-CONFIDENCE: You can help build your child’s self-confidence by inspiring them to try new activities, encouraging them to see failure as an opportunity for growth, and helping them reframe negative beliefs. For instance, if they say “I’m just not good at maths,” point to evidence to the contrary. “You got an A in last term’s test.” Ask them to reexamine their initial thought. For instance, a reframed thought might look like

this: “I got a C in my maths test, but I know that if I study every day, I can improve my grade.”

EMOTIONAL REGULATION:

To help your children with emotional regulation, encourage them to identify their emotions and find a healthy outlet (such as meditation or exercise) for tension and stress. Suggest that they keep a journal, so they can see how certain situations affect them and, if necessary, formulate strategies to modify their behaviour so that outcomes improve in the future.

ASSERTIVENESS: Confident teens are assertive. Boost this quality by encouraging your teens to set boundaries and say “no” or “I don’t” when someone asks them to do something they don’t want to. For instance, instead of giving long-winded excuses to their peers, they can simply say, “I don’t get into cars with people who have been drinking, “I don’t go to clubs yet,” or “I don’t drink alcohol.”

Acing the myriad of skills teens need to thrive is challenging but rewarding. Doing so is far more important than you may realise, since being successful in life isn’t just about excelling in one’s career. It also involves being socially and emotionally fulfilled and managing one’s time to enable enjoying a good work-life balance. e

HOT NEW MOVIES

COMPILED BY MARISA

THE SON

» Director: Florian Zeller (The Father)

» Stars: Vanessa Kirby, Hugh Jackman, Anthony Hopkins

Florian Zeller showed he is a true expert when it comes to subjects such as family and individual responsibility in the magnificent film, The Father, starring Anthony Hopkins. This time around, the focus is on Peter, a busy executive (played by Hugh Jackman). His life is turned around when his ex-wife Kate turns up with their teenage son, Nicholas – a troubled young man who is suffering the consequences of his father’s absence from his life.

Make a date to catch some of these blockbusters, coming to a big screen near you this month.

CUTILLAS

65

» Directors: Scott Beck (50 States of Fright), Bryan Woods (Haunt)

» Stars: Adam Driver, Ariana Greenblatt, Chloe Coleman

An astronaut crash lands on an unknown planet after his ship is hit by an undocumented asteroid. There is only one other survivor – a child. The atmosphere of the mysterious planet is rich in oxygen. However, the land is inhabited by powerful beasts similar in size and power to dinosaurs. The man and child must fight to survive, without knowing if they will ever get home.

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4

» Director: Chad Stahelski (John Wick)

» Stars: Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård

Keanu Reeves is back as John Wick

– the seasoned hero who uncovers a path to defeating the High Table. In order to earn his freedom, he has to face a powerful new enemy with influential friends across the globe and the ability to turn his old friends into enemies. John has nothing to lose, for as he says, he “left a good life behind a long time ago.”

EMPIRE OF LIGHT

» Director: Sam Mendes (Skyfall)

» Stars: Olivia Colman, Micheal Ward, Colin Firth Vanity Fair called this film “An achingly lovely film… the best Mendes has yet made.” Empire of Light is a drama about the power of human connection during turbulent times. Olivia Coleman gives a stellar performance as a duty manager of a seaside cinema in the 1980s. She struggles with her mental health while forging a powerful bond with a new employee.

ALICE, DARLING

» Director: Mary Nighy (Traces)

» Stars: Anna Kendrick, Charlie Carrick, Kaniehtiio Horn

Anna Kendrick plays Alice, a young woman trapped in an abusive relationship. Her two best friends invite her on a weekend away, and she agrees to join them, telling her boyfriend that she is going away on a work trip. To the surprise of her friends, he shows up to ruin their holiday in a last-ditch effort to continue asserting control over his victim. e

SERIOUS SERIES

In a month which sees You Season 4 hitting our screens, as previewed here in January, get ready for viewer nirvana with this and other enticements featured here, coming or concluding soon.

COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

YELLOWJACKETS SEASON 2 (MOVISTAR PLUS)

» Creators: Ashley Lyle (Narcos), Bart Nickerson (Narcos)

» Actors: Christina Ricci, Melanie Lynskey, Juliette Lewis

In 1996, a team of girl soccer players from a New Jersey high school travel to Seattle for a national tournament. While flying over Canada, their plane crashes in the wilderness and the surviving team members are left stranded for nineteen months. The series chronicles their attempts to stay alive while also tracking their current lives. In Season 2, the characters continue to struggle against the darkness that came over them during their sojourn in the snow.

THE LAST OF US (HBO)

» Creators: Craig Mazin (Chernobyl) and Neil Druckmann (Unchartered)

» Actors: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Anna Torv The Last of Us is set in 2003, when a mass fungal infection of Cordyceps sparks a pandemic. Joel (Pedro Pascal) is a hardened survivor who is tormented by the loss of his daughter. He is tasked with smuggling a girl called Ellie out of a quarantine zone and across the U.S. Joel has hearing difficulties and his knees ache, but he strives to protect Ellie. She is immune to Cordyceps and could hold the key to a life-saving vaccine.

SUCCESSION SEASON 4 (HBO)

» Creator: Jesse Armstrong (Fresh Meat)

» Actors: Brian Cox, Matthew Macfadyen, Alan Ruck

Succession centres on the Roy family, the owners of Waystar RoyCo – a global media and entertainment conglomerate. This season, the Roy descendants plot against the patriarch of the family, Logan (Brian Cox) as the sale of the company to tech icon, Lukas Matsson (Alexander Skarsgård) looms ahead. This is a divided family that is struggling for ultimate control. In the teaser, Kendall (Jeremy Strong) calls the situation “a tightrope walk on a straight razor… 500-foot reputational drop.”

SHADOW AND BONE SEASON 2 (NETFLIX)

» Creator: Eric Heisserer (Bird Box)

» Actors: Ben Barnes, Jessie Mei Li, Freddy Carter

The fantastical series, based on two series of books set in the Grishaverse by Leigh Bardugo, is centred on a young soldier who has the magical power to unite her world. In Season 2, there will be new characters keeping audiences enthralled, including the pirate called Sturmhond. He plays a key role in the book series and is a true friend to the main characters, Alina and Mal.

DAISY JONES & THE SIX (AMAZON PRIME VIDEO)

» Creators: Michael H. Weber (500 Days of Summer), Scott Neustadter (500 Days of Summer)

» Actors: Riley Keough, Sam Claflin, Suki Waterhouse

Based on The New York Times bestseller, Daisy Jones & The Six is about a band from the 1970s that rises from obscurity to worldwide fame. After a sold-out show in Chicago’s Soldier Field, the group decides to call it quits. Decades later, they reveal the secrets that led them to give it up when they had it all. e

GET READY FOR SPRING

with the latest must-read titles

JUNO LOVES LEGS

BY KARL GEARY

In Dublin, Juno has loved Legs since they met in school, and she fought the bullies for him. The two face challenges but find comfort and solace in each other’s company, navigating the city’s backstreets, pubs, and underground parties. During the 1980s, amid political and social turmoil, they are on the brink of adulthood, seeking freedom and searching for purpose. The novel captures the essence of youthful friendship, the ups and downs of being young, the pain of heartbreak, the need for acceptance and above all, the power of love. A touching and poignant novel for fans of Douglas Stuart and Damon Galgut.

WORDS ALICIA DUGGAN OF THE BOOKSHOP IN SAN PEDRO DE ALCÁNTARA , CC LA COLONIA LOCAL 21, SAN PEDRO DE ALCÁNTARA. TEL: 951 779 785. WWW.THEBOOKSHOP.ES

THE CLOSE BY JANE CASEY

Jane Casey is back with the tenth instalment of her Maeve Kerrigan series. Detectives Maeve Kerrigan and Josh Derwent are sent to a quaint English village to investigate the suspicious death of a vulnerable young man, Davy Bidwell, who was found dead with multiple fractures. Going undercover as house sitters, they find a tightly knit community with well-kept houses and seemingly friendly neighbours. However, they soon realise that there are secrets hidden behind the neat front doors, and cracking the case won’t be easy. The plot is engaging and well-written, with relatable characters and a story that keeps the reader turning the pages. A thrilling and suspenseful read.

ONE MOMENT BY BECKY HUNTER

One Moment is a thought-provoking novel about the impact of death. Scarlett, who died on what should have been the most important day of her life, is still here and observing the effects of her death on her loved ones. Evie cannot forgive Nate, the man she blames for Scarlett’s death. However, Nate keeps popping up and leading her life in unexpected directions. The novel explores the question of whether one would change history if given the chance, knowing the consequences. It’s a poignant and introspective story that delves into the power of life-altering moments and the choices we make in the aftermath. For fans of Jill Mansell and Jojo Moyes.

THE THEORY OF (NOT QUITE) EVERYTHING

BY KARA GNODDE

The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything is a charming debut novel about two siblings and a love triangle. Art and Mimi Brotherton are devoted to each other, but while Art relies on logic, Mimi follows her heart. When Mimi asks Art to help her find love using mathematical principles, they meet Frank, a quirky mathematician and stargazer. As Mimi’s feelings for Frank grow, Art becomes wary of him, and their relationship is tested. This touching story explores the bond between siblings, love, and the logic behind life’s biggest questions. With a blend of The Rosie Project ’s offbeat charm and the warmth of The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot, this novel is a must-read for fans of witty and uplifting fiction.

THE KIND WORTH SAVING

BY PETER SWANSON

Peter Swanson’s latest offering revolves around Joan, who hires private investigator Henry Kimball to investigate her husband’s infidelity. However, what starts as a simple case soon takes a dangerous turn when Henry discovers two bodies at an uninhabited suburban home. The past comes back to haunt Henry as he uncovers the truth and realises that Joan might know something about the tragedy that occurred in his previous life as a high school English teacher. As he delves deeper into the case, a murderer is hot on his trail, making it a game of cat and mouse. The tension builds up to the very end, making this an exciting and tense psychological thriller. Technically this is a sequel to The Kind Worth Killing but it can be read as a standalone novel. e

Have a look at the luxurious villas being confectioned in Marbella by Urbania, with styling by top international designer, Elie Saab. Review the stages involved in buying or selling companies in Spain. Find out how you can secure your valuables with FxChange.

INTRODUCING ENTERPRISE | PROPERTY « BACK TO CONTENTS ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM »

ELIE SAAB VILLAS MARBELLA MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF URBANIA 150 | MARCH 2023 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

WORDS

Among the modern luxury real estate offering of Marbella there is a new lifestyle selection of just five stylish villas. Designed and built by Urbania in collaboration with one of the world’s leading fashion designers, they carry the renowned international fashion brand of ELIE SAAB.

It isn’t easy to distinguish yourself in the highly competitive modern real estate market. That said, where many choose to follow the general trend, Urbania has always stood out for the desire to be innovative, creative, think a little outside the box, and approach property development from a new angle. It has made the multidisciplinary project developer not just one of the trend-setting leaders of the industry on a regional and national level, but also prolific in creating landmark developments, ranging from the ground-breaking new housing at Málaga’s Distrito Zeta to the runaway success of Higuerón West, where the commercial team was responsible for some of the most inspired branding campaigns ever seen on

the coast.

“We had a lot of fun doing it, but apart from big projects across Spain and also beyond, Urbania is also involved in the creation of boutique developments of luxurious villas in the Marbella area,” says one of the commercial team members. The latest of these, ELIE SAAB

VILLAS MARBELLA, is perhaps the most select project ever undertaken by the group headed by CEO Tomás Gasset, which as a private equity real estate specialist has been responsible for student accommodation, co-working spaces and also commercial and logistical facilities. “ELIE SAAB

VILLAS MARBELLA, however, is the pinnacle of what we have achieved in terms of luxury and style, and it breaks the mould of contemporary villas in the region.” ›

BRANDED LUXURY HOMES IN CASCADA DE CAMOJÁN

In concept and execution, ELIE SAAB VILLAS

MARBELLA diverges from many other villa communities on the coast. Pass the private gatehouse in the villa suburb of Cascada de Camoján –the luxurious part of Sierra Blanca – and you’ll notice that the five select 1,000m2 homes set upon 2,000m2 plots have a distinct look and feel. “We wanted to create something a little different,”

says a representative of the commercial team, “a contemporary home with a design that reflects the evolution in tastes and priorities, and in so doing offer buyers in this class an alternative option.”

Once again in innovative, trend-leading mode, the development team sat down to create the concept for modern luxury with a fresh new twist. The result is one of the first branded villa projects in Marbella – ELIE SAAB VILLAS MARBELLA.

Created and designed in collaboration with the famous Lebanese-born couturier, this new collection of five luxurious villas was inspired by the lifestyle feeling of his creations. “In designing the villas, we let ourselves be inspired by quality materials and appealing tones – as is the case with a fashion collection – and took our lead from the sleek modern natural feel of the Mediterranean, especially Ibiza.” ›

Having developed an inspired architectural style for the villas that blends a cream tone with strong Mediterranean design elements and gilded detailing, the finishing touch was provided by the unrivalled aesthetic touch of ELIE SAAB’s exceptionally crafted interior design using exclusive pieces from the

ELIE SAAB Maison Collection

– an option available to owners of the villas. “Our furniture collection is inextricably linked to the brand’s DNA,” says Carlo Colombo, creative director of ELIE SAAB Maison. “The resulting collection of furniture and décor pieces is the product of a unique blend of French Art Deco and

Middle Eastern influences, and what we aim for is unequalled elegance.”

Made to the highest quality in Italy, ELIE SAAB furnishings are the finishing touch to superlative new Marbella villas. “In fact, it’s easy to see why the ELIE SAAB VILLAS MARBELLA take Costa del Sol chic to a new level.”

WWW.ELIESAABVILLASMARBELLA.COM

COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

bbusiness news

Luxury Summit at the Gran Hotel Miramar

If retail shopping, beauty, lifestyle, culture, and food set your heart a-flutter, then head to the Málaga Luxury Summit, which will be taking place on March 2 at the Gran Hotel Miramar. The event will feature brands like Chopard, Dinh Van, Messika, IWC, Esquire, La Prairie Switzerland, Evok Collection, Foreo, Casa Picasso, Moco Museum, Grupo Osborne, JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs, Julian Mármol, Museo Chicote, and more. It has been organised by Elite Excellence-Federación Española de Lujo, in collaboration with the Málaga City Hall, Spain is Excellence, and Andalucía Luxury.

WWW.MALAGA.ES

©Messika

Archidom Studio Participates in Dunique Marbella Project

Just five minutes away from the centre of town is Dunique Marbella – a residential complex that respects the unique, diverse ecosystems of the Mediterranean Coast. Archidom Studio is proud to announce that it has been retained to design the architecture and interiors of the Casa Club, as well as the landscaping of the entire project. Dunique is an exclusive project housed in a 60,000m2 parcel of land. It has 96 luxury villas and apartments, developed by Maíz & Díaz Arquitectos by order of Nortia (the promoters).

WWW.ARCHIDOMSTUDIO.COM / WWW.DUNIQUE.ES

Aero Launches ‘Pop Up’ Flights from London to Málaga

Aero – the service offering a personalised jet experience – is launching a London-Málaga ‘pop up’ flight throughout April, offering early access to the sunny Spanish coast ahead of the summer. Responding to client demands, the flights will align with key calendar dates and events throughout the month, making travelling at times like Easter seamless and stress-free.

The BOHO Project

Immerse yourself in the vibrant party atmosphere of Ibiza with The BOHO Project, which will be taking place on April 29 at the stunning Finca La Concepción. The event will feature a specially curated selection of music, food, and entertainment. It will keep attendees on their feet with a line-up of talented DJs from Ibiza and Marbella. DJ and sax duo, Lovely Laura and Ben Santiago, will headline a line-up that includes world-renowned DJs from Pacha, Amnesia, and Ushuaia. Dress in your best boho-chic attire to immerse yourself fully in the experience.

WWW.THEBOHOPROJECT.COM

Casino Marbella Presents a New Croupier School Course

Casino Marbella has started a new course at its Croupier School. Commencing on March 1, it is focused on the game of Black Jack. Students will attend the school from Monday to Friday in the afternoon. Professionals from the sector will be teaching them all the techniques and abilities they need to become top-notch croupiers.

WWW.CASINOMARBELLA.COM

Málaga Dances With Sergio Bernal

The Soho CaixaBank Theatre was recently filled with artistry, thanks to a ballet and flamenco class taught by one of Spain’s most international dancers – Sergio Bernal. Some 300 students (hailing from top schools across the province) attended the event. Bernal taught them how to prepare before a performance and shared a host of useful exercises and techniques. One hour later, he took to the stage to perform to a packed house.

WWW.TEATRODELSOHO.COM

Real de La Quinta Now Constructing the El Lago Club

Real de la Quinta, which is located in a unique enclave in the Marbella-Benahavís zone, has commenced work on its exclusive El Lago Club. The new club will have a restaurant area (run by the renowned Azotea Group), a health and wellness area (by Le Max Club), and a lake with a beach (where guests can enjoy a host of leisure activities). There will also be a six-hole golf course. The complex has been designed under strict quality controls and the urbanisation has a BREEAM®URBANISMO certificate. Its residential promotions, meanwhile, boast the BREEAM®VIVIENDA certification. El Lago Club will be opening its doors in 2025.

WWW.REALDELAQUINTA.COM

TenMod Weekend at the Gran Hotel Miramar

The TenMod Weekend will be celebrating its second edition on March 4 and 5 at the Gran Hotel Miramar. The event, organised by Nueva Moda, aims to promote the work of designers from Málaga. The event will see local designers showing off their latest designs and consolidating their position in this competitive sector.

WWW.NUEVAMODA.COM

Charly Simon Photography Help Sell Luxury Dubai Villa

Marbella-based photographer, Charly Simon, created a portfolio of photographs and videos that has contributed to the sale of a $34 million (approximately €31.8 million) villa in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. The publication, Arabian Business, reports that this villa is the most expensive in Dubai. The origin of the sale were photos uploaded onto Instagram, as well as a video on YouTube.

WWW.CHARLYSIMONPHOTO.COM

Ferran Adrià Speaks at the National Hostelery Forum

The Founder of the El Bulli Foundation, Ferran Adrià, was the main speaker at the third edition of the National Hostelery Forum, held in Málaga. The event brought together an array of specialists to discuss the topic of sustainability. The food sector generates around 30 per cent of greenhouse gases, thereby posing a major planetary threat. Adrià and other speakers discussed topics like sustainable gastronomy, clean energy, and the use of local produce. WWW.MAHOS.ES

Andalucía-Based Author, Katie A. Lewis Publishes A Curse of Love and Law

Katie A. Lewis has published her first novel in The Cursed Series on Amazon. Her work has received rave reviews and copies have been sold in Spain, America, Australia, and New Zealand. Besides writing and selfediting her novel, she has also translated it into Spanish. Katie teaches English to Spanish students alongside Maths, Language, and Science in their native language. She also studied Psychology for a short time at Málaga University.

Three Awesome Events in 2023

If live music is your thing, check out three events, two of which will be taking place this month. On March 25, Blues at Moonlight (featuring the Jonas Molina Band and DJ Tall Mike) will be livening up the Sunset Beach Club in Benalmádena. On March 26, there will be a second Blues at Moonlight event (with Bobby B. and his Band and DJ Tall Mike). Later in the year, from November 22 to 26, the El Dandy Festival (with 11 bands and various DJs) will be rocking the night away at Flatotel.

FOR THE FIRST TWO EVENTS, YOU CAN ALREADY PURCHASE TICKETS AT WWW.ELCORTEINGLES.ES. FURTHER

©Generalitat de Catalunya

Quironsalúd Presents Scleral Lenses

Quirónsalud is proud to announce that it is now offering patients scleral lenses – an innovative alternative for people who are unable to use conventional ones. Scleral lenses are made from a special material and have a unique shape that enables them to 'rest' on the white part of the eye instead of the cornea. The lenses keep the eye humid, thus improving vision and delaying the need for a corneal transplant.

Pascal Silman Appointed Executive Chef at La Fonda Heritage Hotel Marbella

Pascal Silman is now the Executive Chef of La Fonda Heritage Hotel, a boutique luxury hotel set to open soon in Marbella as the first Relais & Châteaux property in Andalucía. With 30 years of experience at prestigious gastronomic addresses and luxury Relais & Châteaux hotels, Silman brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to La Fonda. The chef is heavily influenced by the Mediterranean culinary tradition. He has trained and worked with Michelin-starred chefs such as Roger Vergé, Alain Ducasse, and Michel Guérard.

WWW.LAFONDAHOTEL.COM

WWW.QUIRONSALUD.ES

The Pool Marbella: A Space for Talent, Innovation, and Creativity

The Pool Marbella is a brand-new hub that offers a variety of services and solutions to Marbella entrepreneurs and innovators. Located within El Corte Inglés, in Av. Bulevar Principe Alfonso de Hohenlohe, it offers Business Club memberships, co-working spaces, events and labs, and corporate solutions to assist entrepreneurs in meeting, working, and networking with local and international talent. The Pool Marbella is a vibrant environment that provides a variety of services and supports to entrepreneurs and businesses at all stages of their journey. It has everything you need to take your business to the next level, whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out.

WWW.THEPOOL.ES

Become Your Ultimate Money Boss!

Take control of your financial future and become the ultimate money boss! You're the one person who cares the most about your money, so it's time to take charge. Investing in your future is a key step to financial independence, and Hugo Investing is here to help you along the way. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, Hugo's team has the knowledge and expertise to guide you towards making smart investment decisions.

With over 50,000 investment products, like bonds, shares, ETFs, the most advanced trading platform, and Hugo’s help, you'll have all the tools you need to build a customised investment portfolio.

Need help determining when to buy or sell your shares?

Worried about taking too much risk? Hugo is here to help. With a secure bank account with Saxo Bank, three cutting-edge trading platforms, and unlimited support from Hugo's experienced team, you'll always feel safe and confident. And with Hugo's online education platform, the Academy for Investors, you can learn the ins and outs of investing at your own pace.

Each course has at least 40 videos, and between 10-12 hours of content to make you a better investor.

Investing with Hugo is easy and secure. As a regulated brokerage firm in Marbella with over 16 years presence and a member of FOGAIN, Hugo's clients have peace of mind knowing their investments are protected. And, with the bonus of a weekly YouTube vlog from the Hugo team, you'll always be ahead of the market and up-to-date on the latest trends and tips.

Join the many happy clients of Hugo Investing and start your journey towards financial independence today. Open a free account online in just a few minutes!

More information:

www.hugoinvesting.com

www.academy-for-investors.com

Golden Mile in Marbella opposite Da Bruno restaurant + 34 951 56 56 56

BUYING OR SELLING A BUSINESS IN SPAIN

Below are in-depth stepby-step guides to help you navigate both processes of buying and selling businesses in Spain. Here are the steps involved in buying a business in Spain:

» Identify the type of business you want to buy. Consider factors such as the location, size, and type of business that will best meet your needs and goals.

» Research the market and the competition. This will help you understand the potential opportunities and challenges of a business and ensure that you are making a sound investment.

» Find a business for sale. There are several ways to locate businesses for sale in Spain, including online marketplaces, business brokers, and classified ads in local newspapers. You can also network with other business owners and investors

to find potential opportunities.

» Review the financials and conduct due diligence. Once you have found a business that interests you, it is important to carefully review its financial records to ensure that it is profitable and sustainable. You may also want to hire a professional to conduct due diligence on the business, including a review of its contracts, liabilities, and assets.

» Negotiate the terms of the sale with the seller. These may

include the purchase price, payment terms, and any contingencies or conditions that must be met before the sale is final.

» Sign a purchase agreement. After the terms of the sale have been agreed upon, you and the seller will need to sign a purchase agreement. This is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of the sale.

» Obtain financing, if necessary. If you are not paying for the business outright, you will need to obtain financing to cover

The process of buying or selling a business in Spain can be a complex and time-consuming endeavour. However, with proper planning and guidance, both can be successful and rewarding experiences.

WORDS SEAN PECK

the purchase price. This may include a loan from a bank, seller financing, or investment from private investors. Be sure to carefully compare the terms and conditions of different financing options.

» Transfer ownership and obtain the necessary licenses and permits. Once the purchase agreement has been signed and the financing has been secured, you will need to transfer ownership of the business to your name. This may involve completing paperwork with the Spanish government and obtaining any necessary licenses and permits to operate the business.

Here are the steps involved in selling a business in Spain:

» Prepare your business for sale.

Before you start the process of selling your business, you should take the time to make sure it is ready to be sold. This means conducting a

thorough review of your business operations, financials, and legal documents. You should also consider updating your business plan and marketing materials to make your business more attractive to potential buyers.

» Determine the value of your business. The value of your business is a crucial factor in the selling process. It will determine how much you can expect to receive for your business, and it will also help you set a realistic asking price. To determine the value of your business, you can consult with a broker, a business valuation expert, or use an online business valuation calculator.

» Choose a sales method. There are several different ways to sell a business in Spain, including selling to a private buyer, selling to a strategic buyer, or selling through a business broker.

» Find potential buyers. Once you have determined the

value of your business and finalised a sales strategy, you can start looking for potential buyers. You can use a variety of approaches to find buyers, including advertising your business for sale, networking with other business owners, and professionals, and using a business broker to help you find potential buyers.

» Review offers and negotiate the sale. When you have received offers from potential buyers, you will need to review them carefully to determine which offer is the best for your business. You will also need to negotiate the terms of the sale, including the price, payment terms, and any contingencies or conditions. It's important to seek the advice of a professional during this stage to ensure that you are making the best decision for your business.

» Complete the sale. After negotiating the terms of the sale and accepting an offer, the final step is to complete the sale. This involves transferring ownership of the business, including transferring any assets and liabilities, and completing any necessary legal and financial paperwork. It's important to work closely with a professional during this stage to ensure that the process goes smoothly and that all necessary steps are completed properly.

By following the steps outlined above, you can navigate the processes of buying and selling businesses in Spain with confidence.

If you are thinking of selling your business and have any questions, please reach out to Business Broker Spain for a free consultation and business valuation.

SEAN PECK, ASSOCIATE PARTNER, BUSINESS BROKER SPAIN. WWW.BUSINESSBROKERSPAIN.COM

SAFE DEPOSIT BOXES FXCHANGE

Most of us keep our valuables at home. If we’re lucky they're in a sturdy safe, but more often than not they are stashed away in drawers, cupboards, boxes or even left on display. The latter brings great risks, as it only takes someone a few moments to remove them, but even if you keep them out of sight, most burglars will have searched through your home and found valuable items in under 15 minutes. You see, they tend to know where we keep our valuables, reading our minds as it were because they base their insights on analysing how most of us act when trying vainly to protect our physical assets.

According to figures from the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, in the first nine months of 2022, registered cases of burglary

with forced entry into homes, shops and business premises in Málaga totalled 3,369. Those involving private homes showed an increase of 13.4% over the same period in 2021.

Having a safe at home that is solid and secured to a floor or wall, complete with a combination lock is a must if you want to be insured, but experienced burglars usually have enough know-how to overcome this hurdle too, using either electronic devices or simply welding tools to get inside and pick away at items that are usually worth from a few thousand to millions of euros. For this reason, while wealthy people do tend to keep some items in their home safe, they have long used safety deposit boxes to safeguard items of truly high value, including precious jewellery, bullion and documents. ›

In a world that is increasingly virtual, where billions can move without being seen, there are still some things that remain as real and tangible as ever. Your valuables, in the form of jewellery, cash, bullion, antiques and even important documents, are physical assets that cannot be protected virtually but need a safe place where only you have access to them.

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FXCHANGE

The private safe deposit boxes

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A MILLIONAIRE

The problem is that while banks and similar institutions provide this service, it is usually reserved for high net worth individuals who are seen as an important client, and not available to ‘normal’ account holders. However, you don’t have to be a multi-millionaire to own valuable items that need safekeeping, and here banks fall short. For this reason independent financial institutions such as FxChange fill the gap by providing the

very same service and security guarantees, but without having to hold large sums in a bank account in order to qualify.

As a leading foreign exchange broker in Gibraltar’s small but prominent financial district, FxChange processes thousands of daily currency transactions for private, corporate and also institutional financial clients, so providing secure safe deposit boxes is a natural extension of the service. The process operates in the same way as that of banks, including both secure Grade V vaults

within a top-security physical environment and digital protection system.

Unlike a bank, however, you have 24-hours per day, 365 days per year access to your valuables, and with vaults starting at £34 per month you have the security of a millionaire without having to be one.

FXCHANGE

UNIT 1.02 BOSTON, MIDTOWN ST, GIBRALTAR.

TEL: (+350) 200 40522.

WWW.FXCHANGE.GI

The secure FXChange offices in Gibraltar

WOMEN IN LUXURY BUSINESS MARBELLA

To mark the creation of the WLBM group, Women in Luxury Business Marbella, more than 30 businesswomen in the luxury sector met at Villa la Isla, Marbella. Its founders, Paula Leschot, Thaiss H. Mazzanti and Dominique Alexandra Forsström have managed to give life to this movement that emphasises the positioning of luxury brands led by women, as well as comprehensive support for its members, and where space will also be given to helping other women, mothers and children in vulnerable sectors.

PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN AND COURTESY OF WLBM

ENGEL & VÖLKERS OPEN HOUSE

EEngel and Völkers Marbella invited real estate agents, associates and members of the press to the presentation of an elegant beachside villa in Guadalmina Baja. Designed by the famous architect, Melvin Villarroel, the spectacular property of 794m2 with five bedrooms and five bathrooms, set in a plot of 3,138m2 , is located in the only gated community in Guadalmina close to the beach.

WWW.MARBELLA-EV.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

Savour refined Mediterranean cuisine at ViGu restaurant in San Pedro. Find out about Boho Club’s series of A Memoir events by Head Chef, Diego del Río. Consider factors involved in purchasing wine online, and keep abreast of local gourmet news.

A PAIRING THAT DELIVERS VIGU

WORDS JAMES SINCLAIR

ViGu, on San Pedro’s Avenida Salamanca, might sound like an unusual name for a restaurant, until you discover that its creators are Victor Navarro and Gumer Torres Suarez, two stalwarts from the local dining scene. Victor previously helmed the kitchen at the acclaimed Restaurante Victor in Guadalmina and Gumer was the maître at the Clubhouse at La Zagaleta for many years.

PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

Victor and Gumer have combined their talents at ViGu which opened in the summer of 2021, offering high quality Mediterranean cuisine in a stylish setting. This is a place for people in the know and they can impressively count owners of other significant restaurants among their clientele, as well as many regular diners who know them from before. Along with a varied menu to select from, there are always market fresh tasting dishes available to sample – platos de degustación según el mercado.

Large full length windows face an ample terrace in front while inside an array of square tables adorned with elegant tablecloths are surrounded by comfortably upholstered chairs. The interior combines

nice touches with geometric units vying for your attention, along with wooden fittings and a mosaic column by the door which is also the backdrop for the restaurant’s sign on the exterior. Illumination is neatly provided by box lighting above and a bar separates the rear of the restaurant from the kitchen area.

GOURMET PREPARATIONS

On this occasion, we were readily tempted to try Victor’s tasting menu and what a great experience it proved to be. Following an appetiser to tease our palates, accompanied by tasty home made bread and an

excellent extra virgen olive oil, Único de Mondrón made exclusively from Verdial olives in the Sierra de la Axarquía, we settled in for the serious business of what was to come.

The first of these was an incredibly smooth Ceviche, with Turbot, Langoustines from Sanlucar, and ‘Baila’, a delicate fish from the sea bass family. This chilled creamy concoction was served in a half coconut, alongside a glass of coconut water. Coming next, we savoured a version of Pil-Pil Prawns but this one featured highly-prized red prawns from Garrucha. ›

The following dish consisted of small battered Squid, with a free range egg and truffle shavings, before we were served a real

served in its own shell, in a delicious tomato sauce with onion, leek and cognac.

By this point, we were very satisfied with the proceedings, reinforced by the fine Tres Matas

Crianza from Ribera del Duero that Gumer had selected as a pairing. This also proved to be a great wine to enjoy with the main course which was the pièce de résistance: Rice with Lobster, Clams and Shrimps – with famed Molina Roca Gran Reserva rice. Upon presentation, all shells were removed permitting us to really enjoy this indulgence without any difficulties. This truly memorable meal came to a fitting end with a Chocolate Coulant with Vanilla Ice Cream.

99 SUSHI BAR MARBELLA - Indulge in Japanese flavours

From Madrid to the Mediterranean via Dubai, 99 Sushi brings rich and complex - yet authentic - Japanese flavours to a serene lake setting. Guests can enjoy a cozy summer terrace as well as an intimate indoor space.

The menu of this 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant located in the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Resort, offers a gastronomic proposal which combines traditional Japanese recipes and cutting-edge references, giving priority not only to excellence and the maximum respect for the product, but also creativity and innovation in the different dishes. Among them are the “star recipes”, such as the famous crispy Tiger Prawn Tempura, the free range Chicken Gyozas with saffron glaze, roasted almonds and sour passion fruit gummies, its cold or warm Nigiri, not forgetting the Toro Sashimi or the acclaimed Alaskan Black Cod au gratin with two layers of red miso.

VISITWWW ESSENTIALM A MOC.ENIZAG ROMROF

Unlike the earlier tasting dishes, we could have selected both of these latter options from the menu which, although compact, features some very tempting starters, salads, and soups, as well as a Seafood and a Vegetarian Paella. Meat and fish choices include Ox T-bone Steak, Roasted Shoulder of Lamb, Sole Meunière and Sea Bass Baked in Salt.

If you haven’t been to ViGu, we highly recommend that you make a reservation to rectify that soon.

RESTAURANTE VIGU AVDA. DE SALAMANCA, 7, SAN PEDRO.

OPEN TUESDAY –SATURDAY 13:00 - 16:00 AND 19:00 - 22:00.

TEL: (+34) 952 275 224.

WWW.VIGU.ES

DIEGO DEL RÍO

AND A MEMOIR: A CELEBRATION OF FRIENDSHIP AND MEMORY

The first time we met iconic Chef Diego del Río, back when he was heading the kitchen of Michelin-starred establishment, El Lago, two values reigned supreme in his life and work: tradition and friendship. One of the earliest proponents of the ‘zero kilometre’ and ‘slow food’ concepts in Spain, del Río was already known for his painstaking technique and interest in bringing Andalusian recipes from the past and present to the fore.

“NOTHING IS EVER REALLY LOST TO US AS LONG AS WE REMEMBER IT”

L.M. MONTGOMERY

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BOHO CLUB

Today, as Chef of the successful Boho Club restaurant, he continues to value the seasonality and proximity of ingredients, serve traditional recipes with a modern touch, and collaborate with other chefs. Del Río has never been one to compete with anyone other than himself. His process has always been one of discovery and sharing. The last time we interviewed him, he was excited about having found a healthy balance in life; one in which functional training (under

the guiding hand of his personal trainer), holistic therapies like acupressure, and a healthy diet go hand-in-hand. Today, he is in a wonderful place in life; one in which he is confident in himself and his cuisine, and immersed in a state of wellness that enables him to be his creative best.

The Chef’s current passion project is A Memoir: a gastronomic concept at Boho Club that commenced in January and will run until the Spring. It comprises special evenings that commemorate his professional trajectory. The event unites

history, culture, and the culinary arts, with del Río’s memories being the thread that runs through each of its chapters. He explains, “A Memoir is the means through which I choose to pay homage to all the chefs who have played an important role in my career.”

For five nights, del Río will be working alongside talented chefs to prepare unique, one-off meals for diners. Each chapter of A Memoir features wine pairings, curated by Boho Club’s sommelier, Richard Mena.

The Chapters Are as Follows:

CHAPTER ONE: THE ORIGIN (EL ORIGEN)

This event took place in January alongside Juanjo Carmona of Cávala in Málaga and Celia Jiménez, whose eponymous restaurant is located in Córdoba. The three chefs share a passion for creativity and technique and

all of them honed their craft at El Lago, the emblematic restaurant which was the first restaurant in Málaga to receive a Michelin star.

CHAPTER TWO: ROOTS AND LEGACIES (RAÍCES Y LEGADOS)

This chapter, which took place

in February, paid homage to authentic market cuisine and zerokilometre ingredients. Joining del Río were Daniel Ochoa of Michelin-starred stalwart Montia (Madrid) and Miguel Ángel de la Cruz of Restaurante La Botica (Matapozuelos, Valladolid), also with a Michelin star. ›

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2

Chapter One of A Memoir. Chapter Two’s Dani Ochoa and Miguel Ángel de la Cruz

CHAPTER THREE: ADMIRATION (ADMIRACIÓN) DATE: MARCH 26, 8:30PM

Admiration will see del Río celebrating the wonders of Cádiz and its different types of cuisine, alongside Julio Vázquez of iconic establishment, El Campero (Barbate, Cádiz), Mauro Barreiro of La Curiosidad de Mauro Barreiro (Cádiz) and Pedro Aguilera of Mesón Sabor Andaluz (Alcalá del Valle, Cádiz). The latter was deemed Cocinero Revelación 2022 (Revelation Chef 2022) at Madrid Fusión.

CHAPTER FOUR: FULFILLED DREAMS (SUEÑOS CUMPLIDOS) DATE: TO BE ANNOUNCED

Few things are more exciting for a chef than achieving a Michelin star, and Fulfilled Dreams celebrates this achievement, which del Río recalls with pride and affection. The chef will be accompanied by Daniel López of Kokotxa (San Sebastían, Gipuzkoa) and Álvaro Garrido of Mina (Bilbao, Bizkaia).

Chapter Three’s Julio Vázquez, Mauro Barreiro and Pedro Aguilera.

A EXPERIENCE BEYOND CHAPTER 3: APPRECIATION

the taste

PRICE: 190€ (Wine Pairing included)

March 26 th - 8:30 pm

FREE VALET PARKING

Julio Vázquez

EL CAMPERO (BARBATE - CÁDIZ)

Diego del Río BOHO CLUB RESTAURANT (MARBELLA)

8-HAND MENU WITH:

Pedro Aguilera

MESÓN SABOR ANDALUZ (ALCALÁ DEL VALLE-CÁDIZ)

MAURO BARREIRO LA CURIOSIDAD DE MAURO BARREIRO (CÁDIZ)

CHAPTER 4 CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER FIVE: MÁS ALLÁ DE LAS FRONTERAS (BEYOND THE FRONTIERS)

DATE: TO BE ANNOUNCED

This special evening will feature international chefs, whose names are unknown as we go to print.

Del Río speaks about each of these chefs with great admiration. He highlights, for instance, the talent of Daniel Ochoa and Miguel Ángel de la Cruz at rummaging in the natural habitats that surround their respective restaurants (both own establishments in small villages). “They know nature and plant species well and forage for wild herbs and plants. These ingredients lend their cuisine spectacular flavours. They also travel the world giving conferences and sharing their

knowledge.”

He also speaks with admiration of Julio Vázquez of El Campero, which he deems “a temple of Almadraba tuna,” and of Mauro Barrreiro, who “worked at Skina when it achieved its first Michelin star.” Barreiro, he adds, “creates avant-garde, daring international dishes based on traditional cuisine from Cádiz, jazzed up with touches from Asia, South America, Morocco, and other countries.”

Del Río is aware that the Chefs who will be joining him at Boho Cub will be “working outside their comfort zone.” There are logistic challenges, with many chefs transporting ingredients from their local areas. However, they are facing these small obstacles with aplomb and are excited about inspiring people to head

to Boho Club to try dishes they might otherwise never get the chance to try. “Some of these chefs are more used to being under the media’s spotlight than others, but two things they have in common are a passion for cooking and a keen interest in their respective culinary traditions.” As for del Río, his mission is simply to make them feel at home: “I try to be the best host possible for them. So far, the chefs who have visited Boho Club told me they have wonderful memories of these events and that they would like to do it all over again.”

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS FOR A MEMOIR ON WWW.BOHOCLUB. COM/ES/A-MEMOIR-DONDELA-EXPERIENCIA-SUPERA-ALPALADAR

Chapter Four’s Daniel López and Álvaro Garrido

COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

JUAN MONTEAGUDO WINS BEST CROQUETTE COMPETITION

Congratulations to Juan Monteagudo of the Michelinstarred restaurant, Ababol (in Albacete) for winning the International Competition for the Best Croquette (made with 100 per cent Iberian bellota ham by Sánchez Romero Carvajal). The competition, organised by Madrid Fusion, was judged by members of the media and professionals from the culinary sector. According to the chef, the secret of his success lies in his croquettes’ creaminess, temperature, and intense ham flavour.

KALMA LAUNCHES AT MAGNA CAFÉ

Kalma is a new gastronomic project that fuses Mediterranean and Japanese-Asian cuisine and a sushi bar. It is located at Magna Café, which boasts a stunning terrace with unbeatable views of the Coast. Kalma is the fruit of a collaboration between Grupo Magna Marbella and Alejandro Salido Cordero (known as ‘Mochi’), a renowned chef and sushi man. Soon, a second Kalma restaurant will be opening at Kalma&Kaos, in Cancelada. Kalma’s menu offers various dishes, including classic sushi with nigiris (featuring salmon, tuna, scallops, and more), tempura prawns and kimchi, tuna belly, and spicy scallop tartar.

WWW.SANCHEZROMEROCARVAJAL.ES

WWW.MAGNASPAIN.COM

BRANDY LEPANTO AND JUAN AVELLANEDA UNITE

Brandy Lepanto and Juan Avellaneda have joined forces once again to design a limited edition collection of cufflinks inspired on the sherry casks where Lepanto’s Solera Gran Reserva brandy is aged. The cufflinks, which are made in gold-plated silver, have a colour that is reminiscent of the charentais stills that give rise to the iconic brandy’s unique flavour. The design, meanwhile, is heavily influenced by the casks’ characteristic staves and metal straps.

WWW.TIENDAGONZALEZBYASS.COM

NEW MENU AT JOSÉ CARLOS GARCÍA RESTAURANT

José Carlos García Restaurant in Málaga recently held a press event to present the chef’s new tasting menu. The restaurant, which has one Michelin star, serves a menu with seasonal products, including red cabbage, artichokes, leeks, spinach, eels, baby eels, red fruits, and pomegranate. The friendly staff and skilled sommelier team make a meal at this restaurant unforgettable.

WWW.RESTAURANTEJCG.COM

Boho Club Marbella has been awarded the Young Talent prize by Les Roches Marbella Global Hospitality. The recognition encapsulates the establishment’s commitment to providing job opportunities to Les Roches students (as part of

their training) and demonstrates its investment in young talent. Former students who are now part of its management team include General Manager, Daniel Little, and leaders such as Eva Lozano Cerván (Commercial Director), Rocío Estévez (Revenue Manager), and Roberto Santamaria Palacios (Front of House Manager). The award was presented to Daniel Little by the Director of Les Roches, Mano Soler.

WWW.BOHOCLUB.COM

BOHO CLUB WINS YOUNG TALENT PRIZE

Starting with the private wine merchant selling to well-heeled customers in the 1920s, the way we buy wine has changed progressively over the last century. Every European capital city had its share of merchants but in London, for example, this remarkable breed was based in the City, and was never seen during business hours without morning suit and top hat. Indeed, to be a City of London wine merchant was almost equivalent to being a solicitor or other class of professional. Reading André Simon’s (yes, he was French but lived in London) Wayward Tendrils of the Vine conveys the idea of a unique lifestyle involving daily luncheons with their peers at which vast quantities of wine were consumed, not so much for the alcoholic content but as

a way of tasting different vintages and grape varieties. Back in those days the profession bore a plausible resemblance to a private club, and to carry on business one needed to be a member.

A memorable meal at the Hanstown Club at the time, hosted by Ronald Avery, saw five members of the wine trade get through a magnum of Pommery & Greno 1952 Champagne, a Mersault 1952, a Musigny Vieilles Vignes 1952, a Chambertin Clos de Bèze 1945, a Musigny Vieilles Vignes 1919, a Chambertin 1895, a Musigny Vieilles Vignes 1865, and a Hine Grande Champagne 1928. Nine bottles for five participants!

Customers’ orders were sent around by horse-drawn carriage, and the butler was responsible for cellaring each delivery and noting the items in the cellar book. Between

the wars, long before wine was sold in shops, regular customers would phone in a weekly order that, apart from wine, would include beer and soft drinks. The advent of supermarkets put the private wine merchant out of business in the provinces, and only corporate clients enabled them to hang on by their fingernails in London. When I started my wine business in the English Midlands in the early 1960s, there was no Internet or social media, and mail order was just beginning to catch on. Back then the clever breakproof packaging we have today was nonexistent, and an average of one breakage per dozenbottle case was the norm, making the administration very tedious and often uneconomical. Moving from that era to buying wine online bears a resemblance to the advent of online banking. ›

The most welcome factor of course is the capacity to compare prices. There are several websites aimed at pointing out the most competitive suppliers, but to get maximum benefits the surest way is to register with as many dealers as possible and just sit back while the emails roll in with their impressive, or unimpressive, offers. Interested in buying wine with damaged labels at discounted prices? It’s all there, with the added advantage that other customers’ opinions

are available for comparison purposes. Some online suppliers organise visits to wineries, often with the opportunity of trying enticing food while sitting among the barrels. Often, the enologist or other key employees will be there to join in the fun.

However, there are some minuses. The prices of the wines offered may be competitive, but the cost of delivery must be considered, this usually being free on a 60 euro plus order. Delivery may be a problem if we live alone, and although

some couriers see nothing wrong with leaving a few boxes at our front door, it can present a temptation for some light-fingered passerby.

So, to the nub of the matter. At the latest count there are about 34 reliable online suppliers in Spain. Some of these are specialists, dealing in, for example, imported wines or sherry, and Andalucian varieties. Among the best general online sellers are, wait for it, Amazon, sweeping away the competition as usual with its massive

tentacles while at the same time giving customers the best deals. Vinoselección started in 1973 and Lavinia in 1999. Vinatis (2002) is in six countries including Spain and the UK, and the efficient Bodeboca Club is very user-friendly when it comes to exchanges. Vinoselección not only sells wine but also organises tastings online that are not only fun but quite educational. Drinksco (previously Uvinum) won best online wine buying site at the 2016 International Wine Challenge. And unlike conventional retail stores, specialist tastes such as Kosher are usually catered for. So, if you have never bought wine online, there is no need to hesitate. Perhaps the experience is not all positive, in which case back to the old ways, but usually it will be. e

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