Essential Magazine, October 2023

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The world's leading brand with the best local expertise

Cascada de Camoján: One-of-a-kind villa with a exceptional modern architecture combining sleek design and unrivalled sea views. An impressive entertainment level, Spa with sauna and turkish bath, wine cellar, gym and an spectacular rooftop with a high-end outdoor kitchen and plunge pool. 9 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, built area approx. 2,315 m2 , plot approx. 3,200 m² | Price 16,900,000 €, E&V ID W-02PVT5

Nueva Andalucía: Stunning ultra-modern villa with stylish interiors in La Cerquilla. 6 beds, 6 baths, built area approx. 964 m², plot approx. 2,104 m².

Price 6,990,000 €, E&V ID W-02RB6I

Puerto del Almendro: Sensational apartment with spectacular sea views

3 beds, 2 baths, interior area approx. 127 m², terrace approx. 80 m².

Price 995,000 €, E&V ID W-02T9O6

El Madroñal: A large and impressive mansion with breathtaking sea views. 5 beds, 9 baths, built area approx. 2,000 m², plot approx. 5,054 m²

Price 6,250,000 €, E&V ID W-02HMRS

Los Monteros: Frontline beach penthouse. Bespoke interior design and sea views. 3 beds, 4 baths, interior area approx. 242 m², terrace approx. 188 m².

Price 3,250,000 €, E&V ID W-02S3UU

Because buying and selling a property is a matter of trust!

Los Monteros: Spectacular architecture meets perfect location. A unique new high-end villa just 400 m from the beach with extraordinary sea and mountain views. Enjoy the epitome of luxury with high-end materials throughout, lift, exeptional master suite with his and hers bath and dressing room, impressive solarium with pool. 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, built area approx. 1,033 m2 , plot approx. 990 m2 | Price: 6,500,000 €, E&V ID: W-02OW7C

Guadalmina Alta: Charming frontline golf villa with exceptional golf views.

3 beds, 5 baths, built area approx. 459 m², plot approx. 957 m².

Price 2,550,000 €, E&V ID W-02S38N

La Quinta: Luxury penthouse with panoramic views in a resort-style community. 4 beds, 4 baths, interior area approx. 167 m², terrace approx. 163 m².

Price 2,490,000 €, E&V ID W-02SKME

Golden Mile: Great opportunity to purchase a newly built villa in a prime location. 5 beds, 6 baths, built area approx 883 m2 , plot approx 1,495 m2

Price 3,900,000 €, E&V ID W-02SV9P

Golden Mile: Spectacular duplex penthouse with fantastic views close to the beach. 3 beds, 3 baths, built area approx. 395 m², terraces approx. 200 m².

Price 2,900,000 €, E&V ID W-02QHYR

ANDREA BLACKWELL andrea@essentialmagazine.com

MARISA CUTILLAS marisa@essentialmagazine.com

ANDREA BLACKWELL, INMA AURIOLES design@essentialmagazine.com

MÓNIKA BÖJTI essential@essentialmagazine.com

IAIN BLACKWELL (JAMES SINCLAIR), ANDREA BLACKWELL (MADDIE QUINN), MICHEL CRUZ, ALICIA DUGGAN, ANDREW LINN, CHRIS MCCANN, JENNIFER PELEGRIN, TANYA VERGARA, TONY WHITNEY editorial@essentialmagazine.com

MARIANO JEVA cuentas@essentialmagazine.com

KEVIN HORN www.photographermarbella.com

VICTORIA SWAROVSKI STEFAN IMIELSKI

JIMÉNEZ GODOY A. GRÁFICAS, MURCIA D.L. MA-512-99

JUST MADE THE RECORD BREAKING SALE IN MARBELLA THIS YEAR.

ASKING PRICE 17 950 000 €

This resort-style Finca Azur was sold off market. Congratulations to our lovely buyers and to the developer, Matterhorn who designed & built this extraordinary Finca Azur. Sold by our Strand Properties agents Cristina Galán & Sorin Mailat.

If you wish to hear more about properties that have not even hit the market yet, contact us. If you are considering selling your property, we would love to help you with that. Strand Properties sells homes in a new way with a modern and fresh marketing to a wide international client base. Our high-quality pictures, sales styling and exceptional marketing concept will bring out the best of your property.

Come and visit us at our offices in Puerto Banús, Málaga, Fuengirola and Palma de Mallorca.

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE FROM US TO YOU. +34 676 90 15 19 | INFO@STRAND.ES | STRAND.ES

The world's leading brand with the best local expertise

Sierra Blanca

DONE TO PERFECTION! STUNNING ARCHITECTURE AND BEAUTIFUL INTERIOR DESIGN

It is not only about living in the best address in Marbella, but also about living in a villa almost out of a designer's book. This villa was recently completed, where every detail was chosen to provide a luxury living experience. Spacious kitchen with casual dining area, formal dining room with bar, spectacular wellness area, cinema room, wine cellar, beautiful office, and a stunning gazebo with fully equipped outdoor kitchen, as well as a children's playground.

Property Information

5 beds | 7 baths

Built approx. 716 m2 | Plot approx. 1,854 m

Because buying and selling a property is a matter of trust!

Cascada de Camoján

AN ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE WITH PANORAMIC SEA VIEWS AND HIGH-END AMENITIES

Camojan 5 residence is definitely one of the most beautiful villas for sale in Marbella today. Discover the epitome of refined living at this exquisite contemporary villa poised with some of the most incredible panoramic sea and mountain views. Designed to the finest details, this magnificent villa offers 5* hotel amenities such as a fully-equipped gym and a luxurious spa area with indoor pool, hammam and sauna, cinema, games room and bar.

Property Information

6 beds | 7 baths Built approx. 1,125 m2 | Plot approx. 2,000 m

WORDS BY IAIN BLACKWELL PUBLISHER

WOMEN KEEP THE WORLD GOING ROUND

Welcome to our October edition dedicated to today’s women of the world. With their energy, creativity, dedication and passion, women are crucial for our planet’s health.

We begin with a focus on the most prominent Women’s Groups on the Coast, which hold regular meetings and host events for their members.

Following on, don’t miss our profile on multi-award winning actress Cate Blanchett, and our interview with Victoria Swarovski, who has recently acquired a property at the exclusive The Gallery

by Minotti in Marbella. We also talk with journalist and TV producer/presenter, Nicole King about her new programme, Good Morning Spain, on the 7TV Andalucía channel.

Check out the exotic style on display with the Roberto Cavalli 2024 Resort Collection, and a new line of luxury loungewear from My Kimono.

Elsewhere in these pages, imagine an idyllic sojourn in the Greek islands or the wind caressing your hair on board the new Ferrari Roma Spider. Consider a pampering experience at THE FLAG hotel in Estepona, and find out why Barbillón is set to become a stalwart on the Marbella dining scene.

“A feminist is anyone who recognises the equality and full humanity of women and men”

Gloria Steinem

• No.1 golf resort in Europe

• Gated community with 24 hours security

• Stunning hillside location boasting fabulous sea, golf and lake views

• 5 star Anantara Villa Padierna Hotel & Spa

• Exclusive beach club inaugurated by Michelle Obama

• Active, lavish lifestyle www.losflamingos.co.uk

Los Flamingos Golf Resort

BY MARBELLA CHOICE

Villa

our choice

– Los Flamingos

Exceptional 5 bedroom villa located in the luxurious sought after urbanization of Los Flamingos. The villa has been unified over 2 delightful plots providing uninterrupted views to the Mediterranean cost and Gibraltar and distributed over 4 floors incorporating a private Master Bedroom suite located on the top floor. Special features includes fully equipped Spa with professional gymnasium with Technogym equipment, a sauna, steam room, a huge Jacuzzi, massage room, fully fitted bar, professional top of the range home cinema system.

3328 sqm plot 1,207 sqm built 5 beds, 9 baths

6,995,000 €

One of oldest and most experienced luxury real estate agencies in Marbella Unparalleled knowledge of the resort • Personalized property portfolio

Marbella Choice Properties – the leading agent in Los Flamingos since 2004

Ananda

Casa Colinas – Monte Mayor

From here to eternity

Private, secluded estate located in a privileged position within a gated community with 24 hour security where you can enjoy undisturbed peace and tranquillity. With 450 meters above sea level, it is built into a south west facing mountain slope and stands solitary as the last villa on the edge of a protected national park. It offers magnificent views to the mountains, the national park and the Mediterranian Sea where no roads, properties or cities will ever find room to spoil the view.

Soothe your soul on the idyllic Greek islands of Santorini, Mykonos, and Corfu. Follow the career trajectory of talented thespian, Cate Blanchett, and see our interview with Victoria Swarovski. Find out about different women’s groups on the coast.

« BACK TO CONTENTS

26 Greek Islands

38 The Flag

46 Ferrari Roma Spider

54 Cate Blanchett

sspotlight

60 Victoria Swarovski

70 Conspiracy Theories

82 Solar Canals

88 Women’s Groups on the Coast

GREEK ISLANDS

IDYLLIC VILLAGES AMID AZURE SEAS

Draped in myths and kissed by the sun, the Greek islands are more than just vacation spots – they are timeless tales waiting to unfold. Scattered like pearls across the Aegean and Ionian seas, these islands carry the whispers of ancient gods, the aromas of Mediterranean cuisine, and the melodies of age-old traditions. Their shores, varying from sandy embraces to rocky outcrops, frame pristine beaches and waters that shimmer in every conceivable shade of blue.

From the sundappled terraces of Santorini to the verdant landscapes of Kefalonia, each island has its own story to tell. Beyond their natural beauty, it's the villages that are the heartbeat of these islands. They're where time seems to slow down, where local life thrives in harmony with nature, and where every sunset is a celebration.

Narrow, cobbled pathways wind their way through these villages, revealing hidden squares, family-run tavernas, and age-old chapels. Whitewashed houses with blue shutters reflect the golden glow of the sun, creating postcard-worthy scenes at every turn. But it's not just the visual allure that captivates. The warmth of the locals, the enticing aromas wafting

from kitchens, and the gentle lullabies of the sea create an ambiance that's both enchanting and comforting. As we delve deeper into the heart of some of its islands, prepare to be charmed by the magic, traditions, and tales of their idyllic villages. Join us on this journey, and let the allure of the Greek islands weave its spell on you. ›

SANTORINI: SUNSETS AND SERENITY

At the heart of the Aegean, cradled within a vast caldera, lies Santorini, an island that has been witness to some of nature's most awe-inspiring performances. The aftermath of a monumental volcanic eruption has given this gem its current form, but rather

than a tale of destruction, Santorini offers a narrative of rebirth and unparalleled beauty.

Stepping onto the island feels like entering an artist's most treasured canvas. The cliff-perched town of Fira greets visitors with cascades of white-washed buildings that tumble, almost playfully, towards the deep blue sea. Every corner offers a panoramic vista of the caldera, and come evening, the skies are set ablaze with sunsets that poets dream of.

Further north, Oia stands as a testament to Santorini’s ethereal charm. Known globally for its iconic sunsets, it's here that time

seems to slow down, as the golden hues of dusk dance upon the island's famed blue-domed churches. But Santorini is not just a visual treat. Beneath its picturesque facade lies a rich tapestry of history. The ruins of ancient Thera, perched high on Mesa Vouno mountain, offer a glimpse into the island's Hellenistic past. In contrast, the archaeological site of Akrotiri reveals a Minoan city that was frozen in time, preserved under layers of volcanic ash. Wandering through its ancient streets and buildings, one can almost hear the echoes of a civilisation that thrived over 3,500 years ago. ›

Rebeca Ker Hoshen / Shutterstock.com

BEACHES THAT NARRATE GEOLOGICAL TALES

The diverse tapestry of Santorini's beaches tells tales that span millennia, each grain of sand and craggy rock shaped by powerful natural forces. The island's coastline, a living testament to its tumultuous geological history, captivates geologists and travellers alike.

Red Beach, a true spectacle, is ensconced by looming scarlet cliffs formed from solidified lava and red volcanic stones. As waves gently caress the russet sands, one can't help but be reminded of the fiery

eruptions that gave birth to such dramatic landscapes. The stark contrast between the azure waters and the crimson backdrop makes it a popular spot for both sunbathers and photographers.

Kamari and Perissa, on the other hand, offer a starkly different panorama. Their expansive stretches of pitchblack sands, remnants of volcanic activity, gleam under the Grecian sun. Lined with bustling cafes and sunbeds, they provide a perfect blend of leisure and natural wonder. The waters here are clear, offering underwater enthusiasts a chance to

explore vibrant marine life amid unique volcanic rock formations.

Further afield, Vlychada stands out with its sculpted pumice stone cliffs, shaped over time by wind and water. Often termed the 'moon beach', its otherworldly ambience provides a serene escape from the more frequented spots.

Every shore on this island, whether bustling or tranquil, narrates a chapter from Santorini's profound geological saga, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its ancient and ever-evolving story.

GASTRONOMY AND VINICULTURE

To truly understand Santorini, one must indulge in its culinary offerings. The island's unique volcanic soil lends its produce a distinctive flavour. Savour 'fava', a creamy dish made from the island’s unique yellow split peas, or relish the crispness of a local white eggplant.

VISITESSENTIALMAGA

And of course, the experience is not complete without tasting the wines, especially the Assyrtiko, a grape variety that has adapted to the island's mineral-rich soil and thrives in the shadow of its volcanic legacy.

In the grand theatre of nature and history, Santorini plays a lead role. It's an island where every sunset holds a story, every building sings a song of resilience, and every bite offers a taste of the earth's bounty. For the discerning traveller, Santorini promises not just a journey through miles, but through millennia. ›

MYKONOS: ISLAND OF THE WINDS AND WAVES

Resting in the embrace of this crystalline sea, the renowned Mykonos emerges, exuding an intoxicating mix of history and hedonism. Over centuries, this Cycladic gem has evolved, intertwining its rich legacy with contemporary allure, drawing seekers of both solace and celebration to its shimmering shores. At its heart lies Mykonos Town, also known as Chora, a pristine lattice of narrow alleyways and whitewashed structures. Wander and you'll find history etched in every corner. The iconic windmills, having borne witness to countless sunrises, are reminiscent of a time when these islands thrived on grain

trade. These structures, though no longer operational, hold stories of merchants, sailors, and the ever-changing Aegean winds.

Delving deeper into Chora, you'll stumble upon the Aegean Maritime Museum, a repository of the island's seafaring past. Displaying intricate ship models, ancient maps, and nautical instruments, it chronicles the ageold romance between the Mykonians and the boundless sea. A stone's throw away, the Paraportiani Church, with its asymmetrical, whitewashed facades, stands as a testament to the architectural ingenuity of the islanders in the bygone era.

Yet, Mykonos is as much about its vibrant present as its storied past. The beaches, each with its unique aura, beckon. Paradise Beach, with its golden sands and azure waters, thrums with energy, drawing the young and the restless. Beach clubs blare music, cocktails flow, and the dance of life unfolds. Contrastingly, the less-trodden sands of Agios Sostis offer solace to those seeking whispered conversations with the waves. ›

The island of Mykonos

As twilight paints the sky, a stroll through Little Venice is imperative. Named for its resemblance to the Italian city, this district, with its houses perched on the edge, seems to rise from the sea itself. From the balconies of age-old mansions converted to chic bars and eateries, watch as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the waters. Here, in the soft murmur of the waves and the echo of clinking glasses, one feels the pulse of

Mykonos – ancient, yet ever young, always welcoming.

CORFU: A MOSAIC OF CULTURES AND NATURE’S GRANDEUR

Set against the backdrop of the glistening Ionian Sea, Corfu unfolds like a lush tapestry woven with threads of history, nature, and unspoiled beauty. Often hailed as the ‘Emerald Isle’ due to its verdant landscapes and olive groves, this island pulsates with a life that is

both exuberant and reflective, offering solace to those who seek it and adventures for the intrepid.

Corfu’s history is as layered as its terrains. The island bears imprints of its varied conquerors and settlers: the Venetians, the British, the French, and the Byzantines, each of whom have left indelible marks on its architecture, culture, and soul. The Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a testament to this legacy.

Porto Timoni beach, Corfu island

Wandering through its narrow alleyways feels like flipping through pages of a living history book, with stories echoing off its fortress walls, elegant Venetian houses, and ancient churches. The iconic Liston promenade, with its European architectural influences, is reminiscent of the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, offering a delightful area for an evening passeggiata.

Yet, beyond its man-made wonders, Corfu is a paradise for nature lovers. The island boasts a diverse ecosystem, from the serene beaches of

Paleokastritsa, known for their crystal-clear waters and secret coves, to the imposing Mount Pantokrator, the highest peak on the island, offering panoramic views of Corfu’s diverse landscapes and even distant Albania.

For those drawn to the mysteries of the deep, Corfu’s underwater world is just as enchanting. The island’s northeastern coastline, dotted with caves and sheltered spots, provides an ideal setting for diving and snorkelling, revealing a vibrant marine life that includes starfish, sponges,

and, occasionally, the elusive seahorse.

A journey to Corfu would be incomplete without indulging in its culinary delights, which are a delectable blend of Greek traditions and Venetian influences. Dishes such as ‘pastitsada’ (a rich meat stew) and ‘bourdeto’ (a spicy fish soup) capture the essence of the island’s gastronomic heritage. And for those with a sweet tooth, the ‘kumquat’ liqueur, made from the island’s signature citrus fruit, offers a taste that lingers both on the palate and in the memory. ›

On top of Melissani Cave near Sami village in Kefalonia island

Porto Katsiki beach, Lefkada island

As the sun sets, painting the Ionian skies in hues of lavender and gold, Corfu takes on a mystical quality. The soft murmur of the waves, the gentle rustling of the olive trees, and the distant notes of a mandolin create a symphony that encapsulates the island’s spirit. It’s a place where the weight of history merges seamlessly with the spontaneity of nature, resulting in an experience that transcends the boundaries of time.

In Corfu, each day feels like a rediscovery, a chance

to delve deeper into its many wonders, and to be continually surprised by its capacity to charm, inspire, and rejuvenate. It stands, not just as an island, but as a timeless ode to the beauty of the Aegean, beckoning travellers to lose and find themselves in its embrace.

INTROSPECTIVE FOCUS

The Greek Islands are more than just destinations; they are stories waiting to be lived, songs waiting to be sung. With each island presenting a tapestry of

experiences interwoven with history, culture, and nature, the traveller is not merely a visitor but becomes a part of the island's ageold narrative. As you stroll through the cobbled pathways, you're treading on the footsteps of ancient Greeks, philosophers, and legends who once graced these lands. With every bite of their traditional dishes, you taste the love and labour of countless generations that have nurtured these recipes, making them a cherished part of their heritage.

Kato Mili windmill at sunset and the Aegean Sea, Mykonos

Moreover, the islands teach the value of slowing down, of cherishing sunsets, of embracing conversations under starlit skies. They remind us that life's greatest pleasures often lie in the simplest of moments: the joy of seeing a fisherman's catch of the day, the serenity in listening to the waves crash against the shores, or the thrill of dancing to the rhythm of traditional music at a local festivity. In essence, the Greek Islands are not just a trip but a soulful journey, an exploration not just of places but of

inner horizons. They promise not only memories but emotions that linger, stories that continue to echo long after you've left their shores. As you set forth on this voyage, remember the words of the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus: "You cannot step into the same river twice." For every visit to these islands will offer a new perspective, a fresh story, a different song. So, as the Greeks lovingly wish, "Καλό ταξίδι!" (Kaló taxídi!) – May your travels be filled with wonder and heartwarming memories! e

Beach near the white rocks of Vlychada town of Santorini island

THE FLAG

COSTA DEL SOL

A HOTEL WITH THE COMFORT OF APARTMENT-STYLE

LIVING

Marbella is enjoying a true renaissance of tourism, with the Marbella City Council reporting that hotel occupancy reached over 74% in April alone, and many resorts enjoying full occupancy during the peak summer months. Such is the demand that Málaga aims to triple its close-to 1,000 five-star hotel rooms, with Mayor, Francisco de la Torre, emphasising the importance of quality over quantity when it comes to its target market.

Not only is there a bigger demand for luxury, but also for comfort.

With top travel influencers and bloggers informing their readers that Marbella takes more than a week to enjoy to the full, more travellers are looking for accommodation that feels like a home away from

home. And that is where THE FLAG Costa del Sol, launched in Estepona, comes into the picture. This hotel comprises fully furnished apartments designed for long- and short-term stays alike. As is the case with popular tourist destinations like London, Paris, or Vienna, there is a greater demand for

accommodation that provides the space and luxury of apartment living, while still offering guests the amenities of living in a hotel. THE FLAG Costa del Sol is specifically targeted at adults and offers them an undisturbed, carefree experience, with a myriad of apartment types to choose from, ranging from 60m2 to 382m2 ›

Facilities include a fully functional kitchen, balcony or loggia, floor-level bathroom and rain shower, fully automatic air-conditioning, partial or full furnishing, and more. Allround service includes 24-hour reception with concierge service, group excursions, cultural and culinary events, and a free shuttle bus to Marbella. As you would expect of a luxury hotel in this area, apartment service includes regular cleaning with a change of towels and bed linen.

There is plenty to enjoy within the hotel itself – including an exclusive garden with regional plants and wildlife, a wellness area with a sauna, and a fully equipped fitness zone with modern equipment. There is also a beautifully designed, heated saltwater outdoor, 20-metre swimming pool, refreshment bar where fresh fruit, water and tea are served, and lounge area with a cosy fireplace for relaxation and socialising. There is even a library with books and magazines in a host of languages – perfect for those who like to catch up on the news back home or even work with their laptop in a quiet, amenable spot. ›

The Hotel hooks you up with other services if required. For instance, they can help you book an on-site medical treatment with professionals from internationally renowned practices and clinics. There are a host of optional extras and you can enjoy a meal if you like at the restaurant, tucking into ‘energy cuisine’ that is adapted to your individual dietary needs and wishes. You can also opt for meal delivery to your apartment, or book treatments

such as massage and physiotherapy (or a workout session with a personal trainer). And if you have a special party to attend, why not book the services of a hairdresser, beautician, and manicurepedicure specialist?

The Hotel can help you arrange just about any experience you can think of. Need a car to take you shopping, assistance for relatives needing accommodation, or a simple car rental? THE FLAG can sort it out for

you. They can also organise everything from airport transport to laundry service, storage for personal items, and even a moving service. THE FLAG has entered into an exclusive partnership with the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace, under which residents of THE FLAG Costa del Sol are welcome at the resort to play golf, tennis, or relax with a cocktail at the elegant beach club by the sea.

WWW.THE-FLAG.DE

FERRARI ROMA SPIDER

In conjuring up an image of the perfect Ferrari, most people who love fine cars would describe something with a long bonnet, hiding a superlative V-12 engine (petrol-fuelled, of course). It would also have to be a soft top convertible and not one of those mid-engined coupés with the removable plastic roof panel now adopted by so many supercar manufacturers. Sadly, all too many front-engined convertibles have been lost to the market, but not at Ferrari, where the Roma Spider promises to reign in this dwindling class.

WORDS TONY WHITNEY

Ferrari uses the word ‘Spider’ to describe its convertibles. It’s an old coachwork term that goes way back to the days of horse-drawn carriages. German makers like Audi spell it differently but Spider or Spyder, it’s still a full convertible, or should be. It also marks a return to the soft top rather than an overly-complex folding hardtop. Surprisingly, Ferrari has not produced a frontengined car with a fabric hood since 1969. We looked in vain for a V-12, but there won’t be too many complaints about a twin-turbo V-8 developing 612-horsepower. It’s sad to see the demise of V-12 powerplants but the latest V-8s are just as powerful and offer better fuel economy. Transmission is an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic. ›

The design of the Roma Spider is remarkably clean and uncluttered with no unsightly ducting and spoilers to mar the svelte lines. It looks superb with the hood down (and up!) and it’s quite a piece of engineering despite its retro basics. It powers down under a panel behind the cockpit and there’s only a modest ‘hump’ around the boot area. It takes just 13.5-seconds to deploy and this exercise can be carried out at speeds of up to 50 km/h. The fabric has multiple layers and is beautifully lined so that when the hood is in place

on a rainy day, you’ll feel as cosy as you would in a coupé. Also in the boot area is a computer-controlled active spoiler, hidden beneath a panel most of the time, which is programmed specifically for the Spider. More often than not, convertibles have entirely different aerodynamics to their coupé counterparts.

Climb in behind the opulent and controlbedecked leather-wrapped wheel of the Roma Spider and you’ll find yourself enjoying the delightful ambiance that comes with all Ferraris. It’s actually a 2+2 but even eight-year-

olds will complain about back seat room. Let’s just say that it’s a handy space to throw a couple of soft bags. Even so, they are fully upholstered and it is possible to squeeze in a small adult, though they probably won’t want to stay there too long. As with any modern car in just about any class, the Roma has the usual touch screens and digitised displays. They are very well executed and reasonable easy to scan. Buyers who desire an even more prominent carbon look can opt for an upgrade that adds additional hightech material. ›

The Ferrari Roma Spider is a welcome addition to a range of vehicles that has grown considerably in recent years. Its standout features add up to something close to a vintage approach and most potential buyers will love that. Ferrari has a long history of building convertibles that goes back to its earliest days and there’s always been something interesting in the range for fans of wind-in-the-face motoring. There’s something reassuring about a nicely uncluttered, front-engined roadster with a fabric hood. It’s a reminder of the days when there were more open supercars than closed versions, so every Roma Spider comes with a good dose of nostalgia. e

» ENGINE 3.9-litre twin-turbo V-8 612-horsepower.

» TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic.

» ACCELERATION Zero to 100 km/h in 3.4-secs.

» TOP SPEED 320-km/h.

» I LIKED Wonderful vintage approach that incorporates a front engine and a fabric hood. Outstanding drivetrain with powerful V-8 and 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Usual superlative Ferrari fit and finish.

» I DIDN’T LIKE Porsche Turbo S Convertible is a lot less expensive.

» MARKET ALTERNATIVES

Aston Martin DB11, Bentley Continental, Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S.

» WHO DRIVES ONE?

Certainly. Ferrari fans and owners will be lining up for one of these, even those who have a Roma coupé in the garage. Also new Ferrari adoptees who will be attracted by the appealing vintage features of the car

» PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

Availability upcoming at an estimated price of around €250.000.

RGZ Developers presents their new project

The Collection Camojan Marbella to more than 200 brokers and agencies

More than 200 guests, including brokers and representatives of agencies from all over the Costa del Sol, gathered last Thursday 14th September to see first-hand the new project by RGZ Developers, The Collection Camojan Marbella, which will be build in the private urbanisation Cascada de Camojan in Marbella.

The Collection Camojan Marbella is made up of five exclusive super luxury villas with five bedrooms and six bathrooms. Its exceptional attractions such as a spa with sauna, outdoor and indoor pool, private cinema, gym, underground garage for several vehicles and spectacular gardens, make this project a very attractive investment.

CATE BLANCHETT

A GUARANTEED GOOD TIME AT THE CINEMA

If you were enjoying a good whisky or a brandy with a fellow cinephile and one of you asked, “Who are the greatest actresses of the 20th century?” you would undoubtedly mention heavyweights like Katherine Hepburn, Bette Davis, and Joan Crawford… yet if you looked to current times, there are some great thespians who would match these divas par for the course. Think Olivia Colman in The Father, Tilda Swinton in I Am Love, or Cate Blanchett in Tár. These performances stick in our collective memory owing to their transformative quality

Raimi. Yet she is surprisingly down-to-earth, and this characteristic can, in many ways, be attributed to her land of birth: Australia. › and depth. Blanchett missed out on the Oscar for Tár, but took home a BAFTA and a Golden Globe for playing the disgraced orchestra conductor who was as brilliant as she was damaged – and as big a target for the mediocre as any genius of the arts.

Cate Blanchett has every reason to take herself seriously. She has received an enviable number of accolades and two Academy Awards for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress (for Blue Jasmine and The Aviator, respectively) as well as four Golden Globes, and nominations for a Tony and two Primetime Emmys. She is a highly coveted actress by directors ranging from Martin Scorsese to Steven Spielberg, Wes Anderson, and Sam

“WE ALL SAY A LOT OF THINGS, DON’T WE, ABOUT WHO WE ARE AND HOW WE THINK. BUT IN THE END IT’S YOUR ACTIONS, HOW YOU RESPOND TO CIRCUMSTANCES THAT REVEALS YOUR CHARACTER.”

She has often told the press that when she is Down Under, she hates it when strangers ask what she does for a living. This is because the acting profession isn’t taken quite so seriously there. At an event in Sydney, she told journalists, “The worst thing for us as an actor in Australia is getting in the back of the cab and a cabbie asking, ‘What do you do?’ Because you think, ‘Oh, God …’” It’s a rather funny thing to say, considering she is one of Australia’s biggest stars –and you would assume she would be instantly recognised in her homeland. Her perception is testimony to the laidback character of Aussies, but also, she says, to the fact that performance art is more highly prized in Tinseltown.

Cate is actually halfAmerican, though she was

born and raised in the leafy suburb of Ivanhoe, Melbourne. Her father was a US naval officer who fell in love with Cate’s mum when his ship broke down in Melbourne. As is the case for many actors, her passion for acting was instilled in her youth. In Cate’s case, the defining moment was when her mother took her to see The Mikado (starring Frank Thring) for the first time when she was seven. As a child, Cate was also heavily into piano, but her piano teacher noticed that her pupil’s true passion was in playing the part of a musician and suggested that she get into acting.

Cate was just 10 when a life-shattering event took place. Her father, aged 40 and an advertising executive at the time, died of a heart

attack. She found solace, as would be expected, in the arts, joining the school choir (she has a three-octave vocal range) and becoming the drama captain at her school. Upon graduation, she was accepted into Australia’s most renowned acting school – the National Institute of Dramatic Arts – the school attended by Mel Gibson, Judy Davis, and Baz Luhrmann.

She debuted onscreen in 1997, receiving her first Academy Award nomination just one year later – for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in the film, Elizabeth. In 1999, she shone in the critically acclaimed The Talented Mr. Ripley, alongside Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon, and Jude Law. One of her most memorable (and, many would say, best-cast) roles was that of Galadriel – the ethereal and ultra-powerful elf leader in The Lord of the Rings. The 2000s saw her consolidate her stardom in films like Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator, Babel, Notes on a Scandal, and – who could forget – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Hers isn’t a list of films; it’s more like a stampede! Between the years 2000 and 2010, she starred in over 25 of them!

Blue Jasmine

VISITESSENTIALMAGA

Still, any good Aussie will tell you that “Once a NIDA student, always a theatre lover,” and Cate has taken many pauses between films to hone her stage acting chops. She has done plenty of work with the Sydney Theatre Company, playing iconic characters like Blanche DuBois in Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, and Clytemnestra in

Sophocles’ Electra. Despite dividing most of her working time between the US and Australia, her home is in Sussex. She lives in a large countryside manor alongside her husband, playwright Andrew Upton, and their four kids.

With such an impressive career, you would think Cate had little time for a

personal life. In fact, she has managed to strike the perfect cord between professional and personal success. “I'm incredibly fortunate to have met the intelligent, generous, risk-taking, stimulating man to whom I am married. He's really amazing,” she said, adding, “If you age with somebody, you go through so many roles –you're lovers, friends, enemies, colleagues, strangers. You're brother and sister. That's what intimacy is, if you're with your soulmate.” ›

The actress’ filmography is no less than breathtaking and she has given life to so many powerful women, as well as to confused, lost, and insatiably ambitious ones. But if you had to catch just one of her films, then it should undoubtedly be Tár – Lydia Tár is such a complex, multi-layered being that you could only imagine Cate playing her. Her last work, The New Boy, ties her inexorably to the land of her birth. It is a mesmerising story of a nine-year-old Aboriginal orphan boy who arrives in the middle of the night at an outback monastery run by a kind nun (played by Blanchett). The child is mysterious and has a preternatural kinship with spirituality, forming a stark contrast to Blanchett’s ageing Catholic nun – who is riddled with flaws but is fully determined to change the child’s life for the better. Blanchett’s take on the role is humorous, brilliant, and idiosyncratic and many would say that the film is a gem that has put Australian cinema back on the map. The story is inspired by director, Warwick Thornton’s upbringing as an Aboriginal child who attended a Christian boarding school. It is deeply engrossing and, may I say, definitely worth your time – as is every film touched by the magic of Cate.

VICTORIA SWAROVSKI

FINDS HER HOME AWAY FROM HOME IN MARBELLA

The Swarovski empire is one of the biggest jewellery houses worldwide and its designs have graced some of the best known celebrities in the world. The crystals empire now has a meaningful new connection with Marbella thanks to Victoria Swarovski. The heiress recently joined forces with developer Roel Homes as Ambassador for The Gallery by Minotti in Marbella and has also acquired a villa of her own on the Costa del Sol. The Gallery by Minotti Marbella is nestled in a privileged area of more than 4.5 hectares that makes up an exclusive, gated, and completely private residential complex with the services of a five-star resort. essential’s Marisa Cutillas recently caught up with Victoria for an exclusive interview, which we hope inspires and uplifts you!

You recently purchased a home in The Gallery by Minotti Marbella. How often are you in Marbella and what parts of your new home do you think you’ll spend most time in?

As Marbella holds a special place in my heart, I try to spend as much time as my schedule allows here. I was looking to invest in a property to settle here further and was delighted to find The Gallery by Minotti Marbella. It is located in Palo Alto, just a short drive from Marbella.

I was positively taken by the attention to architectural detailing used throughout The Gallery’s properties. Natural light appears to be a large focus

of property developments here, through the use of glass walls and staggeringly high ceilings in living rooms. I’m looking forward to spending time with friends and family in such an open and breezy environment.

Most of my time on the property will likely be spent on the terrace, in the garden, or around the infinity pool. The property boasts breathtaking views of Marbella’s scenic beauty. I normally have an incredibly busy schedule between my work and family time, so having a moment to rejuvenate, find inspiration, and recharge was another deciding factor that led me to find a property here. ›

Why did you opt to buy your new home in Palo Alto?

I have always had a special connection with Marbella. My family has owned properties here and we have spent time during the year on the Coast. I was able to witness the transformation of Palo Alto from a new development into an established destination. Some of its most attractive features for me included the 24-hour security, privacy, and the new project and profile that is being given to the development. All this makes it the kind of destination I wish to be in.

What’s more, facilities such as the Palo Alto Club, the future Owner's Club, and other services they have there (such as the coworking area, the gym, the developing equestrian centre, and the spa) create a welcoming, homely environment.

What inspired you to partner up with The Gallery by Minotti Marbella and what does your work as Ambassador of the brand involve?

The collaboration with Roel Homes and its project in Palo Alto was born from my unwavering pursuit for exquisite design and quality craftsmanship. The properties

The Gallery by Minotti Marbella has developed remind me of high-end properties in Los Angeles’ Hollywood Hills. It was remarkable to see something similar in Europe.

As the brand ambassador, my role encompasses a range of exciting responsibilities. Firstly, I work closely with the talented architect team at Villarroel Architects to showcase their unique vision of these remarkable villas. This involves participating in various events, filming a captivating video, and engaging media campaigns, all aimed at highlighting the beauty and uniqueness that The Gallery and Palo Alto offer.

How often do you visit Marbella and what are the aspects you most like about life on the Coast?

I visit Marbella as often as possible. Its vibrant atmosphere, international residents, rich cultural heritage, and year-round mild climate make it an appealing destination. It offers the perfect balance of relaxation, high-quality living standards, and engaging experiences, making each visit an opportunity to unwind and enjoy life. The city isn’t too large, either, so it’s easy to get around. It’s home away from home for me!

Tell me about your role as a fashion and beauty influencer and what it’s like to be the presenter of the TV show, Dance Germany. I really enjoy the rush of hosting and I have worked towards being confident in front of the camera and large audiences throughout the years. There are long hours involved and having an opinion on the industry is crucial if I am to perform my job to the best of my ability.

I like to use my social media platform to showcase my life and am proud of the work I’ve put into my career as a television presenter. I enjoy the feminine side of my job and share this on my social media. I’m lucky to wear beautiful designs made with craftsmanship and attention to detail.

What does luxury mean to you and how important is it in your life?

The meaning of luxury is very subjective. For me, it represents an exquisite experience that evokes a sense of beauty through design and exceptional craftsmanship. A luxurious experience involves elevating one’s senses either through classical or new wave music, outstanding design, unique

cultural exposure, or healthy and well-prepared food. It’s about curating taste and making choices that align with your values. Whether it is a meticulously crafted piece of jewellery, a beautiful painting, a beautifully decorated living space, or an unforgettable travel experience, luxury leaves an impression of inspiration through artistry and attention to detail.

They say the best things in life are free. What free things in life do you value the most?

There is an undeniable truth in this universal statement. Fostering close and meaningful relationships in both my personal and professional lives has been a rewarding and heartfelt investment. I’m very lucky to have a supportive and inspiring group of friends, colleagues, and family members around me who genuinely want the best for me and push me to strive to be the best version of myself. Having a community to fall back on, engage with, and seek genuine advice from has been a cornerstone of my overall positivity and strong work ethic.

Being Austrian and having grown up in Innsbruck, spending time in the boundless beauty of nature came very naturally to my family and me. During the winter, we would go skiing and in the summer, we either went hiking in the mountains or swimming in the many lakes that the Austrian countryside has to offer. I have been fortunate to travel rather extensively within my lifetime and experience our planet’s diversity of climates, landscapes, and terrains first-hand. All this brings a sense of awe and a feeling of being grounded.

And finally, being mindful and working actively on both my physical and mental health over

the years has been invaluable. I have a very active life so it helps to combat my anxieties, self-doubts, and fatigue by nourishing my body with healthy, well-balanced meals. Being physically active and checking in with myself to address fatigue or mental blockages gives me the balance I need to be the best version of myself professionally and personally.

Aside from being a presenter, you have a singing and songwriting career, brand ambassadorships and various demands on your time. To what extent do you value self-care and what steps do you take to avoid burnout?

I use my own self-care methods to stay balanced both physically and mentally because it’s true – I am very busy. I enjoy my work immensely, but we’re all susceptible to taking on too much and facing burnout. Therefore, I rely on physical exercises such as Pilates, hiking, and water-skiing to be physically fit, centre myself, disconnect from work, and enjoy a sense of tranquillity. Sleep is very important, so I make it a priority. Lastly, I have a supportive network of family, friends, and professionals.

Tell me about the process of creating your skincare range. What were some of the biggest challenges you encountered and how did you

overcome them?

Creating the ORIMEI Beauty skincare range was an exciting and fulfilling journey. The process involved extensive research, collaborating with experts who understood the industry and had honed their own niches within the beauty sector, and a commitment to quality skincare products and high-quality packaging. One of the biggest challenges was formulating products that effectively addressed various skin concerns while maintaining a clean and sustainable approach. Persistence, innovation, and a genuine passion for skincare helped overcome any challenges, leading to the development of a successful and trusted skincare range.

What are some of the most interesting technologies used in ORIMEI skincare?

ORIMEI skincare incorporates innovative and cuttingedge technologies to deliver effective results. It incorporates natural extracts and botanical ingredients known for their beneficial properties.

What does having a good quality of life mean to you?

I think that a good quality of life encompasses a sense of mental and physical wellbeing. It involves finding fulfilment

through my career, but also the smaller, day-to-day aspects of life such as having a nice sit-down dinner with my family or reconnecting with old friends. It additionally encompasses finding a balance between your personal and professional pursuits, maintaining strong relationships, and nurturing a sense of purpose.

What artists, musicians, writers, or other people inspire you?

There are two women who really inspire me and have taught me a lot over the years. First is the American singer and songwriter, Beyoncé, not only for her dedication to her career and her talent but also for her grounded approach to her 20-year relationship with Jay-Z and her unwavering focus on her family.

The second woman is my mother. I personally know how many hours she puts into our family-run business. What’s more, she embraces and studies new media strategies as the media landscape has changed so much over the past two decades. She somehow finds a way to run an international business, lead our family, and find time for herself. Her work ethic and elegance have been (and always will be) a true source of inspiration for me.

Who are your favourite fashion designers?

I do love Christian Dior, Hermès, and brands from LVMH and Kering. But I equally enjoy shopping in smaller boutique stores in Marbella and finding a piece that is unique or one that few people are likely to have. Sourcing a design before it hits the mass market is a novelty I look forward to.

Rather than focusing on brand names, I prefer to invest in garments that are versatile, with an attention to detail and impeccable craftsmanship. I think it’s not what you wear but how you wear it that counts!

Any favourite Swarovski designs?

From a sentimental standpoint, the Nirvana ring created by my father (which was released in 1998) stands out. I not only love the design of the ring but am also immensely proud of him for putting this piece together.

The new collection is also beautiful. We onboarded Giovanna Battaglia, who has brought a modern, playful quality to our family-run business. She has really inspired me through her vision for the company and I’ve enjoyed watching the business develop under her creative influence.

Any exciting future plans you can share?

I’m always excited about the future and what it holds. While specific plans are constantly evolving, I am looking forward to participating with the architects in creating my house in The Gallery by Minotti Marbella, in Palo Alto, as I’ve never so closely engaged and worked with a team of architects before. So this involvement is completely new to me and will serve as a massive learning experience.

VICTORIA SWAROVSKI:

WWW.VICTORIASWAROVSKI.COM

THE GALLERY BY MINOTTI:

EXCLUSIVE SALES BY ENGEL & VÖLKERS MARBELLA

TEL: (+34) 823 904.

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CONSPIRACY THEORIES

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?

Conspiracies are a big thing these days. We live in turbulent times, so it’s almost natural that this should be so, and while the ideas put forward range from deluded to probable, the official response is to class anyone who questions government communiqués as conspiracy theorists. Oh yes, and that means you’re ‘bad’.

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ADOBE STOCK AND UNSPLASH

They’re so popular these days that governments and m ainstream media outlets are working hard to brand anyone who believes in or propagates conspiracy theories as a dangerous enemy of the people. This increased tendency to curb our right to theorise about events in itself sounds as dangerous as the more violently crackpot ideas, which could perhaps encourage the volatile among us to undert ake dangerous actions. However, in reality the vast majority of conspiracy theorists do little more than talk.

Thesourceofmany ©conspiracytheories

Aidan Bartos © Unsplash

Not surprisingly, it’s not a new phenomenon either, but something that goes way back. People tend to be more open to alternative accounts of major events when they are not happy with the state of society, feel they are not listened to, or are alienated, which explains why they’re gaining ground right now. Everybody from the left to the right seems unhappy in this increasingly violent, polarised world, and since time immemorial it’s the apparently secretive and/or powerful that rightly or wrongly draw attention.

THE BIRTH OF MODERN CONSPIRACY THEORIES

For this reason, groups such as the Jewish communities, Freemasons and the Illuminati have raised suspicion, generally without any consistent evidence. It is the event-based conspiracy theories that have become more typical of the modern era, and some remain hard to shake. Examples include the UFOrelated suspicions of government cover-ups that followed on from the strange but perhaps circumstantial occurrences surrounding the famous Roswell Incident of 1947. ›

What is the truth behind the 9/11 attacks?

These have, of course, been fed no end by the rather odd combination of secrecy and denial exercised especially by the US government and military on the topic of UFOs, and this helped to create suspicions that the moon landing of 1969 was actually just a propaganda show created in a film studio. We want to think this is impossible because we need to be able to believe, but who’s to know for sure? But there’s more. President Eisenhower’s cryptic outgoing message warning the world of the rising power of the ‘Military Industrial Complex’ was followed by a renewed period of instability and conflict, culminating in the prolonged Vietnam War and the suspicious assassination

of his successor, President John F. Kennedy. If the death of JFK raised eyebrows, the subsequent circus was suspicious enough for doubts to grow with each passing decade. JFK’s supposed assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, was arrested and then himself shot dead on live television by a shady character called Jack Ruby, who was subsequently convicted and conveniently died of cancer in prison just a few years later. The Warren Commission that investigated the whole affair neatly rounded off this mess by concluding that Oswald was a lone nutcase and Ruby a lone avenger who killed the assassin out of grief. Subsequent analysis

of events using modern technology sheds further doubt on the whole story, and this has fuelled fears that the whole thing was set in motion by the CIA.

THEIR RESURGENCE

While most of the conspiracy theories surrounding these events have continued to gather momentum over time, there weren’t any major new additions for several decades. That is, until 9/11. Once again, the testimony of experts and many who were on the ground on that fateful day cast a great deal of doubt upon the official version of what took place. Added to this are a series of strange events that occurred just before, during and after the attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, which included the fact that none of the USA’s airspace control systems seemed to have been capable of intercepting the aircraft when they deviated from their flightpaths. ›

CBDCs – convenient currency or method of control?

The people who believe in conspiracy theories the most tend to be anti-establishment and disillusioned with ‘the system’. At the time of 9/11, and before, they belonged primarily to the Left, but interestingly enough it is now mostly but not exclusively people from the Right who are embracing populist ideas of this kind. The Financial Crisis of 2008 seems to strike a chord with both, as it added fuel to older suspicions involving the founding of the Federal Reserve – and the fact that this US central bank is privately controlled. Tied in with this is persistent mistrust in who really ‘runs the show’, as some shadowy characters are seen to manipulate things from a

distance.

It is tempting to believe in this as well as to think that is a crackpot notion, especially when the ‘evidence’ invariable points to a white guy (probably Jewish) stroking a cat in sinister Bond-villain style. But, all joking aside, while searching for an easy scapegoat for the ills of the world is the domain of the feebleminded, most of us do agree that too much wealth and power rests with too small and omnipotent a group. They are inevitably involved with Big Pharma, Big Finance, Big Oil and Big Media, and through their staggering wealth are known to exercise great influence with governments. The extent to which is the question. We

often hear about the public debt of our governments, but never really who they are indebted to.

DARK FORCES OR DANGEROUS LUNATICS?

And so, the economic conspiracy theories grow, drawing further impetus from the introduction of FIAT money by Nixon (himself no noted economist) and the ever-growing power of mega corporations to the rise of mega corporations such as BlackRock, which now seems to have a hand in everything ranging from PepsiCo to Coca Cola and Apple to Microsoft. In other words, it seems to own a bit of everything, which is very nice for those who control it.

Is the World Economic Forum a platform for global control? © Evangeline Shaw © Unsplash

To the environment, and more specifically the issue of climate change. Right wing conspiracy theorists tend to deny there is an issue with the climate or indeed pollution, and say it is all another ruse to control and tax us. While you only need to look around you to see a world immersed in litter and pollution, and temperatures do seem to be on the rise, it is strange that the very same governments and corporations that resisted doing much more than pay lip service to the environment for so many decades now have sprung into action with a fervour that is unsettling. Yes, politicians and industrialists are now preaching to us, the public, as if we hold the

strings and produce the sea of plastic that increasingly clings to our world.

Even so, this isn’t proof of a complot, but there is something unnerving about the way in which many western governments are embracing the 15-Minute City and vilifying farmers, not industrialists – as is the case in The Netherlands. Just to prove that not every inconvenience for the authorities can be swept aside as the lunacy of dangerous conspiracy theorists, the new pro-farmer party became the largest during the recent Dutch general elections.

THE ELEPHAN IN THE ROOM

We’ll steer away from allegations of weather manipulation and chemtrails on this occasion and focus on The Big One. Yes, Covid. Many a former follower of the system stopped believing during this rather unique period in the history of mankind. Never before did the entire world grind to a halt overnight because of an epidemic, and by comparison to the pestilence and influenzas that came before,

this was a little more than a flue season that got out of hand. It seems a callous thing to say, but even the official figures quote about three million deaths due to Covid (which many question), and that represents less than 4% of the people who die every year, or about one in every 2,667 living on the planet at the time of the pandemic.

Now you might rightly say that it is better to overreact and in so doing save lives, but it remains strange that so many countries shut down so quickly and behaved in almost identical ways overnight. Suddenly there was a lockdown, curfew and people could not leave their homes. Police patrolled the streets, visually outnumbering ambulances in all but the first month of the crisis, and when allowed to venture out, movement was restricted and masks were obligatory, even though it is pretty obvious that if you can breathe through them particles can also enter your system. In other words, they were not effective, and this is now also known to be the case of the vaccines that were practically forced upon entire populations. ›

At the time, they were the elixirs of life, the saviours of the planet, and their Big Pharma makers were indemnified from the outset, allowed to make staggering profits without risk of legal actions in case the miracle cure turned out to be a poison instead. The vaccines would cure Covid, so take two, three or more. Anyone who suggested other treatments or hesitated to present their arm for vaccination was tagged dangerous to society, just like those who dared to suggest that maybe this SARS variant did not originate in a wet market, but rather in one of the many laboratories of Wuhan involved in exactly this kind of research. And guess what, on this occasion the ‘conspiracy theorists’ were right, as Covid is now broadly accepted to have sprung from a lab (though that’s where the public discussion ends) and the various vaccines neither

stop you from getting Covid, nor from spreading it. ›

A NEW WORLD ORDER?

For many, this experience was so alien to all that came before that they began to question the bigger picture. As a result, they began to pay more attention to those who referenced the plans of organisations such as the World Economic Forum led by one Klaus Schwab. It was said that the latter is a vehicle through which global elites influence the leaders of corporations, governments and international institutions, indeed the people who attend the annual WEF gathering in Davos, Switzerland. Conspiracy theorists also alleged that the plan being hatched is a world government in which normal citizens lose the core rights we in the West have come to rely on, receiving a Universal Basic Income in exchange for being controlled and monitored as

if in a modern rendition of a dystopian science fiction novel.

China is being looked to as a good example of such a system, and the upcoming CBDC digital currencies of the impending future are said to form part of a cash-free society in which Big Brother has total control.

It is all supposed to be part of the Great Reset leading to a New World Order in which we, the broader public, stop consuming and travelling as much, and the idea of owning a car, a house or eating meat will be limited to the all-powerful super-elite. It seems like the ravings of a mad conspiracy theorist, until you visit the WEF website and hear Schwab himself say: “You will owe nothing, and you will be happy.” He also goes on to tell an audience at Davos that several world leaders, including Justin Trudeau, Emmanuel Macron, and Jacinda Ahern, are his ‘protégés’.

All of a sudden, the preCovid rehearsal of Bill Gates and friends in New York and the identical terminology of the leaders of the UK, France, Holland, Spain and others to ‘Build Back Better’ acquires a slightly more intriguing quality. ›

The Covid vaccines were not as effective as promised

WOKE

Another occurrence that has sparked even broader resistance is the latest wave of Woke social and political agendas that again seem to spread across the entire West with identical timing and ferocity. There is no debate, there is no vote; suddenly, out of the blue, there is a new frenzy about transgender rights that has now spread to the naming and self-identification of people, a private issue if ever there was one, and one that was not a major issue up to now. Most people in the West are happy to live and let live, but suddenly even primary school children are being told that they have to make a conscious choice about their gender, their sexual orientation, and whether or not they want to change sex.

And as has become increasingly common in recent times, the onslaught feels very broadly coordinated, involving governments, educational institutions, the mainstream media, and now also big business. The laws of economics and marketing no longer apply, as dozens of major companies hustle to promote trans values even though this majorly backfires for them among the buying public and leads to a loss in revenue. Such issues no longer seem to matter to the CEOs of these

corporations, as they appear to have become crusaders for trans values and rights. The shaming, firing, censoring, and re-educating of those who don’t agree with this overnight dictate are also becoming increasingly common, and it only goes to add credence to some of the things conspiracy theorists are saying, which among others is that the whole woke experiment dates back to the breeding grounds of 1960s American universities and forms the operational part of a plan to separate us from our culture, sense of nationhood, our families and turn us into isolated individuals who tell on each other and are much easier to control. Or by another name, something called Cultural Marxism. Our privileged ‘liberal’ masters laugh this off as the rantings of madmen, but it doesn’t stop the likes of Prime Minister Trudeau’s Canada from ordering social commentator Jordan Peterson to undergo social media training. In

practice, the exact same concept as Mao Zedong’s reeducation programmes carried out during China’s Cultural Revolution.

The mainstream media labels him and others as far-right extremists, inherently dangerous, but it’s clear that not all are of the right (see Russell Brand) and that in a democracy, freedom of speech and expression should be entrenched.

At the end of the day none of these people are calling for violence but merely expressing their views. In a healthy democracy questioning the official rendition of everything is healthy and necessary, and the people who do it, be they left, right or otherwise, should not automatically be branded dangerous and undesirable. That has all the marks of a dictatorship, the kind where you’re fired if you go against the official Newspeak or are encouraged to call the police if you’re neighbours had visitors during Covid curfews.

In fact, for many it is not the conspiracy theories themselves but the behaviour of governments and mainstream institutions that first causes people to sit up and take note. In this context, government censorship, undiversified media, and Big Tech banning people from social media platforms if it doesn’t like what they are saying, or it’s ‘factcheckers’ appear to hold the key to perfect wisdom, doesn’t sound like freedom. A popular conspiracy theory holds that the tycoon George Soros has much of the world’s media singing to his hymn sheet, and again it seems rather farfetched, but his corporations do own or sponsor many. Elon Musk appeared to agree that Big Tech was helping governments clamp down on

free speech, and received a major media backlash when he subsequently took over Twitter, now X.

FROM EPSTEIN TO HOLLYWOOD

Perhaps the most reviled conspiracy theorists are those who spread QAnon stories according to which a powerful, demonic cabal trades in children and subjects them to sexual slavery and sacrificial rites. This very much sounds like lunacy, no doubt, but then comes the Epstein story, and when accusations begin to fly that not all is kosher in Hollywood, we think back to Harvey Weinstein, before the crisis of belief widens, and now big time Hollywood stars such as Mel Gibson, Denzel Washington, Jamie Fox, Woody Harrelson, Mark

Wahlberg, Rose McGowan, Jim Carey, Angelina Jolie and others are coming forward to say that the world’s movie machine is rotten and corrupted to the core. We think back to the words of Ricky Gervais at the final Golden Globes show he hosted in 2020 and it becomes a little chilling. Perhaps there is more than meets the eye and even the craziest conspiracy theories have something to them. The success against all odds of the movie The Sound of Freedom, which tells a similar story of child trafficking comes at a time when fingers are being pointed to the likes of Oprah Winfrey and other powerful Hollywood figures, and of course conspiracy tongues are aflutter, insisting that this goes all the way to the top. If Hollywood could conceivably be morally corrupt, then is it possible that the media has lost its neutrality too? CNN is the accepted mouthpiece of the Democrats just as Fox was for the Republicans – until Disney took it over and fired the likes of Tucker Carlson, the controversial but popular political commentator who criticises the Biden government.›

IS THERE A DEEP STATE?

You may not like Donald Trump – in fact, he is like Marmite, either loved or hated – but many who do don’t know why. The lovers because they are jumping on a bandwagon and the haters because they are imbibing what the media is spreading about him. When he surprised friend and

foe by winning the election in 2017, a propaganda machine sprang into action. Just as Barack Obama had been eulogised and given the Nobel Peace Prize before even spending a day in office, so Donald Trump was already public enemy number one before he’d even sworn the oath. You have to ask yourself ‘why?’ The haters base much of

their dislike on his relatively unpleasant demeanour, but lack of charm is not yet a crime, and the #MeToo movement seems uniquely focused on one guy when he did less than former President Bill Clinton or for that matter dozens of sportsmen, popstars, and business tycoons around the world, not to mention Hollywood executives.

Not even Harvey Weinstein got this kind of vitriol from women’s groups, and he really does deserve everything the universe can throw at him, but for many it’s not about whether you like Trump or don’t. It’s about a slanted system that attacks one personage while protecting others, as is presently the case with a bumbling president and an incompetent vice president. Trump may be found guilty, as

might Hunter Biden and his dad, and they wouldn’t be the first shamed presidents of a government that is accused of fighting proxy wars across the globe to further its – or its puppet masters’ – interests, depending upon your outlook. From Kissinger’s Operation Condor to the destabilisation of the Middle East, the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, where millions died, and ‘regime change’ across the globe, the ‘good guys’ are often no different from the bad ones, only less honest about it. It is this, along with events such as the mysterious death of weapons expert David Kelly days before the US invaded Iraq on the pretext of it having ‘Weapons of Mass Destruction’ that gives rise to conspiracy theories. Robin Cook, the British Foreign Secretary who resigned in protest over what later indeed turned out to be an illegal war, also died not much later, and yet the West feels saintly when it singles Russia out as uniquely villainous and sends Ukraine stacks of weapons to prolong the war. We seem to have forgotten about Vietnam, about the lack of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, and about the fiasco that was Afghanistan, under Bush. Quite apart from the role of politicians and the media, there are those who believe that no matter who is at the helm of such institutions it is agencies such as the CIA that do the bidding of the truly mighty. This may be the craziest conspiracy theory of all, but many a theory that started out as ludicrous later proved to have at least an element of truth – and that is the scariest of all. e

Do a powerful few really dominate the world?

SOLAR CANALS?

You’ve heard of solar farms and river canals, but what happens when you combine the two?

After decades of procrastination and slow progress, there finally seems to be a desire to search for large-scale alternatives to fossil fuels. But it’s not a simple process, and one that has yet to produce an easy global energy source. Instead, it appears that we have to look for local solutions, and capturing solar rays is among the most effective and universally applicable ones available to us right now. It is a widely used renewable source of electricity and heating, especially in sunny countries such as Spain.

But there are problems too, especially when you begin to scale out from the increasingly common concept of solar panels placed on the roofs of homes and commercial buildings and begin to think about energy-producing solar farms. You see, covering a large tract of land with solar panels comes with a range of complications, including obtaining licences for it in what are usually agricultural areas. For the same reason, there is often resistance from farming communities, especially so in developing countries with rapidly growing populations, where

the loss of precious arable farmland is not popular. To avoid such criticism, the dozens or even hundreds of large solar panels covering fields as part of solar farms are often placed in unfertile or even desert areas, but here another problem comes to the fore, and it’s a combination of solar reflection that can disturb birds and aeroplanes alike, as well as high maintenance costs and low efficiency levels resulting from overheating of the panels and the equipment overall. How then to solve the problems associated with solar energy production. ›

It’s an efficient use of space

ENTER THE CANAL

We’re familiar with the pretty canals of Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Venice and St Petersburg, as well as the charming canal districts of cities such as London and Paris, but in reality they exist in places as diverse as Bangladesh and Los Angeles, where you might remember the ugly concrete water channels used in many a movie car chase. In fact, they’re found around the world, originally built for such uses as irrigation, floodwater catchment, and the rerouting of rivers. Now engineers have cottoned on to the possibility of

building solar panels over them and adding another functionality to the list.

You may question why this seems a good idea, but there are several reasons. To start with, building solar panels over canals saves land, avoids permit issues and the wasting of fertile farmland, as well as the need to buy, rent or lease such a resource. It also adds another use to something that has already been constructed, and the water in the channels helps to lower the temperature of the photovoltaic panels and their installations, thus reducing reflection and maintenance (costs), and increasing their efficacy.

There are benefits for the canals too, as being covered with solar panels reduces evaporation of the water into the air and interestingly enough also the growth of weeds that tend to clog up the channels and also require maintenance. And there’s another benefit, since the pumping systems can be connected to the energyproducing solar panels. In densely built up areas it provides a space-efficient power source for rural and also urban communities, as in the case of Beirut (Lebanon), where the first phase of the ‘Beirut River Solar Snake’ project was started in 2013 and completed in 2015. ›

Solar farms over water reduces the temperature for both © Jeroen Van de Water © Unsplash

For such a dense urban area it’s an efficient solution that provides a locally available energy source. An even larger project was initiated in the Indian state of Gujarat, where local authorities built the first of a large, intended network of solar panels placed above an existing labyrinth of irrigation channels that date way back. It’s a modern addition to an older technology and it’s proved highly successful in generating sustainable energy for the region, causing other states across India and the

likes of California in the USA to follow suit and launch largescale plans aimed at making the most of available local solutions.

DOWNSIDES

The United Nations has declared solar canals one of the most desirable solutions to our need for energy sources away from fossil fuels, but there are – as always –also negative aspects to this practice. For one thing, they are more expensive to construct and are best suited

to just the right width of canal. Anything much smaller or wider than that causes technical issues that raise installation costs considerably, but all this aside, solar canals continue to provide a highly efficient solution in those locations already endowed with water channels or where they can be sensibly built. In other words, on balance it is an exciting addition to a growing range of localised solutions that make the most of natural and manmade infrastructures. e

Solar panels could soon be covering parts of our rivers and canals

WOMEN’S BUSINESS GROUPS ON THE COAST

COSTA WOMEN

The words ‘women in business’ undoubtedly conjure up images of one of Marbella’s most active women’s groups: Costa Women, which connects women from all over Spain and abroad. It was founded by pioneer Ali Meehan in 2010. She had always celebrated different cultures and experiences, having lived and worked in Australia, the Middle East, Asia, and the UK. After a decade of travelling, she landed on the Costa del Sol and founded Costa Women with one main goal: to meet new people. Her idea soon grew into a powerful community for women to share essential tips and advice about business, connect with others, and make the most of life on the Coast.

Soon after launching as a free community for women living in or moving to Spain, Costa Women began hosting local meet-ups, eventually branching out to other parts of Spain.

In 2014, it won the Best of British Club award from The Telegraph newspaper and launched its first annual International Women’s Day Conference in Marbella in 2013. ›

Marisa Cutillas brings you some of the hardest-working business groups on the Coast, all of which have overcome big obstacles and changed the lives of women with an entrepreneurial spirit for the better.

Ali and Costa Women have pioneered a myriad of successful projects, including the Spain & Me e-book series, a relocation guide called Spainexpo.org, and the podcast, Make It Happen (featuring interviews with movers and shakers). The group also launched Costa Women TV and hosts online events and mentorship programmes to help women build successful businesses in Spain.

Today, the group continues with its twofold purpose of being a meeting point and a thriving business network for women in business. One of its most active endeavours is its Business

Growth Club. Ali tells us, “The Business Growth Club started around five years ago, and we relaunched it in September this year. We connect two or three times monthly online. Women can come along with business challenges or obtain support for their businesses through our brainstorming sessions. We also have speakers who share their knowledge on a myriad of topics.” Ali reports that the group is launching a business book club as part of the membership this autumn, “The aim is for women to read a business book, then discuss how to implement the advice it contains.”

Ali is always on the lookout

for creative ways to fulfil existing demands. For instance, she noticed that over the summer, women can lose their business mojo or get stuck with business ideas. Therefore, this summer, she asked the coaches in the community to share half an hour of their time for free with women seeking help or inspiration. She has also forged powerful connections with Believe, Inspire, Grow (B.I.G.) – a highly active women’s group in New York City. Costa Women and B.I.G. take part in live video conferences once a month.

Costa Women additionally has a strong social

component, with many women meeting for book clubs, coffee mornings, lunch excursions, padel, and more get-togethers. The social side is free to join, while the business side has both membership and non-membership options. The group now spans 137 nationalities.

For Ali, the main impediment to women’s progress is “not having enough faith in what we can achieve or who we are. People are sometimes overly concerned with what someone else is doing, but even if you are selling a similar product or service, how you present it is unique

because you are sharing from the heart and being yourself.”

“Costa Women meets on the first Friday of every month for a business brunch at PLAY in La Cala de Mijas and has a business group relaunching in Marbella in

September,” Ali adds, “The group meets socially on a regular basis in locations from Estepona to the Costa Tropical, as well as Mallorca and the Costa Blanca and online.”

WWW.COSTAWOMEN.COM

BUSINESS WOMEN COMMUNITY

Business Women Community was founded in 2021 by Latvian entrepreneur, Alexandra Force, with a view to “empowering women to be the change they wish to see.” From as far back as she can recall, Alexandra had a passion for connecting, sharing information, and helping others be their best selves. Her first forays into the professional world were in dancing. As a professionally trained dancer, she was delighted to teach children and teens the techniques of her craft, and she was able to hone vocational talents that would stand her

in good stead throughout her career. Alexandra made a career switch to IT when she moved to London with her partner at the time. She immersed herself in the competitive CRM industry, working for a prestigious salesforce consultancy firm. It was a groundbreaking move – and one she embraced with aplomb, Within very little time, she began working on big projects alongside top experts in the industry. She also travelled extensively after joining her partner’s IT firm, eventually returning to the UK to commence an exciting new role at a consultancy firm.

She built quite an impressive client list, working alongside top companies like L’Oreal, Veganuary, and Onfido. She successfully developed over 100 CRM and MarTech solutions before starting her own IT company in the UK, working alongside organisations the calibre of the London Stock Exchange Group.

The arrival of COVID brought her interpersonal and organisational skills to the fore, as she grew determined to help women in business succeed, despite tough economic times. She launched the Business Woman Community (BWC), holding business events and bringing women from various professions together. She eventually created communities in Bali and

Riga in addition to Marbella, and began hosting weekly Mastermind events (in which women discuss business challenges and solutions) and networking dinners (which foster social connection).

BWC also organises trips to London, Portugal, and other cities, so members can attend conferences focusing on a myriad of topics – including Women in Technology. Members have the opportunity to attend a host of workshops, panel events, conferences, and seminars, and receive daily support and motivation.

The group will be hosting a three-day retreat for entrepreneurial women in Marbella from November 24 to 26 this year, to “connect the best of the best under one roof together with

transformative coaches and teachers to bring new wisdom and a new state of mind.”

As if all this wasn’t enough to keep Alexandra busy, she is working on a new project – the launch of a business village with condo apartments, between the areas of Marbella and Estepona. “The business village is targeted at women who want to visit Marbella and stay for a longer time. A business village is something I always wish I had, and I’ve decided to take the plunge.”

As the saying goes, one step for Alexandra is a big leap for womankind, as her Business Women Community continues to work hard to create success, happiness, and meaning in women’s lives.

RED EMPRENDEDORAS DE MARBELLA

Red Emprendedoras de Marbella (REM) was founded in 2009 by nine members with a clear vision: to bring women together and help them shine in business and other professions. The founding members, who include Marie-Noëlle Erize Tisseau and Mar Arjona, are still active in the group, though the current President is the charismatic Isabel Carrasco, an avid advocate

for equal rights for women (including equal pay).

REM meets every second Tuesday of the month for a business breakfast at its headquarters in San Pedro, which was ceded to its members by the City Hall. At the meetup, four members give a presentation about their business. “We have about 140 members, so this talk is a good opportunity for members to let others know more about their activities and developments.”

The group also attends workshops to help them stay on top of their game – particularly in the area of technology. “The pandemic was a bit of a slap in the face for many businesses, so we decided to organise workshops to get women up to speed on topics like how to sell products via Instagram, or how to use Facebook and LinkedIn for business purposes. Our members presented these conferences, which were always packed,

© Iván Martín Martínez of Marpy Fotógrafos

even when COVID restrictions limited the size of gatherings.”

Other topics covered included tax and legal reforms, with talks given by members from the legal profession. REM has a close relationship with the Town Hall, whose Urban Planning Delegate at the time, Kika Carracuel, gave a talk on the latest PGOU

developments.

As is the case with all Marbella’s most active women’s groups, REM has partnered up with other women’s associations, including Mujeres Siglo XXI from Bilbao and BPW International. The latter was founded in 1930 and spans over 100 countries in five

continents. REM also has a voice at the United Nations (at both the national and international levels). “Taking part in UN assemblies is very fulfilling, and it provides us with a fantastic opportunity for visibility and allows us to interact with national and international movers and shakers in the business community.”

REM additionally organises special trips. “In October,” Isabel tells me, “we will be travelling to Bilbao to attend Mujeres Siglo XXI’s ‘Alfiler de Oro’ event.” The latter is an annual prize awarded by the group to women with an international presence and an impeccable professional trajectory.

REM is firmly focused on business and helping women achieve their professional goals, but it is also a family. As Isabel says, “Whenever any member needs something, another member is there to lend them a hand.” Keep up to date on all the latest REM events by clicking on their website and social media channels.

ELLAS SPANJE: THE DUTCH-SPEAKING WOMEN’S BUSINESS CLUB COSTA DEL SOL

Ellas was founded 20 years ago – a true testimony to the importance of the Dutch and Belgian businesswomen on the Coast. Their President, Marjan Schut, recalls, “Of the three women who founded Ellas, two are still members of honour and the third is still a member.” Marjan herself is indicative of the experience that members bring to the Coast, having been the director and major shareholder of Abiding Holding in the Netherlands and now serving as a managing partner of ESpecial

Life – a Dutch magazine distributed on the Coast.

Ellas’ mission is to help Dutch and Belgian women shine in the entrepreneurial world and grow their business networks. Members meet every second Tuesday of the month to enjoy a meal and learn something about each other’s businesses. While there is a social component involved, make no mistake about it, this group is all about helping members with information and advice, and creating fruitful collaborations. “At our meetings, two or three members share information about their businesses and the challenges they are experiencing,” says Marjan.

Which doesn’t mean they don’t have fun while they’re at it! Marjan tells me, “Our board member, Helga, organises events such as our recent gastronomic tour of Málaga. For this event, she divided us (including our partners) into four groups of eight, and the groups were shuffled for each part of the meal: starter, main, and dessert, each of which took place in a different restaurant. We were only told our first destination. At each stop, there was a card telling us where to go next. After dessert, we all met at a bar and it was so much fun. Not only did we get to know each other, but also discovered more about the City.”

In addition to meeting for business purposes, the club has a WhatsApp group, where members can receive advice on everything from where to find a plumber to recommendations for new staff. The group is diverse indeed, as it comprises everything from architects to real estate professionals, a veterinarian, an official Málaga tour guide, and more!

Every two years, Ellas organises the Tulip Festival, which welcomes people

from across the Coast. “This event has brought us 10 new members and two more are waiting to join up. Before anyone can join, all members have a talk with one of the board members”

There are also events that foster health and wellbeing, like breath work on the beach. “The group usually organises an evening on the beach in September,” Marjan explains. Let’s not forget fundraising efforts. “In July, one of our members organised a rowing

trip on wooden boats, from Barcelona to Mallorca, to raise money for the HPV virus problem.”

Marjan is enthusiastic about an upcoming event: a workshop by a Dutch notary on testamentary law. And in December, the group will receive a visit from Sinterklaas, who will be bringing a host of presents to the women!

WWW.ELLAS-SPANJE.COM

International Baccalaureate Diploma Examination Results

Many congratulations to our Year 13 graduating IB students who produced a fantastic set of results. 100% of students gained the IB Diploma with an impressive grade average of 36 points (A-Level equivalent AAA).

Nine students gained the magic 40 points and fulfilled their university offers, with students now going on to study at prestigious institutions such as the University of Edinburgh,

the University of St Andrews, King’s College London, Durham University, the University of Manchester, the University of Amsterdam and IE University in Madrid. The highlight this year was Polina Sidiropoulos, who with her 43 points was accepted into the University of Cambridge to study Engineering, so enormous congratulations to her. They have been an excellent group of students to work with and we wish them all the best in the future!

43 points

points

43 points

100% Pass rate World average 79.35%

43 points

42 points

41 points

41 points

41 points

40 points

43 Gained by 4 Students

POINTS

Achieved by top 2.68% of IB students worldwide

points A*A*A*

Jade Beeks

Samuel Cunliffe

43

Simone Boneva

Polina Sidiropoulu

Sophie Newton

Yelizaveta Polyanskaya

Mia Sullivan

Freya White

Don Rico Saluveer

Polina Sidiropoulos, who with her 43 points was accepted to study Engineering at the University of Cambridge.

Success

Congratulations to our Year 11 (I)GCSE students on an excellent set of results

In a tough year when grading returned to pre-Covid levels, we still managed to gain an excellent rate of 43% at A*- A grade passes (9-7) and the following students all attained superb results.

12 A**-A Julia Notario González

11 A**-A Daria Zudenkova

11 A**-A Aleksandr Khroll

11 A**-A Laura García Hunter

11 A**-A Iasabella Artz González

10 A**-A Sharina Fard Soltani

10 A**-A Hannahli Foley Outeiral

10 A**-A Stella Knudsen

10 A**-A Rayan Nikpour

10 A**-A Sophia Jordan

9 A**-A Valentina García de la Fuentes Jiménez

9 A**-A Ana Rodríguez Rodríguez

10 A**-A Mika Itakura

8 A**-A Mario Sánchez Verpa

9 A**-A Miguel García Sánchez

7 A**-A Joana Guardado de Matos

7 A**-A Alexander Kulnich

8 A**-A Carola Muños Vento

7 A**-A Lance Reed

7 A**-A Aileen Bakenova

Check out luxury loungewear with new brand, My Kimono. Find out about the new TV programme, Good Morning Spain. See how Ubiquitous Energy is revolutionising the harnessing of solar power from windows and screens.

what’s cool?

COMPILED BY IAIN BLACKWELL

MELTING LANDSCAPES EXHIBITION

Fujifilm highlights global warming in the Arctic with a photographic exhibition featuring the work of documentary photographer, Fernando Moleres, a three-time winner of the World Press Photo award, presenting an exceptional testimony of the melting of its glaciers. Take in Melting Landscapes at the Wonder Photo Shop in Barcelona until November 4.

PARADISE AT LAÏLA, SEYCHELLES

Lose yourself in a natural paradise in the Seychelles Islands, with coral reefs, nature reserves, and a unique culture to discover. Laïla, Seychelles, a Tribute Portfolio Resort on the island of Mahé, is the ideal place to enjoy an exotic getaway, comprising 84 rooms and suites, five restaurants, a water sports centre, gym and children’s recreation area.

WWW.MARRIOTT.COM

HONOR V PURSE

Global technology brand HONOR presented the HONOR V Purse at IFA 2023, which seamlessly transforms a foldable smartphone into a digital fashion statement via a series of customisable displays that mimic the design of a handbag. The purse is made from responsibly sourced materials and can be personalised with different finishes and attachments. WWW.HIHONOR.COM

AMERICAN TOURISTER

Since its inception in 1933, American Tourist has established its reputation as a global brand of affordable luggage, comprising colourful suitcases with fun and practical designs. To celebrate its 90th anniversary, the company recreated an authentic American café in the centre of Madrid for a fun open day featuring some of its most iconic collections.

WWW.AMERICANTOURISTER.ES

DEJAVU BRANDS REVOLUTIONISE E-COMMERCE

Thanks to a formula recently developed by Dejavu brands, corporate perfumes are applied to the packaging of product shipments, forging a bond that transcends the mere transaction by creating an emotional connection with customers. Brands already partnering in this experience include Lia Jeans, Tip Tent, and the Marta Carriedo jewellery line.

WWW.DEJAVUBRANDS.COM

THE HOTEL OITAVOS – FOR SURF LOVERS

The rolling dunes, waves and wind are characteristic elements of the beaches of Guincho on the coast of Cascais, making it a perfect location for lovers of surfing, bodyboarding, and kitesurfing. This natural environment hides one of the most exclusive hotels in Portugal: The Oitavos 5*, a symbol of informal elegance and a haven of tranquility.

WWW.THEOITAVOS.COM

THE BUBBLE SOFA AT ROCHE BOBOIS

A key feature to any living room, the sofa is central to the Roche Bobois collections. An iconic new piece this season is the BUBBLE sofa, boasting an all-new upholstery which is especially comfortable with Hypersoft foam above a solid wooden frame. Designed by Sacha Lakic, it is available in a range of colours to complement different décor configurations.

WWW.ROCHE-BOBOIS.COM

THE NEW LEXUS RX 450H+

The Torres brothers, Sergio and Javier, embarked on a new edition of Recipes with a Tour exploring the Penedés wine making region from the comfort of the new Lexus RX 450h+. This, the fifth generation of the Lexus RX, a plug-in hybrid with Lexus Hybrid Drive technology, redefines the pioneering vehicle in the global luxury SUV market.

WWW.LEXUSAUTO.ES

FINDING COMFORT AND ELEGANCE AT HOME WITH THE RISE OF LOUNGEWEAR HABITS

In recent times, a notable shift in lifestyle habits has emerged, marked by the increased popularity of loungewear. As people spend more time at home since the pandemic, the conventional boundaries between work, leisure, and personal space have blurred, leading to the widespread adoption of comfortable yet stylish clothing that bridges the gap between coziness and elegance.

LOUNGEWEAR, THE GROWING TREND FOR SOPHISTICATED COMFORT

This transformation in clothing choices reflects a deeper need for comfort and self-confidence in the confines of one’s home. Moreover, loungewear has become a way for people to express their personality and individuality. From matching

pyjamas to satin baby dolls, hoodies and oversized joggers, there’s a loungewear style for everyone. This is a something the loungewear brand My Kimono, established in Marbella, has identified and developed with the launch of their collection of satin kimonos for women and men. Their belief? It is perfectly possible to feel elegant and sophisticated while being

relaxed at home, in a casual garment like a kimono, with a commitment to style, comfort and elegance in all circumstances. Giving selfconfidence to women all over the world, enhancing each other’s beauty and continuing the trend for refined, cosy, and sexy loungewear, this is the mission of the cofounders of the brand. ›

MY KIMONO

LOUNGEWEAR, THE GROWING TREND FOR SOPHISTICATED COMFORT

This transformation in clothing choices reflects a deeper need for comfort and self-confidence in the confines of one’s home. Moreover, loungewear has become a way for people to express their personality and individuality. From matching pyjamas to satin baby dolls, hoodies and oversized joggers, there’s a loungewear style for everyone. This is a something the loungewear brand My

Kimono, established in Marbella, has identified and developed with the launch of their collection of satin kimonos for women and men. Their belief? It is perfectly possible to feel elegant and sophisticated while being relaxed at home, in a casual garment like a kimono, with a commitment to style, comfort and elegance in all circumstances. Giving selfconfidence to women all over the world, enhancing each other’s beauty and continuing the trend for refined, cosy, and sexy loungewear, this is the mission of the cofounders of the brand.

FINDING THE BALANCE BETWEEN COMFORT AND ELEGANCE

The challenge then becomes how to strike the balance between comfort and elegance within the realm of loungewear. Here are a few tips to achieve a harmonious blend:

» QUALITY FABRICS invest in loungewear made from high-quality materials such as soft cotton, breathable linen, or luxurious satin. Quality fabrics not only enhance comfort but also lend a touch of elegance to your attire.

» TAILORED

SILHOUETTES opt for loungewear pieces that are well-fitted and tailored to your body shape. This adds an element of refinement to your look while maintaining comfort.

» LAYERING AND ACCESSORIES experiment with layering by adding a lightweight cardigan or a stylish robe to your loungewear ensemble. Simple accessories like delicate necklaces or stud earrings can elevate the overall look without compromising on comfort.

» GROOMING AND SKINCARE pay attention to grooming and skincare routines. Wellmaintained hair, skin, and nails complement your loungewear style, adding an extra layer of refinement. ›

SATIN-CHIC LOUNGEWEAR – THE HOTTEST TREND IN 2023

With its soft fabrics and relaxed silhouettes, satin loungewear aligns perfectly with this aspiration for comfort and tranquility, adding a very elegant touch. Designed to be gentle on the skin and conducive to relaxation, satin loungewear can even be worn outside the home.

The satin kimono is the garment that paved the way for this urban loungewear. Major brands have made the kimono an iconic piece to be worn outside the home or at very formal evening events. Today, in addition to the kimono, pyjamas and nighties, preferably satin,

offer an ultra-stylish look and are also worn for day or evening.

MY KIMONO — YOUR FABULOUS LOUNGEWEAR

The brand My Kimono has designed their kimono models to suit every body type, both for women and men. Their light, skinfriendly fabric makes them a pleasure to wear, summer and winter alike. With the right accessories, this garment can be worn at home as loungewear, or out and about. The Andalusia kimono designed for women can easily be worn with a pair of heels for a night out, or as a chic casual outfit for a stroll, with a pair of sneakers or sandals.

In short, the kimono is a timeless garment that can be worn and adapted in many ways to suit any style. The brand gives the possibility to add a name or initials as embroidery on the chest and/ or on the back to make the garment personalised and unique. This would also be a perfect gift idea.

With the trend of loungewear, what was once reserved exclusively for home comfort has transcended boundaries to become a statement of casual elegance. While comfort remains a priority, it is entirely feasible to merge comfort with elegance when curating your at-home wardrobe.

WWW. MYKIMONOBYSAGA.COM

NICOLE KING AND 7TV ANDALUCÍA PRESENT GOOD MORNING SPAIN!

Charismatic media personality, Nicole King, has a brand-new project up her sleeve: Good Morning Spain!, produced alongside 7TV Andalucía. Marisa Cutillas brings you the scoop.

PHOTOGRAPHY ELENA SIKORSKAYA

If you’ve lived in Marbella for at least a year or two, then you have undoubtedly come across Nicole King – the bubbly host of Marbella Now –a show that serves as a nexus between the local community and the large number of visitors, tourists, and expats on the Coast. Nicole, a British journalist, TV producerpresenter, copywriter, and market research and strategist, is a true force on the Coast. She is not only a well-loved member of the media, but also the creator of the United Nationalities of Marbella summit – a highlight of Marbella’s annual events calendar, since it brings together 137 nationalities from across the globe.

Nicole is additionally an avid supporter of our youth. She has held conferences and meetings with important dignitaries, business owners, and members of the press to help local youth find internships, meet up in safe social meeting points, and battle depression and suicide.

If you’re already a fan of Nicole’s content, then you’ll be pleased to hear that she is now presenting a brandnew show called Good Morning Spain, produced by Andalucía’s biggest communications company, Publicaciones del Sur. It will be aired on 7TV Andalucía and it is Andalucía’s first morning show in English. Landing a show on this channel is no small feat, since it receives

over one million viewers each month.

And who else but Nicole could present this groundbreaking programme? She represents a true fusion of the British and Spanish cultures, as she hails from an English family but has lived in Spain since her late teens. She has not only shone on the social scene but also achieved a host of coups throughout her career. She has presented major brands like Disney, Global

Style Network, and Trends

Online to Spain, using her vast experience in market research to connect, inform, and guide the international community. Today, as an award-winning journalist, TV presenter and producer, she is embarking on one of the most exciting chapters in her career. ›

“IF YOU HAVE KNOWLEDGE, LET OTHERS LIGHT THEIR CANDLES IN IT.” MARGARET FULLER

Good Morning Spain currently airs from 10am to 11am every Monday morning, and the program will be repeated various times throughout the week. This is just the beginning; the aim is for it to eventually air live every day. It will also be available to download on the websites of 7TV Andalucía and Good Morning Spain, as well as on social media.

What, then, is the show’s aim? “Our mission is threefold,” says Nicole. We aim to entertain and inform our viewers, and promote everything vibrant, cultural, and extraordinary about this country.” The audience will enjoy a mix of quirky programming, interviews with fascinating guests, and content set in stunning locations. They will learn about new products, services, and places to see and enjoy. Essentially, the programme will help them make the most of their experience as a visitor, and appeal to audiences who are resident in Spain or thinking of moving here.

Embracing the much-loved concept of Good Morning television, Good Morning Spain will offer light-hearted, informative segments on

cooking, travel, culture, leisure, entertainment, pets, health, and more. The segments will be short, varied, and dynamically edited, always offering something extra.

Nicole is looking forward to the show with characteristic enthusiasm and joy. “I recently spoke to the British Ambassador, Hugh Elliott, when Anne Hernández was awarded the MBE by Her Majesty for her work in helping British residents in Spain. When I told him we were launching Good Morning Spain, he beamed! Every month, we will feature a message from the Ambassador on the show and we also have the support of the British Chamber of Commerce.” The programme has an array of sponsors who are eager to be part of an offering that is in big demand

on the Coast.

Nicole is also surrounded by a great team. “Our staff comprises professionals such as our fitness editor, fashion editor, travel editor, and more.” They are working in a brand-new studio and getting ready to entertain and inform guests with the very latest news, as well as seasonal topics – including Halloween!

She is also busy organising the next United Nationalities of Marbella, which will take place at the Palacio de Congresos de Marbella on November 16. It will cover various topics, including new technologies and artificial intelligence, internships for youths, and more.

WWW.RTVMARBELLA.TV/ TELEVISION/MARBELLA-NOW

WWW.GOODMORNINGSPAIN.COM

WWW.UNITED-MARBELLA.COM

COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

HOT NEW MOVIES

HYPNOTIC

» Genre: Thriller

» Director: Robert Rodriguez (Grindhouse)

» Cast: Ben Affleck, Dayo Okeniyi, Alice Braga

Detective Danny Rourke is spiralling down a rabbit hole while desperately looking for his missing daughter and investigating a string of seemingly surreal crimes. With the help of a gifted psychic, he struggles to keep his sanity while a deadly villain pursues him. Could this mysterious individual hold the key to the whereabouts of his daughter?

SPONSORED BY RED DOG CINEMAS, PUERTO BANÚS. TO CHECK CURRENT FILM SCREENINGS, WWW.REDDOGCINEMAS.COM

KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON

» Genre: Western/ Crime

» Director: Martin Scorsese

(The Wolf of Wall Street)

» Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone

This film is based on the true story of the Osage Nation – a group of Native Americans who struck it rich at the turn of the 20th century when oil was discovered on their reservation. In 1923, at the height of the oil boom, the tribe earned over $30 million in revenue. Their fortune attracted white interlopers, who manipulated, extorted, and stole as much money as they could before turning to murder.

DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS

» Genre: Comedy

» Director: Ethan Coen (Fargo)

» Cast: Pedro Pascal, Margaret Qualley, Matt Damon

Jamie is a free spirit who is trying to get over the breakdown of her relationship. Marian is her somewhat straight-laced friend who desperately needs to relax. The two girls decide to take an impromptu road trip to Tallahassee, only to become embroiled in a wild goose chase when they cross paths with an inept gang of criminals.

RETRIBUTION

» Genre: Thriller

» Director: Nimród Antal (Predators)

» Cast: Liam Neeson, Lilly Aspell, Jack Champion

Liam Neeson plays a bank executive who receives a threat while driving his children to school. A phone call reveals that there is a bomb beneath their seats that will explode if they get out. The executive is told to drive to a specific destination and commit a crime. He must choose between saving his best friend’s life and those of his children. Retribution is a remake of the 2015 Spanish film, El desconocido

DUMB MONEY

» Genre: Biography/ Comedy

» Director: Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya)

» Cast: Paul Dano, Shailene Woodley, America Ferrera

An ordinary bunch of gaming fanatics flip the script on Wall Street and make it big by turning GameStop into one of the world’s hottest companies. Keith Gill is the young man who starts it all, by spending his lifetime savings on stock. As his social media following starts blowing up, he builds undreamed-of wealth, until the bigwigs fight back and threaten to take away all he has achieved. e

COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

HOT NEW SERIES

THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER S1 NETFLIX

» Genre: Horror

» Creator: Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House)

» Cast: Mark Hamill, Carla Gugino Mary McDonnell

Fans of Edgar Allan Poe are waiting with bated breath for this gothic horror drama, which is loosely based on the short story of the same name. The action begins when the narrator enters the house of Usher on a “dull, dark, and soundless day.” This house is the estate of Roderick Usher, his childhood friend. It seems to have an evil atmosphere and it slowly takes over the narrator, in the same way it has inflicted a mysterious malaise on Roderick.

ELITE S7 NETFLIX

» Genre: Teen Drama

» Creators: Carlos Montero (Física o Química) and Dario Madrona (Vive Cantando)

» Cast: Nadia Al Saidi, Maribel Verdú, Mirela Balic Elite is back for its seventh season, with its usual combination of sex, drama, and crime. The series is set in a wealthy school attended by the nation’s most prominent families. The teens aim to succeed academically, negotiate the complex social dynamics in their peer groups, and find love in a harsh world filled with betrayal. Fortunately, they can always count on their closest friends.

LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY

S1 APPLE TV+

» Genre: Drama

» Creator: Lee Eisenberg (The Office)

» Cast: Brie Larson, Aja Naomi King, Beau Bridges

Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, Lessons In Chemistry is set in early 1950s America. It follows the life of Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant woman whose dream of being a scientist is thwarted by the patriarchal society in which she lives. After being fired from her lab and finding herself pregnant, she accepts a job as a TV show cooking host, but dreams of dedicating her life to her true passion: science!

BARGAIN S 1 PARAMOUNT+

» Genre: Thriller

» Creator: Lee Chung-hyeon (Call)

» Cast: Jeon Jong-seo, Jin Seon-kyu, Kang Gil-woo

A Korean-produced crime thriller about a young man who is lured to a remote hotel under the guise of a sexual encounter – only to discover that he has been caught in a trafficking ring where his organs are being sold to the highest bidder. An unexpected earthquake traps the victim, sellers, and buyers in the building, forcing them to find their way out. The series is an adaptation of director Lee Chung-hyeon’s award-winning short film of the same name.

LOKI S2 DISNEY+

» Genre: Superhero Series

» Creator: Michael Waldron (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness)

» Cast: Tom Hiddleston, Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw Loki Season 2 picks up in the aftermath of the cliffhanger Season 1 finale, in which Loki is forced to engage in battle for the soul of the Time Variance Authority. Hunger B-15, Mobius, and a team of brave characters will join him as he navigates an ever-expanding, highly dangerous multiverse, in search of Miss Minutes, Judge Renslayer, and Sylvie. This is the ultimate test for Loki. Will he use his free will to the best of his ability so he can lead a life that is both glorious and purposeful? e

NEW AUTUMN RELEASES

THE EXCHANGE BY JOHN GRISHAM

The Exchange by John Grisham is a gripping sequel to The Firm. Fifteen years ago, Mitch McDeere stole $10 million from the mob and vanished. Now, with all his enemies either dead or in jail, he is at the top of his game at the most powerful law firm in the world. When a case leads him to Libya, he becomes embroiled in a highstakes hostage negotiation with terrorists demanding a colossal $100 million ransom within ten days. However, this isn’t just a random kidnapping; it’s deeply personal. Mitch races against time to outsmart his adversaries and save lives, including that of his wife in New York. In The Exchange Grisham takes readers on a whirlwind journey from New York to London, Rome, and Marrakech, weaving together danger and suspense. A tense and exciting thriller.

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 NIGHT HOUSE BY

JO NESBO

Thriller master Jo Nesbo tries his hand at classic horror in The Night House. Fourteen-year-old Richard Elauved, grappling with the tragic loss of his parents in a house fire, relocates to the isolated town of Ballantyne to live with his aunt and uncle. Richard, labelled an outcast, faces suspicion when a classmate, Tom, vanishes. He claims a sinister telephone booth near the woods swallowed Tom, but only fellow outsider Karen believes him. Together, they unravel the mystery, tracing a haunting call to an abandoned house in the Black Mirror Wood. As dark forces take hold of Ballantyne, Richard hears menacing voices, causing him to question his sanity. With another classmate gone, Richard fights to prove his innocence and confront the malevolent force threatening the town. However, Richard may not be the most reliable narrator, leaving readers to navigate a web of sinister intrigue and unreliable accounts. A haunting and captivating read.

THE ARMOUR OF LIGHT BY KEN FOLLETT

Ken Follett, bestselling author of Pillars of the Earth, returns to Kingsbridge with a sweeping tale of revolution and a memorable ensemble of characters. Set in 1792, England is under a tyrannical government striving for economic dominance. Meanwhile, Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise to power is causing dissent in France, putting neighbouring countries on high alert. In Kingsbridge, unprecedented industrial change disrupts the lives of cloth mill workers, causing widespread misery. The rapid modernisation and introduction of perilous machinery leads to job losses and family breakdowns. As international tensions escalate, the narrative focuses on a small group of Kingsbridge residents, including Sal Clitheroe, a spinner, David Shoveller, a weaver, and Kit, Sal’s inventive and determined son. Together, they embody a generation’s struggle for enlightenment and a future free from oppression. In The Armour of Light, Follett immerses readers in history, marking the fifth instalment of the groundbreaking Kingsbridge series, showcasing his most ambitious storytelling to date.

THE FIGURINE BY VICTORIA HISLOP

Victoria Hislop’s latest novel delves into the controversial world of acquiring cultural treasures and the lengths individuals and nations will go to hold onto them. At the centre of the narrative are the enigmatic Cycladic figurines, desired by collectors and looters alike for their Bronze Age allure. Helena inherits her grandparents’ Athens apartment, stirring memories of her childhood summers in Greece under a brutal military dictatorship. As she explores the dusty rooms, she stumbles upon a trove of valuable antiquities, prompting questions about how her grandfather amassed such extraordinary pieces and the human cost involved. Following a summer spent volunteering at a dig on an Aegean Island, Helena is determined to safeguard the historic fragments she finds on the dig while investigating the origins of her grandfather’s incredible collection. Hislop intricately weaves together heritage, archaeology, and personal reconciliation in this captivating exploration of history and belonging.

THE BURNOUT BY SOPHIE KINSELLA

Sophie Kinsella is back with a sensitive portrayal of mental health effortlessly combined with a hilarious, heartwarming romantic comedy. Sasha Worth, a marketing director drowning in the demands of her job is burned out and disenchanted. A break away to Rilston Bay, arranged by her mother, offers a chance for rejuvenation. There, she encounters a rundown hotel and a grumpy, yet intriguing man named Finn who is just as stressed as Sasha. Their friendship grows as they unravel the mystery of curious notes and gifts left on the beach for them. They rediscover the joy of surfing which rekindles their excitement and joy of life. Kinsella skilfully balances humour and heartfelt moments, weaving themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of connection. This book is a charming escape, reminding us of the importance of finding joy and healing in unexpected places. e

A WINDOW INTO A GREENER FUTURE

UBIQUITOUS ENERGY S

Solar energy has the potential to provide 100 per cent of the world’s energy needs, so why do we allow most of it to go uncaptured? Imagine if you could harvest this power by configuring every window around you to function as a solar panel? Or if your parked car, or your personal tablet, could store energy from the sun while you were using it? Imagine if you achieve this without connecting your window or device to a grid? Here’s the good news – all of this is already happening thanks to a groundbreaking technology developed by Ubiquitous Energy – a company based in California that has removed the aesthetic hurdle from solar energy generation.

usan Stone, the CEO of Ubiquitous Energy, explains, “We spun out of MIT in 2011 with our patented breakthrough technology (called UE Power™), which allows us to make solar panels almost invisible.” UE Power™ is a transparent coating made from light-absorbing dies sourced from non-toxic, earth-abundant materials, similar to the pigments in fabrics and paints.

Miles Barr, Co-Founder and CTO of the company, explains, “This coating converts the sunlight into electricity, but it is invisible. It captures the invisible part of light (UV and infrared light) but lets visible light through.” What’s more, unlike solar panels, this system does not take up space on your roof or wrest from the design of a home or building. Although treated windows look transparent, they generate energy in the same way that solar panels do.

RESEARCH COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF UBIQUITOUS ENERGY

Stone states, “Our architectural glass products can turn skyscrapers into vertical solar farms. By glazing some of these big commercial buildings with our coating, they can offset up to 30 per cent of their energy needs, allowing every surface that faces the sun the opportunity to generate its own energy.”

Windows by Ubiquitous Energy can be used in commercial buildings and homes. In a typical home, the technology can power items like blinds, security cameras, and sensors. Every year, over 20 billion square feet (around 1.8 billion m2) worth of windows are installed in homes and buildings worldwide. If they actively harvested solar energy, they could generate nearly 200 Gigawatts!

UE PowerTM has

revolutionised our idea of how solar power is generated, but far from resting on its laurels, the company is continuing to invest in new ideas and technology. In April 2022, the firm demonstrated the first large-area coating of transparent solar technology. It was a critical milestone that paved the way for highervolume manufacturing, since it saw the company successfully coat a 1.5 metre-wide glass panel uniformly with UE Power™. They are currently working on an upcoming high volume manufacturing line, which will produce 1.5 x 3.0 metre floorto-ceiling, transparent solar windows.

Barr explains, “Architectural glass isn’t actually flat; it’s slightly wavy. For this reason, achieving highly uniform, defect-free thin film electronics like transparent

solar over large glass sheets has historically been difficult by other methods like solution printing. Well-established PVD coating technology gives us tight control over thickness and optical appearance of our transparent solar organic semiconductor materials and permits us to piggyback on the equipment and process controls that have been enjoyed by the architectural glass industry for decades.”

While Ubiquitous Energy is currently focused on launching its first transparent solar window products in the U.S. market in 2026, the company has multiple international partners and expects its window products to be broadly available internationally (including in Europe), soon after launching in the U.S.

Marvel at the sleek lines and impressive styling Archidom Studio has brought to iconic project, Dunique. View the brand new showroom configuration at Bo Concept on the Golden Mile. Try out the new line of beauty products by Bijan 365.

If owning a home in a setting such as Marbella was once about bricks and mortar, today it is more about a dream, a lifestyle, an experience. The setting, views, and surroundings remain constants, as important as ever, but in addition to this and the quality and style of the properties themselves, 21stcentury buyers wish to have the kind of on-site resources that mean a residential community is much more than that – a country club resort within a resort destination. ›

Every good real estate project boasts an architect behind its forms, details and layout, but very few have three creative teams giving shape to its lifestyle offering. That’s how important design is to Dunique.

DUNIQUE

A LIFESTYLE DESIGNED

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF PRIME INVEST

The impressive centre of spa and solarium designed by Archidom Studio

It is this combination of factors and blend of ingredients that developers wish to count upon when creating a new project, but how they employ them is a different matter, and it becomes the ultimate differentiating factor between residential complexes, as the proof is clearly visible in the final product. Dunique is

richly endowed with the classic set of property ingredients, including a prime frontline beach location in El Rosario with stunning sea views and direct beach access. In addition to this comes the security of a manned gated community, proximity to local facilities, golf and tennis clubs, schools, and being little more

than five minutes from Marbella town. The concept has been from the outset to create a privileged living environment in the kind of beachfront setting that is a rare gem these days, and within it, design, amenities, and on-site services form the key elements that facilitate the very best quality of life.

A perspective of the properties and floating pool at Dunique

HOME DESIGN AT DUNIQUE

The main architectural design of the complex was entrusted to Miguel Maiz Córdova and Jesús Díaz Marino, from whose creative expertise has flowed a tailored style that is sleek, contemporary, and enduring in its aesthetic appeal. The lowslung project consists of beautifully detailed apartments and villas whose orientation towards the sea is enhanced by private terraces and pool areas surrounded by landscaping inspired by the Mediterranean dune vegetation. ›

The rather spectacular social hub of Dunique

The soft-toned finish avoids the harshness of pure white in favour of more muted colours that merge with the abundant natural surroundings. “Our design was naturally driven by this rather spectacular setting, but also by the lifestyle-focused orientation of Dunique, which was always intended to be an oasis of serenity,

beauty, and amenities within an already wonderful environment,” explains Maiz & Diaz. “Landscaping and orientation were therefore integral to the design concept.”

For this reason, you could say that the property owners at Dunique will have the very best of a unique location, a setting caressed by cool

sea breezes and the soundtrack of waves, where the architects have created an interplay of light, shadows, and views. “Our task was to create homes that are private bastions within a community that entices its residents to connect with nature, enjoy resort facilities, and interact with one another.” ›

Inspiring styling and landscaping by Maíz & Díaz architects

LIFESTYLE DESIGN OF DUNIQUE

Chema Sobrado and Alvaro Estuñiga have long since established a reputation as specialists in creating exceptional leisure and lifestyle environments, from the new Pacha resort in Estepona to La Reserva Beach in Sotogrande. More and more residential developments feature sports, spa, fitness, and clubhouse facilities, but few

actually contract a separate company to ensure they match the standards of the finest leisure destinations.

It is clear that the Social Club is one of the features that distinguishes Dunique as a true five-star residential resort, designed to offer a unique quality of life amid the dunes of Marbella’s finest beaches.

“It is designed as a social hub that

attracts residents as a community around a central plaza,” says Archidom. “This space makes the most of fresh breezes while keeping out strong winds, playing also with sunlight and shade to ensure it is a very pleasant place to be.”

The sensory elements include the sounds and scents of a seaside location within a structure that seems to defy gravity while offering

attractive multipurpose spaces with optimal functionality. “Our reference point was the sense of arrival and sensation of refinement that a five-star hotel or a refined golf clubhouse offers, and this is where we have created a four-storey building that houses a stylish wellness and fitness centre with semi-open gymnasium, garden yoga, a 30-metre pool, a panoramic bar, and further lounges and social spaces.” ›

Life at Dunique is punctuated by sea views, breezes, and lofty dune landscapes

BRINGING DUNIQUE TO FRUITION

By harnessing the expertise of skilled master brokers and project managers, Prime Invest has been the driving force behind Dunique, overseeing and executing design, planning, marketing, and construction management activities.

Prime Invest describes Dunique as, “A home that offers peace, privacy, and relaxation while being part of a refined and active community.” It is Marbella luxury and lifestyle seen through fresh eyes, both aesthetically, in content, and through the connection with nature

in a very special beauty spot. Spectacular in every way, Dunique’s construction has already started and Marbella’s most unique resort community in the dunes will come to life in the first semester of 2025.

TEL: (+34) 951 100 077.

WWW.DUNIQUE.ES

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

BOCONCEPT THE NEW KOLLEKTION HAS ARRIVED

If you’re familiar with the BoConcept store on Marbella’s Golden Mile, you’ll notice that it has undergone a change. After several years of an open-plan showroom that showcases one of the iconic brands associated with famous Danish design, the layout has now become more intimate and ‘homely’ in order to get a better feel for what these beautifully styled and crafted pieces of timeless furniture and décor would look like in your home. The original BoConcept store in Mijas will also follow suit in December. The brand was born when two Danish craftsmen and cabinetmakers set up a small but thriving factory on Denmark’s mainland peninsula Jutland. BoConcept was to become an integral part of the Scandinavian design revolution that swept the world in the 1950s and 1960s, and continues to do so today, producing a mesmerising catalogue of chairs, tables, sofas, cabinets, lamps, beds and other home design elements that have since become modern classics. ›

As we leave summer behind us, dust the beach sand off and begin to spend more time at home again, the natural focus is to make it as cosy, stylish, and comfortable as possible. Fortunately, the new Kollektion is just in.

DANISH DESIGN AND THE COSTA DEL SOL

“Over the years, BoConcept has worked with many famous architects, particularly Scandinavian and Danish ones, to create collections and stand-alone furniture pieces that have become collector’s items,” says Jan Petersen, whose stores represent the brand on the Costa del Sol. The clean yet homely lines of

Scandinavian design were further boosted when modern architecture took root in the Marbella area, and this in turn has led to something of a style revolution on these shores. Today, the timeless appeal of furniture that is minimalist in its detailing yet beautifully designed, while also being warm, comfortable, and functional is more in demand

than ever, especially as contemporary design moves away from cold whites to more natural colour tones and textural materials.

“For some time, the trend has been to combine modern with natural elements and a touch of retro inspiration,” says Jan, “and this is actually BoConcept summed up, so we fit perfectly into today’s homes.” ›

The new store layout gives the feel of home spaces

Not surprisingly, the individual furniture and decorative pieces as well as entire room sets by the brand are in hot demand right now with homeowners on the Costa del Sol, but in addition to the elegant showrooms on the Golden Mile and the Carretera de Mijas, the stores also feature a Plus

Store that showcases complementary items from other leading Scandinavian brands. “This way, BoConcept offers a full Danish design option in this part of Spain, and when our clients want, we can provide a full interior design and professional fitting service matched precisely to their home.” ›

Modern classics by BoConcept

The Plus Store offers a range of complementary decoration

Timeless classics by Scandinavian master designers

Timeless classics by Scandinavian master designers

BOCONCEPT – BESPOKE

BoConcept’s interior design team will provide decoration suggestions and advise customers in the showrooms that are now adapted to create step-into rooms, such as lounges, dining rooms, bedrooms and leisure or work areas. They can also come to your property,

Fine quality materials match quality of design

measure it up and provide a detailed design plan complete with precise furniture pieces made-to-measure so that the décor fits your home, and not the other way around. “That is the beauty of a bespoke decoration service, you have a famous brand like BoConcept adapted to your needs and preferences.”›

BoConcept also provides a professional interior design and home styling service

The results speak for themselves, with timeless décor that complements your home perfectly, installed by professionals who won’t rest until you’re entirely in love with your new home. “We discuss all the practical requirements and personal preferences with our clients before

creating design proposals,” says Jan, “and while these are supported by the kind of renders and 3D immersion that makes you feel like you’re ‘in the room’, there is still nothing quite like walking into a space and getting a real-world sense of what it could look and be like.” ›

Sleek Danish design

From individual decorative items such as lamps and cushions to gorgeous beds, sofas and dining sets, the stores in Mijas and Marbella bring one of the world’s leading home design brands to the apartments and villas of the Costa del Sol – a service that can be extended to an entire interior design study and made-to-measure fitting. “With ‘ingredients’ such as BoConcept’s new ambient collection with its natural woods, comfortable fabrics, and quality design at our disposal, it is a real pleasure to create wonderful interior spaces to the exact style of each owner and home.”

The brand offers most types of home decoration

BOCONCEPT MARBELLA

OASIS BUSINESS CENTRE, CN 340, KM 176, MARBELLA.

TEL: (+34) 951 492 727.

MARBELLA@BOCONCEPT.ES

WWW.BOCONCEPT.COM/ES-ES/ STORES/FIND-YOUR-LOCAL-STORE/ SPAIN/ANDALUCIA/BOCONCEPTMARBELLA

BOCONCEPT MIJAS

CARRETERA DE MIJAS, KM 3,5, MIJAS. TEL: (+34) 951 242 092.

MALAGA@BOCONCEPT.ES

BOCONCEPT EL CORTE INGLÉS

CALLE RAMÓN ARECES S/N

TEL: (+34) 659 388 226.

ECIBANUS@BOCONCEPT.ES

What better time to unveil a glamorous resort collection than during the balmy days of October, with an audience as sophisticated as the jet setters of Marbella?

Dear readers, prepare to be enthralled by none other than Roberto Cavalli, the Italian fashion brand beloved by megastars and fashionistas around the globe for its captivating, luxuriously sensual, and opulent vacation wear.

Roberto Cavalli's 2024 Resort Collection boasts exotic prints, a sumptuous array of colours, from vibrant hues to more understated earthy tones. It gracefully embraces relaxed silhouettes and lightweight fabrics, ensuring that its wearers exude both elegance and comfort while indulging in their vacation adventures. Whether you find yourself leisurely strolling along a sun-kissed beach or attending a glamorous seaside soirée, the latest offerings from Roberto Cavalli's Resort Collection cater to every moment, making an indelible style statement in any resort destination, no matter where your wanderlust leads. So, embrace the allure and savour every fashionable moment! ›

BIJAN365

Organic, Sustainable and Certified Skincare For Everyday Use

AT THE HEART OF BIJAN365’S CREATIONS ARE POTENT ACTIVE INGREDIENTS SOURCED FROM THE BALTIC MEADOWS AND FORESTS, A UNIQUE NORTHERN ENVIRONMENT THAT IS CHARACTERISED BY SHORTER SUMMERS, FORCING PLANTS TO CONCENTRATE THEIR POWERFUL INGREDIENTS. BY MERGING NATURE’S STRENGTH WITH SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION, BIJAN365 DELIVERS PRODUCTS THAT REJUVENATE AND NOURISH BOTH THE SKIN AND THE SENSES. THEIR ENTIRE RANGE IS CERTIFIED NATURAL AND ORGANIC FOLLOWING THE INTERNATIONAL COSMOS STANDARD, CRUELTY-FREE AND DEVOID OF PARABENS, MINERAL OILS, SILICONES, PEG, CHEMICAL UV FILTERS, MICROPLASTICS, SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES, ARTIFICIAL COLOURANTS, AND OTHER QUESTIONABLE INGREDIENTS. YET THEY ARE WONDERFULLY EFFECTIVE! WE TRIED THEM ALL, AND ARE WELL IMPRESSED. WORDS MADDIE QUINN

CLEANSING FOAM - NO. 16

Achieve a fresh and supple complexion with this light and airy cleansing foam. Effortlessly eliminate makeup and impurities by applying the foam to your face, massaging it gently, and rinsing thoroughly with water.

CBD OIL BOOSTER - NO. 7

Experience the soothing and sebum-regulating benefits of this facial oil infused with 1% CBD. Enhance the radiance of dull, dry skin.

ANTIOXIDANT GINKGO

GEL BOOSTER - Nº1

Blended into your usual moisturiser, this light face gel rich in antioxidants can effectively reduce the harm caused by free radicals, safeguarding your skin against pollution and environmental stressors.

LIGHT MOISTURISING DAY CREAM - NO. 3

Infused with hydrating Hyaluronic Acid and Betaine, this cream revitalises your skin’s moisture balance, providing instant freshness and comfort. Its gentletextured formula swiftly absorbs, leaving your skin nourished and matte.

BRIGHTENING CBD EYE

CREAM - NO. 10

Featuring a lightweight texture and enriched with 1% CBD, this eye cream rejuvenates the skin around your eyes offering instant comfort and hydration while also helping to combat puffiness and reduce the appearance of dark circles.

HYDRATING SERUM - NO. 4

This featherlight serum that feels as gentle as silk on your skin, imparts a vital moisture surge

for a lasting, fresh appearance throughout the day. Calming Bisabolol enhances comfort, while Cloudberry and Peony extracts deliver nourishment and vitamins for skin that looks healthy and vibrant.

CAFFEINE GEL BOOSTERNO. 6

Mix 1-3 drops of this gel concentrate infused with 1% Caffeine into an eye moisturiser to reduce puffiness and rejuvenate weary skin around the delicate eye area.

BUY IN STORE OR ONLINE CENTRO EXPO LOCAL 1, (OPPOSITE THE MARBELLA CLUB HOTEL), GOLDEN MILE, MARBELLA. WWW.BIJAN365.COM

Statistics demonstrate however that most relationships do not have such longevity or end in the ‘until death do us apart’ avowal that was made when getting married. In a recent news publication of worldwide divorce statistics, 41% of marriages in the United Kingdom end in divorce and Spain has a staggeringly high national divorce rate of 86%. Most countries have had a spiked increase recently which has been attributed to economic factors and COVID.

Interestingly, a large proportion of couples that stay together are often not living up to the expectations they had dreamt of and are instead co-existing with their partners.

IS HARD TO DO BREAKING UP

There are many reasons couples stay in an unsatisfying relationship where they are unhappy. These can be for cultural or financial reasons, or ‘for the sake of the children’, or even as simple as complacency and just not wanting to change the status quo, or fear of being alone.

If you feel that you are in a draining relationship, an important weighing factor when deciding to persevere or to take a step out on your own, is to ask yourself

whether the positives outweigh the negatives on an ongoing basis.

‘Working on things’ in a relationship can be difficult, and with so many options to meet other people, couples can take an easy path and avoid the exhausting battle of fixing the relationship. The ease and convenience of meeting someone through online dating apps has opened a new era of frivolous fun and excitement which can be seen as much more exhilarating than the

option of a serious and monogamous relationship that has lost its spark and is not working out.

Toxic relationships are unhealthy partnerships where usually there is a lack of communication, intense conflict, and elements of control, leading one of the partners to feel belittled, insecure, or resentful. The effects can also be damaging to their mental and emotional health, causing depression, anxiety, and a lack of self-esteem. ›

WORDS TANYA VEGAR

We have grown up from childhood, reading fairytales and progressing to watching American romantic comedies with a happy-ever-after ending, preparing us to believe that life should be the same.

All relationships can have moments of tension. The underlying concern is whether it is a continued pattern of behaviour and the negative impacts it is causing. There are possibilities of repairing a toxic relationship if both partners want to and are willing to put in the effort towards improving it. Communicating, including listening to the other person, will become the most important factor in putting things back on the right track. However, if someone’s health and wellbeing are deteriorating, then the relationship is more damaging and not creating the desired positive feelings or happiness.

A relationship that has not worked does not necessarily mean it is a failure. As we age and

develop, so do our goals and aspirations. It can also be that the compatibility with a person has changed and is no longer harmonious.

A relationship should enhance your mood and feelings of happiness, offer support, and make you feel valued. If you have found such a partnership treasure it and look after it. It will always take effort and work but repay you with positive feelings of care, love, and support.

If you are in limbo and deciding whether the relationship has come to an end, it may help to write down the pros and cons and see which side outweighs the other, or to talk to a therapist about it and make an exit strategy. If there are issues that have resulted from toxic

behaviour, such as anger or alcoholism, these should be addressed so that the fear of repeating a mistake and engaging in a similar relationship can be flagged to avoid this in future. Also, this can help you to move on without bringing any negative feelings of mistrust or sadness into your next relationship.

If you feel that you want a break from the relationship, be courageous, as momentarily it may be difficult, but in a short period of time with starting afresh and getting your life back on track you can regain a good balance. Focus on yourself to find new discoveries, hobbies, and achieving the unfulfilled goals that you have been wanting to for many years. During the time of getting through a breakup it is pivotal to keep yourself busy, reconnect, and spend time with friends and family that you may not have had the time for previously. Keep positive, when one door closes another will open.

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AND ENTERTAINMENT ALL OVER THE WORLD

Featuring luxurious cosmopolitan lifestyle on the Costa del Sol, Spain and further afield. From editorial to advertising, thousands of affluent readers see, source and purchase products directly from essential’s pages. If you would like your business to be included, email us today!

DIRECTOR@ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY FILLING HEARTS WITH HAPPINESS

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

What does the word ‘therapy’ conjure up in your mind?

If you’re anything like me, then your answers might include cognitive behavioural therapy, DBT, or the currently popular EMDR (which involves eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing). However, one type of therapy that is helping patients make major progress is far less complex and more instinctual, as it strikes straight to the heart: animal-assisted therapy (AAT). It is by no means incompatible with ‘gold standard’ therapies, but it adds a certain magic for those who love animals, empowering therapists to achieve their aims more quickly and efficiently.

The benefits of having an animal around are as you might guess. Animals help people relax, breaking down their defences and soothing their anxiety. As equine therapist, Tracie Holroyd says, “Not everyone can engage in therapy in a room, but for

many clients, animal-assisted doesn’t seem like therapy.”

Ann Berger, a US physician, meanwhile, told News in Health, “Dogs are very present. If someone is struggling with something, they know how to sit there and be loving.”

Consider animals as a fast track to mindfulness – a state of being whose components include attentiveness, intention, compassion, and awareness. Berger elaborates, “All of those things are things that animals bring to the table. People kind of have to learn it. Animals do this innately.”

Animals don’t just benefit people mentally, but also physically. For instance, many studies have shown that being with animals lowers the heart rate and blood pressure. It also reduces levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. This hormone, when present for a sustained period at high levels, can increase the likelihood of anxiety, depression, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Let’s take a look at a few

scenarios in which AAT is currently used. These include:

» Treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, and eating disorders

» Helping couples overcome relationship problems

» Aiding people with ADHD and/or autism

» Improving behavioural problems like social withdrawal, self-harm, and aggression

» During rehabilitation for substance abuse and alcoholism

» Helping imprisoned individuals battle stress and enhance their social skills ›

“Animals, like us, are living souls. They are not things. They are not objects. Neither are they human. Yet they mourn. They love. They dance. They suffer. They know the peaks and chasms of being.”

Gary Kowalski, Author of Goodbye, Friend

HOW DOES AAT WORK?

AAT varies in nature depending on the condition or situation it is being used for, though a typical session can include petting, grooming, or feeding pets, as well as walking with them. The therapist accompanies the client, helping them explore and understand the thoughts and emotions that arise when they are interacting with the animals. Sessions are considered experiential because often, the therapist does not know what will ensue until it occurs. Much of the work is metaphoric because the therapist uses the human’s interaction with the animal to broach subjects of how they form attachments and relationships with other

human beings.

Equine therapy, which includes therapeutic riding, is particularly special because it is used not only in mental health settings but also with people who need physical or occupational therapy. Specially trained horses are used alongside trained staff to benefit people with a myriad of special needs –including amputation, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, strokes, traumatic brain injury, and visual and auditory disabilities – to name just a few.

One of the most fascinating ways that horses can help humans is in helping war veterans cope with PTSD. Specialised programmes are created to help these men and women reintegrate

into civilian life. Through interaction with horses and the help of their therapist, they can learn to build communication skills, manage tough emotions, and trust others.

Aside from all the mental and physical benefits that AAT can bring, it has an added bonus – it motivates people to head out into nature! And that in itself is incredibly healing, with studies by Drexel University researchers showing that spending just 10 minutes every day in a green setting does wonders to combat stress! So if you already have an animal that brings a world of magic to your day, what are you waiting for? Head outside, breathe in the fresh air, and taste the sunshine! e

Strand Properties’ agents, Sorin Mailat and Cristina Galán explain factors involved in the record sale of Finca Azur for their company. Consider living within the beautiful confines of Marbella Club Hills. Catch up on news and events on the local business scene.

STRAN D PROPERTIES

IMPORTANT REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Top level property transactions don’t just happen by themselves, they require a high-level international buying public, a professional team of experts adept at negotiating complex sales, and of course outstanding homes that can compete with the best in the world.

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MATTERHORN ESTATES AND STRAND PROPERTIES

Marbella has always been a luxury destination, but in recent years the standard of property has reached a truly international level, meaning that the finest homes available here are on a par with the best you could find anywhere in the world. Our region has now really joined an international elite in terms of the standard and quality of the properties it offers, the accompanying luxury services, and of course a quality of life that is built

around security and climate.

As a result, Marbella is more attractive than ever to an elite group of buyers from around the world, explaining why the top end of the market is perhaps the most dynamic of all, though of course the postpandemic sense of carpe diem and remote working have also drawn buyers to the Costa del Sol, as has the war in Ukraine. That said, it is in the upper segment that the most exciting properties are being acquired, and this leads to transactions of international importance.

FINCA AZUR

This superb property is the latest in the Matterhorn collection of fine homes, and the culmination of its expertise and dedication to perfection. These are words easily bandied about within the luxury segment, but anyone who works with this bespoke developer will tell you that it is entirely true of Ana Francia del Amo Bouyer and her handpicked team of professionals. Her perfectionism can be exacting on collaborators and suppliers, but it produces

results that simply speak for themselves as they blend Mediterranean flair with the precision and clever functionality of a Swiss watch.

STRAND PROPERTIES SUCCESS!

“Finca Azur occupies one of the most perfect locations in Marbella, with iconic view across Aloha Golf straight to La Concha Mountain,” says Sorin Mailat and Cristina Galán of Strand Properties, who brokered the sale of the

property. “When our client saw it he was amazed. A slight turn of the head and you take in the sea and the Golden Mile, with the lights of Marbella town glowing in the evenings. Kudos to Ana for finding such a perfect setting in what is a crowded marketplace and making it such a unique future classic.”

The new owner soon spotted the distinguishing characteristics that mark Finca Azur out as an exceptional property even within the upper end of the

market, but he was assisted by two spirited professionals in Sorin and his colleague, Cristina, who blended enthusiasm with realism as they informed and advised the then prospective buyer. “Having seen hundreds of villas over the years we’re not easily impressed, but this property won over our hearts and minds,” says Cristina. “We love it and I guess that showed, but the client felt the same way so what was left was to work out the details.” ›

And thus followed a period of due diligence and structuring of the purchase that is quite common among transactions of this standing. “It was a little complex at times, but fortunately Ana has a background in corporate law, so we were in good hands,” adds Sorin, himself a lawyer by training. Working as a team with Cristina, whose background is in tourism and marketing, they expertly guided the buyer through the process and achieved the selling of this important property off-market.

“If people think that a property purchase in this

segment of the market is super easy they would be surprised,” says Sorin. “There are a lot of things to be considered and owners of properties like this should be able to rely on people who are highly knowledgeable. This is why important transactions should be handled by people who have the know-how and experience to see it through in a calm and efficient manner."

"We truly want to understand our client's needs. Our goal is to exceed all their expectations and to always go the extra mile for them. With a passion for design, and by emphasising visual

communication, we bring out the best of the properties we sell. We have a profound understanding of digital marketing in the real estate industry. Strand Properties is more than a real estate agency, it's a shared lifestyle. In the end it is a team effort that involves vendor, buyer, specialist agents, and of course a property to fall in love with.”

STRAND

TEL: (+34) 676 901 519. INFO@STRAND.ES

WWW.STRANDPROPERTIES.COM

SEA, HILLS AND SKIES

MARBELLA CLUB HILLS

What do you do with almost 16 hectares of prime land between green hills and valleys overlooking golf and sea? You create a beautiful property development within a classic country club.

OF

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY

MARBELLA CLUB HILLS

The classic country club in question is the Marbella Club Golf Resort, whose pedigree is linked to that of the legendary Marbella Club Hotel. Indeed, using the ‘Marbella Club’ in the name indicates a bond that effectively makes one the country club of the other – golf course and equestrian centre included. The Marbella Club Golf Resort is a hill club in the true sense of the word,

a select community of villas set amid nature upon large private grounds overlooking a sprawling golf course and the Mediterranean Sea. Marbella Club Hills finds itself within this rarefied environment, with the distinction of offering a modern gated community within the country club that includes luxurious villas as well as apartments. They find themselves minutes from the charming clubhouse of

the local golf club, within easy reach of the Marbella Club Equestrian Centre and in the embrace of nature while close to Benahavís, San Pedro Alcántara, Estepona and both Puerto Banús and Marbella town. Just to the west is the iconic Anantara Villa Padierna Resort, renowned for its palatial style, award-winning spa, gastronomic offering and of course a collection of fine golf courses. ›

VISITESSENTIALMAGA

A FOCUS ON STYLE AND GREEN DESIGN

Using just 10 per cent of the 158,000m 2 of land that makes up Marbella Club Hills ensures space, privacy, uninterrupted views, low-rise refinement, and also forms part of a pledge to develop in harmony

with the surrounding nature. The equally strong commitment to design of a timeless quality is visible in the styling of the 110 apartments and ten villas, designed by Villarroel Torrico with the brief to create something truly outstanding –contemporary homes of great style and sophistication that honour both the nature and cultural traditions of Andalucía.

This is a mouthwatering prospect for an architect of the calibre of Pablo Villarroel, who balanced Mediterranean rooflines with sleek modern architectural geometry and an open-plan interior distribution that offers a succession of intimate living spaces. Combined with thoughtfully landscaped gardens planted with drought-resistant endemic plants and terrace areas that make the most of natural views, airflow and light, it makes for refined country living designed to be in harmony with nature in its styling, positioning, and application of modern energyefficient systems.

FOUR PHASES

Given the space available, Marbella Club Hills is divided into four phases with their own charm and individuality. This layout optimises space, privacy, and creates landscaped spaces in between the properties, which consist of three and four-bedroom garden duplexes, two and three-bedroom apartments with large panoramic terraces, and spectacular rooftop penthouses with three or four bedrooms. The garden duplexes have private gardens of up to 140m2 and 240m2 of internal space, making them feel like compact modern villas, much

as the sky villa penthouses do.

Construction of phase II is scheduled to start in the final quarter of this year, with delivery in mid-2025. The cherry on the cake of Marbella Club Hills is made up of the ten luxurious modern villas that will form phase III of the project, each with five bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, private swimming pools, styled gardens, and expansive living space on three floors. Villarroel Torrico has adapted the signature style of Marbella Club Hills to the villas, ensuring that they are state-of-the-art in terms of amenities and automation. ›

CLUBHOUSES

In keeping with the spirit of the Marbella Club Golf Resort, this development features two clubhouses situated in different sections of the community. The North Club, which is located on the upper hill, contains a heated outdoor swimming pool, professional gymnasium, spa and hammam, as well as a lounge and an outdoor functions area.

The South Club, which will be built in the coming year, will feature an indoor swimming pool, a gym, two tennis and two paddle tennis courts, as well as a children’s playground. This in addition

to the renowned equestrian centre and a golf course available within the Marbella Club Golf Resort.

“It’s an environment designed for comfort and refinement,” says developer (MENA Capital’s) Chairman and CEO, Nabil Sawabini, “where the quality country lifestyle can be cherished and enjoyed.”

MARBELLA CLUB HILLS

URB. CASERÍAS DEL ESPERONAL, CARRETERA DE MONTE MAYOR, BENAHAVÍS.

TEL: (+34) 639 581 853.

TEL: (+34) 951 661 173.

AW@MARBELLACLUBHILLS.COM

WWW.MARBELLACLUBHILLS.COM

Enjoy a front row seat during the Solheim Cup at Finca Cortesin Estate. Last villas and private houses available to rent.

COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

bbusiness news

METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella – Estepona Presentation

The brand-new METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella – Estepona recently held a launch event, inviting guests to a wonderful lunch at its Isola restaurant and a tour of its installations. This is the second hotel opened under the METT Social Living brand, by the Sunset Hospitality Group. It is a five-star, frontline beach resort just minutes away from Marbella, with varied culinary offerings and an exclusive design, as well as a host of perfect spots for relaxation.

WWW.METTSOCIALLIVING.COM/MARBELLA/

Floor Room Opens in Puerto Banús

Luxury wooden flooring firm, Floor Room, has opened a 550m2 showroom in Puerto Banús, with a view to becoming the leader in its sector on the Coast and fulfilling the demands of high-end architects, interior designers, contractors, and constructors. The company prioritises design and quality and is the exclusive representative of the prestigious brand, Hakwood. The latter is a Netherlands-based company whose wooden flooring is known for its warmth, richness, diversity, and strength. The launch was attended by entrepreneurs, investors, and a myriad of professionals from the sector.

WWW.FLOORROOM.ES

NVOGA Presents SALVIA

SALVIA is an exclusive new apartment complex situated just minutes from the Mediterranean shoreline. This development, a masterpiece by Grupo ABU, was meticulously designed by T10 architects. It comprises two-to-four-bedroom apartments with large terraces and outdoor spaces, with views and orientations to the South (with sea views), North (with mountain views), South-East, and South-West. The development features state-of-the-art facilities such as a coworking space, gym, spa, indoor heated swimming pool, pool bar, and charging stations for electric vehicles.

FURTHER INFORMATION, WWW.NVOGA.COM

Fantasy Film Festival at Casino Marbella

The Asociación Unicornio, under the guidance of Julio Peces, recently celebrated the 14th edition of the International Fantasy Film Festival of the Coast. This year’s theme was ‘Serial Killers’, and the closing party was celebrated at the Casino Marbella. The Casino’s gardens were transformed into Paris in the 1920s, inspired by the experiences of Monsieur Verdoux – the character played by Charles Chaplin in his second-to-last film, which was based on the serial killer, Henri Désiré Landru. The event was attended by a host of personalities from the film and TV world – including Lara Dibildos, Cristina Medina, and the Mayor of Estepona, José María García Urbano.

WWW.CASINOMARBELLA.COM

Malayan Tapirs Get Frisky at Bioparc Fuengirola

A young Malayan tapir was recently brought to Bioparc Fuengirola and, to the surprise of staff, it has already started mating with a female tapir. For these long-snouted cuties, it was love at first sight and they have been enjoying more than a few encounters since they met. Such is their activity, that the staff are expecting to announce more exciting news soon. Hint: it’s got something to do with the pitter-patter of tiny tapir feet!

WWW.BIOPARCFUENGIROLA.ES

Kusuma Trust Launches 2023 Professional Development Awards

Applications for the Kusuma Trust Professional Development Award are now open. This trust supports individuals working in Gibraltar to undertake professional development courses where there is no funding available from the Government or their employer. Recipients must be working in areas that directly benefit people living and working in Gibraltar. Applicants should:

» Be working in Gibraltar for a minimum of three years immediately prior to commencement of their selected course.

» Be employed in a role that directly impacts and benefits those who live and work in Gibraltar.

» Demonstrate a commitment to excellence in their occupation.

Applications will close on October 20.

WWW.KUSUMATRUST.GI

El Fuerte Contemporary Art Gallery

The El Fuerte Marbella hotel is now home to a brand-new contemporary art gallery, which features works by national and international artists. The first exhibition taking place is Return to the Origin, by abstract Andalusian artist, Isabel Martín. It symbolises the ambitious renovation of the hotel and the delicate balance between remaining true to its origins and looking forward to a bright, promising future.

WWW.ELFUERTEMARBELLA.COM

Cristina Iturrioz Exhibition at the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís Marbella Resort

Talented Navarra-born artist, Cristina Iturrioz, recently presented her latest exhibition at the art gallery of the Villa Padierna resort. Organised alongside gallerist, Úrsula Salvador, it features numerous abstract paintings and sculptures that dazzle with their lively colours and flowing shapes. The exhibition can be viewed until the end of October, from 11am to 8pm.

WWW.ANANTARA.COM

NVOGA and Grupo ABU Marbella Realty Launch EARTH

After successfully collaborating to sell 16 luxury homes in less than three months, Grupo ABU and NVOGA have joined forces again with the exclusive development: EARTH, which is located in the heart of the Golden Mile, close to Puente Romano. This sustainable boutique complex comprises 28 luxury flats and penthouses in a secure gated community. The architectural studio T10 developed the EARTH project as an ecological design committed to the conservation of the environment so that homeowners can enjoy a life in harmony with nature. It is graced with high-end communal zones, including a spa with a heated pool, sauna and hammam, gym, and a yoga room.

WWW.NVOGA.COM

The Real Club de Golf Sotogrande Adds Flavour to the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters

The Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters will be taking place from October 19 to 22 at the Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, a course known for its excellence, quality, and privileged environment. “The Robert Trent Jones' design was a great novelty in European golf, since it was the first seeded with Bermuda 419 and equipped with automatic irrigation. The best players loved it from the start for its ample tees, wide fairways, white bunkers with spectacular shapes, fast, large greens, and lakes that affected up to seven holes. It was and still is an excellent test of golf where players of all levels have fun,” says golf course manager, Patrick Allende.

WWW.ESTRELLADAMMANDALUCIAMASTERS.GOLF

Charity Lunch at La Sala

A charity lunch was held at La Sala to raise funds for Cure DHDDS – a charity set up to raise awareness, support families, and help drive research into ultra-rare DHDDS gene mutations. The charity was founded by a family with two children who carry this gene. The mutation was only decided to be diseasecausing in 2021. It is both neurodevelopmental and often neurodegenerative and symptoms include mild-severe learning difficulties, balance difficulties, muscle twitches, seizures, and tremours. In the limited studies that have been done, these symptoms tend to get worse over time, making it difficult to walk and function on the most basic level.

WWW.CUREDHDDS.ORG

Lagoom Living Brings 530 New Homes to Life in Teatinos

The Málaga Town Hall and promoter, Lagoom Living, recently formalised an agreement covering the rights to promote and make full use of some 530 VPO (subsidised) homes, destined for rentals in the Teatinos area. This zone, which is close to the University of Málaga, will benefit from a sizeable subvention from the European Union. Construction work will commence in the first trimester of 2024 and the homes will be ready for rental before the end of 2026.

Nao Victoria Docks in Sotogrande

The emblematic ship, Nao Victoria, recently made a stop in Sotogrande for two days, receiving daily visits from the public. The ship is a replica of the vessel that took part in the first voyage around the world from 1519 to 1522. The voyage, led by Magallanes, lasted three years and 14 days, with the crew sailing some 32,000 nautical miles. The replica has travelled to various countries in Europe and beyond.

Personalised Treatments at the Anantara Spa

The spa at the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís Marbella Resort will be offering exclusive personalised treatments until December 18, imparted by renowned professionals. The programme began in September, when respiratory therapist, Sean Klinkhammer, held sessions centred on improving emotions and the state of mind. From October 7 to 30, Ana Mattos will be designing holistic treatments featuring osteopathy and naturopathy. From November 20 to December 4, John Sánchez, a doctor in traditional Chinese medicine, will be treating a myriad of problems. Finally, from December 1 to 18, Bettina Maul will be offering individual sessions featuring yoga, meditation, Reiki, coaching, stress management, and more.

WWW.ANANTARA.COM

1st Mijas International Business Fair: Promoting Local Commerce and Community Spirit

The Mijas Foreigners Department, in association with Costa Women, presents the 1st Mijas International Business Fair, set to take place on November 11 at PLAY Restaurant in Mijas Costa, from 11am to 4pm, followed by a free open networking event. The fair aims to celebrate and bolster vibrant local businesses, while encouraging residents to shop locally. Mijas-based businesses are invited to reserve a stand at the fair, with prices starting at €40. To secure a spot, contact Ali Meehan at mijas@costawomen.com. Stand availability is limited and reservations will be accepted until October 15 or until all spaces are filled.

Second Edition of Soroptimist Award

The ceremony for the second edition of the Soroptomist Award will be taking place at the Mijas Town Hall. The awards began in 2021, when the founders of Soroptimist International Costa del Sol began participating in the United Nations General Assembly manifesto and became determined to find ways to make local food more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient. The organisation recently invited people to nominate businesses or organisations that promote organic food and local food products, as well as those that teach others about sustainable food systems and ways to avoid food and plastic waste.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, WWW.COSTADELSOL. SOROPTIMIST.ES

Tango Nights in Nerja

Noches de Tango (Tango Nights) is one of Nerja’s most colourful annual events and this year, it promises to be more special than ever, with Argentinean group, La Porteña Tango, presenting a special performance to celebrate its 15th anniversary. The dance troupe will invite the audience to take a long, winding journey through the history of tango music, which was born in the humble suburbs and ports of Río de la Plata, and which quickly took the world by storm.

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT WWW.MIENTRADA.NET.

FURTHER INFORMATION, WWW. PRODUCCIONESLASTRA.COM

PROTECTING YOUR LEGACY

INHERITANCE PLANNING IN SPAIN

There are various inheritance issues you need to be aware of and plan for when you move to Spain.

WILLS

If you live in Spain, it is advisable to make a Spanish will to deal with your Spanish assets since it is easier to wind up an estate using a local will. If you have assets in more than one country you can have a will in each jurisdiction.

A UK will may be effective in Spain but it has to go through

the UK probate process, inevitably creating long delays and high costs. It also needs to be notarised and translated before being accepted in Spain.

In any case, you may wish to update your will to elect for UK succession law to apply to your estate when you die.

SUCCESSION LAW

Spanish succession law imposes ‘forced heirship’ rules. In general terms, children are entitled to receive two thirds of an estate’s assets, so you cannot, for

example, leave everything to your spouse.

This Spanish regime applies to foreign nationals living in Spain by default. You can, however, use the European Succession Regulation, ‘Brussels IV’, to opt for the succession law of your country of nationality to apply on your death instead. You must specifically state this in your will.

Brussels IV only relates to succession law; you cannot, for example, opt for UK inheritance tax instead of Spanish succession tax.

We all sleep better when we feel confident that our affairs are in order, and as we get older we think more about the legacy we will leave to future generations; specifically, how and to whom our assets will pass on our death.

WORDS CHRIS MCCANN, SENIOR PARTNER, BLEVINS FRANKS

SUCCESSION TAX

Spain’s succession and gift tax is paid by each recipient, and tax rates vary depending on the kinship between the person passing the money and the person receiving it. There is no blanket exemption for spouses.

The tax is due when the asset being inherited or gifted is located in Spain or if the recipient is resident in Spain.

State tax rates start at 7.65% and rise to 34%, with multipliers potentially taking rates higher. At state level the reductions and allowances are low. The 95% main home reduction is limited to spouses or descendants who keep the property for 10 years, and capped at €122,606 per inheritor.

However, the autonomous communities can adjust the tax rates and allowances to make them more beneficial for residents. The local Andalucía succession tax regime has been reformed in recent years to make it one of the most attractive regions

in Spain for succession tax planning – in most cases spouses and children have no or relatively little tax to pay on inheritances (the rules are different for lifetime gifts).

UK INHERITANCE TAX

Many British expatriates remain liable to UK inheritance tax since it is based on domicile. If your estate is liable to both UK and Spanish inheritance taxes, a credit is given in Spain for the tax paid in the UK to avoid double taxation.

Depending on your circumstances and intentions, it may be possible to adopt a domicile of choice in Spain. This is a complex, specialist area so take professional advice.

INHERITANCE PLANNING

Start by establishing your estate planning goals: Who would you like to benefit from your estate? Do you want to control how and when they receive their inheritance? How quickly would they

need to access the money?

What can you do to make the inheritance process as easy and cost-effective as possible for them?

Then seek specialist crossborder estate planning advice on how you can achieve your wishes for your heirs, while keeping inheritance taxes as low as possible. Depending on your family situation, estate planning can get complex especially when it involves two countries, but with careful planning and expert advice you can get peace of mind that you have the most suitable approach in place, for both yourself and your family.

Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual is advised to seek personalised advice.

PRESENTATION OF THE COLLECTION CAMOJAN

RGZ Developers invited real estate agents, clients and associates to the presentation of The Collection. Situated in a prime position in Cascada de Camoján, with panoramic views of La Concha and the Mediterranean Sea, guests enjoyed Taittinger Champagne with Jamón Ibérico de Bellota while becoming acquainted with the project.

WWW.MARBELLA-EV.COM

WWW.RGZ.ES

PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

MARBELLA CLUB HILLS PRE-LAUNCH OF PHASE II

From its privileged location within the confines of the Marbella Club Golf Resort, Marbella Club Hills offers a range of luxury properties nestled in nature’s embrace. Invited guests recently assembled at the resorts clubhouse for the pre-launch of Phase II, consisting of garden duplexes, apartments with large panoramic terraces, and spectacular penthouses.

WWW.MARBELLACLUBHILLS.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

PRESENTATION OF THE NEW EL FUERTE HOTEL

Under the ownership of the Luque García family, El Fuerte Hotel has been a landmark in Marbella during many decades with its exceptional position both facing the beach and close to the Casco Antiguo. Following its full refurbishment, invited guests attended the presentation of the new premises, which now holds the official status of a 5* Hotel.

WWW.ELFUERTEMARBELLA.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

SOLEIA LIVING IN EL CHAPARRAL

CExxacon Inmobiliaria recently held a Sunset Launch Party with live music, drinks and canapés to inaugurate their latest project located in El Chaparral. Soleia Living features a first phase of 23 luxury villas in a paradisiacal setting in the heart of the Costa del Sol, surrounded by nature and facing the fairways of El Chaparral Golf.

WWW.EXXACON.ES

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF EXXACON

II GALA FOUNDATION IDILIQ

IThe IDILIQ Foundation recently celebrated its II Gala, in support of those needing help on the Costa del Sol and in Tenerife. Around 250 invitees gathered at the Mediterráneo Restaurant and Pool Terrace to enjoy a lovely cocktail evening among friends, with Wyndham Grand – La Cala Golf as the principal sponsor of the event.

WWW.IDILIQGROUP.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF IDILIQ

Line up a lunch or dinner at Barbillón in Guadalmina Baja for great beachfront dining. Learn how Fernando Villasclaras changed direction from marketing to become a top chef. Sample some fine wines from the Axarquía.

After more than a decade building a faithful following in Madrid, expanding to encompass three different venues, it was time for Barbillón to bring their recipe for success to Marbella. To do this, they have selected an exemplary location right on the beach in Guadalmina, with the intention of remaining open year-round. And what a place it is!

IDEAL FOR EVENTS

Drive down the road facing Colegio San José directly to the beach and you will reach Barbillón, complete with a spacious car park and valet parking. On entering the doors, there is a huge roof top terrace facing the sea which will be ready for important events in 2024. Take the stairs to the lower level and get ready to be blown away by the scale of the operation. To your left is a very alluring pool area, surrounded by modern fittings, decking, sun loungers,

and palm trees. Directly in front is a terrace and beach bar with rows of curtained square sun beds and loungers on the beach shaded by natural fibre umbrellas. On the right is the core area of the restaurant with an extensive seating zone, a large sunken bar, DJ booth, and substantial kitchen. This is a setting that can host 350 diners and it is destined to become a popular choice for weddings, christenings, private parties and corporate events

The décor is an eclectic mix

of classic and contemporary, mixing wrought iron, mosaic tiling, wood, and comfy upholstered chairs. Elegant column’s support the roof and big swinging floor to ceiling windows are held in place or can be lowered to completely enclose the covered area in inclement weather. The atmospheric lighting and DJ spun music create a nice ambience. On the open terrace, protection from the sun is provided by folding umbrellas and shade sails. ›

WORDS JAMES SINCLAIR PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

CLASSIC CUISINE WITH A TWIST

With the sea air in your nostrils, this is a place to savour some of its finest delicacies and the menu pays due homage with a great selection of fish and shellfish dishes. You can also choose from a range of Meat and Rice options and different garnishing to accompany.

A great touch here are the many Sharing Plates on offer to begin a meal or simply to snack on. Following a refreshing Marbillón signature cocktail, we settled down to three of these: Guacamole Mortar with Tortilla Chips –fresh, creamy and substantial; Japanese Tempura Tiger

Prawn Saam with Kimchi Mayonnaise – just wonderful; and Homemade Iberian Ham Croquettes – soft centred melt-in-the-mouth textured. Among other choices, we could have also opted for Fried Steak Tartar Nigiri with Quail Egg, Andalusian Style Squid, Tagliatelle with Clams, or one of their Salad specials. Moving on to mains, our whole Sea Bream on the Grill was expertly filleted at out table and proved to be a superlative choice, tender and flavoursome. This we shared, together with a succulent smoky Carved Beef Sirloin Steak accompanied by French Fries with Parmesan Cheese and Truffle.

It had been difficult to determine our main courses and if these dishes are a good representation of the level of the house kitchen, it will indeed be a pleasure to return to try some other plates, like Sea Bass on the Grill or Spit, Rice with Carabinero, or a Wagyu Burger,

Barbillón also offers a good range of national and

international wines including, unusually, some Jeroboams and Methuselahs, as well as an array of enticing cocktails.

To cap what had been an excellent lunch, following a prior recommendation we went with the Cheesecake and White Chocolate, served in a generous portion for two, which really hit the spot!

With phenomenal food, slick service, and reasonable pricing, look forward to Barbillón becoming a stalwart of the Marbella Dining scene – check it out soon!

OPEN EVERY DAY FROM 11:00 TO 01:00 URB. GUADALMINA BAJA, C. 3, 318, TEL: (+34) 952 489 123, (+34) 628 991 230.

WWW.BARBILLON.COM

Fernando Villasclaras, Chef of Michelin-starred restaurant, El Lago, could very well have ended up in the marketing industry had it not been for a trip to Liverpool, which he undertook when he was just 20.

“I decided to live in the UK to improve my English, since I had studied marketing and I knew that it would be necessary for my career. While I was there, I realised that I didn’t want to be eating fast food all day, so I learned how to cook.”

In reality, Fernando, who hails from Nerja, had always been inspired by the homecooked flavours and aromas of the traditional dishes prepared by his grandmothers. However, during his stay in England, he took up work as a dishwasher and kitchen assistant before studying to become a chef.

“I’ve always had a palate for good food, but when I returned to Spain, I enrolled in the cookery school in Benahavís,” he says. After obtaining his official certification, he honed his craft at a myriad of prestigious establishments, including 1870 (Chef Aitor

Perurana’s celebrated restaurant in San Pedro), Mugaritz (under the guiding hand of Andoni Luis Aduriz), and Sollun in Nerja (whose Chef, Juan Quintanilla, was his first ‘maestro’). His chance to shine at a Michelin-starred establishment came when he was contacted by El Lago after their Chef, Juan José Carmona amicably parted ways with the restaurant. Fernando tells me, “At the time, I was the chef of a restaurant in Alcuzcuz, on the Ronda road. I was attracted to the place because it was beautifully decorated. The lower floor had a décor shop and the upper level had been

converted by the owners, who were members of the Spanish aristocracy. They opened a small restaurant serving a myriad of vegetable dishes made with produce grown in their own garden.”

This was a big learning experience for Fernando, who gleaned how to live in accordance with the principles of nature. “Throughout the seasons, I would visit the garden to harvest produce. There are little tricks you pick up along the way. For instance, the zucchini flower is best picked in the morning. The key is to prepare and present produce in its freshest state.” ›

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY EL LAGO

FERNANDO VILLASCLARAS

FANNING THE FLAMES OF CREATIVE CUISINE AT EL LAGO

Looking back on this special stage in his life, Fernando feels that the restaurant was very much ahead of its time. “Today, there are many options for signature vegetarian cuisine but back then finding a place that served freshly grown fruits and vegetables was quite difficult.”

He remembers that when he was called by El Lago in February 2020, he accepted their proposal without batting an eyelid, knowing that this stalwart on Marbella’s gastronomic scene shared his same passion for creative, fine cuisine made with zero-kilometer ingredients. “I simply carried on with what I was doing and was given carteblanche to create my own menu. By that stage, I had 10 years of experience behind me, and I was already familiar

with the demands of a Michelin-starred establishment.”

At El Lago, Fernando’s tasting menu changes every day, as it is totally dependent on the availability of ingredients. “My dishes are very natural. Diners understand what they are eating because the flavour is there and the produce we use is organic.”

The 14 dishes on the tasting menu are representative of Andalucía. Just a few items you might find include a beet and strawberry porra – “a typical Andalusian dish made with organic strawberries grown in Huelva.” Another highly indemand choice is the grilled crayfish gazpachuelo, with its appealing springinspired colours. The Chef additionally prepares a to-diefor sashimi made with salmonete and

smoked rosemary. As for meat dishes, the chivo de Málaga is a top choice if you’re after the perfect blend of taste and tenderness

The dishes are healthy and fresh, with many containing an abundance of vegetables. The desserts are light and bear no or very little gluten or lactose. One dessert, for instance, is made of ‘huevo de toro’

tomato, English custard, tomato foam, and cane honey from Frigiliana.

El Lago also has an à la carte menu for those opting for a quicker meal. Whichever you choose, expect to feel energised and on top of the world instead of sluggish. In Fernando’s view, creativity, artistry, and taste make the perfect companions to good health.

EXQUISITE DINING AT LA VERANDA

Enjoy the elegance and old-warm charm of La Veranda, which is going ‘back to its roots’ by serving a new menu offering its most iconic dishes and guests’ all-time favourites from 20 years ago. Savour mouth-watering flavors created by chef Santiago Altuna. Steeped in nostalgia, complemented by exceptional service and a fairy-tale setting.

Information and reservations:

E: laveranda.villapadierna@anantara-hotels.com

T: +34 952 889 150

LIFE IS A JOURNEY. Visit anantara.com

COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

‘BARBIECORE’ HEALTHY MENU ARRIVES AT THE BARCELÓ MARBELLA

The Barceló Marbella recently hopped on the Barbie bandwagon, with a special, healthy menu called ‘Pink Antioxidant Lunch’. The pink food trend actually started in 2017, and is currently big on TikTok, Instagram, and everyday life! At the Barceló, guests tucked into photogenic delights such as a beetroot hummus, tagliatelle with vegan ‘prawn’ crème, pancakes with red fruits and strawberry cream and a red velvet cake with vegan raspberry ice-cream. And let’s not forget the pink latte chai after the meal! WWW.BARCELO.COM

ISOLA RESTAURANT OPENS AT THE METT HOTEL & BEACH RESORT MARBELLA-ESTEPONA

Founded in Dubai’s Jumeirah Island Clubhouse and exporting its fourth brand to the METT resort in Marbella-Estepona, Isola Restaurant embodies the traditions of Mediterranean cuisine inspired by the south of Italy. A gastronomic experience consisting of homemade pasta, pizza and Italian favorites. Isola offers a taste of modern classics with an extensive wine selection sourced from the best wine-producing regions in Italy and is the perfect match for relaxed diners with high expectations. The restaurant will be hosting a weekly live music night on Thursdays (featuring Giovedi Live). Groove to the tunes of jazz as you sip on refreshing beverages and enjoy your Italian favourites for dinner.

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CHANDON GARDEN SPRITZ AT EL LAGO

El Lago Restaurant and the Moët Hennessy Group have joined forces to host unique events. The first was a Chandon Garden Spritz tasting, held on El Lago’s beautiful terrace, overlooking the golf course. It featured a cocktail with bites from El Lago’s Midi (midday) tasting menu and Garden Spritz – made from a blend of award-winning Champagne and homemade orange-bitter liqueur. The second was a paired event hosted by the chef of El Lago, Fernando Villasclaras and Möet Hennessy’s brand ambassador, Xavier Monclús. It featured select bottles of Champagne: the Moët & Chandon

Impérial Magnum, Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2015, Moët Rosé, Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Rosé 2025, and Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial. WWW.RESTAURANTEELLAGO.COM

EL FUERTE MARBELLA PRESENTS CHARME & TASTE

The recently renovated El Fuerte Marbella Hotel is upping its culinary offering, with a brand-new breakfast tasting menu called Charme & Taste. The menu, which features nine dishes, is closely tied to our local culture and, of course, to Marbella’s seafaring spirit. Guests can select from freshly squeezed orange juice, a shake of the day, a red fruit and granola tart, peach, mango, and passion fruit yoghurt, various types of bread and pastries, oysters, a lobster roll, egg with Hollandaise sauce, truffle potatoes and bacon, and a salted caramel cookie.

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DIEGO AND FRIENDS

Diego and Friends is now one of the most highly anticipated events on the Coast’s culinary scene. Every year, Chef Diego Gallego of Michelin-starred restaurant, Sollo, hosts four special dinners alongside two guests chefs on each night. The list of chefs is stellar. It includes Martina Puigvert and David Yárnoz, Maca de Castro and João Rodrigues, Rodrigo de la Calle and Randy Siles, Pepe Solla and Rodrigo Castelo. One event has already taken place but you can still book a spot on the dinners to be held on October 27, November 10, and December 11.

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The expats who originally made the Costa del Sol their home rarely ventured inland. It was quite normal for a Marbella or Estepona resident or visitor to consider it unnecessary and indeed pointless to go and explore the hinterland. This attitude has changed, even if it has been more for economic reasons than tentative ones, and what were once white villages populated by Spanish citizens have in several cases been taken over by Brits, Swedes, Danes, Germans, and other nationalities who prefer the prices and lifestyles that are alternatives to the Costa. But even though they live there, ask most of them what the Axarquía signifies, and you may get a blank look.

Axarquía is not a word in common use, even in Spanish, nor is it an officially recognised administrative region, in this respect being similar to England’s West Country or Frances’s Dordogne. However, it is culturally and geographically significant and describes the eastern part of Málaga province. The region has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of traditional

Andalusian customs and Moorish influences. The iconic La Maroma mountain (2,069 metres), known as ‘the roof of Málaga’, remains snow-covered for several months a year, and serves as a refuge for a variety of wildlife, including eagles. The Axarquía also boasts spectacular vine and fruit treecovered gradients and glorious beaches. Avocados and mangos, latecomers agriculturally, rub shoulders with traditional crops like figs and almonds. It has a temperate climate, making it the most suitable region in Andalucía for cultivating vines, going back centuries. Local dishes involve seafood, fish, and abundant olive oil. The altitude at which the grapes grow contributes to their specific attributes, and although the Moscatel grape is naturally sweet, it is often made more so by laying out the harvested fruit on esparto mats for sun-drying.

There is Málaga wine and Sierras de Málaga wine, not to be confused but close cousins. About 3,000 hectares of the Axarquía is down to vineyards but forget about the neat rows of of vines we are accustomed to seeing in other regions. Here they appear more like little

FINE WINES FROM THE AXARQUÍA

bushes scattered around the very steep slopes, so steep in fact that local farmers use mules and horses on the up to 45º gradients. The villages of Torrox, Frigiliana, Cómpeta, Canillas de Albaida, Sayalonga, Sedella, and Algarrobo have been famous since the 17th century for what was known in England as ‘mountain wine’, originally exported from Málaga to northern Europe in Shakespeare’s time. Popular then as being low-priced and plentiful, it was, with Jerez wine, a cash crop that brought money to a poor region. Together with the classical Moscatel, the Romé red wine grape, rescued from near extinction, represents a more refined offering, especially when aged for a couple of years in oak.

The Sedella winery, founded in 2006 by young winemaker Lauren Rosillo, is located at the highest point of the

estate. Rosillo, despite his youth, has extensive experience in La Rioja, Rueda, and other regions. The bodega is equipped with up-to-the-minute winemaking technology that harmoniously replicates ancient techniques for crafting natural wines. Three wines are made, using Romé and Garnacha tinta grapes. The use of extended maturing in French oak barrels is fundamental in the production process, but prior fermentation is in egg-shaped concrete qvevri before spending eight months maturing in the same amphoras and later in used butts. The bodega produces three outstanding wines: the red Mediterranean Mountain Wine, the white Vidueños de Sedella, a ‘blanco de guarda’, and the beautifully-presented Las Jacintas Romé - Pizarra Blanca. All are organic and come in numbered bottles

from a tiny production of between 1,000 and 2,000 annually.

As indicated, as well as the sweet Moscatel wines, we can find dry white wines and red wines made from various grape varieties grown in the region. Some of the others include Merlot, Moscatel, Verdejo, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo, and Monastrell.

An interesting wine from the area is Rayya, a dry red wine made with Tempranillo grapes, and Ariyanas Tinto (Merlot 65%, Tempranillo 25%, Romé 10%), an unfiltered dry red wine, aged for eight months in French oak with 14% alcohol. Ariyanas Romé Rosado, dry, spends eight months on its lees, has a beautiful nose and 13º alcohol. It is unfiltered. Victoria Ordoñez has spent a lifetime dedicated to recuperating the winemaking traditions and autochthonous grape varieties that make the region so special, and indeed one could be a very happy wine drinker just sticking to our very own local products. e

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