Costa del Sol 18 – 24 September 2025 Issue 2098

Rental crackdown

IN a seismic move, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has declared war on Andalucia’s temporary holiday rental sector, announcing the revocation of 16,740 licences deemed illegal in a sweeping nationwide crackdown. Speaking in Malaga, Sanchez unveiled the government’s Unified Temporary Accommodation Registry, which has processed 336,497 applications since January, obliterating 20.3 per cent for failing stringent legal standards. Malaga Province bears the brunt with 8,014 unregistered listings, followed by Cadiz (2,849) and Sevilla (2,533).

Backed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda, the plan vows to crush fraudulent rentals in partnership with platforms like Airbnb. However, many applicants for licences complain that the website to do so does not always work.

The fallout could be catastrophic. Andalucia’s tourism-driven economy teeters on the edge, with rural communities facing ruin. The Asociacion de Profesionales de Viviendas y Apartamentos Turísticos de Andalucia (AVVAPRO), representing 15,000 pro-

perties, erupted in fury, branding the government’s actions ‘populist’ and ‘unconstitutional’. They argue most revoked licences have been validated under regional law, exposing fatal flaws in the national registry.

AVVAPRO warns this reckless policy risks shattering Spain’s reputation for excellence as a European destination.

Critics also decry the government’s narrative that tourist rentals fuel Spain’s

housing crisis, pointing instead to a dire shortage of new construction. The law enforcing the registry faces fierce legal challenges, with Andalucia and other regions condemning its overreach.

As tensions ignite over autonomy, property owners - including British second-home owners - stand trapped in a storm of uncertainty, their income hanging by a thread.

Costa del Sol • No. 2098 • 18 - 24 Sept 2025 FREE FREE FREI GRATIS

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Short-term renters in Malaga.

Credit: Sophie Woodward

KNOWING CPR and how to use an AED can be critical in cardiac emergencies. CPR, a lifesaving technique, restores blood circulation and oxygen when breathing or heartbeat stops, often due to cardiac arrest. Chest compressions and rescue breaths can buy time until medical help arrives.

An AED, a portable device, delivers an electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest. Proper training in CPR and AED use enables confident, rapid action, significantly boosting survival rates, which can be as low as 10 per cent without intervention. These skills are vital in homes, workplaces, and public spaces.

Diving with Nic, a leading PADI dive centre in Mijas, now offers AED training alongside scuba diving courses. Their certified instructors provide hands-on CPR and AED instruction, equipping participants to handle cardiac emergencies in various settings, not just on dive boats. Contact Diving with Nic on 697 141 759 to book a course.

IN Alhaurin de la Torre, in the Guadalhorce Valley of Malaga Province, a family is taking extraordinary measures to find their two-year-old Chihuahua, Betty, who went missing on August 17.

Desperate for leads, they’ve invested nearly €500 in a striking 24-square-metre billboard placed along one of the town’s busiest routes to spread awareness about their beloved pet. Betty disappeared

The Save a Life (SAL) campaign, led by cardiac arrest survivor Gerry Hannam and his wife Jenny, is raising funds for AEDs in Calahonda. A fundraising event at Pals Bar, El Zoco, on September 24 at 7.30pm features singer Ben James and raffle prizes. The goal is to purchase three defibrillators, each costing €2,000, with El Zoco and other Calahonda sites set to install them, ensuring access to life-saving devices.

Come home Betty

while staying with her owner’s grandfather for a few hours due to family circumstances. “My father-in-law opened the door, and she darted out,” said Esther, Betty’s owner. “She’s very timid, rarely leaves the house, and I’m terrified she’s disoriented. The guilt is overwhelming.”

The family hopes the billboard, positioned near Lidl, will catch the attention of as many people as possible, including those not active on social media. “It’s impossible to miss and reaches people who don’t use the Internet,” Esther explained. Lidl generously offered the space for free, with the family only paying for the vinyl covering.

Betty is a small, home-loving dog unaccustomed to strangers and is deeply missed. Esther, unable to sleep or go out, says, “She’s like one of my children.” Her daughters search daily for Betty. The family pleads for anyone with information about Betty, last seen in the Carranque area of Alhaurín el Torre, to contact Esther on 625 053 465. Their heartfelt search continues as they hope for her safe return.

Missing chihuahua.

CPR & AED training.

Credit: Matej Kastelic - Shutterstock

Spain community fees

What homeowners need to know

IN Spain, community fees - the monthly cuota de comunidad - are a fact of life for anyone owning a property in a residential block or urbanisation. Under Article 9 of the Horizontal Property Law (Ley de Propiedad Horizontal, LPH), every homeowner must contribute to shared expenses such as cleaning, lighting, lifts and gardens, regardless of whether they personally use those services.

The amount each owner pays isn’t random. It’s based on a “coefficient of participation” listed in the title deeds, which reflects your floor area, location in the building, orientation, and relation to shared spaces. As a result, two neighbours in the same block may pay different amounts. Special levies (derramas) for upgrades or repairs are split using the same formula.

But when - if ever - can you legally refuse to pay? The law allows exemptions only in very specific cases, and only if clearly stated in the community statutes or approved at a general meeting. Saying “I don’t use the pool” or “I live on the ground floor” isn’t enough.

Owners seeking an exemption must follow the proper process: check the statutes, raise it at the AGM, and make sure any change is formally recorded at the Property Registry.

The takeaway is clear: in Spain, paying community fees is the rule, not the exception. Exemptions exist, but only on paper and under strict legal conditions. Skip payment without solid backing, and you could end up paying far more - in court.

For more information, read the full article at: https:// tinyurl.com/community-fees

Community fees in Spain - what owners pay, and the few legal exemptions

Understanding residency rules NIE vs TIE confusion

FOR many British residents living in Spain, navigating the country’s bureaucratic processes can be complexand in some cases, getting it wrong could put their right to reside at risk.

Several documents - including the NIE, TIE, Tarjeta de Residencia, and Certificado de la Unión - are commonly misunderstood. However, knowing the difference is vital for maintaining legal status.

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a foreign identification number used for administrative purposes, such as opening a bank account, buying property, or working. Crucially, it is not proof of legal residence. Relying on it at border controls or with authorities offers no protection.

The TIE (Tarjeta de Identificación de Extranjero) is the only valid document proving legal residency for non-EU nationals, including Britons post-Brexit. It is a biometric card that includes a photograph, fingerprints, and expiry date, and has replaced the old Tarjeta de Residencia.

Since January 1 2021, British residents fall under the EU Withdrawal Agreement (Article 50), and only the TIE confirms their protected status. Confusing the NIE with the TIE can lead to loss of rights and being treated as an overstayer. There are two types of TIE: temporary (five years) and permanent (ten years), both with strict renewal rules. For Britons in Spain, the message is clear: the NIE is not enough.

Ingreso Minimo Vital Renting in Spain:

Support for low-income households

SPAIN’S Ingreso Minimo Vital (IMV) will continue supporting thousands of households in 2025, with those born between 1960 and 2002 among the key groups encouraged to apply. The benefit isn’t limited to the unemployedworkers with low or unstable incomes may also qualify if their household earnings

below Social Security thresholds. Applicants must have lived legally in Spain for at least 12 consecutive months and be registered at their current address. The IMV is assessed per household unit, meaning income and circumstances of everyone living together are considered. It is designed to top up, not

replace, existing wages or benefits - a vital cushion as food and rent prices remain high.

ID for all adults (DNI or NIE), a recent padrón certificate, proof of income, and family documents (Libro de Familia or birth certificates) are required. Applicants should submit their file even if something is missing, with an explanation, rather than delay. Consistent names and addresses help avoid hold-ups. Claims can be made online or via Social Security offices, with support often available at town halls.

Amounts vary by household, with child supplements of up to €115 per month. Other income is deducted, and non-residence assets may affect eligibility.

For those who don’t qualify, support like pensions, SEPE subsidies or the RAI may apply. While not a cure-all, the IMV can provide crucial stability in tough times.

RENTING in Spain involves paperwork, but data protection laws limit what landlords can request. They’re only entitled to information genuinely needed to set up and manage the tenancy - not a full profile of your private life.

The essentials include your full name, DNI or NIE, contact number, current address, and bank details for the standing order. If utilities are in your name, your data may be shared with energy or water suppliers strictly for service set-up.

Proof of solvency is fair game: landlords can ask for recent payslips, a work contract, tax return, or “vida laboral” (employment history). A guarantor - relative, friend, or bank - may sometimes be requested. These checks are legal and focused on ensuring rent can be paid.

However, tenants are not obliged to provide medical records, criminal background checks, social media profiles, relationship details, or character references. If asked, a polite but firm refusal is appropriate: you’ll provide what’s necessary for the contract - nothing more. To protect your privacy, consider showing documents in person, redacting sensitive details, and keeping records of what you’ve submitted. Landlords who overstep can face action from Spain’s data watchdog, including fines.

Good screening should be thorough but not intrusive. Tenants should remember: if a document isn’t strictly required for the rental, it stays private.

Credit : Brian A Jackson, Shutterstock

Spain’s IMV

A VIRAL video exposing alleged mistreatment of a carriage horse in Marbella, viewed over 800,000 times, has sparked outrage and a warning from PACMA about damage to the city’s tourism image. Filmed on August 14 by a tourist, the footage shows an emaciated, dehydrated, and exhausted horse with visible wounds, struggling in central Marbella. The caption, ‘This is Europe. This is Marbella. And this is a poor horse forced to carry tourists’, fuelled widespread condemnation.

PACMA filed a case with Marbella’s Guardia Civil, alleging the horse works in extreme heat on asphalt without water, food, or shade, sometimes until 1am. They demand the horse be seized and moved to a sanctuary offering permanent care, but authorities have not yet acted. The case has gained traction, with 10,000 petition signatures and multiple com-

Credit: Philip Bird LRPS CPAGB - Shutterstock

Soroptimist’s support

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL Costa del Sol hosted its sixth annual Summer Party in Mijas, and brought together members, guests, and local dignitaries for an evening of music, celebration, and community spirit.

Horse rights

plaints to Marbella Council.

PACMA criticised the council’s ‘negligence’, noting no veterinary inspections of carriage horses have occurred in seven years. Despite a 2020 pledge to phase out animal-drawn carriages within three years, new regulations allow the practice for another two decades. PACMA warns that such cruelty harms Marbella’s and Andalucia’s reputation as tourist destinations, as visitors reject seeing animals exploited in inhumane conditions, calling the tourism model outdated and damaging.

President Daphne Theunissen opened the event, thanking attendees, including Councillor Mario Bravo and representatives from the Foreigners Department, as well as partners like Costa Women, La Cala Lions, Red Cross Mijas, and others for their unwavering support.

The event featured a captivating performance by singer Janet Powell, whose past collaboration with the organisation aided victims of the DANA floods. This year’s party raised over €500 to fund Soroptimist’s expanding initiatives, including sponsorship of the Mijas Union Basket girls’ basketball team and support for VIOGENEX, a

Soroptimists with the Red Cross in Mijas.

programme for domestic violence survivors.

Looking ahead, Soroptimist plans to revisit Paiporta, Valencia, to support women rebuilding through the ‘Soroptimist a tu Lado’ initiative. The organisation also extended its Soroptimist Award nomination deadline to September 22, seeking candidates promoting sustainable food systems, particularly in technology and innovation.

A major highlight is the upcoming Soroptimist Leadership Academy for Women, set for November 5-11 in Mijas. The academy will host 24 participants from 17 European countries, guided by expert facilitators.

The evening ended with a toast to Soroptimist’s mission of empowering women and uplifting communities. For more details, contact soroptimist.costadel sol@gmail.com.

Horse-drawn carriage rides in Marbella.

Triple A gala generosity

TRIPLE A celebrated their annual Charity Gala on Saturday night, September 13, at Trocadero Arena Marbella, and welcomed 150 guests who all generously raised €14,000 to support more than 600 dogs and cats in the organisation’s care.

Triple A, the Marbella-based non-profit, is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abandoned and abused animals, providing essential medical care, shelter, and adoption services to improve their lives.

The evening dazzled with a vibrant lineup of entertain-

ment, featuring world-renowned magician Joe Labero, rising star singer Jimena, and an energetic performance by LIMA Dance Academy. A live DJ and saxophonist kept the atmosphere energetic throughout the night.

Guests enthusiastically participated in a raffle offering exclusive prizes, including a €950 AnaMaria Couture dress and a luxury gift from Trocadero. A charity auction, highlighted by the sale of stunning emerald earrings, significantly boosted the fundraising total.

“We are immensely grate-

ful to everyone who attended and contributed to this vital cause. Together, we’re giving a voice to the voiceless,” said Bettina Pietsch, President of Triple A.

The funds will directly support Triple A’s mission, covering food, veterinary care, and shelter for rescued animals, as well as their efforts to promote responsible pet ownership and reduce animal abandonment in Marbella.

For more information about Triple A’s work or to support their mission, visit www.tripleamarbella.org.

World class tennis

MARBELLA mayor Angeles Muñoz celebrated the success of an ‘exciting’ Davis Cup tie at the prestigious Puente Romano Tennis Club, solidifying the city’s reputation as a ‘lucky charm’ for the tournament. Despite Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal due to needing rest, the event was a sell-out, though parking issues caused challenges. UK expat Mark Ward, from Nueva Andalucia, noted, “The traffic was a nightmare! We parked in central Marbella and took a taxi, but Martinez and Munar were worth it.”

Mayor Muñoz highlighted Spain’s historic comeback from a 0-2 deficit against Denmark, a first in Davis Cup history. The event generated more than €2 million for Marbella’s economy. Muñoz stated, “Marbella has once again positioned itself at the heart of world tennis, establishing itself as a benchmark for top-tier international sporting events.” The tie, held for the fifth time in Marbella, boosted tourism and

the local economy under ideal weather conditions at the Puente Romano venue, which hosted 5,000 spectators. Muñoz praised the ‘epic’ Spanish team and thanked the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation, the Andalucian Regional Government, the municipal Sports Department, and other city sectors for their efforts. “Their work has demonstrated Marbella’s exceptional ability to host world-class sporting events,” she concluded.

Triple A charity gala night at the Trocadero.

Puente Romano Tennis Club.

Estepona’s ties with UK

MAYOR Jose Maria Garcia Urbano has always been one to heartily welcome the foreign residents of Estepona and celebrate their integration. For this reason, the mayor has just met with the British Ambassador to Spain, Alex Ellis, at the town hall. The reason for the visit was to reinforce the strong ties between Estepona and the United Kingdom.

During the meeting, their discussions focused on shared interests, including the integration of British residents, the positive economic impact of British tourism, and opportunities for cultural and social collaboration.

Mayor Garcia Urbano stressed the importance of the British market, saying that “one in five tourists staying in Estepona’s hotels is British, accounting for 20.31 per cent of our total hotel visitors.”

He added, “This reflects the strong bond between our town and the UK, both in terms of tourism and social spheres.”

Currently, 4,529 British citizens are registered as residents in Estepona, making up approximately 6 per cent of the town’s population. This active and integrated community participates in local associations such as AREME, Age Concern, the International Club of Estepona (ICE), the American Club of Estepona (ACE) - where 90 per cent of members are British - and animal welfare groups like ADANA and AGYA, where the majority of volunteers are British.

Ambassador Ellis praised the British community’s role as a bridge between the two nations and expressed gratitude for Estepona’s warm hospitality toward UK residents.

Cliff-edge rescue

IN a dramatic rescue operation, Alhaurin de la Torre’s Local Police and firefighters saved a 90-year-old man who had fallen down a steep, unstable slope near the Jabalcuza trail, just centimetres from a 30-metre drop. The incident occurred on the afternoon of September 10, when police received

an alert about a man trapped on an unstable embankment near the Povea well, clinging precariously close to a sheer drop cliff.

The elderly gentleman, who is said to have lost his balance while admiring the scenery, was being held by a relative who alerted authorities and struggled to prevent him from sliding further down. Responding officers reached the scene and managed to temporarily secure the man with their hands and an improvised harness, preventing a fall while awaiting the fire brigade’s urgent assistance. The slippery and unstable terrain made the situation more complicated, but the officers worked to keep the man calm.

Firefighters from the Provincial Consortium arrived and used their climbing and rescue equipment, anchoring their system to the wheels of the police vehicle for stability. With the police’s support, they successfully managed to stabilise and extract the man in a tense operation made more difficult by the challenging terrain. The coordinated efforts of the Local Police, firefighters, and the man’s relative’s quick actions were decisive in averting a fatal outcome in this complex emergency operation.

Sir Alex Ellis & Mayor Garcia Urbano.

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Estepona

Emergency services secure fallen man.

Tunnel of art

THE tunnel beside Torrequebrada Casino in Benalmadena has transformed into a vibrant open-air gallery with the debut of the Liga Nacional de Grafiti (LNG). Ten renowned national urban artists have adorned the underpass with murals blending street culture, artistry, and local identity. These 10 colourful works, now on permanent display, create a lasting visual art experience.

The event merged graffiti with a gastronomy theme to promote Benalmadena’s diverse culinary scene. Mayor Juan Antonio Lara said, “Events like this break barriers, bring art to the streets, connect with residents, and give this space new emotional character.”

Research indicates that existing graffiti art on vertical surfaces deters less skilled

MOTORISTS on the Costa del Sol are facing disruptions due to partial lane closures on the AP-7 motorway between Fuengirola and Marbella, caused by a resurfacing project. The work, which began on September 9, and is expected to last three months, aims to be completed before the busy Christmas holiday period. Covering a 29-kilometre stretch, the project follows

vandals from defacing walls with tags. An unwritten rule among spray-can artists and vandals discourages defacing each other’s work, reducing unsightly graffiti. The subway, previously a hotspot for fly-taggers who disrespectfully sprayed their names, now aims to discourage such vandalism through this artistic initiative.

First prize was awarded to K-Lina (Carolina Carmona) from Almonte, Huelva, a fine arts graduate known for her nature-inspired, symbolic murals. Her emotionally powerful piece, executed with impeccable technique, impressed judges and spectators alike. As the founder of the Doñana Jam festival, K-Lina often addresses social themes through her muralism, adding depth to her winning artwork.

Passenger chaos

AN easyJet flight (EZY3382) from Malaga to Liverpool, set to depart at 11.25pm on September 13, was cancelled after disruptive passengers caused chaos. Three intoxicated individuals were removed by easyJet staff and Spanish police following reports of shouting and screaming. The captain deemed the crew too traumatised to fly, leading to the cancellation.

Hundreds of holidaymakers were stranded in Malaga, directed to rebook via the easyJet app, which many, especially elderly passengers, found difficult to use. Some were left without accommodation as the app malfunctioned. Passenger James Holt expressed frustration, stating, “The website is rubbish. Staff couldn’t have cared less. A few drunk people ruined it for everyone.” He added that the app froze, leaving them unable to book a hotel, and local ac-

commodations were fully booked.

easyJet confirmed the cancellation was due to a disruptive passenger incident on the inbound flight, rendering the crew unfit to operate under safety regulations. A spokesperson said, “The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority. We apologise for the inconvenience and offered rebooking, refunds, and reimbursements for self-booked accommodation.” This incident follows similar disruptions reported on September 12, highlighting growing concerns about disruptive behaviour in air travel. Affected passengers are still seeking resolutions as easyJet addresses the fallout.

AP-7 slows down

similar efforts completed in June 2025 between Marbella and Estepona.

The lane closures, affecting sections of up to three kilometres at a time, are in place from 7am to 8pm, Monday to Friday. This may lead to delays of 1030 minutes, particularly during rush

hours, impacting commuters and travellers. Ausol, the motorway’s operator, has implemented signage to guide drivers, but those unfamiliar with the schedule may face confusion. The €3.8 million project, fully funded by Ausol, uses advanced micro-agglomerate la-

yers to enhance road safety and tyre grip without generating debris. Drivers are advised to plan for potential delays, check weekly lane closure schedules, and consider alternative routes. Those with appointments along the Costa del Sol should leave early to account for possible delays. Toll prices remain unaffected by the ongoing works.

Mayor Lara & Prisi Aguilera visit finalist works.

Credit: Ayuntamiento Benalmadena

Passengers at a loss for what to do.

Credit: James Holt X

LA CALA LIONS hosted a joyful daytime party at Miraflores Tennis Club for children and families from Fundación Olivares and ADIMI, on Saturday, September 13. The event featured games, pool activities, a barbecue, and a memorable day of togetherness, funded by the Lions’ charity events.

Fundación Olivares, founded in 2010 by Andrés Olivares after the loss of his son Luis to leukaemia, supports children with cancer and their families across Andalucia. Andrés shared, “Before going to heaven, my son asked me to help other children facing similar illnesses.” The foundation’s motto, ‘Alma, Magia y Corazón’ (Soul, Magic, and Heart), reflects its mission to bring joy and support. “It has been 18 years since Luis left us and 15 since we started the foundation, accompanying children who are ill with cancer. It’s so important to help the families as well. Boys, girls, brothers, sisters, mums, dads, grandparents, even.” The foundation aids 800 families with services like speech therapy, psychological support, economic assistance, and even funeral costs when needed.

Lion Wynson Beswick, the event’s visionary, explained, “I have been a long time with the Lions. I used to be president, and I always wanted to do something for children with cancer. As a grandmother, I know that you can buy something for children, they play

Party with Lions

with it, and then it’s forgotten. So, I said, ‘Can we give the children experiences? A memory of the day?’ That’s something that will stay with them forever.” For the third year, the Lions delivered, with children and families enjoying pool time, games, bodhrán lessons, and a grand barbecue.

This marked the third occasion the La Cala Lions used their fundraising to host this event for families of chil -

dren with cancer. Andrés Olivares noted, “It’s a marvellous thing for 34 families to have a beautiful day together at Miraflores Tennis Club.”

ADIMI, based in La Cala Hills, also participated. A representative said, “We have had a close relationship with the Lions for many years, and this is a wonderful day of togetherness where all the children and families meet. It’s the second time we’ve

participated with families supported by ADIMI who have a lot of connection with other families here, so we’re very content.”

The Costa del Sol community’s generosity, channelled through the La Cala Lions, continues to bring smiles and laughter to those who need it most, creating lasting memories for children and families facing challenging circumstances.

Together to party with the Lions.

Old ways best

LIVESTOCK farmers

in Malaga Province are pressing for long-term wildfire prevention plans after Spain’s worst fire season in 2025. Despite Malaga recording minimal scorched land due to a rainy March ending a three-year drought, farmers warn that neglecting land clearing could lead to devastating fires like those in Mijas or Sierra Bermeja in 2022. They stress traditional methods, echoing Valle del Genal mayors’ concerns.

Jubrique’s mayor, Alberto Benítez, highlighted a shortage of forest agents, with only three to four active instead of seven, recalling the 2021 Sierra Bermeja fire that destroyed 10,000 hectares.

Local councils are acting. Benarrabá’s mayor, Silvestre Barroso, invested €3,000 in a 40-goat herd to clear forest land in Serranía de Ronda and enlisted Donkey

Dreamland’s rescued donkeys for natural undergrowth clearance. A young Sahrawi shepherd, Mohamed, was hired with EU grants to combat rural depopulation. The decline of grazing animals in forests and scrubland like sheep, goats, and wild boars has increased fire risks, as they naturally clear flammable material. The 2022 Sierra de Mijas fire worsened due to clum-

ped pine trees, a result of insufficient seed-dispersing animals. After decades of restrictive grazing laws, Andalucia now supports reintroducing livestock to forests. Agricultural groups like ASAIA and UPA advocate for financial incentives to revive grazing, warning that without profitable livestock farming, rural areas face environmental and demographic disaster.

The finest quality

WHATEVER happened to the Scottish Butcher in Fuengirola? The much-loved Scottish Butcher, a staple in Fuengirola’s culinary scene, has relocated from the now-demolished Mercacentro indoor market.

Now for all of those British cuts, chops, cutlets, and lovely sausages, he can be found at a new spot in Plaza de la Hispanidad, working alongside the fishmonger in Carniceria Diaz. After 33 years, Scott and his team closed their original spot in the market, a bittersweet moment, but through word of mouth, they have been regaining their old clientele.

The Scottish Butcher offers customers top-quality cuts of meat, including fresh sausages, dry-matured beef, pork with

crackling, Scotch pies, Lorne sausage, and even haggis. Known for his decades of supplying exceptional products and seasonal favourites, and a mouth-watering selection, the shop has earned a loyal following. Scott expressed gratitude for the community’s support and invites everyone to visit the new location or place orders on (+34) 695 902 078.

The Scottish Butcher’s charm, choice, and Scott’s warm connection with customers have made him be considered the best English-speaking butcher on the coast, making his new spot in Fuengirola’s Plaza de la Hispanidad, in Boliches, the best spot for the finest quality meat products.

Eating healthily.

The Scottish Butcher’s hideout in Boliches.

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Your

Do you think smoking should be banned on bar and restaurant

THE debate over smoking on terraces has reignited in Spain after new restrictions were introduced, with bar and restaurant owners warning of serious financial losses. According to recent reports, hospitality businesses fear that prohibiting smoking outdoors could drive away many regular customers, particularly in areas where terrace culture is central to social life.

We asked our readers: Do you think smoking should be banned on bar and restaurant terraces?

Opinions revealed a strong backlash against the idea of a blanket ban. Many respondents stressed that they do not smoke themselves, yet still oppose further restrictions. As Fergal Hanrahan put it: “No, and I don’t smoke.” Trev Vennard and Roz Toone echoed this sentiment.

Several comments highlighted inconsistencies in the policy. Rachelle Claret asked: “No. Many bars have cigarette machines. Why sell them if we can’t smoke them on the terrace?” Similarly, Anne Dawson argued: “No. It is in the open air a lot of terraces, and bars are next to the road with fumes from petrol, diesel etc, and you do not hear complaints about that!”

Karen Poland suggested: “I’ve asked many people and all, without exception, think bar/restaurant owners should have the choice then make it clear on

terraces? VOICE

advertising and at the entrance stating whether they allow or don’t allow smoking. People choose their venue based on food type and price, etc, let them have that extra choice too.”

Some respondents distinguished between bars and restaurants. Dennis Norton Maidana stated: “Restaurants yes, bars no.” and Ron McCormick agreed: “No if you don’t do food, yes if you do.”

Former bar owner Craig Tomlinson offered a practical view: “As a nonsmoker I’m inclined to agree, but being a former bar owner there, and common sense, no, as why would smokers come to a bar if they can’t smoke inside OR outside. What I did do was have a no smoking zone around the entrance to stop people smoking there as the smell would go into the bar, and I served food.”

A few suggested compromises such as Martine Rees-Naylor: “No. A designated smoking area away from people eating is good enough. I’m a non-smoker.”

In conclusion, the majority opposed the ban, including many non-smokers. Several argued that restaurants serving food could reasonably restrict smoking, while bars without food should not be affected. Designated areas were widely suggested as a fair balance, though a small number of voices supported the new ban outright.

Bars and restaurants face pressure to enforce new no-smoking rules.

Credit: Pisit Koolplukpol / Shutterstock

Public animal shelter

ESTEPONA has launched a new contract for an enhanced animal rescue and protection service, ensuring 24/7 care for stray and abandoned animals, particularly dogs and cats, while upholding a zero-kill policy. The initiative addresses the rising stray animal population, aiming to boost responsible adoptions and raise awareness against abandonment.

Previously, the town council worked with a local kennel to manage animals found on public streets or in cases of abandonment or mistreatment. The expanded contract will provide comprehensive care, including collection, housing, maintenance, and veterinary services, as well as managing authorised feral cat colonies. The service provider must adhere to Spain’s Law 7/2023 on

Animal Rights and Welfare and Andalucia’s Law 11/2003 on Animal Protection, both prohibiting animal sacrifice.

Operating continuously, including weekends and holidays, the service has a base annual budget of €210,000. The contract is set for an initial two-year term, extendable to five years, covering public spaces like streets, parks, and vacant lots. Estepona has long promoted zero-abandonment and a no-kill policy, especially since the 2023 national law took effect. The council encourages pet adoption over purchasing and supports organisations like ADANA and other local shelters. ADANA has expressed satisfaction with the plan, appreciating Mayor José María García Urbano’s continued support for their efforts.

Spying detectives

FUENGIROLA Council has hired Themis Private Investigations for €15,000 to address high absenteeism in public sector jobs, particularly in Operational Services and Cleaning, where absence rates have reached as high as 10 per cent.

The year-long contract, awarded after being put out to tender in August, aims to verify the legitimacy of staff sick leave following concerns over excessive absences. Official documents note absenteeism rates ‘well above the national average’. The council initially denied rumours of the move but later confirmed it.

Investigators will conduct surveillance, starting at employees’ homes or frequented locations, to check for activities inconsistent with claimed temporary incapacity, such as walking, carrying heavy loads, driving, or working. Surveillance must last at least three days, with possible

extensions. The council defends the initiative as ‘completely legal’, supported by reports from department heads, legal advisors, and contracts staff. However, council worker unions have criticised the measure as ‘excessive, disproportionate, and criminalising workers’.

This approach coincides with a similar initiative by Andalucia’s Junta de Anda-

lucia, where VEIASA, managing vehicle inspection stations, contracted private investigators for €242,000 over 48 months to monitor potential fraudulent sick leave. Both cases reflect a growing trend among Spanish public administrations to use private firms to tackle absenteeism, raising concerns about workplace trust and employee privacy.

Estepona from the Mirador del Carmen.

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Estepona

Fuengirola Town Hall.

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Walking football returns

WITH the kids back at school, freeing up the pitches, and the height of the summer heat due to abate soon, it’s time to squeeze our beach bodies back into our kits, stretch out those leg muscles and remember how many three is.

For anyone who has heard about walking football in Benalmadena, but never played before, here’s a short overview: There’s a minimum age of 50, residents or frequent visitors are welcome, it’s three-touch football, there’s no running with or towards the ball, and there’s no contact or tackling from behind. Teams for two games are selected the night before and vary from six to 10 aside depending on numbers, with skill levels matched as best as possible.

They have players into their 80s, and skill levels really do vary, so don’t be put off trying out if, like some, you haven’t played since you were a young man. They’re not part of a league, so it’s all about playing a game and then enjoying a beer afterwards.

They play at 11am on Mondays and Thursdays at the Benalmadena Polideportivo next to the Bull Ring just outside Benalmadena Pueblo.

If you’re looking to get in better shape and have some fun social time, join Benalmadena’s walking football team.

Contact them via the website www.wal kingfootballspain.com and check out their Facebook account, Walking Football Spain - Benalmadena.

Accessible Arroyo

THE ‘Benalmadena Accesible’ initiative has awarded two new plaques to local businesses for their commitment to accessibility for people with reduced mobility.

The bar ‘100 Montaditos’ and fashion retailer ‘Keme Pongo?’, both in Arroyo de la Miel’s bustling shopping streets, were honoured for meeting high accessibility standards, including wide doors, ramps, and adapted facilities. Jorge Roman of the NGO Paraocio presented the awards, making a step toward a more inclusive Benalmadena, especially for the Arroyo de Miel area that has long suffered accessibility issues for its disabled and elderly population.

The ‘Benalmadena Accesible’ scheme promotes inclusion for those with functional diversity by recognising businesses and institutions facilitating accessibility for everyone.

The campaign began in August with the Palacio de los Deportes receiving the first plaque for its fully compliant facilities, including lifts, accessible toilets, and ramps.

In September, real estate agency iHomes also received the second plaque. The initiative plans to distribute 30 acrylic plaques by December 30, funded by Benalmadena Council. Recognised businesses will be featured on www.

ongparaocio.org, along with discounts for people with disabilities. Benalmadena’s coastal accessibility, with four adapted beaches like Carvajal, adds to Spain’s leadership in European coastal tourism, with over 600 adapted beaches. While urban areas like Malaga do excel in transport accessibility, Benalmadena’s hilly Pueblo has some challenges to reach the required standards.

Top athletes in walking football.

100 Montaditos, Arroyo de la Miel.

Furniture Vault: Unique wow factor for your home

YOUR home should reflect your unique story, but on the Western Costa del Sol, many new builds feel generic and forgettable. The key to a memorable home lies in one or two carefully chosen statement pieces that capture your essence. Yet, finding treasures with soul and history can be hard to find in shops filled with mass-produced furniture or overpriced, characterless ‘antiques’.

In Manilva’s industrial estate, Furniture Vault stands out as a curated collection of extraordinary European finds. Owners Mark and Sandra, with decades of expertise, have created a treasure trove of pieces that tell stories. During a recent visit, Euro Weekly News was struck by the store’s remarkable selection (900 treasures), each item brimming with potential to transform a space.

Mark, who began in the business at 15 alongside his father, explains, “A single piece can redefine a room.” His passion is evident as he show-

cases a Georgian mirror or a unique cabinet that becomes a room’s heart. Furniture Vault recently unveiled a stunning selection of vintage lamps, including rare Philipp Plein Paris Croco table lamps - luxurious stainless steel with crocodile leather shades, handmade in Germany with authentic provenance. Also featured are Philippe Barbier brass lamps with iconic 70s lampshades and a tall Maitland Smith black lacquered lamp, offering elegance at an unmatched price. “We have incredible new vintage lamps just arrived... come take a look,” Mark invites.

Sourcing from partners in Belgium, Portugal, and northern Spain, Mark’s long-standing connections bring in furniture and art worthy of galleries but priced for homes. A set of six pristine antique chairs, for example, costs €400 - far less than the €600 each typically seen elsewhere. All affordable elegance that ensures your space stands out.

Whether you’re furnishing a home or a professional decorator seeking that perfect piece, Furniture Vault offers the thrill of discovery and Mark’s expert guidance. Known for his warm demeanour, Mark helps you find extremely rare items that make your guests say “wow!” Visit Furniture Vault at Polígono Industrial La Dehesilla, Calle del Constructor, Unit 11a, or call 711 040 387. Your extraordinary home is one visit away.

Spain tightens smoking ban

THE Spanish government has approved a draft anti-tobacco law introducing some of Europe’s toughest measures, aiming to protect young people and strengthen public health.

The legislation expands smoking and vaping bans beyond indoor spaces to include terraces, outdoor concerts, stadiums, bus stops, and areas near schools, playgrounds, and hospitals. Electronic cigarettes, shisha, and nicotine pouches would be treated like traditional tobacco products.

The law targets flavoured disposable vapes, which officials say strongly appeal to teenagers. These single-use devices would be banned, and tobacco and vaping sales restricted to licensed tobacconists and regulated vending machines. Smoking clubs would also be prohibited.

Enforcement includes fines of up to €600,000 for serious breaches, such as advertising violations,

while smaller infractions would also be penalised.

The Ministry of Health cites Spain’s annual 50,000 smoking-related deaths to justify the measures.

Public reaction is mixed. África, a Spanish resident, said: “I don’t think youths who vape realise just how dangerous it is. I think it’s a good thing that the government is taking a serious step towards this.” Conversely, Rocío criticised the law, commenting: “I think it’s wrong that

Parents will be fined €100 if a minor is caught smoking.

they are trying to ban smoking in public spaces. The public street is for everyone to use. If they are going to do that, they might as well ban tobacco altogether.”

Health Minister Mónica García defended the law as necessary to break the cycle of tobacco use, while others warn the restrictions could affect the economy and social life, potentially reducing customers at bars, restaurants, and outdoor venues.

Queen Letizia at 53

QUEEN LETIZIA of Spain, born Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano on September 15, 1972, celebrated her 53rd birthday as a symbol of grace, resilience, and modern royalty. Once a celebrated journalist, she transitioned seamlessly into her role as consort to King Felipe VI after their 2004 wedding, captivating the world with her poise and intellect.

At 53, Letizia exudes timeless elegance. Her fashion style mixes Spanish sophistication with modern global elegance. Designers like Carolina Herrera and Felipe Varela often grace her wardrobe. Recent appearances, such as the 2025 Princess of Asturias Awards, showcased her in a crimson gown that highlighted her lithe figure and confident demeanour.

A fierce champion for education, mental health, and women’s rights, she founded the Fortalecernos project to combat child poverty. Her hands-on approach, visiting shelters and schools, shows her commitment to social change. In 2025, she spearheaded initiatives on digital literacy, addressing youth vulnerability in a social media-driven era.

As a mother to princesses Leonor and Sofia, she balances public duties with private joys, encouraging their education amid royal expectations. Her marriage to Felipe, now over two decades strong, remains a pillar of stability.

Critics once questioned her commoner roots, but Letizia has silenced doubters through authenticity. At 53, she redefines queenship: approachable yet authoritative, mixing tradition with progress. Spain, and the world, watches as she continues to inspire.

Spain grounds Pegasus

FOR over a decade, Spain’s Pegasus helicopters have patrolled the skies, catching speeders and reckless drivers with radar systems that made tickets almost impossible to contest. But as of September, those ‘eyes in the sky’ are no longer flying.

The reason isn’t bad weather or technical failure - it’s bureaucracy. A €51 million contract to maintain the fleet, keep the radars running and provide trained

pilots was put out to tender this summer. Yet, when the deadline came, not a single company bid. With the last contract expired, Spain’s nine remaining helicopters are grounded.

The lack of bidders highlights Pegasus’s growing problems. The aircraft are ageing, repairs are costly, and the radar systems take up to 10 seconds to lock onto a speeding car - an eternity in modern traffic enforcement. Once seen as

a gold standard for road safety, the helicopters are now viewed by many operators as more burden than business.

The DGT insists that road safety won’t suffer. Spain still has an arsenal of tools: fixed and mobile radars, camouflaged vans, drones, and even AI-powered cameras. But Pegasus was unique. Its ability to shadow a vehicle for kilometres built a watertight case that few drivers dared to contest. Beyond the fines, it was the psychological impact - the fear that a helicopter might be overhead - that shaped driver behaviour. Experts warn that without Pegasus, Spain may lose one of its most powerful deterrents.

The Interior Ministry says the grounding is only temporary, with helicopters expected to return soon. Some speculate Guardia Civil pilots could fill the gap, but critics argue it’s time to retire Pegasus altogether and focus on drones, which are cheaper, harder to detect, and easier to deploy. For now, Spain’s skies are quieter. Whether accidents rise in Pegasus’s absence could determine if the iconic fleet makes a comeback or becomes history.

Queen Letizia, 53.

Credit: Oscar GonzalezShutterstock

SPAIN has endured its hottest summer since records began in 1961, the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has confirmed. The average temperature for 2025 reached 24.2°C, surpassing the previous record set in 2022 and standing 2.1°C above the historical average for 1991–2020. AEMET described the summer as ‘exceptionally intense’, with prolonged heatwaves affecting the mainland, Balearic Islands, and Canary Islands. Three major heatwaves dominated the

Spain’s hottest summer ever

season. Two struck the mainland and Balearics, while a third hit the Canaries, resulting in 33 days of extreme heat. The August heatwave was particularly severe, with temperatures averaging 4.6°C above normal for 16 consecutive days, and many areas recording highs above 45°C.

The prolonged heat, combined with dry

Traditions of villages passed

By Molly Grace

GROWING up in Lanjaron, a mountain village in the Alpujarra Granadina, I experienced a close-knit community culture shaped by centuries of tradition. Living there for 24 years before moving to Cadiz, I witnessed how many of these customs are slowly disappearing under the influence of modern life, urban migration, and changing lifestyles.

Village life was marked by seasonal and everyday traditions. One striking example was the San Martín celebration on November 11, when families would slaughter pigs as part of the matanza, transforming the meat into salchichas, morcillas, panceta, and jamones. The process was communal: men handled the slaughter and butchering, while women prepared the embutidos. This event symbolised survival, cooperation, and the cyclical nature of life, often reminding villagers of mortality with the phrase, ‘a cada cerdo le llega su San Martín’. (Every pig gets it San Martin).

Daily life also emphasised community and shared care. Children played in the streets, sharing merienda (afternoon snack) from neighbours, while families spent weekends at cortijos, working the land or enjoying the mountains. Water management through acequias

and albercas taught responsibility, independence, and connection to the land. Births were celebrated communally, with even strangers offering small gifts to newborns, reinforcing mutual care and belonging. Communal labour remained central, from threshing grain in the Era to interacting with travelling vendors like the afilador, whose music signalled his arrival. Elderly residents maintained social rhythms, sharing stories and tending to produce, often travelling by mule or donkey. Today, many of these traditions have faded, replaced by mechanisation, modern transport, and digital life. The village’s unique rhythm of work, celebration, and community life is under threat, highlighting the gradual erosion of cultural identity in mountain pueblos. Preserving these customs is vital to remembering the heart and heritage of such communities.

THE final stage of La Vuelta a España 2025, a prestigious Grand Tour, was cancelled on September 14 due to massive pro-Palestinian protests in Madrid targeting the Israel Premier Tech team. The demonstrations, which blocked the peloton and overwhelmed police, led to safety concerns, halting the race 60 kilometres from the finish and cancelling the traditional podium ceremony.

Protesters, chanting ‘Es un genocidio’ and waving Palestinian flags, clashed violently with police, forcing cyclists like Thibaut Guernalec to push through crowds. The unrest, fuelled by tensions over Israel’s participation in international events, continued at Madrid’s City Hall and the Bank of Spain. Spanish political reactions were divided. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed pride in the protests, emphasising Spain’s human rights stance, while Madrid mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida condemned the violence, blaming Sanchez’s remarks for escalating tensions.

conditions, worsened Spain’s drought crisis. Wildfires consumed over 362,000 hectares, particularly in Ourense, while farmers reported severe crop losses and water shortages affected several municipalities. The human toll was significant. Between May and July, 1,180 heat-related deaths were reported, rising by more than 1,100 in August,

bringing the summer total to over 2,200. Most fatalities occurred among people aged 65 and older.

Hospitals and emergency services were stretched to capacity, and government advisories urged citizens to take precautions. In response, the Spanish government proposed a national climate emergency pact, including measures to improve heatwave preparedness, civil protection, and wildfire recovery.

Race cancelled

Opposition leader Alberto Nuñez Feijoo called the events an ‘international embarrassment’, criticising the disruption while defending free expression. The protests overshadowed Jonas Vingegaard’s first Vuelta victory and the recognition of Matthew Riccitello as the best young cyclist. Earlier race disruptions and the forced removal of ‘Israel’ from team jerseys further marred the event. La Vuelta’s cancellation, announced on X, left a legacy defined by political conflict rather than athletic achievement, stunning the cycling world.

Protestors shut down cycle race.

Credit: Policia Local Madrid

Life was quieter but that was the beauty in it.

Photo credit: Molly Grace

Spain’s rental clampdown

Locals and expats voice their views

SPAIN’S battle over holiday rentals has erupted into one of the country’s fiercest political and social debates. Sweeping national reforms introduced in July 2025 require every short-term rental to register for a National Rental Authorisation (NRA) code, with platforms such as Airbnb and Booking. com obliged to remove unlicensed listings. Residents’ associations can now vote to block tourist lets in their buildings, and local governments from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca have imposed freezes or outright bans.

The backdrop is a housing crisis in which rents have soared, protests have drawn tens of thousands to the streets, and more than 65,000 properties have already been delisted nationwide. Critics say tourism has fuelled ‘overtourism’ and neighbourhood decline, while others argue the real culprit is the lack of affordable new housing.

In Andalucia, the government’s decision to revoke 53,000 tourist rental licences has stirred particular anger. AVVAPRO, the association representing temporary rental owners, calls the move “populist” and says it “threatens Andalucia’s economy,” warning that the national decree defies regional autonomy and undermines businesses that have “operated legally for years.” Many property owners, including British second-home owners, fear being branded illegal despite holding valid regional permits. Further north in the Valencian Community, enforcement has been equally tough. The Housing Ministry has removed 7,499 illegal tourist flats, including 538 in Denia alone. “They should publish the addresses of those properties so that neighbours know who those uncivil landlords are,” said Daniel, a Denia resident frustrated by rising rents. Gabriela, who runs a local hotel, welcomed the crackdown, declaring, “When a section of society proves incapable of imposing ethical limits on itself, the state must act

with the force of a hammer.” Paul, a long-term Torrevieja resident, said: “Everything is being replaced to suit tourists… rents are through the roof, parking is difficult, prices rise, and crime has increased. It helps tourist spending, but it’s harder to live here.”

On the island of Mallorca, authorities have struck agreements with Airbnb to ensure every host provides a valid registration number, hoping to curb what one minister described as profiteering: “Enough with protecting those who make a business out of the right to housing in our country,” said Spain’s Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy.

Protests there have at times turned hostile, with locals dousing visitors with water. Some business owners also blame shortterm lets for changing tourist habits; restaurant leader Juanmi Ferrer complained, “We’ve reached the point where in Port de Soller there are restaurants that are giving their staff vacations in the middle of July because of the so-called sandwich tourists.”

In Malaga, the tension is palpable. The

Unlicensed listings being removed.

city has imposed a three-year moratorium on new tourist licences and revoked more than 10,000 existing ones after long-term rents ‘doubled in around eight years’, according to resident Lucinda de la Cereza. “No owner will rent long-term over short-term. Too many are scared of squatters,” added another resident. Yet not everyone blames tourism. Holiday-rental entrepreneur Juan Cubo Guerrero calls the backlash ‘demonisation’ and insists ‘Malaga is not Venice’, arguing that short-term lets have decentralised tourism and revitalised neglected villages

Neighbouring Axarquia has taken a gentler stance. Only about 5 per cent of homes in Torrox are listed as tourist rentals and most residents are relaxed for now. Still,

pressures are evident. “My rent has gone up 30 per cent in the last three years,” said Antonio, a waiter in Torre del Mar, who believes “it’s not only Airbnb, but it’s part of the story.” Locals note that visiting families spend freely in neighbourhood markets and restaurants, keeping small businesses alive. Further east in Almeria, where demand from British expatriates is strong, the impact is mixed. Caroline Webb of Almerimar sees both sides: “Airbnbs can attract more visitors… It also draws people who prefer ‘living like a local’,” she said, while acknowledging that in bigger towns “Airbnb makes housing more expensive in busy tourist cities.” Smaller communities, she added, have so far escaped the steep price rises seen elsewhere. Murcia’s quieter Costa Calida presents another perspective. There, holiday rentals are largely confined to purpose-built resorts, and illegal listings are rare. Paul, a local estate agent, warned that too heavy-handed a ban would hurt livelihoods: “Some resorts were set up with holiday rentals in mind; their daily spend is much higher than that of locals. If demand drops, the resort shops, bars, and restaurants could close.” Many residents favour sensible regulation but oppose outright prohibition, seeing tourism as vital to jobs and services.

Across Spain the dilemma is the same: how to protect housing for residents without undermining an industry worth more than €200 billion a year. From the water-throwing protesters of Mallorca to the cautious shopkeepers of Axarquia and the hoteliers of Denia, reactions differ sharply. What unites them is a recognition that the free-for-all of unregulated tourist rentals is ending.

Whether the new laws can tame both soaring rents and public anger without crippling local economies remains the country’s great unanswered question.

Mexico in technicolour

FROM COAST TO COAST

LUCCA MOVALDI PRESIDENT: AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL CLUB MARBELLA

Lost in Mexico City

AZTEC ruins, organ grinders, tacos, and enough colour to make your sunglasses sweat - welcome to Mexico City.

Many things impressed me on my trip to Mexico City. Let’s start with the basics: the kindness of its people and the stunning architecture - a blend of sleek modern towers and Aztec ruins that pop up in the middle of the city as if the ancient world never got the memo about retiring. Flying in from Madrid took 10 hours and 20 minutes - which, for someone who hates flying, is less ‘journey’ and more ‘aerial torture’. But worth it? Oh, yes.

Mexico doesn’t do ‘subtle’. It’s loud, generous, unpredictable - like the relative who shows up at Christmas with maracas and tequila. Sure, everyone speaks Spanish, but the accents vary so wildly you’d think they were auditioning for different soap operas. And the dialects! Dozens, from Maya to Mixteco, some older than Columbus. Listening to them, you realise you’re not just eavesdropping on conversationsyou’re overhearing living history.

And then there’s the colour. Mexico doesn’t dip a toe into colour; it cannonballs into the paint bucket. Bright pinks, yellows, and blues burst from walls, markets, and murals as if the country were redecorated by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera in a fit of joy - with Siqueiros and Orozco, Mexico’s Big Three muralists, crashing the party. The streets are alive with vendors grilling food, selling fruit, trinkets, and anything you

didn’t know you needed until it was waved in your face for 50 cents. Try saying no to an Indigenous mother, baby on her back, offering a trinket for 50 cents. Her sales pitch could outshine a luxury store clerk on commission. You’ll cave.

One sight I’ll never forget: the organ grinder. Yes, those wooden music boxes with the crank handle, pumping out jaunty tunes in downtown Mexico. I thought they disappeared with gas lamps and horse-drawn taxis - but no, here they are, still alive, still cranking. Europe may have let them fade, but Mexico, bless it, keeps them going like musical time travellers.

And then there’s the food. My goodness, the food. Tacos so good you want to write them a thank-you note. Tamales that could broker world peace. And mole - a sauce so complex it probably has its own PhD. Even UNESCO got hungry: in 2010, it declared traditional Mexican cuisine an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. That’s right - tacos are officially a treasure of the world.

As if that weren’t enough, my trip had a personal highlight: seeing my childhood friend, the luminous Adriana Del Rio, dazzling on stage in the play Clue. She lit up the theatre with a performance so radiant it reminded me that Mexico’s treasures aren’t just murals, ruins, or food - they’re also the people who carry its spirit wherever they go.

Mexico City - with its food, people, history, creativity, and architectureisn’t just a place you visit once. It reels you back again and again. So bravo, Mexico. You’ve given the world endless treasures - and the least we can do is show up, eat irresponsibly, and say gracias.

aif2018@hotmail.com

Driverless bus

MADRID launched its first driverless bus route in Casa de Campo park on Monday September 15, coinciding with European Mobility Week (September 16-22).

Operated by the city’s public transport company (EMT), the autonomous, compact bus will run an experimental route between Avenida de Portugal and Glorieta de los Neveros, with stops including one near Lago metro station. The trial aims to showcase sustainable urban transport and will continue for weeks.

This follows previous autonomous bus trials in the region, like ALSA’s test at Universidad Autonoma’s Cantoblanco campus and a week-long trial in Leganes in early 2025. The Leganes project, Spain’s first on-demand driverless bus, plans to connect the Technology Park to the city centre

by 2026, using a 100 per cent electric bus with a 300 km range and capacity for 52 passengers.

The Casa de Campo trial has sparked debate. Environmental groups and the Salvemos la Casa de Campo platform criticise testing in a protected green space, arguing it could increase congestion and disrupt the park’s tranquility and ecological value. Critics see the park as an ‘urban

laboratory’ due to challenges elsewhere. The EMT defends the project, highlighting reduced emissions and efficient transport potential.

The trial is part of Madrid’s European Mobility Week, featuring traffic restrictions, awareness campaigns, and a CarFree Day on Monday September 22, advancing future mobility solutions despite implementation challenges.

Movaldi’s opinions are

Hop on the bus with no driver.

Wandering writers

TWO young German authors, Sonali Beher and Iven Yorick Fenker, are being sent abroad by the Goethe-Institut USA in an effort to promote a dialogue between Germany and the US. The young writers will travel across the country for four weeks, from New York to Texas, appearing in various events to showcase German culture.

Smartphone sanctions

MANY schools in Germany are adopting a no-smartphone rule aiming to prevent social media and screen addiction, and encourage students to use school-given resources rather than resorting to digital scapegoats. The usage of smartphones and social media in children is also believed to be linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression.

EURO PRESS

FRANCE DENMARK BELGIUM NORWAY GERMANY

Reopening records

PORTUGAL ITALY

Lynx wanderlust

AN Iberian Lynx, born in captivity in the Algarve region of Portugal, has recently become the first of its kind to be spotted in the Pyrenees, near the French border. The four-year-old animal, nicknamed “Secreto,” was released into the wild in the spring of 2022 and since then has travelled nearly 1,000 kilometres to reach the Pyrenees.

Forgotten food

THE THIRD edition of the Forgotten Food Festival in Portugal’s Algarve region has returned, aiming to celebrate local foods, traditions, and knowledge that are at risk of disappearing. The event, which kicked off on Sunday, September 14, will last until November and will go a long way towards reviving local Portuguese cultural staples.

NETHERLANDS

Cannabis complaints

THE largest legal cannabis producer in the Netherlands, CanAdelaar, has been ordered to reduce the smell of marijuana or face shutdown. The decision comes from upwards of 2,000 complaints from some 300 residents, who lamented the widespread odour of marijuana, caused by the opening of greenhouse windows to ventilate.

Furry foreigner

A SEAL in the Utrecht canal, which has been there for around a week and has been seen swimming and sunbathing, could potentially call the canal home for an entire year. According to officials, the animal is not in danger nor does it need to be removed; until the seal decides to go back to the sea, Utrecht locals welcome the new visitor.

Concert collaboration

THE Vatican hosted a free concert and drone show on Saturday, September 13, entitled “Grace for the World.” The event, co-directed by American singer Pharrell Williams and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, was livestreamed on a myriad of streaming sites and was a rare opportunity for the world to unite in a night of music and peace.

Self-defence dilemma

THE Minister for Equal Opportunities of Belgium, Rob Beenders, is reportedly conducting a thorough investigation into the legalisation of pepper spray. The measure aims to help women feel safer as they walk in the streets of Belgium. Pepper spray is currently outlawed in the country and is classified as a prohibited weapon.

Corruption case

PROSECUTORS in Brussels have arrested 12 people involved in a major alleged corruption case in the Haren prison, still under investigation. The detainees, including several correctional officers, staff members, and inmates, are accused of trafficking drugs within the prison and participating in other kinds of criminal activity.

Novo nightmare

PHARMACEUTICAL company Novo Nordisk has announced the layoffs of 9,000 employees, 5,000 of which will take place in Denmark. The layoffs, which are the largest the company has ever seen, will be on a company-wide scale. The company is best known as the maker of weight-loss medication Ozempic.

Valuable villa

THE most expensive home in Denmark has been put up for sale at the price of $31.5 million, or roughly €26.8 million. The home, designed by Danish architect Arne Jacobsen, is a modernist waterfront villa north of Copenhagen built in 1956. Jacobsen was world-famous for his functional designs, particularly of simple but beautiful chairs.

FINLAND SWEDEN

Museum marvel

A NEW architecture and design museum is being erected in Helsinki’s South Harbour and is scheduled to open in 2030. Originally put up in a design competition, the winning proposal, called “Kumma,” was created by Finnish architectural firm JKMM Arkkitehdit, and has a budget of €105 million. Construction will begin in 2027-2028.

Receding river

THE water level of the Pielisjoki River, located in North Karelia, is 1.5 metres lower than normal. The water has receded so much that it has revealed discarded trash and even archaeological ruins in some parts of the river. The low water level is caused by intense drought, scarce snow in the winter, very little rain, and intense heat waves.

Lawless lions

RESIDENTS of Borås had a fright when they received an SMS about several lions escaping from the Borås animal park. The message, which has now been confirmed as false, appears as having been sent by the park itself. Other false messages include warnings about armed attacks and criminals at large. Police have debunked these fears.

Daring Dachshunds

STOCKHOLM’S most adorable parade, the Dachshund parade, beat its previous record with more than double the furry friends participating in its second edition. The parade of daring pups caused quite a stir and attracted a great amount of swooning spectators … but drivers were less than thrilled as the spectacle caused long traffic jams in the city.

THE world-famous Parisian landmark, Notre Dame, has broken attendance records since its reopening in December 2024. In July and August alone, Notre Dame accumulated 1.8 million visitors. The cathedral is now the most visited monument in France, and is projected to attract a total of 12 to 13 million visitors by December 2025.

Re-discovering Rubens

A 400-YEAR-OLD painting made by 17th-century master Peter Paul Rubens has been uncovered in a Parisian mansion. The masterwork is said to have been painted by Rubens at the height of his talent. The painting, which is likely to have been made for a private collector, is set to be auctioned off on November 30 of this year.

Bus blow

NORWEGIAN football star Erling Haaland needed three stitches in his lip after the team’s bus door hit him directly in the face. After fans teased that he’d been punched, Haaland jokingly named Norwegian teammate Martin Ødegaard as his assailant. However, after a few visits to the doctor and the dentist, Haaland was back on his feet.

Collapsing commute

PASSENGERS in the Oslo metropolitan area’s public transport are reportedly fainting due to the overcrowding onboard. Train operators are reportedly doing their best to make their departure times more frequent, but a lack of railroad maintenance and late deliveries of new trains have made capacity problems a larger issue in Norway.

IRELAND

Discrimination debacle

A STUDENT who uses an electric wheelchair has settled a disability discrimination case against transport company Translink, after she was carried past her stop several times and the bus’ ramp failed to deploy. The case has been settled for roughly €8,700, and the Director of Service Operations, Ian Campbell, has apologised for any harm caused.

Pricey parking

THE dublin airport is refunding a total of €350,000 to around 4,500 customers who were overcharged for parking during promotional campaigns earlier this year. Due to a pricing error, each person was individually overcharged between €1 and €64, though the grand majority (90 per cent) were reportedly overcharged by less than €12.

Photo Credit: Matthias Mullie via Unsplash

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Rentals restricted

GREECE is to introduce temporary rental restrictions to combat overtourism, potentially impacting UK tourists visiting popular destinations like Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos. These measures aim to ease pressure on local infrastructure, housing, and resources strained by the influx of visitors, with the UK being one of Greece’s largest tourist markets.

The government is targeting high-demand areas where overtourism has caused overcrowding, rising property prices, and housing shortages for locals. A key measure includes banning new short-term rental licences in these regions, affecting platforms like Airbnb. This could limit accommodation options for UK holidaymakers, leading to higher costs or fewer choices. Restrictions on new hotel developments are also under consideration to

manage tourism growth and align with environmental commitments.

These steps reflect Greece’s efforts to balance its vital tourism industry with the needs of residents facing rising rents and congestion. The surge in visitors, driven by budget airlines and online booking platforms, has strained resources and diminished tourist experiences due to longer queues and overcrowded sites.

UK holidaymakers are advised to book early, stay informed about developments, or explore alternative destinations like smaller towns or rural areas. These options offer a more authentic, less crowded Greek experience, providing a sustainable way to enjoy Greece’s charm while avoiding the pressures of overtourism.

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Social media ban

FRENCH lawmakers are proposing a ban on social media for children under 15 and a 10pm to 8am ‘digital curfew’ for 15- to 18-yearolds, citing the ‘toxic’ and ‘addictive’ effects of platforms like TikTok.

A parliamentary report, following a six-month investigation, labelled TikTok a ‘slow poison’ and ‘unhappiness factory’, linking it to harmful content promoting violence, racism, sexism, and suicide. The report recommends banning phones in schools and introducing a ‘digital negligence’ offence for parents failing to monitor kids’ online activity, aiming to protect youth from mental health risks and selfharm.

Socialist MP Arthur Delaporte accused TikTok of endangering youth and referred allegations to prosecutors. Laure Miller, from Macron’s party, criticised TikTok’s failure to curb harmful content despite safety

claims. TikTok, used by over 20 million in France, rejected the findings, highlighting its 60-minute screen time limit for under-18s and nudges for under-16s to stop scrolling at 10pm.

The proposals align with President Macron’s pledge to curb teenage violence after incidents like a school stabbing. Denmark and Spain are exploring similar age limits, while the EU mo-

nitors Australia’s under-16 ban.

Enforcement would rely on age verification tech, with fines for non-compliance, though critics question practicality. The National Assembly is also reviewing broader digital regulations, including content monetisation, amid concerns over platforms like Kick after a recent influencer’s livestreamed death.

Acropolis crowds.

Credit: Laurence

Shutterstock

Social medias face ban and curfew.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Turespaña Convention

ZARAGOZA will host the 6th Turespaña Convention from October 20-22, 2026, as recently announced by the Spanish Tourism Institute. Backed by the city’s tourism industry, the bid emphasised sustainability, including a carbon footprint plan and a dedicated forest.

AI hospitality

AI is transforming Spain’s hospitality industry, with studies showing 20 per cent of Spanish travellers use AI to plan trips (Nucamp). Hotels are adopting chatbots, WhatsApp conversions, and smart pricing tools, while experts stress staff training to balance automation with human touch.

Tourism growth

SPAIN’S tourism GDP grew 2.7 per cent in early 2025, outpacing the national economy’s 2.4 per cent, according to CaixaBank Research. The catering industry rose 2.6 per cent year-on-year. Analysts highlight slower but more sustainable post-pandemic growth. US tourist spending remains uncertain.

Ski upgrade

THE Sierra Nevada ski resort will invest €19 million in a major modernisation plan for the 2025/26 season, reports Spain Travel News. Upgrades include new snow grooming machines, 12 snow cannons, lift renovations, and a rebuilt Nevasol restaurant, following a record-breaking financial year.

World Research

THE UK will launch a “New Horizon” campaign in Spain and Germany to boost collaboration through Horizon Europe, the world’s largest research programme worth £82 billion (€95.5bn), reports the UK government (Gov.uk).

STAT OF WEEK

Spain is the world’s second-largest tourism earner.

Spain fintech awards

SPANISH fintech ID Finance and its consumer platform Plazo Credit have been honoured at the Global Banking & Finance Awards 2025, with judges recognising their impact on financial innovation and customer empowerment.

ID Finance, which operates in Spain and Mexico, was named ‘Best Fintech Company Spain 2025’ for its role in making digital financial services more accessible, inclusive and efficient.

Wanda Rich, Editor of Global Banking & Finance Review, said, “ID Finance continues to drive digital innovation in Spain’s and Mexico’s

First Movers

financial sector, combining advanced technology with a clear mission for financial inclusion. Its ability to merge innovation with customer trust positions the company as a leader in fintech and

Coalition

SPAIN officially joined the First Movers Coalition on September 8 becoming the 14th country to back the global push for decarbonisation in hardto-abate industries.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said it marked “another step forward in [Spain’s] commitment to climate action and sustainable innovation” (World Economic Forum).

Launched at COP26 in 2021 by the World Economic Forum and then US envoy John Kerry, the coalition drives demand for clean industrial tech across sectors like steel, cement, aviation and shipping. It now has over 100 members and aims to cut 30 million tonnes of CO2 annually by 2030.

Several Spanish firms, including Iberdrola and

Labour costs

SPAIN’S labour costs rose 5.4 per cent year-on-year in Q2 2025, according to provisional data from the INE’s Harmonised Labour Cost Index (INE).

Adjusted figures show a 3.8 per cent rise, with salary costs up 3.5 per cent and other costs up 4.5 per cent.

The sharpest increases were in professional, scientific and technical activities and energy supply (both 6.5 per cent).

By contrast, public administration and arts and entertainment saw rises of barely 1 per cent.

a trusted partner for consumers” (Global Banking & Finance).

Plazo Credit, ID Finance’s flagship consumer finance product, received the title of ‘Best Alternative Credit Specialist

Spain 2025’. The platform offers flexible debit and credit solutions without long-term commitments, aiming to boost financial stability and freedom.

Rich added, “Plazo Credit stands out as a dynamic alternative credit provider, offering lending solutions that empower customers and promote responsible borrowing. Its dedication to transparency and customer empowerment is reshaping the way credit is accessed in Spain.”

The Global Banking & Finance Awards, founded in 2011, celebrate institutions setting new standards in the financial industry.

Acciona, are already members, joining heavyweights in the global supply chain. With Europe enduring record heat and wildfires in 2025, Spain’s decision underlines both urgency and opportunity.

PROPERTY portal Idealista posted revenues of over €300 million in 2024, a 16 per cent year-onyear rise, according to Online Market Places. Its domestic arm, Idealista SAU, grew 15 per cent to €159m. But profits dipped, with EBITDA down 10 per cent to €84m and a €52m net loss, blamed on staff bonuses linked to last year’s Cinven acquisition. Employees have now received three such bonuses in nine years.

PAN GLOBAL RESOURCES has reported significant gold assay results from drilling at its Cármenes Project in northern Spain, with highlights including 34m at 3.01 g/t gold near surface and 5m at 8.93 g/t gold, the company announced (Pan Global). CEO Tim Moody said, “The new results expand the near-surface breccia-hosted gold mineralisation and include the highest-grade gold intercept at Providencia to-date.” Drilling continues with further assay results pending.

FCA warning Clear Channel

CLEAR CHANNEL OUTDOOR

HOLDINGS has agreed to sell its Spanish business to Atresmedia for €115 million, the company confirmed in a statement (PR Newswire). CEO Scott Wells said, “This agreement represents the final step toward completing our process to divest our European businesses.” Proceeds will be used to reduce debt, while Clear Channel Spain’s CEO Jordi Sáez Camacho described it as “an exciting new chapter.” The transaction is expected to close by early 2026, pending regulatory approval.

THE UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has told MPs it will not accept claims from car finance firms that customer data on mis-sold loans has been “lost” as part of a potential £18 billion redress scheme.

FCA chief executive Nikhil Rathi told the Treasury committee, “Where a firm says to us that they don’t have the data, we’re not just going to take that at face value. We will look at that very forensically.”

The scheme, triggered by a Supreme Court ruling in August, could compensate millions of drivers who were overcharged through commission deals.

CSH, a Sheffield-based specialist in liquid cooling systems for AI data centres, has secured a £250,000 finance facility through Dynamic Funding.

Founded in 2016, CSH now exports 99 per cent of its products, with demand soaring in Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East. Director Colin Hume said, “We wouldn’t have been able to build the foundation that we have done to date without the guidance from UKEF and the finance facility from Dynamic Funding” (Gov.uk). The funding allowed CSH to process £1.5 million in orders between April and May.

Fintech - trasforming global markets.

Pedro Sánchez and Børge Brende.

3I Group 3.822,00 3.845,00 3.817,00 23,38K

Group 3.306,0 3.324,0 3.306,0 3,32K

25,98K

45,17K

9,73K

British Foods 1.975,0 1.977,5 1.973,0 10,73K

11.566,0 11.690,0 11.528,0 62,65K

382,55 383,35 381,80 991,93K

Redrow 368,90 369,70 368,56 46,4K Beazley 831,00 835,00 818,00 118,75K Berkeley 3.652,0 3.670,0 3.646,0 3,17K BP 420,30 423,40 420,30 1,16M British American Tobacco 4.164,0 4.187,0 4.158,1 45,43K

BUSINESS

EXTRA

Energy exodus

INEOS, owned by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has halted UK investment and shifted £2.2 billion to US operations, blaming Labour’s North Sea oil tax, reports GB News Executives slammed Britain’s ‘unstable fiscal regime’, warning it jeopardises energy security and industry.

Fashion sales

INDITEX, owner of Zara, Bershka, and Massimo Dutti, reported H1 2025 sales up 1.6 per cent to €18.36 billion, with net income rising 0.8 per cent to €2.8bn, reports Fashion Network . CEO Óscar García Maceiras praised a “solid performance.”

BBVA under pressure

BBVA’S takeover bid for Banco Sabadell is facing strong resistance, with analysts and Sabadell’s leadership calling the €14.7 billion offer ‘poor’ and undervalued compared to the bank’s €16.3 billion market worth.

BBVA is offering one share plus €0.70 in cash for every 5.5483 Sabadell shares. But with Sabadell trading nearly 9 per cent above the offer, experts say an increase is essential.

Market analyst Franco Macchiavelli told El Economista, “BBVA’s

RIPPLE has expanded its European presence by signing an agreement with Spanish banking giant BBVA to provide its digital asset custody technology. The deal, announced on September 9, supports BBVA’s new crypto trading and custody service for Bitcoin and ether available to retail customers in Spain.

Cassie Craddock, Ripple’s Managing Director for Europe, said the partnership came at a crucial time, “Now that the

Ripple expands

EU’s Market’s in Crypto-Assets regulation (MiCA) is established across Europe, the region’s banks are emboldened to launch the digital asset offerings that their customers are asking for” (Ripple).

The agreement extends Ripple’s existing work with BBVA in Switzerland and Turkey.

offer starts with a negative premium, and to be attractive, it should be at least 7 to 10 per cent above the current share price.”

Atl Capital’s Ignacio Cantos was blunter, “The increase should be around 20 per cent because, if we applied economic logic right now, no one would participate in the takeover bid.”

JB Capital argued BBVA could raise the bid by up to 34 per cent without losing most of its expected €900 million in synergies.

Sabadell chairman Josep Oliu dismissed the proposal as ‘poor’ and based on ‘unrealistic’ assumptions, urging shareholders not to accept.

Shareholders have until October 7 to decide, leaving BBVA in a delicate position: raise its bid and risk diluting its own investors, or hold firm and risk rejection.

Avocado project

SPAIN has financed a €37 million (US$40m) avocado project, one of the country’s largest agribusiness deals to date, reports Iberian Lawyer. Led by Banco Santander with backing from Arcano Partners and public bank ICO, the project funds land purchases and a major Qultiva Farms avocado plantation. Law firms Dentons and Ontier advised on the deal.

Electricity grid

POWER utilities lobby Aelec has warned over 80 per cent of Spain’s grid’s nodes are saturated, threatening instability and blocking new energy connections, reports Reuters. Operators say massive investment is needed to prevent bottlenecks. Aelec said, “Without these conditions, it will not be possible to connect industry, housing, storage, or electric mobility.”

BBVA, Madrid.

Credit: JJFarq, Shutterstock.

It never gets old

BY NICOLE KING MARBELLA MOMENTS

I STARTED writing for the Euro Weekly News shortly after I moved back down from Madrid to Marbella in 2012. At that time, I was also presenting a radio show, MiMarbella, with the aim of highlight things going on from the town hall that we should all be aware of, but aren’t and helping better unite our international community with each other.

By November that same year we launched Marbella Now, with the same objectives and here we are, 11 years on, still at it, but so much as changed.

I remember recording one of the episodes from Puente Romano when I got a ‘phone call to say my daughter had gone into labour. When we moved back down here she was about to go to university and here she was having her first child. I left my guests in charge of recording the rest of the programme and rushed off to the Costa Del Sol Hospital.

My first grandbaby is now seven. This week it was my daughter’s second

child’s third birthday; my son now also has a two-and-a-half-year-old and another on the way.

The year we moved back to Marbella from Madrid I celebrated my 50th birthday, at Funny Beach, flaunting a white mini dress and white boots, bopping around handing out coupons for free mojitos to my guests. Now I’m a grandmother, far more interested in a nice cup of tea and a quiet chat and playing with my grandchildren; enjoying life in a whole new light. I was three when I first came to Marbella with my parents and grandparents; I moved to Spain still in my teens; so much time has gone by, but it never gets old.

France’s new prime minister

FRANCE has a new face at the head of government. President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Sébastien Lecornu, 39, the former defence minister, as the country’s new prime minister, following the resignation of François Bayrou after a crushing defeat in a vote of confidence.

The Élysée confirmed the appointment, stressing that Lecornu will be tasked with opening dialogue with political forces in Parliament and working towards securing support for the national budget and other key decisions expected in the coming months.

The choice is no surprise to those familiar with Macron’s inner circle. Lecornu has long been seen as one of the president’s most trusted allies. Reports suggest that Macron had already considered him for the role last December, but at the time opted to keep him in charge of the Defence Ministry.

The move follows the resignation of centrist leader

Sébastien Lecornu at the Élysée Palace in Paris, before becoming Prime Minister.

François Bayrou, who stepped down after losing a confidence vote by a wide margin. His departure created a political vacuum at Matignon, the official residence of the French prime minister, and gave Macron the opening to place Lecornu at the helm.

Bayrou’s loss highlights the difficulties Macron has

faced in maintaining stability within a divided Parliament, where pushing through reforms has often required delicate negotiations and compromise.

Lecornu now faces the immediate challenge of building cross-party support in a fragmented National Assembly. Securing approval for the upcoming budget will be his first real test, and success will depend on his ability to strike deals with opposition forces wary of Macron’s reform agenda.

Observers say his appointment signals Macron’s determination to keep control in the hands of loyalists as he seeks to navigate a turbulent political landscape in the final years of his presidency.

For Lecornu, the promotion marks the peak of a rapid rise. At just 39, he now steps into one of Europe’s most scrutinised political roles - one that will demand both negotiation skills and resilience in the months ahead.

My family.

The Premier League of Women

THE Costa del Sol is a melting pot of cultures, energy, and ideas - and at the very heart are the women who have chosen to make this coast their home. They are bold, multinational, and immensely talented. They bring a dazzling mix of skills and ambition to the commercial sector, proving time and again that they are not simply part of the community; they are its driving force.

Being a foreigner in any country is never without challenges. There are language barriers, cultural adjustments, and the constant balancing between work, family, and new beginnings. Yet the Costa del Sol women have turned those challenges into opportunities. They are leaders who take their dreams and breathe life into them. They show that no obstacle is too sig-

nifi cant, no ambition too far-fetched, and no glass ceiling unbreakable. What makes these women stand out is not just their business acumen, but their community spirit. They are connectors, collaborators, and creators. From start-ups to boardrooms, hospitality to finance, health to mediathey are leaving their mark, redefining what it means to succeed in a foreign

land.

Their stories are as varied as their backgrounds, but the thread running through them all is one of resilience, vision, and unstoppable drive. Because of them, the Costa del Sol is richer, stronger, and more vibrant.

And make no mistake - the Dames in Spain are definitely in the premier league.

From The Lady’s Magazine to the Costa del Sol: Women still writing their futures

A Platform Ahead of Its Time

First published in 1770, The Lady’s Magazine was revolutionary. It gave women something they had long been denied: a public space for their words, fashions, debates, andlumns, medical notes, embroidery patterns,

as readers, writers, and cultural commentators

By the time it closed in 1847, the magazine had inspired countless imitators and established a truth that still resonates today - women’s voices matter, and society is richer when they are heard

Echoes on the Costa del Sol Fast-forward to the present, and here on the Costa del Sol, we see women living out that legacy in business, culture, and community life From restaurateurs and designers to lawyers, educators, and wellness pioneers, women drive innovation and shape the region’s future

Just as The Lady’s Magazine stitched embroidery patterns into its pages, women here are stitching together businesses, networks, and opportunities Where readers once turned to a printed magazine for solidarity, today’s professionals gather in boardrooms, cafés, and conferences to share advice,

ideas, and encouragement

Why Euro Weekly Chose September 18

By launching our Women in Business supplement on the eve of The Lady’s Magazine’s closure, Euro Weekly News makes a statement: the platform for women’s voices never truly closed It has shifted, adapted, and grown stronger - and we are proud to carry it forward

Euro Weekly is managed and run by women and led by publisher Michel Euesden, but we are also supported by a fantastic team of men who share our values In this modern age of equality, we celebrate that progress is not a solo act but the work of allies, colleagues, and communities standing side by side

world would have astonished the readers of The Lady’s Magazine. Globally, women lead countries, multinational corporations, and world-changing movements. Figures such as Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, or Kristalina Georgieva, head of the International Monetary Fund, demonstrate how women now hold power in spheres once dominated exclusively by men In business, women are not only leaders but innovators From Silicon Valley entrepreneurs like Whitney Wolfe Herd of Bumble, to

Marbella Body Contouring:

grassroots business owners across Spain, women are proving that economic growth and gender equality go hand in hand The World Bank reports that companies with -

table and more resilient - evidence that wo-

ral

Closer to home, Spanish politics has made enormous strides in gender balance With nearly half of the national cabinet posts held by women, Spain is a model for how representation changes policy, priorities, and

women who lead NGOs, manage multinatio-sion to every sector

Our Mission Today

At Euro Weekly News, we passionately believe in women’s stories’ power Our Women in Business supplement is more than a showcase - it is a platform of recognition, a celebration of courage, creativity, and resilience It is proof that the spirit of The Lady’s Magazine is alive and well, not only in the history

of the Costa del Sol

As Michel Euesden explains: “At Euro Weekly News, we are proud to be managed and run in the main by women

- and assisted by a fantastic team of men who share our values. Our mission has always been to ensure women’s stories are heard - and we will continue championing them together ”

Closing the Loop, Opening the Future When The Lady’s Magazine folded in 1847, it closed one chapter But on September18, 2025, Euro Weekly News proudly opens another. Our supplement pays tribute to the women of the past while shining a light on the women shaping today - women who, like their predecessors, refuse to be overlooked or unheard.

The thread is unbroken Women continue to write their futures, from Georgian drawing rooms to Costa del Sol boardrooms And as we look across the world - from women at the helm of governments and multinational organisations to entrepreneurs transforming local economies - one truth is clear: the in-

Euro Weekly News is proud to publish their stories, celebrate their successes, and ensure that the legacy begun in 1770 still thrives today

K aren Taylor ’s bold new chapter

When Karen Taylor moved to Marbella in 2022, she came for the sunshine and lifestyle she’d always dreamed of. But beneath the blue skies, she felt a spark: the need for a new purpose. Karen a woman who has rebuilt her life more than once, wasn’t about to stand still.

SHE raised her son while running a delicatessen and later pushed herself through

bar course, all while working full time. By 37, she was a barrister, thriving in a demanding career that lasted until her mid-50s. Today, she also sits on the board of a

- but the pull of something more personal and powerful could not be ignored

That turning point came in 2024 with a sleeveless dress and a glance in the mirror

Unhappy with her arms andty price tag and permanent scars, Karen thought: there must be another way. Research led her to EMS technology - non-invasive treatments that build muscle and reduce fat. After just a few sessions, the results blew her away. “That’s it,” she said “I’m going to create a

clinic that gives women and men the freedom to transform their bodies without surgery.”

And so, Marbella Body Contouring was born. Opening in January 2025, Karen’s clinic has already become a name on the Costa del Sol. Clients leave not only looking more sculpted, but also standing taller, smiling wider, and embracing a new sense of self

At the heart of Marbella Body Contouring are two state-of-the-art treatments:

• EMSculpting – strengthening and toning muscles while and core strength beyond what workouts can achieve

• VelaShape – smoothing cellulite, shrinking fat cells, and tightening skin for youth -

They deliver a one-two punch: sculpted muscles pai -

It’s body contouring rede-

For Karen, this is more than a business. It’s a mission. She believes women should be free of chains - from circumstance, expectation, or selfdoubt And that includes the right to change their body in whatever way makes them feel strong and free “This is about empowerment,” she says. “About helping people feel incredible in their own skin, without pain, without fear, and without apology.”

Karen Taylor has always believed in rewriting her story from the courtroom to the Costa del Sol With Marbella Body Contouring, she’s now helping others rewrite theirs - proving that reinvention isn’t just possible, it’s powerful

Marbella Body Contoucompromise.

She-Mail - From one woman on the Costa del Sol to another

TO every woman on the Costa del Solthis is for you. Whatever your age, nationality, or beliefs, YOU make our adopted country one of the most dazzling places to live.

Every day, your energy, kindness, and determination shape this coast into something extraordinary.

A special thank you goes to the women I meet and work alongside daily. You are my inspiration.

To the women in their 80s who strap on a harness and fly down zip wires to raise money for the elderly, you show us that courage has no age limit.

To the young singer I’ve watched push through every obstacle to become one of the brightest entertainers on this coastyou remind us that dreams can be achie -

Hope on the shore

“Freedom feels like sunlight on your face.”

One day. One beach. One chance to breathe. Survivors of domestic abuse will gather in Malaga to experience something precious - freedom. Children will laugh in the waves, build sandcastles, and play under the September sun. Mothers will sit at a table, share a meal, and feel cared for. Most of all, they’ll meet others who understand. Thanks to the women in this supplement, this day of normality will become a lifetime memory of hope.

ved with grit, resilience, and passion. You push me to be braver, stronger, and better daily.

And finally, to the incredible women in this supplement, thank you for standing beside me in helping create a dream day for those who have shown the most remarkable courage of all - women who have fled abuse to protect themselves and their children.

Here’s to every woman on this coastmay we keep inspiring, uplifting, and shining together.

All my love, Michel #SHEFORSHE

From Darkness into Light: Stories of pain, power, and possibility

From Darkness into Light

We live in an age of instant possibility - where if we can dream it, technology often lets us make it real in moments. Yet here, some women live in dar kness on the radiant Costa del Sol. They endure violence, de privation, and fear - silenced and voiceless in a world that moves too fast to notice.

As the cost of living conti nues to rise, so too does do mestic violence. Pressure in the home turns into danger, leaving women with impossi ble choices.

But silence never offers sa fety. As Audre Lorde reminds us:

“Your silence will not protect you.” - Audre Lorde And still, these women - often without money, friends, or the means to speak - find the courage to run toward freedom.

belonging can spark a lifetime of hope.

Thanks to the extraordinary women in this supplement, they will be gifted a single day of normality: a beach in Malaga, laughter replacing fear, children playing in the sea, a meal shared with care. One day of

We must also honour our silent powerhouse - our “little L.” She transformed the Costa del Sol with her iconic business, raised a beautiful daughter, stood by her family with love, and tirelessly championed countless charities - raising funds for the homeless, rehou -

sing the vulnerable, clothing and feeding those in need - all while staying out of the spotlight. She has changed the landscape of this coast forever.

When that magical day arrives, we’ll raise our glasses and toast you - little L - the heartbeat of our belief.

Silent strength

“True greatness speaks softly.”

She never seeks the spotlight, yet her presence has transformed the Costa del Sol. Known to us as Little L, she built an iconic business, raised a beautiful daughter, and stood as a loving wife.

Quietly, she has championed countless causes - feeding the homeless, raising funds, rehousing the vulnerable, supporting women in crisis.

Her generosity has changed lives across this coast. She proves that true greatness speaks softly, but its impact echoes forever, leaving a legacy of hope and inspiration.

Sharon Garner:

The heart, hustle and humanity behind a Spanish Property Empire

A Woman in Business who redefi nes Resilience, Reinvention - and Real Sisterhood

IN a world where women in business are expected to juggle it all with grace, grit, and a smile, Sharon Garner has done more than balance the scales - she’s redrawn them. From humble beginnings in the UK to becoming the matriarch of a Spanish real estate empire and beloved TV personality on Channel 4’s Sun, Sea and Selling Houses, Sharon’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and realness.

Who is Sharon Garner?

Known affectionately to fans and clients alike as ‘Shazza’, Sharon is co-founder of Spanish Property Choice, a thriving, family-run real estate agency with offices across the Almeria region and the Costa del Sol. With her husband Steve and their children Emma and Shaun, Sharon built far more than a business. She created a legacy rooted in family, trust, and hard work.

Viewers of Sun, Sea and Selling Houses quickly fell in love with Sharon’s infectious warmth, honesty, and fierce commitment to her clients. Behind the laughter and lively energy lies a woman who has weathered immense challenges - and turned them into strength.

Love, Legacy, and Family First

Married to Steve since 1983, Sharon often credits her husband as her rock, best friend, and business partner. Their marriage of more than 40 years is a testament to teamwork, trust, and unwavering love.

“We started with a dream and built a life around it,” Sharon reflects. “Steve is my constant. My side is him through everything - every late night, every early morning, every big decision.”

Their children, Emma and Shaun, have become vital pillars in the business. Emma is a powerhouse in property sales and styling, while Shaun leads with confidence and heart. Even son-in-law Matt plays an integral role. The company is more than bricks and mortar; it’s a family mission.

“You can’t be everything to everyone. But you can be something powerful to yourself.”

Turning Crisis into Catalyst

One of Sharon’s most defining moments came when she faced a serious health scare involving her heart. It was a jolt that forced her to re-evaluate her priorities.

“I had to face the reality that I couldn’t keep pushing myself without consequences,” she writes. “That moment scared me, but it saved me too.”

From that experience, Sharon embarked on a radical health transfor-

“Success isn’t a title. It’s a feeling of peace, purpose, pride.”

mation, shedding over six stone and reclaiming her energy. But even more profound was her mindset shift: it was no longer just about doing everythingit was about doing what matters.

Work-Life-Life Balance

For years, Sharon worked 20-hour days, often using the night to catch up on the day’s work. But now she’s an advocate for something more profound: work-life balance. It’s not just about managing your schedule - it’s about managing your spirit.

“Balance isn’t a luxury. It’s a survival tool. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you certainly can’t build an empire on burnout.”

Part of that balance includes animal rescue, a cause close to Sharon’s

heart. With dozens of adoptions and personal involvement, her compassion knows no bounds.

The ‘Shazza Tingle’ Clients of Spanish Property Choice often hear about the ‘Shazza Tingle’ - that magical moment of connection when standing on the land of a future dream home.

“When you get that tingle, you know it’s the one,” she says. “You don’t need a spreadsheet to tell you your heart’s already moved in.”

This emotional intelligence, this ability to tune in to what people truly need, makes Sharon such a remarkable woman in business. She blends instinct with insight, passion with professionalism.

”Help another woman. Not because she needs it. But because you can.”

A Voice for Women, A Champion of Sisterhood

Sharon is not shy about her belief in women’s power. Her journey hasn’t been easy, and she wants every woman to know that she doesn’t have to do it all alone.

“There is no shame in struggle. There is only strength in asking for help, in lifting another woman as you rise. That’s what real sisterhood is.”

She sees success not as a solo sprint, but as a team marathon. Her advice to young women in business is simple:

• Ask for help. You don’t need to be superwoman every day.

• Trust your gut. That inner voice? That’s your superpower.

• Lift each other. There’s room for us all at the top.

• Protect your peace. Work can wait; your mental health can’t.

• Be kind to yourself. You are your own most significant investment.

Final Word: Empowerment Through Empathy

Sharon Garner is more than a woman in business. She is a woman of courage, conviction, and community. Her journey speaks to the heart of what it means to be a modern woman: to lead with love, to rise after falling, and to succeed not in spite of your challenges but because of them.

Her legacy is not just the homes she’s helped buy or sell, or the episodes she’s starred in. It’s the women she’s inspired, the clients she’s uplifted, and the family she’s raised into leaders.

Sharon Garner doesn’t just sell houses. She builds dreams, lives love, and leads like a lioness.

”You’re allowed to evolve. You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to shine.”

Women in Spain: A century of change

From Restriction to Reform

The first wave of change came during the Second Republic in the 1930s. Women gained the right to vote in 1931, exercised for the first time two years later, and enjoyed marriage and divorce law reforms. But Franco’s dictatorship from 1939 to 1975 rolled back freedoms, reinstating traditional roles. The notorious permiso marital meant a husband’s approval was required for almost every decision - working, travelling, even managing finances. When democracy returned, so too did women’s independence. The permiso marital was abolished in 1975, and Spain’s 1978 Constitution enshrined equality before the law. Divorce was re-legalised in 1981, and reproductive rights expanded gradually, culminating in a 2010 law allowing abortion on request up to 14 weeks. By the 2000s, further protections followed: the 2004 Gender-Based Violence Law created specialised courts for women at risk, while the 2007 Equality Law ensured balanced candidate lists in politics and promoted workpla-

ce fairness.

Costa del Sol Today

The impact of this progress is clear here on the Costa del Sol. Women are no longer confined to the sidelines - they are leading companies, launching start-ups,

and shaping the very identity of the region. From hospitality and real estate to tech and sustainability, women in business are proving that equality is not just a policy from Madrid but a lived reality here in Andalucia.

“Well-behaved women seldom make history.”

Costa del Sol Voices

Elena García – Restauranteur, Malaga:

“I grew up hearing my grandmother talk about needing her husband’s permission to work. Today, I run two restaurants in Malaga, employing more than 20 people. Her fight gave me freedom.”

Kathryn Lindup – Business Innovator, Marbella:

“As a woman building a career on the Costa del Sol, I’ve seen how vital it is to support and encourage one another. Collaboration is our strength, making this community so dynamic for women in business.”

The Next Chapter

Challenges remain: pay gaps, underrepresentation, and the ongoing fight against gender-based violence. Yet the story of Spanish women shows how far change can go in just one century.

On the Costa del Sol, every woman in business today is part of writing the next chapter - building legacies of independence, resilience, and leadership for future generations.

Historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich captured the spirit of women who step out of line to lead. On the Costa del Sol, women in business prove their words true, reshaping industries and communities with courage, creativity, and confidence. They don’t blend in - they stand out, and in doing so, they make history.

Between 1939 and 1975 women could not work nor own property without their husband’s consent.

Crafting elegance and empowering women entrepreneurs on the Costa del Sol Lovisa De Ruyck Johansson:

Lovisa De Ruyck Johansson is more than just an interior designer on the Costa del Sol - she is a beacon for women in business. As proprietor and lead designer of ‘The White House Marbella’ (originally founded by Christina White), Lovisa is redefining what it means to run a creative business with heart, vision, and integrity.

From Sweden to Spain: A Journey of Passion and Purpose

Born in Nora, Sweden, Lovisa felt early on a strong pull towards art, aesthetics, and design. Her path led her to Madrid at age 19 where she pursued formal studies in interior design at the Instituto Europeo di Design (IED). These formative years helped shape her appreciation for how architecture, light, textures, and materials can come together to tell stories - both visually and functionally.

It was her move to Marbella and her involvement with The White House design studio beginning in 2011 that allowed her the chance to grow both creatively and professionally. Through years of collaboration with Christina White, Lovisa honed her style and built strong relationships, gradually growing into the role of lead designer and, ultimately, owner.

A Business Built on Elegance, Authenticity, and Personal Touch

Lovisa’s vision for The White House is rooted in bespoke design - each project is unique, tailored to the client’s lifestyle, preferences, and personality. She doesn’t simply decorate a space; she listens, observes, and integrates functionality with aesthetics. Whether it’s a single room or a large villa, Lovisa’s hallmark is attention to detail.

Her commitment to craftsmanship is evident in the care she takes with material selection, lighting design, and working with trusted local artisans. She is known to immerse herself fully in her work - evenings, weekends, and holidays included - attending trade fairs to stay current with design trends.

Leadership, Ownership, and Influence

From designer to business owner, taking responsibility not only for the

creative side but for the management and vision of the firm.

Her work serves a dual purpose: producing beautiful, functional spaces for clients, and showing other women on the Costa del Sol and beyond that success in creative entrepreneurship is possible when grounded in skill, hard work, and authenticity.

A Role Model for Women Entrepreneurs

Lovisa’s story resonates especially with female entrepreneurs for several reasons:

• Education and mentorship: Her training in design and early years working under established designers gave her both technical skills and a model of leadership.

Contact and where to find her

• Company: The White House Interior Design SL

• Balancing aesthetic vision with practicality: She manages to merge beauty and usability, a key trait for sustainable design businesses.

• Putting clients first: Understanding clients’ lifestyles, preferences, and personalities is central; she builds trust and long-term relationships.

• Leading by example: Her willingness to work long hours, continually update her knowledge, and attend trade fairs shows dedication. It also demonstrates that entrepreneurship requires more than talent - it requires perseverance.

• Ownership & administration: Being registered as sole owner and administrator signals that she controls both the creative and business direction, which is empowering in an industry where women are often underrepresented in leadership roles.

Challenges, Vision, and Looking Forward

While public information doesn’t detail every struggle, one can infer that transitioning from employee/designer to leadership and ownership is rarely simple - it involves mastering business administration, finances, client relations, and managing creative teams. Lovisa appears well-prepared for this, given her experience, passion, and careful approach to each project.

Her vision continues to evolve The White House’s legacy: preserving its reputation for timeless elegance while bringing in contemporary touches and pushing boundaries in design. She aims to deliver not just aesthetically pleasing interiors but spaces that feel personal, liveable, and harmonious.

• Location: Camino de Camoján 7, Edif. Camoján local 10, Marbella, Malaga.

• Phone: +34 638 400 971 • Email: lovisa@whitehousemarbella.com

Lovisa De Ruyck Johansson is proof that a creative mind combined with a strong work ethic, strategic vision, and genuine care for clients can lead to entrepreneurship that inspires. For other women on the Costa del Sol looking to build their path, her experience offers both insight and encouragement: success is crafted piece by piece, detail by detail.

How to make dreams happen

Funding Your Future

One of the most accessible initiatives is PAEM (Programa de Apoyo Empresarial a las Mujeres), run by the Instituto de las Mujeres with the Spanish Chamber of Commerce. Through local chambers - including Malaga - women can access business planning advice, mentorship, and microcredits of up to €25,000 without collateral.

If your vision is digital or tech-focused, ENISA’s ‘Emprendedoras Digitales’ programme offers serious backing, with participative loans ranging from €25,000 to €1.5 million. Backed by the Spanish Government’s Digital Agenda, ENISA has already financed more than 300 projects, mobilising its full €51 million fund. For micro-scale businesses, MicroBank, part of CaixaBank, provides loans of up to €30,000, often without formal guarantees. These microcredits are a lifeline for women starting out, particularly in creative or service industries.

Meanwhile, SEPE’s Autoempleo Femenino grants provide direct non-repayable aid, typically up to €5,000, and in some cases up to €100,000 depending on eligibility. These grants are designed to reduce barriers for

Starting a business is a journey and every step counts.

women, especially those in vulnerable situations or returning to the workforce.

Perks and Practical Help

On top of funding, Spain offers incentives for women who go it alone. New autónomas can benefit from the tarifa plana (flat-rate social security),

with extra discounts for mothers and young entrepreneurs. Add to this regional or EU-backed schemes, and the support network is broader than ever. And don’t overlook networks: Womenalia and ASEME connect women to mentors, peers, and training. Meanwhile, digital platforms like CIRCE make company registration easier,

Photo credits: Freepik

while a good gestor can take the bureaucracy off your plate.

“When I moved from Sweden to Marbella, I thought starting my design studio would be impossible. The costs, the bureaucracy, the fear - it all felt overwhelming. Through PAEM, I got guidance, a small microcredit loan, and, most importantly, the confidence to FORGE AHEAD. Now I run a growing business with international clients. Spain gave me the tools, but the network of women here on the Costa del Sol made me believe in myself.”

- Anna Karlsson, Entrepreneur, Marbella

Take the Leap

Starting a business is always a journey - and every step, from attending a workshop to applying for a grant, brings you closer to your goal. With ambition, support, and the right tools, women on the Costa del Sol have more opportunities than ever to transform ideas into thriving companies.

So if you’ve been waiting for the right moment - this is it. Take the leap, embrace the challenge, and watch your dream become reality.

Emma Quantrill:

Compassion, legacy, and purpose at Golden Leaves Spain

Empowering women with dignity, leadership, and sisterhood in life’s most important conversations

IN the quiet corridors of end-of-life planning, Emma Quantrill is a name spoken with respect, admiration, and a deep gratitude. As the only female director of Golden Leaves Spain, Emma isn’t just leading a business - she’s leading a movement rooted in sisterhood, empathy, and purposeful leadership. Based in Southern Europe, where thousands of expatriates choose to spend their final years, Emma has become the trusted voice for those navigating the emotionally complex journey of pre-paid funeral planning. What sets her apart is not only her expertise but also her unshakable belief that women deserve to lead - in business, in life, and in legacy.

Golden Leaves Spain: Planning with Dignity

Golden Leaves provides pre-paid funeral plans - a service many avoid discussing, yet all will need one day. Emma approaches this sensitive subject with remarkable calm, confi dence, and compassion. Her ability to transform a diffi cult conversation into a moment of empowerment and clarity is one of her greatest gifts.

“It’s not just about making arrangements. It’s about offering comfort, control, and compassion - when people need it most.”

She frequently works with women who have found themselves, often later in life, responsible for independently handling fi nances, legalities, and fi nal decisions. Emma meets them where they are - not with pity, but with practicality, presence, and power.

“Confidence

doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means trusting your intuition.”

Leading with Substance, Serving with Soul

Emma’s career began in the insurance sector, but she quickly recognised a deeply unmet need in funeral planning - a gap between fi nancial services and emotional support. She felt a calling not just to offer products but to become an anchor for women navigating grief, planning, and emotional transitions.

Today, she is one of the most experienced professionals in her fi eld, ensuring every process is legally, FCA-regulated, and precisely tailored. Her service model is simple: treat every person as she would treat her own family. And she does.

Emma is often the person clients call during their most vulnerable moments. She answers not just effi cient-

ly but with genuine care. She doesn’t just promise peace of mind - she delivers it day in and day out.

Sisterhood as a Mission

Traditional roles don’t shape Emma’s story. She is unmarried and has no children, yet she has built a legacy of nurturing, supporting, and leading with maternal strength. Her

mission has always been to create space for women - space to plan, speak openly, and reclaim agency over their lives.

“Women have always been the silent planners behind the scenes. It’s time we were front and centre, deciding, directing, and leading.”

“Business isn’t about selling - it’s about serving. Start there, and success follows.”

Her work is her ministry of sisterhood. She brings women together through courage, service, and the shared knowledge that planning for the inevitable can be not just responsible but empowering.

Emma believes in teaching, not telling, and empowers women to understand, take ownership, and guide their families through whatever may come.

Leadership in Action, Sisterhood in Practice

As the only female at the executive level within her organisation, Emma proves that compassionate leadership is decisive. She forges ahead in an industry traditionally dominated by men, never losing sight of the unique strength women bring to business.

Her work is grounded in the belief that every woman, regardless of age or circumstance, deserves to feel seen, safe, and supported in her decisions. Whether it’s a client facing the future or a colleague learning the ropes, Emma uplifts with purpose, presence, and fi erce gentleness.

“Sisterhood isn’t just friendship - it’s a shared responsibility to lift, guide, and empower one another.”

Emma Quantrill isn’t simply preparing people for the end. She’s helping women claim ownership of their stories, fi nances, and futures with integrity, confi dence, and grace.

Golden Leaves Spain is her platform. But her true legacy? A coast fi lled with women who are more informed, empowered, and at peace - thanks to one woman’s vision for what sisterhood in business should look like.

“Lead with empathy. It never weakens your position - only strengthens your impact.”

Emma Quantrill - International Operations Director

Michelle Mellet:

The Empowering Force Behind Fabric Boutique and Female Confidence

If you’ve ever walked into Fabric Boutique and left feeling like a new woman, you’ve felt the magic of Michelle Mellet. Radiating style, joy, and fierce female energy, Michelle is more than a business owner—she’s a confidence catalyst, a philanthropic powerhouse, and soon-to-be wife of Tibbi Aguilar, her equal in passion and dynamism.

More Than Fashion: A Movement of Confidence

At Fabric Boutique, Michelle Mellet has created more than a clothing shop. She has built a space where women of every shape, size, and background feel valued, confident, and strong.

Her mission is simple:

Fashion should serve as a tool for empowerment, not limitation.

Her Tribe of Queens

“Every woman who walks through that door deserves to feel like the main character in her story and I’m just here to remind her.”

“I don’t do problems - I do solutions.”

At the heart of her inspiration is her beloved Mother Sue, her best friend, her rock, and the woman who taught her that kindness, strength, and empowerment are a powerful combination.

Behind Michelle is a team of like minded women who share her vision. They are more than colleagues-they are co-creators in shaping a welcoming, uplifting vibe. Together, their aim is to empower every woman who walks through the door, building confidence and a belief that women are always stronger together.

The Love That Fuels Her Michelle’s vibrancy is matched by the man by her side, Tibbi Aguilar, her soon- to-be husband and kindred spirit. Their relationship has shared vision, deep respect, and boundless energy. Together, they light up every room, every event, every initiative with authentic joy and intention.

“Tibbi supports every crazy idea I have,” Michelle laughs. “He’s my calm in the chaos and the biggest believer in everything I do.”

“Turn your bad days into luxury problems. There’s always a sparkle in the mess.”

“Dress like you mean it, walk like you own it.”

Empowering Women Through Positivity

At her core, Michelle is an uplifter. Her boutique isn’t just about shopping; it’s a platform for empowerment. She often hosts in-store events, styling days, and confidence talks to celebrate every woman, regardless of age or size.

With infectious energy, Michelle transforms the simple act of getting dressed into an act of radical self-love.

“Every woman deserves to walk out of her house feeling like the best version of herself. If I can help make that happen, even just a little, I’m doing something right.”

“Smile even when life is misbehaving. That’s how you stay in charge.”

A Woman with a Cause: €50,000 Raised for the Homeless.

Michelle’s social conscience is stitched into every part of her life.

In 2023, she organised a high-profile charity fashion gala that raised an astounding €50,000 for the homeless. Her commitment to community doesn’t stop there. She regularly supports women’s shelters, mental health initiatives, and outreach programs for disadvantaged youth. Her events are never just about glamour; they’re about giving back, lifting

“Confidence isn’t a size. It’s a decision.”

others, and using fashion as a force for good.

“We rise by lifting others. And even better if we can do it with glitter, laughter and kindness.”

The Fizz Factor

To know Michelle is to see the spark she brings to life. Whether she’s popping Prosecco at a boutique launch or dancing at a fundraiser, her joy is contagious. She’s the friend who hypes you up when you’re doubting yourself. The stylist who says, “Yes, you can wear that.” The woman who walks into your life and leaves you bubbling with possibility. “Life throws its punches. My job is to help women punch back with colour, confidence, and killer heels.”

Final Word: Confidence with Conscience Michelle Mellet proves that style can be soulful, fashion can be fearless, and business can be bold and benevolent. Through Fabric Boutique, her charitable work, and her vibrant personality, she brings more than outfits to women’s lives, she brings confidence, compassion, and connection.

Her love for Tibbi fuels her, her passion for women drives her, and her love for life shines in everything she does.

She is a can-do, will-do kind of woman who doesn’t get stuck, she gets going. And in doing so, she reminds every wo- man she meets: You can shine, no matter the storm.

She will dress your body, yes, but more importantly, she’ll help you feel confident. One visit to Fabric Boutique will help you understand that Michelle Mellet is not just a woman you want to meet, she’s a woman who will remind you of who you are.

Michelle’s mantra is: no matter what, get dressed up and show up in your own inimitable style.

“We’re all allowed to fall apart, but darling, do it in sequins.”

Starting Up on the Costa del Sol

A New Generation of Founders

The face of entrepreneurship on the Costa del Sol is refreshingly diverse. Some founders are in their 30s and 40s, launching businesses after careers in marketing, teaching, or corporate life. Others are in their 20s, fresh out of university and hungry to make their mark. Not age, background, or sector - but persistence unites them.

Studies show that most female entrepreneurs bring strong professional experience, with over half holding postgraduate qualifications. They come from fields as varied as engineering, health, social sciences, and the arts. This diversity shatters old stereotypes and proves there is no single mould for a successful founder.

From Vision to Reality

Take Lina Andersson, 39, who moved from Sweden to Marbella. “I never imagined running my own business,” she admits. “I started with nothing but a yoga mat and an idea. At first, banks weren’t interested, and I felt invisible as a foreign woman asking for

funding. But I persisted, applied for a PAEM microcredit, and leaned on the incredible network of women here. Today I employ six people and have clients from all over Europe. The Costa del Sol gave me a lifestyle I love - but persistence made the business possible.”

Then there’s Ana Martínez, 34, from Malaga. After working in IT, she founded a tech startup creating digital education tools. “I didn’t fit the stereotype of a startup founder,” she says. “I was a young mother with no investor contacts. But I believed in the idea. With mentoring through Womenalia and support from a Malaga accelerator, little by little, we grew. Today we’re scaling across Spain. It wasn’t easy, but persistence is everything.”

Building a Brighter Future

Yes, obstacles remain - access to funding, stereotypes, and the challenge of building networks from scratch. But the story of women entrepreneurs here is not defined by barriers. It’s defined by resilience, creativity, and

determination to make things happen. Across Andalucia, women-led startups thrive in sectors from e-commerce and biotech to sustainability, hospitality, and fintech. More than a third of Spain’s female-led startups are now based in this region, proof that

Quirónsalud Malaga: Leading innovation in women’s health and fertility

AS part of International Fertility Month, Quirónsalud Malaga is placing a spotlight on fertility awareness and the importance of early, informed choices for women planning motherhood.

With 40 per cent of women not facing motherhood until after age 38, and one in six couples experiencing fertility issues, awareness and proactive care are more crucial than ever.

Dr Arantxa Pérez Garrido, gynaecologist and fertility specialist at Quirónsalud Malaga, advises women to consider fertility assessments early - especially those over 35. “Fertility naturally declines with age,” she explains. “We often recommend egg vitrification before age 35 for those wishing to delay motherhood.”

Vitrification is a method of freezing eggs or embryos for long-term preservation, offering women control over their reproductive futures. The first consultation includes a full evaluation - ovarian reserve, hormone testing, and ultrasound imagingallowing specialists to offer personalised guidance, not necessarily involving assisted reproduction.

Embarking on a new venture.

the Costa del Sol is no longer just a lifestyle destination - it’s a launchpad. Every business begins with a dream. And here on the Costa del Sol, women are proving, day after day, that with courage and persistence, dreams can - and do - become reality.

In response to the growing need for specialised care, Quirónsalud Malaga has launched its Women’s Integral Health Unit , a pioneering space offering end-to-end care for women at all life stages - from puberty to menopause. This one-stop hub eliminates the need for multiple referrals, bringing together leading experts in fertility, gynaecology, oncology, maternity care, menopause, and pelvic floor health.

Head of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Dr Rodrigo Orozco, explains: “This unit is built on a vision of streamlined, expert care for women, designed to treat everything from endometriosis to high-risk pregnancies, all under one roof.”

Highlights include:

• A High-Resolution Gynaecological Ultrasound Unit, rivalling MRI in diagnostic accuracy

• A multidisciplinary Endometriosis Unit

• A Menopause Unit focused on post-reproductive well-being

• A Birthing Suite encouraging low-intervention, respectful births

• An Assisted Reproduction Unit with a state-ofthe-art embryology lab

Now celebrating 15 years of clinical excellence, Quirónsalud Malaga has grown into one of Andalucia’s leading private hospitals, with over 1,100 staff and more than 20,000 surgeries annually. It remains a national reference in women’s health, research, and innovation.

Through specialist services and education, Quirónsalud empowers women to make confident choices about their bodies, health, and future.

Building a dream Ashley:

SOMETIMES opportunity knocks when you least expect it. For Ashley, owner of EU Insurance in Elviria, it came almost 22 years ago when a friend offered her a part-time role in an insurance agency. What began as a simple favour to help out quickly sparked something bigger - a passion that would shape her career and her sense of purpose.

Within months, Ashley’s talent and commitment were evident. She was invited to step into the role of claims handler, a job she embraced wholeheartedly and still enjoys today. Claims gave her a front-row seat to the realities of the insurance world. It wasn’t just paperwork and numbers - people’s lives, livelihoods, and peace of mind at stake. The experience taught her that empathy, clear communication, and a steady hand in moments of crisis are as important as technical knowledge. This insight became the cornerstone of her approach and continues to guide how she leads her business today.

Rising Through the Ranks

From claims, she moved into underwriting and eventually into managing entire operations. Each new step built upon the last, equipping her with the knowledge and confidence to one day lead a company of her own. Life took her abroad for a period - living in Italy and Cyprus for her then-husband’s career - but Spain remained home in her heart. When she returned, she joined EU Insurance and soon became integral to its day-to-day operations.

When Wendy, the previous owner, retired, Ashley was ready. Taking over the reins wasn’t just a career move - it was the culmination of years of learning, adapting, and proving that she had what it took to lead with skill and compassion.

Growing EU Insurance

Under Ashley’s guidance, EU Insurance has not only continued to serve its loyal client base but has also grown in size and reputation. She has introduced modern systems and streamlined processes and continuously emphasises client education. Many expatriates, particularly those from the UK, find navigating Spain’s bureaucracy daunting. Ashley and her team bridge that gap with patience and clarity, ensuring that no one ever feels lost or unsupported. Her ethos is simple but powerful: insurance is about people, not policies. That belief runs through every part of the business. From the moment clients walk through the door, they are treated as individuals with unique needs, not as numbers on a

spreadsheet. Whether it’s a young family buying their first home, a retiree securing healthcare, or a business owner safeguarding their livelihood, Ashley insists that every policy must fit the person - not the other way around.

An Empowering Workplace

Ashley’s passion doesn’t stop with her clients. She is equally committed to her staff. In what was once a male-dominated industry, she has made it her mission to empower women to thrive. She mentors her team, encouraging them to grow in confidence, take ownership of their work, and see themselves as future leaders. By celebrating their successes and supporting them through challenges,

Ashley has cultivated a workplace culture defined by trust, encouragement, and ambition.

This approach hasn’t just built loyalty within her staff; it has also strengthened EU Insurance as a business. A motivated, confident team naturally provides better service, and clients feel the difference. It’s one of the reasons the company enjoys such a strong reputation for reliability and care across the Costa del Sol.

A Valued Member of the Community

Beyond her role as a business leader, Ashley is also a deeply valued member of the community. She is a familiar face at local events, a su-

pporter of small businesses, and an advocate for initiatives that strengthen the bonds between expatriates and Spanish locals. She understands that businesses don’t exist in isolation - they are part of the fabric of the community.

Ashley has also given back by supporting charitable projects and community drives, often quietly, without seeking recognition. For her, success isn’t measured solely in profit margins but in the positive impact she and her business can have on the lives around her. Her clients often describe her not just as their insurance agent but as a trusted adviser, someone they can turn to for reassurance and guidance in moments of uncertainty.

Balancing Work and Family

pact she and her business can have often describe her not just as their viser, someone they can turn to for ments of uncertainty. also been raising two children in Spain. lity of her career in insurance for gito and family. It is this balance, she be-

Through all of this, Ashley has also been raising two children in Spain. She credits the flexibility and stability of her career in insurance for giving her the ability to balance work and family. It is this balance, she believes, that has allowed her to give her best to both her clients and her loved ones.

loved ones. that will no doubt inspire them in

Her children have grown up watching their mother lead with integrity, resilience, and passion - values that will no doubt inspire them in their own journeys.

Looking Ahead

When asked about the future, Ashley speaks with optimism. She wants EU Insurance to continue growing, not just in size but in depth - expanding services, embracing innovation, and continuing to be a place where clients feel understood and cared for. More than anything, she hopes to inspire more women to consider a career in insurance. “I love my job,” she says with conviction, “and I want other women to know this industry has space for them too.”

When asked about the future, AsEU Insurance to continue growing,

Ashley’s story is one of quiet determination, built not on shortcuts but on years of dedication, learning, and compassion. She is proof that with passion and perseverance, dreams don’t simply happen - you build them. In Elviria, the community is all the stronger for having Ashley and EU Insurance at its heart.

A woman on a mission Joyce Gyimah:

WE could not celebrate women in business on the Costa del Sol without shining a light on one of its most extraordinary fi gures: Joyce Gyimah MBE, founder of Asociación ADINTRE. Tireless, passionate, and endlessly compassionate, Joyce is a woman who means business - not for personal gain, but for the countless lives she touches daily.

Strength in Action

Her colour or her gender does not define Joyce. She is defined by her mission: to feed, support, and uplift those who need it most. Through Asociación ADINTRE, she has created a safety net for the most vulnerable in our communities - the hungry, the homeless, the forgotten. And she does it with a unique blend of practicality, determination, and personal warmth that makes everyone she meets feel seen and valued.

Her energy seems boundless. Seven days a week, Joyce is there organising food, distributing clothing, arranging shelter, and offering material help and human dignity. She is the first to roll up her sleeves and the last to stop until every person in need has been reached. Calling her relentless is no exaggeration; it is the core of who she is.

Business With a Bigger Purpose

Many people hear ‘businesswoman’ and think of profit margins, boardrooms, or start-ups. Joyce redefines the term. Her ‘business’ is humanity itself - running Asociación ADINTRE with the same sharpness, organisation, and vision as any CEO, but with compassion at its centre. Fundraising, logistics, and outreach are tackled with the same determination that drives successful enterprises. What makes her unique is that every ounce of energy is directed outward, towards lifting others.

Her recognition as an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) is a testament to her impact - not just in Spain, but internationally. Yet titles and honours, though deserved, only tell part of the story. What makes Joyce remarkable is her spirit: a bundle of joy, radiating positivity, even when her challenges seem insurmountable.

“Helping others isn’t my job - it’s my calling. Every meal, every smile, every person we lift up is proof that together we can change lives.”

I never stop because the need never stops. As long as someone is hungry, I’ll keep going - seven days a week, without pause.”

An Inspiration to All

In a world that can sometimes feel divided, Joyce is a unifier. She epitomises strength for the weak, hope for the hopeless, and kindness without conditions. She proves daily that leadership is not about status, but about service.

Ask anyone on the Costa del Sol who has met Joyce, and they will tell you: she inspires, lifts, and never gives up. She shows us that true success is not measured in money but in the difference you make.

money but in the difference

Joyce Gyimah MBE is more than a woman in business - she is a woman on a mission. And nothing, absolutely nothing, will deter her.

How to help

Want to be part of Joyce’s mission? Asociación

ADINTRE welcomes support in many forms:

• Donate: Financial contributions, food, or clothing are always needed.

• Volunteer: Give your time - whether serving meals, sorting donations, or simply offering a smile.

• Support: Spread the word about ADINTRE’s work so more people can step forward.

Even the smallest act of kindness adds strength to Joyce’s mission. Together, we can make her vision of dignity for all a reality.

The World’s most recognised Women in 2025

IN 2025, influence isn’t confined to politics or boardrooms - it plays out on stages, in stadiums, across social media feeds, and in the hearts of millions. The most globally recognised women today are those whose reach is universal, their names known in every corner of the world.

At the top is Taylor Swift, whose re cord-breaking Eras Tour has become the highest-grossing in music his tory. She’s not just a singer - she’s a movement, with fans spanning generations and continents. Alongside her stands Be yoncé, the cultural queen whose genre-bending artistry and world tours set the gold standard for global performance and cultural influence.

Selena Gomez com bines acting, music, and entrepreneurship with authenticity, amplified by her staggering social media following.

Through her Rare Beauty brand and mental health advocacy, she has become a role model far beyond entertainment.

On the world stage, Malala Yousafzai remains one of the most recognisable voices for education and equality. A Nobel Peace Prize laureate, her mission continues to inspire change globally.

Meanwhile, Deepika Padukone, Bollywood superstar and international actress, has broken barriers in cinema and representation, carving her place among the world’s most influential cultural icons. These women come from different worlds - music, activism, filmbut share one common thread: their ability to shape culture and conversation on a truly global scale.

Selena Gomez.

In 2025, the world will not just watch these women - it will listen, follow, and be inspired to dream bigger.

A Visionary in eyecare

WITH more than four decades of experience in optometry, Jane Machin has built a reputation not only for her clinical expertise but also for her genuine care and patience with every client who walks through the door. As the founder of Optica Machin in Estepona, Jane has been a quiet force in her field, running a respected independent practice since 2000.

Her journey began in London, where she graduated from City University in 1980 and fully qualified in 1981 when Jane registered with the General Optical Council and became a member of the British College of Optometrists. After working in both general practice and home visit services in the UK, Jane brought her skill and compassion to Spain and in 1994 co-validated her qualifications with the Colegio Nacional de Ópticos-Optometristas, subsequently registering with them in 2000. That dedication laid the groundwork for what would become Optica Machin, now a trusted name in the Estepona community.

Known for her calm and reassuring manner, Jane takes as much time as needed with each patient, ensuring every examination is thorough and every concern is heard. Whether it’s a child’s first eye test or a nervous adult returning after years, Jane explains

every step clearly, putting people at ease.

Recently honoured for 25 years of membership by the Colegio of Ópticos Optometristas Andalucia, Jane continues to lead with professionalism, warmth, and integrity. Her practice offers prescription glasses, contact lenses, and comprehensive eye exams - but what sets her apart is the level of care she delivers, one patient at a time.

Jane Machin isn’t just running a business, she’s setting the standard for independent eye care in the region.

2 Local 1 Estepona, Malaga, 29680

Tele: 952 806 813

Email: info@opticamachin.com www.opticamachin.com

Avenida Litoral, Edificio Vistamar Blq

Sandra García-Sanjuán Shining with Starlite

Few women have shaped Marbella’s identity quite like Sandra García-Sanjuán. Born in Tenerife in 1972, Sandra is the woman behind the Starlite Festival, but her influence stretches far beyond the stage. She is a leader, a mentor, and an inspiration to the community she has chosen to call home.

An Entrepreneur from the Start

Sandra’s story is rooted in family values of hard work and ambition. With a grandmother who ran her own shop and a grandfather who helped pioneer tourism in the Canary Islands, she grew up believing anything was possible. That spirit showed itself early—by eight, Sandra was selling handmade bracelets at school, her first taste of the independence and determination that would carry her forward.

Her natural drive and her studies in Business Economics in Madrid gave her the foundation to launch her first business before she was 20. By connecting global brands with top artists, she was already proving herself as a woman who could turn vision into reality.

A Festival for the People

When Sandra and her husband Ignacio transformed an

abandoned quarry into the Starlite stage in 2012, many thought it was too ambitious. But Sandra’s gift has always been seeing possibilities where others see barriers. For her, Starlite was never just about concerts—it was about creating joy, culture, and connection.

Locals often speak of her warmth and accessibility; she is just as comfortable chatting with a neighbour in Marbella as she is welcoming global stars to her festival. Women in particular see in Sandra a role model—someone who has built success through courage, resilience, and an unwavering belief in herself.

Giving Back, Lifting Others

Sandra’s generosity is felt throughout the community. Through the Starlite

Foundation and Niños en Alegría, she has helped provide education and opportunity to children who might otherwise have been left behind. She believes success is empty without sharing it, and her philanthropic work reflects that.

Lighting the Way Forward

Nicknamed “Hurricane Sandra” for her unstoppable energy, she continues to expand her vision while staying true to her values. Her mantra—“If you don’t take risks, you don’t grow”—is not just advice, but a way of life.

Sandra García-Sanjuán has given Marbella more than a festival. She has given it a cultural heartbeat, a spirit of generosity, and a shining example of how one woman’s vision can inspire an entire community.

Caring is my way of life Carmen María Gálvez del Río

The woman behind one of Andalucia’s most respected care homes is changing how we think about growing old - one heart at a time.

IN the vibrant seaside town of Torre del Mar, in Malaga’s Axarquia region, stands a care home that locals whisper about with admiration and trust. Sanysol Residencia para Mayores isn’t just a facility for the elderly - it’s a sanctuary. And at its heart is a woman whose values and vision have shaped every brick, every policy, and every soul that passes through its doors.

Meet Carmen María Gálvez del Río, the quietly fierce and endlessly compassionate Managing Director of Sanysol - a woman who embodies grace under pressure and kindness in action.

A Calling, Not a Career

While many stumble upon a profession, Carmen was born with a vocation.

“I’ve always known I wanted to care for people,” she says. “In my family, grandparents were pillars. They taught me that ageing is not something to fear - it’s something to honour.”

That reverence for life’s later chapters inspired her to study social and healthcare management, and ultimately to take the reins of Sanysol - a space she describes not as her workplace, but as her life’s mission.

“Caring isn’t what I do,” Carmen says with a soft but steady voice. “It’s who I am.”

A Home Built on Humanity

Under Carmen’s leadership, Sanysol has become one of Andalucia’s most recognised care homes - not just for its state-of-the-art facilities, but for its unwavering focus on dignity and empathy.

She knows every resident by name. Their stories live in her heart. “We have people here who’ve been farmers, surgeons, teachers, mothers, pioneers… They carry entire histories inside them. We don’t just care for bodies here. We hold memories. We nurture spirit.”

And it shows - in the smiles exchanged over lunch, the laughter during morning routines, and the serenity that fills every sunlit corridor.

Leadership Through Crisis

When the pandemic struck, Carmen faced challenges no manual could ever prepare her for.

“There was fear. Real fear,” she admits. “But we had a responsibility. People had trusted us with their lives - and their families had trusted us too.”

She worked around the clock, shouldered impossible choices, and became a pillar of calm when the world trembled. “The strength of our residents and their families is what kept me going. Their faith gave us courage.”

The Secret to Sanysol’s Success?

One word: Empathy.

“Running a care home isn’t about ticking boxes or balancing budgets. It’s about asking yourself every day - Would I want my own parents here? And if the answer isn’t a full-body yes, we change something until it is.”

Though awards like the Andalucia Excelente have followed, accolades aren’t her driving force. Carmen is powered by heart - and it radiates the moment she enters a room.

Carmen Beyond the Director’s Desk

When she steps away from Sanysol, Carmen reconnects with her own roots: walking, reading, and most of all, spending time with her family.

“They are my refuge,” she smiles. “They keep me balanced. Because this work, while beautiful, is heavy. You carry people’s lives, their pain, their hope. You have to take care of yourself to give care that’s whole and true.”

The Woman With a Big Heart

Ask anyone in Torre del Mar who Carmen María Gálvez del Río is, and the reply is instant: “una mujer de corazón grande” - a woman with a big heart.

Her humility, quiet strength, and belief in people’s goodness have made her a respected leader and deeply trusted one. She doesn’t believe in hierarchy - only humanity.

Whether she’s speaking with a patient’s grandchild, a cleaner, or a regio-

nal minister, Carmen treats everyone with equal respect.

“We’re all here for the same reason,” she says. “To make people feel safe. Seen. Loved.”

Her Philosophy, Her Promise

How does Carmen sum it all up?

“To care for others the way I’d want to be cared for one day. That’s my compass. That’s my contract with every person who walks through our doors.”

In a fast-paced world that can feel cold and transactional, Carmen reminds us that leadership rooted in compassion is the most powerful of all. She proves that softness is strength, and that in the hands of someone who truly cares, ageing can be not a decline, but a return - to dignity, to peace, and to love.

Carmen María Gálvez del Río – Leading with Kindness. Living with Purpose. Changing Lives.

Queen of our screen Nicole King:

Nicole’s drive has always been unstoppable. Television, radio, Chromogen lenses, accessories for pregnant women - the endless list of ventures she threw herself into. She was bursting to get started, and nothing could contain her passion. Her boundless energy was contagious, inspiring everyone around her to believe in possibilities. To know Nicole is to be uplifted. You can’t help but fall under her spell.

Weekly News . Her words sparkle with the same honesty and humour that make her such a joy to be around. Yet Nicole is so much more than a journalist and presenter. She is a proud grandmother, a fiercely loyal friend, and a woman who balances professionalism with playfulness.

She has shown you can be vibrant and sexy while still steering big projects with authority. In fact, that combination is precisely what makes her such an unstoppable force.

Over the years, Nicole has become everyone’s

But behind the giggles, curls, and infectious laughter is a woman of remarkable grit and determination. Nicole has faced obstacles with a fearless attitude that has defined her career and life. If there was a door in her way, she didn’t knock - she kicked it down and did it with style. Sexy, confident, and endlessly charismatic, Nicole proves that leadership isn’t about power plays; it’s about passion, persistence, and the courage to reinvent yourself again and again.

best friend. She is a natural connector, a people person in the truest sense. She radiates warmth and sincerity when chatting with stran-

gers, collaborating on a project, or supporting friends through challenges. It’s no surprise she became a beloved columnist for the Euro

Nicole King has achieved it all, not by following a script, but by writing her own. She has shown us that resilience can be fun, that ambition can be giggly, and that success can be measured by what you build and the joy you spread along the way.

Queen of our screen, and queen of our hearts - Nicole is proof that nothing can stop a woman on a mission.

Wellness Bedrooms: Creating the ideal space for luxurious rest Carmen del Cid

Interview with Carmen del Cid, co-founder of BDHome and Official Hästens distributor in Marbella and Madrid.

TRANSFORMING the bedroom into a personal retreat of comfort and elegance has become the latest trend among those seeking both well-being and luxury in their daily lives. This is how Carmen del Cid Ponferrada, co-founder of BDHome Marbella and official distributor of the prestigious Swedish brand Hästens, the world leader in handcrafted luxury beds since 1852, defines the concept of a ‘wellness bedroom’.

A Professional Career Dedicated to Excellence

With more than 25 years of professional experience focused on customer care and business management, Carmen del Cid has built a distinguished career in key sectors such as timeshare, premium sleep solutions and integrated home design.

Since 2000, she has been managing BDHome, a company specialising in bespoke solutions and products for the home, whilst also playing a strategic role as Sales Director for Hästens Marbella. In 2024, she expanded her leadership by also taking on the commercial direction of Hästens Madrid, strengthening her relationship with the prestigious Swedish luxury sleep brand.

Her background includes a Master’s degree in Trends and Styles in Window Dressing as well as in Business Administration, Project Management and Decoration - qualifications that enable her to combine commercial expertise with a refined aesthetic sensibility. This blend of skills allows her to create unique spaces where design, functionality and well-being converge.

Beyond her professional achievements, Carmen also demonstrates a strong commitment to social causes: she is an active member of the Red Cross and has been sponsoring children for 29 years through Aldeas Infantiles, contributing to the well-being of others and reinforcing her belief in responsibility beyond business.

Why has the bedroom become the key space for those looking for well-

ness?

“The bedroom is one of the most important areas in the decoration of a home. It is where we spend a significant part of our lives recharging energy, clearing the mind and resting after a demanding day of work meetings, learning new skills or exercising. For this reason, every detail must be carefully designed to ensure supreme comfort and a truly luxurious night’s sleep.”

Is there really a growing interest in investing in wellness bedrooms?

“Absolutely. A recent study shows that Spaniards with high purchasing power are allocating an increasing

share of their budget to creating wellness spaces, with the bedroom being the main focus of investment. Moreover, according to research firm Mordor Intelligence, the luxury goods market in Spain is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 5.1 per cent until 2030, confirming a clear trend towards interiors designed around quality rest.”

What are the key elements in designing a high-end wellness bedroom?

Carmen del Cid shares three essential recommendations that BDHome

and Hästens incorporate in their projects:

Colours that evoke calm

“Light and neutral tones are fundamental. Shades such as beige, pale pink or soft grey help to create a tranquil and serene atmosphere, encouraging relaxation and freeing the mind from daily stress.”

Exclusive beds at the heart of rest

“Hästens beds are authentic works of craftsmanship. Iconic models such as Vividus and Grand, made with natural materials like wool, cotton and horsehair, guarantee exceptional support and unparalleled comfort. They are the ideal choice for those who value both health and timeless elegance.”

Essential decorative details

“Less is more. A discreet bedside table with a stylish lamp, fresh flowers, essential oils and distinctive artwork, such as vichy-inspired prints, add sophistication without overloading the space.”

What makes Hästens unique in the world of sleep?

“At Hästens, we believe that quality rest is the key to a full and healthy life. Each bed is designed to transform every night into a revitalising experience, thanks to our artisanal tradition and the use of 100 per cent natural materials. Being the official distributor in Marbella and Madrid is a true privilege, as it allows us to bring both luxury and well-being to our clients.”

A Sanctuary of Luxury and Serenity

The wellness bedroom trend goes far beyond aesthetics: it is a design philosophy focused on physical and mental well-being, where every element - colours, furniture, textures and accessories - is chosen to achieve the perfect balance between luxury, comfort and serenity.

With proposals such as those from BDHome and Hästens, the bedroom is no longer just another room in the house, but an exclusive sanctuary of self-care and sophistication.

Life and soul of Marbella’s real estate Marina Nitzak:

One of the most authentic and successful entrepreneurs on the coast you’ll definitely want to meet!

Marina Nitzak is one of those rare souls whose energy speaks before she does.

One of those people that just makes you feel safe. You FEEL seen, heard and understood. She brings a profound calm into the space around her, as if everything has slowed to the pace of something special.

And then she laughs. Whole-hearted, contagious, real. The kind of laugh that lifts you. Lightens you. Makes you forget what was heavy.

To be near Marina is to feel that life might be easier than we thought - not because she offers illusion, but because she reminds you that solutions exist.

Always. And often, they’re simpler than we dare to believe.

More Than a Businesswoman

Together with her husband Marina co-founded LM Group Real Estate, one of Costa del Sol’s most respected lifestyle property firms back in 2013. Yes, she leads a large team of professionals and international collaborators. Yes, she’s an educator, a mentor, and a visionary. Yes, she’s a force to be reckoned with and is on the board of several industry organisations.

But spend just five minutes with her, and none of that is what defines her.

What defines her is the way she listens. The way she offers truth with softness. The way she somehow sees you - beneath your roles, armour, and expectations.

Marina doesn’t operate on a traditional success model. She lives by congruence - a deep internal alignment between her beliefs, energy, and actions. “We can’t stay in misalignment for long,” she says. “Eventually, life calls us back to who we REALLY are.”

For her, that calling became the world of real estate and its many different aspects - but not in the way the world defines it.

LM Group and their subsidiaries aren’t about just selling property.

Marina builds companies that guide people toward places that reflect their values, hopes, and lifestyle. Understanding the clients’ priorities and delivering on them, exceeding the expectations and creating unforgettable experiences, where the spotlight is always on the star - the client.

Anchored in Love

At the centre of Marina’s life is her family - her husband, Juan Manuel Velillaher partner in life and business and their two beautiful children.

tire energy softens. “Everything we’ve built,” she says, “only works because we work.” Their love is not loud, not performative. It’s passionate and quietly fierce. Anchored in mutual trust and deep compatibility. They are the embodiment of the Power Couple, of what people hashtag as #couplegoals.

Together, they have created not just a company, but a sanctuary, a real community. Their children are raised in an environment where ambition and gentleness coexist, where vision is grounded by laughter and love.

“I want my children to know,” she

That success doesn’t mean noise. It means being true to yourself and your values.”

For Marina, family is not a balance to business - it is its foundation. Everything flows from there. A Different Kind of Intelligence Marina’s brilliance isn’t just in her ideas. It’s in her ability to see what others miss. While most people are tangled in complexity, Marina sees clarity. She’s an innovator, you can see in everything she and their companies do that they break the mould, they go deeper, they bravely challenge the status

quo.

Their WOW red carpet delivery of each property to every client has the whole market in admiration.

She doesn’t force answers - she reveals them, like pulling back a curtain on something that was always there. “There are no problems,” she says, “only temporary misunderstandings of what’s possible.”

This isn’t just optimism. It’s her worldview. She lives and breathes the belief that life is not working against us, that energy matters, and that goodness comes back. “Trust the process” she often says with her reassuring smile.

She is the kind of woman who can navigate a million-euro negotiation, pause to make you tea, and still ask how your heart is doing.

Through their LMG Real Estate Academy, Marina shares her own and other market experts’ industry know-how. Her signature course, Selling Spanish Sunsets, teaches more than the real estate sales, hard skills or strategy - it’s also about the winning mindset, and empathy. It’s everything she wished existed when she was starting in the property business all those years ago.

She also co-founded the IAA Network, which offers freelance real estate agents training, community, tools, freedom, infrastructure, and support without the pressure.

Marina doesn’t believe in systems that drain people; she believes in creating spaces where people can thrive and inspire each other.

A Universe-Driven Life

At her core, Marina believes in the collaborative eco-system, karma, and that when you act in alignment with love, things work.

When you give freely, life gives back. Clarity, compassion, and confidence aren’t luxuries - they’re necessities.

Her success is not just the result of knowledge. It results from how she moves through the world: lightly, kindly, with quiet power and contagious joy.

Her Legacy Is Her Light

Marina Nitzak is the living proof that business can be soulful and successful. And maybe that’s her greatest gift: she doesn’t just inspire with words - she changes how you feel about what’s possible.

Marina reminds us that the most significant power lies in calm, incredible wisdom and kindness.

The woman who walks the walk Helen Johnson:

EVERY woman needs that one friend. The one who won’t sugar-coat the truth, nor will she ever leave you hanging with it. The one who tells you, “Yes, your bum does look big in that” - and then immediately helps you find the perfect outfit that doesn’t. For many women across the Costa del Sol, that friend has a name: Helen Johnson.

Helen is the no-nonsense, sharp-witted, fiercely loyal woman who doesn’t waste time on social niceties or shallow chit-chat. She doesn’t gossip, doesn’t deal in fluff, and doesn’t pander to pretence. But what she does do - and better than almost anyone else - is show up, think fast, and take action. With her signature directness and solution-focused mindset, she’s the kind of woman who reminds us all what strength truly looks like: quiet, steadfast, and always moving forward.

A Business Built on Loyalty and Legacy

Over 25 years ago, Helen and her life partner, Phil Barr, built EnviroCa re SL from the ground up. What began as a family-run business installing air conditioning units in the homes of young mothers and their families has grown into one of the most trusted names in the region for air conditioning, solar heating, and property solutions.

But Helen hasn’t changed. She still approaches every job and client with the exact authenticity and personal care she did when she first knocked on doors. Back then, she’d install units for mums juggling kids on their hips. Today, she installs for those kids who are now grown and have children of their own. Why? Because the grandmothers re member - their children remember, and the legacy of Helen runs deep throughout their family’s history. They remember Helen’s honesty, clarity, and refusal to deliver anything short of excellence.

There were no slick sales pitches or flashy gimmicks. Just honest con versations, tailored advice, and a woman who knew how to find solutions that fit your budget without cutting corners. And that’s how she’s built a business that’s not just respected - it’s beloved.

The Friend Who Holds You Up

tects the circle around her with quiet ferocity. She doesn’t collect people. She keeps them. And she guards the trust she’s earned with a rare and admirable vigilance.

The Epitome of Discretion and Grace

Helen talks about things, not people. She is the antithesis of small talk. She doesn’t advertise her good deeds or parade her principles. But anyone on the receiving end of her kindness knows - Helen sees all and says little. She absorbs stories, pain, struggle - and somehow makes space for it all without being consumed.

In a world noisy with attention-seeking, Helen reminds us that quiet strength still exists. She is, in many ways, a shelter: for her clients, her friends, and even the strays of life - those lost or forgotten, unsure where they fit. She finds them, listens, and then quietly, gently, helps them rebuild.

Making Memories That Matter

Helen is not just a business leader - she’s a lifeline. The kind of woman you call when life hits you hard and you don’t know where to turn. She doesn’t gasp. She doesn’t wring her hands. She thinks. Adroitly, calmly, decisively. Her response to a crisis isn’t drama. It’s action. Real, tangible action that helps life resume some version of normal.

She’s known across the region as the woman who doesn’t just promise - she follows through. Her word isn’t wrapped in performance. It’s laced with reliability.

Helen has walked with women through the worst of life’s storms, offering not just a shoulder but a plan - a path - a way out. She sees what’s broken and, without fanfare, quietly starts helping to put it back together.

Home, Heart, and the Costa del Sol

The business reflects the life Helen

and Phil have built together - sustainable, grounded, and strong. Their children were raised amidst it all, becoming part of a life lived in motion, anchored by love and loyalty.

Together, Helen and Phil walk in unison. A team in both work and life. While he handles the engineering and operational excellence, Helen steers the relationships and the integrity. The results? Thousands of satisfied clients, many of whom now feel like extended family.

Even now, Helen remains highly sociable - but on her terms. She pro-

As we prepare this special Women’s Supplement, with all proceeds going to create a memory-making day for women and children impacted by domestic violence, Helen Johnson feels like a natural choice to highlight. Not because she seeks the spotlight, but because she reminds us what community leadership means.

She doesn’t make a show of caring. She simply does. She doesn’t promise the earth but always delivers the essentials - truth, loyalty, compassion, and action.

She’s the woman behind the solutions, the silence, and the strength.

into 30 years of design education excellence! Helle Byrn:

leading Marbella Design Academy

IT is now 30 years ago that Helle decided on October 1, 1995, to open Marbella Design Academy. Dane Helle Byrn has a background as an Interior Architect from Denmark School of Design in Copenhagen.

It has been a very long journey from the start in a rented office in Marbella. From the very beginning, Helle had the goal for creating a big international design school.

In 1998 Helle wanted State Recognition of her design school. It took a huge number of meetings in the Ministry of Education – Junta de Andalucia in Sevilla and in Malaga.

Finally, the Ministry of Education –Junta de Andalucia agreed that Helle could obtain State Recognition of her design school, but she would have to build a huge purpose-built building on a 10,000m2 plot.

First Helle found this near impossible, but as the strong Viking women she is she found her way.

A 10,000m2 rustic piece of land was found in Monda and a request for building a big international design school on it was, after several battles, finally granted a green light for the project using a special permission for a project that was beneficial for Monda. So far so good.

Next steps were Projecto Basico and Projecto Execution. Helle designed the entire building herself following all the demands given by the Ministry of Education. Helle is old school, so she was drawing the entire building on huge pieces of paper stuck down to the floor, using her pencil and rulers. The drawing was drawn to scale 1:50. When done and fulfilling all the demands given, Helle then needed a house building architect to fulfil all the architect drawings needed. Still a long way to go and a lot of permissions to obtain.

Finally, in spring 2005 Helle had all the permissions and the project was ready to go! But still no bank loan from a bank. Helle went to 20 banks with all her hard work to obtain permissions and project. They all said no! Helle was devastated. How could that be, she had everything required?

In June 2005 Helle found out why. The assessor fiscal, whom Helle had paid monthly and yearly for handing in the accounting to Registry Mercantile, had done nothing. He had just filed the nicely done receipts Helle had put in order and received payment for work he had not done. Helle was so angry.

Of course, all the banks said NO to a project where the accounting was not handed in to the Registro Mercantil. This could have been the end of a beautiful project. Helle’s never give up mentality was now tested to the extreme. She went to the office of the Assessor, who was not there. All her nicely done files with invoices were standing on his shelf behind the reception desk. Helle was so angry that she could hardly speak. She went behind the desk with a big plastic sack and took all her files with the receptionist complaining. Helle did not care, but just took her files and left.

So, what now? Helle needed a new and 100 per cent correct assessor. She asked around and found Juan Alarcon in Fuengirola. Helle went to Juan Alarcon with the

entire sack containing 10 years of invoices. Juan said he would do the work for the last five years as the law dictates. He would call when done. It could take 1.5 years and he recommended Helle to forget all about her project until then. Juan would call when all was ready. Helle concentrated her mind around her students.

Next problem, Helle had obtained a building permission at the town hall in Monda. She had to start building before April 10, 2007. The date came closer. Helle still had not received the green light from her new assessor and did not have a bank loan.

After a sleepless night with a lot of thinking, Helle concluded, that in reality she could start digging her new Academy building using a teaspoon, but that was

not so convincing.

So Helle hired a bulldozer for an hour.

The bulldozer came. Helle put a sign in the window. “Today April 9, 2007 Marbella Design Academy has started building its new Academy building” The bulldozer created a huge hole. Helle took the photo and ran to the town hall.

Here’s the proof we have started building for the new building, today 9th of April 2007. She was greeted with a big laugh at the town hall, but it was accepted. In June 2007 Helle got a call from the new assessor: ‘Now all your paperwork is perfect and handed in to Registro Mercantil and I think I have a bank that will give you the loan’ he told her. It was Barclays bank in Fuengirola.

Helle finally got the bank loan; the bank manager who was born in Capileira had never climbed nearby Mulhacen at 3,479 metres, Helle had, so the bank manager was impressed.

Next step was for Helle to get the builder to accept that the remaining €250,000 to be paid for the building project, could be paid as a private loan to be paid back with 6 per cent in interest over six years. The builder accepted. The project was now 100 per cent secured August 10, 2007 the builder started building the Academy following a very much cared for contract, where nothing could go wrong. Helle had checked everything several times. The builder had to be finished by August 1, 2008 to avoid any daily fines. August 1, 2008 the building was finished. September 16, the opening licence was given and the day after the students could start on their education.

Later, Helle wanted to offer international Bachelor of Arts validated programmes. Another long process whereby the programmes of the Academy could be quality assured and accredited by an English University.

For the first many years the creation of Marbella Design Academy was a one woman show; Helle was a single mum with three kids, so it was hard work.

With passion, dedication and with a talent for being organised and for solving problem Helle managed it all.

Helle’s good advice to all single Mums. You are so strong, follow your goals. Be

Helle Byrn of Marbella Design Academy.

organised. You can do it and never give up. Do not listen to all those who want to pull you down. Be focused and go for it! It is hard work yes but so rewarding when you fulfil your goals!

I did not have enough time, but a simple calculation showed me that if I did things just 30 per cent more speedy then I gained three more working hours in time a

day. An easy way to manage it all! I was not very social during those years. There was simply no time for that. Only time for a couple of good friends, which still is enough for me. I am now 72 years old, feeling good and still bubbling with ideas. Still working at the Academy mostly online from home with just an occasional visit to the Academy.

Today the daily running of the Academy is in the hands of an excellent team of 22 staff members. The Academy has come far and are proud of a very high academic level that beats the academic level at most universities. Marbella Design Academy offers several programmes, of those three BA Validated and one Master Validated programme. After graduation

from Marbella Design Academy the students are awarded official BA or Master degrees from the UK partner University. Marbella Design Academy is a very special academy. The building and surroundings are beautiful. The students live in nearby Monda, that has become a university town full of students from all over the planet.

Information

For more information about Marbella Design Academy and its programmes we recommend you visit the very informative website of the Academy: www.designschool.com.

Snack Attack

BASING ourselves on a traditional British café in Spain, we serve a full allday breakfast alongside a wide range of favourites. New to the menu is our Healthy Corner, offering overnight oats, granolas with fresh fruit, yoghurt, and a choice of toppings.

We have also introduced gluten-free and protein bread options.

Our core focus is extremely friendly customer service, with every member of staff going the extra mile to ensure nothing is ever too much trouble. A takeaway service is also available. Recently, we added home-made desserts such as cheesecake and apple crumble, which have quickly become very popular.

After managing a pub in Tadcaster for seven years, I felt ready for a new challenge. Snack Attack has been a well-loved café for 20 years, and although stepping into the shoes of the previous owners was daunting, a few small changes have made it even more popular. We aim to give local residents a welcoming place

to enjoy delicious, home-cooked British food made with quality produce, while keeping prices affordable. We are also a favourite with holidaymakers, meeting both returning and new visitors.

We offer daily specials, plus a Super Saver deal of a meal with tea or coffee for just €7.50. Our large deli counter provides freshly made fillings and a wide selection of breads to eat in or take away. We also cater for outside events with finger buffets. We are especially proud of our Sunday lunches and will be expanding these this winter. I value both staff and customers - without them, there is no business. Complaints are just as important as praise, as they help us improve.

Snack Attack, Jardín Botánico, La Cala de Mijas. Open seven days a week, 8am-4pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day). Contact us on WhatsApp: +44 0753 8236338, or email: tedderscowel@yahoo.com. Follow us on Facebook or TikTok.

Simply Thriving – Val Williams

AT 85, Val Williams is still unstoppable. A writer, hotelier, community builder, and fearless pioneer, she continues to prove that age is no barrier to living life at full speed.

Her achievements read like an adventure story. She has written books, run hotels, and stepped boldly into ventures where no one else dared. She has been a driving force behind the local theatre, and in her 80s, she even went down a zip wire to raise money and awareness for Help the Aged – a feat that perfectly sums up her courage and zest for life.

During the pandemic, when many businesses faced collapse, Val organised events to keep the Costa del Sol’s hospitality industry alive. Her instinct for action and connection shone through once again, bringing people together when they needed it most. Today, she leads a group of over 2,000 people across the Costa dedicated to tackling loneliness, turning her vision into a lifeline of friendship and support. Her influence extends far beyond Spain. Regularly appearing on British TV, Val is a spirited ambassador for life

on the Costas – sharing stories, celebrating community, and showing that the region is about far more than sunshine.

At an age when most would be taking it easy, Val is still the heartbeat of her community, organising daily events and inspiring everyone she meets. She is a trailblazer, a connector, a champion –and without question, our queen.

MiColchón: - Rest and respect - Our commitment to workplace equality

AT MiColchón, we’ve spent more than 45 years helping people sleep better. But behind every great night’s rest, there’s a great team. And today, more than ever, that team is led by women with talent, dedication, and purpose.

Women Leading the Way

From in-store advisors to leaders in marketing, customer service, and executive roles, women are present at all levels of our company. In fact, over 60 per cent of our staff is female, including many of our expert Mattressologists®, specialists in personalised and healthy sleep who make a real difference every day.

We are also proud to share that three of our most essential departments - Sales, Logistics, and Administration - are led by

women. Their leadership, vision, and organisational strength are key to the sustainable growth of our company.

A Culture of Inclusion and Opportunity

MiColchón is, at heart, a family-owned business. And like any family, we believe in respect, fairness, and real opportunities for everyone to grow. We actively promote equal pay, work-life balance, internal development, and career progression without barriers or bias.

Diversity, Commitment and the Future

Today’s consumers choose brands that reflect their values.

At MiColchón, we are convinced that embracing equality, inclusion, and diversity is not only the right thing to do - it’s

essential for building a stronger, more human company.

sonal: their rest. That trust

Rest Is a Right. So Is Equality at Work.

Our customers trust us with something deeply personal: their rest. That trust must be built on shared values, integrity, and transparency.

As we continue to grow

As we continue to grow throughout Malaga, Granada, and beyond, we remain committed not only to better sleep - but also to creating a better workplace.

At MiColchón, we don’t just help people rest better.

We help build a fairer, more inclusive, and more human way of doing business.

Nessen: El Viso industrial estate, Malaga, Warehouse: Avenida de Los Vegas 62-64, Malaga, Phone: 951 555 155, WhatsApp: 687 750 654 Email: info@micolchon.com • Website: www.micolchon.com

Stronger together, inspired forever

We couldn’t have a Women in Business supplement without celebrating the 12,000 remarkable women who, under the visionary leadership of Ali Meehan, have built the extraordinary community known as Costa Women. What began as one woman’s determination to create a support network has blossomed into Spain’s most vibrant international women’s group – a powerhouse of connection, inspiration, and collaboration.

Ali Meehan’s idea was simple yet profound: to help women moving to, living in, or building businesses in Spain find each other, share experiences, and grow together. Today, that seed has rished into a network that stretches across the country and beyond, uniting women from diverse cultures, industries, and life stages.

Costa Women is more than just networking. It is a lifeline – a place where

newcomers find friends, entrepreneurs discover opportunities, and professionals gain confidence and visibility. It is about support in all forms, from practical advice on starting life in Spain to celebrating career milestones and personal triumphs.

One of the standout moments of the Costa Women’s calendar is the annual International Wo- men’s Day

Costa Women – A sisterhood of strength and success

drawing world-class speakers and inspiring participants with courage, creativity, and achievement stories. It is a day where business ideas are sparked, collaborations are born, and women leave feeling energised and unstoppable.

But Costa Women is not just about one day a year. Throughout the calendar, members enjoy workshops, networking lunches, and social gatherings that make connections real and lasting. These events blend business focus and social fun, creating an atmosphere where ideas flourish and friendships thrive. Beyond business, Costa Women carries a deep sense of responsibility to the community, regularly supporting local charities and initiatives that make a tangible difference.

The collective strength of this inspiring group of women has become a shining example of how collaboration can transform lives. It is a sisterhood where achievements are celebrated, challenges are shared, and every

member feels part of something greater. Costa Women is not just a network –it is a movement. It shows that anything is possible when women come together with passion and purpose.

Costa Women: stronger together, inspired forever.

The best thing about being a woman?

It’s the strength we carry quietly, the courage we show daily, and how we lift others as we rise. Women bring resilience, intuition, and compassion to everything they do, whether running businesses, raising families, or reshaping communities.

It’s not about being defined by limits. It’s about being defined by possibility.

Spain’s vineyards, valleys & vintage - In vino veritas!

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

TUCKED between the Basque Country, Navarra and Castile-Leon, La Rioja is perhaps Spain’s least flashy region - modest in size, but mighty in wine. Once known as Logroño Province, it gained its snazzy new name (and autonomy) in 1982, with Logroño remaining its capital.

Geographically dramatic, the region is bookended by the Obarenes Mountains in the north and the rugged Iberian Cordillera in the south. Through it all meanders the Ebro River, hydrating vineyards and villages alike.

Down by the Ebro, you’ll find fertile farmland yielding grapes, cereals and veg. Up in the hills? Fewer people, more sheep. Historically transhumant (a posh word for ‘follow-the-goats’!), the highlands have emptied out since grazing rights were scrapped in 1836.

INTERVIEW

La Rioja’s wine fame blossomed in the 19th century, thanks to enthusiastic Basque investors. Upper Rioja produces reds that inspire poetry; lower Rioja specialises in sweeter table wines. Small wineries have survived by forming cooperatives, while locals now also grow everything from leeks to gherkins.

Food processing dominates industry, with textiles making a quiet comeback. Even oil made a surprise entrance in Najera in 1980.

And yes, they throw grape-filled fiestas! The Vendimia Riojana in September features carts, costumes and bullfights - because, in La Rioja, they take both wine and tradition seriously. Really seriously!

And finally, many thanks for the generous feedback on my website! Really thrilled you enjoy both the column - and novels!

Nora Johnson’s 14 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The House of Secrets’ (www.nora-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

Speaking European: From Athens to Spain

For Alexios Christopoulos, known as Alexi, life has always been shaped by movement and music. Born in Athens in the 1980s, he remembers his childhood in Ano Elysia with affection, recalling the slower rhythms of family life in Greece.

AT 11, everything changed when his family moved to England. For two decades, Britain became home, a place where he grew into adulthood, worked tirelessly and adapted to a busy lifestyle. Yet the pull of the Mediterranean never left him.

That call led Alexi and his wife to make a bold decision. In January 2022, they left England with their young daughter and relocated to Spain, seeking sunshine, simplicity and proximity to family. The move transformed their lives. “I like the balance of work and life here. It’s far more relaxed than in England,” Alexi told Euro Weekly News. Spain offered warmth, fiestas and a sense of belonging. Yoga, part of his personal practice for over 20 years,

Robert Redford dies

ROBERT REDFORD, one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors and a driving force behind independent cinema, has died at the age of 89. The actor, director and activist passed away on September 16 at his beloved home in Sundance, Utah, surrounded by family. His death marks the end of an era for film, but his influence will continue to shape the industry for generations.

Redford rose to fame in the 1960s and 70s with unforgettable roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting and All the President’s Men. His charm, good looks and screen presence made him a box-office star, yet he refused to be defined only as a leading man. In 1980, he made his directorial debut with Ordinary People, a drama that stunned critics and won the Oscar for Best Picture.

But perhaps his most enduring legacy is the Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, founded in the early 1980s. At a time when Hollywood had little space for independent voices, Redford created a platform that launched the careers of filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Steven

Soderbergh. Sundance became a global symbol of creative freedom, reshaping modern cinema and inspiring generations of storytellers.

Outside of film, Redford was a passionate environmentalist, long before it was mainstream. He campaigned to protect the American West, lived close to nature in Utah, and used his influence to advocate for conservation.

Hollywood, fellow artists and fans around the world are now mourning the loss of a man whose career spanned six decades. As tributes pour in, one thing is clear: Robert Redford’s legacy will never fade.

Credit: Alexi

who he is.

became a way to connect with others. Teaching in Denia and across the Costa Blanca allowed him to share his passion while embracing Mediterranean living. Music remains at the centre of who he is. Whether playing covers or performing original songs, Alexi brings joy to local audiences. Yet above all, it is the sea - long walks, winter surf and quiet reflection - that grounds him.

Music, however, remains at the heart of

Hollywood icon Robert Redford at a red carpet event.

Credit Andrea Raffin, Shutterstock

Playing it all down

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

WITHOUT question the news media is the most powerful propaganda machine on the planet. This is why, in the event any coup or takeover operation, the first places the insurgents or rebels make for are the offices of the newspapers or TV and radio outlets. Once this is achieved, they can deliver their messages and rhetoric to all and sundry. Although the social media can often give us a broader spectrum of events, the main media is nevertheless still the world’s most influential outlet. Quite often however, it is not what they do report that is the most revealing of their intentions, but what they actually decide to omit. How often have you said to yourself, whatever happened to ‘so and so’? Or how did that story of what’s his/her name finally pan out? It’s actually quite simple.

The censorship of exclusion can often be the most powerful disinformation of all. Did you notice how quic-

kly the assassination of that Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi ultimately disappeared from the front pages? There was no way the Saudi Royal family would be brought down or threatened by the untimely demise of some relatively small time dissident.

You can bet some form of high diplomatic influence was brought to bear and the media instructed to play it all down until it was conveniently forgotten.

And whatever happened to the three young men from the dating agency who set fire to the car and former abode of Kier Starmer? Not a peep. Mind you don’t trip over the ever-rising carpet all this information has undoubtably been swept under! Reports of any possible punishment for the man found guilty of assaulting the police officers at Manchester airport has also been extremely quiet of late; this is because the public’s reaction could be so hostile it could jeopardise the whole distorted operation of sentencing, which you can bet is still under full ‘woke’ throttle with hand rubbing legal teams earning fortunes from tax payer’s

money in the process. (what’s the betting he receives no jail time at all).

Were you also aware that with the breaking up of the Arctic ice sheets, methane, a greenhouse gas which is far more harmful than carbon monoxide, is being released into the atmosphere at an alarming rate and could result in temperature changes of four to six degrees centigrade in just two decades? This would not only be an utter disaster for the planet, but make cutting CO2 emissions an utter waste of time. Better to not publish that. After all, what would all the ’wokers’ do then? Protest for God to retilt the Planet? Not to mention endangering the billions being earned by the electric car manufacturers, which is given so much leftie propaganda people actually believe it’s a commendable operationwhich it most certainly is not. Never ends. Many thanks for all your mail. I always try to keep abreast of most of your suggestions. Keep ‘em coming, and whatever ya do, always….. Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

Expensive cheese

A 2.5-KILOGRAMME Cabrales cheese from the village of Arenas, Asturias, created by Angel Diaz Herrero’s dairy and aged by Encarnacion Bada, fetched a record-breaking €37,000 at auction, earning the title of the world’s most expensive cheese in the Guinness World Records.

The winning bid, placed by Ivan Suarez of El Llagar de Colloto restaurant in Oviedo, made it the sixth consecutive year the establishment got the top cheese at the 53rd Cabrales Cheese Contest, a regional tourism event which drew more than 2,000 attendees.

Selected from 13 entries under the Cabrales Protected Designation of Origin, the stinky cheese, made from cow’s milk and aged for nine months in the Los Mazos cave at 1,500 metres altitude, surpassed last year’s record of €36,000 by another €1,000. The auction saw fierce competition, with bids from nine Spanish establishments, including La Montera Picona in Gijón and La Cuenca in Madrid, starting at €3,000. Suarez, who hesitated to attend but was egged on by his father, said the purchase was a passionate investment in promoting Asturias and its iconic Cabrales cheese, and despite the high cost of €14,800 per kilo, he plans to share portions with family, friends, and customers.

Ivan Suarez and Encarnacion Bada.

Comic fever Fashion in the streets

COMIC-CON MALAGA, set for September 25-28 at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos, expects 120,000 attendees. The region’s biggest event features Hollywood icon Arnold Schwarzenegger as the guest of honour. Known for Terminator, Predator, and Total Recall, Schwarzenegger will host a sold-out, 11-hour masterclass, ‘Total Recall’, on Sunday, September 28, in the 3,000seat Hall M, sharing career anecdotes and insights.

That same day at 6pm, Spanish filmmaker J A Bayona, director of Ju-

rassic World: Fallen Kingdom and Society of the Snow, will hold an open talk. Comic book legends Jeph Loeb, writer of Superman for All Seasons and Batman: The Long Halloween, and Jim Lee, DC Comics president and X-Men artist, will also meet fans on Sunday.

The convention will feature exclusive con-

tent, including a presentation of the new season of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon on Saturday, September 27, with stars Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride. With a packed schedule of talks, activities, and celebrity appearances, Comic-Con Malaga promises to be a major event for pop culture fans worldwide.

Fire fundraiser

PAT MURPHY’S BAR is hosting a community fundraiser on Wednesday, September 24 at 3pm to support local bars and restaurants devastated by a massive fire, a deliberate case of arson, in Torremolinos a few weeks ago.

The event will be held at Pat Murphy’s Bar in Torremolinos and aims to raise funds to help affected business owners and staff rebuild their livelihoods.

The fundraiser will feature live entertainment by The Sibling Duo, comprised of Eliza Handley and her brother Nick, alongside a fun quiz, raffle, and games hosted by Ian Soulsby. Attendees can also explore pop-up shops at the event.

One of the organisers shared, “Our community is raising funds to support the bars that were destroyed in the recent fire. These places were part of

ESTEPONA FASHION WEEK, in its ninth year, will run from September 24 to 27 at 8pm in Plaza del Ajedrez, showcasing Autumn-Winter 2025-26 collections from 12 local businesses. The event aims to boost local commerce through vibrant displays of fashion, beauty, and accessories.

Collaborating with image consultant Miguel

Collaborating with image consultant Miguel Toledo and photographers Los Juanchys, the week features runway shows hosted by Toledo and model Carmen Serrano. Performances by Urban Dance - Formation Estepona, Beatriz Aviñon, Vanesa Ramos Ballet, and singers Remi and Pablo Hernandez will enhance the lively atmosphere. A highlight is the sixth EDM Young Designers Competition on September 27, featuring eight finalists from Spain, including Alicia Bezares (Cadiz), Blanca Cela (Malaga), and Mariona Ramos (Barcelona). Hosted by Toledo and actress

competition supports emerging talent. The jury, chaired by Dianez and including Juanchy García, Maxi Galvan, Maryam Blanes, and Jorge Campos, will award €1,000 and a trophy to the winner, €500 and a trophy to the runner-up, €300 and a trophy to third place, and five €200 honourable mentions.

Admission to all runway shows is free, inviting the public to celebrate Estepona’s dynamic fashion scene while supporting local and emerging talent. For more details, visit the Estepona Council’s website.

Estepona fashion week catwalk.

Credit: Comic-Con Malaga

Credit: EDM FB

Arnold Schwarzenegger, guest of honour.

Credit: Taspia Akhter

Fire which gutted businesses.

Free festival

MARBELLA CALLING Festival 2025 is about to arrive to spotlight the finest talents in the Spanish rock scene.

As always, the headliner is the big attraction, supported by five of the most promising up-and-coming acts. The lively annual festival draws attention from major labels and radio stations across the country.

The eclectic lineup features rocking-good performances from Al Dual, Will Jacobs & Marcos Coll Band, Victorias, Lavanda, Marionetas de Ficción, and Costa del Sol’s very own The Rabbit Holes. With the refreshing backdrop of the scenic Parque Vigil de Quiñones, the festival will bring a day of unforgettable musical experiences.

Other than the best in music, Marbella Calling Festival 2025 hosts a lively market to showcase local artisans and sustainable brands. Attendees of this free event can browse stalls

offering unique, independent designs. The festival’s commitment to sustainability encourages guests to bring reusable water bottles to stay hydrated. For when you’re hungry, you can enjoy a diverse selection of food trucks offering tasty delights, refreshing beverages, and dedicated family-friendly rest areas. This welcoming atmosphere makes sure there’s so-

mething for everyone, from young children to adults.

Organisers recommend arriving early, wearing comfortable shoes for a day of dancing, and bringing a reusable water bottle to stay eco-conscious. Marbella Calling takes place on Saturday, September 20, in Parque Vigil de Quiñones, Avenida Canovas del Castillo, 31, Marbella, from 10am until 11.30pm.

Wild Rock’n’Roll

September 19 and 20

CALAPOP 2025, a wild celebration of power-pop, garage, punk, and rock’n’roll, returns to Mijas Costa and Fuengirola on September 19 and 20, marking its 15th year. Originally Fuengirola Pop since 2008, rebranded in 2022, this boutique festival on the Costa del Sol hosts an intimate crowd of 400, mostly at El Charcón Beach, with events at Bar Mala Vida and Discoteca Maxy in Fuengirola.

Expect sharp guitars, catchy melodies, and non-stop dancing against a Mediterranean backdrop. Having featured more than 220 cult artists like The Beach Boys and The Peawees, plus iconic DJs like Juan de Pablos, CalaPop is a cornerstone of Spain’s music scene. This year’s lineup

includes Angela Hoodoo’s outlaw country rock, Howlin’ Ramblers’ rockabilly, The Pages’ mod revival, and The Speedways’ power-pop. Saturday features The Silver Beats’ Beatles tribute, Pelazo’s rock, Ian Kay’s garage-soul, and The Peawees’ rhythmic close, with all-night DJ sets. Beyond music, CalaPop offers literary talks on books like Oh La La! about Ronnie Lane and an art exhibition, Alvaroscopio, showcasing illustrator Alvaro Ortega’s poster design. Supporting the Mijas Costa Domestic Animal Shelter, the festival combines sun, sea, cold beers, and dancing for a perfect summer farewell. The main events are on El Charcon Beach, Faro, Mijas Costa. Visit calapop.com for details and tickets.

CalaPop Festival.

Marbella Calling homage to The Clash.

Credit: Mesa Pop, Facebook.

Soiree celebrates caring Costa

SIMPLY THRIVING, led by Val Williams, hosted a memorable Late Summer Soiree at Miraflores Golf Club on September 16, raising crucial funds for AFA Fuengirola Mijas, a charity supporting Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. The sold-out event, attended by 160 guests, exceeded its fundraising goal, showcasing the Costa del Sol community’s unity and compassion.

smoothly, earning widespread

Charismatic compere Nathan Dean set an uplifting tone with soulful tunes, dedicating songs to those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and dementia. His wife, Jo, ensured the event ran smoothly, earning widespread appreciation. Notable attendees included Mario Bravo, Mijas’ Foreigners Department councillor, and Paqui Lebron, AFA’s president, alongside Emilio Mogollón, who highlighted AFA’s work supporting 102 individuals, with over 50 on a waiting list. Funds raised will support a therapeutic vegetable garden at AFA’s Los Pacos centre, fostering outdoor engagement for outpatients and families.

evening featured spectacular entertainment, starting with Alexandra Avery’s soul and 60s dance numbers, sparking impromptu dancing. Ludo’s staff served a delectable menu, delighting guests. Val Williams, recovering from a hip operation, thanked Nathan, Jo, Mario Bravo, and the AFA team for their contributions.

Among the attendees, Gerry and Jenny Hannan were noted for their upcoming fundraiser at Pals Bar in Calahonda to provide community defibrillators.

The energy soared with Stelvis, an Elvis tribute artist, whose electrifying performance thrilled the crowd, though it prompted a brief visit from Mijas Local Police requesting a quieter celebration.

Nathan announced raffle winners, with prizes including a luxury hamper from Euro Weekly News, zipline adventures from Sunhill Park, dolphin-spotting trips worth €200, diving courses at Diving with Nic, a €200 voucher for The Beach House in Marbella, a €200 voucher for El Oceano, and vouchers for Tibbi Aquila’s restaurants: Cyrano, La Pergola, La Scala, and Figaro.

Laura Carter’s soulful performance closed the evening, leaving a lasting impression of community and generosity. Nathan led applause for Ludo and the Miraflores staff for their exquisite dinner under the stars. The Simply Thriving Late Summer Soiree highlighted the Costa del Sol’s strong spirit of solidarity, ensuring AFA can expand its vital services to meet growing needs.

Summer Soiree party.

UNICORNIO ASSOCIATION, in collaboration with Estepona Council, proudly presents the premiere of the album Essence of WOMAN, a collection of iconic film music performed by female artists, at the Felipe VI Theatre on Friday, September 26, at 9.30pm. All proceeds from the event will go to the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) in Estepona.

The album, curated by the Unicornio Association, reflects music from eight decades of cinematic music, featuring timeless songs from films such as Gone with the Wind (1939) to Aladdin (2019). Highlights include ‘Moonriver’ from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, ‘Lady Marmalade’ from Moulin Rouge, selections from Cabaret, Concha Piquer’s classic

‘Ojos Verdes’, and Barbra Streisand’s ‘Evergreen’ from A Star is Born, among others.

The performance will present local talent, including Estepona’s cantaora and actress Ana Fargas, Malaga singer-songwriter Virginia Alexandre, actress, singer, and dancer Juana Escribano, Estepona actress Candela Vergara, and Marbella singer La Negra Mayte.

Tickets for the gala are priced at €15 (plus booking fees) and are available at enterticket.es. Each ticket includes a complimentary copy of the Essence of Woman CD. Don’t miss this celebration of women in music for a meaningful cause. TAF, teatro auditorio Felipe VI is on Calle Diputado Ignacio, Mena, Estepona.

World Clean Up Day Album Premier TAF

ECO AMIGOS and Costa Women invite environmentally conscious women and children to a World Clean Up Day event in Marbella on Saturday, September 20, from 10.30am to 11.30am. The event starts at Public Parking Sendero Los Monjes and focuses on cleaning the litter-strewn riverbed of Los Monjes in Xarblanca. This marks Eco Amigos’ expansion from Casares Costa to Marbella.

Hosted by Melissa Vaughn and Eco Amigos in partnership with Costa Women, this free event offers a morning of environmental action. Participants will help protect Marbella’s natural beauty, with all supplies - bin bags, gloves, hand sanitiser, and litter-picking sticksprovided. Attendees may bring their own gloves or grabbers to enhance the effort. The cleanup fosters community connection and environmental stewardship. Afterward, participants can relax with a drink at Art

Bakery & Gourmet nearby. Dogs are not allowed, but children are encouraged to join in.

Eco Amigos plans to expand their monthly cleanups to include men, women, and children starting in October. For inquiries, contact the organisers via WhatsApp on (+34) 600 487 736. Join this rewarding initiative to make a tangible difference in Marbella’s environment. Follow Eco Amigos on social media for updates on future cleanups. Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something!

Benevolent fashion show

THE British Benevolent Fund (BBF), one of Spain’s longest-standing English-speaking charities, is thrilled to host a spectacular Charity Fashion Show on Wednesday, October 1, from 1pm to 5pm at the chic OAK Firehouse & Cocktails in Puerto Banus.

This lively afternoon will feature exciting surprises, a thrilling raffle with fabulous prizes, and an exclusive popup by Angel Clothing, showcasing the sea-

son’s most stunning fashion trends.

Guests will enjoy a delicious two-course set lunch, paired with half a bottle of house wine per person, for just €45 per ticket. Notably, €10 from each ticket will directly support the BBF’s essential work in providing financial assistance to British citizens and their families facing hardship in Spain, whether residents or visitors. With over 100 years of service, the BBF works closely with British Con-

sulates and charity partners under the patronage of HM Ambassador Sir Alex Ellis. Prepaid tickets are required, and reservations are essential. Book your place by calling (+34) 951 319 411 or messaging via WhatsApp on (+34) 620 213 387.

Please note that additional purchases on the day will be charged separately. OAK Firehouse & Cocktails is at Calle Juan Belmonte, Puerto Banus, Marbella.

All eyes on the catwalk.

World Clean Up Day flag.

Esencia de Mujer at TAF, Estepona.

Night spinning

FUENGIROLA will host its third outdoor night spinning marathon on Friday, September 26, at the T breakwater, the beginning of Boliches beach.

Starting at 7pm, this event, which is part of the ‘Fuengirola en Forma’ programme, will be promoting healthy lifestyles and community togetherness. The €10 registration fee will entirely benefit the Fuengirola-Mijas Alzheimer’s Family Association (AFA), coinciding with World Alzheimer’s Month. Up to 100 participants can join the aerobic cycling session overlooking the Mediterranean and guided by instructors from Vivagym and Coliseo gyms, where registrations are open. Held in the scenic coastal setting of the T Pier, the marathon offers a fun, active evening for those who want to get in shape. The event has become a much-loved fixture in Fuengirola’s social calendar, where sport and a very worthy cause meet.

For those unable to cycle, a ‘zero row’ donation option and fundraising tables will be available at the venue, making sure everyone can contribute to AFA’s vital work. The marathon, which is supported by the Sohail Physiotherapy Clinic, exhibits Fuengirola’s commitment to encouraging wellness and supporting local charities.

With only a few saddles remaining, the organisers are urging early registration to get a place in this event. Combining exercise, community spirit, and a stunning backdrop, the night spinning marathon will be a fantastic community experience while raising funds for a worthy local cause.

Wellness weekend

MARBELLA will once again participate in the World Wellness Weekend from September 19 to 21 , joining the global movement which is celebrated in 160 countries, nearly 3,000 cities, and over 10,500 locations. The main events in Marbella will take place in San Pedro Alcantara, along the promenade and Avenida del Mediterraneo.

The programme of events has just been presented which features free activities across various themed spaces. These include areas dedicated to yoga, Pilates, fitness, massages, aromatherapy, energy techniques, and some family-friendly activities for children.

The main stage will host world dance classes, performances, and concerts, which include those by Ketty Morilla and Los Calvin. As well, a wellness tour on September 19 will present participating local businesses.

According to organisers, Marbella traditionally is among the most active cities in this global simultaneous event, and

stress that that “wellness is not just physical health but also coexistence, solidarity, and connection with others.” They encourage residents to join this year’s event, themed ‘Make Wellness Your Superpower’.

Maite Caño, coordinator of the CADI Association, expressed gratitude for the opportu-

nity to participate and stressed the importance of raising visibility for vulnerable groups. The programme includes an accessible charity walk for all ages and abilities, a charity bar, a raffle, an information stand, and sports exhibitions. A list of activities can be found at map. world-wellness-weekend.org

Celebrating life.

Slice of Americana

CAFE YANX, a timeless classic that has thrived in the middle of Nueva Andalucia for 28 years, presents the authentic American diner experience in Marbella, with a mix of delicious and hearty SoCal Tex-Mex and pure Americana fare with local charm.

The family-run lively bar-diner, located at Centro Comercial Plaza, 13, has been a go-to since the early 2000s, serving up comfort food that’s both nostalgic and unpretentious. The varied menu stands out for its

juicy burgers, such as the BBQ Ranch and the Double Trouble, loaded with home-made sauces, crispy bacon and real cheddar cheese. Critics praise his Tex-Mex cuisine, with irresistible nachos and scandalous desserts that make every summer a mandatory stop.

As well, they offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, such as the Chop Chop salad (€10.75) with shrimp, salmon and tuna, or the Keto Classic Cobb (€15.95), a dreamy Ameri-

can delight with turkey, roquefort and avocado.

The service is warm, the prices are very fair for the area, and the ambiance is family-friendly, making it ideal for everyone. Open daily from 9am to 10pm, reservations are recommended at weekends due to its popularity. For the best burgers in Marbella and genuine hospitality, Cafe Yanx is a must-visit for feel-good flavours and a lively atmosphere. Cafe Yanx, Centro Plaza, Marbella. Book a table on 952 818 861.

Save a Life & Ben James

Credit: CY

SAL (Save a Life) project, led by Gerry Hannam, a cardiac arrest survivor, is hosting a fundraising event at Pals Bar in El Zoco, Calahonda, featuring international singer Ben James. All proceeds will fund three new defibrillators for the community to protect lives during emergencies.

Gerry’s life was saved on Waterloo Bridge in London by a passerby skilled in CPR and a National Theatre staff member who provided a defibrillator. Unable to reconnect with these heroes, Gerry and his wife, Jenny, are now driven to ensure others in Calahonda have access to life-saving equipment through this initiative.

The event at Pals Bar promises an exciting evening with Ben James performing

and Harvey James hosting. Attendees can participate in a raffle with prizes donated to support the cause. El Zoco will install one defibrillator, with three additional locations in Calahonda selected for future installations.

Join the event at Pals Bar in El Zoco, Calahonda, on Wednesday, September 24, at 7.30pm. Entry is free, but donations and raffle ticket purchases are encouraged. Each defibrillator costs around €2,000, and every contribution helps equip the community with these vital devices. Gerry’s survival last December relied on a nearby defibrillator - without it, he wouldn’t be here. Tomorrow, it could save you or a loved one. Come together to make a difference!

Cafe Yanx in Nueva Andalucia.

Ben James & Harvey James.

Radiant celebration

TORREMOLINOS is abuzz with excitement for its annual Romería and Feria de San Miguel, held from September 25 to 29, a vibrant highlight of Costa del Sol traditions. Expect lively streets filled with live music, dance, and street food, as locals and visitors savour wine, Iberian ham, and Andalucian performances. Around 250,000 people are anticipated to join the festivities.

The celebrations kick off with the Romería de San Miguel on September 21, Andalucia’s largest urban pilgrimage. Thousands will trek to the mountains to gather wild rosemary, heading to the San Miguel hermitage on foot or in ox- and horse-drawn carts, accompanied by flamenco and regional songs. Performances by Las Carlotas, Maria de la

Colina, and Las Soles will energise the crowd, alongside a contest for the best-decorated carts and tractors.

The fair transforms the town centre by day and the fairground by night into hubs of celebration. Plaza Andalucia offers family-friendly activities, with no music to accommodate sensory sensitivities, while the bullring’s Recreo festival attracts younger crowds with DJs and acts like Ilsentho.

The Municipal Auditorium will host Fernando Soto, Esperanza Soria, Ptazeta, and Los Secretos, plus flamenco shows.

Pre-fair events are underway, including the ‘Amigos de Classicos’ vintage car rally on September 20. On September 29, the feast day of San Miguel Arcangel, a procession and discounted children’s rides will conclude the festivities.

End of Season Party

BONO BEACH in Marbella is set to close the summer season with its End of Season Party on Thursday, September 18, offering one final night of dancing under the stars along the stunning coastline. Guests are invited to wear all black and join the celebration of another vibrant season at this iconic beach club, known for its Mediterranean and Asian-inspired cuisine, luxurious Bali beds, and lively atmosphere.

The event will feature great music, exquisite dining, and the enchanting seaside setting that defines Bono Beach. “Summer is ending, but the party is only getting started,” said a spokesperson. “We’re sending off the season with an unforgettable night of style and seafront magic.”

Guests should book tables early to secure a spot at this exclusive event. Whether you’ve enjoyed Bono Beach’s newly renovated sunbeds, savoured fresh seafood and aged beef, or experienced the ‘Catch the Sun’ sunset series, this party is the perfect way to celebrate the season’s end.

Bono Beach has been a summer hotspot, with DJs and live musicians creating a vibrant daytime vibe that transitions into sophisticated nightlife. The End of Season Party promises elegance, energy, and unforgettable memories. Book now at bono-beach.com or call 952 839 236. Bono Beach is located at Calle Cervantes, Urbanisation Costa Bella, Playa Arenal, Elviria, Marbella.

Credit: Ayuntamiento de Torremolinos

The ‘Romaría’ celebration of the fair.

Bono Beach.

Conversation with

CRISSIE RYAN, a singer, virtuoso violinist, and actress, shared her journey with Euro Weekly News, reflecting on her musical roots and life on the Costa del Sol.

“My mum was deeply passionate about music,” Crissie said. “My brother embraced traditional Irish music, while I gravitated toward classical.”

She began piano at four, later captivated by the violin. “I knew it was what I wanted to do.” She studied at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and the Royal Academy of Music in London. “It was a hub of inspiring international talent,” she noted.

Her talent led to a performance with Elton John at the Royal Albert Hall. “He was hosting a charity event, and they reached out to ask if I’d be interested. I said, ‘Absolutely, oh my goodness!’” Crissie recalled. She later per-

Roali wine fair Crissie

formed at Carnegie Hall, worked with the London Symphony Orchestra, and taught music in underprivileged communities. “It’s all about adding different strings to your bow,” she said.

On home, Crissie reflected, “Ireland will always be my roots… I have a deep connection with London, but I’m also loving Spain

- it offers a completely different atmosphere.”

After five years in Spain, she finds the music scene challenging. “It’s a tough industry… You have to be a musician, performer, businessperson, and digital marketer,” she said. With near-nightly bookings, Crissie Ryan continues to shine, bringing her passion to the Costa del Sol.

THOSE who love a tipple of the old vino are in for a real treat in Mijas on Friday, September 19, when the fourth Roali Wine Fair opens to celebrate Spain’s finest wine. The event will take place from 11am to 7pm in Avenida Los Perales, 2, in Las Lagunas de Mijas. The free-entry event will be a day full of sipping wines, fun activities, and exclusive offers.

Visitors can explore a diverse selection of wines from Spain’s finest wineries, with expert-led tasting sessions available (pre-registration required upon arrival). The fair will also feature fascinating exhibitions, raffles, and a 10 per cent discount on wines from participating wineries. Highlights include a raffle for

all those with a same-day purchase receipt of at least €25, which could lead to prizes of €500, €300, and €200 to spend at Vino Roali, and which will be drawn at 6.30pm. Additional surprises, such as winery tours and other giveaways, will add to the festive atmosphere. Local gastronomy, coupled with the featured wines, will add to the delicious experience.

In its fourth edition, the Roali Wine Fair has become one of Malaga Province’s top wine events, which draws experts, enthusiasts, and curious newcomers to celebrate Spain’s winemaking heritage in a welcoming, festive setting.

Complete the event’s registration form at vinoroali.com. Cheers!

Credit: EWN

Crissie Ryan in Alhaurin el Grande.

Roali wine fair.

New musical season

AFTER a well-earned summer break, the international members of Collegium Musicum are returning from their travels and preparing to begin an exciting new season this September

This year’s Christmas concerts will feature ‘Joy Has Dawned’ - a sequence of carols with some familiar and some new cantatas.

The orchestra will showcase guest violinist Geoffrey Silver, who returns to perform the brilliant ‘Winter’ from Vivaldi’s ‘The Seasons’ and the fiery ‘Carmen Fantasia’ by Sarasate.

Collegium Musicum is more than just music - it’s

Collegium Musicum in Sotogrande.

a welcoming community of singers and instrumentalists from around the world.

The choir and orchestra are always delighted to welcome new members, so whether you sing or play an instrument, why not go along and try a rehearsal?

Rehearsals take place every Tuesday at the Dani-

sh Church in Las Lagunas, Mijas Costa.

More information: www. colmus.org - info@colmus. org

Collegium Musicum was founded in 1975 by Anna-Maria Kater. Her great love for music, and in particular classical music, led to its growth.

SAN PEDRO ALCANTARA will host its annual Pedal Day on Sunday, September 21 , a family-friendly event promoting clean mobility and healthy lifestyles.

Around 1,000 participants are expected for this non-competitive cycling event, starting at 11am from Plaza de la Iglesia and ending at La Salida beach car park. Free registration opens at 9am at the starting point.

The accessible route, suitable for all ages and fitness levels, including kids on bikes or tricycles, runs through San

Pedal day

Pedro Boulevard to La Salida beach, with no steep inclines.

Coinciding with European Mobility Week, Pedal Day is a highlight of the local calendar, blending sport, community, and fun. Local cycling clubs, like Los Jululus, ensure safety and smooth logistics.

The Los Jululus president highlighted the event’s role in fostering family bonding, encouraging cycling among children, and promoting

the sport, with young riders from local sports schools joining in. In a nod to sustainability, participants receive a commemorative t-shirt in exchange for a recyclable item, such as an empty can, plastic bottle, or milk carton, emphasising environmental responsibility. Pedal Day remains a beloved San Pedro tradition, uniting the community in a festive, active, and eco-conscious celebration.

New lifestyle concept

SALA GROUP Marbella, the leading name in premium lifestyle and hospitality, has partnered up with 1912 Hotels, an emerging great in hotel management and development group with some of the most distinctive European properties.

The collaboration plans to elevate hospitality experiences to their finest by merging Sala Group’s renowned brands, including La Sala, La Sala By The Sea, OAK Firehouse & Cocktail, and The Clubhouse Marbella, with 1912 Hotels’ focus on food and beverage as a core revenue driver.

The partnership is going to totally transform hotel restaurants into standalone destinations for locals and international guests. The first project, launching October 2025, is OAK Firehouse & Cocktail at Cubo Golf Resort Ljubljana. The fine dining and mixology

concept will offer open-fire cuisine, carefully created cocktails, and live entertainment in Slovenia’s capital, set against a stunning golf resort backdrop. Wayne Elliott, Managing Director of Sala Group Marbella, called the partnership a “dynamic, ambitious journey,” with OAK Firehouse & Cocktail as the first step in a long-term collaboration. Audun Lekve, CEO of 1912 Hotels, detailed the shared vision for excellence, innovation, and the most memorable guest experiences. Both companies have put design-driven spaces and exceptional service at the forefront of their concept.

Following Ljubljana, more projects are planned for other major European lifestyle destinations in 2026 and beyond. The exciting news will continue with further details planned to be announced later in 2025.

Pedal Day, San Pedro

Credit: Dia del Pedal San Pedro Alcantara FB

OAK Firehouse Ljubljana concept.

Credit: Sala Group Marbella

Finding your fit

WEARING the right bra can completely transform how you look and feel. Many women go years without realising they are in the wrong size, putting up with discom fort, gaping cups, or sli pping straps. Knowing how to measure yourself correctly is the first step towards better support and everyday confidence.

To find your size, start by measuring around your ribcage di rectly under your bust using a soft tape measure. Make sure the tape is snug but not tight. This gives you your band size in inches. Then, measure around the fullest part of your bust. Subtract your band size from this number to determine your cup size. For example, a difference of one inch is an A cup,

Morning

cuppa

WHETHER you reach for a cup of tea or coffee first thing in the morning often comes down to personal preference with each offering its own benefits. Coffee provides a stronger caffeine kick, ideal for those who need an energising jolt to start the day. It may improve alertness and focus more quickly than tea.

However, tea delivers a gentler lift, thanks to its lower caffeine content and calming amino acid L-theanine, which supports steady concentration without the jitters.

Tea is also rich in antioxidants and easier on the stomach. Ultimately, the ‘better’ choice depends on your body, routine, and how you like to ease into the day.

two inches a B cup, and so on. A well-fitting bra should sit flat between the cups at the front, with the band lying straight across your back. The straps should stay in place without digging in, and the cups should fully contain your breast without spillage or gaps. You

should be able to slide two fingers under the band comfortably.

Remember, sizes may vary slightly between brands, so trying on different styles is always helpful. A properly fitted bra offers support, shape, and confidence in equal measure.

Shutterstock / Tetiana Tychynska

Costa Blanca North Living the high life

BENIDORM is preparing to add another giant to its skyline. The TM Tower, currently under construction beside Poniente beach, will rise to 230 metres, making it the tallest residential building in Spain and the fourth highest tower in the country.

The only structures taller are three of Madrid’s Cuatro Torres business district: Torre Cristal (249 metres), Torre Moeve (248) and Torre PwC (236). TM Tower will surpass Torre Emperador, which stands at 224 metres.

Benidorm is no stranger to vertical landmarks. Its 192-metre In Tempo tower is currently the nation’s tallest residential block, while the Gran Hotel Bali, at 186 metres, has dominated Poniente since 2002. According to the specialist website Skyscraper Page, the city of 70,000 inhabitants already boasts 108 skyscrapers.

The project is being developed by TM Grupo Inmobiliario. TM Tower will offer 64 floors of one-tofour-bedroom homes.

Axarquia

New star in Andalucia

VELEZ-MALAGA is becoming one of Andalucia’s cultural and tourist hotspots. Recent figures confirm what locals already feel: the town is on the rise, both in visibility and in visitor numbers.

According to the local authorities, Google Trends data show a sustained growth in interest for Velez-Malaga. “We remain well above pre-pandemic levels, with an average increase of 4.4 per cent compared to 2019 and 2020,” Jesús Pérez Atencia, first deputy mayor and councillor for Tourism, explained.

The trend reached a historic record in April 2023 and continues to peak during Semana Santa, one of the town’s most important cultural events. This year’s Holy Week alone brought more than 37,000 visits to the official website, with users spending an average of two minutes exploring content. Notably, 90 per cent of those visits came from mobile devices, thanks to the website’s mobile-first design and its integration with Google Maps.

Mallorca Star-studded spot

FAMED English singer Ed Sheeran recently enjoyed a fantastic pasta lunch in the popular Mallorcan capital of Palma hours before the launch of his much-anticipated new album, which came out on Friday, September 12. The Shape of You singer confessed that he loves the Balearic Island, and frequently chooses it as a holiday destination. He was passing through the city for a few days prior to the album launch.

On Thursday, September 11, Sheeran visited the Mama’s Pepper pizzeria, located in Santa Catalina, where he surprised customers, servers, and the restaurant owners. The recognisable redhead arrived for lunch with a friend and was reportedly very friendly throughout the visit, even snapping some photos with some customers and workers at the restaurant.

The songwriter’s eighth studio album, PLAY, experiments with a different sound and marks a new chapter in Sheeran’s career.

Costa Blanca South Rocking it up

THE annual Rock Against Cancer festival returned to Torrevieja this past weekend, bringing two nights of live music and supporting local cancer charities. Held at Parque Antonio Soria, the festival featured tribute acts to some of rock’s biggest names. Friday honoured Foo Fighters, AC/DC, Bryan Adams and Bruce Springsteen, while Saturday brought tributes to Green Day, The Offspring, Guns N’ Roses and Sum 41.

Organisers confirmed that around 10,000 people attended each day, many of whom were tourists or expats. Speaking to Euro Weekly News, organiser Janet said: “I think we broke a new record for attendance. I’ve never seen so many people.” She added: “Around 90 per cent of those who attended were foreign, with only around 10 per cent being Spanish.” When asked about the amount raised, Janet said: “We’re unsure as we have yet to calculate the final amount, but it is definitely more than last year.”

Almeria Briton bounty

THE region of Almeria has long been the object of Britons’ love: its beautiful and glimmering coast, the breathtaking nature of its inland areas, and its quaint and rural towns have made it a top destination for UK holidaymakers, and it’s no surprise some of them choose to stay for good. Rental and housing platform Idealista recently reaffirmed this with data from the second quarter of 2025, showing that 22 per cent of the inquiries from property listings from abroad come from Britons. This represents the highest percentage of interest across the whole of Spain, even ahead of the famously bustling and desirable Alicante.

Almeria has recently been of great interest to holidaymakers, with a booming peak season in 2025 and more opportunities for touristic growth and expansion, including more participating in worldwide tourism fairs and gastronomic events. With affordable housing, delicious food, and unparalleled natural draws, Britons are increasingly more enamored with the province.

Costa Calida

Ed Sheeran

surprise

LA ALGAIDA, a small village in Archena, is in full swing for its annual patron saint festival, and this year came with a big surprise. The celebrations kicked off with the crowning of the festival queens, followed by the traditional opening speech, or ‘pregón,’ delivered by local-born Clara Guillén.

Now living in Bristol, Guillén works as a civil servant, researcher, and lecturer at the Open University, and she has written several books and scientific articles. Her speech touched the crowd, bringing back shared memories and pride in the village’s traditions.

But the biggest moment came right after. British singer Ed Sheeran appeared on the big screen with a video message, sending his best wishes to everyone celebrating. Sheeran has a special connection to the area, his first visit to Spain as a child was to Murcia for a family wedding, and he still remembers it fondly.

PETS

Unique working dogs

ALL around Europe, especially in the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Belgium, farmers once used dogs to pull small carts of milk from farms to the cities. Then, they’d sell milk in the streets or markets. Even today, there are a few dog-drawn milk carts in France and Belgium. Pulling these carts, however, tends to be a form of exercise for dogs today.

Plan now for Christmas pet-sitters

AS with all travel arrangements peak season must be planned early. And it it applies to the Christmas and New Year holidays. If you are planning to go away and need pet-sitters please plan now.

This is the perfect time to fi nd a sitter and get a commitment for that very busy time of year. Join HouseSitMatch and we can help you fi nd free checked pet-sitters who won’t charge you a penny. And in exchange they enjoy free accommodation in your home. It’s a win win!

The pet-sitters come for free!

Don’t leave finding a pet-sitter at Christmas to the last minute - plan now.

And, if you’re planning a trip in 2025 register now to fi nd pet-sitters in time. Earlier is better than later. Whether your trip is short or long, get organised ahead of time. All pets benefi t from staying at home, so they can follow their routines undisturbed. Join our pet and house-sitting network, and the sitters come for free!

Choose HouseSitMatch for affordable travel, home and pet care. Next steps:

1. Register as a homeowner of a house-sitter depending on your motivation, on HouseSit Match.com

2. Choose a Standard account (£89 per year) to ensure you can get help online when needed

3. Create a profile with photos of your pet and the house

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose.

How does it work?

HouseSitMatch can help you fi nd suitable sitters or a new place to discover as a house-sitter. Join our network for a small fee, get ID checked for safety and build your advert or house-sitter profile. It’s done in minutes!

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.8 / 5 Excellent

Pure Joy - I have completed two house-sits so far, so early days. Both sits have been well suited to me and my dog. Thoroughly enjoyable experiences with beautiful homes and well-rounded animals. I’m looking for more!

Lisa Stimpson, pet-sitter, UK

How do you join?. Please register online via our website Housesitmatch.com Need a pet or house-sitter? Get in touch. House-sitting benefits both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation!

Saying goodbye

HEARING that your beloved pet needs to be put to sleep is one of the hardest things a pet owner can face. While nothing can truly ease the heartbreak, preparing thoughtfully can help you and your pet find peace in their final moments.

Start by spending quality time together in the days or weeks you have left. Keep their routine comfortable, offer favourite foods, and shower them with affection. Take photos, create memories, or even write a letter to your pet if it helps you process your emotions. Speak with your vet about what to expect. They can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and explain options like in-home euthanasia for a more peaceful setting.

Decide in advance whether you want to be present, and consider having a trusted friend or family member with you for support.

morials, keepsakes, or simply sharing stories can help honour their memory.

Afterwards, give yourself permission to grieve. Losing a pet is losing a family member. Me-

Preparing with love and intention allows your pet to leave this world surrounded by care, comfort, and dignity.

Shutterstock Reddogs

Quirky kitty

CATS may be small, but they are full of surprises. These curious companions have been fascinating humans for thousands of years, and it is no wonder they are one of the world’s most popular pets - with an estimated over 370 million domesticated cats worldwide.

One of the most impressive facts about cats is their ability to jump. A healthy adult cat can leap up to six times its body length in a single bound, thanks to its powerful hind legs and flexible spine. This makes even the highest shelves a potential perch.

THERE are few things more soothing than giving your cat or dog a gentle massage and most pets absolutely love it. Not only does it help you bond, but it can also ease tension, improve circulation and support overall well-being.

Start by making sure your pet is relaxed and comfortable. Begin with gentle strokes along the back, using your fingertips to follow the natural direction of the fur. This helps them settle and lets you check for any lumps or sensitive spots.

For dogs, focus on the shoulders, chest, and base of the neck - areas where tension often builds, especially in active breeds.

Cats also have incredibly sharp hearing. They can detect frequencies up to 64 kilohertz, well beyond human capacity and far superior to that of dogs. This skill makes them expert hunters, able to locate even the tiniest movements in the grass or under floorboards.

Each cat’s nose print is as unique as a human fingerprint, and their whiskers are so sensitive they can detect changes in air currents. Add to that their ability to rotate their ears 180 degrees, and you have a creature that is both quirky and quietly extraordinary.

Fur therapy

Gentle circular motions around the hips can also be comforting, particularly for older dogs. Cats usually enjoy being massaged around the base of the ears, under the chin and along the spine. Avoid the belly unless your cat clearly

welcomes it, as many are sensitive in that area.

Always watch your pet’s body language. If they lean in or purr, you are on the right track. Massage is not just a luxury - it is a loving way to care for your furry companion.

Pill persuasion

YOU have wrapped it in cheese, hidden it in sausage and crushed it into gravy, yet your dog somehow eats around the tablet with surgical precision. Giving oral medication to a dog can feel like a battle of wits and more often than not, they win.

When the food trick fails, the direct method is sometimes your best bet. Gently open your dog’s mouth by placing one hand over the top of the muzzle, tilting the head back, and with the other hand, pop the pill as far back on the tongue as possible. Close their mouth, hold it gently and stroke under the chin to encourage swallowing. A bit of praise and a tasty treat afterwards can help turn it into a more positive experience. You can also ask your vet whether the

medication comes in a flavoured form, liquid version or can be compounded. Patience and calm handling are key, dogs are clever, but with a little strategy, so are you.

Shutterstock / AntonMaltsev

Shutterstock / p.s.stasya

ACE OF SHADES

WINDOWS

WINDOWS

EXPATS buying a car in Spain in 2025 face more than just the sticker price. VAT, registration taxes, and local fees can quickly add up. VAT on new cars is 21 per cent, though large families and disabled drivers may qualify for a reduced 4 per cent. Second-hand cars from private sellers are subject to a 4–8 per cent Patrimonial Transfer Tax, depending on the region. In places like Catalonia, cars more than 10 years old are

Buying a car in Spain

often exempt. Registration tax depends on CO2 emissions: cars under 120 g/km pay nothing, while high emitters face up to 15 per cent. Hybrids and EVs may be exempt.

Imported cars come with further costs. Non-EU vehicles incur a 10 per cent import duty and 21 per cent VAT.

EU cars are duty-free but may still attract VAT if considered ‘new’. Those relocating permanently with an existing vehicle may qualify for exemptionsusually with help from a gestor.

for EVs, €5,000 for plug-in hybrids, and €9,000 for electric vans are available. Low-income buyers and those scrapping old vehicles get more. A 15 per cent income tax deduction (up to €20,000) is also available on one EV, and charging point installations qualify too.

2025 offers major incentives through the MOVES III scheme, extended to year-end. Subsidies of up to €7,000

Running costs include IVTM road tax, ITV inspections, and compulsory insurance. Regional ‘Plan Renove’ schemes offer extra incentives.

Kia Picanto - characterful fun

By Mark Slack ROAD

TEST

SMALL city cars are an endangered species it seems nowadays, the SUV rules the showrooms but there are a few exceptions and one of these is Kia’s Picanto. It’s been in the sales brochures since 2004 and remains one of the most popular small city cars.

The range starts at a modest, by today’s standards, €19,362/£16,695 and standard equipment across the range includes cruise control, heated and adjustable door mirrors, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, navigation, auto lights, TPMS and reversing camera with sensors.

The three model Picanto line-up starts with the Pure grade and follows on with the GT Line and GT Line S. Picanto power is a 1.0-li-

ve-speed automatic.

Despite the Picanto’s diminutive size it’s surprising how spacious it is inside, don’t get me wrong you won’t be packing for four people on a week’s camping holiday. However, unless you have very long legs and lots of luggage, you’ll be plea-

santly surprised. Although there is quite a lot of hard plastics the interior looks and feels pretty decent and doesn’t feel like a cheap option.

My top-of-the-range GT-Line S model is a fantastically well equipped car with heated seats, steering wheel, auto lights including high-beam assist, electric glass tilt and slide sunroof, automatic air conditioning, faux leather uphols-

tery, keyless start and entry/exit, rear privacy glass, wireless mobile charging, the list is endless.

On the road the Picanto has the usual array of bings, bongs and chimes for seemingly anything the driver does, but then that’s common to all new cars irrespective of manufacturer. The ride is good and the visibility excellent, and being able to see all four corners of the car makes it a doddle to manoeuvre in tight spaces.

It’s a car that can be immense fun, certainly it’s got character, but the engine is its downside. If you are using the Picanto for urban driving, which to be fair it’s designed for, then you’ll thoroughly enjoy the drive. Meet the slightest incline or need a turn of speed to join a fast road and you’ll need to make very good use of the gears. The price tag of my top-of-the-range GT-Line S at €22,667/£19,545 is also a potential stumbling block when you look at some of the competition.

All that said the Picanto achieves something few ‘ordinary’ cars can manage, it puts a smile on the driver’s face.