Olive Press Newspaper - Issue 188

BIGGER THAN EVER, BUMPER 64-PAGE SPRING EDITION

olive press UKIP by default The original and only English-language investigative newspaper in Andalucía

the

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Vol. 8 Issue 188 www.theolivepress.es

By Imogen Calderwood

PAIR OF LOSERS

It’s been a bad week for Bonanza Barrie and Naughty Nigel See page 2 to find out why

A

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the olive press - May

ELEGANT: Marbella’s cathedral

AFFLUENT: A beach club

SITTING ON A DOCK OF A BAY: A father and son take in the sunset at Puerto Banus with La Concha mountain as a backdrop

upmarket Marbella No place for the hoi polloi,extravagant and the is for the classy, the explores the stinking rich. Belinda Beckettmost famous resilient charisma of Spain’s nation out of recession resort, now leading the

Square

edly attacking Muslims.

It came after she retweeted a message that said Islam ‘has no place in the UK [and] needs banning’, written by

UKIP supporter David Jones.

Meanwhile, the second UKIP representative William Dartmouth - aka the 10th Earl of Dartmouth - has faced accu-

UNCOVERED

Ray Bans, beautiful people sporting and, in sandals by Dolce & Gabbana(careless cooler months, a pashmina goats of how many rare Himalayan their coats froze to death sacrificing on the altar of high fashion).assistants Even the boutique salesin Dior and are beautifully tailored persuade you Chanel, all the better to is an absothat the little pink number which you lute must, even if the €500 to, turns out thought you might run belt. the to only to refer could have The shops in Marbella for been expressly designed has the man or woman whorings, everything: Cartier key croishandbags shaped like price sants, watches whose to ‘not tags give new meaning time being able to afford the that disof day’, and paintings who criminate against anyone the hasn’t got a home at least size of the Tate Gallery. has Talking of which, no oneapartanything so vulgar as an let out ment here, unless it’s to villa or to the poor for a profit. A or, if a penthouse is de riguer a townpush comes to shove, bijou. house – as long as it’s you In this modern-day Babylon of a Tican have a mosaic copy Sabine tian or The Rape of the your Women rampaging over gold patio, a Jacuzzi with solid on your tattoo diamond a taps, door in tooth or a trompe l’oeil are in your wall so realistic, you into danger of walking slap bang it after a few bottles of Bollie.your 18, 29660 Nueva Andalucia But don’t worry, if you bust Centro Comercial Plaza 819 321 Tel. 952 810 633 / 952 19 rs.com Page on Continues www.estucointerio

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ESTUCO INTERIORS

See page 17

sations of hypocrisy for being ‘fully committed’ to the ‘fight against wind farms’.

His views will fly in the face of Gibraltar’s government, which has worked hard to become more sustainable.

Sunday night’s shock elections have created havoc elsewhere in Europe, after a dramatic lurch to the right.

Eurosceptic and far-right parties have seized ground, in what France’s Prime Minister Francois Hollande referred to as a ‘political earthquake’.

Immigration

and nasty Eldorado where which the cheap the grey crash Mediterranean microclimate, TV series was based), a world of difference.” 320 days of sun will turn it to dust in barriers on the main road were paintFuengi- dahling. There’s ANDWICHED between the foie Zoom forward to the heart of the crisis white in the colours of the at no time. comeback ed blue andMayor Jesus Gil’s political rola and Estepona like slices in 2010 and the kudos of the town is And the time for Marbella’s (late) town gras filling between twoalways an all time low, with one British ex-tab- is now. the party. of Hovis, Marbella has freely smearing mud over do the hoi polloi slop to financial pundits, resorts in loid editorsof the once glamorous spot. According recovering faster than any- Not in Marbella tis remained aloof from other in crumpled shorts, baggy reasons which the façadeto make a fortune, spend a economy property mar- aroundand flip-flops from Tesco Home coastal Spain – for “A place where else in Spain, the get shot – what- ket is rallying, and the glamour is back shirtsWear. mainly concern money. and snoot- fortune, drink shots, at its maritimo is a real fashion I remember one of my mother’s out a ever takes your fancy – that, Piers with a vengeance.

Calahonda The paseo explained where succulent palms with begins Marbella,” is ier neighbours once spreading lined the she was going heart, on his now seminal TV docu- Marbella for years (just to make sure catwalk showers sculptured in by map to show us where Morgan the ends and select, million- and beach on ‘Marbs’, as half of elephants. It is trodden on holiday that year. no one associated the nodded know- mentary resort upon shape of “Ah, Spain,” my mother retorted her UK’s yoof now knows the resort. aire’s playground with the a in long for Spain,” stick ingly. “No, not “Marbella But mud doesn’t friend, somewhat miffed.

S

Election ‘earthquake’ leaves Gibraltar without its popular MEP Sir Graham while the rest of Europe is left trembling by Eurosceptic surge

SORELY MISSED: Sir Graham Watson

See page 6

hedonist

ANCIENT: Historic Orange

PLEASED WITH HIMSELF: Farage

The Olive Press takes a ride into Europe’s most exclusive estate amid rumours of Putin moving in

May 28 - June 11 2014

The rebirth begins Issue 188

28 - June 11 20141717

arbella

OUT

IN

picture by Jon Clarke

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GIBRALTAR residents were left furious after they lost their Lib Dem MEP Sir Graham Watson despite 66% of them voting for him.

The popular politician - a regular visitor to the Rock during his 20 year tenure was described by the BBC as being ‘one of the highest profile casualties of the European election’.

Now Gibraltar will be supported in Brussels by two UKIP MEPs, two Conservatives, a Labour and a Green MEP along with the rest of the South West region.

It comes after just 4% of the enclave voted for the Eurosceptic UKIP party, whose MEP Julia Reid has been accused of racism in the UK. Reid, a grandmother, who lives in Wiltshire, was forced to suspend her Twitter account this month after alleg-

May 28 - June 11 2014

MYSTERY MANSION: But can Russian president (left) really afford this €19m home?

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Europe has bizarrely now been left with a European Parliament in which a significant proportion wants its own demise.

In France the anti-immigration National Front stormed to victory - taking 25% of the vote - while in Britain the eurosceptic UKIP, led by Nigel Farage, took 27% of the vote.

Spain however has taken a different course with new leftist anti-austerity parties taking seats from the two leadings parties PP and PSOE. The biggest success was for Podemos - the ‘We Can’ party,

which took 8% of the vote and captured five seats, despite only forming three months ago.

Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias, 35, who has been very critical of Germany for its austerity-led response to Europe’s financial crisis, said the result was ‘not symbolic’.

“We will not stop here. Today, in spite of our results, there will still be six million people out of work and bankers who go unpunished. We will not stop until we beat both big parties.”

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s PP party took 16 seats, followed by the PSOE who took 14.

PSOE’s defeat has led to the resignation of party leader Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, former deputy to Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.

SURPRISE WIN: Iglesias

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the olive press - May 28 - June 11 2014

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Barrie Nathan suspended from Talk Radio Europe, while fraudster pal Nigel Goldman is spending his days hiding from his ‘many victims’ and failing to pick a winner at the races LONG-TIME Costa DJ Barrie Nathan has been suspended from his radio station over allegations that he wined and dined a string of ‘international criminals, perverts and prostitutes’ alongside convicted fraudster Nigel Goldman.

The Talk Radio Europe (TRE) DJ was made to step down from his shows Barrie’s Big Band Bonanza and Viewpoint with immediate effect, following a special Olive Press investigation last issue.

Nathan, 74, was ‘suspended with immediate effect...until the allegations are either proven or withdrawn,’ confirmed a spokesman.

Meanwhile the station has severed its four-year relationship with the Olive Press, insisting it does not condone the ‘guilt by association reporting’.

“It is therefore decided until these allegations are either proven or withdrawn it has no choice but to sever its as-

LEGAL NOTICE

It is hereby informed to the public at large that on the 14/11/2013 the Directorate General for Taxation (DGT), by means of Tax Binding Consultation V3350-13, has officially concluded that a scheme consisting on transferring Spanish property to a UK-based company, with the purpose of avoiding Spanish Inheritance Taxes (IHT), cannot be accepted.

This is a translation of the relevant paragraph of the statement, as issued by the DGT: “In relation to the tax scheme consisting in legally transferring a property to a UK-based company, with the sole purpose of avoiding IHT in Spain through relocation of the taxation of the shares of the said company to the UK, there cannot be a favourable response by this Tax Department in relation to the lawfulness of the scheme.

Only via the appropriate inspection procedures will the Tax Office be able to establish whether the scheme conforms to the law or, as the case may be, infringe it in which case, the Tax Office

will be able to regularize the anomaly by initiating the required procedures to combat tax fraud.”

This publication of this notice is a response to the offering made by a number of service providers (SP) who are promising that Spanish IHT can be legally avoided by transferring a Spanish property into a UK Private Limited company.

Please be advised that unless the DGT does not officially rule otherwise, the employment of the above scheme to avoid Spanish IHT could be deemed tax evasion and, where the unpaid tax exceeds €120,000, a criminal offence.

If you wish to read the original Tax Binding Consultation please go to www.lawbird.com/ihtnotice.

If you have a query concerning the above you can contact Lawbird Legal Services (details below).

LAWBIRD LEGAL SERVICES SLP l C/ RICARDO SORIANO, 19 29601 MARBELLA (SPAIN) l TEL: +34 952 861 890 info@lawbird.com l twitter: @afloreslb

www.lawbird.com

CRIME NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

Flutter with a Floozy

AT THE RACES: Goldman and Couling, while (above) Nathan by a panel of governors, but by an individual, and quite a few of us disagree with it.”

Meanwhile, Barrie’s close friend Nigel Goldman - who has changed his name to Howard Del Monte, his mother’s maiden name, by deed poll - is being investigated by Thames Valley Police.

Detectives confirmed that they were probing him on a number of complaints.

Losers

sociation and on-air ties with the Olive Press.”

A source at the station, however, revealed that the breakdown of the relationship with

the Olive Press is mostly because the station owner, Martin Nathan, is ‘a very good friend of Barrie’s’.

“The decision was not made

Homeward bound EXCLUSIVE

By Tom Powell THE British millionaire who claims he was set up in an elaborate sex assault ruse to ransack his home will have his possessions returned to him today (Wednesday).

But incredibly Marbellabased Shoja ‘Sacha’ Shojai claims he is being made to pay an eye-watering €5,000 for ‘storage’ of the stolen items.

He told the Olive Press last issue that he had jewellery, gold and carpets taken while detained over claims he kept a ‘harem’ of nine women captive in his €7,000-a-month rented mansion.

Now Sacha, who insists the claims are ‘crazy lies’, is set to be reunited with eight containers of stuff, which have been stored at a depot in Estepona.

“The trucks were stopped

CRAZY LIES: Shojai

by police and detained in Estepona’s industrial zone after I alerted authorities about the robbery,” he explained.

“Now they are finally being returned.”

He explained that the items - which were set to be taken to an address in Berlin - would take 15 people to load up into two new lorries and two police vehicles were set to escort the trucks home.

One victim of his numerous financial investment schemes meanwhile confronted him as he sat in his car on the same day he had been spotted betting at Newbury Racecourse.

The angry victim, who lost thousands to him, filmed the exchange, with Goldman admitting he owed ‘lots of people’ money. It can be seen on the Olive Press website.

With his Paypal account now disabled for six months, preventing him peddling coins and antiques through eBay, Goldman has claimed to friends that he may have to ‘sign on’.

He is also filling his time sending sinister messages to Olive Press journalists, likening himself to an ‘exocet missile’, using vile language and even mentioning children in his threats.

It has led to the cancellation of the paper’s Roadshow, planned for this week, on advice from police and lawyers.

Goldman is now said to be preparing to flee his English village home after visits from UK press, detectives and enraged victims.

His neighbours in Kintbury, Berkshire, have also noticed an ‘alarming amount’ of wine bottles overflowing his recycling bin.

One neighbour added that despite his claims that he is living in poverty, it didn’t stop him dressing up to go to Newbury races last week, along with floozy Suzanne Couling.

“He had a copy of the Racing Post and the pair were dressed up to the nines,” said the source.

“From what I gather he picked a load of losers that day.”

Google could give clean slate for former criminals MORE than 1,000 people have asked Google to remove details of their past following a ruling by the European Courts over a Spanish man.

Mario Costeja Gonzalez’s house was repossessed and sold by the Government after falling into debt with social security in 1988.

The court ruled that Google must no longer give links to the advert for the sale of his house when his name is searched.

Similar requests have flooded in, the majority

from people with former criminal convictions.

One man has demanded Google remove links to a story about him trying to kill his own family and an actor who had an affair with a teenager has requested the details of his indiscretion be wiped.

The new ‘right to be forgotten’ – under which people can ask for ‘inadequate, irrelevant or excessive’ material to be erased from search engines – has been likened to state-imposed censorship in China.

NEWS

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the olive press - May 28 - June 11 2014

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Unveiling the Paco Trail ALGECIRAS is to honour Paco de Lucia with his very own tourist route.

The route will visit the spots synonymous with the flamenco legend’s life.

The guitarist, who hails from the town, died of a heart attack while on holiday in Mexico in February this year.

The town’s tourist office has produced a leaflet with detailed information about his life as well as a map that highlights 10 sites that

LEGENDS: Cameron and Paco de Lucia

Gordon Ramsay battles with junk in a bid to improve Fuengirola restaurant for new TV show A BRITISH restaurateur has revealed how Gordon Ramsay cracked the whip during a whistlestop visit to her restaurant in Fuengirola.

Pat Diaz, from London, has told the Olive Press how in just four short days, the Scottish superchef literally turned her little-known diner Jack’s Chicken Shack on its head.

“He came in a lot and he certainly made a difference,” she revealed, after the crew had finished filming for a new series of Ramsey’s TV show Kitchen Nightmares.

His first move was to get rid

Cut the f***ing clutter EXCLUSIVE

By Giles Brown

of clutter.

“My husband is hoarder and he ordered us to clear the storeroom of rubbish. Literally put it all out on the street and made us sort it into three piles, ‘keep’, ‘charity’ and ‘rubbish’,” explained Diaz,

68, who has run restaurants on the coast with husband Jack, 72, for 27 years.

“He does shout and he does thump things and he does swear a lot,” she laughed.

“But he is lovely. A very hard, but very nice man, who worries about people.”

The couple had been amazed when they were chosen for the TV show.

PURE FICTION?

COULD Hollywood megastar Samuel L Jackson really have been eating a pizza in La Cala this weekend?

One sharp-eyed Olive Press reader Ben Thomas believes he identified the suavely-dressed gent as none other than the Pulp Fiction superstar.

And while the story may sound far-fetched, Mr Jackson was significantly absent from his costars’ 20th anniversary celebrations in Cannes this week.

Director Quentin Tarantino walked the red carpet with Uma Thurman and John Travolta, celebrating two decades since Pulp Fiction came out, but there was noticeably no sign of Jackson.

NO SHOW: Pulp Fiction stars in Cannes So perhaps he really was eating at Pizzeria Alejandro - just a stone’s throw from the La Cala de Mijas beach - instead.

He certainly showed star quality, explained our celebrity snapper Ben, when he became incredibly picky with his food.

“He was giving very specific instructions and left when the restaurant was unable to satisfy his demands,” he said.

In the end, the bereted actor left after just one drink, by which time he had already started to draw curious glances.

were important to him.

These include the house where he was born and his tomb in the town’s cemetery.

Meanwhile, Paco’s longtime collaborator, singer Cameron de la Isla, is also to be honoured in his town of San Fernando, near Cadiz.

The house that the iconic flamenco singer was born in is to be turned into a museum, the town hall has announced. Cameron died of cancer in 1992.

Rap stars do Marbs

AMERICAN rapper TYGA has been welcomed back to Marbella after a sell-out show last year.

The young rap artist – currently signed to Lil Wayne’s record label – has performed at superclub Aqwa Mist.

Tyga – an acronym for Thank You God Always – burst onto the rap scene with his debut single Coconut Juice, with recent hits including Far Away and Rack City.

Aqwa Mist, which launched in June 2012, has drawn such famous names as Tinie Tempah, Rudimental and Neyo over the past two years.

Another big US rapper Rick Ross was also over in Marbella last week, performing at Sleek nightclub.

PALS: Pancho and Gordon on location in Alicante “We all got a letter through the door asking if we wanted to appear on the show,” she continued. “As we had recently changed the name, from Mayfair, and my son John is taking over we thought why not,” continued Diaz.

Ramsay clearly had a good time while filming in Spain for a week, both in Andalucia and up in Alicante.

“He was very impressed with the food and said that he was happy to see that Spanish chefs were getting away from ‘molecular’ cuisine and getting back to more traditional dishes,” said Marbella-based businessman Pancho Campo, who has been working with him on the show.

The wine expert was on hand to help choose wine for the restaurants.

Gordon has long been a fan of all things Spanish and Instagramed ‘Love Spain’ with a

RAPPER: TYGA sings

photo of the departure board at the airport as he flew out to Malaga.

The Michelin-starred chef, who ­ overhauls menus, decor and even the staff on the expletive-ridden Channel 4 show, previously filmed an episode at Nerja’s La Parra de Burriana in 2007.

Gordon – worth an estimated £70million – helped owner Davy, who was about €100,000 in debt, turn the struggling business around.

But on a return visit in 2012 he found that the restaurant had closed.

International Tapas and Bistro style menu

smoothies • sandwiches fresh cakes • tapas facebook.com/lemon sotogrande MR JACKSON?: Snapped in La Cala and (right) film

Open: 9.00am to midnight.

Or join us in the bar at: The Hairy Lemon Puerto Deportivo 11310 Sotogrande Tel: 956790124

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the olive press - May 28 - June 11 2014

News IN BRIEF Beach champ SPAIN has the world record for Blue Flag beaches - with 681 - followed by Greece, Turkey and France. Galicia leads the way with 123, followed by Valencia with 120.

Tree felling MARBELLA is set to cut down 62 trees on Calle Luis Oliver, all more than 100-years-old causing considerable opposition.

Royal uproar MORE than 85% of Spaniards believe that the country’s Royal Family is linked to corruption, according to a new survey.

Football mad A FANATICAL football father lost his rag while watching his 12-year-old son’s football match in Segovia, attacking three members of the opposition team with a series of kicks and punches.

Papal bull POPE Francis has criticised Spain’s ‘inhumane’ youth unemployment rate saying: “There is a whole generation of people who have never worked or studied.”

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

Farmers face worst drought in 150 years in some regions THE worst drought in 150 years is threatening southern and eastern Spain.

Some areas have been devastated after seeing just 25% of their usual rainfall levels for the year.

Despite storms buffeting the Atlantic coast, the last eight months have been brutally dry inland and on the south east regions of Murcia, Alicante and Almeria in particular, according to Spain’s meteorological agency Aemet.

However, the provinces of Malaga, Jaen and Cadiz have also seen worryingly low rainfall figures, confirmed scientists.

The weather has already ruined harvests and is threatening to put some farmers out of

Ghoul school

No rain in Spain business.

Some reservoirs are at just 54% capacity, in particular in the Jucar river basin of Mur-

cia.

Dessicated Valencia and Alicante have also seen less than half of their usual annual av-

Shocked into silence

A SABINILLAS businesswoman has raised more than €600 for Cambodian street children by keeping quiet.

Katie Wookie Gates, 36, embarked on a sponsored silence after being shocked by poverty on a recent holiday to Cambodia.

“Families flock to resort Sihanoukville because they think the streets are paved with gold,” said Katie, who has lived in Sabinillas for 11 years. “In reality, when they get there they have to send their children out to beg and they get beaten and abused.

They live in horrible conditions.”

Mancunian Katie – who this year launched an expat administration business Breaking Spain – kept quiet for more than 16 hours to help them.

“It was difficult because I couldn’t explain what I was doing, so I just had a sign and bucket. Most people looked confused more than anything,” added Katie.

The money will go to local charity M’lop Tapang, which works with children and their families to help end the cycle of poverty.

To donate, visit www.globalgiving.co.uk/projects/16848

QUIET QUEST: Katie raised €600 for Cambodian street children

erage rainfall, according to Aemet.

Spokesperson Ana Casals said that rainfall has not been this low since records began 150 years ago.

TV meteorologist Jose Antonio Maldonado added: “Even during the second worst period of drought on record, there was twice as much rain as there is now.”

The river basins of Andalucia including the Guadiana and the Guadalquivir are also ‘dangerously low’.

Worryingly, the future of Spain’s rainfall appears to be getting worse.

According to a study by the Spanish National Research Centre, the country’s droughts are becoming more intense and more regular than ever before.

AN INVESTIGATION is under way after a graphic video showed a pile of shriveled corpses rotting in a storeroom at Madrid’s Complutense University.

Around 250 cadavers donated to the medical science department were being stored in appalling conditions, it has emerged.

The shambolic storeroom was described as being like a ‘scene from a horror film’, with some of the bodies stored there without identification for as long as seven years.

Images reveal a pair of black feet on the lid of a bin and random body parts strewn across the storeroom floor.

University authorities have announced they are arranging for a funeral parlour to dispose of the bodies immediately.

The university – which receives around 50 donated corpses a year for teaching – blamed the gruesome find on a staff shortage.

HORROR: Embalmed corpses

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the olive press - May 28 - June 11 2014

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FEATURE

the olive press - May 28 - June 11 2014

Presidential perfect

OPINION Rewriting history IT is truly scary to ponder the complete control Google has over the internet, and information as a whole.

Under a new European Court ruling, people may now ask the search engine to stop past stories about them turning up in searches.

And if it isn’t on Google, let’s face it, it pretty much doesn’t exist.

The man who tried to kill his family could now have any mention of the evil deed wiped, and so according to Google, it never happened.

The same could be said of a fraudster or sex offender, who has apparently mended his ways.

This is censorship, Tippexing out selected past events as if they never took place, and it smacks of a dystopian 1984 world.

But in practical terms, it seriously hampers journalistic investigations and also personal research, allowing dirty secrets to be hidden.

It is certainly a far cry from the free press that Spain’s King Juan Carlos proclaimed was so vital to democracy at the recent awards ceremony for International Journalism Prizes.

What’s in a name?

THE controversy surrounding the tiny hamlet named ‘Jew Killer’ sparked the curiosity of a global audience.

But names of towns and villages throughout Spain are often symbolic, providing a tangible map of Spain’s turbulent, colourful past.

‘Judios’ is not the only race to be found in place names across the country, with ‘Moro’ - for Moor also featuring.

Then there are the town names beginning with ‘Ben’ that were once Muslim fiefdoms and ‘Frontera’ - signifying towns along the old border of the Kingdom of Granada.

Some would argue that these ancient names shouldn’t be changed, at any cost, insisting they are merely a part of Spain’s history and should be celebrated as such.

Others argue that the name change for Matajudios is just one more logical step in the history (and evolution) of the village, and of Spain.

However what is indisputable is that times have changed and some words are no longer acceptable.

So we should see this as a positive step and embrace Spain’s ever-evolving history.

Olive Press Blacklist THE following companies have been blacklisted from doing business with the Olive Press (Luke Stewart Media SL - CIF B91664029), due to long standing debts: - MWM Investments Ltd - Petersham Coins, Marbella - Investor Spain - Simple Care - Autotunes Manilva

the

- Hotel Embrujo, Arriate - Jaipur Purple, Estepona - Reservatauro, Ronda - As seen on TV.com - Webuycarsinspain.es The details are being published in support of other companies that may be unaware of the problems that might be faced by providing credit facilities to the businesses and their present individual owners.

The original and only English-language investigative newspaper in Andalucía

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Tel: 951127006 (admin/editorial/sales/advertising) or admin@theolivepress.es or sales@theolivepress.es A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in southern Spain - 200,000 copies distributed monthly (130,000 digitally) with an estimated readership, including the website, of more than 500,000 people a month.

Luke Stewart Media S.L - CIF: Imogen@theolivepress.es B91664029 Admin / Distribution / Accounts: Urb Casares del Sol, bloque 21, portal Anna Cockell 951127006 70, bajo b, Casares 29690, Malaga accounts@theolivepress.es Printed by Corporación de Medios Gilly Lee de Andalucía S.A. admin@theolivepress.es Editor: Jon Clarke SALES TEAM: jon@theolivepress.es Stephen Shutes 655825683 Reporters: Alisa Cook 665 79 86 18 Newsdesk Newsdesk@theolivepress.es Classified Giles Brown Sarah Adams 655825683 Giles@theolivepress.es Axarquia Tom Powell Charlie Bamber 661 452 180 Tom@theolivepress.es Cadiz Elizabeth Gould 683 337 342 Imogen Calderwood

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Swimming in riches and swirling with rumours (the latest that President Putin is moving in) Zagaleta is an undeniably desirable place to live. Tom Powell gains unprecedented access into ‘Europe’s most exclusive residential development’

‘S

STUNNING: The palatial 10-bed €19 million home rumoured to be part-owned by Putin alongside Zagaleta’s golf course ECRETIVE’, ‘exclubuilds surrounded by forest, sive’ and ‘elite’ are each complete with pools and words that appear jacuzzi though. synonymous with La But the best views are found Zagaleta - said to be Europe’s at the estate’s helipad, which most expensive residential esallows those with the deepest tate and country club. pockets to land at Malaga airIt is home to some of the port in their private jet, hop on world’s richest businessmen, a helicopter and 10 minutes oligarchs and celebrities, up later they are sipping a cocktail in the hills above Marbella and outside their villa. with all-encompassing views And Zagaleta certainly provides along the Costa del Sol and out the security required to relax to Gibraltar and Africa. and unwind, with armed guards Surrounded by rumours and and pack dogs constantly pajealousy - and easily one of the trolling on and off road. world’s slickest security opera- ZAGALETA FANS: Tony Blair and Rod Stewart are Every property is also directly tions - Zagaleta has the myslinked to central security, rumoured to have spent time in the exclusive enclave terious allure of a place that meaning touching a panic butis both known, yet completely even earning enough money to Rod Stewart, the former Mayor ton delivers the weight of Zagunknown. afford to build this villa, but of of Moscow, Mark Thatcher and aleta’s forces to your doorstep And the latest rumour to pass course it is somewhere he may – dare I say it – Putin to this within seconds. out of its gates, down the hill come and stay in the future.” estate, where community fees Clive Jacques, a veteran jourand around Europe is that The home in question stands set you back a cool €100,000, nalist, told me the richest pernone other than Russian presi- out from miles around due to let alone the bill for the multi- son he has ever met in Spain dent Vladimir Putin is close to its sheer size. The 4,000m2 million euro villa. was a Zagaleta resident. finishing a €19 million palace palace is now 90% finished Turning up at the gate in a bat- “He had nine cars including a built within its borders. and a team of builders is still tered old hire car I was anx- Bentley, a BMW and a Zonda, The soaring mansion, sitting working around the clock to get ious how the security guard but going for dinner in Marbella atop its very own peak, was re- it finished. would react. I had heard from was a nightmare as we had to vealed to be owned by a group According to one local agent, a former owner that even the drive miles out of our way to of six incredibly wealthy men by so secretive is the owner that guards were ‘snooty’ and liked avoid speed bumps in the esthe Olive Press a month ago. somehow websites that help to to look down on people, even tate,” he recalled.

Whether one of them is Putin search for property deeds do residents, there.

And it wouldn’t be the Costa cannot, and might never, be not display information for it. My anxiety got the better of del Sol without a stunning, proved.

“I tried two different websites me as I tried to explain what a top-of-the-range golf course.

What is for Well, Zagand both time poor boy from sure though aleta has two.

I got kicked Reading was is that this And there is off mysteri- doing there 2,200-acre ously,” said while edg- But stepping deeper no problem The community enclave - acgetting a tee the agent. ing up a very tually in Beeven steep slope into the members’ time, as long fees alone will set And nahavis and you have when you get and inevitaclub is like stepping as you back a cool not Marbella a home there, into the es- bly stalling - is exactly tate you can- the engine, into 1950s Marbella that is. €100,000 the kind of The clubnot get near leaving me place one house by it. There is a red-faced as could imagthe way, was security gate a Rolls-Royce ine a Russian originally the at the bot- Phantom glided past in the president residing. Flying in by tom of the hill and even if you other direction. home of billionaire businesshelicopter and luxuriating at were to get there, you have to Once inside Zagaleta and snak- man Adnan Khashoggi, and he his 10-bedroom mansion, tak- show ID, with the builders and ing through its 60 kilometres of clearly had an eye for a good ing a dip in the infinity pool be- all staff allegedly being frisked road (considerably more than view. fore entertaining the elite. down and made to hand in be- Gibraltar), other cars do not ex- The entrance is studded with And, as it turns out, this might longings upon arrival and then ist. The only vehicle we crossed his hunting trophies - stag in fact be the case, as a senior searched again on their way paths with was a Zagaleta ser- heads - and the communal armember of the Zagaleta man- out. It’s serious business. eas are elegantly furnished. vice van. agement team explained to us, But then again, so is the whole The services on offer, I was After his fall from grace for on a tour of the estate this week. of Zagaleta estate, which is told, are utterly comprehen- arms dealing, the estate was In unprecedented access (jour- manned confiscated and then purby highly-trained, sive. nalists are hardly ever even al- armed guards 24/7 and entry “They offer every service imag- chased by its current owners lowed to enter the office), the is impossible without prior ar- inable for people who don’t – a Spanish/Swiss consortium paper was given a guided tour rangement from a homeowner, necessarily have live-in staff,” – in the mid 1980s. of ‘Europe’s most exclusive es- or La Zagaleta itself. explained estate agent Michael The development officially betate’ and given an incredible The executive agreed to meet Corry Reid, Director of Ayles- gan being marketed in 1991 insight into what makes it tick. me at the south gate and take ford Spain, who sells a lot of and has been regarded as Even more excitingly, the senior me into this elusive club. the height of luxury living ever homes in the enclave. executive, who asked to remain And his first job was clearly to try The villas vary dramatically, since. anonymous, told us: “Let’s be and squash the rumours linking from elegant Moorish designs Currently around 30% of resihonest, it’s unlikely Putin is celebrities such as Hugh Grant, with sea views to new modern dents are British, 30% Ger-

Picture by Tom Powell/Olive Press

6

www.theolivepress.es man, 15% Scandinavian and 10% Russian, while the staff appeared to be 100% Spanish.

At the moment 250 homes have been built, but there is room for 410 and another zone at the far end of the estate is soon to be released.

For many owners it is their third, fourth, even fifth home and hence they spend just a small portion of the year there.

So rich are its residents (and those of neighbouring Madronal) that Benahavis, the small town under which its jurisdiction falls, has Spain’s richest residents according to GDP per capita.

The 5,000m2 clubhouse includes a swimming pool, billiard tables, tennis courts, a restaurant, bar, bowling alley, cinema and numerous function rooms.

But stepping deeper into the members club is like stepping into 1950s Marbella, with its plush curtains, carpets and quirky ornaments, if only photography was not banned in this time warp.

The estate also boasts its own state-of-the-art equestrian club with Spanish and Arab horses, white ponies for children and expert instructors. There is at least a day’s worth of picturesque off-road tracks for horseriding and hiking through the mountains.

A grand re-launch of Zagaleta had been expected in June, but this has apparently been delayed by the club’s very own ‘civil war’.

A group of English owners had been locked in a power struggle with the owner of Zagaleta for many months, as they campaigned to take over the running of the estate.

7

FEATURE

OWNERS PAST AND PRESENT: Adnan Khashoggi and Hugh Grant

here and it’s certainly not a celebrity place, rumours start because people can’t get inside to see what it’s actually like,” he added.

Sentiments echoed by my guide, who was keen to generally play down the image of Zagaleta as wealth personified while we stood on the clubhouse terrace.

However, the group behind us sipping champagne and puffing on cigars the size of baby’s legs didn’t help his cause.

It’s undoubtedly true that many residents have ‘friends in high places’, including a former British Prime Minister who visited a Zagaleta pal in recent years.

As Tony Blair and family have been spotted in Marbella several times, it looks likely he was the PM in question.

Whispers

“It has been a war,” explained one local agent. “They have not been able to do anything because of this dispute but thankfully it’s all resolved now.”

However, another, Mr Corry Reid, insisted it was merely a ‘misunderstanding’.

“In any place with a lot of money there is bound to be some level of confusion,” he explained.

“But it’s really not that flashy

But I was convinced by the estate’s genial community atmosphere, it appears almost every resident knows each other and there is clearly a relaxed aura.

They also happily abide by the estate rules, forbidding construction at weekends among other things. And importantly, ensuring a 10 metre gap between plots to allow wild animals – deer and goats – to continue roaming freely.

If Zagaleta sounds dreamy but unattainable then don’t fear, as one of the little known secrets of the place is that there are actually apartments for sale at a wholly reasonable €350,000, originally the staff quarters for Khashoggi.

So maybe the possibility of being inside the fence, at the start of the Chinese Whispers line, is not as unreachable as people think.

the olive press - May 28 - June 11 2014

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the olive press - May 28 - June 11 2014

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Historic village finally sheds its anti-Semitic name

By Imogen Calderwood IT’S finally time for a name change for the tiny Spanish village of Castrillo Matajudios - or ‘Jew Killer Village’.

After hitting international headlines in recent months, the Castilla y Leon hamlet has voted to reject its 400-year-old name in favour of something less offensive.

The campaign, led by Mayor Lorenzo Rodriguez, will see the village rebaptised to Castrillo Mota de Judios - or just ‘Hill of Jews’.

Of the 56 – mostly elderly – inhabitants of the village, 29 voted in favour of the change while 19 went against it.

The ‘Jew Killer’ part of the name dates

9

NEWS

Jew killers relent!

MATAJUDIOS: No More

inquisition and many were burned at the stake. But researchers believe the town was actually given its name by Jewish residents, who had converted to Catholicism and wanted to convince Spanish authorities of their loyalty.

Others suspect the name The Spanish government has now launched a may have come simply from legal attack against hate speech on Twitter. a slip of the pen.

Interior Minister Jorge Fernandez said: “We feel No Jews live in the town that this kind of behaviour must be prosecuted.”

The crime of incitement to hatred is punishtoday, according to Mayor able by up to four years in prison.

Rodriguez, but a number of However, Carlos Fernandes, manager of the residents have ancient JewPolicia Nacional Twitter account, insisted: ish roots and the town’s offi“The problem is there are people who don’t cial shield includes the Star know what constitutes a crime.” of David.

from 1627, more than a century after the Spanish royals demanded Jews become Catholics or flee the country - in 1492.

Those who remained faced the Spanish

ANTI-SEMITIC UPROAR JEWS in Spain are calling for action after more than 18,000 hate-filled messages appeared on Twitter over a basketball match.

The social media site was flooded with vicious tweets posted after Israeli basketball team Maccabi Tel Aviv beat Real Madrid to win the Euroleague title.

They included mentions of the gas chambers, Hitler and the holocaust, under the hashtag putos judios meaning ‘whore Jews’.

Shock at dog dig

SPAIN’S ambassador to China has had to apologise after a comedy show featured a sign reading ‘No Chinese or dogs’.

Aida, broadcast on Telecinco, showed a racist bar owner putting up the sign when a Chinese person opened a shop nearby.

Spain’s ambassador to Beijing, apologised ‘profoundly for any offence SIGN: Anti-Chinese given’.

Slave drivers face jail OWNERS of a Chinese restaurant are each facing 68 years in jail for keeping workers in slavelike conditions.

The staff of the Denia restaurant were kept locked up in horrific conditions when they were off-duty and forced to work in a ‘sweatshop’ environment.

As well as working seven days a week, the employees – many of whom were illegal – had to live in tiny, filthy attic rooms with no ventilation.

The owners will be tried for exploitation of workers and false imprisonment.

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the olive press - May 28 - June 11 2014

Recycling Ronda

ARTISTS and non-artists have taken part in a recycled art competition to mark International Recycling Day. It was part of inaugural Ronda Limpia Day aimed to encourage good environmental habits and promote the famous ‘three Rs’: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

The exhibition, held in Santo Domingo convent, had three categories: recycled art, drawings and utility pieces.

More than 800 people viewed the exhibition, including Ronda’s mayor, Maripaz Fernandez, who spoke on the impor-

GREEN NEWS

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Sad end to heroic dolphin rescue MUSIC MEN: Vibra-To tance of recycling for the town.

There was a performance by musical group Vibra-To, who use recycled items as instruments, a recycling forum with Ronda’s environment minister Federico Guerrero, a recycling workshop, a magic show

by Ludus, hip hop from The Dreamer and even a dog show.

The Amigos de la Talla association won two prizes for best sculpture and best utility piece. The best drawing award went to the Instituto Gonzalo Huesa.

POLICE, vets and marine biologists rushed to the rescue of a baby dolphin in Benalmadena.

Disorientated by rough seas, the dolphin was being smashed against the rocks of the pier when spotted by staff at the Luna Beach Club, who ran to its rescue and carried it to the the beach.

Police were alerted to the situation while the rescuers covered the dolphin with

Landmark birth for endangered species for first time in 10,000 years FOR the first time in 10,000 years, European bison have reproduced in the wild in Spain.

This enormous step in the conservation of this endangered species was driven by a European programme in collaboration with Spanish Fund for the Protection of Wild Animals (FAPAS).

With just 4,000 European bison left worldwide, the birth of the two calfs – named Pipa and Lipion – is vital for the

wet towels and doused it with water.

A team of vets and marine biologists from the Aula del Mar Institute in Malaga examined the dolphin and found it had broken its jaw against the rocks.

The young mammal was transported to Malaga for treatment, yet sadly had to be put down, as the severity of its broken jaw made it impossible for it to feed itself.

Bison are back survival of the species.

The European initiative, headed by the Conservation

Nest-nasties nabbed

POLICE have arrested five people suspected of stealing Golden eagle chicks from their nests in the Sierra de Alcaparain area in Carratraca, Malaga. All five suspects are allegedly professional plunderers of nests.

The arrests came after an operation monitoring nests discovered that two young eagles had been stolen.

Centre of the European Bison in Spain (EBCC), released 16 bison from the Netherlands and Belgium into the wild near the town of Teverga, in the Asturias region.

While three of the herd died due to the hard winters in the area, the remaining 13 – as well as both infants – are thriving since their introduction to the area in 2012.

The European bison is a historically-significant species to Spain as it features prominently in Paleolithic cave art across the country.

Jurassic jaws A JURASSIC shark has washed up on an Andalucian beach for the first time in living memory.

The 3.8m Sixgill shark was found dead in the Punta Entinas-Sabinar natural park, near Roquetas de Mar. Shocked walkers called the charity – known for rescuing beached marine creatures – after spotting the rotting corpse lying by the shoreline.

Spokesman Alexander Sanchez, said: “This species of shark has hardly evolved since the Jurassic period, more than 150 million years ago.

“It makes it a living fossil from the time of the dinosaurs.”

He continued: “This one had a rope tied to its tail stock, indicating that a fisherman probably had to drag it out from a net.”

The Sixgill shark poses no threat to humans, preferring to scavenge for carcasses of dead animals at a depth of up to 2,000m.

The Almeria-based NGO rescues live sea creatures and gathers vital scientific data from dead animals.

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11

Stadium Upgrade

THE first lunch for patients from the Diaverum dialysis centre was a huge success.

Over 180 patients and their families attended the event, which was held at chiringuito El Barca in Torrox Costa, with the oldest patients presented with special diplomas.

ALMUNECAR Town Hall has announced that it will spend €40,000 on upgrading the Francisco Bonet Municipal stadium. The plans include building new seating areas.

Africa day

Ambulance joyride A VELEZ MALAGA man has been arrested after taking an ambulance for a joyride, with four patients still inside.

National police detained the 43-year-old when he leapt into the vehicle after

the olive press - May 28 - June 11 2014

News IN BRIEF

Lovely Lunch

By Giles Brown

11

AXARQUIA NEWS

Man steals ambulance with four patients inside

the driver had got out to pick up some documentation.

The shirtless and barefoot man then told the startled patients inside that he was a secret policeman on a special mission and had been wounded.

RINCON de la Victoria celebrated Africa Day with a photography exhibition A window on Africa by Jose Moreno Ceano in association with the Spanish Red Cross.

Book beach EL SALON beach in Nerja will be running its beach library scheme for its twelfth summer this year. The scheme encourages beachgoers to drop off unwanted books at special kiosks to be read by others.

Speed

When they started to complain that he wasn’t their normal driver the man told them to fasten their seatbelts and then pretended to talk to the police on the ambulance radio as he sped off with lights flashing.

Luckily the ambulance was stopped by police soon afterwards.

The four patients were unharmed and the man, who doesn’t hold a current driving licence, was arrested on two counts of vehicle theft and one of dangerous driving.

caption

Let there be light!

TORROX Town Hall is replacing the lighting on the paseo maritimo.

The work will include putting up 127 new lamps between the lighthouse and the Mascunar stream at a cost of €383,000.

“The upgrading of the streetlamps will greatly improve the lighting on the paseo, one of the most popular tourist spots in the town,” explained the mayor.

“The streetlamps have modern features, as well as combining some elements of Torrox’s maritime history”.

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12

the olive press - May 28 - June 11 2014

News IN BRIEF

Siren sorry THE MoD has apologised to residents disturbed by the South Mole Evacuation Alarm last week. The alarm was triggered by bad weather.

Eco app THE Environmental Agency has launched a new smartphone app designed to provide information about the Agency’s services and about recycling.

The app consists of four main pages: Info, Report-It, Recycle and News.

Incognito checks THE British Government has urged the European Commission to put pressure on Spain over Gibraltar border checks by sending EU inspectors unannounced. The news comes as delays continue on the frontier at the end of the six-month EU deadline for improvement.

GIBRALTAR NEWS

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The blubbering bishop IT was a deluge of Biblical proportions as Gibraltar’s bishop announced that he was leaving the Rock to take up a new position in the UK. Bishop Heskett was unable to hold back tears as he announced that he was being moved to a new post in Sheffield.

The bishop added that he had been very happy on the Rock.

He tried to finish his speech but was unable to and wept quietly through the rest of the press conference.

Even Monsignor Paul Bear, who continued to read the statement and proceeded to read the message from the local clergy had to stop as he was also overcome by the moment.

It was left to Father Michael Bonifacio to complete it, expressing the clergy’s sorrow at seeing Bishop Ralph go.

“Over the last four years, when I have been asked, ‘How long do you expect to be in Gibraltar?’ I have always replied, “Until they bury me in the crypt of the cathedral!

And I fully believed that this would be the case. But alas, it is not to be,” read his statement.

Buzz off!

A ROYAL Navy helicopter swooped down on a Guardia Civil vessel when it entered Gibraltar waters.

Olive Press readers witnessed the Royal Navy Lynx helicopter ‘buzz’ the patrol boat Rio Cedena while it was in Gibraltar territorial waters on Friday.

The boat sailed into Gibraltar waters at 7:30am, spending nearly half an hour in the

Uk helicopter intercepts Spanish ship encroaching into Gibraltar waters

bay, despite warnings by the Royal Navy.

There was a second incursion by the same vessel at around midday, although it was only in Gibraltar waters for a few minutes.

Witnesses again reported having seen the Royal Navy Lynx – which arrived in GiA BRITISH nuclear submarine has returned to Gibraltar afbraltar with HMS Northumter being withdrawn from the search for the missing Malayberland – swooping low near sian passenger jet in the Indian Ocean. the Rio Cedena during this HMS Tireless, which has specialist sonar capabilities, was second incursion. withdrawn from the hunt for flight MH370 along with Royal Initially, the Foreign Office Navy survey ship HMS Echo last week. said the helicopter was not The vessel has been undergoing minor repairs while docked involved in any operation rein Gibraltar. garding unlawful incursions.

“The search for the black-box signal has been an extremely However, late on Friday night challenging operation and, while we all hoped for a faster a different line emerged. and more conclusive result, I am very proud of the contriA spokesperson confirmed: bution British forces have been able to make,” said Defence “HMS Northumberland and Secretary Philip Hammond. a Royal Navy Lynx helicopter “The operation is now moving into a new phase, requiring conducted a routine soverdifferent capabilities.” eignty patrol.”

HMS Tireless recovers in Gib

An Evening with The Lola Boys!

POPE’S MAN:Bishop Heskett

Walking on sunshine

THE 10th anniversary Sotosol Walk and Fun Run is taking place on June 6, raising money for charity Helping Children with Cancer.

The whole family – even the dog – is invited to take part in the event, which is always fun and sociable.

Participants can choose between walking or running 10 or 16km.

For more information contact Alison on 690 167 317, Andy on 664 581 954 or Jo on 671 733 522.

Friday 23rd May 2014 TICKETS ONLY £46 per person Includes: • Welcome drink and canapé reception • 3 course sit down dinner • 1/2 bottle of wine and water per person • The Lola Boys show

SPECIAL OVERNIGHT STAY PACKAGE - £153pp Includes: • Two nights (Fri & Sat) in a sea view room (based on sharing a twin or double room) • Dinner & show • Breakfast • Full body massage in the Health & Beauty Club (on the Saturday) • Single supplement £70

DON’T SIESTA,

COME FIESTA!

For table and package reservations contact Marjo T: (+350) 200 76501 E: conf.banq@caletahotel.gi | www.caletahotel.com

la cultura

the olive press - May 28 - June 11 201413 13

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May 28 - June 11 2014

what’s on

Yoko’s iconic career CONCEPTUAL artist Yoko Ono’s 60-year career is being honoured in a major Spanish art exhibition.

The Guggenheim Bilbao is hosting a retrospective of the pioneering 81-year-old’s work.

An immersive experience, visitors enter the exhibition through a beaded curtain sculpture and are brought immediately to her Painting To Be Stepped On, which fea-

tured in Ono’s first solo show in New York in 1961.

The iconic Tokyo-born artist works with a variety of expressive media including performance, experimental cinema, literature and music.

Beatle John Lennon – Ono’s third husband – labelled her ‘the world’s most famous unknown artist’.

The exhibition runs until September 4.

C

Dali’s last laugh Sneaky surrealist dated canvas before his birth, writes Imogen Calderwood

SURREAL: Dali and his famous moustache

SALVADOR Dali kept his first surrealist work a mystery by dating it to before he was born.

In a bizarre practical joke, the artist bamboozled collectors and art specialists for decades by dating it eight years before his birth.

Art experts have finally confirmed, however, that the painting – unveiled in Madrid’s Institute of Bellas Artes this week – is the artist’s earliest surrealist work.

Dating to 1921, the work was

M

alaga. June 7, 8pm. A

new jazz quartet, led by celebrated musician Javier Navas, will perform at Sala Maria Cristina. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.javiernavasmusic.com

J

imena de la Frontera.

June 13-15, 12-8pm.

Second annual Arts Festival, with the added attraction of 11 international visual artists opening their studios to the public.

Torre del Mar. completed by a 17-year-old Dali, several years before he is thought to have joined the

Red-carpet for Casares A FILM festival in Casares will celebrate the best of new Andalucian cinema.

Featuring screenings, exhibitions and a closing gala night, the Festival de Nuevo Cine Andaluz will run from June 2-7.

Barcelona-born film director Mariano Barroso will also be teaching a course on film direction.

A jury of industry professionals –

ordoba. June 4.

‘Cordoba by Night’ visit to Medina Azahara and Cordoba with a tour of the Mosque. Departure times: Algarrobo 1.45pm (Lidl), Caleta 1.50pm, Torre del Mar 2pm (bus station) , Vinuela 2.30pm (football stadium), and from Fuengirola Bull Ring and Feria Ground 2pm.

Tickets €25. Call 952 543 334 or email luxmundi@ lux-mundi.org, and Fuengirola 952 474 840, or email luxmundif@gmail.com.

led by Barroso – will choose the five best films submitted by the region’s budding filmmakers for public viewing.

A number of prizes will be awarded including ‘Best Andalucian feature’ and ‘Best short film’.

The collaboration between Casares Town Hall and local tourism operative EcoTourCasares aims to support Andalucia’s thriving film industry.

surrealist movement.

It came to light after a young art historian bought the oil painting in an antiques shop in Girona for 25,000 pesetas (€150) in 1988.

Tomeu L’Amo suspected the painting was an early Dali, but the shopkeeper insisted it was impossible as it was dated ‘1896’ – eight years before Dali was born.

It has taken him over two decades to finally confirm that the painting is real.

Specialists finally managed to work out that Dali was the artist based on his handwriting and a spelling mistake, which he made many times in his career.

“Dali must be laughing in his grave at the thought that he managed to fool everyone for so many years,” said L’Amo. The painting has been entitled The Intrauterine Birth of Salvador Dali.

Midsummer night’s dance A FLAMENCO spectacular capturing the emotion and drama of the traditional dance with a contemporary twist is to take place in Almunecar.

Maria Gomez - La Canastera – presents her new work Inquietudes del Alma at the Casa de la Cultura on June 18 at 21:00. Tickets cost €8 and will be on sale an hour before t h e show at the e n trance to the theatre.

JOKER: Dali’s painting

June 13, 11am-1pm. A paella coffee morning at the Lux Mundi centre. Tickets €3.50, includes one ration of paella, bread and one drink. For more information call 952 543 334, or email luxmundi@lux-mundi.org

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the olive press - May 28 - June 11 2014

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la cultura

Spain of thrones TV smash-hit Game of Thrones is set to film parts of its fifth season in Spain, with producers scouring Andalucia for the perfect location.

The US fantasy series, which has its main production base in Northern Ireland, is also in talks with the local film commission.

Spain will be the seventh country – equivalent to the seventh kingdom – used in the show. It is believed the

TV fantasy sensation heading for Andalucia

beautiful Andalucian landscape will be home to the Kingdom of Dorne.

The fifth series is due to begin production this summer, with a sixth series also planned.

The capital city of the fic-

tional world Westeros, King’s Landing, is filmed in Dubrovnik, Croatia, while

Dancers descend on Benalmadena

the wintery scenes north of ‘the wall’ are shot in Iceland.

Morocco, Malta and the USA have also been used as filming locations.

Raunchy

Game of Thrones is based on George R.R. Martin’s novels, and reached a season-high total of 8.5 million viewers on the night of its most recent episode.

In another Spanish link to the raunchy drama, the prominent role of Prince Oberyn is played by Chilean actor Pedro Pascal.

MORE than 400 young dancers from the UK, Ireland and Norway took part in the first ‘Spanish Fiesta’ dance event in Benalmadena.

The three-day inter-school dance competition saw the Sunset Beach Club Hotel’s Moonlight Theatre packed with spectators.

Performers as young as six-years-old took part in freestyle, slowdance and street disciplines, at the event organised by UK-based dance promoter Dancelines.

For more information about hosting events at the Moonlight Theatre, call 952 579 400 (ext. 7823) or email groups@sunsetbeachclub.com

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Heaven for a bookworm

I

F a wolf-whistle greets you as you walk into The Bookshop in Sabinillas, it’s the African grey parrot, Eva, not the owner.

Eva accompanies owner Steve Davies to the newly-expanded bookshop every day, and as well as her recentlyacquired whistle she chats, sings and imitates the phone.

After moving to Estepona from Manchester 15 years ago, Steve worked as an English language teacher before buying the bookshop on a whim in 2011.

“I had been learning Spanish as a hobby in England, but came out here to practice and just fell in love with Estepona,” says Steve.

“I never planned to move out here, but after seeing the coast I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.”

Since buying the 20-year-old business, he has dramatically expanded the shop, which now has a reading area with comfortable sofas.

It also sells far more than just English books.

The shop has expanded by

ECLECTIC: Steve and his parrot, Eva

customer demand and has an eclectic mix of stock, including a full range of books in many different languages, the daily papers, greeting cards, gifts and helium balloons.

There is also a Mail Box Rental Room, and regular ‘Meet the Author’ events, where local authors read sections of their books and answer questions.

A reading group and a creative writing class are also in the pipelines, because as Steve says, ‘there’s a book in everybody’.

For more information, call The Bookshop on 952 891 545.

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Jack’s Corner

A

QUICK quiz… What do the following word associations have in common? lMy Italian grandmother’s tomato sauce lThe Irish Potato Famine lColombian coffee l‘As American as apple pie’ lSpanish paella At first glance, these groupings all associate an ethnicity with a food. They are all also, to varying degrees, misnomers.

Tomatoes are not intrinsically Italian. A potato is not synonymous with Ireland, nor is coffee with Colombia. Apples are not inherently American, just as the rice in paella is not Spanish.

Furthermore, the foods mentioned above were all part of the ‘The Great Columbian Biological Exchange’ between Spain and The Americas following the voyage of Columbus in 1492.

This event began a widespread circular introduction of a great variety of new crops to both sides of the Atlantic. Allow me to explain…

Where did your dinner really come from?

The link between countries and their ‘national dishes’ is culturally significant, yet look beneath the surface and Spain had more influence on the origins of your favourite dishes than you might have thought...

Tomatoes are NOT Italian In the 16th century, many Italians considered tomatoes poisonous. Italian physicians are said to have labeled them as ‘the generator of a melancholic humorous’. The first recorded European use of tomatoes as a sauce was in Spain in 1590. The head gardener at the botanical gardens of Aranjuez wrote: “It is said the tomatoes are good for a multitude of sauces.”

Biological evidence has determined that tomatoes are indigenous to central Mexico and found their way to the Iberian Peninsula via returning Spanish colonialists and conquistadors. The famous Italian combination of pasta with tomato sauce was only developed in the early 19th century.

The Irish Potato Famine By the mid-19th century, nearly 40% of Ireland was under potato cultivation. Overdependence, a lack of genetic diversity, and a blight led to the Great Irish Potato Famine, in which nearly one million people died. Potatoes have become synonymous with Ireland, yet like the tomato, they originated in the New World, first domesticated in Peru and Bolivia between 8000-5000 BC. They were recognised as an efficient energy source that could be stored for years. Returning colonial sailors first planted potatoes in Spanish soil in the 16th century and legend tells that Basque fisherman introduced potatoes to Ireland where they landed to dry their cod.

‘As American as apple pie’ This common expression implies that apple pie is quintessentially American. Apples, however, are not even remotely so, in fact their origin is unclear. Some believe that apple trees were first planted, cultivated and harvested by the Romans but that their actual tree can be traced to south central Asia (Kazakhstan).

Like many of the aforementioned foods, apples crossed the ocean via colonisation, but here the plot thickens. One of America’s most enduring legends is that of ‘Johnny Appleseed’.

The folk tale is that of an enigmatic, religious zealot (real name John Chapman) pioneering the migratory trails westward – planting apple seeds along the way. He believed that the consumption of apples gave humans a certain God-given spirituality that would await America’s settlement of the west. School children are told this tale and it is not a stretch to understand why apples are considered pure Americana.

Colombian coffee There are more than 70 countries that grow great coffee, yet connoisseurs worldwide consistently rank Colombian beans among the world’s best. The country is so synonymous with coffee excellence that in 2007, UNESCO designated the Colombian coffee-growing region as a World Heritage Site – the first of its kind.

Archeological evidence suggests that the coffee bean was first cultivated in the Muslim shrines of Yemen as early as the 15th century.

This sacred bean began to spread across the Muslim empire which included Spain.

Jesuit priests and Spanish colonial settlers in the New World were quick to recognise Colombia’s coffee-growing potential. Huge plantations sprung up and the legacy of Colombian coffee began.

Spanish paella For many, paella is Spain’s national dish. It may be hard to believe but rice, the mainstay of paella, was a late-comer to the Spanish kitchen. Although not part of the aforementioned Columbian exchange, rice is yet another of the precious culinary gifts brought to Spain by the Moors.

For centuries it was a simple peasant staple dish. It wasn’t until the 18th century before actual recipes for ‘paella’ were referenced. The first recipe manuscript was found in the Episcopal Library in Barcelona, written by an anonymous compiler who drew a distinction between that which the Moors introduced and what we know as ‘paella’ today.

It slowly became a marvel of regional gastronomy and paella was picked up by the mass tour-

ism sweeping the Spanish coastline in the 1960s and has been famous around the world ever since.

The Great Columbian Biological Exchange certainly involved much more than a mere transfer of a few food groups. Disease, livestock animals, weaponry, technology, religions and populations were also interchanged – often with disastrous effects.

So, next time you sit down to an ‘ethnic-specific’ meal, realise the food may represent a cultural heritage – an ethnology – more complex than you might think. What we call ‘ethnic foods’ reflect a rich culinary history that tells a larger story.

Most importantly though? Enjoy!

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LETTERS

the olive press - May 28 - June 11 2014

POTTED POINTERS ANDALUCIA RESERVOIR LEVELS This week: 87.47% full Same week last year: 93.39% Same week in 2003: 66.01% AIRPORTS Gibraltar 00350 22073026 Granada-Jaen 958 245 200 Jerez - 956 150 000 Malaga - 952 048 844* *For English press 9 Sevilla - 954 449 000 EMERGENCIES Police 091 Guardia Civil 062 Medical service 061 Fire 080 EURO EXCHANGE RATES 1 euro is worth 1.36 American Dollars 0.80 British Pounds 1.49 Canadian Dollars 7.46 Danish Kroner 10.59 H Kong Dollars 8.12 Norwegian Kroner 1.71 Singapore Dollars

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Playground for thieves

Gordon Brown raided this ‘pot’ when he imposed tax on the schemes share dividends in the late 1990s.

He dabbled in the schemes again by insisting that they invest in an Icelandic Bank, leading to millions going missing.

It seems our current Chancellor is also capable of messing in pension schemes, after all, it is not his money!

Dear OP, AS an ex-stockbroker I am amazed at how many outright thieves I have met here. I feel so sorry for their victims. Live here – invest elsewhere. That’s my advice.

As to the Goldman case ‘Company men, issue 187’ – damn good investigative journalism in my opinion – it does not look good for anyone.

At best, it looks like unregulated incompetence, but given his previous convictions it seems remiss of customers, the press, radio and local people to not have examined his past.

The European ruling that will stop Google giving unedited historical results of past convictions will aid the perpetrators of future scams.

But how on earth anyone would trust Goldman with money, given that he had written a book about his previous problems? That is beyond me.

James Benson, Marbella

‘Gasmen’ alert IN response to your article ‘Fake gas inspectors arrested for conning victims out of millions, (Issue 183)’.

Two people came to our house unannounced in a battered 15-year-old car.

P. Trippett, Malaga

Clearly amiss

Deadly cruel for cats I WANT to alert readers to the poisoning of cats, which happens on a regular basis in Spain.

People are breaking the law with nobody to stop them. We want to see the poisoners taken to court, instead of persecuting the ones who help the cats.

Poisoning brings a slow, painful death and is forbidden by law.

Luckily, builders working here recognised the conmen and they made a swift exit.

Never invite conmen into your house, as they can then do what they like.

The Guardia Civil had much information on these people – apparently working on commission for a local gas company – targeting Spanish pensioners and foreigners.

The sergeant at the Guardia Civil made some phone calls on my behalf. Our inspection and replacing the rubber pipes cost €70.

The same people have charged €2,500 to change 10m of rubber pipe for other locals. You have been warned!

Edmund Sykes, Orgiva

Border hope I WRITE in reply to ‘A break for the border, (Issue 187)’.

The Spanish and Gibraltarian authorities were given six months to improve traffic flow and minimise tobacco smuggling. Gibraltar has taken all the right steps in order to comply.

Six months on, the Spanish government has provided a viable blueprint and that’s it, despite substantial EU funding.

When implemented, it should provide a steady flow of traffic, but does it prevent their ‘special forces’ stopping vehicles further up the road when travelling on Spanish roads?

All depends on who is governing at the time, I suppose...

Fiona Smith, Gibraltar

Changing times SERIOUSLY, what is it with these 16-20 year-olds?

In my day, ‘’I love you’ or ‘I want to be with you’ meant something.

Now those phrases are used like ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’.

It seems every other girl you meet now has had more partners than the ‘sleeparound males’.

They, along with young guys, throw around ‘I love you’

Our association is implementing a programme of neutering to control cats’ reproduction.

If you suspect anybody of poisoning cats please contact Gatos y Amigos at www.facebook.com/gatosyamigos. If you would like to adopt a cat, phone me on 634344015.

Michele Chown, President, Gatos y Amigos, Estepona

without attaching any understanding or affection to it.

The current generation has become emotionally dead inside, love doesn’t exist for them anymore, they have killed it off.

The next generation will be worse: horny, alcohol swigging, drug-taking, dancefloor-hogging, sex-hungry zombies.

JH Longman, Nerja

What a welcome I MADE a prepaid booking with ‘DoyouSpain’ to hire a car from Malaga Airport.

However, the desk staff there refused to accept it and the supervisor aggressively intervened, accusing me of shouting. He kept goading me but eventually accepted my additional card payment.

We were given a wreck of a car! There was damage not listed on the paperwork and the back wiper was missing.

We refused to accept the car and walked back to the office to record all the damage first.

If this is the new, welcoming face of ‘Recovery Spain’ it needs to be addressed at the highest level.

David Stirland, Nottinghamshire

Bad breath THE article ‘Choker, (issue 187’), states that La Linea has the most polluted air in Spain, and that Marbella has the third cleanest. Living in Casares Costa, between the two, I don’t know where this leaves me! When the wind blows from the west I must keep breathing to a minimum. But when it’s blowing from Marbella in the east, I will have to stretch out on the beach and gulp as much of that beautiful, clean air in as possible.

Oh, there are too many things for one to worry about these days!

Nichola Shorey,Casares

Pot of gold IN Richard Alexander’s column ‘UK budget – pension reforms- third part (issue 186)’ he states that local government pensions are unfunded and that there is no pot of gold to pay pensions from.

The local government scheme is in fact funded and there is a ‘pot of gold’.

The so-called pot consists of billions invested in mainly UK-based companies that are managed by 100 pension authorities.

AN article submitted by us for use as Advertorial (No mystery with Iberian - OP Issue 186) which some readers found offensive was changed without our approval and was not directly sanctioned by us.

In addition the photographs illustrating the article were not submitted or chosen by us for publication.

Iberian Funeral Plans S.L, Manilva ED: We apologise both to our client and readers for any upset caused by the choice of photos and changes to the originally submitted copy.

Canadian boy RE your article ‘Guggenheim architect gets top award, issue 187’, Frank Gehry was born and raised in Canada not in the US. Jennifer Vernon-Smith, Malaga

Insurance theft?

I READ your article ‘Checkmate for Knight Insurance customers, (Issue 187)’ with horror. Is it possible to get any money back? I paid for house insurance last November and I see that they went bust in October? Surely this is theft?

Malcolm Witherington, Alhaurin el Grande ED: It will depend on whether you were actually still insured by the company the broker originally signed you up to... You need to check with it first.

Letters should be emailed to letters@theolivepress.es. The writer’s name and address should be provided. Opinions are not necessarily those of the Editor.

CROSSMOT 33 Across

7 Guitarra (6) * 8 Otros (6) * 9 Cayó (4) * 10 Vigorous (8) * 11 Imaginar (7) * 13 Bestia (5) * 15 Lanzar (5) * 17 Cierto (7) * 20 Adapted (8) * 21 Bofetada (4) * 22 Se Inclinó (6) * 23 Sledge (6).

Down

1 Museo (6) * 2 Helpful (4) * 3 Evitar (7) * 4 Duro (5) * 5 Más Corto (8) * 6 Prisoners (6) * 12 Agrupamiento (8) * 14 Revueltas (7) * 16 Oculto (6) * 18 Image (6) * 19 Arenas (5) * 21 Six (4).

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Issue 188

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The rebirth begins

ELEGANT: Marbella’s cathedral

SITTING ON A DOCK OF A BAY: A father and son take in the sunset at Puerto Banus with La Concha mountain as a backdrop

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No place for the hoi polloi, upmarket Marbella is for the classy, the extravagant and the stinking rich. Belinda Beckett explores the resilient charisma of Spain’s most famous resort, now leading the nation out of recession ANCIENT: Historic Orange Square

ANDWICHED between Fuengirola and Estepona like the foie gras filling between two slices of Hovis, Marbella has always remained aloof from other resorts in coastal Spain – for reasons which mainly concern money.

I remember one of my mother’s snootier neighbours once spreading out a map to show us where she was going on holiday that year.

“Ah, Spain,” my mother nodded knowingly. “No, not Spain,” retorted her friend, somewhat miffed. “Marbella

dahling. There’s a world of difference.”

Zoom forward to the heart of the crisis in 2010 and the kudos of the town is at an all time low, with one British ex-tabloid editors freely smearing mud over the façade of the once glamorous spot.

“A place to make a fortune, spend a fortune, drink shots, get shot – whatever takes your fancy – that, at its heart, is Marbella,” explained Piers Morgan on his now seminal TV documentary on ‘Marbs’, as half of the UK’s yoof now knows the resort.

But mud doesn’t stick for long in a

Mediterranean microclimate, where 320 days of sun will turn it to dust in no time.

And the time for Marbella’s comeback is now.

According to financial pundits, the economy is recovering faster than anywhere else in Spain, the property market is rallying, and the glamour is back with a vengeance.

Marbella begins where Calahonda ends and for years (just to make sure no one associated the select, millionaire’s playground with the resort upon

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which the cheap and nasty Eldorado TV series was based), the grey crash barriers on the main road were painted blue and white in the colours of the (late) town Mayor Jesus Gil’s political party.

Not in Marbella do the hoi polloi slop around in crumpled shorts, baggy tshirts and flip-flops from Tesco Home and Wear.

The paseo maritimo is a real fashion catwalk lined with succulent palms and beach showers sculptured in the shape of elephants. It is trodden by

beautiful people sporting Ray Bans, sandals by Dolce & Gabbana and, in cooler months, a pashmina (careless of how many rare Himalayan goats froze to death sacrificing their coats on the altar of high fashion).

Even the boutique sales assistants are beautifully tailored in Dior and Chanel, all the better to persuade you that the little pink number is an absolute must, even if the €500 which you thought you might run to, turns out only to refer to the belt.

The shops in Marbella could have been expressly designed for the man or woman who has everything: Cartier key rings, handbags shaped like croissants, watches whose price tags give new meaning to ‘not being able to afford the time of day’, and paintings that discriminate against anyone who hasn’t got a home at least the size of the Tate Gallery.

Talking of which, no one has anything so vulgar as an apartment here, unless it’s to let out to the poor for a profit. A villa or a penthouse is de riguer or, if push comes to shove, a townhouse – as long as it’s bijou.

In this modern-day Babylon you can have a mosaic copy of a Titian or The Rape of the Sabine Women rampaging over your patio, a Jacuzzi with solid gold taps, a diamond tattoo on your tooth or a trompe l’oeil door in your wall so realistic, you are in danger of walking slap bang into Centro Comercial Plaza 18, 29660 Nueva Andalucia it after a few bottles of Bollie.

Tel. 952 810 633 / 952 819 321 But don’t worry, if you bust your www.estucointeriors.com

ESTUCO INTERIORS

Continues on Page 19

picture by Jon Clarke

AFFLUENT: A beach club hedonist

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Super eight!

STREAKS AHEAD

Home of Cruella From page 17

nose there are plenty of people who’ll fix it for you.

Marbella is full of dashing cosmetic surgeons all ready to bundle you into their clinics and have you lifted, tucked, liposucked or Botoxed ‘to go’.

There are no end, either, to the alternative health centres offering everything from liposuction to Colonic Irrigation, nor to the beauty parlours proposing to extend your locks and sculpt your nails like Cruella Deville’s.

Marbella is a town for ladies who lunch and here, the restaurateurs take the view that life is never too short to stuff a mushroom. In fact, if it was possible to insert Paxo into a corn kernel they’d probably try, so competitive are they to stay hip to the trends.

Tanned

But as ‘the season’ approaches, a socialite’s thoughts turn to parties. In Marbella they are legendary. During July and August the glitterati will be turning conspicuous consumption into an art form.

Legs will be tanned and waxed, tuxes and frocks ordered from Armani and Versace, Ferraris hired from €450 a day (but with a ‘€10,000 deposit put down and two credit cards’) and the ‘moi moi’ air-kissing ritual begins.

Married couples will work the room, seeking greater social status or a lucrative business deal; singles will be looking for a suitable mate; predatory divorcees will spend the night on the prowl for frog-faced men who might turn out to be princes.

Barons and billionaires, celebrities, social climbers and humble hangers-on will be dancing until amour or a hernia carries them home to monogrammed silk sheets.

I’ve had to give up the dawn-todusk clubbing for medical reasons, but it’s still fun to watch the bright young things boogying at Nikki Beach, Aqwa mist or Sisu and thinking, thank God I’m too old for all that youthful angst and eyelash batting!

They still talk about the do given by the Belgian playboy with the sharp sense of humour who thoughtfully provided door-todoor transport for his booted, suited, elegantly-gowned and tiara-ed guests – donkeys…

Marbella certainly has the Xcess Factor. The swankiest hotels, the flashiest yachts and motors, the chic-est shops, the wildest parties.

For yes, it’s that sort of place.

A place to love or hate and one quite unlike anywhere else in the world.

MARBELLA’S emblematic mountain, La Concha (The Shell) frames the town from all angles. It’s a must do climb and doesn’t require crampons and ice picks. From the hotel Refugio de Juanar (where General de Gaulle wrote his memoirs) the trek takes about four hours to the top and back and rewards you with the most incredible views. If you haven’t got time opt for the gentler two-hour trek to Cruz de Juanar. On my first trip (pictured), I couldn’t resist the temptation of stripping off. After all, Rio has Christ the Redeemer, so I though it only fair that Marbella got a small (ED: diminutive?) naked journalist!

Marbella resident since his youth, Giles Brown tears himself away from the TOWIE crowd (he much prefers Eva Longoria, left) to pick out his favourite spots in town.

Just don’t call it Marbs...

HELLO ALOHA

I’M not a golf player but I have always liked Aloha, situated right in the middle of ‘golf valley’. It was the preferred golf course of Sean Connery and James Hunt, who trained his beloved Alsatian Oscar to hunt down any errant golf balls. Coincidentally, Oscar, who James later named his Marbella night club after, was granted honorary membership of Aloha Golf Club on the grounds that he was better behaved that most of the other members!

Bohemian home

My real port for fun I SPENT most of my teenage years in Marbella’s ‘sporting port’ where you could get a litre of beer for 300 pesetas and the place was packed with young oiks having a wild old time. It got so wild that in the early 1990s then-mayor Jesus Gil caused a riot when he marched down one Saturday night, flanked by his local police and declared we were all ‘junkies and whores’. Cars were overturned and he was forced to flee. How different it has now become, with a Sunday arts market and upmarket terraced restaurants making it a great place to hang out.

A SLEEPY hillside enclave, La Virginia attracted a bohemian community of artists, photographers , writers, plus a veritable smattering of flower children when it first opened in the 60s.

Hedonistic in the extreme, at one legendary party developer Freddie Wildman borrowed an elephant from a visiting circus. The wild times may have gone, but there are still several idyllic spots to sit back and reflect, none more so than at La Virginia’s beautiful chapel.

Ruck and roll MARBELLA Rugby Club is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and fittingly its teams are Andalucian champions at a number of levels, and last year were Spanish champions. A great mix of cultures and nationalities, the club, located rather handily across from the Costa del Sol hospital, is one of my favourite places to socialise and puts on a fabulous bbq!

Artola beach and dunes ARTOLA has one of the few stretches of untouched sand dunes on the Costa del Sol, a tribute to the local action group who fought long and hard to keep it that way from the clutches of developers.

This is one of my favourite beaches, and if you fancy a little bit of time travel, pop into the Hotel Artola that hasn’t changed since the 1960s, as the placards to various travel associations at the entrance will attest to!

Fear and Loathing in Las Chapas WHEN I come to write my Gonzo-esque autobiography, I’m going to call it Fear and Loathing in Las Chapas. There isn’t much to loathe about the pine covered area, with its discreet villas, well ordered German school and immaculate infrastructure. Though I might try and liven it up a little by having a go at the jungle swings and zip wires at the Amazon adventure park that they have constructed there!

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• Free insurance for Novasol house owners • Optional property management if required Please contact our local partner HomeCareontheWeb for further information:

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The Olive Press looks back at the lives of the aristocrats and celebrities that turned a small fishing village into a glitzy, starstudded resort for the jet set

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HETHER it was Diana Dors or Sean Connery, Ava Gardner or Audrey Hepburn, James Hunt or Rod Stewart, none would have come to Marbella without the influence of Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe.

For the German aristocrat was the svengali with the necessary capital to turn the dusty village into a highfalutin millionaires playground to rival the likes of Cannes and Deauville, in France.

It was in 1947 that the charismatic playboy had been sent to the coast by his father Prince Maximilian to purchase some land. The family already had business interests in southern Spain, particularly in Malaga.

The 23-year-old was told to hook up with his eccentric uncle Ricardo Soriano, who had been eulogising about the merits of the coast for a number of years.

A huge fan of watersports, Soriano especially liked powerboat

BABE-MAGNET: Prince Alfonso and Bardot, while (left) Diana Dors

Stardust memories racing and lived an enviable bohemian life.

He was soon chaperoning his nephew up and down the coast in his vintage Rolls-Royce looking for land.

The bilingual Alonso – who was a keen painter - was immediately taken by what he saw in Marbella.

Sheltered by the dramatic Sierra Blanca and with crystal-

clear waters just a stone’s throw away, the savvy prince immediately saw a wealth of opportunities.

He ordered his father to sell off his wine cellars in Malaga and began developing his now seminal Marbella Club hotel, which opened in 1954.

But that was not enough and the well-connected prince soon embarked on a European-wide

campaign to convince all his high-flying friends that Marbella, not San Sebastian or Cannes, was the only place to be.

And his campaign worked with the grand families of central Europe, including the Bismarcks, Rothschilds and Metternichs, coming to see what the fuss was about.

A string of celebrities followed suit, with actresses including Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren, photographer Patrick Lichfield, footballer George Best, model Brigitte Bardot, and Rolling Stone Bryan Jones joining the in-crowd.

Even British aristocracy got in on the act, with the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (Edward and Mrs Simpson) visiting the hotel.

Gorgeous

“The people I met in Hollywood, in New York, and in Europe, they were the roots, the bridge that brought people to Marbella… who made Marbella,” explained Alfonso.

Marbella took pride in being cut off from the hectic, stressful and often scary modern world.

Indeed, news of the Cuban Missile Crisis did not reach the resort until it was over.

“Everybody had the most gorgeous parties when the rest of the world was trembling that World War III was starting,” explains Count Rudi Schonburg, a former manager of Marbella Club.

Coining the nickname the ‘King of Clubs’, Alfonso’s reputation quickly preceded himself and he soon opened up a disco which got the club swinging every Tuesday and Friday night.

FILLING HIS BOOTS: Sean Connery and Jackie Lane

ON THE BALL: George Best spent time in Marbella Despite revelling in its exclusive status, the Marbella Club was anything but formal.

“At dinner everybody arrived with a dinner jacket, but I said ‘Stop! This is not the Marbella way! You only wear a dinner jacket on New Year’s Eve,” recalled Alfonso.

As the inspired prince’s creation boomed, so did Marbella and its surrounding hillsides.

New restaurants, bars and sports clubs began sprouting up as the Costa del Sol quickly entered its so-called golden era.

Developers included Jose Banus, who built Puerto Banus marina and King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, who built a white palace (still there today) that is modelled on both the White House and a mosque.

The likes of multi-millionaire arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi (who formerly owned La Zagaleta, Spain´s most expensive urbanisation) were able to dock their luxury yachts in the port.

“Thanks to my initiative, Marbella’s Golden Mile alone now provides 60,000 jobs,” Alfonso once said.

While his friends called him

the ‘King of Clubs’ or the ‘Little Prince’, locals came to know him affectionately as Olé-Olé, because of his difficult to pronounce surname.

Yet as the Costa del Sol dream began to spiral into uncontrollable development, Alfonso became aware of the monster he had helped stir.

Idealistic

Concrete towers were sprouting up as far as the eye could see, from Malaga all the way down to Estepona, almost 100 kilometres away.

Worse still, wanted British criminals began to take advantage of a lack of an extradition treaty between England and Spain.

This influx of crooks and subsequent crime left the idealistic Alfonso disillusioned with the vision of rich grandeur he once envisaged for Marbella.

After growing weary of the mass tourism that was lowering the tone of his town, he sold up all his Marbella business interests in 1978 in search of a new vision.

Entering his 60s, the idealistic prince settled in his last home with his third wife Marilys Haynes, a Gibraltarian divorcee. He plumped for a mountain retreat, in the hills close to Ronda, with a trout lake, partridge wood and an impressive library.

And the ever-inventive Alfonso decided on another successful business pursuit – producing the soon-to-be award-winning wine Principe Alfonso.

And it was nestled in the heartland of Andalucia, close to the sleepy village of Arriate, where Alfonso – despite all the celebrities, parties and glamorous girlfriends – finally found true happiness before passing away, leaving his estate to his children, in 2003.

“I have lived in castles, in Venetian palaces and the world’s finest hotels. I have watched the sun rise over the beaches of five continents and I have looked into the eyes of the most beautiful women of the universe,” he famously remarked.

“Everywhere I sought my dreamed-of city and at last I have found it in Ronda.”

STARS: Sinatra and Ava Gardner flew in

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Retro Marbella

BUZZ FOR BOATIES: Picture of the old Puerto Deportivo

SLEEPY: Marbella as a quiet fishing village

BIG CHANGES: The Club Maritimo (above) and carrying the Virgen del Carmen during an Easter parade in the 1960s

BIRD’S EYE VIEW: Marbella has exploded in the last 50 years

MINING: At Sierra Blanca HEART: The Marbella Club kick-started the town’s glamour

NO SIN: Nuns having fun in the sun

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The best local bites...

Financial Foodie Mark Rickard picks his favourite places to unwind

1 2 3 4 5

Cabana Nagueles, on The Golden Mile

Great local meat cooked in a wood-burning stove, served with jackets and salad. Wines are priced fairly and delivered with a smile. You must book though as it is popular! If you have to wait there is a cozy little bar next door.

Y REACHES ITS SEVENTH BIRTHDA MAGNIFICENT SEVEN....OLIVE PRESS English-language

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GRY: Protesters

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By Claire Wilson

TESTS have erupted nd Spain after the govment approved abortion s that take the country k 30 years. new abortion law will mit the procedure only in es of rape, mental or physirisks to the mother, or lifeeatening foetal deformities. ndreds gathered outside liament in Madrid and nt an effigy of Minister of tice Alberto Ruiz Gallardon o masterminded the law. otesters took to the streets around 20 other cities, luding Malaga, Bilbao d Barcelona, while the Solist party has already anunced further protests.

Winter land wonder arrived when hemassive a Andalucia to ski in he has become possible snowboarder, idea it was had no as a keen ago. Now, Liam Kirkaldy months fan here six Sierra Nevada

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...the three kings No donkeys, sledges or snowboards of the Sierra Nevada... trudge up the snowy slopes on page 15 see our annual skiing supplement

‘Sir’ Nigel Colourful Costa characterprobe Goldman sought in fraud

Freedom

movement, Femen he hich staged a topless prost at parliament in Octoer, warned on Twitter: “If to hey take away our right ecide, we’ll have to abort everything and Church he hat limits our freedom.” he ruling PP party had romised to change the law in election. ts run up to the 2011 Currently women can abort without restrictions until the 4th week of pregnancy. n a 2012 poll, 81% of Spanards said they were opposed o changes to Spain’s abortion laws.

The PP was keen to empha-

See page 2

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once there was his has it that lived with EGEND lord who remote casa wealthydaughter in aon the southbeautiful Alpujarras, he Nevada. tle in the of the Sierra and because feloff to a ern slopes was controlling, away The lord to marry his daughter her hidden he kept could not meet planned she low landowner world so had from theelse. his daughter to him, house at night, anyone But unknown out thein love with somefallen been sneaking already father’s and had – a local shepherd. of her the one elsethe two learnedelope through to mountains When decided if it meant plans, they Sierra Nevada north, even snow-bound to the accordand flee his lover, into to meet their deaths. bumped to his way broom the shepherd But on him a ing to legend, who offeredtracks in the snow. the the devil, hide his by the rich lord,they Pursued fled until of Alcazayoung couple methe peak reached sits at 3,371 its ba, which a few less thanand tres, just rivals Veleta two nearby (3,482m). the Mulhacen they dropped by sweep But when began to avalanche an broom it itself, causingtheir pursuers. the and burying goes that left The storybroom’ was it still where ‘devil’s landslides there forgotten, causing sweeps, at the base to this day. last arrived When I Sierra Nevadajutting of the greeted by patches week, the scattered hills with landslides were of snow, on my mind. range last thing mountain SiThe tallest Europe, thethan in southern is higher one erra Nevada and has the Pyrenees 17

At a heated meeting on Friday at El Fuerte hotel, a mix of locals, including aristocrat Beatriz de Orleans and environmentalist Javier de Luis, vowed to fight the plans, setting up a new platform.

They warn that the skyscrapers would destroy the charm of the town and thousands have now signed a petition against the building.

Developer Pedro Rodriguez however, insisted the scheme the would be positive for town, which is rapidly becoming more popular for Russians and Eastern Europeans.

He said: “The British and Scandinavians like old style architecture, but the Russians demand modern apartments.”

Pablo Moro, who is responsible for town planning in Marbella, also dismissed the outcry. He said: “There was opthen there are ‘likely to be’ many position in Paris when they built the Eiffel Tower.” more victims.

However, the town hall has Public school educated Goldup- agreed to set up a public conman - who lived in an t sultation body and listen to market Elviria developmen and drove a Mercedes - cer- the views of its people. e.org to Indeed, www.chang pedigree.

Visit had tainly sign the petition

nancial Investment - with the Goldman allegedly fleeing the Olive Press country back to the UK. has INVESTIGATES A separate police report now been filed with Action have come unstuck for ‘Sir’ Fraud UK. police Nigel Goldman with Two victims alone, expats and lawyers actively seeking Roy and Jennifer Feather, his whereabouts. claim to have lost €550,000, The self-styled poker wizard, while another Geoffrey Whitover who dealt in gold and coins, of ton claims to have lost has allegedly fallen foul fi- €20,000. regulators by offering bad in- “I’d like to find him and get nancial advice and leaving my money back,” said Whitvestors empty handed. ton, a writer, from Cornwall, probnow are Spanish police currently based in Madrid. ing two of his financial com- According to Marbella lawyer Private panies - Harvard Fi- Antonio Flores of Lawbird, Client and International

cades when I heard an interview on the radio referring to a town hall decision to ‘authorise’ the construction of six skyscrapers in the town.

The interviewee was my friend Viruca Yebra and she was unsurprisingly explaining that the town hall ‘had clearly gone mad’.

Who on earth, in their rightful mind, could possibly conceive that Marbella would be better off with 30-storey skyscrapers dotted around its landscape?

She questioned who would benefit except the town hall (income from building permits) and the developers.

The minute the interview was over I phoned Viruca and we agreed that immediate action was required. From that moment it was a non-stop deluge of support from the four quarters of the globe, but mostly the good local people of Marbella.

HE has been one of the coast’s most colourful characters for years.

Regularly hosting charity on auctions and appearing radio phone ins, he even had his own restaurant column in a local newspaper. to But now things appear

La Red, Fontanilla beach

A BITTER war of words has broken out between Marbella’s new and old guard over plans to erect a 50-storey skyscraper off the Golden Mile.

Prince Pablo von Hohenlohe, whose uncle built the Marthe bella Club hotel, insists project is totally out of keeping with the town’s low-rise, low-density housing. fu“You can’t mortgage the ture of the town for the benefit of a few,” said Hohenlohe of the first block that would be built on the Istan road, the overlooking the palace of Saudi royal family. arThe scheme, designed by chitect Ricardo Bofill, could be the first of six to be allowed the in the Marbella area, after town hall published a new proposed PGOU town plan.

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Where’s y at home, htrelaxing ugbeen I HAD na near Marbella old town where ? for over four deigellived NI have HIDDEN ASSETS: Goldman with Suzanne Couling

PLAN: Skyscraper

Sky’s the Limit to keep Russians happy

See page 2

EYESORE: Design for one skyscraper and (inset left) how we reported it

The sky’s the limit AJ Linn on how he helped to form a successful campaign group that stopped a billion euro skyscraper project that threatened to alter the Marbella skyline forever last year

I received a call at home that evening from Pedro Rodriguez, developer of Sierra Blanca and a long-time friend (maybe I should use the past tense now), and potentially the promoter of the first skyscraper.

His argument was almost convincing. ‘Marbella has to com-

pete with the rest of the world, with Dubai, Miami, and Singapore, and this project puts the city on the 21st-century map’.

He explained that leading Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill had been commissioned to prepare designs and they were really rather attractive.

Feeling blue

MARBELLA has more blue flag beaches than anywhere else in Andalucia… for the third year running.

The decision takes into account public access, lifeguard posts and disabled access with Artola, Venus-Bajadilla, Guadalmina-San Pedro, El Cable-Pinillo, Rio Verde and Faro all

getting the honour.

Marbella environment boss Antonio Espada, said: “We are delighted to have received the award for the third year in a row.

I would like to thank the town hall workers and cleaners for all the hard work they have put in.”

But I wasn’t to be swayed and I contacted everyone who, I believed, would be against the plan and within days we had formed a platform ‘No to Skyscrapers in Marbella’.

A host of local personalities, including Pablo de Hohenlohe and Matias Villarroel, helped to steer this coherent opposition group under the stewardship of lawyer Carola Herrero.

We met in the Hotel El Fuerte within hours, and the following day national daily El Mundo’s front page featured our stance, attracting more support from higher up the social scale with the Duquesa de Alba and Beatriz de Orleans reportedly weighing in.

Monstrosities Many established property developers, while wishing to remain in the shadows for the time being, also promised to come to the barricades if necessary.

Pablo de Hohenlohe wrote a personal letter to the mayoress telling her that his uncle – who had set up the Marbella Club hotel in the 1950s - would never have approved of such monstrosities, and Juan Orbaneja published a list of the various ‘skyscraper’ projects that had been proposed unsuccessfully over the years.

Soon, a social media campaign showed that 86% were against and only 3% in favour. News reports appeared all over the world, and even the BBC ran the news.

Next came a news report that the coast’s richest summertime visitors, the Saudi Royal Family, had also threatened to cancel their annual sojourn.

After all, at least one of the blocks overlooked their main palace on the Golden Mile.

In less time than it takes to read this (well, almost) we got the news we were waiting for.

The town hall backtracked and at a special council meeting on January 10 this year the initiative was cancelled.

It was a fantastic lesson in people power and we should, of course, also thank the mayoress and town hall for fortunately listening to us.

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Tunnel vision Green zone and skate park for San Pedro as huge reconstruction project starts to take shape, writes Giles Brown

S

AN Pedro’s renaissance is almost complete. The remodelling and regeneration of the town, that has taken over a decade and included underground parking and a new tunnel, is now in its final phase.

The creation of the tunnel

RENNAISSANCE: Regeneration of San Pedro

has created a large new green zone running through the centre of San Pedro.

The new boulevard will feature a park, sports facilities, an auditorium, sheltered walkways and cafes. And last week, Mayor Angeles Munoz also announced that the MARBELLA Town Hall is launching a campaign to encourage forboulevard would eign residents to sign up to the padron, or municipal register. feature a skateCurrently only 4,693 Britons are registered, which is estimated to park for ‘skaters, be perhaps as little as a quarter of all the expats who live in the rollerbladers and town. bikers’, close to The padron shows the number of inhabitants in a town and is importhe new bus termitant as the number of people registered affects the financial contrinal. bution the town receives from central government.

Munoz commented The more inhabitants that are registered, the more funds that are that: “The objective received by the town hall for municipal infrastructure and services. of the park is to cre“We know there are substantially more and we urgently need to ate a green space encourage them to sign up as it is costing us vital income from the at the entrance to state,” explained councillor Jose Luis Hernandez.

San Pedro.”

Get on the register!

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There are more luxury cars in Marbella than just about anywhere else in Spain

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ARBELLA is a classic petrolhead’s paradise. You only have to take a cruise up the Golden Mile from the centre of town to Puerto Banus and you will pass, or more likely be passed, by an exotic collection of machinery including Porsches, Ferraris, Bentleys and more recently McLarens.

The town sells more luxury cars than practically anywhere else in Spain.

So it is no surprise to find so many upmarket dealerships in town, including VIP Cars and No1 Cars Marbella in a nearby industrial zone, which offer a full range of services by British trained mechanics.

Heading in the other direction towards Estepona, you will find C. de Salamanca and Guarnieri selling the types of cars most can only dream of -

Maseratis, McLarens and Rolls Royces.

Another well established dealer Miguel Domenech has been selling dream cars for over two years having made the decision to relocate from his native Sevilla and considers the Costa del Sol one of the best places to sell.

“In the last six months we have seen the market getting busier and busier,” he told the Olive Press. “I was involved in the HUGE collection of original paintings is drawing art lovluxury car business in Sevilla and when the crisis hit it was ers from across the world to the gallery Novo Cuadro. at its worst, but I didn’t want to Exhibiting works from a wide range of artists – the leave the high end of the marmajority of which are local – Novo Cuadro aspires to ket.” bring works of great artists closer to its coastal cliSo what is Miguel’s dream car entele. for the Costa del Sol? “Well, I The leading dealers and promoters of art in Spain exdrive to Sevilla a lot so for me hibit works from both emerging and acclaimed artit has to be something practical ists. like an Audi A4 or A6 Avant.

Novo Cuadro - recently opening a new gallery in Marbella “The most popular cars among - also crafts and designs all their artisanal frames in their my clients however are the workshop to add the finishing touches to the piece.

Mercedes and BMWs. Though I For more information, call 952 662 791, or visit www.nosuppose my perfect car would vocuadro.com be a convertible Bentley!”

Window on the world

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ELPING people through the process of choosing the right medical insurance cover, liaising with local medical facilities and supporting the local community is very much a part of day-to-day life for Sue Wilson and her staff at ALC Health.

With the opening of a new office in Gibraltar next month to add to an office in

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Indeed, with all of the company’s staff being expatriates themselves, ALC Health understands better than most what it’s like to be living overseas and

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Since the visit of Michelle Obama, the old town of Marbella has become a hive for some of Andalucia’s top dining… and some amazing shops to boot

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HE morning had started early - at 5am - with dozens of Spanish police joining over 100 American special agents, sent to Marbella to guard the President’s wife.

No-one was taking chances and every manhole cover in the old town had been lifted to carefully check for bombs in advance of the arrival of Michelle Obama in August 2010.

Bristling with nerves, the area’s narrow cobbled streets were combed by a phalanx of plain-clothed policemen, while shopkeepers and waiters waited for Marbella’s most famous visitor for years.

Considering the number of sites in Spain that President Obama’s wife could have visited, it was a genuine honour that she chose the centre of Marbs.

But, it was entirely justified along with further visits to Ronda and Sevilla - and it was to become the start of a total rejuvenation of easily the Costa del Sol’s prettiest historic centres.

Surrounded by the bright lights and modern buildings of most of Marbella, the old town comes as a real shock to the system.

In fact, driving into Marbella it is actually quite easy to miss the old town entirely.

But miss it at your peril, for its winding white-washed streets and pots bursting with colourful geraniums make it feel like the most traditional of Andalucian pueblos.

And like most Spanish historic centres, wandering aimlessly

Feria time

Presidential material GAMECHANGER: Michelle Obama’s visit to Marbella helped to trigger its rejuvenation

is the most rewarding way to explore.

Ultimately, all roads lead to the Plaza de los Naranjos – or Orange Square - the beating heart of Marbella’s old town (see above).

Dating from 1485, the square is named after the orange trees that act as parasols (alongside many actual orange parasols) offering shade for the many cafes and restaurants.

Frescos

It is a lovely spot to while away an hour with its renaissance fountain - built in 1604 - still running and the orange blossom delightful when in bloom.

Built after the Christian conquest of the city from the Moors, the square was designed to be the urban hub.

Besides the typical Andalucian houses, three historic buildings have their home on the square: the Casa Consistorial, the Casa del Corregidor and the Ermita de Santiago (Hermitage of St James).

The Casa Consistorial, constructed in 1568, currently houses the town hall.

Its wrought iron balconies look out over the square, while in-

MARBELLA will come alive for partygoers for the annual feria y fiestas de San Bernabe next month.

Colourful canvas marquees, called casetas, line the streets, playing host to the week-long fiesta from June 9-14.

This year the celebrations – organised by the town hall – will feature a whole host of parades and concerts.

These range from performances from winner of TV show ‘The Voice’, David Barrul, to enormous processions winding through the old town.

A full schedule of events and performances for the feria can be downloaded from the town hall’s website: www.marbella.es/fiestas

side are Mudejar-style torches and embellishments, and painted frescos.

The Renaissance-style palace Casa del Corregidor dates from 1552, while the Ermita de Santiago – built at the end of the 15th century - actually predates the plaza.

Branching away from the square are several idyllic Andalucian streets. The Calle Remedios, the Calle San Cristobal and the Calle de los Dolores are all worth exploring.

You could spend hours wandering the little backstreets – and the superb range of sweet independent shops have great browsing appeal.

Some of the best are the charming Toy Shop, run by Joe Cayetano, in Calle Nueva, which is in fact three shops selling exclusive and brilliant handmade toys.

It is an Aladdin’s cave of charming old toys and musical boxes, as well, and will enchant children and adults alike.

Make sure not to miss Déjà Vu, a vintage clothing shop on Calle Pedraza, which was established in 1997.

It is a beautiful shop with a great choice of high-end designer vintage stock on offer, including Hermes, Gucci, Dior and Chanel. Déjà vu will also sell your luxury or vintage items.

Another top boutique is Jacaranda which opened last year in Calle Remedios.

It is a great boutique selling great fashion at reasonable prices. You can buy Cavalli scarves, leather bags, beautiful dresses and brands such as Naf Naf and Morgan.

Finally make sure to pop into the newest delicatessen and champagne bar La Santa on Calle Plaza Puente Ronda.

Recently opened by three local Spaniards, it has a great position and sells a superb range of products, from fine wines to top hams and cheeses.

Exclusive picture by Jon Clarke

DAILY OFFERINGS: Fresh fare at Tempora

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Once a scruffy haunt for tacky souvenirs and pickpockets... now Marbella old town has become one of Andalucia’s true references for eating out

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HERE has been a quiet revolution in the heart of the old town of Marbella.

Not just in its appearance and shops, but in its incredible range of good places to

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A revo in ta

eat.

As well as its very own Michelin-starred restaurant Skina, the centre has one of the finest concentrations of good restaurants in Andalucia.

Charming, candle-lit and offering increasing quality, the days when you could get away with serving any old muck are well and truly over.

GALLIC FLAIR: Cassanis Indeed, there are easily half a dozen fabulous restaurant in Rosario, the couple places to eat in the old town, each offering its have invested heavily in making own style and flavour. this a true secret in Marbella.

Without a doubt though, the godfather of the Set around a stunning courtyard, centre has to be Cassanis, now over a decade the menu is a trawl through all old and consistently reinventing itself. the Greek classics you can name.

Set up by your perfect host Guy Sirre, who forBut you would be highly recommerly worked for the Sultan of Brunei, it is conmended to try the plate of mixed stantly refining its cuisine and coming up with starters, which at €11 is incrednew recipes. ible value and includes a wonderSet in a typical Andalucian townhouse – based ful display of dishes, including around an evocative patio – there is a very disstuffed vine leaves. tinct ambience at work.

I also enjoyed the traditional Its head chef Fabian Cangas beef steak of has been at the helm since day mincemeat one, but frequently takes time stuffed with out to train at different restauA carpaccio of feta cheese rants around the world. grouper in a ‘tigers and red pepAnd equally rated (consistently per and served ranking well on Trip Advisor and milk’ sauce, with with tomato, with a certificate of excellence cress, rocket, ginger, rice and Greek award) is the Orange Tree. yoghurt and Owned by former hedge fund lime and garlic vegetables. manager Irene Maher and her The wine list husband Tunisian Faik Ammar, was surpristheir chefs herald from around ingly good, with some chestnuts the world and certainly know how to cook. from around the world, including Between them, they have put together a solid a bottle of Italian Prosecco at mix of dishes that weigh heavily towards quality €21, a half bottle of French rose ingredients and value.

Minuty at €26 and even a Greek Menu’s change every couple of months, but red Rapsani, which was a pleasthere is always home-cooked bread, such as ant surprise. walnut and five spice foccacia, and a good mix Another fanof starters, including pan fried lamb’s liver with tastic new puy lentils and bacon, or chicken liver and pistaaddition to chio pate with ciabatta toasts. the Marbella Mains include the signature dish of Irish beef in dining scene a fricassee of wild mushrooms and set on a bed is Italian of spinach and champ mash. The knob of black Casa Tua truffle butter was the perfect final flourish. in a charmDuring the day you might want to try its sister ing cobbled restaurant La Muralla, which sits in picturstreet with esque Plaza de la Iglesia. pretty candle-lit tables.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout Opened by Adriano and his wife the Summer, it is ideal for post or pre-wedding CREATIVE: At popular Orange Tree Catherine last year, the Irishdrinks, canapés and tapas… or just to watch the Italian couple, who have two world go by. kids Viviana and Massimo, have travelled the some clever ideas, such as the recycled Another fantastic new arrival, which has recentworld running restaurants in Italy, Ireland and wood planting boxes. ly opened just beside the historic centre is Yathe US. The menu is a nice mix of Italian classic mas, possibly the only - and certainly the best They certainly have a lovely eye for detail and some original twists like the buffalo moz - Greek restaurant on the coast. the restaurant is stylish in the extreme, using deep fried and in tomato sauce. A lemonSet up by Kulis and Hayley, who previously ran a ed ricotta cheese ‘fagottino’ was cream delicious, while the fresh scallops with c went down a treat. And, as you would expe tiramisu pudding was the icing on the cak Last, but anything but least, is the splend

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arbella

olution aste SPLENDID: Waiter with amuse bouches at Tempora (above) and (left) boss Kulis talks diners through his mixed starter dish at Yamas

STYLISH: New delicatessan La Santa pallet-

cs with zarella, -scentmy and chorizo ect, the ke. did res-

taurant Tempora, which just gets better and better, all thanks to its very capable Peruvian chef Aldo Espinosa, a Cordon Bleu trained whizkid, who understands freshness and spices more than most.

In one of the most delicious meals tasted in Marbella, I started with a wonderful carpaccio of grouper in a ‘tigers milk’ sauce, which is cress, rocket, ginger, lime and garlic.

Next up, was the highly original ‘crunchy apple’, which was two slices of dried apple cooked in the oven with a dollop of parmesan in the middle and caramelized with ginger and a king prawn.

The presa Iberica with mushrooms and a lick of truffle in a red pepper sauce was one of the most delicious main courses imaginable.

A fresh, passion fruit compote to finish was original, tangy and a surefire winner.

There was a great wine list and owner Andres, from Madrid, has catering in his veins, having worked his way up from being a waiter at the age of 14 to running restaurants in Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

It was no surprise to find the place busy from arrival at 8pm to 10.30pm when new diners continued to arrive. Make sure you book.

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ll about

arbella

PUCKERING UP: TOWIE stars bring the big bucks

T

HE high-spending UK party crowd could bring in as much as 20% of Marbella’s income from tourism, believes nightclub mogul Neil Acland.

The boss of nightclub Sleek explains that the partygoers, that include footballers, soap stars and the huge retinue of hangers on, bring in a steady

stream of revenue unaffected by the recession.

The group - found each weekend at Marbella hotspots also including La Sala, Aqwa mist, Nikki Beach and Ocean Club - have no concerns about spending vast sums of money.

“They spent a lot of cash whatever is going on with the

The high-spending UK party crowd is a continuous dynamo of income for Marbella believes club boss Neil Acland economy and create a lot of jobs, not to mention social security and money in licenc-

MARBELLA LUX OUT! NOWHERE does luxury better than Marbella.

The town has recently overtaken Madrid to become Spain’s second most important place to buy luxury brands, after Barcelona.

The town is now set to celebrate its fourth Marbella Luxury Weekend in Puerto Banus in June.

Over four days, between June 5 and 8, the jet set marina will be an international showcase for some of the world’s leading luxury brands with over 90 events taking place.

A floating catwalk will see collections by Custo, Bikkembergs, Swarovski and others.

Meanwhile, Porsche and Pagani will be presenting their latest models and once again there will be a luxury business forum held at upmarket La Zagaleta estate with speakers from Renfe, Telefónica, Grupo Osborne, Chanel and Amazon.

“This is a huge flow of tourists as well as an increase in employment in this sector, and all tourism related activities,” said mayoress Angeles Munoz.

es for the town hall,” says Londoner Acland, who also runs hotel Sisu.

CELEB STRENGTH: Towie stars and Aston from JLS and (below) pool party at SISU “This is a young group of 20 to 30-somethings with a lot of disposable income. They don’t get affected by the recession.”

The businessman, who previously worked in security in Denmark, explains that groups of professional footballers happily spend between ‘20,000 and 50,000 euros’ in one weekend.

Champagne

“We have just organized for one group to come here for three days and then go to Ibiza for three days with a chartered jet taking them around,” he says. “We sort out the cars, the tables, the restaurants… money is no object.”

He adds that his Puerto Banus hotel sells 5,000 bottles

of champagne and around 7,000 bottles of vodka a year.

“And around 10% of those bottles of champagne will get sprayed around,” he admits.

He also believes that Marbella is increasingly getting a reputation for its music and acts.

“It is getting increasingly more like Ibiza here with better quality music and DJs,” he continues.

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the olive press - May 28 - June 11 201437 37

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May 28 - June 11 2014

arbella

Private view no sell out

HEN John Stephenson moved to San Pedro 13 years ago and set up Andalucian Properties, 90% of buyers were British expats.

But that has all changed now, with Belgians, French, Scandinavians and many from outside Europe searching for their dream Spanish home.

And variety is certainly the spice of life for John and his wife Kathy, as they previously owned a restaurant, Andalucian Properties’ a butchers and even a nursing home John Stephenson was back in the north-east of England.

“We were on our way to Australia but all set to leave Spain thought we would spend a year in Spain first and sell our home in Nue- 13 years ago for Oz. va Andalucia before moving on,” said Now he is staying put John, 65.

However, they never made it to the as Marbella’s property home of their son down under, after market gets healthier getting hooked on the Costa del Sol and healthier, writes and the opportunities on offer.

And there has never been a better Tom Powell time than now to buy a home in the Marbella area, with John confirming Andalucian Properties mostly sell to €2 million. prices are as low as they will go and homes between Marbella and Estepo- Unsurprisingly, those homes at the na, with prices ranging from €20,000 higher end of the scale are situated in 2014 will see a slow but steady rise.

How we became number one

T

HEY had only been in Spain a couple of months, when Bryan McCavitt and Claire Cockrill bought a small flagging TV satellite business that needed some urgent investment.

With their skills in TV installation and marketing (Claire worked for leading London PR company Hill & Knowlton), they had soon stabilised the business and started to expand along the coast.

“We initially worked out of a bashed up old van and our home in Calahonda, before opening a small shop in Las Chapas,” recalls Claire. “There was enough space for one small desk and a couple of dishes.”

However over the next two years TVONE expanded fast and by 2008 it counted on five full time staff and a brand new high profile office in Puerto Banus.

“Our consistent attention to detail and great customer service led to our clients wanting much more from us – in a good way – and so our TV /Audio Video showroom was born.

“Some saw the move as risky just as the recession was beginning to bite, but we were getting so many requests for installations, TV and audio and we knew we had to expand.”

The move has paid off and today the company counts on up to 3,000 clients and a solid reputation for the greater Marbella area and further.

“Our doors are now open to anyone worried about the imminent changes to UK TV. We have solutions catered to the individual’s needs and we welcome anyone to drop in to see what’s available,” adds Claire.

the coast’s most exclusive estate, La Zagaleta, where Hugh Grant and the mayor of Moscow are known to have taken up residence (see pages 6 + 7).

John, who owns a boat in La Linea and enjoys sailing and skiing, has even dabbled in TV fame, appearing on several episodes of the BBC’s ‘Living in the Sun’ property programme.

“It was very interesting and I was very fortunate to be asked to appear on it.”

“People from across northern Europe occasionally come in and say they have seen me on the programme, it was undoubtedly good for the business.”

Beacon

The reason so many have lost faith in the area’s market, with countless demolitions and legality issues, is the number of unofficial estate agents, explained John.

“We have seen a lot of people claiming to be estate agents, but if you play the game properly and professionally then it is absolutely fine,” he said.

“It is a pity that there aren’t tighter regulations against any old person deciding to sell property.”

Nonetheless, with the economic crisis slowing down, the coast’s property market appears to be a beacon of hope.

“Over the next couple of years we will see prices slowly going back up, a natural process as the cheapest properties in an area are all sold and people are forced to move up a rung,” he said.

And no, they don’t have plans to move on from their El Paraiso home just yet, with the cliSERVICE WITH A mate, culture and ambience SMILE: Claire keeping them put.

More than money

T

HEY are the dream family team.

And Zara Gayon (above) and mum Araceli insist that they have set up their business for a lot more than just making money.

“We set up Elviria Estates with one purpose only; to enjoy our work and make as many customers as possible as friends,” said Zara.

“We hope this will lead to that magical multiplier effect where everyone feels part of our family team.”

The pair have over 40 years of experience of the Elviria area to draw on and ‘our customers and friends do not hesitate to trust us with their properties whether to sell, rent or manage them’.

Contact us at 952 831 020.

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arbella

No time to dawdle

T

HERE is no more dawdling in Marbella’s property market, as demand outstrips supply and buyers are snapping up homes at a rapid rate for the first time in years.

In order to keep up with the healthy growth, agents in the town are desperately trying to find new properties to sell.

Scandinavian agency Fastighetsbyran is looking for anybody consider-

There are simply not enough properties to satisfy the deluge of buyers now looking for a home in the Costa del Sol’s crowning jewel, according to Swedish estate agent Fastighetsbyran ing selling their property, as more and more clients get in touch.

“It’s getting harder and harder to find good, quirky properties in attractive areas,” said Sigrid Jegleim, the office manager. “And we have so many clients looking to purchase a second

The building blocks of recovery MARBELLA is leading the way out of the financial crisis, as data shows it to be streaks ahead of other towns in Andalucia.

And nowhere is the town’s rapid recovery more evident than in its thriving property market.

Indeed, property sales in Marbella last year were more than three times that of any of the region’s main cities, with 21.9 sales per 1,000 inhabitants.

In comparison, Sevilla sales were just 6.75 per 1,000.

As well as booming secondhand sales, there has been a dramatic rise of requested building permits, leaping from 1,660 to 2,539 in the past four years.

Boss of local accountancy and legal firm Fideso, Douglas Goullet has seen some spectacular growth this year so far.

“In terms of property sales I reckon we have seen up to

home or permanent residence here right now.”

She explained that two and three bedroom properties, facing southwest and with a terrace, are all the rage at the moment, particularly with their primarily Swedish clientele.

The Swedish firm, with nine offices in Spain and three of them on this coast, set up in Marbella in 2010 and was taken over by new owners in March 2013, just as the area’s property market was beginning to recover from the biggest slump in recent history.

ALL SMILES: A great time to buy “I believe it is a wonderful time to be buying,” added Sigrid, who has worked in Spain since 2002 but moved to Fastighetsbyran in 2012.

First-class

30% growth this year,” he explains. “Marbella is really coming back and I reckon in a year’s time it will be nicely consolidated and money will start trickling down to the

man on the street.”

The Bolivian, who grew up in Marbella attending EIC school, gave a development in the Sierra Blanca as an example of how fast the market

is moving.

“Of the 40 units being built, 80% of them have been pre-sold and each of them costs from one million upwards.”

“The market is moving a lot.

Properties are being sold, people are making decisions a lot faster than previous years and prices are beginning to rise.”

At the moment, Nueva Andalucia and San Pedro are the most popular areas, because of their close proximity to Marbella, great beaches and of course Malaga airport.

Not to mention the numerous first-class golf courses on their doorstep, a major draw for many prospective buyers.

Top of the range homes in Nueva Andalucia are selling for as much as €2 million.

Although a lot still depends on the Spanish banking situation and wider economic recovery, for now Marbella’s property market has defnitely got the wind back in its sails.

40

the olive press - May 28 - June 11 2014

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43

Zen and the art of a good night’s sleep

H

WHERE TO STAY

IGH in the hills, in one of the most privileged spots in Marbella sits one of Andalucia’s most stunning boutique hotels.

A true oasis of calm, the Marbella Heights Hotel is certainly appropriately-named, with its stunning views across the Mediterranean as far as Gibraltar and even Morocco.

This Zen-like retreat, run by charming host Mercedes from Valladolid, comprises five well appointed rooms.

But the real charm is the amazing garden, surrounded by nature, where you relax on deep sofas or sunbeds beside the alluring pool.

Meals can be cooked by order and the breakfasts are a real treat.

Another excellent place to stay is The Urban Villa, a boutique retreat with five stunning suites, also above the city of Marbella.

This luxury residence is a haven of peace with each suite individually furnished with a great sense of creativity combining traditional style with an artistic modern twist.

CHILL OUT: At Marbella Heights Some even count on their own saunas and Jacuzzis.

For those however, looking to be in the heart of the action, close to all the clubs and bars on Puerto Banus, you must definitely take a look at Sisu.

Footballers

Recently taken over by British businessman Neil Acland, he has spent millions creating a string of stunning suites, stylish and comfortable in the extreme.

But you are here really for the scene and, in particular, partying around the pool area which is usually buzzing in summer with fantastic music, celebrities and footballers partying into the early hours.

There is also a new chef poached from Nikki Beach and food is served 24 hours a day.

And new for this summer, the hotel now counts on an amazing rooftop terrace, with jacuzzis and views to die for. Even better there is a huge screen perfect for watching the next World Cup match.

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Capital WHERE TO EAT

QUALITY: Chefs at Japanese joint Takumi

Marbella is Andalucia’s fine dining capital, writes Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke

A Thai with a twist

A

place has a flavour of the Orient.

The meal began with a bang with the Thai tapas selection, which oozed authenticity.

The platters appeared to be overflowing with colour and flavour, including sticky sa- HOT: Tom tay skewers, crunchy samosas and sumpPowell tuous prawn toasts. All complemented by enjoys four sublime sauces, including a smoky a true semi-spicy and a sweet chili. taste of Thick, juicy criss-cross squid, flavoured deliThailand cately with chili and smothered in generous dollops of aioli, also went down a treat. etables, namely pak choi.

The mains were stylishly presented, with The curries looked and tasted sublime too, big helpings of sticky rice to offset the heat both the melt-in-your-mouth salmon and of the meat and vegetables. the exotic Thai yellow chicken.

While my Kaprow – As the last strip of beef disappeared from stir-fried beef with my plate I thought I couldn’t possibly eat chili and basil - was any more, but I’m glad I chose otherwise. tender and tasty, Because the chocolate brownie that came it certainly packed for dessert was so much more than an orWine Shop and Delicatessan a kick, demanding dinary brownie.

Order your favourite wine serious amounts of It was simply delicious. Soft, sticky, nutty, best quality & prices liquid to cool down the texture was mouthwatering and its my tongue! relationship with the sweet cinnamon ice distribution from Across the table, cream tasted like true love on my tongue.

Torremolinos to Sotogrande Pla Pad Khing - Especially with the extra addition of more monkfish with gin- cool strawberries, bringing the whole dinCAN’T FIND THAT WINE? ger – also earned ing experience full circle and rounding off Wine searching service available rave reviews. It too a wonderful afternoon in a tranquil setting.

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GLASS of champagne, furnished with ice cold strawberry slices, you could certainly call it a Thai with a twist.

Sitting by the beach, under shady palms and with a series of tranquil water features - well pools really - the setting could however, easily be Koh Samui.

It was little surprise to learn that the restaurant is the brainchild of Claire Strutton, who spends considerable time on the Thai island with fiance Ian Radford, the La Sala group’s chairman.

The word ‘sala’ actually means a wooden pavilion in Thai and everything about the

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May 28 - June 11 2014

of food WHERE TO EAT

C

omprising half the Michelin-starred restaurants in Andalucia, it is fair to say that Marbella is the region’s food capital.

Aside from the trio of Michelinhonoured establishments – El Lago, Skina and Dani Garcia’s new place at the Puente Romano Hotel– there are at least half a dozen more that come close to deserving the plaudits.

The town’s most famous chef Garcia, who has two Michelin stars, agrees.

“Marbella just keeps getting better and better and the real tragedy is that it is not being properly rewarded for its great cooking and variety,” explained Garcia, who grew up in the town, before studying at the top-rated cookery school La Consula in Malaga.

In terms of variety, Marbella certainly takes some beating with up to 50 different nationalities represented in the town from Greek to Vietnamese and

Thai to Japanese.

“You have just about every style you can think of,” explains Japanese restaurant owner Alvaro Arbeloa at Takumi. “But most of all, whatever restaurant you open, if the quality is not good enough you will not survive.”

This boils down to the fact that Marbella locals - and tourist salike - expect quality and are not scared to pay for it.

“There is nowhere else around, where the clientele is so well off and so demanding for quality,” continues Arbeloa, who previously ran a restaurant in Mallorca with his Japanese partner Toshio, before opening in 2011 just off the Golden Mile.

Without a doubt, one of the businessmen making the biggest waves in the food stakes these days is Ian Radford.

The former professional squash player has been constantly adding to his La Sala

ELEGANT: La Trattoria and (inset) its brasaola

LIGHT LUNCH: Boss Douglas at Cafe de Ronda brand over the last six years.

With a series of famous backers, including footballers David Bentley, Stephen Carr and Shay Given, he has been able to create two of the town’s landmark restaurants; La Sala in Puerto Banus and Rincon de la Sala in San Pedro.

And now the group has a third La Sala by the Sea, a fantastic Thai restaurant in the old Buddha Beach site, near Puerto Banus. (See review left).

The original La Sala on the way up to the Nueva Andalucia bull ring is probably the most talked about eaterie in Marbella. Certainly abroad.

This is the place to find the ‘ladies who lunch’, the movers and shakers, celebrities, footballers and the wealthy empresarios who make Marbella what it is.

An emporium of glass and seductive lighting, its real strength though, lies in its wood-decked terrace, that serves as the ideal tourist sun-deck.

Oh, and the food, is surprisingly good too, with a superb range of classic dishes with a contemporary twist.

Just around the corner is another fantastic offering if it is Italian food you are after.

Opening last year La Trattoria is the brainchild of capable restaurateur Paolo, who spent ten years working in Tarifa before switching to Marbella.

Claiming to be the ‘best and most authentic’ Italian in Marbella, it is an elegant place, in a great location for parking.

There is no doubt his fresh pastas and salads are among the best on the coast.

Tipple

I was particularly keen though on a plate of wafer thin brasaola, which came with delicious burrata mozzarella which is flown in especially every week by a friend of Paolo’s in Puglia.

A plate of maltagliati (rough cut pappadella pasta) with truffle shavings and parmesan was amazing… and so was the wine list by the way if you fancy a decent tipple.

On that front, you must try out the new wine emporium D Wine in Puerto Banus. Just on your left before you reach San Pedro this amazing spot not only has 3,500 different wines on offer, which you can drink at a great price with your meal, but it has 32 different wines to try by the glass.

An amazing investment, this really is one for the wine buffs and the food is also a decent range of top quality steaks and many other dishes all pulled together by a talented Japanese chef who previously trained at Kabuki at Finca Cortesin, in Casares.

Another great place to drink wines with fine food is at the long-time rated Albert & Simon restaurant in San Pedro.

The brothers Albert and Simon, appropriately, took over the baton from their father, who had one of Marbella’s first Michelinstarred restaurants.

Continues on Page 47

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la sala by the Sea

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White & Gold Dinner Party with Live Music and Entertainment

Purchase your tickets now for La Sala by the Sea's Gold and White Dinner Party

on June 6th at 9pm Gold and White ticket holders will be able to enjoy the fantastic entertainment and live music showcase throughout the evening, including free entrance to Aqwa Mist Nightclub

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This includes a bottle of Laurent Perrier per table of four, water and soft drinks plus a threecourse set menu consisting of a Mixed Thai Tapas starter, followed by Chateaubriand or Fresh Sea Bass Marinated in Ginger and Soy (Vegetarian option also available). To finish we have our fabulous La Sala Dessert Platter and Tea or Coffee

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To purchase your tickets call 95 281 3882 or visit La Sala, or La Sala by the Sea in Puerto Banus

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www.theolivepress.es ll about

arbella

May 28 - June 11 2014

JUST FOR STARTERS

From page 45

In terms of quality it is very hard to beat and the French culinary talent is all too obvious.

There is an excellent wine list to boot, with some chestnuts from all over France. (See page 59 for a full review).

Staying with the French flair, you must try Casa Mono just off the Golden Mile, where Guy Sirre, who is actually Belgium, has created a very stylish and delicious spot for lunch.

This is perhaps no surprise, Sirre coming to Marbella, via a career straddling Michelin-starred restaurants in France, London and San Francisco, not to mention a decade working as the Sultan of Brunei’s interior designer.

Changing the menu frequently, there is some distinct Gallic flair at play here, so expect to find vol au vents, parmesan souffles, bouillabaisse soup, as well as white veal sweetbreads and a great duck terrine, served with crisp biscuits and fresh bread.

There are always a number of specials on the board such as scallops with green chopped asparagus, beans, morel and

TEAMWORK: The guys at Yanx with boss David behind

Dining secrets

trumpet mushrooms and cherry tomatoes, served in a lobster sauce with cod roe.

Literally next door and completely different in style is the extremely popular Cafe de Ronda, run by successful local businessman Douglas Goullet, who also owns Fideso accountancy and legal firm.

Cruelty-free

A long-time fixture on the Costa del Sol, you will find a decent mixed menu and now a special set lunch for under €10 thanks to a joint venture with Relais de Paris, serving its ‘sauce originale’ with a lovely entrecote steak and classic French fries.

It is usually full of businessmen for lunch and is also known for its amazing eggs Benedict, as well as its steaks and fresh salads with fresh buffalo mozzarella and fresh tomatoes.

EMBLEMATIC: Terrace at La Sala

For similarly tasty fare, head to Yanx in Centro Plaza in Nueva Andalucia, which is a superb American-style diner nearly 20 years old.

If burgers, ribs or chicken wings are what you are after, then you will find no better in town.

Fanatical about quality, its genial expat owner David Fisher is insistent on using as many cruelty-free ingredients as possible, including humanely raised chicken, without antibiotics or unnecesary chemicals.

He is also set to open a new section at the other side of the restaurant serving more delicatessen-style takeaway fare.

Finally if it is a great beach restaurant you are after then look no further than The Beach House, sitting on lovely Monteros beach, in Elviria.

It has become one of the key references of the Marbella scene over the last decade.

With an adventurous head chef Jeff Mynott and a boss Guy McCrow who works hard to constantly improve the quality of food and ambiance, you will be hard pressed to find anywhere better for lunch or supper.

Finally, in the heart of the old

TWO exciting new restaurants are opening in June.

The first is Le Petit Bistro, a French restaurant opening in Nueva Andalucia.

The rustic French bistro combines the finest, fresh produce with a hint of ‘Je ne sais quoi.’

There will be a big attention to flavours and detail, served up in relaxed intimacy with favourites including snails in garlic, frogs legs and coq au vin.

Even more ambitious is exciting new joint The Boardwalk, which opens on the Paseo in Marbella (next to Garum). It is offering casual beachside dining in contemporary surroundings with diners enjoying everything from breakfast and cakes to freshly baked pizzas and traditional English afternoon tea.

The impressive menu features timeless classics including prawn pil pil and Thai chicken laksa with pak choi. To receive an invitation to The Boardwalk Opening Party email media@theboardwalkmarbella.com. town of Marbella you have a huge range of places to eat and the choice keeps getting better.

The best include Tempora, Cassanis, Casa Tua and The Orange Tree (see our article on pages 32 + 33).

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IV Edici贸n/Edition 5-8 Junio/June 2014

www.marbellaluxuryweekend.com

Marbella

hacia

Property

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Spanish plea for homes

AN IMPASSIONED plea from a local Spanish restaurateur may help to prevent the demolition of hundreds of homes in the Axarquia region.

Antonio Martin, owner of restaurant Meson Sara, in Puente de Don Manuel, received rapturous applause as he told a politicallycharged meeting how important expats were to the region.

The Spanish businessman told a meeting between pressure group Save Our Homes Axarquia (SOHA) and senior members of the PSOE socialist party that if it was not for them, many local businesses would ‘undoubtedly’ have failed.

It was the first time politicians had met with the group, with around 300

Restaurateur makes passionate defence of the thousands of irregular homes in the Axarquia region, writes Imogen Calderwood

members present at the meeting.

Philip Smalley, chairman of SOHA, explained: “The words of our guests (from the PSOE) suggested they felt that they were at the beginning of a long and difficult process which is strange as we have been fighting this fight for almost 10 years!”

“One of the problems we face is the merry-go-round of new faces at the Junta.

PROTEST: SOHA want the law on property changed

“Each year or so someone new takes over the ministry and the dialogue begins again.

“At least they have signaled to us that they are prepared to talk. I hope they do.”

Malaga sells more

Pressure group SOHA formed in January 2008 to fight against the demolition of hundreds of Axarquia homes after they were declared illegal.

The group demands that the law in Andalucia be changed to protect innocent homeowners who bought their homes in good faith.

HOME sales in Malaga province have risen 6% in the first quarter of this year, compared to the same period last year.

From January to March a total of 5,587 homes were sold in the province, up from 5,263 in 2013, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE).

The increase bucks the national trend, which reRISING: Malaga home sales corded a 14.4% decrease.

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To buy or not to buy (property in Spain through a company)

O

NE of the most frequently asked questions we hear at Terra Meridiana (apart from the old winter favourite: ‘Why isn’t it sunny today?’) is: when is it advisable to own property through a company, rather than as an individual?

To get the best possible answer, we talked to Álvaro Villar Núñez, tax and legal partner at UHY Fay & Co. The company has been in business for 30 years in Marbella, employs 185 advisors, auditors, and lawyers in 11 locations nationwide, and provides accounting, legal, and tax services to all kinds and sizes of client.

The simple answer, Álvaro smiles, is it depends on what the client wants.

Traditionally, British clients, especially wellheeled ones, favoured companies to acquire property in Spain, whereas Spanish clients preferred to retain assets in their own names. Part of this had to do with different rules applying to non-resident and resident individuals and companies alike, but as Álvaro notes, today, there’s no real difference between either, in most cases, and little advantage to be gained.

Three considerations are most often cited for buying a property through a company in Spain: privacy, tax mitigation and succession.

The first, Álvaro says, is no longer worth considering -- ‘Opacity is disappearing’, he points out – as the advent of anti-moneylaundering and anti-terrorism-financing legislation in 2010 means notaries now need to confirm the identity of every individual behind even the most private of companies.

The second factor – paying as little tax as possible while complying with the law – is

much of a muchness, as what one saves in one place, another almost inevitably takes. For resident sellers, capital gains tax can be avoided by reinvesting 100% of any proceeds made from the sale of a primary residence within two years. If all proceeds are not reinvested, however, you can be liable for tax on the difference, depending on your status and when the profit was made.

Spanish companies – 98% of which are private limited companies (sociedades limitadas, or S.L), Álvaro says – pay a flat tax rate of 30% on non-reinvested capital gains.

Resident individuals pay income tax (Renta) on earnings in any given fiscal year. If a property is bought and sold in a 12-month period, and proceeds not reinvested, that could mean up to 56% tax in Andalucia and Catalunya. If earnings are spread over various years, and not reinvested, tax used to be charged at 21%. Since 2012, a sliding scale of up to 27% has applied.

For non-resident sellers, who logically do not maintain their principal residence in

The Property Insider by Adam Neale

Spain, international double-taxation treaties mean you may not pay that much tax here – charged at a flat 21% on individual or company capital gains – on any profits made, but you will likely end up paying more where you are tax domiciled.

The final consideration, succession, is one where owning property through an S.L. can limit exposure to tax. For most individuals resident in Spain, the average inheritance tax levied is 15%, although larger estates and less beneficiaries may push the rate up. For companies, beneficiaries who fulfil all the legal requirements can be up to 99% exempt from taxation, allowing companies to continue using property for business purposes.

In Álvaro’s opinion, the most compelling case to use a company to own property in Spain is when the asset, or assets, in question are of significant size and, de facto, function as a company would do on an everyday basis. For example, large estates that have full-time employees, earn rental income, or incur sizeable outgoings, are all legitimate examples of economic activity and could write costs off against earnings to reduce tax on profit.

In short, every client should decide what suits their interests best, but bigger clients with larger portfolios may be better advised to consider owning property through a company. That’s not to say those with more modest budgets and less going on cannot explore corporate ownership, too.

In any event, the use of an expert tax advisor is highly advisable when considering the best way forward, Álvaro adds. And, for UHY Fay & Co., he insists, “There’s no such thing as a small client.”

Terra Meridiana. 77 Calle Caridad, 29680 Estepona. Tel: +34 951 318480. Office Mob: +34 678 452109 Email: info@terrameridiana.com. http://www.terrameridiana.com

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the olive press - May 28 - June 11 201451 51

The Olive Press fortnightly business section taking a look at the Spanish economy and offering tips on how to save AND make money

Pensioners facing Hacienda tax grab THE Spanish tax agency has launched investigations into more than 27,000 retired expats and returned Spanish nationals for failing to declare their pensions from abroad.

Finance Minister Cristobal Montoro said the retirees are ‘not being treated as fraudsters’ and that his agency will ‘avoid harming the financial position of those affected’ as far as possible.

New data shows grim truth behind the stats

TOURIST destinations are the most poverty-stricken areas in Spain, according to a new map that completely rewrites the official figures.

Previously, the cost of living has been ignored when measuring poverty levels in Spain’s autonomous communities.

Taking this additional factor into account, the map turns the established view

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But the agency does intend to implement repayment measures.

Socialist party spokesman Antonio Hurtado believes, however, that it is unfair to treat pensioners as criminals, considering 30,000 fraudsters benefitted from a tax amnesty in 2012.

He said their only crime is having been misinformed by the Inland Revenue regarding the treatment of their pension

abroad.

“The fight against fraud is focusing on the people who are actually contributing to the economy and not where there really is a major fraud,” he concluded.

According to Finance Minister Montoro, the percentage of the group being investigated is actually ‘very small’, compared to the 800,000 actions undertaken by the agency last year.

Remapping poverty of Spain’s financial situation on its head, showing a much harsher reality.

Areas previously thought of as wealthy, such as the Costa del Sol, are shown to be among the poorest in Spain.

Professor Elena Lasarte, from the Laboratory of Regional Economic Analysis

at the University of Oviedo, said: “The rates of poverty are higher when we take into account the cost of living in each territory.

Economics

“Areas where rent is increasing and amenities are more expensive, such as popular

POVERTY: Affecting All tourist destinations, have a much higher incidence of poverty than normally estimated.

“In Barcelona, for example, a salary may be higher. But if you compare this with the significantly higher cost of living, the economic situation is the same that you might find in somewhere like Castilla la Mancha.”

Professor Lasarte added: “One of the most obvious lessons in this is that the way poverty is measured is hiding the reality. It’s a very relevant part of the problem.”

CHANGES: Maps show percentage before and after cost of living added

BUSINESS IN BRIEF China town CHINESE visitors to Spain continue to surge, with a 24.7% increase in the first quarter of 2014, making the country second only to Japan.

Privatise AVE SPAIN is set to privatise a part of its high-speed rail service AVE by the beginning of June, ending Renfe’s 73-year-old monopoly. The first route will be from Madrid to Valencia.

Happy holidaymakers SPAIN received 15.3 million foreign tourists between January and April this year, a 9.2% increase over the first four months of 2013.

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Road to Riches, by Richard Alexander

I

F you have a current account in Gibraltar, you may have been notified by your bank or building society that they are closing down. You will need a new current account.

I have been contacted by a number of people in this position – with more than one organisation – so it may be a growing problem. For tax residents in Spain in this situation, it can be difficult to find an alternative.

The Spanish banking experience is ‘mixed’ at best. The most common complaints I hear are that bank charges are unreasonably high (and levied on most transactions) and that transferring currency from Sterling to Euros can be slow, with poor rates.

Ironically, competition between current accounts in the UK is hotting up, with a number of new accounts promising competitive rates of interest on small balances – 4% in one case.

However, if you are planning to open a UK account to resolve the problem in Gibraltar, you may find this door is closed to you, unless you still have a UK address. Even then it may not be the ideal solution.

There is not an easy answer to this problem but I would be interested to hear from any readers who have a good experience in this respect, that we can share with others. Emails to Richard@ra-fp. com please.

In the meantime, review the options available and identify what you need to achieve with your banking. Perhaps you just need access to a cash machine, but

Current account crisis on the Rock

if you are regularly transferring money from the UK – your pension or annuity – and this is paid in Sterling, you could consider opening an account with a Foreign Exchange specialist. They will give you an excellent rate of exchange and may also be able to introduce you to a local bank on preferential terms.

Even if you don’t have the current account problem at the moment but you are regularly exchanging money, you could do well to open this type of ac-

count, as the rate of exchange will be stronger than your bank can offer.

Take, for example, sending your pension of £750 per-month through the bank. At current rates of exchange, you should be getting something like €925, but via your bank this could be cut down to €890.

You may say that €35 is a small amount, but over time, it adds up.

That’s more than €400 each year you could be wasting – food for thought at the very least.

Richard Alexander Financial Planning Limited is an appointed representative of L J Financial Planning Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK. Contact him at Richard@ra-fp.com

Market mumbles with Mark Rickard

Not ‘poles’ apart

Europe was in line with the UK when this weekend much of it voted against the EU

A

LL of last week I found myself discussing the differences between the economies of Europe and the UK. Mainly it was in relation to the UK’s ability to manoeuvre quickly, adjusting to fiscal and consumer needs.

Whereas in Europe, the European Central Bank (ECB) struggles to generate enough steam and confidence among the member states to encourage spending… and build an inflationary environment and growth!

However, when it comes to voting on Europe, it seems the UK public and French voters are of the same mind, showing their true colours and feelings on the Eurozone.

Outside political parties like UKIP (and the National Front in France) were strongly favoured for their totally sceptical views on the European vision for the future and their central policy making in Brussels.

Is this another thorn in the Euro’s side, as it struggles to shrug off deflationary conditions?

This Week: UK

lWednesday 10am CBI Distributive Trades Survey May

previous 30 m/m lFriday 00.05am Gfk Consumer Confidence May previous -3 lFriday 9.30am Net Lending to Individuals Apr previous £2.9bn m/m

Europe

lWednesday 8.55am German Unemployment Rate May previous 6.7 lWednesday 10am Business Climate Index May previous 0.27 lWednesday 10am Economic Confidence May previous 102.0

US

lThursday 1.30pm Q1 GDP previous 0.1% q/q

lThursday 3pm Pending

Home Sales Apr previous -7.9% y/y lFriday 1.30pm Personal Spending previous 0.9% m/m lFriday 2.45pm Chicago PMI May previous 63 lFriday 2.55pm Michigan Consumer Sentiment May 81.9

Contact HiFX to help you with your international transactions, call in at Centro Plaza, call 951 203 986 or email olivepress@hifx.co.uk

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May 28 - June 11 2014

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54 54 the olive press - May 28 - June 11 2014

The Insurance Doctor

Beat the bank bullies Should your bank be allowed

T

HE banking industry has been firmly in the spotlight of late, and many people – myself included – agree it deserves a large portion of the blame for the financial crisis.

The ‘culture of greed’, combined with an absence of morality and a clear decision by the banks to place the interests of their shareholders above those of their clients, have spelt disaster for families and businesses worldwide.

In recent years, the banks in Spain have been less active in their traditional roles – taking deposits and making loans to customers – and increasingly focussed on secondary activities, such as ‘selling’ insurance products to their client base.

Here is the big question... Does the client get value for money when they are obliged to buy their insurance from their bank?

A recent report published by INESE and Global Actuarial compares the premiums and coverage of yearly renewable-term life assurance offered by banks and insurers in 2014. The report concludes that the banking sector’s rates are significantly higher than those of the insurance companies.

The biggest differences – often in excess of 30% – were to be found in the 30-year-old age group, where for a limit of €120.000 the average bank premium was €240.28, compared to €152.85 from dedicated insurers.

Our personal experience at Op de Beeck & Worth indicates that the same tends to be true when it comes to banks selling home insurance to their customers, with the added complication that often the client ends up with a policy that does not provide the cover they actually require.

Despite this, banks have become increasingly aggressive at ‘forcing’ insurance policies onto their clients.

This begs a further question. Can your bank ever oblige you to buy insurance with them?

The answer is no, they cannot, but they will still ‘try it on’ regardless.

If you find yourself on the receiving end of cold-

to hard-sell you insurance?

selling tactics, the best thing to do is to ask for the bank to put in writing the fact that you are obliged to buy insurance from them. You will see how suddenly their tactics change. Suddenly, you will regain your freedom of choice to buy your insurance from the provider you prefer, opposed to being pushed around by your bank.

I advise you also ask your bank questions like this: “Who am I going to deal with in the event of a claim? Will the person I deal with speak English? Will I have a personal contact or simply be dispatched by a call centre?”

Established

Insurance contracts are complex products that should never be imposed on clients. An insurance contract should result from a detailed analysis and understanding of the client’s requirements. Only then can the policy be expected to respond reliably when the insured event occurs. This requires knowledge, experience, and above all, an independent approach.

I personally think that if you are seeking independent insurance advice, you should contact an established, authorised and fully-regulated insurance broker who can recommend the package that best suits your requirements. After all, if you had a health problem you would not make an appointment with the butcher!

Your insurance broker should be one of your key advisers, along with your accountant, lawyer and doctor. Your broker is licensed, regulated and meets all ongoing educational requirements to ensure that the client receives expert unbiased advice.

Whether it’s finding the best coverage at the best price, or negotiating a claim on your behalf, your broker helps you to protect your family, your possessions and your business.

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AGONY ANT YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED

B

ALANCING freedom of expression and the right to privacy is probably one of the most complicated tasks for judges.

After all, newspapers can cause irreparable damage, and yet derive commercial benefit in doing so, when publishing stories on people.

At the same time, free press and particularly, serious investigative journalism, is absolutely necessary in any healthy democratic society.

Most probably as a result of decades of censorship under Franco, Spanish courts have a tendency to favour freedom of information over the right to privacy in libel cases.

This is however not the case with sensationalist journalism, where a recent Supreme Court ruling – involving a model turned actress - has made it expensive to indulge in writing excessively intimate, salacious and insufficiently researched or insulting stories.

Let’s look at some recent popular cases:· l1 Interviu magazine was ordered to pay actress Elsa Pataky for photographing her breasts when caught furtively in a re-

Keeping the balance Antonio Flores on the needs to balance privacy with press freedom

mote beach in Mexico, in a photo shoot for Elle magazine (which happened to be taking the ‘official’ photos of her from behind).

The court ruled that although the person was deemed a high-profile public figure in a public place, they strongly rejected the supposed public interest´of the photographs. l2 Interviu magazine was again ordered to pay €120,000 to a magistrate of the Murcia Superior Court, later reduced to €30,000 by the Supreme Court, for not being neutral in exposing a case where the magistrate was accused of illegally obtaining EU grants for a rural estate owned by his family. Indeed, another court had

already cleared the magistrate of any wrongdoing.

The court argued that although running the story was in the interest of the public, the journalists had not corroborated the story with objective evidence l3 Journalist Federico Jimenez Losantos was ordered to compensate a former Diario ABC manager with €100,000 (the claimants requested €600k) for naming him, in different radio shows, a variety of insults including a ‘moron’, a ‘liar’, a ‘traitor’ and ‘intellectual offal’.

The Supreme Court ruled that it was one thing is to give a personal opinion, however unfavourable, however a very different one to express gratuitous insults that can only be described as ‘degrading and insulting’, more so when completely detached from any relevant public information.

Freedom of information, opinion and expression on the one side, privacy and right to reputation on the other, are two sides of the same coin, each an essential prerequisite to the enjoyment of the other.

And it is the State, through the judiciary ultimately, who is responsible for finding a balance.

Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.es

www.theolivepress.es May 28 - June 11 2014

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We help to bridge the gap Legal firm BCP with offices in Marbella, Alicante and London understands the complexities and differences between UK and Spanish law

D

EALING with legal matters in Spain can be a daunting task, irrespective of your expertise in Spanish, making seemingly straight-forward cases a quagmire of confusion. Also being resident in Spain can cause unnecessary hassle for Expats who still have interests in the UK BCP International Law Firm offers a compelling solution.

Based in Marbella, with an office in London, BCP are dual qualified and regulated lawyers in Spain and England providing excellent advice in both countries.

Ian Coupland, solicitor and head of the London Office explains in a simple Q&A about his firm.

Q: Before we get into BCP, tell us a bit about yourself I was born in Hull, as is my wife and we have two girls who are both at university. I have been a solicitor for over 25 years. I trained in London and formerly was a partner at two top 200 law firms. I am a sports fanatic. I still play football and spend a lot of my time (with my wife) following Hull City home and away (including Wembley!).

Q: So how did BCP International come about?

BCP was created in 1998 by our Senior Partner, Os-

WINNER: Ian (top) is a huge Hull City fan car Abeti, who is a dual qualified Spanish abogado and English solicitor, who spotted a gap in the market of selling high quality specialist international law services. BCP’s head office is based in Marbella with a further office in Spain in Alicante. We have had a London office (in Fleet Street) since 2003 and also have other offices in Lagos (Portugal) and Tangier (Morocco). Our services include Conveyancing, Probate, Tax and Accounting advice as well as Company, Litigation and Arbitration, Shipping

and Yachting.

Q: What is the benefit to Expats of using BCP? Not only are we a well-established full service Spanish law firm but we also have a London office and provide English legal services, both of which are rare for a Spanish law firm. We are therefore well placed to help expats deal with matters in the UK in addition to their Spanish law requirements as we are one law firm providing a first class and personal service. We mirror the personal level of service that a UK law firm gives to its clients.

We ensure that our clients are regularly updated on the progress of their matter. Our staff bridge the cultural and language divide which can often cause confusion and uncertainty.

Q: Are you regulated? What safeguards do you have?

At the outset of any matter, and just as you would expect, we provide a quote for our services and a letter of engagement. We have Professional Indemnity Insurance Cover and are regulated both under the Spanish and the Solicitors Regulation Authorities.

WEMBLEY WAY: Ian was at the Final

Q: How can we contact BCP? Contacting BCP is easy. Either call our Marbella office on 952 862 227 to chat through a scenario, or just e-mail me at ian@bcplawfirm.com. We will ensure that the most appropriate person deals with your matter.

For further details please see our website www.bcplawfirm.com

The Olive Press’ www.theolivepress.es

X

monthly youth and education section

BSM headteacher Miss Kirkham explains why there was a lot of healthy eating going on at school last week...

I

55 55 38 57

treme

No couch potatoes

T’S the one week of the year where the food police are out in force at the British School of Marbella.

Tasked with keeping a vigilant eye on break time snacks, there were no hiding places for calorific contraband such as sugary sweets or belly-bulging biscuits in the playground last week.

And of course that went for the staff room too, with bingo-wing inducing snacks replaced with fabulous fruit, despite the glum look of teachers who were left with nothing more to dip in their mugs of tea than a celery stick.

After all, staff room pickers wear bigger knickers, as the old saying goes.

By now you are probably wondering what I’m on about, so I’ll explain!

For last week was the start of Healthy Living Week, where our pupils suddenly found themselves surrounded by more nutritional themed lessons than you can shake a carrot at.

As part of the event children were tasked with making wholesome snacks for a healthy picnic in the school playground, in a bid to prevent them becoming salad dodgers and couch potatoes later in life.

In related news, our sporty youngsters also

the olive 28 - June 11 the olive presspress - May- May 28 - June 11 2014

GLORY SEEKERS: BSM sports day

competed in our fourth annual Sports Day at the end of the week.

More than a hundred budding athletes took part hoping to achieve glory and immortality in several disciplines, including the egg and spoon race, the sack race and the running race.

But no Sports Day would be complete without the legendary adult relay race that saw a record number of entries from competitive parents and toned teachers this year.

And it didn’t go unnoticed that some people were spotted doing evening runs along the beach front in recent weeks in preparation for the competition!

To see more photos of Healthy Living Week and our Sports Day visit the BSM Facebook page at www.facebook.com/britishschoolofmarbella

Once upon a Kindle...

LEADING charity the National Literacy Trust has found that smartphones, iPads and Kindles have a ‘new and important’ role to play in encouraging children as young as three to read.

The charity found that almost 75% of children under five have access to the ‘valuable resource’ of touchscreen technology at home.

Jonathan Douglas, the trust’s director, said: “Technology is playing an increasingly crucial

Parents should embrace technology as children reject books

role in all our lives and the ways in which children are learning are changing fast.

When parents read with their children, whatever the medium, they increase their child’s enjoyment of reading, which brings life-long benefits.”

However, nursery leaders have criticised the recommendation, warning that increased CLAN is the most popular children’s television channel in exposure to technology at a Spain, according to a new survey. young age can damage chilAround 15% of four-to-12-year-olds and 24% of four-to-sixdren’s development. year-olds watch every day, the Kids TV Report found.

Children’s attention spans and The RTVE-owned channel mainly shows cartoons, including concentration levels are at an allSpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and Tom and time low, they claim, due to a rise Jerry. in screen-based entertainment.

CBBC was the most popular children’s channel in the UK, The study – which surveyed while Super RTL, Boing, and TFou Lab topped the charts in more than 1,000 parents with Germany, Italy and France respectively. children aged three-to-five The study, now in its fifth year, found children in Spain – found that 77% of children watch on average two hours and 11 minutes of television per enjoyed reading if they had day, a two minute increase on last year. access to both books and techThe viewing times are in line with all countries except Italy, nology, compared to just 71% where children tune in for two hours, 44 minutes each day. who only read books in print.

Cartoon kids

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58 58 the olive press - May 28 - June 11 2014

OP Columnists

Belinda Beckett, Mistress of Sizzle reports on the Rock’s ‘pest problem’

www.theolivepress.es

Monkeys’ bid for the freedom of Gibraltar G IBRALTAR’S top tourist attraction – its emblematic Barbary macaques – have been demoted to the status of ‘pests’ in a government TV advert.

Harsh but true.

The cute cartoon commercial sponsored by Gibraltar’s Department of the Environment and premiered on GBC TV this month urges people to use new monkey-proof bins in a bid to keep marauding macaques out of town.

While acknowledging that the monkeys are ‘an asset to Gibraltar while they remain in their natural habitat’ the commentary says: “If people don’t use these facilities and leave the rubbish out in the open this amounts to inviting macaques to a banquet right on our doorstep. We must contribute to solving the pest problem by disposing of our rubbish correctly.”

One problem… Nothing is monkey-proof for long to a clever Barbary macaque.

Gibraltar’s enterprising primates have even learned how to unzip backpacks!

And there’s another snag.

The macaques have a direct path into town along the stone wall running from the Upper Rock Nature Reserve to the Trafalgar Cemetery (much to the chagrin of Nelson the cemetery cat). From there, they can embark on a foraging free-for all that’s gone beyond poking around in dustbins.

My boyfriend Dave is doing

up a house opposite the cemetery, where daylightmonkey-robbery is a regular occurrence when windows are left open. Leave your packed lunch out on the kitchen worktop and pretty soon there’ll be a monkey perched on the window ledge, smiling in at you with your banana in its teeth.

Turn your back on your shopping and before you can say ‘monkey nuts’ there’ll be a macaque with its paw stuck in your tube of Pringles. Even

PRIMATE PESTS: They want your Pringles paint sample cans are stolen and inspected for edibles by these fearless furballs.

And be careful when waiting for a bus in these parts. Like the man on the bench Dave

No way!

I

WAS making one of my customary ventures down to the coast from my lakeside lair mainly to purchase a giant-sized can of some arachnid repellent (of which more later) when I noticed a new billboard by the Banus Bullring proclaiming an exciting development about to take place.

Having more than a passing inter- dered over to take a closer look. est in the real estate market (my When I say more than a passing inDad is an agent after all) I wan- terest, I don’t mean actually getting involved in the business myself. I have the Midas Touch in reverse when it DECIDED to take one of the kayaks out on the lake comes to property last weekend. It’s been an unseasonably dry win- sales. On both occater and as the reservoir that the casita faces on sions that my long to supplies most of the coast, the water level has suffering father has been dropping quickly. Last year I was able to swim suggested that I get from the bottom of the garden ( which should give you a proper job and join something to ponder when you next turn on the tap) but now it’s a two minute trek down to the water’s the family firm, the market has crashed edge.

As it had been a while since I took this particular kay- mere months afterwards. ak out, I gave it a bit of a shake before I slid into it.

And I’m bloody glad I did because on the third shake, On closer inspection, a huge spider shot out, shook a couple of limbs in my however, it wasn’t the general direction and sped off up the nearest tree. The usual photograph of cats took flight in the opposite direction and I let a the proposed development that caught my most unmanly scream.

I had disturbed an arana cangrejo gigante - giant crab eye. It was the proud spider. And as I told my friends after I wasn’t really slogan on the right. scared. Just unprepared....

I suppose thirty years of blocking innovation

Heroic

Not so Itsy Bitsy

I UNPREPARED: For eight legs of horror

spotted through the window who hadn’t noticed the fellow traveller sitting at the other end until he turned to speak to him. When he realised he was about to address not another human being but a distant cousin, searching its fur for fleas, he was gone faster than last week’s pay packet!

STOP: No creativity here! and creativity really is something to shout about. You can imagine the scenes at head office over the past three decades.

‘Mobile phones? Who needs them! An iPod? But I already have a Walkman! The Internet? Flash in the pan!!!’

Mind you, the smarter monkeys don’t bother with buses.

They hitch a lift into the town centre on car rooftops!

Things have come to a pretty pass when you can’t enjoy traditional cream tea on the Wisteria Terrace of the Rock Hotel without monkeys muscling in. Recently, two burly males staged a flank attack on my scone and jam, and my tea and I had to be rescued by a heroic waiter.

As Gibraltar’s Health and Environment Minister Dr John Cortes rightly says, “It’s not an over-population problem or even a monkey problem – it’s a human problem.”

No wonder he has nightmares about them. He’s caught between a Rock and a hard place trying to protect people from Europe’s only free living primate and vice-versa.

Alas, like their human relatives, the monkeys want more: the Freedom of the City. And, for the moment, it looks like they’re winning.

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www.theolivepress.es FOOD & DRINK

the olive press - May 28 - June 11 2014

with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

L

Les Godfathers in miniature

IKE many people I was brought up to believe that French cuisine was the best of the best. Rather like French wine.

And while over recent years the Spanish have really given them a run for their money (some would say mushed them into a pulp), thankfully there are a few top French restaurateurs who can really turn it on.

The Benisty brothers at Albert y Simon are perfect examples of that.

Their father opened his first restaurant in Marbella in 1968, later morphing into Casa David, and subsequently Le Soufflé in El Pilar in 1987.

By then his sons were involved and soon deservedly landing a Michelin star, the second in Andalucia after Paul Schiff’s La Hacienda.

The crisis of the 90s pro-

TEAMWORK: Simon and Albert

voked a move to the successful Nueva Atalaya, and the current resting place, probably for the foreseeable future, is in San Pedro.

And it is well worth hunting down, to try Albert’s delightful cuisine, possibly the best in Marbella.

Constantly upping his game, he is the region’s repre-

sentative for the Eurotoques group, which counts Spain’s best restaurants such as Arzak and Akelare and a host of famous French chefs including Paul Bocuse.

Minatures

While Albert slaves away in the kitchen, the suave Simon is in the restaurant.

With an expert knowledge of wines (the list is one of the best in town), he can recommend the perfect blend to accompany the new ‘Miniatures’ menu.

A list of around 30 small dishes is their new project. Correctly avoiding the use of the word tapas, these dishes are much more, involving everything from scallops with parmesan and truffle vinegar, through turbot cooked with spinach and almonds in red wine, to ravioli of langoustines, all costing an average of €5each.

An interesting option if you are lunching or dining with someone who tells you they do not want to eat too much. They can have one dish and you can have five or six.

Some of 5Albert’s creations LocalEXQUISITE: issue 46:The Local Issue 5/13/14 miniature 10:54 PM Page 104

AJ Linn

Albert y Simon - Urbanización Nueva Alcántara, Edificio Mirador, Bloque 4-B San Pedro-Marbella, 29670 - Teléfono: 952 78 37 14 - Email: info@albertysimon.com

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Tame your hunger!

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www.theolivepress.es FOOD & DRINK with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

INVENTIVE: Some of the best tapas tried by the Olive Press included the clever cigar stuffed with a tuna tartar and a range of tasty and colourful dishes (right and below)

Fishing for compliments IT is a battle that begins months before and sees nearly 10,000 judges decide the winner.

In the sixth Ruta del Atun in Zahara de las Atunes, some 34 bars and restaurants did battle last week over who could create the best tapa using tuna.

The chefs all use fresh blue fin tuna that is caught by

the town’s fleet in May, under a strict quota system.

An incredible 90,000 visistors are said to pass through the town during the four day festivities.

In order to become a judge, punters must try a total of 12 tapas in four different parts of the town. (above) The Olive Press voted for a very gimmicky but delicious cigar filled with tuna tartare, as well as the delicious jar of creamy potato with tuna from restaurant Antonio.

The winner however, was the restaurant La Sal.

D-Wine’s classic Rioja top 10

Do you remember KONTIKI on the El Chorro lakes? On the shore of green lake Guadalhorce.

Good news is open again. You can enjoy beautiful views over a best chicken curry and sip cold Cobra beer.

Open from Thursday till Sunday.

Directon: From restaurant Kiosko on the El Chorro lakes 2.5 km towards Valle de Abdalajis - Antequera.

Tel: 679742761

WINEMAKING in the Rioja region dates back to the Roman era, but it exploded in the late 19th century when French vineyards were ravaged by phylloxera. Bordeaux vintners flocked to the area to work with enterprising aristocrats and vineyard owners, creating the rich reds now known as Rioja.

Classic Riojas are aged in American oak barrels for longer than the Denominacion de Origen Calificada (DOCa) requires. They tend to have more developed, earthier

aromas with less noticeable fresh fruit but more complexity and finesse.

Here is a selection of some of the classic, mature and smooth Rioja Gran Reservas you can buy at D-Wine without paying a fortune:

MY TOP TEN CLASSIC RIOJA 1 Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva 1994 2 Prado Enea Gran Reserva 1994 3 Imperial Gran Reserva 1995 4 Vina Bosconia Gran Reserva 1995 5 Vina Real Gran Reserva 1996 6 Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 1997 7 Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 1998 8 200 Monjes Gran Reserva 1998 9 Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890 1998 10 Remelluri Gran Reserva 1999

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10 REASONS YOU SHOULD AVOID A Dig out the Cardhu RURAL HOTEL

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the olive press - May 28 - June 11 2014

Hotelier and Hoteli-HER Andy Chapell on keeping the regulars happy

O

NE of the delights of being established for nearly 30 years is seeing lots of people on a regular basis.

In the restaurant we might see the same faces on at least a monthly basis, in the hotel some people get hooked and will visit every single year, sometimes more than once.

It is a pleasure to know in advance how to make stays special for them. A particular dessert that is no longer on the menú will return because we know it is especially liked.

We have a guest returning this

Fishy fun

IT’S going to get fishy in Sotogrande at the first ever tuna festival this August.

Local restaurants will be serving up their best tuna tapas in an attempt to convince hungry punters that their chefs should be crowned the champions of tuna.

The event, hosted by San Roque council, will take place in various marquees in the port from August 1 - 3 and is expected to be popular with tourists.

‘Fry your own’ in supermarket A SUPERMARKET with a twist will be opening in Las Galerias in La Duquesa next week.

Owner Fritz Simpa - originally from the Netherlands - will be shipping in foods from the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy and from as far afield as Thailand and Indonesia.

In an innovative move, Fritz, 46, has also decided to include a ‘fry-your-own-snack’ section – sure to be a hit with late-night partygoers.

summer who on her last two week visit had the same raspberry creme brulée dessert every single night!

For other folk we need to make special arrangements – blankets not duvets, maybe - or a sun lounger placed especially on their terrace.

Others like a particular table on the terrace for dinner, others ask for lifts from the local railway station to the hotel.

Of course all of these extra services are provided without extra charge – we now know that 70% of our hotel guests have been before. They are well worth looking after as well as we possibly can.

Now this weekend we must get in an extra large stock of Cardhu whisky – we have someone returning who we know will be very upset if it’s not available.

Hotel - Bar - Restaurante.

Bda Estacion s/n, 29370 Benaojan, Malaga. 952 16 71 51 - 952 16 79 27 . info@molinodelsanto.com

Our exclusive report reveals why you should NOT visit Hotel and Restaurant Molino del Santo near Ronda

A

re you fed up with reading about hotels and restaurants telling you how good they are? They’re all at it. The best this, the most wonderful that, the most amazing something else. What can you believe?

By our Benaoján Correspondent

It is refreshing to find a place that tells you TEN reasons why you should not visit. Unbelievably Molino del Santo fails to offer any of the following : The Hotel from Hell - for some people • There is NO surly service. You have to make do with people • There is NO powdered orange juice. who smile and want to help. They also They use a round fruit and squeeze. listen to your feedback to improve their • There are NO vernding machines and product.

NO one-armed bandits. They do have • There is NO television screen anywhere packs of cards and backgammon if you in the hotel, restaurant or bar. You are want to play games. simply not able to have your conversa- • There is NO shortage of sun loungers. taion drowned out by Europop videos.

They have more than enough for eve• There is NO dual carriageway within ry guest so there is really very little to 50km. There is a sleepy railway station complain abou.. nearby though if you’d like to arrive by You have been warned. You may leave train from the San Roque area.

Molino del Santo very disappointed in• There are NO pictures of food for you deed. to choose from - you have to read the On the other hand you may wish to join menu which only has words. the thousands of very happy people who • There are NO late-night discotheques return to Molino del Santo every year anywhere nearby. There is only the sound of a running stream.

VISIT THE WEBSITE • There is NO bingo, NO glamorous granwww.molinodelsanto.com ny competition, NO karaoke and NO wet t-shirt competition on any night. to find more reasons to keep If you wish, you are allowed to talk to well away from this place. other people.

Sign up for your (equally • There is NO sangria from a barrel or witty) newsletters and hear pre-mixed Mojitos. They make their about special offers too. own.

▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼

EDDIE’S PAWS FOR THOUGHT A HOTEL DOG TELLS IT LIKE IT IS Hey – I have good news – at last. They have chnaged the menus and kid – as in baby goats – is back. Apparently the meat is delicious - I see none of that - but the BONES – they are sublime! Not many dogs use the word sublime – but then not many dogs eat at Molino del Santo.

All a twig-chasing dog needs now is his favourtie puddng to re-appear – Yes, you’ve guessed : STICKy Toffee Pudding. What an amusing master I have.

Follow Eddie’s regular thoughts on our Facebook page – Hotel Molino del Santo

www.molinodelsanto.com | info@molinodelsanto.com | 952 16 71 51

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FOOD & DRINK www.theolivepress.es with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

Red for riches

RED wine took silver in the list of the 20th century’s best investments.

People who bought bottles of Haut-Brion, Lafite-Rothschild, Latour, Margaux and MoutonRothschild would have enjoyed annual returns of 4.1% between 1900 and 2012.

This rather quaffable rate beats returns of 1.4% on British government bonds, 2.4% on art and 2.8% on stamps, according to new research by the University of Cambridge, HEC Paris and Vanderbilt University.

Red wine was only beaten by investment in British equities, which would have offered annual returns of 5.2%.

A wise investment WINE enthusiasts will flock to the Marbella Club Hotel to learn all about investing.

The event, entitled How to invest and collect great wines, will be held on June 7, from 12pm.

There will be a presentation from one of the world’s leading experts in investments and detection of counterfeit wine, Maureen Downey, as well as four excellent wines to sample.

Downey will be joined by Siobhan Turner, executive director of the Institute of Masters of Wine 2013, and Marbella expert Pancho Campo.

Glorious tenth

A FAMILY-RUN Gaucin hotel has celebrated its 10th anniversary, joined by the mayors of Gaucin and Estepona.

The Hotel Hacienda La Herriza held a garden party, with live music from traditional Spanish musicians, sherry and jamon.

Mayor of Gaucin Pedro Godino Martin said: “There are many reasons to be here today, to celebrate the anniversary of La Herriza and particularly to see the completion of a dream of a local Gaucin villager.

“Where have you seen a more beautiful place than this?”

‘Sun’ shines on Malaga A TRIO of Malaga restaurants have seen the sun shine on them.

In the latest sun (or ‘sol’) awards for the new Repsol Guide 2014, El Lago, Finca Cortesin and Messina have been singled out.

Casares hotel Finca Cortesin has done the best land-

Repsol awards for the cream of province’s eateries

ing two ‘suns’ for its restaurant Kabuki Raw, while its sister restaurant El Jardin de Lutz got its first ‘sun’.

Meanwhile El Lago, in Marbella, which already has a Michelin star, landed a second ‘sun’.

Francisco Garcia and his team - led by Diego del Rio in the CATALAN artist Joan Miro has a new exhibition kitchen - have long been sinspace – the label of a wine bottle. gled out by the Olive Press and The innovative label features a painting of a corkits sister guide Dining Secrets screw, Le Troubadour, painted by the celebrated artof Andalucia as leading the reist in 1978. gion’s restaurant scene.

After paying a surprise visit to the vineyard in Rioja, Marbella featured a number of Miro’s grandson, Joan Punyet approved the labeling times in the guide, with Skina of the Vivanco Crianza 2009 with the surrealist work. and the Marbella Club Grill The Barcelona-born artist has received international retaining their Repsol suns, acclaim, his work seen by many as a manifestation while highly-rated Messina was of Catalan pride. awarded its first.

Rioja Miro anyone?

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the olive press - May 28 - June 11 2014

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Helicopter crash THE body of a dead pilot has been recovered from a ravine after he crashed his helicopter into power cables between Casares and Manilva.

FINAL WORDS

Saint Gaudi BARCELONA’S most famous architect Antoni Gaudi, who designed the city’s emblematic Sagrada Familia, is to be made a saint next year by Pope Francis.

Cannabis tourism A GROWING number of cannabis clubs in Barcelona are plugging their wares online, even translating to English in order to attract tourists. For more information and prices visit.

La Decima REAL Madrid has completed ‘la decima’ by winning its tenth Champions League final against rivals Atletico Madrid 4-1. Welshman Gareth Bale scored the decisive goal in extra time.

May 28 - June 11 2014

water.

Hundreds accused her of exploiting the suffering of the girls and their families.

Facebook user Jeremy Gregory said: “Using a cause as horrible as the kidnapping and making it about you is messed up.”

Another Instagram user wrote: “Think before you act.”

However, in response to the outraged comments, Shayk replied: “A tiger doesn’t lose sleep over the opinion of a sheep.”

Too stupid for aliens

A PROFESSOR has claimed that

By Imogen Calderwood we should end the search for aliens, because we are too ignorant to meet them.

Gabriel de la Torre, from the Department of Psychology at the University of Cadiz, conducted a study to see how prepared we are to meet other intelligent life.

After sending a questionnaire to 116 students in Spain, the US and ligious beliefs would render us Italy, he concluded our general shocked if we actually made conlevel of ignorance and strong re- tact.

Spanish professor believes we are not prepared for extraterrestrial encounter

Ripoff resorts

POPULAR tourist destinations are ripping off holidaymakers, charging up to 53%

www.theolivepress.es

Pouting protest leads to backlash USING only a placard to hide her modesty, the girlfriend of Real Madrid footballer Cristiano Ronaldo caused a social media uproar.

Russian model Irina Shayk, 28, uploaded the pouting photo of herself on Facebook and Instagram, following the abduction of 276 schoolgirls in Nigeria last month.

Posing with a placard showing the campaign slogan #BringBackOurGirls, the insensitive photo has landed Shayk in hot

Boat bust SPANISH police have seized a fleet of 30 speedboats in Los Barrios used to transport hashish from Morocco to Spain through the Strait of Gibraltar, with 19 people arrested so far.

Covering Andalucia in 2014 with over 200,000 papers (130,000 digital) and around 300,000 visits to the website each month… The Olive Press just keeps growing!

E RE

more for groceries than out of town shops.

The biggest difference was in Mallorca, where basic provisions for a one-week family holiday cost €106 in supermarkets but as much as €164 – 53% more – in resort shops.

But Spain’s Costa Blanca fared a lot better in the study, by the UK Post Office.

This was one of the few destinations surveyed where resort prices were actually better value than supermarket ones.

A spokesman for the Post Office said: “Self-catering can be a great way to save money on holiday, but the wide price variations between resorts makes it important to do some homework before booking.

“Our research shows that well over half of families bust their holiday budget by hundreds of pounds and food shopping is one of the main reasons why.”

De la Torre said he used students because they ‘will be the future politicians, scientists, and the people in charge, so I wanted to know what their knowledge was’.

Since 1984 the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute (Seti) has been looking for signs of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe.

The project has now gone further than ever before, sending out messages from Earth to try to contact other lifeforms.

To date nothing has been found, but the search continues unabated.

More than a cash withdrawal PHOTOS of a couple having sex in a bank lobby have gone viral online.

The couple boldly chose to get down and dirty in an Oviedo bank’s glass-walled lobby, in full view of late-night partygoers.

The anonymous pair were apparently unaware of their audience, until two police officers arrived to put an end to proceedings.

Unhappy slapper A GROOM-to-be is facing jail after allegedly sexually harassing an air hostess while drunk on a flight from Alicante to the UK. On his way home from his stag do, Peter Thompson, 48, allegedly told the ‘pretty’ woman he ‘loved her’ before slapping her bottom as she walked past.

“He was looking at me as if I was a piece of meat,” said the air-hostess – who cannot be named – in a court statement.

The defence argued that Thompson accidentally made contact with the woman while flailing his arms.

Ruck in Ronda RONDA has played host to a hard-fought Rugby 7s tournament, with eight teams from across Andalucia meeting on the pitch.

The Bandoleros, Ronda’s official team, sponsored by local English IT firm ArayoWeb, finished third.

But it was the boys from Nerja who left with the trophy.

Rugby has boomed in the region over the past five years, with more and more tournaments being played.

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