Marbella Supplement June 2022

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since

1996

Tlf: 952 587 573 www.grupo-protec.com Windows & Doors

Construction

Distribution

Marbella

Issue 397

SELLING SELLINGQUALITY QUALITY PROPERTIES PROPERTIES IN MARBELLA 51 YEARS IN MARBELLA FOR FOR 52 YEARS Tel. (+34) 952 863 750 www.panorama.es Offices at Puente Romano and opposite the Marbella Club hotel Regulated by RICS

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WE LOVE MARBS

June 2022

It’s been the destination of choice for Visigoths and Romans, Grace Kelly and Presidents. Kimberley Mannion charts Marbella’s eternal allure

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Continues on next page

Pictures by Jon Clarke

GOLDENSANDS: Vista from Guadalmina, Hugh Grant and Tyson Fury in a Ferrari, while (right) Grace Kelly and Michelle Obama

ARBELLA has owned the reputation of being a playground for the rich and famous for over half a century.

Photos of the glamorous beach destination fill glossy travel magazines around the world and it’s easily the most aspirational place to live and visit in Europe, alongside perhaps San Tropez or Ibiza.

An exclusive enclave, it has long attracted celebrity visitors such as Sean Connery, Hugh Grant and Audrey Hepburn to its iconic nightclubs and restaurants, while captains of industry, like Alan Sugar and Theo Paphitis, and footballers, like Eden Hazard and Gareth Bale stalk its

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Marbella

From front

A SUGARCANE TOWN WITH ELEVEN TOWERS

CHARMING: A stroll around the ‘casco historico’

fairways and marinas.

While British reality TV show The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE) has helped immortalise ‘Marbs’ as the ultimate party destination, bringing it crashing down to earth in some ways, the genuine super-rich still come to visit.

It is no coincidence that during the two year pandemic, its five-star hotels were almost full, while property prices soared to unbelievable heights.

As one estate agent told the Olive Press, Marbella is ‘almost bulletproof from a property crash’. “It is almost unique in Europe,” he added.

There are simply not enough villas for sale and listings are becoming incredibly scarce to come by. Demand far outstrips supply.

And buyers are heading to Marbella for a lot more than just sunshine and beaches.

While it’s fair to say that the majority of tourists come to rub shoulders with the super rich and party, a good few end up marvelling at its suprising history, while inspecting its Moorish walls in the centre, or stumbling over a Roman villa or Visigothic church on its outskirts.

The Costa del Sol resort has certainly gone through an interesting trajectory to become the place it is today.

Take away the top of the range cars, foreign visitors in designer clothes, and rowdy revellers, then rewind the clock a millennia or two, and you’ll

find it’s always been a popular spot.

Marbella’s earliest origins are as a palaeolithic settlement. Humans hunted and gathered over the very same land that now boasts Michelin-starred restaurants (four of them, by the way).

Its next incarnation was as a Roman city. You can see the evidence at the Termas de Las Bovedas Roman baths, near San Pedro de Alcantara, and at the Roman villa in Rio Verde.

The northern European Visigoths were frequent visitors to the coast and left their mark in the form of the Vega del Mar Basilica, a necropolis, also to be found in San Pedro.

Today’s Marbella would be totally alien to the Visigoths, but the early Arabs spotted the town’s potential, calling it bien habitada, or ‘place of good living’.

They built a walled town in the in the tenth and 11th century and even a large Alcazaba castle.

The walls, some of which survive today, were dotted with around a dozen towers, including the Torre del Puente Levadizo (meaning the ‘Drawbridge Tower’) and the Torre de la Puerta de Hierro (or ‘the Iron Door Tower’).

While nothing of the size of Sevilla or Granada, it came a close second to Ronda in terms of size and fell to the Christian Crusaders in the same year, 1485, just seven years before the Catholic Reconquest was complete.

Before tourism arrived properly in

the 1950s and 60s, Marbella was surprisingly industrial: During the 19th century, it was the most important centre for steel and iron production in the whole of Spain.

At one point 75% of the country’s supply came from one single production plant in Marbella.

The industry eventually shifted to

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June 2022

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ANCIENT AND MODERN: From the Alcazaba to Puerto Banus and a spot of beach yoga in between

the north of Spain turning the local mises the glamorous Marbella lifeeconomy to farming, in particular, style: Puerto Banus. growing sugar cane, before finally Jose Banus was close to the Spanseeing the rewards it could reap as ish dictator, General Franco. He had a holiday destination. worked as a spy on the Nationalist Marbella’s glitz and glamour has side during the country’s bloody civil its roots in the period war, and Franco visited after the Spanish Civhim on the Costa del il War, during which it King Fahd and Sol a few years before had been a haven for his death. terrorist Bin Nazis and Franco’s FaThe architect had no langists. shortage of powerful Laden have When Spanish noblefriends to help him proman Ricardo Soriano mote his new resort. been regular founded the Albergues The grand opening celvisitors del Rodeo residential ebrations for Puerto complex in 1943, he Banus in 1970 lasted established Marbella’s a week, and included a tourism model for the future. dinner and dance for 1000 guests.

It was clear that the combination of Prince Rainier of rival luxury destinaleafy, upmarket villas with the warm tion Monaco attended along with his climate, expansive views and beauti- wife, Princess Grace, who danced ful beaches was a winning formula. with Banus under the watchful gaze Over the following decades, more of guests including Playboy founder picturesque estates were devel- Hugh Hefner. oped, and the price of land went Marbella’s glittering reputation through the roof. grew, attracting hugely wealthy visiSavvy people, who would become tors from the Middle East. responsible for shaping the modern King Fahd of Saudi Arabia became Marbella, started moving in. a frequent guest – as did Osama One of them was Don Jose Banus, Bin Laden, no less (later named as who developed the area that epito- the mastermind behind the 9/11

BIGWIGS: Prince, Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly, Sean Connery and King Fahd of Saudi Arabia all loved Marbella

attacks on New York’s Twin Towers).

He enjoyed several holidays in Marbella between 1977 and 1988.

More positive endorsements came from favoured celebrities, including former James Bond stars Sean Connery and Roger Moore who acted as international ambassadors for Marbella in the 80s and 90s.

So many world leaders came and went, with Tony Blair, David Cameron and Michelle Obama coming for holidays, while former Spanish Prime Minister, Jose Maria Aznar, bought himself a house in Guadalmina.

President Putin acquired a palace in the Zagaleta urbanisation in the hills above the resort ( revealed to the world by the Olive Press) while crooner Julio Iglesias also swooped in for a mega-estate on the borders of Istan.

Sportsmen came in their droves, with boxers Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua even visiting to train in the very same month, during the pandemic. Simon Cowell, Eva Longoria and Prince, the list goes on.

The new millennium saw the nightlife volume turned up to max.

The late Olivia Valere arrived from Paris to open her eponymous nightclub in 2000, and Prince came to party . . . like it was 1999.

More club openings and legendary nights out have followed. Just wait until Ibiza superclub Pacha opens up the road, in nearby Estepona, watch out Ibiza!!.

Marbella is a destination that has been a lot of different things to different people over the years, but the world-class restaurants, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and perfect climate look set to entice the world’s elite for decades – if not millennia – to come.

TAKING THE PLUNGE

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VERYONE loves a warm bath. But the Romans took bathing to another level, studding the Mediterranean with sublime stone thermae so that they could indulge in this pastime in any part of the Empire.

Bathing to a Roman, you see, was more than a siesta to a Spaniard or teatime to a Brit: the public baths were a hive of (male) activity, a chance not only to wash and relax but also to catch up on the local gossip, cut a couple of business deals or even flaunt your social status by marching in with a troop of slaves.

Now, the Junta plans to evoke this ancient lifestyle by restoring the amazing Bovedas de Guadalmina Roman baths. Located just a short stroll from the Paleochristian Basilica del Mar in San Pedro and only a stone’s throw from the beach, these thermae

ATTRACTION: Roman baths are finally to be restored

represent some of the most important archaeological remains in the area and have been a source of fascination for centuries.

Locals used to call them the ‘baths of the old Moors’, thinking Arabs had built them after conquering the area in the Middle Ages, but they actually date back to the third century AD, when the Roman settle-

ment Cilniana was enjoying its heyday.

The baths are currently closed to the public, with the sizable restora tion project, taking place in phases over several years.

Eventually the plan is to turn them into a tourist magnet by restoring some of their former glory.

Marbella Summer Lovin’ A

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All his family holidays were spent in Marbella. Jorge Hinojosa takes us on a trip down memory lane – with plenty of stops for food and drink along the way

All along the watchtower Declared of Cultural Interest in 1985, the 15-metre Torre Ladrones (Thieves Tower) is the highest watchtower on the Malaga coast. The defensive structure dates from the Muslim period but some speculate the Romans first built it. You can find it close by the Artola dunes nature reserve and Cabopino port.

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ARBELLA has always been like a second home to me.

My family visits every August to escape the heat of Madrid and have done so since the 1980s, when my dad fell in love with its amazing gastronomy, landscapes and legendary nights out.

I first visited as a baby (that’s me below) and by four years old I remember having lunch in a chiringuito called Pepe el Piloto after spending the morning at the beach.

Then there were the early mornings in Churreria Ramon, in Plaza de Los Naranjos, with all my family, and my mum always saying, “there is nothing as good as having churros in this lovely square,” as we crunched down on the deep-fried fritters and their fatter counterparts, porras.

What I enjoyed most as a kid was going to Puerto Banus to have ice cream and to see all the mega yachts.

However, before the boats my mum would make us traipse for at least two hours around El Corte Ingles looking for new outfits. My dad and my brother Angel would soon go on strike and head to a nearby bar to wait for mum to finish.

As a teenager, I spent the first half of August with my dad’s family and my uncle who used to love Taberna Gaspar. He would eat there

Visigoth vestiges

HAPPY TIMES: Jorge as a baby with his mum and dad (inset) and partying with friends in Marbella (left in both pictures)

almost every day and raved about its tortillas and paella.

One of my best friends, Ana, came to Marbella with her family one summer. I remember how exciting it was to act as host and show them around.

She was amazed by how beautiful Marbella was, and also fell in love with the city.

So it is so great to be living back here again full time, all thanks to my new job at the Olive Press, having worked at EFE in London and studying for my Masters degree at City University there.

Last summer I spent the summer here with friends, going to Starlite Festival most days for the great atmosphere and DJs. We ate at Bar Altamirano (a restaurant I have been going to since I was a child), and drank at my mum’s favourite place: Trocadero Playa.

It was the first time some of them had visited the city, but not the last. They all enjoyed it so much, they’re coming back this summer.

While I loved studying and working in London for two years, I love living back in Marbella, surrounded by mountains and the sea.

In fact it is a dream come true to come back to a place I’ve been lucky enough to know all my life.

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F

ORGET the Coronavirus… there is something almost as bad for many homeowners in Spain.

Let’s call it the BANKING PANDEMIA, or the Floor Clause illness, also known as ‘Clausula Suelo’ or ‘Suelo Hipotecario’ here.

This was simply a clause that was inserted into variable rate mortgage agreements in Spain during the last 20 years that affects the interest rate payable on the mortgage.

And it means that mortgage holders are being conned and do not fully benefit from the fall in EURIBOR as there will be a minimum rate of interest payable on the mortgage (this floor, also known as a ‘suelo’ is often 3- 4% depending on the bank).

While this clause has been deemed illegal by both the Spanish and European courts, it is estimated that there are more than 3.5 million mortgages in Spain affected.

NOTE: If you had a Worse, there is no vaccinamortgage in Spain tion forecast for the owners and it has been paid and the only way to eradicate off, you are still enthe clause is to claim and titled to claim if the sue the banks and lenders. last mortgage payGiven most of you are largely ment was carried out stuck at home with little to do as long ago as 2016. in these days of the COVID There is a 5 year term crisis, I want to challenge all for claiming since the Olive Press readers to underlast payment of the take this simple test which mortgage was paid. only takes two minutes.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultancy, please bear in mind we work on the basis of NO WIN NO FEE, please take a minute to check your mortgage statement and send it to us me by whatsapp 606307885 or by email diego@fairwaylawyers.com

The Basílica de Vega del Mar in San Pedro was excavated in the 20th century on a former Roman road running from Cadiz to Cartagena. It is one of the few remaining examples of north African Visigothic churches built in Andalucia during the sixth century although all that remains today are its awesome one-metre walls.

1.

Did you buy a property and arrange a mort- YES NO gage with a Spanish bank between during the ‘happy years’ of 2002 to 2012?

2.

Did you take over the mortgage offered by the YES NO developer if your property was bought off plan?

3.

Did you notice your interest rate and your mortgage rate have not come down alongside global drops in interest rates?

YES NO

4.

Are you still paying the same interest rate (3 4%) over the last few years without any change?

YES NO

5.

Have you asked your bank manager about your mortgage payment and have not got any answer yet?

YES NO

6.

Did you had a fixed mortgage rate during some years and then it changed to a lower amount?

YES NO

7.

Have you checked your latest mortgage statement and seen an interest rate above 2%?

YES NO

8.

Is your mortgage referred to EURIBOR rate?

YES NO

RESULTS : 1-3 YES answers: you may have been affected in the past by the FLOOR CLAUSE, and maybe the bank has taken off the floor clause and you were not aware of it, it is worth a closer check of your mortgage.

4-5 YES answers: You have a floor clause inserted in your mortgage and you have been overpaying interest over the last 10 years and your bank is squeezing you as a LEMON. Claim for your refund.

5-7 YES answers: The bank owes you money and it can be a huge amount of money, this is not a JOKE.

READY TO HELP: Owner Diego Echavarria

Fairway L AW Y E R S

June 2022

WITH MORE Arabian delights

The Alcazaba fortress is the most important vestige of Muslim civilisation in Marbella. The Castillo was built in the 10th century during the reign of Abd al-Rahman III, Caliph of Córdoba.

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The Olive Press picks out 6 reasons to love Marbella

A Renaissance square

The Plaza de los Naranjos lies at the heart of Marbella’s old town. Built after the Christian Reconquest, it is an outstanding example of Castilian Renaissance architecture. From one of the many sun-soaked terraces, you can admire the Renaissance-style town hall, the Mayor’s house combining elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Mudejar design and the Chapel of Santiago, the oldest religious building in the city.

Dunk by Dumbo The elephant sculptures that spray water from their trunks on many of Marbella’s best beaches are an Instagram favourite with tourists.

THE HUMAN TOUCH Eu Insurance Direct are the friendly faces that assist you when you need help

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HE electronic age has made things possible to everyone in fields that were once the preserve of professionals, such as photographers, graphic designers and printers.

The internet has amplified this process further, enabling us to bank remotely, book flights and hotels ... and buy insurance directly online.

But that is not necessarily the best idea – especially when it comes to buying insurance as an Ex-Pat living in another country. This is one area where sensible people enlist the help of a knowledgeable professional rather than simply go for what may appear – often wrongly – the best deal on the web.

At EU Insurance Direct owner Wendy Codd and her team have the experience and knowledge to ensure you get the right policy that offers the cover you need on the most

A salty start In Roman times, the city was called Salduba (Salt City) after the local fish salting industry. The Arabs changed it to Marbil-la, the origin of its current name and it’s spot-on. In Spanish, Marbella means ‘beautiful sea.’

acceptable terms and at the best price.

They really come into their own when you need a little more than mass-produced, onesize-fits-all solutions.

Individuals or businesses with specific insurance requirements do much better to consult a trained professional about their cover to find an option tailored to their personal and practical needs.

These solutions need not be expensive and Wendy and her team will take the time to explain which are the best options open to you so you can make an informed decision for your particular needs.

By working only with reputable companies Wendy is confident that her team can find the best value for money, whether for standard household, medical or car insurance as well as a host of other policies including life insurance.

Assistance is always available should you need to make a claim, either through their Elviria office or through the insurers 24 hour helpline, via English-speaking staff At a time when you most need help and advice, EU Insurance Direct, who have been on the coast for 17 years, will be there to assist you.

Call centres and comparison sites can’t compete with this sort of service!

EU Insurance Direct www.euinsurancedirect.com DEDICATED Framire Residencial, Local Comercial 6, CLAIMS DEPARTMENT Cerrado de Elviria, 29604 Marbella.

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If you are looking for the very best value car insurance in Spain, buildings or contents co insurance, private health or dental plans then give us a call today, we think you will be surpri our premiums are and you will be assured of the very best service and advice from our frie For professional advice and peace of mind for the whole family.

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Framire Residencial, Local Comercial 6, Cerrado de Elviria, 29604 Marbella

If you are looking for the very best value car insurance in Spain, buildings or contents cover, motorcycle insurance, private health or dental plans then give us a call today, we think you will be surprised how competitive our premiums are and you will be assured of the very best service and advice from our friendly English staff.

For professional advice and peace of mind for the whole family.

HOUSE | H E ALTH | VE HI C L E S | T R AV EL DENTAL | C AR S | MO TO C Y L E S | BO AT S | P ET S Office No: +34 952 830 843 / +34 951 080 118 Mobile/WhatsApp No: +34 635 592 610

info@euinsurancedirect.com

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Framire Residencial, Local Comercial 6, Cerrado de Elviria, 29604 Marbella

YOUR FIRST AND ONLY STOP Protec: The diversified construction business with a family touch

T

HE Protec Group, established in 1996, started out a humble family business selling windows and doors.

Under the stewardship of founder Andre Jensen, and partner Silvia Jensen-Lindemann, Protec has flourished into a nationwide construction and distribution company.

While business has boomed, the family values on which the company was founded remain as strong today as they were 25 years ago.

Protec has since become renowned for its distribution of cutting edge construction products which can’t be found anywhere else in Spain.

The company has three large warehouses to its name, offering clients premium options such as thermal insulation, anti-theft protection, and energy saving.

The importance of good window insulation is an often overlooked part of the house, but with Protec, insulation and environmental concerns are front and centre and with their help you could cut 60% of energy lost through windows.

Other areas where Protec excels is in new builds and the refurbishment of houses.

Taking care of every detail from start to finish, Protec gives you peace of mind and guides you through the often intimidating bureaucracy.

A truly international company, Protec prides itself on being able to speak to its clients in their mother tongue, whether that be Spanish, English, German, Portuguese, Swedish, Arabic or Russian.

With their meticulous planning and extensive knowledge of the industry, there is no pulling the wool over their eyes by rogue traders or unlicensed builders.

That is why they are the gold-standard of suppliers on the Costas, and their roster of happy clients expands by the day.

However small or large your needs are, from a simple door replacement to a full scale conversion of your home into a green abode, Protec are the people you want.

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Marbella

DALI AND MORE! W

E start our art tour at Marbella’s best known museum. Home to one of Europe’s most important Latin American collections, the Museo Ralli focuses on modern movements, particularly surrealism, with works from a wide range of contemporary artists. Its current temporary show is on show until April 2024.

Ralli Museum

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WHERE? Urb. Coral Beach, Rio Verde, N-340, km.

176, 29602 Marbella, Málaga WHEN? Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 to 15:00 h

Get in touch with them by phone, email or via their website www.grupo-protec.com Tel. (+34) 952 587 573 info@grupo-protec.com

It’s not just hen parties creating an exhibition in Marbella, as Livia Cockerell discovers

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EACHES, restaurants and parties are just a part of what Marbella has to offer – the city also has a surprisingly good

range of arts and culture.

Don’t wait for a rainy day: join us on a tour of the decent number of galleries scattered around the resort.

Excellence Art Gallery

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ext up is this stylish a n d quirky gallery with its broad range of paintings and sculptures, as well as regular launches and events. Not only is this a great stop to admire the beautiful paintings, it’s also a great lunch spot, with its Art Caffe offering delicious Italian cuisine.

Very Civilised.

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WHERE? Urb. Coral Beach, Rio Verde, N-340, km. 176, 29602 Marbella, Málaga

WHEN? Monday to Friday 9:00 to 19:00 h

EXCELLENCE AND QUALITY

Olive Press talks to Marbella mayor Maria Angeles Muñoz

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ORDOBA-born Maria Angeles Muñoz was first elected Mayor of Marbella in 2011. She served until 2015 and then again from 2017.

Jorge Hinojosa caught up with her to find out more about the city.

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What can Marbella offer as a tourist destination?

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The city’s latest campaign emphasises security. Why is Marbella a safe place?

Tourists who arrive in Marbella feel safe as soon as they arrive. We were awarded the Safe Travel Stamp, a certificate granted by the World Travel Council, and we are also the first Spanish city to have been awarded the Safe Tourism Certificate, which is granted by the Instituto para la Calidad Turística Española (ICTE). It is really important to make the tourist feel comfortable so that he/she can enjoy Marbella with absolute peace of mind.

Marbella is a well-known city around the world. The tourists who visit us have an incomparable leisure, sport, gastronomic and cultural offering. We have an exceptional climate, unique enclaves and a thriving natural environment. We have recently received the Intelligent Tourist Destination stamp. Marbella is the first Andalucian city and the third in the world to obtain such an honour. This certificate reflects our commitment to innovations, sustainability and new technologies at a time of transformation for the tourism sector.

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What makes Marbella different from other touristic destinations?

The commitment to excellence and quality tourism is one of our great hallmarks.

Marbella is an extraordinary city that is always in constant evolution to respond to new demands. In testing times, Marbella continues to be a highly desirable place to live in a very competitive market.

What is your favourite part of Marbella and why?

It is very difficult to choose one specific place as Marbella is full of amazing places. Our old town is unique, The Paseo Maritimo is wonderful, and we have magnificent natural landscapes. It is a city that does not disappoint anyone.

How has Marbella changed in the past few years?

The tourism industry is constantly changing, so our work strategy has always been to anticipate these changes, adapt to new trends and respond to tourists’ needs. We carry out an in-depth analysis, improvement and promotion work by the city council and workers in the sector to ensure our offer continues to be attractive for tourists.

PROUD OF HER CITY: Marbella Mayor Maria Angeles Muñoz

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Why do you think that Marbella has a lot of international tourism?

Being close to Malaga’s airport favours the reception of international tourism as well as the quality of our services and our amazing hotels that guarantee the best experience to the visitor.

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What are the future plans for Marbella regarding tourism?

We want to continue strengthening our brand image and for Marbella to be perceived as a very attractive city to visit, live, and invest in. We continue to launch promotions to try to attract visitors who are less likely to visit Marbella. We are trying to increase sports tourism by hosting major sporting events and we are also promoting Marbella’s nature hotspots. We continue to ensure Marbella continues to hold the position of tourism leadership that it deserves.

Q

Since the pandemic, many people who work remotely have decided to base themselves in Marbella? Why do you think this is?

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It is an ideal city to live in because it is welcoming, it has an exceptionally lovely climate,

and has a rich amount to offer in many fields. In addition, modernisation and new technologies allow professionals to work remotely while enjoying a high quality of life in exceptional surroundings.

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Do you think Marbella will surpass the 2019 levels of tourism this year?

The data that we have seen in recent months make us very optimistic in view of the high season. We have made an effort to come out of these two difficult years stronger than ever and I think our position as a leader in tourism has been reinforced, demonstrated by us being recognised in 2022 as the second-best European destination to travel to and the most exclusive city in the continent on the prestigious website EuropeanBestDestination’s.

Q A

What type of demographic come to Marbella on holiday?

Marbella attracts tourists searching for excellence. The pandemic has accelerated the transformation of industry and the tourists now are looking for an experience connected to natural surroundings without compromising on high-quality, which our town can absolutely guarantee.

June 2022

CAPTIVATING: The Puente Romano

Avenida del Mar

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To fall in love with an artwork is to recognise your soul through the artist’s mirror” – or so said Marife Nuñez who founded the gallery, and probably knows about these things. Es.Arte is a contemporary gallery with a busy calendar of exhibitions and fairs. As well as exhibiting works by contemporary artists, the gallery also offers consultancy services, helping you find something to hang on your wall.

WHERE? Av de Manolete, 1, Centro Plaza, Local 11, 29660 Marbella

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WHEN? Tuesday to Thursday 10:30 to 16:00 h Saturday 10:00 to 14:30 h

Es.Arte Gallery

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or an outdoor gallery, head to Avenida del Mar to see some of Salvador Dali’s famous bronze statues. Located on this beautiful marble promenade near the waterfront, these statues include a depiction of Perseus beheading Medusa; the Roman emperor Trajan on horseback; and, changing the mood slightly, a statue of Dali’s wife looking through a window.

Also look for nearby sculpture by Eduardo Soriano, a tribute to freedom of speech and expression.

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WHERE? Avenida del Mar

WHEN? 24 hours a day!

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Hotel’s ancient ruins

BUILT BY ROMANS

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ARBELLA began its life as a town in the seventh century BC, when it was a Roman settlement called ‘Salduba’.

This is also the name of a well known bar at the entrance to Puerto Banus that has been there for cen- SPECTACULAR: Mosaic at turies too. Rio Verde Meanwhile an A slee original Roman bridge period py town during the still stands surreally in bella of Al-Andalus, Marthe middle of the Puente tians was retaken by ChrisRomano Hotel and a few de losin 1485. The Plaza kilometres away is the Square) Naranjos (Orange restored Roman villa at cal poin has been the foRio Verde with its beauti- then t of the town since and the town hall is ful mosaics. still located there today.

Not getting Estuco Marbella’s high end Estuco Interiors reinvented itself during the pandemic and came out with flying colours

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T may be already a quarter of a century in business, but the all-female team at Estuco Interiors had to work hard to reinvent themselves during the pandemic.

However, among the collections of wallpaper, paint and luxury fabric, this Marbella based company found a silver lining.

“During lockdown, people realised just how important their homes were, because if you’re spending a lot of time somewhere, you want it to be nice.

So, they came to us,” explained co-owner Chris, from the UK. “Many people also decided to stay in their holiday homes when the restrictions came into place, and took the opportunity to show them a little TLC.” Even better, as the lockdown came to an end they found themselves being flown to the UK and Sweden and even across the border in Portugal to undertake jobs.

“They were mostly other homes of our clients here, who really trust us to do a good job, even back home, or elsewhere,” Chris adds.

Estuco has everything from Farrow & Ball to Designers Guild, not to mention one of the largest fabric collections on the coast and a striking selection of decorative items, influenced by fellow co-owner Christel’s Swedish and African background.

The team sources the products from all over the world. They have a very specific look, neutral but bold, and do everything from full house to single room projects.

Estuco has been one of the main go-to designers for some of the best properties in Marbella for decades, bringing their unique style and creativity to each project.

In fact, Estuco Interiors is in such demand, the company has recently launched an online shop, which allows them to send goods all over the world. “This is a really exciting time for our company. Going online has always been a big dream of ours,” says co-owner, Chris.

Estuco Interiors’ success and excellent service owes to its trusted network of craftsmen, builders, painters, electricians and suppliers who are always on time, on spec and on budget.

For more info visit www.estucointeriors.com or email info@estucointeriors.com

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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’

W

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 racing and lived an enviable bohemian life.

He was soon chaperoning his nephew up and down the coast

YOUR TICKET TO BOATING Smart Yachting and Smart Charter Marbella are set to make your boating dreams come true this summer

H

AVING opened the doors to their new office in Puerto Banús earlier this year, the Smart Yachting and Smart Charter Marbella team are ready for a busy first season on the Costa del Sol. Part of the renowned Smart Group and in partnership with U.S. charter booking platform Boatsetter, the boating enthusiasts offer everything from yacht brokerage and boat maintenance services for private owners to a selection of fabulous charter experiences.

The Smart Yachting Marbella team focuses on the acquisition and sales of yachts, as well as management services including full annual maintenance by qualified in-house mechanics, customisation services including upholstery, painting, wrapping, electrical and demotic systems, short- and long-term mooring options, winter storage and expert advice on charter options.

Meanwhile, the Smart Charter Marbella team, together with support from Boatsetter, will take care of the day charters operating out of Puerto Banús. A selection of amazing experiences is available to choose from, including half-day charters, sunset boat trips, romantic couple’s cruises and family boat trips to name just a few!

Director of Sales, Tim Hope, comments, “We are thrilled to be expanding in such an exciting new destination. Our business model has proven a success in Ibiza, and glamorous Marbella

Marbella

was the obvious next location.”

Smart Yachting and Smart Charter Marbella are part of the renowned Smart Group, which was founded in Ibiza in 2014 and also includes the Balearic Islands’ largest private boat rental company, Smart Charter Ibiza. With over 50 privately owned boats in the company’s fleet, the company gives private owners and charter guests access to an impressive and varied portfolio.

Established in 2018, the partnership with U.S. company Boatsetter has helped the fast-growing business expand its reach beyond Europe and into the American market.

For further information visit www. smartyachting.com, www.smartchartermarbella.com and Boatsetter.com

STARS: Sinatr a and Ava Gardner enjoye of Marbella’s d the charms old town

STARRY HIVE GLAMOROUS: Diana Dors sunbathing, while George Best plays football on a Marbella beach (below)

in his vintage Rolls-Royce looking the world was trembling that for land.

World War III was starting,” exThe bilingual Alfonso – who was plains Count Rudi Schonburg, a keen painter - was immediately a former manager of Marbella taken by what he saw in Marbel- Club. la.

Coining the nickname the ‘King Sheltered by the dramatic Sier- of Clubs’, Alfonso’s reputation ra Blanca and with crystal-clear quickly preceded him and he waters just a stone’s throw away, soon opened up a disco which the savvy prince immediately got the club swinging every Tuessaw a wealth of opportunities. day and Friday night.

He ordered his father to sell off Despite revelling in its exclusive his wine cellars in Malaga and status, the Marbella Club was began developing his now sem- anything but formal. inal Marbella Club hotel, which “At dinner everybody arrived with opened in 1954. a dinner jacket, but I said ‘Stop!

But that was not enough and This is not the Marbella way! You the well-connected prince soon only wear a dinner jacket on New embarked on a European-wide Year’s Eve,” recalled Alfonso. campaign to convince all his As the inspired prince’s creation high-flying friends that Marbella, boomed, so did Marbella and not San Sebastian or Cannes, its surrounding hillsides. New was the only place to be. restaurants, bars and sports And his campaign worked with clubs began sprouting up as the the grand families of central Costa del Sol quickly entered its Europe, including so-called golden the Bismarcks, era.

Rothschilds and Developers inWe had the Metternichs, cluded Jose Bacoming to see most gorgeous nus, who built what the fuss was Puerto Banus parties when about. marina and King A string of celebriof Saudi the rest of the Fahd ties followed suit, Arabia, who built world trembled a white palace with actresses including Elizabeth (still there today) Taylor and Sophia that is modelled Loren, photographer Patrick Li- on both the White House and a chfield, footballer George Best, mosque. model Brigitte Bardot, and Roll- The likes of multi-millionaire ing Stone Bryan Jones joining arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi the in-crowd. (who formerly owned La ZaEven British aristocracy got in on galeta, Spain’s most expensive the act, with the Duke and Duch- urbanisation) were able to dock ess of Windsor (Edward and Mrs their luxury yachts in the port.

Simpson) visiting the hotel.

“Thanks to my initiative, Mar“The people I met in Hollywood, bella’s Golden Mile alone now in New York, and in Europe, they provides 60,000 jobs,” Alfonso were the roots, the bridge that once said. brought people to Marbella… While his friends called him who made Marbella,” explained the ‘King of Clubs’ or the ‘Little Alfonso.

Prince’, locals came to know Marbella took pride in being cut him affectionately as Ole-Ole, off from the hectic, stressful and because of the difficulty he had often scary modern world. pronoucing his surname.

Indeed, news of the Cuban Mis- Yet as the Costa del Sol dream sile Crisis did not reach the re- began to spiral into uncontrolsort until it was over. lable development, Alfonso be“Everybody had the most gor- came aware of the monster he geous parties when the rest of had helped stir. Concrete towers

FILLING HIS BOOTS: Sean Connery and Jackie Lane

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 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 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.”

June 2022

Retro Marbella

BUZZ FOR BOATIES: Picture of the old Puerto Deportivo

Views of the Costa del Sol town before it hit the big time

MINING: At Sierra Blanca

HEART: The Marbella Club kick-started the town’s glamour NO SIN: Nuns having fun in the sun

9

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

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Marbella

WHERE TO EAT SECRET SPOT: Macaao

952 636 290 valeria@valeriagourmet.com Centro Comercial Guadalmina 4, local 28 GUADALMINA ALTA, SAN PEDRO DE ALCÁNTARA 29670 Marbella, Málaga

Brasilian Rodizio, different cuts of quality meat cut directly at the table and typical side dishes

tel: 641 400 647

Elviria, Marbella Mondays closed

SHINING BRIGHT A S the years travel went

pandemic hit two ago most of the industry in Spain into full disaster

mode.

Meanwhile, in Marbella, the hotels and restaurants braced themselves for an influx of captains of industry, celebrities and royalty.

The perfect haunt to ride out the crisis, it seemed like half the world’s super rich headed to its crystal shores, as hotel occupancy soared and restaurant reservations hit the roof.

It’s therefore no coincidence that Marbella counts on the highest number of Michelin starred eateries in Spain, per capita.

The resort of 147,000 yearround residents enjoy no less than five Michelin stars spread

For its size, Marbella has more Michelinstarred restaurants than anywhere else in Spain, writes Olive Press editor Jon Clarke across four restaurants between its golden arches. And there used to be a lot more, before wunderkind Dani Garcia chucked in his trio when he closed his eponymous joint at the Puente Romano hotel two years ago.

But that’s only half the story, for there are at least a dozen more that are jostling for the honour, while seven also count on prestigious ‘soles’ (suns) from Repsol’s Spanish food bible.

My personal favourites include Ta-kumi and el Lago, which despite its iffy golf course location, has never let me down for food.

And then there is K a v a , which is the most unusual, creative spot right in the heart of

DELICATE: Dish at Ta-kumi and (right) Jon interviews New York chef Daniel Humm

town, run by a self-taught chef with a Masters degree in law.

Originally from Marbella, Fernando Alcala spent years working as a solicitor in Switzerland, before deciding to give it a go back home in the kitchen two years ago. And what a joy!

Meanwhile, on the Golden Mile, the Boho Club is glamorous and up the road in San Pedro de Alcantara, you have the excellent Savor, while the secret spot El Cortijo de Ramiro, in Guadalmina, is where the power-brokers-in-know go to eat.

Right up in the hills, worth a drive, is the charming restaurant at Alcuzcuz, which technically is in Benahavis.

For beach restaurants you are spoilt for choice, although the amazing Macaao, in San Pedro takes some beating.

It has a real touch of class and is run with an iron fist by Belgian Michel Dhondt, who heralds from a long line of Continues on Page 12

June 2022

11

NIC OF TIME Marbella now counts on two of France’s finest Nicolas wine shops

I STAR: Jon meets Joan Roca and Ferran Adria, while (below right) Joel Robuchon

Global glamour and world’s best chefs

W

HEN you’ve got so many people, who can easily drop €500 for a table for two on a Wednesday lunch, you understandably attract the stars.

And it is not just the likes of Robert de Niro. Michelle Obama and Hugh Grant who I have spotted dining in the old town.

Thanks to a fabulous annual event, A Cuatro Manos, organized by Dani Garcia for years at the Puente Romano, I have got to meet the great and the good of Spain’s globally-famous food scene.

Interviewing el Bulli legend Ferran Adria was a real standout, while getting to grill Joan Roca and Valencia star Quique Dacosta twice, comes a close second.

More exciting even, was meeting French legend Joel Robuchon, who gushed about the Andalucian food scene, while New York’s Eleven Madison Park maestro Daniel Humm (below left), would hardly stop talking.

WE TAKE CARE OF YOUR WINE WINE - CHAMPAGNE - SPIRITS HOME DELIVERY - HAMPERS - WRAPPING CHILLED WINE AND CHAMPAGNE

Centro Comercial Contur, Carretera de Cádiz km 192, Local 8-22 29604 Marbella

Centro Comercial Guadalmina, Calle 19A, Edif. La Caixa, Locales 7 y 8 29670 Marbella

www.nicolas-espana.com Tel: +34.951.272.216 vinosnicolasmarbella@gmail.com

T has been two centuries since Maison Nicolas became one of the most fashionable wine shops in Paris.

And now, finally, Marbella residents have two of their own exclusive franchises right on their doorstep.

Strategically located in Guadalmina and Elviria, the Nicolas shops are the project of husband and wife team Pierre-Carlos and Georgina Galvan.

Serving hundreds of different bottles of Champagne, fine Burgundy and Bordeaux, they also offer their clients the best of Spanish and Italian wines.

And that’s not all. You will also find gourmet products such as olive oil, French patés and sweets.

But best of all, is the advice you will find from the team, who are well up on the nearly 1,500 references of bottles that the company now stocks.

Since launching in 1822, the French company has opened 500 shops around the world, in dozens of countries, including the UK, Morocco and Switzerland.

“We try to find a bottle to match everyone’s taste and budget,” explains Pierre, who is looking to open more shops in Ibiza and Madrid, among other locations in Spain.

“Whether for a wedding, a dinner with friends or a romantic meal, we promise to help you. We will hopefully also introduce you to new wine-growing regions and a few pleasant surprises to expand your horizons,” he adds.

www.nicolas-espana.com Tel: +34 951 272 216 vinosnicolasmarbella@gmail.com

WE TA

WINE - C HOME DE CHILLED W

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Marbella

WHERE TO EAT

Waltz round to Viennas Great spots to Perfect for bagels, a beer and just From Page 10

AT VIENNAS AT VIENNAS CAFE, CAFE, WE PRIDE WE OURSELVES PRIDE ON USING OURSELVES THE ON USING THE FRESHEST FRESHEST INGREDIENTS INGREDIENTS SOURCING PRODUCTS SOURCING LOCALLY PRODUCTS LOCALLY AND ANDSERVING SERVING ARTISAN ARTISAN ITALIAN ROASTED ITALIAN COFFEE, ROASTED COFFEE, BREAKFAST BREAKFAST AND LUNCH DAILY. AND LUNCH DAILY.

about everything else, Viennas Cafe is a top Marbella pick

dine in

restaurant owners and trained with Alain Ducasse on the Cote d’Azur.

OR the best breakfast, brunch and bagels in Marbella, In the heart of the old town look no further than Viennas Cafe.

Taberna La Nina del Pisto is The extensive menu is beautifully presented and pera great spot, while Altamirano fectly instagrammable, to be enjoyed in the daintily OPEN: 9.00-16.30 9.00-16.30 MONDAY - SATURDAY - SATURDAY highly recommended by decorated teal blue venue or outOPEN: on its terrace outside. MONDAYcomes most.

There is a distinct vintage feel to it and it is a timeless spot I must also mention Skina, whether you are looking for a quick cake and coffee, sit which now has two stars in the down to a lovely lunch or kick back with a beer or wine. heart of the old town, and its The menu accommodates all tastes and dietary requireowner, a sommelier by train- SEDUCTIVE: And La Sala has been succcessful for a decade, while (below) Quique Dacosta at ments, with everything from nostalgic home comfort dishes ing, Marcos Granda’s new Asi- Marbella event. like banana bread or scrambled eggs to zucchini fritter or atic restaurant Nintao, which chicken and udon noodle bowls. already has a star around the Saying that, I have eaten well cessful restaurant and one Like its surroundings, the menu is www.viennascafe.com trulywww.viennascafe.com international and at the likes of Jacks and Mum- of the most enduring. corner. dishes are inspired by cuisines from around the world from But Marbella has something taz and was recently delighted Run by Brits Ian Radford TEL: +34 637 15 TEL: 14 16 +34 637 15 14 16 pulled pork breakfast tacos to Korean fried chicken, and, AVENIDA AVENIDA BULEVAR BULEVAR PRÍNCIPE PRÍNCIPE ALFONSO DE ALFONSO HOHENLOHE, 23 MARBELLA DE HOHENLOHE, SPAIN 29602 23 MARBELLA SPAIN 29602 for everyone.

There are well to come across the stylish Le- and wife Claire, with a bit of essentially, Italian roasted coffee. over 100 different nationalities one, run by the same group but help from a celebrity elevThe star product though is arguably the bagels, all of which cooking here, from Japanese to with much more focus on the en of former Premiership are 100% vegan. food quality (see footballers, including Steve Dutch and ChilThe key to the amazing taste of the food is that everything is review on next Carr, David Bentley and ean to Korean. healthy too - all products are sourced locally, so you can feel page).

Shay Given, it is a must-visit Take a walk good about what you’re eating.

Well over for any holiday to Marbs. around the old The team, led by experienced chef Michael, stays away from Just about everyone has town and follow processed foods - everything is freshly prepared in house.

100 different been for lunch from Jamie your nose to see In addition, the company is passionate about using local Oliver to Harry Kane and what is open. suppliers and all the meals are sourced from fresh local nationalities this emporium of glass and I’ve always liked produce.

One of the most are cooking seductive lighting, is at its Belgian-run e x t r a o r d i n a r y best on a weekend lunch Casanis, an here eateries has to or early Friday evening on elegant spot be La Sala.

To find out more about Viennas Cafe, call its wonderful deck terrace. with a great loWritten off by Surprisingly good is the 637151416 or email info@viennascafe.com cal menu, while Italian restaurant Cibo on the just about everyone when it food, while you are bound main road into Marbella is al- opened a decade ago on a to have fun after the meal Visit us at Avenida Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso busy roundabout just inland as the music kicks off. If ways reliable. de Hohenlohe, 23 Urb. Marbella réal, local Up in Banus it is harder to find from the N-340 motorway, it you are looking for meat or 22, 29602 Marbella, Málaga genuinely good food and it can has turned out to be - almost fish, there is usually a concertainly - Marbella’s most suc- temporary twist. be very hit or miss.

F

Super Sala

AT VIENNAS CAFE, WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON USING THE FRESHEST INGREDIENTS SOURCING PRODUCTS LOCALLY AND SERVING ARTISAN ITALIAN ROASTED COFFEE, BREAKFAST AND LUNCH DAILY.

OPEN: 9.00-16.30 MONDAY - SATURDAY

www.viennascafe.com TEL: +34 637 15 14 16 AVENIDA BULEVAR PRÍNCIPE ALFONSO DE HOHENLOHE, 23 MARBELLA SPAIN 29602

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WHERE TO EAT

BUZZING

Jon Clarke loves the summer vibe at La Sala by the Sea

Photos by Jon Clarke

LADIES LUNCHING: With spicy wings and cocktails for later

C

OME summer there is definitely nowhere more fun to be than La Sala by the Sea. Ask international footballers

Eden Hazard, Dele Alli or Des Walker, who flock in regularly come the silly season.

With some of the hottest girls to eye

up around the pool and some swanky sounds coming from the DJ up on high, it ticks all the boxes for a celebrity packed day out.

The wine list says it all: Aside from the nearly 30 different champagnes on offer - Dom Perignon sliding in at 450 euros a pop and Kristal no cheaper there is a good mix of international roses, not to mention cocktails.

But La Sala by the Sea is a lot more than a buzzing beach club, with great drinks and music… it counts on a spacious beach area and, best of all, an excellent menu.

It has a great sushi plate, in three sizes, as well as an excellent mixed Thai starter, of no less than six dishes, the chicken satay a total winner.

The very Asiatic influenced menu care of owner Claire Strutton’s love of Thailand, you can definitely trust the Pad Thai, while the Crispy Duck Pancakes were as good as any I’ve tried on the coast.

Staffing is one of the highlights with the Maitre D Luke, a South African livewire, giving us a brilliant overview of its history, from when it first

ON THE PALATE - RESTAURANT REVIEW

ROARING FROM THE FRONT Leone is a scarily good addition to frontline Puerto Banus, writes Jon Clarke

Above the hordes

I

T somehow remains cool and calm, while sited in one of the Costa del Sol’s most emblematic - and bustling - locations to dine.

That’s Leone, that has roared to life this summer in Puerto Banus with a strikingly good menu and equally good vibes.

Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Sinatras, Picasso and Jacks, it is never easy to get noticed in this high-end busy Marbella marina.

But Leone counts on hip design and a great use of light, as well as pale/neutral colours to make its debut.

After a few key menu changes over its first couple of months, it is starting to brim with confidence.

A part-Asiatic menu broadens out into a wide enough palate, with enough original and off-beat dishes to stand out above the nearby hordes.

The duck terrine starter with foie gras marinated in cognac is a good example, while the ‘fresh’ Spring rolls, with a Nuoc sauce, were excellent and original, as were the superb Rock

opened as Buddha Beach.

“I love the mix of people who visit, from footballers to families, some of whom come for literally every day of a twoweek holiday,” he told me.

“This afternoon alone, I’ve served Dutch, Germans, Swedish, South Africans and Brits, there is always a big mix.”

His enthusiasm spoke volumes and fortunately, unlike other nearby beach clubs, the volume isn’t turned up to the max so you can actually talk.

Best of all, you can park free of charge just outside in a gated area, which is easy to reach.

Shrimps in tempura.

The best starter, by far, however was the beef tartare (above), served as a sort of triple decker sandwich, but with wafer thin bread and spicy capers. A small serving of French fries made up the melange.

There was a nice looking salad menu, in particular a creative nectarine and feta number, with olives and cucumbers.

For mains I loved the mussels (below), which came lightly grilled and served with parsley and garlic, while the salmon in an Asiatic sauce and served on a banana leaf was super.

The wine list was not expansive, but varied enough, and our waiter, Naf, who I’ve known from other restaurants in the area, steered us towards an excellent verdejo, Meraldis, oaked for

SPECTACULAR: Sky Bar offers the best seats in Banus

WINNER: Salmon in Asiatic sauce 13 months in cask and with a lovely body.

He talked us into trying the Paris-Brest choux pastry pudding, which was a praline buttercream twist on profiteroles, that I’m still thinking about today, two weeks later.

Leone, Front line, Puerto Banus. www.leonebanus.com 952 811 621

ONE of the true secret spots in Marbella is the Benabola Hotel Sky Bar. The only rooftop dining spot above Puerto Banus offers views as far as the eye can see… and then some.

Lording it over the famous marina, this is the best place for an early evening tapa and cocktail, or a nightcap following supper.

Even better, come for the evening and join those-in-theknow alongside various celebrities.

And anyone ordering two cocktails or more gets free underground parking (follow the Benabola Hotel signs and get your card franked at reception).

And, if you want to really experience the high life then book a room at the hotel.

Visit www.benabola.com

JOIN US FOR LUNCH BY THE SEA AT OUR

Thai Inspired Beachfront Restaurant

POOL BEDS • BEACH BEDS • RESTAURANT • BAR FOR THE LATEST EVENTS & PROMOTIONS VISIT WWW.LASALABYTHESEA.COM

La Sala by the Sea | Urb. Villa Marina, Nueva Andalucia, Marbella (+34) 952 813 882 | reservations@LaSalaByTheSea.com | www.LaSalaByTheSea.com