Smart told the Olive Press the frauds were ‘a consequence of loans between individuals, in which my… signature does not appear.’
SHE was best friends with TV star Denise van Outen and had more shoes than notorious Filipino first lady Imelda Marcos. But the glamorous life of fashion designer Jody Smart has come to an abrupt end after she was found guilty of fraud in Spain. Smart - aka Jodie Pearson - will now swap first-class trips to New York’s fashion week for a Spanish jail cell for the next three-and-a-half years.
An Alicante Court ruled she was behind part of the notorious €35 million Continental Wealth Management (CWM) swindle and must pay €370,000 to two victims. Judge Francisco Javier Guirau also found her guilty of conning a third victim, Mark Davidson, out of €930,000, however tragically he passed away before the verdict was reached.
DECO DREAMS
JAIL FOR JODY
Costa restaurateur found guilty of fraud linked to €35 million CWM scandal
EXCLUSIVE
By Jon Clarke & Walter Finch
Darren Kirby, as being in on the scheme. While Smart was involved with CWM when it collapsed in 2017, Kirby was the sole administrator and was thought to be the mastermind.
Angie Brooks, a pension expert, who the Olive Press has worked alongside to expose the decade-long fraud, said she was ‘delighted’ at the judgment.
“It’s great news, I’m happier than I’ve been in seven years,” said Brooks, who helped to guide the long complicated class action.
“It’s been a seven-year battle, back and forth to the court in Alicante from my home in Granada and it’s cost me a fortune in legal fees.
Her lawyer added it is ‘uncertain she will end up in prison’ as he launches an ap- peal this week. The court however, established that Smart was behind the fraud of one victim of €300,000 under the false pretence of purchasing a property.
Along with colleague Alan Gorringe, who has since died, Smart also defrauded another victim of €70,000 through a sham loan agreement.
The court ruled Smart was the sole administrator of Continental Wealth Trust, while the court also named her then-husband,
Smart, who describes herself on Instagram as a ‘fashion designer, wellness expert, philanthropist, wedding planner’, also runs a successful beach club, Oceana, in Benissa.
Victims claim she founded her fashion label off the back of the many people she scammed out of their life savings through the CWM investment scheme.
On Instagram she flaunts her glamorous lifestyle on foreign trips to Greece, Thailand and Venice.
“At least some justice has been done and she will have to cough up nearly half a million euros in damages and fees.”
She continued: “Incredibly, Darren Kirby has, so far, managed to get off as he was not a director or a shareholder in the company.”
A separate court in Denia ruled there was ‘insufficient evidence’ to prosecute four other senior figures of CWM in a decision that devastated the victims in 2023.
“It was complicated and the judge couldn’t get her head around it
GLOBE TROTTER: But her travels have been ended by a Spanish judge, while (left) a front page from 2020
The victims meanwhile - at least one who committed suicide after losing his life savings - have had to wait nearly a decade for justice after a series of delays.
But, the sentence, issued by Alicante’s Audiencia Provincial court, is being seen as a massive victory for the victims and could now open the floodgates to many more.
Incredibly, at least half a dozen other senior CWM figures have so far managed to evade justice.
and threw the case out,” explained Brooks. “But now we are bringing a much bigger, stronger case against them.”
She continued: “We will send out a shuddering message to the pension industry.”
The Olive Press is aware of other civil cases meanwhile being brought in the Isle of Man.
Opinion Page 6
Fatal fall
A DRUNK Belgian tourist, 69, fell off his yacht moored at Alicante marina on Sunday and drowned despite the efforts of a German couple who tried to revive him.
Bull death
A MAN, 68, died at Valencia’s La Fe Hospital on Good Friday after being gored during the Dos Aguas bull runs.
Busy holiday
HOTEL occupancy over Easter in the Valencia region reached an average of 85%, with Benidorm and Gandia topping the list on 92%, according to the Hosbec hoteliers group.
Mazon demo
A SEVENTH demonstration over Valencian president Carlos Mazon’s handling of the flood disaster will be held this Mondaystarting at 6pm in Valencia’s Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
A PAIR of British gangsters, including a notorious criminal from Merseyside, have been arrested by the Guardia Civil after terrorising cannabis clubs in Alicante province.
Career criminal Sonny Redmond, 32, from Merseyside, who was on the UK’s 2021 ‘most wanted’ list, has been caught by cops. He and another man were involved in armed assaults on cannabis premises
CANNABIS CLUB TERROR
in La Marina and Orihuela Costa. Last October, Redmond and an accomplice broke into a cannabis association in La Marina, wielding machine guns, stealing €5,000 worth of products and €600 in cash, before threatening staff. They demanded €25,000 plus 50% of future profits, sending chilling death
threats to the owner and his family, including one message threatening to ‘blow his head off’.
Despite being scared to report the threats, the victim’s wife contacted the Guardia Civil in November. Redmond was arrested this month after a dramatic standoff, where he held
an elderly couple hostage before being restrained by officers. The mobster had attempted to evade authorities by changing his name. Authorities discovered two sub-machine guns and over 300 rounds of ammunition at his home, along with evidence of illegal activities at a cannabis club previously ‘taken over’ by his crew. The investigation is ongoing, with several other gang members still being hunted.
Lay dead for months
A BRUTAL murder in Valencia has left authorities hunting for the killer of a talented American busker whose body was found months after he was stabbed.
The body of Djinn Maury, a musician from Oregon, was discovered earlier this month inside an abandoned car workshop in Sagunto.
The 39-year-old - who had
Hunt on for killer of American busker after body found
By Alex Trelinski
been living rough and playing his violin on the streets to make a living - had been fatally stabbed during a fight.
Drug death
A 20-year-old Spaniard has been charged with homicide after ploughing into a group of cyclists in Calpe, killing one and leaving others - including the 14-year-old-son of the victim - seriously injured. The tragic incident unfolded on Sunday at around 11.30am, as a group of 20 cyclists were riding along the N-332, near the Mascarart tunnel, heading towards Altea. Jagoba Etxezarreta, 45, from Az-
The Guardia Civil believes he knew his attacker, as the brutal murder took place inside the building he had called home for over five years.
The shocking discovery was made by two youngsters,
peitia in the Basque Country, was tragically killed on impact. Witnesses say the force of the collision was so intense that he was thrown into the air, landing down the embankment by the roadside. Etxezarreta's son, Danel, suffered a broken femur and was rushed to Denia Hospital. Another cyclist, 20, was treated for shock. Authorities say the driver, who was allegedly under the influence of drugs, has been charged with homicide, causing injuries, and breaching road safety laws.
who stumbled upon the body on the staircase between the third and fourth floors of the derelict workshop, known as the ‘Taller del Aleman.’
Blood stains
marked the scene, and an autopsy later confirmed that Djinn had died from severe stab wounds, including one to his leg that led to massive blood loss.
Evidence points to the musician trying to flee from his attacker, firstly taking refuge in his room in the upper part of the building.
He then, seriously injured, tried to get down the stairs, before finally collapsing between two floors.
The musician, who had arrived in Spain before the pandemic, kept mostly to himself, with the only exception being his regular visits to a local business for free Wi-Fi.
Authorities are now pouring over his messages in hopes of
finding clues about his killer. With no ID found on the body, DNA tests are being used for formal identification, but everything points to a violent attack by someone Djinn trusted enough to bring into his makeshift home.
MYSTERY: Djinn’s body was left to rot for four months
Trouble in paradise
IT’S exactly the sort of high-end luxury that would suit the pampered characters of The
With its breathtaking location, expansive grounds and high-level security, the new Four Seasons Formentor hotel in Mal-
lorca has unsurprisingly been tipped as the next setting of the fourth series of the HBO show.
While no official confirmation has been made, it has been widely hinted that the producers are looking for the right location in Europe.
Having filmed in Hawaii, Sicily and Thailand, they wanted something less exotic, but still with unbelievable exclusivity.
The cast, including Jason Isaacs, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Parker Posey, also
complained that Thailand was too hot and too isolated.
And HBO drama chief Francesca Orsi recently admitted ‘chances are somewhere in Europe’, while producer Mike White does ‘not like the cold’ so it won’t be a skiing resort.
Intriguingly, the hotel that has only just reopened after a three year renovation, is offering guests an immersive experience inspired by 'The White Lotus'.
Until May 14, ‘the White Lotus Cabana’ offers visitors an exclusive poolside retreat with a curated menu reflecting the show's exotic locales.
Rock ’n’ rolling in
Spain prepares for a huge host of international names this summer
SPAIN’S summer music calendar is shaping up to be one of the most star-studded in history.
By Tom Ewart Smith
A host of recognised artists will descend on local stages across the country - from remote mountain towns to coastal resorts.
One of the first big festivals is the Mallorca Live Festival in June, which welcomes British headliners Massive Attack and Suede, plus American legend Iggy Pop Later that month the Azkena Rock Festival kicks off in Vitoria on June 21 featuring Fogerty, of Creedence Clearwater Revival fame, who plays his only Spanish date there.
Manic Street Preachers, Buzzcocks Dead Kennedys punk grit to the bill. Mad Cool Festival (Madrid, July 10-13) remains Spain’s most international offering, with pop sensation Rodrigo making her Spain debut, while Kings of Leon, ser Chiefs, Leon Bridges, and Wombats all line up. Down south the Prodigy and DJ legend Carl Cox play the
de
castle in Fuengirola at the Marenostrum festival in July and August, the Blaze Lionel Richie also
July and August, while
and Tom
A VIKING IN SPAIN
ERLING Haaland has been popping up like Where’s Wally on the Costa del Sol.
The Manchester City striker was spotted by eagle eyed Olive Press readers at Los Naranjos Golf Club and also in San Pedro. Haaland, who owns a €6 million mansion in the Sierra Blanca area of Marbella, was visiting the UC San Pedro girls team. The Norwegian fell in love with the area when his national team trained there during COVID. The attacker has already scored over 30 goals this season, despite his injury setback.
have shows. In Marbella, the glitzy Starlite Festival will once again serve as a magnet for international stars.
ing The Beach Boys, Seal, Kool & The Gang, Santana, and The Script, bringing decades of chart-topping hits to the boutique venue nestled in a limestone quarry. Canadian rocker Bryan Adams meanwhile, will perform in the remote mountain town of Hoyos del Espino at the 18th edition of Musicos en la Naturaleza, a festival renowned for its dramatic natural setting in the Sierra de Gredos.
Headlining this year’s lineup is Will Smith, who continues his foray into music after years away from the stage.
In the Canary Islands, Granca Live Fest in Las Palmas (July 3-5) continues to punch above its weight, drawing Jason Derulo to the Estadio de Gran Canaria alongside Latin and Spanish acts.
Finally, in Valencia, the Deleste Festival (May 16-17) will bring indie flair to Jardines de Viveros with The Vaccines and Teenage Fanclub.
He’s joined by an eclectic mix includ-
From iconic legends to pop trailblazers, Spain’s 2025 festival season is shaping up to be a landmark summer for music.
have set tongues wagging after being spotted arriving in London together - after a trip to Madrid. The duo touched down via Tom’s private helicopter, with Spain-based Ana, 36, juggling her two beloved dogs. Cruise, 62, looked sharp in a white polo and dark pea coat.
Though Ana - best known for playing Marilyn Monroe in
The pair previously caused a stir on Valentine’s Day after being seen dining together in Soho. Sources claim their meetings are strictly professional, with talk of working on a Days of Thunder sequel, but fans are convinced something more is brewing.
LOCALS in sleepy Market Harborough in the UK were left gobsmacked when more than 100 Spanish football fans descended on their nonleague ground - chanting, singing, and turning a routine Saturday match into a fiesta to remember.
Olé The Bees
Harborough Town FC, who usually play in front of a modest crowd in the seventh tier of the English league, found their Bowden Park stands packed with noisy visitors in yellow kits, all the way from sunny Spain.
IT came from a wild partnership with Spanish YouTube channel La Media Inglesa, whose 440,000 subscribers voted to ‘adopt’ the Bees as their English club of choice. The Spanish supporters - some travelling nearly 1,000 miles - brought drums, banners, and a carnival atmosphere. Despite the continental backing, Harborough Town fell 2-1 to St Ives Town.
ANA
Armas
Cruise
Blonde - was born in Cuba, she holds Spanish citizenship and has lived here for years.
John , and add
Olivia KaiThe
STORMING IN: (From left) Iggy Pop, Olivia Rodrigo, Kings of Leon, Bryan Adams and Jason Derulo
Stub
it out
VILLAJOYOSA is set to ban smoking on all of its beaches in a move to create cleaner, healthier spaces for holidaymakers.
The new rule, which will affect 13 beaches and coves, follows a similar ban introduced last month at Albir Beach in l’Alfas del Pi.
Health councillor Maite Sanchez explained that the ban aims to make the beaches more ‘sustainable and environmentally-friendly’. She added,: “Not only does tobacco harm your health, but cigarette butts ruin the sand and pollute the waters too.”
The council isn’t just stopping there – it will also roll out awareness campaigns to highlight the dangers of smoking and the environmental damage it causes.
AN ELECTRIC scooter battery left on overnight charge sparked an Elche apartment block blaze.
The fire spread through the five-storey building on Calle Pablo Picasso affecting six homes. Nine people and two cats were rescued.
A firefighter, 26, suffered a dislocated shoulder after falling from a ladder, while four people were taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.
The third floor apartment where the fire started was totally destroyed.
CONTENDERS: (from right) Cardinals Angel Fernandez Artime, Jose Cobo and Juan Omella
Battery blaze Inflatable rescues
COPS have launched an urgent investigation into a dodgy British-run ‘care home’ after an elderly woman was discovered on the brink of death in a room crawling with filth, faeces and feline urine.
The shocking scenes unfolded at the Pension Hakuna Matata-Rural Guest House in La Manchica, near Cartagena.
Excrement
The Murcia residential home and bar combo owned by Brian and Susan Knox since 2018 had dozens of elderly Brits living there. Emergency services found an 84-year-old Brit, known only as A.S., in a revolting room filled with rubbish, excrement and cats. She was rushed to hospital suffering from extreme de-
By Alex Trelinski
Holy race
ROME’S holy corridors are buzzing with whispers as the Vatican gears up to elect a new Pontiff following the death of Pope Francis on Monday.
Insiders say several Spanish cardinals are in the running for the top job in the Catholic Church, with fiery speculation mounting.
Top of the list is Cardinal Juan Omella of Barcelona, 79, a close ally of Francis with a heart for the poor. Hot on his heels is Cardinal Jose Cobo, Madrid’s fresh-faced archbishop at just 59 years old. And don’t rule out 64-year-old Salesian supremo Angel Fernandez Artime, originally from Asturias, who has global reach and a missionary spark. But bookies still favour candidates from outside Spain, like Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin or Filipino favourite Luis Tagle.
Guest house horror
hydration and kidney failure – and had been treated for a serious head injury just days earlier.
The unlicensed guest house is believed to house up to 34 elderly British residents –despite never having official approval to operate as a care facility.
An exposé by El Diario blew the lid off the squalid set-up, with a local doctor slamming the home and describing it as ‘murky and strange’.
The medic revealed he and colleagues were regularly called there to treat ‘very old people with serious issues who should not be there’.
Police probe ‘illegal nursing home’ as 84-yearold Brit woman found dehydrated and covered in filth
A local nurse who helped in the recent rescue insisted the octogenarian had been ‘completely neglected’.
“She was staying in this disgusting room… and was severely dehydrated and on the verge of a coma,” she told the paper.
The Guardia Civil and Policia Local are now probing the incident, while Murcia’s Public Health Department is also now involved.
Authorities confirmed the premises had never held a licence to run as a nursing home or provide healthcare services.
Despite the damning evi-
dence, owner Brian Knox claimed to El Diario that the ‘residence closed 10 years ago’ – yet images and videos of elderly residents living at the site have surfaced online as recently as last year.
Now, with A.S. safely moved to a new facility, questions are mounting over how the so-called Hakuna Matata home was allowed to operate unchecked.
Meanwhile how many more vulnerable Brits may have been left to suffer behind its closed doors.
Cover up?
EXCLUSIVE
By Walter Finch
THE mother of a Brit who died in a Spanish resort has slammed the police for caring more about protecting the town's reputation than catching her son’s killers.
Dad Brett Dryden, 35, from County Durham, was found dead with a gash to the head at his seaside apartment in Mojacar, Almeria, last July.
Police had initially told the family that Brett had died from a blood clot on his lungs after falling and hitting his head.
But a recently obtained autopsy contradicts this version of events, revealing it was likely a robbery and ‘there were significant marks on the body to indicate a physical struggle.’
Now, Brett’s mother, Sarah Adams, has told the Olive Press she’s ‘disgusted and angry’ at the ‘sloppy work’ and attitude of the Guardia Civil in investigating his death.
“They would rather bury it and claim it was an accidental death just to keep the good image of the town,” fumed the 56-year-old.
“We flew out immediately after hearing the news, but it was about five days before we managed to speak with them.
“When we did they said it was a terrible accident, and he had had a pulmonary embolism, which led to him falling and banging his head.
“They were clearly trying to rush us to have the cremation in Spain. They even let his friends walk through the crime scene not once but twice.
“They actually closed the case, and a judge only ordered it to be re-opened and investigated correctly when I pointed out that Brett’s phone and money were missing.”
She continued: “We've just come back from Spain after getting the autopsy results, which was a right struggle to get hold of. And it states
A BATHER had a lucky escape when he was swept out to sea on an inflatable off Guardamar del Segura – but thanks to the quick action of the Cruz Roja, he lived to tell the tale.
The 43-year-old man found himself at the mercy of a powerful current, drifting further into the open water.
The LS Naos rescue boat, based in Santa Pola, was urgently dispatched to rescue the man. After being plucked from the waves, he was brought safely back to Guardamar – none the worse for wear from his ordeal. At Valencia’s Malvarrosa beach, firefighters were also called into action when a 12-year-old boy got into trouble in his inflatable due to the strong current. Emergency services arrived at around 7.30pm and managed to rescue the child – along with a man who had attempted to help him. Both were suffering from hypothermia and were rushed to Valencia’s University Clinical Hospital for treatment.
Lost a loo seat?
A TOILET lid and a fire extinguisher were some of the more unusual items left behind on TRAM d'Alacant services last year.
Other goods included bicycles, scooters, suitcases, crutches, canes, ice coolers, a hair dryer, and even a builder's shovel. Some 2,494 items were found in 2024, with the busiest month being October (442), and just 37% of goods were reclaimed. Local tram stations keep items for a month which go into storage for an extra four weeks at the lost property warehouse at Luceros station.
that there were signs of a robbery and a struggle in his villa.
“It’s now nine months since Brett’s death and we’ve still had no contact from the police.
“All we want is for them to cooperate and speak to us and give us an update. I want to know that they're doing something.”
The family are now planning to protest outside the town hall later this month.
Their son had moved to Mojacar in 2019 to set up a legal cannabis club.
The former Nissan worker was found dead by friends when he failed to return from a siesta.
Adding to the family’s suspicions that he had been the victim of a crime, his Gucci sunglasses, cash savings and phone were found missing.
Most disturbingly, Sandra insists that a silent call was made to her from his phone after he died, leaving her convinced that someone stole it.
The senior care worker said Brett’s friends found him ‘covered in blood’ and that police told them it had been a ‘violent death’ and that he may have been ‘hit with an axe’.
Sandra claims she was not even informed of a 4x5cm gash to his head, which she only discovered upon seeing his body at the crematorium.
CCTV footage from the neighbours reportedly showed three men fleeing from the scene around the same time.
TRAGIC: Dad Brett was likely murdered
FREE WAY
12-year battle over Costa Blanca walkway ends in reduced €26k payout – just in time for
A BITTER 12-year row over a blocked footpath has finally been kicked into touch – just in time for beachgoers to enjoy it this summer.
The 60-metre stretch of seafront path in Orihuela Costa will now reopen after the council was told to pay out €26,000 to local residents who live there.
The path in Cabo Roig, connecting Aquamarina and La Caleta, will open despite an expected fightback from defiant Bellavista residents who shut it off in the first place.
It hopefully brings an end to a saga that’s dragged on since 1990, when the Bellavista development was first approved.
The problem began as Orihuela council did not fully expropriate the path on passing the scheme, leaving a bizarre 60-metre gap.
Fast-forward to 2013 and residents erected a barrier that two years lat-
Shipped out
MIGRANTS have been found sleeping rough in Valencia after being shipped there by Barcelona City Council, which paid their bus and train fares.
Social workers in Valencia discovered the shocking truth after speaking to rough sleepers in the Turia Garden area, who revealed that Barcelona’s council had paid for their tickets to the city. Many of the migrants, around 100 a night, use the Turia Garden as a makeshift shelter, taking refuge under the bridges.
While Valencia’s Social Services councillor, Marta Torrado, refused to comment directly on the paid-for travel, she pointed the finger at soaring housing costs as the root cause of the growing number of rough sleepers.
Torrado explained: “They’re mostly seasonal workers like fruit pickers, who simply can’t afford rent due to the high costs.”
Accident high
BUCKLE up – Spain’s most dangerous stretch of highway has been revealed to be in Alicante.
A shocking new report has revealed that the A77a motorway, particularly around kilometre zero point, is a hotspot for crashes and carnage.
Between 2018 and 2022, it saw 110 accidents with 158 injuries - the highest toll in the country - making it at least 10 times more dangerous than the national average.
This alarming stat comes from a deep dive by the Madrid-based Associated European Motorists (AEA), who analysed accident figures across the country.
Over 34,000 drivers zip along this treacherous stretch daily.
Bad gamble
A LOTTERY ticket seller in Alicante has been arrested for scamming a customer out of €40,000 – by keeping the winning ticket for herself.
The 42-year-old woman, along with her 37-year-old ex-boyfriend, was caught by the Policia Nacional after attempting to cash in on the big prize. The customer had bought the ticket from the stand, only to be told the next day that she had won a measly €6. But after double-checking the results, she discovered she had actually won a life-changing €40,000. When she confronted the seller, she was accused of fraud. Undeterred, the woman went straight to the police, who swiftly blocked any prize claims from National Lottery offices.
summer
By Alex Trelinski
er council workers took down with sledgehammers.
But the bulldozer diplomacy backfired.
The residents won a court battle, and the path remained closed for over four years.
Then began a legal battle that led to the path being blocked officially in December 2021 after a court ruled in favour of the Bellavista residents – forcing
sunseekers and dog walkers onto a two-kilometre detour just to reach the sand.
Then in 2023,
homeowners demanded a staggering €3 million in expropriation fees, claiming the land was never included in plans for a hotel.
Last year, Spain’s coastal authority ruled the walkway must be reopened to the public – leaving the thorny issue
BLOCKED: Concrete wall bars the way
of compensation on the table. Initially the council offered just €70,000, which was turned down, and the wrangle was sent to the Provincial Expropriation Jury.
Now, it has finally been settled and beach lovers can lace up their walking shoes once more.
Malaga
Fatalities also occurred in Albacete, Cuenca and Malaga, while infrastructure damage and economic losses were severe, totalling around €16.5 billion.
EXPERTS WHO CARE ABOUT YOU
Voted top expat paper in Spain
A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than two million people a month.
OPINION
Getting off lightly
HOLIDAYS in paradise, celebrity friends and, of course, philanthropy.
Jody Smart was to some sections of costa society a wonderful woman, a heroine to be worshipped.
But the truth is she is a dirty, rotten scammer who should be remembered for the countless victims of the CWM investment scandal, not her charity work.
She only managed to lead her sickening life of luxury - including first class travel to New York and holidays in Thailand - off the back of defrauding thousands from unfortunate investors. We have been tracing her disgraceful part in the fraud for nearly a decade and know the courts have only just scratched the surface.
Thousands of people lost their retirement savings due to Jody and her band of unscrupulous conmen.
Thankfully there are a few brave campaigners out there vowing to ensure she gets a lot more than three and a half years in prison she deserves.
Dead and buried?
IT is as if they are all six feet under.
For not one former employee or family member is prepared to come clean about what has happened to Iberian Funeral Plans.
Surely it wouldn’t be too much to put a small notice on the website? Some explanation to what has happened since owner Stephen Nelson died.
Our hearts go out to the many clients, who have been calling and emailing us about their concerns this month.
Most of them only learned about the collapse of the company through our reporting and they have nowhere else to turn. How horrible for them to discover there is no more funeral plan for when they or their loved one dies.
We have been trying continually for two weeks to reach friends, family and former employees of Nelson, both here, as well as in Portugal and the UK.
It has been a painstakingly slow process, with nobody prepared to talk, but we are starting to get somewhere.
Thankfully our investigative team at the Olive Press is very good at one thing: digging!
And we vow to keep unearthing as much as we can about what has happened, until it finally kills us.
PUBLISHER / EDITOR
Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es
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HEAVEN CAN WAIT!
WHEN the small group of mourners gathered in Faro on March 5, it was appropriately one of the worst spells of weather on record.
A bleak day on the Algarve, they had come to mourn the passing of a once jolly, largerthan-life expat, Stephen Nelson, who had run one of the costas’ best-known foreign businesses.
While only four people made the low-key service, the real tragedy was soon to become apparent: Nelson’s company, Iberian Funeral Plans, was collapsing with potentially thousands of victims facing investment losses of at least €4,000 each.
As a lawsuit is launched to help them get their money back, questions of where the estimated millions have gone are seemingly buried with Nelson.
It is a mighty fall for a company that at its peak had nine offices around the Iberian Peninsula and dozens of employees.
Initially launched as SPN Funeral Plans SL in 2006, it advertised on radio stations and almost every expat publication in Spain.
Selling funeral plans that wouldn’t leave loved ones with costly burial services, thousands took up the offer, often paying monthly or annually.
But what they couldn’t know was that the company had never been officially regulated and their funds were in no way protect-
The Olive Press investigates the vicious family battle brewing behind the mysterious painful collapse of Iberian Funeral Plans
By Jon Clarke
ed from mismanagement, or worse.
As the Olive Press has now established in a hard-hitting investigation spanning three countries, the firm and its subsidiaries had been in free fall for years.
What is also now certain, since Nelson died in February, funerals around Spain and in the UK have stopped getting paid, causing untold anguish at a time of major grief.
Despite the website still working, selling the ‘Oak plan’ for €7,250 and additional ‘mortuary days’ at €185, nobody has confirmed the collapse of Iberian or what is going on.
As Myra Azzopardi, at Spain’s Citizens Advice Bureau, explained this week, this is ‘extremely unusual’ and completely ‘heartless’.
A lawyer, Carlos Haering, who we reveal on our front page is launching a legal claim, added: “It’s clear the company doesn’t intend to provide any services or reimburse
the money taken.”
Downfall
It appears the downturn for Iberian began when Nelson moved from Alhaurin el Grande, in Malaga, to the Algarve just under a decade ago.
Facing various legal issues with rival funeral companies, he decided it would be easier to
MULLINS IT OVER
IT’S my first Easter as a proper member of the expat community. Sure I’ve been here over the bank holiday before, but now I’ve decided to become a permanent fixture here, I’m seeing things a bit differently… and some of what I see ain’t all milk and honey!
It might sound a bit boring but what’s been going on with the damn weather? Until I saw the forecast for this week moving forwards I was beginning to think I was some kind of rain magnet. But there’s a serious point in here somewhere and it’s right up my alley: Just because it’s sunny a lot of the time doesn’t mean builders get a pass
base himself there, while leaving a team to run the main office in Alhaurin.
Unfortunately though, his health took a turn for the worse and a serious battle with chronic diabetes left him without a leg and with other side effects.
The Olive Press has established that he died in Lagos after being admitted to hospital from his home in the village of Altura, in February.
Living alone, since his partner Karen Krejzl left him to return to Spain, he rarely socialised and only saw his daughter Emma on occasional visits from the UK.
Emma and her husband made up half the mourners at his funeral last month and, so far, she has refused to open up about his death.
“He died a sad and lonely man,” an expat friend, based on the Algarve, told the Olive Press this week. “And he certainly didn’t live a ‘jet set’ or affluent lifestyle.
“Every morning he would have two coffees and a cheese and ham sandwich at his local cafe. That was it.”
But Nelson certainly wasn’t living on the bread line, as we have established. He had a small boat, appropriately named Heaven Can Wait, plus a five-bedroom home currently for sale at just under one million euros.
The amazing villa with a giant swimming pool, gym and two jacuzzis, sat atop its own hill overlooking the sea.
“But just because he had this big house doesn’t mean he had a lot of money,” continued the friend, who had known him for years.
“He had taken a backseat from the business for a long time because he was ill and Iberian certainly wasn’t just him,” he added pointedly.
Ain’t all milk and honey!
Rather than complaining about tourists, locals should rise up about building standard on putting up houses to the most basic of standards.
After just two months of wet weather, 90% of the homes in southern Spain are leaking like a sieve. It would be nice if someone could come up with (and enforce) some proper building regulations.
Protests
Not too much that goes on in and around Malaga gets into the international press but that wasn’t true for the anti-tourism protests we’ve had recently.
Deposito Legal MA: 498-2019
Obviously it all kicked off in places like Barcelona and the Canaries, and I get that people need somewhere affordable to live.
But is that really true for here? Or are they just jumping on a popular bandwagon?
I’m told this coast used to be known as the ‘ Costa del Viento ’ or the windy coast and before tourists began to come, build homes and resorts, all that was around was a few fishing villages.
So if people of all nationalities got over their silly differences and protested about shoddy workmanship instead of each other, we might get somewhere.
Being a plumber is both my enemy and my friend, but the simple fact is local builders need to up their game
Coal to culture
A forgotten Spanish power plant gets an epic makeover,
writes Dilip Kuner
IT was a clever way to utilise a waste product from a local industry in Andalucia.
A team from Spanish and British universities have worked out a way to create eco-friendly building materials from sugarcane. The group from the University of East London (UEL) and the Bagaceira Project, in Barcelona, worked out how to repurpose
DECO DREAMS
As the Art Deco movement reaches a century, we celebrate Spain’s contribution
ONCE a towering titan of industry, the iconic Tres Xemeneies power plant is set to become the beating heart of Barcelona’s cultural future.
The 1970s relic, named after its three colossal chimneys (that’s Tres Xemeneies in Catalan), has been gathering dust since it shut down in 2011.
But not for much longer. Architecture dream team Garces de Seta Bonet Arquitectes and Marvel have just released dazzling visuals of their wild new vision: E la nave va - a name borrowed from a classic Fellini flick.
Out goes coal and in comes creativity. This bold transformation will morph the hulking plant into the ‘Catalunya Media City’, a buzzing hub for media, tech, and public arts. The mammoth turbine hall will be reborn - with vibes straight out of London’s Tate Modern and NYC’s Park Avenue Armory.
We’re talking 17-metre ceilings, epic sound studios, labs, and enough flexible free space to host everything from film fests to virtual reality showcases.
And the origins of the station have not been forgotten, with it still producing power - 4,500m² of solar panels are to crown the roof, and its smart eco-friendly design will help shrink its carbon footprint.
“This is about turning an industrial past into a cultural future,” said architect Jonathan Marvel. And with views over the Med and Badalona, it’s looking like the power plant's second act will be nothing short of electric.
SWEET DEAL
Andalucia has become the centre of a groundbreakingsustainablebuildingproject usingsugarcaneinsteadof concrete
By Tom Ewart Smith
‘bagasse’, the fibrous pulp left after extracting sugarcane juice. Their research found that products made from this waste outperformed traditional concrete and clay bricks. Bagasse is typically burned for fuel or used as cattle feed, both of
which release carbon into the atmosphere.
In contrast, their project traps carbon in the new building materials, reducing environmental impact. Made by combining bagasse with sand, the bricks have a carbon footprint six times lower than conventional clay bricks. The project launched in 2022 when UEL researchers Alan Chandler
and Armor Gutierrez (far left) began exploring agricultural waste as a potential construction material.
The project is now exploring industrial-scale Sugarcrete production, which could utilise up to 8 million square metres of sugarcane plantations in southern Spain. Estimates claim it will capture carbon emissions equivalent to 46,000 cars. If given the go ahead the team will turn a number of former concrete factories into bio-based production hubs, boosting the local economy.
Further research is planned in Granada this summer, while they have already used the product to build a school in India as well as a prototype at the Burning Man festival in the US.
CARBON TRAPS: The Sugarcrete bricks used at Burning Man Festival
DECO DREAMS
WHEN someone once asked Prime Minister Clement Attlee to define socialism, he replied that he couldn’t - but he knew it when he saw it.
Art Deco is much the same. Hard to pin down, easy to love.
Elon Musk is trying to reinvent it for the 21st century, but Deco has been turning heads for over a hundred years.
So what is it?
1. Casa Judia, Valencia (1930)
A bold burst of colour and geometry on Calle Castellon.
Known as the ‘Jewish House’, this private residence is a
2. Edificio Sagasta, Malaga (1903)
A graceful corner building with rounded balconies and ornate ironwork, Sagasta is a striking example of early pre-Deco blending with Modernist touches. Built by Jeronimo Cuervo, it set the tone for Malaga’s architectural leap into the 20th century. Still a landmark today, especially when bathed in that golden Costa del Sol light.
candy box of intricate detail, with star-shaped windows and bright mosaics. Designed by Juan Francisco Guardio-
la Martinez, it's one of Valencia's most photographed examples of pure Spanish Art Deco.
It’s a style, a spirit, a vibe - something that says how things should look.
Whether it’s a skyscraper or a cigarette case, Art Deco dictates that everything we make can, and should, be beautiful.
And oddly enough, the more troubled the times, the more elegance we seem to crave.
Emerging in the aftermath of World War One, the ‘arts decoratifs’ movement – from which Art Deco
4. Hospital de Maudes, Madrid (1916)
Originally a charity hospital, this luminous white building blends functionality with Gothic and Deco lines. Designed by Antonio Palacios – a Deco pioneer – it stands as one of Madrid’s most imaginative and humanist structures. Today, it's a cultural venue, its inner courtyards just as beautiful as the facades.
How Spain gave glamour a home in the hardest of times
By Dilip Kuner & Michael Coy
takes its name – was born during one of the bleakest decades in modern history.
Think Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing through the Great Depression. Nobody wanted films about hardship. They wanted ocean liners, tuxedos and big bands.
Deco gave the world beauty with bold lines and big ideas. It’s sleek. It’s modern. It’s escapism. Today, Elon Musk calls his ‘robovan’ a new Deco icon. But back in the early 20th century, it was countries like Spain that gave the move-
3. Colisseu Balear, Palma de Mallorca (1928)
DREAMS
ment its original flair.
Despite staying neutral in both World Wars, Spain suffered its own traumas - economic collapse, political assassinations, and a brutal civil war.
As the old ways collapsed - monarchy, Church, and rural life - cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia boomed, and with them came a burst of architectural creativity.
Even in chaos, elegance found a home.
Spain became a canvas for modern materials and ambitious visions – a land where Deco’s bold lines could shine in the sunlight.
From concrete to chrome, from decorative staircases to sweeping facades, Spanish architects were building a future they could believe in.
Here are the Olive Press’s Top eight Art Deco-style buildings in Spain, each one telling its own story of ambition, innovation, and sheer style.
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5. Palau Guell, Barcelona (1888)
Gaudi before Gaudi got weird. This early gem leans into symmetry and clean lines more than his later works, with iron grilles and curving stone forms hinting at the Deco spirit to come. Commissioned by industrial tycoon Eusebi Guell, it’s a masterclass in restrained luxury with a Catalan twist.
6. Casa Fuster, Barcelona (1908)
Now a five-star hotel, Casa Fuster is one of Passeig de Gracia’s crown jewels. Designed by Lluis Domenech i Montaner, it bridges Art Nouveau and Art Deco in dazzling fashion. Marble, glass and curvaceous windows make this building both a relic and a revelation.
7. Edificio Espana, Madrid (1948)
An imposing vertical statement at Plaza de Espana, this skyscraper (once the tallest in Spain) is a late-Deco titan. With its wedding-cake tiers and American-style ambition, it captures a nation emerging from civil war, looking up –quite literally – to a brighter future.
Did you know?
Paris is the official home of Art Deco, as the style came to prominence at an exhibition there in 1925. The show at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs (MAD) officially marked the start of the movement.
8. Fundacio La Caixa, Palma de Mallorca (1903)
Originally the Gran Hotel, this building is a riot of ornament and innovation. Designed by Modernist architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner, it reflects early Deco confidence with its ceramic tiles, sweeping staircases and expressive carvings. Today it hosts cultural events and exhibitions – a Deco temple with brains and beauty.
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BAG A BARGAIN
THE province of Huelva is hosting a series of unusual online house auctions until the middle of May with homes starting at an unbelievable €7,000.
A great way to get onto the property ladder, the regional authorities are ‘selling off’ a range of homes and anyone can buy.
The whole auction process is being conducted 100% online and any ‘snag’ (for example, a live-in tenant) has to be declared.
The lowest-priced property is an urban home in Trigueros, while the second
most affordable is a rural property in Hinojos, appraised at €7,515. Another home is available in the stunning hillside village of Almonaster la Real for €79,444, while a property in Punta Umbria (right) costs just €66,353. All homes can be accessed through the official Social Security auction portal, where the details of each
property are listed. Any individual or legal entity may bid by following the steps described on the platform.
COSTA LOTTA
By Walter Finch
RENTING in Spain’s most sought-after holiday locations has never been more costly, with Sotogrande, Marbella, and Estepona among the priciest in the country. According to a new report, 30 locations have average monthly rent exceeding €1500, while some have
areas command eye-watering prices of over €4,000. The Costa del Sol continues to dominate the luxury rental market, with Marbella leading the way at
Hotels for sale
IF YOU'VE ever fancied owning a hotel in Spain, there are plenty of options with the Idealista property portal. There are almost 1,400 hotels available via the portal after a sharp increase in hotels being put up for sale in the wake of
an average of €3,018 per month, according to the latest data from idealista.
Neighbouring Benahavís, known for its exclusive villas, isn’t far be-
the Covid-19 pandemic.
Unsurprisingly, tourist areas like Alicante, the Balearic Islands, Granada, and Malaga have the highest numbers on the market.
The biggest rises in the last 12 months came in Almeria, Leon, and Murcia.
Two areas recorded triple figures of availability, namely Alicante province with 126 hotels and the Balearics on 102.
hind at €3,815, while Sotogrande, the upscale resort in Cadiz, known for its golf courses, averages €2,815.
Estepona, another Malaga gem, also makes the list with rents averaging €2,557
Is self-sufficiency the future of luxury housing?
AN increasing number of sustainable houses are being built in Spain due to a combination of strict regulations and high-energy prices. And it’s the luxury end where some of the most exciting homes are appearing.
Take Villa Noon, in Sotogrande (right). The trailblazing carbon neutral property is a true
By Dylan Wagemans
All connected, they each have solar panels and a geothermal system that provides heating and cooling, and high-capacity batteries ensuring energy is stored for continuous use.
An advanced water management system meanwhile harvests rainwater and extracts water from air humidity, while also recycling wastewater.
The cool price of €11,4 million reflects its desirability.
Another carbon neutral home nearby is Villa Garnacha (left), located in a gated community in Sotogrande.
The €5 million villa is designed with an emphasis on sustainability, natural light and architectural finesse.
Constructed with CLT, which stands for Cross-Laminated-Timber, this modern construction method uses engineered wood panels that are strong, fire-resistant and
per month.
These figures highlight the enduring appeal of the Costa del Sol among affluent renters, particularly international travellers and expats seeking sun, sea, and luxury amenities.
The Balearic Islands are another standout, with Santa Eulalia topping the list at €3,919 per month. Other expensive locations include Sant Josep (€3,566), Calvia (€2,828), and Eivissa (€2,584). These areas, popular with highnet-worth individuals and celebrities, offer a mix of stunning views, vibrant nightlife, and exclusive properties.
Topping the national ranking is La Moraleja, an affluent suburb on the outskirts of Madrid, where rents average a staggering €4,001 per month.
Auctions are scheduled up until May 20, allowing interested parties to prepare their documentation and submit their bids in time.
sustainable.
The four-bedroom home has large windows offering great views of the coastline and the Rock of Gibraltar.
Finally in the La Quinta hills above San Pedro de Alcantara (below left), a luxurious €5 million eco-friendly villa has been designed by Tobal Architects.
The four-bed spacious open plan property has retractable glass doors that provide access to the terrace and infinity pool.
Home draw
SPANISH football sensation Nico Williams has just bagged himself a swanky new pad in Marbella’s ultra-exclusive Sierra Blanca.
The 21-year-old Athletic Bilbao ace has forked out millions on a designer villa from the ‘Marbella by Fendi collection’.
The exciting striker is joining the A-list ranks of Novak Djokovic and Erling Haaland who also call the area home.
It is one of just five in the plush development masterminded by businessman Pedro Rodriguez. Williams can most certainly afford it, with earnings from Athletic a reported €10.4 million a year. Perched between Marbella and glitzy Puerto Banus, the jaw-dropping estate sprawls across 9,000 sqm of prime real estate, tailor-made for those who love sun, luxury, and a touch of bling.
CIRCLE OF LIFE: Carbon neutral masterpiece in Sotogrande
HILLSIDE GEM: Charming home beinhg auctioned in Almonaster
So who is in charge?
While there is, as yet, no cast iron proof of wrongdoing or even an intent to mislead, Iberian’s agents have been jumping ship for some years and all the offices began to shut one by one until the service was run solely online. Iberian’s main office in Alhaurin closed just a year ago, we have established, and is now rented out to a real estate company.
One agent, Roger Brierley, who claims he left Iberian’s Costa Blanca office in 2022, told the Olive Press the company was ‘running fine’ back then.
He insisted he was shocked at its recent closure and he had been attempting to contact ‘others involved’ over recent weeks, with ‘no luck’. He refused to hand over any names or numbers.
not responded to us.
Webb, based in Stockport, was appointed company director from May 2012 until her resignation in 2023 and the business was dissolved voluntarily last year.
On paper, English expat Krejzl, whose parents live in Manilva, was the director of the Spanish subsidiary, Iberian Servicios Funerarios SL, from 2016 to 2023.
I was one of the many not paid ... I have nothing further to add
As the Olive Press understands it, the company is now in the hands of Nelson’s children and, possibly, his ex-partner Karen Krejzl, while a long-time employee, Jose Luis Rios, was working for Iberian, in Malaga, as recently as February. Nelson’s sister, Fiona Webb - who was involved with the UK arm of the business registered under the name IFP - Iberian Ltd, until 2024 - has
DRAGTASTIC: Charlie out on the streets of Fuengirola this Easter
and get some of the basics right. Quite simply, homes need to be watertight and fit for human habitation!!
And on that note while I’m not currently running for Archbishop of Canterbury, I do have an Easter message and it’s for all the insurance companies out there processing victims’ claims.
Think of your fellow man, be charitable, and if that’s not in the underwriters holy handbook, have the grace not to hide behind too many ridiculous loopholes. Yes, play the Good Samaritan and leave some bread for those who have been less fortunate during these recent great floods.
While she officially resigned as administrator in September 2023, she is said to have been running the Alhaurin-based company from the sidelines, in particular looking after the Spanish-based clients, while Nelson looked after the Portuguese ones.
While we were unable to locate Krejzl during a visit to the former headquarters in Alhaurin, we did talk to her son Thomas, who lives nearby.
While admitting he had been an employee ‘a long time ago’ (we have correspondence of Thomas representing Iberian in May 2023) he insisted Nelson was the ‘boss’ and he was still owed money.
“I was one of the many not paid,” he said, but then began to clam up. “I’ve got nothing further to add.” When asked if his mother Karen would talk to us he insisted she had ‘nothing to say’.
More telling is a series of recent messages, seen by the Olive Press, purportedly sent from Nelson’s daughter Emma to Krejzl over the last couple of weeks.
As the true extent of the collapse began to become known, she accused Krejzl of being ‘fully accountable for its (Iberian’s) actions’ and threatened legal moves.
In the WhatsApp messages addressed to Krejzl and seen by this paper, she wrote: “You were involved in that company as was your son, Thomas. I was never part of it and have no knowledge of its operations beyond the fact that it deals with funerals.
“You, Thomas and Jose Luis continued to run the company for years after my father stepped back due to ill health.
“You are all accountable for its actions, and your names will be provided to my lawyer… and I am deeply upset ... that
it’s come to this.
SOCIAL SPIKE
The Olive Press gets crafty: a new approach to our social media platforms sees 375% growth
THE Olive Press social media platforms have spiked by 176% this year.
The combined outlets of Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube have never been performing so well.
Facebook alone reached a whopping 4.7 million views over the last month…an increase of 204%, while since January (right) it has risen by 375%.
Visitors to the Meta platform watched a staggering total of 61 days of our content.
Engagement shows that one-minute views have gone up by 379%.
Meanwhile, Instagram has seen another huge rise, particularly among women, who are 61% of our visitors.
We have had 147,000 views on the platform over the last fortnight, with an incredible 5.9% of visitors coming from Marbella, 3.4% from London and 2.8% from Madrid.
“I am not being left in the shit when I wasn’t even involved!”
We were unable to contact Jose Luis Rios as we went to press.
GOING UNDER
THINGS were clearly not well for Iberian with the authorities in the UK dissolving a sister company IFP - Iberian Ltd, in January last year.
The writing was on the wall when the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) started to regulate pre-paid funeral plans in 2022.
Iberian did not apply for authorisation, meaning the Financial Services Compensation Scheme could not protect its clients if it went bankrupt.
The FCA went on to advise people not to buy a plan from the firm if they wanted their funeral in the UK.
In Spain, the industry has never been regulated and it is unclear of the status of Iberian’s two linked companies here.
Iberian Funeral Plans SL is still listed as trading here, having set up in 2011, to take over from the sister company SPN Funeral Plans. Nelson is listed as the owner and administrator.
A separate company Iberian Servicios Funerarios SL was set up in 2016 with a start-up capital of €12,000.
Karen Krejzl was the main administrator until she resigned in 2023, when Nelson was handed the role.
However, Nelson’s status was changed again to become the ‘sole owner’ in August last year. Why he did this and what exactly this means is unclear.
An impressive 85% of views this year have come from regular followers, while we have reached 130% more new accounts.
This all comes hand in hand with the staggering growth of our website last year, which reached nine million unique visitors and a 924% rise in a year.
But, it is on social media that we have focused this spring, after adding the talented social media guru, Alicia Kirk (left), to our team. The university graduate, 25, has done a fabulous job promoting our brand and reaching out to new readers.
Thanks to her work, you can now enjoy a steady flow of engaging content across Facebook, InsYouTube
Lucky winners!
THE Olive Press has been flooded with entries for the Tom Jones competition.
Over 350 of you got in touch to grab the two pairs of free tickets to his Alicante concert on August 13.
And after spinning the wheel the two lucky winners are: Angela Taylor and David Mitchell - congratulations!
Angela and David will have an unforgettable night along with their fortunate guests, as The Welsh Tiger hypnotises the crowd with his soothing voice.
Today (Wednesday) we will be choosing the lucky winners of the David Walliams competition as the funnyman flies in for a rare appearance in Gibraltar this Thursday.
Get in touch today at sales@theolivepress.es or call us at 00 34 951154841 for more info
QUESTIONS: For Karen Krejzl from Nelson’s daughter Emma (below)
PALATIAL: €1 million villa on the Algarve and (left) a boat like Nelson’s
Across
17 YEARS OF
DESERT BOUND
A SHOCKING new study reveals that Spain will no longer have its iconic Mediterranean climate in 25 years.
Instead, much of the country will fall under the harsh classification of ‘steppe’ and even ‘desert’ climate as rainfall dries up by 2050. The research, conducted by the
7 “--- Don’t Preach” (Madonna hit) (4)
8 Egg dish which might be Spanish (8)
9 Gin cocktails (8)
10 Short room heater? (3)
11 Gadabouts (5)
12 Exalted Padre is out (7)
14 Established judicial ruling (4,3)
16 See 3 Down (5)
18 Drop a clanger (3)
19 Prosecutor (8)
20 Publicly condemn (8)
21 Bomb fin (4) Down
1 Distrust, and then some (8)
2 Where parents go when they retire (6,7)
3 --- Mubarak, former President of 16 Across (5)
4 Hot water source, or spring (6)
5 Graphical representation of progress (8,5)
6 “Shell shock”, formerly (1,1,1,1)
12 Internee during period of conflict (1,1,1)
13 Advocate organizes next Open (8)
15 Quakers in the forest (6)
17 Judas, Juniper and Joshua (5)
18 Inspects (4)
All solutions are on page 15
University of Catalunya, paints a grim picture of what’s in store. As the Mediterranean continues to heat up, it’s clear Spain’s climate will be unrecognisable in just a few decades.
According to the study, rainfall is expected to plummet by between 14% and 20% compared to cur-
rent levels.
The Mediterranean climate will go from covering 24% of Spain to just 10% by 2060. Meanwhile, desert-like conditions will increase dramatically, expanding from a tiny 1% of the country to a whopping 10% by 2050. The coast and the Ebro Valley will bear the brunt of this transformation.
HIDDEN CROWN
King’s giant private
park set to open to the public – If political party gets its way
By Dilip Kuner
MADRID’S best-kept secret could soon be open to the public in a move that could ruffle a few feathers at the royal palace.
El Pardo, the sprawling 15,000-hectare forest just 12 kilometres from the city centre, has been locked away behind a 66 km fence, with only the royal family allowed to roam its pristine grounds for centuries.
But now, political party Mas Madrid wants a change, asking for El Pardo to be declared a National Park and ‘opened up to the people’ of Madrid.
GREEN
15,000
The proposal, set to be debated later this month, argues that this verdant treasure is ‘too good to be kept for royalty alone’.
Currently, just 900 hectares of El Pardo are accessible to the public, with the rest reserved exclusively for the royal family.
Mas Madrid argues it should be like the other iconic green areas like the Retiro and Casa de Campo, which were once off-limits to the public.
“Why should the royal family have it all to themselves?” insisted a spokesman for the party. “It’s time to open the gates and let everyone enjoy this incredible place.” The proposal includes a plan for sustainable visits, ensuring the forest’s ecosystem stays protected while giving people the chance to explore. The area could also be added to the Biosphere Reserve of the Upper Manzanares River, offering even more protection.
By P OO LVILLAS
LUNG:
hectare El Pardo park is just 12kms from central Madrid
TASTE OF THE FUTURE:
Huge areas of Spain could turn into desert like the Bardenas Reales in Navarra
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
A BOLD new proposal from Copenhagen-based think tank 21st Europe aims to connect 39 cities including Barcelona and Madrid with a 22,000km high-speed rail network called Starline. Operating like a metro across borders, trains would run at 300–400 km/h, slashing travel times and cutting short-haul flights by up to 80%.
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High-speed vision SAY ADIOS TO JAMON
The plan promises seamless travel with unified ticketing, modern stations as cultural hubs, and no class divisions— just quiet zones, cafes, and open-plan seating. Publicly funded and EU-regulated, Starline could generate millions of jobs and help meet 2050 net-zero goals.
“Now we begin building the network to push for real change,” says 21st Europe.
Queen
of the Med
BRITISH travel expert Annie Bennett has declared Valencia the ‘queen of the Mediterranean’,praising its vibrant food scene, culture, and affordability. “You can keep your spending down in Valencia without even trying,” she said. With a glass of wine for €5, coffee for €1.40,
BREXODUS
HAVE the anti-tourism protestors finally won? Brits are turning their backs on Spain in droves, fed up with rising hostility, new rules, and a welcome that’s growing colder by the day.
Latest research from One Sure Insurance reveals UK holidaymakers are now favouring other European hotspots – with Amsterdam
By Walter Finch
Mad rum madness
and very affordable tapas, the birthplace of paella offers flavour without the hefty price tag. Unlike commercialised resorts like Benidorm, Valencia blends history, stunning architecture, and golden beaches with charm and authenticity.
From the futuristic City of Arts (left) to the lush Turia Gardens, it’s no wonder Brits are flocking to this sun-soaked Spanish gem.
Brits ditch Spain as anti-tourism fury
grows
DETERRENCE: One of the main goals is to stop ‘overtourism’
RUM lovers, get ready - Madrid’s about to go full pirate mode.
From May 7-12, the capital will be swimming in sugarcane spirits as ‘Mad Ron Week’ rolls into town - a brand new celebration of all things rum, cocktails and chaos. Hosted by a crew of top brand ambassadors, the boozy blowout promises to shake up Madrid’s already-thriving bar scene. Expect tastings, mixology masterclasses, and themed menus at hotspots like Farandula Fearless, Lovo, and the tiki-tastic Volcano.
The fun all builds to a fiery finale on Monday May 12: the Daq-Off, a speed competition where bartenders battle it out to see who can sling the quickest Daiquiris - one for the judge, one for themselves.
soaring to the top of the wishlist at 42,000 monthly flight searches, overtaking Spain. The shift follows mass protests across Spanish tourist favourites last week, where furious locals blamed visitors for rocketing rents and vanishing communities. Demonstrators took to the streets in many cities, including Malaga, Palma and Valencia, calling for curbs on tourism and foreign property buyers. Throw in new clampdowns on booze, smoking and vaping at beaches, and Spain's once-irresist-
GET INLAND!
SPRING is the perfect time to explore the Requena-Utiel region of inland Valencia. With mild weather, blooming wildflowers, and a laid-back wine-country vibe, the area offers countless ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re an expat, a retiree, or a couple looking for a weekend adventure, here are five springtime activities that showcase the natural beauty of Requena-Utieljust a short drive from Valencia.
1. Horseback Riding in Requena
One of the most scenic ways to take in the gorgeous landscapes of Utiel-Requena is on horseback. Local tour providers, such as Ekiaventura, offer guided rides along picturesque trails. Even beginners are welcome, as routes along the gentle plains require no prior riding experience. Some excursions even pair horseback riding with wine tastingyou might spend 45 minutes trotting through the hills before relaxing at a bodega to sample Utiel-Requena’s renowned wines. It’s a perfect spring activity: enjoy the fresh air and green scenery from the
saddle, then toast the experience with a glass of Bobal wine.
2. Rafting and Water Adventures on the Cabriel River
For a shot of adrenaline, head to the Hoces del Cabriel area for rafting or kayaking. The Cabriel River - considered one of the cleanest in Europe - runs turquoise and clear through a dramatic canyon, making it ideal for water sports. Spring is the perfect season, with the river running high and the sun not yet too intense. Choose from guided white-water rafting trips or a gentler open-kayak outing to enjoy the gorge at your own pace. Several adventure companies, such as Hocesventura and Avensport, operate in the area, catering to beginners, families, and thrill-seekers alike. They provide the gear and expertise to ensure a safe and unforgettable day on the water.
3. Hiking in Hoces del Cabriel Natural Park
ible charm is fast fading.
“We’re seeing more Brits looking for culture, history, and fresh experiences – without the drama,” a One Sure Insurance spokesperson said. Staycations and lesser-known gems like Budapest, Krakow and Athens are surging in popularity – while Edinburgh has stormed into fourth place. The blow is massive for Spain. In 2024, 18.4 million Brits visited, spending a whopping €22.6 billion – more than any other nationality. Tourism makes up 12% of Spain’s
GDP, with UK visitors propping up resorts on the Costa del Sol, Balearics and the Costa Blanca.
The trend raises questions about whether the vocal anti-tourism protests may ultimately damage the very economies they claimed to be protecting.
“Brits are moving beyond the usual beach holiday locations to cities which offer not only history and culture, but also a fresh experience,” the One Sure Insurance spokesperson added.
TAKING jamon, chorizo or Manchego cheese back to the UK?
Think again. UK travellers have been banned from importing meat and dairy from the EU due to a growing outbreak of footand-mouth disease (FMD) in Europe. The ban covers all meat from pigs, cows, sheep, goats and deer, plus cheese, milk, butter, and yoghurt- even sandwiches. Exceptions include infant formula and some medical foods under strict conditions.
The move aims to protect British livestock from FMD, a highly infectious animal disease. Offenders risk confiscation, fines up to £5,000, or destroyed items. Fish, poultry, eggs, fruit and veg are still allowed under certain rules. Officials urge travellers to check guidelines before packing food souvenirs.
Hoces del Cabriel Natural Park offers hiking routes for all ages and
fitness levels. Its varied terrain - from deep river gorges to dense forests and open meadows - makes for stunning spring walks. Easy trails like the 3.8 km Cuchillares de Contreras loop or the Peñas Blancas viewpoint route take around 1.5 hours and reward you with breathtaking panoramic views. For more experienced hikers, the 18 km Contreras Reservoir circular route takes you deeper into the park, offering canyon vistas and the chance to spot wildlife such as wild goats or birds of prey. Guided hikes are also available through local accommodations like Hotel Raïmblanc. Whatever you choose, lace up your boots, pack a picnic, and hit the well-marked trails to enjoy spring in full bloom.
4. Vineyard Walks and Wine Tastings
Requena-Utiel is wine country, and spring is a wonderful time for a leisurely vineyard walk. The
region boasts nearly 3,000 years of winemaking history, and the rolling hills come alive with fresh green growth this time of year. Many bodegas welcome visitors for tours, some even offering ‘hike & wine’ experiences that pair a short nature walk with tastings of signature wines made from local grapes like Bobal and Tempranillo. You can also follow parts of the official Requena-Utiel Wine Route, which connects winery towns via scenic backroads. Imagine strolling between vineyards under the warm spring sun, then pausing on a winery patio with a glass of vino. The mix of light exercise, gorgeous landscapes, and rich wine culture makes for a perfect day outdoors.
5. Birdwatching in the Hoces del Cabriel Canyons
Nature lovers and bird enthusiasts will find much to admire in and around Hoces del Cabriel Natural Park. This protected area is a sanctuary for wildlife and especially known for its birds of prey. Spring is a prime season
for birdwatching: the blooming flora draws insects, making birds more active and visible. From the park’s trails or miradores (lookout points), you might spot griffon vultures soaring above the cliffs, or Bonelli’s eagles and peregrine falcons hunting along the ridges. Lucky birders may even hear the call of an eagle-owl at dusk. Several park trails double as birding routes, offering a chance to combine a scenic hike with birdwatching. Be sure to bring a camera and a field guide—the sight of these majestic birds against the canyon backdrop is a spring highlight.
From horseback riding through budding vineyards to rafting down crystal-clear rapids, the Requena-Utiel region offers a treasure trove of unique springtime adventures. And the best part?
All of this is within about an hour’s drive from Valencia. Whether you’re after high-energy thrills or peaceful strolls with spectacular views (and perhaps a glass of wine in hand), Requena-Utiel has something for everyone this spring. So embrace the sunshine and happy exploring!
For a hassle-free visit to Requena-Utiel, try Hotel Raïmblanc where all your excursions can be arranged so you can focus on savouring the experience.
Madrid’s up
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
QUIXOTIC!!
Little-Known Cordoba: The Olive Press takes you on a tour to discover hidden corners that Cervantes lived and loved in
THE city of Cordoba is one of Andalucia’s most spectacular treasures. Most visitors are familiar with the Mezquita - the astoundingly beautiful former mosque - or the Patio Competition, held every May, when exquisitely decorated courtyards compete for prizes.
By Michael Coy
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But this time, we’re veering off the well-worn path to explore some of Cordoba’s hidden cornersthe backstreets and tuckedaway plazas that are too often overlooked.
Let’s be clear from the outset: the places we’re about to highlight are just a handful of the city’s many gems. This article could easily have been five times as long!
We begin at the charming Plaza del Potro, or ‘Square of the Foal’, named for the fountain at its centre featuring a carved horse dating back to 1577 (the horse
figure itself was added a few years later).
This atmospheric square has at least four claims to fame. First, it’s home to Cordoba’s Museum of Fine Arts.
Second, it houses the Centro Flamenco Fosforito (more on that shortly). Third, it’s the setting for one of Don Quijote’s most humorous adventures.
to the Museo Julio Romero de Torres.
The artist, born in 1874 and a lifelong cordobes, lived in this very building. Today it houses the finest collection of his works. Romero was known for his dedication to capturing the essence of Cordoba’s women - dark hair, olive skin, intense eyes - and he was never short of muses.
From here, we move on to another of Cordoba’s lesser-known spaces: the Plaza de la Corredera.
At the far end of the square, once the site of a tavern, Cervantes’ deluded knight checks in and spends the evening standing guard with a colander on his head, convinced it’s a helmet. Cervantes, who knew Cordoba well and appreciated its cheeky sense of humour, has the landlord mock Don Quiwith a list of ‘famous’ locations - all, in fact, brothels - to which Don Quijote solemnly replies that he has indeed guarded them all. Lastly, the square is home
Unlike any other square in the city, this large rectangular plaza now hosts an open-air market. But in centuries past,
it served as the city’s bullring. Built in 1683, its stark architecture reflects the austere psychology of 17th-century Cordoba. It also has a darker history: it was once the site of public executions, where non-Christians were sometimes burnt at
the stake.
Thankfully, Cordoba also offers plenty of lighter fare. A short stroll away is the Casa Mudejar, a cluster of interconnected houses from the 1500s, designed in traditional Arab style. Cordoba, after all, remains Spain’s most ‘Arabic’ city in
character.
Perhaps the city’s most iconic figure is Manolete, the legendary bullfighter who was fatally gored in 1947.
His memory still looms large here, and nowhere more so than at the Municipal Bullfighting Museum, located in the Jewish Quarter.
Then there’s the Centro Flamenco Fosforito, a cultural centre dedicated to Antonio Fernandez Diaz - better known as Fosforito - widely regarded as Cordoba’s greatest living flamenco singer.
But this isn’t just a museum. Ever wondered what a seguiriya is? Here, interactive displays walk you through the various palos (styles) of flamenco music. And if you’re staying more than a day, consider catching a live performance at the centre. Because here’s the twist: the Flamenco Centre is located in the very building that once housed Don Quijote’s infamous tavern - the one where the Man of La Mancha stood guard with a kitchen strainer on his head. History, humour, and haunting melodies - that’s the magic of Cordoba’s hidden corners.
Patio
jote
HEART OF THE CITY: The Plaza del Potro (above) while (right) the Museo Julio Romero de Torres and (inset) the artist’s Chiquita Piconera. Meanwhile (below right) the Centro Flamenco Fosforito of Don Quijote fame
HIDDEN DELIGHT: (Below) Cordoba’s Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bella Artes), while (above) a Muslim arch tucked away in Cordoba’s famous Mezquita
Salmonella scare
A BATCH of chicken burgers sold by Spanish supermarket chain DIA has been slapped with a health warning after testing positive for the dangerous salmonella bacteria. The warning applies to a lot of ‘burger meat de pollo – Selección DIA’, packed in plastic trays containing six patties (90g each, 540g total), with a use-by date of April 19, 2025.
The Spanish Food Safety Agency (AESAN) blew the whistle after the contaminated burgers were found lurking in fridges across nine Spanish regions – including Andalucia.
Officials are racing to take the infected meat off shelves and have issued an urgent warning to households: “Do NOT eat these burgers!”
If you’ve tucked into one already and start suffering from diarrhoea, vomiting, fever or headaches, experts urge you to get to a doctor ASAP - as these could be signs of salmonellosis, a nasty foodborne illness.
A MEASLES outbreak is sweeping across Andalucía, with health chiefs warning the Costa del Sol is one of the worst-hit areas. So far, 56 cases have been confirmed in 2025 - including 32 in Malaga province alone.
Two new outbreaks were reported this
Measles warning
week in El Ejido and Huelva, both involving Moroccan nationals.
Officials say 27% of cases are imported, mostly from Morocco, which is grappling with a huge outbreak of its own.
Worryingly, 41% of patients have been hospitalised – some with pneumonia. Kids under one year old account for 14% of infections. Despite high vaccination rates in Spain, 28 cases involved unvaccinated people. Locals are being urged to get their jabs as health bosses try to contain the spread.
SILENT KILLERS
The two factors causing a steep rise in cancer among young people
AN expert has revealed ‘the two silent killers’ behind alarming levels of cancer within youngsters.
Cardiologist Aurelio Rojas claims ‘detection of cancer among young people has surged by 80% in recent years.’
Flour
The doctor has identified sugar and refined flour as the ‘undetected enemies’ which cause cancer, as opposed to the more common reasons.
Cancers within young people ‘are associated with elevated levels of insulin, which acts as a powerful factor in growing, stimulating the proliferation of cancer cells’.
By Tom Ewart Smith
Specifically, the expert is talking about breast, stomach, pancreas, colon, and prostate cancer.
The two foods contributing to a rise in insulin production are sugar and refined wheat flour, according to Rojas.
“Coincidentally, they are the two products that produce the most heart issues also. So if you want to prevent disease and look after yourself, you already know what foods to avoid,” he claims. If youngsters wish to avoid becoming part of such a horrifying statistic, it would be wise to cut down on sugar and refined wheat flour in their daily diets.
Down: 1 Paranoia, 2 Master bedroom, 3 Hosni, 4 Geyser, 5 Learning curve, 6 P T S D, 12 P O W, 13 Exponent, 15 Aspens, 17 Trees, 18 Eyes.
LIVE THE SPANISH LANGUAGE AND RURAL CULTURE AND
GET 25% DISCOUNT WITH THE OLIVE PRESS
When you learn a language in an immersive environment, you retain almost twice as much of what you learn. Aloha Vera offers a warm, welcoming environment to learn Spanish.
Located in Jarandilla de la Vera, a rural village nestled between mountains and crystal-clear rivers in Spain’s Extremadura region, it’s the perfect place to bring Spanish language and culture to life. Jarandilla is where community intertwines with nature. Its cobblestone streets, adorned with flowers and friendly smiles, create a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home.
“From the very first day, I felt like I belonged here,” shares Anne, a participant from Paris. “The warmth of the people and the beauty of the place made learning Spanish more
Discover the Heart of Spanish: Aloha Vera Language Retreats than just classes — especially under the sunny skies!”
Our Spanish classes cater to all levels and focus on practical conversations, allowing you to communicate right from the start. “The experience was enriching,” says Marco from Brazil. “Not only did I learn the language, but I also connected with the local culture and enjoyed the relaxed lifestyle here.”
Afternoons are filled with outdoor
activities, from leisurely walks through the countryside to indulging in local products. One highlight is taking refreshing dips in the natural swimming holes nearby, surrounded by stunning landscapes. “Bathing in the natural pools while practicing my Spanish was unforget-
table,” says Clara from Germany. “The beautiful weather made it even better!”
At Aloha Vera, we also prioritize well-being. Outdoor yoga sessions and shared meals featuring local delicacies foster a deeper connection with others and yourself. “Eating together, sharing stories, and laughing under the
Watch what you eat
OLDER men and women battling the bulge might be on the brink of a bone-boosting breakthrough – thanks to a slimmed-down Mediterranean diet and a bit of a jog around the block!
A new Spanish study has revealed that tucking into an ‘energy reduced’ version of the Med diet – packed with veggies, olive oil, fish, and pulses but adjusted to have less calories (watch the portions!) – and moving those hips with regular exercise could protect your bones from crumbling with age. They discovered that ‘older women’ who embraced the energy-reduced diet and got active managed to ‘boost bone mineral density (BMD)’ in their lower backs – one of the most fracture-prone areas in later life. They also lost weight without sacrificing bone strength.
warm sun is part of what makes this experience unique,” says Peter from Belgium. Our retreat is fully inclusive, covering classes, accommodation, and meals, so you can focus on what matters most: learning and enjoying. We also provide free pickup in Madrid to take you to Jarandilla. If you dream of improving your Spanish while basking in the sunshine and connecting with a beautiful place and its people, we look forward to welcoming you this spring or summer.
Jarandilla de la Vera is the perfect place to make memories and build language skills that last a lifetime.
Learn more and reserve your spot for the next available retreats starting on 25 June, 7 and 15 July, 23 September, insert the promo code ‘TheOlivePress’ at www.alohavera.es and get a 25% discount. For more information contact Natalia Rivas (Co-Founder & Executive Director) by telephone on +34 626 99 41 11, by email: vive@ alohavera.es, visit www.alohavera.es or visit in person at C/ Altozano 10, 10450 Jarandilla de la Vera, Cáceres. Extremadura. España.
DANGER: Keep clear of sugar and refined flour!
REuse
REduce
Sagrada selfies
TOURIST’S will be able to pose outside Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia in a zone specifically for selfies, with officials hoping it will ease congestion ahead of the cathedral’s completion next year.
Ape terror
TWO teenagers were caught on camera fleeing in terror from a group of Barbary macaques on the Rock of Gibraltar with one monkey seen reaching for one girl’s bag.
Donut ban
SPAIN’S government has banned soft drinks and junk food from being sold in high schools to combat a third of kids being classed as overweight.
On our way!
SUNBURN? Check. Socks and sandals? Obviously. Paella with chorizo? You heathen!
Pawsh pastries
By Tom Ewart Smith
A Spanish Instagram account has sparked laughs - and maybe a few cringeswith its cheeky take on classic tourist stereotypes in Spain. The viral post from @spainsays (boasting over half a million followers) unveils the ultimate ‘Guiri en España Starter Pack’.
Featured essentials? A lobster-red Brit, dodgy Hawaiian shirt, pint of beer, and yes… the tragic belief that real
paella includes chorizo. Sacrilege! Also in the kit: camera round the neck, chino shorts, dark shades, and an unwavering love for shouting “OLEEE!” at inappropriate moments. Basically, everything you’d expect to see around a beachfront bar in Benidorm by 3pm—ideally clutching a novelty inflatable and absolutely butchering basic
Tourists get roasted in ‘guiri’ holiday starter pack
Spanish. It’s all light-hearted fun, of course— but behind the satire lies a question: Are these caricatures fair, or are we just laughing because they hit way too close to home?
BASEBALL cap on, elbow pads strapped, and a mischievous grin in place - Juanjo Urbizu isn’t your typical pensioner.
At 88 years old, this Spanish daredevil is tearing up skateparks and turning heads as
Ramps for gramps
FORGET your croissants and donuts – Spain’s latest fad bakery is for furry foodies.
Dulces para Perros , Malaga’s first-ever bakery dedicated entirely to dogs, has opened its doors – and tails are wagging all over town. The boutique bakery whips up handcrafted goodies just for pups – we’re talking cakes made of chicken and carrot, liver cupcakes, and even tuna tarts for the feline friends.
Tasting
No salt, no sugar, no nasties – just all-natural treats that even the fussiest pooch would fancy. There’s even a tasting bar, so your pet can pick their favourite snack before you splash the cash. Planning a paw-ty?
he drops into concrete bowls with the confidence of a teenager. Locals in Bilbao’s gritty Begoña neighbourhood watch in awe as Urbizu - clad in joggers and a tucked-in tee - glides across graffiti-covered ramps like it’s second nature.
Juanjo only took up skateboarding at 70, swapping snow sports for something cheaper but just as thrilling. Now, he skates twice a week and charms locals with tales of his latest tricks. In an ageing Spain,
where over half the population is 44 or older, Juanjo’s story is a breath of fresh air. To seniors thinking of joining him on the ramps? “Take it slow,” he warns. “Concrete hurts way more than snow.”
They’ll custom-make a birthday cake for your dog too! Find it at Avenida de los Guindos 29 – and yes, dogs are very welcome.
