Looking forward to the Festive Season!
After a fantastic summer we’re excited about the warm cosiness of the coming season, with the build up to Christmas and New Year’s Eve just the way to end the year on a high note.
What a summer we’ve had – with Soul celebrating its hugely successful first year in style, Air closing another memorable season of refined partying off with panache, and Breathe going from strength to strength. Our bakery and coffee shop are popular in summer but really come into their own during the cooler months, and that’s when we enter a ‘warmer’ time of year.
Yes, as autumn is well under way we’re already gearing up for that cosy time of year, the Festive Season, when we slip into a different ambience and look forward to the respite and socialising that it brings. We have a whole range of events, family lunches and evenings with special menus prepared within the stylish comfort of Soul and Breathe. For groups, companies and families, and we’re busy organising the party of the year – New Year’s Eve on Fire! See 2024 out in style and welcome the New Year with an open heart to open the door to all kinds of amazing possibilities. The doors will be open at Soul for a warm and welcoming BOOM New Year’s Day Brunch with live DJ in an ideal setting, a new concept for people who want to ease into the new year with fun.
Change, if we want it, lies with us, so be the change you want to see and live it. Others will follow and be inspired; let’s do it together and build on our Good Community at Breathe – and keep your heart open for the good causes and Breathe GiftTrees – doing good will come back to you redoubled.
Here’s to a warm and wonderful season!
Aguilene Benicio
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Lose yourself in Marbella’s Old Town
We love the beach, we love the nightlife and the social vibe, but come autumn we begin to yearn for a little of what also makes Marbella special – its atmospheric old quarter.
For all the exclusive residential areas and country clubs that surround Marbella, the prettiest part of this resort city continues to be its historic Old Town, or Casco Antiguo. It’s certainly the most charming and authentic part of this city of stylish hedonism – the place where you still sense the old, truly Andalusian origins of what has become a destination that now belongs to the world.
Few places are as cosmopolitan as this town, but it’s in the old town that Marbella reveals its more down to earth side. That said, even this area is increasingly chic, dotted as it is with designer shops, jewellery stores, trendy eateries and very elegant boutique hotels. But inbetween it all you will also find little backpacker hostels set amidst traditional homes in tightly packed windy streets and alleyways that always, eventually, lead to a pretty square.
For those of you who haven’t ventured further into this region, this is the flavour of the real Andalucía. A place where locals occupy homes that have been in their families for generations, and where you might even see washing strung outside of the window or be able to sneak a peak at one of those pretty little patios that were so cleverly designed to offer cool air and shade at the height of summer. If only modern designers were as clever.
Marbella’s old quarter offers historic charm in a modern resort town
FOLLOW YOUR NOSE
So, indulge in a bit of Marbella charm as you head up from the main Ricardo Soriano Avenue in the centre of town. One of the things that makes this part of the city so appealing is the fact that it is almost car-free, so you’re able to stroll around and absorb the sights and atmosphere without heading into the path of a busy road. This also makes it more peaceful. With its amazing cafés, restaurants, shops and tapas bars, the Old Town is lively, but there are many little alleyways and squares where the cool shade also comes with a lack of noise.
Feel free to roam, to follow your nose and just saunter through the place. This is not the kind of spot where you have to follow a strict route and tick off sights. You’ll love the ancient Moorish walls, once part of a solid fortification, as well as
the churches, the pretty little leafy squares and houses, the creepers that have been creating vertical gardens for centuries, the ever-popular Orange Square (Plaza de los Naranjos), the Museo del Grabado and many other eye-catching gems, but relax and you’ll chance upon them without stress or effort.
The Old Town is one of those places that is not so much about the sum of its sights as it is about enjoying and absorbing the atmosphere, for it is distinct from the rest of Marbella. Go in the morning, afternoon or best of all, as the sun is setting and all those pretty little houses and squares are bathed in a romantic glow. That’s when you want to go, walk around, grab a drink on a lively terraza and pick the most authentic tapas bar you can find. Enjoy!
BREATHE
Martín Calle
Breathe Executive Head Chef
Being a chef is all about earning your stripes. It’s about creativity and flair, but also about being able to withstand the strain of working under pressure, day in day out. What a good restaurant wants from its chef is top culinary skills, a creative soul, the operational abilities of a general, and unwavering consistency. This is what Martín Calle brings to the Breathe Group.
When Martín moved from Buenos Aires to Málaga in 2007, he was already a seasoned chef. “I’d done a lot of training and studying, but Málaga and now Marbella have helped to form me and make me the chef I am today,” says the likeable foodie with the no-nonsense approach. “Like most jobs, being a chef has a glamorous, creative side and a part that is all about hard work and good organisation. To be truly effective in a professional kitchen you have to be equally proficient at both.”
Martín has formed part of the Breathe team from the beginning, starting as Chef de Partie and working his way up as he grew and developed with the company. “You can say that I’ve worked my way to the top, so I certainly know the Breathe Group inside out,” says Martín, whose trajectory saw him become junior sous chef, then sous chef and since November 2023 Head Chef for the group. “It’s a solid responsibility, as you’re in charge of creating and updating the menu in the different venues of the group, as well as assembling and leading a team that works like a well-oiled machine, as consistency of quality is key.”
Martín emphasises the vital importance of teamwork, which extends from the kitchen staff all the way to waiters and barmen. “At the end of the day, we’re all part of the same team, so it has to flow seamlessly from the preparation of the meals and service through to preparing cocktails and washing up. Everyone’s role is really equally important, especially when you’re responsible for serving 400-500 guests on a typical night at the Breathe restaurant. There are summer days when it’s even busier than that, and we never lose sight of the fact that it’s all about the quality of the food, the service and being ready on time.”
The requirement for speed combined with accuracy produces the adrenalin-filled conditions under which Martín thrives. “I have to admit, I love the fact that I have to rise to the occasion every working day, it’s a challenge I relish. I guess I would get bored under other conditions.” The Breathe philosophy means that he and his team also work with fresh, local and where possible organic produce, and prepare pretty much everything in-house. “We work with fresh, honest and seasonal ingredients, which form the basis for dishes that might be more modern and elaborate but have their foundations in traditional cuisine.”
“The summer of 2024 has been another great success”
The summer of 2024 has been another great success,
the best season yet, and Martín ascribes the success of the Breathe Group to creativity, consistency of offering and the desire and ability to continue to evolve. “We’re getting better all the time, like a close-knit team that never stops learning and wanting to create new sensations. That’s our strength.”
GROUND
Beautiful bread
When it comes to bread, the New York-style bakery at Ground has become a reference, whether it’s just to pick up a loaf or to stop by and make coffee and a pastry here part of your morning routine. Ground is now part of the fresh revolution in Marbella, and master pastry chef Sebastian Bertani is at the heart of it.
It’s six in the morning and the bakery begins to fill with the gorgeous smell of freshly baked bread. By the time the doors open at Ground the sweet fragrance of pastries will have been added to it, of course accompanied by coffee. This blend of coffee, pastries and/or a healthy smoothie with muesli and yoghurt bowl has become something of a sacred ritual for many in the area. At the very least they queue for a wonderfully warm, fresh loaf of bread, and if seduced by the rest of the offering in the bakery they sit down for a fresh cup and snack to get the day going.
The man who leads the team that makes it all happen is master pastry chef Sebastian Bertani, who has to get up at 4am most days to begin the baking process nice and early. “To be on time for the morning rush we have to be at the bakery well before sunrise,” says the early riser. “You have to be pretty dedicated to work in this field, but it’s worth it when I see just how popular and appreciated our selection of bread and pastries are.”
Sebastian began his career in Mendoza, at the heart of Argentina’s winegrowing region, before further honing his skills in Barcelona and on this coastline. “I came to Marbella via Málaga and love being part of the Breathe philosophy though I still live on that side of the coast. In fact, east of the regional capital in a town called Vélez-Málaga.” In keeping with the Breathe concept, the wheat and grains used are ecological, so not only are they grown in an organic manner but everything from the chemical-free processing to the delivery has to comply with certification standards.
“This means that even the delivery truck has to be electric, and we receive large deliveries that we can store instead of weekly restocks,” says the man who converts ecologically produced wheat into a wonderful array of breads and pastries, as well as cakes and other desserts. “It’s taken me 20 years to get here but it’s been worth it. I derive a lot of satisfaction from my work, especially the fact that we can be proud of how and what we produce. The bread here is a far cry from what people have become accustomed to, and if most knew exactly what constitutes what they call bread nowadays they’d stop eating it.”
The output of the bakery is primarily aimed at its own Ground venue, which is enjoying another fantastic year, but of course also supplies all the other restaurants within the group. “We keep things fresh and we plan our production well so there is a minimum of food wastage, and I think that’s just simply how it should be everywhere.”
Until it is, Ground remains a beacon of freshness and breadmaking in the modern traditional way. Certified freshness
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A new well-being resort in Marbella
Normally, you’d have to travel well into the countryside to find a retreat that takes you away from all the noise, all the people, all the chaos. A place where you can hear birds singing and the wind brings the scent of flowers to you – where it is possible to completely relax, unwind and begin to feel oh so good. In the case of Viluz, it’s 20 minutes from downtown Marbella.
We don’t always realise it, but on this busy coastal strip nature is actually closer than you’d imagine. Just as you begin to leave La Mairena, the country club resort above Elviria, the countryside opens up amid views of hills, and mountain ranges in the distance. As you pull into the driveway of a beautiful country finca, you realise that this is the exact spot where coast and hinterland meet; where you leave behind people, noise and endless movement and enter into a world of peace, where time takes on another dimension.
By the time you’ve stepped through the pretty Andalusian courtyard, been greeted by the friendly team and got settled in your room, a sense of ease and relaxation will have reached you. The stress and tension of the outside world recede quickly within this natural environment with its good vibes and a warm, welcoming energy that comes from your hosts and the staff at Viluz. They’re as cool as they are chilled, as this is a place that is country chic personified yet has an easy-going charm about it, where there is no ‘must do’ but only ‘can do’. “You can create your own private programme, whether for a group or as an individual.”
The atmosphere is soothing in this tastefully reconstructed Andalusian country home where the guest accommodation is located in rooms on the periphery of the main house, which acts as the lounge, the kitchen, patio, indoor and outdoor dining rooms, and a variety of terraces with panoramic views and poolside charm. Viluz – named for a combination of Vida (life) and luz (light) – looks and feels like a stylish country retreat, and that’s exactly what it is, but it also offers a holistic element, depending on your preferences.
“People come here to relax and unwind, and they can do that in a variety of ways, ranging from just resting, eating healthy organic food and absorbing all that nature, by being active and hiking or mountain biking in the nearby hills, or by taking part in a variety of activities such as yoga and holistic sessions – or a combination of any of these activities,” says Anna Cammaer, who runs the retreat with her husband Wim Voss. The couple are successful businesspeople who have come to Spain not only for the sun but also to enjoy true quality of life, and they wish to share this experience at Viluz.
Luxury with meaning
While it is tasteful and stylish, with a clear emphasis on quality in everything from the décor and food to the personalised service and such experiences as dinner in one of the panoramic garden settings as the sun sets, Viluz is not like so many five-star experiences out there. They focus more upon consumption, where this is a place that offers comfort, style and the chance to explore a range of sports and activities, but ultimately has a very different feel about it. The vibe here is not commercial and branded, it is personal and full of good energy. You will return revived, whether you choose to laze by the pool, hit those mountains like an action man/woman, or experience yoga and other activities under the early evening sky.
“I guess what we offer is luxury with a meaning, and since we don’t impose that meaning upon our guests but offer a range of experiences for them to choose from, the meaning comes from them.” Either way, it is an experience quite unlike most you’re used to in Marbella, and one that will leave you feeling fresh and revived.
www.viluz.com
VILLA MARBESA
This is more than a home, its a piece of paradise. 6,750,000€
This unique one-level villa in Marbesa’s largest plot represents luxury, elegance, and warmth. With an open living space that flows into the exotic gardens, every corner is designed to impress. Surrounded by tropical trees, it offers a serene lifestyle in one of Marbella East’s finest locations.
Carlos Lamas and the Role of the Architect
An architect designs buildings, that much is clear, but the exact role and how it all comes together can vary from country to country – and this is where foreigners in Spain occasionally get mixed up.
In a lot of countries, architects usually form part of large construction and development companies. In Spain, the role of the architect is to be an independent professional responsible for the design of a building and the construction of it in keeping with the design. The architect is the person who liaises with the client, taking their brief, determining the budget, creating the design and on approval of the drawings and concept for the property sending the builders the project and quantities, and working closely with them and the teams of lighting and home automation technicians, landscapers and other professionals that have successfully tendered for the project.
He or she will do this on the basis of their experience, as it is the architect who, together with the technical project manager, will oversee the works. “A good architect is not only someone with creative flair and technical know-how who sits behind a desk,” says Carlos Lamas, who has built a reputation both for his designs and as a hands-on professional who spends a great deal of time onsite to ensure the proper execution of the works. “It’s a required part of the job, as even very good designs don’t make themselves, and for a property to come out looking fantastic it demands attention to detail and a lot of quality control.”
Creating emotive spaces
When not on the building site, Carlos can be found back in the architect’s natural habitat, his studio. “I love shaping spaces around people’s personalities, practical needs, lifestyle requirements and of course the setting itself. It is this mix of elements that makes each project unique and therefore interesting. Architecture is a means of visual communication that can have a very powerful impact and an influence on how you live your life. Today, we design homes around a person’s preferred lifestyle.”
Originally from Argentina, Carlos Lamas has been designing homes in the Marbella area for over 25 years, where he has become synonymous with sleek modern design. In addition to the light, the views and the natural setting, he enjoys the fact that this is such a diverse place. “Over 30% of the population here is foreign, and many of our clients come from around Europe and the Middle East, so as a designer you’re exposed to so many cultures and styles that it really feeds your imagination and creativity.”
Within this mosaic of possibilities, South American architects have come to dominate the field, as they interpret Moorish-Andalusian-Mediterranean styles with a great deal of flair and sensitivity. “We have a rich local architectural heritage to build on, and on top of this have come the influences of the Middle East, the cosy interpretation of a Spanish home that British buyers brought, the Neoclassical influences loved by Russian clients, the high technical standards demanded by the Germans, and most recently the focus on modern homes with a high degree of natural content that has come with a new wave of buyers from Scandinavia and the Benelux.”
It all adds to the mix to create a standard of Marbella villa that can today match the very best in the world, and while apartment complexes have also evolved greatly, they still have a little way to go before they can catch up with the best. “This is partly the result of limitations caused by local regulations that may not exist elsewhere,” says Carlos, “and partly caused by a shift from end-users to an increasing number of investors commissioning projects. The market has shifted somewhat towards end-user buyers wanting ready-made villas to move into, and this is what investor developers provide.” He laments the fact that the latest influx has been such that it is putting a great strain on the infrastructure. “This, of course, is not the fault of those who buy and live here but comes from a lack of vision in terms of planning. The situation has to improve if Marbella is not to become the victim of its own success, again. Individual acts aimed at improving energy efficiency in our buildings have little impact if they don’t form part of a global development plan for the city. We should be creating a green and sustainable city.”
He believes Marbella should be a ‘slow city’ with more pedestrian pathways and bike lanes, as well as a larger-scale solution such as a train or tramline. “We need to slow traffic down and let it flow, take that urban sting out of the town and allow it to be what it should be by nature: a beautiful, relaxed place with lots of green spaces.”
Mountain vs Sea
It seems like one of those philosophical questions that has raged throughout the ages, a battle between the Gods of land and sea, but in the end we all decide for ourselves whether we prefer land or sea – or both!
If you like active pastimes that stretch your limits, offer a healthy dose of adrenalin and let you take in all that natural beauty in an environment of fresh, healthy, clean air, then at some point the mountains will call you. There’s no shortage of them within easy range of our shoreline either, as a whole world of mountain peaks stretches out behind Marbella’s famous landmark, La Concha.
Among the hills and national parks that stretch out behind the Costa del Sol are the likes of the Serranía de Ronda, the Sierra de los Alcornocales, the Sierra de Tejeda, the famous Sierra Nevada and of course our own Sierra de las Nieves, which borders Marbella and surrounding towns. All of these mountain ranges offer mountaineers, hikers and mountain bikers a great deal of exercise and of course fantastic views, and each comes with its own specific attractions.
The Serranía de Ronda can be accessed from the Sierra Bermeja range behind Estepona, and extends through green valleys, towering mountains and cascades to the Sierra de Grazalema, which is said to be the rainiest spot in Spain! The area is also home to the Cueva de la Pileta, which contains some of the earliest murals known to have been made by humans. The Sierra de las Nieves is so called because it is known to be covered with snow in winter, so autumn is a good time to go there, before it becomes difficult to get to.
The same is true of the mighty Sierra Nevada, whose peaks form the basis for the region’s winter ski scene, but hikers are well advised to stop scaling these heights once the snow has begun to fall. Perhaps a little easier are ranges like the Sierra de Tejeda and Cazorla, which offers beautiful natural scenery not unlike that of the Canadian Rockies. This side of the Pyrenees and Alps, there is plenty of hiking and mountain climbing to choose from in what is the biggest and tallest collection of peaks in Southern Europe.
Credits: jeremy-bishop
Credits: jeremy-bishop
But if you like all things rocky, you’re not limited to land. Spain’s southern coastline is also dotted with cliffs, rocky islets and sea caves, all of which provide the setting for even more exotic activities, such as snorkelling, scuba diving, cliff diving, caving and kayaking out at sea. The latter is particularly popular east of Málaga, where the rocky shoreline opens up into cavernous caves that can be entered directly from the sea by groups of kayakers.
From La Herradura all the way to Cabo de Gata in Almería province, there are dark sea caves to explore, underwater worlds to dive through and even spear fishing to be done, if you’ve got the speed. You don’t need a boat or even a jet-ski to enjoy the open sea around here, just head into those rocks or dip below the surface and it’s a whole new experience that will take you by surprise.
BEACHFRONT VILLA IN ESTRELLA DEL MAR ELVIRIA
The property is located in Urbanizacion Real de Zaragoza (Elviria Playa) It is strategically located less than 50 meters from one of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol. It is located in Marbella East, 30 minutes from Malaga International Airport, 5 minutes from Marbella centre and 10 minutes from Puerto Banus.
Asking
The Colours & Moods of Andalucía
Colours are associated with moods, did you know that? Some symbolise a state of mind, like the red of anger or passion, but in the real world colours and tones – both natural and manmade – actually have an impact on our mood. It’s one of the reasons why each season comes with a feeling and impact of its own.
Nature provides us with a natural palette that speaks to the senses, from the bright floral exuberance and promise of spring to the cooling blues of sky and sea in summer, and the soothing natural greens and ochres of autumn. If spring is a time of rejuvenation after winter’s bleak tale (well, not so bleak on the Costa del Sol!), and summer is all about playful fun, then autumn is that time of year when we slow down a little, cool off and embrace fresher winds and a more calming and introspective mode after months of heat and action.
It’s true. Summer is fun but it’s also a little exhausting. All that travelling, partying, dining out and outdoor activity under such hot, balmy conditions. It’s an amazing time of year, but you could not have it twelve months in a row just like you can’t live on dessert alone – assuming that’s your favourite dish. Autumn is the perfect antidote to post-summer fatigue, and though it also signals the end of the summer vacation season and a return to the more serious business of work, we’ve got mid-term holidays and a host of local festivities to look forward to.
Inevitably, it’s a period marked by the end of a hot summer and the countdown to Christmas, but autumn is so much more than an in-between stage; it’s a wonderful season in its own right. In fact, for many it’s the time of year when Marbella is at its best, lively and fun but not overrun with tourists, and arguably enjoying the best climate of the year – though lovers of spring and early summer (roughly April to July) will rightly debate this. Above all, it’s a time to reclaim ‘your’ Marbella, enjoy beach, pool, sport and socialising, but also (re)discover the colours of Andalucía.
Heading inland there is a great deal of choice in terms of natural scenery and the tones and moods it creates. Go north and you come to the greenery of the Serranía de Ronda mountain range, especially after the first rains have brought life back to the parched land. Explore those spectacular mountain views, those green valleys, look for cascades and natural pools and streams where the water is icy but makes you feel alive. Visit historic towns and villages in dramatic settings and let the changing colours of the leaves touch your soul as they swap green for a world of yellow, copper and brown notes.
It’s now cool enough to go hiking, mountain biking, take a 4x4 safari into the mountains, a quad bike into the bush or to just relax and sample the produce at a local winery. Follow an eastern route, around the towering vastness of the Sierra Nevada mountains and you’ll see the early snowcapped peaks hinting at the ski season to come, but still be able to feel the sunlight on your skin. By the time you come to Almería province the colour tones are mostly shades of dusty brown and tan – the hallmarks of a more arid environment. Head west, past Seville to the Río Tinto area in Huelva, and it’s the multicoloured minerals in the water that will catch your eye.
Speaking of Seville, now’s the first time in weeks/ months that the city has been cool enough to visit, after the heat of summer, so experience one of the most beautiful cities in Spain come back to life. Or just stay at home and play golf – autumn is also when the golf season gets back into swing – but we’d still suggest a few days in Tarifa or exploring visions of the Canadian Rockies in the national park at Cazorla. It’s all out there! Set your
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FOR THOSE WHO DEMAND PERFECTION, MC WASH DELIVERS AN UNPARALLELED CAR CARE EXPERIENCE
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Centro Plaza | Plaza del Toro | Breathe Concept
A perfect material called Cork
We’ve polluted the world with plastics, steel and chemicals, and have done it for so long that we’re now hastily looking for solutions. Here are scientists and technologists researching flat out to ‘save the world’ when the answer was there all along. It’s called cork.
To be fair, cork is not the answer to all the world’s issues, but it is something of a super material – durable, flexible, natural, sustainable and yes, when you throw a wine cork on the ground it will eventually dissolve and return to nature, while those plastic bottle tops from Australia and New Zealand will… just add more plastic junk that doesn’t go away.
So, cork is something of a perfect material, and it can be used for so many different things, from sensible wine corks to fire-resistant, sound, heat and humidity insulation in buildings. Cork is such a good insulator that it is popular in recording studios, but also helps the acoustics in restaurants, homes, schools, etc. It is used for placemats and to put scolding hot pots on (as it doesn’t conduct heat), and you can even make shoes, handbags, wallets, hats and clothes from the stuff.
There are decorative cork items that are just natural and pretty, practical ones and rather high-tech applications that take cork into orbit as part of a satellite or spacecraft. It’s been used by humans for over 5,000 years and has a fantastic future again –even though it was pushed aside for a while in favour of artificial materials and plastics – thanks to the fact that it is a natural, sustainable product capable of solving some of the headaches we have caused ourselves.
Cork is used in science, space travel, the manufacturing sector, handicrafts, construction, boat building, sports products such as baseballs and cricket balls, military hardware, computers,
shoes, musical instruments, bricks and cement, parts for inkjet and laser printers, in soundproofed studios and in research labs, to mention a few. It is a natural alternative to anything from wood, steel and aluminium to plastic, and it grows naturally on cork oak trees, whose barks are harvested to produce this fantastically flexible, impermeable, lightweight, strong, fire-retardant and heat-resistant material. What’s more, the vast majority of the world’s cork is produced in Portugal and the southern part of Spain, not far from a place near you.
We’ve just found one of the best solutions for a pollution-free future and it’s been around for thousands of years. Photo credits: Amorim
Soul at NAC: Marbella’s New Hub for Style, Wellness, and Social Vibes
On Saturday 14th September one of the most enigmatic venues in the Marbella area celebrated its first anniversary with an awesome party complete with fun, food and live entertainment.
The restaurant at the heart of the NAC Sports & Social Club has fast become one of the most popular venues in the region from breakfast, throughout the working and socialising day, through to dinner and evening entertainment.
Soul is the perfect complement for this stylish club, with its top-rated paddle club, I/O Gym and stylish modern hairdressing salon – the place where people come together to relax, work, chat and have a healthy post-workout snack.
The reason for the fact that Soul has climbed the ranks in record time to become one of Marbella’s favourite venues is that it is in many ways unique, offering style and a great healthy menu within the refined but relaxed environment of a top-notch sports club.
It has become a true hit with a young, trendy and healthy following, but appeals to people of all ages that are young at heart and look for sport, fitness and socialising or working in a relaxed and friendly setting.
Such a successful first year had to be concluded with a suitably vibrant party, and of course it was done with style – in the Breathe style!
Ground and Soul host thousands of remote-working professionals
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Over 300.000 visitors at our venues each year
The First Zero Consumption Villa
the villa is a pioneering project in sustainable luxury living, designed to be the first Zero Consumption Villa. This means it is entirely self-sufficient, producing all the energy and water it needs to operate independently.
Asking Price: 9 800 000 € 4x 2x
AIR
The good times continue
Don’t think things calm down too much after summer, as the party continues at Breathe, Soul and Ground, up to and into the Festive Season.
The heady days of the summer season came to a climactic end on the 5th of October, with the official Closing Party at Air. The theme was Black Swan, inspired by a modern interpretation of the classic Swan Lake ballet and performed by a beautiful couple that bring artistry and romance together in a setting under the stars, overlooking Marbella. Throughout the summer, Air offers that wonderfully atmospheric setting, and Black Swan the headline act for a night of dining, socialising, entertainment and partying in classic Marbella style.
The closing party officially brought an end to another amazing summer season of fun and special moments, and saw the focus shift to Breathe, but not before a private anniversary event at Soul in mid-September, and the Samba-inspired Brazil Nights party at Air on the 19th. Partying with Latin American passion to some of the best dance tunes out there is the stuff that memories are made of, and Breathe knows how to create a magical cocktail of fun and style.
We stayed with Brazilian inspiration on the 26th of October for the Breathe Sixth Anniversary party at the famous restaurant with its attractive garden terrace. Berimbau features the sensually seductive sounds of Rio de Janeiro, Salvador de Bahía and other tropical delights, so we danced as the cocktails flowed and the live entertainment excited the imagination. It was a night to remember, we can assure you.
A change of tone
The tone changes a little after this and becomes a little more ‘wintry’, though never ever demure. Our events always take the theme to the limit, and this year’s Halloween Party on the 31st of October was stylishly frightening and exhilarating.
December is altogether more wholesome, with the Festive Season officially opening on the 14th of December, introducing a ten-day countdown to our famous Christmas Eve Dinner on the 24th. Reserve now, as this atmospheric night gets booked up quickly, or opt for the lively build-up period, when Breathe caters to families, groups and provides special
arrangements for corporate Christmas parties.
If live music, a uniquely designed feast of a menu and a fantastic party ambience are what you’re after, there’s of course nothing to beat the NYE On Fire Party that has become something of an institution in Marbella. Yes, we’re renowned for creating a special atmosphere and throwing a party to remember. The Breathe team has that down to a fine skill, and we’ve got the venues to make it happen, so take your pick from this menu of fun and settle down for the Marbella experience that you’ll never forget!
WORLD-CLASS DINING EXPERIENCES
Get warm at the Agave Bar
Air comes to the Breathe winter garden this season in the form of a stylish Agave Bar.
It’s the place to meet, greet and spend good times. Here the atmosphere is warm and lively, so join the Agave Bar after work or in the evening.
You’ll love it!
FESTIVE SEASON
OPENING NIGHT - DECEMBER 14TH
CHRISTMAS GROUPS
GROUP MENU´S AVAILABLE FROM 4TH OF NOVEMBER TILL 19TH OF DECEMBER
Setting new standards at Creators
Among the international schools that form part of the appeal of this coastal area there is one that stands out for its focus on a high technical curriculum and excellence throughout. Creators is a new private school dedicated to helping those students with proficiency in maths, physics and computer science make the most of their school years and open a world of opportunities thereafter.
In today’s tech-based environment you would think you’d have the world at your feet if you’re gifted at maths, physics and/or computer science, but it doesn’t always work out that way. In many schools the attention of teachers and pupils alike is spread too thinly across a wide range of courses, large classroom sizes and a lack of personalised guidance that sees a lot of students miss pursuing their true calling.
Creators is designed to avoid exactly that, and it is a school that is unashamedly focused on and dedicated to students who wish to excel in the fields of maths, physics and computer science, offering specialised teaching and personal coaching all the way from Primary entry level at age seven up to qualifying for the finest universities in the world. The school follows the British STEM-based curriculum up to A-levels and prepares its pupils for entry into a world of opportunities, be it university or entrepreneurship.
Quality over Quantity
Occupying a made-to-measure campus in Benahavis, Creators is a school with a clear philosophy of quality over quantity. “You could see this as the next generation of education, designed for a new era,” says Headmaster Alan Lineker. “everything from the campus layout and its facilities to the educational approach is geared towards this, and we limit the class size to just 12 students.”
He leads an international team of teachers for a school with pupils from many different countries. “Besides very high qualifications, generally master’s and above, we also look for that special quality in our teachers, which involves not just instructing but also
inspiring and supporting.” Pupils enjoy the very finest facilities, but also a support structure that involves tutors and professional guidance throughout their school career.
The setting could of course not be more inspirational, with the beautiful greenery of Benahavis surrounding the campus. Creators is a school for daytime pupils but also has a boarding facility designed to offer comfort and a friendly, homely atmosphere. “The accommodation is modern and cosy, with just two pupils per room, and of course there are also sports, medical and dining facilities, all geared towards healthy living” says Alan.
“BLUE HORIZON” is an exclusive luxury residential complex located in one of the most sought-after areas of Estepona.. The residences feature spacious outdoor areas, floor-to-ceiling windows with direct access to the terrace, high-quality appliances, a wine cellar, and luxury finishes. The common areas include a gym, social club, spa with sauna, outdoor saltwater pool, and spacious green areas with lush vegetation.
A high-level complex with unbeatable and unique views in the city center. Only 36 exclusive residences for the most privileged who will be able to live in a unique place, enjoying the more than 300 days of sunshine a year offered by the Costa del Sol
More than just technical mastery
The first mission of Creators is to provide its students with a deep mastery of their science-focused courses, which are taught in English, but the school goes beyond this to also offer perspective and valuable life coaching. “We want to give our pupils not just technical knowledge but also leadership skills and the values that are an important part of this. The approach is therefore not only focused upon quantitative excellence but also high qualitative values, and as part of this the students will also be acquainted with business principles, how to manage finances, how to set up successful businesses in the real work environment and balancing this with a focus on the fundamental principles of what is important in life, so that those who leave Creators are well-balanced people with the right ingredients for success and fulfilment.”
This approach to real world application also pervades the technical courses, which balance theory and practice. “The modern world, and younger people in particular, have the need for a type of education that is adapted to these times, providing solid, strong foundations in the classical sense but also including the applicability of our times, as some students will want to go past further learning and straight into setting up businesses. Our main mission is to prepare our pupils for entry into the world’s finest
institutions of learning, but we also look beyond this, to giving them practical technical and personal skills for being successful after education, so pupils who leave Creators will know how you go about setting up a business, finding investors, as well as the financial, legal and fiscal aspects involved.”
The school, which though a private college will also provide bursaries for gifted students with lesser means, therefore blends deep mastery of maths, computer technology and the sciences with bigger picture thinking, focusing also on a value based education and creating people with vision that can be future leaders in a wide range of fields. “We foster knowledge, but also independent thinking,” says Alan, who as a mathematician himself will be showing how maths is a code that everyone can understand, and which forms the building blocks for so much, including of course science and technology.
Well-rounded deep knowledge and thinking will undoubtedly win Olympiads and bring in prizes, but the true goal of Creators is to take children with ability in the sciences and prepare them for leadership roles in business, technology, science, academia and society itself.
Futuristic villa in Sotogrande.
A Pinnacle of Sustainable Luxury Nestled in the prestigious La Reserva de Sotogrande, this villa represents the zenith of sustainable luxury living. This architectural marvel sits in a prime first line location on the golf course, offering uninterrupted vistas of the impeccably manicured greens and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. Designed with privacy in mind, the villa provides a serene sanctuary while still offering the convenience and elegance of contemporary design.
The rising tide of recycled fashion
It’s often said that we live in a consumerist throw-away culture, and yes, we’ve been buying and discarding for so long that having recycled clothes seems like a pretty exotic notion. And yet it’s catching on.
A sharing culture
Anti-consumerists and environmentalists have been keen on exchanging clothes for some time now, buying second-hand clothes just like people used to do long ago, but then it was largely out of economic need. Thanks to this, second-hand clothes were long stigmatised, as they were associated with poverty and a lack of options. It was certainly not ‘cool’, but now it is becoming cool, and that’s, well…cool, as this business of buying cheap clothes all the time and then ‘throwing them away’ comes at a price.
Fast fashion’s impact
Like most industries, the textile sector pollutes. In order to make clothes it uses energy, water, chemicals and sometimes even child labour, because in order to save money and be able to produce the large quantities of affordable clothes that we demand, most production is now in cheap labour countries such as China, India and Bangladesh. A lot of the things we wear are therefore produced in so-called sweatshops where conditions are bad and restrictions on pollution in the form of dumping chemicals and other effluent is non-existent.
The luxury fashion industry is bad enough, but it’s the mass market that does the most harm, fed by a habit of shopping, buying and then discarding. Just recently, there seems to have been a reaction against the waste involved, both in terms of perfectly good items thrown away and the money just wasted, and now buying second hand from online platforms such as Vinted has become a mainstream thing. Just ask the CEO of Vinted, last year the company turned over almost half a billion dollars!
Credits: Vinted Group
Credits: hendrik-morkel
