BREATHE
Marbella in the 21st century
Interview with Marbella’s Mayoress, Ángeles Muñoz
Take to the sea
Own the night at Air
The Marbella Summer
Welcome to the Marbella summer, and when you’re here, enjoy it with us!
Breathe has great venues just made for a Marbella summer enjoyed in style be it exercising, working or relaxing at Soul, meeting at Ground, dining at Breathe Restaurant or partying the night away at Air.
The nights are warm and glamorous, filled with expectations of another epic party at Air – the only true sky bar and open air nightclub in Marbella. People come here for the style, the live music and entertainment, and themed parties that last into the early morning hours.
The Breathe community of likeminded people is ready to enjoy summer and drink in all that sunshine and fun. Come and celebrate the best part of the year in classic Marbella style and discover some new summer escapes in this edition.
Happy summer!
Aguilene Benicio
WORLD-CLASS DINING EXPERIENCES
GiftTrees
ROOFTOP BAR & SIGNATURE COCKTAILS by
Origins of the Marbella summer vibe
So, people come to Marbella throughout the seasons, to live, play golf, eat well, visit natural and cultural beauty spots and live the life of luxury, but what is the essence of the Marbella attraction? Exactly! It’s summer vibe.
There are many great summer destinations around the world, and in particular across the Mediterranean region, but we don’t think we’re exaggerating when we say that few can match the uniquely appealing vibe of the Costa del Sol, and in particular Marbella. It’s lots of different things for different people, and that is exactly one of the things that makes this region shine. At the heart of it, that so seductive Marbella summer is built upon a uniquely sexy mix of Spanish summer vacation, beaches, golf, beautiful scenery, five-star luxury and a famous nightlife scene that has always had a touch of glamour about it.
Even as people are reassessing how to spend their precious leisure time and redefining luxury in the process, Marbella again emerges victorious, recently voted Europe’s Best Destination 2024. The resort town with the glamorous reputation scored high on leisure amenities, gastronomy, shopping, nightlife, beaches, safety, culture and…fun. People come to Marbella because it is a lively cosmopolitan place with a can-do attitude and a lust for life. This is where those who can afford it come to enjoy themselves, and while the region offers a great many ways to interpret that, the classic Marbella way is stylish and under the summer stars.
Party in good spirits
The most iconic examples of the Marbella summer vibe are those where style and hedonism come together, preferably under a warm evening sky. It can start with cocktails as you watch the sun set and colour the sky bright orange, followed by dinner al fresco, and then, as the DJ gets the mood going, a stylish outdoor party at Air with live music, acrobats and dancers.
It’s where the beautiful set get together to celebrate life in the best summer style, on a specially themed evening of ‘just’ another great Marbella night!
A R I
Themed events at Breathe
Carmen Garcia, Head of Events at Breathe, has her hands full throughout the year, but the period from early to late summer is when things really heat up.
It’s a top-tier venue, with renowned DJs playing Deep House music and creating an exceptional ambience
“We organise events the whole year through, including of course such annual highlights as Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s and Easter, which we always work hard to make elegant and fun while also giving them a fresh twist. Other moments we mark and celebrate are our winter garden, the arrival of spring and the beginning of the summer High Season, when our glamorous rooftop bar and nightclub Air opens for another era of fun-filled entertainment.”
Carmen is the person in charge of coordinating these moments, as well as the specially themed events that add panache to the usual sophistication and glamour of Air, where a fantastic lineup of DJs fill the air and create a party atmosphere against the stunning backdrop of Marbella, Puerto Banús, the shoreline and of course La Concha Mountain. “The first people like to arrive a little early, settle in with a drink and maybe a fresh sushi snack and take all those views in. It’s especially impressive at sunset and as night starts falling.”
Air as your office
Much of Carmen’s time is spent meticulously planning the DJ Sessions, parties and themed events that feature live music, acrobatic performances, dancers, fire shows and more, but she is also there on the night to ensure everything runs smoothly. “It can be a long day, but then again, not a lot of people have Air as their place of work,” smiles Carmen, who clearly loves what she does. “Our goal is to provide an immersive and entertaining experience that elevates the overall enjoyment of our clients.”
The events she organises are exclusive, available only to guests with reservations, and they create a sophisticated but also intimate and special atmosphere. “It’s a top-tier venue, with renowned DJs playing Deep House music and creating an exceptional ambience that is enhanced by a high standard of service and cuisine. This really is the place to enjoy Marbella in style.” Not surprisingly, the parties and special events at Air are very much in demand, with a loyal clientele returning year on year.
“For this reason alone, we have to keep our offering at the highest level and also make it fresh and engaging. In summer, even week nights are as vibrant as the weekend, and this draws a diverse international audience between 30 and 70, with a notable presence of Scandinavians.” Carmen and the team also cater to private and corporate launches and celebrations, including cocktail parties, receptions and intimate gatherings of friends and family. “We take pride in tailoring each experience to our clients’ needs, offering a special brochure with set menus, canapé options and drinks packages for large groups, as well as creating our own signature nights that have become the hallmark of Air – and one of the great ‘on style’ attractions of the Marbella summer.”
Black Swan the Lake comes to Air
One of the most captivating and romantic of ballets, Swan Lake, comes to Air this summer in the form of a mesmerising modern interpretation of a timeless classic.
On summer evenings in Marbella, the elegance and romanticism of what is perhaps Tschaikovsky’s most famous work descends upon Air like a dream floating in on a cloud. Those familiar with Swan Lake will recognise the impact of the performance, here presented as a modern interpretation and featuring only the two main characters, lovers Siegfried and Odette. It is a magical moment up in the sky above Marbella, as Air is transformed into a fairytale setting and the crowd is mesmerised by the beautiful costumes and flowing forms of the male and female dancers.
All eyes are upon them as they tell the tale of love through a visually evocative performance. Black Swan forms part of a season of entertainment at Air, but somehow stands apart even from the dancers, fire eaters and acrobats that add such flavour to nights at Air. In a venue known for its refinement, live music, top DJs and unforgettable nights, Black Swan stays in the memory long after the wand touches the soul with its passion. This is a classically romantic tale with a distinctly modern take and a hint of eroticism that cannot leave you unmoved.
Black Swan tells a story that touches us because it is valid throughout time. It transfixes the audience with its visual beauty and grace, recounting the plot of a classic ballet production with modern intensity and movements, and it will bring out the romantic in all of you, heightened by a setting that appears to float in the sky.
BREATHE
Mixing it up at Breathe
Cocktails, mocktails and the other refreshing beverages served at Breathe are an important part of the mixology at its various venues. Here’s how they create a little liquid summer to lighten up your day.
Adrian Clemente Ramos is the mixologist leading a team of bartenders at Breathe that work hard to add a little pizazz to your refreshments. They love what they do and it shows, creating cocktails with a touch of class and a feeling for presentation and showmanship. Served in this way, it becomes more than just a tasty drink, it’s an experience, and that’s exactly what Adrian is after.
What does it take to become a mixologist at Breathe
Well, you should have experience, at least 4-5 years, with a good knowledge of both classic and contemporary cocktail making, as well as knowing your spirits – the B (beverage) in F&B. This means that you should be able to advise people on which gin, whisky, brandy, tequila, rum, vodka or other drink best suits their taste preference, their meal or the occasion. Apart from this you should be presentable, give off an energetic, fun and friendly attitude, charisma, confidence and of course be skilled in the handling of the tools of your trade. You can’t be clumsy in this job.
This really applies to barmen too, but a mixologist has to take these skills to the next level. There are courses you have to follow that reveal there’s a certain chemistry behind the mixes you’re making. In other words, you can’t just mix everything and expect it to be good, but have to know what works with what, in what measure, combined with which spices and essences, and how to present it. You also have to be knowledgeable about gastronomy, how Food and Beverage interact, and how things react on a molecular level to produce the taste sensations we’re looking to create.
I started in hospitality at the age of 18, ending up behind a bar for the first time at the age of 20. It was love at first sight – I felt at home and just wanted to know everything about it. The products, the traditions, the ways of preparing and presenting, and the service that follows, so I began to learn on the job from great professionals, who transmitted their passion and knowledge to me, and I was hooked. Since then, I’ve also followed courses, studying every aspect of this profession and immersing myself in it.
The only way to reach the top in mixology is to study the technical side of it. That’s the bedrock on which you build, and then you go out, gain experience and develop your own style and expertise – and when you know you’re good at what you do, you naturally develop a certain swagger that customers love and goes so well with the job.
…And don’t forget a smile - that’s one of the top ingredients for someone behind a bar! Loving your job
The De si g n ers , & L a nds ca p e D e s igne r s .
CELEBRATE YOUR SPECIAL EVENT WITH US
Marta del Ganso’s passion for creating ambiences
Marta is still only young but has already achieved so much, creating interior designs for the luxury retail spaces of the LVMH group, working locally and around the world, as well as styling the interiors of Breathe… and there’s more to come.
Marta’s track record would normally have been established after a much longer time, but the young interior architect has clocked up projects around the world, working on luxury residential, hospitality and retail venues ranging from LVMH to Breathe. “Within the LVMH group, I focused especially upon creating the styling and look for Loewe’s brands both in Spain and abroad,” says Marta. She did the same for a range of other luxury brands, designing retail spaces that engage the senses and reflect brand values.
This work involves not only the actual design and furnishing, but also the construction side of things, as Marta is a specialist in small-scale building works such as renovations and has also completed a wide range of residential projects ranging from decoration to modernising homes and giving commercial venues and hotels a signature look and feel. “In this, feel is almost as important as look, since a central part of my job is to create an ambience, a special feeling, and that’s part of what I love most about it.”
Creating the Breathe look
Marta was also the project manager for the interior design and decoration of Breathe, where an important part of her brief was to create a visual and sensory link that tied all three venues while also giving each its own unique identity and atmosphere. On top of that, she had to achieve it using materials that were natural and sustainable. “It is challenges like this that I relish, as they force you to work at your best and be at your most creative.” She rose to the occasion, producing a look that is not only refined but also comfortable and welcoming throughout the seasons.
“Lighting plays a very important role in this, as it helps to create the mood for three venues that each have a very different role to fulfil, passing from daylight at Ground to late afternoon and evening at Breathe, and nights under the stars at Air. I love how each has its own character, but they all belong together.” She is propelled by a passion for this sense of creating special ambiences, which she considers to be the ultimate purpose of any decoration project. “It’s the detail that makes the difference and helps to define a space and create the way you feel in it, and that is the kind of alchemy that has a touch of magic about it.”
BEAUTIFUL ANDALUSIAN VILLA IN BENAHAVIS
This impressive villa is set in a privileged position, on the edge of a natural park with the Guadalmansa river running below at the bottom of the valley and enjoying magnificent views to the hills and towards the coast. Set in Monte Mayor, a secluded and guarded community with only one access point, just 6 km from the town of Benahavís and just 7 km from the coast. Once you enter Monte Mayor and arrive at the house, you are greeted by the impressive entrance courtyard made of granite stones from Portugal, leading to a large triple carport with a thatched roof with a gazebo. The home is built over two levels plus a large basement with partially natural light and a terrace facing the river below. All of the levels being connected with an elevator.
Asking Price: 6 950 000 € 6x 6x
GROUND
The summer vibe of Ground
Ground is known for its gorgeous coffee, pastries and fresh bread, which attract a loyal following throughout much of the year. However, in summer it is above all the sunny terrace and fresh light meals that make this such a popular spot.
08:30 The bakery brings out the fresh bread, it smells sooo good
09:00 Grab a coffee at Ground, get’s the day going. Take a loaf of bread home
09:30 Have a relaxed breakfast, start the day well with a granola, yoghurt and fruit bowl and an energy shot boost
10:00 Settle in with the laptop, a coffee and an orange juice
11:00 Quick work meeting on the terrace – so much better than in an office
12:00 Pop in for a quick snack on the way to the beach
13:00 Early lunchers gather for a light meal
14:00 The terrace fills for lunchtime serving
15:30 The girls meet up for an afternoon catch-up under the sun. Is it too early for a glass of wine – probably not!
Morning is still a good time for coffee, fresh orange juice, and either one of those delicious pastries or bread with a refreshing topping, such as salmon or an avocado spread. Others come for a bowl of healthy yoghurt, oats and fruit, accompanied by a boosting energy shot that builds up your defences and gets you going for the day. They are drawn to the terrace, which has a classic café feel about it till lunchtime, when it becomes more of a trendy open air eatery specialising in light healthy meals.
Visitors and locals congregate here around midday, enjoying a stylishly languid atmosphere. Ground remains popular with laptop workers too, making it one of the most popular ‘co-working’ spots in Marbella, and why not? Who wouldn’t want to be out there in the fresh air surrounded by the smells of freshly ground coffee and a stylish daytime crowd, with a chilled yet invigorating soundtrack in the background? If you can call this your office or meeting point, you’re lucky indeed.
Ground is also close to the beach and the El Corte Inglés department store in nearby Puerto Banús –considered by many to be the best in all of Spain – so shopping and a little beach relaxation are all conveniently available. Others pop in on their way from the gym or arrange to meet up for a late afternoon coffee or ‘early evening’ cocktail or glass of wine, possibly accompanied by one of the delicious snacks that already hint at the impending opening of the Breathe restaurant soon afterwards.
A venue much beloved from autumn till spring and a red hot favourite in winter is therefore also a perfect summer venue in Marbella – an evergreen with the capacity to appeal throughout the seasons, whether it’s for your morning coffee fix, an atmospheric place to work on your laptop, have a meeting or just come for lunch or drinks. Ground gets the day going in style, setting you up for another sizzling hot summer in Marbella. We’ll see you there, and your coffee, health shot or cocktail will be waiting for you!
Kitesurf getaways
Surfing produced idyllic coastal destinations such as California, Hawaii, Australia and South Africa, complete with their own hippie subcultures. Then came kitesurf, and it did the same. The world’s number one destination happens to be just an hour away.
Kitesurf evolved from windsurfing just as the latter came out of the original surfing version that spread from Hawaii to the USA and then around the world in the first half of the 20th century. The biggest boom of the sport coincided with the emergence of youth culture in the America of the 1950s and 60s, and it heavily influenced the hippie subculture that gradually became a way of life.
Windsurfing never quite developed in this direction, but its offspring, kitesurf, which evolved from the late 1970s into the 80s and became mainstream by the end of the century, did. This is partly because kitesurf is somehow a more sociable sport than its parent, and also because it took route in Tarifa on Spain’s Costa de la Luz, already on the hippie trail since the sixties.
Kitesurf and the hippie chic atmosphere of Tarifa and other beauty spots along the Costa de la Luz are entwined – meaning they come hand in hand. For many, this is more than a water sport, more even than a love of the sea, the waves, their salty spray, the power of the wind and a fight to harness the elements. For them it is a way of life that can easily become an obsession. Many a successful professional has relocated to Tarifa and will down tools the minute a good surf wind strikes up along the coast. A bit like Clark Kent running out of a meeting while changing into his Superman outfit –those waves just have to be ridden.
The result is a laid-back coastal town with a laidback cool vibe, where surfers and their hippie chic entourage congregate, growing in numbers from April on to September. This is most definitely a scene, and it certainly has something seductive about it. Picture endless sea, big skies, sandy beaches, amazing views and scores of colourful kites in the air. There’s an etiquette too, you keep your distance and don’t let your wires cross with those of other surfers, or you will likely be snubbed at the after-action beach parties, barbecues and chill-out venues. Keep it relaxed and you’ll be fine.
Hippie chic and laid-back cool
Other Tarifas
Though Tarifa and the Costa de la Luz have become the epicentre of the sport, there are also kitesurfing meccas near Arcachon in France, at Guincho beach near Cascais in Portugal, at Sotavento, Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, Ilha do Sal within the Cape Verde Islands, Table Bay in Cape Town, Essaouira (Morocco) and of course in places like Cumbuco, along Brazil’s north-east coast. A lot of professional and even amateur kitesurfers are familiar with all these places, and more, as they travel around the world following wind and wave. Yes, it’s definitely a way of life, and one worth experiencing. Tarifa is just an hour away!
Sail away
If being in Marbella and not experiencing the sea seems like a wasted opportunity, then hop aboard and explore the Western Mediterranean.
It is sometimes said that the Costa del Sol is not the most exciting sailing destination in the world. Now it is true that the Balearic Islands or the Adriatic coast offer more variety, with all their islands and coves, but even so the Mar Alborán, as our part of the Mediterranean is called, still has lots of exploration to offer. Here are some tips to sail away and experience the world from a different angle.
Head out early in the morning on a sailing yacht, a large party boat or a catamaran (ideal for a more stable experience), and follow the coast in either direction. You’ll experience Marbella and the Costa del Sol from a whole new perspective, seeing the shoreline and famous landmarks glide pass as you cast your eyes in the opposite direction, across the water, to the outlines of Gibraltar and Africa. Eastwards you will watch a succession of coastal resort towns pass before you reach Málaga. Head into the port, dock and have lunch in town, or continue onwards towards the eastern part of the Costa del Sol, eventually sailing into the elegant Marina del Este, near La Herredura and Nerja.
You’ll notice this part of the coast is markedly different. Here the shallow shoreline, occasionally covered in pine groves and dunes, has given way to dramatic cliffs that plunge into the sea, creating spectacular scenery and lots of coves to drop anchor in. That’s another option for a light lunch followed by a swim in the sea. Nearby are sea caves, pretty spectacular to see and not an everyday experience for visitors to Marbella!
Head West
Take the opposite course and you will flow past Sotogrande, then the iconic Rock of Gibraltar, passing the Bay of Algeciras into the Atlantic Ocean. Cooling breezes will meet you at the point where Europe and Africa almost touch. You’ll see the Moroccan coastline drop away to the south as you skirt the Spanish shoreline, eventually reaching surfer’s paradises such as Tarifa, El Palmar, Los Caños de Meca, Zahara de los Atunes, Conil de la Frontera and finally the ancient port of Cádiz itself.
Multiple opportunities present themselves for lunch at sea or a chance to slip into port and sample some
of the finest seafood and especially fresh tuna dishes in the world. It’s a world full of sandy beaches, cliffs and coves, dotted with charming Andalusian villages – you can even slip into the Bay of Cádiz and on to the Doñana National Park, or stay within the Mediterranean and cross over to the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta or Melilla, or the Moroccan port of Tangiers and Marina Smir. Whatever you do, make sure you’re pointed towards the west as the sun sets, bottle of champagne on ice, as that’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
ART & WINE
Unleash your creativity as you paint your masterpiece surrounded by excellent wines, exquisite pairings, and a unique ambiance. All materials included.
Desata tu creatividad pintando tu propia obra maestra rodeado de excelentes vinos, maridajes exquisitos y un ambiente único. Todos los materiales incluidos.
WINE TASTING | CATA DE VINOS
Discover the most sophisticated and unusual wines in our wine tastings. We have more than 3000 references in our store.
Descubra los vinos más sofisticados e inusuales en nuestras catas de vino.
Contamos con más de 3000 referencias en nuestra tienda.
Get your tickets on our website: | www.casapablo.es Phone: 952 77 00 24 | Email: marketing@casapablo.es ENJOY OUR EXPERIENCES IN CASA PABLO | Follow us @casapablovinos
Head inland for water
So, you’re here, it’s hot and you’re drawn to the sea, your swimming pool and maybe even a little water sports, but if it’s water you’re after there are more options besides.
If it’s called a ‘Costa’ it faces the sea, usually the Mediterranean, and its entire legacy is built around those beaches, coves and blue-green waves that made it so famous in the first place. The Costa del Sol is no exception, and while there’s a good variety of downtown, cove and sandy dune beaches backing on to pine groves, you might be surprised to hear that you’re not limited to the sea if it’s water pursuits you’re after. The coastline is the undefeated champion, especially in summer, but when it fills with crowds and gets a little too hot, there are other beauty spots where you can cool off or get active with a lot more privacy.
Lakes, rock pools and waterfalls
Head a little inland and the coastal plain gives way to a mighty mountain range called the Serranía de Ronda, a large mountain range made up of a succession of peaks and valleys where forest, bare rock, heather and lush greenery follow each other in quick succession. It is within this greater area, bigger than Luxembourg, that you’ll find a rather amazing collection of lakes, rock pools and waterfalls just waiting to be enjoyed.
On the eastern edge of this region is a complex of lakes that stretches out for kilometres from the Guadalhorce dam through the undulating wooded areas of Ardales and on to the El Chorro canyon. It’s a spectacular area popular with campers, day trippers and nature lovers. They come here to hike, pitch tents, sleep under the stars, horse ride and chill on the water. Or get all active and scale local mountains or pursue water sports.
Part of that vibe is the Caminito del Rey, a now modern pathway pegged on to the side of a sheer cliff that overhangs a deep gorge, with the water rushing below. Needless to say, there are waiting lists for this experience.
Mountain country
Further west the scenery becomes greener and the gradient more spectacular, with deep valleys and high mountains. This is waterfall territory, and besides cool, refreshing summer temperatures and stunning natural scenery they also produce wonderful natural rock pools that invite you to splash around like in the movies. Such a spot is a touch of idyll, and usually rather peaceful, except when there is also a natural beach involved.
Further along, on the western extreme of the mountain range, is the pretty white Andalusian mountain village of Zahara de la Sierra, not to be confused with its almost namesake (Zahara de los Atunes) on the Costa de la Luz. This Zahara may not be on the beach, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t got plenty of water around, and the town overlooks a large lake where locals and visitors come to fish, camp, relax and also take to the water – either in a craft or just for a swim.
It’s not entirely unlike the beach, just so much more peaceful and relaxed. See you there!
ELITE ESTATES PROPERTY THE PERSONAL WAY
Founded in 2012, Elite Estates is a boutique agency that is focused on a very personal approach to real estate service.
Here the focus is not on quantity but on quality.
The result is that the buyer and for that matter vendor experience is quite different to that of many other agencies, particularly the larger ones. “We don’t believe it’s ‘better or worse’, just a different approach, and one that suits our way of working and allows us to give more time and attention to both vendors and buyers,” says Lucien Capdevielle, who has been the face of the brand for several years now.
In a competitive market, this clear philosophy is not for everyone but certainly has its audience. “We don’t list and market as many properties as is the norm on the Costa del Sol, but this enables us to be more selective in terms of quality and value, to work in a more detailed and focused manner, and ultimately it results in a very high success ratio, from the perspective of both buyers and homeowners who list their properties with us.”
THE DIFFERENCE IS IN THE DETAIL
“Being a ‘boutique agency’ means that you work on a somewhat smaller scale, not trying to be everything to everyone, but are very effective in marketing those properties you represent, and through our longestablished network we’re also able to match buyers with the kind of home they’re looking for. These are accessible to many agents, but not all dedicate the time required to make a successful match, and this is where we stand out.”
This also applies to trusted industry specialists such as lawyers, tax advisors, surveyors, landscapers, interior designers and builders – and such collaborations have also allowed Elite Estates
to successfully project-manage renovation works and then sell the villas and apartments in question on behalf of investor clients. “As in everything, it is personal relationships and attention to detail that make the difference and have been the source of our success in this field,” says Lucien, whose experience extends from the tourist industry and luxury airline sector to hospitality and real estate.
“I’ve been a marketeer and brand ambassador for varied luxury brands in my career, which has taken me from Uruguay and Dubai to various countries in Europe, as a result of which I’ve picked up languages, an understanding of cultural nuances and a feeling for what people really want from a product or service, and wheºre the added value lies.”
“At Elite Estates, this is clear in the quality of the properties we offer, the focus with which we market them, and the time and attention we dedicate to home finding. That, in a nutshell, defines the boutique end of the property market.”
NEWLY BUILT VILLA IN NUEVA ANDALUCIA
This fabulous villa in a well established area in the heart of Nueva Andalucia is undergoing a complete transformation from the ground up to the highest possible construction specifications.
Offering 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms of complete luxury it represents the ultimate in contemporary living.
Large living areas complemented by an open plan kitchen and extensive terracing including an outdoor kitchen allow for a complete al fresco lifestyle.
A jacuzzi, sauna, and open views to the golf course make this the perfect family home in Marbella’s most sought after neighbourhood.
Asking Price: 5 750 000 € 3x 3x
Peter Karyd and the birth of the NAC Sports & Social Club
From being one of the most attractive padel clubs on the coast to lying derelict and abandoned, the Nueva Alcántara venue was then reborn according to an even more inspired vision.
“I met my partners Sergio and Miguel at the beginning of 2021, when the club was still abandoned,” says Peter Karyd, one of the people whose vision created the sports club that is so beloved today. “The club had been closed for years and when you see NAC today it is hard to understand the horrible condition the facility was in at the time. The entire floor of the restaurant was gravel and the padel courts were all cracked and impossible to play on.”
It’s a far cry from the beautiful venue we know now, a sports club with state-of-the-art I/O gym and wonderful Soul restaurant that has a distinct sense of boutique and resort wellbeing about it. “We’re very proud of how it turned out, and that was certainly part of our vision. I saw the enormous potential, and that is one of the things that so attracted me to the project. It is a perfect location for a sports and social club, close to everything and just a few hundred metres from the beach and seaside boardwalk. The Marbella area was, I believe, missing a premium club of this kind where people not only come for sport and fitness but also to socialise.”
A groundbreaking venue in Marbella
For many NAC is indeed exactly what Marbella needs – a stylish, welcoming racket club with first-class facilities and a unique atmosphere where people come to work, meet up and socialise throughout the day, as Soul has the menu and ambience to suit breakfast, lunch and evening dinner. You can also have your hair styled at Oculto while the children play at NAC’s Kids Club. “Together with I/O and Breathe, we provide a top fitness, cuisine and sports environment, and we will keep improving until there is no more room for it, which is never,” says Peter.
The collaboration with I/O and Breathe forms a key part of this successful formula. “I knew that Christian, founder of I/O, was looking to start a new exclusive gym in Marbella. As we only wanted to work with the best brands and best partners, with his experience and concept, it was the perfect match for NAC. I presented our concept and today you see the result. I/O is a major factor behind the success of NAC.”
“With the restaurant we didn’t find the right partner from the beginning, but we learned from it and when Aguilene and Tom contacted us we felt early in the process that Breathe was the perfect partner for us. It is a pleasure working with them, and Soul has evolved into something fantastic; it is such a unique environment to walk into and feel the vibe. The food is excellent, and I love to go in the morning to have my breakfast and just relax and look at the people gathering and interacting. Soul has really become what I envisioned from the beginning – they’ve done a great job. Together with my partners Sergio and Miguel, absolute masters at running a padel club, we’ve created a dream team.”
SOUL
Soul in Summer – Sport, Fitness, Health and Socialising
If there is one place in Marbella that is both stylish and welcoming it is Soul, the beating heart of the NAC Sports & Social Club. Here, at a short distance from the beaches of Nueva Alcántara, is an oasis of chilled and sociable happiness within a fantastic venue. In a short time, the complex that features tennis, padel, gym, a hair and beauty salon, kids club and one of the most atmospheric café-restaurants on the Costa del Sol, has become the preferred place for sport, fitness and to work and get together.
The motto EAT · PLAY · CONNECT is therefore highly appropriate, and Soul welcomes you throughout the day, starting with a fresh morning breakfast on its breezy terrace, the daily highlight that is lunch, and then dinner and drinks, often accompanied by live music. Thanks to the Marbella climate, Soul is a pleasure throughout the year, but summer is one of the seasons when it truly shines, especially under the balmy evening skies.
Summer evenings…
From a fresh and early start with a healthy breakfast, a game of padel or session in the gym to a chilled but invigorating working environment, Soul in summer gears up to a sultry night scene, when people gather at the bar, have cocktails out under the sun as the sky turns orange pink, then light blue and ultimately gives in to night. That’s when the restaurant fills and the bar gets lively to a summer evening soundtrack of Soul Sessions and live DJs.
Soul and the NAC Sports & Social Club have the diversity to be many things to different people – at different times of the day and year – but it is always a joyous place to be, with one of the most appealing ambiences you will find on this coast. It’s a family venue that suits many different tastes and needs, but is always an oasis of wellbeing, and one of the best places you could spend time this summer.
Where do you want to be spending your days this summer?
Soul at night
Imagine a warm summer’s night in Marbella. The setting sun is colouring the sky a golden orange. Temperatures are hovering in the twenties; you’ve just showered after a day by the water. Soul beckons – refreshing, relaxing and the place to be for a meal under the stars. The mood is chilled as you enter the outdoor dining area and settle down for a drink. Gradually, the orange of the sky turns to pink and then light blue, before night sets in and the sound of crickets mingles with the happy background music produced by the DJ.
Your meal arrives, you socialise within a bustling atmosphere, and then, towards the end of the dinner,
the vibe picks up and the music grows livelier. People gather at the bar, chatting and dancing, and before you know it Soul has become the scene of a summer party. Other nights there are live soul sessions under the setting sun and the stars, making this a highly versatile spot in which to enjoy a summer’s night.
Soul and the NAC Sports & Social Club have the diversity to be many things to different people – at different times of the day and year – but it is always a joyous place to be, with one of the most appealing ambiences you will find on this coast. It’s a family venue that suits many different tastes and needs, but is always an oasis of wellbeing, and one of the best places you could spend time this summer.
New Grill Menu
7 Days, from 12:30pm
Teresa Beisley – a different kind of CrossFit
Say the word ‘CrossFit’ and people’s eyes grow big in fear. “Nooo,” comes the answer, before they turn and run away. But seriously, Teresa Beisley and her business partner José Miguel Cobian run CrossFit NXS, an altogether different kind of experience.
Most of us associate CrossFit with the kind of arduous torture that commandoes or members of the French Foreign Legion undergo en route to joining elite military units of this kind. Such is its reputation that many automatically think “not for me”, and they’d be right, except there is an alternative to all that blood, sweat and tears, and it’s called CrossFit NXS.
Operating from a well-equipped gym studio in Cancelada, Teresa and José Miguel run a very different kind of outfit, where you don’t have to be either a toned top athlete or a masochist craving punishment. This is a fun environment with a can-do attitude where regular people are encouraged to do the best they can and reach new levels of fitness and wellbeing.
“For me, the two are inseparable,” says Teresa, who forms the beating heart and soul of CrossFit NXS. “We’re not about turning ‘champions into killing machines’, if you’ll pardon the expression, but get our satisfaction from seeing people with a wide range of physiques, aptitudes and fitness levels improve their health, strength and through it also how they feel.”
Nurtured to succeed
CrossFit NXS is a happy place, where sunlight and fresh air flow in through the large open doors and Teresa nurtures people of all ages to personal bests. “Some come to excel at exercise while others wish to improve their body shape, health/fitness and also to have that strut that comes with a sense of accomplishment. We cater to all, but above all wish to make the benefits of the CrossFit technique available to more than just those who are super fit already.”
This focus involves a more layered approach to training in which Teresa and José Miguel assess each individual’s training needs and give them the personal attention and support required. “We train seriously but have fun and a sense of camaraderie in the process, and this is what makes people come back and want to do well. Here even CrossFit is actually fun.”
Teresa is also a team leader at the I/O Gym within the NAC Sports & Social Club in Nueva Alcántara, but she wasn’t always a fitness instructor. “I used to work in healthcare in the USA, but coming from a small town in Missouri, I always felt a drive to explore the wider world I wished to be a part of, especially after an exchange programme took me to Mexico during my studies. I even ended up learning the language, and years later was drawn to visit Marbella.”
But, unlike many, she didn’t disembark from a cruise ship or book a hotel stay. Teresa had felt a calling to come to the Costa del Sol – which she at the time knew nothing about – and in one of those ‘carpe diem’ moments you hear about, got a one-way ticket and launched herself into a new life. “I’m glad to say I’ve not looked back since. I started out in Málaga and drifted west to Marbella, and now America is only for family holidays.”
With her radiant smile and happy, friendly attitude, Teresa has become a big hit with locals in Cancelada, patrons at the I/O Gym and the growing following she and José Miguel are building up at CrossFit NXS. Hell, if you can make CrossFit fun you certainly deserve a cult following, and that’s exactly what is happening in Cancelada right now.
Ángeles Muñoz a
vision for Marbella
Recently re-elected, the Mayoress of Marbella has presided over a city that successfully bounced back from the Financial Crisis and is flourishing today. She has a vision for Marbella, and much of it is focused upon sustainability.
Over the past 17 years, Ángeles Muñoz has been the Mayoress of Marbella for all but two years, and her recent re-election was another manifestation of the public’s confidence in her management of the city, which she helped to guide out of the Financial Crisis of 2008 back to health and its current buoyant state. But the mayoress feels there is more to be done, more to achieve to make Marbella a city that is ready for the future. This involves a great deal of planning, preparation and eventually public and infrastructural projects with a strong focus on sustainability.
“When the current team took over the administration of Marbella in 2007 it is fair to say that we encountered it in a state of ruin,” says the mayoress. “Not only was there a legacy of urban planning infractions, but also a great deal of debt, with many suppliers clamouring to be paid. It was very hard to deal with this situation and turn things around, but that is exactly what we set out to do and achieved not too long afterwards. We’re proud of the work we’ve done and how we’ve played a part in once again making Marbella an international reference point.”
Evidence of this turnaround is visible all around us –just look at the record number of visitors, homebuyers and new residents, not to mention new property developments, hotel resorts and other amenities currently being developed. All of this has led to record numbers of jobs being created, and the workforce registered within the city now exceeds 83.000 for the first time, and continues to grow. Within the past six years alone, the number of unemployed within the municipality has decreased by 28%, the number of businesses has increased by 10% since Covid to over 20.000, and the number of autónomos (independent professionals) has grown by 1.300 to reach almost 14.500.
What´s been achieved
This economic growth has made the realisation of new public projects possible, and last year alone the town hall invested some €80 million in them, ranging from the new Parque Mediterráneo along the Playa de El Pinillo to Marbella’s Urban Skate Park, as well as the soon to be inaugurated sports pavilion located on the south side of San Pedro Alcántara. “In all of this we’ve not lost sight of the fact that rising prices make housing expensive for many people, and we’ve launched the first new protected housing project in years, with 18 properties under rent control in Marbella town adding to those already completed in San Pedro and Nueva Andalucía, with another 84 more to come in Nueva Alcántara.”
Thanks to a much improved relationship with the Junta de Andalucía (regional government of Andalucía), projects long blocked by the Socialist government of the Junta can now go ahead, such as the expansion of the Costa del Sol Hospital, the new emergency centre in Las Albarizas, downtown improvements along Ricardo Soriano avenue and the river parks and bicycle lanes in Nueva Andalucía. Previous problems regarding sanitation have been resolved in various parts of the municipality, a new residence for the elderly will arise in Marbella (its first), new works on the Paseo Marítimo boardwalk in Marbella town and the continued extension of the coastal pathway are all further examples of infrastructural improvements.
“Not all of these are highly visible, but they are vital to the functioning of a city like Marbella, as is the recommissioning of the desalination plant, which helps to ensure water supply throughout the year.” But there is more, and the mayoress has a clear vision for the Marbella of the near future.
In the coming years, the emphasis will be on new projects with a distinctly environmental and sustainable character. These include the creation of a 1,4 kilometre-long fluvial park in Benabolá, which also serves to reduce the chance of flooding in the vicinity, with a similar initiative taking place at the mouth of the Guadalpín River, where a green zone of more than 3.000m2 will be created. Such new parklands will be planted with trees and vegetation from the municipal nursery, which will provide up to 600.000 plants in total. Other apparently small but environmentally important initiatives include improving the energy efficiency of public buildings such as the Antonio Serrano Lima sports pavilion in Marbella, whose new glass roof and solar panels greatly reduce dependency on heating.
This, along with the efficient use of water, is of vital importance in a city with an average hotel occupation rate of almost 80% and a reputation to maintain, all the more since Marbella has been voted the Top Tourist Destination in Europe for 2024. “Such accolades and the success of tourism in general are greatly satisfying and a reflection of the hard work of all of us, town hall, businesspeople, investors and local citizens alike,” says the mayoress.
Her planning department has been working alongside the Junta de Andalucía to create a new PGOM (Plan General de Ordenación Municipal), the forerunner of which should be approved in 2025, and which will normalise the inherited state of affairs and clearly delineate future planning rules and regulations for new construction. “Part of our concept for the urban planning white paper is the creation of a sustainable city with green spaces and easy mobility, and one of the ways to achieve this is through the 15-minute concept, which involves the creation of facilities that reduce the need to drive across town to access necessary services. This, in turn, will alleviate the main road arteries and reduce traffic jams. Our vision for Marbella is a green city with easy mobility and ever more impressive architecture, services and amenities.”
NEW PROJECTS
A PERSONAL VISION
Since first taking office in 2007, Ángeles Muñoz has overseen a period of revival that has led to the currently buoyant state of Marbella. For her, the city represents luxury, glamour and yes, a certain degree of privilege, for it is a privilege to be able to call this home. “This is reflected in the standard and numbers of tourists, their acquisitive power, the level of resort amenities already available and growing, and sports and leisure facilities second to none.
Thanks to all the above, Marbella has evolved from a holiday and retirement destination to one where people work in or from, traveling with ease to locations across Europe and beyond. This convenience, along with the safety, amenities and quality of life that Marbella and its surroundings offer, are the reason why so many people want to be here.”
Trees are a gift to the world
The GiftTrees project made possible by Breathe, our guests and collaborators, is heading for a new target of 70.000 trees in the mountains of Tanzania, where they enrich a fragile but vitally important ecosystem and support local farming communities. Breathe donates €1,49 every time a diner visits one of our restaurants, and you can add to that on the spot, or by going to the website and donating from €1,49 per tree and upwards – you can even create a whole grove or section that will be named after you.
Why do we do this? Because it’s important, and we believe in proactive community projects that don’t depend on governments and corporations to do it all for us. Together we can achieve a lot, much more than we often think. The earth is heating up, natural environments are being damaged and we’re storing more and more greenhouse gases in the air, so we need to do something, and trees are one of the easiest, most effective and natural ways to counter global warming and its disruptive effects.
They clean the air, absorbing CO2 and releasing clean oxygen, stop soil erosion, provide a habitat for animal life, produce crops for local communities, lower the temperature and attract rainfall. The list of benefits goes on, so it’s a great way to celebrate and restore nature, make our climate more liveable and bring health back to the planet. Ours is one of many informal and official projects around the world that together are beginning to reverse deforestation and slow down climate change. Let’s see if we can build up the momentum and turn the tide!
Breathe’s GiftTrees initiative just keeps growing. We’ve created a whole new section of forest and want to add to it.
No, we NEED to add to it.
Renewable plastic
While plastic is a versatile, useful product that revolutionised the modern world, it is also one of the greatest contributors to pollution, helping to choke the natural world and threaten our own food chain. But are all forms of plastic bad?
Most of us have used plastics in everyday life for as long as we can remember. They have been a handy presence throughout our lives, but by using this material in its endless forms and in such huge quantities we have done tremendous damage to the natural world. So much so that our rivers, lakes, seas and countryside are littered with the stuff, to the point that you almost can’t look out over a field or at the side of a road without spotting litter somewhere. In the oceans, there are entire ‘islands’ of plastic bottles, packaging, sheets and everyday products that have been brought together by the tides, sometimes measuring the size of actual islands.
The problem with plastic
The reason why plastic is collecting everywhere in such quantities is because it doesn’t biodegrade. Throw a natural product like an apple on the ground (soil) and it will dissolve over time, but being an insoluble, artificial material made by the petrochemical industry, plastic just lies there. It is a highly resistant material, so even when you try to burn it plastic just becomes a hot gooey mess. What does happen is that small particles of it are stripped off the surface, and these microplastics, as they are called, are highly damaging too, entering into the soil and water, and being absorbed by fish and other creatures that also form part of our diet. In other words, we have polluted the world to the point where plastic litters the world and we are poisoning our own bodies with the microplastics that are now everywhere.
Solutions
There is now a movement against plastic. Individuals and businesses are now resisting one-use plastics and instead focusing on recycled plastic, paper, cardboard and similar materials that are more environmentally friendly, though even these often have elements of plastic in them to make them strong and practical enough. So, the ultimate solution has got to be to develop a type of plastic that does the job without harming nature and ourselves so much.
The answer appears to be bioplastics – materials that can be made into the plastic products we are familiar with, and which look, feel and function like the original, but made from natural sources. In other words, plastic made from renewable biomass sources such as vegetable fats and oils, recycled food waste (peels and other bits we usually throw away), cornstarch, straw, hemp, flax, bamboo, woodchips and sawdust. They can also be made through chemical synthesis, and bioplastics lend themselves to just about anything from wrapping and packaging to utensils, boxes and hard, soft, see-through or colourful end products, much like they are now.
Together we have planted more than 70,000 trees
Scan here to plant more!
The difference is they’re not made from oil or gas and are biodegradable and easily recyclable. They are also made from waste or agricultural products, so sustainable in their supply and evenly spread around the world, but as the processes for making them are a bit more cumbersome than conventional plastics, they do still use require quite a bit of energy to make. This, however, will reduce as production scales up and industry becomes more used to manufacturing bioplastics. As of now, less than 3% of all plastics are bio, so let’s start stimulating its use and production if we really want a cleaner, healthier world – and to stay safe and healthy ourselves.
BREATHTAKING VILLA IN SIERRA BLANCA
Presenting an enviable location, nestled at the foothills of La Concha mountain and boasting splendid views of the glistening Mediterranean, Villa Marusha is a truly unique residence that accommodates up to 12 guests. Step inside, and you’ll be captivated by the villa’s seaside charm and laid-back ambiance, exuding a sense of calm with its neutral tones and natural materials. The open-plan design effortlessly connects the rooms, allowing for a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living. Adorned with elegant wooden floors, the villa exudes beauty and sophistication, enhancing its unique appeal.
The property’s highlight lies in its abundant outdoor space, offering ample opportunities to bask in the sun or unwind in the shade. The spacious outdoor living areas cater to your every desire. And the stunning pool provides the perfect spot for leisurely floating while you take in the breathtaking sea vistas before you. As evening descends, the sleek, modern kitchen invites you to prepare a sumptuous feast, which you can savor al fresco on the covered terrace while being mesmerized by the resplendent colors of the sunset. Beyond its breathtaking beauty, Villa Marusha has been thoughtfully fitted with luxurious amenities, including an indoor pool, sauna, and a fully equipped gym, ensuring a truly indulgent stay.
Asking Price: 14 500 000 € 6x 6x
“BLUE HORIZON” is an exclusive luxury residential complex located near the port and old town, designed for discerning clients seeking the best sea and city views, and convenience.
The residences offer spacious outdoor areas, floor-to-ceiling windows, high-quality appliances, wine cellars, and luxury finishes. The ultramodern building features amenities such as a gym, social club, spa with sauna, outdoor saltwater pool, and lush green areas.
With only 36 exclusive units, residents enjoy unique views and over 300 days of sunshine annually on the Costa del Sol.
CIELO DE CAMOJÁN
This exquisite property offers panoramic sea and mountain views from every level. Ideally situated in the exclusive Cascada de Camoján community, adjacent to Sierra Blanca, it provides unparalleled privacy and peace of mind with 24-hour security. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, this magnificent family home features expansive interior and exterior spaces, perfect for entertaining with family and friends.
Bedrooms 7
Bathrooms 7
Built: 1,179 m2
Plot: 2,470 m2
Price on application
