Essential Marbella Magazine April 2011 by Essential Magazine

FREE MAGAZINE - COSTA DEL SOL N º143 - APRIL 2011

essential essential marbella® magazine ISSUE 143 • APRIL 2011

ESSENTIAL FOR LUXURIOUS LIVING

the intangible

culture of

SPAIN

spanish

STarchitects

stunning stars

javier bardem

OF SPAIN

& Belén Rueda the truth is in Veritas RS III V10

Catalunya

for Fine Dining

TOP

Spaniards to name-drop

theVIBE

what’s buzzing

N E W S I C U LT U R E I P E O P L E I T R E N D I S T Y L E I S P A I P R O I L E I S U R E I G O U R M E T & M O R E

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Paseo MarĂtimo de San Pedro de AlcĂĄntara. Marbella T. 952 789 100

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Stunning southwest facing villa with sea views Situated in an exclusive neighbourhood in one of the most sought after areas on the Golden Mile, within a gated complex with 24-hour security, 5 minutes from Marbella centre, the beach and all amenities. Built on two levels plus a roof terrace, this 3-bedroom villa has a mature garden with swimming pool. All bedrooms have access to a wrap around terrace with garden and sea views. A great property at an exceptional price, in an area of more expensive homes. Plot: 857m2, Enclosed: 218m2. Price: â&#x201A;Ź999,000. Ref 6001

Covering Marbellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Golden Mile with offices opposite the Marbella Club Hotel and at Puente Romano Hotel.

Since

1904

Tel. +34 952 863 750 Fax. +34 952 822 111 Rentals Direct: +34 952 90 10 15 info@panorama.es www. panorama.es LEADING PROPERTY AGENTS OF SPAIN

Elegant mansion opposite Puerto Banús Recently built to extremely high specifications, with the very best in quality materials, and with impeccable attention to detail, this very special family home comprises several spacious living areas, 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, large basement with wine cellar, gym, 6-car garage and much more. Lift to all levels. Surrounded by a mature garden with a heated salt-water pool. Situated in a consolidated residential area, easy walking distance to the port, the beach and all amenities. An immaculate property that has it all! Plot: 3,001m2, Enclosed: 1,135m2, Terraces: 310m2. Price: €5,300,000. Ref 6630

Covering Marbella’s Golden Mile with offices opposite the Marbella Club Hotel and at Puente Romano Hotel.

Since

1904

Tel. +34 952 863 750 Fax. +34 952 822 111 Rentals Direct: +34 952 90 10 15 info@panorama.es www. panorama.es LEADING PROPERTY AGENTS OF SPAIN

Issue 143 • April 2011

S T A F F publisher and director

Iain Blackwell director@essentialmagazine.com

general manager

Andrea Böjti sales@essentialmagazine.com

associate editor

Marisa Cutillas editorial@essentialmagazine.com

associate editor

Belinda Beckett features@essentialmagazine.com

production manager accounts executive office administrator

Susanne Whitaker design@essentialmagazine.com Mariano Jeva cuentas@essentialmagazine.com

creative director design & layout staff photographer contributing writers

Cover photography contributing photographers printing

Monika Böjti info@essentialmagazine.com

VIEW

depósito legal

Inma Aurioles Kevin Horn Iain Blackwell, Rupert Bluff, Christopher clover, amparo de la gama, nick hall, Annie Heese, AJ Linn, ronan maguire, count rudi von schönburg, Allan Tee, Richard whaley SARA CARBONERO © Teresa peyri (telecinco) Famous, Gary Edwards, Johnny Gates, nick hall, KH PHotography, peter müller Jiménez Godoy A. Gráficas, Murcia D.L. MA-512-99

editorial & advertising offices Complejo La Póveda, Blq. 3, 1º A, CN 340, km 178.2, 29600 Marbella, Málaga. Tel: 952 766 344 Fax: 952 766 343

Member of the Association of Spanish Periodical Publications

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conditions:

The publishers make every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are correct, but cannot accept responsibility for the effects of errors or omissions. Marbella Magazine cannot accept responsibility for the claims, goods or services of advertisers. © Publicaciones Independientes Costa del Sol S.L. for Marbella Magazine. No part of this magazine, including texts, photographs, illustrations, maps or any other graphics may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of Publicaciones Independientes Costa del Sol S.L. Printed on recyclable paper, produced without wood and bleached without chlorine.

www.essentialmagazine.com ESSENTIAL MARBELLA MAGAZINE

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@ESSENTIALEDITOR

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Cascada de Camoján. South facing 10-bedroom villa in an elevated position situated in one of the most established areas on the Golden Mile. Sea and mountain views. 2 separate guest houses. An elegant rustic-style property with security system and close to all amenities. Plot 3,175m2, Enclosed: 736m2. Price reduced from €4,750,000 to €3,500,000. Ref 6230

Las Brisas, Nueva Andalucia. Charming vila close to various golf courses, all amenities and only a 3-minute drive to Puerto Banús. 3 bedrooms. Great views of La Concha Mountain. Plot: 1,171m2, Enclosed: 299m2, Terrace: 50m2. Priced to sell €995,000. Ref 6864

El Madroñal. Provence-style villa surrounded by mature garden with fruit trees and small pool. 4 en-suite bedrooms. Mountain and partial sea views. Plot: 5,000m2, Enclosed: 273m2, Terraces: 365.5m2. Price reduced from €1,450,000 to €995,000. Ref 6330

Marbella Golden Mile. 4-bedroom townhouse in a lovely residential area only a few minutes from the beach and all amenities. The property is larger than any others in the complex and has undergone substantial renovations. Enclosed: 197m2, Terrace: 73m2. Price €430,000. Ref 4676

Puerto Banús. Second line beach, ground floor apartment situated in a Mediterranean-style complex between Puerto Banús and San Pedro. 2 bedrooms. Tastefully decorated. Offered fully furnished. Enclosed: 128m2, Terrace: 42m2. Price €475,000. Ref 7001

Covering Marbella’s Golden Mile with offices opposite the Marbella Club Hotel and at Puente Romano Hotel.

Since

1904

Tel. +34 952 863 750 Fax. +34 952 822 111 Rentals Direct: +34 952 90 10 15 info@panorama.es www. panorama.es LEADING PROPERTY AGENTS OF SPAIN

The Trend

22 Films 24 DVDs 26 Books 28 CD’s 30 Gadgets 32 Business Profile: Creation – See and Touch 34 Cars: The Veritas RS III V10

The Focus

38 Top 10 Spanish Personalities 40 Acclaimed Spanish Architects 48 UNESCO Spanish Cultural Heritage Icons 54 Count Rudi on the Beginnings of the Marbella Club 64 Javier Bardem: Hot or What! 66 Belén Rueda: Stunning Spanish Star 68 Rupert Bluff’s Love Affair with Pedro Almodovar 70 Humour: Mind Your Slanguage!

The Style

74 Décor: A Roman Palazzo fit for an Emperor 84 Décor News: Chill Sensations Beds 86 Art News: €1M Worth of Art at the Casino Marbella 88 Gardening: How Stylish is Your Garden? 90 Fashion: Victorio & Lucchino Spring/Summer 98 Fashion News

The Spa

102 The Olive Treatment at the Hotel Don Carlos Spa 104 Beauty News 106 Dr. Aslani of the Cirumed Clinic & Quirón Hospital 108 Top Spanish Advances in Medicine 110 Dr. Hilú of the Centro Médico Hilú 112 Health News

The Vibe

115 What’s Up and Who’s Who on the Local Social Scene

The Pro

122 Enterprise 136 Law: Making a Will in Spain © Peter Müller

The Leisure

138 Travel: Catalunya for Fine Dining 144 Golf: Tournament Sponsorship

The Gourmet

149 La Meridiana del Alabardero 151 Dani García’s Mil Milagros 152 Food News 154 Chef’s Profile: Homage to Santi Santamaría 156 Wine: Alternative Spanish Reds

The Guide 158 Listings

The Blog

167 Pet News 168 What’s On in April 170 Your Stars for the Month Ahead

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words BY IAIN BLACKWELL

hose of us lucky enough to live in Spain don’t need to be sold on its attributes. As well as a climate that outshines the rest of Europe, we have an enviable outdoor-lifestyle in a relatively safe environment and are welcomed by our Spanish hosts. In only a few short years, Spain has dragged itself from a kind of secondworld state to the forefront of world recognition, particularly in the areas of gastronomy, wine, medicine, sport, design and fashion. In this glorious spring edition, we pay homage to this magnificent country and its all-embracing people, starting with Spain’s groundbreaking architects, such as acclaimed Santiago Calatrava, its Unesco Cultural Heritage Icons and the sensuous style of Victorio & Lucchino. We interview top actress Belén Rueda and profile Award-winning Javier Bardem and Pedro Almodovar. Especially for all the many visitors who will arrive during Easter week,

in an extended feature, Count Rudi von Schönburg reminisces on the beginnings of the Marbella Club and its importance in putting Marbella on the International map. We travel to Catalunya, which has become a gourmet paradise with the greatest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in all Spain; we grieve over the recent loss of the exceptionallytalented Santi Santamaría, and we find out which Spanish wines from newer regions are being favoured by the National population. More locally, don’t miss our reviews of top Marbella dining establishments, La Meridiana del Alabardero and Danni Garcia’s latest overnight success, Mil Milagros, on the Golden Mile. Elsewhere, read about medical breakthroughs in Spain, the uberstylish See & Touch from Creation and the Spanish-designed mould-breaking Chill Sensations bed, among many other items of a discerning nature. ¡Salud! ¡Disfruta!

¡Viva España! Los que ya tenemos la suerte de vivir en España no necesitamos más información sobre sus maravillas. Aquí lo tenemos todo: un clima más soleado que en el resto de Europa, una forma de vivir segura y la simpatía de la gente española. En muy pocos años, España ha pasado de ser un país poco conocido a ser reconocido a nivel mundial en muchos aspectos, particularmente en los mundos de la gastronomía, el vino, la medicina, el deporte, el diseño y la moda. En esta magnífica edición primaveral, hacemos un homenaje a este país tan maravilloso y a su

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gente, desde sus arquitectos más famosos (como Santiago Calatrava) hasta los iconos del UNESCO Cultural Heritage y los diseñadores Victorio y Lucchino. También tenemos una entrevista exclusiva con la actriz Belén Rueda y unos reportajes interesantes sobre Javier Bardem y Pedro Almodóvar. Especialmente para los que visitan nuestra zona durante la Semana Santa, tenemos un reportaje amplio sobre la historia del Hotel Marbella Club, escrito por el Conde Rudi von Schönburg. Viajamos a Cataluña, el paraíso de la gastronomía, comunidad que cuenta con el mayor número de

restaurantes Michelin en España; lamentamos la pérdida del magnífico Chef Santi Santamaría, y vemos cuáles son los vinos más populares de regiones alternativas para los españoles. A nivel local, no te pierdas nuestros artículos sobre los restaurantes La Meridiana del Alabardero y el último proyecto de Dani García: Mil Milagros, en la Milla de Oro. En otras secciones, hablamos sobre los avances médicos más importantes en España, See & Touch de Creation y nos relajamos sobre las camas de Chill Sensations. ¡Salud! ¡Disfruta!

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Los Monteros Playa: Elegant Andalusian style beachside villa situated in the heart of an exclusive secured urbanization on the Costa del Sol, just a few minutes´ walk from the beautiful sandy beaches East of Marbella. Refurbished and re-designed to the highest quality standards. Well-kept tropical garden, nice pool area with pool house. 4 bedrooms, 4+1 bathrooms, built 291 sqm, plot 977 sqm. ID-No.: 2001093. Price reduced from €2.450.000 to €2.195.000.

El Rosario: Charming South-facing villa with beautiful sea and mountain views, just a few minutes´ drive from the beach and Marbella. Beautiful tropical garden, nice pool area. 3 bedrooms, 2+1 bathrooms, built 267 sqm, plot 1400 sqm. ID-No.: 1113745. Price reduced from €985.000 to €890.000.

Altos Reales: Beautiful villa with panoramic sea views in one of the most exclusive and sought-after residential areas on the Costa del Sol. Mature tropical garden, nice pool area. 3 bedrooms, 3+1 bathrooms, built 240 sqm, plot 967 sqm. ID-No.: 1139969. Price reduced from €1.495.000 to €999.000.

Nueva Andalucía: Lovely corner townhouse only five minutes´ drive from the beach and Puerto Banús. Beautiful urbanization with well-kept tropical gardens and a fantastic pool area. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, built 223 sqm, terrace 52 sqm. ID-No.: 4001344. Price reduced from €330.000 to €315.000.

Las Dunas Park: Exquisitely presented apartment in one of the most elite beachfront resorts on the New Golden Mile. Fabulous sea and garden views from the large covered terrace. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, built 176 sqm, terrace 105 sqm. ID-No.: 1187106. Price reduced from €1.295.000 to €850.000.

Telephone 952 900 077 • Marbella@hansa-realty.com • www.hansa-realty.com

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You only live once,

La Zagaleta: Mediterranean style mansion in one of the most popular Golf and Country Clubs of Europe, fantastic panoramic views to the sea. Staff apartment, wellness, gym, cinema, games and party area. Landscaped Mediterranean garden, saltwater pool, BBQ-area. 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, built 1.660 m2, plot 7.119 m2. ID-No.: W-009GMD. Price: 7.500.000 €.

Nueva Andalucía: Exceptional modern property with best qualities just minutes away from beaches of Puerto Banus, spectacular golf and seaviews. In- and outdoor pool. 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. Built approx. 900 m2, plot approx. 2.802 m2. ID-No.: W-008T0E. Price: 6.750.000 €.

Nueva Andalucía: Contemporary designer villa in prestige address, combines central location, views, privacy, design and luxurious quality. 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, built approx. 755 m2, plot approx. 2.577 m2. ID-No.: W-008SVT. Price: 3.700.000 €.

La Zagaleta: Exceptionally beautiful designer villa in Ueber -address with cinema, wine cellar, spa, garage. 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, built approx. 2.000 m2, plot approx. 6.215 m2. ID-No.: W-00914A. Price: 6.950.000 €.

Nueva Andalucía Golf Valley: Spectacular luxury villa with panoramic views, staff quarters, gym, cinema, garage for 7-8 cars. 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. Built approx. 725 m2, plot approx. 1.800 m2. ID-No.: W-00CFE5. Price: 5.750.000 €.

Office Puerto Banus: 952 859 860 · www.engelvoelkers.com/es/marbella-puertobanus

Argentina · Australia · Austria · Bahrein · Belgium · Bostwana · Chile · China · Croatia · Cyprus · Czech Republic · France · Germany · Great Britain · Holland · Hungary · Ireland · Italy · Jordan Luxemburg · Mozambique · Namibia · New Zealand · Peru · Portugal · Qatar · Romania · Russia · Slovenia · South Africa · Spain · Switzerland · Thailand · Turkey · UAE · Uruguay · USA · Zambia

we will show you where!

Beach Front Puente Romano: Rare opportunity to purchase a front line beach villa in the 5 star resort of Puente Romano on the Golden Mile. Very private, cortijo style home with courtyard and beautiful mature gardens overlooking the Mediterranean. 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. Built. 732 m2, plot of 1.679 m2. ID-No.: W-00CA3O. Price: on application.

Sierra Blanca: Exquisite villa with lovely sea views situated in the most Exclusive gated community. High quality materials and outstanding features. Cinema room, bodega. 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. Built 800 m2, Plot of 1445 m2. ID-No.: W-00BHQA. Price: 3.400.000 €.

Marbella Hill Club: Magnificent Andalusian style villa nestled within marvelous gardens in a sought after location. Beautifully decorated with unique and antique elements. Very private. 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms. Built 490 m2, plot of 1.648 m2. ID-No.: W-008UQL. Price: 1.995.000 €.

Sierra Blanca: Exquisite home set on large plot and offering spectacular sea and mountain views. Impressive driveway, elegant entrance hall and spacious accommodations. 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms. Built 1.522 m2, plot of 3.000 m2. ID-No.: W-008Q0G. Price: 4.990.000 €.

Beach Front Bahia de Marbella: Luxurious Andalusian style villa with large plot facing the sea and the sand dunes. Under floor heating. Guest apartment. Sauna. Gym. 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. Built: 726 m2, plot of 2.600 m2 ID-No.: W-00ARBD Price: 4.995.000 €.

Office Marbella: 952 86 84 06 · www.engelvoelkers.com/costadelsol

Modern Home, Stunning Views, Montemayor Beautiful contemporary villa, enjoying a frontline golf position in the stunning Monte Mayor Golf & Country Club. Carefully designed to make the most of its position and to enjoy the breathtaking golf and valley views down to the sea. Garden with variety of trees and pool area with hard wood decking. Spacious entertainment room with bar and TV area, gymnasium and state-of-the-art 3D cinema room. Pre-installation and connections in place for a 2 bedroom independent staff apartment with kitchen. Under floor heating throughout, a/c hot/cold individually regulated, B&O music system, interior alarm with smoke detectors, perimeter alarm. Garage for 2 cars. Lifetime family membership to the golf included in price. DM2762 :: Bedrooms/ Dormitorios 5 :: Bathrooms/ Baños 4 :: Built / Construido 759 m² :: Plot 3656m² :: Price / Precio 2,375,000€

Exclusive Contemporary Residence, Los Flamingos Beautifully designed villa, meticulously planned out to preserve its sea views and unmitigated privacy from every perspective. Located at a short driving distance to Los Flamingos Golf, San Pedro and Puerto Banus the villa has been built to the highest standards with an exquisite choice of material and attention to detail. Drawing room with fireplace and separate dining room, guest bedroom suite and study or sixth bedroom on ground floor. Large room with fireplace on lower ground floor suitable for games or family room. Staff accommodation, laundry room and garage for two cars. Central under floor heating throughout and pre-installation for air-conditioning. www.losflamencosvillas.com. DM1207-03 :: Bedrooms/ Dormitorios 5 :: Bathrooms/ Baños 5 :: Built / Construido 850 m² :: Plot 1466m² :: Price / Precio 2,100,000€

Av. Cánovas del Castillo Nº 4 (esquina Av. Ricardo Soriano), 1º planta, No. 3, 29601 Marbella, Málaga, Spain. Tel.: +34 952 76 51 38 I enquiries@dmproperties.com I www.dmproperties.com

Simply Stunning, El Madroñal, Benahavis Located in El Madroñal, a prestigious, gated, cork oak and pine forested residential community at a 15min drive from Puerto Banus is this absolutely stunning villa with breathtaking views from the terraces and gardens. It is a truly imposing property which has been beautifully and tastefully decorated with the utmost attention to detail and is also a haven of tranquillity and privacy. Welcoming entrance courtyard with a double garage and carport for 3 cars. Charming internal patio with mature lemon trees and fragrant plants, and formal gardens with pool. Spectacular outside terraces with sitting and dining areas as well as a built-in gas BBQ. Elegant formal spacious rooms and 5 uniquely conceived bedroom suites including a Master bedroom suite featuring a majestic bedroom with a fireplace, his and her dressing rooms, a study and a state of the art bathroom. Orchard with various fruit trees and a vegetable garden, as well as a secondary kitchen used for entertainment. Independent staff accommodation. DM2765 :: Bedrooms/ Dormitorios 5 :: Bathrooms/ Baños 6 :: Built / Construido 1016,2 m² :: Plot 4380m² :: Price / Precio 5,500,000€

Av. Cánovas del Castillo Nº 4 (esquina Av. Ricardo Soriano), 1º planta, No. 3, 29601 Marbella, Málaga, Spain. Tel.: +34 952 76 51 38 I enquiries@dmproperties.com I www.dmproperties.com

READING / MUSIC / FILMS / GADGETS / MOTORING / TRENDS

Catch up on all the latest entertainment releases, top class cars and cutting edge gadgets…

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Films

DVD’s

Books

CD’s

Gadgets

Business Profile: Creation – See and Touch

Cars: The Veritas RS III V10

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THETREND REVIEWS

Cinema Hanna » Genre Thriller » Director Joe Wright (Pride and Prejudice)

» Actors

Red Riding Hood

Saoirse Ronan, Cate Blanchett, Eric Bana

WORDS marisa cutillas

Saoirse Ronan, the young actress who dazzled audiences in films like The Lovely Bones and Atonement, plays Hanna, an adolescent who has been trained by her ex-CIA official father to be the perfect assassin. She is sent on an important mission in Europe, where she manages to elude agents employed by an aggressive intelligence group headed by a worthy opponent (played by Cate Blanchett). As she comes closer to fulfilling her mission, Hanna makes startling discoveries about her existence and begins to question her own humanity.

Country Strong » Genre Drama » Director Shana

» Genre Thriller » Director Catherine Hardwicke (Lords of Dogtown) » Actors Amanda Seyfried, Shiloh Fernández, Max Irons, Gary Oldman

Feste (The Greatest) » Actors Gwyneth Paltrow, Leighton Meester, Garrett Hedlund, Tim McGraw

Just when you were up to your ears in vampire and werewolf tales comes a new, darker foray into the world of the supernatural. In a twist on the famed legend of Little Red Riding Hood, Amanda Seyfried plays Valerie, a young woman caught in a trap set by two men. Valerie is in love with the shy, retiring Peter (Shiloh Fernández) but her parents have arranged for her to marry powerful businessman Henry (Max Irons). Valerie and Peter plan to escape when they find out that her brother has been killed by a werewolf. Her family turns to an old wolf hunter, Father Solomon (the always terrific Gary Oldman) to slay the animal, who outwits the old priest by adopting a human guise by day. As the moon begins to grow full, Valerie suspects that the werewolf could be someone she loves. Her unique bond with the beast turns her into suspect and prey, all at once.

Love and Other Impossible Pursuits » Genre Comedy/ Drama » Director Don

Roos (Happy Endings) » Actors Natalie Por tman, Lisa Kudrow

Gwyneth Paltrow recently wowed audiences with her guest appearance on the hit series, Glee, and finally many of us realised that not only can she act; the girl can sing too! She puts her pipes to good use in Country Strong playing Kelly, a washed-up country singer recently out of a stint in rehab who has one last chance to boost her flagging career. She embarks on a tour of the USA with a young country singer (played by the charming Garrett Hedlund) and her husband/manager (Tim McGraw), as well as a wanabee starlet (Leighton Meester) who evokes feelings of jealousy, competitiveness and hatred in her older rival.

the year’ in n deemed ‘actress of Natalie Por tman has bee formance per ng ndi sta out nks to her 2010 by many critics, tha garnered ich drama, Black Swan, wh in the Darren Aronofsky mum new -be n-to soo The an Oscar. her a Golden Globe and roles on ing tak her acting curriculum, has indeed expanded irited -sp ntly nde epe ind re well as mo in blockbuster films as ts. In this Other Impossible Pursui gems such as Love and tly falls rten dve ina o wh an young wom film she plays Emilia, a Jack n, ma new rried colleague. Her akin love with an older, ma bre the for her s ent res a son who and (Scott Cohen), also has nt gna pre s ge. When Emilia get up of his parents’ marria over her s that the key to get ting lise rea she y, loses the bab ed ally: ect usp rriage lies with an uns loss and saving her ma Jack’s son.

22 / ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE APRIL 2011

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essential nd ABRIL 230x300:Maquetación 1 24/03/11 17:54 Página 1

Los Monteros - Ref NDA956

Stunningly appointed, duplex penthouse located in a frontline beach complex in Los Monteros. This property occupies one of the two corners of the complex , which together with its southwest orientation, make it one of the best units. Situated almost directly on the beach, it enjoys breathtaking sea views from its ample and private terraces, which are ideal for entertaining.

Beds: 3

Baths: 3

Built: 244m2

Terrace: 276m2

3.250.000€

Los Arqueros - Ref NDV1077

Los Arqueros - Ref NDV1066

Contemporary front line golf villa situated in Los Arqueros Country Club with lovely views of La Zagaleta and the Mediterránean sea. Completed in 2011, this villa boasts of a south west orientation, lovely private gardens and an infinity swimming pool, ideal for entertaining. Designed to very high standards, creating a warm atmosphere, using natural stones, water and glass features throughout.

On an elevated front line golf position within the Los Arqueros Golf Estate, this south facing home enjoys golf and coastal views while maintaining its privacy. The property comprises 4 bedrooms in the main house, a separate 1 bedroom guest apartment and a fully functional 1 bedroom cottage. Sole Agent.

Beds: 6 Baths: 6 Built: 1.000m2 Plot: 2.400m2 2.900.000€

Beds: 6 Baths: 6 Built: 337m2 Plot: 1.621m2

Las Brisas - Ref NDA970

Golden Mile - Ref NDA1176

BANK REPOSSESSION!!! Three bedroom apartment in the luxury gated urbanization of Las Brisas Country Club, a very exclusive development comprising of only 18 apartments. The apartment offers spacious living accomodation and an open plan terrace with direct access to the lovely communal gardens and pool area. The price also includes three private garage spaces.

Well presented 2 bedroom duplex penthouse on the Golden Mile, reformed to an extremely high standard. This spacious property is sold fully furnished, ready to move into, with quality furniture and great attention to detail throughout. Priced to sell, we highly recommend viewing this property.

Beds: 3 Baths: 3 Built: 187m2

Beds: 2 Baths: 2 Built: 160m2 Terrace: 22m2

550.000€

Centro Expo Loc.11-12, Bulevar Alfonso Hohenlohe, Marbella, 29602 (Málaga) Tel: 952 866 072 • Fax: 952 866 963 • info@nicholasdunne.com

www.nicholasdunne.com

2.850.000€

330.000€

THETREND REVIEWS

Dvd

WORDS marisa cutillas

» Genre Romantic comedy

» Director

Roger Michell (Notting Hill)

MORNING GLORY

» Actors

A fine ensemble cast and a magnificently written Rachel McAdams, script make Morning Glory a comedy to watch out Harrison Ford, for. The film stars the charming Rachel McAdams Diane Keaton, Jeff as Becky, a producer at a local TV station who Goldblum lands the job of a lifetime: producing the famous daily news programme, Daybreak, in New York. From her first day at work, though, Becky realises that the challenge is far greater than she had bargained for, with characters such as ‘legendary presenter’ Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford) intent on showing his masculine superiority. As Daybreak struggles to improve its plummeting ratings, Becky decides to give it an original twist, pairing Mike’s serious, hard-hitting style with the superficial, diva-like manner of female presenter Colleen Peck (Diane Keaton). The resulting clash of egos and drama makes for riveting comic viewing, and does as much to pick up the film as to save Daybreak from being axed.

The Next Three Days » Genre Drama » Director Paul

THE MONTH FEATURED DVD RELEASE OF » Genre Drama » Director

Debra Granik

» Actors

Jennifer Lawrence, Garret Dillahunt

Winter’s Bone

ching the enviable ability of deeply tou Some film makers have the script rked rwo ove an ugh g them thro emotions without manipulatin independent of e cas the h muc very is or over-dramatised scenes. This use space, ra Granik, who knows how to North American Director, Deb rs, to transmit acto her from es anc form silence and magnificent per introduces arouse. In Winter’s Bone, she the emotions she wishes to in girl forced nta mou rk Osa old ear17-y a us to Ree (Jennifer Lawrence), ering from ings, since her mother is suff to rear her two younger sibl ased on bail. One rele n bee just has er fath depression and her missing t her father ice by the police, stating tha day she is served with a not he doesn’t If . as a guarantee for his bail has put their family home up will find ily fam her and Ree specified, appear in court on the date find her father, to st que s ’ Ree ins beg s Thu themselves on the streets. pacts and ated web plagued by secrets, which leads her into a complic ul performance, utif bea a s give , Ree as ce, simmering violence. Lawren . The ar nomination for Best Actress meritorious indeed of her Osc n quietly playing see is Ree re whe se tho most touching scenes are self, or is little more than a child her mum to her siblings when she who is ie junk with her uncle, a volatile her tension-filled dialogues urbing, dist of re sha its has e ter’s Bon part-hero, part-oppressor. Win and erty pov g well as scenes featurin at times violent moments, as odd the by sed boli sym ty, itivi re of pos addiction, but it also has its sha r as they play the bro and er sist e littl s ’ Ree rays of sunshine that warm relentless ter’s Bone is a calling to the in their abandoned yard. Win ple, will peo e that some things, and som spirit in all of us; a reminder always be worth fighting for.

Haggis (Crash) » Actors Russell Crowe, Elizabeth Banks

In this emotionally-charged drama, Russell Crowe plays John Brennan, a man whose wife Lara (Elizabeth Banks) has been arrested for allegedly killing her boss, with whom she has always had a difficult relationship. With a series of important pieces of evidence that include the presence of Lara’s fingerprints on the murder weapon, chances are that Lara will spend the rest of her life in jail. John, who is deeply in love with his wife, resorts to the most difficult of all choices and helps her break out, dreaming up an almost impossible but supercreative way of bringing her back to his side.

DESPICABLE ME Following yet another release of Shrek, I thought I was all cartooned out. Yes, Disney/Pixar always manage to entertain with funny dialogue, beautiful animation and original characters but please, the Shrek saga must come to an end or we’ll still be viewing our favourite green ogre as a great grandfather, battling it out against the chicken-legged ‘fair prince’, in the year 2025. Starved of choice at my local video shop recently, I took out Despicable Me, not expecting too much and therefore receiving a lovely surprise. The film focuses on a character called Gru, a super villain who uses three orphaned girls to further his outrageous plan: to steal the moon. The quality of the drawings, modernity of the designs and the beautiful, bright colours made each scene a joy to behold, while the humorous script will make you laugh and feel, as the character slowly turns from nasty to nice.

» Genre

Animation » Directors Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud » VOICES Amanda Steve Carrell, Will Arnett, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews

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THETREND REVIEWS Words belinda beckett

Books

by Manuel Rivas

Described by critics as a ‘brilliant evocation of the Spanish Civil War by one of Europe’s greatest living writers’. Rivas is a Galician writer, poet and campaigning journalist and here, in his boldest take yet on the war’s repercussions in his native region, he weaves a colourful tapestry of stories and unforgettable characters into a novel that creates a sweeping panorama of 20th century Spanish history. An undoubted classic, the English version is out in paperback next month.

1 Ferran: The Inside Story of El Bulli

and the Man Who Reinvented Food by Colman Andrews

The first-ever biography of the chef behind Spain’s renowned El Bulli restaurant, by one of the world’s foremost food authorities. Andrews traces Adrià’s rise from hotel dishwasher to culinary deity, and the evolution of El Bulli from a German-owned beach bar into one of the world’s top restaurants. Readers can meet the man behind the apron and discover what goes on in the culinary laboratory where he concocts his deconstructions, spherifications, foams and airs. As El Bulli is closing in 2012, and booked solid until then, this is the nextbest thing.

2 Books Burn Badly

4 501 Spanish

Verbs by Christopher Kendris and Theodore Kendris

3 The Angel’s Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

If you enjoyed The Shadow of the Wind, this award-winning Barcelona author’s phenomenal best-seller, don’t miss this page-turning semi-prequel which focuses on the earlier life of Barcelona journalist David Martin. Here, he becomes a murder suspect while on a lucrative commission to write a powerful new book for a mysterious patron. Zafón returns to the dark, gothic universe of his first novel to create a breathtaking adventure of intrigue, romance, and tragedy. Also watch out for his latest novel for younger adult readers, The Midnight Palace, due out next month.

The world’s best-selling Spanish verbs reference book is a must, and it has just gotten better! The new seventh edition shows exactly how to use the 501 most common and useful Spanish verbs in all 15 tenses and moods. Each verb is alphabetically listed in chart form (one per page with its English translation), and the new edition includes a CDROM with language-learning aids, and an audio CD that reviews the verbs’ formation, pronunciation and usage.

5 Hemingway’s Second War: Bearing Witness to the Spanish Civil War by Alex Vernon

Hemingway made four trips to Spain in the late 1930s to cover the war for the American wire service and help create the pro-Republican documentary film, The Spanish Earth, and this is the first book devoted to this subject. Vernon provides a thorough account of Hemingway’s own involvement, political stance and inspiration for his famous novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls. Described by the Ernest Hemingway Foundation and Society as ‘easily the definitive work on Hemingway and the Spanish Civil War’, this is a landmark work for Hemingway fans.

6 Rick Steves’

Spain 2011 by Rick Steves

You can count on this prolific American travel writer and TV personality to ferret out the more hidden gems of Spain, as well as presenting betterknown places in a fresh new way. Steves spends a third of his year in Europe to pick up tips, such as how to avoid queues at the most popular museums, where to watch the best flamenco and enjoy the best tapas. With candid and humorous advice along the way, this is a complete tour guide in your pocket.

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FC MARBELLA OPEN A4_Layout 1 22/03/2011 11:19 Page 57

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THETREND REVIEWS

Music

WORDS Allan Tee

Celtic Thunder Heritage

Noah and the Whale

This is the fourth Celtic Thunder show that focuses entirely on Celtic and Irish roots. Featuring traditional standards such as Whiskey in the Jar, Black is the Colour, Skye Boat Song and Red, Red Rose, as well as a few beautiful love songs such as The Dutchman, Noreen and Just a Song at Twilight, this is the CD of their highly popular tour and of course, there is also a DVD! The show was filmed in Poughkeepsie, New York, in front of a live audience. The performances range from solo numbers, to enchanting duets and powerful ensembles. A true celebration of Celtic music and heritage, it’s a real treat for traditionalists, yet with a contemporary entertainment approach.

Sugarland the Incredible Machine What struck me first, on hearing this album, was the sheer energy of lead singer Jennifer Nettles. There is such a clever mixture of vocal phrasing and power that sit right on top of what are very dynamic musical forces! Essentially a Country duo when you add Kristian Bush, this new album has been breaking records since it hit the US charts last year and, when you hear it, you’ll understand why. I am not a strong Country fan, but this new, more honest, less ‘redneck’ sound is grabbing my attention. Stuck like Glue is accompanied by a simply remarkable video which is worth a look, while the track itself is a shining example of this album’s power. Knock out!

Last Night on Earth

The latest album from this London band features ten brand new tracks, including the infectiously melodic first single L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N., which has been getting a great deal of interest from our listeners. Lead singer Charlie Fink set to work on the album in January of 2010 and notes that the lyrics were heavily influenced by poetry. Last year, he read the work of Frank O’Hara for the first time, falling in love with the poem, Having A Coke With You. The album’s title is also a nod towards Charles Bukowski’s poetry collection, The Last Night of the Earth. Fink says he was attracted to the sense of “loser’s pride” in Bukowski’s work. Well, that’s the release notes take but, seriously, this is a very listenable-to collection.

Britney Spears

Femme Fatale

ich seventh studio album wh r segments of Britney’s marketing The . out I have only heard sample es com e few days after this issu ute will be released just a Femme Fatale, is a trib global superstar’s title, nic ico e ‘Th so now n’; me and blurb reads: en wom y fident, elusive, fun, flirt to bold, empowered, con this for two years and she tney has worked hard on Bri , ntly are you know! App would have to say that, she st album to date” but “be her iver be to it ers sid con e. Britney needs to del g everybody how it’s don still has she but re with Lady Gaga showin mo rd hea e judgement until I’ve big-time and I will reserv major event. a this ke ma the status to

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Allan Tee presents the Music Review show every Saturday at 11am on Talk Radio Europe. 91.9 FM. www.talkradioeurope.com 23/3/11 13:07:22

THETREND GADGETS ts of favourite gaakdingge life r e h s u s g n ri b s Marisa Cuti,llaall of which are aimed alot tmmore stylish. the monthore practical and a whole easier, m

r the iPhone iaPeel Skins fo and iPad ten accuse us of favouring the

h phones and Our readers of er all other touc ov ad iP d t there an iPhone any phone ou nestly, is there as the y kl ic qu as tablets but, ho thly or reacts oo sm as es its rv es ip se that sw well, it de r performing so t to se e ar s in Sk iPhone? Just fo d now, iaPeel an s ie al. or on ss rs ce pe own ac lot more rience a whole ins, sk e bl ta in make your expe pr y the works: you bu u have This is how it sh and voila ! Yo wi u yo es ag many an th r print any im ce looks much ni at th y or desired ss un ce an ac h of ten add e covers, whic five s de clu modern phon in t se ur phone. The three skins or thickness to yo ne ho iP e skins for th front and back . ad iP e for th i www.iapeel.com

t to ht beauty is se table, light weig features th wi , ad iP This ultra-por e th mpetition for co h g ug cin to fa e did ar prov n, forw P high-definitio g cin -fa ar re including a 3M n, tio ni , 5MP high-defi ce technology camera and a video conferen ts as bo ric o et als m m camera. It 1 GB RAM sy re processor, ing of text, er a 1gHz dual co nd re ct rfe g and pe multi-processin ternet. It also eo from the In vid hone d an cs hi grap kberry smar tp ac Bl ur yo lessly to dress ad , ar connects wire nd le ca cess to email, for real time ac d BBMTM. an t lis ry.com book, task i www.blackber

book Blackberry Play

Cutting Edgtes Gadge

Mobo Ergonomic Computer Station

Did you know that much of the neck and back pain you experience daily could be caused by working on the computer for too many hours while you sit on an uncomfortable chair that forces you to hunch over to reach your keyboard? If you’re a victim of an ill-adapted desk, consider investing in Mobo’s new Ergonomic Computer Station. This is a keyboard tray system that converts almost any chair into an ergonomic work or play station. It promotes good posture, alleviating neck back and shoulder pains. It can be used for laptops and wired or wireless keyboards and is ideal for those who spend many hours gaming, surfing, entering data and so on.

Vesta Firefly Speaker Dock

Just when you thought that gadgets were only good for turning your house into a veritable spider’s web of wires and plugs, Vesta proves that they can be neat as well as practical, and can add a touch of style and modernity to your house like few other accessories. The Firefly is a spectacular looking dock for the iPhone or iPod which offers excellent sound quality and comes with a host of fantastic features, including an AC/battery powering option, a USB port for synchronisation with your computer and dock connectors for your iPod mini, iPod nano and iPod with colour display. Choose from three elegant colours: red, silver or black. i www.vesta-life.com

i www.getourmobo.com

Enjoy your favourite radio or television show with the Archos Archnova, the top selling gadget that accesses various channels online wirelessly through WiFi technology. You can add content to its internal 2GB through a memory card or the USB port, or link it up to a musical device through the 3.5 mm entry. i www.archos.com

Archos Archnova Television and Internet Box

Garmin GTU 10 GPS Localizer

Garmin’s newest gem is a small, lightweight, waterproof localiser that can be attached to a child’s backpack, pet collar or almost any object or person you wish to keep track of. The device allows you to create up to 10 virtual boundaries: when the GTU 10 enters or exits one of these boundaries, you receive an email or text message notification. This localiser is also ideal for those who run or indulge in risky adventure sports. By carrying the GTU 10 with them, their families can make sure they always know how to find them. i www.garmin.com

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143 VM

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G.I.P.E.: Miguel Tobar

VILLA MARKETING Established for 28 Years

Since 1983

NUEVA ANDALUCIA Ref. VM09955 Lovely, private, bright and sunny villa all on one floor, south facing, with a spacious lounge and seperate dining room. Three good sized bedrooms with bathrooms ensuite. Underfloor heating in main areas and air-conditioning. Price: 830.000 euros

SOLD FRONTLINE GOLF Ref. VM08913 Spacious villa situated in Nueva Andalucia with golf views, 4 big bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, spacious lounge with separate areas, dining area, modern kitchen, garage, large plot.

NUEVA ANDALUCÍA Ref. VM09642 Magnificent villa in a central position close to amenities, built on one level in a secluded garden with heated pool. Large sitting room with fireplace, dining room,modern kitchen, four ensuite bedrooms plus a staff bedroom. Garage for 3 cars. Good Value. Price: 1.395.000 euros

BEACH PENTHOUSE Ref. VM09489 Fantastic and unique duplex penthouse on the beach beside Puerto Banus. Totally refurbished to a modern design with 5 bedrooms and bathrooms, several reception areas, outdoor bar and jacuzzi, several terraces with magnificent sea views, sauna, garage, store rooms. Must be seen! Originally 2.500.000 and now 50% reduced. Price 1.250.000 euros

PENTHOUSE WITH VIEWS Ref. VM09845 Magnificent penthouse with large terraces with panoramic views of Nueva Andalucia Golf Valley and the sea beyond. Situated in a gated community, 3 bedrooms, private lift, spacious lounge, 2 garage spaces, 2 golf buggy parking, and a store room. Price: 600.000 euros

Sales office: Casaño 10-B, Nueva Andalucía (Pass the Bullring, beside BBVA bank)

Tel: 952 810 695

www.villamarketing.com Sales - Long & Short Term Rentals - Property Management

THETREND INNOVATION PhotographY courtesy of See & Touch Marbella Creation on-line interface

Advances in technology have enabled us to control our world when we’re far away on the other side of it, but even the best home automation systems are too technical for their own good. Not so with the stunning new Creation line of products from See & Touch Marbella, delivering elegant, high tech solutions that are fun to use, as Belinda Beckett reports.

The highly functional Creation TV Chair

The ultimate innovative adult toys for your home or yacht:

Creation a

allow for a maximum of five) including a version for your entrance hall fitted with motion sensors that will allow you to turn on lights and music with a regal swipe of your hand. The triumph of design over technology, Creation is the vision of one man who is the antithesis of a computer boffin, although Leon Naftanial could not be working in a more high tech n a l joy s t ick arena. The founder of Bang & nc t io u f i ult Olufsen Marbella 25 years ’s m on i t ago, purveyors of state-ofthe-art music and home automation solutions and the specialised networks to operate them, Leon admits to being something of a technophobe, not so much in love with the awesome technology behind Creation as what it can do for his lifestyle. As such, he is the perfect Creative Head of the company, the ideas man who employs a complete team of architects, 3D graphic designers and software engineers. “I haven’t invented the wheel but Creation is just as simple and effective,” he says. “It is the human interface of home automation. I don’t want to plough through user manuals and most of my customers are busy people with neither the time nor the inclination to do likewise. I started with that principle.” Ushering me into the store’s plush home cinema for my demonstration, Leon first shows me the most sophisticated home automation system on the market. Its design is uninspiring and you Cre

magine being able to recline in your own customised Creation home cinema chair and play music or a movie in any room in your house (or cabin on your yacht), simply by manipulating a stylish joy stick embedded in the armrest; or, if away from home, call up the same user-friendly system on your iPad to see stunning visuals of every room and a pop-up menu of bespoke options to activate everything from heating and lighting to sun blinds, security or garden sprinklers? It sounds like fun and with the stunning Creation collection by See & Touch Marbella, new sister company of Bang & Olufsen Marbella, sophisticated home automation is child’s play. But these are very much adult toys for the home owner (or yachtie) who has everything else. Inspired by the Creation of Adam scene in Michelangelo’s famous Sistine Chapel fresco, completed exactly 500 years ago in 1511, artistic genius is also at work here. The ergonomic Creation Cinema and TV Chairs are the last word in comfort and luxury, upholstered in the finest leather (and check out the recline mechanism and pop-out footrest). The joystick (complete with drinks tray and brushed aluminium dial studded with precious Swarovski crystals in any colour you like) is the ultimate accessory, adding a fun element while you select a movie from your personalised DVD library and set the lighting, picture and sound quality. The exquisite jewelled design is also featured on the Creation Wall Pads which can be installed in up to 30 rooms (most systems

The Creation Cinema Chair

can’t work it without consulting the user manual. In tests, 100 lay people could operate Creation in 10 seconds, with a few verbal instructions. Requiring only one remote control rather than dozens, the Creation IR remote can liaise with an iPad, iPhone or most leading touch panel systems without switching on a TV or screen, using a Menu button, four colour buttons (matching the four coloured spots on the Wall Pads), Up, Down and Enter buttons. Yet although deceivingly simple to work, Creation is the most sophisticated high-class entertainment integration on the market, offering as high definition resolution as Blu-ray, capable of showing 3D films and delivering stored audio and video twice as fast as other on-demand systems. Unveiled at Amsterdam’s prestigious Integrated Systems Europe trade fair this February, the Creation Cinema Chair was nominated one of the fair’s Top 10 new products and demand from architects and private customers has been overwhelming. I ask Leon why no one has come up with such a system before. “Sometimes people can’t see the obvious but just as you would drink a good wine in a beautiful glass for maximum enjoyment, a highend home automation system should be simple, elegant and a pleasure to use.” And for his next invention? “Creation is only at the beginning of its evolution and we have the whole world to supply,” says Leon. “I think that will keep us busy for the foreseeable future!”

g For a demonstration of the Creation products,

contact the See & Touch Marbella team at Puerto Banús, 32 / ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE APRIL 2011

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Tel: 687 035 323. www.seeandtouchmarbella.com 25/3/11 10:45:57

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CARS

THETREND MOTOR

hile we can all point to design features on other cars and draw tenuous comparisons, there’s just no getting away from the fact that the Veritas has a face, and it looks really, really angry. The front end has elements of snake, shark, evil super-villain from the next Transformers film and more. Then there are those deeply contoured, rippling muscular flanks with the classic long-nose bonnet and the rear end (the view that pretty much every other driver will see the most) that is completely unique. The shape, as a whole, is a near perfect blend of old and new. The Veritas story began in the late 1940s with racing cars built around BMW mechanicals. Technically, Veritas produced Germany’s first Formula One car but, after branching out into road cars in 1951, disappeared soon after. Post-war Germany wasn’t quite the economic

Veritas is the Spice of Life powerhouse it is today and Veritas fell victim to the austere conditions. So this is a rebirth of sorts. Michael Trick is the man behind the brand, and also the resurrection of Brabham Racing as a BMW tuner. He’s a man with a deep affinity for the marque’s tradition but he knew this could be no nostalgic pastiche. He has brought the olde world twin cockpit design screaming into the 21st century, and maybe a little bit further. It’s vast – don’t think this is a compact sports car for a second – but it’s exquisite and massively muscled and every turn has an attention-

catching detail, from the aerofoils on the side to the high-mounted titanium exhausts. Then there’s the interior, which is simply beautiful: opulent and yet minimalist, traditional and yet futuristic, all at the same time. This is no parts bin special, except perhaps for the gearshifters and stalks, and the wheel is a work of art (although totally impractical and I’d spec mine with a full round wheel). These horseshoes are all well and good until you need an armful of opposite lock and grab nothing but fresh air, I’ve been there and it’s not pretty. In a car this light, I’d also want a lightweight

Mothers grab their children close and old men stare in confounded disbelief as I thunder through a rural German village. That’s because the Veritas RS III looks like a cartoon bad guy, sounds like the world is caving in and will draw a crowd wherever it goes.

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Report and photography nick hall

racing bucket seat, which is on offer. But there’s no doubt that the exposed carbon, perfectly stitched leather and ornate gear selector are beautiful. It’s a collision of old and new, as much as a marriage, and yet it works perfectly; and, as I pop up the door that brings the Stack instruments into the air with it and climb in, I’m painfully aware of the ridiculous grin spreading wide across my face. Then I fire it up, and the grin turns to a laugh because Trick has stuck with BMW mechanicals and this car comes with the 507bhp V10 fivelitre from the M5. There won’t be many of these cars and Veritas will have to switch to the twin turbo V8 when BMW runs out, so this is possibly a one-off chance to drive the naturally-aspirated V10, shed of almost half its weight. That’s right; the Veritas might be big but the simple body means it weighs only slightly more than 1,000kg, which is seriously light for a car with this power and only rear wheel drive.

The other good news is that the SMG gearbox means it’s relatively simple to drive, too, as the car takes care of the clutch and all I need to do is engage first and roll out on to the road. It’s wet during my test drive, this is the prototype and I soon discover that the ornate and tactile horseshoe wheel isn’t built for catching opposite lock slides. The section that’s missing is inevitably the one I’d grab for when the back end steps out. That doesn’t affect the straightline performance, though, which is simply epic. On a hard charge, the RS III storms through 100kph in 3.2s and on to 346kph through the paddle shift box. Which brings us back to the wind… Easy driving takes no more than a pair of sunglasses and a hardy soul, even when the rain starts to fall and the wind is ripping at my face and bugs smashing into me too, it’s kind of fun, especially with the detuned F1 yowl of the BMW V10 just inches from my head. But, for serious driving, I stop and grab a helmet; eyes full of tears can only end in, well, tears. It makes the drive hard work as exposure to the elements means you’re constantly fighting the wind, and you’ll need in-helmet radios to communicate with your passenger because that central tunnel means there’s serious space between you (which is great if you have fallen out with your girlfriend or simply don’t want to hear the

screams). But there’s no question it’s involving and there’d be a sense of theatre every time you strap on the skid lid and fire her up, which is what cars like this are all about. The lightweight, low-slung and massively wide body, as well as huge tyres wrapped around 20-inch wheels, provide monster stability, too. When the more powerful turbo engines come in, Veritas may switch to four-wheel-drive but, for now, the rear drive is blinding fun and the myriad of BMW electronics help keep the rear in check unless you really want some excitement. Now the turning circle is huge, so tight manoeuvres in town are a nightmare and the offside corner is totally invisible from the driver’s seat, so placing the car on the road is a pure leap of faith. But they’d be worth it as the car draws a crowd and you do your 17-point turn to coos and gurgles of admiration. This car won the public vote at the Salon Privé show in London last year while its outlandish design has won it international acclaim and a healthy order book, despite its whopping $464,000 price tag in Europe. That’s serious money for a car that comes with a tubular space frame chassis, rather than a full carbon fibre monocoque, although the bodywork and much of the interior is made from the lightweight weave. Besides, the front-midengined design made a carbon tub thoroughly impractical at any price. With just 30 units planned for production, the price is justified by the exclusivity, and the people with deep enough pockets to buy the car don’t need to worry about such petty concerns. If a car stirs their soul, they will buy in to the dream and pay whatever it takes. The Veritas has that effect, and a cartoon bad guy face, of course. e

g Price €340.000 Engine 5-litre V10 Power/Torque 507bhp/384lb/ft 0-100kph 3.2s Top speed 346kph

APRIL 2011 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE / 35

CULTURE / HISTORY / FAMOUS PEOPLE / INTERVIEWS / FEATURES / HUMOuR

This month we focus on all things Spanish. From culture and celebrity to architecture and language...

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Top 10 Spanish Personalities

Acclaimed Spanish Architects

UNESCO Spanish Cultural Heritage Icons

Count Rudi on the Beginnings of the Marbella Javier

Javier Bardem: Hot or What!

Belén Rueda: Stunning Spanish Star

Rupert Bluff’s Love Affair with Pedro Almodovar

Humour: Mind Your Slanguage!

28/3/11 13:05:43

Many Spaniards are household names worldwide but here are 10 intrinsically Spanish celebrities you should also be able to name drop.

MATADOR

José Tomás, 35

Words belinda beckett

Frequently gored, his corridas are a sell-out because of his dare-devil artistry. Killed his first bull at 11, trained as a novillero in Mexico, took his alternativa in 1995 and went on to win in all Spain’s top bullrings. After an abrupt and unexplained retirement in 2002, he made a dramatic comeback in 2007 in the anti-bullfighting city of Barcelona, selling out the 20,000-capacity Monumental bullring for the first time in 22 years – in under one hour.

Iker Casillas,

TOP

Goalkeeper

THEFOCUS FACTS

Captain of Spain’s national squad an d Real Madrid who led his country to victory in the 2008 European Championships an d 2010 FIFA World Cup (w inning the Golden Glove for best goalkeeper of the tournament). Winner of the 2010 Prince of Asturias Sports Award and mo st-capped goalie in the UEFA Ch ampions League , his Telecinco sp orts presenter girlfriend Sara Ca rbonero (on our front cover) was recently voted Sexiest Reporter in the World. His one regret: forget ting to post his father’s football po ol coupon as a kid. His Dad would have won £1m!

18th Duchess of Alba, 85

Alejandro Sanz, 42

Joaquín Cortés, 42

The most titled person on earth (194 in all, so she needn’t kneel before the Pope!) Wildly eccentric, an inveterate socialite, fond of bizarre outfits, speaking her mind and cheering on her matador ex-son-in-law, Fran Rivera, at bullfights, this faded beauty saw off two husbands (a Duke’s son and a Jesuit priest) and reportedly plans to marry her toy-boy lover. A national treasure, it’s said she can cross Spain north to south without leaving her estates.

Spain’s most commercially successful singer with a huge international fanbase since diversifying beyond romantic ballads and performing with Shakira. The handsome Madrileño prodigy was playing guitar aged seven (driving his mother to smash it), composing at 10 and has 21 million albums, two Grammies and 15 Latin Grammies to his credit. Más (1997) his bestselling album, won multiple awards and has sold over five million worldwide. His latest, Paraíso Express, charted at number one in Spain and Latin America in its first week.

Of Cordobés gypsy stock with classical ballet training, his passionate dance routines have updated flamenco for today. Was a principle dancer with the Spanish National Ballet before forming the Joaquín Cortés Flamenco Ballet to choreograph flamenco fusion spectaculars (Pasión Gitana, with costumes by Giorgio Armani, toured over 30 countries). Kudos has grown with film appearances and choreography work. His opening show for the World Athletics Championship in Seville was seen by 25 million viewers.

Karlos Arguiñano, 62

Nati Abascal, 68

Belén Esteban, 37

Santiago Segura, 45

One of Spain’s first celebrity chefs, a Basque cuisine specialist who started cooking as a kid for his disabled mother and three younger brothers. Peppers his Antena 3 show, Karlos Arguiñano en tu cocina, with jokes and singing, his dishes with parsley and his chat with the catchphrase, Rico, rico y con fundamento (Tasty, tasty and with nutritional value). Has his own TV production company and a castle-restaurant and beach hotel in northern Spain.

Ex-Duchess of Feria and Sevillana beauty on the International Best Dressed List since 1984. Has modelled/posed for the best (Salvador Dalí, Lord Snowdon, Norman Parkinson, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera) and was a muse and confidante of Valentino. Twice married (latterly to the late Duke of Feria, father of her two dishy sons, whom she divorced for messing with under-aged girls) she’s a fixture in the prensa rosa and still works as a fashion advisor for ¡Hola! magazine and Mango.

Darling of the gossip columns dubbed La Princesa del Pueblo who lays everyone’s private life bare, including her own, on Telecinco’s Sálvame which attracts six-figure viewer ratings (more when she had cosmetic surgery). A working-class Madrileña and ex-girlfriend of flashy bullfighter Jesulín de Ubrique, who fathered her daughter, she fell into TV presenting using her looks and savvy and, whether revealing the infidelities of her current husband, or someone else’s, she’s an audience magnet.

Spain’s answer to Ben Stiller directed his first film with only 7,000 pesetas, then guested on every Spanish TV show going to fund future projects, including the Goya-winning Perturbado. Inextricably linked with Inspector José Luis Torrente, the racist, sexist Madrid cop he created for his Torrente films (famous for their smutty humour), Torrente 2: Mission in Marbella (2001) remains the most profitable Spanish film ever. Torrente 4 screens this year. Growing acclaim Stateside recently won him a role in the new Adam Sandler movie, Jack and Jill.

TV Chef

Singer

Socialite/ ex-model

Dancer/Choreographer

TV Presenter

Amancio Ortega, 75

Fashion Entrepreneur Founder/chairman of the Inditex Group (think Bershka, Massimo Dutti and Zara, the world’s largest clothing retailer). A working-class hero turned Spain’s richest man, he started as a tailor’s gofer in Galicia, opened his first store in 1972, pioneered ‘instant fashion’ by speeding up delivery time from catwalk to clothes hangar and still reports for work daily, eschewing suits and ties for jeans. Keeps a low profile and rarely gives interviews.

Comedy Actor/Director/Producer

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THEFOCUS ARCHITECTURE Spain, during the last quarter century, became the new drawing board for innovative building design, with iconic international architects like Frank Ghery, Jean Nouvel and Norman Foster leaving their mark on the landscape. But home-grown talent was also at work in what became known as ‘Europe’s laboratory for contemporary architecture’, as Belinda Beckett reports.

Calatrava’s futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia

“

SPAIN’S

There is not a ‘Spanish’ architectural style but there is increasingly a level of quality and beauty within the new projects, probably more than with any other part of the world”. So commented Terence Riley, Chief Curator of Architecture and Design at the New York Museum of Modern Art, as he unveiled the 2006 exhibition: On-Site: New Architecture in Spain. “Spain is shaking off the dust of the ages, creating a mantle not of churches but of airports, museums, hospitals, libraries, train stations, stadiums and auditoriums,” said Riley. “Every region of the country boasts a wave of new works of architecture of the highest design ambition.” The prestigious MoMA show featuring 35 completed and ongoing architectural projects from an original shortlist of 600 underlines the relentless flurry of construction that marked the years straddling the old and new century in Spain. And, although economic recession was imminently to bring the building boom to an abrupt halt, it had given the country its blueprint for the future, the legacy of an exciting new architectural direction we can all appreciate today.

During this new Golden Age, Barcelona in particular became the crucible for the architectural avant-garde with the most interesting collection of contemporary architecture seen in Europe since Gaudí. This momentum was recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects in awarding Barcelona the Royal Gold Medal in 1999, the first time the honour has ever gone to a city. Spain’s capital, too, experienced a building renaissance with magnificent structures like the space-age Terminal 4 at Madrid’s Barajas Airport, designed jointly by local architect Antonio Lamela and British architect Richard Rogers, which won the coveted British Stirling Prize. This flowering of architectural talent was, in part, a reaction to the creative sterility of the Franco years, and began in earnest after 1986 when the country joined the European Union and money began flowing into large-scale public works. A major catalyst was the so-called ‘Effect 92’, when the Barcelona Olympics and Expo Seville turned Spain into a contemporary artistic atelier for world-renowned talents such as Los Angeles architect Frank Gehry, commissioned

by the Basque government to construct a sister museum to New York’s Guggenheim in the city of Bilbao, and French architect Jean Nouvel who designed Barcelona’s striking, 38-storey Torre Agbar. Not all this talent was foreign. A new breed of contemporary Spanish architects also came to the forefront: the likes of Madrid’s Rafael Moneo who orchestrated the expansion and renovation of the venerable Museo del Prado; and Spain’s prolific and, arguably, most important contemporary architect, Santiago Calatrava, who put his native Valencia on the world map with the vast, futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. As the MoMA’s curator, Terence Riley, correctly stated, the new contemporary architecture does not conform to a particular style. The multicultural character of Spain, added to its geographic and cultural diversity, has created a broad spectrum of solutions which tend to a vernacular architecture showcasing local materials and designs dictated by regional customs. Here we look at the stylistically diverse talents of four Spanish ‘starchitects’.

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Calatrava’s curvacious Santa Cruz Auditorium resembles a tidal wave

La Rioja’s avant garde Bodegas Ysios by Calatrava

Classed among the elite designers of the world, this multi-award-winning Valencian architect’s creations are ordered up as icons on a worldwide basis. Currently engaged in the seminal work of rebuilding the World Trade Centre transport hub after the devastations of 9/11, his highly individualistic style combines a striking visual architecture with the rigid principles of engineering. He most often works with steel, glass and concrete in an organic style that, in many ways, is reminiscent of Gaudí, bridging the division between structural engineering and architecture and deriving from detailed studies of the human body and the natural world. Calatrava’s curvacious Santa Cruz Auditorium in the Canary Islands resembles a tidal wave, L’Hemisfèric at Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences looks uncannily like an all-seeing eye while his design for the new World Trade Centre station resembles a bird being released from a child’s hand. The 59-year-old architect’s early career was dedicated largely to bridges and train stations, when his elevation of prosaic civil engineering projects to soaring poetic heights brought in commissions from all over the world for public buildings which have become city emblems: his Turning Torso skyscraper in Malmo, Sweden, Bilbao’s Zubizuri Bridge and his performing arts centre for Santa Cruz de Tenerife, regarded as the finest modern building in the Canary Islands and one of six chosen by Spain’s Correos to embellish a set of stamps depicting the most emblematic works of Spanish architecture. Although he now gets to design buildings of world importance (Athens Olympic Sports Complex, Bilbao airport terminal) he has never forgotten his roots, describing himself as “architect and engineer by trade, sculptor and painter by vocation”. He says: “My ideal is to make works of pure engineering that are inspired by the soul of the artist. So, if someone has to walk over a bridge each day to work, or sit at the station waiting for the train, I would like to give that person a little bit of escapism, something uplifting in the routine of their daily lives.”

Santiago Calatrava

The Turning Torso skyscraper in Malmo

Bilbao’s emblematic Zubizuri Bridge

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Miralles’ Scottish Parliament

Regarded as the architect who most embodied the spirit of his native Barcelona, Miralles drew on the anarchic characteristics of Catalan design and broke every established rule of his calling, although his designs were always tempered by a profound sense of place. His free-form designs often used unusual materials and he would design a building in its totality, down to the details of the interior furnishings. His early work was more on the edge of architecture, his designs for a sports hall in Huesca and a gymnasium in Alicante regarded as somewhat chaotic. His rebellious style is epitomised by his renovation of Santa Catarina

Market in Barcelona’s run-down Gothic quarter, with its wavy tiled roof, splotched with pink, green and blue and draped over the old neo-Classical sheds like a handkerchief. Later works, such as the headquarters for the Barcelona gas company, showed more control. Miralles taught his craft at many universities worldwide and was in business with both his wives; with his first (Carme Pinós) he designed the cemetery for the town of Igualada, widely

regarded as one of the most poetic works of 20th century Catalan architecture and the project that launched him internationally. He could little have imagined that, nine years later, he would be buried there. Tragically, he died at 45 from a brain tumour in 2000, never able to see the finish of his most important project: the new Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, a commission he won against four other bidding teams along with his second wife, Benedetta Tagliabue, who continues to run

their architectural practice in Barcelona. The choice of a Spanish architect was controversial from the outset (although Miralles had a connection with the city, having studied English there) and there were further ructions over the delay in its opening and the final cost of £414 million (more than 10 times initial estimates). However, the building won numerous awards and has been described as “a tour de force of arts and crafts and quality without parallel in the last 100 years of British architecture.”

Enric Miralles Santa Catarina Market, by Miralles

Another view of Miralles’ controversial Scottish Parliament

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Moneo’s Ayuntamiento de Murcia

The first Spaniard to win the Pritzker Prize for Architecture, an honour shared by Frank Gehry and Norman Foster that awards those whose work ‘has produced consistent and significant contributions to humanity and the built environment, through the art of architecture’. An architect of tremendous range, Moneo has designed everything from art museums, banks and city halls to a terminal for Seville airport and Madrid’s magnificent Atocha railway station, including its new €171million AVE terminal, inaugurated last December. An heir to classical Modernism whose sharp, angular works reflect the surgical precision of his thinking, among his most emblematic buildings is the starkly contemporary Kursaal Congress Palace in San Sebastian, two futuristic glass cubes that contain a 1,800-seat concert hall which is home to the city’s world-famous film festival. The Navarran architect first came to international attention for his National Museum of Roman Art in Mérida, the most important Roman settlement in Spain. His use of massively-scaled masonry referred to ancient Roman brick walls and is the museum’s most

memorable architectural feature. Other projects in Spain include the renovation of Madrid’s ThyssenBornemisza Museum, the Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation in Majorca, town halls in Logroño and Murcia and the enlargement of the capital’s Prado Museum. The latter, opened in 2007, showcases an exquisitely crafted foyer in cedar, textured granite and brushed bronze and a translucent, lanternshaped patio. It might have been a bit of a backhanded compliment when the museum’s Director, Miguel Zugaza, said that Moneo was chosen because “he knew how to work harmoniously with the neoclassical architecture of the original building and, in addition to being a great Spanish architect, he is humble.” Moneo has lectured at the universities of Madrid and Barcelona and, from 1985 to 1990, was chairman of the Department of Architecture at Harvard University, where he continues to teach. In both facets of his career, he decries the modern trend toward short-lived architecture and emphasises the importance of creating lasting monuments, seeing architecture as “a vast history in which the architect conscientiously looks for models and resources to transform.”

Rafael Moneo

Moneo’s stunning Kursaal Congress Palace in San Sebastian

The starkly contemporary Kursaal Congress Palace lights up San Sebastian bay

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The Miguel Delibes Cultural Centre in Valladolid

Ricardo Bofill Bofill’s Miguel Delibes Cultural Centre

Barcelona’s iconic, sail-shaped W Hotel

“When I was growing up, Spain was a ‘grey’ country, everything was shadowy, dirty and dull,” says Ricardo Bofill, a name intrinsically linked with the architectural Movida that has changed Barcelona into a bright, 21st century city. In 1963, Bofill founded a collective of architects, engineers, sociologists and philosophers which gave rise to the Taller de Arquitectura, housed in a stunning conversion of an old cement factory (La Fábrica, awarded with the Ciudad de Barcelona Architectural Prize in 1980). This international, multidisciplinary team is dedicated to analysing the problems of urban life and promoting alternative solutions through projects relating to city planning, transport, leisure, housing and offices. Among the Taller’s claims to fame in Spain are Terminal 2 at Barcelona airport, the National Theatre of Catalunya, the Miguel Delibes Cultural Centre in Valladolid, the A Coruña Convention Centre and Barcelona’s iconic, sailshaped W Hotel. Worldwide, Bofill and his award-winning team of 70 have carried out over

1,000 projects in 50 countries, from office buildings in Tokyo to skyscrapers in Chicago, new residential suburbs in China and the headquarters of Cartier and Christian Dior in Paris. Today, a large amount of Bofill’s work is social housing, first typified in Barcelona by his Utopian Walden 7 building, an offbeat vertical labyrinth that, incredibly, came in at a budget much lower than the norm for subsidised housing in those days. A post-modernist whose work defies the popular trend for more abstract, free-form structures, Bofill is critical of ‘signature’ buildings and the media portrayal of architects as celebrities. “The architecture of the star system is being carried out by a small number of people in answer to a global demand to make a distinct type of public building,” he says. “A lot are well-executed and interesting but then, later, those that don’t know how to do it well create something very vulgar: the ‘copies’.” He says: “To be an architect means to understand space organised by man, to decipher the spontaneous movements and

The W Hotel Lobby

Bofill’s Miguel Delibes Cultural Centre

behaviour of people and to detect the needs of change that they might unconsciously express. It is essential to track down these issues if we want to contribute with our personal work to the history of architecture.” e

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THEFOCUS THEME

Spain

The Intangible Culture of

Pata negra, paella, the paintings of Pablo Picasso… to the tourist they are all icons of Spanish culture. However, they don’t get a look-in on the official UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, a role of honour that includes a Gregorian chant from Mallorca, a whistled language from the Canary Islands and two ancient water tribunals but not a mention of sun, sea or sangría. Belinda Beckett investigates.

ost people have heard of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites: the international designation set up in 1972 to conserve buildings and locations of outstanding cultural or natural importance under the umbrella of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. Spain has 42 (second only to Italy which has the most, with 45), ranging from the Paleolithic Cave Paintings of Altamira in Cantabria to the architectural splendours of the Alhambra Palace in Granada and the natural wonders of Doñana National Park. However, in 2008, UNESCO decided that cultural heritage should not be ‘limited to material manifestations, such as monuments

and objects that have been preserved over time’. The Intangible Cultural Heritage list was duly set up to safeguard ‘contemporary living expressions and traditions that countless groups and communities worldwide have inherited from their ancestors and transmit to their descendants, in most cases orally.’ National governments can submit their nominations to a panel of experts who update the list annually. (Surprisingly, neither America nor the UK are yet represented.) Currently, it includes 213 traditions from 81 countries, ranging from folk dancing and regional cuisine to opera, martial arts and oral epic poetry. Says UNESCO: ‘An understanding of the intangible cultural heritage of different

communities helps with intercultural dialogue, encourages mutual respect for other ways of life and is an important factor in maintaining cultural diversity in the face of growing globalisation.’ This is a list where you can find the expected (the Argentinean tango, Chinese calligraphy), the unexpected (Croatian gingerbread-baking, Lithuanian crucifix-making) and some downright oddities (a hopping procession from Luxembourg). Spain has its fair share of all three and, along with more likely cultural icons like flamenco and the Mediterranean Diet are the Human Towers of Catalunya and The Council of Wise Men of the Plain of Murcia. From the wondrous to the just plain weird, here’s Spain’s list in full:

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Flamenco

There were cheers of ‘Olé’ from aficionados throughout Spain last year when UNESCO added flamenco to Spain’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritages, giving the tradition official protection for the first time in its history. It was a huge coup for Spain in particular, as the roots of flamenco are a topic for debate, although historians generally agree that the tradition stems from centuries of Moorish presence in Spain, principally in Andalucía. An artistic expression fusing song, dance and musicianship, flamenco first emerged in the 18th century as an outlet for poor people to express everything from sorrow to happiness, a tradition popularised by Spain’s gypsy community. Cante is the vocal expression of flamenco, featuring expressive lyrics sung by men and women with no backing singers; baile is a dance expressing a wide range of emotions which differ, depending on whether the performer is male (heavier use of the feet) or female (gentler, more sensual movements); toque, originally the art of guitar playing, also extends to other instruments including castanets, as well as hand-clapping and foot-stamping. Performed in many situations, from religious festivals to private celebrations, it is also the badge of identity of numerous communities and groups, in particular the gitanos who played an essential role in flamenco’s development and have kept its traditions alive.

The Castells of Catalunya

Spain has some strange fiestas but if you’ve ever visited Catalunya in summer you may have witnessed the bizarre sight of human beings climbing onto each other’s shoulders, in order of strength, weight and size to form a teetering human tower. The Castells originated in the early 18th century and are built by members of amateur groups, usually as part of annual festivities when the traditional setting is the town hall square. A whole etiquette surrounds the custom: for example, anyone is welcome to form the pinya, the throng that supports the base of the tower; each level of the tronc (the second level upwards) generally comprises two-to-five heavier-built men; the pom de dalt (three uppermost levels) comprises young children with one enxaneta (the child on top). The highest level on record is 10 tiers. The knowledge required for raising castells is passed down from generation to generation of castellars and can only be learned by practice.

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The Mediterranean Diet

Spain shares this Intangible Cultural Heritage with Greece, Italy and Morocco but if you thought it was only about food, think again. UNESCO defines it as ‘a set of skills, knowledge, practices and traditions ranging from the landscape to the table, including the crops, harvesting, fishing, conservation, processing and preparation.’ The Mediterranean Diet was first coined in 1945 but it has proved to be one of the healthiest nutritional models in the world, with its focus on high consumption of fresh and dried fruit and vegetables, olive oil, fish and seafood, cereals and spices, and lower consumption of dairy and meat products. But there are other reasons why it should be preserved as a tradition. States UNESCO: ‘More than just food, it promotes social interaction, since communal meals are the cornerstone of social customs and festive events; it has given rise to a considerable body of knowledge, songs, maxims, tales and legends; and it is rooted in respect for the territory and biodiversity, ensuring the conservation and development of traditional activities and crafts linked to fishing and farming in the Mediterranean communities.’ So now you know!

The Mystery Play of Elche

A living testimony to European religious theatre of the Middle Ages, this sacred musical drama dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary has been performed since the mid-15th century in the Basilica of Santa Maria and neighbouring streets of Elche, in Valencia. Entirely sung in two acts, the Misteri d’Elx (as it is called in Catalan) is

It may not be the first sport you would associate with Spain but falconry is alive and well here. Among the many aficionados who petitioned UNESCO to have falconry protected (along with 11 other countries), Manuel Faúndez, President of the Falconry Club of Bajoz in Zamora, wrote: “The alliance between man and birds of prey for the purpose of hunting, passed down from generation to generation by those practicing this art, has been preserved for over 1,000 years. This hunting art cannot be learned by reading books. It requires practice, contact with

performed every August 14 and 15 and includes a candlelit street procession and an enactment of the Assumption, using ancient aerial machinery, special effects and a second stage to represent heaven. Designated a National Monument in 1931 and protected by several other laws, the performance involves more than 300 volunteers and attracts thousands of spectators.

nature and master-novice teaching.’ The tradition of keeping and training falcons to take quarry in its natural state was originally a way of obtaining food but is today also identified with the spiritual bond that develops between man and bird, and the commitment required to breed, train, handle and fly the falcons. States UNESCO: ‘Falconry forms the basis of a wider cultural heritage, including traditional dress, food, songs, music, poetry and dance, all of which are sustained by the communities and clubs that practice it.’

Irrigators’ Tribunals of the Spanish Mediterranean

The oldest democratic institution in Europe, introduced by Moorish farmers to resolve irrigation disputes, Water Court sittings are an event and the two main ones – the Council of Wise Men of the Plain of Murcia and the Water Tribunal of the Plain of Valencia – are still recognised under Spanish law. Reflecting the Arthurian idyll, they consist of a group of elected judges who sit in a circle and hear oral evidence; no records are kept and court procedures are conducted as they have been for a millennia, in full public view. These days, there are few disputes to settle and even when there is a case to answer, proceedings are resolved so swiftly, in a common sense manner, that they may be concluded in five or 10 minutes. Local councils should take note! UNESCO comments that apart from their archaic tradition, they ‘contribute to the oral transmission of knowledge derived from centuries-old cultural exchanges, have their own specialist vocabulary peppered with Arabic borrowings and are long-standing repositories of local and regional identity of special significance to local inhabitants.’

The Tribunal de las Aguas of Valencia. Photographer: José Jordan © UNESCO

The Patum of Berga

Falconry Falconry wins over bullfighting in Spain as an Intangible Cultural Heritage © Dr Javier Ceballos © UNESCO

Every year during Corpus Christi (May/June), theatrical performances and processions of effigies animate the Catalan town of Berga during the Patum, a popular festival dating back to pre-Christian Summer Solstice celebrations before it was ‘sanitised’ by the Catholic Church. Named after the sound of the emblematic drum that is the centre of the festivities, it is marked by colourful parades of dancers dressed as mystical and symbolical figures: cavallets (papier mâché horses), maces (demons wielding maces and whips), guites (mule dragons), plens (fire demons) and giants performing acrobatic tricks and lighting fireworks… a kind of Carnival in Río with knobs on. UNESCO comments, ‘The Patum stands out from the region’s other festivals that have come down from the Middle Ages, owing to its richness and diversity, the preservation of its medieval street theatre and its ritual component. Although the survival of the celebration seems ensured, it is to be taken care that strong urban and tourist development do not lead to a loss of value.’

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An islander whistles for conversation on La Gomera Photographer: Antonio Martínez Castaño ©UNESCO

The Chant of The Sybil on Mallorca

A Gregorian-style chant about the second coming of Christ on Judgement Day, based on the prophecies of a sibyl (pagan fortune-teller), is one of the remaining living examples of medieval religious folklore; and it all happens on the Balearic island of Mallorca on Christmas Eve. The rite involves most of the church parishes on the island, with old and young acting as singers, costume-makers and celebrants. Sung a cappella by a boy or girl carrying a sword, accompanied by altar boys and girls holding candles, organ music is often played between the verses and, at the end of the song, a cross is drawn in the air with the sword. Costumes consist of white or coloured tunics and matching caps, sometimes embroidered and often worn with a cape. The ceremony is held to usher in the first coming of Christ on Christmas Day. A young girl enacts the Chant of the Sibyl on Mallorca © Joan Ferrà

Whistled Language of La Gomera

Silbo Gomero has been handed down by generations of Canary Islanders as a means of communicating across the deep ravines and narrow valleys of La Gomera. It is the only whistled language in the world that is fully developed and used by a large community (more than 22,000 inhabitants) and replicates the islanders’ habitual language, Castilian Spanish. Although there are only two distinct whistles for the five Spanish vowels, and four for consonants, they can be distinguished according to pitch and length, and practiced whistlers can convey even the most complex messages. Taught in schools since 1999, Silbo Gomero is understood by almost all islanders and also used during festivities and religious ceremonies. Says UNESCO: ‘To prevent it from disappearing like the other whistled languages of the Canary Islands, it is important to do more for its transmission and promote Silbo Gomero as an Intangible Cultural Heritage cherished by the inhabitants of La Gomera and the Canary Islands as a whole.’

THUMBS DOWN for BULLFIGHTING There were ructions in the Spanish Senate last year when certain political factions tried to seek cultural status for bullfighting to ensure its preservation. Had the motion been passed, it could have wrecked Catalonia’s plans to ban the sport from 2012 because of its alleged cruelty to animals. Madrid’s Partido Popular had contemplated beginning negotiations with UNESCO to include bullfighting on its Intangible Cultural Heritages list. “Bullfighting is an art,” said PP spokesman Pío García Escudero. “The bullfighter is an artist, like a painter, a sculptor, a composer or a poet. His work is created in 20 minutes with no chance of correcting anything.” The controversial bid got short shrift from animal rights activists and the Senate rejected the motion, although by a narrow margin

of 129 votes to 117. However, that wasn’t before lawyer and animal rights campaigner Daniel Dorado had submitted a rather more facetious motion to preserve the siesta as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, arguing that it was as equally deserving as bullfighting. He was not, of course, taken seriously. After the vote, Catalonian Senator Josep Maldonado commented: “Bullfighting is a decadence and this decision today means a popular rejection of this activity.” The Canary Islands, which has no bullfighting tradition, became the first autonomous community to ban the spectacle in 1991. However the sport has many followers, including King Juan Carlos himself who allegedly once stated: “The day the EU bans bullfighting is the day Spain leaves the EU”.

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THEFOCUS HISTORY This article was previously published in the Panorama Magazine and has been kindly supplied by Panorama.

Introduction by Christopher Clover, Managing Director of Panorama Properties, Marbella. I had the pleasure of meeting Rudolf Graf von Schönburg, known in Marbella simply as ‘Count Rudi’, and his gracious wife Princess Marie Louise of Prussia, in the first year of my arrival in Marbella in 1973, when I took charge of Panorama’s office here. Over the years I have gotten to know Count Rudi and Princess Marie Louise well. I never cease to be impressed by the exemplary life they lead, and by how much this couple gives of themselves sincerely from their hearts, with so much humility, to the Marbella community, to their friends and family, to their work and their many responsibilities, and to the people having the good fortune to meet them. The Marbella Club is fortunate to still have Count Rudi in a major leadership role. This is a man who has lived the Marbella Club story in full since its very beginning in the 1950s and not only witnessed the very awakening of tourism in Marbella, 10 years before the construction of Puerto Banús, but has been at the very heart of the development of ‘quality tourism’ in our beloved city since that time. I have known few people of Count Rudi’s 75 years who can accomplish, in one day, what for another would be a full two-day schedule, and with great German self-discipline and attention to detail and the vitality of a young man. Wherever he goes, his indomitable spirit of grace, hospitality and goodwill towards others accompanies him. His activities, carried out with the simple but select style of the Grand Seigneur that he is, include his many responsibilities with his beloved Marbella Club, his Presidency of the Brotherhood of Santa Marta and of the Board of one of the best international schools in Marbella, the Juan Hoffman German School, and as the Patron of Hotels and Gastronomic Establishments; also, his work in the Municipal Government as a principal advisor to the Mayoress and as Chairman of the Marbella Tourist Consortium, his constant support to his beloved wife in her indefatigable work with Concordia and other charitable organisations, and his equal devotion to his children, relatives and many friends both here in Marbella and around the world. In recognition of his contributions to the city of Marbella and to bilateral relations between Germany and Spain, in 2002 Count Rudi was awarded the Great Cross of Isabel la Católica and the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of Germany. An Avenue in Marbella has been named after him. He was awarded the Spanish Silver Medal of Merit for Tourism in recognition of his valuable work as President of the Spanish and Portuguese Delegation of the prestigious French organisation, Relais et Châteaux; the Medal of the Ideal Citizen by the Rotary Club Marbella; the famous Arch of Marbella; and countless other awards during his 50-year presence in this city. I am deeply grateful that Count Rudi enthusiastically agreed to write the following article and share a few of his many experiences with readers. How he found the time to do so in his busy schedule confounds me. He writes just as he talks, with style, good humour and grace. The accompanying photos supplied are all from Count Rudi’s personal collection.

o the reader, this will probably sound more like a fairy tale than the authentic description of the beginnings of the Marbella Club, but it is the exact way that it all started. A lovely, small pinewood on the edges of a large olive grove giving shade to delicious vineyards, three miles to the west of the historic fortified town of Marbella overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar with its Pillars of Hercules (where the people from classical antiquity believed the world ended), led to the young Prince Hohenlohe falling in love with this ‘sleeping beauty’ in 1944. The unique microclimate, the beautiful light, the delicious aroma of the air, the dark blue sea full of fish, virgin beaches and, last but not least, the friendly character and hospitality of the local people, fascinated the Prince to such an extent that he decided to alter his travel plans and

The Marbella Club Hotel in 1975

i www. panorama.es

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start negotiations to purchase the finca Santa Margarita, the estate which he and his father had entered to have a swim and picnic lunch. On this beautiful finca, the Marbella Club is situated today. It immediately became their firm intention to save this ‘Garden of Eden’ for posterity, and send word of their discovery all over the world. After building his own home in the lovely pinewood, the Prince transformed the abandoned farmhouse into a meeting point for the new settlers and called it the Marbella Club. With his style of ‘elegant simplicity’, he soon added 20 simple but charming rooms to accommodate not only transit guests desperately seeking overnight accommodation but also all those friends

whom he had convinced to visit Marbella with his enthusiastic reports of his ‘Paradise on Earth’. But also, the often-blamed primitive telecommunication service helped the new Club to become very popular! Since the hotel had one of the very few telephones in Marbella, neighbours from all around came to the Club to make their calls, enjoying all the other facilities while waiting for their connections. It should be explained that there were few telephones available, and only two lines on the whole coast between Algeciras and Málaga; one depended on the kindness and efficiency of the operator in town to connect you to one of those two lines as soon as one became free. Knowing this, you will not be surprised when I tell you that it took Princess Marie Louise of Prusia & Count Rudi von Schönburg today

Old Marbella Club

The beginnings of the REPORT Count Rudi von Schönburg

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Prince Alfonso with James Stuart

Prince Alfonso & the Duke of Windsor

Mel Ferrer, Audrey Hepburn & Mrs. Rubinstein

Torre MC

between one and two hours to connect a call to Málaga, and between four and six hours to connect with Madrid or other European capitals. This gave the customer plenty of time to swim, play tennis, have lunch or even play a rubber of bridge while waiting for their connection, which created a very jolly atmosphere at the Club – plus additional income! The price of a double room, in those days, including full board, was 285 Ptas. per person per night, or about €1,70! It would be wrong to pretend that the hotel was only filled with celebrities, film stars, aristocrats and politicians! Had that been so, it would have been ruined after a very short time! No, there were so many faithful transit guests too, who discovered the Marbella Club by pure chance while searching desperately for overnight accommodation on their way from Morocco back to France, or from Portugal to Granada… They were enchanted to find such a charming, clean ‘motel’ amidst beautiful gardens, with the result that some stayed on an extra night and returned next time for two or three weeks, obviously telling their friends of their marvellous discovery – so the news travelled by word of mouth. But our greatest Ambassador was Prince Alfonso who, with tremendous enthusiasm during his continuous journeys around the world, told everybody of his beautiful hotel. It is therefore not surprising that, suddenly, illustrious members of the European aristocracy began to show up in Marbella: the Fürstenbergs, Bismarcks, Metternichs and Archdukes of Austria, Scandinavian Royalty and exiled Kings; famous Hollywood stars like James Stewart, Merle Oberon, Ava Gardner, Kim Novak and the beautiful Audrey Hepburn with her husband Mel Ferrer; also, bankers like the Rothschilds and Oppenheims; industrialists like Henry Ford, the Krupps and the Agnelli family, Onassis and Stavros Niarchos The people of Marbella could hardly

believe their eyes when they recognised, in their narrow streets, celebrities whom (up until then) they had only ever seen on the movie screen or in popular magazines. As I was a cousin of the Prince and a graduate of the Swiss Hotel Management School in Lausanne, in 1956 Prince Alfonso convinced me to come to Marbella to introduce modern management techniques and a high-standard, personalised service for the Marbella Club. It was not an easy task to satisfy the expectations of all those important guests, used to travelling from one palace to another, in what was still an extremely simple but charming hotel. However, with professional experience, diplomacy and aristocratic style, we were able to turn that small ‘country inn’ into one of Europe’s top hotels, forming a part of the Leading Hotels of the World and a member of Relais et Châteaux. Thanks to our knowing how to combine the special Club atmosphere with entertaining weekly parties and excellent service, the international globetrotters soon considered a stay in the Marbella Club to be a ‘must’. Amusing, regular Tuesday informal dress dinners at the Beach Club – which we pompously called ‘gala dinners’, encouraging the guests to come elegantly dressed but without a tie – added a special flair to the normally casual atmosphere, and gave us evenings to remember, like the night the Duke and Duchess of Windsor attended one of those ‘galas’, trying to follow our dress code although it was very much against the Duke’s normal habit of always wearing a tie, even in summer. The guests however, informed of the attendance of such an illustrious guest, decided to abandon their elegant informal dress and all the men showed up with coats and ties! When the Duke entered the Beach Club, he was wearing a Hawaiian shirt with an open collar! The Duke blushed and turned around without the other guests noticing it, returning soon afterwards, impeccably

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Queen Sofia with little Sophie von Schönburg in 1979

Gina Lollobrigida

Wedding of Princess Marie Lousie & Count Rudi in 1971

dressed in a dinner jacket. But what a shock to all the other guests, who had meanwhile relaxed and taken off their ties, to be confronted with this further controversy! Only a man as great as the Duke of Windsor could have resolved the situation by taking off his bow tie and throwing it into the pool! Devoted to our work, the Prince and I formed a perfect team, using our different talents and worldwide contacts to create one of the most emblematic hotels in the world, and succeeded in encouraging friends to invest in Marbella, creating luxury developments and residential areas with golf courses, marinas and polo fields. Right from the beginning, it was always our aim to keep the style of this ‘small oasis’ free from high-rise buildings and overcrowding, and to maintain a garden city where traditional local charm and cosmopolitan style and elegance blended smoothly together. My marriage in 1971 to Princess Marie Louise of Prussia, great-grand daughter of Germany’s last Emperor, brought about a great change, bringing me a happy family life and giving the Marbella Club the necessary touch of female taste, Royal glamour and class. My 15 previous years of bachelorhood had given me time to dedicate every minute of my day to improving the success of the Club while leaving a void of feminine influence in the management style. After the most beautiful marriage in the Black

Forest in May 1971, and a marvellous six-week honeymoon travelling from the north to the south of the American continent, on our return to Marbella we were welcomed by Prince Alfonso with an unforgettable Beach Club party. This was followed by weeks and weeks of festivities, which made the summer season of 1971 at the Marbella Club one to be remembered as among the most amusing and entertaining in its history. We were so incredibly happy but very much missed not having children. Finally, in May 1979, our long-awaited first child was born: our darling daughter, Sophie. The joy over this long-expected birth filled the hearts of the Marbellis, and of the whole of Spain, to such a point that Her Majesty Queen Sofia spontaneously offered to become Godmother to her newborn niece. Nobody in Marbella will ever forget the glorious entry of Queen Sofia, the baby girl in her arms, into Marbella’s main La Encarnación church, accompanied by the overwhelming sound of the famous Sol Mayor organ, as well as the jubilant acclamation of the population. The birth, six years later, of our son Friedrich Wilhelm, now studying at the famous hotel school in Lausanne, completed our happiness. Our devotion, since our first arrival in Marbella, to enhancing and improving its success, preserving the beautiful traditions of the old town and supporting people in need, quickly made the locals consider us one of them. The arrival of Crown Prince Fahd and his brother Prince Salman from Saudi Arabia in the late Seventies leant wonderful support to our philosophy:

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The Duchesse de la Rochefoucauld & Arthur Rubinstein

Lola Flores y Antonio Gonzรกlez

Grace Kelly & Raineri

The Duchesse de la Rochefoucauld & Senator Edward Kennedy Princesa Soraya de Persia & Mel Ferrer

Mel Ferrer & Pricesa Carmen Hohenlohe

Pince Gunther and Bardot with Prince Alfonso

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Princess Marie Louise & Count Rudi as the President of Santa Marta the Brotherhood of Hotels

Mrs. Kashoggi, Don Jaime de Mora y Aragón & Prince Alfonso

Prince Alfonso & David Shamoon

Prince Johannes von Thurn und Taxis & Adnan Kashoggi

luxurious palaces hidden in large gardens granting comfort and privacy. Soon after, several potentates and wealthy businessmen from the Emirates who cherished the company of the Saudi Royal Family, followed on. They brought the badly needed petrodollars into post-Franco Spain and justified the hope that our battle to save the beautiful resort for posterity had not been fought in vain. Sadly, these spring feelings were soon suffocated by the uncaring municipal administration during 14 unfortunate years, from 1977 to 1991, to the point that Marbella plunged into the worst moment of its history. In addition to this catastrophic situation, Prince Alfonso’s Saudi partner died and left his shares in the hands of his heirs, who had no other interest than to sell the hotel for the best possible price, in the quickest way. All seemed lost… but again a lucky star appeared on the horizon in the person of David Shamoon, owner of one of the nicest beachfront homes in the Marbella Club’s residential Santa Margarita zone. He realised that all his investments and the glory of Marbella would vanish if nobody were to take the initiative to save its flagship, the Marbella Club. He

Harold Robbins with Mr. & Mrs. Jean Negulescu in 1976

convinced a few friends to buy the Club’s shares with him, and invested a lot of money in the hotel to bring it back to its former glory, improving and modernising all installations and the restaurant to a super standard, without sacrificing its typical charm and personalised service. He convinced me to return to the Club to help him achieve this aim and partly recuperate the famous clientele. I am proud to say we succeeded in this crucial move and contributed to bringing the Marbella Club, and consequently the whole of Marbella, back to its old fame. There is justified hope that now, after the elections of the new Municipal Administration on 27 May 2007, the new City Council will support our efforts to preserve our glamorous Marbella so that it may continue to be, as to this day, the harbour for the new generation of opinion leaders from all over the world.

Baron & Baroness von Thyssen

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THEFOCUS PEOPLE

Javier Bardem was recently nominated for a third time for an Oscar for Best Actor. Marisa Cutillas discovers what makes ‘the Brando of our generation’ so special.

Javier

BARDEM

avier Bardem knew he had made it in Hollywood when he received a call from God… In actual fact, the man on the other end of the line was Al Pacino, whom Bardem always identified as the greatest actor of this time. Pacino called Bardem in the middle of the night, leaving a message on his answering machine in Madrid to say how much he had enjoyed the young actor’s performance in Before Night Falls (2000), in which Bardem played gay Cuban poet, Reinaldo Arenas, and received his first Oscar nomination. Bardem’s sensitive yet sober performance may have impressed Hollywood’s best, yet, at the age of 31, Bardem had long been known as one of Spain’s best actors and, perhaps, its most charismatic, shining with brutal masculinity in hits like Bigas Lunas’ Jamón Jamón (1992), where he starred alongside the woman who is now his wife: Penélope Cruz. Who would have thought that Cruz, who played the sulky, rebellious ‘guapa del pueblo’, would one day unite sentimentally with the macho ham seller of the film, Javier Bardem?

It is telling of Spanish society, in a way, that despite the international community’s appreciation of Spain’s only Oscar-winning actor (he obtained the golden statuette in 2007 for No Country for Old Men) Bardem and his wife are often the butt of jokes, send-ups and criticism for their cold relationship with the press. When approached by reporters at airports, events or in the streets, their reaction is always the same: head down, with a quickened pace, they refuse to answer a single question, and their irritation is always most evident when the questions are about each other. When Cruz gave birth to their first child in January of this year, the Spanish press was once again stunned to have heard of the news through the socialite magazine ¡Hola!, and to receive, some days later, a short press release stating that Cruz had given birth and that parents and baby were doing well. Oddly and typically enough, the note did not state the sex, nor the name of the baby. Back home, Cruz and Bardem’s respective families continue to receive flack from the

paparazzi, with Cruz’s sister Monica often being hounded by the press when she is out walking her dogs, one of which has earned the rather unflattering nickname of ‘perricerdo’ (‘piggy doggy’) for the loud grunting noises it makes (louder than Monica’s steely silence, anyway). Another faux pas was committed by Bardem in 2008 when, following his Oscar win for No Country for Old Men, he commented that the Spanish were “a bunch of stupid people” for labelling him a sell-out to Hollywood. The Spanish press often goes further, referring to the contradictory nature of an actor who supports the Communist party yet purportedly spends €3,000 on a knick knack for his baby. Everybody wants to know where the baby will be raised, which of the two actors, if either, will give up their career to raise the child and what he looks like (at least we now know it is a boy). The Hollywood press echoes the criticism, with some reporters referring to the couple’s first son as an ‘anchor baby’. The Bardems are easy not to like but the refreshing thing is that they don’t seem to give a hoot. In this way, Javier’s approach to the media differs very much from Hollywood greats such as Tom Cruise or Will Smith, who go to great lengths to preserve their public image. What the media doesn’t seem to understand is that Bardem does want to be great – but not a great man or a great showman, just a great actor. Bardem comes from a long line of performers who know what it is like to suffer for their craft. Javier’s mother Pilar, now in her 70s and still acting, is the daughter of famed actor Rafael Bardem and niece of acclaimed director Juan Antonio Bardem. Javier recalls hard times in his home: “My mother has been working for 50 years. And when I was young, I saw years, years of unemployment for her and she had three kids. The profession is so f***ing hard.” Yet the passion for acting is clearly hereditary in the Bardem clan, where pride in one’s craft always mattered much more than making money. This outlook on his profession influences Bardem’s choice of roles, and the frequency with which he works. He says, “Since I began in 1989, I’ve always taken a lot of time from one movie to another, sometimes 18 months, because I knew from the beginning that this is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. There’s

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no reason to do something you’re not happy with.” For Bardem, money is almost a necessary evil of being considered an acting great. “I don’t have a need for cars and houses. Since I’m a tomato on the market, I have a price. They have to pay the price, but money is not my biggest priority.” It is, perhaps, premonitory that young Javier’s idols shone far from his native Spain. Bardem recalls the first time he was bitten by the acting bug: “I went with my father to see Raging Bull and I asked him, ‘Who is that boxer?’ and he said, ‘No, he’s an actor’. And I thought, an actor can do that, go that far… to make truth? It had an impact on me.” Of Al Pacino he says: “The other day I was watching Dog Day Afternoon again and I see a man who is so true, so interesting, and I understand more about the world from his performance. And you go, ‘Come on, it’s only acting’. Well, wouldn’t you say that a good book or painting allows you to see the world in a different way? When I see a great performance I feel more alive.” Bardem’s path is a search for the truth and, regardless of the role he takes, he follows the Spanish saying that ‘An actor should always be the attorney of the character he is playing’. Understanding a character, getting into his shoes and touching his heart and soul is crucial, even when Bardem plays characters like the mercenary Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men, eerily sinister and violently explosive. Only Bardem could say of Chigurh: “I don’t see him as evil at all. I see him as a man with a mission that is beyond his control. Someone chose his fate for him.” His ability to approach a character without judging it has led directors like Julian Schnabel to call him “one of the greats”. Schnabel notes that, like a handful of actors – which includes Jack Nicholson, Al Pacino, Marlon Brando and Johnny Depp – Bardem reaches “a natural state where he inhabits these characters and he’s not acting. It’s so mysterious… how do they do that?” Bardem’s latest gem is Biutiful, by

Mexican director Alejandro González Iñarritu (21 Grams, Babel). Bardem plays Uxbal, a man described by Iñarritu as being “in free fall… a tragic hero and father of two children who knows he is about to die and who fights against his destiny to leave his children with a legacy of forgiveness, love and redemption.” González Iñarritu’s style is sentimentally riveting, spiritual and always emotionally painful. It is fitting that Bardem should have been chosen for the role of Uxbal, a contradictory character if ever there was one. González Iñarritu explains, “Uxbal is a man with a life that is so busy and complicated he can’t even die in peace; he protects migrants from the police but exploits them at the same time. He’s a man of the street with a spiritual gift that allows him to communicate with the dead and guide them to the light… but he charges a fee for doing so; he’s a family man with a broken heart and two children he loves but he loses patience with them; he’s a man everybody depends on and who depends on everybody; a primitive, simple, humble man with a profound supernatural vision.” González Iñarritu says that the role of Uxbal was so difficult to play because the character had three separate spiritual journeys to make: one journey was interior, to be undertaken alone as Uxbal approaches the idea of his death; the second is a journey through the city streets where he needs to find the solution to save his children after his death; and a third is the voyage towards spirituality, to a place which cannot be seen or explained but which Uxbal is aware of. “The interesting thing is that each of these journeys interferes with the other,” says Bardem, adding, “his body, mind and spirit each need something from him but street life and his family’s needs demand the exact opposite of him. It’s a constant conflict.” Interestingly, González Iñarritu said that he drew the idea for the character of Uxbal after listening to the melancholy Concerto in C Major for Piano by Ravel in his car, while on a road trip with his

a ‘Biutiful’ man

“You can’t buy either the gold or the failure because neither of these are truth” children. When the piece ended, he said, both his children began to cry. “The melancholy, the sensation of sadness and beauty in the composition, moved them. They couldn’t resist or explain it; they just felt it. That very day, a character knocked on the door inside my head and said, ‘Hello, my name is Uxbal’.” Those of us who love Bardem discover, in Biutiful, the essence of that emotion, the beauty of music and the heaviness that only one who suffers can convey. In every performance, Javier Bardem offers us the best thing he has: his heart. e

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THEFOCUS PEOPLE Is acting a kind of catharsis for you?

The best thing about the acting profession is that it brings you closer to situations that you don’t normally encounter in everyday life. You live realities that were never part of your destined path. It’s like therapy in that, by talking, you overcome issues. You don’t forget your problems, but you do put them into order.

difficult, it’s also intense and you feel like it offers you more possibilities. Every new film is a challenge, since the crew is new, the subject matter is different… in this profession, no two days are alike and as soon as you finish one film, you’re already thinking about the next one. The theatre also offers the same sensation of novelty and change. When you won the Goya for Mar Adentro, you said you were surprised. Of course; it was my first foray into film. Everything I’d done previously had been on television and that year was the first I’d been to a Goya awards show. It was the first time I had done anything like this and I felt like just another member of the audience at the awards. I was nervous because everything was so new. Experience helps you to react to nerve-wracking occasions such as this.

“Everything happens in life exactly when it should”

he would have made a great architect, had the TV programme VIP Noche not prompted her to take another path. Comic actor Emilio Aragón, enraptured by her, became her King Midas, converting everything she touched into gold in hit series like Médico de Familia, Periodistas and Los Serrano. Belén Rueda’s rise to the big screen was no less vertiginous, where she received a Goya for her first feature film, Mar Adentro, directed by Alejandro Amenábar. Since then, she has gone from success to success, be it in the cinema, television or the theatre where she is currently acting in a play directed by Tomaz Pandur, called The Fall of the Gods (a theatrical adaptation of the film by Luchino Visconti). Belén reprises the role played by Ingrid Thulin in 1969, of a woman belonging to a powerful German family with Nazi beliefs. Your performance in Los Ojos de Julia was magnificent, but this time you didn’t win the Goya for Best Actress… Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. But the mere fact that I was nominated alongside a short list of fantastic actresses was immensely enriching. The important thing is that we are all representing the quality of Spanish cinema; let’s hope we can make it more successful. You always take on difficult roles. Are you motivated by the possibility of winning important prizes such as a Goya? Not really. I think that when a role is

You’ve acted in quite a lot of horror films: El Orfanato, El Mal Ajeno, Los Ojos de Julia… is it just a coincidence or a conscious choice? I don’t think it’s a conscious choice, though I am a fan of the genre. I think that it enables you to express important emotions encountered by many people because it allows you to reach into the mind and the imagination. Horror films also permit you to express very strong emotions and I love that. Is there any chance you’ll be doing some more television work soon? The thing about television is that you miss it terribly because you create such strong bonds with the people you are working with, more so if the series is successful, because then you’re working with the same crew for many years. They’re like your second family and, when the experience ends, you miss that closeness. I’ve been very lucky in the past few years because every time I take on a new film or project, I end up making good friends with the crew. What was scarier, working with Amenábar in Mar Adentro or acting in the theatre? They are different fears… with Amenábar I was shocked I was offered the job because I had only done television previously. The fact that he called me and was so sure I could give a good performance filled me with fear. But returning to the theatre is also a huge challenge. Would you ever work in television again or have you learned all you can from this medium? Yes, I would. But professional careers are a bit like life itself; they say that it never changes. Some things do change but you learn as you go along and there are always new obstacles to overcome and new things to learn.

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Belén Rueda Do you remember the day you decided to become an actress? No, there wasn’t one special day. When I was a child I always liked acting but it always used to make me feel embarrassed. I never imagined I would one day make my living from it. When I was 16 I took an acting course in Alicante, and a Professor from the Dramatic Arts College in Madrid visited us. He asked me to do some auditions but when I finished the course, I always thought I would never be able to be a professional actress. I had a lot of insecurities and, when you’re acting, you need to rid yourself of fear and shame.

also important… and I’m not saying any more… you know I don’t like airing my personal life! (she laughs). If you had to choose between love and your career, which would win out? At this moment in my life I don’t have to choose. At any rate, when I get home I realise that there are other things of value, things which truly last.

One actor who is tremendously self confident is your Mar Adentro co-star, Javier Bardem, who took home the Goya for Biutiful. He gives off this cold, distant image but, in fact, when you’re working with him he is very giving and helpful. He puts so much of himself into every single character he plays.

You’re renowned for the charity work you do. Now you’re the ambassador of UNODIC, which helps women through the programme Corazón Azul. Yes, I am part of the UN campaign which aids women and children who are brought to Spain from other countries to be exploited. There are close to 70,000 women and girls who land on our shores every year and who need to be protected from the mafias who wrest them from their homeland.

You’re currently enjoying one of the happiest moments of your life, in the professional and personal sense. Your relationship with French entrepreneur, Roger Vincent, is going marvellously… Happiness is a marriage of many things. It’s important to be happy in your job and love is

Do you wish that success had come earlier? I think that everything happens in life exactly when it should. Sometimes people say that it’s a pity I didn’t become well-known when I was younger but I know that the characters I play are richer because I’ve lived through more experiences. e

Spanish Acting Sensation

interview by Amparo de la Gama

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first came across Oscar-winning Spanish director, Pedro Almodóvar, when I was in my teens, almost casually, when his film Átame (Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down) was showing at my favourite indie film house in London. From this delicious romantic comedy, starring the gorgeous Victoria Abril and a painfully handsome young Antonio Banderas, one scene always springs to mind: the love scene where Banderas’ character, a recentlyreleased psychiatric patient, ties Abril’s character to the bed and proceeds to make passionate love to her. Banderas’ character keeps Abril’s captive, after having stalked and kidnapped her from the film set where she works as an actress in B-grade porn and horror films. She continually tries to escape from his clutches, only to inadvertently begin to bond with, and eventually, fall in love with him. In another Almodóvar gem, Hable Con Ella (Talk to Her), a male nurse tends to his ‘girlfriend in a coma’, gently speaking to her, washing and beautifying her. The nurse, gentle, kind and maternal, inspires another man whose bullfighter girlfriend is also in a coma after having been gored by a bull. After having sympathised with the gentle nurse, a series of flashbacks and metaphoric scenes of great beauty reveal that the male nurse never knew his ‘girlfriend’ at all; in her past life she was a dancer he used to stalk and, now that she is in a coma, he takes advantage, raping and impregnating her in the most surreally-depicted scenes possible. Politically incorrect? Of course. But this is Almodóvar, perhaps the only director capable

Almodóvar

WORDS Rupert Bluff

Pedro

THEFOCUS HOLLYWOOD HYPERBOLE

I love you

of exploring the darker side of passion, where standards of morality have no room and even the most violent of acts can result in something beautiful, as in Talk to Her, where the rape of the dancer brings her back to life in the strangest of manners. This is perhaps what most distances Almodóvar from the great Hollywood directors; he is not interested in feminist theory or creating role models; all he wants to do is tell a story, inhabited by complex characters who reveal their darkest secrets but always in the most humane, enchanting of ways. His characters are often society’s outcasts – prostitutes, porn stars, transvestites or transsexuals; as Penélope Cruz once said, he draws them so well because “he does not judge them”. Almodóvar’s beautifully twisted stories focus almost exclusively on the lives of women, be it in the bustling city of Madrid, a small pueblo in Castilla La Mancha (where Almodóvar is from) or in a crumbling city suburb. The audience is a fly on the wall, invited to witness painfully private moments such as the death of a woman’s son before her very eyes in the Oscar-winning All About My Mother, the death of an innocent young nun of AIDS in the same film, or the sheer frustration of a poor suburban housewife living in a tiny flat with her petty thief husband, her drug-dealing son and her despicable mother-in-law. What glues these painful scenes together is the strong dose of humour present in the writing, and the often comical performances of fantastic actresses like Victoria Abril, María Barranco, Chus Lampreave, Penélope Cruz and the most enchanting of them

all, Carmen Maura. These stars have often spoken of the lengthy rehearsal process with Almodóvar, Penélope Cruz saying that the three months of rehearsal for Volver was “a luxury” and “unheard of” with any other director. Almodovar will spend days trying to elicit a particular ‘look’, a particular ‘mood’, a particular way of walking. He says that for his film, Broken Embraces, in which Cruz plays a young actress forced to bed an old film producer, he worked long and hard to change her natural emotivity: “Penelope is a very emotional, visceral actor. In this case, I needed her to have her emotions hardened, which was probably the hardest thing for her. What she needed was to have her tears squeezed out of her so she appears as dry and as hard as possible.” Cruz, in turn, recalls that she would cry and return to the set afterwards, and this ‘empty’ emotion was exactly what Almódovar wished her eyes to convey. Almodóvar is also richly colourful, his sets often decorated in bold primary colours – the result, perhaps, of the little colour present in his childhood (his mother dressed in mourning for 35 years). He himself takes charge of all the set decoration, using colours to express emotions like passion, anger and joy. I enjoyed Almodóvar in his younger, more rebellious days, when he seemed intent on shocking, humouring and impressing his audience. But I fell in love with his later work, from All About My Mother onwards, where the deepest layers of the human heart and soul were laid bare for an audience to contemplate their beauty. Pedro Almodóvar, there will never be another you. e

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BEL’S BLOG

THEFOCUS HUMOUR

MIND YOUR

SLANGUAGE Words belinda beckett

My English teacher would turn in her urn but it’s a fact of life that everyone uses slang, and the Spanish are no exception. Like their national dish, their language is a rich paella of spicy turns of phrase which can be very hot to handle. Like descojonarse, for example. In slang it means to crack up laughing but wrong usage may result in the more literal meaning – to de-testicle yourself!

“

nowing in what context to use slang is crucial in Spain, a nation where it is perfectly acceptable to go round calling all and sundry (including your granny) an intimate part of the female anatomy (e.g., ¡qué pasa coño!) But in no circumstances should a gentleman go up to a young lady, look her up and down suggestively and say “¡Ay, qué coño!”; that said, he could get away with it if she turned him down for a date because, in this context, it is an expression of disappointment rather than appreciation for the female private parts. Spanish slang has a tendency to be fruity. A mango is a hunky man but pineapples are trouble, as in darse una piña – to have a prang in the car. Staying with farm produce, if something no te importa un pepino, it means you couldn’t give a cucumber’s toss.

Imagine Gone With The Wind’s Rett Butler saying that to Miss Scarlet, rather than his immortal “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn”. A papa enterrada (buried potato) is slang for fool, hablar ajos y cebollas (to talk garlic and onions) means to use dirty language while the plain truth is a green vegetable – la verdura. Being a seafaring nation, fish also crop up frequently. A bagre (codfish) is an ugly person, a besugo (red snapper) is an idiot and you go on a hake (merluza) rather than a drinking binge. Comer (to eat) is a popular prefix, as in comehostias (literally, a consecrated wafer-eater but slang for a goody-goody) and comemierda (rather the opposite). To bear ill will towards someone is tener mala leche – to have bad milk – in which case, you might want to hacer arroz con culo (raise hell) although

PHRASES TO TRY OUT ON YOUR FRIENDS

{SLANG}

Aplastado como un sapo Buscar las pulgas a alguien Deberle a las vírgenes Le ronca la madre de los tomates Achaplinarse Más puesto que un calcetín Planchar la oreja

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{LITERAL MEANING}

squashed as a toad search someone for fleas to owe the virgins snore the mother’s tomatoes off do a Charlie Chaplin more put on than a sock to iron your ear

{REAL MEANING} exhausted to wind someone up to be in bad debt good heavens! to run away ready to go to go to sleep

the result of all that bad milk and rice up your bottom could result in a rather unsavoury rice pudding. Meanwhile, be careful next time you ask for a café con leche. In certain circles you may get a homosexual encounter as it is slang for un hombre del otro equipo – a guy batting for the other team, otherwise known as gay. Sausages of all types – butifarra, chorizo, salchicha – are, unsurprisingly, slang terms for the male appendage, as are agarre (handle), bolo (skittle), arma (weapon), flauta, (flute), herramienta (tool) and, more intriguingly, canario (canary). Cambiar el agua al canario (change the canary’s water) means to have a pee. Should someone tell you to “ciérrate la bragueta, besugo, o se va a escapar el canario” (shut your flies, idiot, or the canary will escape), you will be relieved to know there’s a word for putting it safely back where it belongs: enfundarla. (Note the ‘la’; quite illogically, in Spanish the word for the male organ takes the feminine gender, while coño is masculine…) Terms for female breasts are also manifold, the more intriguing being escaparate (the shop window) and anginas (inflammations of the throat). Moustaches are popular in slang. If something is bigote, it is super cool, to mover el bigote means to eat and if she no tiene malos bigotes, she’s rather dishy. Andar – to walk – is common in many slang phrases but if you andas con el cutis flojo – with loose skin – you’ve got a nasty case of the runs while andar con mal tapón (with a bad plug up you, something you might need if your cutis is flojo) means that you are quite the reverse – constipated. Andar con pelota is to be in love but in the plural (pelotas) you would, literally, be walking around b****ock naked. e

g Swat up on more slang with the Dictionary of Spanish Slang and Colloquial Expressions, by Michael Mahler, published by Barron’s. 23/3/11 13:40:30

MARBELLA - ESTEPONA ESTATES

P R O P E RT Y

I N V E S T M E N T S

“when you are serious about real estate”

Guadalmina Alta, San Pedro de Alcantara.

One of a kind! This mansion has a completely unique location. Situated within the boundaries of a prestigious residential area but still enjoying the privilege of the Andalusian countryside. Constructed to the highest standards and finished with superior materials and qualities. This property is without a doubt, one of the most impressive in Marbella. The estate enjoys sculptured gardens, tennis court, horse stables with private paddock, an artificial fish pond and a substantial size outdoor swimming pool. Apart from offering several bedrooms, reception and living areas, the house features a spectacular spa with indoor swimming pool, saunas, hammam, gymnasium etc. Plot: 20.100 m2 • Built: 2.324 m2 • Terrace: 400 m2

Los Arqueros, Benahavis.

Brand new apartment located in front of the Los Arqueros area in the municipality of Benahavis, just a five-ten minutes drive to the beach. It is in a frontline golf position and has superb views to the coast and the sea. The apartment is very nicely decorated and comes with an underground garage space and storage. South facing with plenty of sun on its two terraces, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Built: 145 m 2 • Living: 105 m 2 • Terrace: 40 m 2

REF: AP0574 – Price: 265.000 euros

REF: VI0145 - Price: POA

Aloha Golf, Nueva Andalucia.

Great spacious townhouse with south orientation in one of Nueva Andalucia´s most popular areas. The house which is situated overlooking the gardens, pool, sea and mountain has its main rooms divided into two levels with kitchen, guest bathroom and living room with adjoining terrace and private garden on the ground floor. Upstairs, there are three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. There is also a solarium with equipped kitchen, barbecue section, dining table and chairs. The townhouse also has its private garage for four cars with private access straight into the house. Fantastic layout, very good quality and price lowered to an incredible 490.000 euros. Built: 385 m2 • Terrace: 35 m2.

REF: TH0306 – Price: 490.000 euros

Casasola, Guadalmina Baja, Marbella.

Real opportunity to buy a modern stylish villa, in one of Marbellas most appreciated areas; Casasola/ Guadalmina. The villa is south west facing and sits on a magnificent flat plot of 1780 m2 with a lovely pool bordered by wooden deck and is surrounded by a nicely maintained garden. The property is built on two levels and and the total constructed area is 486 m2. Downstairs there are three bedrooms en suite as well as an extra bedroom and one guest bathroom. On this level you will also find a large kitchen with an adjoining laundry room and a lounge of approx. 75 sqm leading onto the large terrace facing the swimming pool. Upstairs you will find the master bedroom with walk-in closet and a spacious bathroom. A very nice property in a very nice area! Plot 1.728 m2 • Built: 409 m2 • Terraces 75 m2

REF: VI0286 – Price: 990.000 euros

Let us sell your property between Elviria and Estepona! Contact our listing department today!

www.marbella-estates.com

Urb. Monte Biarritz, Pueblo Jardin, Local 4 29688 Estepona (Málaga) Tel: +34 952 90 42 44 Fax: +34 952 89 68 49 Email: info@marbella-estates.com

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INTERIORS / ARCHITECTURE / ART

/ DESIGN / GARDENs / FASHION

Palatial Roman villas, the latest in lounging, million euro marbella art and fabulous fashion…

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THESTYLE PROPERTY

A ROMAN PALAZZO FIT FOR AN EMPEROR Report Belinda Beckett Photography courtesy of Marbella-Estepona Estates

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arbella is renowned the world over for its fabulous real estate, with palatial villas at six- and seven-figure price tags nothing out of the ordinary. However there is one property in nearby Gualdalmina Alta that stands out from the crowd: a breathtaking Palladian palazzo set in 20,100m2 of parkland that takes its style cue from Marbella’s own ancient history as the Roman town of Salduba. Although only dating from 2000,

its magnificence is worthy of a permanent place in the town’s architectural heritage. Built on the grand scale, the word ‘museum’ springs to mind as you take in the fountains, statuary, formal gardens laid out like a miniature Fontainbleu, sweeping staircases and vaulted ceilings soaring to dizzying 12-metre heights. In fact, the property was designed as a family home with six suites (one each for the owners, their son and daughter,

and three for guests), although there’s room for twice that number with space to spare. The mansion is also, in part, a legacy, constructed by one of Marbella’s leading luxury property developers who has shaped much of Marbella’s skyline over the past quarter century. Having spent all his life building other people’s dream homes, his own had to be something special and lasting, and this is certainly that: an architectural

Roman columned wow factor

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The luxurious lounge

tour de force created from noble materials whose precise symmetry is a homage to classical Roman temple architecture. And yet, this is not a stuffy house; the Ionic columns, colonnades and cool marble courtyards have a surprising relevance to modern Mediterranean living. That said, this is living at the über-privileged end of the scale. Few properties in the locality can boast bedroom suites the size of a family apartment (even the downstairs guest cloakroom comes in at 20m2), a spacious outdoor salt water swimming pool and a wellness spa with indoor pool and fully-equipped gym that would rival any five-star hotel’s (think the spa at Villa Padierna whose Venetian palazzo style is not dissimilar to this property, and you’ll get the idea). Other wow factors include a freshwater lake, floodlit tennis courts, a stables with riding paddock and three loose boxes; also (though perhaps more of a ‘wah!’ factor), a crocodile lake. Yes, that had me fooled too as I’d imagined that, like the pair of majestic stone lions flanking the entrance to the estate, the crocodiles would be decorative. Not a bit of it. Very-much created from flesh and blood, the housekeeper informs me that these two adult

The ritzy wellness spa would rival any hotel’s

Cool pool, Olympic-size

male South American crocodiles devour six kilos of fresh meat a week! With their presence, you would think there was no need for guard dogs but two sleek Dobermans are also kept as double insurance to back up the

internal and external security systems. This surprising property conforms in so many ways to the style of Venetian architect Andrea Palladio (1508-1580), popular in Europe from the early

18th century and frequently employed in the design of more modern public and municipal buildings, hence the ‘museum’ look. According to Palladian rules, the owner designed the property with reference to its elevated setting, adding many terraces, well-positioned windows and patio doors to provide fine views in all directions. The south-facing back garden, with Olympic outdoor pool and al fresco summer terraces, is of ‘cosier’ dimension and enclosed by tall pines and dense vegetation for privacy. The showcase front ‘garden’ is private by nature of its very scale and impossible to overlook (except from a helicopter). The gardens flourish with every kind of Mediterranean tree, shrub and flower. The house sits at the centre of the estate but you don’t just get out of the car and walk in through the front door. A fountain, a formal garden with topiary box hedging and a wildly romantic stone staircase provide stunning overtures to the main event and, as you finally arrive at the imposing five-metre front door, you almost expect a fanfare. Pause a while to look back and you’ll see that even La Concha mountain is framed dead centre within this symmetrical architectural symphony.

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Sweeping staircases with ornate wrought iron balustrades flow up to the mezzanine floor

The layout of the mansion is also classically Palladian, with a faĂ§ade modelled on a Roman temple. It is built on three floors with a basement (reserved for servants in times gone by but now devoted to leisure, as there are separate staff quarters away from the main house); a ground floor accessed through a portico containing the principal reception rooms and bedrooms; and a mezzanine floor with further bedrooms and accommodation. Also unlike in Palladioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day, there is a lift to all floors. More stunning symmetry confronts you in the luminous entrance hall with

its oxblood, white and dark green marble chequerboard flooring: two staircases with ornate wrought iron balustrades flowing up to the mezzanine floor on both sides; and, at the centre of the house, an elegant enclosed courtyard and fountain, the vaulted ceiling rising the full height of the house, allowing the spiritual sound of trickling water to reverberate throughout this calming space. All the reception rooms are beautifully proportioned, showcasing five types of marble inlaid in different patterns in the floors, and with stunning coved floating ceilings. However this 2,324m2 mansion

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Perfect Palladian symmetry

is built on such a grand scale that even large paintings are dwarfed to (comparatively) postage stampsize and Queen-sized beds take on the perspective of baby cots in spaces of this height and size. The kitchen, although containing an industrial-sized, stainless steel cooking island, an American fridge freezer, two walls of units and an ample family dining table, looks unfinished. And the lounge, with its triple-height ceiling, demands

all three of its four-seater sofas and modern fireplace to look cosy; this is a beautiful room, however, with light flooding in from the hall and spectacular views onto the south-facing terraces, gardens and outdoor pool with its imposing Roman-columned surround. The formal dining room, with classical fireplace, is comfortably filled by a long 12-seater table although the crucifix on the wall, alluding to the Last Supper, will not be to

everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taste! Next to the lounge is the home cinema. Despite its generous proportions, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing cold about this house, thanks to triple exterior walls keeping out the chill and damp, under-floor, gas-fired heating throughout and iroko window frames, beechwood doors and parquet flooring in all six suites, imbuing warmth. Other high-spec details include surround sound throughout, a water purifying

A kitchen for cooking on an industrial scale

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Untitled-1 1

23/7/10 10:49:55

The wildy romantic steps up to the entrance almost demand a fanfare Elegant outdoor living

The gym boasts a battalion of machinery

The magnificent marble master bathroom

g Marbella Estates,

Urb. Monte Biarritz, Pueblo Jardin 4, Estepona. Tel: 952 904 244. info@marbella-estates.com

system and electric video entry, plus the property has its own well. The suites each have large bathrooms with marble wet room showers, and stunning views of the estate. The ground floor west wing contains two guest suites and a sizeable, two-floor suite designed for the owner’s son: on the lower floor, a triple-aspect bedroom, bathroom with whirlpool tub and walk-in dressing room, and a spacious lounge and terrace above, reached by an open staircase. The daughter’s suite mirrors this layout. On the upper floor is the third guest suite, a library overlooking the lounge and the spectacular master suite, complete with modern glassed-in fireplace, dressing room, lounge, 35m2 Travertine marble bathroom and a stunning south-facing terrace commanding sweeping views of the coast. Travertine marble has also been used for the indoor salt water pool and surround in the spectacular

basement wellness spa which also comprises a Finnish wood sauna, plunge pool, massage room, showers, Turkish hammam and serious gymnasium with a battalion of machinery. On this level there’s also a bodega, kitchen and games room where an unexpected feature is a skylight bubbling with water – the base of the fountain in the hall courtyard above. This incredible mansion is for sale through Marbella Estates. Says Kristoffer Mincberg, a partner in the company: “You can find many luxurious properties in this part of the world but I believe this is a one-off. It is probably one of the most important properties on the Costa del Sol and would complement an owner of similar stature within the community prepared to cherish it and preserve it for posterity.” e

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THESTYLE DECOR NEWS

As a jet set resort of international renown, Marbella sets the leisure and lifestyle trends that the world follows and the Chill Sensations day-to-night bed, now available exclusively here on the coast, is a classic example: a new al fresco, illuminated social space for couples, groups and whole families that is set to change the concept of relaxation forever, day into night. Belinda Beckett reports.

t’s a party bed and some, a six-seater, circular daybed with schizophrenic tendencies that can morph into a luminous nightbed after dark. It’s a cutting-edge environment for hanging out with the gang, catching the sun’s rays, drinking cocktails or chilling under a parasol on long summer days; equally, it can be a cosy pod for gathering with family and friends around a heat lamp on winter evenings. As well as an outdoor drinks and dining space, it can even be your personal al fresco disco, complete with sequenced light show – just add drink, food and cool sounds! There’s nothing on the market to compare with the chameleon-like Chill Sensations bed, simply made for the party-loving Marbella lifestyle yearround, and the latest must-have accessory for hotels, pools, beach clubs, golf clubs and discos, or to wow friends in your own home. Designed and launched this year in Spain following two years of product development and research into new leisure trends, Chill Sensations is the solution to a myriad of scenarios in one chic, circular all-weather bed. Its elegant look is inspired by the Balinese sunbeds so in vogue now, but this babe is multifunctional as well as beautiful, creating at once a cocoon of quiet and comfort or a group space for leisure, communication and entertainment, day and night.

With a design that reflects the trend for pure, ergonomic, minimalist lines, the bed and cushions are upholstered in polipiel, a high-quality material that looks and feels like luxurious leather but which is waterproof, washable, flexible, resistant to chemicals and has undergone two years of testing for durability and strength. The bed is available in white or an opalescent material with transluscent properties, enabling it to be illuminated with LED lighting so that it glows in the dark like a space ship, either in one single colour or in a sequence of flashing rainbow hues. Operated by a simple, hand-held remote control, you’ll be in charge of your personal light show. Each easily-assembled bed contains at its centre a table for eating and drinking and, at 2.60m x 2.60m, can comfortably accommodate up to six adults. In the centre of the table there is a slot for an optional 2.80metre Chill Sensations parasol. The parasol is made of anti-corrosive anodised aluminium with a three-metre shade manufactured in Batyline, a polyester weave covered with a strong PVC developed by the Ferrari Company. This wonder material is aesthetically pleasing, resistant to fading and tearing and easy to clean with neutral soap and water. Being a perforated weave, it repels heat by convection, keeping

The

Ultimate

Party Bed

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g For further information in English, contact Simon Battiste, Tel: 659 873 232 or, for Spanish speakers, Francis Jacobson, Tel: 647 406 804. 24/3/11 11:31:43

Chill Sensations you cooler and preventing the proliferation of micro-organisms on the surface during periods of high humidity. A variety of other leading parasol brands can also be fitted to the bed, creating unlimited options. Another exclusive feature available soon will be an optional heatlamp, extending the bed’s use all year round and presenting the exciting possibility of a barbecue with a difference, where guests can enjoy their steaks and hot dogs encircled in cosy warmth, with the Chill Sensations light show thrown in! The beds and components are manufactured in Spain (so there are no production or transport delays) and come with a two year guarantee. Complete with anchorage plates, they can be purchased

in one of five models: the standard daybed in white with a superior version including 2.54 x 0.54 polipiel wadding, and a deluxe version complete with Chill Sensations parasol; the illuminated beds in transluscent opal come in two models, the deluxe version including a parasol. Commented sales and marketing manager Simon Battiste: “We believe the Chill Sensations concept is unique in the market place, providing a onestop solution to the increasingly sophisticated demands of the leisure industry and the need to offer something different in competitive and difficult times. We guarantee it will change the concepts of outdoor relaxation and socialising in Marbella forever!” e

www.chillsensations.com & www.chillsensaciones.com Please quote 143DeN_andi.indd 85

magazine when enquiring via the websites.

APRIL 2011 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE / 85

24/3/11 11:32:09

THESTYLE ART Photography KH Photography

One Million Euros of Art Brought to Marbella by

Stephen Howes

The cultural season kicks of with a splendid collective art exhibition with a total value of €1million at the Casino Marbella, featuring works by some of the world’s best known contemporary artists, all represented by Stephen Howes. Marisa Cutillas reports on an event that is not to be missed by those who appreciate a thing of beauty.

n the midst of a global financial crisis, one of the hardest decisions to make for many is where to invest. God knows, the real estate sector has been hard hit, and so have traditional investments in equities, whose value can be extremely volatile though still attractive for those willing to take a risk. Yet, in the midst of this financial desert there is a rose, as attractive and desired as in Saint Exupery’s The Little Prince. It’s called investment art, a thing of joy not only for the eyes and emotions, but also a possession matched only by gold in its assured increase in value. Did you know that, last year, Christies turned over £33 billion in art, 60 per cent more than in 2009? A single piece of artwork can grow by thousands of pounds a year and it is no wonder; art is, after all, always part of a limited collection, the fruit of talent, hard work and passion on behalf of artists who, fortunately for the investor in the financial sense, have only one life to live. Stephen Howes, a dealer of top level fine art for over 15 years, knows how lucrative the art business can be. A former entrepreneur specialising in the transport business, he casually fell into art dealership after hosting many dinner parties at his home, where his guests fell in love with, and began to covet, the works in his own, private collection. Stephen was generous with sharing artists’ contact numbers, keen to spread his love of his art, and was surprised when many of these artists contacted him regarding the possibility of taking on a role as their agent. “One of them said I sold more in a month than a gallery that represented them had sold in much longer,” he says, his warm, handsome face breaking into a big smile. It is, indeed, easy to see why the charming Englishman is such a great people person; he loves art with all his passion, and this level of devotion can only be contagious.

This month, Stephen is bringing some of the biggest selling artists in the business to the Casino Marbella. The launch is set for March 31, a unique event here since, for the first time, so many great artists will be in one room at once. There will be works by a bevy of internationally renowned contemporary artists, including:

Don Clarke:

Highly regarded by his peers and collectors alike, Clarke’s romantic and allegorical surrealism is painstaking in its construction and craftsmanship. His work hangs in collections worldwide and new paintings are eagerly awaited.

Rowland Fade:

A master of collage, Fade has shown in numerous galleries, winning accolades in many countries since the 1960s. His work, often tinged with wry humour, reflects his interest in history and social unrest.

Whether you are an investor or simply an avid devourer of visually breathtaking paintings and sculptures, don’t miss out on the exciting opportunity of being surrounded by €1 million worth of art, of talking with the artists themselves and approaching Stephen Howes for information on your favourite pieces.

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Nicholas De Lacy Brown: This young artist is rapidly gaining a reputation in the UK and abroad. His vibrant paintings range from the surreal to the contemplative.

Felix Muyo:

Muyo works with mediums including oils, resins and parchment to portray a world of half-hidden symbolism, warning of the possible future of our planet.

Marco Bombach:

Henri Rousseau meets Jack Kirby! Welcome to the wonderful world of Marco Bombach.

Andy Bonomo:

The preferred subject of this upcoming artist is ‘erotic collage’. Bonomo is a firm adherent to the ancient Roman belief that sexuality is important in life and art.

Johan Wahlstrom:

Wahlstrom describes himself as a visual artist, composer, traveller, seeker, with a lust for life and women. His work and his view of life, people and religion is cynical, perceptive, unique and totally compelling.

The launch commences on the evening of March 31. Make sure to bring your DNI/NIE/passport to obtain entry into the Casino. Hotel H10 Andalucia Plaza, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. Tel: 952 814 000. www.casinomarbella.com

For further information, please contact

g Stephen Howes on Tel: 952 448 055 / 650 361 543 or Jim Wood on Tel: 687 928 429. www.stephenhowes.es 23/3/11 13:03:42

Stephen Howes Fine Art Agent Presents

Marco Bombach - Casino Royal

Don Clarke - Red Cape

Felix Muyo - Triptico, Flores Para la Paz

Lothar Schliemann - Gallo

An exhibition at the Casino Marbella, Puerto Banus. Open daily at 20:30 until 4th of May. Personal ID must be shown to access the Casino

Exhibiting Ar tists include: Don Clarke Rowland Fade Liam Delaney Jim Park Marco Bombach

Michele Lehmann Juan Zafra Stuart Briggs Nicholas de Lacy Brown James Connell

Felix Muyo Johan Wahlstrom Andy Bonomo Lothar Schliemann Gino Hollander

Caroline Cary Christopher Stone David Hulston Caroline Louise Smyth Roger Cummiskey

info@stephenhowes.es +34 650 361 543. - james@stephenhowes.es +34 687 928 429

w w w. s t e p h e n h o w e s . e s

THESTYLE GARDENING words by Richard Whaley Director of Richard Whaley Landscaping, a garden design and construction company established in 1987.

How Stylish is

Your Garden?

have been asked by a number of readers about my design style. My first thought is one of unease. My style, do I have one? Do I need one? Am I lacking a catchy phrase that puts me in the company of acknowledged, successful designers? Another question is about my plant palette. What is it? Must I have a recognisable palette? If I do not, am I just another plant geek constantly searching for that one more plant to use? Or am I an architect at heart...? Is the goal to be another Piet Oudolf, John Brookes or even Gertrude Jekyll? Their garden designs are distinctively their own. Mine are, too, but I am not sure that a garden visitor could tell. As I look at my projects, I can see the elements that work in my designs. Sometimes they are faintly seen, other times more obvious. As I strive to meet my clients’ needs and design beautiful and sustainable landscapes, my goal is to bring them out into their gardens. Sometimes I have clients who are not interested in being outside. They just need a landscape. It is very difficult to design a distinctive landscape in this circumstance. What about the new construction, where there is no energy and little interest in the outside spaces? These projects are an opportunity to connect people to the landscape and, perhaps, to try a few new things but I cannot always worry about my style or palette. I need to design each space as completely and soundly as I can, and thrill at the chance to work out a truly fine, exciting and distinctive design. Following on from last month’s somewhat

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Tasks for April:

Z Divide Perennials There is still time to divide and replant perennials. Make sure you cut back hard and water-in well. Z Lawn Care If you failed to fertilise your lawn at the end of the summer, then I advise to apply a slow-release, potassium-rich fertiliser now. Water in! Z Feeding Ideally, feeding should have been done at the beginning of the autumn. However, one can apply organic compost, which also acts as a good mulch for the hot months ahead. Not many have compost heaps here in Spain, but many local authorities have composted material which is usually given free. Z Seedlings Harden off seedlings ready for planting out. Watch out for a late frost, though. Z Cuttings Try taking softwood cuttings of perennials and plant straight into the desired location; you may be pleasantly surprised!

base subject of grey water treatment, and the recycling thereof, let us look at other ways of using this valuable and necessary resource. Whether you have a space for a grand water feature – waterfalls, cascades, fountains, even a Koi pool – or a small apartment balcony or terrace, you could still have a very pleasing water wall or bespoke water sculpture. The sight and sound of water flowing, or in a still waterscape, is an extremely pleasing, and cooling experience. To some, a simple hardscape with a pool, hot tub or Jacuzzi is all they want, set within a pleasing space; fine by me. If that’s your dream, it’s my job to make it happen. Many aspire towards an infinity pool, depending on whether the landscape, elevation, and views allow this. However, as we who have pools know, the amount of evaporation in the summer months is quite alarming and would be more so with water features. This is where water recycling comes into its own. Let us not forget one’s garden irrigation needs. Well-designed irrigation systems are a must! In many cases it is just not good enough to have drip irrigation pipelines attached to a tap, nor pop ups. The pressure is usually not enough to make systems work efficiently. A timer and a pump system with several stations are best. This would also allow watering to be carried out in the early hours, when the ground has cooled down, and well before the sun is up. It truly irritates me when I see public areas being irrigated in the middle of the day! There are also Feng Shui principles to be considered, but that is a whole article on its own. In the meantime, enjoy your outside spaces... That’s why we live here... e

g For any questions, or landscape design enquiries: rvwhaley@gmail.com or Tel: 676 331 700. 23/3/11 13:21:16

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THESTYLE FASHION

Few national designers have had more of an impact among members of the jetset, stars and politicians than Victorio & Lucchino, the dynamic designing duo from Seville. With collections that ooze femininity, grace and Andalusian charm, the brand has managed to be one of the most-represented at red carpet events such as the Goya awards, Oscars and Golden Globes. At the Cibeles fashion show, held in September, stars such as Nuria Fergó, Miguel Ángel Silvestre and Paz Padilla eagerly sat in the front row to take in the beauty of Victorio & Lucchino’s Spring/Summer collection. The tip for the season: silk, floral designs and primary colours are in bloom! Report Marisa cutillas

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23/3/11 15:13:20

Vermillion valour

Pretty in peach

Spanish Beauty in bloom

Spring/Summer 2011

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In bloom

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Sheer femininity

APRIL 2011 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE / 95

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Blue poppy i www.victorioylucchino.com

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C. C.Cr i s t amar ,Local es 1516,Puer t oBanĂşs( Mar bel l a)

952818822 www. pav es . es

THESTYLE FASHION

Fl wer Ring by Accessorize

Power Cl

Watch by French Connection

Spring has arrived and so have floral prints, feminine colours and light, airy materials. Marisa Cutillas presents you with this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top buys.

y Ac ce u t ch b

ssoriz

Flower necklace by Accessorize

Dress by Playlife for Benetton

Scarf by Benetton

Bag by Benetton

Floral hat by Next

Sandal by Dior Sandal by Accessorize

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21/3/11 17:49:43

Clutch by Dior

Dior www.dior.com Benetton www.benetton.com Accessorize www.accessorize.es French Connection www.frenchconnection.com Littlewoods www.littlewoods.co.uk Matalan www.matalan.co.uk Next www.next.co.uk yogoego www.yogoego.com

Silver necklace by Dior

Bracelet by Next

Dress by French Connection

Sandals by Benetton

Maxi dress by Littlewoods High-heeled shoe by Dior

Floral dress by Yogoego

Sandal by Matalan

APRIL 2011 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE / 99

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21/3/11 17:50:39

TREATMENTS / PRODUCTS / Beauty / SPA / SCIENCE / health

The latest developments in health with a look at Marbella’s top specialists…

The Olive Treatment at the Hotel Don Carlos Spa 102 Beauty News 104 Interview: Dr. Aslani of the Cirumed Clinic and Quirón Hospital 106 Top Spanish Advances in Medicine 108

143 Intros.indd 4

Dr. Hilú of the Centro Médico Hilú

110

Health News

112

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TREATMENTS

THE

BEAUTY

“

You have one of the best jobs in the world,” many of my friends tell me, referring to the ‘spa’ part of my work where I get to try all the latest treatments – firming, nipping, tucking and injectable treatments that are the buzz words in health. After almost 10 years in the business, it has indeed been a pleasure, yet it does not mean that I have given up my quest for the ‘Marisa’ treatment: one that fulfils body and soul and leaves me in a more relaxed, yet simultaneously energetic, state. Who would’ve thought that the humble olive could take me to that place? To achieve baby smooth skin, a threepronged approach is the most efficient. First the skin is cleansed, then exfoliated (after which you have to shower the product off) and, finally, a wrap is applied to enable all the goodness of top notch products to reach the deeper layers of the skin. The Don Carlos Spa, headed by friendly Director Toñi González, turns this procedure on its head, offering a unique

treatment in which the shower comes last and you are pampered, massaged and soothed for two hours. On my visit, I was immediately led into the dark, inviting massage room and María, the therapist, asked me to undress and lie on my back, covering me with a towel. In a few minutes she returned, applying a warm towel to my forehead with gentle pressure. From that moment on I was pretty much on a journey to paradise, my breathing, pulse and general level of stress slowing down as I enjoyed a wonderful massage. My body remained covered by the cosy towel, except the parts she was working on. She began with a blend of essential oils, which smelled deliciously herbal, working on my feet, legs, arms and hands, abdomen and chest. At some points during the massage she would ask me to lie on my stomach, as she continued to repeat the process of gentle kneading, slow, rhythmic stroking and, sometimes, feather-light touches, on my back, neck and the lateral side of my legs, feet, arms and hands. On top of the oil, she applied an olive marmalade, light yellow in colour and deliciously warm. Olives have been used for centuries in beautifying the skin, primarily owing to their high anti-oxidant content. Olive extracts also contain firming properties, making this treatment ideal for those seeking to rid themselves of cellulite and give skin a taut, firm appearance. On top of the olive

blend, María applied a slightly rough but non-abrasive exfoliant, made of crushed, dried basil. Less stinging than sea salt but equally effective at sloughing off dead skin cells, it had the added bonus of a wonderful, fresh aroma, which relaxed my mind and soul as much as it benefited my body. I hadn’t noticed but María had placed a transparent wrap underneath my body, which she then enveloped me in, leaving me silently for a few minutes to allow the oils, olive and basil to work their magic. It may be embarrassing to admit it but I was so deeply relaxed at this stage, my own snoring woke me up on more than one occasion! Finally, María returned, asking me to shower the mixture off with the help of a loofah. With my new, silky smooth skin, I then sat on the massage bench while she applied a refreshing, cool gel to my legs. And that was it; no final application of oil, a step I often dread since it leaves skin too greasy. The shower also refreshed me, awakened me and left me in a more energetic state than when I arrived. The olive treatment at the Don Carlos Spa is an ideal present for your mum, sister, best friend or a special woman (or man) in your life who deserves to have beautiful skin but also wants to enjoy the journey. As I bounced out gleefully from the spa, one thought filled my head: life is short and it is experiences such as these that make it worth living!

t n e m t a e r T e iv l O The at the Hotel Don Carlos Spa photography courtesy of

the Hotel Don Carlos Spa

itions, In this most Spanish ofded more few treatments coul beoli ves. fitting than one involving oa Marisa Cutillas delves inttio lia n delicious massage, exfo d shares and wrap treatment anwi her experience th you.

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i CN 340, km 192, Marbella. Tel: 952 768 800. www.hoteldoncarlos.com 24/3/11 15:47:40

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Diamond Extreme Anti-ageing bio-regenerative extreme cream For the ultimate product in your anti-ageing beauty regime, try this nutrient-enriched emulsion, which regenerates skin cells and firms skin while providing maximum protection from free radicals. It contains an Epidermal Self-Modulator which helps repair and protect epidermal tissue. Skin is lifted, hydrated, stimulated and strengthened. Diamond Extreme has won various awards, including the VIVA Award in the category of Best Skincare Products: Anti-Ageing, in Dubai.

Tensolift Hand Cream There is no doubt that daily chores take their toll most cruelly on our hands. If dry, tough skin is a problem, try Tensolift hand cream, a replenishing and lightening hand treatment containing a luxurious texture and long-lasting benefits. The cream plumps skin, evens natural skin tones, erases dark spots, stimulates elasticity and firmness and hydrates and diminishes the sensation of tightness.

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from Natura Bissé

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When it comes to high-end facial and body cosmetics, few Spanish brands are quite as well known as Natura Bissé, the company founded in Barcelona in 1979 and now present in stores and spas in America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The company focuses on formulations containing maximum concentrations of highly efficient ingredients and new, soothing textures. Always at the cutting edge of research and technology, Natura Bissé is a true pioneer when it comes to effective skin treatments. This month, we bring you some of their top products.

Honey Scrub Fresh from Natura Bissé’s Spa line this scrub, made from crystallised honey, eliminates dead skin cells and provides intense moisture. Its aroma, a mix of magnolia and honey, arouses the senses and promotes a state of blissful relaxation.

C+C Vitamin Scrub This lovely, fresh scrub is ideal for tackling roughness, blackheads and dead cells that minimise the brightness of skin. It contains a gel-like micro-granulated citric extract that helps smooth the skin and minimises the appearance of pores.

1 Rosa Mosqueta Oil

3 Body Slim

This pure musk of rose oil is a favourite for mumsto-be and new mums, since it helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars, as well as wrinkles. It is particularly indicated for skin that has been subject to aggressive conditions, including laser hair removal and burns.

This slimming gel is made of marine algae which accelerates the fat-burning process and the drainage of accumulated fat. Promising to help you slim down one size after just a few applications, it also strengthens capillaries, helps eliminate toxins and fluid and leaves your skin with a cleansed, refreshed feeling.

2 Top Ten Complex A good serum is an essential ingredient of any anti-ageing programme. Top Ten Complex is an oil-free intensive repairing treatment with potent renewing properties. If your skin is fine, or has been damaged by laser or micro-dermabrasion treatments, Top Ten is the ideal solution. It is gentle, easily absorbed and has a plumping effect. It also restores elasticity and suppleness.

1 2

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of the Cirumed Clinic and the Quirón Hospital or a person seeking plastic surgery, the choice of which surgeon or clinic to visit can be a daunting one indeed. As these fields are so specialised, it is crucial to be informed and learn something about the level of experience and training required, in order to differentiate a good from a great, surgeon. Dr. Alexander Aslani, who founded the Cirumed Clinic in Marbella four years ago, is a benchmark of such excellence, fostered through training in the UK, Germany and Austria and vast experience in complex plastic reconstructive surgery in South Africa. “To master plastic and reconstructive surgery, it is necessary to spend some years as a qualified specialist in a senior position, a few years as rotating resident will not do” he says, adding, “Unfortunately, most surgeons today, especially in plastic surgery, try to take the easy route and disappear in ‘beauty practices’ in the belief that what they perceive as their talent will compensate for their lack of surgical experience. However, once things go beyond the easy, they quickly come to a point where the do not know what to do.” Dr. Aslani himself has spent many years in Austria as a Professor teaching residents this specialty, one that would turn into his own lifelong passion. He also spent six years in South Africa in the 1990s, a country renowned as one of the best for obtaining hands-on experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery. “In South Africa, specialists attend to a huge workload of patients, mainly in the field of trauma,” he explains , adding, “This goes hand-in-

hand with one of the best academic training programmes in the world. South Africa is so hectic, one year there in reconstructive surgery amounts to about six years in the UK in terms of patient numbers.” It is easy to understand why, when patients opt for aesthetic surgery, it is a good idea to seek out a surgeon with extensive experience in reconstructive surgery, generally regarded as far more difficult and complex in the technical sense. This curiosity about a surgeon’s background and training seems to be lacking in the Marbella area, in Dr. Aslani’s view: “Somehow it seems to be a phenomenon native to Marbella that many patients don’t bother asking their surgeons how long they have been specialists, whether or not they have been Senior Consultants, etc., when all this is highly relevant to the outcome they can expect.” Since 2009, Dr. Aslani is also Chairman and Head of the Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery Department at the Quirón Hospital in Málaga, Spain’s largest private hospital. If you’re an expat, you will probably need an introduction to a hospital regarded as one of the most elite in Spain, the choice of the King of Spain and members of the Real Madrid football team who go to the Quirón Hospital’s branch in Madrid. The Quirón is known for its safety and excellent service and offers maximum-level care to patients, including helicopter transfer and a state-of-the-art intensive care unit. For Dr. Aslani, as it would be for any surgeon, his appointment at the Quirón was an incredible

Going The Extra Mile in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery Report marisa cutillas photography kh Photography

Cirumed Clinic Avda. Ramón y Cajal 7, Marbella. Tel: 952 775 346. www.cirumed.es Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Quirón Hospital Avda. Imperio Argentina 1, Málaga. Tel: 902 448 855. www.quiron.es

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coup. The post was hotly solicited and makes its holder one of the leading surgeons of the country. The Plastic surgery department is one of the hospitals flagship departments. Says Dr. Aslani: “The Quirón has made enormous investments in laser equipment, surgical microscopes and so on, which differentiates it from small clinics. I spend around 80 per cent of my time operating there and, I must say, my appointment as Head of the Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery Department has made my working life much more complete. I truly enjoy the academic exchange with other surgeons and also the opportunity to consult with renowned heavyweights in the medical sphere, such as the Heads of Department at the Quirón Hospitals in Madrid and Barcelona.” At the Quirón, Dr. Aslani also has the opportunity to hire the best professionals and recently recruited a consultant from the UK in an effort to bring the very best to the south of Spain. Other changes he has implemented at the Quirón include the appointment of a Head and Neck Specialist, who is able to complement the plastic surgery team beautifully. Dr. Aslani explains, “I perform all rhinoplasties with the Head and Neck Specialist since he is particularly good at working on the deep

septum, while I take care of the outer part of the nose. I noticed that, when we go the extra mile and operate together, the improvement is notable. With steps such as these the Quirón, which has only been present in Málaga since 2009, has already made a name for itself as the only hospital specialising in complex reconstructive and facial surgery in the south of Spain.” With a private clinic of his own and such an important role at the Quirón Hospital, Dr. Aslani is certainly a busy man. He describes his workload as being divided as such: “About 30 per cent of the surgery I perform is composed of breast reconstruction, 20 per cent of head and neck surgery and 50 per cent of aesthetic procedures.” When I ask if breast reconstruction for cancer victims involves the use of implants, he states that in the main, he opts for reconstructions using fat obtained from other parts of the body. The reason for this, he explains, is that “implants on breast cancer victims can lead to complications and require further operations in approximately 50 per cent of cases.” Reconstructive surgery is, nevertheless, far more complex for a surgeon than the normal implant procedure, taking between seven and 11 hours compared to only

two-and-a-half to three hours for a standard implant procedure. Dr. Aslani is also actively involved with the Interplast organisation, travelling to India twice a year to conduct free palate reconstruction surgery on the impoverished for two weeks. Cleft palates and lips, a phenomenon nearly unheard of these days in the western world, is rife in India and Dr. Aslani assures me that this condition “is a huge setback for sufferers, who are treated as social outcasts, cannot get married or find employment.” He is pleased to inform me that unlike the first camp organised by Interplast in India, where sponsorship and public interest were hard to come by, this annual event is now so successful that it has received backing from entities like the Quirón Group, which generously donated €15.000 last year. Dr. Aslani has certainly run the full gamut when it comes to reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, helping patients in so many ways, from reconstructing a face destroyed by a violent accident or gunshot to giving women the breast augmentation they have always dreamed of. He is testimony to the marriage of experience and training, science and art, love and passion; a marriage present in only the very best medical professionals.

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THE

HEALTH

ish Medical n a p S e Top Fiv

Breakthroughs

neering medical When it comes to pio nd to think of breakthroughs, wen,teAs ia or Northern places like Housto re in Spain, doctors Europe yet, right he oducing results that and scientists are prrld and take are making the wo wesitbrup you some ing h, notice. This mont al discoveries. top Spanish medic

WORDS Marisa CUTILLAS

Deep freezing lung cancer

This is not only a first for Spain but for the region of Andalucía. Doctors at the Santa Elena clinic in Torremolinos became the first to remove a lung cancer using cryosurgery, or what is more commonly known as ‘deep freezing’. The operation, which took place in July 2010, involved lowering the lung cancer’s temperature to -192º, using an injection containing argon gas. The gas causes the cancerous cells to freeze and, subsequently, the tissue thaws and is absorbed by the body. While cryotherapy has been used on other cancers, this is the first time it has been used successfully on lung cancers. The procedure is ideal for those who are too weak to survive standard operations.

5 Face Transplant

Windpipe transplant The first tissue-engineered whole organ transplant took place in 2008 in Barcelona, where scientists created and transplanted a windpipe made from the patient’s own stem cells. The technique means that for the first time, transplants can be carried out without the need to resort to anti-rejection drugs. The team at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona performed the operation by first taking a donor trachea and washing away all the original cells, leaving only a tissue scaffold which was then repopulated with cells from the patient. The cells were taken from those lining the patient’s windpipe, as well as adult stem cells from her bone marrow, which grew into the type of cells that normally surround the windpipe. It is expected that, in 20 years’ time, almost all transplant organs could be made in this manner.

This procedure made headlines all around the world in late 2010. It was a fine example of pioneering surgery, in which doctors at the Hospital Vall d’Hebron in Barcelona completed a full facial transplant on a patient whose face had been destroyed in a gunshot accident,

Did you know that a woman is more likely to die the year after she has had a hip fracture than after a heart attack? This statistic alone reveals the importance of being able to measure the strength and quality of bones. Scientists at the Hospital del Mar in Barcelona have had a breakthrough in the study of human bones with the development of a new diagnostic tool called the Reference Point Indentation Instrument. This equipment uses a mechanically driven test probe located in a tiny cylinder about the size of a hypodermic needle. The probe is fired into the bone of the patient for about 10 seconds, causing microscopic indentations. The indentations are repeated and the micro-fractures are measured, thereby coming to a precise measurement of the bone’s strength and quality. The results can be used to adapt or select particular treatments for patients.

An end to trembling from Parkinson’s

SCIENCE

New tool for measuring human bone

Scientists at Spain’s Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas have devised a new way to eliminate the uncontrollable trembling provoked by neuro-degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. The new device is capable of identifying whether or not the patient’s movements are voluntary, using functional electrical stimulation to stabilise trembling. The device is currently only at the prototype stage and consists of an encephalographic helmet capable of detecting the patient’s intention of movement, as well as electrodes which measure muscular activity and sensors to gauge the type of movement. The device is expected to be completed and available five to 10 years from now.

rendering vital functions, such as swallowing, speaking and breathing, very difficult. The doctor who performed the operation, Dr. Joan Pere Barret, transplanted the entire facial skin and muscles, maxilla, palate, teeth, cheekbones, nose, lips and jaw through plastic surgery and

micro-neurovascular techniques. The patient can now see, swallow and breathe, a sure sign of success. Before this operation, 10 partial or almost-total operations had been carried out in France, the USA, China and Spain but never before to this level.

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Let us bring out the best in You!

Beyond Beauty has become Ocean

Dr. Kai O. Kaye

Plastic, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgeon

Clinic’s metaphor, because one of its meanings re-

Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery - EBOPRAS

beautiful and attractive. But it can also be seen as

flects what most of our patients desire; being more

an invitation to look behind, to understand what

Full Member of the German Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery - DGPRÄC

lays beyond an attractive appearance these days and what can be done to bring out the best in You.

Member of the Colegio de Medicos de Malaga (No.29/2909452)

Dr. Kaye and his team are more than happy to welcome you for a free consultation to learn more about us and what we can do for you to feel beautiful inside and outside.

P l a s t i c s u r g e ry - a e s t h e t i c m e d e c i n e - d e n ta l a e s t h e t i c s

Winner of Marbella Awards 2011 - Specialist Clinic

Av. Ramon y Cajal, 7 - 29600 Marbella 0034 951 775 518 - Mob : 670 770 455 info@oceanclinic.net - www. oceanclinic.net

PROFILE

id you know that just one drop of blood could save your life, or that it possesses the imprint of the state of your health not just at this moment but five, 10, 15 years or more into the future? One drop of blood, when magnified, reveals much more about the body than you could ever imagine: everything from cellular imbalances right through to defects and diseases you could have now, or in the future, despite suffering no symptoms. This drop of blood is a pillar of Cellular Medicine, practiced in Marbella by Dr. Raymond Hílu. Dr. Hílu, affable and intellectual, gushes about cellular medicine at our meeting. When I ask him at what age a person should consider having a diagnostic test done, he replies, “My youngest patient was two days of age. The healthier you are, the more you need it, so you can stay healthy for a long time.” You may wonder how babies can benefit from the test. Dr. Hílu explains: “Babies often contract viruses or bacterial infections while in their mother’s wombs and these don’t just go away; they need to be treated or future problems are sure to arise.” Dr. Hílu has treated around 80 babies so far and interestingly, “nearly none of them have a 100 per cent clean bill of health.” Dr. Hílu tells me that there are two main branches in Cellular Medicine. The first is diagnostics in which one drop of blood, obtained from the finger, is magnified by 65,000 times with the aid of a microscope built specifically for Dr. Hílu. The doctor projects his findings on a monitor, if the patient wishes, so he can explain any defects he finds. He then designs a protocol to amend the problem, which can consist of medication, supplements, homeopathy or a combination of the above (the approach is integrative). In some cases, further treatment is necessary: laser treatment, ion transfer, plasma generators, etc. Interestingly, many serious conditions can be prevented years in advance. It is, indeed, amazing that such a simple procedure can ascertain information about cardio-vascular risks (clots, aneurisms, thrombosis, etc.), some cancers, kidney failure, skin problems and more. Finding these risks before they express themselves in the form of a full-blown disease is crucial. The second branch of Cellular Medicine involves the use of stem cell implants. Says Dr. Hilu: “To our knowledge, we are the only private clinic with the authority to impart stem cell autologous surgery (where stem cells are

taken from the patient’s own body). One area where stem cells are being used successfully is in knee replacement surgery. Dr. Hílu recently operated on celebrity journalist José Manuel Parada using this technique, and the results were astounding, with the operation lasting only one hour and the patient jumping down from the operating table when he could hardly climb atop it before the surgery. Says Dr. Hílu, “The effects are immediate so patients feel the difference immediately. The extraction process is pain free, thanks to local anaesthesia, and there are no side effects. This operation, called Cirugía Bilógica Según el Método Hílu, is patented and involves a rather complex process. Stem cells are normally extracted from the ‘HOFFA’ fat contained under the patient’s healthy knee, as well as from either the ankle, sternum or the hip bone marrow. The two types of extraction are mixed after isolating the stem cells and administering inductors to help the cartilage regrow. “It is very important,” explains Dr. Hílu, “for the cells to have the same temperature, PH level and electrical potential as they did in their original location, for the treatment to work.” Clearly, extraction and implantation are a very complex process. Dr. Hílu describes another recent successful operation: that of a woman who wished to have more pronounced buttocks and lips. Stem cells were extracted from fat in her belly, dried to avoid re-absorption once implanted, and were then implanted into her lips and buttocks. The cells were enriched to enable them to vascularise and behave as natural fat in those areas would behave. Most interestingly, there are no limits to what can be done with stem cells. “In due course we’ll be able to regenerate areas such as the heart, liver, pancreas, kidneys, bone, muscle, etc.,” says Dr. Hílu, adding, “When tissue or an organ becomes diseased they stop regenerating because they don’t have enough stem cells. We give the body the stem cells it needs to repair itself.” Whether you are an athlete, child, baby, university student, person of middle or elderly age, feeling healthy is not enough; Cellular Medicine has awoken us to the fact that health is a unique gift we need to work on throughout our lives. “My oldest patient is 108 and is in perfect health,” Dr. Hílu smiles, clearly an aim we should all aspire to.

“The healthier you are, the more you need Cellular Medicine”

Dr. Raymond

Hílu of the Centro Médico Hílu

Report marisa cutillas photography kh Photography

g Playas del Duque s/n, Edif. Casa Sevilla, Locales 1-2, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 907 777. www.centromedicohilu.com

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en a! op ll w rbe No Ma in

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24/3/11 18:08:32

THE

HEALTH

> Stars Scoffing on Tissues?

UPDATE

f you wondered how those Hollywood beauties managed to stay stick thin despite the passing years, you may be surprised to learn that it isn’t always attributable to a banging workout, good genes or plastic surgery. For some, the way to a ‘10’ body simply involves… starvation! We were stunned to watch a recent interview with Janet Jackson, speaking to Piers Morgan on CNN, in which she stated that some celebrities feel such pressure to stay thin, they actually resort to eating tissue paper (which has zero calories). Jackson said: “It’s crazy. That’s why I think a lot of the women today swing in the opposite direction. They’re under-eating. Some of the stories

I hear… I’m not going to name names (but) this is the worst. Eating tissue, Kleenex, so it fills the stomach. So you’re full. So you don’t want another bite to eat and so that’s what you eat.” This type of story is a real litmus test of the extent to which beauty is still a much-pursued myth for women, one they go to ridiculous extents to achieve. A healthy lifestyle may mean a few more kilos on those bones but at least a longer life is more likely.

Zinc for Colds?

For some reason, when we embark on an exercise programme or try to consume less calories, we have one thing in mind: getting slimmer so we can fit into a smaller size, feel sexier and more inclined to lead a healthy lifestyle. But being overweight does not only take its toll on self-image; a recent study by the Harvard Medical School indicates that the obesity epidemic is rising to such a degree that our knees are the biggest victim. The study, presented at the 2011 Annual Meeting of the American College of Orthopaedic Surgeons, found that the number of knee replacement surgeries had doubled from 1997 to 2007. And, as if having to undergo an operation wasn’t bad enough, recovery time is also much longer and post-op complications increase for the obese, who often encounter problems such as re-admission, swelling of the leg, infections, respiratory disorders and neurological and gastro-intestinal issues. This certainly makes a good case for staying light on your feet!

Slim Down, Save your Knees!

Zinc is a great supplement and has been used for many reasons, from stopping hair loss right through to skin care and proper growth. But experts are now reporting that taking zinc (in syrup, tablet or lozenge form) can help reduce the severity and duration of colds. They advise us to take zinc on the first day we start feeling sick. Zinc should not be taken for long periods, though. Watch out for side-effects such as nausea, vomiting and stomach pain.

>Crackdown on

Fake Medicines in Europe The European Parliament has approved a new directive to protect consumers from fake medicines. Due to Internet shopping, an estimated one per cent of drugs sold are fake and experts are calling these medicines ‘silent killers’ because they either do not do the job they are being taken for, or because they contain other substances which are actually harmful. The EU is currently studying the application of strict measures to be followed by all online pharmacies, and is also considering adding safety features to the packaging of all drugs. The directive, which will be finalised and added to each EU country’s laws, will also involve adding a two-dimensional barcode to prescription medicines which can be easily read by a new scanner. Charles Willis, of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in the UK, said: “We believe that this is something that the UK Government must buy into and is good for every patient.”

WORDS Marisa CUTILLAS 112 / ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE APRIL 2011

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business & product launches / seasonal parties / charity events / social scene

We have been out and about following the most important and glamourous events taking place in the Marbella area. Did you miss out this month, or can you spot yourself?

116 Cudeca Fundraiser at Villa Tiberio 117 G端ey Honoured by Mexican Tequila Regulating Body 118 The Global Party Press Launch in Marbella 120 Suite Celebrates its 8th Anniversary in Style

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THEVIBE

Cudeca Fundraiser A ROARING SUCCESS

Villa Tiberio once again supplied the sumptuous surroundings for another great fundraising evening organised by Caroline Randerson, this time in aid of the Cudeca cancer hospice. The restaurant’s owner, Sandro Morelli, generously hosted an evening of fun with the Tres Divos performing and funny man Stan Boardman having the audience roaring with laughter. Steve Gilmour of Talk Radio Europe M.C’d the event and conducted an immensely successful auction which greatly contributed towards the impressive sum of €24.000 being generated for such a worthy cause.

“Rarely, has so much fun been had in such a good cause!”

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PHOTOGRAPHY Johnny Gates ñl download your photo from www.i-marbella.com 25/3/11 13:08:57

THEVIBE

Güey Honoured BY MEXICAN TEQUILA REGULATING BODY On a rainy evening in March, the sun managed to shine inside restaurant Güey, one of Marbella’s most fashionable eateries as the owner, together with manager Johnnie B Gomez and his team were presented with the Golden Agave award from the Consejo Regulador de Tequila. Guey is one of just three restaurants in Europe to have been recognised with the ‘Distintivo T’ for the exceptional quality of their authentic tequila. The music, tastes and culture of Mexico were celebrated as guests mingled with Mexican dignitaries and mariachis entertained the crowd.

“One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor”

PHOTOGRAPHY Johnny Gates download your photo from www.i-marbella.com PHOTOGRAPHY Johnny Gates ñl ñl download your photo from www.i-marbella.com 143 Vibe.indd 117

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THEVIBE

The Global Party WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE Around 100 journalists from all corners of the world converged on Marbella, staying at the Marbella Club and Puente Romano Hotels, for an extended press event over several days giving the full briefing on The Global Party, an unprecedented event allegedly inspired by Phileas Fogg, being assembled by leading strategists Lord Stanley Fink and David Johnstone. Within 24 hours, on the 15/16th September 2011, 80,000 of the world’s elite and media will congregate at more than 80 parties being held at exclusive locations around the world, raising money for many charities including The Global Party’s charity of choice, the children’s charity ARK.

“Around the World in Eighty Parties!”

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PHOTOGRAPHY Johnny Gates ñl download your photo from www.i-marbella.com 25/3/11 13:09:54

No.1 online magazine for all the events and news from Costa del Sol!

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Make calls and bookings! Business directory has everything You need in Marbella. Call and make bookings at a restaurant or a beauty salon straight from Your phone. List Your business on our Business Directory!

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THEVIBE

8th Birthday Celebrations FOR SUITE NIGHTCLUB A stylish crowd flocked to the Puente Romano Hotel to celebrate the 8th anniversary of ultra hip boutique nightclub Suite. The team behind their continued success including Daniel Shamoon, John Thomson, Tara Lorimer and Zoe Marmentini were joined by Marbella’s clubbing elite to enjoy live performers, a fabulous birthday cake and even a glamorous fashion show hosted by Fashion Villa. Edu Reyes, the resident DJ also launched his new track Make it Right featuring Josephine Sweett... LIVE!

“It’s a Suite Life!”

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PHOTOGRAPHY Johnny Gates ñl download your photo from www.i-marbella.com 25/3/11 13:16:29

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NEWS /ENTERPRSE / LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILES /

FINANCE / LAW

ENTERPRISE

Ocean Club Opens in the Spring Time Hailed as one of Europe’s largest and most chic venues, frontline beach club Ocean Club will be holding a soft opening on April 20 and a spectacular white and silver themed Grand Opening party on April 29 (tickets for the latter will be on sale from April 1). The world famous Champagne Parties are also back, the first one taking place on May 1. In the Summer, there will be Champagne Parties on the last Sunday of every month (June 26, July 31 and August 28). On July 21, Belgium’s number one club, La Rocca, comes to Ocean Club to help celebrate the Belgian national day. The restaurant, key to the success of Ocean Club, continues to serve exquisite food created by Belgian chef, Stephane Brulyant, who delights diners with his creative cuisine, based on a fusion of classical French and Mediterranean dishes. Diners can also opt for delicious Asian dishes and a selection of home-made desserts. Check out Ocean Club’s website for a detailed listing of event dates and times. g Avda. Lola Flores s/n, Nueva Andalucia. Tel: 952

908 137. www.oceanclub.es

Marbella Masters 2011 Featuring Björn Borg Northern Vision is delighted to announce that 11-times Grand Slam title winner, Björn Borg, will be returning to the Puente Romano Tennis Club to play in this year’s Marbella Masters on August 25 to 27. Borg told the press: “I am really looking forward to returning to the Puente Romano Tennis Club, where I have many friends and such great memories.” Björn is very familiar with the clay courts of the Hotel Puente Romano, as he managed the Club soon after it opened in 1979. Today, the Club still attracts the world’s greatest tennis players and fans. As a member of the ATP, the Club has played host to prestigious international tournaments over the years and, last year, inaugurated the Marbella Masters, which attracted players of the calibre of Pat Cash, Richard Krajicek, Mansour Bahrami, Martina Hingis and Sergi Brugera. g www.puenteromano.com

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International Press Rates Costa del Sol Best Beach Tourism Destination Press agency, Oak Power Comunicación, recently carried out a poll involving 600 international journalists specialising in travel, in an effort to verify the best-rated beach tourist destination in Spain. The Costa del Sol took the coveted top spot, and was also considered one of the trendiest and most stylish holiday choices. Other top contenders included the Canaries and the Balearics, Benidorm, the Costa Brava and Alicante. The journalist were asked to value these destinations based on characteristics such as the number of kilometres of beach, installations, services, infrastructure and transport, as well as proximity to other interesting cities. g For

further information, www.oakpowergrupo.com

Málaga Airport Garages: Own Your Own Garage Near the Airport If you are a frequent traveller to and from Málaga airport and you’re looking for a secure place to leave your car, new company, Málaga Airport Garages is offering a once-in-alifetime opportunity: the chance to own a private freehold garage close to the terminal buildings and enjoy a host of benefits including complete security, an on-site manager, complimentary shuttle service to the airport (a five-minute drive away), and the comfort of the Owner’s Lounge, where you can relax on the sky terrace or fill your time with TV, Internet, shower facilities, snacks and refreshments. Garages are available in various formats and sizes, ranging from open units of 2.5 x 5.5 metres to fully-enclosed garages up to a maximum of 5.3 x 7.9 metres. Owners will also have the services of a concierge who not only arranges transfer to the terminal but also ensures that all aspects of vehicle maintenance – from valeting and refuelling to a new set of tyres – are taken care of. He can even book your green fees or liaise with your gardener. Purchasing a garage is likely to be a good investment prospect, since Málaga airport is one of the fastest growing airports in Europe today. g Ctra. de Coín 6-12 (entrance Avda. General Duque de Alveiro 15), Málaga. Tel: 952

560 204/ 670 955 400. www.malagaairportgarages.com APRIL 2011 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE / 123

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Elegant Luxury Awnings from Markilux and Tip Top Spain In response to growing demand for elegant and luxury awnings across Europe, Markilux is thrilled to have launched its superior quality awnings on the Costa del Sol, with Tip Top Spain in Marbella acting as official distributor. For almost five years, Tip Top Spain has specialised in the high-end, luxury shade solutions market, while Markilux is the largest German brand name in awnings, renowned for making life on the balcony and patio much more enjoyable for many people for more than a quarter of a century. Markilux brings two sets of skills to this joint project: a technical understanding of design engineering and a highly developed knowledge of textiles. The shades, especially designed to weather high winds, are made to last a small eternity. g For further information,

Tel: 661 030 816. www.tiptopspain.com

BMW Presents K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL Motorcylces at the Kempinski The Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona was the chosen venue for the presentation of two of BMW’s newest motorcycles: the K 1600 GT and the K 1600 GTL. BMW representatives and concessionaries of motorbikes from 43 countries attended the presentation to see the motorcycles up close and give them a test drive. The Kempinksi Hotel hosted the BMW representatives and its clients for three weeks, filling the hotel rooms to maximum capacity. The hotel is recognised as a reference for hosting top business events and private celebrations. g CN 340, km 159, Estepona.

Chocolate Tasting and Opportunity Meeting by MXI Corp The Marketing Xhocolate Internationally Corporation (MXI) recently held a chocolate tasting and investment opportunity meeting at Magna Café. Guest speaker and top distributor of the company’s chocolate in Europe, Angelique Normand, gave a speech about how well the healthy chocolate sector is performing and what an attractive opportunity it can be for investors. MXI is a company that has gone from $4 million to $65 million in just five years. It sells Xoçai cold-pressed, gluten-and lactose-free chocolate with a high anti-oxidant content which is so healthy, it can be eaten by diabetics, celiacs, and those following a Kosher diet. The chocolate has no added fat or preservatives. g For further information,

Tel: 637 547 419. www.healthchocolate.eu

Tel: 952 809 500. www.kempinski.com

First Breast Cancer Congress at the Hotel H10 Estepona Palace The first congress devoted to the important subject of breast cancer took place at the Hotel H10 Estepona Palace, with the aim of increasing the number of women who have regular mammograms. At the moment, only 68 per cent of women in Spain opt to have this important test, a very low figure compared with other European countries. The congress was attended by important figures in the field, including Dr. Esther Gala, specialist in Preventative Medicine and Public Health. Dr. Gala is the head of a programme aimed at early detection of breast cancer in the Costa del Sol area. Additionally, Dr. Gerardo Blanco Eguren spoke about the protocol followed at the Hospital Costa del Sol in the prevention, detection and treatment of breast cancer. Finally, Dr. José Infantes, a specialist in Biological Medicine, talked about natural ways to prevent and treat breast cancer. g Further

information can be obtained from the Centro Municipal de Información a la Mujer, Tel: 952 804 704. 124 / ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE APRIL 2011

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Línea Directa Launches Online Service Offering Legal Assistance in English Popular insurance company Línea Directa has launched an online service offering legal assistance to its customers in areas relating to housing, consumer law, family, labour and penal law. The company’s new cover, which is up to 40 per cent more economical than the average cover, will provide safeguards to buying and selling, renting and house renovations, complaints against suppliers regarding consumer issues, divorce and the division of matrimonial property, labour issues, vehicle registration and de-registration, and more. In addition, the service will provide legal assistance in the case of road safety offences committed by the insured vehicle. If assistance is provided by a lawyer of the customer’s own choice, Línea Directa will offer €110 in legal aid, unless the lawyer is provided free of charge by the state. If court actions are subsequently required, Línea Directa can put the client in contact with its network of lawyers throughout Spain, which will save the customer between 10 and 50 per cent on legal fees. g www.lineadirecta.es

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British Chamber of Commerce and Megacall Hold Seminar on Business Growth The British Chamber of Commerce and communications specialists, Megacall, jointly hosted a seminar on business growth presented by Renee Botham, Director of Touchstone Growth, a company specialising in helping companies find new business opportunities. Renee spoke on important issues such as marketing techniques, how to acquire clients from a new sector, making a company stand out from competitors and other obstacles that may be holding a business back from attracting new clients. g www.

britchamber.com

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Pre-Owned Boat Fair at Puerto Banús The third pre-owned boat show, organised by Marina Marbella, will once again bring much life and excitement to Puerto Banús from April 21 to 25, with an estimated 100 boats, from 17 to 84 feet, displayed at the show and available for sea trials. The event is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking for a good deal and great value for money, with the added security of boats being serviced by the professionals at Marina Marbella. As well as the sale of pre-owned and brokerage boats, Marina Marbella Group focuses on sales, service, importing, exporting and distribution of powerboats and motor yachts of the following brands: Sea Ray, Chris Craft, Azimut, Jeanneau, Dominator, Lazzara and Marquis. Marina Marbella has offices and service facilities in Spain, England, Sweden, Portugal and Morocco. g Puerto

Pesquero s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 777 099. www.marinamarbella.net

Mayor of Marbella Spends Andalucía Day with Children

Aloha College Shines in Academia and the Arts

The Mayor of Marbella, Ángeles Muñoz, spent Andalucía Day on February 28 with 300 primary pupils from a host of local schools. The congregation, held at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Marbella, involved a host of activities and displayed the children’s drawings, literary texts and dancing skills. The Culture and Education Counsellor, Carmen Díaz, who was also present, told the press that the event aimed to show the important role played by children in making Andalucía what it is today, and also how they are the greatest promise for its future. g www.marbella.es

Aloha College recently had two reasons to be proud: some of the school’s most talented mathematicians from Years 10 and 11 took part in an ISMTF Mathematics Competition against 40 other international schools from all over Europe; and the school’s IB students flew to Warsaw to attend the Senior Maths competition. Also, this month, a select group of Year 9 students will defend their school in the Junior ISMTF Competition in Basel, Switzerland. Aloha students shone in the artistic sphere as well, putting on a fantastic production of Oliver where they delighted parents and friends with their heartfelt performances. Aloha is additionally pleased to announce that eight of its students achieved outstanding grades in their recent LAMDA examinations (the school itself is an official LAMDA examination centre in Andalucía). g C/ Aloha Golf s/n,

Marbella. Tel: 952 814 133. www.aloha-college.com 128 / ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE APRIL 2011

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Relax and Enjoy at Cortijo del Mar From this month onwards, the magnificent FM Consulting project, Cortijo del Mar, will have a series of furnished and equipped apartments available for rental as well as purchase. The idea is to ‘try before you buy’, enjoying a fantastic holiday and getting a feel for the top quality accommodation. If you make a purchase of an apartment during your stay, the amount you have paid up to a full week’s rental will be reimbursed. The price per person per night is €125 + IVA from April to June, and September to October; and €200 + IVA for the months of July and August. Prices include daily cleaning and change of bed clothing twice a week. Please contact FM Consulting for precise conditions of the offer. g CN 240, km 168 (C.C. Diana Exit),

Estepona. Tel: 952 904 035. www.cortijodelmar.com

Animal Charity Gala at Pizza Express

If you love animals then you know of the precarious situation faced by abandoned dogs and cats on the Costa del Sol. AlcaidesaLive.com is a non-profit organisation which is working to raise funds for the following groups: the World Society for the Protection of Animals, the Gibraltar Society to Prevent Cruelty to Animals, the Refugio Los Barrios, and ANBAD and Shady Paws of La Linea. The charity will be holding two gala evenings, at Pizza Express in Ocean Village in Gibraltar on May 26, and at El Paraíso Country Club in Estepona on May 27, for all those who wish to help them reach their target of €10.000. AlcaidesaLive.com is currently in need of sponsors for important projects such as a mission to send 250 local dogs to loving ‘forever’ homes in Finland, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands. Tickets for the galas can be purchased online, or from the following shops: Viva La Diva! in Torreguadiaro, Glitterati Books at C.C. Diana and Paddy’s Irish Bar in Estepona. g www.alcaideslive.com

Business Launch at the Equestrian School in Estepona The Escuela de Arte Ecuestre in Estepona is now home to three new retail businesses which jointly held a spectacular launch, at which guests were delighted with canapés and champagne. The Sally B. Boutique houses a host of fashionable items, including an exclusive selection of Tone Barker Silk wear and Maui Jim sunglasses. Another boutique, Selina, is a haven for jewellery lovers, especially those after dazzling diamond designs at the right price. The third new shop, Mo’Sart, sells original, handmade horsehair jewellery. At the event, the Escuela also invited guests to visit the brand new Tack Shop, where riders can find everything they need, including items from the famous Dubarry Boot and Leather collection. The launch ended with a glamorous fashion show in the restaurant, which overlooks the indoor riding arena. g www.escuela-ecuestre.com APRIL 2011 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE / 129

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David Mills Appointed CEO of the UK’s Surgicare Cosmetic GROUP David Mills, founder of aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery group Mills & Mills, has been appointed Chief Executive of the Surgicare Cosmetic Group in the UK, which has been bought by The Hospital Group (the largest weight loss provider in Europe and major stakeholder in Mills & Mills). David will now be working between the UK and Spain. In other news, Mills & Mills is expanding its operations from Gibraltar and is in the process of opening one new clinic in Marbella, another in Barcelona and a third in Madrid. David Mills is excited about the expansion process and plans on delivering top service in both the UK and Spain. g Tel: 902 906 058. www.

millsmedical.com

Andalusian Wines Affected by Climate Change

15th Anniversary for Estepona Rotary Club

Many of our environmentally-aware readers will be attending the III World Congress on Climate Change and Wine, scheduled for April 13 and 14 at the Palacio de Congresos of Marbella and featuring a keynote speech by Kofi Annan. It seems that the change in climate is affecting our everyday life in more ways than we could imagine. Pancho Campo, organiser of the Congress, tells us that the Andalusian wine-making sector could be adversely affected, particularly the wines of Jerez and Montilla, which require a particular humidity and temperature to maintain their excellence. Campo is particularly worried that the wine sector does not seem to be aware of the gravity of the situation: “Wine makers have to start taking measures to avoid this situation; they cannot wait for the government to do so. The solution to climate change lies within each and every one of us.” Measures which should be adopted include the reduction of CO2 emissions and the adoption of specific rules for wine makers.

Estepona Rotary Club chose to celebrate its 15th anniversary with a conference about Rotary’s cultural exchange programme for the young. Exchanges are a magnificent way for students to immerse themselves in another language and culture, and Rotary has been at the forefront of this wonderful project for decades. The President of the Estepona Rotary Club, who presided at the event, was pleased to have been at the helm of an organisation which now, 15 years after its creation, is more active than ever in so many fields, including social and cultural awareness programmes. g wwww.

g www.cambioclimaticoyvino.com

rc-estepona.org

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Special Olympics Gibraltar Participating in World Summer Games in Athens The Special Olympics Gibraltar team is excited about participating in the forthcoming World Summer Games in Athens, Greece, where they will be pitted against a host of talented athletes from all over the world. Some 27 athletes will be representing Gibraltar in aquatics, athletics, bocce, bowling, equestrian competitions and football. The organisation is currently seeking sponsors for all athletes, to enable them to achieve their personal best. Sponsorship allows the community to share in the support, inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities.g Tel: +350 540 08179.

www.specialolympicsgibraltar.org

DEBRA Faces Exciting New Challenge Many readers are unaware that, every year, thousands of people around the world celebrate Rare Disease Day. DEBRA, the charity aiding sufferers of butterfly skin, chose this day to make people aware of their motto: ‘To ensure those with rare diseases have equal opportunity.” The problem is that public health services need to do more for those with butterfly skin, since medication for sufferers can cost their families in the region of €2.000 per month. DEBRA has posed itself the challenge of recruiting one member for each sufferer of butterfly skin, a person who is willing to learn about the disease, talk about it and share information on the needs of those suffering from this painful disease. DEBRA also needs financial support as well as volunteers for its charity shop, which was recently launched in Madrid. g Tel: 952 816 434. www.

debra.es

CIT Marbella and CADE Networking Conference Tourist association CIT Marbella and CADE, the centre supporting business initiatives, recently hosted an interesting networking conference entitled Building Successful Businesses in Andalucía. The companies C.B. Richard Ellis and Conversalia held workshops focusing on innovation, renovation and creating business opportunities, and Internet marketing techniques for small-tomedium-sized businesses. g www.citmarbella.es

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New Astronomy Group in Marbella

Those with an interest in astronomy will be pleased to learn that the Mijas Astronomy Group has been formed. The group seeks to attract enthusiastic astronomers of all levels of skill and experience, bringing them together to share knowledge with others. Group leader Lee Osborne says: “We want to attract anybody who is interested in studying the stars and planets. We welcome absolute beginners and professional astronomers alike. The group will meet fortnightly in a bar, then move to a reasonable dark observation site. g For further information, contact Lee on Tel: 616 679

453. www.astronomycostadelsol.com

Saint Patrick’s Day at the Parque Miramar Commercial Centre The Irish and local communities both revelled in what has become one of the most fun days of the year at the Parque Miramar Commercial Centre in Fuengirola: the Saint Patrick’s Day. This year, the event featured a plethora of performances by talented artists, including a fabulous Irish dance troupe and the wonderful singer Laura Elen, who delighted guests with a medley of Irish anthems. The ‘little leprechauns’, meanwhile, enjoyed a host of entertaining activities including face painting, leprechaun hat making, snakes on sticks, jugglers and a mono cyclist. Adults indulged in home-made Irish tapas and free Irish beer. This is only one of many events held throughout the year by the Parque Miramar, which aims to celebrate the wonderful mix of cultures on the Costa del Sol.g

www.parquemiramar.com

St. Patrick’s Day at Aloha College

Class 5ES, along with the Irish Dancing club, celebrated St Patrick’s Day recently with a tribute to Celtic music, dance, poetry and art. In re-telling the life of the patron saint of Ireland, the children presented blessings which they had written themselves, modelling Patrick’s own poetic words. They also performed Celtic music on the recorder and danced to traditional music, imitating the modern style of Irish dance made famous by the River Dance company. The Irish Dance club, which consists of members from Years three to six, delighted the audience with an enchanting performance of intricate footwork. They were honoured to feature a veteran dance club member, Lori, from the senior school, who has helped and inspired the girls during recent weeks. g C/ Aloha Golf s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952

814 133. www.aloha-college.com APRIL 2011 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE / 133

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Millionaire’s White Summer Party Presents ‘An Evening from Las Vegas’ This summer will see the introduction of The Millionaires’ White Summer Party to Marbella, a dusk ‘til dawn event which will take place in the exquisite, jasmine scented gardens of the privately owned Finca la Concepcion, just off the Golden Mile on Saturday, July 30. Entitled ‘An Evening from Las Vegas’, the event will pay homage to the glitz, glamour and incredible music of Las Vegas in its heyday, with organisers flying in three exceptional musical performers, a 22 piece ‘Basie style’ Big Band Orchestra and dancers straight from Vegas for a night full of music and excitement. The amazing Maxine Barrie will open the show singing the powerful songs of Shirley Bassey accompanied by the full orchestra. A Troupe of Vegas showgirls will then perform for the guests. They will be followed by an incredible singer, Stephen Triffitt, a world-renowned Sinatra Performer who will be singing all the classic songs with the backing of the Orchestra. The second half of the evening will be more upbeat, with American singer Eric Conley paying homage to the late, great Barry White and setting the mood for a party hosted by International DJ Rusty Egan, who will be playing classic Studio 54 disco tracks. g VIP Tickets can be requested via the

website www.millionairessummerparty.com for 120€ per ticket, which will include a Veuve Clicquot Champagne and Canapes reception. For further information, Tel: 637 155 145.

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Shanti-Som Wellbeing Retreat Opens on Monda Hilltop Kezia Jacobson has always dreamed of opening a five-star wellbeing retreat and now that dream has come true, with Shanti-Som. Kezia is excited about being able to offer guests her teachings from the East and West, therapies and age-old wisdom, creating a haven characterised by tranquillity and harmony. At the hilltop retreat, which is surrounded by tropical gardens, clients can take a step back from their fast-paced lives and be inspired, educated and encouraged to live their best life. Shanti-Som, located in the beautiful countryside of Monda, offers various programmes including yoga, detox, weight loss and health education. Facials, body treatments, holistic therapies and massage will likewise be offered on a daily basis. The retreat has 12 luxury bedrooms and two suites, each with an individual touch and their own sacred names to inspire you. Foodies will love the restaurant, which offers a healthy Asian fusion menu. g Llanos de Purla, km 22, A-355 Marbella-Cรกrtama, Monda. Tel: 952 864 455.

www.shantisom.com

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THEPRO LAW

Ensuring Contesting frozen assets

The speed with which this is done leaves especially foreign inheritors at a distinct disadvantage. They will be up against it trying to gain access to any of the assets bequeathed to them. Indeed, the process can take years, during which time all bank accounts (even joint accounts), properties, cars, shares, insurances and even furniture and heirlooms are strictly out of bounds. Not only does this mean that the inheritors will not be able to access money or sell property, but they will not even be able to rent out homes or make use of cars or other goods. From the state’s point of view such assets have nothing to do with the claimants until (and if) they prove their inheritance claim, which is not a given.

your will is done M

any of us don’t have a will, but those who do naturally think they have their affairs pretty well sorted. Yet what happens when you live abroad or own property or other assets in a foreign country? Are you still in total control of your affairs then? In other words, if you have, for instance, a British will that stipulates exactly how you want your assets to be distributed, then things will get complicated if you live in Spain. The inheritance process will be a lot more timeconsuming and expensive than if you have an officially registered Spanish will, as well as a full set of details concerning identification and the declaration of assets and liabilities. What happens if you don’t have this? To

How do you avoid this?

The thing to do is to avoid this situation altogether. You can ensure that everything runs smoothly and according to your wishes by having a Spanish will drawn up and signed before a notary. This testament can mirror the stipulations of your original British will, and ensure that they are carried out in Spain. But a Spanish will alone is not enough. In addition, your inheritors will be asked to present a comprehensive

start with, the stipulations of your testament, British or Spanish, will not be automatically put into action upon your death. Instead, your family or any other beneficiary you have assigned will have to contest the inheritance in a Spanish court. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is enough without having to go through that as well. To make matters worse, there is no mañana attitude when it comes to these situations, as Spanish custom dictates that burial or cremation should take place relatively soon after death. This leaves the bereaved insufficient time to start preparing paperwork in the face of the freezing of assets that will otherwise follow immediately afterwards.

set of documents, including death certificate and declarations of assets and liabilities. All documentation is legally binding and must be signed and certified at a notary. If necessary, the documentation may be translated into Spanish for certification purposes, and apart from the death certificate it will all have to be prepared by your lawyer well in advance. Not all lawyers on the Costa del Sol specialise in this field, so those with greater specialist expertise will be more

Advice FROM RAQUEL PEREZ Perez Legal Group Property, Law, Tax & Insurance Services. Elviria, Marbella

proactive, pointing out how to avoid potential pitfalls and maintaining an annually updated file that will ensure that all required information and documents are in place when they are needed. This includes the registered identification details (passport or Spanish N.I.E.) of the assigned beneficiaries, so that they can be presented as the legally recognised inheritors, thus avoiding the otherwise automatic course of events described above.

Reducing inheritance tax

Getting legal advice from an expert will also enable you to reduce the amount of inheritance tax to be paid, by allowing you to plan ahead and work within the legal framework of the tax system. To start with, payment of inheritance tax has to be made within six months of death, with surcharges of 20% per year for late payment, but if you plan ahead and provide the right documentation you can be eligible for tax benefits of up to 95%, as well as deductions for health care costs and costs involved in the burial itself. It is never a pleasant scenario to consider in advance, but for those people who wish to ensure that their assets are dealt with according to their own wishes and stipulations, getting a specialised Spanish lawyer to put your affairs in order will save your loved ones a great amount of confusion, expense and distress – not to mention a conceivably large inheritance tax bill. e

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g Centro Comercial Elviria, Oficina 6, Marbella. Tel: 952 833 169. info@perezlegalgroup.com www.perezlegalgroup.com 28/3/11 14:01:45

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THELEISURE TRAVEL

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Savouring

Catalunya © José Luis Rodríguez

Catalunya is going all-out to capture globe-trotting gourmets with a host of new routes and attractions on a culinary theme. Belinda Beckett presents a taster of what the most Michelin-starred region in Spain is serving up for visitors this season.

he eyes of the gastronomic world will be on Catalunya this summer where, for his next trick, Spanish food magician Ferran Adrià will start work on his El Bulli Foundation. The culinary research centrecum-restaurant will open in 2014 on the same site as the eponymous three Michelinstarred restaurant at Cala Montjoi, many times voted best in the world. In the lead-up to this world press event, there will be much more to tempt the taste buds of foodie travellers. Catalunya positively scintillates in the gastronomic firmament, with 57 Michelin stars shared by 46 restaurants: four with three stars, three with two stars and 39 with one star, and its cuisine has become a driving force for tourism. Symptomatic of the seriousness with which this wealthy north-eastern region of seven million people regard their cuisine, the traditional Catalan breakfast now has official status. Under a new set of industry rules passed by the Socialist-led government, any Catalan hotel aspiring to four-star status must

offer regional dishes such as pa amb tomàquet (toasted bread with tomato, olive oil, garlic and salt) and butifarra (a white garlic sausage). It might seem like pointless bureaucracy, as most self-respecting hotels offer this fare anyway, but regional identity is so strong in the homeland of Antoni Gaudí and Salvador Dalí (where there are hefty fines for failing to put shop signs in the Catalan language) that many locals regard Catalunya as an independent ‘nation’ within the Spanish state. But Catalan cuisine is neither all about the avant garde foams and froths of its master chefs, nor just a matter of a few regional dishes, but a gastronomy distinct from anywhere in Spain or neighbouring France that uses fresh locally-grown produce prepared with a twist: poultry with fruit, fish with nuts, fish with meat (mar i muntanya, the local equivalent of surf ‘n’ turf). Artesan sausages, cured hams and cheeses are culinary constants, sauces are more common here than anywhere else in Spain and rice, grown around the Delta de l’Ebre in the south of the region, is put to

a variety of uses. There are even Catalan versions of pizza (the coca, in sweet as well as savoury forms) and tapas (pintxos, served on bread like canapés, the topping secured with a toothpick), often served with txacoli, a slightly tart Basque white wine; payment is by the honour system – you keep your toothpicks and present them for the final count when you ask for the bill. Nor is Catalan cuisine a modern phenomenon. It boasts a history stretching back more than 1,000 years and comprises products that were introduced by the Romans (who brought the classic triad of bread, wine and oil) and later the Moors (who imported sugar, rice, artichokes, lemons, bitter oranges and spices unknown in the rest of Europe at that time). In the Middle Ages, the region was as much a beacon of European cuisine as it is today, influencing cooking styles throughout the continent and especially in Italy, where it arrived through Sicily, Sardinia and Naples, part of the Catalan-Aragonese Kingdom between the 13th and early 15th centuries. Francesc

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Barcelona: Culinary Haven

The Craft Foods Routes

Eiximenis, a 14th-century Franciscan theologian, encyclopedist and sometime food critic wrote: ‘Catalans eat more graciously and better than other countries.’ The Libre de Sent Sovi, an anonymous text dating from 1324 and one of the oldest cookbooks in Europe, was clearly from these parts as it was written in Catalan. It contains recipes for two basic elements of modern Catalan cuisine: picada, a paste made with ground almonds, herbs and spices that is to Catalan sauces what a roux is to French versions; and sofregit, a stir-fry of chopped onions, garlic and herbs used to flavour all sorts of dishes whose contemporary version is practically identical to the medieval one, save for the tomato which arrived in Europe from America in the 16th century. The creative approach to using these ingredients has also remained a constant, as illustrated by another ancient ‘bible’ of Catalan

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cookery, the 16th-century Libre del Coch. The author was a Mestre Robert who, in later editions, was identified as Robert or Rupert de Nola, THE celebrity chef of his time who headed up the kitchens of King Alfonso V of Aragon. Many of the recipes the book contains, avant garde for their time, have survived practically unaltered to this day, such as a cheese fritter with sugar and honey, a rabbit and pear dish, hare with chocolate and many other sweet and salty combinations. To preserve and promote the history, authenticity and huge regional diversity of its gastronomy, 21 Catalan Cuisine Collectives formed by restaurateurs and producers dedicated to promoting their typical cuisine in the different tourist regions are working with hoteliers, tourism entities and allied trades to reinforce their various regional offers with culinary events under the umbrella of the Club Turismo Gastronómico. For

example, on the Costa Brava, five collectives are working with businesses as diverse as Relais & Châteaux’s five-star Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa in the Empordà and the Britishrun, Girona-based Gourmand Breaks Culinary Tours. For the visitor, the best way to savour the flavour of Catalunya is to follow one of 16 thematic routes devised by the tourist board to showcase the region’s culinary diversity. Sub-divided into Routes of the DOs (denominations of origin), Produce Routes, Craft Foods Routes and Trades and Traditions Routes, these intineraries open up the culinary world of Catalunya: not only its famous restaurants but its food museums, colourful markets, culinary cottage industries and farms: the wineries of El Penedès, the cheesemakers of the Pyrenees, the calçot growers of Valls (calçots are blanched onion shoots) and the embotit sausage shops of Osona are all waiting to be discovered.

Monster-sized sausages, designer cheeses and other delicatessen products are celebrated in this category. The Vic llonganissa, made around Osona, is the king of Catalan pork sausages and there are some 20 centres which can be visited to see the fascinating production process. The regions varied sheep, goat and cow’s milk cheeses are showcased in October at the Pyrenean Craft Cheese Fair in La Seu d’Urgell, where more than 100 different varieties can be tried including tupi cheese, so-called because it is made from the fermentation of goat cheese with liquor in a container called a tupina. Jam and marmalade, dried fruit and nuts, honey and liqueurs (including ratafia, made with green nuts and aromatic herbs) also make up this diverse larder and all have their own festivals and production centres open to the public.

Catalunya is famous for its Osona pork © Osona Turisme

Pa amb tomàquet, part of the traditional Catalan breakfast © Gourmand Breaks

These are further subdivided into seafood, rural produce, mountain and forest fare, poultry and livestock produce, showing the huge variety. Fishing ports and fish markets with their own brotherhoods make up an attractive and colourful itinerary that allows visitors to discover the indigenous and emblematic fresh fish of the Mediterranean coast through the daily auctions, now very high tech affairs in which the wholesalers use computerised remote controls to acquire the lots they want at the price

Cheeses at the autumn Agricultural Fair in Sort, Lérida © Servicios Editoriales Georama

The DO Routes

The Vic llonganissa is the king of Catalan pork sausages © Osona Turisme

The Routes of Trades and Traditions

The Product Routes currently on display on their screens. The Catalan woodlands reveal other cottage industries: aromatic herbs, forest fruits, chestnuts and a huge variety of mushrooms whose harvesting is celebrated at local festivals. Mushroom workshops are organised in Berga, the fungi capital of Catalunya, which holds its Festa del Bolet at the beginning of October. The Trementinaires Museum In the town of Tuixent makes an interesting visit, recounting the history of the herbalists who went to the forests in search of natural ingredients which they used to prepare and sell oils, nostrums and potions around the country. Catalunya is also proud of its Pyrenean Bruna veal and Osona pork which are showcased, respectively, at the Livestock Fair in Bellver de Cerdanya and the Pork and Beer Festival in Manlleu, both held in October, while the region’s El Prat capons bearing the coveted Q Seal for products of outstanding quality are sought-after by top chefs throughout Spain.

There are 12 protected Denominations of Origin for wine around Catalonia, including one for cava, and numerous wineries are open to the public in each DO. One highlight is the town of Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, which turns out more than 75 per cent of the almost 200 million bottles of sparkling white and rosé wine produced annually. A visit to one of the two largest producers of cava here, Codorníu and Freixenet, is a must. The Codorníu winery, dating from 1872 and housed in a building designed by the Modernist architect Puig i Cadafalch, has 26 km of underground cellars, some of which visitors can see by mini-train. There’s also a museum with presses, barrels and tools used during the long history of the winery. Best time to visit is Cava Week, held at the beginning of October and highlights of which include the coronation of the Cava Queen and the Cavatast fair, showcasing the drink and the local cuisine. The rugged district of Priorat is also known for outstanding wines, particularly reds, and you can visit the new Wine Museum in Falset, the capital of this wine region. In addition, there are four Protected Denominations of Origin for olive oil. Visiting the olive groves in the late autumn and early winter, when the fruit is harvested and pressed in the mill and new oil is made, provides a unique spectacle.

Markets and museums, patissieres, chocolate-makers and other traditional food artisans come under this category. Visit a Snail Gathering, one of the many fiestas where snails are sold and served up in a variety of ways (Lleida’s in May is the most famous); try black rice, paella and rossejat (rice cooked in fish broth) during the Gastronomic Workshops held in July at Deltebre; visit one of the factories in Agramunt to see the maklng of the town’s famed turrón, a confectionary of hazlenuts or almonds, sugar, honey and egg white, sold in bars wrapped in

unleavened bread; shop for fresh produce at Catalunya’s colourful weekly markets; every town has one although Barcelona’s La Boqueria is among the biggest and best, showcasing tantalising displays of edibles, from freshly caught Mediterranean fish, aged mountain cheeses and exotic tropical fruits to pigs’ private parts and edible insects! Most of the weekly markets date back to the Middle Ages and, to commemorate this, once a year some Catalan towns and villages hold Medieval markets with produce popular at that time, such as Guimerà (first

week in August) and Corbera de Llobregat (mid-July). Many of Catalonia’s 300plus museums are connected with cuisine and it’s worth while travelling around the country to visit some of them, notably the Wine Museum in Vilafranca del Penedès, the Chocolate Museum in Barcelona, the Olive Oil and Rural World Museum in Castelldans, the Sausage Museum in Castellfollit de la Roca which has been practicing its art for 150 years, and the flour mill at Castelló d’Empúries. As well as covering chocolate’s history as a medicine and APRIL 2011 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE / 141

Santi Santamaría’s three Michelin star Restaurant Can Fabes © Imagen M.A.S.

The busy La Boquería market in Barcelona

El Bulli for You

aphrodisiac and displaying some extraordinarily beautiful chocolate figures (including a stunning replica of Gaudí’s Sagrada Família), The Museu de la Xocolata’s workshop offers sessions in making chocolate figures, demonstrations of drawing and writing with chocolate and, obviously, tastings! Other unmissables include the world’s biggest olive press at the Olive Oil Theme Park in Les Borges Blanques, the Museo del Vin at Espluga de Francolí (the flagship of Modernist wineries in Catalonia nicknamed ‘the wine cathedral’), and the Fishing Museum in Palamós on the Costa Brava, which offers hands-on activities linked to the maritime aspect of the trade, such as sailing round Palamós Bay in a traditional lateen sailboat. Finally there are the Michelinstarred restaurants themselves. El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, opened in 1986 by Head Chef Joan Roca

and his brothers Jordi and Josep, won its third Michelin star in 2010. Specialising in ‘emotional cuisine’ with flavours that evoke the senses, among its infamous signature recipes are an earth distillate and dishes based on famous perfumes such as Calvin Klein’s Eternity and Lancôme’s Trésor. The late Santi Santamaría of Can Fabes in San Celoni specialised in more classical seasonal produce. He opened his premises as an informal local bistro and became the first Catalan cook to win three Michelin stars in 1994. Carme Ruscalleda of Restaurant Sant Pau crafts creative, modern cuisine inspired by Catalan culinary traditions in her home town of Sant Pol de Mar, on the coast between Girona and Barcelona, and won her third Michelin star in 2006. Then there’s ‘the man’ himself, Ferran Adrià of El Bulli in Roses who began his stellar career as a dishwasher; his spectacular deconstructivist

Restaurant Sant Pau crafts creative, modern cuisine inspired by Catalan culinary traditions

Carme Ruscalleda of Restaurant Sant Pau won her third Michelin star in 2006

style won him a third Michelin star in 1997. And there are 42 more Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from! For a completely different culinary experience, make a reservation to take a one-hour tour of the Alicia Foundation, a unique scientific and gastronomic research centre established by Ferran Adrià at Món Sant Benet in the quiet countryside of Bages, a rural region just northwest of Barcelona. You’ll visit the cutting-edge research laboratories and participate in an instructive workshop that focuses on the relationship between all of our senses and the foods we eat. Wherever you decide to travel in Catalunya, be it bustling Barcelona, the vibrant Costa Brava or the high mountains of the Priorat, you’re never far from a fine meal with excellent wines. As the Catalans say before they eat, “Bon profit!” e

Ferran Adrià’s El Bulli, booked solid until its closure at the end of July, is not so much a restaurant as a tasting extravaganza. Here are some random reviews from those lucky enough to have got a table at the establishment, which receives two million requests for only 8,000 places during a season. “You come out thinking ‘what do I do now?’” Anthony Bourdain (Travel Channel) “It might not have been the best meal I’ve ever eaten, but it was the best something. I just don’t know what.” Tim Savinar (San Francisco Attorney) “Going to El Bulli is like going to an amusement park. I like to go once a year to an amusement park. If someone goes every day to an amusement park, though, they have a psychological problem.” Carlo Petrini (Friend of Ferran Adrià) “It’s like the black stone of Mecca, Mona Lisa’s smile, the nucleus of the atom, the bank vault, the Oval Office of the White House, love and sex . . .” Pau Arenos (Barcelona journalist) “I had a reaction similar to mourning, as if I had been allowed into an enchanted garden for one evening and had then seen the iron gate close irrevocably behind me when I left.” Andreas Viestad (Washington Post)

142 / ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE APRIL 2011

i www.turismedecatalunya.com / www.catalunyatourism.com

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På oppdagelsesjakt i nabolaget Hemmelighetene her på kysten er mange om du bare kommer deg litt bort fra tettbebyggelsen. Økonomisk kirurgi Spareoperasjonen skal, etter flere år med økning i de offentlige utgiftene, kutte 15 milliarder på budsjettene i 2010 og 2011. Fordelene ved å ha en lang historie og tro på framtiden Intervju med SAS-sjef Hallvard Brattberg. På tur og på bodega i Jerez Med gourmet og vinkjenner Øystein Rambøl.

JUNI 2010

THELEISURE GOLF

Join the Costa del Sol’s Premier Golf Society The Blue Ribbon Golf Series

The Blue Ribbon golf series is one of GtCs flagship events and is always well-supported by members and guests alike. This is a series of four events that offers everyone the opportunity to play the cream of Spanish golf courses. As with every GtC event, the league is posted on the GtC website where golfers can follow progress to see who’s in the chasing pack or leading the way. The winner of this series takes home a stunning prize and gets to play all four courses again for free. Sponsorship of the 2011 series is still being negotiated but, rest assured, the Blue Ribbon will be sponsored by a very prestigious firm.

words by RONAN MAGUIRE Owner Director of Ronan Maguire Golf S.L. Tel: 618 546 108. www.golfthecosta.com www.liveandplay.eu www.claretgolf.com

The annual Blacktower British Chamber of Commerce Tournament The OIB International Weekly Roll-up

n April 2007, 35 golfers played a round at Estepona and started what is today the largest golf network on the Costa del Sol. With 1,600 members, GOLF the COSTA (GtC) is undoubtedly the only show in town when it comes to society golf in southern Spain. From modest beginnings, GtC has become the club of choice for golfers of every ability, and offers members dozens of corporately-sponsored events, as well as unrestricted rates at almost every course. A GtC membership card puts the best possible rate-savings directly into your pocket and guarantees to cut what you spend on golf. The following are just a few of the series and events run by GtC for its members:

144 / ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE APRIL 2011

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Currently €49 for golf & buggy (dropping to €40 in low season). This is a very social weekly event, a relaxed game for golfers who like a regular outing without the associated hassles. Members are welcome to book in advance or to simply arrive on a Thursday morning at Marbella Golf & Country Club. The sponsor of this event, OIB International (international investment brokers), has put up some fantastic monthly prizes along with a 40-inch flat screen television for the end-of-series overall winner. i www.oibinternational.com

The Irwin Mitchell League An ongoing series of 12 Stableford events played monthly on different golf courses throughout the Costa del Sol. This Irwin Mitchell-sponsored league is quite possibly the most avidly contested, with hundreds of golfers vying for those coveted top spots. Irwin Mitchell has been involved with GtC for many years and really spoils its members, especially those golfers who win the overall series. i www.irwinmitchell.es/english)

Parent & Child Golf (Sponsor Required)

On May 6th, GtC will be running the 4th annual British Chamber of Commerce golf outing, sponsored by Blacktower Financial Management, an open event that is always oversubscribed and great fun. This year we are holding the tournament at El Paraiso Golf Club and dining that evening at the magnificent Da Bruno Sul Mare on Marbella’s promenade. There will be plenty of fabulous prizes, with some lucky golfers taking home flights with Aer Lingus and use of a Dodge Viper for a weekend (supplied by Blue Sky Super Car Hire). i www.blacktowerfm.co.uk

The ALL NEW FIDESO Stroke Play League GtC will shortly commence its inaugural Stroke Play League, sponsored by FIDESO (Tax & Law experts in Marbella). This series of events will enable golfers to really test their game and enjoy golf in its purest form. i www.fideso.com

GtCs youngsters also get to participate in events along with their parents. Starting again on the 10th of April, this fun parent and child event offers nine holes of golf with buggy, a barbecue afterwards and lots of prizes for only €24,50 per person, representing outstanding value for money.

The annual Spence Clarke Charity Scramble Fast becoming a ‘must play’ event, the annual Spence Clarke Charity Scramble in aid of the motor neuron disease association takes place on June 25th. This is a very worthy cause and Spence Clarke hope to collect a considerable amount for the association on the day of this event. i www.spenceclarke.com

These are just a few of the events organised by GOLF the COSTA, the coast’s largest golf network.

To join this network, simply call the GOLF the COSTA office or or visit the GtC office at Marbella Golf & Country Club

g GOLF the COSTA Tel: 952 834 642 www.golfthecosta.com, email info@golfthecosta.com. 24/3/11 13:14:14

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RESTAURANTS / REVIEWS / NEWS / WINE / CHEFS / GUIDE

Ultimate dining Marbella style, Spanish tinto, chef Santi Santamaría and the latest delicious openings…

149 La Meridiana del Alabardero 151 Dani García’s Mil Milagros 152 Food News 154 Chef’s Profile: Homage to Santi Santamaría 156 Wine: Favoured Reds in Spain 158 The Guide

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RESTAURANT THEGOURMET

Groundbreaking Cuisine in a Classically Romantic Setting

hen renowned priest/ entrepeneur/restaurateur Luis De Lezama took over La Meridiana restaurant two years ago, alongside his trusty team from the Alabardero group, many clients may have worried that the magic of one of Marbella’s most emblematic restaurants would be lost. In actual fact, the restaurant has gained both in the culinary sense and in ambience, and in a relatively short time has already added a plethora of stories involving stars, politicans and celebrities to the history of Marbella. De Lezama can lay claim to more than a reputation for being one of the best restaurateurs on the coast; he was also the priest who married Julio Iglesias and his wife, and the host of a special dinner for the crooner three days prior to his wedding. If you were to press the charming Maître’d, Paco Díaz, to share anecdotes about celebrities who have dined at the restaurant, he would almost reluctantly indulge you, all the while making it clear that discretion is key and that his team treats every client with the same care as the many celebrities and members of royalty who have dined here.

We all know that La Meridiana del Alabardero was one of two restaurants chosen by Michelle Obama when she visited the Costa del Sol, but Paco and his team are more passionate to tell you about the dishes served, produce sourced and wine tasted, than about anything else. Funnily enough, he does admit that the table America’s First Lady dined at was left intact for a couple of weeks, since many passers-by would request to visit and even take photos there, asking a host of questions like what she ordered and where she sat. But for the staff, it was just another night… some 140 other guests also enjoyed an excellent meal on the same evening as Michelle Obama. La Meridiana del Alabardero has everything it takes to charm even the most sophisticated diners. When you walk up the steps to the classically designed, warm interiors, a water fountain welcomes you with its calming sound. As you are seated, you can appreciate very personal details such as copper pots and pans on the walls, a collection of books and a stately photo of the King and Queen of Spain. La Meridiana is also famous for its incredibly romantic tropical gardens, complete with a swimming pool and romantically lit bar, perhaps the most beautiful setting for an after-dinner drink in Marbella. The staff, who quickly usher you to your table and are as charming as can be, work as a finely-tuned machine. As Paco Díaz says: “We are more than just staff; we are a family. We share the same wonder in discovering new things, in making diners feel welcome and in adding a human touch to what we do. We’re not after medals; all we want is for customers to leave the restaurant with a feeling of satisfaction.” La Meridiana del Alabardero is, perhaps, best known for the quality of its cuisine. The wine list, drafted by the friendly sommelier, José Barra,

contains an impressive representation of the world’s best wines, as well as selections from Andalucía such as the exquisite chardonnay by Friedrich Schatz from Ronda or the Último Sueños tempranillo by Rickard Enkvist from Gaucín. The cuisine has also taken an about turn at La Meridiana del Alabardero, with dishes that are utterly avant-garde and tremendously flavourful, the fruits of talented Head Chef Benjamín Alloza. During my recent visit, my companion and I opted for the tasting menu, our senses and emotions captivated by the originality and flavour of every dish. Highlights are too many to mention but include the tender scallops ‘al carbón’, peppered with powdered black olives; the foie terrine served with a layer of pomegranate (reminiscent in texture and flavour to the lolly known as ‘lenguas’), served with yoghurt and raspberry pieces; and the arroz meloso (similar to a risotto) with succulent bites of octopus, quail and mushrooms. Then there was the lechón crujiente (crunchy suckling pig), deliciously crisp on the outside and tender as butter on the inside; and the San Pedro fish, served over a tartare of borage, ginger and razor clam, an amazing marriage of savoury and sweet that surprised and pleased the palate in equal measures. The sommelier suggested excellent wines to go with each dish, including a fruity Rene Barbier Penedés from 2009 and a Solar Viejo crianza from 2001. Equally surprising are the prices: reflective of the excellent quality without surpassing reasonable limits. This, in combination with the outstanding setting, unsurpassable service and original, flavourful cuisine are all the ingredients that make an evening at La Meridiana del Alabardero one to remember, and an experience to be enjoyed many times over. e

o r e d r a b a Al l e d a n ia id r La Me aphy Report Marisa cutillas Photogr

KH Photography

g Open every night for dinner. Average price for a three-course meal with wine: €60. Camino de la Cruz s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 776 190. www.lameridiana.es.

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Fi n e T h a i C u i s i n e

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23/7/10 15:25:51

RESTAURANT THEGOURMET

MILMILAGROS D The brightest new star in Marbella’s fine dining firmament is undoubtedly Mil Milagros on the Golden Mile, showcasing the miraculous repertoire of Andalucía’s virtuoso Michelin chef, Dani García. Report Belinda Beckett Photography KH Photography

ani, whose Restaurant Calima at Marbella’s Hotel Gran Meliá Don Pepe attracts food connoisseurs the world over, has already expanded his culinary constellation on the coast with the La Moraga franchise (tapas with a twist). The refined bistro concept at Mil Milagros borrows a little from both while introducing some startling new culinary concoctions that will have diners queuing for tables once the season gets underway. First impressions count and, like the food, the décor is cutting edge so anticipation mounts as you walk up steps to the terrace, laid out with shell-shaped chairs and Moet & Chandon parasols. Inside the stylish building with its elegant arched windows, the eye is instantly drawn to a striking mural of a flamenco dancer surrounded by four giant fans made, ingeniously, from a collage composed entirely of restaurant equipment (rolled napkins, plates, ice cube trays, pastry cutters…). The cathedral ceiling is hung with flying saucer-shaped lamps, crimson scatter cushions and lime green water glasses add pizzazz and the absence of table cloths emphasises the informality. There’s theatricality too: two wooden bars provide ringside seats on the kitchen where chefs, resplendent in tall white hats, perform daily miracles behind

a glass wall. Another magnificent garden terrace out back will extend the 100 covers during warmer months. “The menu is international but in a very alternative way,” says David Oliva, a colleague of Dani’s since his first Michelin-starred restaurant, Tragabuches in Ronda, and one of the five business partners in this slick new operation. The menu design is certainly alternative, opening like a road map to reveal Italian pizzas and pastas, Japanese raw dishes, shareable soups and starters, grills, elegant mains and intriguing desserts. We loved the personal touches written into the menu by Dani who recommends the ‘baby casserole of sausages from my Mum’s stew’, and the food philosophies he shares with customers, graffiti-style, on the walls of the downstairs cloakrooms. He once said “My cultural inspiration comes from the area where I work, in Andalucía,” and that’s true at Mil Milagros where you can find locally-caught tuna and sea urchin, suckling lamb from Málaga and a pizza featuring three Andalusian cheeses. There’s eccentric genius at work too, in dishes such as cod churros, mushroom soup with curry, hazelnuts and Lavazza coffee powder, and a dessert described by Dani as ‘back to childhood’: five cereals with fruit baby food! My partner and I went OTT with three starters: Dani’s famous Andalusian cherry gazpacho, finished with crumbled Ronda cheese and packing a tangy fruit punch; ajoblanco, a perfect flavour balance of almonds and garlic with

Another Dani García Miracle In Marbella

a hint of vanilla which, poured over a pear poached in red wine, was inspirational; and caramelised green apple millefeuille, a geometric cube of foie layered with cream cheese and micro-slivers of apple, topped with a toffee apple crisp and served with a swoosh of Muscatel yogurt – irresistible! The home-baked breads were also delicious. Although only open since January, there have already been Twitters about Dani’s oxtail burger. The soft, flavourful meat, coated in peppery sauce and served in a seeded bun with Havarti cheese, lived up to its rave reviews and, with sides of hand-cut fries and a dressed rocket salad, was simply scrumptious. The roasted sea bass (crispy skin, moist flesh), with crushed potatoes, herring roe and Moet & Chandon sauce was another marriage made in heaven. We enjoyed our mains with a crisp Capuchina Vieja Moscatel seco from Málaga. Three different house reds can also be ordered by the glass along with Moet & Chandon and L’Hereu de Nit rosé and white cava from Raventos i Blanc in Catalunya. Mil Milagros desserts are also miraculous. The nameless ‘bread soaked in coconut milk and white chocolate with iced mint’ should be called Ambrosia as it tasted like the nectar of the Gods. But my top pick is the Choco Loco, a soufflé of molten and solid chocolate with Tahitian vanilla ice cream, served up in a very alternative tin can! Service was friendly and bistroprompt, thanks to the dynamic young waiting team who were well-informed about every dish and evidently proud to work here. With prices that are more affordable than you would imagine from a Michelin chef, you have a miracle in the making (and it takes some to launch a successful new restaurant during a recession). However, Mil Milagros is such an exciting new taste experience that it will undoubtedly become one of Marbella’s star attractions. e

g Open 1.30-4pm and 8-11pm. Closed Sunday night and all day Monday. Ctra. De Cádiz Km. 179, Milla de Oro locales B4-B6, Marbella, Tel: 952 858 958. 143ReR_andi.indd 151

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23/3/11 15:07:34

THEGOURMET FOOD NEWS Cook Your Own Dishes at El Lago Restaurant

Report Marisa CUTILLAS

New Menus for Celebrations at Da Bruno

Da Bruno Ristorante is now ready to host baptism and communion celebrations, in addition to family and business events. Da Bruno Founder, Bruno Filippone, told the press: “The entire staff will be putting their hearts and souls into these celebrations. My numerous years of experience have taught me that each event is different and the right advice and organisation is crucial.” Da Bruno has drafted a list of menus catering for each occasion and for different tastes, ranging in price from €20 for children to €35 for adults. Dishes include roast lamb with Provençal sauce and lobster in whiskey sauce. Da Bruno is able to host events for up to 400 guests (at Da Bruno Sul Mare in Marbella) while the restaurant in Cabopino has a special play area and a terrace with a 180-seater capacity. Da Bruno is also delighted to announce that it has been awarded the title, Ospitalitá Italiana, which certifies the authenticity of its dishes and produce. g www.dabruno.com

TA-KUMI Japanese restaurant and Mediterranean Gastrobar opens in Plaza del Mar

Marbella shopping mall, Plaza del Mar, has a brand new restaurant serving tempting Japanese cuisine and Mediterranean/Andalusian dishes. Called TA-KUMI, the restaurant has two chefs heading up its kitchens: Toshio Tsutsui who will be in charge of the Japanese section, and Álvaro Arbeloa who will oversee the Mediterranean side of things. Dishes to watch out for include sushi, sashimi, tempura, gyoza and Andalusian and Mediterranean favourites. The restaurant opens every day for lunch and dinner. g Avda. Camilo José Cela s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 839.

www.plazadelmarmarbella.com

El Lago, the Michelin-starred restaurant famed for its use of local produce and the traditionally-inspired creative cuisine whipped up by Chef Diego del Río, has two exciting news items to announce. The first is that diners who love to cook can now learn to prepare exciting new dishes, which they will later eat, under the guidance of the Chef and his team. As a keen foodie I can testify that not only is Diego talented; he is also very friendly, making for a very cosy, fun ambience where conversation about good food and cooking techniques will flow freely. Clients will also enjoy a wine tasting with Manager and Sommelier Paco García. The second exciting proposal from El Lago is a menu composed of 10 new ‘Km 0’ dishes, so-called because they are made according to ‘slow food’ principles, using ingredients largely sourced from local producers including fish from the coast, suckling goat from Málaga and fruit and vegetables from the Valle del Guadalhorce. Dishes on the ‘Km 0’ menu include white Marbella prawn with cream of leeks and curry and lemongrass-shaved ice; rock fish with white prawns, wheat and roast vegetables; and suckling goat from Málaga with aubergine hummus and crunchy migas. g Avda. Las Cumbres s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 832 371. www.restauranteellago.com

Thapa Thai Opens on the Estepona Port

Lovers of Thai food take notice: the same group that has brought you excellent Thai cuisine at Thai Bangkok restaurant in Nueva Andalucía for over 10 years, has opened a new restaurant: Thapa Thai, on the Estepona Port. At Thapa Thai you can enjoy your favourite Thai and Asian dishes, every day for lunch and dinner. Some of the temptations on the menu include the crispy duck with red curry, steamed fish with tomato sauce, fish with soy sauce and for dessert, sticky rice with fresh mango. Parking is not an issue, since diners can enjoy two hours of free parking in the evening. g Urb. Puerto Deportivo 13,

New Spring/Summer Menu at the Hotel Almenara

The Hotel Almenara recently presented its new menu for the Spring/ Summer season at one of its restaurants, Veinteeocho, coinciding with the presentation of the sail boat sponsored by the Hotel Group: the Peninsula Petroleum NH Resorts. Chef Christian Puigros Baldowski has created an exciting list of dishes which will be served in the different restaurants of the hotel and golf complex. Dishes to be served at Restaurante Gaia include sea bass tartare and prawns with quail eggs and cod with special sauce, sautéed seaweed and fava beans. The more informal, sporty Veinteeocho restaurant will serve up fun dishes like magret burgers on a maki sushi bed, while the Cucurucho Beach Club will offer a wonderful buffet with many new rice temptations, including mushroom and truffle risotto, as well as various antipastos and home-made pizza. g Avda. Almenara s/n, Sotogrande. Tel: 956 582 000.

www.hotelalmenara.com

Edif. Poniente, Estepona. Tel: 951 318 445. 152 / ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE APRIL 2011

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THEGOURMET CHEF PROFILE

Santi Santamaría

Santi Santamaría sadly died in Singapore this February, shortly after attending a press event alongside some of the world’s most renowned chefs with restaurants in that country (Tetsuya Wakuda, Guy Savoy, Daniel Boulud, Mario Batali, Wolfgang Puck and Justin Quek). At that event, he spoke about his love of good food, stating that he could never envision working in a realm that was too far away from the kitchen. Marisa Cutillas reviews the legacy left by this world-class chef.

he Spanish culinary movement has been at the peak of the avant-garde wave for at least the past decade, so much so that, if you were to go as far afield as Australia or Japan and ask the average ‘diner on the street’ to name a famous Spanish chef, most would probably reply, “Ferran Adrià”, founder of El Bulli and a cuisine that delves into the frontiers of art and science. Adrià, like many of his staunch followers, aims to please the sense of taste but also to inspire diners and invite them to marvel, think and dream… Riding another wave altogether is a group of chefs formerly represented by the culinary genius with most Michelin stars to his name in Spain (seven): Santi Santamaría, the self-taught chef whose family-founded Sant Celoni was the first Michelin restaurant to receive three stars in Catalunya. Santamaría was famed among the country’s top critics for his warmth, love of good food (to which his sizeable midriff was testimony) and, above all, for his cuisine which harked back to traditional recipes, aromas and flavours, although always revealed a striking

A Chef to Remember

talent for creativity. For Santamaría, it was very important for diners to clearly identify what they were eating. The chef once said that diners go to a restaurant “to eat, not to think”. Santamaría shone not only in Catalunya; his Sant Celoni restaurant in Madrid boasts two Michelin stars, his restaurant Evo in Barcelona has one and his Toledo establishment, Tierra in Torrico, also shines with one bright star. He took Spanish gastronomy far and wide, opening restaurants in Dubai and Singapore where his reputation for excellence in produce, cooking style and service made these establishments a regular meeting point for the elite. Santamaría was actually in Singapore with his daughter Regina (a chef who carries on his legacy) when he died, planning ways to make his restaurant even more dynamic. He was also an avid writer, penning several books on cookery. It is therefore something of a tragedy that Santamaría’s legacy is marked by the controversy sparked by his book, La Cocina al Desnudo (2008), in which he espoused views that had the majority of Spain’s elite list of chefs (including Adrià and Sergi Arola) up in arms. Santamaría was never against originality, being a firm defender of this quality himself; he was quite simply against foods he deemed harmful to diners’ health, and anti the so-called ‘techno-emotional’ or ‘molecular’ style of cooking. In the book, he wrote: “In haute cuisine, chemical powders (both natural and artificial) are being used, because we are in the midst of the most radical, incongruent and retrograde change in the history of cooking… the use of (these) ingredients directly affect one’s health in a negative way. Take the brand of additives

called Texturas Albert y Ferrán Adrià, which commercialises methylcellulose. The latter is used in many products, including… laxatives. In the latter, manufacturers warn that users should not take a dose larger than three to four grams daily, spread out into many doses in a day, and should always be accompanied by a large glass of water as, otherwise, it could harm the oesophagus or cause intestinal obstruction, because methylcellulose absorbs water.” Santamaría always said his attacks were not personal, but it is easy to see why Adrià might have felt offended while other chefs regarded his remarks as inappropriate and a threat to the Spanish culinary industry, which was riding its highest wave at an international level. In the book, Santamaría also spoke of the industry and of big companies that had little regard for the health concerns their products were causing. Santamaría never renounced the flame of creativity but always argued for the importance of good, seasonal produce that could be beneficial to the health. He also argued for the primacy of flavour, texture and freshness. It is indicative of his talent that, on his death, most of Spain’s top chefs – including Martín Berasategui (who gave Santamaría’s son, Pau, a warm embrace), Juan Mari Arzak, Pedro Subijana, Joan Roca, Sergi Arola and the great Adrià himself – flocked to the Teatre Municipal Ateneu de Sant Celoni to pay their last respects to a great man and a great chef. As Adrià said, they may have had their differences but Santamaría was, and always will be, considered, one of the greatest chefs in Spain; a chef who has revealed the wonders of the Spanish gastronomy to the world. We wish his family the best in carrying on his legacy. e

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THEGOURMET WINE Report AJ Linn Photo courtesy of crdo somontano

early a year and a half ago, I wrote an article entitled Wines for a Recession, naïvely believing the then-current economic problems to be short lived. Obviously, I was mistaken, and my excuse is that I am a wine writer, not an economist (although judging from the predictions of some of the latter, they may as well be wine writers too). Optimism comes naturally, no doubt something to do with red wine-tinted glasses. But here we are, still in the doldrums, and nothing will have changed by the time this article appears. The earlier piece dealt mainly with bargain wines that could be bought locally, the good old value-for-money stuff that Alcampo and Lidl do so well. But these are the happy hunting grounds of the predominantly expat wine drinker, so what are Spaniards drinking these days? Talk to your friendly neighbourhood wine merchant or take a quick surf through some of the leading online sellers, and you will quickly realise that, if the recession has done anyone a favour, it is the secondary wine regions. Did producers in Rioja or Ribera del Duero reduce their prices when the recession bit? If they did, I never heard about it. We had been questioning the over-thetop prices they charged for decades – but we still continued to buy their produce. Why? Because it was familiar and, by and large, we could rely on it. But now the hunt is on for better-value wine from the lesser-known regions. As a wine store owner explained to me, “There is still a reluctance to order unfamiliar wines in restaurants, particularly if trying to impress friends or business colleagues, but at home people are drinking wines they did not even know existed a year or two ago.” So what’s the alternative? It all follows a logical progression that started when household names from La Rioja established satellite bodegas in places like Rueda and Toro. They had spotted opportunities early and they deserve to be congratulated on their foresight. In a typical situation, they were setting up in a region that was relatively unknown but where the wine was good, or potentially good if different techniques could be applied. The existing local producers were not usually skilled at marketing and distribution, which is where the newcomers could show them a clean pair of heels, in most cases already having national networks into which the new wines could be plugged. No-one doubts there are regions whose wines will never grace a restaurant wine list, let alone win prizes, and established Denominacion de Origen

National Selection (AC) regions such as DO Tacoronte-Acentejo, DO Ycoden-Daute-Isora and DO Arabako Txakolina will have faded from the reader’s memory by the next paragraph. Nevertheless, there are important ‘new’ regions that have been allowed to see the light of day as a direct result of the thrifty wine drinker’s desire to make economies. If there was any justice in the world they would not have needed a recession to make them more popular. They deserve to be better known and can endure on their own merits. Top of the list has to be the Somontano region in Aragon, brushing the foothills of the Pyrenees. The leading wineries include Enate, Viñas del Vero, Pirineos, Lalanne, Olvena, Laus, Otto Bestué and Irius, all making good red, white and rosado wines. Sherry makers have bet heavily on this region, with Gonzalez Byass recently acquiring Viñas del Vero, and Barbadillo taking over Bodegas Pirineos last year. For my money, this is the most promising wineproducing area in the country and you will not be disappointed with Enate Chardonnay (€8,50 bottle), Viñas del Vero Crianza (€6,30), Bestué Finca Sta Sabina red (€13), the outstanding Marboré from Pirineos (2004: €19), or the almost out-of-reach Blecua from Viñas del Vero (2002: €60). You will not find better value for money anywhere, and this is a region where a young and thrusting regulatory body is doing all it can to get its wines noticed nationally and internationally. The Toro region came to the fore two decades ago but ever since scorers Peñin and Parker got busy there and awarded many wines the coveted 90+ points that guarantees they will be more expensive and, in the case of Parker, often unnaturally ‘heavy’, demand has been strong. Leaving aside the pricier labels such as Numanthia/Termanthia, Vetus and Pago la Jara, Bodegas Fariña and Elías Moro make excellent

wines in the under-€10 range. All are red. Bierzo is another one to watch. Again, there are expensive wines that may or may not be worth the price but Mencías de Dos, Viñedos Singulares and Pittacum have outstanding red wines at bargain prices. Martin Codax, famous for its Albariño from Galicia, makes Cuatro Pasos with the local Mencia grape and it is among the top-selling wines in Spain (€7). The Campo de Borja region (the Borgia family had estates here) abuts Navarra and its star bodega, Coto de Hayas, turns out good wine for under €5. If you pay a little more, you will wonder why you had never noticed these varieties before. Surprisingly good wines are finally coming out of the Jerez area, more specifically from vineyards in Arcos de la Frontera, where modern methods have succeeded in making wines that, while not great, are certainly worth buying if you can find them. Yecla, Jumilla, Cariñena, and Alicante are all regions that have started producing good wine fairly recently and, in Albacete, Manuel Manzaneque (a well-known theatre director) makes very good wines that now have a firm presence on many restaurant wine lists. I may be taken to task in some quarters for not having mentioned our local wine region, Ronda (DO Sierras de Málaga) but, while they make great wines here, they are over-the-top on price. It cannot be more expensive to make wine in Ronda than in, say, Barbastro (DO Somontano), so quite why the prices are so much higher remains a mystery. And don’t tell me it is because, like Galicia, production is small, as in Ronda there is all the land they could wish for to put under vines. But to do the region justice, it has made incredible strides in the last decade and, if you do nothing else, try the rosado and the tinto from Cortijo Los Aguilares at around €12 – and the prize-winning Pinot Noir is pretty good too (2008: €29; 2007: €23). e

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Ad EssentialWines_Layout 1 2011-01-25 13.48 Sida 1

Mr & Mrs Winemaker Inga Lill & Rickard Enkvist, Gaucin

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RESTAURANTS

RESTAURANTS / CINEMAS / GOLF / GYMS /TENNIS

RESTAURANTS ::: AMERICAN ::: HARD ROCK CAFÉ

/ SCHOOLS

locales 4-5, Marina Banús, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 815 993

::: ARGENTINEAN :::

Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 813 625

Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 812 148

Chateau Mona lisa Open every day for lunch and dinner. Muelle Ribera 8, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 908 808

Montecarlo Open every day for lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesdays. Avda. Litoral s/n, Estepona, in front of the Palacio de Congresos. Tel: 951 273 994

::: GRILLS ::: Asador Criollo Grill

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. C/Ramón Areces, esq. Marina Banús, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 908 024

Buenos Aires South

Jacks

Clericó

Open seven days a week from noon till late. Puerto Marina, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 563 673

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Avda. Antonio Belón, 22, Marbella. Tel: 952 765 683.

New york

Tango

Open from 1pm-4pm and from 7pm to 12am. Ctra. de Cádiz, km.176, 29600, Marbella. Tel: 952 765 533

Open daily for dinner except Tuesdays. Puerto Banús (opp. the car park). Tel: 952 812 358

Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner only and on Sunday for Buffet Lunch. Apartado 1, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 132.2 Sotogrande, Cádiz. Tel: 956 791 200

Open from 9am Monday to Saturday and Sunday from 11am for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Centro Plaza, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 818 861

::: FRENCH :::

::: GREEK :::

TGI Friday’s

Brasserie banús

Red Pepper

El Coto

Open from 12pm to 12am. Avda. Muelle de Ribera,

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Muelle Ribera,

Open daily for both lunch and dinner. Muelle Ribera,

Open daily for both lunch and dinner. Ctra. de Ronda

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. C/ Virgen del Pilar, 6, Marbella. Tel: 952 779 297

Open nightly for dinner. CN340-A7, km. 166, Cancelada, El Saladillo. Tel: 952 784 463

Nestor

Asador guadalmina

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Urb. Alzambra, Edif. Vasari, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 929 020

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Urb. Guadalmina Alta, C.C. Guadalmina, Local 3, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 883 003

Valderrama Restaurant

Yanx

El Carnicero Open daily for both lunch and dinner. Pueblo Viejo Cancelada. Between San Pedro & Estepona. Tel: 952 886 307

El Carnicero 2 Open every day for lunch and dinner. Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 176, Marbella. Tel: 952 867 599

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Price guide ::::::: per head for a three-course meal with wine

under €25

€25 – €40

al bacar

(El Madroñal), San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 786 688

de Ahumada, Paseo Marítimo 9, Marbella. Tel: 952 820 096

El Gaucho

Jaipur purple

Open daily for dinner from 7.30pm. Galerías Paniagua. Sotogrande. Tel: 956 795 528

Open daily for dinner except Tuesday. C.C. Costasol, local 3, Estepona. Tel: 952 888 353

el rancho del puerto

khans

Open for lunch and dinner every day. Muelle Benabola 4, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 816 252

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Front line Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 814 371

Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner and on Saturday for dinner only. Closed Sundays. C/ Ortega y Gasset, Local 87, Marbella. Tel: 952 774 650

Grill del puerto

Little India

Amanhavis

Open for lunch and dinner every day. Muelle Ribera 47H, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 811 686

Open daily for dinner from 7pm. Conj. Buenavista, L 21-22, Avda. de España, Calahonda. Tel: 952 931 829

Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday from 8.00pm. Calle del Pilar 3, Benahavís. Tel: 952 856 026

MARBELLA CLUB GRILL

Massala

Areté

mughal village

Open every day except Sunday for lunch and dinner. C/ Mediterráneo, Edif. Mediterráneo, 1 (next to Marisquería Santiago), Marbella. Tel: 952 777 334

Open every night for dinner. Marbella Club Hotel. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 822 211

Open daily for dinner. 57, Duquesa de Arcos (Sabinillas seafront). Tel: 952 897 358

Old Town Grill

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Aloha Towers, Avda. del Prado s/n, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 819 240

Open Monday to Saturday for dinner and Sunday for lunch. C/ San Lázaro, 3, Pza. Victoria, Marbella. Tel: 952 867 306

puente romano beach club Open every day for lunch. CN 340, km 177, Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

Restaurante Rancho Open daily for lunch and dinner. Ctra. Cádiz, exit Las Chapas. Tel: 952 831 922

::: INDIAN ::: indian dreams Open every day for lunch and dinner. Avda. Duque

Mumtaz Open daily for both lunch and dinner. Casa No.7, P. Banús. Tel: 952 812 090

safFron Open from 7 pm ‘til late night every day. Parque de Elviria, local 7-9, Las Chapas (take second exit, after Hotel Don Carlos), Marbella. Tel: 952 830 146

Taj Mahal Open daily for lunch and dinner. Private parking available. Ctra. Cádiz, km 179 (behind Venta los Pacos). Tel: 952 857 670/ 629 244 659

::: INTERNATIONAL :::

Open Friday for dinner and Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner. El Castillo de Monda s/n, Monda. Tel: 952 457 142

AMAPOLA

auld dubliner Open every day for lunch and dinner. C.C. Diana Park, Marbella. Tel: 952 886 338

baboo lounge and restaurant

€40 – €60

€60 plus

Open for dinner from 8pm. Avda. La Fontanilla, esquina Paseo Marítimo, Marbella. Tel: 952 860 583

Brunings Open for dinner Monday to Saturday from 7 pm. Las Palmeras 19, San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 786 156

Calima Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Hotel Meliá Don Pepe, C/ José Meliá, s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 764 252

capitán Open for lunch and dinner every day except Wednesday. C/ Avila, Blq. 5, Local 1, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 799 635

Casa mono Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. C/ Calderón Estébanez 19, Marbella. Tel: 952 774 578

Casanis Open every day from 6pm except Sundays. C/ Ancha, 8, Marbella. Tel: 952 900 450

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Winter season: closed Sunday and Monday nights. Ctra. Arroyo de la Miel, s/n, Benalmádena. Tel: 902 102 675

celima

beach club restaurante grill

cerrado del águila

Open every day for lunch. Hotel Fuerte, Castillo de San Luis s/n and Hotel Fuerte Miramar Spa, Plaza José Luque Manzano s/n, Marbella. Tel: 902 343 410

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Urb. Cerrado del Águila, Camino del Acevedo, s/n, Mijas Costa. Tel: 951 773 521

beach house

cortijo fain

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Urb. Coto de los Doles, Carril del Relojero, Elviria, Marbella. Tel: 952 839 458

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Ctra. de Algar, km. 3, Arcos de la Frontera, Cádiz. Tel: 956 704 131

boulevard

Open every night for dinner. Puerto Banús, Marbella.

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Hotel Hermitage, Ctra. de Casares, Casares. Tel: 952 895 639.

Don Leone

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RESTAURANTS

THEGUIDE

Tel: 952 811 716

Don Quijote Open every evening for dinner (7pm-12am. Flamenco show on Sundays. Urb. El Rosario, km. 188, Marbella. Tel: 952 834 748

el bistro lounge de pan y mermelada Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Urb. Marbella Real, Local 16, Marbella. Tel: 952 829 308

El Bolero Open every night for dinner from 8-11pm. The San Roque Club, CN 340, km. 127, Cádiz. Tel: 956 613 030

El Campanario Open every day for lunch. Open for dinner on Friday and Saturday. CN 340, km. 168, Estepona. Tel: 952 880 126

El Corzo Open daily for dinner. Hotel Los Monteros, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 187. Tel: 952 771 700

El lago Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner. Urb. Elviria Hills. Avda. Las Cumbres s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 832 371

EL MIRADOR Open for breakfast every day. At the Kempinski Hotel Bahía Resort. CN 340, km. 159, Estepona. Tel: 952 809 500

El oceano beach hotel restaurant & spa Re-opening April 8. CN340, km. 199, Marbella. Tel: 952 587 550

EL OLIVO

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sunday for lunch. At Marbella Golf & Country Club. CN 340, km. 188, Marbella. Tel: 952 830 500

El Restaurante del Casino Open every day for dinner from 8pm-4am. Hotel Andalucía Plaza s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 814 000

Fabiola

952 837 483

LA CANTINA DEL GOLF

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Casas de Campos, 1, Málaga. Tel: 952 122 075

Open for breakfast and lunch until 8pm. Closed Sunday. Flamingo Golf Club, Cancelada, Benahavís. Tel: 951 318 815

hotel marbella club buffet Open every day for lunch. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 822 211

Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and on Sundays for lunch. Cortijo Los Canos, Pueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro, CN-340, km. 132, Sotogrande, Cádiz. Tel: 956 695 114 / 619 694 484

KAMPAI

Finca Besaya

karma

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Urb. Rio Verde Alto, s/n. Tel: 952 861 382

Open every day from 10am until late. C/ Las Violetas 7, Conjunto Andalucía Garden Club, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 815 736

Finca El Forjador Open daily for lunch from 1-4pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Ctra. de Casares, km. 10. Tel: 952 895 120

Finca las brasas Open daily for lunch and dinner. Ctra. FuengirolaMijas, between CN 340 and highway. Tel: 952 580 513

Galeria San Pedro Open from 11am until midnight. Closed Sundays. Avda Las Palmeras 15, San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 780 927

Güey Open daily for lunch and dinner. Plza. de las Orquídeas 4, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. Tel: 952 929 250

hermosa Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner from 7pm. Closed Monday. Local 1A. Puerto de Cabopino. Tel:

Tel: 952 809 500

Herrero del Puerto

Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Urb. Guadalmansa, Edif. Salinas, Local 6, Estepona. Tel: 952 896 495

khala Open Monday to Saturday for dinner. NH Alanda Hotel, Marbella. Tel: 952 899 600

LA biznaga Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and on Sunday for lunch only. Ctra. Ronda, km. 46, Urb. Las Medranas, local 4, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 951 275 750

La Esencia Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner. Hotel Incosol, Urb. Golf Rio Real, s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 831 303

La Hacienda Open for lunch and dinner Wednesday to Sunday. Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 193, Hacienda Las Chapas, Marbella. Tel: 952 831 267 / 831 116

La Loggia Open daily for breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks. Hotel Villa Padierna & Flamingos Golf Club, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 166 (Cancelada exit), Benahavís. Tel: 952 889 150

La Menorah Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Arena Beach, CN 340, km. 151.2, Estepona. Tel: 952 792 734

LA SALA Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. C/ Belmonte, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. Tel: 952 814 145

la brisa

La Terraza

Open for dinner Thursday to Monday from 7pm. Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona. CN 340, km. 159, Estepona. Tel: 952 809 500

Open everyday lunch and dinner. Golf Hotel Guadalmina, Marbella. Tel: 952 882 211

La cabaña del mar

Open daily for dinner. La Cala Resort, La Cala de Mijas, Mijas. Tel: 952 669 000

Open every day for lunch and for dinner from Monday to Saturday. Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona CN 340, km 159, Playa El Padrón, Estepona.

La Terraza La Veranda Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner. Hotel Villa

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THEGUIDE Price guide ::::::: per head for a three-course meal with wine

Padierna, Urb: Flamingos s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 889 150

La veranda lobby bar Open every day for lunch and dinner. At the Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona. CN 340, km 159, Estepona. Tel: 952 809 500

La Verandah

Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sunday for lunch. CN340, km 179, Marbella. Tel: 952 858 958

mozaic Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday. Urb. Las Chapas, Marbella. Tel: 952 839 901

Open week days for dinner at 7:30pm and weekends for lunch and dinner, closed Tuesdays. Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 136. Playa Guadiaro, Torre-guadiaro, Cádiz. Tel: 956 615 998

Miraflores Golf Restaurant

los arcos Open every night for dinner. Hotel Meliá La Quinta, Urb. La Quinta Golf s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 762 000

Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. C/ Moncayo 12, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 460 232 / 648 502 822

los bandidos

oyarbide

Open every night for dinner. Muelle Ribera, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 815 915

Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and on Sunday for lunch. C/ Acera de la Marina 4, Marbella. Tel: 952 772 461

magna café Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. C/ Calderón de la Barca, s/n. Tel: 952 929 578

max beach Open every day for lunch and dinner. CN340, km 198, Mijas. Tel: 952 932 780

Mc café Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Marbella Club Hotel. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n. Tel: 952 822 211

Messina Open for dinner Monday to Saturday. Avda. Severo Ochoa, 12, Marbella. Tel: 952 864 895

mil milagros

Open daily for Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 199. Urb. Riviera Golf. Tel: 952 931 941

OCHO

passion café Open for lunch and dinner every day. C.C. La Colonia, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 781 583

polo house

under €25

€25 – €40

Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

Relais de Paris Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Paseo marítimo Benabola, s/n. Tel: 952 819 078

roca tranquila Open every day for lunch and dinner except Monday. Urb. Torreblanca de Sol, C/ Tortola, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 196 067

Rojo Open every day for lunch and dinner except Sunday. C/ Granada, 44, Málaga. Tel: 952 227 486

schilo Open Thursday to Saturday for dinner. Hotel Finca Cortesín. Crta. Casares s/n, Casares, Málaga. Tel: 952 937 800

sentidos Open every day for lunch and dinner. At Sentidos en Río Real Hotel. Urb. Río Real s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 765 732

shiraz Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Puerto Deportivo, Local 15, Marbella. Tel: 952 778 334

Open daily for dinner from 7pm and Sunday Lunch, with club/dancing. CN 340, Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe 11, Marbella. Tel: 952 900 380

Skina

polynesian’s restaurant & cocktail bar

Small world café

Open for dinner Monday to Saturday. C/ Aduar 12, Old Town, Marbella. Tel: 952 765 277

puente romano beach club

Open Monday to Friday for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 9am-2am, Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner, 12.30pm-2am. C.C. Le Village, local 15, Ctra. Istán km. 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 771 046

Open daily for lunch. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von

Suave

Open every night for dinner. Urb. La Alcazaba, CN340, km 175, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 816 100

€40 – €60

€60 plus

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Paseo Maritimo Rey de España 93, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 866 627

SUite Dinner and afterwards dance to music by resident DJ. Thursday to Saturday. Hotel Puente Romano, Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

SUMMA

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Avda. Antonio Belón 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 901 274

Swing Open from 12-4pm and 7.30pm until midnight. Closed Wednesdays. Arena Beach, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 151, Estepona. Tel: 952 796 320

tanino Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. CN 340, km.168, Benamara, Estepona. Tel: 952 883 259

Terra Sana Open Monday to Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nueva Andalucía next to the Casino. Tel: 952 906 205. Golden Mile, Marbella. Tel: 952 777 480. Marina Banús, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 817 977. C.C. Laguna Village, Estepona. Tel: 951 901 050

The Clubhouse Bar & Brasserie Open Tuesday to Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Urb. Los Naranjos de Marbella, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 908 844

the playwright Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/Manzana, Locales 8-11, Pueblo Los Arcos, Elviria. Tel: 952 830 868

The orange tree

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THEGUIDE

RESTAURANTS

Open every evening from 6:30 pm-11 pm. Plaza General Chinchilla 1, Plaza de los Naranjos, Marbella. Tel: 952 924 613.

tikitano Open every day for lunch and dinner. Urb. Guadalmansa, CN340, km 164, Estepona. Tel: 952 798 449

zozoï Open every day for dinner from 7.30pm-12am. Plaza Altamirano 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 858 868

::: ITALIAN ::: Al Dente Open 7 days a week for dinner. Closed on Mondays. Urb. Jardines del Puerto, local 12, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 906 181

Amore e Fantasía Open every day for lunch and dinner from 7pm onwards. Muelle Benabola, Casa 5A, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 813 464

Aretusa Open daily for dinner. Front line P. Banús. Tel: 952 812 898

Carpaccio Open every day for lunch and dinner. Frontline Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 813 357

Caruso Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday 7pm until midnight. Avda. de la Constitución, corner C/ Andalucía, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 782 293

Da Bruno

21-22, Calahonda, Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 934 667

Open all day. Pasta Da Bruno: Avda. Ricardo Soriano, 27, Marbella. Tel: 952 860 348 – closed on Sunday. Da Bruno Cabopino: CN-340 Km. 194,7. Tel: 952 831 918. Da Bruno a Casa: Marbella Mar, Local 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 857 521 – closed on Sunday. Da Bruno A San Pedro: Avda. del Mar, local 1E,San Pedro. Tel: 952 786 860 – closed on Monday. Da Bruno Sul Mare: Edif. Skol, Paseo Marítimo, Marbella. Tel: 952 903 318/19

Lombardo’s

Da Paolo

Open every night for dinner. C.C. Cristamar, Avda. Julio Iglesias, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 906 608

Open Monday to Saturday for dinner and Sunday for brunch. C/Sierra Bermeja s/n, Urb. Ancón Sierra, Las Lomas de Marbella Club, Marbella. Tel: 952 866 627

Marco dallis

terraza dual

Open daily for dinner. Avda. Fontanilla, Marbella. Tel: 952 776 776

Open every day for lunch and dinner. C.C. Marbellamar s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 925 250

Metro

Villa Tiberio

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 907 037, Puerto Marina, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 446 460

Open Monday to Saturday for dinner. Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 178, Marbella. Tel: 952 771 799

Pizza Marzano

Open every night for dinner except Sunday. C/Gloria II, 11, Casco Antiguo, Marbella. Tel: 952 863 125

Open everyday for lunch and dinner. Muelle Ribera, casa G-H, local 43, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 816 453

dalli’s pasta factory Open Monday to Friday for dinner and on Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner. Second Line Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 815 871 / 952 818 623

De Medici Open Monday to Saturday for dinner. Urb. El Pilar, C.C. Benapilar, Estepona. Tel: 952 884 687

gold restaurant Open every day from 10am to 12 am. Complejo Benabola 13, Beach Side, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 929 055

la pappardella di estepona Open every day for lunch and dinner from 1pm to midnight. Puerto Deportivo de Estepona. Tel: 952 802 144

LA pappardella sul mare Open every day for lunch and dinner. C.C. Laguna Village, Estepona. Tel: 952 807 354

Open daily from 7pm. Galerías Paniagua, Sotogrande, Cádiz. Tel: 956 795 924

Luna Rossa Open daily for both lunch and dinner, closed on Sundays. Paseo Marítimo Benabola, local 12, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 810 543

MADE IN SARDINIA

Open every day for lunch and dinner. C/ Ramón Areces, local 7, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 810 448

Pizzeria Picasso Open daily from 12 noon. Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 813 669

portofino laguna village Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. C.C. Laguna Village, Estepona. Tel: 952 808 035

Ristorante Roberto

Open Sunday to Friday for lunch and dinner and Saturday for dinner. C.C. Pinares de Elviria, s/n, Elviria, Marbella. Tel: 952 850 148

saleto Open Monday to Saturday for dinner. Avda. del Prado, Via 1, local 2, Aloha Golf, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 818 112

sol i luna

zafferano

::: Oriental ::: Asia Food Open daily for lunch and dinner. Centro Comercial, Pinares de Elviria, Marbella. Tel: 952 850 060

Asiatico Zen

Leonardo da vinci

Open daily for dinner. Beach Club, Hotel Puente Romano, CN-340, km 177.5, Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

Open every day for lunch and dinner except Tuesday lunch. C/Lirios s/n, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 817 691

Open every night for dinner. Urb. Doña Lola, Local

Rosmarino della Piazza

Djawa

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THEGUIDE Price guide ::::::: per head for a three-course meal with wine

under €25

€25 – €40

Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Urb. Linda Vista Playa 8, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 783 055

Open every day 13:30-16:00 & 19:30-24:00. CN-340, km. 166 (Benavista). C.C. Costa del Sol. Tel: 952 885 751

Dragón de Oro

RestaurantE asiático Bangkok

Open every day from 12.30-4pm and 7pm until midnight. Closed Monday lunchtime. Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 141, Urb. Hacienda Guadalupe, Manilva. Tel: 952 890 956

Open daily for lunch and dinner. P. de las Orquideas, C/ Iris, 11B, Edif. Excelsior no. 1, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 813 603

€40 – €60

€60 plus

952 777 893

Thai Gallery Open seven days a week for dinner from 8pm. CN-340, km.175, Edif. Rimesa, Bajos, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 818 392

tHapa thai Open every day for lunch and dinner. Urb. Puerto Deportivo 13, Edif. Poniente, Estepona. Tel: 951 318 445

golden wok

Sakura

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Urb. Marbellamar, Marbella. Tel: 952 866 840

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Avda. Jardines del Puerto, L.5, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 817 536

Wok Away

Sapporo

Wok Buffet

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C.C. Costa del Sol, upper level. CN-340, km. 166 (Estepona). Tel: 952 888 710

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Urb. El Pilar, 22, Estepona. Tel: 952 887 092

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Centro Com. Guadalmina Alta, Guadalmina 4, local 2, lower floor, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 896 508

Sukho Thai

Open every day for lunch and dinner. C/ Camilo José Cela, C.C. Plaza del Mar, planta 0, local 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 925 478

Kama Kura

Sushi des artistes

Open Tuesday to Saturday from 8-11pm. The San Roque Club, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 127, San Roque, Cádiz. Tel: 956 613 030

Open every day for lunch and dinner. CN 340, km 178.5, Marbella. Easy parking. Tel: 952 857 403

meca

Sushi Katsura

Open every day for lunch and dinner. C.C. Pino Golf, Don Carlos, Local 1, Elviria, Marbella. Tel: 952 830 365 / 658 646 829

Open for lunch from Monday to Friday and for dinner from Monday to Saturday. C/Ramón Gómez de la Serna, 5, Marbella. Tel: 952 863 193

Kaede Open every day for lunch and dinner. At the Hotel Meliá La Quinta. Urb. La Quinta Golf, Marbella. Tel: 952 762 059

Kaiden Sushi

naruto tokyo Open every day for lunch and dinner. C.C. Cristamar 24, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 811 827

Osaka

Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday. Centro Comercial Marbellamar. Tel: 952 770 550

Tai Pan Open seven days a week for dinner. H. Puente Romano, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 177, Marbella. Tel:

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Avda. Julio Iglesias, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 907 304

Wok Wang

Yuan Open every night for dinner. Hotel Torrequebrada, Benalmádena Costa. Tel: 952 441 414.

::: SCANDINAVIAN ::: Skandies Open Tuesday to Sunday from 7pm to 11pm. Closed Mondays. Avda. Antonio Belón, 26 (behind the lighthouse), Marbella. Tel: 952 776 323

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THEGUIDE

RESTAURANTS

Cipriano

GYMS

GOLF

::: SEAFOOD :::

CINEMAS

Price guide ::::::: per head for a three-course meal with wine

SCHOOLS

€25 – €40

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Avda. del Marzo, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 078 Open daily for both lunch and dinner. Playas del Duque, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 811 077

El Barlovento Open from 11am-4pm and 7.30-11pm every day except Mondays. Puerto Deportivo de Sotogrande, Cádiz. Tel: 956 790 370

Restaurante La Marina Open every day from 1-4.30pm and 8pm until midnight. Paseo Marítimo s/n, La Atunara, La Linea de la Concepción, Campo de Gibraltar. Tel: 956 171 531

La Torre Open daily for lunch and dinner. Muelle de Honor, Club de Mar, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 811 561 Open daily for lunch and dinner. Plaza de la Victoria, Old Town, Marbella. Tel: 952 765 170

€40 – €60

Tel: 952 817 448. Also open in C.C. Parque Miramar, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 593 405

www.alhauringolf.com

La Taberna del Alabardero

27 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 582 027. www.sotogrande.com

Open everyday for lunch and dinner except Monday. San Pedro Playa, Urb. Castiglone. Tel: 952 785 138. Also at Ctra. de Ronda, km. 167, San Pedro. Tel: 952 786 265

Aloha Golf Club

Mesón el adobe

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 882 812. www.master-hotels.com

cervecería ostrería santiago

Marisquería La Pesquera

Open daily for lunch and dinner except Tuesdays. Avda. La Fontanilla, Edif. Balmoral, Bajo 3, Marbella. Tel. 600 003 144

€60 plus

Almenara Golf

18 holes. Tel: 952 907 085. www.clubdegolfaloha.com

Atalaya Golf Cabopino Golf 18 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 850 282

Tragabuches

Cerrado del águila

Open from Tuesday to Sunday for both lunch and dinner. C/José Aparacio,1, Ronda (pedestrian street between bullring and Parador). Tel: 952 190 291

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 951 703 355

Club de Golf La Cañada 18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 956 794 100

El Paraiso Club de Golf 18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 883 835

CINEMAS & THEATRES

Estepona Golf

AUDITORIO MUNICIPAL MIJAS

Finca cortesín golf club

Plaza de la Libertad 2. Mijas. Tel: 952 590 380

18 holes, Par 72, Tel: 952 937 883. www.golfcortesin.es

AUDITORIO MUNICIPAL TORREMOLINOS

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 937 605. www.esteponagolf.com

Flamingos Golf Club

Plaza de España, Recinto Ferial. Tel: 952 379 521

18 holes, Par. Tel: 952 889 157. www.flamingos-golf.com

AUDITORIO PARQUE DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN

Golf Río Real

Marbella. Tel: 952 825 035

Golf Torrequebrada

Restaurante El bote

CENTRO CULTURAL EL INGENIO

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 442 742

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Paseo Marítimo Rey de España, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 660 084

Garcia Morato, s/n. San Pedro. Tel: 952 786 968

Guadalmina Golf

CINESA LA CAÑADA

La Cala Golf Resort

Santiago

La Cañada. Marbella. Tel: 902 333 231

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Paseo Marítimo, 5, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 078

cines gran marbella

54 holes, Pars 71, 72 and 73. Tel: 952 669 033. www.lacala.com

Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 810 077

La Dama de Noche

cinesur

9 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 818 150

C.C. Miramar, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 198 605

La Duquesa Golf & Country Club

MULTICINES ALFIL

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 890 425

Avda. Camilo José Cela, s/n. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 800 056

La Quinta Golf

RestaurantE Eddy & Marisa’s Urb. Coral Beach, The Golden Mile, Marbella. Tel: 952 824 534

TENNIS

under €25

::: SPANISH ::: Buenaventura

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 756 733

36 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 883 375

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Plaza de la Iglesia, 5, Old Town, Marbella. Tel: 952 858 069

MULTICINES MEDITERRÁNEO

27 holes, Par 72.Tel: 952 762 390 www.laquintagolf.com

Mijas. Tel: 952 663 738

La Reserva Sotogrande

PALACIO DE LA PAZ

18 holes. Tel: 956 695 209

Casa de la era

Recinto Ferial. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 589 349

La Zagaleta Golf & Country Club

Open every evening for dinner. Ctra. de Ojén, km 0.5, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 625

TEATRO ALAMEDA

18 holes. Members only. Tel: 952 695 209

Calle Córdoba 9, Málaga. Tel: 952 213 412

Lauro Golf 18 holes

Casa Fernando

TEATRO CERVANTES

Alhaurín de la Torre. Tel: 952 412 767

Open from Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Avda. del Mediterráneo s/n, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 853 344

Ramos Marín, 199, Málaga. Tel: 952 224 109

Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club

TEATRO CIUDAD DE MARBELLA Plaza Ramón Martínez, Marbella. Tel: 952 903 159

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 784 600

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch 1-4pm and dinner from 8pm-midnight. Ctra de Cádiz, km 178, Marbella. Tel: 952 827 880

TEATRO SALON VARIETES

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 815 206

Emancipación 30. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 474 542

Marbella Club Golf Resort

Hacienda

VERACRUZ CINES

Marbella Golf & Country Club

Open from 1-4.30pm and 7.30 -11pm. Closed on Sunday afternoons and Mondays. Urb. La Alcaidesa, La Linea de la Concepción. Tel: 956 582 700

Veracruz. Estepona. Tel: 952 800 056

18 holes. Tel: 952 830 500

YELMO CINEPLEX

Mijas Golf

Plaza Mayor. Tel: 902 220 922

36 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 476 843

La Meridiana del alabardero

GOLF GUIDE

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 931 960

Alcaidesa Links

18 holes. Tel: 952 113 088

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 956 791 0400. www.alcaidesa.com

Parador Málaga del Golf

Alhaurín Golf

Real Club de Golf Las Brisas

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 595 970.

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 810 875

El Portalón

Open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays. Camino de la Cruz, Marbella. Tel: 952 776 190

la moraga Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. C/ Ramón Areces s/n, Puerto Banús.

Los Naranjos Golf Club 18 holes, Par 73. Tel: 952 113 239

Miraflores Golf Monte Mayor Golf & Country Club 18 holes. Tel: 952 381 255

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THEGUIDE

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande

qi sport

college

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 785 014

Urb. La Alzambra, Marbella. Tel: 952 907 090

Ages 2–18. San Pedro. Tel: 952 799 900

San Roque Club

SATURNIA REGNA

Mayfair Academy

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 613 030

Santa Clara Golf

Marbella Tel: 952 761 475, Elviria. Tel: 952 834 835

Ages 4-18. Atalaya Park, Estepona. Tel: 952 784 923

18 holes. Tel: 952 850 111

SEVEN STARS SCHOOL

Monseñor Rodrigo Bocanegra

Santa Maria Golf & Country Club

Ages 3-16. Marbella. Tel: 952 770 077

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 831 036

Tai Chi & yoga. Pasaje Estrecho, Estepona. Tel: 952 923 055

Sotogrande Club de Golf

SPORTCLUB ROUTE 66

Ages 3-18. Marbella. Tel: 952 906 865

18 holes. Tel: 956 785 012

Peter Pan School

Valderrama

Ctra. Mijas, 1.5km. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 461 648

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 791 200 www.valderrama.com

SPORTING CLUB ATALAYA PARK HOTEL

GYMS & SPORTS CLUBS

Performing Arts Academy Ages 0-3. Bilingual nursery. San Pedro. Tel: 952 782 051 Benalmádena. Tel: 952 562 103

Saint George’s School

CN340, Km 168,5. Estepona. Tel: 952 888 212

Ages 2-8. San Pedro. Tel: 952 786 606

TICKET-TO-RIDE Cristamar, Pto. Banús. Tel: 952 905 082

Sotogrande International School

Vitality studio

Ages 2–18. Sotogrande. Tel: 956 795 902

C.C. Le Village, Marbella. Tel: 952 902 362

St. Javier’s International School

ALHAMAR GYM

Ages 1-7. Marbella. Tel: 952 823 457

sChools

Stagecoach Theatre Arts School

Barquilla 1. Marbella. Tel: 952 776 240

Aloha College

Ages 2–18. Torremolinos. Tel: 952 383 164

AZTEC COUNTRY CLUB

Ages 3-18. Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 814 133

Urb. Riviera del Sol, Mijas-Costa. Tel: 952 934 477

Angela’s School

Swans School international marbella

Ages 6-14. Marbella. Tel: 952 823 042

Ages 3–12. Marbella Tel: 952 773 248

CENTRO DEPORTIVO EL FUERTE

british school of marbella

TLC Tutorial College

Av. El Fuerte s/n. Marbella. Tel: 952 861 624

Ages 18 months-6. Marbella. Tel: 952 779 264

Ages 13-18. Calahonda. Tel: 952 933 249

CENTRO PLAZA GYM

Calahonda International College

Ages 4 months - 5 years. Marbella. Tel: 952 772 910

Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 817 074

Ages 3-18. Tel: 952 930 080

Cerrado del águila

Calpe School

Mijas Costa, Málaga. Tel: 951 773 523

Ages 2 1/2–11. San Pedro. Tel: 952 786 029

CLUB DEl SOL

Childrens placE Bilingual nursery

C.C. Alhamar, CN-340 km 197. Tel: 952 934 684

ATENAS

CENTRO DE YOGA Y SALUD INTEGRAL Ramón y Cajal 21. Marbella. Tel: 952 773 804

Tennis /paddle classes. Calahonda. Tel: 952 939 595

Sunny View School

wendy kindergarten

TENNIS CLUBS Aztec Country Club

Dynamic training centre

Colegio Alborán

Urb. Riviera del Sol, Mijas-Costa. Tel: 952 934 477

C.C. Le Village, Marbella. Tel: 952 775 021

Ages 3-18. Ricmar.Tel: 952 839 645

Club deL Sol

FITNESS CENTRE NEW STYLE

Colegio Alemán

Amapolas, s/n Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 817 916

Ages 3-18. Elviria. Tel: 952 831 417

Tennis/paddle classes. Calahonda. Tel: 952 939 595

Colegio Las Chapas

Club de tenis don carlos

Fuerte Gym Avda. El Fuerte, Marbella. Tel: 952 861 624

Ages 5–18, girls school. Elviria. Tel: 952 831 616

Hotel Don Carlos, CN340, km 192. Tel: 952 831 739

GIMNASIO ESTADIO

Colegio San José Guadalmina

Club Internacional de Tennis

Trav. Huerta de los Cristales, Marbella. Tel: 952 828 217

Tel: 952 883 858 Estepona. Tel: 952 800 148

Ctra. Cádiz, km 173. Marbella. Tel: 952 813 341

HAPPY DIVER’S CLUB

Ages 6 months-5 years. San Pedro. Tel: 952 799 563

Club Madroñal

Atalaya Park Hotel, Marbella. Tel: 609 571 920

HOTEL PUENTE ROMANO

Ecos College

Club Nueva Alcántara

CN340, Km77,5. Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

Ages 1–18. Elviria. Tel: 952 831 027

MANOLO SANTANA RACQUETS CLUB

English InteRnational College

San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 788 315

Ctra. de Istán, Km2. Marbella. Tel: 952 778 580

Ages 3–20. Elviria. Tel: 952 831 058/9

Hofsaess tennis academy

Fiona Jones School of Dance

MARBELLA GUN & COUNTRY CLUB

Monte Elviria (next to German School). Tel: 952 835 812

Monda. Tel: 952 112 161

Ages 9–14. Manolo Santana Racquets Club. Fuengirola. Tel: 610 764 439

MARBELLA SPORT

Hijas de María Auxiliadora

Km171.5. San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 788 315

Ages 3-12. Marbella. Tel: 952 771 396

Ctra. de Mijas, Km 3,5. Mijas. Tel: 952 474 858

III language schools

Manolo Santana Racquets Club

MULTI SPORT

San Pedro. Tel: 952 778 492 Marbella. Tel: 952 822 191 Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 908 558 Estepona. Tel: 952 794 059

Ctra. de Istán, Km2. Marbella. Tel: 952 778 580

Avda. Picasso 27. San Pedro. Tel: 952 782 801

New Concept Training Monte Paraíso Country Club, Camino de Camoján s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 866 843

Atalaya, Estepona. Tel: 952 928 444

Ages 4-16. Tel: 952 900 453

Dolphin Nursery

Benahavís. Tel: 617 647 223

Lew Hoads Tennis Club

Miraflores Tennis Club

Inlingua Language School

Urb. Miraflores, Km199. Calahonda. Tel: 952 932 006

02 CENTRO WELLNESS

All ages. Marbella. T: 952 774 942

Puente Romano TEnnis club Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

P-E SPORTS CLUB

the InteRnational SCHOOL of ESTEPONA Ages 2-12. Estepona. Tel: 952 884 789

El Rosario. Marbella. Tel: 952 837 651

Plaza del Mar. Marbella. Tel: 952 900 420 Urb. Parcelas del Golf, Aloha Gardens, N. Andalucía. Tel: 952 818 357

Laude San pedro international

Tenis El Casco

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THEGUIDE FAMILY

FEATURED FAMILY FUN OF THE MONTH

Space City NEWEST Play Centre! Kidz KINGDOM’S

north of Málaga. Open 11am-7pm. Fuente de Piedra, Málaga. Tel: 952 735 513 Danzzas Kids can learn ballet, modern dance, jazz, tap, theatre craft and hip-hop. Classes are taught at the Manolo Santana Racquets Club and at Plaza Gym. For a timetable please contact Fiona on Tel: 663 646 040. www.danzzas.com Flamenco Classes Children aged 5 to 8 can learn to dance flamenco from Isabel Gil, a professional dancer. Classes are held on Monday and Wednesday at the Nueva Alcántara Tennis Club. Tel: 952 788 315 Funny Beach Kids paradise with go-karts, trampolines, minimotorbikes, mechanical bull. Open daily. East side of Marbella. Tel: 952 823 359

Ice Skating Rink and Indoor Swimming Pool New sports A fun new kids activity centre has opened in the El Rosario area: Space City, featuring slides, climbing areas, ball pits, a special area for adults and a separate area for babies. Kids can imagine what it’s like to be an astronaut as they compete against each other in the space ball war area. The centre also has a bar and cafeteria, as well as free WiFi access. Space City opens from Tuesday to Thursday from 4pm to 8pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 8pm. Every Wednesday and Friday from 11am to 1pm a nursery service is offered. g CN 340, km 188.5, El Rosario. Tel: 952 839 275.

ANCRAA Giant Donkeys Cuddle

a donkey or become a volunteer to help save this humble but threatened animal. CN 340, km 164, Finca los Pajaritos, Estepona. Tel: 952 790 511 Bioparc Fuengirola Go to mysterious Madagascar, Africa and the Far East. Open 10am-6pm. C/ Camilo José Cela, 6. Tel: 952 666 301 Black Box Teatro Dramatic Arts School for all ages. C/ Notraio Luis Oliver 6, Marbella. Tel: 952 779 172. www.blackboxteatro.com Born to be Wild Jeep and dolphin eco-tours for the whole family. Open 9am-8pm. Blue Dolphin Beach Club, Estepona Beach. Tel: 639 720 246 Cable Ski Marbella Water ski cable system and pool. Open 11am-9pm (closed Mondays). Urb. Las Medranas, San Pedro. Tel: 952 785 579

Camelot This fun park in La

Cañada allows parents to shop while kids enjoy a wealth of games and activities with qualified child minders. There are a host of special events lined up, including baby and toddler mornings and a baby grow clinic, for mums to be and newborns. Ctra. De Ojén s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 764 766 Galaxia Children of all ages can have the time of their lives in this fun play centre, which has areas for each age group as well as a mini planetarium. C.C. Guadalmina, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 885 530 Crocodile Park Pose with the offspring of the half-tonne adult crocodiles. Open 10am-6pm. C/ Cuba, 14, Torremolinos. Tel: 952 051 782 El Refugio del Burrito Visit this donkey sanctuary just 40 minutes

centre with public ice skating, indoor pool, children’s pool. Avda. García Lorca, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 577 050

Inter Marbella Football Academy Football Academy for

boys and girls of all ages, just opposite La Cañada in Marbella. Training is on Mondays and Wednesdays. Call Craig on Tel: 609 310 409. www.intermarbellacf.com Karting Club Málaga Go-kart circuit for kids and adults who feel a need for speed. Open 10am-midnight. Ctra. De Coin, Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 581 704 Kids Multi-Sports Club This club ofers a plethora of sports for children of all ages and abilities, from tennis right through to football, cycling and even skateboarding, as well as parties with games, activities and bouncy castles. Urb. Parcelas del Golf, Avda. del Prado, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 656 618 712 Kidz Kingdom Fun play centre and birthday party area for kids, with a mini disco. Urb. Bel-Air, CN 340, km 166.2, Estepona. Tel: 952 925 936

Kidz Kingdom 2 – Space City This ‘out of this world’ play centre offers fun activities and toddler mornings, with visits from friendly characters like Barney and Sponge Bob. Urb. El Rosario, CN 340, km 188.5, Marbella. Tel: 952 839 275 Little Fishes Swimming classes

for newborns to 3-year-olds in Marbella, Estepona and Riviera. Tel: 686 498 561/ 607 875 949. www. littlefishes-spain.com

Little Gem Swimmers

Swimming courses for babies and toddlers in Benalmádena. Contact Emma on Tel: 628 567 129. www. littlegemswimmers.com Marbella Stage School Kids can take accredited courses in dance, drama, musical theatre and singing after school on weekdays and all day on Saturdays. Tel: 952 906 865. www.marbellastageschool.com Megabowl & Sports Bar This bowling centre boasts 14 stateof-the-art tenpin bowling lanes as well as great food, drinks and entertainment. C.C. La Cañada, Ctra. Ojén, Marbella. Tel: 902 232 999. www.megabowlmarbella.com Musical Babes Babies and toddlers aged 6 months to 3 years enjoy singing, playing simple instruments and playing games. Tel: 952 853 027. Los Jazmines 11, Bajo B, Nueva Alcántara, San Pedro de Alcántara. www.brainwaves-spain. com

NMA The Nelson Music Academy Kids aged 4 to 12 are

introduced to music in its funnest aspects. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm and on Saturdays from 11am to 1pm. Edif. Jupiter 44, Local 3, C/ Jesús Cautivo, Los Boliches, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 478 416. www. nelsonmusicacademy.com Original Dolphin Safari Watch, touch and swim with dolphins. Open 10am-5pm. Marina Bay, Gibraltar. Tel: +350 200 71914 Parque La Batería Kids will have fun in this park, built in the civil war era and featuring four replica cannons, underground bunkers and passageways. Urb. Montemar Alto (near the train station), Torremolinos. Plaza Mayor Family entertainment with multi-screen cinema, bars, restaurants, bowling alley and kids play area. Málaga. Tel: 952 247 580 Scouting Kids will have fun being a boy or girl scout. The programme followed is the same as that in the UK. Tel: 680 870 270 Sealife Centre See 2 metre long sharks. Touch pools and walk-though glass tunnel. Open daily 10am-6pm.

Benálmadena Port. Tel: 952 560 150 Selwo Adventure Park Over 2,000 animals, 4x4 tours, plus adventure activities. Open 10am9pm. CN340 Km 162.5, Estepona. Tel: 902 190 482 Selwo Marina Dolphins Exotic birds, penguins and virtual reality shows. Open 10am-6pm. Parque de la Paloma, Benalmádena. Tel: 902 190 482 Stagecoach Your kids will love being part of a renowned performing arts school, where they can hone their singing, dancing and acting skills. The academy is open to four to 16-year-olds. Tel: 952 900 453/666 838 213. www.stagecoach.es Steam Train Ride Enjoy a steam train ride crossing the Andalusian mountains with a scenic trip from San Roque to Ronda. Tel: 952 931 186 Swim Bebé Swim Swimming classes for under 4’s and AquaNatal classes for mums-to-be. Tel: 617 520 588 Teleférico Benalmádena Cable car to top of Calamorro mountain, falconry, trekking and horseriding. Arroyo de la Miel. Open 10am-6pm. Tel: 902 190 482 Tennis Camp Tennis lessons for kids from 4 years on, with professional coaches. Open 10am1pm. Club del Sol, Calahonda. Tel: 952 939 595 The Music House Kids learn, grow and have fun making music. Open to children from 2 years on. Edif. San Pedro del Mar, Blq 7, local 12, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 785 515. www.themusichouse.es Tivoli World Biggest amusement park on the Costa del Sol. Open daily from 1pm. Avda. de Tivoli, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 577 016 Trenecito de Marbella Take a relaxing train ride to view the main sights of Marbella. Daily 10am-1pm. Paseo Maritimo. Tel: 639 765 981 Yaina’s Park A fantastic indoor play centre where the staff speak Scandinavian, English and Spanish. Open seven days a week from 10am to 9pm. Children’s parties can be organised and there is a parent’s coffee shop with pool tables, a television and food. Avda. Gamonal 4, Edif. Hercules, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena. Tel: 622 005 068

L Let us know your thoughts! If you have suggestions for this section, contact us on news@essentialmagazine.com 166 / ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE APRIL 2011

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THEBLOG PETS WORDS Marisa Cutillas

Celebrity Animal Lover of the Month Sexy young actress Taraji P. Henson, known for roles in hit films like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and The Karate Kid, stripped down to her birthday suit to fight the fur industry. Henson told the press she had no problem with wearing fur in the past… until she found out the process through which those fabulous coats, gloves and vests found her way to her closet. She said it was all due to a documentary detailing the skinning process: “Before I saw that documentary I would wear fur but I saw this documentary and I was riveted. I cried. Could you imagine someone ripping your hair out while you’re still awake, fully conscious? It’s ridiculous, for the sake of fashion!” The stunning posters of Henson are currently gracing billboards in Los Angeles and New York. We’d love to see some Spanish celebs getting on the bandwagon!

2011: Year of the Rabbit

Poor Rabbit!

The year 2011 is the year of the rabbit and, while those born under this Chinese zodiac sign may be up for a successful year, conservationists fear there may be dire consequences for rabbits. This is because it is expected that many families will be purchasing the furry little animal in a bid to attract good luck, only to end up abandoning it once the novelty wears off. Rabbits can actually be quite a handful for their owners, since they have an expected lifetime of 12 years, need room to wander around and are fragile and prone to diseases like cancer, which means that owners have to be prepared to pay the required veterinarian bills. We hope everyone agrees that the best way to celebrate the year of the rabbit is to save this sweet animal.

Only days before animal rights group PETA was to launch an international campaign against Unilever (producer of Lipton and PG tips), the latter announced an immediate worldwide stop on tests on animals for tea and tea ingredients. The decision may have been motivated by appeals sent to Unilever by some 40,000 animal rights activists, as well as meetings held with PETA executives. According to PETA, previous experiments on animals included infecting piglets with E. coli. Cruel methods were used on mice, rabbits and rats as well. Lipton and PG Tips join other brands, including ITO EN (the world’s number one maker of green tea), Honest Tea, Twinings, Luzianne Tea and Stash Tea – in their refusal to use animals to test products.

Taraji P. Henson For some reason, bulls and horses seem to play an important role in many Spanish festivals and, sadly, this often involves cruelty to these beautiful animals. One festival recently made world headlines, even appearing on the popular gossip blog written by Perez Hilton. The latter wrote, “Every year on January 16, residents of a small Spanish village celebrate the festival of San Bartolomé de Pinares by riding horses around a race track surrounded by burning bonfires. In some cases, riders even force their horses over the tops of, or through, those flames. Residents claim the controversial ritual brings on the blessings of Saint Anthony and the animals are ‘liberated from all their ills’”. Somehow we don’t think it’s the horses whose ills need liberating!

Horses Driven Through Flames in Local Festival

Unilever Calls Off Testing on Animals

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WHAT’S ON IN APRIL

THEGUIDE WHAT’S ON Tower Bridge London by Dolores Cummiskey

del Sol yacht races start 12 noon on Saturday, 11.30am on Sunday from Marbella Port, organised by the Club Marítimo de Marbella. Further information, www.gpcostasol.es

Manuel Cultural Centre, 9pm. Entry €3. Further information, Tel: 952 802 002/ www.estepona.es

Every Saturday and Sunday KIDS’ CAMP – MARBELLA Aloha Gardens

by Palua Coronas, 8.30pm, Casa de la Cultura. Further information, www.fuengirola.org

Multi-Sports Club weekend camp for 4-14 yearolds, 10.30am-1pm. Activities include tennis, football, cricket, basketball, hockey, handball, paddle tennis. Further information, Tel: 952 814 086.

Every first Sunday of the month OPEN DAY – MIJAS PAD animal shelter,

Cerros del Aguila, welcomes visitors from 12-3pm. Further information, Tel: 952 486 084/ info@padcatsanddogs.org Joyce the Pluralist by Roger Cummiskey

New and regular events Saturday April 2 CONCERT – ESTEPONA El Piano Romántico, with pianist Olena Blahulyak and works by Chopin and Schumann, 8.30pm, Casa de la Juventud, Plaza de las Flores. Further information, www.musicaconencanto.org

Saturday April 2-10 ANDALUCÍA TENNIS EXPERIENCE – MARBELLA Third edition of this prestigious

WTA event attracting top players (Ana Ivanovic, Victoria Azarenka, Carla Suárez) to the Club de Tenis Puente Romano. Tickets from www. elcorteingles.es or call Tel: 902 400 222.

Events continued from March Until April 26 EXHIBITION – FUENGIROLA Spring

Awakening, exhibition of works by AIA Group husband-and-wife team, painter Roger Cummiskey and textile artist Dolores Cummisky, at the Galería Lucía (by the horse roundabout), open 12am-4pm and 7-11pm, closed Sunday. Further information, www.aia-group.net

Until May 29 EXHIBITION – MÁLAGA Kippenberger

Meets Picasso, one of the most important exhibitions devoted to this late German artist’s work, showing selections from his Untitled series, influenced by Picasso and Kippenberger’s time in Spain during the 1980s, Museo Picasso Málaga. Further information, www.museopicassomalaga.org

Until June 12 EXHIBITION – MÁLAGA Swiss

contemporary pop artist Sylvie Fleury, specialist in sculpture and mixed media to address the issues of the consumer society, CAC Málaga, www.cacmalaga.org

Every first Saturday of the month ORIGINAL ROCK & ROLL DANCE CLUB – NUEVA ANDALUCÍA Rock & roll music from

the late 1940s to early 60s spun by resident DJ Tall Mike, with visiting acts and stalls selling clothes and memorabilia from the era, 10pm3am at La Flor de Los Naranjos Restaurant. Entry free, happy hour 10-11pm. Further information, www.activesoundproductions.com

ECOLOGICAL MARKET – MARBELLA

Market stalls promoting healthy, ecological and home-grown produce, Parque de la Alameda, 10am-2pm. Further information, Tel: 952 483 868/ www.marbella.es

OUtDOOR FAIR – MARBELLA Siente

Marbella! A monthly feast of music, art and food celebrating Marbella from 11am-5pm, including art exhibitions at Plaza de la Iglesia Santo Cristo and Plaza de los Naranjos, food tastings in the Old Town and live music from 12 noon-3.30 at Plaza de la Victoria (flamenco fusion), Plaza Puente Ronda (jazz/blues) and Plaza Altamirano: (jazz). Further information from the Delegation of Tourism, Tel: 952 771 442/ www.marbella.es

Saturday, Sunday, April 2, 3 REGATTA – MARBELLA lV Grand Prix Costa

Every Monday and Wednesday LANGUAGE WORKSHOPS – MIJAS PUEBLO Spanish/English and English/Spanish

conversation with fellow native speakers, 10am11.30am. Inscription/further information, Mijas Town Hall Foreigner’s Department, Tel: 952 589 010/ frd@mijas.es

Wednesday April 6-13 EXHIBITION – MARBELLA Expo of artwork by students from Aloha College at the Congress Palace. Further information, Tel: 952 828 244/ www.marbella.es/congresos

Every first Wednesday of the month CULTURE & COCKTAIL – MARBELLA The

Asociación de Arte y Cultura Marbella monthly cocktail party at Magna Café, Magna Marbella Golf. Further information, www.culturamarbella. org/ lorraine@culturamarbella.org

Every Wednesday TOASTMASTERS CLUB – MARBELLA

Weekly meeting of this public speaking organisation, 7.30pm at Aloha Gardens, Nueva Andalucía. Further information, http:// theachievers.freetoasthost.org

Every Wednesday & Thursday CINE CLUB – MARBELLA Cine Club Buñuel

shows films in their original language, Marbella Instituto Río Verde, 8pm and 10.15pm, entry €3. Further information, Tel: 952 774 638.

April 6-29 EXHIBITION – FUENGIROLA Spring

Exhibition organised by the Spanish Association of Painters and Sculptors, Tenencía de Alcaldía de Los Boliches. Inauguration on 6th at 8.30pm. Further information, www.fuengirola.org

Thursday April 7 CONCERT – MARBELLA El Impresionismo,

the quartets of Debussy and Ravel, performed by the Cuarteto Alborán, 8.30pm at the Vasari Centre, Urb. La Alzambra, Nueva Andalucía. Further information, www.musicaconencanto.org

Every Thursday CINE CLUB – ESTEPONA Top films shown

weekly in Spanish or original soundtrack, Padre

Friday April 8 CONCERT – FUENGIROLA Piano concert

Saturday and Sunday, April 9, 10 MUSICAL SHOW – FUENGIROLA The

International Music Society Choir & Orchestra presents From Beatles to Bizet, classical and popular songs, 8pm Saturday, 7pm Sunday. Box office, Tel: 952 474 542, open Monday-Friday from 10.30am-1.30pm and 7-8pm. Further information, www.salonvarietestheatre.com

Every Sunday from April 10-May 1 ART & CRAFTS MARKET – MARBELLA Art

and high quality handmade goods for sale at this 20-stall market, Plaza de los Naranjos and Plaza de la Victoria from 10am-3pm. Further information, www.marbella.es

Saturday and Sunday, April 9, 10 EXPAT PARTY – ESTEPONA Party to celebrate Foreign Resident’s Day at the Congress Hall, from 12 noon. Further information, www.estepona.es

Sunday April 10 EASTER PROCLAMATION – ESTEPONA

Reading of the Prégon for Semana Santa by the Rvdo. Pedro Villarejo, 1.15 at Sta. Mª de Los Remedios Church.

Monday April 11 NADFAS LECTURE – FUENGIROLA The

Sacred Art of Tibet by Zara Fleming, 4.30pm, Salon Variétes Theatre. For information on other social events and membership, contact Pauline, Tel: 952 382 713/ www.nadfascostadelsol.org

Tuesday April 12 ILLUSTRATED NADFAS TALK – LOS BOLICHES Bhutan, Kingdom of the Thunder

Dragon by Zara Fleming, 10.30am, St.Andrew’s Church Hall. Further information, www. nadfascostadelsol.org

Every second Tuesday of the month JAZZ – ESTEPONA The coast’s Jazz

Appreciation Society meets at Benavista Country Club, 8pm. Classic videos followed by a live jazz performance plus dinner. To book, Tel: 952 888 106. Further information from Brian Parker, Tel: 669 504 942.

April 13-15 BONSAI EXPO – FUENGIROLA Exhibition by students from the Municipal Bonsai Workshop, Casa de la Cultura. Inauguration on 13th at 8.30pm. Further information, www. fuengirola.org

Wednesday and Thursday, April 13, 14 III WORLD CONFERENCE ON CLIMATE CHANGE & WINE – MARBELLA Former

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is the keynote speaker at this prestigious conference at

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Luis Eduardo Aute

eight hours of entertainment daily, a ‘50s Rock & Roll show on 29th, a top Michael Jackson Tribute act and a Rockabilly group, both on Saturday and Sunday, and a Studio 54-style disco every night from 1.00am. The fair opens daily from 1pm-4am. Street procession on Saturday from 12 noon. Map and programme from the tourist office or see www.fuengirola.org Marbella Congress Palace, along with climate and wine experts. Further information, www. climatechangeandwine.com

Friday April 15 CHARITY FASHION SHOW – MARBELLA Check out the latest fashions at this event in aid of children’s cancer charity, the Fundación Cesar Scariolo, 5-7pm, at the Hotel Los Monteros. Further information, Tel: 647 536 005.

Friday April 15-19 THEATRE – FUENGIROLA Dangerous

Obsession, an intense psychological thriller by N. J. Crisp, Salon Variétes Theatre, 8pm Saturday, 7pm Sunday. Box office, Tel: 952 474 542, open Monday-Friday from 10.30am1.30pm and 7-8pm. Further information, www.salonvarietestheatre.com

Saturday April 16 CONCERT – ESTEPONA Easter Bands

Concert, 12 noon, El Calvario Park. Further information, www.estepona.es

Every third Tuesday of the month FLORAL ART CLUB – ESTEPONA Meets 3-5pm monthly with NAFAS demonstrators, El Campanario Golf & Country Club. Further information from chairman Marilyn Pemberton, Tel: 952 928 197.

Thursday, Friday, April 21, 22 EASTER – NATIONAL PUBLIC HOLIDAYS Watch out for sombre Easter

street processions of religious icons and thrones in your locality during the week. Routes and times available from your local tourist office.

Friday April 22 HORSE RACING – MIJAS COSTA Mijas

Hipódromo celebrates Día de la Solidaridad with a charity market and race meeting. Horses come under starter’s orders from 11am with complementary activities (bouncy castle, processions, ponies, rastrillo). Further information, www.mijas.es

Friday April 22-25 SEA TRIAL – MARBELLA Your chance to try out Sealine’s stunning SC47 at sea and explore other Sealine models during a miniexpo organised by R & B Marine at Puerto Banús. Relax over coffee without the crowds of a large boat show. To reserve your private sea trial, contact info@rnbmarine.com Further information, www.rnbmarine.com

Wednesday April 27 MUSICAL DOCUMENTARY – SAN PEDRO Romantic Summer in the Isle

of Ushant by Dominic Pernoo, in French O.V. with English subtitles, San Pedro Cultural Centre, Plaza de la Libertad, 8pm, entry €5. Further information, www. musicaconencanto.org

Thursday April 28–May 10 EXHIBITION – MARBELLA Artworks

Every last Friday of the month COFFEE MORNING – ESTEPONA

ADANA animal rescue charity coffee morning at Plaza Manilva (outside Longman’s Bookshop) 11am-2pm. Kennels open 10am-5pm Monday-Friday and 10am-2pm Saturday, Sunday and fiestas. Further information, Tel: 952 797 405/ 606 274 206/ administracion@adana-estepona.com

by local German photographer, sculptor and painter Scarlet Stenger at the Kasser Rassu Gallery, Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso de Hohenlohe (in front of the Marbella Club Hotel). Further information, kasserrassu.com

BUSINESS LUNCH – MARBELLA

Friday April 29-July 1 EXHIBITION – ALHAURÍN EL GRANDE

Monthly on different days AMERICAN CLUB – MARBELLA The

Friday April 29-May 2 FERIA DE LOS PUEBLOS – FUENGIROLA The 17th edition of this

AMIGOS DE LA CULTURA – COSTA DEL SOL Meets at different times/

Drawings, paintings and sculptures by José María Córdoba, Alhaurín El Grande library, inauguration April 29 at 8.30pm. Further information, www.jmcordoba.com

popular international fair with 34 countries and Spanish regions showcasing their customs, traditional food and dances in the fairground casetas. The USA is putting on

Tinkerbell by Scarlet

Marbella Business Institute invitation-only lunch club for local and visiting business people, active and retired. To apply, see www.marbellabusinst.com

American Club Costa del Sol Chapter meets monthly for excursions, sports and social events. Further information from am.club. member@live.com/ Tel. 952 772 789/ www. americanclubcostadelsol.com

places for lunches, lectures and tickets to concerts, ballet, theatre, opera, etc. Further information, Tel: 669 445 809/ smartkidsmarbella@gmail.com

CERVANTES THEATRE HIGHLIGHTS – MÁLAGA Thursday April 7: The American Ballet Theatre’s ABT II corps of young dancers present a series of works performed to classical music, 9pm. Friday April 8: Spanish singer/songwriter Luis Eduardo Aute, 9pm. Thursday, Friday, April 14, 15: Easter Concert. Málaga Philharmonic Orchestra performs two pieces with the same title, Veni, Veni, Emmanuel, by very different composers, James MacMillan and Z. Kodály; also, Gabriel Fauré’s moving Requiem, 9pm. Wednesday April 27: The National Ukranian Symphony Orchestra of Dnepropetrovsk presents A Night of Spanish Music, 9pm. Friday, Saturday, April 29, 30: Málaga Philharmonic Orchestra performs Mahler’s The Song of the Earth, Friday at 8.30pm, Saturday at 8pm.

TEATRO ECHEGARAY

Thursday April 7: Spanish pop band Aeroplano21, 9pm. Friday, Saturday, April 8, 9: The Mefisto Teatro from Cuba performs Fuenteovejuna, a play about dictatorship, 9pm Friday, 8pm Saturday. Sunday April 10: Caleidoscopio Teatro presents the children’s play, ¡Ábrete Sésamo!, 11am and 1pm. Thursday April 14: Oniria, a four-piece ensemble specialising in ancient Baorque trombones and music from the 15th and 16th centuries, 9pm. Saturday April 16: Teatro Corsario presents the Easter play, Pasión, based on the writings of evangelists Diego de San Pedro and Fray Luis de Granada, 8pm. Thursday April 28: Argentinean singer Graciela Yuste, 9pm. Friday April 29: Israeli composer and jazz visionary Avishai Cohen, 9pm. Saturday April 30: Indie girl band Boat Beam, 8pm.

Ticket sales for both theatres from the box office/ Tel: 902 360 295/ www. generaltickets.com and other outlets. Further general information, Tel: 952 224 109/ www.teatrocervantes.com

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THEGUIDE STARS

Annie Heese is the founder of astrology website, www.cafeastrology.com, a site featuring articles, love sign compatibility reports, predictions, the gen on famous people and their star signs, and general information for astrology buffs.

ARIES [21 MAR - 20 APR]

LEO [23 JUL - 22 AUG]

SAGITTARIUS [22 NOV - 21 DEC]

A strong month for advancing your personal interests is in store for you. However, you should expect some delays and roadblocks. With patience, you’ll be able to move forward by leaps and bounds. Watch especially for impatience and poor judgment on the 3rd. The Full Moon on the 17th brings a whirlwind of emotion and activity with a close partner. Love and romance are more favourable after the 20th, with the 2225th exceptionally exciting for relationships as well as personal finances. April should be very strong in financial terms.

As adventurous as you’re likely to feel in April, you might find that responsibilities prevent you from scratching the itch to get away from it all. You might also experience some disagreements that can quickly blow out of proportion, in part because you’re feeling restless and in need of change. The coming months are apt to be especially busy and high profile, so take extra time this month to brush up your skills and to prepare as much as possible. Financial affairs are in need of some review.

You feel inspired creatively and romantically speaking this month, but you can also experience some drama and emotional ups and downs as you pursue your goals. For one, you may be setting your expectations too high, and for another, not everyone is matching your enthusiasm. Responsibilities to friends and groups can loom large this month, mainly because, emotionally, you’re in a totally different place. This is not the month to book yourself solid when it comes to work, as you’re simply not going to feel like following through.

TAURUS [21 APR - 20 MAY]

VIRGO [23 AUG - 22 SEP]

CAPRICORN [22 DEC - 19 JAN]

For most of the month, you’re likely to be more introspective and hesitant than usual. Soul-searching is necessary now, and important decision making will need to wait. Work matters can be frustrating at times, and you’re likely to want to escape the pressures, especially around the 17th. Feeling generally ‘under the weather’ can be a symptom of not wanting to face up to challenges. Fortunately, it’s temporary as you’ll begin to get back on your feet towards the end of the month. The 20th-25th brings more personal bravery and enjoyment.

Others may seem unduly aggressive or pushy, and it will be especially important for you to find time to relax and rest rather than feel at the mercy of circumstances or of other people. Tying up loose ends and clearing out unnecessary clutter are themes in April, but disagreements with others, particularly over ownership or financial matters, can also figure strongly. The need to sort out your finances, and especially debts and loans, will be prominent. The 20th-25th can bring romantic excitement.

Fabulous energy for spring cleaning is with you this month. Your larger focus in April is on your personal and home life, and with so much energy available to you now, it’s time to really take charge of domestic matters. However, challenges can arise if excess energy turns into restlessness and conflict with family. Although your heart is with your home and family right now, professional responsibilities loom large, especially from the 17th-18th. Be as patient as you can and try not to juggle too many tasks at once.

LIBRA [23 SEP - 23 OCT]

AQUARIUS [20 JAN - 19 FEB]

Relationships with friends and associates assume more importance in your life in April, but ups and downs are highly likely as well. Feelings of being misunderstood are quite possible this month, and this is just one of the reasons why relationships are so dramatic now. Money, values, and romantic pressures can be the other issues you are dealing with. Try not to take any communications for granted. The 17th can bring disagreements and tensions to a head, but the 20th-25th is excellent for smoothing over differences.

The needs of a significant other figure are prominent in April. While a feeling that your fate lies in others’ hands can be frustrating right now, in truth you are receiving a reminder about how important it is to get your relationships sorted out. If you feel that people are running roughshod over your feelings, be sure to stand your ground, but be clear about what you’re doing and why. The Full Moon on the 17th puts your emotions on your sleeve and demands that you make necessary changes in your life.

April promises to be a very busy month, with plenty on your ‘to do’ list. Feelings of stress and tension are quite possible now, however, because while you are highly motivated to learn, communicate and connect, you can also encounter some frustrating roadblocks in the process. Relationships with relatives and possibly even neighbours can present some problems. Delays, equipment breakdowns and other transportation and communication nuisances will require patience. The last week of the month should be considerably more peaceful.

CANCER [22 JUN - 22 JUL]

SCORPIO [24 OCT - 21 NOV]

PISCES [20 FEB - 20 MAR]

A new position or new work tasks keep you busy in April, sometimes to the point of exhaustion. Challenges can arise due to delays and lost or misunderstood communications, and you may need to contend with difficult personalities and power plays with co-workers. Beyond work, you’re likely to be strongly motivated to take on many projects that improve your health, but you should be careful not to take on more than you can handle. Be reasonable in your expectations and patient with yourself. Romantic thrills are likely from the 20th-25th.

Financial activity, including pressures or concerns, can be a big focus this month. Facing up to recent excesses will be necessary. However, you are also highly motivated to make money and ideas for doing so are abundant. Beware of impulse buys. Although you possess considerable energy to make money, you are similarly inclined to spend it! Both financial ups and downs are likely in April, so aim to save. Love matters are generally strong, especially until the 20th, when others are especially drawn to your most charming manner.

GEMINI [21 MAY - 21 JUN]

April is a high profile month for you. While you are clearer about your career goals and work matters are mostly straightforward, home and family life is vying for your attention. The balancing act you’re doing between your personal and professional lives can reach a head around the 17th. Others are recognising your talents and abilities in April, but the real drive for success is emanating from within, as you’re especially motivated and ambitious. Patience may be hard to come by right now, but is critical for maximum success.

170 / ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE APRIL 2011

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Mellior Vasari La Alzambra Local 3-1 Puerto Banús - Marbella - 29660 Spain +34 951 319 728 UK +44 0800 112 3027 info@quaypropertygroup.com

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