Essential Marbella Magazine June 2011 by Essential Magazine

FREE MAGAZINE - COSTA DEL SOL N º145 - JUNE 2011

essential essential marbella® magazine ISSUE 145 • JUNE 2011

ESSENTIAL FOR LUXURIOUS LIVING

THE MODERN

FAMILY

pampered

pets

TOP LUXURY CROSSOVERS family friendly

MATTERS

HOTELS

THE GRANADA

SCIENCE PARK

KIDs fashion

PARADE 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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Issue 145 • June 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

CREATIVE DIRECTOR DESIGN & LAYOUT STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

MARIANO JEVA cuentas@essentialmagazine.com

PRINTING DEPÓSITO LEGAL

MONIKA BÖJTI info@essentialmagazine.com

VIEW

INMA AURIOLES KEVIN HORN IAIN BLACKWELL, RUPERT BLUFF, MICHEL CRUZ, ANNIE HEESE, AJ LINN, GEORGINA SHAW, ALLAN TEE, RICHARD WHALEY, TONY WHITNEY FAMOUS, GARY EDWARDS, JOHNNY GATES, KH PHOTOGRAPHY JIMÉNEZ GODOY A. GRÁFICAS, MURCIA D.L. MA-512-99

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICES COMPLEJO LA PÓVEDA, BLQ. 3, 1º A, CN 340, KM 178, 29600 MARBELLA, MÁLAGA. TEL: 952 766 344 FAX: 952 766 343

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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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The Trend

22 Films 24 DVDs 26 Books 28 CD’s 30 Gadgets 32 Cars: Crossover Contrast

The Focus

36 Not-so-Star Celebrity Parents 38 Family Matters 44 Pets – the New Kids 50 Doggy Tales 54 Big Families 56 Stagecoach Performing Arts School 58 Rupert Bluff on Celebrity Adoptions 60 Humour: The Declining Birth Rate

The Style

64 Décor: A Dream Home from Engel and Völkers 74 Gardening: Family Gardening 76 Fashion News 78 Fashion: Top Kids Fashion

The Spa

88 Bio Sculpture Gel Nails 90 Beauty News 92 Age Appropriate Sports for Kids 94 Health Profile: Advanced Hair Studio 96 Health News

The Vibe

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

The Pro

108 Business Profile: Nordica Invest 110 Enterprise

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The Leisure

120 Travel: Top Family Hotels 126 Hotel: The New Iberostar Málaga Playa 128 Travel: The Granada Science Park

The Gourmet

139 Chateau Mona Lisa 141 Brasserie Banús 142 Food News 144 Chef’s Profile: Nicolás Echazarra of Tikitano 146 Wine Feature: Sangria and Paella

The Guide 148 Listings 158 Kids Zone

The Blog

159 Pet News 160 What’s On in June 162 Your Stars for the Month Ahead

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WORDS BY IAIN BLACKWELL

hese days, the family unit may be under duress, but anyone who is lucky enough to find a loving partner and to subsequently become a parent, will surely attest that magic is a child, two’s company, but three may well be a crowd, and quite possibly a recipe for financial bankruptcy. Whatever the case, you will never be emotionally bankrupt where children and family are involved! In this month’s Family special, we focus on relative issues such as the disintegration of the nuclear family, celebrity parenting, adoption, oversized families, and we ask: ‘Are pets the new kids?’ and present some pretty amazing examples! Transporting children

safely is a big concern being addressed by many car manufacturers, as we will see in our crossover contrast, and how to keep them amused when you arrive is almost as crucial. Don’t miss our exciting day trip to the acclaimed Granada Science Park, which you are guaranteed to

revisit, and Mr & Mrs Smiths suggestions of top hotels for adults with kids. We talk with Warren Webley, the Principal of Stagecoach, the performing arts school for Costa kids and we feature some of the coolest fashion trends for younger family members this summer.

Elsewhere, there’s a full complement of dynamic content designed to keep you in the picture, and we hope that you will, of course, savour your monthly read. Look out for a sizzling summer edition coming next month with yet another unmissable theme.

Family Affair Estos días, la familia es una institución que a menudo se critica, pero cualquiera que tenga la suerte de haber encontrado su media naranja y ser padre sabe que un niño es magia, dos son compañía y tres… quizás te lleve a la bancarrota. Aunque sea así, nunca te faltará el amor cuando de los niños y la familia se trata. Dedicamos esta edición

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a la familia, tratando temas como la desintegración de la familia nuclear, los padres famosos, la adopción, las familias numerosas y las mascotas, que son como hijos para mucha gente. Transportar a la familia de un lugar a otro con seguridad es crucial, así que te mantenemos informado con reportajes sobre los coches ‘crossover’ y sobre cómo entretener a tus hijos una vez que llegues a tu lugar deseado. No te pierdas nuestro artículo sobre el Parque de Ciencia de Granada, o sobre los mejores

hoteles para las familias con hijos. Hablamos con Warren Webley, Director de Stagecoach, una escuela de artes escénicas para niños. También te ofrecemos la moda más chic para niños este verano. En otras secciones de la revista, encontrarás mucho para entretenerte. Espero que disfrutes de esta edición tan especial. El mes que viene nos inspiramos en la época más amada en la Costa: el verano.¡No te lo pierdas!

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Hacienda Las Chapas: Beautiful family home within a prestigious residential area on the Costa del Sol. Fully fitted kitchen with breakfast area. Bright and spacious living area with a fireplace. Cinema room. Large covered terraces. Well-kept garden with a nice private swimming pool. 3 car garage. 7 bedrooms, 4+1 bathrooms, built 668 sqm, plot 1.554 sqm. ID-No.: 2002267. Reduced to €1.890.000

Playa Esmeralda: Stunning frontline beach apartment on the Golden Mile of Marbella. Recently renovated. Magnificent sea views from the living room, two of the bedrooms and the large partly covered terrace. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, built 171 sqm, terrace 38 sqm. ID-No.: 4000932. Reduced to €1.950.000

Sotogrande: Great South facing penthouse overlooking the beautiful canals of the marina. Bright housing space, covered terrace, fantastic partly covered roof terrace with Jacuzzi. Great rental potential. 3 bedrooms, 3+1 bathrooms, built 270 sqm, terrace 89 sqm. ID-No.: 1158161. Reduced to €495.000

Bahía de Marbella: Charming South facing beachside apartment, about 5 minutes drive from Marbella. Large covered terrace with partial sea views. Well-kept tropical garden with a nice communal pool area. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, built 233 sqm, terrace 69 sqm. ID-No.: 2002225. Reduced to €675.000

La Cala de Mijas: Amazing high quality villa with beautiful sea and mountain views on the Costa del Sol. Fantastic pool area with pool bar. Large well-kept landscape gardens, wooden guest house. 6 bedrooms, 5+1 bathrooms, built 505 sqm, plot 10.000 sqm. ID-No.: 5000548. Reduced to €995.000

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

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You only live once,

Beach Front, La Cala: Unique, contemporary villa situated directly on the beach. Stunning architecture, built to the highest standards with the latest techniques. Heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, lift, guest house, cinema, gym, bodega. 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms. Built 661 m2, plot of 1.000 m2. ID-No.: W-00DARN. Price: 3.500.000 €

Elviria: Elegant, southwest oriented, villa in Andalusian style with magnificent gardens situated close to amenities and restaurants. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Built 333 m2, Plot of 1.042 m2. ID-No.: W-00D8CZ. Price: 1.100.000 €

El Rosario: Contemporary villa with exceptional sea and mountain views situated in a sought after location. High quality materials, stunning outdoor areas. 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. Built 305 m2, plot of 1.416 m2. ID-No.: W-00DBOJ. Price: 1.475.000 €

Beach Front Elviria: Exclusive apartment situated in beach front position in the prestigious community of Hacienda Playa. Direct beach access. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Living area 106 m2, terrace of 46 m2. ID-No.: W-00DYV. Price 650.000 €

Beach Front Elviria: Beautiful apartment with large terrace situated in a beach front, community with direct beach access, within walking distance to amenities. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Living area 101 m2, terrace of 34 m2. ID-No.: W-00DB21. Price 395.000 €

Office Elviria: 952 83 55 80 · www.engelvoelkers.com/costadelsol

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!

Sierra Blanca. Exceptional Price: Rare opportunity to purchase a magnificent villa in the most exclusive gated community in Marbella for only 1.950.000 €. Beautifully decorated in Andalusian style and offering magnificent sea views from the upper floors. 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. Built 577 m2, plot of 1.315 m2. ID-No.: W-00CV9H. Price: 1.950.000 €

Sierra Blanca: Exquisite villa with breathtaking sea views situated in a prestigious gated community. High quality materials and outstanding features. Staff apartment, wine cellar, 6 car garage. 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. Built 878 m2, Plot of 2.069 m2. ID-No.: W-00C5CP Price: 4.950.000 €

Cascada de Camoján: Modern villa with magnificent sea and mountain views from every corner, situated in one of the most sought after locations. Large reception and bedrooms. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Built 643 m2, plot of 1.350 m2. ID-No.: W-00DDUV. Price: 1.950.000 €

Cascada de Camoján: Low priced apartment in the exclusive gated community of Monte Paraíso Country Club. Golf course, gym, sauna, outdoor and indoor pools. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Living area 177 m2, terrace of 67 m2. ID-No.: W-00D9WP. Price 695.000 €

Bank Repossession. Marbella Beach side: Duplex penthouse with stunning sea views and small private pool, situated in a gated community facing the sea and within walking distance to all amenities. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Built 204 m2. ID-No.: W-00D6J8. Price 525.000 €

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

READING / MUSIC / FILMS / GADGETS / MOTORING / TRENDS

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

22 Films 24 DVDs 26 Books 28 CD’s 30 Gadgets 32 Cars: Crossover Contrast

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Jardines Colgantes Very private and quiet apartment in the gated Marbella Hill Club with some of the most beautiful views over the coast and the sea onto Gibraltar and North Africa. The apartment has been refurbished to the highest standards and is in immaculate condition. The apartment has been interior designed and is for sale fully furnished. Large terrace with private pool. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Cooling: Air conditioning. Heating: Air conditioning, underfloor heating thorughout the apartment. Fully equipped kitchen and garage. Covered area: 173 m2 • Terraces: 107 m2 • 790.000 euros

Playa Esmeralda – Golden Mile Attractive frontline beach apartment within walking distance to Puerto Banús. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, living-dining room, equipped kitchen, covered terrace. Air-conditioning & heating, security 24 hours,garage, storage room. Communal pool & gymnasium.

Marbella Sierra Blanca Superb interior designed family home in the most sought after location in Marbella, Sierra Blanca. It offers good sea views from all floors. Lovely mature gardens with pool. 5 bedrooms with 4 bathrooms, guest-cloakroom, games room, sitting room. The property is in impeccable condition; ready to move in.

Covered area: 182 m2 • Terrace: 27 m2 • 795.000 euros

643 m2 built • 1.545 m2 plot • 2.450.000 euros

Playa Esmeralda – Golden Mile Lovely, southfacing, penthouse apartment in this prestigious frontline beach development within walking distance to Puerto Banus and its amenities.Fabulous sea views,large terrace,enormous roof top sun terrace. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, fully fitted kitchen, living and dining room. Communal gardens with pool. Gymnasium. 24 hrs. security. Garage. Storage room. 1.750.000 euros

Marina Puente Romano Impeccable duplex penthouse with beautiful sea views only a few steps from the beach and the promenade. 3 bedrooms,3 bathrooms, guest cloakroom, large terraces with plunge pool. Marina Puente Romano has beautifully landscaped and well maintained gardens with swimming pools. Garage and storeroom. 223 m2 built • Terrace 102 m2 • 2.390.000 euros

Urb. Coral Beach, 29602 Marbella • Tel: 34-952 765 636 klein@kleinandpartner.com • www.kleinandpartner.com 145 Klein.indd 1

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THETREND REVIEWS

Cinema The Beaver » Genre

Comedy/Drama

» Director

Jody Foster (Little Man Tate) » Actors Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Riley Thomas Stewart

Something Borrowed » Genre Comedy » Director Luke

Greenfield (The Girl Next Door) » Actors Kate Hudson, Ginnifer Goodwin, John Krasinski

WORDS marisa cutillas

The Beaver is the story of Walter Black, a hopelessly depressed man. The warm, loving family man he used to be is gone and, no matter how hard he tries, he cannot bring him back. Walter has lost all hope when he suddenly finds a new voice through a beaver puppet who ‘takes over’ his personality and becomes an inseparable ally. Don’t be fooled by the title: The Beaver is anything but a cheesy comedy about a hand puppet. Mel Gibson gives a heartfelt performance as a man who feels he has nothing left to give, desperately struggling to find the joie de vivre, character and humour that made life worth living in his younger years.

Haywire » Genre Action/Thriller » Director Steven Soderbergh (The Girlfriend Experience) » Actors Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender, Gina Carano

Rachel (Kate Hudson) is a successful Manhattan lawyer who has always been the top of her class and extremely responsible in all aspects of her life. On her 30th birthday, her best friend, Darcy (Ginnifer Goodwin) throws her a surprise party, and for the first time in her life, Rachel goes with her instincts and winds up in bed with a gorgeous young bachelor. There’s only one problem: he’s Darcy’s boyfriend, and while Rachel tries to view what happened as ‘just a one-night-stand’, she begins to fall for her charming bed companion and simply can’t get him out of her head.

Mallory Kane (Gina Carano) is a beautiful young soldier who is hired by the government to carry out a series of tasks that require her expert knowledge. During an assignment in Dublin, she fails to carry out her mission when she is betrayed by her own organisation and is forced to rely on her own abilities to escape international persecution and protect her family from harm. Thoughts of justice and revenge give her the strength to keep fighting when the battle is already lost.

» Genre Comedy » Director

David Gordon Green (Pineapple Express) » Actors James Franco, Danny McBride, Natalie Por tman, Zooey Deschanel

embark on a daring ride play two princes who James Franco and Danny McB cée of the heir to and rescue the abducted fian mission to save their country ewhat envious of som n bee (McBride) has always the throne. Prince Thadeous , seductive lover and ious (Franco), a brave warrior his gorgeous older brother Fab deous spends most Tha , t’ bes to his fate as ‘second natural born ruler. Resigned meless lasses. But, king alcohol and seducing sha an evil sorcerer, of his time smoking herbs, drin by ed app kidn oey Deschanel) is when his brother’s fiancée (Zo s ilou rescue mission. him to join his brother on a per Thadeous’s father calls upon tman) who will help Por talie (Na mysterious warrior The brothers are joined by a tion of their kingdom. them to impede the destruc

leases g More NejealwousyRe and attraction, set

Your Highness

in a tale of love, treachery, y and Sam Wor thington star love. » Last Night: Keira Knightle she reconnects with an old and trip s ines is sent on a bus to find an alien close to USA the oss acr el trav in motion when Wor thington g) Peg k nerds (Nick Frost, Simon » Paul: Two British comic boo yet equally adorable. far more sav vy, less educated is but husetts who obtained a E.T. Area 51 who looks like ing play a woman from Massac , role title the in s star nk Swa tence. » Betty Anne Waters: Hilary r from an undeserved jail sen rs fighting to free her brothe arm after being attacked her s lose who girl -old law degree and spent 18 yea ear 13-y n. ters on Bethany Hamilton, a ing a youth sur fing competitio » Soul Surfer: This biopic cen an attack that took place dur of r vivo sur only the was n by a shark. Hamilto

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El Madroñal - Ref NDV1233

Modern villa for sale, in the country estate of El Madroñal, set on a south facing plot with stunning views to the sea. The property offers an impressive entrance hall, a spacious lounge with feature fireplace, a formal dining area leading onto the large covered porches and terraces, 4 suites and a country style kitchen with fireplace and sitting area. It also features various entertaining areas including a dining, chill out and BBQ area, infinity pool, exterior jacuzzi, cinema room and a full size snooker room. A wonderful, elegant, yet homely villa, offered in pristine condition, with mature manicured gardens and a gated driveway leading to a 3 car garage.

Beds: 4

Baths: 3

Built: 677m2

Plot: 2.750m2

2.700.000€ Mansion Club - Ref NDA1241

La Quinta - Ref NDA1236

Sunny and spacious 2 bedroom apartment for sale in Las Lomas de la Quinta, a gated complex of only 52 luxury apartments designed by the renowned architect, Melvin Villaroel. The property enjoys lovely south facing views over the gardens from its good size terrace. It is sold with a garage space and store room included in the price and is in perfect condition.

Extremely well priced, 2 bedroom apartment in Mansion Club, a luxury development on Marbella’s Golden Mile. The complex features 114 apartments offering all the latest facilities as well as a 24-hours security service and lush tropical gardens and swimming pools. The complex also has a restaurant-bar and a heated indoor swimming pool with gymnasium and sauna.

Beds: 2 Baths: 2 Built: 129m2 Terrace: 37m2

Beds: 2 Baths: 2 Built: 166m2 Terrace: 43m2

445.000€

Monte Paraiso Country Club - Ref NDA1105

690.000€

Las Cañas - Ref NDA1198

Spacious south facing apartment in the sought after, gated urbanisation of Monte Paraiso Country Club. Finished to an extremely high standard, it offers spectacular coastal views overlooking the tropical gardens and the pool. The property features an open plan entrance hall leading through to the living room with fireplace and dining area and out onto large south-facing terraces.

4 Bedroom duplex penthouse, ideally located along the Golden Mile, in a beach front community with 4 swimming pools and private access directly onto the promenade. This property is spacious and well presented and with its south western orientation, makes an ideal permanent residence or holiday home.

Beds: 2 Baths: 2 Built: 168m2 Terrace: 68m2

Beds: 4 Baths: 3 Built: 182m2 Terrace: 71m2

650.000€

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

1.250.000€

THETREND REVIEWS

Dvd Harry Brown

WORDS marisa cutillas

» Genre Thriller » Director Daniel Barber (The Tonto Woman) » Actors Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer

Michael Caine has been at the top of the acting game for over five decades and films like Harry Brown prove why he deserves to remain there. Caine, whose acting borders on a realism and humanity that absorbs us into the character’s sentiments and thoughts, plays Harry, a retired Royal Marine who decides to take the law into his own hands after a friend is unjustly killed. His moral clarity, conviction and confidence in right and wrong are a stark contrast to the city around him, where corrupt cops and violent criminals run riot. This may not be one of Michael Caine’s Top 10 films, but it is definitely a rewarding, thought-provoking work, focusing as it does on the man of words turned into man of action.

e FEATURED DVD RELEASE

Burlesque

» Genre Romance/Musical » Director Steve Antin (Glass

House: The Good Mother) » Actors Christina Aguilera, Cher, Stanley Tucci, Cam Gigandet

OF THE MONTH

p o h S ift G e Th h g u o r Th it Ex » Genre:

Documentary

» Director:

Banksy

» Narrated

by:

Rhys Ifans

He actually knows the world’s Don’t you just envy Rhys Ifans? Banksy, or we assume he does, most mysterious street artist, ate Exit Through The Gift Shop, since he was selected to narr umentary. The film focuses doc d Banksy’s Oscar-nominate French businessman living in on Thierry Guetta, an eccentric top street artists and their film Los Angeles, who decides to and Space Invader are some work (Banksy, Shepard Fairey we never get to see Banksy’s of the featured artists though e, Banksy turns the camera styl eky face). In his typically che following him on his mission round and begins to film Guetta, ement that is urban art. mov d to break into the undergroun h more than a film aimed at Exit Through The Gift Shop is muc n on modern day materialism street art fans; it is a reflectio marketing and the financial the by and the big roles played current artists. The film sector since the rise and fall of by Banksy. ks features never-before-seen wor

Pop star Christina Aguilera plays Ali, a small-town girl who heads for Los Angeles to make it big. She stumbles into The Burlesque Lounge, where the owner, a retired dancer called Tess (Cher), struggles to keep the business from going into bankruptcy, all the while presenting the best show dancing performances in town. Ali starts working as a waitress, and eventually manages to convince Tess to let her join the team of dancers. It’s when Ali sings, though, that she really blows the audience away, and soon she is the star performer of a club she has every intention to take to new heights of success. While the script of this film is a tad predictable, the casting inappropriate and the characters rather two-dimensional, the film is still worth watching if traditional burlesque, with its glamorous, sexy outfits, tongue-in-cheek performances and gentle sensuality are your thing.

» Genre Comedy » Director Ron Howard (Ransom)

» ACTORS Vince Vaughn, Kevin James,

Queen Latifah, Channing Tatum

The Dilemma The Dilemma tells the story of a man who discovers that sometimes, keeping quiet is far worse than talking. Vince Vaughn plays Ron, a staunch bachelor who is joined at the hip to his best (and married) friend, Nick (Kevin James). Ron and Nick founded their own business many years ago and now they are bidding for a project that will take their firm to a whole new level. Ron’s sense of confidence falls to pieces when he discovers Nick’s wife in the arms of another man and the image of his friend’s perfect marriage falls to pieces. Before talking, Ron decides to investigate further, only to discover that Nick has his own share of secrets. Between the new project and the pressure of having to keep quiet, Ron is a pressure cooker about to explode and he resolves to find the right moment to tell his buddy the ugly truth.

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THETREND REVIEWS Words belinda beckett

Books

2 The Kids’ Summer Fun Book by Sam Martin and Claire Gillman The long school holidays will soon be upon us so plan in advance with this inspirational bible to family fun, which deserves a place in every home library. Parents will find ideas to recapture their childhood as they join with their kids in dozens of delightful summer activities: from building a tree house to throwing a beach party with a sand castle theme, as well as hiking and camping trips in the great outdoors, kite flying, snorkelling and even croquet in the back garden. Activities are categorised under topics – On The Water, Summer Games, Family Feasting – and we guarantee you won’t get through one tenth of them before summer’s out.

1 Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult

Never one to shy away from controversial issues, now this best-selling novelist turns her attention to gay rights and reproductive science in a relationship triangle with a twist. The story centres on lesbian couple Zoe and Vanessa who are trying to start their own family using stored embryos fertilised by Zoe’s ex-husband, Max. Max has other ideas, however, culminating in an exciting courtroom drama. The story is told from the perspectives of all three major characters in order to explore all sides of this hot-button issue. And, to make sure you’ve really got the message, the book comes with a CD of folk songs reflecting the feelings of the central character, music therapist Zoe, as the story unfolds.

6 2

4 At Last

by Edward St Aubyn

3 What They Know

about Parenting: Celebrity Moms and Dads Give Us Their Take on Having Kids by Cindy Pearlman Parenting is a topic that triggers common emotions in just about all mums and dads, whether they are celebrities or not, but it’s nice to know that Gwyneth Paltrow also has trouble changing a nappy! Here, well-known parents like Madonna, Jim Carrey, Reese Witherspoon, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Antonio Banderas and Sarah Jessica Parker spill the beans on bringing up baby to celebrity writer Pearlman. Sometimes humorous, often heartbreaking and frequently embarrassing, prepare to laugh, cry and cringe with empathy.

Described by critics as ‘one of the most powerful reflections on the treacheries of family ever written’, the new novel from the Man Booker-shortlisted author of Mother’s Milk takes place in a single day, after a funeral, but don’t be put off; the author exploits the comic opportunity of this morbid topic to the full, with witty dialogue a-plenty. The reader becomes a fly on the wall at the wake for Patrick Melrose’s mother, Eleanor, an heiress who forsook the grandeur of her upbringing for ‘good works’, freely bestowed upon everyone but her own child. But, as friends, relations and foes arrive to pay final respects, Patrick finds that losing his mother isn’t necessarily the liberation he anticipated.

5 Everyday Eden

by Christina Symons and John Gillespie

Cultivate the whole family in the tranquil pursuit of gardening with this beautifully-illustrated guide, for beginners and the green-fingered alike. Using inexpensive, green and recycled materials, you can learn to create everything from succulent sculptures and living willow fences to stylish garden soirées, recipes for fresh fruit & veg cocktails included. Kids will love the grow-your-own-gift ideas (flowerpot cupcakes, personalised pumpkins) and, best of all, it doesn’t matter if your outdoor space is golfcourse sized or just a balcony, you’ll still find ways to maximise it beautifully.

6 Families and How to Survive Them by Robin Skynner and John Cleese

It’s an oldie but a goodie, acknowledged by the psychiatric fraternity as being one of the best lay books on family relationships. First published in 1983 and now available as a kindle e-book, it consists of a series of witty, insightful dialogues between psychotherapist Skynner and Cleese, covering parental and marital relationships as well as advice on raising happy, well-balanced children. Cleese proposed the book after attending Skynner’s group therapy course at London’s Institute of Family Therapy. Sadly, it seems the three-times divorced Monty Python/Fawlty Towers actor didn’t heed his own advice!

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G.I.P.E.: Miguel Tobar

VILLA MARKETING Established for 28 Years

Since 1983

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 euros and now 50% reduced. Price: 1.250.000 euros

BEACHSIDE VILLA Ref. VM08389 Fully renovated charming villa in a quiet area, within walking distance to the beach and other amenities. Bright and sunny, south facing, 4 bedrooms, spacious split level living room leading out to ample terrace areas, covered porch and the pool. Price: 795.000 euros

NUEVA ANDALUCÍA Ref. VM08414 Centrally located villa with open views and within walking distance to shops and restaurants, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Spacious living - dining room leading out to covered terrace and pool area. Garage and basement. Price: 595.000 euros

BEACHFRONT PENTHOUSE Ref. VM10058 You cannot get closer to the sea! You can see it, hear it and smell it! Charming 2 bedroom & 2 bathroom penthouse looking straight out to sea. Gated complex within walking distance of restaurants and other amenities. Price: 450.000 euros

NUEVA ANDALUCÍA Ref. VM09316 Three bedroom garden apartment situated in the heart of the golf valley, in a small gated community. Good size lounge leading out to a covered terrace and garden. Sold furnished, ready to move in. Price: 199.000 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 REVIEWS

Music

WORDS Allan Tee

Paul Simon So Beautiful or So What! This album was so hotly anticipated it was frightening. Sadly, the result is rather disappointing for several reasons. First, there is a lack of progression in the music. Vocally, Simon is as brilliant as ever but there is most definitely something missing here. Simon has such a remarkable body of work that given the kind of benchmark he has set, this latest collection cannot help but fall short of originality. There is one track on this album that is all about Christmas. It could become a big hit during the festive season! So let’s not write this one off just yet.

Raphael Saadiq

Brooke Fraser Flags Never really caught the vocal excellence in this young New Zealander on her first three albums, but this album is a true watershed. I had to listen to it several times to catch the essence of her meaning but it came to me and I am pleased to have found this soulful and original talent has gained her wings! Flags flies in wonderful swirls and I highly recommend it to you.

Stone Rollin` This Grammy Award winner, producer extraordinaire, releases this, his third studio album after what can be termed as a very impressive career. With Stone Rollin’, he broadens his outlook to take in various other R&B styles, without shifting more than a few years either way. Heart Attack for example, replicates the high-energy impact of Sly & The Family Stone. He does Motown very well with tracks like Moving Down the Line, and Just Don’t is an excellent retro tribute to Stevie Wonder. In fact, you get the feeling that Raphael set out to celebrate these Soul greats as well as the magnificent music of Curtis Mayfield and Ray Charles.

Hugh Laurie

Let Them Talk ow tain affinity with our fell se of us who feel a cer o wh n ma a h When it occurs to tho t connection wit y gratifying to make tha ed ors end e human beings, it is ver om bec e that hav lity to create characters nce has shown such an abi , Bertie Wooster and Pri use Ho Dr. as h suc es, tim all for e tic tur ma cul dra in TV r, displaying both t George in Blackadde n sio pas ring George and Lieutenan ave ost unw us also not forget his alm and ied var and comedic genius. Let hly hig es! In this his real love…. the blu into for what he regards as mands yet is absorbed com h bot rie Lau gh Hu , tion lec al col sic red mu ctu stru loads. Savour the um displays in bucket the music that this alb rious! ling that lives. It is glo contrasts and deep fee

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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 27/5/11 12:55:24

Nueva Andalucia

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THETREND GADGETS

athatFAMILY Plays Together

WORDS Marisa CUTILLAS

Play Together

Stays together

In line with our homage to families, in all their different manifestations, we bring you a selection of gadgets the whole family can enjoy; gadgets that bring us together and help us create memories we will cherish for a lifetime. The fun starts here:

SURF Together

The Nintendo 3DS The Sandberg Wireless and Battery-less Mouse Imagine you and your kids wish to surf the Internet together, watch funny YouTube videos or research together for a school project. Instead of sitting on an uncomfortable chair and sharing a mouse connected to one side of your keyboard with a short cable, increase your mouse’s mobility and user-friendliness with this cutting edge wireless and battery-free mouse by Sandberg. The mouse works by drawing electricity via electromagnetic induction, offering great precision and the ability to scroll both vertically and horizontally. It also comes with software which allows you to programme its buttons and fine-tune movement. i www.sandberg.it

3D has taken the games world by storm and the latest ‘must have’ item on every gamer’s wish list is the Nintendo 3DS, which invites you to experience life-like play with real 3D graphics, without the need for special glasses. The 3D display adds a feeling of space and depth hitherto unknown, making it easier to see the position of characters and obstacles, and inviting users to use their intuition to obtain higher scores. The device comes with a 3D depth slider, which allows you to adjust the intensity of the 3D setting to your preference, or play all games in 2D. It also has a sensitive motion and gyro sensor which responds to players’ movements, whether they turn left, right or move the console up and down. The whole family will be competing for possession of this gadget, as the games it supports are highly addictive (Pilotwings Resort, Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition, Nintendogs + Cats, Asphalt 3D and many, many more!). i www.nintendo.es

The Loewe Art LED 46 Television

The Newly Released iPad2

The iPad has already made the dream of millions of users from all over the world come true, offering everything from gaming right through to video, listening and Internet surfing experiences. Lest we forget, the iPad is ideal for little children, from toddler age upwards, since its Appstore contains a wealth of applications (some free, some at a small cost) aimed at aiding the learning process. The iPad 2 is even better than its predecessor, both in look (its stunning white design is super chic) and in functions (its new double nucleus A5 processor with 1Ghz makes its graphics potential nine times as powerful as the previous version). It is also 13 per cent lighter, and comes with novelties such as two cameras, which facilitate video conferences; a 1080p HDMI cable, which can be connected to the television; and a Smartcover (available in ten different colours) to protect the screen. The most family-oriented aspect of the iPad is undoubtedly the reading applications, creating happy memories you and your kids will remember forever. We suggest interactive reading applications like Jack and the Beanstalk and Alice in Wonderland. i www.apple.com

WATCH Together

READ Together

Make Magic Together, with the stunning Kymera Wand which boasts 13 different functions, such as raising the volume on your stereo, changing the channel on your television or opening and closing your Blu-Ray machine. i www.thewandcompany.com

Style It Together, with chic iPad bags by Belkin. www.belkin.com

This new release from Loewe is perfect for families with style. The television boasts 200 Hz technology, a high definition TDT synthesizer and a 24p mode to maximise your viewing experience. It also allows you to record programmes on its internal DR+ hard drive, with 250GB of storage space. The revolutionary Loewe Medianet system allows you to surf the Internet, watch videos and listen to the radio online. www.loewe-es.com

Read Together, with the affordable, lightweight electronic reader by Medion. i www.medion.com

Travel Together, and enjoy music from your computer or USB drive with the Zipy Silverstone, which plugs into your lighter receptacle and reproduces fantastic sounds by synchronising with your radio. i www.zipylife.com

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THETREND MOTOR

‘ CARS

Crossover’ is one of the more recent car industry buzzwords and it seems to be everywhere these days, but what exactly is it? The question is a source of endless and often spirited debate among car industry people, analysts and journalists covering the vehicle business. When the word was first coined, it was applied to all kinds of products that were originally launched as sport utility vehicles – little more than a ‘quick fix’ when the term ‘SUV’ became somewhat less respectable due to environmental concerns. Auto makers were quick to look for another term to apply to products where functionality and style, rather than goanywhere capability, were the main aims.

LUXURY

Most of the ‘re-badged SUV’ crossovers have gone now, replaced by purposedesigned vehicles planned from the ground up to fulfill multiple roles. With a crossover product, it’s not a matter of what it is, but rather what it’s not. A true crossover is not an SUV, an estate car, a people mover nor a modified saloon, though it combines elements of all those vehicle types and one or two more as well. The real contenders – call them the true crossovers – are in a class of their own and usually combine good looks with car-like handling and performance, all packaged up in a roomy, family-friendly, cargo-swallowing vehicle. For many buyers who only need occasional capability for tackling well-graded dirt roads, crossovers

can be the ultimate all-round vehicles. As one might expect from an industry that would prefer to sell well-optioned upscale products than bare-bones economy cars, the luxury crossover segment has boomed in recent times and there are lots of choices out there. Remember that a vehicle manufacturer might not use the term ‘crossover’, preferring to adopt a more imposing name for a spiffy new multi-role product. Sometimes, it’s left to the motoring writer to decide which category a new vehicle slots into. It’s worth noting that few luxury crossovers are particularly good in the fuel consumption department, although there are hybrids available or waiting in the wings and many makers offer diesel options.

CROSSOVERS REPORT TONY WHITNEY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BMW, CADILLAC, PORSCHE, AUDI, RANGE ROVER, MERCEDES, LEXUS, VOLVO AND INFINITI

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE One of the more exciting additions to the crossover market recently has been the Range Rover Evoque. This radically-styled vehicle will be priced to bring Range Rover ownership to a wider variety of buyers and is aimed right at the heart of the ‘urban professional’ market. Its maker, Land Rover, is emphatic in stating that this isn’t an ‘off-roader’ in the spirit of other products in its stable. It’s the first vehicle from Land Rover to feature front-wheel drive, so this one is a real departure.

PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO S Porsche’s recently-revised Cayenne ‘crosses over’ into the realm of high-performance sports cars. The top Cayenne Turbo S develops no less than 553-horsepower and it has handling to match. It is said that Porsche test drivers have lapped the legendary Nurburgring circuit in Germany faster than their colleagues in some of the maker’s sports models – they’re that good from a dynamic standpoint. Any Cayenne is a wonderful vehicle, but the Turbo S is something very special indeed. All Cayenne models are superbly finished and laid out very much with the driver in mind – this is a Porsche, after all.

LEXUS The closest product Lexus has to a crossover is its RX range, which offers products with both conventional and hybrid V-6 powertrains. Like other Lexus models, this is a very luxurious, well-built and refined vehicle and forms the basis of the largest range of crossovers and SUVs in the industry.

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6 4

BMW X6 The BMW X6 uses a design approach with bold lines and a very ‘in your face’ demeanor about it. Every inch is unmistakably BMW despite the X6’s radical ‘giant hatchback’ styling. The X6 is big and brash and comes with a choice of inline six or V-8 powerplants. At the top end of the range, there’s an M version with no less than 555horsepower, so like the Porsche Cayenne, it could probably do a fair job lapping a race track. Inside, buyers get the usual ambiance that goes with any BMW, even the entry-level models.

MERCEDES-BENZ R-CLASS The big Mercedes-Benz R-Class has been around for quite a while now and must be regarded as one of the ‘fathers’ of the luxury crossover segment. The latest generation ‘R’ is a spacious, cargo-hungry and thoroughly luxurious product and every inch a Mercedes. Looking more like a big estate car than an SUV, the R-Class can be ordered with a conventional V-6 or one of Mercedes’ outstanding and economical BLUETEC diesels, which is the way many of them seem to be sold these days. Both variants have the company’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive and there are three rows of seats taking up to seven occupants, just like a people mover. Everything about this rig shrieks ‘premium luxury saloon’ and that’s just the way Mercedes-Benz intended it.

CADILLAC SRX Perhaps more elegant than the X6 is Cadillac’s mid-sized SRX, which manages to offer most of the goodies expected from an upscale crossover without the bulk. Using either a 3.0-litre V-6 or a 2.8-litre turbo V-6, it’s one of the quickest crossovers around, with sports car performance to go along with its excellent handling. And Cadillac has made a supreme effort in recent years to upgrade quality and opulence in its products, so the SRX boasts the same fit and finish you’ll find on any rival from Europe or Asia. This beauty is available with either front or all-wheel drive. One of the big selling points of the SRX is its clever and innovative cargo management system, which is best checked out at a dealer rather than described in print. Far too few makers pay attention to the business of distributing multiple loads around the cargo area. JUNE 2011 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE / 33

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VOLVO XC60 Often forgotten (which is a pity) by people shopping the crossover market is the Volvo XC60, which combines great looks with some of the most advanced safety features in the industry. A little smaller than some of the crossovers we’ve looked at for this feature, the XC is nonetheless a highly practical vehicle with lots of room for five occupants and plenty of cargo space. Also, you can get a 236-horsepower T6 turbo V-6 version, so the performance is there without any frills, spoilers or multi-coloured badges or stripes. For those who plan to stick to tarmac roads, there’s a basic front-wheel drive variant and even in that form, it can handle most extremes of snow and ice with its electronic stability aids.

INFINITI

There are those who argue that Infiniti makes the bestlooking crossovers out there and certainly the FX35, FX50 and smaller EX35 feature expressive and dynamic styling. The FX35 and EX35 use V-6 engines while the FX50 has a big V-8. These are fast and powerful rigs but can be expensive at the very top of the model lineup. As with so many Infiniti products, interior design is exceptional and all three of these vehicles have considerable appeal as design icons. There’s something very satisfying about the way Infiniti designs its instruments, controls and cabin fittings. People who love fine modern furniture, classic watches and premium home theatre gear will immediately warm to Infiniti’s work. Infiniti is planning an all-new JX crossover, but so far, only artist’s impressions have been released.

AUDI Q5 Audi’s Q5 fits comfortably into the crossover market and like other vehicles from Ingolstadt, has a nice 9 performance edge to it. It follows Audi’s current styling themes and, naturally enough, can be ordered with the company’s famed Quattro all-wheel drive system. A variety of engine choices are available, as is the case with so many vehicles in the crossover segment. There’s even a hybrid on the way, so Audi is really keeping up with the

The crossover market is bound to grow significantly in the years ahead and many of the upscale nameplates will surely add vehicles in this class sooner or later. Audi is known to be readying something else and there may be a few other surprises down the road now the class has become established. One marque that could probably do very well with a crossover product is Jaguar, but for the time being, the British automaker is insistent that its role is producing fine saloons and sports cars and any kind of utility vehicle is ‘taboo’.

For other makers, getting into this segment has been a clever business move and one that paid off – among the best examples here are Porsche, Infiniti and Cadillac. Without crossovers and SUVs, none of these companies would be the successes they are as we enter the second decade of the 21st century. Incidentally, even within the luxury class, prices vary widely. The crossovers we’ve looked at can cost anywhere from €35.000 to beyond €60.000. e

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

Famous parents, celebrity adoption, the nuclear family, pampered pets and Marbella’s own fame academy…

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THEFOCUS FACTS

Having children makes one no more a parent than having a piano makes you a pianist. Michael Levine

NOT-SO-STAR

Celebrity Parents

WORDS BELINDA BECKETT

As the parenting antics of certain celebrities confirm, bringing up a family is the mother-and-father of a job even when you do have oodles of money to pay for nannies, personal shoppers and chauffeurs. Could be, they’ve never quite grown up themselves… Michael Jackson proved that point when he was caught dangling his kid over a balcony. Naturally, it’s a lot easier if Mum and Dad stay off the drink and drugs; one cautionary tale was that leaked video of David Hasselhoff, boozed and eating a hamburger off the floor while his daughter filmed the whole sorry incident. And what parents would allow their four-year-old daughter to wear high heels and lipstick? Why, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes! As Scientologists, they believe in treating children as adults but can that explain why little Suri was recently pictured clutching a packet of phallic-shaped fruit gums in her tiny hand? To kick off this month’s family-themed issue, here are some choice celebrity parent quotes.

“

There’s always a little bit of a discussion about how short the skirt is… or is there some cleavage showing. And I always say to her, ‘Do you want everybody to be staring at your breasts, or do you want people to talk to you?’” A bit rich, coming from a celeb who sings Like a Virgin but hardly dresses like one. Yes, this is Madonna on her daughter Lourdes.

“I think there should be a worldwide law, in my opinion, that mothers should breastfeed their babies for six months.” Her own breasts came second in a survey by The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery into the celebrity body parts most desired by people seeking cosmetic procedures. It’s Brazilian model Gisele Bündchen dishing the breastis-best advice.

“I definitely want Brooklyn to be christened, but I don’t know into what religion yet.” Allegedly, Mum and Dad have turned to Buddhism so who knows? It’s dad David Beckham, love him, unaware that only ‘christ’ians do ‘christ’-enings. Gettit Becks?

“If my sons told me they wanted to be in the entertainment business, I’d lock them in their rooms until they turned 30.” They might have been better off there but it’s a decision she may never have to make, as she’s lost custody of her two boys to husband Kevin Federline. Yes, it’s Britney Spears, the celebrity Mum’s prophetic warning.

“When Princess is 18 and goes to be a Page Three girl, I’d encourage her. I’ll go: ‘Yeah, get them out for the lads’.” She’ll do anything for tabloid coverage – or uncoverage – and, since The Sun launched her own career, why not her daughter’s too? It’s the famous-for-being-famous Katie ‘Jordan’ Price doing the talking. “I think parents need to beat the crap outta their kids. I think the whole spanking thing and how it’s gotten all PC is for the birds. My dad put me through a wall; it’s the only reason I’m still alive. I deserved it.” Alarmingly, this American singer, married to professional motocross racer Carey Hart, gave birth to her first child recently. Think Pink, and be very afraid. “I hope my child will be a good Catholic like me.” Is that Like a Prayer or does she really mean it? It’s our Madge again, having a delusional moment.

“I think it’s important that Max sees mommy not being ashamed of her sexuality. We’re art collectors, there are a lot of female nudes around the house.” Poor Max may see mommy ashamed for other reasons since this singer, now divorcing his Dad Jordan Bratman, was recently arrested for drunkenness. That would be Christina Aguilera embarking on a Britney-style downward spiral. “I had just put the casket in the hearse and I was watching it drive away when a beautiful blonde woman comes up and embraces me. I said to her, ‘You have a drink on you? You have a car?’ She said, ‘Daddy, it’s me, Tatum!’ I was just trying to be funny with a strange Swedish woman, and it’s my daughter. It’s so sick.” His skills at fatherhood were always in question but accidentally hitting on his own daughter at his late wife Farrah Fawcett’s funeral? Ryan O’Neil, you’re right. You are totally sick. e

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Villas from € 495.000 ! e t i s b e rw u o t i s i V www.swissmadehomes.com Real Estate Marbella/Spain, Tel. (+34) 952 765 071 – Mobile (+34) 699 234 266 E-Mail: info@swissmadehomes.com

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THEFOCUS HISTORY

“FAMILY IS WHAT GROUNDS YOU” ANGELINA JOLIE

n 1991, some 13 million British viewers gathered around the TV every week to watch the popular BBC sitcom, 2Point4 Children, a title reflecting the number of kids in the average British household at the time. Fast-forward to today and the series would have to be renamed 1Point6 Children to accurately reflect the status quo. And the ‘great British family’ is still shrinking. A survey by insurance

firm Aviva reveals that almost two thirds of British parents have shelved plans for a second child because they simply can’t afford it. The cost of raising a child to 21 in Britain is currently estimated at £270,000, not including luxuries like foreign holidays and private education. And that’s not the whole story. The traditional nuclear family format of father, mother and their joint children living together

under one roof – long held as one of the building blocks of society – is in crisis globally. In Britain, where it is most advanced, family breakdown has been blamed for the social decay blighting the country. The astonishing speed at which traditional family life has collapsed is highlighted in a report published this April by UK government think-tank, Centre for Social Justice. It reveals that:

Z Nine out of ten couples now live together before – or instead of – tying the knot, compared to fewer than one in 30 before the Second World War. Z 46 per cent of British children are born to unmarried mothers (compared to 30 per cent in 1991) Z 48 per cent of children with two parents can expect them to have separated by the time they turn 16 (up from 40 per cent 10 years ago).

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NUCLEAR

FAMILY R.I.P.

The western ‘ideal’ of mum and dad, two kids and a dog called Rex has been relegated to the realms of mythology as trend forecasters predict that the traditional nuclear family is on the verge of extinction. A sign of moral decay or merely a return to our roots? Belinda Beckett investigates.

JUNE 2011 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE / 39

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“MARRIAGE IS TO FAMILY WHAT LEGS ARE TO A TABLE”

The number of births out of wedlock are at their highest level BETTY JANE WYLIE for two centuries and unprecedented levels of cohabitation are largely to blame. Should we be worried? Yes, says the CSJ, because ‘80 per cent of relationship breakdown takes place in unmarried families. A child growing up in a one-parent family is 75 per cent more likely to fail at school, 70 per cent more likely to become a drug addict, 50 per cent more likely to have an alcohol problem and 35 per cent more likely to be unemployed as an adult’. The report compounds earlier grim warnings by Mr Justice Coleridge, a Family Division Judge for England and Wales, who said the effects of family breakdown

“A FAMILY IS A UNIT COMPOSED NOT ONLY OF CHILDREN, BUT OF MEN, WOMEN, AN OCCASIONAL ANIMAL, AND THE COMMON COLD” OGDEN NASH

would be “as destructive as global warming”. Speaking of the “never ending carnival of human misery – a ceaseless river of human distress” he has witnessed in cases he has dealt with, he said: “We are experiencing a period of family meltdown whose effects, within the next 20 years, will be as catastrophic as the meltdown of the ice caps.” The trend is not confined to Britain. A New York Post editorial recently described the all-American nuclear family as ‘up there with the Pacific salmon as an endangered species’. The Wall Street Journal added that the ‘post-modern family’ was ‘beginning to look like the cast of Friends’, referring to the mix of gay unions, childless couples, one-parent families, those supplemented by step-children from previous relationships and those including adopted children

“A FAMILY WITH AN OLD PERSON HAS A LIVING TREASURE OF GOLD” CHINESE PROVERB

of different nationalities, as epitomised by the Jolie-Pitts. Now the trend is spreading not only to the more rigidly traditional Catholic Mediterranean countries such as Spain, whose 1.38 children-per-family average is one of the lowest in Europe, but beyond the West, to rich and poor countries alike. “The idea that the family is a stable and orderly unit in which father serves as economic provider and mother serves as emotional care giver is a myth,” said Judith Bruce, lead author of a study by international research NGO, The Population Council. “The reality is that trends like unmarried mothers, rising divorce rates and smaller households are not unique to the West but are occurring worldwide.” The report, based on household studies from dozens of lessdeveloped countries, found that:

“TWO PEOPLE WHO KNOW THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER, BREEDING CHILDREN WHOM THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND AND WHO WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND THEM”

Z One in four first marriages end by the time women are in their 40s. Z Parents in their prime working years, known as the ‘sandwich generation’, face the growing burden of caring for and supporting their children through more years of education, and likewise for their own parents who are living longer. Z Unmarried mothers are increasingly common virtually everywhere and children in single-parent households are much more likely to be overtaken by poverty than those who live with two parents, largely due to loss of support from the fathers. One exception is Japan, where single-parent households and unmarried mothers have remained relatively rare, although that is changing. Z Married mothers are shouldering increasing economic responsibility for their children and, in 17 less-developed countries, work 30 per cent longer hours than men, whether at home or at the office.

“IF MR. VINCENT PRICE WERE TO BE CO-STARRED WITH MISS BETTE DAVIS IN A STORY BY MR. EDGAR ALLAN POE, DIRECTED BY MR. ROGER CORMAN, IT COULD NOT FULLY EXPRESS THE PENT-UP VIOLENCE AND DEPRAVITY OF A SINGLE DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE AVERAGE FAMILY” QUENTIN CRISP

T. S. ELIOT, THE COCKTAIL PARTY

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“I CAN’T HELP DETESTING MY RELATIONS. I SUPPOSE IT COMES FROM THE FACT THAT NONE OF US CAN STAND OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME FAULTS AS OURSELVES” OSCAR WILDE

“Women everywhere are finding that to give their children an adequate life, getting a job is no longer optional,” says Judith Bruce. “In traditional Bangladesh, a woman may need to get a job weaving textiles because her husband was much older and died when the children were still young. In Africa, an eighteen-yearold woman might need a job because she had a baby before marriage and has only a casual relationship with the father; or she might have a husband who goes on to another marriage and supports the children of that union. In Asia, the husband may have migrated for better economic opportunities and stopped sending money after a year or two.” Sociologists who dismiss these predictions of apocalyptic social disintegration and moral decline point out that the nuclear family is a modern invention that the world has managed very well without for millennia. Pre-marital sex, cohabitation and family breakdown were common features of life for centuries, they say. In fact, the non-nuclear ‘extended’ family is considered to be the first role model. Early man lived in communes of 30 to 100 people in open camps and were nomadic, not ‘home-makers’. Although men hunted and women gathered, there was no hierarchy according to age or sex; women also built and men also cared for the children. Food was shared because it couldn’t be stored, so there was little to steal. Interestingly, children were spaced four to five years apart, due to their low fat diet and the mother’s regular lactation. This was Mother Nature being practical in these nomadic, pre-baby buggy days when a mother could only carry one child on long journeys. In many ways, it was an idyllic set-up. In later agricultural societies which were not nomadic, children were spaced only a year or two apart, resulting in the larger families needed to work the land. Roman families would include everyone within a household, including the slaves, under the authoritarian role of

“HE THAT HATH WIFE AND CHILDREN HATH GIVEN HOSTAGES TO FORTUNE; FOR THEY ARE IMPEDIMENTS TO GREAT ENTERPRISES, EITHER OF VIRTUE OR MISCHIEF”

the paterfamilias who could sell his wife and children, use them for labour and decide whether to keep newborn babies, which were often abandoned if they had deformities. Polygamy, a common practice in ancient times, and not uncommon in England until the 11th century, gave rise “THE FAMILY IS AN EARLY to super-extended families consisting EXPEDIENT AND IN MANY WAYS of one man, his multiple wives and IRRATIONAL. IF THE RACE HAD their various children. As one black DEVELOPED A SPECIAL SEXLESS CLASS TO BE NURSES, PEDAGOGUES AND SLAVES, South African female politician put LIKE THE WORKERS AMONG ANTS AND it, “At least it’s more honest than BEES, THEN THE FAMILY WOULD HAVE BEEN adultery, the version of it practiced UNNECESSARY. SUCH A DIVISION OF LABOUR in the West.” The Masai women of WOULD DOUBTLESS HAVE INVOLVED EVILS OF ITS OWN, BUT IT WOULD HAVE OBVIATED Africa are polyandrous, marrying SOME DRAGS AND VEXATIONS PROPER not just one husband but all the TO THE FAMILY” men of his age-group, who can take GEORGE SANTAYANA turns in the marital bed. Any resulting children become the husband’s property. Polyandry is seen as a practical solution to high infant and warrior mortality rates. Out-of-wedlock childbirth, widely blamed for current social ills, was more common at certain periods in the past than it was for most of the 20th century. In the pre-modern era, fully half of all children could expect to lose one or both parents to death, from wars, famine, disease and general poor health; serial marriages were common for men, who often lost wives in childbirth; and a way of life that was largely agricultural meant that households were often made up of many people – not just kin but others who came to help work the land or maintain the household. The Brady Bunch would have been perfectly understood by our ancestors, for whom blended families were the norm. It was not until the early 20th century that the nuclear family became prevalent in Western Europe, triggered by industrialisation and the increased wages earned by the working class, enabling families to be economically independent with their own home. But it was a relatively fleeting phenomenon that peaked in the 1950s and 1960s on the back of post-war prosperity and the baby boom. While some sociologists see only doom and gloom resulting from the demise of the nuclear family, just as many believe it has been idealised out of all proportion and point to studies showing that the majority of children who grow up with the love and care of one parent are just as well-balanced as those with two. e

FRANCIS BACON

“AS THE FAMILY GOES, SO GOES THE NATION AND SO GOES THE WHOLE WORLD IN WHICH WE LIVE” POPE JOHN PAUL II

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We give wings to your property dreams on the Costa del Sol

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V-093 Location: Hacienda Las Chapas The plot, with an Andalusian style Villa, can not be overlooked and is situated in a beautiful guarded residential area. The villa was completely renovated 2 years ago. Bed 4 • Bath 3+1 Built 285 m² • Plot 2.100 m² Price: 1.600.000 EUR V-104 Location: Estepona Very attractive newly built and modern Villa with luxury equipment. Due to the quality of the materials and the layout, this Villa offers exceptional comfort. Being located inside a luxury Golf Resort with 5 star hotel, close to the beach, it completes the image of a perfect home. Bed 4 • Bath 4+1 Built 420 m² • Plot 1.700 m² Price: 1.700.000 EUR

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Bed 4 • Bath 4 • Built 620 m² • Plot 1.108 m² Price: 2.490.000 EUR

Bed 3 • Bath 2 • Built 160 m² • Terrace 140 m² Price: 420.000 EUR

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info@pegasus-properties.com - www.pegasus-properties.com

19/5/11 15:34:24

THEFOCUS PETS

f there was ever any doubt that man’s best friend has become woman’s animated fashion accessory, the sight of dogs in frilly dresses and real fur coats (over their own) strutting down a catwalk (an unfortunate name) at New York Pet Fashion Week settled the argument. Launched in 2006 by Rhode Island dog groomer Mario DiFante (and, thankfully, kennelled this year due to the recession), for the four seasons the show ran, doting pet owners bought into it all: the owner-and-pooch matching tracksuits; the Swarovski crystal-studded bridal gowns; the Venetian hand-blown glass water bowls; the 400-threadcount sheets for Fido’s bed;

and, yes, even the alcohol-free wines bottled by Bark Vineyards (wait until your pet scents the great ‘nose’ on the ‘Barkundy’ or the ‘Pinto Leasheo’). Even top designers who ought to know better have been sniffing around for ways to cash in on the staggering $47billion a year that Americans spend on their pets, resulting in the ultimate in ‘chien chic’: pooch-sized Ralph Lauren Polo shirts, and collars and leads by Louis Vuitton to coordinate with owners’ luggage. With over 2,000 visitors to the first show, DiFante certainly knew his market (mostly, clones of Paris Hilton whose Little Lily pet fashion business even makes shoes for dogs). But his commercial

reasons for launching the show suggest that it’s not only fashion that’s going to the dogs. “Pets are the new babies of this millennium – it’s a 15-year commitment,” he said. “There are studies out there that show more and more people regard their pets as their children, and they treat them that way.” Pet owners now comprise 63 per cent of the U.S. population and, according to the American Animal Medical Association, 83 per cent of those owners use ‘mom’ or ‘dad’ when defining their relationship with their pet. On the other side of the Atlantic, it’s nearly as bad. A survey by Direct Line Pet Insurance and K9 Magazine reported that 81 per cent of dog owners would risk

their jobs by calling in sick if their pet was ill (though 94 per cent felt more comfortable saying they were unwell themselves). The money Americans spend on keeping their 88 million cats and 75 million dogs in the lap of luxury is more than the gross domestic product of all but 64 countries in the world, and double the amount of a decade ago. Predicted to hit $52 billion in the next two years, that puts the yearly cost of buying, feeding, and caring for pets in excess of what they spend on the movies ($10.8 billion), playing video games ($11.6 billion), and listening to recorded music ($10.6 billion) combined. And, despite the economic downturn, there are

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Once upon a time, before canine couture and pricey pooch perfume, most self-respecting mutts were content to lead a dog’s life. But today’s pampered family pets are the new child substitutes and, with a greedy pet product industry snapping at their heels, there’s no sign that the heavy petting’s going to stop, as Belinda Beckett reports.

PETPARADISE

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no signs that pet parents are cutting back to the extent of sending Fido out to forage for his own bone (although he might prefer to). The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association has scarier statistics: nearly half of dog owners allow their dog to share the bed; 50 per cent consider their pet’s comfort when buying a car; almost a third buy gifts for their dogs’ birthdays and sign their names on Christmas cards to friends; and 77 per cent of dogs and 52 per cent of cats have been medicated in the past year, up 20 per cent since 1996. The rising status of pets has triggered a tsunami wave of entrepreneurship and an industry which once consisted of little more than rubber balls and catnip mice now extends to $430 indoor pet potties! After consumer electronics, pet care is the fastest-growing category in retail. And, as the race hots up to provide animals with

products and services more closely modelled on human versions, the quality gap between two-legged and four-legged mammals is rapidly disappearing in everything from food and clothing to health care and services. Pet food today reflects every human fad – from locally-sourced organic meat to kosher and vegan snacks – and products are deliberately being rebranded to look and sound more ‘human’. Take Iams Savoury Sauce for dogs that comes in ketchup-style bottles and Sizzlin’ Bacon and Pot Roast flavours; or Del Monte’s Snausages breakfast treats, some shaped like bacon and eggs, others made of outlandish ingredients no animal in the wild (except, perhaps, a pig) would ever eat, such as peanut butter! But then, what can you expect from a man who refuses even to use the word ‘owner’ in pet terms. “Anyone who has a pet understands who owns whom,” says Del Monte’s CEO, Richard Wolford, who is ‘owned’ by two Jack Russells. And it gets worse. In America there are now more than 350 agencies running a pet waste collection service to save owners the one downside of pet ownership – the yucky task of scooping the poop. Doody Duty, for example, charges from $50 a month and even offers the service in the form of gift vouchers, ‘for the person who has everything’. PetSmart, the world’s largest pet

specialty retailer, has launched pet ‘hotels’ at many of its 928 outlets in North America and Canada, where pampered pooches can get a standard atrium room (complete with hypoallergenic lambskin blankets) or upgrade to a suite with a raised platform bed and a TV airing shows from Animal Planet (cats get a tank with live fish for company). They also provide ‘bone booths’ where pets can take calls from their owners. Over in Florida, even pocket pets like hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets are welcome at the Best Friends Pet Care Hotel at Walt Disney World, which has a special facility to cater for their needs, as well as a Kitty City for moggies. Opened last summer to allow families’ four-legged friends to join them on a Disney vacation, the service for dogs includes airconditioned suites, an exclusive doggie water park, summer camp activities and go-home-fresh baths. Additional upgrades include ice cream treats, bottled water, orthopaedic bedding and cookies and milk (for dogs) or tuna and Ritz cracker canapés (for cats). Said company CEO Dennis Dolan: “Our goal is to ensure that pets staying with us have a fun, action-packed vacation – just like their families vacationing at Walt Disney World.” Then there are the doggie spas, the pet pedicure and massage services, the professional dog walkers, the animal stylists (like Dara Foster, whose declared mission is to

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Guadalmina area - Charming south orientated Cortijo style villa with beautiful subtropical gardens, ponds and swimming pool. Built: 910m2 • Plot: 2.672m2

La Zagaleta - Spectacular mansion built to the highest standards with cinema, wine cellar, fitness and sauna. Built: 1.300m2 • Plot: 5.524m2

Sierra Blanca - Unique villa in gated community. 10 bedrooms, 10 baths. +100m2 livingroom, cinema, discotheque, sea-views. Built: 1.136m2 • Plot: 1.913m2

Los Flamingos - Brand new villa with panoramic views to the sea and golf. Spacious living areas and ample terraces. Built: 575m2 • Plot: 1.123m2

Los Flamingos - Frontline golf, south orientated, beautiful brand new villa with sea views. Built: 678m2 • Plot: 1,388m2

Los Granados Playa - First line beach apartment with panoramic views in a luxurious urbanization. Beds: 3 • Baths: 2 • Built: 130m2 • Terrace: 20m2

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PET FACTS

“show people how to live together with their dogs in a stylish way”) and even the animal shrinks, such as Cesar ‘The Dog Whisperer’ Millan, whose famous Dog Psychology Centre in Los Angeles is patronised by Hollywood’s celebrity pooches. Pet health care is a more controversial issue. Owners are increasingly demanding for their pets the state-of-the-art health care they expect for themselves. This factor has made the veterinary profession so lucrative that, in America, their number has increased by 55 per cent in the last 15 years. Vets are now performing everything from root canal work to cancer surgery and offering magnetic resonance imaging for a four-figure fee. Americans now spend $9.8 billion a year on vet services and a further $9.9 billion on over-the-counter treatments. Pet health insurance, though still in its infancy, is growing by double digits each year. And, if human doctors can offer nip-tucks, why not vets? Why not indeed. Veterinary cosmetic surgery is an emerging profession and the menu of ops today goes far beyond claw clips and tumour removal to encompass nose jobs for Pugs, eye lifts for Shar Peis and dental braces for dogs with ugly underbites. For a more extreme example, try Neuticles, a testicular implant for castrated males that, according to the website, ‘allows your pet to retain his natural look and self-esteem and aids in the trauma associated with altering.’ ‘Trauma’? ‘Self-esteem’? If our pets have such human qualities, perhaps we’ll soon be taking them to language classes too! The humanisation of pets has created the perception that they have human problems, too, such as anxiety and depression. While many vets say these issues can be real, it’s great news for the drug companies for whom the Orwellian mantra of ‘two legs good, four legs better’ is spot on, as there’s huge scope for experimentation and less risk of liability. Eli Lilly & Co. recently brought out Reconcile, a drug to treat ‘canine separation anxiety’, based on the active ingredients in

Prozac. Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer introduced Slentrol, a dog-obesity drug, based on research that humans who overeat or don’t get enough exercise tend to draw their pets into the same behaviour. As many as 40 per cent of dogs are estimated to be overweight or obese, but could some of that blame be laid at the door or the increasing supply of calorific new treats and products like pet buggies, which avoid the need for an animal to take exercise at all. The pet industry seems to be self-generating. Pets play a huge role today in counteracting the isolation and stresses of modern life. They are especially popular with emptynesters, single professionals and couples who delay having a family,

for all of whom the pet has almost become a ‘child substitute’. All these seemingly diverse demographic groups have two other factors in common: time and resources to spare, to which the pet industry is greedily latching on. Today there’s a product for every stage in the average pet’s 12-14year life cycle, from the newborn and unweaned to the geriatric and toothless, and one more for every aspect of its lifestyle. And, even if you aren’t tempted to snap up even one of these products, the pet industry will get you in the end. Fido’s or Tiddles’ end, that is. The Pet Funeral Service, winner of the Cemetery of the Year Award 2009, comes highly recommended! e

A survey by the America Pet Products Manufacturers Association produced the following insight into pet parenting trends: Z Nine in ten pet owners consider their pet to be a member of the family Z 63 per cent of dog owners and 58 per cent of cat owners give their pets presents at Christmas; respectively, 40 and 37 per cent hang stockings up for them Z Over a quarter of owners have taken their pet to a professional photographer to have a family picture taken with Santa or the Easter Bunny Z Ten per cent of owners carry a photo of their pets in their wallet or purse Z In 20 per cent of dog and cat households, the TV, radio, or stereo is left on when the animals are left alone, to keep them company Z In 75 per cent of dog-owning households, the dog is treated to rides in the family car Z 25 per cent of owners blow dry their pet’s fur after a bath Z Almost half of owners talk to their pets and 80 per cent state that the animals seem to respond

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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”

Atalaya Alta, San Pedro area

Lovely townhouse in a small community with only 16 houses. Set in a residential and quiet area within walking distance to Atalaya Golf. The urbanisation is set on an elevated plot and has a communal garden with a heated swimming pool, southwest views over the countryside and the mountains. This three bedroom property is built over two main floors with a garage and basement rooms underground (possibilities of adding a bedroom/bathroom/study). Very spacious living room with fireplace and open kitchen. Fantastic price! Built: 226m2 • Terrace: 40m2

San Pedro Beach area

First line beach, contemporary and lovely furnished penthouse with sea views, surrounded by nicely maintained gardens in a gated urbanization with two pools. Very luminous penthouse with four bedrooms and three bathrooms, one large kitchen with access to terraces. Nice living and dining room separated by a fireplace. Large solarium with a Jacuzzi. Only five minutes from Puerto Banus, walking distance to shops and center of San Pedro (medical, taxi, shops, etc.), beach promenade. Living: 140m2 • Terrace: 60m2

REF: TH0308 – Price: 298.000 euros

Estepona, Beach front

Built to a high standard and well looked after, this beautiful apartment is located right on the beach next to the Kempinski Hotel, Laguna Village and Puro Beach. There is a fully staffed reception with 24 hour security. This property is sold fully furnished and totally “ready to rent”. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, beautifully fitted kitchen with Siemens appliances, marble bathrooms enhanced by perfectly matching hydro-massage showers. The master bedroom and spacious lounge feature wide sliding glass doors leading onto the extensive sun-drenched terrace and the private manicured garden, and pool area. The sale includes underground car-parking place & store-room. Built: 165m2 • Terrace: 20m2

REF: AP0560 – Price: 850.000 euros

Guadalmina Alta, San Pedro de Alcantara

Real Opportunity! Charming detached villa on first line Golf in the gated Isla de Guadalmina complex which has 24 hour security. Ideal for families with children with two community pools and quiet area. The villa has an elegant entrance hall with wooden high top ceiling. Four bedrooms (the main bedroom with fireplace, large dressing room and independent terrace), three bathrooms, a large living-dining room with fireplace, fully equipped kitchen with laundry room attached, one big garage for two cars. Terraces and porches surrounded by nicely maintained tropical garden. Views to golf course. Plot: 597,31m2 • Built: 200m2 • Terrace: 68m2.

REF. AP0498 – Price: 527.000 euros

REF: VI0290 – Price: 595.000 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 145 Marbella Estates.indd 1

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THEFOCUS DOGS

WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE DOG BREEDS Purity of breed or rarity can make dogs extremely expensive, especially when they are born of prize-winning parents. The celebrity touch, however, also works on dogs: as soon as they are photographed together, the dog’s price can skyrocket.

The most expensive dog ever was sold to a Chinese multi-millionare coal baron this spring. Big Slash, the red Tibetan mastiff, cost him 10 million Yuan, which is about 1,5 million US dollars. Some of the most expensive dog breeds are:

1. German Shepherd (Alsation) €2.000 - €17.000 Tibetan Mastiff

...a trustworthy dog which has proven it’s capacity to be trained beyond the scope of many other dogs. The German Shepherd can be trained as a rescue dog, drug sniffer and as a guidance dog for the visual impaired.

2 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel €700 – €10.000 3 Samoyed €2.500 – €7.700 4 English Bulldog €1.700 – €6.000 5 Chow Chow €2.000 – €6.000 6 Rottweiler €1.400 – €5.600 7 Tibetan Mastiff €1.500 – €5.000 8 Pharaoh Hound €1.700 – €4.500 9 Bearded Collie €700 – €3.500 10 Akita €1.000 – €3.000

2 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 10

Akita

9 Bearded Collie

5 Chow Chow

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Globally, there is an extremely large variety of different dog breeds, since humans continue to mould this species to fit the different tasks or purposes we dream up for them. There are so many in fact, that it would be difficult to list them all in this entire magazine. If we were to categorise them, the basic types would include companion dogs, guard dogs, hunting or sporting dogs, herding dogs and working dogs, among others. In this picture tale, we will showcase some of them from a different angle. WORDS ANDREA BLACK

8 Pharaoh Hound

DOGGY 6 Rottweiler

4 English Bulldog

3 Samoyed (Siberia)

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FASHIONABLE DOG BREEDS

Pug

A couple of decades ago, people used to own very different types of dogs. They were mostly used for work, sporting activities or just to guard the house and play with the kids. With a change in our lifestyles, many people stay single longer, whether by choice or circumstances, and a dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most important function has become to provide companionship. In many cases, this means lots of love and a lack of exercise, which is not ideal. Fashionable dog breeds these days also tend to require high maintenance. However, if people are prepared to respond to the challenge, lots of care, training and exercise can provide a fulfilling doggy-life for any breed.

Weimaraner

Some of the most popular breeds are:

American Pit Bull Terrier Yorkshire Terrier

Shar Pei

American Staffordshire Terrier Chihuahua variations

Boston Terrier

Poodle Bull Terrier

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GREAT FAMILY DOGS As a species, dogs tend to be good with children, but certain breeds prefer older companions by default. If you have small children and are planning to buy or adopt a dog, it is very advisable that you study the characteristics of the breeds you are interested in. Once you have determined the type, you then have to consider the personality of the particular dog in question. If you’re looking for a puppy, make sure you invest in its upbringing, so your dog grows into a well-balanced member of the family.

Bichon Frise

The following are the most popular family dogs: Basset Hound

+ MIXED BREED

Boxer

There are many other dogs of mixed breed which can also make the most adorable family pet one could have. Check out the local dog shelters before you buy a new dog and please don’t support the puppy-mills by buying from pet shops.

Beagle

Remember, the dog’s behaviour will mainly depend on it’s socialisation and training which, according to the Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan, should be based on exercise, discipline and affection – in that order! Collie

Labradors are one of the most popular family dogs in the world but be aware that the chocolate variation is generally more hyperactive and difficult to train.

Dalmatian

Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever variations

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THEFOCUS PEOPLE

Y T I R B CELtEribes

Z “I call it the ‘testosterone deficit.’ But I’m happy with that. I love my girls and it’s lots of pink, a lot of princesses and a lot of fun,” Matt Damon, whose wife Lucy gave birth to their fourth daughter last year. Z Two-times world heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman practically has his own football team, with a brood of 10 – five daughters and five sons, all called George, with nicknames to distinguish them. Z Jack Nicholson has reportedly bedded over 2,000 women so it’s no surprise that he has fathered six children by five different women (one for every Golden Globe statue he has won). Too bad he didn’t give an Oscar performance… Z “People always say your body changes a lot after you have kids – and it does! But it’s worth it for me. I enjoy my life more than ever now that I have this big family that I always wanted.” Supermodel Heidi Klum, who has a daughter from a previous relationship and three sons with singer Seal. Z TV’s Dragons’ Den entrepreneurs Duncan Bannatyne, Theo Paphitis and Peter Jones have 16 children between them; and, with a combined wealth approaching £750 million, they can afford it. Z The late musician Frank Zappa had an imaginativelynamed tribe of offspring: two boys and two girls, respectively called Dweezil, Ahmet Emuukha Rodan, Moon Unit, and Diva Thin Muffin Pigeen. When asked about his choices, Zappa said his kids would have far more trouble in life with their surname.

‘Mama’ Mia Farrow

From a large celebrity family herself, ‘Mama’ Mia Farrow’s 15-kid tally is something else, especially as many of the children she adopted had special needs (two have since died). She was one of seven children born to Australian film director John Farrow and Irish actress Maureen O’Sullivan, entitling them to their own pew at the local church. The exwife of crooner Frank Sinatra began her foray into motherhood with conductor André Previn, with whom she had three children. They also adopted two Vietnamese infants and eight-year-old Korean orphan Soon-Yi (now married to her ‘step-father’, Farrow’s lover Woody Allen). With Allen, Farrow adopted two more children and bore one son while, as a single mother, she took six further children under her wing. In her moving 1997 autobiography, What Falls Away, Farrow explains her reasons for wanting a large family. Interestingly, she mentions only 10 children, perhaps excluding Soon-Yi from whom she is estranged: “When I was nine, I got polio. I was taken from the security of my family into another world, the Los Angeles General Hospital wing for contagious diseases. It was in the middle of the polio epidemic. I was shown sickness, and uncertainty, and pain, even death. Then I was released from that and dropped back into my life, and I never felt quite the same. It gave me a sense that I had to find a life that was meaningful, and that very definitely has shaped the family that I have. I’ve adopted ten children, most of them with special needs, including one son who is paraplegic as a result of polio. So this is my way of addressing that, sort of over and over…”

Steven Spielberg & Co

Having delighted children everywhere with his family blockbusters, being a dad must be a doddle for Spielberg and he’s that to the power of seven. He makes a special effort due to unhappy memories of his own emotionally distant father and his parents’ divorce. In typically unconventional LA fashion, he has one biological kid from an earlier marriage, three with wife Kate Capshaw, two the couple adopted, and a step-daughter. Spielberg says: “I have an affinity for children. I think if I was childless and I made movies about children, you could start to wonder about me. But basically you are what you practice and I’m a practicing father. I carry childhood with me through most of my movies.” Capshaw is also family orientated in a slightly scary way. Talking of her first meeting with the director on the set of Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom, she says: “He smelled like my family. They say that once a woman takes a whiff of her infant you can blindfold her and march 20 babies in front of her and she’ll pick hers, and that’s how it felt to me. I felt like I was blindfolded and took a smell and said, ‘This is the guy’.”

Mel Gibson

It started out so well for Mel, one of 11 children himself, but he threw it all away. First there was the divorce from Robyn, his wife of 26 years who bore him a daughter and six sons; now he’s facing domestic violence charges against ex-girlfriend, Russian pianist Oksana Grigorieva, the mother of his eighth child. Gibson’s ultraright wing Catholic views are as well-documented (birth control was never an option) as his big mouth is a lethal weapon and, for shooting it off, he’s been branded a homophobic, racist, misogynist alcoholic. In his favour, he has donated mega sums to children’s charities. The downturn his life has taken is particularly tragic since he once stated: “There’s nothing more important than your family. If you ruin that part of your life, what’s left? Work? Money? Screwing around? I see a lot of people living like that who tell themselves they’re having a good time but if you look under the surface you see lots of corpses masquerading as human beings.”

Chris and Caroline O’Donnell

To most kids, he’ll always be Robin (and not a very critically acclaimed one) in the Batman movies but actor Chris O’Donnell’s is apparently a lot better at playing a dad, and was also recently named America’s Hottest Husband. He and former college sweetheart, Caroline, have three boys and two girls and O’Donnell has always made it plain that they come first. “I knew when I got into this business I couldn’t have it both ways. I could live the playboy lifestyle, which is not a bad thing to do, or have a traditional family life, which is how I grew up. That was more important to me… When I’m sitting in the backyard at the end of the day with a glass of wine, watching the kids having fun and clowning around, for me, that’s what it’s all about.”

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od where multiple nuclear family in Hollywo e th ne as ing th ch su no There’s and everyone who’s anyo e y nit ter ma w ne e th is n marriages are rife, adoptioBIG style. It’s not a recent phenomenon; inveterat is playing happy families was only small but he sired 11 children from three womaniser Charlie Chaplin ht with his fourth wife Oona, who was just 18 whens ay marriages. They included eig 54 (well, they say it’s alw 57 s wa lin ap Ch ile wh n, tio she first went into produc Pitt and Angelina Jolie epitomise today’s Heinz to the ‘silent’ types…) Brad l and adopted children but they weren’t the first s ou Varieties family of biologica t some of the world’s fam ou ks ec ch ett ck Be da lin start that trend either. Be super-sized families.

The Jolie-Pitts pic pair are Rumours that this philanthro e Jolie-Pitt littl h ent sev a pt planning to ado recently joked: have been refuted but Brad n a year, so dre “We average about two chil feeling also s e’ Joli e.” I guess we’re overdu thing. cial spe y ver a s “It’ ing: lain broody, exp ice, cho a king There’s something about ma and ere ewh som g waking up and travellin ily unit thus finding your family.” The fam Cambodia, far comprises Maddox from

ir biological Zahara from Ethiopia. Shilo the , in 2008, and nam Viet daughter, Pax from x and Kno s twin to h birt e Angelina gav million for $14 ing rais nily can e, enn Vivi y pictures. charity from sales of the bab ut the day abo n cer con ed Jolie has voic will “look te, era t-lit rne Inte now , dox Mad of sexy kind e som up my name and see self that him ut abo ry sto a d pictures or rea to ard the isn’t true.” But she looks forw

and Mrs. Smith day she shows them the Mr. to see a get ple peo movie. “Not a lot of in love. And fell s ent par ir the movie where n they think what’s going to be funny is whe l. Right coo bit e Mom and Dad are a littl es, gam o vide n Eve l. coo now, we’re not this. play ’t can you m, ‘Mo : s it’ w, you kno think I can’t You won’t know how.’ They all to snuggle re the just I’m t do any thing, tha with.”

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THEFOCUS PEOPLE

INTERVIEW BY MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY KH PHOTOGRAPHY

f you are a theatre lover and you miss the spectacular performances you used to enjoy in the West End, or you lament the lack of culturally enriching experiences on the coast, take note: Warren Webley, Principal of Stagecoach in Marbella, Fuengirola and Gibraltar, is here to change all that. Stagecoach, founded in the UK in 1988, is a school for four to 18-year-olds which encompasses the disciplines of theatre, dance and acting. With more than 700 schools and over 40,000 students worldwide, it is both a platform for those who wish to devote their lives to the stage, and also a fun, enriching way to immerse oneself in music, dance and literature. Warren is much more than a Principal; as inspiring as the talented Mr. Schuester from Glee, he has the kind of experience students aspire to. A prolific musician, composer, songwriter, producer and vocal coach, Warren, who hails from Liverpool, obtained his diploma (with Honours) in Music Performing Techniques at the Liverpool College of Performing Arts. He has performed in the West End, directed shows at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, and worked as a musician, sang with a Gospel Choir and played for Eurovision winners, Brotherhood of Man. So prolific was Warren as a student, he was asked to teach music at his university, the commencement of a long relationship with teaching. This month, Warren tells magazine about his life and how the stage can mould and inspire a child in the most wonderful of ways.

Warren Did growing up in Liverpool shape your choice to dedicate your life to the arts? Liverpool was the European Capital of Culture in 2008 but it has always been a richly cultural city, with five theatres, many art galleries (including The Tate Liverpool) and so many artists and musicians who have shaped its history, so I suppose it did foment my love for the arts.

Webley

How early did your interest in music start? When I was a child. I started learning musical instruments, I joined a youth theatre, took up classical piano and then did a degree in music.

a teacher so I did that for a year, and also played in bands and did other teaching work. The following year I was offered a job in London and I also worked for Stagecoach, musically directing their summer school, then staying on full-time. I took a break to tour with the Gospel Choir and Brotherhood of Man, then I heard that Stagecoach was expanding worldwide and I thought it would be interesting to spend six months in another country.

How did you start working with Stagecoach? When I finished my degree, the University offered me a job as

Why Spain? Well, it was a choice between Germany (I don’t speak German), the USA (which poses visa

problems) and Spain. What started out as a short stint ended up being my home for 12 years. Somehow I think that time was determinative, in that you either start making a new life or you miss home so much, you go back. Stagecoach is an English speaking school, but do you find that you need Spanish to get by? Definitely. I don’t know how people can live here without knowing the language. Part of my job involves organising shows and liaising with technicians, owners of venues, etc. In order to do business on the coast, it’s vital.

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Are you a Glee fan? I don’t watch it regularly, but I must say it is doing good work in terms of bringing songs from classical musicals to the younger generation. It still surprises me what little exposure many children have to musical theatre, pantomime, etc. That’s one of our most important roles: immersing kids in culture.

What is the syllabus composed of at Stagecoach? The founder of Stagecoach actually started the school because, when her own children were little, she grew tired of taking them to ballet class in one place, singing in another and acting in yet another. The idea was to offer the three disciplines in one venue. Here on the coast (in Marbella and Fuengirola) and in Gibraltar, we impart the courses at selected schools. How old are your students? There are two different ‘schools’. ‘Early Stages’ is for younger ones aged four to six, and consists of one 90-minute class a week. Then there is the Main School, for children aged six to 18 who come to class for three hours a week. How long does the school run for? We follow the school term so we take a summer break, from July to September. Last year we started running summer schools, which are open to outside students as well as our own. At the end of each week we offer a mini performance, from well-known musicals such as Grease, The Lion King, Annie, High School Musical, The Wizard of Oz, etc. I hear you prepare kids for the LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) exams. Do they have to do a separate course for this purpose? No. All we do is devote the term before the exams to preparation. The children prepare two contrasting audition pieces, the way they would if they were auditioning for any acting school, and at the end of term they can decide whether or not they wish to present themselves for the exams. I believe it’s worth obtaining the LAMDA qualification; if you can pick up an extra title, why not do

it? Also, LAMDA qualifications count towards a student’s UCAS (university entry) points. Have your students gone on to do interesting work? Yes, two of our children did a film with Sophia Loren recently, others worked on The Rat Pack Show at the Hotel Torrequebrada, performing The Candyman with Sammy Davis Jr. This year, a couple of children have been selected to perform in The Secret Garden at the Thorndike Theatre in Leatherhead; they beat 600 other children in a very competitive audition process. At Stagecoach, students are constantly performing, be it carolling at packed shopping centres, Marbella Film Festival or at local charity events. Our showcase last month was hugely successful, with over 200 children performing in a big show at the end of the term to an audience in a 1,000-seater theatre. Others of our students pursue further education in the arts. We have recently teamed up with the Guilford School of Acting to develop further education for students aged 16 plus. The course includes six weeks of residential workshops during school holidays and is designed to sit alongside normal academic studies. There is also a Teacher Training course at RADA (the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts), for those who wish to become teachers. What new developments are taking place at Stagecoach? We’re planning whole new courses, including Sportscoach, in which children aged six to 16 play 18 exciting sports for three hours a week over a 3 month period. We also have ‘Interact’ our charitable trust which run Performing Arts courses for children with physical and mental illnesses, The Stagecoach Award Scheme and most recently stagecoach.tv.

Performing must do wonders for their confidence as well. Of course. Students leave the school with skills they didn’t have to start off with. Some end up playing the lead in their school play, others feel confident enough to give a speech in front of the school. ‘Skills for life not just for the stage’ is our motto and we see it come to life all the time through the children. Stagecoach recently celebrated its 10th-year anniversary. How did you commemorate the occasion? We brought together all the children from the three schools, with nine professional actors and singers to perform alongside them and gave a great show the parents and children loved because it was such a fantastic opportunity for children to work together on a big project.

Do you still perform yourself? Despite the fact that theatrical events in English are fewer to come by on the coast, I do perform when there are interesting things on. Recently I played Benny Andersson in ABBA Nights a tribute show at the Atalaya Hotel. I also joined the actress and singer, Clare Kinson, for a twoman show called Tallulah and The Boy. It told the love story of Tallulah Bankhead in the 1930s and is highly stylised, with 1930s fashion, long cigarette holders and all the glamour of that era. e

WIZ OF THE STAGE g For further information,

Tel: 952 900 453. www.stagecoach.es

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THEFOCUS HOLLYWOOD WORDS RUPERT BLUFF

ADOPTION CELEBRITYFrenzy I

“Maddox is my baby, he’s by my side all the time, and I think I can give him so much. I can no more imagine living without him than not breathing”

chose a deliberately superficial title for my column this month. ‘Frenzy’, ‘Craze’, ‘Fashion’; how can such misplaced words be used to describe a life-changing decision; one that invites a human being into parenthood, either for the first time or in a different way to what has previously been experienced? There is no difference between the love for a biological child and an

Angelina Jolie

adopted child. Adoptive parents often say they have been through something similar to a pregnancy, with paperwork, bureaucracy and trips to the child’s native country often putting them through a ninemonth-plus rollercoaster. And, when their child is ill, sad or afraid, they feel it in their heart and soul and do anything it takes to stop their pain, just as if they were the biological parents. That your child needs to have your skin colour, look like you or share genetic characteristics to do this is a myth. This month, we hear what celebrity adoptive parents have to say. Many

have come under criticism for taking a child away from its homeland, instead of helping out the child’s family. Many insist that adoption is not just about helping the child, but also about expanding their own family. Without a doubt, adoption is a complex and controversial subject but, as far as it involves giving and receiving love, it can only be a good thing. I especially admire parents who undertake open adoptions, where the child is not severed from its roots but encouraged to further the relationship with his or her biological family and culture, be it from a distance most of the time.

e cial brood is composed of thre lywood’s most famous multi-ra Hol : PITT D r BRA the & IE ano JOL and A , ELIN ANG ara, from Ethiopia dox, from Cambodia; a girl, Zah adopted children (a boy, Mad ter, Shiloh and twins Knox and ugh (da n dre chil al three biologic boy, Pax, from Cambodia) and y give me so much joy,” says people I’ve ever met, and the e littl test d grea the e ey’r “Th Vivienne). of four biological and 10 adopte be as big as Mia Farrow’s family will s ’ her , day one be, May e. Joli er-sized celebrity families). children (see our article on sup SHERYL CROW: This 40-something rocker adopted a two-week old boy she named Wyatt Steven, after her father and brother. She says: “My life is definitely richer and he’s the first thing I think of in the morning, and the last thing I think of before I go to sleep.” Soon after, Crowe adopted a second boy whom she called Levi James.

a painful divorce, Louis, a Smack bang in the middle of y from New Orleans, came three-and-a-half-month old bab ’s just perfect; I can’t even into Sandra Bullock’s life. “He she said. Without a doubt, ,” way describe him in any other heal the wounds caused by little Louis is doing plenty to James. the infidelity of her ex, Jesse

Adopted Children:

There is a fantastically long list of famous celebrities who were themselves adopted. They include Debbie Harry (singer), Steve Jobs (co-founder of Apple), Marilyn Monroe (actress), Richard Burton (actor), Edgar Allan Poe (writer), John Lennon (musician) and Nelson Mandela (politician).

STEVEN SPIELBERG: The award-winning director and his wife, Kate Capshaw, have seven children including adopted daughter Mikaela, now 14, and adopted son Theo, now 21. “We fell in love with the child, not the face or the skin colour,” says Spielberg. MICHELLE PFEIFFER: The stunning actress adopted Claudia Rose from a New York nurse who couldn’t afford to rear her. Weeks later, Pfeiffer met and fell in love with her husband, David E. Kelley, and held a joint christening/wedding celebration. Interestingly, Pfeiffer says she conceived on her wedding night and gave birth in 1994 to a boy, John Henry. SHARON STONE: The sexy actress has adopted three boys, who are now 11, six and five. She calls adoption “God’s other birth canal”.

HUGH JACKMAN: The Wolverine star and his wife have adopted two children, Oscar and Ava, claiming: “There are so many children in need. Ours are the greatest thing that’s ever happened to us.” MEG RYAN: During a trip to India in 1996, Meg Ryan claims she had an epiphany in which she discovered she was meant to adopt. Ryan, who has an 18-year-old son with ex-husband Dennis Quaid, adopted her daughter Daisy True, now five, in 2006. She says: “I never felt like I was on a rescue mission or anything like that. I just really wanted a baby. I was on a mission to connect with someone and Daisy and I got to meet each other in this way, at this time.” KATHERINE HEIGL: When the Knocked Up star met her husband, Josh Kelley, she made sure he knew that it was her intention to adopt a child from Korea one day, since her sister Meg, was adopted from this country. True to her word, she adopted Naleigh, a 10-month old Korean girl, in 2008. Her wish was “to honour Meg and the important role she has played in my life.” e

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THEFOCUS HUMOUR

BEL’S BLOG

Belinda Beckett (a cat owner) muses on her contribution to the declining birth rate. Philip Larkin, one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, left no one in any doubt about his own views on parenthood, expressed in his controversial poem, This Be The Verse: They f*** you up, your mum and dad. They may not mean to, but they do. They fill you with the faults they had And add some extra, just for you. But they were f***ed up in their turn By fools in old-style hats and coats, Who half the time were soppy-stern And half at one another’s throats. Man hands on misery to man. It deepens like a coastal shelf. Get out as early as you can, And don’t have any kids yourself.

’ll never forget that Only Fools and Horses episode where Del Boy becomes a proud father and his brother Rodney asks him, “What is it Del?” Del replies: “It’s a little baby.” And so it was – but not for long. When will parents realise that ‘having a baby’ is a euphemism. What they are actually going to have is a hairless pink/beige/sepia thing that morphs progressively into a destructive toddler, cheeky child and tearaway teen. By the time it reaches adulthood, gets a modicum of sense and is in a position to repay its parents for the long, thankless years of love and money showered upon it, it ups and leaves, returning only for fleeting Christmas or birthday visits or, worse, to resume residence. Yes, humans are the only species on earth that allow their offspring to come back home. Later, when said offspring have kids of their own and Mum and Dad are unflatteringly

re-named ‘granny’ or ‘gramps’, they will be expected to participate in nurturing a second generation of babies through their costly rights of passage. Then, when they can be of no further possible use, they will be summarily despatched to the old folk’s home until they fall off the perch, an event which the kids hope will happen sooner, rather than later when the inheritance is all used up. Of course, it doesn’t always turn out like that but the steadily declining birth rate indicates that there are an awful lot of people out there who think like me. They say other people’s kids are the most effective form of birth control and, having listened to the ear-piercing shrieks of a great many little Darrens and Tracies in my time (British kids are among the worst), I find that so true. I’ve heard harassed parents bribing their kids with ice cream and threatening

to give their Gameboy away to the poor, all to no avail; I’ve seen them apologising to restaurant managers for cola spilled, chocolate smeared and Kinder Egg machines put out of action; I’ve watched them pacing the hotel lobby at 2am, worried about what drug- or alcohol-fuelled condition their teenagers might return in… if they return... That said, a woman’s urge to produce her own tiny creation and dress it up in cute woollen booties is still strong and, when the broody feeling comes over her, all thoughts of the juvenile delinquent it may grow up to become are lost in a fantasy of cherubic bottoms and Baby Gap romper suits. Before she gets carried away, she might do well to follow my advice: keep taking the Microgynon and get a cat. You won’t have to wash and iron for them; they don’t require therapy later in life because of your sub-parenting skills; and you’ll never get stretch marks!

KIDSWho needs them? Things I’ve learned from other people’s children …

way Z A ceiling fan can hit a cricket ball a long et ball hit by a ceiling crick a stop n’t does Z The glass in windows fan the motor is not Z If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, underwear and a ing wear er strong enough to rotate a toddl Superman cape Z Superglue is forever Z Diapers don’t flush Z iPhones don’t work underwater s” is bad news Z Any sentence containing the word “Oop makes cats dizzy ine mach ing wash the on Z The spin cycle t when dizzy Z Cats can throw up twice their body weigh actor change his mood comp trash Z Throwing daddy’s wallet in the mood cat’s the ges chan Z Setting the gerbils free my hands?”, you don’t Z If you hear the words, “Guess what’s in want to know my mouth”, Z If you hear the words, “Guess what’s in know to want don’t Y REALL you Z All mothers are slightly insane

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Dream décor, fashion news, gardening advice and super stylish children’s wear…

64 Décor: A Dream Home from Engel and Völkers 74 Gardening: Family Gardening 76 Fashion News 78 Fashion: Top Kids Fashion

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THESTYLE DECOR

A modern perspective

The Golden Mile, that palm-fringed avenue lined with luxurious villas, exclusive resort hotels and some of the most elegant eateries and beach clubs in town, personifies Marbella opulence and style. It exudes an atmosphere of privilege and has a Riviera feel about it. The one thing that the Golden Mile misses, though, is modern architecture amongst its sprawling mansions. Until now, that is, for this stunning home blends the finest location with contemporary paradise. WORDS Michel Cruz Photography KH Photography

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uch of the aura associated with the Golden Mile derives from a time when it was the focus of a jet-set fascination. Marbella had become fashionable among European aristocracy, business tycoons and actors, added to which came Middle Eastern sheikhs and Hollywood stars. Before long this stellar assembly of famous names and faces began snapping up plots in prime locations just west of the town. Here, along the Mediterranean shoreline they built their grand summer homes ensconced within large private grounds. The focal point of this highly exclusive new area was the Golden Mile, an elegant avenue that runs parallel to the coast from Marbella to Puerto BanĂşs with no more than a discreet hint at the glamorous

properties that surround it. The most desired locations are either between the avenue and the sea, or on the gentle slopes that rise up on the inland side. Naturally, these were the first to go, and it is here that many an international celebrity or industrialist built their dream mansion. Magnificent though they are â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and some are right off the pages of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is hard to find a property in this most prized of locations that will excite aficionados of modern architecture. Keen to merge what he believes to be the very best combination of setting and styling, Chris Warren of Renson Management looked to create the kind of modern mansion he has become renowned for. With no more land readily available the only solution was to rebuild an existing one.

An imposing perspective as you enter the home

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Exterior areas made for lounging and entertaining

X marks the spot

A fine example of limited edition designer pieces

Not wanting to compromise on location, Warren set out to find just the right spot â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and an owner willing to sell their home in an area notorious for its slow turnover of proprietors. In fact, on the Golden Mile newly listed properties are a rare thing, as owners hold on to their homes for years and in many cases decades. After a long search his team finally located what has turned out to be a very special spot indeed. One of the characteristics of the Golden Mile is that it is rather misleading to the eye. Seen from the road, this is a zone of large green areas dressed in tropical vegetation and offset by a collection of luxurious and in some cases famous resort hotels, boutiques and restaurants. You would need the birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye view of a helicopter to realise that it also harbours some truly grand estates and pockets of unspoiled vegetation. It is within just such a spot that the Renson team found the dream plot on which to create a thoroughly modern interpretation of the perfect oasis. Occupying the first point at which the coastal plain begins to rise,

African inspired art

the setting has an elevation that translates into simply stunning sea views. The gentle gradient means there is nothing to block wonderfully open vistas to the sea, while the lack of homes immediately surrounding the property gives it the rare luxury of being enveloped by the natural greenery of grand neighbouring estates. This means the property, which can be found at the end of what feels like a private cul de sac, enjoys not only an unblemished southern sea panorama but also a magnificent perspective across open land to Marbellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iconic La Concha Mountain.

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A modern classic in an iconic location

Gates slide open to reveal a private domain embraced by semi-tropical greenery. Inside and out, painstaking attention to detail translates into the finest materials sculpted in modern form. While there are many references that reflect the accepted proportions and elements of a classic mansion, the villa is nonetheless an entirely up to date interpretation of the theme, complete with beautiful whitewashed linearity that stands out sharply against soft greenery and deep blue skies. One such classical note is the entrance

Modern chic with a touch of urban sophistication

hall, which features a modern version of the grand entrĂŠe with its tall ceiling and elegant sweeping stairways. Here Warrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s architect, Miguel Tobal, has used a state-of-the-art glass and chrome double stairway specially flown in from Germany and raised in place to the precise millimetre. As befits a home of this stature, it is the first impression that sets the tone, with the sweeping glass stairs framing a perspective that trains the eye directly upon the blue Mediterranean

sparkling seemingly right in front you. To gain this kind of intimate perspective of the sea you would normally have to be either high up or close to its sandy shores, and from the villa the view could hardly be better. Indeed, this classically inspiring panorama might be one of the very best to be had in Marbella. Tobal has used it to perfection, designing the home in such a way that the sea is a constant companion in all the living areas.

Informal dining in the extended kitchen area Corridors and hallways are turned into showcases

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An unusual collector’s piece – in metal

One of the best sea views in town

Confronted with this as you step into the house you are drawn to the living room, a natural focal point and the centre of the home. As a result it is a place of great elegance, with fine wooden panels, gorgeous sliding doors, plush carpets and furniture sourced from the finest showrooms in New York, Paris and Milan. The effect is both imposing and inviting, for this is a villa of great style that attracts rather than intimidates, and as such it speaks of taste and a certain understated confidence. The knowing touch extends to the formal dining room, which shares a modern central fireplace with the living area and enjoys the same magnificent views and handmade attention to detail. Walk on and you come to a state-of-the-art kitchen that provides space for a work area not undeserving of a gourmet chef, as well as a bright breakfast area and the rather American feature that is a very stylish lounging area/study. Quite the place to spend time in, with all comforts so close at hand. High standing décor with a touch of American flair

The formal dining room completes the living area

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That Riviera feeling

Décor detail Bespoke furniture pieces distinguish the interior of this villa

The ground floor also features three private bedroom suites that can alternatively function as office, study or library. They occupy the east wing and, though they vary in style and colour tone, each bedroom and bathroom enjoys the same sense of light, vistas and the combination of bespoke materials and furniture pieces made up of design classics. Indeed, although this is a modern villa that is rare within its exulted surroundings, the décor draws inspiration from the elegant era of Art Deco. Achieving this without a sense of pastiche is a true testament to the skill of the architect and decorator, and it endows the home with a confident style that is bold and impressive yet also welcoming and at ease with itself. Understatement achieves what over-design can’t, and the languid aura of this home is all the richer for it; another accomplishment is the creation of a villa that is modern yet for once not sterile and cold, proving that the latter is no condition for avant-garde credentials. Following those seductively

All guest suites have their own private balconies

opulent stairs up to the private quarters on the first floor you once again notice detail and finishing, with bespoke materials following the lines of the home, not some mass-produced script. The result is a very personal style in the two grand suites that illustrate standards of design, workmanship and décor that match the very best. In fact, you probably wouldn’t find a more pleasing combination of bedroom, dressing room and bathroom if you booked yourself into the finest hotels’ penthouse suites. The master bathroom is pure self-indulgence; before you is a wonderful view of towering La Concha Mountain across natural

greenery, but cock your head to the side and you see the Med sparkling in the sun. Step out on to the private first floor domain that is the terrace and you get that distinct Riviera feeling, right down to the fragrant, swaying trees, the verdant lawns and a pristine swimming pool shimmering in its attempt to outdo the sea. The product of a truly privileged setting on the edge of the Mediterranean, this sense is only heightened when you lounge around the pool area or on the covered terrace. Designed to offer malleability to individual styles and preferences, this part of the house features elegant outdoor sitting and dining areas, though additional options such as an outdoor bar are easy to realise. The home’s basement level offers another ready palette from which to create a spa and sauna area, staff apartments and a private cinema, complimenting a modern villa that is unique in many ways – not least of all in the way it combines one of the finest settings in this part of the Mediterranean with the style, amenities and refinement of a modern classic. e

g Engel & Völkers

Marbella Office Tel: 952 868 406. www.engelvoelkers.com/costadelsol

The master bedroom suite displays highly personalised touches

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THESTYLE GARDENING “Usually children spend more time in the garden than anybody else. It is where they learn about the world, because they can be in it unsupervised, yet protected. Some gardeners will remember from their own earliest recollections that no one sees the garden as vividly, or cares about it as passionately, as the child who grows up in it.”

WORDS BY RICHARD WHALEY Director of Richard Whaley Landscaping, a garden design and construction company established in 1987.

MAKE GARDENING A

FAMILY AFFAIR I

remember very well planting and tending my own small garden space as a child, and helping my father’s gardener, ‘Snapes’, at home. Whether you garden yourself, or have contract gardeners, getting your children involved is a superhealthy activity… that is, if you can drag them away from their games console! If you show them how much you enjoy gardening, you should be able to convince them that there’s a fun side to it. Depending on the size of your garden, give the kids a space (it needn’t be large) to call their own. They will learn ownership and responsibility through creating their own little plot at their own pace. Get them interested in growing things that can be

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TASKS FOR JUNE: Z Continue deadheading perennials to keep them blooming. Z Check fruit and vegetable crops for pest damage and remove any infested parts. Z Be sure the garden gets at least 30mm of water per week, especially if you are growing vegetables. Z Water outside potted plants little and often. Don’t over-feed! Z Continue mowing your lawn high to cool the soil, prevent weeds and slow evaporation. Z In the meantime, enjoy your outside spaces… That’s why we live here.

Carol Williams, Bringing a Garden to Life

used for gifts or turned into a craft, such as pressing dried flowers, making potpourri, flower arranging or even growing their own vegetables and flowers – children love to dig! Take them to the local nursery and let them pick the seeds or transplants to start their garden. Take your time and let them see and enjoy all the beautiful plants. This is a great way for children to develop their imagination and creative skills. Some good ideas are gardens to coincide with the holidays, alphabet gardens, a garden theme in their favourite colours, a sensory garden where they can learn different smells, tastes, textures and sights… the sky’s the limit. Give children their own kid-sized tools to work with;

landscaping teaches children maths and science. And it’s not only about planting seeds; it’s about how plants are live beings and have a life cycle, and this will fascinate them. If you need to give them further encouragement, remember that children love a contest, especially if there’s a reward. Maybe organise a competition between siblings, or the whole family, for the biggest tomato, the most beautiful flower or, perhaps, the best-tasting herbs (some Spray-N-Grow helps!) Do not try to do everything! Select some of these tips that you know will work best for your family and have fun with them. After all, gardening should be easy and, with a little help, it can be enjoyable for the whole family. e

g For any questions, or landscape design enquiries: rvwhaley@gmail.com or Tel: 676 331 700. 19/5/11 15:52:37

Untitled-1 1

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THESTYLE FASHION

Hand jewellery by Dior

Premiere sautoir by Chanel

Premiere ring by Chanel

Sweater by Littlewoods Neck scarf by Leviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Dress by Benetton

Anna Club bikini by La Perla

Ibiza playsuit by Accessorize

Jewel sandal by Accessorize

Dress by Benetton

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MUST-HAVE

SPRING-SUMMER WEAR

One-piece bathing suit by La Perla

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

This is a great time of the year for most people but for fashionistas it is simply the best. At no other time of the year can we fully show off our colourful wardrobes, with everything from fine leather jackets and ankle-length boots to head scarves and pretty dresses holding sway. This month, we bring you our essential list of items for the Spring-Summer 2011 season.

Bag by Dior Cupcake bag by Accessorize

Ring by Roger M

Head scarf by Levi’s

Earrings by Roger M

ACCESSORIZE www.accessorize.com BENETTON www.benetton.com CHANEL www.chanel.com DIOR www.dior.com LA PERLA www.laperla.com LEVI’S www.eu.levi.com LITTLEWOODS www.littlewoods.com ROGER M www.rogermjeweller.com ZATCHELS www.zatchels.com

Boots by Levi’s

Colourful bag by Zatchels

Floral print bag by Zatchels

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THESTYLE FASHION

Designer Kids Fashion Fashion – conscious children will be tugging on their parent’s sleeves this month, begging them to be taken to their favourite designer boutique. We bring you a selection of some of the most exclusive kids’ fashion lines, made with lots of love, colour and imagination.

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BombeeRai nbowCol l ect i on

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

952818822 www. pav es . es

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european culture

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i BENETTON www.benetton.com DIOR www.dior.com DESIGUAL www.desigual.com DINO E LUCIA, ELIANE ET LENA, EUROPEAN CULTURE AND GUESS are available at Mini-Mi. C.C. Colonia, San Pedro de Alcรกntara Tel: 952 786 233. www.minimiboutique.com

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PUBLIRREPORTAJE MAY 2011 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE / 99

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TREATMENTS / PRODUCTS / Beauty / SPA

/ SCIENCE / health

Hair revolution, beauty news, health update, modern manicures and great sports for kidsâ&#x20AC;Ś

88 Bio Sculpture Gel Nails 90 Beauty News 92

Age Appropriate Sports for Kids

94 Health Profile: Advanced Hair Studio 96 Health News

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THE

BEAUTY

Bio Sculpture Gel

BEAUTY

Healthy, Beautiful, No-Chip Nails with

hat is the biggest manicure/ pedicure disaster you can think of? I’ll never forget mine: I was on my honeymoon and had just had a pedicure, wanting to look special for a romantic dinner that evening. But, back at the hotel, I moved my suitcase and it landed smack-bang on top of my big toe, leaving a nasty smudge on my beautiful, bright red nail enamel. Since then, I’ve been reticent to ever have a manicure or pedicure again, especially as, even barring accidents, your nail varnish has usually chipped by the third day, after washing up, typing or cleaning the house. My negativity was soothing; I had an excuse for not doing my nails, yet I must say that my selfindulgent passivity was put to an end in an instant when I discovered Bio Sculpture Gel. Imagine a manicure

On my visit, Katrine applied a gel overlay to my nail, as I did not wish to have my nail length extended (though I have seen beautiful results in ladies with luscious, long nails, which lend themselves so well to artistic designs, feminine crystals, etc.). The process lasted a little less than an hour and was as fascinating as it was new. Katrine completed the following steps:

UV LAMP DRYING: The Bio Sculpture Gel UV machine is an important step in the process. Katrine had two machines, one for each hand. I popped my hands inside for two minutes.

or pedicure which lasts an average of three or four weeks without chipping, which is completely (and I mean COMPLETELY) dry by the time you walk out of the salon, and which contains a high proportion (54 per cent) of natural ingredients. Imagine a gel that comes in over 120 colours, leaves your nails as sleek and shiny as a newly painted car, and which can be flexible or strong, depending on what suits you. My first Bio Sculpture manicure, which I received at Princess Studios in Puerto Banús, was revelatory indeed, and indicative of the fact that the nail care industry has come a long way indeed! Katrine, Head Trainer of Bio Sculpture in Spain, showed me an amazing palette of colours that made it extremely difficult to choose from. Icy blues, pale greens, purples and mauves, fluorescent

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

pinks, Ferrari reds, feminine corals, sparkly or plain, pearlised or pure, beckoned me to enjoy their energy and beauty for a full month. Battling the opposing desires of opting for a feminine or modern look, I decided for the latter and opted for an electric blue, the colour currently sported by all the chic celebrities. I was lucky that Katrine was my nail specialist for the day, as she was a great source of information as to what makes Bio Sculpture Gel the only nail company to enjoy the Five-Star Safety Rating. These are a number of ways that, unlike acrylics or many other gel products, Bio Sculpture conditions, instead of harming, your nails:

Z It does not require filing of your natural nail (filing destroys the nail). Z It protects and hardens your natural nail. Z It comes off in 15 minutes with a solution that breaks down the proteins in the gel. This process does not involve ‘stripping’ the gel overlay from your nail, so your nail is not harmed. Z It is non-toxic and does not generate powder. Z It’s great for those with weak or brittle nails, conditioning as well as beautifying them. Z Before applying the coloured gel, nails are conditioned first with a potent vitamin solution.

PREPARATION: I washed my hands with soap and then Katrine pulverised my nails with a special fungicide.

CUTICLES: These were removed with a mild remover and some gentle manual pushing.

SMOOTHING NAIL: Katrine did not file my entire nail; just the tip, until the desired length was achieved.

HYDRATION AND NUTRITION: She applied a special vitamin solution to my nails, bearing a lovely cucumber scent.

COLOUR EXPLOSION: She then applied the magnificent blue shade of my choice to each nail and I again popped my hands into the UV lamp machine for two minutes. She repeated this process.

SEALING: She sealed the colour with a transparent gel (we chose a hard one, as my nails, subject to daily typing and housework, needed all the help they could get!).

TOP COAT: The clear, shiny top coat had my nails shining like a brand new car.

MOISTURE: Katrine hydrated my cuticles with a cuticle oil containing orange.

GEL BASE: With a fine, short brush, she applied a gel base over my nail, sealing the tips and edges to avoid chipping.

MASSAGE: She then massaged my fingers and hands with a rich moisturising cream.

I don’t think I have ever walked out of a manicure and stuck my hands in my bag to get my keys, fearlessly, but this time I delved in and, surprisingly, my nails were perfect; not a chip, not a crack. Finally, every woman can have beautiful, fashion magazinestyle hands… I did, for an entire month!

The Bio Sculpture Gel Nail is available at a number of salons across the Coast. 88 / ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE JUNE 2011

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g For information on the closest centre to you, please contact Tel: 952 663 602. www.biosculpture.es 25/5/11 18:28:46

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THE

BEAUTY

WORDS Marisa CUTILLAS

PRODUCTS

Intensive Beauty Programme at Incosol

If you would like to give yourself a pampering treat in order to feel more beautiful than ever, Incosol’s seven-day programme may be just what you need. Stay at the luxury health resort while you enjoy treatments such as massages (manual or water), yogurt therapy (massages and exfoliations using yogurt and muesli), facials (with oxygen therapy) and the popular ‘hidrofor facial’ (this feeds your skin deep down with a series of highly nutritional active ingredients applied with a roll-on machine). Afterwards, enjoy an electro-stimulating treatment and turn back the hands of time with an Age-Repair session. There are many more treatments to choose from, as well as a manicure and pedicure, which will make you feel younger, and more vital. During this special week, you can opt to follow a specific dietary programme, dip into the Incosol’s many pools, exercise at the gym, attend dance classes, visit the spa, and indulge in a host of invigorating or relaxing activities. g Urb. Golf Río Real s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 860 909. www.incosol.com

Natural Make-up from The Body Shop

The idea of mineral make-up, free of parabens and other chemicals proven to be harmful to our health, has always been attractive. The problem, until relatively recently, was where to find natural products which glided on as smoothly, looked as good and lasted as long as more commercial options. The Body Shop, a company which has always prized the use of natural ingredients, now has a lovely range called Nature’s Minerals, consisting of foundations, cheek and eye colours which are smooth and luxurious in texture and blend in beautifully with all skin tones. We particularly love their sparkly eye shadow, available in party colours such as green, orange and grey. g Avda. Ricardo Soriano 20, Marbella. Tel: 952 825 808. www.thebodyshop.es

Get Fresh with a Dermaceutic Skin Peel Top New York luxury skincare company, Själ, is pleased to announce that it now has an international website, available in a number of languages including Spanish, English, German and Danish, and is now selling its products online to Spanish shoppers. If you haven’t heard of Själ skincare, you’ll be interested in discovering that this exclusive line is born of a fusion between ancestral Oriental medicine, Western bio-technology and bio-osmotic energy, obtained from precious stones and minerals. Själ’s philosophy is to offer holistic beauty aimed at soothing the spirit, as well as the face and body, with everything from deep pore cleansers to eye contours, age-defying creams, masques and exfoliating solutions. g www.sjalskincare.com

Själ Comes to Spain

How is your skin bearing up after the ravages of winter? Now that June is here, it’s a good time to give your skin a treat, and soon you will be stepping out fresh-faced with a naturally glowing and radiant complexion. Long-established Marbella beautician, Magda Welters, is excited about introducing Dermaceutic to the Costa del Sol, a highly effective range of dermatalogically-approved skin peels. The number one brand in France, Dermaceutic offers medically proven solutions to a host of common skin complaints, such as acne, age-spots, smoking-induced wrinkles and sun-damage. Based on Alpha- and Beta-hydroxy acids, Dermaceutic skin peels can visibly transform your skin in just four simple 15-30 minute sessions. The treatment is quick, and you will feel just a light tingling sensation on your skin. For best results, your beautician will recommend a home skin-care routine before and after the peeling, and each session should be two weeks apart. Dermaceutic also offers a complete range of complementary cosmeceuticals to care for your skin on a daily basis, or following surgical procedures. The range includes: cleansers, moisturisers and repair creams, sun protection creams and hydrating masks. All of the products are perfume and paraben free, and come in airless containers for prolonged freshness and hygiene. g Marina Banús Bl 2, 2E, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 814 671/ 607 627 161. www.beautyclinic.es

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Cosmetic Surgery | Non Surgical Procedures | Cosmetic Dentistry

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HC Marbella is one of Europe’s most exclusive hospitals, with a highly professional and pioneering team of medical experts that provide world-class care across the hospital’s ten exceptional medical units: Cosmetic Surgery & Anti-Aging; Oncology; Preventive Medicine; Gastroenterology & Obesity; Gynaecology & Fertility; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; Orthopaedics; Urology; Cardiology; and Anti-Aging. Dr. Marco Vricella is Director of the Aesthetic Surgery unit at HC Marbella Private Hospital.

Call (+34) 952 895 088 in English (+34) 662 936 058 en Español

HEALTH

THE

HEALTH

SPORT for

Children REPORT Marisa CUTILLAS

ccording to the Spanish Health Ministry, the rate of juvenile obesity is at an alarming high. Some 8.5 per cent of children aged two to 17 are obese, while a further 18.2 per cent are overweight. The issue is not exclusive to children in Spain, with the World Health Organisation reporting alarming numbers: over a billion adults are overweight, and 300 million, obese. How can we stop our children from being part of a problem that is an almost sure guarantee of a reduced lifespan? The answer does not lie in stringent diets, which can mess up a child’s metabolism and which promise poor long-term results. A much more subtle way to tackle obesity is exercise, since kids never need know that their favourite swimming, ballet or hockey class is actually part of mum and dad’s strategy for keeping them slim, alert and fighting fit. Exercise has many more benefits than staving off unwanted kilos; it improves a child’s reflexes, attention span and ability to focus, and aids in the proper development of the muscles, bones and joints. It also has tremendously positive psychological effects, with scientists reporting reduced levels of depression and anxiety, and increased levels of self-confidence, in babies, toddlers and school children. Social benefits are also rife, with kids learning to be aware of social rules and accepted behaviour, while they bond with children who are not necessarily from their own culture or background.

The Right Time is Now! Before signing up your toddler or school-aged child for every golf, yoga or ballet class in Marbella, however, take note: while it is easy to get most kids to start an activity, keeping them interested is another matter. We recently read an interesting article on US site, www.familyeducation.com, which stated that 70 per cent of children quit playing competitive sports by the time they are 13, citing the primary reason for quitting as ‘It stopped being fun’. Once they realise they aren’t Messi or Carl Lewis, many kids are discouraged from continuing, since winning becomes much more important than simply playing. If your child loves a sport, try to encourage lifelong enjoyment of it in any way you can, either by joining them, encouraging them to play in local leagues with players of their level, or inviting friends over for a tension-free game, perhaps with other parents and friends of your generation. Unless you’re as bossy and pushy as the Robert De Niro character in Meet the Fockers, the afternoon is probably going to be a whole lot of fun, and thankfully, explosion-, tantrum- and stress-free.

Since children are gifted in a number of ways, it is difficult to elaborate a strict list of what activities they should take up at a particular age, but doctors recommend following this general outline: Z Toddlers (aged two to five): This group should aim for one hour a day on structured activities (activities that improve their motor skills like running, catching and throwing, swimming, climbing a small obstacle or crawling through an obstacle course, etc.) and another hour on unstructured activities (free play, dancing, etc.). Make sure your toddler doesn’t engage in more than one hour of sedentary activities (iPads, TV, etc.) per day. Z Children aged six to seven: By this age, most kids are ready to delve into the fun world of team sports. They can make their first forays into sports like soccer, basketball, hockey or volleyball. If they prefer ‘doing it on their own’, they may enjoy swimming, dancing, martial arts, gymnastics, yoga, tennis or golf.

Z Children aged eight: This is the age children can start strength training, which is great for muscle strength, joints, bones, the metabolism and selfesteem. ‘Strength’ training does not necessarily involve weights. Children should use their own body weight or rubber resistance equipment to perform exercises like push-ups, bicep curls or tricep pull-ups. For more serious resistance training, get the ‘okay’ from your pediatrician first, and consult a physical trainer, who may encourage your child to do very light weights with lots of repetitions. Z Children over eight: By this age, kids can undertake almost all sports adults do, even contact sports, though this is also the best time for you to take part in all the fun. Remember to keep the emphasis off winning.

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Have the Hair You Always Wanted with

nless you suffer from baldness or scalp conditions, or have weak, brittle hair, the concept of hair loss may seem unimportant to you. Men with a receding hairline or bald patches can always opt for the sexy, bald Bruce Willis look, you may say, and women don’t generally go bald anyway. If you think this way, you may be surprised to learn that you are wrong. Hair loss, or having hair you are not happy with, can be devastating, affecting your confidence, the way you relate to other people and even your work performance. Imagine you are a healthy man in your 20s or 30s and, suddenly, you’re noticing a thinner appearance to your hair, lamenting the numerous strands you see on your hairbrush or pillow every morning. Imagine you are an adolescent who suddenly develops the unsightly bald patches associated with alopecia areata. Imagine you are a woman in your prime and your hairline begins to recede in the way normally associated with a man’s. Imagine you are anyone who has had problems growing long, healthy and strong hair all their life. Are you meant to accept that, of your many attractive features, good hair will never be one of them? What would you say if there was a group of professionals who could help you have a full, glorious head

of hair, exactly as you always dreamed of? Advanced Hair Studio has been dedicated exclusively to doing precisely that since 1976. The company, which has helped close to half a million people re-grow or restore their hair, or simply have a healthy scalp, is present in several countries including Australia, Belgium, China, Hong Kong, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sweden, the UK and USA and, now, Marbella. It has restored confidence and peace of mind to many celebrities, including company spokesman Shane Warne. Advanced Hair Studio is capable of restoring a full head of hair even to someone who is completely bald. With your newly restored hair, you can swim, scuba dive, practice your favourite sports and basically live a normal, active live. Best of all, your hair and scalp will be healthier than ever. Advanced Hair Studio is able to treat almost any condition involving hair loss. If you’re starting to notice that you’re losing more hair than usual, now is the best time to do something about it. The first step is to visit the studio for a free first consultation, to determine which treatment will work best for you. After conducting a series of tests, the experienced team may advise you to opt for one of the following treatments, or a combination of them:

Advanced Hair Studio

PROFILE

REPORT MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ADVANCED HAIR STUDIO

Z ADVANCED LASER THERAPY: Ideal for those who are starting to lose their hair, this system stimulates the regrowth of hair through the use of the very latest in laser beam technology, alongside an FDA-approved regrowth serum and a specific scalp and follicle treatment programme. Z STRAND-BY-STRAND: If your hair loss is more extensive, replace it just the way you lost it: strand by strand, through non-surgical means with amazing results. Z LADIES HAIR SOLUTIONS AND EXTENSIONS: If your hair is thin, brittle or damaged, Advanced Hair Studio can advise you on a number of solutions, depending on your situation. If you are simply after longer, more luscious looking hair, Flashpoints Extensions are ideal for you. This groundbreaking, patented system is worlds ahead of competitors that rely on glues, waxes or weaves, which often damage hair. Flashpoints Extensions transform dull, lifeless, fine or short hair, in a matter of hours, to provide the style and texture you always wanted and they are reusable. The system involves attaching a link of Flashpoints Extensions to a lock of your own hair, with a natural, beautiful result. Colours are matched precisely to your own hair colour or the colour of your choosing and Advanced Hair Studio can also provide professional colouring and styling. Z ADVANCED HAIR AND SCALP FITNESS PROGRAMME: The programme involves the use of the Advanced Laser Comb, which delivers active AHS-FP ingredients to your scalp. Over 3,500 positive scientific studies on this therapy have been published, with 90 per cent of users enjoying visible results within 12 weeks. Clients also benefit greatly from the AHS Hair Fitness Range products, which contain serenoa, an ingredient which has been clinically proven to stop hair loss in 62 per cent of cases. The products not only repair damaged hair but also stop future hair loss.

It’s interesting to note that 30 per cent of people in their 30s, and half those in their 50s, suffer from the devastating effects of hair loss. The good news is that the days of passive acceptance are over. Advanced Hair Studio is a step ahead of nature, since it can better what for many is a divine gift: a beautiful head of hair.

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g Tel: 952 905 035. ww.advancedhairstudio.com 24/5/11 15:53:27

GENTLEMEN...

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E145_hairadvance.indd 1

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www.advancedhairstudios.es 27/5/11 13:12:08

THE

HEALTH WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

> SAVE YOUR

UPDATE

STOMACH, AVOID THESE FOODS

If you often suffer from gas, bloating or discomfort in the abdomen, you may be surprised to learn that you are not alone. Millions of people around the world suffer from digestive disorders, which are one of the leading causes of trips to the family G.P. Although persistent abdominal pain should always be checked out by your doctor, if you wish to give your stomach a break, try to avoid the following culprits that you may never have realised could be harmful, especially to sensitive stomachs:

> COOKED FOODS: High temperatures destroy important enzymes found in raw food. These enzymes have an important role to play in the process of digestion and are also magnificent anti-ageing oxidants. > CHOCOLATE: While everyone’s favourite treat has been known to improve heart health and reduce the risk of strokes, it also contains a compound called theobromine, which leads the stomach to produce excess acid. Fatty foods have a similar effect, since they take longer to digest and also, therefore, encourage the stomach to produce more acid. > COLD DRINKS: Digestive enzymes thrive in warm temperatures; don’t wash them out with cold drinks. Opt for a hot tea or warm glass of water with your meals. > LACTOSE PRODUCTS: Human beings are the only species which continues to drink milk past infanthood. We lose our ability to digest lactose products as we grow older and, in fact, millions of people are lactose intolerant without even knowing it. If you

can’t resist your favourite milk products, opt for hard cheese (which contains less lactose than softer varieties), and lactosefree dairy products. > TOMATO: This fruit can provoke heartburn or acid reflux because it is highly acidic. Those who are intolerant and continue to eat it can cause damage to the lining of their esophagus. Watch out for sauces and salsas containing tomato. > BEANS AND BROCCOLI: These two vegetables, rich in important vitamins and minerals, unfortunately produce a lot of gas, making digestion difficult. Broccoli is a soluble fibre which does not break down until it is in the large intestine, and it contains raffinose, a complex sugar which also produces gas. Beans, meanwhile, contain oligosaccharide: a complex sugar made up of molecules which are too large for the small intestine to digest. > COFFEE: Your morning cup of Java may give you a much-needed boost but it can also irritate your stomach lining, causing indigestion and reflux.

Is Negative Thinking >Actually Good for You?

With all the latest medical advances and promises of longer life spans for both men and women, it is somewhat disappointing to hear that the number of alcohol-related illnesses in the UK has risen considerably in the last decade. The case is particularly worrisome for women, with double the number of deaths from alcohol abuse in females aged 15 to 35 between the years 1991 and 2009. Interestingly, the trend is different in other countries such as Sweden, New Zealand and Australia, where drinking habits are similar. As a result, experts are suggesting tougher controls on the advertising and sale of alcohol.

> Alcohol

Threatens Women’s Lives in the UK

After being bombarded by the media and talk show hosts on the importance of positive thinking for our health, it is refreshing for many of us ‘Oscar the Grouch’ types to hear that, finally, psychologists are waking up to the power of ‘glass-half-empty’ thinking. Dr. Julie K. Norem, Professor of Psychology at Wellesley College, USA, explained to the Oprah Winfrey Magazine: “Defensive pessimism is a strategy used in specific situations to manage anxiety, fear and worry.” Apparently, those who set low expectations for outcomes of specific situations or imagine the worst-case scenarios also plan how they would react to these setbacks, thereby easing their nerves and appeasing their fears. Defensive pessimism can also help those with high-stress jobs prepare better for important meetings, negotiations or presentations, since they are forced to create specific strategies and think up solutions to possible problems. Interestingly, those who are prone to thinking negatively should ignore advice from those seeking to make them see ‘the bright side of life’, since the more forced they feel, the worse they will perform.

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essentials new ad:Maquetación 1 12/11/2010 09:18 Page 1

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konsert i Marbella 16. juli

I juli gir The Ten Tenors konsert i tyrefekterarenaen i Marbella. Norske Britt Jeppsson arrangerer konsertturneen som omfatter flere konserter i Norge og en konsert i Sverige. 16. juli har du mulighet for å oppleve tenorene i Marbella.

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The most cost-effective gateway to the Scandinavian market on the Costa del Sol. The editorial backbone of our publications is based on current events, news, reviews, politics and finance, while other sections cover in-depth and topical information on subjects that concern readers living in Spain. We also offer refreshing and interesting features on health, food and wine, sport, travel and décor, designed for the many Scandinavian-speaking residents and visitors to southern Spain.

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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

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?

100 The Season kicks off with a bang at Ocean Club 102 Scarlet Stenger Exhibition at Kasser Rassu Gallery 103 Glocal Design launches Jesse Interior Design Showroom 104 Judy & Liza Show brings Hollywood Glamour to Marbella

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The Season kicks off with a bang at Ocean Club The magical opening of Puerto Banus’ most emblematic beach club was the place to be seen at the end of April. Full of extravagant entertainment, gorgeous girls and celebrity shoulder rubbing with it’s famous clientele, the season was declared officially open in opulent style. Guests dressed up to the nines in white and silver as they mingled at sunset and partied into the night with live music, fireworks and performance art.

“Uber-cool in silver and white”

PHOTOGRAPHY Johnny Gates PHOTOGRAPHY Johnny Gates ñl download your photo from www.i-marbella.com 145Vibe.indd 101

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THEVIBE

Scarlet Stenger Exhibition at Kasser Rassu Gallery Many of Marbella’s most recognised faces came to show their support for local German photographer, painter and sculptor, Scarlet Stenger’s vibrant exhibition at Kasser Rassu Gallery on the Golden Mile. Guests enjoyed a lovely evening in the company of old friends while admiring the multi-coloured specialised artworks on display, featuring photography and painting in computer composition. Marbella Mayoress, Ángeles Muñoz joined many of Scarlet’s close acquantancies in wishing her all the very best for the future.

“Another stunning exhibition at Kasser Rassu”

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THEVIBE

Glocal Design launches Jesse Interior Design Showroom in Marbella Friends, colleagues and many involved in the décor, design and property industries together with members of the local press gathered for the much-awaited launch of Glocal Design’s Jesse Showroom at the iconic Camojan Business Centre. All marvelled at the somewhat unique installation, which presents the individual rooms of an elegant villa or apartment with super-stylish selected items from Jesse, Antonio Lupi, Rezina, Hi Macs, Delta Light, Vibia, Longhi, Eoroflorina, Bang & Olufsen and Bene.

“Outstanding taste and design on display”

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Judy & Liza Show brings Hollywood Glamour to Marbella The Hotel Puente Romano Pulled out all the stops as they brought the West End to the Golden Mile with the fabulous musical production, Judy and Liza. Following a first class dinner, Marbella’s theatre lovers were treated to a spellbinding and moving show featuring the music and stories of the legendary performers, Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli. Rousing hits such as Cabaret, Maybe This Time and The Trolley Song had the audience shouting for more!

“Old school Hollywood, on stage at the Puente Romano”

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PHOTOGRAPHY Johnny Gates 25/5/11 19:06:11

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ultradesign®

THEFOCUS EVENTS ERIC CONLEY IS BARRY WHITE

IE IS E BARR MAXIN EY Y BASS SHIRLE

STEPHEN TRIFFITT IS FRANK SINATRA

arbella has been associated with the rich and famous since the 1950s, when the Marbella Club opened its doors and royalty and movie stars made it their holiday destination of choice. The establishment of Puerto Banús in the 1970s as the place to moor your luxury yacht really catapulted the area onto the world stage, with a star-studded launch attended by the likes of the Aga Khan, Roman Polanski, Hugh Heffner and Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco. The opening of chic fashion boutiques such as Chanel, Giorgio Armani and Chopard along the marina front further cemented this reputation and many glamorous beach clubs, restaurants and night clubs followed. Tourists flocked to enjoy the luxury lifestyle, huge villas were built and buyers rushed to own a piece of the dream. Unfortunately, as we know, this couldn’t last forever and due to corruption scandals, reports of violence and crime, and the collapse of the property market, Marbella lost some of its sparkle and other tourist destinations such as Dubai and Egypt threatened to replace it as the top luxury destination.

THE MILLIONAIRES’ ANNUAL

WHITE SUMMER PARTY

REPORT GEORGINA SHAW

Tickets can be requested via the website www.millionairessummerparty.com at a cost of €120 per ticket, which includes a reception cocktail with Veuve Clicquot champagne and canapés from Goyo.

Marbella’s Fortunes Rise

However, thanks to the combination of great weather, world class sporting facilities and a huge selection of activities to suit all budgets, Marbella was able to survive despite years of poor publicity and is now poised to enter the limelight once again. Unrest in Egypt, North Africa and the Middle East has put people off holidaying in such destinations and awareness of climate change has made this short haul destination a more responsible and desirable option. A transparent local council is repairing the damage of years of corruption and high profile events such as The Climate Change and Wine Conference with Kofi Annan are focusing positive attention on the area once more. As the beach clubs and chiringuitos re-open, there is a new air of belief and pride and a feeling that this summer will be a great one for businesses and holiday makers alike. One event seeking to build on this positive vibe and attract attention to the area for all the right reasons is The Millionaires’ White Summer Party, held in conjunction with exclusive jewellers Chopard.

A New Glamorous Event Arrives in Marbella Organiser Caroline Hallett is passionate about the area and believes that luxurious events such as this are the perfect way to give the sparkle back to Marbella and open up its legendary millionaires’ lifestyle to residents and holiday makers alike. Caroline comments, “Marbella has been suffering from an image problem for too long now. We have amazing restaurants, beach clubs, nightclubs, golf courses and polo clubs, but have been lacking really high-profile and good quality events to support this. With The Millionaires’ Annual White Summer Party we want to change this and we’ve worked really hard to create an unusual and glamorous event concept which will really impress.” Caroline and her team are presenting An Evening from Las Vegas Live, an event which will pay homage to the glitz, glamour and incredible music of Las Vegas in its heyday. This will be held in the exquisite, jasmine scented gardens of the privately owned Finca la Concepción, just off The Golden Mile, on

Saturday, July 30. The evening will feature a garden party and concert, with amazing music, a live 22-piece orchestra and four world-class performers to delight the crowd. The first half will consist of a champagne and canapé reception and a seated concert with Maxine Barrie and Stephen Triffitt performing Shirley Bassey and Frank Sinatra classics. These performers are widely acknowledged to be the best in their field at bringing these legends to life and will delight fans young and old. After a short break, the After-Show Party will see everyone up and dancing. Headlining the second part of the evening is Eric Conley accompanied by the Unlimited Love Orchestra. They will be presenting The Barry White Experience, Eric’s homage to the late great man himself. His performance will set the mood for a party hosted by International DJ Rusty Egan, who will be playing classic Studio 54 disco tracks until the early hours. The event will also be supporting the Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal by raffling a number of fantastic prizes, including two watches from sponsor, Chopard.

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the millionaires’ annual white summer party in association with

presents

An Evening from Las Vegas Live with the Las Vegas

22 piece big band and Las Vegas showgirls MAXINE BARRIE IS

STEPHEN TRIFFITT IS

SHIRLEY BASSEY

FRANK SINATRA An al fresco seated concert

After show party: dance the night away with

‘STUDIO 54’ 70ʼS DISCOTHEQUE FEATURING INTERNATIONAL DJ RUSTY EGAN

The Barry White Experience

ERIC CONLEY IS

BARRY WHITE

with the Unlimited Love Orchestra

A dusk ‘til dawn party Saturday 30th July from 8pm AT THE EXCLUSIVE RESIDENCE OF FINCA LA CONCEPCIÓN, MARBELLA DRESS CODE: RELAXED SUMMER WHITE

02_millionaires_230X300.indd 3

www.millionairessummerparty.com media partner: essential marbella magazine

VIP Tickets €120 ENQUIRIES TO T: 637 155 145 25/5/11 17:14:53

THEPRO BUSINESS

REPORT MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY KH PHOTOGRAPHY

arbella is known for many things, but one of the strongest associations with the name is its real estate brand. Fuelled by the longstanding desire of many to come and enjoy the quality of life that this coast and its benevolent climate make possible, those who can, have been driven to acquire a pied-à-terre here. Along with tourism, real estate has therefore always been an important industry and source of employment in the region, its numbers swelling greatly in buoyant times. Amid the multitude of agencies that have periodically mushroomed during boom times and vanished when they ended, is a small collection of companies that have formed the true backbone of Marbella’s real estate sector for many years now. These companies, whose owners are committed both personally and professionally to the region, are the ones that continue to work with the same dedication regardless of the prevailing economic climate. These are the companies that are here to stay, and it is a commitment to what has become their hometown that is reflected in the way they do business. “Marbella is our home, so we are here for the long haul,” says Peter Rosén, founder and co-owner of Nordica. “I first came to live in this part of the world in 1982, following in the footsteps of my brother who moved here back in 1969, so you can say our family has a very longstanding relationship with Marbella. For us it has always been a home, the place where we work, live and raise children, and although there are many other beautiful

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PETER ROSÉN places in the world, this area retains a charm that is born of its lifestyle and location.”

Building a reputation

Originally from Sweden, Peter was as strongly seduced by the lifestyle Marbella offered as the people he would later help to find homes. Nordica was founded in the mid-eighties, and over the next two decades would steadily build a solid reputation for straightforward and transparent business ethics, and a high regard for client satisfaction. While other firms expanded rapidly Peter and his wife Anna Lena concentrated on remaining small but highly focused and effective, concentrating mostly on Marbella and Sotogrande. “We never wanted to be the biggest, but we do want to be able to provide an effective, efficient and friendly service. The worst thing is not to be able to look a former client in the eye; the best thing is when they become friends and tell everyone how good you are.”

This kind of word of mouth has become the company’s most effective marketing tool, although targeted advertising and the Internet also play a central role. “We are always updating our website and are about to launch a new blog,” says Anna Lena, “but since such a large percentage of our clients are Scandinavian, a good reputation for honest, quality service is still the most valuable asset to have.” She has built up a very successful rental arm, describing her clients as not overly-demanding but expecting high standards. “Like any service industry, it is hard work to ensure people are satisfied, but we look after them so well that a lot of

A LONG-TERM COMMITMENT newly-arrived renters then instruct us to find them a property to buy.” “In the end it boils down to whether you’re here for the short or the long term,” says Peter, “and since we’re committed to this area, our name and reputation is of the utmost importance to us. This is the best possible guarantee for the client, because it links our success to their satisfaction – which is the way it should be.” i www.nordicarentals.com

sales@nordicarentals.com rentals@nordicarentals.com customercare@nordicarentals.com

g NORDICA Locrigolf, Local 5&6, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. Tel: 952 811 552. 25/5/11 13:42:18

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ENTERPRISE

NEWS /ENTERPRSE / LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILES /

FINANCE / LAW

Design2Chill: 100 Per Cent Waterproof Lounge Sofas Tip Top Spain in Marbella is proud to announce the addition of Dutch outdoor furniture line, Design2Chill, to their range of luxury products. Over the past five years, Design2Chill has been the trendsetter for 100 per cent waterproof lounge furniture, with a stunning collection of trendy indoor and outdoor lounge sofas with ultra durable characteristics. In the process of development, significant attention is paid to durability and seating comfort and the collection possesses an innovative drain system that allows sofas to dry quickly following rain. The specially developed upholstery is waterproof and protects against dirt and stains. Design2Chill stands for exclusive design and can offer custom-made solutions. With 150 trendy colours and designs in the collection, Tip Top Spain can meet every demand. g C/ Juan Ruiz Muñoz 2,

Marbella. Tel: 661 030 816. www.tiptopspain.com

Ermenegildo Zegna Opens Boutique in Puerto Banús Top men’s fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna is opening a new boutique on June 15 in Puerto Banús. The shop, designed by Gianmaria and Roberto Beretta of Studio Beretta in Milan, will house clothing from the firm’s two lines: Ermenegildo Zegna (exclusive and elegant wear) and Zegna Sport (a more casual, practical line). Shoppers will also find a wide selection of shoes, leather accessories and sunglasses. g Muelle

Ribera, Local 31, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 902 193. www.zegna.com

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George Benson at the Hotel Puente Romano Nobody croons love songs quite as well as George Benson and, on June 25, he will be filling the Marbella night with his dulcet tones, delighting the audience with hits such as Broadway and Gimme The Night. Tickets are available at El Corte Inglés, Ticket Master and Rock Lounge. Prices start at just €30. g Blvd.

Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900. www.puenteromano.com

Clive Christian New Head of Sales and Design With works at their stunning new Showroom and Design Studio at the Hotel Marbella Club well underway, Clive Christian S.L. is delighted to announce the appointment of Nickie Bassadone-Rae as their Head of Sales and Design. Born into a family of property developers from Gibraltar, Nickie returns to the Costa del Sol having developed a wealth of experience within the luxury bespoke furniture market. She has enjoyed working closely with many acclaimed international interior designers and architects, on some of the most exclusive private residential developments

in London and the Home Counties. The Clive Christian Showroom will proudly present the Company’s celebrated furniture and panelling for every room of the home and is testament to the Clive Christian luxurious experience and unparalleled craftsmanship. Nickie says: “I am thrilled to be coming on board the Clive Christian team at such an exciting time. The new Showroom will be simply stunning and I relish the prospect of working with such an exquisite product, and prestigious clientele.”

g At the Marbella Club Hotel. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 808 402. www.clive.com

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Jyske Bank Golf Competition at The San Roque Club

Marbella Luxury Weekend: Styling It on the Port

Jyske Bank Gibraltar hosted its Annual Private Banking Golf Tournament recently at the San Roque Golf Club. Some 84 players participated in a Texas Scramble tournament, a fun format played in teams of four. After a hard day of play, over 110 players and guests enjoyed the dinner and prize giving. Christian Bjorlow, CEO of Jyske Bank Gibraltar, thanked attending clients and business partners for their loyalty and for being valued ambassadors. He also emphasised the uniqueness of Jyske Bank, which is able to offer private banking clients personalised and totally objective service, since the staff do not receive commissions. g 76 Main Street, Gibraltar. Tel: +350 200 72782

From June 2 to 5, Puerto Banús will be given new life at the Marbella Luxury Weekend, an event aiming to promote the Port as an international shopping Mecca. The four-day weekend is inspired on the Parisian Harvest Festival, which takes place every year in the Avenue Montaigne and features beautiful lighting, decorative elements, delicious food and fun activities for the whole family. Festivities will be taking place within the interiors of shops and on the Port itself, and the tower of control and docking area will function as special ‘social activity areas’. Spectacular fashion shows featuring elegant couture from the Port’s best boutiques will take place over a 20-metre catwalk erected for the event, and prestigious car firms, McLaren and Paganini will present their latest and most exclusive models.. g www.marbella.es

www.jyskebank.gi

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Trilogi Creates New E-Commerce Site for Marbella

Grupo Blue Bay opens Hotel Blue Bay Banús

E-commerce solutions company, Trilogi, is proud to announce its latest project: www.marbellaluxeshop.com, an online shop which markets luxury items to the Spanish market. Keen shoppers needn’t take a trip overseas to find the perfect watch, luxurious gadget, or décor piece: it’s all just a click away in this easy-to-use site, which accepts a number of payment methods, including PayPal. The list of items is vast, with everything from villas right through to luxury champagnes, wines and mobile phones available.

Grupo Blue Bay is forging ahead with its plan of expansion, recently acquiring the former Rincon Andaluz Hotel in Puerto Banús, which will bear the new name of Hotel Blue Bay Banús. The four-star hotel has a total of 315 rooms with a charming Andalusian design and features three outdoor pools, a gym, conference hall, chapel and beautiful sub-tropical gardens and ponds. Grupo Blue Bay now runs 19 hotels and hopes to acquire four new hotels this year. g For further information, www.bluebayresorts.com

g www.marbellaluxeshop.com

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Concordia Celebrates World AIDS Orphans Day It is estimated that more than 22 million children in the world have been orphaned by AIDS, an alarming statistic that is the inspiration behind World AIDS Orphans Day. Marbella AIDS association, Concordia, recently commemorated this special day with an act at the Alborán school in Marbella, in which the children kept a minute of silence and read beautiful, personal messages, before letting loose a host of red balloons into the sky, while the soulful Cirque Du Soleil song, Alegria, played in the background. The aim of the event was to give children information and advice on HIV/AIDS, in the hope that the alarming number of orphans worldwide can be reduced. Concordia also recently held an assembly to announce new appointments: Julio Leal Gordito is now VicePresident of the Association and Teresa Muñoz de Martín is the Director of the Day Centre.

Marbella Cool TV anniversary party Marbella Cool TV will be hosting the party of the summer on the glorious terrace of Güey restaurant in Nueva Andalucía on June 22. The theme is the Roman Empire, where guests will enjoy everything from a sumptuous buffet right through to special character actors and a gladiator show. Bob Singerland of Holland Flowers will be in charge of turning the restaurant into a floral paradise. The event is sponsored by Hansa Realty. g For further information

and ticket sales, Tel: 622 436 098. mariapaganini@marbellacool.com

g www.concordiamarbella.com

Magnolia Studio opens at the Estepona Port Magnolia is a new art studio which recently opened at the Estepona Port. The launch featured an exhibition of paintings by artists Tery Fuentes and Ireneo Ruiz, a viewing of short films by J.A. Valencia, and an exhibition of photos by the Founder of the studio, Vanessa Díaz. Magnolia is not just a studio; it is also a didactic centre, where budding artists can learn to draw, paint, create comics, take photographs, film videos, etc. Magnolia is a non-profit association which seeks to promote cultural enrichment in the Estepona area. g Puerto Deportivo, Local 18, Estepona.

Tel: 692 110 250.

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ALOHA COLLEGE ARTS EXHIBITION AT THE PALACIO DE CONGRESOS DE MARBELLA Aloha College is famed for its cultural pursuits as well as its commitment to academic excellence, and the proof of the pudding is the fantastic annual Fine Arts Exhibition at the Palacio de Congresos in Marbella, featuring works by IB Diploma Visual Arts students. Visitors marvelled at the originality of the body of work, which was created over the students’ two-year IB Diploma programme and graded by IBO Art examiner, Dr Coleman, Curator of the Reina Sofia Art Complex in Madrid. The event was attended by parents, members of the press, representatives of the Town Hall and local entrepreneurs. g C/ Aloha Golf s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952

810 133. www.aloha-college.com

FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL DE ARTE MARBELLA ROCKS THE LOCAL ART SCENE Now in its third edition, the Festival de Arte Internacional de Marbella promises to be even more successful than its predecessors, with over 100 high calibre artists confirmed to participate. The fair will take place along Marbella’s Alameda Park and the Avenida del Mar and will feature works by a multicultural mix of participants from over 20 countries, including the UK, Germany, USA, Sweden, Denmark, Morocco, Russia, Egypt, Italy and Georgia. This year, the event will include new areas such as the Vision of the Future zone, which will be devoted to digital art and new technologies. The festival will include art, music and live performances by a plethora of artists including Welsh and Scottish singers, British and American theatrical and dance performers, and Spanish flamenco dancers. g For full details of everything on offer, www.festivaldeartemarbella.com

CUDECA SUNFLOWER AWARENESS CAMPAIGN It’s June and the sunflower reigns on the Costa del Sol. Volunteers for the Cudeca Cancer Care Hospice will hit the streets with information to raise awareness and sell sunflower pins to raise funds from June 13 to July 3. Just spend €1 for a handsome pin and you can help Cudeca add life to the days of the patients and families served by one of the Coast’s best known and much loved charities. g To volunteer or make donations, visit

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First SWEFIT International Fitness/ Indoor Cycling Congress If you’re a gym, aerobics, salsa or spinning fan, keep the 3rd to the 5th July free. Over three magical days, the first SWEFIT International Fitness/Indoor Cycling Congress will take place at the Hotel Barceló in Marbella. The event, organised by Mareventos Deportes Producciones, will feature a host of adrenalin-filled activities, including indoor cycling, classes with top instructors from eight different countries, fitness competitions, teaching courses, seminars and a sports fair presenting the latest equipment, clothing, nutritional products, etc. g For a detailed programme

of events, www.swefit.es

Clínica Buchinger promotes ‘Slow City’ concept in Marbella

Another First for Swans International School Swans International School is proud to announce that one of its students, Nicola Gaiti, 16, topped the 2010 Cambridge University International Examinations in Information and Communication Technology, making him the number one IGSE student in Spain in this subject. He attributes his success to the wonderful teaching at Swans and, in particular, the ICT Department and his Mum. Nicola was presented with his certificate by Mrs. Tessa Swan at the Swans Academic Roll of Honour Ceremony, held in the school’s theatre. g C/ Lago

de los Cisnes s/n, Urb. Sierra Blanca, Marbella. Tel: 952 902 755. www.swansschoolinternational.es

Claus Rohrer, manager of the Clínica Buchinger, recently gave a speech at the Ausbanc Forum on Health and Beauty, in which he identified two pillars of success in the health sector: social sustainability and environmental responsibility. He argued that in order for the health tourism sector to grow, it is necessary to adopt the ‘Slow City’ movement, which involves taking life in a much more relaxed fashion and maintaining important traditions, all without renouncing the very best technology has to offer. Rohrer suggested the following improvements: the creation of green zones, educational campaigns for citizens, widening the local cultural offer, creating bike lanes, increasing security and fomenting green industries. g

Avda. Buchinger s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 764 301. www.buchinger.es

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QROPS Seminar by deVere Spain deVere Spain, part of the deVere Group, the world’s largest independent offshore financial consultancy, together with Lloyds Bank International, recently held a successful QROPS Seminar and barbecue at the Miraflores Golf Club. The subject discussed involved the advantages of transferring to a QROPS (Qualified Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme) for expatriates. Since QROPS were first introduced in 2006, approximately £432 million has moved from onshore UK pensions to offshore pension schemes. The deVere Group has transferred a staggering £98 million to offshore schemes, accounting for almost a quarter of the above figure. g For further

information, Tel: 952 903 205. www. devere-group.com.

Pérez Legal Group Seminar in Mijas Raquel Pérez, founder of Pérez Legal Group, recently held a well attended seminar on Inheritance Tax for Foreigners in Spain. Speaking at the Centro Ciomijas in La Cala de Mijas, Raquel addressed over 170 visitors, highlighting the most important inheritance tax issues applicable to foreign residents in Spain or those with property or assets in the country. The volume of interest was perhaps not surprising, given that most people know little about their rights and obligations in this respect. Few, for example, know much about the mechanics of Spanish inheritance law, or that the inheritance process can take up to four years if you don’t have a Spanish will. In addition, all related assets could be completely frozen during that time, so it pays to be informed and prepared. g C.C. Elviria, Oficina 6,

Marbella. Tel: 952 833 169. www.perezlegalgroup.es

Antonio Aguilar of Bike Station Marbella wins Ronda Duathlon Local boy Antonio Aguilar of Bike Station Marbella was the proud winner of the 15th edition of the gruelling 101 km Ronda Race, held yearly by La Legión de Ronda. Antonio took home the title in the Duathlon Master 30 category, completing 83 km of the race on his bicycle and running a total of 18 km. Interestingly, Antonio may be a seasoned cyclist but he didn’t actually train specifically for the running part of the race. Still, his fitness level and natural talent did plenty to push him to the finish line in top speed.

g Avda. Arias de Velasco 8, Marbella. Tel: 952 861 807. www.bikemarbella.com JUNE 2011 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE / 117

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New Cancer Treatment at the Xanit Hospital The Xanit Hospital in Benalmádena is pleased to announce the incorporation of the new ‘Mohs’ surgery technique, which is 97 per cent successful in treating skin cancer. The surgery will be carried out by Xanit’s Dermatology team, which is directed by Dr. Enrique Herrera Ceballos and Dr. Alfredo Matilla. It involves removing tumours by layers and performing the analysis in the operating room with the use of a special microscope. Dr. Herrera Ceballos explains: “The technique allows us to analyse the affected area while we’re operating, so we can extirpate a minimum amount of healthy tissue. Not only can we completely remove the tumour, but we can ensure a better aesthetic result and less functional alteration.”

g Avda. De los Argonautas s/n, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 367 190. www.xanit.net

Fashion for Charity with Cesare Scariolo Foundation

First Gastric Balloon Implant in Málaga at the USP

The Cesare Scariolo Foundation recently held a well attended fashion show at the Los Monteros Hotel to raise funds for children receiving treatment for cancer in the MaternoInfantil and Carlos Haya hospitals in Málaga. Beautiful models lit up the catwalk in fashion by designers from Málaga, including Regina de Lara, Carmen Piedra, Patricia Nahmad, Gemma Melé, Rosario Berrocal, Shapó, Olé Complementos and Lady Russ. The event was attended by local celebrities including Miss Málaga 2010, Belinda Gutiérrez and actress, Victoria Vera.

g www.cesarescariolo.org

The Digestive Endoscopy unit of the USP Hospital in Marbella recently performed the first adjustable gastric balloon implant in Málaga, using a technique which allows the balloon to remain in the patient’s stomach for one year and permits double the weight loss associated with conventional gastric balloons. The technique, which does not require surgery, is the first of its kind allowing the balloon to be adjusted in order to maintain the patient’s sense of satiety for a longer period of time. The experience encourages the patient to adopt a sensible, long-term approach to eating, which they can hopefully follow for the rest of their lives.

g Avda. Severo Ochoa 22, Marbella. Tel: 952 774 200. www.uspmarbella.com 118 / ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE JUNE 2011

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THELEISURE TRAVEL Report Belinda Beckett Photography courtesy of Mr & Mrs Smith Guides

f the words ‘family’ and ‘holiday’ seem to be wildly at odds, conjuring up conflicting images of swaying palms and screaming kids, candlelit dinners and bottles of baby formula, you couldn’t have heard of Mr & Mrs Smith & Kids. Mr & Mrs Smith Guides started out specialising in romantic boutique hotel holidays for couples but now they’ve been there, had the candlelit dinners, the hot tubs for two and the Queen-sized beds, and have a couple of kids to show for it.

What they need is a chic hideaway where they can have time to themselves to rekindle the flame of passion, some place where the little ones can have fun too. The Smiths have responded to this seemingly tall order with a cherry-picked selection of hotels and self-catering properties worldwide where they can do both, with babysitting services and many more family-friendly options included. Every establishment has been visited by a Smith team member before being inspected,

anonymously, by a panel of savvy reviewers who have included Michelin chef Raymond Blanc, actress Lucy Davis of The Office fame and burlesque artist Dita Von Teese. Promises the company: “Not all of these hotels have supervised crèches, children’s meals and trampoline-equipped adventure playgrounds (though some have all three), but they do deliver what’s important – a child-friendly welcome in the stylish surroundings you’ve come to expect.” Here are some ideas to inspire you.

FANTASTIC

Family Escapes Kids’ Stuff

All the sea- and beach-based fun that active little tykes could wish for, including windsurfing, kayaking and volleyball. There are no ‘Quiet’ signs in the library which is stocked with a wealth of kids’ films and an assortment of board games. There’s a kids’ pool with a handy supply of inflatable toys and a lifeguard on duty until 9pm. The restaurant offers a children’s menu, high chairs and packed lunches.

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Recommended rooms

The ground-floor Suites offer the most family space and have safe outdoor patios, Jacuzzis and many high-tech trappings including Macs with broadband. Under-12s stay free in their parents’ room and cots are provided.

Adult Appeal

Sipping juice from a fresh coconut or a lychee caprioska cocktail while lounging by the scarlet pool is so alluring, most adults don’t stir from here the whole holiday, except to get a new paperback from the library or visit the spa. The gym’s just a ‘maybe’, perhaps after indulging at The Page restaurant which serves a sophisticated range of Thai and Western dishes, alfresco on the pool deck if you like.

Family Fun

Take the pachyderm express to see the top of Samui’s tallest waterfall on elephant back, charter a boat to the dramatic limestone caves of Ang Thong Marine National Park, take a treetop tour of the jungle along 500m of cable… or just chill.

The Library, Koh Samui, Thailand With its blood red-tiled pool, cutting-edge design and massive

white library of books, DVDs and CDs (hence the name), this stunning hotel on Koh Samui’s famous Chaweng Beach doesn’t sound that kid-friendly but it comes highly recommended from Mr & Mrs Smith’s own incognito reviewer who had a toddler in tow. It’s pretty high on adult bliss factor too.

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Adult Appeal

Four-poster beds, L’Occitane toiletries, spa treatments and Jacuzzis, for starters. The yachtclub bar’s centrepiece is a 20ft sloop, the waterfront terrace is sundowner territory and the two-level restaurant overlooking Three Mile Harbour specialises in New American seafood cuisine (don’t miss the whole steamed lobster). A local band plays every Sunday evening and couples can push the boat out at the The Lily Pond night club.

Rooms

The hotel’s mini-village of cute, clapboard self-catering cottages is the ideal family option, with hotel services and all mod cons (iPod dock, CD player, plasma TV and minibar). Cribs, high chairs and playpens are free on request.

Family Stuff

With tennis courts, a gym, beautiful gardens, beaches and a horse-riding school nearby, there’s plenty to do on site, even without the marina. Catch the village shuttle to arty East Hampton and Sag Harbor, mingle with the surf set in boho Montauk or simply enjoy sittin’ on the dock of the bay.

East Hampton Point Hotel & Restaurant

Long Island, USA

Kids’ Stuff

The option of arriving by boat or helicopter should get this holiday off to a flying start. Dingy sailing, fishing and beachcombing will keep the older kids occupied and there’s a jungle-gym playground for tots, as well as a fenced-in pool with a shallow end. The children’s menu, featuring real American hot dogs and hamburgers, should also go down a treat.

The picturesque seaside villages known as The Hamptons are wealthy New Yorkers’ vacationland, and were a favourite of the Kennedy clan. The marina-based resort of East Hampton is ideal for families with a nautical bent, as this English country-style hotel is set in landscaped gardens right on the harbour.

EMELISSE HOTEL

Kefalonia, Greece

Laid-back Kefalonia is off the beaten holiday track but by basing yourself at this boutique spa resort, you won’t have to sacrifice the things that keep kids (and adults) happy.

Rooms

The two-bedroom family apartments are perfect, conveniently adjacent to the children’s playground with kitchenettes, sitting and dining areas, TV, CD/DVD players, iPod docks, terraces and their own secluded shared pool. Cots can be provided and children under six stay free.

Kids’ Stuff

Tearaway teens will be subdued by free WiFi and the chance to watch their favourite movies al fresco at the open air cinema. Little Smiths will enjoy the children’s pool and playground. High chairs, packed lunches, child portions and dishes for tiny tastebuds are available.

Adult appeal

King-sized four poster beds, Korres toiletries and the fabulous Elemis spa add up to some pretty posh pampering for parents. Day-beds flank the stone-lined infinity pool, or you can swim from the volcanic-rock shore. There’s even a private chapel in case you want to renew those vows!

Family Fun

There are tennis courts and bikes to borrow, while horse riding, cruises and scuba diving lessons can all be arranged locally. The clear water is perfect for snorkelling and the pretty harbour town of Fiskardo is a lovely family walk.

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Masseria Torre Coccaro Puglia, Italy

A beautiful boutique hotel set in a historic fortified farmhouse off the Adriatic coast, this family-run enterprise produces its own vegetables, fruits, olive oil and salami in an idyllic spot surrounded by orchards and the stunning Puglian countryside.

Adult appeal

Grown-ups will appreciate the exquisitely furnished rooms (linen bedding, silky sofas, large baroque mirrors and antique furniture) and the Egnathia restaurant, serving organic Puglian cuisine under the star-shaped vaults of the old stables. The Aveda spa, with pool, Turkish baths, yoga/chikung facilities, gym and massage menu, is icing on the cake.

Rooms

The Superior Rooms or Junior Suite are large enough to accommodate a family of four with ease, while the Deluxe Junior Suites have a separate living room. Children under two stay free.

Kids Stuff

In summer, kids aged three to 10 are entertained at the beach Mini Club, giving parents free time mornings and afternoons. Older kids will love the working farm and wide open spaces. The romantic outdoor pool has a shallow end and a lifeguard. Snacks are available at the pool cabana and the kitchen will prepare child-friendly meals and packed lunches on request. Cots, high chairs, car seats and armbands for water babies are also available.

Family Fun

Use of the hotel’s private 14-metre yacht is a huge plus. There are also free bikes to borrow and the hotel has its own beach club specialising in sushi and fish. The nearby Zoosafari amusement park, with rollercoaster rides and an A-Z of animals, is also a winner.

Kids’ Stuff

The Ofsted-approved Four Bears Den crèche runs hands-on play sessions, including painting and cooking. For older kids there’s The Beach Hut play centre, The Garage games room with pool table, table tennis and table football, and computer games in the Gun Room (nothing’s loaded). Add an indoor heated pool (with lifeguard in summer) offering swimming lessons, a play area with giant trampoline and wonderful walled gardens and you have kiddie Utopia. Nursery tea for under-12s is another highlight along with special events, such as bedtime stories read by local authors. g For more information, or to book any of these hotels, call Tel: (+ 44) 845 034 0700 or visit www.mrandmrssmith.com

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This charming 14th-century farmhouse three miles from Tetbury in the leafy Cotswolds is one of the most family-friendly hotels in Britain with oodles for the kids to do and plenty to ignite parental passions too.

Calcot Manor

Gloucestershire, UK

Kids’ Stuff

The Playzone is a fully staffed, Ofsted-accredited day nursery where the little ones can paint, dress up and play games to their hearts’ content. For older children, The Mez leisure zone is stuffed to the rafters with entertainment: table football, Wii, Xbox, PlayStation, a home cinema and its own kids’ website. The Gumstool serves children’s tea daily at 5pm and the kid’s menu is entirely home-made and organic. High chairs and packed lunches are available too.

Family Fun

Pools indoors and out, and one for tiny tots too. There’s also a gym, tennis courts, DVD/CD/book library, free WiFi, a maze, walking paths and three miles of cycling trails weaving through the hotel’s 220-acre grounds; bikes with child seats are available free. The indoor go-karting track at nearby Hullavington is a great family outing.

Adult Appeal

Hypnos beds with Frette linen, flatscreen TV, Aromatherapy Associates toiletries, a heavenly spa and an outdoor hot tub just begging for champagne-supping soaks under the stars. The Conservatory, with its wood-fired oven, serves dishes infused with a Mediterranean flavour while the Gumstool gastropub offers artisan ales and hearty country fare. Hire a babysitter and go royal spotting at The Cat & Custard Pot in Tetbury, a favourite haunt of Princes William and Harry.

Rooms

Ten in the converted barn are designed for families, with fridges, teddies and toys, while Large and Deluxe Family Suites are spread over two floors with separate kids’ bedrooms. Baby boxes containing sterilisers, changing mats and the whole shebang are also available.

Rooms

Fowey Hall Cornwall, UK

There are 10 interconnecting rooms with space for up to six guests but all rooms are large enough for a cot or extra bed and children stay free in parents’ rooms. Most baby paraphernalia is provided to save you lugging your own.

Adult Appeal

Parents can enjoy a candlelit dinner à deux in the main restaurant (out of bounds to under12s) or dine en famille in the Conservatory, while everyone gets together for the Thursday and Sunday barbecues in summer. Fowey’s Spa features a heated indoor pool and a glorious outdoor hot tub.

Family Fun This comfy country mansion overlooking Fowey’s river estuary and port was the inspiration for Toad Hall in The Wind in the Willows and is as child-friendly as Kenneth Graham’s much-loved book. Adults will love the atmospheric oak panelling, Wilton carpets and Palm Court charm while kids will adore exploring the favourite haunts of Ratty, Mole & Co. 145TrI_andi.indd 125

Croquet on the hotel lawn, sailing or a day at the beach (complete with picnic) are among the fun family activities. Adult and children’s bikes (with children’s cycle helmets) are free and family films are shown nightly during school holidays. Newquay Zoo is one of many interesting day trips. e JUNE 2011 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE / 125

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HOTEL

THELEISURE HOTEL

Iberostar’s Brand New Málaga Playa Hotel WORDS Marisa CUTILLAS Photography Courtesy of iberostar

Moorish Haven in Torrox

hy would Marbella readers be interested in a hotel in Torrox, with so many top notch establishments on our doorstep? The answer is variety. For those of us who live and work in this area, nothing can be more appealing than taking a minibreak with our family, preferably somewhere not too far away, though not so near that it doesn’t seem like a real change of scenery. On June 17, international hotel chain Iberostar will be opening the doors of an utter temptation when it comes to getting away from it all: the new, four-star Málaga Playa Hotel, built on the frontline of Torrox Costa. Boasting romantic Moorish architecture with graceful arches, domes and imposing brick towers, its crescent-shaped structure stretches out gracefully along the coastline, resembling an Arabian palace. Its façade, painted in bright red and yellow tones, exudes warmth and charm while its interior surprises you with elements such as wrought iron chandeliers, wood-carved ceilings and a lovely interplay of tiles and marble and mosaics in the common areas. The hotel is divided into three distinct areas; the main building, housing the double rooms, is six floors high and flanked by two

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other buildings which extend outwards like an eagle’s wings and house the one- and two- bedroom apartments. The rooms, Moorish in their inspiration, are comfortable and inviting and all have air conditioning and heating, a music system, satellite TV and a balcony or small terrace. The apartments, meanwhile, are ideal for families with young children since they have a separate living room and kitchenette. One of the most characteristic features of the interiors are their bright yellow and blue hues, present on the walls, ceilings and even in the sofas and chairs which are unabashedly joyful and bold, and decidedly opposed to the current penchant for minimalist, neutral styles. The Málaga Playa is notable for the number of entertainment options on offer for the whole family. Guests can opt to spend hours by the pool, spacious in size, while kids can splash around the children’s pool, located within a special kids’ area. The hotel also boasts over 11,000m2 of tropical gardens, an ideal setting for a romantic stroll, and a host of sporting options including table tennis, bowling, tennis (the hotel has its own courts) and fitness activities such as aerobics and step. Golfers can opt for a long, leisurely

game at the nearby Baviera course, situated in Caleta de Vélez. There is otherwise little need to head elsewhere, since the hotel offers daily shows featuring live music and various performances, as well as a special entertainments programme for children. For those who wish to take the level of activity down a notch, an ideal place for relaxation is the Spa Sensations Wellness Centre, offering massages and body and facial treatments. Good food is another temptation at the Málaga Playa, where you can savour top Andalusian and international dishes in any of three dining areas: the main restaurant, lobby bar and outdoor pool bar. Those who love to eat can indulge at the buffet, which serves cold and hot dishes at breakfast and dinner time, and is already renowned among the locals for the tempting desert selection. And, if all that isn’t enough, there is always Torrox-Costa itself, known for its lively ambience and expansive, clean beaches. Since the hotel is on the seafront, guests can expect the very best in tourist facilities including nearby shops, excellent transportation (there are numerous buses every day to and from Málaga and Nerja), restaurants and bars. e

g Ferrara s/n, Torrox Costa, Málaga. Tel: 952 527 594. www.iberostar.com 26/5/11 11:14:46

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THELEISURE TRAVEL

Vast, light-flooded spaces

Granada Science Park, the most popular museum in Andalucía

Youngster’s get to grip with Einstein in a hands-on way

No one goes to Granada without visiting the Alhambra but, on the other side of town, a less famous architectural icon hides its fascinating secrets under undulating roofs of glassreinforced concrete: Granada Science Park. And, as Belinda Beckett reports, it’s as much of a crime to leave the provincial capital without paying a visit to this vast, interactive seat of learning as it would be to bypass the Palace of the Moorish kings. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GRANADA SCIENCE PARK AND DAVID CUSSEN

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Granada WHERE LEARNING IS CHILD’S PLAY

A youngster interacts with a turtle in the Tropical Butterfly House

id you know that a crocodile’s heart is the size of a mushroom, that the human heart pumps five litres of blood around the body per minute, or that we share 50 per cent of common genes with the humble house fly? Neither did I, until I visited Granada’s Parque de las Ciencias, a fascinating voyage of exploration that transforms dull classroom

lessons into a series of fun games in which people of all ages can participate. Here you can discover everything from the intricacies of the mind and the workings of the human body to the powers of perception, the theory of relativity’s relation to black holes and many other wonders of the universe. As theme parks go, it is, quite literally, a hands-on winner because almost everything is interactive. In fact, as the museum itself states, ‘It’s forbidden NOT to touch’! This is instant knowledge at the press of a button. In this vast modern architectural space enclosing 70,000m2 of exhibits, surrounded by 27,000m2 of educational green zones, the miracles of science are imparted with lifesized models you can push, pull and operate with levers, diagrams you can light up and experiments you can take part in to understand the theory. The park works with scientists all over the world to produce many of its exhibits, such as its animatronic Velociraptor, a life-sized version of the Jurassic dinosaur that could

travel at speeds of over 60 kilometres per hour, created by a Japanese robotics company under the technical supervision of London’s Natural History Museum. What would take most teachers an entire school term to drum into their pupils heads is learned in minutes, with fun and laughter, which explains the prevalence of giggling school kids. Probably the teachers take away new information too, because Granada Science Park is equally mind-expanding for adults and a whole day is not nearly long enough to mentally digest the mind-boggling content. Even if you take a whistle-stop tour of the permanent exhibitions, showcased in 11 different pavilions and halls of vast dimension, you would never manage to see all the temporary ones. And you’d certainly have to take a rain check on the Planetarium, The Birds of Prey display, the Tropical Butterfly House and the six outdoor areas demonstrating our planet’s incredible biodiversity with over 300 botanical species, ranging from toxic cacti to carnivorous plants.

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View of the park from the Observation Tower

Handlers put raptors through their paces during The Birds of Prey display

The iconic Observation Tower with its giant sculptured ants

Since its inauguration in 1995, more than 4.5 million visitors have filed into Granada Science Park’s bright, contemporary interior, making it the most popular museum in Andalucía. Even those who have never been will know its iconic 50-metre Observation Tower from photographs, once seen never forgotten for its giant sculptured ants climbing up the outside. In 2008 the park was nearly doubled in size with the addition of the Macroscopio, a giant light-flooded building whose undulating, shiny white roofs mirror the outline of Granada’s snow-capped mountain backdrop. Even the building itself is scientific, with 1,645m2 of rooftop photovoltaic panels, making it is the largest solar-powered structure in Andalucía. Not counting the magnificent biplane on the forecourt advertising the new temporary exhibition, 100 Years of Spanish Military Aviation, our first surprise was the price: unbelievable value at €6 for the day, and €2,50 for the Planetarium show, less if you’re under 18, over 65 or in a group. (Mind you, this is Granada where even the taxis are half the price of here and a tapa is regularly served free with every drink.) The prices were equally reasonable in the Café Darwin where we had coffee on the sunny outdoor terrace, although locating the door back into the building (which is clad in a forest of metallic slats to deflect the sun’s rays) proved to be a scientific process of deduction itself. We had arrived just in time for the Birds of Prey show and hurried across acres of floor space into the garden where keepers wearing heavy leather gloves were demonstrating the jet-propelled ability of the Peregrine falcon, capable of reaching speeds of over 320 km/h, making it the fastest creature on earth. (I’d learned something already, as I always

thought the cheetah held that honour.) For the grand finale, we watched a Golden Eagle fly from the top of the Observation Tower, swooping down to earth like a paraglider, with its awesome, seven-foot wing span, to collect a meaty titbit. Afterwards, we took close-up photographs of the birds, including a rather fetching Griffon vulture with a fluffy white ruff. Most of these display birds were rescued by the park, having sustained injuries in the wild that prevent them from flying, and now have a valuable new role as educational exhibits. One of the most popular pavilions at the museum takes visitors on a journey through the human body in all its gory glory, beginning with a single cell and proceeding, through interactive diagrams, life-size models and photographs, to the skin, muscles, bones, blood, brain, urinary tract, reproductive system and everything else that makes us tick, blink, sweat and swallow. Here you can stand in front of a thermal imaging camera to see yourself as never before (like one of Andy Warhol’s fluorescent pop art creations); fit life-sized internal organs into the jigsaw of a plastic human body (now I know where my liver is, though mine assuredly doesn’t look as healthy); run a scanner over a model of a pregnant woman’s stomach to see the tiny embryo within; or press a button to watch the trajectory of a sperm on its perilous journey to fertilise an egg. The contraceptive exhibits were of particular interest to the tittering schoolkids who probably learn more about sex here than they ever would in a classroom. But, a word of warning for the squeamish: skip the movie of the human birth, a little too up close and personal for my sensibilities!

Granada Science Park, the most popular museum in Andalucía

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The Science Park is a hands-on winner because almost everything is interactive

After two hours up our own internal organs, some lighter relief was provided by the temporary taxidermy exhibition – not dusty stuffed animals in glass cases but beasts shown in action. The lionesses leaping to bite the throat of a fleeing zebra was particularly spectacular. We also called in to Infinite Universes, a wonderful exhibition dedicated to the work of Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher, organised in conjunction with the Board of Trustees of the Alhambra which is showing a parallel exhibition there. Escher was renowned for his mathematically-inspired woodcuts and lithographs that play with concepts of perception, infinity and optical illusion such as the neverending staircase in his Ascending and Decending, or his famous Metamorphosis series where similar-shaped images morph before your eyes from horses into insects and birds into fish. Here his works are cleverly displayed in a vast room forested with mirrored columns that play mind games with your perspectives. The exhibition runs until January 8 2012 and is not to be missed. For lunch, we headed to the Milky Way Café for the menu del día, great value at €10 for three courses (gaspacho, roast chicken and ice cream). There’s also a posher restaurant upstairs. We ate on the terrace, laughing at a party of school children who were having huge difficulty trying to checkmate each other on a giant chess board where they had to pick up and carry the pieces from square to square. Afterwards we sat by the fountains, watching the scientific effect of sunshine on water materialise in beautiful arching rainbows, until it was time for the Planitarium show. There, in the comforting darkness, one of our party fell asleep (all that walking). He missed quite a treat: a 360 degree film relating the parallel evolution of the universe and species, shot onto the domed ceiling by 110 projectors reproducing 7,000 stars.

One of the colourful inmates of the Tropical Butterfly House

There’s always a new temporary exhibition to check out at Granada Science Park

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Inside the Planetarium’s 360-degree theatre The Astronomical Observatory with the Planetarium in the background

Interaction in the Hall of Perspective

We took the scenic elevator to the top of the Observation Tower to see the whole of Granada spread out below like a Legoland, dominated by the fortress façade of the Alhambra. We looked at ourselves in all kinds of mirrors in the Hall of Perception where you can play with light and sound and see how the brain fools us; we visited a replica of Foucalt’s Pendulum to see how the earth rotates; we scrutinised human DNA in the Biosphere Hall and saw the magical metamorphosis of caterpillars into chrysalises and then into butterflies – purple, red and sunshine yellow, flying free in the tropical jungle of the Butterfly Hall. Then we looked at our watches and it was 7pm

– closing time. Like the butterflies whose time on earth is fleeting, our day at Granada Science Park had flown by. In our six-hour visit there was much we didn’t have time for that we will almost certainly return to see: the Al-Andalus Science Pavilion, where you can discover how switched-on the Moors were in Spain, centuries ago; the Prevention Culture Pavilion, the only one of its kind in Spain (even Valencia’s über high-tech City of Arts and Sciences doesn’t have one), where you can learn about the risks we face every day, experiencing dangerous heights and deafening decibels and seeing how the body reacts in a car crash; the Eureka Hall, where

you can experiment with different physical phenomena, such as riding a bicycle to check your power or playing with a gyroscope to experience the force of air; and six botanical walks, including the chance to get lost in a maze. And there’s so much more to see, even than this. Window on Science is a space showcasing the current research projects of nine universities, one from each of the provinces of Andalucía. The Science Park also organises a host of educational workshops and lectures for schoolchildren, and special events for people of all ages throughout the year. These are detailed on the Spanish website, more comprehensive than the English site and with an online English translation facility (although the translation leaves a little to be desired). A year might just be enough to see all this fantastic park has to offer, which makes a season ticket cheap at the price: €24 per person, €36 for couples or just €58,50 for a family (2 adults + 2 kids) will buy you a year of unlimited visits, guided tours round the temporary exhibitions and discounts on courses and activities. The knowledge you will gain is priceless; the fun you’ll have in the process is completely free of charge! e

i www.parqueciencias.com

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RESTAURANTS / REVIEWS / NEWS / WINE / CHEFS / GUIDE

News and reviews, divine dining in Marbella, chef profiles and the best restaurant guide on the Coast…

139 Chateau Mona Lisa 141 Brasserie Banús 142 Food News 144 Chef’s Profile: Nicolás Echazarra of Tikitano 146 Wine Feature: Sangria and Paella

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RESTAURANT THEGOURMET

WORDS Marisa cutillas Photography KH Photography

errán Adriá may be hailed as the world’s greatest chef, and Spanish cuisine may have topped the lists of elite gastronomic publications in the past few years, but for someone like myself, who lives to eat and whose favourite conversations are with the workaholic, passionate, artistic gastronomic geniuses known as chefs, I am used to being told time and time again, that the basis of all good European cooking is French. Think of a creamy béchamel, a rich, savoury foie or a cheesy sauce mornay… the Spanish may be kings of the nouvelle, but not one Michelin-starred chef would doubt that 80 per cent of their dishes would not be possible without the exquisite French tradition. Chateau Mona Lisa, located on the frontline of the Port, has been up and running for two years and is the preferred jaunt for French cuisine foodies who are enraptured by the magnificent view of the Mediterranean graced by luxurious yachts. Like many frontline establishments, the ambience is decidedly informal and family-friendly, despite the elegant French interiors, complete with a personalised rendition of La Gioconda. Chateau Mona Lisa has a varied menu with everything from classic French dishes (delicate foie gras, a hearty chateaubriand and a

mouthwatering tenderloin with Dijon sauce) to Italian fare such as pastas, salads and a selection of carpaccios. The restaurant is run by the renowned Blue Bay Group, under the direction of charming duo, Lucas Mackinze and Luis Pacheco, who are also vital pillars of two other frontline restaurants: Carpaccio and Aretusa, both of which offer superlative Italian cuisine. The success of all three restaurants is testimony to the

Fabulous French Cuisine with a Dash of International Flavour

nearby fishing villages; suckling lamb from New Zealand and all sauces, garnishings and desserts are made in-house. The first person who is likely to meet and greet you, is Fabrice, the charming Frenchman from Bordeaux who is as savvy with wine as he is with people, many of whom come from France or Belgium and enjoy engaging in their native tongue with him. He is always keen to suggest the perfect wine to accompany your meal, and he works with a good list, compiled by the restaurant’s sommelier, Wilmar Oloco, an upcoming Argentinean wiz who recently came second in the Spanish National Wine Tasting Competition. Wilmar has compiled an ample list of wines from Spain, Italy, Argentina, Chile and New Zealand, ranging from a reasonably priced house red (a Rioja reserva no less) right through to a €2.300 Chateau Petrus, favoured by one of the restaurant’s regular clients, an Arabian sheikh. On my recent visit to the Chateau, I was accompanied by my work colleagues who all have different tastes, to say the least, so it was pleasing for me, as a reviewer, to view and savour a wide selection of the restaurant’s most popular choices. We sampled dishes such as the red tuna carpaccio, wonderfully fresh and tender and bestowed with the welcome saltiness of soy

Group’s commitment to serving ‘the real thing’; whether you feel like a hearty seafood pasta or a delicate goats cheese salad, you are assured a home-made, quality experience with lots of heart. Another of Chateau Mona Lisa’s strong points is Head Chef, Francisco Sepúlveda, who comes from a solid line of restaurateurs and who shares the management’s passion for top quality produce. At Chateau Mona Lisa, meat is sourced from the country’s number one producer: Galicia; seafood from

g Average price for a three-course meal with wine: €50. Frontline Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 908 808. www.chateaumonalisa.com 145ReR MonaLisa.indd 139

sauce. We also tried a couple of fish dishes like the grilled fillet of sole (delightfully crisp and fresh, and served with a light sauce of garlic and olive oil) and the John Dory, a star dish at the restaurant whose intense flavour and buttery softness makes its reputation more than well earned. Seafood is a good choice at Chateau Mona Lisa, where diners used to the very best can opt for a gorgeous, melt-in-the-mouth lobster thermidore or another house speciality, the mussels, gratinated with an irresistible cheesy sauce. For carnivores, we can recommend the chateaubriand, succulent and super tender, or the beef stroganoff, as creamy and flavourful as you’d find in Moscow’s most popular establishments. The mark of a good restaurant is not only satisfaction with what one has already savoured, but also a desire to relive the experience with untried but interesting looking dishes on the menu. Chateau Mona Lisa scores five stars here, with an offering that is wide enough to make each dining experience a new one. Just like the painting that inspires its name, this restaurant will continue to intrigue, attract and enamour diners for many years to come. This piece of Paris by the sea is indeed the pièce de résistance of the wonderfully international Puerto Banús. e

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RESTAURANT THEGOURMET

French classics in Puerto Banús

herever you go in the world you are likely to have an array of Italian, Chinese, Indian and also American fast food restaurants within easy range. Now these cuisines are all good and well, and much appreciated by yours truly, but isn’t it the French kitchen that is generally upheld as the cradle of fine dining? Given this, it is good to know that we have a fine collection of French classics right on our doorstep. Located on the first line, Brasserie Banús brings a touch of St Tropez to the port, though have no fear, this restaurant is free of any of the snootiness that is sometimes associated with French cuisine. Though it prides itself on offering a fine selection of well prepared and presented classic dishes, the Brasserie lives up to its name, providing diners with a convivial environment in which to rediscover the pleasures of gastronomic France. More like the kind of restaurant where people in France actually eat, the Brasserie makes French food accessible, with a menu that includes iconic dishes such as frog’s legs and escargots, but also offers solid country fare from across the diverse regions of France. The latter includes bouillabaisse, a fish stew classic from Marseille, the iconic cassoulet from Toulouse and Moules (mussels) from the northern shores, to name a few. In addition to the menu there is

a daily special, as well as a carefully adapted children’s menu in this family-friendly restaurant where special seats and arrangements for children are regarded as quite normal. The staff goes out of its way to make you feel at home and will happily explain unfamiliar items on the menu, adding to an ambience that is relaxed, comfortable and at times lively. Those hoping for a little more privacy can also opt for the first floor, from where the views over the harbour are even better, though less direct. We’ve said it already, the Brasserie offers not ostentatious food but the kind of fine fare that will sit well with a large range of tastes, including British ones. Admittedly, the Cuisses de Grenouille, or frog’s legs, are not for everyone, but one of us opted for it and she thought the crispy breaded legs with aioli sauce were lovely. Onion soup is another classic that usually separates the men from the boys, and in this regard the Brasserie can stake its claim, for it is full-bodied and wonderfully brothy with a rich, crispy gratin covering. I personally tried the Camembert Chaud, which was served in a quirky little cast iron pot. A simple but tricky dish to get right – the margin of error between under- and over-cooking is very small – the Normandy camembert was accompanied by an assortment of bread, apple and celery sticks and a compôte of

WORDS Michel Cruz Photography KH Photography caramelised onions. It’s just the sort of thing I love, tasty without being too heavy. The Plats Principaux stray slightly across the border to offer a Moroccan spiced lamb shank, but given the historical relationship between France and its former North African dominion I think we can be forgiving. This North African stew, served with lemon and coriander couscous, is a classic in its own right, and worth the geographical wander. Originally from colder climes, the sole meunière returns us to France proper with an offering that encompasses a juicy and flavoursome Dover sole accompanied by delicious fresh French beans; rather a successful coming together of ingredients that shows the entente cordiale is alive and well. I myself was once again lucky to spot a personal favourite: Toulouse sausages with warm potato salad. Though not perhaps the most famous sausage in the world, this is definitely one of my favourites. Meaty and full of flavour in good country tradition, the Toulouse sausage was accompanied by a little tower of warm and gently shredded potato salad in what seems like a variation on the bangers and mash

g Brasserie Banús 23-25, Muelle Ribera Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 813 625. www.metrogrupo.com 145ReR Brasserie.indd 141

theme but is in fact an authentic French dish. Having started the evening with a selection of cocktails – a stylish red Martini, urbane Cosmopolitan and sophisticated dry Martini – and accompanied the main courses with the dry white Viña Marian house wine, we ended the meal as we started it, on a sweet note. I was satisfied with a wonderfully creamy crème brûlée, but my companions somewhat greedily opted for a combination of cheeses and desserts respectively. The former includes three classic French cheeses and an assortment of breads, crackers and condiments, while the latter offers those with a sweet tooth the chance to try the brûlée, a delicious chocolate mousse infused with a hint of orange, and the classic lemon tart typical of the French southeast. Welcoming, well located and both family and child-friendly, the Brasserie Banús is a great place to try some of the all-time classics of the French kitchen. g Average price for a three course meal

with wine: 25-30€. Opening times: Daily from 9.30am for breakfast, with last orders at 1am.

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THEGOURMET FOOD NEWS WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

New Look and Cuisine for Restaurante Asiático Zen

The legendary Restaurante Asiático Zen in Puerto Banús now has a brand new look, featuring a blend of modern and classical furniture imported from China which bestows the restaurant with a more luxurious, welcoming ambience. In addition to Chinese and Japanese cuisine, the restaurant will also be serving authentic Thai Cuisine, whipped up by native Thai chefs. Diners will be able to enjoy delicious fare such as glazed duck, Bangkok-style chicken with red curry sauce, spicy shrimp soup, various types of curries, Pad Thai and delicious rice with mango for dessert. g C/ Lirios 10-D, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 817 691.

Champagne and Pizza Night at Sol i Luna

Popular Italian restaurant Sol i Luna recently held a champagne and pizza night, with Chef Daniel Kozak offering guests delicious pizzas such as margarita, four seasons or Hawaiian, as well as champagne from the Mumm Cordon Rouge range. Sol i Luna was also the perfect setting for a show by Fashion Villa, featuring hot fashion brands Airfield y Cambio, Gloria Estellés and Talbot + Runhof. The restaurant kept diners surprised at the recent Risotto Week, feauturing original, creative interpretations of this traditional Italian dish. g C/ Sierra Bermeja s/n, Urb. Ancón Sierra, Las Lomas de Marbella Club, Marbella. Tel: 952 866 627.

15th Expoliva Fair in Jaén

New Facebook Page for Terra Sana

Terra Sana, one of Marbella’s most popular health food restaurants, has a brand new Facebook page where foodies will find everything from new items right through to photos, specials and information on live musical performances. In accessing the page, we discovered that the Nueva Andalucía restaurant has a magnificent new Gastro Tapas menu, featuring irresistible dishes such as edamame beans with Himalayan salt, hummus with crispy tortillas, twisted squid, samosas, classic pil pil and much more. In other news, the original founder of Terra Sana, Steve Sweeney and his business partners recently re-acquired the Terra Sana restaurants in Puerto Banús, Nueva Andalucía and The Golden Mile, reinstating the strict quality control standards of the group and ensuring consistency of ingredients and presentation in all Terra Sana dishes. g www.terrasana.net

Expoliva, one of Spain’s most important olive oil fairs, took place for the 15th year running in Jaén, attracting over 40,000 visitors to its 300 stands. Attendees included entrepreneurs from Portugal, Italy, Argentina, Tunisia, France and China, as well as chefs and restaurateurs from Spain and overseas. There were various parallel events which highlighted the importance of olive oil in the Mediterranean diet, including the Flavours of Jaén cookfest (featuring local chefs); the First Olive Oil Biennial (involving a host of activities taking place all around Jaén, especially in the historic Old Town); the International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Event (involving a tasting of 140 different brands of oil); and a symposium focusing on the olive tree and its relationship with the environment, technology, health, nutrition and socio-economic matters. g www.expoliva.com

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THEGOURMET CHEF PROFILE REPORT MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY KH PHOTOGRAPHY

hose who know Marbella’s hottest dining spots don’t need any introduction to the gorgeous Tikitano… boasting the best seafront view, elegant Oriental-style interiors and ‘the’ terrace to enjoy the summer’s finest cocktail as the sun sets gloriously in front of your eyes, Tikitano has always been a winner. Yet like all establishments that stand the test of time, the restaurant, now under new management, needed a change… and this came in the form of the new Head Chef, Nicolás Echazarra. Nicolás, who hails from Bilbao and is a true exponent of the rich gastronomic culture of the north of Spain, had very clear ideas when it came to tackling the crisis and attracting clientele, both old and new. First, he would let the produce do the talking, finding the very best fish and meat, from local producers and Galician suppliers, respectively. When I ask him how his Basque upbringing has influenced his cooking, he answers, “In Basque cuisine the quality of the produce is prime. Very little manipulation is necessary when you’re working with excellent fish, seafood and meat.” The second ingredient of the new plan, he defines in a straightforward way: “Making less profit. If diners have had to tighten their belts recently, so should we.” When the luxury of the surroundings and the excellence of the cuisine at Tikitano is taken into account, it is wonderfully refreshing to be able to enjoy a daily menu for only €15, a rare treat in Marbella. Nicolas’ new menu contains everything from tender meat dishes right through to wonderfully grilled fish, salad and pasta. Despite his sophisticated background (he studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and has worked at various top restaurants, including the Casino in Aranjuez and Michelin-starred venues such

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as Florian in Barcelona), he is delighted that some of the most popular dishes on the menu are those which he least expected would ‘take’, such as his 250 gram, pure solomillo hamburger (which is becoming known as ‘the best hamburger on the Coast’) or the prawns and chistorra, served in the famous Basque ‘green sauce’, a lovely medley of the best the sea and mountains have to offer. As I enjoy the beautiful sea view from the Tikitano terrace with the charming Nicolás, he shows me a bevy of press cuttings which demonstrate his wealth of experience and passion for cuisine, starting from when Nicolás was a young chap right through to more recent years, revealing the great number of competitions and jornadas gastronómicas he has taken part in. Nicolás may be a northern boy at heart but he has worked in a plethora of countries around Europe, such as Italy, Paris and London (thus his perfect English), and he credits both the País Vasco and Paris for inspiring the very best of his dishes, stating, “French cooking is the basis for almost all European chefs.” Nicolás is now happy to call Marbella home; he always dreamed of moving to the Coast, since his parents live here, and now he shares the sun and sea with his wife and four-year-old child, who already wants to be a chef when he grows up. Says Nicolás: “I keep telling him to be something else, like an architect, since being a chef is hard work, but he is adamant.” Nicolás gives in to this passion, inviting his son to help him out with culinary tasks in the same way his mother let him in on her greatest cooking secrets. When I ask him what

qualities are necessary to be a great chef, he says: “Character, ambition, cleanliness and organisation,” adding, “When I was 30, I was the Head Chef of a Swiss airline group. I was in charge of 45 people and that is what I call ambition.” Most chefs speak of their passion for food to explain the long hours and sacrifice the profession involves so it is interesting to hear Nicolás talk about what he considers most important in a successful restaurant: the people. He says, “Human resources are everything; my team here works like a finely tuned watch; we fit together perfectly and I love working with them and watching them treat the food we prepare with care and respect.” Despite the long days and nights, Nicolás has never been happier: “Tikitano is so beautiful. The first day I arrived I had no doubt that I wanted to work here and when I walk in every morning to start my day, I feel as happy as the day I started.” Nicolás Echazarra is certainly the fresh breeze of air that Tikitano needed. Coupled with his delicious, nicely priced cuisine are the Tikitano glamour and fantastic live shows which take place every weekend. “I don’t want to be a star,” says Nicolás; I want my team to be the star,” and through his charm, talent and hard work, he is witnessing his most fervent dreams come true every day. e

A CHANGE HAS COME TO

TIKITANO

NICOLÁS

ECHAZARRA g Urb. Guadalmansa, CN 340, km 164, Marbella. Tel: 952 798 449. www.tikitano.com 20/5/11 11:23:50

t h e a rt of Fi n e T h a i C u i s i n e

952 818 392 or 670 748 415

RESERVATIONS:

Open Every Evening for Dinner Ctra. de Cรกdiz Km. 175 PUERTO BANร S (Behind The Shell Petrol Station) Marbella

TAI PAN

Chinese Cuisine - Polynesian Bar

Serving Marbella in a Select Atmosphere for 29 years. Puente Romano, Fase 2, Marbella. Open Daily for Dinner from 8:00

Tel: 952 777 893 / 952 775 500

Exquisite Royal Thai Cuisine Tel: 952 770 550 Open Mon-Sat.

C.C. Marbellamar, L-3A. Marbella.

NOW OPEN FOR

LUNCH & DINNER!

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THEGOURMET WINE REPORT AND PHOTOGRAPHY AJ LINN

PAELLA AND SANGRIA T

here are two things that epitomise the arrival of hot weather and al-fresco meals: the paella party and the obligatory sangria accompaniment. Neither is as straightforward as it may first appear. Take paella. This is the name most people refer to the dish as, above all non-Spaniards, but actually the word does not mean a dish of rice cooked with meat or fish, rather the pan it is cooked in. Originating from the French paele – a frying pan with two handles – it replaced the clay dish that was previously used in the Albufera region of Valencia where paella was born. The tradition was, and still is, for everyone to eat out of the same pan using wooden spoons. When someone wants to have a drink he sticks his spoon in the centre of the dish and everyone stops eating until thirst is quenched. How civilised. Paella was originally made from whatever

ACCOMMODATING

COUPLE

was available: snails, vegetables, rabbit, eels, chicken or duck. There are also ‘wet’ rice dishes, known as arroz caldoso, usually made with shellfish, often lobster. Then there is the dry rice, arroz a banda, made with fish broth and eaten with ali-oli mayonnaise. Arroz negro, black rice, made with squid and its ink, is also traditionally eaten with ali-oli; it looks unappetising but the taste is a revelation. If you want a paella ask around for a restaurant that serves good arroces, and then order an arroz con pollo, arroz de mariscos, arroz de verduras (great for veggies), or anything you fancy. There is no need to be limited to what the menu says and you can mix and match to your heart’s content. An Alicante restaurant lists 100 different rice dishes, including such delicacies as rice with pigs’ snout, chickens’ blood, black sausage, etc... If you make paella at home, the key factor is the fumet or sofrito vegetable base that is fried in the pan before adding the main ingredients. Once you have added the rice it should just sit there without stirring until all the liquid is absorbed, but always al dente. You should be able to hold a paella pan vertically with nothing falling out! Likewise the rice is cooked to perfection if you throw a spoonful onto the floor and it separates into individual grains. If you can cook it over a wood fire, you will notice the difference; the best rice restaurants in the Valencia/Alicante region and Baleares use olive wood. Both a paella and a sangria can be made with almost any

Paco and Mariano at La Sal Restaurant, La Cancelada, one of the Coast’s prime rice restaurants

ingredient, which may be why they are perfect partners. The typical sangria that you will be served in a bar or the average restaurant consists of cheap red wine, lemonade, some brandy (if you are lucky) and lots of sugar, and is decorated with a fruit salad. This is fine for killing thirst, but there are so many ways of making a sangria that it seems a shame to stick to the cheapo version. To make sangria, stick with the vino de mesa. There is no point in using anything else, and in fact, something from Castilla-La Mancha is the best. Rioja does not go well, nor does Ribera del Duero; Toro and Valencia are not bad. A bottle of wine to half a bottle of lemonade (or soda water) is about right. Keep the added sugar down by using a sweet liquor like Triple Sec, Cointreau, Grand Marnier and Calisay. Brandy is a good strength booster but vodka is better and gin is acceptable. Nutmeg and cinnamon make a big difference. Serve with limited fruit, normally large orange and lemon slices. Peaches and strawberries are added-value items and do improve the taste. Never serve sangria in a punch bowl, but always in a glass or porcelain jug with ice and never let the ice stay in the mixture long enough to dilute it. A trick is to allow the wine and the fruit and liquors to marinate for four to six hours before serving, just after adding the lemonade or soda water. The sugar does not dissolve completely at first, so mix it with a little hot water before adding to the blend. If you feel that here may be something you could get excited about, the next rung up the ladder is white sangria. Same rules apply but less lemonade/soda water and only colourless liquors so as not to spoil the final appearance. And for your star turn, how about a cava sangria, with a very little soda water (add to taste as you are making) and no sweeteners? Either seco or semi-dulce can be used. There are no Marbella bars or restaurants renowned for their sangrias, but for rice dishes try La Sal (La Cancelada), Alabardero Beach (San Pedro de Alcántara), La Alborada (Estepona Port) and Hotel El Fuerte beach restaurant. Most chiringuitos will do passable paellas, but don’t expect anything top line. However you may be lucky so don’t let this stop you ordering one. e

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

Tel: 952 820 096

El Gaucho

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

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

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

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

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

Old Town Grill

boulevard bora bora

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

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Gitanilla s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 789 100

Little India

Amanhavis

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

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

Massala

auld dubliner

Open daily for dinner. 57, Duquesa de Arcos (Sabinillas seafront). Tel: 952 897 358 mughal village Open daily for lunch and dinner. Aloha Towers, Avda. del Prado s/n, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 819 240

safFron

::: INDIAN :::

€60 plus

AMAPOLA

khans

puente romano beach club

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

€40 – €60

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

Mumtaz

Restaurante Rancho

€25 – €40

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

Jaipur purple

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

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

under €25

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

indian dreams

::: INTERNATIONAL :::

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Avda. Duque de Ahumada, Paseo Marítimo 9, Marbella.

al bacar

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

baboo lounge and restaurant Open every day for lunch and dinner, closing Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at 8pm. Ctra. Arroyo de la Miel, s/n, Benalmádena. Tel: 902 102 675

Beach club don carlos Open daily for lunch. At the Hotel Don Carlos. Avda. Zurita s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 768 800

beach club restaurante grill 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

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

beckitts Open Monday to Sunday for dinner. C/ Camilo José Cela 4, Marbella. Tel: 952 868 898

Brunings Buddha beach Open daily for lunch and dinner. Urb. Villa Marina, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 813 882

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

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

cerrado del águila Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Urb.

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RESTAURANTS

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

Cerrado del Águila, Camino del Acevedo, s/n, Mijas Costa. Tel: 951 773 521

Hotel Bahía Resort. CN 340, km. 159, Estepona. Tel: 952 809 500

cortijo fain

El oceano beach hotel restaurant & spa

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

Open every day for lunch and dinner. CN340, km. 199, Marbella. Tel: 952 587 550

Don Leone

EL OLIVO

Open every night for dinner. Puerto Banús, Marbella. Tel: 952 811 716

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

Don Quijote Open every evening for dinner (7pm-12am). 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

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

Fabiola 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

under €25

€25 – €40

girasol Open daily for dinner from 6.30p.m. Avda. del Prado, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. Tel: 952 813 859

Golden goose Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 764 648

Güey

€40 – €60

€60 plus

Las Medranas, local 4, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 951 275 750

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

La cabaña del mar

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

Open every day for lunch and for dinner from Monday to Saturday. Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona CN 340, km 159, Playa El Padrón, Estepona. Tel: 952 809 500

hermosa

LA CANTINA DEL GOLF

Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner from 7pm. Closed Monday. Local 1A. Puerto de Cabopino. Tel: 952 837 483

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

Herrero del Puerto

La Esencia

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

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

Finca Besaya

hotel marbella club buffet

La Hacienda

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

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

Finca El Forjador

karma

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

La Veranda Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner. Hotel Villa 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 week days for dinner at 7:30pm and weekends for lunch and dinner, closed Tuesdays. Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 136. Playa Guadiaro, Torreguadiaro, Cádiz. Tel: 956 615 998

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 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

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

los arcos

nikki beach

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

Open daily for lunch until 8pm. Playa Hotel Don Carlos, Marbella. Tel: 952 836 239

los bandidos

ocean club

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

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Avda. Lola Flores, s/n, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 908 137

magna café

OCHO

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

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RESTAURANTS

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

under €25

€25 – €40

€40 – €60

€60 plus

C/ Moncayo 12, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 460 232 / 648 502 822

en Río Real Hotel. Urb. Río Real s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 765 732

Laguna Village, Estepona. Tel: 951 901 050

oyarbide

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

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

Aretusa

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

Skina

the playwright

Carpaccio

passion café

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

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

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

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

The Clubhouse Bar & Brasserie

onwards. Muelle Benabola, Casa 5A, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 813 464 Open daily for dinner. Front line P. Banús. Tel: 952 812 898

Small world café

The orange tree

Caruso

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

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

tikitano

Da Bruno

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

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

SUite

trocadero beach

Open daily for lunch. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

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

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Playa de la Carolina, Marbella. Tel: 610 704 144

puro beach

Swing

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Laguna Village, Playa El Padrón. CN340, km. 159, Estepona. Tel: 952 800 015

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

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

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

polo house 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

polynesian’s restaurant & cocktail bar Open every night for dinner. Urb. La Alcazaba, CN340, km 175, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 816 100

puente romano beach club

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

zozoï

tanino

::: ITALIAN :::

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

Al Dente

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.

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

Da Paolo 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

Amore e Fantasía

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

Open every day for lunch and dinner from 7pm

gold restaurant

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

Pizzeria Picasso

la pappardella di estepona

portofino laguna village

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

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

LA pappardella sul mare

Ristorante Roberto

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

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

Leonardo da vinci Open every night for dinner. Urb. Doña Lola, Local 21-22, Calahonda, Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 934 667

Lombardo’s 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 night for dinner. C.C. Cristamar, Avda. Julio Iglesias, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 906 608

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

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

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

Rosmarino della Piazza Open Monday to Friday for lunch and daily 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 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

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

Villa Tiberio

C/Gloria II, 11, Casco Antiguo, Marbella. Tel: 952 863 125

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

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

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

Dragón de Oro 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

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

Kaede

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

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

zafferano

Kaiden Sushi

Open every night for dinner except Sunday.

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Centro Com.

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RESTAURANTS

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

under €25

Guadalmina Alta, Guadalmina 4, local 2, lower floor, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 896 508

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

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

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

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

naruto tokyo

Tai Pan

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

Open seven days a week for dinner. H. Puente Romano, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 177, Marbella. Tel: 952 777 893

Ombú Open every evening for dinner. At Hotel Don Carlos. Avda. Zurita s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 768 800

Osaka 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

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

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

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

Sukho Thai

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

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

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

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

€25 – €40

Yuan

::: SCANDINAVIAN :::

€40 – €60

€60 plus

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Muelle de Honor, Club de Mar, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 811 561

Marisquería La Pesquera Open daily for lunch and dinner. Plaza de la Victoria, Old Town, Marbella. Tel: 952 765 170

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

Skandies

Restaurante El bote

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

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

::: SEAFOOD :::

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

cervecería ostrería santiago

::: SPANISH :::

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Avda. del Marzo, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 078

Bahía

Cipriano 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 every evening for dinner. At Hotel Don Carlos. Avda. Zurita s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 768 800

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

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

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

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

finca tabanko Open daily for lunch and dinner. Ctra. FuengirolaMijas, km. 4.2, mijas. Tel: 952 590 727

dinner. C/José Aparacio,1, Ronda (pedestrian street between bullring and Parador). Tel: 952 190 291

CINEMAS & THEATRES AUDITORIO MUNICIPAL MIJAS

Hacienda

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

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

AUDITORIO MUNICIPAL TORREMOLINOS

La Meridiana del alabardero

Marbella. Tel: 952 825 035

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

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

la moraga

cines gran marbella

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. C/ Ramón Areces s/n, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 817 448. Also open in C.C. Parque Miramar, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 593 405

Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 810 077

La Taberna del Alabardero

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

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

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

AUDITORIO PARQUE DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN CENTRO CULTURAL EL INGENIO CINESA LA CAÑADA La Cañada. Marbella. Tel: 902 333 231

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

MULTICINES ALFIL MULTICINES MEDITERRÁNEO Mijas. Tel: 952 663 738

PALACIO DE LA PAZ

Mesón el adobe

Recinto Ferial. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 589 349

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

TEATRO ALAMEDA

Tragabuches

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

Open from Tuesday to Sunday for both lunch and

TEATRO CIUDAD DE MARBELLA

Calle Córdoba 9, Málaga. Tel: 952 213 412

TEATRO CERVANTES

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GYMS

GOLF

CINEMAS

THEGUIDE Plaza Ramón Martínez, Marbella. Tel: 952 903 159

Estepona Golf

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 815 206

ATENAS

TEATRO SALON VARIETES

Marbella Club Golf Resort

Barquilla 1. Marbella. Tel: 952 776 240

Emancipación 30. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 474 542

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

18 holes, Par 73. Tel: 952 113 239

AZTEC COUNTRY CLUB

VERACRUZ CINES

Finca cortesín golf club

Marbella Golf & Country Club

Veracruz. Estepona. Tel: 952 800 056

18 holes. Tel: 952 830 500

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

YELMO CINEPLEX

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

Mijas Golf

CENTRO DEPORTIVO EL FUERTE

Plaza Mayor. Tel: 902 220 922

Flamingos Golf Club

36 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 476 843

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

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

Miraflores Golf

CENTRO DE YOGA Y SALUD INTEGRAL

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 931 960

Ramón y Cajal 21. Marbella. Tel: 952 773 804

Golf Río Real

Monte Mayor Golf & Country Club

CENTRO PLAZA GYM

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 756 733

18 holes. Tel: 952 113 088

Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 817 074

Alcaidesa Links

Golf Torrequebrada

Parador Málaga del Golf

Cerrado del águila

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

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 442 742

18 holes. Tel: 952 381 255

Mijas Costa, Málaga. Tel: 951 773 523

Guadalmina Golf

Real Club de Golf Las Brisas

CLUB DEl SOL

Alhaurín Golf

36 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 883 375

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 810 875

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 595 970. www.alhauringolf.com

La Cala Golf Resort

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande

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

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

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 785 014

Dynamic training centre

San Roque Club

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

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

La Dama de Noche

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 613 030

FITNESS CENTRE NEW STYLE

9 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 818 150

Santa Clara Golf

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

Aloha Golf Club

La Duquesa Golf & Country Club

18 holes. Tel: 952 850 111

Fuerte Gym

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

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 890 425

Santa Maria Golf & Country Club

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

La Quinta Golf

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 831 036

GIMNASIO ESTADIO

Atalaya Golf

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

Sotogrande Club de Golf 18 holes. Tel: 956 785 012

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

GOLF GUIDE

TENNIS

SCHOOLS

Almenara Golf

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

La Reserva Sotogrande

Valderrama

HAPPY DIVER’S CLUB

Cabopino Golf

18 holes. Tel: 956 695 209

Atalaya Park Hotel, Marbella. Tel: 609 571 920

18 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 850 282

La Zagaleta Golf & Country Club

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

Cerrado del águila

18 holes. Members only. Tel: 952 695 209

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 951 703 355

Lauro Golf 18 holes

Club de Golf La Cañada

Alhaurín de la Torre. Tel: 952 412 767

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 956 794 100

Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club

El Paraiso Club de Golf

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 784 600

ALHAMAR GYM

Monda. Tel: 952 112 161

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 883 835

Los Naranjos Golf Club

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

MARBELLA SPORT

GYMS & SPORTS CLUBS

HOTEL PUENTE ROMANO CN340, Km77,5. Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

MANOLO SANTANA RACQUETS CLUB Ctra. de Istán, Km2. Marbella. Tel: 952 778 580

MARBELLA GUN & COUNTRY CLUB

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

british school of marbella

All ages. Marbella. T: 952 774 942

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

MULTI SPORT

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

wendy kindergarten

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

Calahonda International College

the InteRnational SCHOOL of ESTEPONA

New Concept Training

Ages 3-18. Tel: 952 930 080

Ages 2-12. Estepona. Tel: 952 884 789

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

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

Laude San pedro international college

02 CENTRO WELLNESS

Childrens placE Bilingual nursery

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

Atalaya, Estepona. Tel: 952 928 444

Mayfair Academy

P-E SPORTS CLUB

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

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

Aztec Country Club

Urb. Parcelas del Golf, Aloha Gardens, N. Andalucía. Tel: 952 818 357

Colegio Alemán

Monseñor Rodrigo Bocanegra

Club deL Sol

qi sport

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

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

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

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

Colegio Las Chapas

Performing Arts Academy

Club de tenis don carlos

SATURNIA REGNA

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

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

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

Colegio San José Guadalmina

Peter Pan School

Hotel Don Carlos, Avda. Zurita, CN340, km 192. Marbella. Tel: 952 768 800

SEVEN STARS SCHOOL

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

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

Dolphin Nursery

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

Plaza del Mar. Marbella. Tel: 952 900 420

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

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

Club Internacional de Tennis Ctra. Cádiz, km 173. Marbella. Tel: 952 813 341

Saint George’s School

Club Madroñal

SPORTCLUB ROUTE 66

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

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

Benahavís. Tel: 617 647 223

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

Ecos College

Sotogrande International School

Club Nueva Alcántara

SPORTING CLUB ATALAYA PARK HOTEL

Ages 1–18. Elviria. Tel: 952 831 027

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

San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 788 315

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

English InteRnational College

St. Javier’s International School

Hofsaess tennis academy

TICKET-TO-RIDE

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

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

Cristamar, Pto. Banús. Tel: 952 905 082

Fiona Jones School of Dance

Stagecoach Theatre Arts School

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

Vitality studio

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

Ages 4-16. Tel: 952 900 453

Lew Hoads Tennis Club

Sunny View School

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

Hijas de María Auxiliadora

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

Manolo Santana Racquets Club

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

Swans international school el capricho

Ctra. de Istán, Km 2. Marbella. Tel: 952 778 580

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

sChools

III language schools

Miraflores Tennis Club

Ages 3–10. Marbella. Tel: 952 773 248

Urb. Miraflores, Km 199. Calahonda. Tel: 952 932 006

Swans international school Sierra blanca

Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

Angela’s School

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

Ages 11–18. Marbella. Tel: 952 902 755

Tenis El Casco

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

Inlingua Language School

TLC Tutorial College

El Rosario. Marbella. Tel: 952 837 651

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

Puente Romano TEnnis club

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THEGUIDE FAMILY

ANCRAA Giant Donkeys Cuddle a

FEATURED FAMILY FUN OF THE MONTH

BIOPARC FUENGIROLA

LOTS OF MONKEY BUSINESS Bioparc Fuengirola is celebrating the wonders of monkeys throughout the month of June, with a host of activities, talks and guided visits whose aim is to raise awareness of the worrying situation being suffered by our closest mammalian relatives. Various monkey species are currently threatened by deforestation, hunting and pollution, and to make a change, it is important to know the extent of the problem. The events will take place on the following days: Z JUNE 4-5: Talk: ‘Eating Habits of Large Primates’: At the Bioparc’s ‘Gorilla Crystal’ area, at 12pm. This talk will cover interesting dietary habits, difference between species and peculiarities of individual monkeys. A carer will tell the audience all about their experience working with Ernst and Kim, the Bioparc’s friendly pair of gorillas. Workshop: ‘Meet the Family’: At the chimpanzee bridge at 12pm. Children will learn about the different components of the Bioparc, with studies into family trees, drawing and activities for the whole family. Z JUNE 11-12 Talk: ‘Different Cultures in the Chimpanzee Population’: At the chimpanzee bridge at 12pm. The talk will focus on the different survival tactics

chimps have had to learn over the years either through trial and error or the imitation of the behaviour of other animals. Kids’ Competition: ‘What Do You Know About Primates?’: At the children’s play area at 5pm. Groups of children will resolve problems, play memory games and compile points to win a special prize. Z JUNE 18-19 Guided Visit: ‘Environmental Enrichment and Necessary Stimuli For Primates’: At 12pm at the chimpanzee bridge. Visitors will learn how intelligent monkeys are and what sort of stimuli they need. Guided Visit: ‘The Smallest Primates at the Bioparc’: At the chimpanzee bridge at 12pm. Visitors will be able to visit Banggi, the first baby organgutan from Borneo born in Analucía, and other little primates. Z JUNE 25-26 Talk: ‘Primates from Asia’: At the orangutan enclosure at 12pm. Learn more about the orangutan and the biggest threats to its continued existence. Workshop: ‘The Bioparc Primate Game’: At the Baobab square, 5pm. Children will play a game as they tour through the gorilla, chimpanzee, gibbon and orangutan enclosures, learning more about these animals in the funnest of ways.

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 Award winning zoo covering Madagascar, Africa and the Far East. C/ Camilo José Cela, 6. Tel: 952 666 301. www.bioparcfuengirola.es Black Box Teatro Dramatic Arts School for all ages. C/ Notario 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 Fun play centre in La Cañada with a wealth of games and activities and qualified child minders. Special events include 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 Versatile and fun play centre for children of all ages, with separate areas indoor and outdoor. Mega slide, mini planetarium, birthday parties, summer camp. Life size characters. C.C. Guadalmina, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 885 530 Crocodile Park Educational park with more then 300 monsters. Pose with baby crocodiles. Open 10am-6pm. C/ Cuba, 14, Torremolinos. Tel: 952 051 782 El Refugio del Burrito Donkey sanctuary just 40 minutes north of Málaga. Open 11am-7pm. Fuente de Piedra, Málaga. Tel: 952 735 513 Danzzas Ballet, modern dance, jazz, tap, theatre craft and hip-hop for kids. Classes at the Manolo Santana Racquets Club and at Plaza Gym. Contact Fiona on Tel: 663 646 040. www.danzzas.com Flamenco Classes Children aged 5 to 8 can learn to dance flamenco with Isabel Gil, a professional dancer. Classes on Monday and Wednesday at the Nueva Alcántara Tennis Club. Tel: 952 788 315 Funny Beach Kids paradise with go-karts, trampolines, mini-motorbikes, mechanical bull. Open daily. East side of Marbella. Tel: 952 823 359

Ice Skating Rink and Indoor Swimming Pool New sports 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 A plethora of sports for children of all ages and abilities, from tennis through to football, cycling and skateboarding. 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

Space theamed play centre for daily visits or parties. Life size 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 state-of-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 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm, 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 10am-9pm. 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 Renowned performing arts school for 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 10am-1pm. 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 Indoor play centre with staff speaking Scandinavian, English and Spanish. Open seven days a week from 10am to 9pm. Children’s parties, parent’s coffee shop with pool tables, television, food. Avda. Gamonal 4, Edif. Hercules, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena. Tel: 622 005 068

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THEGUIDE PETS

WORDS Marisa cutillas

Chocolate is Killing Tigers and Orangutans

Releasing Your Pet’s Hidden Potential

If you are a chocaholic, you should note that consuming your favourite bonbon could be leading to the death of hundreds of animal species, including the orangutan, Sumatran tiger, Asian rhinoceros and Asian elephant. The cause is palm oil, an ingredient used by many chocolate manufacturers, who are clearing numerous rainforests in South East Asia to make way for palm plantations. Palm oil is not only used for chocolate; it is also a popular ingredient in everything from baby products right through to flours, dried fruits, sugars and syrups, baking chocolate, biscuits, cereals, pet food, cleaning products, toiletries, etc. Many of these products do not list palm oil in their ingredient list but just in case, watch out for anything containing ingredients like palmitate, stearate, stearyl, sodium lauryl sulphate, etc. There are many manufacturers who do not use palm oil in their products. i For a good list, click onto www.aucklandzoo.co.nz

and check out their palm oil-free shopping guide.

While most of us regularly take active steps to improve our health, taking vitamins and supplements and frequenting gyms and spas, when it comes to our pets we are often clueless on how to give them the best quality of life possible. A new book called Releasing Your Pet’s Hidden Health Potential is set to shed light on this issue, focusing as it does on a new approach to veterinary medicine. The author is Dr. Richard Palmquist, a veterinary consultant and member of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. He introduces readers to practical ways to evaluate their pet’s health and find out how they fall prey to disease, and explores holistic healing modalities such as stem cell therapy, acupuncture, muscle response testing, etc. The book also covers nutrition, homeopathy, essential oil therapy, flower essence treatments, etc. The key is to help our cats and dogs use their natural ability to heal themselves and to live the best and longest life they can. i www.amazon.com

How To Avoid Pet Gass

Flatulence is as big a problem in animals as it is in humans but our pets can really embarrass us when they decide to shamelessly pass wind in public, since it is sometimes difficult to believe that such a strong aroma can originate from such a tiny body. If doggie or moggie gas is an issue for you, the first step is to discuss the problem with your veterinarian. It could be a symptom of problems such as giardia, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic or liver disease, bacterial overgrowth, tumours, etc. It could also be a result of stress, which sometimes damages your pet’s intestinal lining or bacteria-fungus balance. If your vet has given you the all-clear, then it may simply be a matter of changing your pet’s diet. Consider making the following changes:

Triple A Urgently Needs Volunteers

Abandoned Animals Association, Triple A, is sending out a cry of help to anyone with a bit of spare time. Not only does the association have an €18.000 bill to pay every month, it is also short of volunteers, who are needed for everything from walking the dogs on weekends right through to cleaning, administrative work, fundraising, etc. Most urgently, animals need to be adopted or sponsored if the association is to survive, since there are currently over 200 dogs and nearly the same amount of cats to feed, care for and attend to medically. If you cannot commit on a long-term basis, you can simply foster a dog or cat, or sponsor it for a year. Your time is precious, but so are the lives of so many dogs and cats that simply want a family to love and be loved by for the rest of their lives.

Z Feed your pet kibble with few cereal fillers and additives. Z Avoid kibble with an excessive protein content. Z Try switching from high fibre to low fibre, or vice-versa. Pets react differently to each depending on their own systems. Z Try and notice if dry or wet food is causing the problem and avoid the catalyst. Z Experiment with giving your pet digestive enzymes and probiotic bacteria, available at pet stores. You can also try adding a little natural, unsweetened yoghurt to their food, and observe if the problem is ameliorated. Z Make sure your pet is getting enough daily exercise; it promotes healthy bowel function. Z Trial and error is an important part of avoiding flatulence. If you recently changed your pet’s food and you notice the problem arose then, switch back to the previous food.

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WHAT’S ON IN JUNE

THEGUIDE WHAT’S ON

Every Wednesday and Thursday CINE CLUB – MARBELLA

Cine Club Buñuel presents films in their original language at the Marbella Instituto Río Verde at 8pm and 10:15pm. Tel: 952 774 638.

Every Thursday CINE CLUB – ESTEPONA

Top films shown weekly in Spanish or original soundtrack at Padre Manuel Cultural Centre, 9pm. Entry €3. Further information, Tel: 952 802 002. www.estepona.es Sylvie Fleury

Events continued from May Until June 7 EXHIBITION – MARBELLA

Elena Nevado, born in Stockholm and based in Casares, presents paintings from her latest collection, The Warrior Returns. At the Casino Marbella every day from 8pm. Tel: 952 814 000. www.casinomarbella.com

Until June 12 EXHIBITION – MÁLAGA

Swiss contemporary artist Sylvie Fleury, specialist in sculpture and mixed media, exhibits at the CAC Málaga. Tel: 952 120 055. www.cacmalaga.org

Until June 17 EXHIBITION – SAN PEDRO

Tiempo al Tiempo is the title of a series of photographs by Pedro Ruiz Troyano, inspired on the notion of the passing of time. At the Centro Cultural San Pedro. Tel: 952 799 314. www.marbella.es

Until July 1 EXHIBITION – ALHAURÍN EL GRANDE

Drawings, paintings and sculptures by José María Córdoba. At the Alhaurín El Grande Library. Tel: 952 490 143. www.jmcordoba.com

Until December 31 CAFÉ Y LIBROS – SAN PEDRO, NUEVA ANDALUCÍA, MARBELLA

The Delegación de Cultura de Marbella has set up five libraries in local bars, to foment the love of reading and networking with fellow intellectuals. In San Pedro at Flanker Bar and Knut’s Gastrobar. In Nueva Andalucía at Cafetería La Toscana. In Marbella at Bar El Bocata Express and Café Bar El Reloj. www.marbella.es

NEW AND REGULAR EVENTS Monthly on different days AMERICAN CLUB – MARBELLA

The American Club Costa del Sol Chapter meets monthly for excursions, sports and social events. Further information, Tel: 952 772 789. www.americanclubcostadelsol.com

AMIGOS DE LA CULTURA – COSTA DEL SOL

Meets at different times and places for lunches, lectures, tickets to concerts, ballet, theatre, opera, etc. Further information, Tel: 669 445 809. smartkidsmarbella@gmail.com

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 holidays. Further information, Tel: 952 797 405/ 606 274 206. www.adana-estepona.com

Every First Sunday of the month OPEN DAY – MIJAS

BUSINESS LUNCH – MARBELLA

Every Monday and Wednesday LANGUAGE WORKSHOPS – MIJAS PUEBLO

Every First Saturday of the Month ORIGINAL ROCK & ROLL DANCE CLUB – NUEVA ANDALUCÍA

PAD animal shelter, Cerros del Águila, welcomes visitors from 12-3pm. Further information, Tel: 952 486 084. www.padcatsanddogs.org

Spanish/English and English/Spanish conversation with fellow native speakers, 10-11:30am. Further information on precise meeting points, Tel: 952 589 010. www.mijas.es

Every Second Tuesday of the Month JAZZ – ESTEPONA The Coast’s Jazz Appreciation Society meets at Benavista Country Club at 8pm. Classic videos followed by a live jazz performance then dinner. To book, Tel: 952 888 106. Further information from Brian Parker, Tel: 669 504 942.

Every Third Tuesday of the Month FLORAL ART CLUB – ESTEPONA

Meets 3-5pm monthly with NAFAS demonstrators at El Campanario Golf & Country Club. Further information from Marilyn Pemberton, Tel: 952 928 197.

Every first Wednesday of the month CULTURE AND COCKTAIL – MARBELLA The Association of Art and Culture holds a monthly cocktail party at Magna Café, Magna Marbella Golf. Tel: 952 929 249. www.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

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

Rock & roll music from the late 1940s to the early 1960s spun by resident DJ Tall Mike, with visiting acts and stalls selling memorabilia. 10pm – 3am at La Flor de los Naranjos restaurant. Entry free. Further information, Tel: 952 913 285. www.activesoundproductions.com

Every Saturday and Sunday KIDS’ CAMP – MARBELLA

Aloha Gardens Multi-Sports Club weekend camps for children aged 4-14, 10:30am-1pm. Activities include tennis, football, cricket, basketball, hockey, handball, paddle tennis. Aloha Gardens, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 814 086. www.themultisportsclub.com

Wednesday June 1 - Monday August 15 JOAN MIRÓ EXHIBITION – MARBELLA Beautiful paintings from Miró’s Mallorca Series, at the Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo. Tel: 952 765 741. www.museodelgrabado.com

Thursday June 2 THEATRE – FUENGIROLA

Tenemos Gato is a tragic comedy about the search for happiness and the nature of beauty. At 9pm at the Casa de la Cultura. Tel: 952 461 842. www.fuengirola.org

Thursday June 2 to Friday June 24 HARD ROCK 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS – MARBELLA

Show, featuring all your favourite dance tracks. 9pm onwards. June 10: Lick FM Radio show broadcast live from Hard Rock. 8pm onwards. June 14: 1970s Party and DJ Session. All the staff will be dressed in 1970s gear so if you’re up for it, slap on your favourite afro, flared trousers and platform heals and relive the best disco years in history. 8pm onwards. June 16: Concert by alternative rock band, The Tragic Company. 9pm onwards. June 24: DJ Session and Live Radio Show, featuring all your favourite dance tracks. 8pm onwards.Tel: 952 908 024. www.hardrock.com

Thursday June 2 - Sunday August 16 EXHIBITION – MARBELLA Spanish-American artist Miguel Condé will be exhibiting his latest series of works at the Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo. Tel: 952 765 741. www.museodelgrabado.com

Friday June 3 iWEB SEMINAR – MARBELLA

Marbella Mac Solutions will be holding a halfday iWeb seminar from 10am – 2pm at the H10 Plaza Hotel. Cost €60. Tel: 951 700 716. www. marbellamacsolutions.com/eng/Classes.html

CONCERT – MIJAS

Paco Doblas and José Antonio Fernández will play the guitar and flute at 9pm at the Teatro Las Lagunas in Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 472 596. www.mijas.es

Friday June 3 – Sunday June 5 SWEFIT INTERNATIONAL FITNESS CONGRESS – MARBELLA

Swefit is the first international fitness congress to be celebrated in Marbella. Presenters from eight different nationalities will be hosting fitness presentations, spinning demonstrations, etc. The event will also feature numerous seminars, courses, fashion, equipment, etc. At the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos. For a detailed schedule of events, Tel: 651 470 023. www.swefit.es

Saturday June 4 ROCKABILLY CONCERT – ESTEPONA

Rey Luy and His Monkeys bring back all the magic of rockabilly music on a one-night performance at Sala Louie Louie at 10:30pm. Further information, www.reyluy.com

CONCERT – MIJAS

Motel Caimán gives a rock and power pop concert at the Teatro Las Lagunas at 9pm. Tel: 952 472 596. www.mijas.es

PIANO CONCERT – MÁLAGA

Pianist from Málaga, Néstor Silva, plays works by Bach, Haydn and Chopin. At the Museo Interactivo de Málaga at 7pm. Tel: 952 210 440. www.mimma.es

June 2: A special DJ Session and Live Radio

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Sunday June 5 CONCERT – MÁLAGA

Friday June 17 – Sunday, July 3 FIRST DANCE FESTIVAL – MIJAS

Luis Mariano Fernández Pimentel gives a conference entitled Hidden Keys to the Camino de Santiago at 9pm at the Casa de la Cultura. Tel: 952 589 349. www.fuengirola.org

June 17 at 9pm: Producciones Imperdibles presents La Mirada Transparente: a new vision of dance from a deliciously ‘impossible’ perspective. June 18 at 9pm: Ballet Clásico Terpsicore presents a Classical Ballet Gala featuring numbers from Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Balanchine, etc. June 24 at 9pm: Rea Danza presents Broken Tango 2.0, a modern interpretation of the passionate dance that is the tango. At the Mijas Auditorium. Tel: 952 590 380. www.mijas.es

Monday June 6 - Sunday June 12 FERIA – MARBELLA

Saturday June 18 ROCK CONCERT – MÁLAGA

The Ceverny Tuba Quartet plays innovative music for children and adults, giving life to a series of melodic, harmonious works. At the Museo Interactivo de Málaga at 7pm. Tel: 952 210 440. www.mimma.es

Monday June 6 CONFERENCE – FUENGIROLA

Throughout the week, the fair in honour of San Bernabé will be taking place. The Feria de Día will take place in Marbella’s Old Town, while the Feria de Noche will liven up the Arroyo Primero. www.marbella.es

Friday June 10 PHOTOSHOP SEMINAR – MARBELLA Marbella Mac Solutions will be holding a half-day Photoshop seminar from 10am - 2pm at the H10 Plaza Hotel. Cost €60. Tel: 951 700 716. www. marbellamacsolutions.com/eng/Classes. html

Thursday June 16 OPERA SCREENING – MARBELLA

Special screening of the opera Tosca by Puccini at Cinesur in the Plaza del Mar commercial centre at 8pm. C/ Camilo José Cela s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 766 942. www.cinesur.com

Friday June 17 VISUAL ARTS EXHIBITION – MARBELLA

Kasser Rassu Gallery-Showroom presents the First Annual Visual Arts Exhibition by students of Swans International School. The event starts at 7pm. Edif, Centro Expo, Marbella. Tel: 650 463 447. www.kasserrassu.com

Progressive rock band Asia plays at Paris 15 in Málaga at 9:30pm. Asia was huge in the 1980s, with hits such as Heat of the Moment and Tie Again, The band was formed in 1981 by ex members of Yes, Emerson Lake & Palmer, King Crimson and The Buggles. Tickets available from Ticketmaster, FNAC and Carrefour. Tel: 952 038 626. www.paris15.es

Monday June 20 – Sunday September 25 EXHIBITION – MÁLAGA

The exhibition Picasso at Work Through The Lens of David Douglas Duncan focuses on Picasso’s creative processes, his studio and his daily life. These period prints are accompanied by a selection of more than 70 works by Pablo Picasso, all of which can be easily recognised in David Douglas Duncan’s photographs. Tel: 952 602 731. www.museopicassomalaga.org

Wednesday June 22 DANCE – MARBELLA

Students from the San Pedro Music and Dance Conservatory present Aladdin and the Magic Lamp. The show will feature a variety of dancing styles, including classical, Spanish, modern dance, etc. The show starts at 8pm at the Teatro Ciudad de Marbella. Tel: 952 903 159. www.marbella.es

JAZZ – FUENGIROLA

Jazz group, Cuarteto de Jazz Ébano plays a selection of classical jazz pieces, as well as standards, bossas, latinos and fusions with

Andalusian rock. At 9:30pm at the Parque de España in Fuengirola. Tel: 952 589 349. www.fuengirola.org

CHARITY GALA – ESTEPONA

ASPANDEM will be holding its annual charity gala at the Hotel Kempinski in Estepona. The event starts at 8:30pm and includes dinner, a live opera performance and many more surprises. Tel: 952 809 500. www.kempinski.com

Friday June 24 CONCERT – FUENGIROLA

The Virgen del Mar Chorus sings a selection of coral music pieces at 8:30pm at the Iglesia Ntra. Sra. del Rosario. Tel: 952 589 349. www.fuengirola.org

Friday June 24 – Sunday June 26 ART FAIR – MARBELLA

For the third year running, the Marbella International Art Fair will take place, featuring work by artists from 15 different countries. The styles covered include everything from realism right through to surrealism and hyper-realism. All day at the Parque Alameda, Marbella. Tel: 677 167 310. www.artemarbella.com

Friday June 24 – Saturday June 25 YACHT PRESENTATION – PUERTO BANÚS Sunreef yachts, world leader in design and construction of luxury yachts, presents the Sunreef 80 and the 70 Sunreef Power, at the Port from 4pm onwards. For further information, www.sunreef-yachts.com

Saturday June 25 CHARITY GALA – MARBELLA

The Fundación Cesare Scariolo is holding a summer gala, funds from which will go towards children suffering from cancer, from the Materno Infantil and Carlos Haya hospitals. At the Hotel Meliá Don Pepe. www.gran-melia.com

Monday June 27 to Friday September 2 SUMMER SPORTS SCHOOL – BENALMÁDENA

The Hotel Holiday World will hold a fun sports school for children aged six to 13, featuring football, basketball, water polo, volleyball, tennis, paddle tennis and handball. Tel: 952 579 757. www.holidayworld.es

Thursday June 30 DANCE - MARBELLA

Students from Marbella’s Classical Dance Conservatory will perform the medieval ballet Giselle, a romantic love story told in three acts. 8pm at the Teatro Ciudad de Marbella. Tel: 952 903 159. www.marbella.es

Rafael Amargo

CERVANTES THEATRE HIGHLIGHTS – MÁLAGA

Friday June 3 at 9pm, Sunday June 5 at 7:30pm: Spanish musical theatre, Zarzuela (La Marsellesa), a romance in three acts, featuring María Rodríguez as Flora, Ruth Rosique as Magdalena, María Lourdes Benítez as La Marquesa and Juan Manuel Corado as Renard. The Philarmonic Orchestra of Málaga and the Coro de Ópera de Málaga will also be performing. Monday June 6 at 9pm: The Czech National Symphony Orchestra will delight audiences with a live performance, under the guiding hand of director, Inma Shara. Sunday, June 12 at 9pm: The Rafael Amargo dance troupe performs a spectacular flamenco dance show. Sunday, June 19 at 9pm: Blues maestro John Mayall sings and will play lively jazz numbers alongside Tom Canning on keyboards, Rocky Athas on guitar, Greg Rzab on base and Hay Davenport on drums. Wednesday June 22 to Thursday June 30 at 9pm: The spectacular musical Mamma Mia!, comes to Málaga with the voices of Marta Valverde, Rita Barber, Álex Casademunt, Carlos Seguí and many more. Romance, youth and passion are married to number one hits by Swedish sensation, ABBA.

Tel: 952 224 109. www.teatrocervantes.com

TEATRO ECHEGARAY HIGHLIGHTS

Thursday June 2 at 9pm: The Canajazz Band enriches the night with a soul, blues and jazz performance. Friday June 3 at 9pm: Labios: Four Women and One Night is the title of a dramatic play focusing on four strong women whose paths cross unexpectedly. Saturday June 4 at 8pm: Comedic group, Mandragora, brings the audience their most famous comedic skits in this new show. Sunday June 5 at 7pm: Muñecos is a fun play about five dolls locked in a box who fight for ultimate domination over their fellow toys. For adults only. Thursday June 9 at 9pm: Model Monroe gives an electro concert with spectacular audiovisuals and haunting melodies. Friday June 10, Saturday June 11 and Sunday June 12: Theatre performance of dramatic work, Manual de Bricolaje, by renowned playwright, Miguel Romero Esteo.

Tel: 952 224 109. www.teatroechegaray.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]

June can be especially hectic for you, but it can also be extremely rewarding if you can manage to pace yourself. You are pulled in many different directions, and you’ll need to be both flexible and quick in your decision making. Income should be favourable, although the inclination to spend is strong as well. Some of you could be taking courses to better your skills, and these should be very successful. Your powers of persuasion run high this month, making you especially effective at ‘selling’ your ideas.

Recognition for what you do and how well you do it is forthcoming this month. In fact, you’re now entering a year-long cycle in which this kind of positive professional attention comes naturally, readily and heartily. While career matters remain a strong focus, you’re also branching out socially and networking. Friendships assume more importance in your life in June, and both friends and associates can be especially helpful. You’re brimming with ideas about where you want your life to go, and your enthusiasm is infectious.

Your willingness to listen to and support a partner is fantastic this month. Socially, people see you in a positive light. You arrive at a personal revelation or epiphany around the 15th, when emotions run high and there can be some drama in your relationships. Work matters improve dramatically, and will continue to do so for many months to come. However, avoid taking on too much at once. Your ability to make more out of whatever you have can greatly improve your situation, but if problems arise, these can be exaggerated as well.

TAURUS [21 APR - 20 MAY]

VIRGO [23 AUG - 22 SEP]

CAPRICORN [22 DEC - 19 JAN]

While June is a month of opportunity, avoid trying to ‘do it all’ too soon and too quickly. Instead, focus on one or two opportunities. Money matters thrive. You are likely to do some shuffling around with finances, and June is good for little windfalls, reducing debt, and borrowing funds at a good rate, if necessary. Changes in financial arrangements may be part of the picture now, such as dealings with a different bank or setting up a different payment schedule. Emotionally, you’re definitely moving forward this month!

Your professional life is picking up speed this month. You frequently find yourself in the centre of situations that require you to be on top of your game. Fortunately, you possess just the right attitude to meet challenges confidently. Be flexible in your expectations of others and treat any changes as chances to improve. You want to improve your domestic life and have more space, whether it involves an actual move to a larger place, eliminating unnecessary clutter, or reorganising your home to create the illusion of more space.

Your major focus turns to work and health matters in June, and while there can be an especially hectic pace and changes to contend with, it’s likely to be a successful month overall. One reason is a wonderful shift in attitude that has you feeling hopeful and confident. Resolving conflicts with others is favoured, as you come across in a more amenable light. You could experience some ego-boosting situations now. New visions of the future and new inspirations are likely to come along through the people you meet this month.

GEMINI [21 MAY - 21 JUN]

LIBRA [23 SEP - 23 OCT]

AQUARIUS [20 JAN - 19 FEB]

June can be a personally powerful month for most Geminis. Many of you will be reinventing yourself in some significant manner, with a new look or a new way of approaching the world. You’re a self-starter this month, especially from the 21st onwards. Friendships can be especially rewarding and helpful, but mid-month, close personal relationships come into strong focus and require special attention. Tend to the needs of a partner now. Love and social opportunities will seem to emerge when you least expect them and are plentiful in June.

June is a more outgoing month for you. You’ve been focusing on darker and deeper matters recently, and perhaps feeling a little out of step. This is changing rapidly this month as you are exposed to new ideas, people and places. While you can feel restless at times, you are bound to find ways to expand your mind. Students fare well this month, even though they face many demands. It’s a strong month for travel as well. Energy levels increase and less resistance is encountered from others and from circumstances.

You are coming out of your shell this month. Cosmic energy is ripe for providing you with the right circumstances under which to really enjoy and express yourself. Your romantic life takes centre stage in June, and while there can be some social drama in your life now, for the most part you’re likely to have a good time. It’s a favourable month for announcing or showing your creative work. Problems are easier to work through with family members, and opportunities to improve living conditions can emerge.

CANCER [22 JUN - 22 JUL] While you continue to be in high demand at the beginning of June, you will have an increased need for time to yourself and for extra rest as the month progresses. You may naturally withdraw from more competitive or demanding situations. You definitely need a break from a hectic pace and from the critical eyes of others. Even so, your job can undergo a number of little changes that require you to be adaptable and flexible. Friendships that allow you the freedom to be yourself can be especially pleasant and refreshing.

SCORPIO [24 OCT - 21 NOV]

PISCES [20 FEB - 20 MAR]

This month, you’re entering a year-long cycle in which the way you relate to others on a one-to-one level changes and expands. You are likely to derive much pleasure from partnerships, and the people you meet can be integral to enlivening your life. By giving more freedom to a special someone in your life, you’ll enjoy a stronger sense of personal fulfillment and improved relations. June does require some adjustments, especially on a financial level, and particularly around the 15th. New budgets or payment plans may be necessary now.

While June can begin at a hectic pace, you’re likely to find much solace in home and family as the month progresses. Efforts to make improvements to your home life should be very successful this month, and you’re likely to want to entertain from home or do some redecorating. Family relations improve dramatically. Your ability to communicate effectively with others is greater this month. New opportunities to learn and new intellectual interests are likely to round out your days well, bringing more satisfaction to your life.

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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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LUXURY HOME BUILDER “Formed in 2007 by experienced property developer John May, Quay Property Group is a luxury building contractor for clients in Marbella and London.”

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