Essential Magazine February 2016 by Essential Magazine

N º 198 - FEBRUARY 2016

COMPLIMENTARY EDITION

VALENTINE

GREAT

RELATIONSHIPS

BMW

STILLER

ÁGATHA

RUIZ DE

Films

BEN TOP ROMANTIC

M6 COUPE LA PRADA

TRIBUTE

GETAWAYS DISTILLED

LANGUAGES

OF LOVE TO BOWIE

I S S U E 1 9 8 • F E B R UA RY 2 0 1 6

ESSENTIAL FOR LUXURIOUS LIVING

essential essential magazine® marbella

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 PA 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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MARBELLA

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Enclosed: 378 m² Plot: 842 m² Price: € 2,350,000

NUEVA ANDALUCÍA Contemporary 5-bed villa under construction in La Cerquilla, one of the most sought after areas with 24-hr security. Top quality specifications throughout. Due to be completed in autumn 2016. Ref. ES8757

Enclosed: 613 m² Plot: 2,500 m² Price: € 4,600,000

GUADALMINA BAJA Beachfront 5-bed villa offering privacy in this prestigious area, enjoying uninterrupted sea views. Ref. ES08572

Enclosed: 475 m² Plot: 1,546 m² Price: € 3,650,000

SIERRA BLANCA Immaculate and stylish

Enclosed: 459 m² Plot: 1,149 m² Price: € 1,820,000

LA QUINTA Brand-new 4-bed modern villa

Enclosed: 163m² Plot: 776 m² Price: € 995,000

LOS MONTEROS 3-bed renovated beachside

with sea, golf & mountain views. Highest standards. Minutes to amenities. Ref. ES8764

5-bed Mediterranean-style villa with sea views. Impressive qualities throughout. Ref. ES8979

bungalow. Exclusive complex with 24-hr security. Next to 5-star hotel & beach club. Ref. ES8871

An International Associate of Savills

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Enclosed: 640 m² Plot: 1,200 m² Price: € 7,900,000

GOLDEN MILE Rare opportunity to acquire a newly-built modern 6-bed beachside villa in the most exclusive area. Urbanization with 24-hr security, next to the Marbella Club. Top qualities and luxury fittings. Ref. ES08727

Enclosed: 1,091 m² Plot: 6,210 m² Price: € 6,950,000

LA ZAGALETA Stunning 6-bed mansion with excellent views to the Med & Gibraltar. Built on one level with top quality materials. Ref. ES8920

Enclosed: 536 m² Plot: 1,697 m² Price: € 1,950,000

Enclosed: 208 m² Terrace: 88 m² Price: € 2,300,000

LA TRINIDAD Superb 3-bed penthouse in the best block of this 5-star complex, short walk to the beach. Ref. ES7070

Enclosed: 236 m² Terrace: 64 m² Price: € 1,650,000

CASCADA DE CAMOJÁN 5-bed villa with panoramic views. Established complex with 24-hr security. Lots of potential. Ref. ES8025

GOLDEN MILE Beachfront 4-bed apartment ideally located in Coral Beach. Walking distance to Puerto Banús & amenities. Ref. ES9081

Offices at the Puente Romano Hotel & opposite the Marbella Club Hotel Tel. (+34) 952 863 750 info@panorama.es www.panorama.es

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Issue 198 • February 2016

S T A F F PUBLISHER AND DIRECTOR IAIN BLACKWELL director@essentialmagazine.com

YEARS

GENERAL MANAGER ANDREA BÖJTI sales@essentialmagazine.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR MARISA CUTILLAS editorial@essentialmagazine.com PRODUCTION MANAGER SUSANNE WHITAKER design@essentialmagazine.com

U ANNIVERSARY U

SALES SUPPORT JAN DENDAUW jan@essentialmagazine.com RÉKA VIDÁTS reka@essentialmagazine.com ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE MARIANO JEVA cuentas@essentialmagazine.com OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR MONIKA BÖJTI info@essentialmagazine.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR ANDREA BÖJTI DESIGN & LAYOUT INMA AURIOLES

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER KEVIN HORN (WWW.PHOTOGRAPHERMARBELLA.COM) CONTRIBUTING WRITERS IAIN BLACKWELL, MICHEL CRUZ, RIK FOXX, RUSSELL GRANT, PHILIP BOMBER HARRIS, ALI PARANDEH, TONY WHITNEY PRINTING JIMÉNEZ GODOY A. GRÁFICAS, MURCIA DEPÓSITO LEGAL 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

ESSENTIAL MARBELLA MAGAZINE

@ESSENTIALEDITOR

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The publishers make every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are correct, but cannot accept Marbella Magazine cannot accept responsibility for the effects of errors or omissions. responsibility for the claims, goods or services of advertisers. Marbella Magazine. © Publicaciones Independientes Costa del Sol S.L. for 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.

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Sierra Blanca: The most spectacular panoramic sea views available in Sierra Blanca. Best priced villa, modern and elegant, built to high standards. Heated pool, bodega, gym, big garage for 3 cars. 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. Built 702 m2, plot 1.456 m2. E&V ID: W-0245KP. Price: 3.490.000 €. Tel.: 952 86 84 06.

Bahía de Marbella: Fantastically priced! Stunning villa just meters from the beach. Luxurious and very chic, beautiful indoor and outdoor entertaining areas. 5 beds, 4 baths. Built 698 m2, plot 1.740 m2. E&V ID: W-01U3UR. Price 2.750.000 €. Tel.: 952 83 20 40.

Sierra Blanca: Impressive home in Sierra Blanca with spectacular panoramic sea and mountain views. Separate guest apartment. Indoor pool, sauna, bodega and bar. 6 beds, 6 baths. Built 1.596 m2, plot 4.068 m2. E&V ID: W-022O7T. Price: 8.500.000 €. Tel.: 952 86 84 06.

Front Line Puerto Banús: Opportunity! Fantastically priced apartment! Spacious and bright rooms, own car park space and lift access. 3 beds, 3 baths. Living area 193 m2, terrace 48 m2. E&V ID: W-01EX8U. Price: 1.295.000 €. Tel.: 952 85 98 60.

Monte Paraíso Country Club: Don’t miss this opportunity! Best priced apartment with fantastic sea views on the Golden Mile. Golf, gym, club house. 2 beds, 3 baths. Living area 170m2, terrace 25 m2. E&V ID: W-023BAO. Price: 500.000 €. Tel.: 952 86 84 06.

Office Marbella: 952 86 84 06 · Office Puerto Banús: 952 85 98 60 www.engelvoelkers.com/MarbellaPuertoBanus

we will show you where!

Sierra Blanca: Absolutely the best priced, newly built contemporary villa in Sierra Blanca, offering luxury and comfort, exclusive fittings, highest specifications, the latest technology and high quality fittings. 5 beds, 5 baths. Built 820 m2, plot 1.500 m2. E&V ID: W-0217CZ. Price: 3.700.000 €. Tel.: 952 86 84 06.

Nueva Andalucía La Cerquilla: Very stylish and modern villa in the most sought after location. Spacious reception rooms and suites, beautifully decorated. 6 beds, 7 baths. Built 1564 m2, plot 2.221 m2. E&V ID: W-020506. Price: 3.250.000 €. Tel.: 952 85 98 60.

La Zagaleta: Unique contemporary architecture presenting luxury living at its best, spectacular sea views. Spa level with indoor pool, sauna, pool bar, gym and cinema. 6 beds, 5 baths, Built 1.080 m2, plot 4.600 m2. E&V ID: W-021GYA. Price: 7.950.000 €. Tel: 952 85 98 60.

Beachfront Los Monteros: Stunning beachfront luxury apartment in the prestigious Los Monteros Playa. Large terrace and direct beach access. 3 beds, 3 baths. Living area 187 m2, terrace 40 m2. E&V ID: W-023AX5. Price: 1.850.000 €. Tel.: 952 83 20 40.

Beachfront Puerto Banús: The only penthouse available in the most exclusive Los Granados! Indoor heated pool, Spa, gym, club house. 4 beds, 4 baths. Living area 279 m2, terrace 458 m2. E&V ID: W-02475D. Price: 2.995.000 €. Tel.: 952 85 98 60.

Office Elviria: 952 83 55 80 · Office El Rosario: 952 83 20 40 www.engelvoelkers.com/MarbellaAndEast

LEFTPAGE-Ferbrero-2016.pdf

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Villa – La Zagaleta, Benahavis 3 Beds 3 Baths 941m2 Built 6.417m2 Plot

Price: 5.500.000€ Ref: DM3476

Unique villa with panoramic views across the coast from one of the best plots in La Zagaleta, offering the ultimate combination of beauty, privacy and security. Main house and guest accommodation. Can be easily extended to 7 bedroom suites.

CMY

Villa – Marbella Club Golf Resort, Benahavis 7 Beds 7 Baths

883m2 Built 4.746m2 Plot

Price: 4.100.000€ Ref: DM3784

Outstanding frontline golf villa in a privileged location within the resort. Panoramic sea, golf and mountain views from all floors. Main house, 1 bedroom guest house and 2 bedroom apartment.

Over 417 Offices in 58 Countries

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Villa – Sierra Blanca, Marbella Golden Mile 7 Beds 7 Baths 2.000m2 Built 3.118m2 Plot

Price: 10.000.000€ Ref: DM3198-02

Extraordinary architectural jewel in the most sought after location, offering panoramic sea views and spacious living areas. Brand new home built to the highest standards with the ultimate materials and technology.

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Villa – La Zagaleta, Benahavis 5 Beds 5 Baths 950m2 Built 7.293m2 Plot

Price: 4.500.000€ Ref: DM3561

Splendid home on extensive plot with impeccable Mediterranean design and superior construction. Convenient layout and landscaped gardens with heated pool make this a perfect family villa for year-round living.

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contents The Trend Cinema 26 Home Viewing 28 Music News 30 Books 32 Technology: Smart Dating 34 Cars: The New BMW M6 36

The Focus Top Romantic Films 40 What Great Relationships Have in Common 50 Original Ways to Impress Your Valentine’s Date 52 David Bowie Tribute 54 Ben Stiller 56

The Style A Luxury Villa by P4 Arquitectos 60 Fashion: Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada 68 Fashion News 74

The Spa Valentine’s Beauty 78 Beauty News 80 Making Romance Last an Eternity 82

The Pro 88 Enterprise 94 Business Proﬁle: Claret Events 96 The Vibe 99 Big M Concerts in Early March

The Leisure 100 Valentine Getaways 106: Hotel: El Lodge Ski & Spa

The Gourmet 111 Sukhothai 112 Food News 114 Chef’s Proﬁle: Diego Gallegos of Sollo 116 For the Love of Wine

The Guide 118 Listings

The Blog 125 Pet News 126 What’s On 128 Stars 130 Family Fun

Health News 84 Health Proﬁle: Dr. Petr Spurek of the Foot & Sports Clinic Marbella 86

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Sierra Blanca, Liszt 2

architects

20 years experience in developing luxury architecture in Marbella

eulalia polo joaquĂn amores C/ Azaleas 51, 1 derecha. 29660 Nueva AndalucĂa - Marbella (Spain) phone 951 402 080 info@p4arquitectos.com www.p4arquitectos.com 198 P4.indd 1

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WORDS BY IAIN BLACKWELL

LOVE

ACTUALLY

ove exists in many guises: Platonic, Parental, Sentimental, Sensual, Compassionate, Consummate, Enduring, Unrequited, True Love, Self Love and the Love of Nature. It is the emotion we all live for and we need a lot more of it if our planet is ultimately going to make it. In this edition, with Valentine’s Day almost upon us, we focus on Romantic Love, the loveliest of them all. Relive the essence of real romance with our lead feature on top love stories in film; find out what stable relationships have in common; and learn about the languages of love. We also delve into smart dating, suggest some great local Valentine getaways and raise a toast to that age-old aid to amour in For the Love of Wine. This month sees the long-awaited release of Zoolander 2, whose trailer is hysterical, and we profile the multi-talented Ben Stiller, who co-wrote the script. Last month, the world lost a muchloved icon with the passing of David Bowie and this issue wouldn’t be complete without a tribute to him. Elsewhere, we talk with newly Michelin-starred chef, Diego Gallegos, of Sollo, marvel at the design and contemporary styling of a superb state-of-the-art villa in Sierra Blanca, and enjoy Royal Thai Cuisine at Sukhothai, a veritable institution in Marbella. Amor est vitae essentia - Love is the essence of life.

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Plot size: 2195 m2 Total built area >> 1030 m2 divided following way:

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trend READING / MUSIC / FILMS / GADGETS / MOTORING / TRENDS

Enjoy whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s left of the Winter with our list of top cinema and home viewing releases, read up on the latest happenings on the music scene and enjoy our list of top books on love and relationships. Check out the future of partner compatibility with our insight into Smart Dating.

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26 Cinema 28

Home Viewing

Music News

32 Books 34

Technology: Smart Dating

Cars: The New BMW M6

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THE TREND cinema WORDS marisa cutillas

e BLOCKBUSTER OF

THE MONTH

»» Genre Comedy (The Secret »» DirectoR Ben Stiller

Life of Walter Mitty) en Wilson, »» Actors Ben Stiller, Ow h atc erb mb Cu Benedict

lander fashion icons, Derek Zoo Older yet still gorgeous much a of m for the in tch ma and Hansel, meet their h) who (Benedict Cumberbatc younger, cooler model rld’s top wo the h wit cts tra y con has sneakily signed juic ve that pro to out amic duo set fashion brands. The dyn what it e hav l stil y the , age tain despite being over a cer swoon. takes to make women

Zoolander 2

»» Genre Comedy »» Director Rob Letterman

(Monsters vs Aliens) »» actors Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush

Goosebumps

If you have children aged 12 and above then, chances are, your shelves are filled with books from R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series. Finally, the magical books (tinged with ‘horror’) are being brought to life on the big screen, in a film starring Jack Black as the Author himself. All hell breaks loose when the evil characters from his most popular works come to life in a normally peaceful little village.

»» Genre Animation »» Directors Byron Howard

»» Genre Drama/Western »» Director Alejandro González Iñárritu (Biutiful)

»» ACTORS Tom Hardy, Leonardo

DiCaprio, Domnhall Gleeson

The Revenant

In the depths of the wild American forest, frontiersman Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) is gravely hurt after being mauled by a bear. Instead of being rescued, he is left for dead by a member of his team (Tom Hardy). Glass, relying on his strength of will, resolves to avenge this treachery no matter what it takes.

(Bolt), Rich Moore (Wreck-It Ralph), Jared Bush (Big Hero 6) »» VOICES Jason Bateman, Ginnifer Goodwin, Alan Tudyk

Zootropolis

The modern mammal world of Zootropolis comprises a series of districts with different habitats, including the luxurious Sahara Square (nice and sunny) and the sparse Tundratown (freezing cold). All types of animals live together peacefully, until a little bunny called Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) decides to join a police force comprising tough animals she can’t compete with in strength. Hopps grows determined to show she is worth her weight in gold, teaming up with a sneaky fox (Jason Bateman) to solve a complex crime.

»» Genre Comedy »» Director Christian Ditter

(Love, Rosie) »» actors Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Leslie Mann

How to Be Single

Welcome to the Lonely Hearts Club, made up of a group of vivacious young singles in New York who are trying to find Mr. Right. Slowly but surely, they learn that being single is a time to be cherished and they begin to enjoy the present moment, with unexpected and hilarious results.

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Nueva Andalucia - La Alzambra

FASHIONABLE AND COSY VILLA IN THE ALZAMBRA This cosy and beautiful townhouse boasts high quality detail and a fabulous location in the exclusive urbanization of La Alzambra Puerto Banús in Marbella. Fully furnished, it has 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and a toilet, a spacious lounge, storage with garage, fully equipped kitchen, underfloor heating in the kitchen and bathrooms and private garden and community swimming pool. Air conditioning and marble flooring. Ref. 200-00044P - Sale Price €835.000

4 Beds • 4 Baths • 144m2 Plot • 291m2 Built • 80m2 Terraces

Nueva Andalucia - La Alzambra

ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT in VASARI VACATION RESORT This incredible apartment with 97 m2 of total area has been built to the highest standards and enjoys a privileged location within the VASARI VACATION RESORT, just 5 minutes from Puerto Banús. Luxuriously furnished, it has one bedroom with bathroom en-suite, large fully equipped kitchen and a fantastic terrace. Features include air conditioning, heating and electric blinds. The property is also sold with parking and storage room. Ref. 200-00007P - Sale Price €320.000 1 Bed • 1 Bath • 97m2 Built

For further information contact: Vasari Real Estate Centro Comercial La Alzambra - Oficina 1-3, 29660 Marbella (Málaga) - España Tels.: +34 952 90 71 61 • +34 607 645 545 Mail: info@vasariproperties.com • Web: www.vasariproperties.com

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THE TREND home viewing

Marisa Cutillas brings us a few of the season’s top DVD releases. »» Genre Science Fiction »» Director Alan Taylor (The

Emperor’s New Clothes)

»» actors Arnold Schwarzenegger,

Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke »» IMDB Rating 6.7/10

Pixels »» Genre Animation »» Director Chris Columbus

Terminator Genisys

(Home Alone) »» actors Adam Sadler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan »» IMDB Rating 5.7/10

When John Connor, hero and leader of the resistance, sends Sergeant Kyle Reese back to 1984 to protect Sarah Connor and ensure a better future, an unexpected occurrence creates a fracture in the timeline and the world once again becomes vulnerable to destruction.

ONTH

D RELEASE OF THE M

e FEATURED DV »» Genre Action »» Director

Peyton Reed (Yes Man) »» ACTORS Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly

»» IMDB Rating

7.5/10

When they were children in the 1980s, Sam Brenner, Will Cooper, Ludlow Lamonsoff and Eddie Plant were champions at games like PAC-MAN, Space Invaders and Donkey Kong. Little do they imagine that in the 21st century, they will be called upon to save the world from a group of aliens who use these games as a model for their attack against Planet Earth.

r, Hank Pym is When talented docto company by Darren n ow his of t forced ou é, he relies on tég Cross, his former pro a young cat , ng La ott Sc of the talent released en be t burglar who has jus s Ant-Man, me co be ng La from prison. tin g to y proportions capable of shrinkin superhuman strength a of d yet possesse into a hero. Pym that will convert him his skills to prevent e us asks Ant-Man to ting the world using Cross from domina rinking technology. sh the revolutionary

Ant-Man »» Genre Comedy »» Director Seth McFarlane

(Family Guy) »» ACTORS Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried, Jessica Barth »» IMDB Rating 6.5/10

Ted 2

Stuffed teddy bear, Ted, has really settled down since his heavy pot smoking days in the first Ted film. He has just got married to Tami-Lynn, the woman of his dreams, he lives in a beautiful house and he is still friends with Josh, who is still more immature than Ted himself. Things begin to go awry when Ted and Tami-Lynn decide to be parents and are called upon to prove that Ted is actually a legal ‘person’. With the help of Josh and a lovely young lawyer, the bear may just convince judge and jury that he is much more than a toy that can talk.

The Age of Adaline »» Genre Drama/ Romance »» Director Lee Toland Krieger

(The Vicious Kind) »» ACTORS Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Harrison Ford »» IMDB Rating 7.2/10

Blake Lively plays Adaline, a beautiful woman who stops ageing after surviving a terrible accident. She flies solo to prevent causing hurt or coming under the suspicion of others, but cannot help but let her guard down twice in her life, falling madly in love with two men who have an unexpected connection.

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THE TREND music

¿QUÉ PASA?

On January 11, this scribe woke to pen this page and found himself totally gobsmacked when hearing that one of his Heroes, DAVID BOWIE, was no longer with us. The news came just three days after his 69th birthday and the release of his new album Blackstar. There is not enough space in this magazine, never mind this page, to pay tribute to this great man, who without doubt, was one of the most influential icons the music world has ever known. This came just over a fortnight after the loss of the ultimate rock n’ roll Hellraiser, LEMMY, who was diagnosed with cancer two days after his 70th birthday on Christmas Eve, and died two days later. The world will be a sorrier place without these two legends and these eyes and ears were fortunate enough to have witnessed them in concert several times. God bless you both and thank you very much for all the unforgettable memories.

Well no action on the coast for this month at the mo but check your local weekly publications for any last minute arranged events. At the time of writing, all info on this page was correct. There’s a couple of big events which will be shown on the gogglebox. At about 01:15 during the early hours of Monday February 8, the prestigious Superbowl half-time show features COLDPLAY, who will be joined on stage by BEYONCE who is expected to perform both the tracks she appears on from the band’s recent album A Head Full Of Dreams. There is also talk that RIHANNA and BRUNO MARS may turn up but that is yet to be conﬁrmed. Both the BBC and

Sky Sports will be showing the performance live. COLDPLAY will also appear at the Brit Awards February 24 along with ADELE and JUSTIN BIEBER. ONE DIRECTION are also billed but the boys are trying to pull out if possible. ITV will broadcast the show with a slight delay as there have been 'incidents' in the past. ITV will also broadcast the after show backstage interviews on one of their other channels. And on February 15, the 2016 Grammy Awards will be live on-line; performers are yet to be conﬁrmed but TAYLOR SWIFT is expected on stage as she is up for several awards. Interesting fact: she was the world’s highest earning music star last year raking in an average of £650,000 a day.

Spain’s biggest festival, Benicàssim (near Valencia) has named the first artists for this year’s get together with BLOC PARTY, JAMIE XX and the MACCABEES. The festival takes place July 14 - 17. Ticket info: www.fiberfib.com The latest named being lined-up for a hologram concert is JACKIE WILSON. Hologram USA, who pioneered the TUPAC SHAKUR projection in 2012, said the soul legend’s performance will include “the leaps, spins and back-flips, not to mention his amazing four-octave range.” Many remember him for Reet Petite, a song co-written by BERRY GORDY in 1957, and with the cash he made for writing it, he launched Tamla Motown records. Jackie died on January 21, 1984 aged 49.

GUNS N’ ROSES

WORDS RIK FOXX

GUNS N’ ROSES fans got the news they have been praying for with the announcement that the band will play April’s Coachella Festival. Original members AXL ROSE, SLASH and bassist DUFF McKAGAN are conﬁrmed but the drummer and other guitarist are still to be named. The above three last played together in 1993 which was followed by a 20year plus feud between AXL and SLASH.

JACKO fans take note: 1979’s Off The Wall album is reissued complete with a new SPIKE LEE documentary Journey From Motown To Off The Wall, which got its world premiere on January 24 at the Sundance Film Festival. It chronicles his rise from child stardom with personal archive footage plus interviews with family members. Landing date is February 26. Meanwhile Thriller recently became the ﬁrst album ever to hit worldwide sales of over 100 million. He might not be as popular as in days gone by but KANYE WEST will release his new album Swish on February 11 – it will be interesting to see how the selfproclaimed ‘greatest living rock star on the planet’s LP fairs in the charts. JUSTIN BIEBER did his reputation no harm after giving his blessing for the GREENWICH NHS CHOIR Christmas charity single to knock him off the top of the UK charts for the prestigious festive number one. It worked in his favour as he claimed all top three singles spots in mid January. Then he made a Mayan monkey of himself and was ‘asked to leave’ a Mexican archaeological site after climbing a historical building that was cordoned off by no entry signs. e

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THE TREND books

Are You Speaking the Right

“The one who chooses to love will find appropriate ways to express that decision every day” Gary Chapman

LANGUAGE OF LOVE?

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

alling in love is easy but staying that way is a much bigger challenge for most people. Relationships experts say that when asked to list things individuals don’t like about their partner, the list is often long and wordy, yet when asked to list the things about themselves that could improve, only three or four qualities at most, are mentioned. For best-selling Author, Gary Chapman, the problem often lies in the way we communicate. In his New York Times best-selling book, The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts, he espouses the captivating theory that we all have our own, unique language of love, or way in which we both express, and want to receive, love. The problem lies when our partner’s and our own languages differ considerably. They may be showing us their love, yet we cannot see it, because we do not understand them. When we comprehend the specific acts, words or physical gestures our partner needs to feel love and cared for, we can work on our own means of expression, to find a common language we both understand. Chapman has identified five

main languages of love. You can have more than one strong preference, though being aware of these desires in yourself and your partner, is crucial. Log onto www.5lovelanguages.com, and take the online test to discover which language or languages tend to dominate in your personality. The five languages of love are: Z QUALITY TIME: Those preferring this language like nothing more than having their partner’s full, undivided attention. They feel most loved when their partner dedicates a full day to them, even if they are just chilling out at home or doing something simple like taking a walk in natural surrounds. They find broken dates, late arrivals and a failure to listen (or frequent interruption) very hurtful. Z RECEIVING GIFTS: Gift givers show that somebody means a lot to them by going out of their way to find the perfect gift. It isn’t about materialism per se, but rather, about wanting to make someone happy by buying them something they have always wanted or letting them know they are on your mind, even if the gift is just a small detail. These people feel betrayed when you forget a birthday, anniversary or Valentine’s Day. For them, gifts are powerful symbols with profound meaning. Z WORDS OF AFFIRMATION: If this is your love language, you need to hear the words “I love you” from your partner or “Your work is greatly appreciated” from your boss. Words can mean more than actions and they can also hurt a great deal. Go out of

your way to verbally encourage a person who needs it; it costs very little and goes a long way in terms of building a happy relationship. Z ACTS OF SERVICE: Those with this love language love doing favours for others, but also like nothing more than someone taking a difﬁcult chore off their hands or helping them with a challenging project. Nothing bothers them more than someone who puts more work on their plate through laziness, neglect or broken commitments. Find ways to serve them; they can grow tired of doing favours for others and receiving little in return. Z PHYSICAL TOUCH: A person whose primary language involves physical touch needs to be hugged and touched frequently. It isn’t all about hitting peaks every night in the bedroom; keep them happy by holding their hand, walking with your arm around their shoulder and sitting close to them. Once you take the online test, you may notice that you have one or two strong love language preferences. Ask your partner to take the same test, and have a talk about your respective languages and how you can each take steps to speak in a way the other understands. Just a few small changes (like a hug a day, flowers on someone’s birthday or a few words of appreciation) can go a long way when it comes to saving a relationship. Are you ready to start speaking in richer, more beautiful and varied languages of love? e

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THE TREND technology

The Love Machine

SMART LOVE U

ntil the 18th century, it was common for parents to find and arrange the love and marriage of their children. They were the ones who knew you best and of course, in the interest of family fortune, would make sure that you would marry the right partner. That’s history, at least in Europe and the western world. However the truth is that Facebook, Google and your phone probably know you better than your parents and that before you get married next time, you might want to try some virtual reality games with your new partner. Is he/she really up to it? Matchmaking using mathematical algorithms may sound like a modern method for finding love, but in reality the practice goes back to 1500BC, used by the ancient religion of Brahminism. The practice of Vedic Astrology consisted of weighing different aspects of the human personality along with their astro connections in order to identify good matches. The scene and the entire market has moved on and now features dating agents, dating websites and dating Apps such as Tinder, Happn, Hinge, Pure, OkCupid and many more that use geolocalisation to find you the best possible

match nearest to you, be it in your neighbourhood or the bar you are drinking in. Today’s matchmaking websites are not that different to the Brahmin’s style of matchmaking. These websites rely on millions of people answering an endless number of questions that can then match people based on different algorithms. These algorithms vary from one website to another and some may be slightly better than others. Unfortunately and in reality these websites are only good at one thing. They are good at helping you rule out who not to date. They are mainly based on proﬁle compatibility that in most cases can give you a match based on answers given by a person when they are not under stress but also based on how they would like to be seen and not who they necessarily are. Don’t despair. In 1946, psychologist Fritz Heider, developed a simple methodology to quantify how what you liked affected your relationships and how your relationships affected what you liked. The theory is that when the people we like don’t like the same things we like, we grow to either like those people less, tolerate their bizarre affections a bit more, or convince ourselves that the discrepancy is an illusion

or irrelevant. Any of the above options brings the relationship back into balance. Since balanced relationships require less energy to maintain, they are more sustainable. Now guess who knows most about your friends and what you like and what they like. You got it, Facebook! Every time you click Like and interact, it allows Facebook to understand your relationship with that person better. Back to the ‘present’; in 2004, a computer scientist, Guha, proposed an alternative theory that complements the theory of Heider. He maintained that status was more important. When the Facebook Data Science team applied the social balance and status theory to several websites, they found that they could predict relationships with an accuracy of almost 90 per cent. Recent research has shown that the long term sustainability of a romantic relationship is predictable on the basis of three variables. The ﬁrst is the long list of similarities between partners, the method that is mostly used by the dating websites. Similarities based on music, religion, educational attainment, income, location and so on. But you are more than just a sexual fetish, income bracket or your last educational qualiﬁcation.

This is why the most important of these three variables and the other two are how partners collaborate and interact on a day-by-day basis and how they react to stressful events. Variables such as how well someone listens, interrupts and non verbal forms of communication are an all important part of clicking or not! We are all interested in ﬁnding someone who likes the same things we like; someone with whom we can share the good times and the bad times. This is where the fun begins. Until now, it would have been inconceivable for couples to think or try any such test, but advances in virtual reality allow you to play virtual games and role playing that help you to see how your other half would react in those situations. Do you really want to spend your life with someone who starts shouting or crying the minute things do not go as he/she had envisaged or planned? Couple such virtual reality games for stress testing with Facebook’s knowledge about you, your friends and this tangle of relationships, and you can see why it won’t be long before your smart phone can tell you: ‘You just walked past the love of your life’, or ‘The person who just eyed you up is only interested in a fling. You decide’. e

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THE TREND motoring

BMW M6 COUPE

There have been some mighty impressive BMWs over the years and I’ve been lucky to drive most of them, but none of them quite matched up to the M6 I drove recently. It has everything a serious BMW should have – stunning looks, superlative build quality and awesome performance.

WORDS TONY WHITNEY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BMW

f course, part of the reason is the ‘M’ badge with its multi-coloured flag. Some luxury automakers have specially equipped models with distinctive identiﬁcation logos or alpha-numerics, but none of them have quite the magic of BMW’s M. Only MercedesBenz’ AMG line comes close. The BMW M badge really means something in terms of performance and handling and it’s been there right from the start. The M stands for Motorsport, indicating that the car has been worked over by that division of BMW. Nowadays, BMW M is a division of its own and ‘motorsport’ is no longer part of the pitch for these models. The division was originally formed in 1972 to handle BMW’s racing activities, but

it was soon decided to apply its expertise to road cars. The racing heritage lingers though, because all M models are tested and tuned at a BMW facility at the famed Nürburgring circuit. Although these cars are primarily aimed at consumers, they’ve been adapted for racing over the decades with great success. The M6 is the latest in a distinguished line of BMW coupés that goes back to 1976, although sporty two-door cars were produced since the 1930s. The M6 is based on the company’s 6 Series models which are less expensive and, of course, don’t have quite the same performance credentials as the potent version. The bodywork of the M6 is so great to behold I’d rate it one of the best-looking BMW

cars ever. It’s exceptionally sleek and beautifully sculptured and shows off well with the huge M wheels and slightly lower suspension. It’s wellbalanced in design and very tough to fault from a styling standpoint. Power comes from a lusty 4.4-litre turbocharged V-8, matched to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed ZF automatic gearbox. This powerplant is so responsive, a fast takeoff gives you a kick in the back that must be something akin to what you get as an astronaut leaving earth’s gravity. It really is that impressive, but that’s what you get from 560-horsepower. Even so, this car can be taken to its limits without ever feeling anything but rock-solid safe. It’s stable and surefooted and there’s never any feeling of control loss.

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BMW’s M people have tuned the suspension to perfection and the car is exceptionally stable at very high speeds in tight corners. It’s certainly one of those cars that needs a race track to really exploit its capabilities. Even though the suspension is a little hard, I never found the car uncomfortable on poor road surfaces and it rides very well indeed. This handling prowess is matched by accurate steering that responds to minor inputs really well. As always, BMW has nailed the dynamics perfectly and it’s hard to imagine any way this aspect could be improved. The cockpit is superbly trimmed and once inside, the position of the driver’s seat and its relationship to steering wheel and pedals is excellent. The various controls take a bit of learning and BMW still hasn’t really perfected the information and SatNav screen, but owner familiarity should take care of that. For media people who usually get a week with a test car, it’s hard to grasp everything the way an owner would. Oddment space around the interior isn’t

that good, a common complaint with cars of this conﬁguration. The M6 is designed for four occupants, but taller adults won’t be that happy in the back. A friend who has a new M6 bought it because it would comfortably accommodate his two youngsters in the rear seats and in fact, it was the only car in this class he checked out that would handle this job satisfactorily. On the road, the M6 is pure joy with its instant response, taut handling and feeling of solidity and safety. If things do go wrong, it has all the usual safety features that come with cars in this class. The brakes are very impressive and the front discs are positively huge. Just a touch of the pedal at very high speeds and the car slows with ease and it’s effortless to come down from 250 km/h to 80 km/h without the least squirming or nose-down drama. It’s an expensive car, but something of a bargain when compared to a Mercedes-Benz AMG equivalent. It’s worth noting that there’s now a fourdoor version of this model called the Gran Coupé. The M6 is also available as a convertible. e

Z ENGINE: 4.4-litre turbocharged V-8. Z TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic. Z ACCELERATION: Zero to 100 km/h in 4.2-secs. Z TOP SPEED: 250 km/h (electronically limited). Z I LIKED: One of the bestlooking BMWs ever built and with performance to match its looks. Exhilarating acceleration and top speed, matched by outstanding brakes and suspension. Roomier inside than many luxury cars in this conﬁguration. Beautifully trimmed and ﬁnished. Z I DIDN’T LIKE: Oddment cubby holes around the cockpit are not great. BMW’s infotainment screen is still not quite up to others in this class. Z MARKET ALTERNATIVES: Mercedes-Benz S-Class coupé, Audi RS7, Bentley Continental, Porsche Panamera. Z WHO DRIVES ONE? BMW enthusiasts who want the sportiest model in the company’s range. Buyers who have been running luxury sports cars and need room inside for four but don’t want to give up on optimal performance and handling. Z PRICE AND AVAILABILITY: Available now at around €150.000.

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CULTURE / HISTORY / FEATURES

focus FAMOUS PEOPLE / INTERVIEWS / HUMOUR

Love is in the air and we present our readers with many notions on the world’s favourite subject. Enjoy our feature on top romantic films, read about what all great relationships have in common, and find new ways to impress your loved one. Bowie fans will appreciate our tribute to the Starman, while cinephiles will discover what makes Ben Stiller tick.

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Top Romantic Films

What Great Relationships Have in Common

Original Ways to Impress Your Valentine’s Date

David Bowie Tribute

Ben Stiller

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THE FOCUS films

THE MOST

ROMANTIC FILMS OF ALL TIME

Debora Kerr running to the Empire State to meet the man who helped turn her life around; Julie Delpie grudgingly engaging in conversation with a dashingly handsome Ethan Hawke on a train going to Vienna; Clarke Gable carrying Vivien Leigh down the winding staircase of their dreamlike mansion in Gone with the Wind… these images are imprinted in our mind, recalled with an aching longing, conjured up when we most need symbols of our own passion, love and loss. Romantic ﬁlms have played such an important role in the collective psyche that the idea of creating what is bound to be a highly subjective list of personal bests, is bound to disappoint. Magazine presents you with what we prefer to call a list of suggestions for days when you wonder how you ended up exactly where you are now; those days when you miss someone you didn’t know then, was the love of your life; or when you turn to your sleeping partner and feel a surge of warmth in your heart, as you silently tell yourself that they are ‘the one’. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Derek Cianfrance, who wrote and directed Blue Valentine, was said to have been so affected by his parents’ divorce when he was 20, that he tried to give shape to his conflicting emotions in Blue Valentine, a ﬁlm about the metamorphosis of young, romantic love into conflict, emptiness and loneliness. Ryan Gosling proves he is one of his generation’s ﬁnest actors, in his portrayal of Dean: a head-over-heels-in love man of little ambition but deep kindness and commitment. Michelle Williams is equally excellent as Cindy: a pre-med student who almost reluctantly lets her hapless suitor into her life when she discovers she is pregnant with her ex-boyfriend’s baby. So in love is Dean, he offers to marry Cindy and raise her child as his own. Despite the spark

that exists between Dean and Cindy, there are warning signs from the start. Dean is happy to lead a simple life and come home to his wife and baby, but Cindy wishes Dean would live up to his “potential”. The ﬁlm juxtaposes images from the present with those of the past, and Dean’s love for his wife is unwavering throughout… which makes you wish all the harder that the couple could make it work out, even though you know it’s over.

Blue Valentine

(Derek Cianfrance, 2010)

“

Cindy: I’m so out of love with you. I’ve got nothing left for you, nothing, nothing. Nothing, there is nothing here for you.

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Why is it that what first attracted you to your partner often becomes what most annoys you? What would you give to be able to erase a painful love story from your mind? Would you choose to forget the love of your life if you could? Are soulmates destined to be together, and will they find each other regardless of the most elaborately set up obstacles? Most importantly, would you choose your soulmate again, despite knowing that your relationship probably wouldn’t work out? These are powerful questions, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind answers them through a surreal marriage of memory, desire, dreams and reality. In the role of his lifetime, Jim Carrey plays Joel, a shy, sensitive soul who unwittingly discovers that his girlfriend, Clementine, has approached a revolutionary company with a technology capable of erasing Joel from her memory. The film alternates between past and present, delving into psychology and philosophy through Joel’s

intense flashbacks and imaginings, as he struggles to keep their love story from fading into oblivion. In one of the most iconic scenes in film history, Joel and Clementine lie in the middle of a crack in a frozen lake, the image representing the vulnerability of human relationships, and their infinite beauty. And the whiteness, the pristine whiteness of the snow covered beach upon whose shores Joel and Clementine learn to find warmth in each other, is just one of many unforgettable images in this visually stunning movie, for many one of the best of all time. Fittingly, the film’s title is taken from Alexander Pope’s poem about two of history’s most famous lovers: Eloisa and Abelard.

“

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Michel Gondry, 2004)

Joel: I can’t see anything I don’t like about you. Clementine: But you will, you will think of things and I’ll get bored with you and feel trapped because that’s what happens with me.

Before Sunrise

(Richard Linklater, 1995)

“

Celine: I believe if there’s any kind of God it wouldn’t be in any of us, not you or me but just this little space in between. If there’s any kind of magic in this world it must be in the attempt of understanding someone, sharing something. I know, it’s almost impossible to succeed but who cares really? The answer must be in the attempt.

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French Sorbonne student, Celine (Julie Delpy), meets travelling American 20-something, Jesse (Ethan Hawke), quite casually on a train ride to Vienna. In a matter of minutes, it becomes clear that the two are soulmates; two intellectuals who take the audience through a fascinating philosophical journey in which the youngsters address mundane and important topics alike – everything from birth, to technology, feminism, sex, writing, marriage, music… Despite the almost poetic nature of their conversation, the chemistry between them is so thick you could slice it. In many ways it doesn’t matter what the characters say; this is nothing more than the classic story of boy-meets-girl, and continues to love her until the day he dies. Before Sunrise is part of a critically acclaimed trilogy (the ﬁlm is followed by Before Sunset (2004) and Before Midnight (2013), which chronicles the destiny of this romantic pair of dreamers. In Before Sunset, Jesse makes an important point: “When you’re young, you believe there are many people you can connect with, then when you get older, you realise there are only very few.”

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“ “

Rick: Here’s looking at you, kid…

Casablanca

(Michael Curtiz, 1942)

“

Laura: Nothing lasts really. Neither happiness nor despair. Not even life lasts very long. There’ll come a time in the future when I can look back and say quite peacefully and cheerfully how silly I was. No, no, I don’t want that time to come ever. I want to remember every minute, always, always to the end of my days.

Brief Encounter (David Lean, 1945)

This film is the granddaddy of all romance films, especially those involving casual encounters that turn into life-changing moments. The film was written by the great Noel Coward and, true to form, it delves into the morality of the era and the expectations laid on men and women. This film does not depend on the beauty of its stars, spectacular sets or earth-shattering scenery. It is surprisingly simple yet undeniably provocative. Laura Jesson (played by Celia Johnson) is a ‘happily married’ woman who wiles away her hours shopping in the city and catching a film before heading home to her boringbut-stable husband. She casually meets handsome doctor, Alec Harvey (played by Trevor Howard), also married and with children, who symbolically removes a piece of grit from her eye. The couple meet for lunch and soon discover that they have deep yearnings they have tried to suppress in their daily lives. Celia falls in love with Alec’s desire to save poor populations through preventive medicine, and Alec falls in love with the hope of a new life filled with passion. Like other classic films (Casablanca and The Bridges of Maddison County, to name a couple), the film displays the tension between duty and desire, stability and passion, rebellion and conformism, and somehow, we hope that love wins out.

There are things which are more important than the love of two people, including one’s country and people. Despite the inevitable smallness of their relationship in the grand scheme of things, Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) and Rick (Humphrey Bogart) look back nostalgically at a time when their desire meant something and when it was still acceptable to dream. There are many magical moments in this ﬁlm – Sam playing the couple’s most meaningful song, As Time Goes By; the glamorous nightclub scenes; the interplay of shadow and light in Arthur Edeson’s beguiling cinematography; the beautifully shot velvety, foggy last scene… these along with some of the most memorable quotes in cinema, have attracted romantics for decades and it doesn’t look like the magic is fading in the slightest…

Brad: Look, I don’t know what’s bothering you, but don’t take your bedroom problems out on me. Jan: I have no bedroom problems. There’s nothing in my bedroom that bothers me. Brad: Oh-h-h-h. That’s too bad.

Pillow Talk

(Michael Gordon, 1959) Doris Day plays Jan Morrow, a surprisingly independent lady in the 1950s, holding down an important job in a trendy interior design ﬁrm. Her peaceful existence is put to the test when she begins to share a telephone party line with a boozy playboy (songwriter, Brad Allen, played by Rock Hudson) and a true clash of sexism vs feminism occurs. Brad schemes to seduce her, in the guise of an upstanding Texas rancher who is the gentleman every upstanding woman in her 30s dreams of meeting. Unfortunately for Brad/ Rex, a mutual friend discovers his devious plan, and sets out to sabotage his dreams of ensnaring the innocent Ms. Morrow. This ﬁlm stands out as an example of how comedy and romance make great bedfellows, especially when the chemistry between the stars sizzles this hotly. It is wickedly delicious to witness the innocent Jan fall for Brad’s wicked tricks, for we know that she may not be as independent as she sets out to prove.

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Magnificent Obsession (Douglas Sirk, 1954)

An Affair to Remember (Leo McCarey, 1957)

“

He is a young Don Juan engaged to a rich heiress, she a humble nightclub singer who is on her way home to marry her fiancée… Nickie (Cary Grant) and Terry (Deborah Kerr) meet aboard a cruise ship and the sparks soon fly. Despite their respective engagements and his ambition, they resolve to throw caution to the wind and meet, in six months’ time, at the highest building of all in New York at the time: the Empire State building. When a tragic accident stops Terry from running into the arms of the man she loves, their plans are thwarted… until Nickie finds his way to her home and convinces her that love encompasses human beings in an unconditional light that only their lovers can truly perceive. Intensely emotional but no less than irresistible.

“

Nickie: Why didn’t you tell me? If it had to happen to one of us, why did it have to be you? Terry: If you can paint, I can walk... Anything can happen, don’t you think?

Rock Hudson once again plays an incorrigible playboy (Bob Merrick) who ruins the life of a happy family because of his selfishness and strong will. He meets the widow of the man whose life he has inadvertently taken (Helen Phillips, played by Jane Wyman), and grows fascinated by her integrity and depth. He devotes his life to making amends with her, by completing a series of deeds (including going to medical school), which he keeps secret from her. In time, however, all is revealed and he discovers the joy of loving selflessly and unconditionally. A lovely morality tale that will tug at your heartstrings.

Edward: Once you find the way, you’ll be bound. It will obsess you. But believe me, it will be a magnificent obsession.

“

Sam: I love you, Molly. I’ve always loved you. Molly: Ditto.

Ghost

(Jerry Zucker, 1990) For those who have lost a loved one, few movies quite strike a chord like Ghost, about love that lasts beyond our time on earth. Demi Moore is perhaps the most gorgeous she has ever been in this film, with her pixie haircut and tragic face in that scene – you know the one, where the most beautiful tear ever filmed gently rolls down her face. The beauty of Moore and Patrick Swayze (who plays her husband/ghost) and the tragedy of their story is offset by the well-timed comedy of Whoopi Goldberg, also at the pinnacle of her career in this film. Ghost is the story all of us would like to experience – that of a love which is truly eternal, one which gives us hope of reuniting with our soulmate in the life to come.

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Gone With the Wind (Victor Fleming and George Cukor, 1939)

“ “

Tom: Look, we don’t have to put a label on it. That’s fine. I get it. But, you know, I just... I need some consistency. Summer: I know. Tom: I need to know that you’re not gonna wake up in the morning and feel differently. Summer: And I can’t give you that. Nobody can.

It is hard to believe that this gem was filmed almost 80 years ago. Its principal themes – unrequited love, the right to land, the devastation caused by war, the right to equality – still resonate with us today. Vivien Leigh gives life to one of history’s most charismatic yet devious protagonists. Her desire to remain at the top of the social rung lead her to overlook the love of a man she will one day have to fight to retain: swashbuckling millionaire, Rhett Butler, played by the dashing Clarke Gable.

Rhett: No, I don’t think I will kiss you, although you need kissing, badly. That’s what’s wrong with you. You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how.

“

Pat: The world will break your heart ten ways to Sunday. That’s guaranteed. I can’t begin to explain that. Or the craziness inside myself and everyone else. But guess what? Sunday’s my favourite day again. I think of what everyone did for me, and I feel like a very lucky guy.

500 Days of Summer (Marc Webb, 2009)

This offbeat romantic comedy is also one that most of us could have related to at some point in our lives. For who hasn’t loved an impossible, selfish, eccentric somebody, despite their constant attempts to push us away, despite their inattentiveness, their tragic superficiality? The wonderful Joseph Gordon-Levitt is magnificent as Tom, the innocent romantic who spends 500 days trying to make Summer (played by Zooey Deschanel) believe that love does, actually, exist.

Silver Linings Playbook (David O. Russell, 2012)

We just couldn’t end this article without including Silver Linings Playbook, the sweet, sexy, funny tragicomedy seeking to show that mental illness is no stumbling block for true love. Bradley Cooper is crazy sexy as Pat, a former teacher who moves back to his parents’ and tries to woo back his ex-wife. Things get complicated when he meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a problematic young lady who has lost her husband and, to an extent, her stability. Tiffany manages to convince Pat to be her dancing partner for an upcoming competition and Pat accepts, unwittingly falling into a clever yet heartfelt trap. e

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THE FOCUS love

THE SECRET RECIPE FOR MAKING

RELATIONSHIPS ork

e should always be wary when an expert offers us a generic solution for something – a health problem, a personal struggle, and more than anything, our relationship with another human being. It can be hard enough to work on yourself, let alone expect someone else to have the same values or goals. The old Spanish adage, ‘Cada uno es de su padre y de su madre’ comes to mind, and as we age, we realise that the only person we can change, is ourself. Still, experts in psychiatry and psychology have conducted serious studies into the deﬁning elements that make relationships work. Always bearing in mind that each couple is a mystery unto its own, this research can be very useful for those seeking to mend broken (or rickety, or scratched) bridges with their other half. In this article, we focus on the work of two relationships experts who have also sold best-selling books on the subject: Harriet Lerner (Dance with Intimacy) and John Gottman (The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work).

Harriet Lerner, PhD., has written a host of books on the subject of relationships. What makes her work resonate with so many of us, is her focus on the self. Her books normally include the word ‘Dance’ in their titles, largely because most of us engage in repetitive ‘dances’ with our partners, continuously trying to reform them, growing angry when they don’t change, ﬁghting and starting the dance again. During tense moments, we also tend to follow set patterns: distancers seek distance, pursuers seek to resolve a conflict through closeness or nagging, blamers refuse to accept responsibility for their role in the destructive dance. Conflicts are never truly resolved, says Dr. Lerner, until we step from the dancefloor and begin to work on ourselves. She cites an excellent example of a couple who were constantly arguing because of the husband’s close relationship with his mother. The husband would call his mother every day, engage in lengthy conversations,

and generally make her the central point for many decisions. The wife would constantly nag her husband about what she saw as the excessive time and effort the husband was placing on his ‘other family’. Dr. Lerner suggested that the woman look into her own relationship with her mother (which was distant), and try to work on that instead of trying to lessen her husband’s ties to his family. Yes, setting limits is important, yet the primary focus of one’s energy should be on mending one’s own bridges rather than trying to sever someone else’s. Dr. Lerner’s thesis is that when we make changes (e.g. ceasing to nag and doing something else with our own time instead), it can spark a reaction in our partner (they may be motivated to change because the ‘nagger’ is no longer around all the time and tension is reduced). On the other hand, sometimes change does not provoke the desired reaction in a partner. What really matters, however, is the positive effect that change can have on our own lives.

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A few years ago, magazine was fortunate enough to meet and interview Dr. Lerner. She spoke precisely on the defining features of a successful relationship, citing the following factors in her usual clear, easy-tounderstand, commonsense manner: Z Respecting differences: When we first meet our partners, we think everything they say and do is perfection. When the ‘velcro’ stage wears off, we start finding flaws with their personality and start trying to change them. Z Listening to our partners: We should be able to talk openly about the things that matter to us and to take a clear position on important emotional issues. We should also be able to set limits of what we find acceptable and those limits should be respected. Z Keeping promises: If you promised to take your partner out to a romantic dinner on Valentine’s don’t get lazy at the last minute. Do it! Let your word count for something; false promises can lead to a breakdown in trust. Z Talk about your hopes, dreams and problems. When your partner is doing so, listen without interruption. Z Show you care about their feelings: If your partner tells you they need to hear that you love them more, or needs to be hugged more or hear words of appreciation, show you care by complying. It doesn’t take that much of an effort and it will go a long way towards helping them feel loved. Z Use ‘I’ language when arguing; Avoid language such as “You always” or “You never”; it tends to make the other person defensive and they will tune out to the message you are trying to relay. Z Stay for the ride: Don’t run to the arms of a third party when things go wrong. Z Welcome humour into your relationship; A laugh can go a long way towards erasing tension. Z Observe how you behave during conflict: Do you nag? Do you leave immediately? Do you blame the other person? Try to observe your patterns and do not become entrenched in them. Z Keep the love alive: Don’t stop trying to make your partner happy or to let them know you love them. Let them know you care about their feelings and their views, even if you do not share them. Dr. Lerner’s advice can be gleaned from her many best-selling books though the one that perhaps best sums up the mistakes me make in relationships and provides clear advice on how to overcome them by working on ourselves, is Dance with Anger, which we highly recommend.

John Gottman’s Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is another, more recent best-seller which is based upon extensive research and the writer’s own experience. He notes that the very minimum ratio of positive interactions to negative in a marriage, is 5:1; anything less than this is liable to result in divorce. According to Gottman, there are six signs a marriage is failing: Z Harsh start-ups to conversations (conversations beginning negatively). Z A prevalence of criticism, contempt, defensiveness and stonewalling (or tuning out of conversations). Z Hypersensitivity to criticism, contempt, defensiveness and stonewalling (i.e. one partner is constantly on the defensive, waiting for the slightest negativity to pounce on it or to escape). Z Body language (e.g. a fast heart rate, clenching ﬁsts, seeking distance). Z Failed attempts at repairing hurt caused (once a partner feels ‘flooded’, any attempts by the other to inject humour into the situation tends to fail). Z Bad memories involving the partner. On the other hand, those whose marriages or relationships are successful use the following seven principles as often as possible: Z Making or enhancing love maps (navigating what your partner likes and knowing their dreams, hopes, and goals). To activate this

principle, ask yourself – do you know your partner’s aspirations, the foods they love or gifts they like, their favourite musical group, etc? Z Nurturing love and admiration by fostering friendship, passion and physical union. Love and sex are powerful antidotes to negativity and hate. Z Turning towards one’s partner. Know your partner’s Love Language (see our reading page regarding the book, Languages of Love) and use it; it is important to speak to others in the way they need us to (whether physically, or by giving them our time, doing them a favour or giving them a gift or a hug…) Z Allow yourself to be influenced by your partner. Don’t make your relationship a competition. Share the power to make important decisions that affect both of you and your family. Z Solve the problems that can be solved. Use non-defensive language during arguments and start conversations in a gentle manner. Don’t obsess over issues you cannot agree on. Z Avoid a gridlock situation in which neither of you give in. Don’t allow hurt, frustration, negativity and ignored dreams to create a situation in which there is no turning back. Find out your partner’s ignored dream or wish and if you can, help them fulﬁl it as they help you fulﬁl your own. Z Create shared meaning: You should both have a say in four important aspects of your

relationship: rituals (e.g. what you do on special occasions or weekends), roles (who is in charge of what tasks in child rearing, etc.), goals (where do you both want to be in ﬁve years’ time?) and symbols (some family stories can be powerful symbols for values and what you hope to achieve in life; honour these stories together and make them part of your family’s tradition). The home is another important symbol of a meaningful life; ask each other what the home means to you and what qualities it should have to make you feel happier. Gottman also stresses the importance of making repair attempts (e.g. using humour to stop tension from escalating, touching your partner and letting them know you are interested in understanding where they are coming from) during tough times. When we constantly use negative language, insult our partner (e.g. doubt their sanity or accuse them of “always” getting it wrong), we make them feel unloved and alone. Harriet Lerner once said that despite the importance of staying in for the long haul (i.e. committing to your spouse), you should also be ready to “leave the table when love’s no longer being served.” A marriage or longstanding relationship is always worth ﬁghting for whenever our partner helps us be our best selves and the sooner we come to realise our own part in making it happen, the better the outcome. e

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THE FOCUS love

ORIGINAL WAYS TO On IMPRESS

Valentine’s Day

February 14 is an ideal moment to impress – and if you want to do so, you better play your cards right and be a little original. WORDS MICHEL CRUZ

s Valentine’s Day approaches, scores of men are suddenly stung into action by the fear that missing the all-important date could spell trouble. Keen not to be remiss, they swarm around card shops and pounce upon florists with the panic-stricken look of those who have left it too late. Desperation is a petrol station card-andbouquet combo that any sensible lover will want to avoid, especially if he is a potential paramour. For some, Valentine’s is another highly stressful moment just like Christmas or birthdays that feels uncannily like a test. For others, it is an opportunity to show just how romantic and inventive they can be, so while you might think ‘phew, I made it’ as you turn

up with a card and flowers, for the truly suave such is but child’s play. To say that most women expect a little more is not to belittle the charm of a cute, romantic or sexy Valentine’s card accompanied by some floral or chocolate delights. Indeed, a classic is often a good place to start, but think on and see how you can add to the occasion with a sense of mystery and fun that will enthral the ladies. Then again, don’t over-think it and don’t bite off more than you can chew, but give your imaginative impulses a chance to run wild.

SURPRISE THEM Be as predictable as you wish with a card and flowers/chocolates, for they will form a cunning

decoy for your true plans. If you opt for staples such as a romantic dinner for two, a weekend getaway or a visit to a spa centre, then make sure that you add a sense of mystery by informing your signiﬁcant other when she should be ready to be picked up and whisked off for the night. You might also want to include an indication of appropriate attire, as ladies take that kind of thing rather seriously, and don’t forget to make an effort yourself – looking dashing never hurt a gent’s chances with the fair sex. Being clear in your instructions but vague as to the destination infuses a little fun and excitement, but it also raises the stakes, so the restaurant, spa or getaway destination should be able to live up to

reasonable expectations. Also, don’t choose anywhere that involves a long and arduous, or bumpy, ride, for the flames of passion might soon turn to ﬁre of another kind. In short, try to reduce the odds of things going wrong and your Valentine’s Day ending up like an episode from a sitcom! For those who really want to push the boat out, there are beach walks, picnics, private helicopter charters and a flash city trip during which you may even want to dazzle her with a glamorous gift, but the extent of such plans will in part depend on your budget and the benevolence of the elements. Alternatively, you could zoom in on the individual and indulge her personal interests.

Arranging to go horse riding or to the ballet may not be your preferred choice but the romantic essence of the gesture will not be lost upon your partner – especially if you manage not to fall off or fall asleep during the performance! Show some enthusiasm and knowledge, and you will really score points for effort and thoughtfulness. Remember, they should be her interests, not yours, so no ‘romantic’ trips to the football stadium, racing circuit or paintball club! And if you really want to surprise her, you could just pack all the regular inhabitants of your household off for a day, cook a fabulous meal, put on some romantic music and convert your home into a rose petal strewn temple of love. e

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“ Wh e n yo u are s er i o u s ab ou t R eal Es tate”

Built: 322 m² Plot: 1041 m² Price: 1.450.000€

Puerto de Almendro. Nice 4 bedroom villa, southwest to west facing with golf-and sea views and with direct access to the heated pool. Gated urbanization on the Ronda road close to amenities and the beach. R2571947

Built: 261 m² Terrace: 70 m² Price: 420.000€

Andalucia Alta. Refurbished 4 bedroom garden apartment located in a small gated community only 15 minutes’ walk to Puerto Banus and the beach. Well maintained gardens with a fabulous pool area. R2558348

Built: 236 m² Plot: 172 m² Price: 289.000€

Monte Biarritz. Very nice corner townhouse with 3 bedrooms built on 3 floors. Perfectly located within walking distance to all amenities and to the beach, the carport is converted to a storage room but possible to park on the drive way. R743257

Built: 390 m² Plot: 1367 m² Price: 1.200.000€

New Golden Mile. Andalucian style 4 bedroom villa built on 2 levels. Beautifully decorated and only a minutes stroll to the club house of La Resina Golf. Tropical fruit trees are distributed within the flower borders which provide mango and lemons, oranges, etc. R2569454

Built: 156 m² Plot: 170 m² Price: 385.000€

Paraiso Hills. Excellent 3 bedroom townhouse, corner unit with large private garden of 170 m2 and nice sea views. Very good quality of material and construction. R2385179

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THE FOCUS people

DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE

On January 10th, the world lost a much-loved icon, with the passing of the genius David Bowie, whose music and lyrics spanned ﬁve decades, bridging generations unlike any other solo artist in the modern era. WORDS IAIN BLACKWELL

saw him in 1983 during his Serious Moonlight Tour and he was already a veteran then! We were inside Murrayﬁeld, Edinburgh’s National Rugby stadium, standing on the same hallowed turf that, within a year, would see Scotland overcome both England and France on the way to their ﬁrst Grand Slam since 1925! It was raining that day – June 28th – even though it was (supposedly) mid-summer and he took to the

stage with a fanfare, short blonde locks shining in the myriad of lights, regaling the audience who were getting rather soaked, shouting, “Hello Scotland! I hope you don’t mind the rain. We’re going to play our socks off for you,” as the 50,000 crowd erupted. Born David Robert Jones, on January 8th 1947, it was always clear from a very young age that he was going to be a prodigious talent, insisting at only eight that he

“will become the greatest rock star in England”. His ﬁrst TV appearance was in 1965 aged 18 performing with the group The Manish Boys, which went ahead despite concerns over the length of his hair! By the following year, after forming The Lower Third, he adopted the surname Bowie on hearing that another Davy Jones had been incorporated as a member of the US made-for-TV group, The Monkeys.

His first album, David Bowie, was released in the summer of 1967, with Bowie already wearing make up, a predilection inspired by Pink Floyd’s Syd Barret, which he maintained off and on over the years. Never shy of the limelight, he also embarked on his first stage and film appearances and, surprisingly, he was responsible for many celebrated roles, such as in The Man Who Fell To Earth and The Elephant Man, on Broadway, that

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he somehow managed to conjure concurrently with his momentous musical career. Following the success of Space Oddity in 1969, the 1970s brought a new Bowie, with the creation of stage persona Ziggy Stardust and a new visual image being unveiled with each of his album releases, his reputation as an innovating musical, theatrical and video force growing with every incarnation; we even saw him, androgynous in dresses and long hair. This was the era that inspired millions and some of his most memorable tracks – Life On Mars, Ziggy Stardust, The Man Who Sold The World, All The Young Dudes (gifted to Mott The Hoople), and Heroes, defining his talents as a lyrical Man of Words. But this was only the beginning as by the mid 1970s he was on a whole new trip with his Eno collaborations featuring intense synthesizers as typified on the albums Low and Heroes. However, by 1980 he was back on solid ground, returning to the more accessible rock structure of his early 70s period with Scary Monsters And Super Creeps, which brought his second UK

Number One, Ashes To Ashes (Space Oddity having made it there on a 1975 re-release), both tracks featuring the memorable song character. `Major Tom’. Under Pressure, performed with Queen and co-sung with Freddie Mercury also reached Number One in 1982. Another new epoch ensued in a move towards a more pop-oriented sound with Let’s Dance, his first single to simultaneously top both the UK and US charts, and China Girl, whose video famously shows a naked Bowie cavorting in the surf with his little China girl. Of course, it was banned by the BBC! Another lively video transpired for Dancing In The Streets, a duet with Mick Jagger, which entered the UK chart at Number One in September 1985, holding top spot for a month, with all income going to the Band Aid Trust. The remainder of the 1980s and much of the 1990s saw Bowie continue to undergo a number of transformations, such as with Tin Machine, meanwhile continuing to dabble in theatre and film: Absolute Beginners, Labyrinth, When The Wind Blows, The Last Temptation Of Christ, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With

Me. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in January 1996 and received the Outstanding Contribution to British Music honour at the 15th annual Brit Awards the following month. Modern day Bowie, far from being diminished, was simply superb. Anyone who has heard his recorded gig at the BBC Radio Theatre from June 27th 2000 or A Reality Tour extended concert live in Dublin on 22nd and 23rd November 2003, with band members Sterling Campbell, Earl Slick and Gail Ann Dorsey, released on CD and DVD, will readily agree that, like a good wine, he just aged wonderfully. The music is aweinspiring, the singing sublime and the guy looked pretty amazing – check out the shot of him on the A Reality Tour front cover. Incredibly enduring, soloist extraordinaire, group supremo, how many artists have played, as he did, with the best: Lou Reed, Mick Ronson, Jeff Beck, Marc Bolan, Iggy Pop, Bing Crosby, Brian Eno, Robert Fripp, Carlos Alamar, John Lennon, Freddie Mercury, Mick Jagger, Pete Townshend, David Gilmour, Lenny Kravitz,

Nile Rodgers, Peter Frampton, Morrissey, Robert Smith, Bono, Rick Wakeman, Tony Visconti, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Adrian Belew, Luther Vandross, Marianne Faithfull, Cher, Annie Lennox, Alicia Keys, etc? No treatise on modern music would ever be complete without his substantial inclusion and we take our hats off to the Thin White Duke for his immense influence on the genre over so many decades. His early demise, totally unexpected, sent shockwaves round the world and left many, myself included, totally desolate as we began to assimilate how much he meant to us. Thankfully, he has left us a huge legacy of music and film performances for us to be able to stay with him throughout our lives. Within only five days of his passing, 10 of his albums were in the UK Top 40 album charts, including Blackstar, released only two days before his death, debuting at Number One, and also on the Billboard 200, ironically his first Number One album in the US. Starman, wherever you are, may your star continue to shine now and forever more. e

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THE FOCUS people

BEN

STILLER WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

BOY NEXT DOOR WITH THE MIDAS TOUCH

‘

Quirky’, ‘Goofball’ and ‘Comical’ are just a few adjectives our mind conjures up when we think of Ben Stiller, as we recall his magnificent performances in Something About Mary, Meet the Fockers or Zoolander. His personality, however, has been described as anything but funny by those who know him. The steely-eyed Actor, Director and Producer has been labelled “a detailed perfectionist,” and the process of working with him, “burdensome” or “intimidating.” When directing films, he tends to shoot scenes several times, insist on set changes or demand more from his crew. Clearly, there is a big difference between Ben the Actor and Ben the Director. As an Actor, his comedic films have broken box office records and brought life to some of the screen’s most iconic characters (think Derek Zoolander),

yet as a Writer and Director, he is drawn to more profound material, as is most evident in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, in which he also stars as a subdued photo editor whose imagination transforms his ordinary life into a rather extraordinary one. Stiller is not just a tough nut to crack during film shoots; his obsession begins when he first becomes interested in a project. The Producers of Walter Mitty noted that initially, they wondered whether or not he would be up to the task of starring and directing in such a complex film. Stiller cast all their doubts aside with a magnificent five-minute short film that relayed his vision and incorporated scenes from Greenland and Iceland, to show the Producers how far he was willing to go. His film also evoked the comedic-dramatic tone that characterises much of his work. The

character, Walter Mitty, is a loveable loser yet also one with deep existential yearnings. For him, simply approaching the love of his life is very much a journey into the unknown, a sojourn to fearful lands where he unwittingly comes to know himself and his capabilities, in addition to mustering up the courage to take the risk that love is. Another film which is often ignored by serious critiques owing to its comedic nature is Tropic Thunder, for which Stiller co-wrote the script with Actor/Writer (and husband of Jennifer Aniston), Justin Theroux. The film is achingly funny, yet touches on serious issues such as the extremely competitive nature of life as a thespian in Hollywood. In the film (about the making of a Platoon-style film in a jungle), some Actors take themselves so seriously

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that they have operations to change their looks (and even their race), taking ‘method acting’ to ridiculous extremes. Theroux said that Stiller insisted on so many changes to the script, that the experience “was like obtaining a PhD in writing.” Stiller acknowledges that he is demanding, yet says he has somewhat mellowed over the years. In many ways, his perfectionism might be attributed to the fact that although destiny would mark him as a comedic Actor, he is, in fact, a serious artist who has set high standards for himself since his childhood. Ben Stiller has lived and breathed show business since he was born. His parents, famed comedic duo, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, brought their young son along from show to show and the result was an early interest in performance. In his adolescence, Ben was already making ‘dramatic’ Super 8 films, in an attempt to rebel against the genre of comedy and, it might be argued, against his parents. His early interest in acting also saw him veer towards dramatic roles; Ben auditioned for countless films, though fate would have its way and his first break was in a comedic Broadway play called The House of Blue Leaves. Unbeknownst to Ben, there was one special member sitting in the audience who was taken with his charm: Steven Spielberg, who cast him in his next blockbuster: Empire of the Sun. Ben was amazed with the detailed nature of Spielberg’s work and grew fascinated by direction, though as far as acting was concerned, he grudgingly gave in to the realisation that his physical appearance and talents were cut out for comedy. In 1992, Ben starred in the Emmy-award

winning Ben Stiller Show, and soon after, directed his first feature film: Reality Bites, in which he also starred opposite ‘it-girl’ of the time, Winona Ryder. Ben played the main character’s serious, responsible boyfriend who loses the love of his life to a much crazier, unsettled, confused

20-something played with great sensitivity by Ethan Hawke. The 1990s no doubt belonged to Ben; in 1998 he started in blockbuster film, There’s Something About Mary, and his acting career has skyrocketed since. The new millennium was equally kind to the prolific filmmaker. In 2000, he shone in the role of Gaylord Focker in Meet the Parents. Ben is unforgettable as a male nurse trying hard to keep his head above water when he unwittingly incurs the wrath of his soon-to-be father in law, played by Robert De Niro. Soon after, Stiller directed his third feature film: Zoolander, an hilarious send-up of the fashion world featuring the who’s who of the industry (including Paris Hilton, Heidi Klum and David Bowie). In 2004, he appeared in no less than six films, many of which are unforgettable in terms of their comedic charm, including Starsky & Hutch, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and Meet the Fockers. More recent hits include Night at the Museum, Little Fockers and his tour de force: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Without a doubt, we will be seeing plenty more of Ben. This month, fans can look forward to the highly awaited sequel to what many would argue is his funniest film ever (Zoolander). The film, Zoolander 2 (or Toolander) will be hitting screens worldwide, and will undoubtedly gross even more than the original, which oddly enough received cult status after its release on DVD. As we hold onto our popcorn and brace ourselves for the wave of laughs up ahead, it is comforting to know that there is much more to Ben than the Magnum, the Blue Steel or even the Le Tigre. Ben is, above all, a child of theatre and film and we suspect that his best work is still to come. e

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style

INTERIORS / ARCHITECTURE / ART / DESIGN

Step into a beautiful home designed by P4 Arquitectos, wear your heart on your sleeve in an ensemble by Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada, and find out more about the season’s latest trends.

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GARDENS / FASHION

A Luxury Villa by P4 Arquitectos

Fashion: Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada

Fashion News

1/25/16 11:27 AM

THE STYLE decor

A home made for lovers of style and beauty

A Marbella villa for today

The elegant lines of the villa and pool

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space and light A HOME BUILT AROUND

People tend to think that architecture is all about building structures out of geometrical shapes when in reality it is more about creating living environments out of space and light. Those who master this skill are the makers of true architecture.

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF P4 ARQUITECTOS AND KEVIN HORN

rchitecture is a fascinating, creative field in which the designer is in the privileged position of giving shape to the buildings in which we live, work and are entertained. In this way each architect contributes to the urban landscape and leaves a mark not just of his or her own, but also of the era they work in. But it isn’t all creativity and free expression, for professionals in this field also carry the responsibility for designing spaces that are visually engaging, optimally functional and practical. What’s more, they usually have to do it to a brief and within budgetary, planning and technical constraints. Defined as such, we have arrived at the playing field in which most of our buildings, from villas and apartments to public buildings, are conceived.

It is with all these parameters in mind that an architect sets out to embody the vision of the client, be the latter a commercial or public entity, or a private individual. Which of these it is will again affect the project and the ultimate design and details of the structure in question. To be commissioned to develop the complete concept for a luxurious modern villa in a prime setting such as Sierra Blanca ranks high on the wish list of most architects, including Eulalia Polo and Joaquín Amores of P4 Arquitectos. As a team combining architecture and engineering, they offer the ideal complement of services in a project such as this, ensuring that the aesthetic value of their designs is matched by functionality and technical excellence.

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The gallery is a study in architectural geometry

Luxurious interior spaces surrounded by pure greenery

The interplay of angles and natural elements

Making a carport an architectural masterpiece

Creating a Modern Design Reference in Marbella And yet it is quite an undertaking to sit down and design a stunning modern home that is not only visually captivating but also fulfils all the functions expected of such a property these days with style. “Ultimately, our function goes beyond this, to creating a living environment that people want to be in and call their home,” says Lali. She’s right, a villa can have an endless list of luxuries and amenities to satisfy even the most demanding of tick lists, but if it doesn’t present all of this within a setting that is inspiring and highly desirable it will have missed its true mission. “The starting point is the brief and how it fits into the physical setting of the plot,” says Lali, who has the advantage of having been designing modern style homes since long before it became the norm. As a result, she is a specialist in this field, with over 15 years of creating avant-garde designs. Does this mean she has a very particular style? “We all have a certain touch born of our design philosophy and methodology, but following a style template is as far removed from our way of thinking as you can be.” Instead, she and Joaquín prefer to focus on the unique and indeed distinguishing elements of each individual project. “The site and orientation are different each time, as are the client and his brief,” says Joaquín.

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Styling details are enhanced by the architectural surroundings

Light, views and comfortable proportions

“A lot of the villas we design are for Northern Europeans and in particular Scandinavian clients. They are highly demanding of technical standards and have a sophisticated appreciation of modern design. Over the years we have learned a lot from each other, combining Northern living principles with Southern design flair to produce some truly memorable homes.” The latest of these is this superb contemporary villa in the upper reaches of Sierra Blanca. Approaching the home, its cleancut geometry immediately captivates the eye, offering more and more subtle architectural detail as you scan its sleek, crisp white lines. A brise soleil in noble Iroko wood softens this look, adding personality and aesthetic appeal with a touch of fifties modernism that only serves to enrich today’s architectural styles. Glass and steel are further elements in this interplay of manmade shapes and textures, optimising natural light, space and views that glide along a verdant lawn towards the expansive Mediterranean horizon. Turn the other way and the deep greenery and rocky majesty of La Concha Mountain engulf you, and thanks to the way the home is positioned and laid out, sea views can be enjoyed from almost all rooms, and both sea and mountain vistas from within the main living areas.

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Intimacy and space in one Spacious, open-flowing living

Stunning views from a modern bay window

Luxury Living for a New Era Having caught your attention as you approach, the villa casts its spell as the gate glides open to reveal the inner domain. The perspectives and interwoven angles created by the geometry of modern architecture dance on the eye as you approach a home in which even the multi-car carport represents an imposing architectural detail that is particularly evocative when lit at night. Enter the property through the solid Iroko front door and you see the crisp modernity of its interior warmed by this beautiful hardwood and floors covered in Spanish travertine marble. The effect is of space, light and tasteful opulence as you survey the entrance hall, leading on to a spacious open-plan living area in which a lounge with intimate sitting corners take pride of place. A double height ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows define the heart of this home, where an elegant dining room flows on in an open plan style to a modern designer kitchen. Each of these spaces has its own exterior equivalent, so open the sliding doors and you enter an outdoor extension of the villa’s main living rooms set beneath a covered structure that adds further architectural distinction. From here the eye is trained along the stylised swimming pool and deck to a sweeping lawn that runs up to the edge of the 1.4 acre grounds. “We positioned the villa in such a way as to maximise the views and created a gentle slope that produces a perspective straight to the broad expanse of sea,” says Lali. From this position it is highly gratifying to turn back and gaze upon the villa in all its glory, with the mountain rising up behind it. But the living room does not communicate with the front alone, as is normally the case. In this villa the lawn extends around the back to surround the house in greenery and allow natural light and a diversity of vistas to flow into the living spaces.

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Slide the doors open in summer and a gentle breeze negates the need for air conditioning, though it goes without saying that the home automation system includes full climate control as well. The brise soleil that adds such character to the villa’s façade provides a greater sense of privacy in the five bedroom suites by offering its occupants lovely views combined with optimal privacy. Two of these form a private wing on the ground floor that can also be used as a home study or office, while the larger three suites are found on the first floor. Take the lift or the open stairs up to the floating atrium that crosses above the main living area and you come to the luxurious master suite. The latter is complete with an atrium lounge or reading space bordering a private suite with dressing room, modern marble bathroom and luxury details along with some of the finest vistas over Marbella and the sea, and a modern variant on the bay window that affords a wonderful perspective across intense greenery. The lower level contains a multi-car garage in the modern mould – in other words, a gallery in which to display your cars in style if you so choose. It also has space for a private guest apartment, staff quarters, home cinema and games room, completing 2,500 square metres of modern opulence supremely crafted out of space and light.

Indulge yourself in pampering luxury

Natural light highlights the clean geometry of the villa

i www.p4arquitectos.com

Space, light and style as a palette for luxury living A forecourt for the 21st century

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THE STYLE fashion

Sugar an d Spice

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We love Agatha Ruiz de la Pradaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spring/Summer 2016 collection, displayed at the MercedesBenz Fashion Week in Madrid. Pastel colours, heart motifs and elegant retro cuts make for a collection with all the glamour and femininity of days gone by.

TURNAgatha IT BACK Ruiz

de la Prada to Backe th e Futur

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In Living Colour

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y, Sashnatay Sha

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Mustard Magic

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i www.agatharuizdelaprada.com

Paste E xplosiol n

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THE STYLE fashion

Marisa Cutillas brings us fabulous fashion and décor ideas for a Valentine’s Day with plenty of heart.

LOVE ME,

DO!

Nipple covers by B London Boutique

Keyring by Oliver Bonas

Bag by Simply Be

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Ban

gle by F olli

Fol lie

lace

Neck ite S tuff

by W h

CONTACTS: B LONDON BOUTIQUE: www.blondonboutique.com BLACK BY DESIGN: www.black-by-design.co.uk COCOA CASHMERE: www.cocoacashmere.com DEBENHAMS: www.debenhams.com FOLLI FOLLIE: www.follifollie.es NEW LOOK: www.newlook.com OLIVER BONAS: www.oliverbonas.com SIMPLY BE: www.simplybe.co.uk WHITE STUFF: www.whitestuff.com WILKINSON: www.wilko.com

Light s by

Glass jar by New Look

Wilki nson

Embroidered jumper by White Stuff

Cashmere crew neck by Cocoa Cashmere

Placemat and cake server by Black By Design

Clutch by Debenhams

Ring by Folli Follie

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PRODUCTS / BEAUTY / SPA / SCIENCE

We provide beauty tips for the perfect Valentine’s evening, discover that romance can last an eternity, and suggest a few of the season’s top beauty buys. We also learn about the importance of prevention with Dr. Petr Spurek of the Foot & Sports Clinic Marbella.

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TREATMENTS / HEALTH

Valentine’s Beauty

Beauty News

Making Romance Last an Eternity

Health News

Health Profile: Dr. Petr Spurek of the Foot & Sports Clinic Marbella

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BEAUTY

STEPS TO A

BEAUTIFUL VALENTINE’S EVENING

ADVICE

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Keeping romance alive involves taking many tiny steps which, in the long run, mean a lot. One way to keep your partner happy is to make a special effort on romantic occasions like Valentine’s. Prep your face and body so you look as beautiful as your partner makes you feel, and wow them during this year’s Valentine’s date:

Z HAVE A HAMMAM TREATMENT: A hammam treatment involves seriously exfoliating skin through the use of a special clay and a loofah scrub. Exfoliation is totally essential if baby smooth skin is on the agenda. After being scrubbed clean, your therapist will apply a moisturiser, which will leave skin silky smooth. Z APPLY A HAIR MASK: Soft, sleek, sexy hair is a must on Valentine’s Day. If expense is no problem, have a hot oil or keratin treatment at the hairdresser’s and get rid of frizzy and dry hair. If you prefer to treat yourself at home, try applying a blend of olive oil, argan oil, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar and vegetable glycerine. First, wet hair with warm water, then apply a small amount (around three tablespoons in total) of argan and olive oil from the roots to the tips, applying more to the middle

section of hair. Warm around three tablespoons of coconut oil. When it is in liquid form (but not hot), apply again from roots to tips. Leave for around 25 minutes on hair and wash off with a mixture made of one cup of vegetable glycerine, a quarter cup of cider vinegar and one cup warm water. Shampoo the mixture off with warm water, add the glycerine and vinegar mixture, shampoo again and apply conditioner and watch your hair shine! Z DETOX: The Bootea 14-Day Detox is all the rage in the UK, promising to remove toxins and reduce the bloated sensation that can interfere with a romantic evening. On the Coast, you will ﬁnd this product at the Holland and Barrett stores in Marbella and Fuengirola. Another excellent product is the Koyotakara detox method, involving the taping of sachets

containing natural extracts (including tourmaline and wood vinegar) to your feet at bedtime. When you wake up, the teabags will be brown and sticky, owing to the toxins removed. Z MANI-PED: Bright, shiny hand and toe nails are a must on date night. Have these treatments professionally done to ensure no unsightly chipping or dullness occurs. Z HAIR REMOVAL: Try sugaring at the Cirumed Clinic (which allows the therapist to remove much shorter hairs than is the case with waxing). For eyebrows, we recommend HD eyebrows at a reasonable price, at Shiva Dastyar’s Con Amour Beauty Salon at The House Hairdressing in Elviria. i www.cirumed.es i www.thehousehairdressing.com Z GET A FREE MAKEOVER: Most reputable beauty brands at major

commercial centres will make you up for free, for a minimum purchase of products. If your mascara needs changing, you could do with a more suitable foundation for your skin and you are in need of a quality high definition powder, give your beauty kit a boost and enjoy a professional makeup service on this special night. Make sure to book in advance. Z GO BRONZE: Even in the dead of winter, it is possible to have beautiful, glowing skin thanks to the fantastic range of self-tanning products available from companies like Fake Bake. Select from quick acting mouses to moisturising lotions. Choose different products for the face and body, and test any product you will be using beforehand, to ensure you will be satisfied with the final result. i fakebake.spain@gmail.com

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Valentine’s Day FOR YOUR LOVE GIVE WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE YOURSELF

CoolSculpting Consulting Day! 8th Febuary 2016 @Cirumed Clinic 11:00 am - 7:00 pm only by appointment

GET RID OF STUBBORN FAT DON´T MISS OUR SPECIAL OFFERS

COOLSCULPTING® BY ZELTIQ, A NON-SURGICAL CONTOURING TREATMENT THAT FREEZES STUBBORN FAT, WHICH THEN IS NATURALLY ELIMINATED FROM YOUR BODY. No needles, no special diet, no supplements, no surgery. And most importantly, little to no downtime. It’s safe, medically-cleared

DR. ALEXANDER ASLANI Chairman of the Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery Hospital Quirón Málaga Hospital Quirón Marbella Director of Cirumed Clinic Marbella

Cirumed Clinic /// Edif. Panorama, Planta baja, Local 2 /// Ctra. De Cadiz, km 184 /// E - 29603 Marbella /// Tel: +34 952 775 346 /// www.cirumed.es /// www.alexanderaslani.com /// www.alexander-aslani.es

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BEAUTY

WET

1 – SHISEIDO PURNESS MATIFYING MOISTURISER: If you have oily skin, this is the perfect product for you – the light fluid will stop excess oil but ensure skin maintains an adequate hydration level. 2 – SHISEIDO IBUKI PROTECTIVE MOISTURISER: This daytime cream enhances skin’s natural moisture factors, reﬁnes texture and strengthens skin’s resistance to UV rays, pollution and cold temperatures. It also reduces the appearance of unevenness from blemishes, rough skin and pores. 3 – URBAN DECAY CHILL MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY: This oil- and paraben-free spray boasts temperature control technology; it will set your make-up and leave skin feeling pampered and moist. 4 – CLINIQUE MOISTURE TINT: Forget about standard foundations and opt for moisture tints; this one slides on like silk and boasts SPF15 protection, making it ideal even in sunnier months. 5 – ESTÉE LAUDER NUTRITIOUS VITA-MINERAL MOISTURE CREAM: This is another deeply moisturising product by Estée Lauder, containing pomegranate extract, sandalwood and other antioxidants that counter the effects of environmental stress. 6 – CLINIQUE MOISTURE SURGE EXTENDED THIRST RELIEF: This lightweight cream-gel provides 24 hours of soothing hydration, continuously plumping skin and protecting it against the wind and dry weather. Apply beneath or over makeup. Suitable for all skin types. 7 – ESTÉE LAUDER HYDRATIONIST MAXIMUM MOISTURE CREAM: For mature skin, standard daily moisturisers will no longer do the job. This lush cream offers the ultimate in hydration for thirsty skin in need of a boost.

&WILD

Marisa Cutillas brings us her personal selection of top moisturising products, aimed at keeping skin young and protected against the harsh winter weather.

PRODUCTS

6 7

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HEALTH

UPDATE

elationships expert, Elaine Hatﬁeld, PhD., theorises that for marriages to work, passion must return intermittently, while renowned Psychologist, Robert J. Sternberg, thinks that what keeps people together is ‘sharing the same love stories’ – a fancy way of saying that when people have similar expectations of a good relationship, it is easier to make it work. When wishes, dreams and goals grow distant, the marriage becomes vulnerable to break-up. One study that establishes that romantic love can last a lifetime and promote happier, healthier relationships, was carried out by the American Psychological Association. Scientists reviewed 17 short-term relationship and 10 long-term relationship studies,

ﬁnding that romance can last throughout the entirety of a relationship and that when it does, couples report a greater sense of joy and wellbeing. Scientists pointed out, however, that there is a difference between romantic and passionate love. Researcher, Dr. Bianca Acevedo, notes: “Romantic love has the intensity, engagement and sexual chemistry that passionate love has, minus the obsessive component. Passionate or obsessive love includes feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. This kind of love helps drive the shorter relationships but not the longer ones.” Some of the strongest indicators of romantic love include feeling that a partner is there to support you in good times and bad. When a sense of security is lacking, conflict can arise and love can become obsessive. The researchers added that the old idea that romantic love is always replaced by companionship love, is false. Couples should strive, they said, for the whole shebang:

“love with all the trimmings.” Moreover, couples who have been together for many years should know that it is possible to restore romance with a few simple steps. One important component of romantic relationships is an authentic interest in one’s partner: a desire to know more about them – their views on life, what they need to live more meaningfully, what makes them happy. Individuals and their goals change markedly over time, yet often, partners cease to ask the important questions that can imbue a feeling of getting to know someone for the ﬁrst time. Discovering new things about your partner can add a touch of freshness to the relationship, but it can also let you know of how you can work to make your partner happier. Romance is also, to a certain extent, about symbolism. What symbols of love does your partner need to feel content and cared for? Small things like making that effort to buy your partner flowers on Valentine’s, writing them a card

in which you express your love, or preparing a surprise for them (dinner out, a weekend away, an unexpected gift) can go a long way towards making them feel like you are a ‘catch’ and can warm their heart when they think of you. Kind, caring actions also tend to produce a reaction, prompting your partner to think of ways to make you feel more special and loved. Finally, scientists point to the importance of touch. We should strive to physically connect with our partners (even through a hug or gentle squeezing of a hand or shoulder) at least once a day, since affection is a powerful symbol of unity and support. Couples who feel they have lost that loving feeling should consider professional help, in the form of couples’ therapy. Often, all that is needed is to learn how to give our partner the messages they need, in the right way. Everything that attracted you to that special someone is still there; did you know that you can discover it, many times over, during the course of your relationship? e

Since time in memoriam, psychologists have told us that the passionate stage of love, the first few months in which we meet, fall in love and commit to someone, is fleeting. ‘Every flame dies down,’ they say, ‘Passion gives way to friendship’ and ‘The early stages of love are like a temporary high.’ In the past, scientific research backed the pessimists, with an important study carried out in the 1980s showing that passionate love decreases significantly over time, with companionate love replacing romantic love in a vast majority of couples. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

CAN ROMANCE LAST an Eternity? 82 / FEBRUARY 2016 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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Enjoy the relaxing Shanti-Som Wellbeing Retreat RESTAURANT - SPA - YOGA - HOTEL

Relax and Enjoy

...only 10 minutes from Marbella Open daily for lunch to the public

Ctra. de Ojen km 22 - A355 Monda - Marbella Tel: 952 86 44 55 or 628 79 30 13

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spa

HEALTH

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Scientists Breed World’s

First IVF Puppies!

BULLYING EXPOSURE IN CHILDHOOD LINKED TO

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a wonderful advancement that has allowed numerous people across the globe to have children, and the good news for pet lovers is that the technology has now been proven successful for canines. Researchers in the US have created the ﬁrst IVF puppies, who were born from 19 embryos implanted into a female dog. Scientists have tried to do this for over 30 years, unsuccessfully, discovering just recently that the secret lies in simply leaving canine eggs one extra day in the oviduct, which greatly increases the chance of fertilisation. Scientists also added magnesium to the cell culture, which mimicked the conditions that exist inside the canine reproductive tract. The result? A healthy litter of pups which are a mix of beagle and cocker spaniel.

Need for Adult Psychiatric Treatment

UPDATE

Being bullied as a child is associated with a greater likelihood of psychiatric disorders in adulthood which require treatment, according to a study published by Finnish scientists in JAMA Psychiatry. Participants who were bullies and who were also exposed to bullying at age eight had a high risk of various psychiatric disorders, including depression. The researchers noted that policy makers should be aware of the complex relationship between bullying and the development of mental illnesses, so that more efﬁcient prevention and treatment programmes can be put in place.

Late Bedtimes Can

LEAD TO WEIGHT GAIN

Adolescents and adults who sleep late during the week are more likely to gain weight than those who hit the sack earlier, according to a new study carried out at the University of California, Berkeley. The study looked into the habits of 3,300 teens and young adults, ﬁnding that for every hour less of sleep, participants gained Body Mass Index. Moreover, the results were irrespective of the amount of exercise, sedentary time or hours slept. The study suggests that going to bed early is at least one important step to take in preventing obesity in the youth. Further studies will be carried out into the effects of late sleep times on older adults.

Allergy Linked to Higher Heart

Disease Risk in Children

A new study carried out at Northwestern University in the U.S. has shown that children with typical allergies such as hay fever and asthma are more likely to have high blood pressure and cholesterol issues, than their non-allergic peers. The study was based on a survey participated in by over 13,000 children from 0-17 years old. Researchers suggest that parents should consider testing children with allergies for high blood pressure and cholesterol, since these factors raise the risk of cardiovascular disease.

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THEY ARE NOT FROM ANOTHER PLANET, THEY USE MEDICAL THERAPIES THAT ARE ALSO AVAILABLE TO YOU!

HYPERBARIC OXYGEN

QUALITY OF LIFE

FIRST MEDICAL CONSULTATION

FREE

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) consists of a patient being placed into a hyperbaric chamber where increased atmospheric pressure in used in order for the patient to breathe100% oxygen. Under these conditions, oxygen becomes a medicine and begins therapeutic treatments on the body. The treatment is particularly recommended for reducing inflammation, generally helping wounds to heal, as well as wounds that are difficult to heal, such as ulcers or diabetic foot. It can even be used to prevent cases of amputation. Furthermore, its effects on the post-operative recovery process have been proven as have its support for plastic and reconstructive surgery. It is also recommended for sports injuries, bone fractures, neurological damage, autism, providing relief from the effects of radiotherapy or burns, and reducing stress and chronic fatigue. Specifically, it is the oxygen going through the blood in greater concentration that helps the body on a general level. The hyperbaric chamber at the Hyperbaric Medical Centre is made from entirely transparent material, and has room for one person, allowing for direct communication with medical staff; as well as offering hygienic, comfortable and exclusive conditions with the greatest possible availability of times.

CENTRO MÉDICO HIPERBÁRICO Avda. de España 242. Estepona (Málaga) Tel.: 952 806 796 / 663 418 023

www.centrohiperbarico.com

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DR. PETR SPUREK OF

HEALTH

THE FOOT AND SPORTS CLINIC MARBELLA

Most of us take our feet for granted, assuming that they will always be in acceptable enough condition to take us from point A to point B. A visit to Dr. Petr Spurek, Founder of the prestigious Foot and Sports Clinic Marbella, however, debunks all these myths and more since, as he explains, the state of our feet is directly related to the health of our knees, legs, spine – indeed, of the entire body.

UPDATE

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

r. Spurek specialises in foot and ankle surgery, yet his Clinic is devoted to much more than that, with many departments including sports medicine, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, nutrition, pain therapy, custom-made insoles using 3D scanning and gait analysis, QRS magnetic ﬁeld therapy, etc. The Clinic is vast, comprising a consultation floor and a lower floor for physiotherapy and treatments, where a highly skilled team of therapists impart everything from Galvanic treatment to craniosacral therapy. On the day of my visit to the Clinic, Dr. Spurek (always upbeat and exuding tremendous positive energy) enthusiastically speaks of one area that is growing by the day: prevention. “My patients are getting younger and younger,” he says. “I treat many children and adolescents since so many issues can be corrected with the right treatment. It is vital to nip the problem in the bud, before it becomes serious.” Most often, says Dr. Spurek, no surgery is required at all, but rather, physiotherapy treatment, insoles, etc. However, when surgery is required, “it is

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usually minimally invasive and patients are walking and even running the next day.” Many of Dr. Spurek’s new patients are young athletes, performing at a high level in sports like tennis and soccer. “As they enter the pubertal growth phase, they can grow clumsy or decline in performance. This is because of the immense growth spurt that occurs at this age. Their bones have grown, but their soft tissue needs to catch up. Often, physiotherapy and orthotics can aid in injury prevention. We also teach adolescents to become more aware of their bodies, to avoid injuries.” Dr. Spurek tells me of one adolescent patient who, owing to a problem of incorrectly treated flat feet, had gained a considerable amount of weight. Clearly, a problem with pain and limited mobility has many corollary effects, wresting from an individual’s motivation to exercise and causing them to pack on the pounds. “In addition to surgery, we can recommend nutritional programmes which will help restore health and ﬁtness to our young patients.” A typical check-up for

youngsters might involve a check of locomotor skills. The staff may recommend a change in training inputs, orthotics, a new nutritional programme, etc. Sometimes, the problem might be what is least expected, and Dr. Spurek may recommend that the patient see an ear, nose and throat specialist. In addition to his enthusiasm for prevention, Dr. Spurek is also busy with education; he continually travels the globe when he is not in surgery, to share his knowledge with students abroad. His hard work has brought some amazing results: the Clinic is an internationally recognised Centre of Excellence for Foot and Ankle Surgery and soon, it will also be ofﬁcially recognised for ankle cartilage repair. Says Dr. Spurek: “I have been working alongside a company from Switzerland on cartilage regrowth in the ankle. Thus far, cartilage regrowth has been made possible in the knee, but nobody (until now) has been able to successfully do the same in the ankle and foot.” Dr. Spurek isn’t alone in his endeavours; he works alongside specialists from all over the world. “When they need a top specialist in foot and ankle or knee surgery,

they call me and I fly over to operate on their patients and they do the same when my patients need hip, spine or shoulder surgery. The key is to always provide patients with the very best specialist for their particular condition.” He reminds me that “there are over 1,000 surgical techniques for the foot and ankle alone, so greater specialisation means greater precision.” It is no wonder that Dr. Spurek has so many international connections; he was born in the Czech Republic, educated in Budapest, Würzburg and Prague and completed his postgraduate studies in various renowned universities in Prague, Spain and Augsburg, as well as the USA, Switzerland and Italy. Alongside his talented and highly specialised team, Dr. Spurek aims to bring good health and a happy, pain-free life to children and adults, insisting that although his passion is surgery, “orthopaedics and physiotherapy are becoming more and more important in terms of preventing future illness, discomfort and pain.” Nobody, young or old, should lead a life of pain, or a lesser life than they were meant to, a tenet which Dr. Spurek has dedicated his whole life to.

g Avda. Ricardo Soriano 50, Edif. Terra local 2, Marbella. Tel: 951 968 800. www.fscmarbella.com 1/22/16 12:10 PM

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thepro NEWS /ENTERPRISE / LOCAL BUSINESS

/PROFILES / FINANCE / LAW

Compiled by Marisa CUTILLAS

MAGIX FM MARBELLA Launches in Marbella MAGIX FM MARBELLA is a new radio station in Marbella playing 24/7 dance music by top DJs, including Nicky Romero, Paul Oakenfold, Aly & Fila, Ultra Music Festival, Spinnin’ Records, Armin Van Buuren, Carl Cox, Mark Brown, Tiesto, John Digweed, Adam Beyer, Nicole Moudaber, Mark Knight and Sander van Doorn. Since October last year, MAGIX FM MARBELLA has been airing on the FM frequency 100.6 in the Marbella area. Coverage ranges from Estepona to La Cala de Mijas, but its target market is Marbella. i www.magixfm-marbella.es

Christopher Clover of Panorama receives Lifetime Achievement award At a recent gala dinner at the Puente Romano Hotel in front of over 300 guests, the Mayor of Marbella, José Bernal, presented Christopher Clover of Panorama with a Lifetime Achievement Award from REAS, the Costa del Sol’s largest real estate agency association. The REAS Board, composed exclusively of members, voted unanimously to present Mr. Clover with the award. REAS, currently with 35 member companies, aims to enhance the reputation and relevance of the professionals involved in real estate transactions in Spain. Christopher Clover is the founder and Managing Director of Panorama, Marbella’s longest established real estate agency. i www.panorama.es.

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LA ZAGALETA ACQUIRES VALDERRAMA GOLF Zagaleta Limited, a UK subsidiary of Grupo La Zagaleta Holding, recently announced that it has purchased the Valderrama Group, which owns (among other holdings) Sotogrande’s legendary Valderrama Golf Course. The acquisition cost €40 million and includes the Valderrama 2 proposed development at nearby Castellar, comprising a further investment of €200 million over the next decade. i www.lazagaleta.com

GOLD CUP NEW GRAND SLAM IN WORLD POLO TOUR 2016 The World Polo Tour (WPT) has just raised the value of the Gold Cup of the International Polo Tournament at Santa María Polo Club in Sotogrande by declaring the latter a Grand Slam competition, where the winner will receive a whopping 150 ranking points (up 25 points from last year). The new title will establish Sotogrande as one of the most exciting places to be for lovers of the Sport of Kings. i www.santamariapoloclub.com

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Butterfly Charity Raises €9.200 at Christmas

Volunteers of the Butterfly Children Charity raised €9.200 over the Christmas period. From the 27th November until the 5th January volunteers of the charity tirelessly wrapped Christmas presents purchased in FNAC in return for a donation for the cause. “When you volunteer, you help others but above all you help yourself,” said Ángela Merino, one of the volunteers who participated in the event. In total, more than 100 volunteers took part to raise awareness regarding the disease and to generate funds for a worthy cause. i www.debra.org

Aloha College Caritas Delivery

Lola, Milena, Julia and Daniella from the Primary Section of Aloha College recently visited a local Caritas center, representing the school and delivering generous donations of food and clothing by parents and pupils. The President and Director of the Association received the children, who impressed him owing to their understanding of social problems. After a tour of the installations, the children helped unpack and organise their contributions. Aloha students also shone at their annual Christmas concert, showing that they are truly a talented bunch. Finally, Year Three and Four students relived the Victorian era, dressing in period outfits and taking lessons in the same format as in times gone by. i www.aloha-college.com

Reaching for the Stars at Engel & Völkers

Engel & Völkers has been a major leader in the mid- to high-end real estate market in Marbella for many years. Smadar Kahana, the owner of four offices of Engel & Völkers in Marbella, has hired a leading International Business Consultant to coach her teams for the next six months with the intention of taking the company to the next level and to increase the success already achieved to date. i www.engelvoelkers.com

Sotogrande International School Triumphs in Portugal

Sotogrande International School (SIS) recently entered a team in the Algarve Cup, hosted in Vilamoura, Portugal, featuring participation by a total of eight International schools. Following in the footsteps of the SIS European under-11 champions, the under-19 football team from SIS knew it had a lot to live up to as they arrived to face teams from Lisbon, Faro and Rome. Despite losing two key players to concussion, the boys made it all the way to the final, beating perennial tournament finalists St Stephens (Rome) with a score of 2 - 1. i www.sis.ac

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FUNDRAISING FOR CUDECA

The Burns Night Supper in aid of Cudeca is a highlight of the year for many Scots and their families and this year was no exception. The event took place at the Tamisa Golf Hotel in Mijas, featuring Aberdeen Angus Roast and cock-a-leekie soup, as well as a variety of wines and whisky. On February 13, Cudeca will also be holding a Come Dancing evening, featuring supper and dance at El Trapiche restaurant, starting at 7pm. i www.cudeca.org

REDLINE MAKES DONATION TO FUNDACIÓN BIOPARC – EBO GORILLAS BIKIBOU OF MARBELLA: HELPING CHILDREN IN NEED

Trendy swimwear shop, Bikibou Marbella, recently showed it is a business with plenty of heart, by joining Charity Antivirus (represented by William Havsted, aged eight) and The Agger Foundation in organising a toy collection charity for needy children during the Christmas season. Over 150 presents were donated to 40 children and more charitable events are planned for the future. i www.bikibou.com

Leading marketing agency, Redline, recently celebrated its 11th birthday by donating a sum of money to the Fundación BIOPARC’S EBO project, which seeks to put a stop to the extinction of gorillas. EBO is the name of a verdant forest in Cameroon, where a small community of approximately 25 gorillas live. The aim is to protect their ecosystem and to protect this group. i www.redlinecompany.com

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU WITH THE GASTRIC BALLOON TREATMENT AT OCEAN CLINIC Ocean Clinic has partnered with Dr. Michael Peters, an experienced gastroenterologist and specialist in Internal Medicine. Dr. Peters has expanded the rage of treatments available at Ocean Clinic, with the addition of gastric balloon endoscopy, which offers a safe, permanent aid to weight loss. The balloon can be used with both extremely obese people and moderately overweight people. i For further information,

www.oceanclinic.net

RWAY PLAY: FUN IN MOTION

Ride into the future in a fun, environmentally friendly way with RWAY PLAY, which specialises in the sale of sports articles and electric toys, including auto equilibrium scooters and other Segway-type scooters, for children and adults alike. g C/ Virgen del Pilar, Local

10, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 689. www.rwayplay.com/es

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THE PRO business

CLARET EVENTS Creating special experiences in Marbella

Over the past ten years Claret Events has redeﬁned the meaning of luxury events in Marbella. Now the time has come for new partners to help take it to the next level and realise the potential that this region offers. WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

s a former commercial executive in the airline industry, Ronan Maguire knew exactly what he was getting into when he founded Claret Events ten years ago. “I had been exposed to the top-end hospitality and events sector for much of my career, so I was familiar with the pressures and rewards involved,” says Ronan. What’s more, he also knew what was needed to create events that are quite literally outstanding. “It’s an intensely competitive ﬁeld, particularly in the British Isles, so you have to be creative and think outside ﬁxed constraints while also being organised and capable of coordinating large numbers of different people.” Ronan brought all this experience to Marbella when he founded Claret Events. “The intention was always to be flexible in terms of the actual events but have a clear focus on the luxury segment.” In a place like Marbella, the latter has tremendous potential, both among those owning properties here and within the market of individual and corporate clients across Europe.

“For this reason, Claret Events is a niche events management company specialised in offering made-tomeasure, bespoke experiences,” says Ronan. “We don’t work off the shelf, so each and every event we design and organise is entirely unique.”

A Growth Market Through Claret Events he has built up an impressive portfolio of corporate and private clients, organising product launches, private parties, PR events, sports competitions and glamorous weddings. “It’s a self-selecting market in which people who want something special and have the budget to achieve it come to bespoke management companies like ours,” says Ronan, who works hard to offer quality for money but does not compete in the pre-packaged segment. As a result, an event organised by Claret is not only exclusive but also an experience to savour. “Luxury, especially today, is about the very special experiences you can offer, and this we excel in.” Having earned a reputation for his creative and organisational skills and for conceiving and realising

events that take the Marbella luxury experience to another level, he began to attract more and more clients from abroad. “Marbella has so much to offer that the potential market is truly impressive. We have the best climate in a wonderful setting with a very good luxury infrastructure, with so much more to add to the resort hotels and beach clubs.” Golf is the ﬁrst ingredient that comes to mind, followed by spa retreats and glorious country escapes, but there is more yet to entice a European elite that is just a short flight away. The choice of venues and settings adds to the mix, ranging from Marbella old town to beachside, mountain or even nearby Málaga city, but add beautiful castles, palaces, museums, private race tracks, country estates and large, luxurious yachts to it and the potential combinations become truly exciting. “Helicopters, classic cars, horseback, they are all elements that are locally available to turn a special event into an unforgettable one.” Having said that, Ronan has also flown in entire orchestras, dance groups and A-list performers. “We don’t compromise

on quality and can’t afford to have the attitude that something can’t be done.”

A Niche Opportunity For the right person, someone who enjoys a creative, dynamic and exciting environment, luxury event management is a highly rewarding ﬁeld that still offers a lot of growth potential in Marbella. “You have to be a problem-solver who is organised but loves being creative,” says Ronan. “If so, it is a very privileged ﬁeld to be involved in.” Having taken Claret Events to a leading position within Marbella he is now open to working with new partners to help take the business to the next level. “There is a great deal of potential to be realised, and with the right mix of ingredients we can truly put Marbella on the map in what is a fast-growing industry in which billions are turned over annually. There is absolutely no reason why Marbella should not become an international centre for exclusive, luxury events,” says the man who wants to achieve just that. i www.claret-events.com

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THE VIBE

DY Gym Launch DY GYM at Centro Plaza is the groundbreaking new gym opened by six-time Mr. Olympia, Dorian Yates, who will perform the role of Director. The owner of the gym, Kamel Abdel Rahman, runs a total of four businesses, DY GYM being his first foray into the world of fitness.

“The only bad workout is the one you didn’t do” – Anonymous

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THE VIBE

New Offices for International Marbella International Marbella invited business associates, clients and members of the media to the unveiling of their stylishly refurbished and extended office premises in the heart of Nueva Andalucía. Invitees enjoyed drinks and nice canapés while being shown round the revamped premises, whose transformation was masterminded by company Director, Tine Hagemeister. i www.internationalmarbella.com

“The secret to change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new” – Socrates

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THE VIBE

Homage to David Bowie at Trocadero Arena The loss of David Bowie left fans across the globe shell-shocked, though he thankfully left behind a plethora of music, videos and interviews that remind us of what made him such a special artist. Trocadero Arena recently paid homage to the Starman with a well-attended tribute party, where fans were able to enjoy great music and reminisce on what Bowie meant to them. i www.trocaderoarena.com

“I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring” – David Bowie

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Also playing at this Festival of Blues is the highly respected Mama Paula Blues Band, with guitarists Mama Paula and Marcela Saenz. Mama Paula has toured extensively all over Europe and has a dedicated following of blues fans. Opening the show is a very talented young Dutchman, Tijs Groen. Tijs was runner up in Holland’s Best Guitarist 2013, showcasing his blend of Blues and Jazz. This concert is a MUST for all Blues fans, especially after the annual Mijas Blues Festival was cancelled in 2015 and no other major blues event was held in its place. The following evening, Saturday 5th March, is a throw-back to the 80s with the premier BON

A Festival of Blues and Night of 80s Rock

in Fuengirola The concert season on the Costa del Sol gets off to a great start as Big M Promotions launch their 2016 season at the Palacio de la Paz, Fuengirola.

JOVI tribute band from the UK, Bon Giovi. After 10 years touring the world to rave reviews, this talented band came to the Mijas auditorium in 2015, where they played to a sell-out crowd as part of the Hot Summer Nights season. By popular request they return to perform two hours of the most popular BON JOVI songs, and as support they will have the hottest covers band in Andalucía, Stereo 80. Stereo 80 were featured as support band on three of the five Hot Summer Nights concerts, headlining the final Classic Rock Night to standing ovations. Playing songs from AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, Queen, KISS and many more, lovers of 80s rock are in for a treat. e

HSS

he opening night, Friday 4th March, features the legendary LEO LYONS (Founding member of the iconic band Ten Years After) and his band Hundred Seventy Split. Leo is joined by guitar/vocalist Joe Gooch (who replaced Alvin Lee in the original Ten Years After band) and Damon Sawyer (drummer for Muddy Waters and Paul Rogers of Free). Those of a certain age will remember Woodstock for varying reasons, and the festival defined live music for years to come. Woodstock was immortalised in a movie, and Ten Years After were the band that had the longest on-screen time playing the classic I’m Going Home.

Stereo 80

Tijs Groen

Bon Giovi

Leo Lyons

music THE PRO

Venue Palacio de la Paz, Fuengirola fairground, just off the N340/A7. Dates Friday 4th March – A Festival of Blues Saturday 5th March – BON JOVI tribute Tickets www.ticketsource.eu/bigmpromotions Information Big M Concerts, Tel: 952 661 819.

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THE LEISURE travel

Valentine’s is the day to celebrate romance, to revel in new love and rekindle the flame of passion, but it is also a welcome highlight roughly midway between Christmas and Easter – and therefore the perfect excuse to indulge in a getaway for two.

Valentine Getaways WORDS michel cruz

hether you have been hit square in the heart by Cupid’s arrow or bask in the warm glow of a mature love, the 14th February is the day for you. It goes without saying that we should celebrate passion every day and let our loved ones know how much they mean to us throughout the year, but it doesn’t hurt to have a day dedicated to the cause – one that focuses the mind and even spurs the most forgetful of men into action. What’s more, if you don’t get too caught up in the nervous chase for ‘must get’ cards, flowers and messages, it can actually be a lot of fun. Let your spontaneity run free and your inner romantic loose. Valentine’s Day is a great moment to give in to your nobler sentiments and think of how to surprise and pamper someone close to you. The fact that it comes at what can only be described as a bit of a lull in the annual calendar only adds to its appeal, so put on that thinking cap and start plotting the great escape. With all that this region has to offer you won’t even have to book a flight to find a truly special romantic retreat where memories can be made. To help get you going we’ve come up with some local suggestions.

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Head for the Hills Just a short distance inland, on the other side of the curtain of mountains that rings the Costa del Sol, you will find a wide choice of boutique hotels, country inns and even spa hotels with such features as stables and private bullrings. Here you can indulge your romantic spirit strolling or picnicking in lovely natural scenery, visiting picturesque country villages and relaxing by a cosy log fire. About half an hour from Marbella is one of the finest resort hotels in Spain, where you can enjoy all of the above in immaculate style. Finca Cortesin is an oasis of pampering luxury, where the exquisite spa and heavenly dining are sure to impress in a setting that has all the charm and sophistication of a grand country estate midway between beaches and the mountain scenery of Casares.

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Head for the Mountains Those wanting to add a sense of drama should set their sights even higher – geographically speaking – and aim for the mountains. More specifically, for the Sierra Nevada, whose ski resort offers just the thing for a touch of Bondstyle glamour on a romantic excursion. At this time of year, this winter wonderland offers ski, snowboarding and après ski with a healthy dose of Spanish sun thrown in. The newly rebuilt El Lodge offers this alpine experience within a setting of exquisite style and service. Already it is building upon the fame of its internationally renowned siblings, the Marbella Club and Puente Romano hotels, with a truly seductive blend of sophisticated lodge ambience, spa, dining and beautifully appointed suites that allow you to drink in the snowscapes around you. If this experience can’t warm the cockles of your lover’s heart, nothing will.

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Head for the Lights

Of course not everybody is made for snow and ski, so for the more urban types there is the excitement of a big, lively city. Fortunately we have one just round the corner, so to speak, though if you’re willing to travel two to three hours, the likes of Sevilla, Cádiz, Córdoba and Granada also offer a tempting mix of history, culture, cuisine and infectious Spanish liveliness. Málaga may be under an hour away, but it now ranks right alongside these and other Spanish favourites, having been dubbed one of the most up-and-coming travel destinations in the world thanks to a growing array of museums, fine restaurants, shops and a nightlife scene that is big city in an Andalusian way. Book an elegant suite in the Art Deco style Hotel Room Mate Larios and you will find yourself in the very pretty heart of the city – within a wonderful stroll of the best shops, restaurants, bars and culture Málaga has to offer.

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Head for the Rock By Rock we mean Gibraltar, but not as you know it. Indeed, by suggesting you follow Cupid’s arrow to the diminutive British enclave on the southern tip of Europe we’re not thinking Morrison’s, the high street or even the cable cars, but rather a different perspective of the Rock. The Caleta Hotel offers just that, with some of the most spectacular vistas of the Mediterranean in the entire region courtesy of a peaceful setting on the east side of the Rock. It’s just the place to get away from it all, though if you like a little action why not try the Sunborn? This unique five-star yacht hotel is moored in the modern, upmarket setting of Ocean Village, offering lovely cabin suites with imposing sea views, a deluxe spa, restaurants, bars, entertainment and a casino onboard. What’s more, you don’t have to brave the waves to enjoy this highly glamorous romantic escape.

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Or Stay Close There is nothing like getting away to fan the flames of passion, but sometimes what you’re looking for is on your very doorstep. Leaving the kids, pets and other precious things in good hands and just getting away for a little break for two is something you can also do right here in Marbella. In fact, just pack an overnight bag and you can be at a sumptuous resort like the Puente Romano in a quarter of an hour, enjoying the comfort and privacy of your suite in record time as you get ready for some spa pampering or a romantic dinner at one of the first class eateries for which the resort is achieving new acclaim. Then head for Suite nightclub and spend the following morning basking in the mild sunlight at one of the most stylish stretches of beach in Marbella. We are very lucky to have on our very doorstep what people across Europe have to book a flight to enjoy – and while they count their stay in the sun by the days or weeks, a simple stroll on the beach or watching the sun set means we could make everyday a Valentine’s escape if we so wished. e

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THE LEISURE hotel

El Lodge Ski & Spa The Sierra Nevada’s Only Ski-in/Ski-out Resort Returns One of the best aspects of life in Marbella is our proximity to the Sierra Nevada Ski Resort, the most southerly ski resort in Europe and home to the El Lodge Ski & Spa Resort, by the Marbella Club Hotel Group. The Resort is special for various reasons; for one, it is the only hotel in the area offering ski-in, ski-out access to the Maribel and Águila slopes. No other accommodation enables you to wake up, enjoy a hearty breakfast, snap your skis on and enjoy a memorable day beneath the sun. WORDS Marisa CUTILLAS Photography Courtesy of El Lodge Ski & Spa

l Lodge is also famed for its unique design and Alpinelike construction, made with seasoned Finnish timber sourced from luxury producer, Polar Life Haus. The Hotel is deliciously private, with only eight rooms and twelve suites offering a comfortable, luxurious yet discrete stay. Light abounds, thanks to wall-to-ceiling glass windows which offer heavenly views over the snow-capped mountain range. The hotel has only three floors; the first offers direct access to the outdoor heated pool, Jacuzzi and sauna from all rooms. Rooms on the second and third floors, meanwhile, boast spacious terraces with their own private Jacuzzi. For a truly luxurious stay, we recommend the Imperial and Royal Suites on the top floor, where skylights afford dreamlike views of the blue Sierra Nevada sky. These suites are ideal for those travelling with family, since they have spacious

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living rooms, toasty fireplaces and more. If you are travelling as part of a large group, you may be interested in knowing that rooms can be booked individually or by floor. If an exciting function is on the agenda, why not book the whole resort? The interiors exude cosiness and warmth from the word go; designed by renowned interiors firm, Andrew Martin, the rooms have a cottage-style feel to them, thanks to accessories such as faux-fur throws, cowhide rugs, vintage posters and antler chandeliers. Elegant chesterfields and comfy pony chairs exude a uniquely southern sense of charm, while lavish Natura Bissé amenities pamper guests’ skin preand après-ski. Although velocity atop the powdery slopes will undoubtedly be your star attraction, there is plenty to keep non-skiers occupied at El Lodge itself. Take the beautiful outdoor heated pool, built into a sexy wooden deck, conveniently adjacent

to a lovely relaxation area, where designer sunbeds are the perfect spot to work on your tan. Then there is the spa and fitness centre, with its stone-walled circuit pool, treatment rooms, Turkish Bath and Finnish sauna. After a long day on the slopes, nothing quite soothes one’s aching muscles like a massage or facial and there are many treatments to choose from at El Lodge. Skiers always work up a major appetite, so it’s good to know that you can satisfy even the most intense cravings at the many onsite dining venues. Start the evening off with a cocktail at The Bar then enjoy a juicy steak or lighter fare at rustic fine dining restaurant, The Grill. Game and fondue are star dishes here, as is Caviar de Riofrío, a sustainable caviar made in an ecological sturgeon farm in Riofrío, Granada. If you’re out on the slopes and you feel like a quick bite, ski straight into The Terrace, the Sierra Nevada’s

only ski-in, ski-out restaurant. Sip on a cup of hot chocolate or tuck into a fusion lunch featuring sushi, barbecued meat and Mediterranean delights. True to the Marbella Club Hotel Group’s style of pampering guests, expect to find faux-fur throws and cosy fires at The Terrace, where you may just spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying excellent conversation with your loved ones. If you’re thinking of taking that special someone somewhere special for Valentine’s why not avail of El Lodge’s romantic ‘Love in the Mountains’ package? The latter includes two nights’ accommodation in a Deluxe Double Room with private outdoor Jacuzzi, a buffet breakfast daily for two, a special Valentine’s dinner at The Grill, a one-hour massage and spa access for two, return transfer in a luxury sedan to and from Málaga/ Granada airport and a romantic Valentine’s welcome amenity, all at a special price. i www.ellodge.com 1/22/16 12:12 PM

Skin aging is a process that is undeniably changing the appearance and characteristics of our skin. Factors such as age, hormones, sun exposure and tobacco are linked directly to this process. Aesthetic treatments can combat cellular aging as effectively as facial rejuvenation surgery. Dr. Mario Arques has a unit dedicated exclusively to aesthetic medicine procedures, providing excellent results without surgery for many common problems. A highly qualified team dedicated to skin, health and beauty that seeks as its main goal, true to the philosophy of the doctor, to provide full patient satisfaction with the final result and offers a full range of solutions that care for the youth of the skin and ensure a radiant look.

Dr. Mario Arques who has been dedicated to medicine for 20 years, graduated in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Granada in 1995 and with a Masters degree in Aesthetic Medicine by the Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid. He began his career in aesthetic medicine through participation in numerous accredited courses and by completing a Masters in Aesthetic Medicine at URJC. He then went on to hone his medical skills in the Andalusian Health Service, where he worked at an advanced level of Clinical Management in Almanzora for the Agency for Health Quality in Andalusia. He is still training in prestigious academies and holds workshops and conferences in national and international locations. He is a pioneering physician incorporating the latest techniques for the implementation of beauty treatments, as well as the highest quality professional products in the field with the ultimate exclusive ageLOC technology treatments.

Urbanizaci贸n Alzambra- Vasari n煤mero 1 Puerto Ban煤s. Marbella Collegiate member 111107877 info@Arquesclinic.com 路 www.arquesclinic.com

tel. 662 408 408 Doctor Mario Arques/Arques Clinic

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met

RESTAURANTS / REVIEWS / NEWS / WINE / CHEFS / GUIDE

We review Sukhothai, a veritable Thai institution on the Marbella gastronomic scene, present you with the latest food news and invite you to sip on a glass or two of wine while you read all about Diego Gallegos of Michelinstarred restaurant, Sollo.

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For the Love of Wine

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AT THE PLAZA VILLAGE IN THE HOTEL PUENTE ROMANO

Puente Romano Hotel, Blv. Principe Alfonso Von Hohenlohe, Marbella. www.thaigallerymarbella.com

Tel: 952 818 392

TAI PAN chinese cuisine polynesian bar

Serving Marbella in a Select Atmosphere for Decades. Tel: 952 777 893 / 952 775 500 Puente Romano, Fase 2, Marbella. Open Daily for Dinner from 8:00 www.taipanmarbella.com

SUKHOTHAI Exquisite Royal Thai Cuisine

Tel: 952 770 550 Open Mon-Sat. C.C. Marbellamar, L-3A. Marbella. www.sukhothaimarbella.com

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restaurant THE GOURMET

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

SUKHOTHAI Herbs and Spice and Everything Nice

ust the thought of my upcoming dinner at Sukhothai restaurant on the Golden Mile made my mouth water; the perenially popular restaurant is no less than an institution on the Coast, having been founded nearly 30 years ago by husband-and-wife team, Lincoln Lo and Ping Mak (also owners of the successful Tai Pan and Thai Gallery). Undoubtedly, these venues are a sacred triumvirate in Marbella – diners know that they can expect the utmost when it comes to produce, preparation and service. Lincoln and Ping are the very heart of Oriental cuisine in Marbella and indeed, Lincoln tells me that what keeps him passionate about his restaurants is attending to the same families of diners, many of which have expanded considerably with the arrival of new generations. The ambience at Sukhothai exudes elegance; a neutral, metallic colour scheme is married to colourful touches (hanging royal blue table lamps and a dazzling display of Thai art works in a panel

running parallel to the tables). Warm, dark wood abounds and many details merit contemplation yet the overriding sensation is one of coming home. Sukhothai is famed for its traditional Thai food; Ping explains that many of the dishes here are mostly whipped up by the head of the kitchen in many Thai homes (the beloved grandmother). Interestingly and uniquely for Marbella, the Chef at Sukhothai is a woman. If tradition is key to the success of Sukhothai, then the exquisiteness of the dishes is testimony to the rich and highly regarded Thai culinary culture. The Chef sought to present us with some of her best dishes and indeed, my dining companion and I enjoyed a banquet-like meal like few we can recall. The mixed starter platter was a veritable smorgasbord of art, flavour and spice. I counted 10 starters in total – everything from deep fried wonton to prawn toast, grilled King prawns, satay chicken, beef skewers, and more, accompanied by three different sauces (satay, sweet chilli and

cucumber). The servings were generous and certainly enough to share between three. As we enjoyed various dishes at once, the vivid display on the Lazy Susan was quite the moveable feast. Large roses handcrafted from beetroots were joined by an array of vegetables shaped into the most pleasant forms from Nature – stems, stalks, flowers… Our tastebuds marvelled at the moreish herbs, citric flavours and spices in every dish. We tucked into a true classic: larb (lettuce wraps ﬁlled with diced chicken, cilantro, and chilli in lemon juice). Another fresh choice were the Vietnamese rolls, housing a medley of prawns, crab and vegetables. The rolls are meant to be dipped into a glass of Hoisin sauce drizzled with sesame seeds, making for a pleasurable yet delightfully low-calorie dish. We also enjoyed a hearty Pad Thai (the famed Thai noodles that are sweet and spicy all at once and in this instance, topped with generous servings of juicy King prawns).

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The Sukhothai fish is a must for fish lovers: freshly caught, goldengrilled lubina is topped with sweet and tangy vegetables, a healthy yet flavour-packed choice. Those after grilled duck, meanwhile, can’t go wrong here. The duck is exquisitely crisp on the outside and tender inside, and covered in a temptingly sweet sauce. As hearty as a meal at Sukhothai is bound to be, we suggest ending the experience on a sweet note, with the fried banana (or pineapple) with coconut and honey, definitely worth every calorie. Sukhothai is a highly recommended venue for couples, families or groups of friends alike, with a special private area for group dining. The continued success of this veritable institution of fine dining is a testimony to the hard work of Ping, Lincoln and their team, but also to the savvy international dining culture that has always characterised Marbella. g Open every evening for dinner from 7:30pm to 12:30am.

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THE GOURMET news WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

World’s Best Restaurant Publishes New Book

Spaniards Turn their Backs on the Mediterranean Diet

Joan, Josep and Jordi Roca, the fraternal team behind the World’s Best Restaurant (El Celler de Can Roca), have just released a new book entitled Cocinando Un Tributo, which documents their culinary journeys through the cities of Houston, Dallas, Mexico, Monterrey, Bogota and Lima. The brothers discovered a host of new ingredients and recipes, which they present in the book, in addition to sharing the recipes of dishes they served to the public in each of these cities. i www.cellercanroca.com

The Mediterranean Diet is the current ‘be all, end all’ in the health sector, with studies from all over the world indicating that a diet rich in seasonal fruits and vegetables and healthy, Omega-3-rich fats, is ideal for keeping obesity and heart disease at bay, yet in Spain, we seem to be ignoring its many documented beneﬁts. Some 56 per cent of Spaniards aged above 18 are overweight or obese, and only 43 per cent consume fruits and vegetables daily. Additionally, 46 per cent of people lead a sedentary lifestyle. We also drink too much – in the list of most consumed items, alcohol and soft drinks take up the fourth and ﬁfth positions – and consume too much protein and fat and not enough healthy carbs. Nutritionists may soon have to change the name of the diet from ‘Mediterranean’ to ‘Utopian’!

Ronda Olive Oil One of Top 20 in the World Ronda-produced olive oil, LA Organic, has been honoured with 90 points in the Flos Olei guide, published in Italy and widely recognised as the premiere authority on top oils. LA Organic oil is extracted from olive groves in Finca La Amarilla, where a group of nuns ﬁrst began growing trees over 200 years ago. Congratulations to LA Organic, whose exquisite oil and contemporary packaging are increasingly gaining world renown. i www.laorganic.es

Healthy Cuisine at DY Gym The recently opened DY Gym at Centro Plaza, in Nueva Andalucía, may be the coolest place to work out, but it is also the ideal venue to enjoy a healthy meal. Everyone’s favourite cooking school owner, Rashida Reidel, aided Chef Alberto and Sous Chef Teresa, in preparing a host of tasty dishes made with local, organic produce which is totally pesticide-free and full of antioxidants and vitamins. The dishes are packed with flavour and deﬁnitely hearty enough to reward yourself with after a hefty workout! There are also menus for bodybuilders, to enable you to achieve maximum muscular strength! i www.dygym.com

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THE GOURMET profile

DIEGO GALLEGOS OF

SOLLO

Bringing Geography, History and Culture to Our Plates The Zeitgeist of gastronomy in the 21st century is undoubtedly that of sustainability. The world’s top Chefs – everyone from Grant Achatz to Andoni Aduriz or René Redzepi – are placing the environment at the centre of their culinary strategy, since the future of gastronomy and the Planet as a whole, depends on the extent to which the earth, bodies of waters and the welfare of animals, are given due importance. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DIEGO ERREKA/ SOLLO

t seems like only yesterday that Michelin-starred Chef, Diego Gallegos, was sitting in a university hall in Madrid, studying to obtain his Law degree. His rise to fame can only be described as meteoric since, in just a few years, he has managed to fulfil a niche that many Chefs have failed to do in a lifetime. Diego’s first forays into the culinary sector arose on a chance visit to Spain, when he began working as a dishwasher at a busy chiringuito in Benalmádena. There, he started off simply frying fish and seafood, but soon developed a taste for the kitchen. He also fell in love with his wife, Susana, foregoing the legal profession to work as Head Chef at her family’s restaurant in Algarinejo, Granada. Diego (who hails from Brazil but who also spent much of his childhood in Peru) always had a passion for food, sparked by his grandmother’s excellent cooking and by his childhood hobby of river fishing. It was precisely in rivers that Diego would find the seed for his vision: in the humble sturgeon (known in past eras as sollo), trout, and tilapia – fish whose culinary potential had long

been ignored in Spanish gastronomy. During his time in Granada, Diego began working as a consultant for Caviar de Riofrío. His innovative spirit led him to see great potential in river fish, inspiring him to take up an additional post in research and development for a tilapia fish farm in Córdoba. There is a reason why Diego prefers not to use wild fish in his cooking: the world’s seas and rivers are contaminated, with studies showing that a significant percentage of fish contain unacceptable levels of pesticides and chemicals. For pollution-free fish, ecological fish farming is the way to go. Diego pursued his culinary studies at La Cónsula, and has formed part of the team of some of the world’s most renowned Chefs, including Alex Atala, Andoni Aduriz, Martín Berasategui, Dani García and Raúl Aleixandre. He launched his very first restaurant in 2013: Sollo, once located in the centre of Benalmádena and now situated at the Double Tree by Hilton Resort and Spa Reserva del Higuerón. A turning point in Diego’s life came in the form of a prestigious prize: Chef

Revelación 2015 (Best New Chef) at Spain’s most lauded culinary event: Madrid Fusión. Soon after, Sollo’s first Michelin star was to follow and a week later, Sollo also received its Sun in the Repsol Guide. At Sollo, Diego’s raison d'etre is twofold: to offer a sustainable dining experience, and to reinvent the flavours of traditional Andalusian cooking, by replacing pork with river fish, eels and caviar. Take the traditional morcilla, for instance, made with pork blood at specific times of the year. Diego makes his own version from sturgeon blood, admitting that the process can be quite a feat: “It takes 50 kilos of sturgeon to obtain just 200ml of blood.” Asian, Brazilian and Peruvian influences abound; Diego describes his cuisine as “cosmopolitan,” with intense citric, spicy and sweet flavours predominating. The Chef’s research has produced rich and surprising results, and he has found fascinating new uses for previously discarded parts of the eel, such as the head. Diego takes sustainability seriously, having planted his own ecological

garden onsite, where he and his team have successfully grown a plethora of vegetables and herbs. Soon, the team will be installing an aquaponic system in the garden, to cultivate their own fish in a sustainable manner, offering clients fresh, clean produce of the very best quality. Sollo serves two tasting menus (varying mainly in number of dishes), both of which comprise mostly river fish, caviar and eel. Only one of the menus contains a meat dish: the traditional chivo from Málaga. Diego has a second establishment (Arequipa, a tapas-style restaurant at the Mercado de Málaga serving Nikkei cuisine) and he is keeping busy with the publication of a book on Sollo and its philosophy of sustainability (published by famed gastronomical publication house, Apicius). Sollo’s passion for the environment is captured in two short films: Eres Lo Que Comes and Sollo, which have received critical acclaim at national and international film festivals. g Reserva del Higuerón, Camino

del Higuerón 48, Benalmádena. Tel: 951 385 622. www.sollo.es

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THE GOURMET wine

THE LOVE OF

Wine

“One not only drinks wine, one smells it, observes it, tastes it, sips it and one talks about it,” to quote King Edward VII, no stranger to enjoyment before and during his tenure as monarch. By that time, the world of wine had opened up somewhat and the royal table might well have enjoyed Sherry, Champagne, German (his mother Queen Victoria was a keen fan of the wines of Hochheim), not to mention Port and Cognac in addition to the stalwarts of Bordeaux and Burgundy. Probably all of them at one sitting, knowing Edward’s reputation. WORDS PHILIP BOMBER-HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TORRES

owadays, wine is luckily no longer the preserve of the rich and has become a truly global drink, both in consumption and production, but it continues to exude the magic and allure that inspired the King’s comment. A good bottle, shared, is enough to break any ice and inspires conviviality, be it a Cava or a handsome Rioja. It will adapt to foods, moods and occasions as well as budgets. Of course, with such a wide selection of grapes and flavours now available, there really should be something for everyone: a claim perhaps matched only by music. “If music be the food of love, play on,” pleads Orsino in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, although had the quality of wine been better in the Great Bard’s day, that line might have read differently. There is no doubt that its passage through history has been a more romantic one than that enjoyed by many spirits, often the drink of choice (or necessity) of the people. The subjects portrayed in pictures such as Hogarth’s Gin Lane and Manet’s Absinthe Drinker use drink to escape from life, not to embrace it. Byron, who didn’t just embrace life but was locked in a bear-hug with it, exhorted: “Let us have wine and women, mirth and laughter, sermons and soda water the day after.” The

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association with fun and good times is certainly true and where would many of our romantic endeavours have ended up without the help of a bottle (or two)? Having extolled the virtues of wine as an aid to romance, there is a thin line between amorous and incapable… And while on moderation, too many go over the top when describing a wine so that others are left overawed by the product. As they feel they cannot replicate the grandiose vocabulary that accompanies these wine descriptions, they’re gripped by a reluctance to explore and avoid all but the cheapest. By all means describe Albariño as steely and elegant, Verdejo as grassy, or compare Cabernet Sauvignon to silk and Pinot Noir to velvet but keep it concise and remember that another pair of taste buds might differ. An excess often leads to undiplomatic behaviour and Pliny’s observation: “in vino veritas” (in wine the truth) is still true today for those who drop their guard. The great writer Samuel Johnson opined: “one of the disadvantages of wine is that it makes man mistake words for thoughts.” We’ve all met a few practitioners of that. The celebrated French scientist Louis Pasteur commented that, “Wine can be considered with good reason as the most healthful and hygienic of all beverages.” Coming from the genius who gave his name to pasteurisation, this is some compliment, although with French water and Absinthe

being the competitors at that time, totally understandable. Moderate consumption of wine (not always practised by this writer) can lead to health beneﬁts. A compound called resveratrol has been found in red wine skins, particularly Pinot Noir, and studies have shown that as well as extending the life of yeast, it could aid slimming by activating sirtuins which stimulate skinny genes, similar to fasting. Anthocyanins (another pigment in dark-skinned grapes) are present in superfoods such as blueberries. Grapes like Malbec, Petite Sirah, Tannat and St. Laurent are particularly blessed with these. A disadvantage for much of Spain is that all these grapes prefer cool climates, although results for Prieto Picudo in the VdlT of Castilla y Leon would be interesting. A situation called the ‘French Paradox’ examined why the inhabitants of South West France had fewer heart attacks, despite a diet of foie gras and duck, than those of other parts. Red wine was thought to be a factor in ﬁghting the adverse effects of the food, although much manual labour may have helped, rather than the sedentary lifestyle that afflicts many of us. Ultimately wine can alleviate the tedium of a humdrum day but it’s at its best when it accompanies and enhances so many of life’s enjoyments: tasty food, a romantic setting, company or even just the pleasure of savouring a good bottle. What’s not to love? e

i Quotes courtesy of www.enjoyhopewellvalleywines.com 1/22/16 1:33 PM

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theguide RESTAURANTS / CINEMAS / GOLF

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

RESTAURANTS

GYMS / TENNIS / SCHOOLS

under €25

€25 – €40

Yanx

AMERICAN

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

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

ARGENTINEAN

HARD ROCK CAFÉ

Jacks Open seven days a week from noon till late. Puerto Banús, Tel: 952 813 625, Puerto Marina, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 563 673

Mr. gourmet burger Open from 6pm ‘til late every evening. Avda. Luis Braile 20, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 785 257

ROUTE 66 Open 10am until midnight every day. Plaza Antonio Banderas 17/29, Puerto Banús. Tel: 951 136 333

Buenos Aires South

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

el banco Open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to midnight. Urb. Aloha Pueblo, Local 35, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 907 570

€40 – €60

€60 plus

BELGIAN El Coto

Open daily for both lunch and dinner. Ctra. de Ronda (El Madroñal), San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 786 688

mytilus

Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 132.2 Sotogrande, Cádiz. Tel: 956 791 200

Gluten-free celicioso

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Plaza de Los Naranjos, Puerto Sotogrande. Tel: 956 790 212

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the Puente Romano Hotel on the Golden Mile. Tel: 952 820 900

FRENCH

GREEK

Open Monday to Saturday from 1pm to 11pm. C/ Calderón Estébanez 19, Marbella. Tel: 952 774 578

Open daily for both lunch and dinner. Muelle Ribera, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 812 148

Casa mono

gauchos

le bistroman

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C.C. Laguna Village. CN 340, km 159, Estepona. Tel: 952 897 744

Open daily for lunch and dinner. El Corte Inglés, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 909 990

ruta 40

Valderrama Restaurant

Open from 9am to 12 midnight daily. C.C. El Zoco, Sitio de Calahonda. Tel: 951 133 737

Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner only and on Sunday for Buffet Lunch. Apartado 1,

Red Pepper

GRILLS

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

Asador guadalmina

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

cabaña nagüeles Open Monday to Thursday from 11am to 2am and on Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 3am. Urb. La Carolina, Marbella. Tel: 951 134 083

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

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

El gaucho de banús Open daily for lunch and dinner. Muelle Benabola 9-11, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 812 167

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 Open Monday to Saturday for dinner and Sunday for lunch. C/ San Lázaro, 3, Pza. Victoria, Marbella.

Tel: 952 867 306

Al Rolo

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

Open from 1pm to 4pm and 7pm to 11pm daily. At Reserva del Higuerón. Avda. del Higuerón 48, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 661 174

VOVEM

Albert & simon

Open every day for lunch and dinner. C/ Jacinto Benavente 5, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 656

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C.C. Odeon, Locales 9-10, C/ Las Yedras, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 003 434

Open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Friday and for dinner only on Saturday. Closed Sundays. Urb. Nueva Alcántara, Edif. Mirador, Bloque 4-B, Marbella. Tel: 952 783 714

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

INDIAN

Open daily for lunch and dinner. CN340, km 146.5, Casares. Tel: 951 704 884

barbq artesanal burgers beach house

Jaipur palace

alberts

beckitts

Open every night except Tuesday for dinner. CN340, km 194, next to Camping Cabopino, Marbella. Tel: 951 310 004

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Puerto Cabopino. Tel: 952 836 886

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

alumbre

Besaya Beach

Jaipur Purple

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Strachan 11, Málaga. Tel: 951 500 022

Open Monday to Thursday for lunch, Friday and Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sunday for lunch. Urb. Coral Beach s/n, km 176, Marbella. Tel: 952 777 299

Open daily for dinner. CN 340, km. 166, Estepona. Tel: 952 888 353

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

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

INTERNATIONAL

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

ambrosia Open daily from 9am ‘til late. Avda. Álvarez Quintero 20, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 781 310

amigos Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday. C/ Málaga 3, Benahavis. Tel: 952 855 175

11&11 Restobar

aroma

Open Monday to Thursday from 7pm ‘til late, on Friday and Saturday from 1pm to 4pm and from 7pm ‘til late and on Sunday from 10am ‘til late. Dársena de Levante, Local 39, Estepona Port. Tel: 951 703 060

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Moncayo 23, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 665 502

Aidan’s bar & Grill

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

Open Thursday to Tuesday for dinner from 5:30pm. Closed Wednesdays. C/ 4/5 Montemayor, Cancelada (opposite the Farmacia). Tel: 952 887 828

baboo lounge and restaurant

Bahia beach

BIBO Open every day for lunch and dinner except Sunday afternoon and all of Monday. At the Hotel Puente Romano. Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella. Tel: 951 607 011

Black and white Marbella Open daily for lunch and dinner. Muelle Benabola, under the Torre de Banús, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 815 607

Brunings Kitchen continuously open Monday to Friday from 1pm to 11pm. Saturday – dinner only. Closed Sunday. Las Palmeras 19, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 786 156

CAFÉ DE RONDA Open daily for breakfast and lunch until 7pm.

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

Avda. Ramón Gómez de la Serna 23, Marbella. Tel: 952 862 149

Cafetería ke Open daily for lunch and dinner. Puerto Deportivo de Sotogrande, s/n. Tel: 956 790 333

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

c’est la vie

under €25

€25 – €40

€40 – €60

D-wine Open Monday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. C.C. Azalea, Edif. A, CN340, km 173, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 951 339 309

El oceano beach hotel Restaurant & Spa Open daily for lunch and dinner. CN 340, km 199, Miraflores Playa, Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 587 550

El Bolero

EL OLIVO

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

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

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

El Restaurante del Casino

EL CASTILLO

Fabiola

Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner. C/ El Pilar s/n, Benahavís. Tel: 681 294 442

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

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

EL GRAN GASTBY

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Paseo Las Palmeras, 15, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 783 394

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Muelle de Honor, Puerto Banús. Tel: 951 778 797

cortijo fain

EL JINETE

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

Open daily for dinner except for Friday. Ctra. La Cala Golf, km 45, La Cala de Mijas. Tel: 952 119 170

del mar

El lago

Open daily for lunch and dinner. At the Hotel Puente Romano. Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

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

Don Leone

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

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

€60 plus

EL MIRADOR

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

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

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

fonda restaurante el postillón

814 041

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

GD Gourmet deli marbella Open 9:30am to 9pm from Monday to Friday and Saturday from 12am to 6pm. Closed Sundays. Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe 7, Marbella. Tel: 952 774 049

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

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

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

hills cafe Open every day for breakfast and lunch, except Monday. Dinner by reservation is possible on Friday and Saturday. Tel: 952 856 171

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 7:30pm to 11pm. Ctra. de Mijas, km. 1, A-387, Alhaurín El Grande. Tel: 951 254 520

Horizon steakhouse

funky tapas

hotel marbella club buffet

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Avda. Miguel de Cervantes, 68, La Campana. Tel: 952

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Avda. Antonio Machado s/n, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 560 094

Open every day for lunch. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von

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Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 822 211 Open every evening for dinner. Playa del Rodeo, Marbella. Tel: 951 319 372

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

karma

La Terraza

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

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

LA biznaga

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

il mare

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

la 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 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

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

LA GRANADA DIVINO Open daily for lunch and dinner except Tuesday. C/ de las Piedras, Gaucín. Tel: 951 709 075

La Loggia

La Terraza La Veranda Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner. Hotel Villa Padierna, Urb: Flamingos s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 889 150

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, Torre-guadiaro, Cádiz. Tel: 956 615 998

CN340, km. 183, Marbella. Tel: 952 868 396

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

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

Los naranjos restaurant Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Urb. Los Naranjos de Marbella. Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 816 105

Macaoo beach Open daily for lunch and dinner except Sunday. C/ Jose Echegaray, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 113 618

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

La veranda lobby bar

Mc café

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

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

LIMA

Messina

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 6pm to 12am and for lunch on Sunday from 12pm to 5pm. Plaza Practicante Manuel Cantos 2, Marbella. Tel: 952 866 630

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

MOJO

les cubes

Open from Monday to Saturday for dinner from 8pm ‘til late. Monte Paraíso Golf, Marbella. Tel: 951 217 272

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Urb. Oasis Club,

momo marbella

Open Monday to Saturday from 6pm to midnight. C/ Tetuán 7, Marbella. Tel: 952 771 560

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

NELI Gs Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. C.C. Benavista, Estepona. Tel: 952 928 576

nōmō brasserie Open for lunch and dinner every day except for Sunday. Bulevar de San Pedro, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 951 702 168

NUEVA CAMPANA Open daily for lunch and dinner, except Tuesday. Avda. Miguel de Cervantes, 68, La Campana. Tel: 952 814 041

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

oyarbide Open daily from 12pm to 12am. C.C. Guadalmina, Urb. Guadalmina Alta. Tel: 952 882 820

Palmyra Open daily from 9am ‘til late. Avda. Arturo Rubenstein s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 858 423

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

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

under €25

€25 – €40

€40 – €60

€60 plus

puente romano beach club

THE PLAYWRIGHT

Da Paolo

seraFina

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

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

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

Open from Monday to Saturday for dinner at the Puente Romano Hotel on the Golden Mile. Tel: 952 771 798

Restaurante royal

tikitano

Don giovanni

valparaíso

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the Hotel Torrequebrada, Benalmádena Costa. Tel: 952 441 414

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

Open Friday to Monday for dinner. At Hotel Finca Cortesín. Ctra. de Casares, Casares. Tel: 952 937 800

Open nightly for dinner. Ctra. Mijas – Fuengirola, km. 14, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 485 996

Frascati

Villa Tiberio

Rojo

Trocadero arena

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

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Torre Real Beach, Marbella. Tel: 952 865 579

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Plaza de Los Naranjos s/n, Sotogrande. Tel: 952 790 392

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

Sea grill

trocadero beach

At the Puente Romano Beach Club. Open daily for lunch and dinner. CN340, km 187, Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

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

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

UNI

Il Tartufo

shanti-som – amrita

Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner. At the Puente Romano Hotel on the Golden Mile. Tel: 952 820 900

Open from Monday to Saturday for dinner from 6:30pm. C/ Tetuán 9, Marbella. Tel: 951 087 323

Venta garcía

la fiorentina

Open daily for lunch and dinner every day except Monday. Ctra. de Casares km 7, Casares. Tel: 952 894 191

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C.C. El Pilar, Local 11 (opposite the Crown Plaza Hotel), Estepona. Tel: 952 885 765

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

Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Friday and Saturday for dinner only. Closed Sunday and Monday. C/ Aduar 12, Old Town, Marbella. Tel: 952 765 277

villa padierna club de mar

la pappardella di estepona

Asian fusion bing

Open daily for lunch from 1pm to 6pm. CN 340, km 166, Marbella. Tel: 647 791 515

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

Open 12.30pm-4.30pm and 6.30pm to 12am daily. Fuengirola, Paseo Marítimo, L-42C. Tel: 952 470 218

smart café

Open Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to 4:30pm and for cocktail hour from 4:30pm to 8pm. Centro Plaza, Marbella. Tel: 951 319 151

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

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

zozoI

la trattoria de marbella

BAMBOO

Open Wednesday to Monday for dinner. Closed Tuesday. Plaza Altamirano 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 858 868

Open nightly for dinner from 6:30pm. C/ Las Malvas, Edif. Online, Local 4, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 817 591

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Ctra. Istan km 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 906 674

Leonardo da vinci

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

Open Monday to Thursday from 1.30pm to 4.30pm, Friday and Saturday from 1:30pm to 4.30 pm and 8pm to 10.30pm. Ctra. de Ojén, km 22, A355, Marbella-Monda. Tel: 952 864 455

Skina

Open 8:30am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9:30 am to 6pm on weekends. C/ Los Olivos 1, above the Enjoy Golf Academy in front of Aloha College. Tel: 690 001 045

sollo Open nightly for dinner except Sundays. Urb. Reserva del Higuerón, Málaga. Tel: 951 385 622

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

zest

ITALIAN Al Dente

Open every day for dinner. Closed on Mondays. Urb. Jardines del Puerto, local 12, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 906 181

gold restaurant

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

Mediterranean Restaurante bar carmen

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. C.C. Laguna Village, CN 340, km 159, Estepona. Tel: 952 806 739

Oriental Asia Food

asiatico zen

Dragón de Oro

Lombardo’s

golden wok

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

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

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

MADE IN SARDINIA

Hanuri KOREAN BBQ & BAR

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

aragona

Metro

Open every day for dinner. Avda. del Mar 3, Marbella. Tel: 951 134 322

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

Open Tuesday-Friday dinner only from 6pm ‘til late and Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner. C.C. Los Jarales 6, Calahonda. Tel: 951 406 082/ 952 932 011

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

Aretusa

nunos

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

Open daily for lunch and dinner. At the Caleta Hotel. Catalan Bay, Gibraltar. Tel: +350 200 76501

Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner. At Finca Cortesín Hotel. Ctra. Casares s/n, Casares. Tel: 952 937 800

Terra Sana

Carpaccio

O mamma mia

Kaiden Sushi

Open Monday to Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nueva Andalucía next to the Casino. Tel: 952 906 205. Marina Banús, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 817 977. C.C. Laguna Village, Estepona. Tel: 951 901 050. C.C. Mary Sol, Sotogrande. Tel: 956 796 931. C.C. La Cañada, Marbella. Tel: 952 868 663. C.C. Parque Miramar, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 663 937

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

Open every day except Sunday for lunch and dinner. At El Corte Inglés Food Hall, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 909 990

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

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

sutton Open nightly for dinner. Urb. Marbellamar 93, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 760

tanino

the little geranium Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. C/ Ronda, La Cala de Mijas, Mijas Costa (pedestrian street behind the Town Hall). Tel: 952 493 602

The meeting room Open 9am to 11pm every day except Sundays. Avda. Ricardo Soriano 1, Local 1 (Edif. Portillo), Marbella. Tel: 952 772 577

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

Amore e Fantasía

casa tua Open every evening for dinner. C/ Ortiz de Molinillo 14, Marbella. Tel: 951 712 227

CONRADS IL Ristorante

KABUKI raw

Pizzeria Picasso

Kama Kura

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

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

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Avda. del Prado s/n, Edif. Sport Café, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 628 593 409

portofino laguna village

Da Bruno

Ristorante Regina

Open all day. 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. Da Bruno Mijas Costa: Ctra. de Mijas, km. 3.6, Mijas. Tel: 952 460 724

Open every night for dinner and Sunday for lunch. Edif. La Ruleta, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 814 529

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

ristorante san martino

Makitake Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Ribera s/n (above disco Seven), Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 811 592

meca

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C.C. Pinares de Elviria s/n, Elviria, Marbella. Tel: 952 832 702

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

Rosmarino della piazza

Namazake

Open every day from 12pm ‘til midnight for lunch and dinner. C.C. Pinogolf de Don Carlos 34, Elviria. Tel: 952 850 148

Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner. Hotel Puente Romano. Tel: 952 820 900

Osaka

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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

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

Marbella. Tel: 952 770 078

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

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

Sushi des artistes

Marisquería La Pesquera

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

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

Sushi Katsura

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

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

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

Ta-kumi Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Gregorio Marañón 4, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 839

Restaurante El bote

palapa Open daily for lunch and dinner. C.C. Laguna Village, CN 340, km 159, Estepona. Tel: 952 808 165

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

Teppanyaki samurai Open daily for lunch and dinner. Avda. Manolete 20, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 816 549

thai gallery At Plaza Village at the Hotel Puente Romano. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 818 392

Thai Style Open daily for lunch and dinner. Avda. Playas del Duque s/n. Edif. Gaviotas IV, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 813 675

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

top thai Open daily for lunch and dinner. Centro Plaza, 64, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 951 319 778

Tse yang Dimsum club Open daily for lunch and dinner except Sundays. At El Corte Inglés Food Hall, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 909 990

Wasabi Open daily from 1.30 pm for lunch and dinner. C.C. Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 908 577

SCANDINAVIAN Aloha restaurant

Open every evening for dinner from 6pm to 11.30pm. Avda. del Prado s/n, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 811 285

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

SEAFOOD

cervecería ostrería santiago Open daily for lunch and dinner. Avda. del Marzo,

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

under €25

€25 – €40

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

loving hut

36 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 476 843

02 CENTRO WELLNESS

Open daily from 10.30am to 11.30pm. Avda. Miguel Cano 11, Marbella. Tel: 951 245 889

Miraflores Golf

Plaza del Mar. Marbella. Tel: 952 900 420

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 931 960

P-E SPORTS CLUB

Monte Mayor Golf & Country Club

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

VEGETARIAN

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

beach club restaurante grill

€60 plus

Mijas Golf

SPANISH Bahía

€40 – €60

GOLF GUIDE

18 holes. Tel: 952 830 500

18 holes. Tel: 952 113 088

Alcaidesa Links

Parador Málaga del Golf

qi sport

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

18 holes. Tel: 952 381 255

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

Real Club de Golf Las Brisas

SATURNIA REGNA

Alhaurín Golf

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 810 875

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

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande

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

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 785 014

SEVEN STARS SCHOOL

Almenara Golf

San Roque Club

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

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 613 030

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

Santa Clara Golf

Sport Club Reserva del Higuerón

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

Aloha Golf Club

18 holes. Tel: 952 850 111

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

Santa Maria Golf & Country Club

Avda. del Higueron, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 565 761

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 831 036

SPORTCLUB ROUTE 66

DGust

Atalaya Golf

Sotogrande Club de Golf

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

Open Monday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Avda. Duque de Ahumada, Marbella. Tel: 952 863 780

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

18 holes. Tel: 956 785 012

SPORTING CLUB ATALAYA PARK HOTEL

Valderrama

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

Cabopino Golf

TICKET-TO-RIDE

El Portalón

18 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 850 282

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

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

Cerrado del águila

Hacienda

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 956 794 100

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

El Paraiso Club de Golf

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

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 883 835

ATENAS

Estepona Golf

Barquilla 1. Marbella. Tel: 952 776 240

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

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

AZTEC COUNTRY CLUB

bel air tennis and paddel club

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

Urb. Bel-Air, Estepona. Tel: 952 883 221

Finca cortesín golf club

CENTRO DEPORTIVO EL FUERTE

Club deL Sol

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

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

CENTRO DE YOGA Y SALUD INTEGRAL

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

la moraga bistró

Flamingos Golf Club

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

Club de tenis don carlos

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Ramón Areces s/n, in front of El Corte Inglés, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 817 448

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

CENTRO PLAZA GYM Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 817 074

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

Golf Río Real

Cerrado del águila

Club Internacional de Tennis

La red

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 756 733

Mijas Costa, Málaga. Tel: 951 773 523

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

Open daily from 9.30am to 6pm. Playa La Fontanilla, Marbella. Tel: 952 821 450

Golf Torrequebrada

CLUB DEl SOL

Club Madroñal

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 442 742

Benahavís. Tel: 617 647 223

La Taberna del Alabardero

Guadalmina Golf

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

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

36 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 883 375

Dynamic training centre

San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 788 315

La Cala Golf Resort

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

Hofsaess tennis academy

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

FITNESS CENTRE NEW STYLE Amapolas, s/n Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 817 916

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

Mesón el adobe

La Dama de Noche

Fuerte Gym

Lew Hoads Tennis Club

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

9 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 818 150

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

La Duquesa Golf & Country Club

GIMNASIO ESTADIO

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

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 890 425

La Quinta Golf

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

Manolo Santana Racquets Club

mi taberna Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. CN340, km 178, Marbella. Tel: 952 827 880

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

HAPPY DIVER’S CLUB

Marbella hill tennis club

Atalaya Park Hotel, Marbella. Tel: 609 571 920

Paellas y Más

La Reserva Sotogrande

HOTEL PUENTE ROMANO

Avda. El Fuerte, Marbella. Tel: 659 677 539

Open daily from 10:30am to 11pm. C/ Jacinto Benavente 33, Marbella. Tel: 952 822 511

18 holes. Tel: 956 695 209

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

marbella playa tenIs

La Zagaleta Golf & Country Club

KRAV MAGA SELF-DEFENCE CENTRE

CN340, km 189, Marbella. Tel: 657 619 630

Tragabuches

18 holes. Members only. Tel: 952 695 209

At Hotel Pyr, Puerto Banús. Tel: 655 689 455

Miraflores Tennis Club

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

Lauro Golf 18 holes

MANOLO SANTANA RACQUETS CLUB

Alhaurín de la Torre. Tel: 952 412 767

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

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

Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club

MARBELLA GUN & COUNTRY CLUB

Puente Romano TEnnis club

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 784 600

Monda. Tel: 952 112 161

Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

Vila do grove

Los Naranjos Golf Club

MARBELLA SPORT

royal tennis club marbella

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. C/ Las Malvas, Edif. On Line, Local 2, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 813 415

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 815 206

Km 171.5. San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 788 315

El Rosario, Marbella. Tel: 952 837 651

Marbella Club Golf Resort

MULTI SPORT

Sport Club Reserva del Higuerón

18 holes, Par 73. Tel: 952 113 239

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

Marbella Golf & Country Club

New Concept Training

Avda. del Higueron, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 565 761

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

Casa de la era Open only for lunch – call for times. Ctra. de Ojén, km 0.5, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 625

Casa Fernando

La máquina Open daily for lunch and dinner except Sunday. At El Corte Inglés Food Hall, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 909 990

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 951 703 355

Club de Golf La Cañada

GYMS & SPORTS CLUBS ALHAMAR GYM

Cristamar, Pto. Banús. Tel: 952 905 082

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

TENNIS CLUBS Aztec Country Club

Club Nueva Alcántara

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

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pets THE GUIDE

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

BEWARE:

Secret Poison Found in Baking Products

The RSPCA in the UK has warned pet owners about the danger to pets from Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in various baking products, throat lozenges and chewing gum. Many cases have been reported to The Veterinary Poisons Information Service, involving sugar-free gum. The RSPCA is asking pet owners to be particularly vigilant about the type of baked goods being brought into the home. Do not feed your dog any cakes or sweets and don’t leave chewing gum in areas which are accessible to your dog.

PLEASE HELP the CYD Santa María Horse Refuge The sister duo that runs the Asociación y Albergue CYD Santa María is, quite simply, one of the most dedicated I have met during my time as Associate magazine. Reading about their tireless work in rescuing editor at abandoned, starved and abused horses is one thing but seeing it in person is altogether another. To approach the many horses healing from wounds or trauma is truly an emotional experience that ﬁnds an eternal place in your heart. The sisters have informed us that the Refuge is in desperate need of funds for food and medication to stay open so if you can make a donation or think of any way to raise funds for this worthwhile cause, please contact Virginia on Tel: 610 397 027. Donations can be made via Paypal or otherwise online: www.asociacioncydsantamaria.es/donar-comida/

FOODS TO AVOID

Giving Your Cat

We recently published information about the most dangerous foods for dogs (which include chocolate and pistachios), but there are many seemingly harmless foods which cats should also avoid. Some of the most dangerous items include onions and chives (which can damage red blood cells), raw eggs (which can expose cats to salmonella and other parasites), bones (which can cause choking and intestinal blockage/perforation), milk (which can cause digestive upsets in adult cats) and discarded fat trimmings (which could, in the worst case, cause pancreatitis).

FITBARK: For a Happy, Healthy Dog Make a real difference to your dog’s health with FitBark, a new gadget that monitors your dog’s every activity and sleep and turns the information into points, so you can track progress. The gadget is ultra lightweight and fits perfectly onto your dog’s collar, giving you vital information regarding whether or not your pooch is exercising as much as it needs to. The device compares your dog’s progress to other dogs of the same breed, shares its activity report with the veterinarian and compares your own activity level with your dog’s by linking your fitness tracker to theirs! i www.fitbark.com ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM FEBRUARY 2016 / 125

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THE GUIDE what’s on

what’s on...

Events in FEBRUARY

and social events. Tel: 952 772 789. www.americanclubcostadelsol.com

The Museo Picasso Málaga presents Picasso. Registros Alemanes, an exhibition which explores the bonds and antagonism between Picasso and 18 German artists, including Otto Dix, Max Ernst, Emil Nolde and more. www.museopicassomalaga.org

AMIGOS DE LA CULTURA – COSTA DEL SOL

Until February 29 ART – MARBELLA

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE – MARBELLA

Until February 21 ART – MÁLAGA

The Clínica Buchinger Wilhelmi presents an exhibition of impressionistic paintings by Enar Cruz. Available for viewing Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 5pm to 8pm. www.buchinger-wilhelmi.com

Until March 10 ART – MARBELLA

Contemporary artists José Mª Useros and Andrés Rueda present a joint exhibition of their colourful paintings at the El Campanario Golf & Country House. www.elcampanario-resort.com/

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

The American Club Costa del Sol Chapter meets monthly for excursions, sports

The members of this cultural group meet at different times and places for lunches, lectures, concerts, ballet, theatre, opera, etc. Further information, Tel: 669 445 809.

Integral Psychotherapist Gabriella Kortsch helps you with everything from relationship breakdowns to depression, poor communication with loved ones or financial stress, at her weekly group meetings, which start at 7:30pm. For information on locations, info@advancedpersonaltherapy.com

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday JIVE – MIRAFLORES, ESTEPONA AND LA DUQUESA

Learn to dance with Colin and the team from Jive Spain at Miraflores Restaurant on Tuesday, El Campanario on Wednesday and El Goleto at Duquesa on Friday. For precise times, colin@jivespain.com

Every Wednesday ART – MÁLAGA

The Museo Picasso de Málaga offers free guided tours in English (included in the entry price), from 11:30am to 2pm. Tickets cost €8 for adults. Children enter for free. www.museopicassomalaga.org

FLAMENCO – MIJAS

Every Wednesday at 12pm, a dazzling flamenco show takes place at the Plaza Virgen de la Peña in Mijas Pueblo. www.mijas.es

Every first Wednesday of the month CULTURE AND COCKTAIL – MARBELLA The Association of Art and Culture Marbella holds a monthly cocktail at Magna Café at Magna Marbella Golf, from 8pm-10pm. Tel: 627 833 262. www.artandculturemarbella.com

Every Thursday NETWORKING – MARBELLA

The Marbella Business Group holds its weekly breakfast meeting, which features presentations, discussions and introductions of new members. At 8am at the Hotel Senator in Marbella. To become a member, www.marbellabusinessgroup.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: 952 800 975. www.adana.es

BUSINESS LUNCH – MARBELLA

Marbella Business Institute holds an invitation-only lunch club for local and visiting business people, active and retired. To apply, visit www. marbellabusinessinternational.org

Every First Sunday of the month OPEN DAY – MIJAS

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

Friday February 5

Saturday February 27

The Kasser Rassu Gallery on the Golden Mile presents a cocktail event to launch the exhibition, Hyperrealistic Unique Watercolours, by José González Bueno. The works will remain at the Gallery until February 29. www.kasserrassu.com

Big Man Entertainment presents An Evening with Paul Isola & Friends, a spectacular acoustic event featuring some of Gibraltar’s finest musicians. Tickets on sale at Music Corner on Main Street. www.bigmanentertainment.net

ART – MARBELLA

PAUL ISOLA & FRIENDS – GIBRALTAR

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Thursday February 4 ART – BENALMÁDENA

The CAF Centro Andaluz de la Fotografía presents an exhibition by Israel-born Artist, Ilan Wolff, featuring a series of photographs taken using Dark Camera and Photogram techniques. At the Centro de Exposiciones from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 1:30pm and 5pm to 7:30pm, and on Sundays and holidays from 11am to 1:30pm. Closed Mondays. www.centroandaluzdelafotografia.es

Friday February 5 DRAG QUEEN COMPETITION – BENALMÁDENA

Celebrities Makoke and Boxo will be presenting Benalmádena’s annual Drag Queen Competition at the Plaza de la Mezquita, from 9:30pm onwards.

Friday February 5 to Tuesday February 9 OLD TYME VICTORIAN MUSIC HALL – FUENGIROLA

The Salón Varietes presents Old Tyme Victorian Music Hall, a fun show compered by Francis Butler and directed by Siân Hopkins. Nightly at 8pm and Sunday at 7pm. www.salonvarietestheatre.com

Sunday February 7 ART – BENAHAVÍS

The BDFAS presents its annual exhibition of works by professional and amateur artists. Also featuring demonstrations, workshops and the Young Artists Competition, with entries from pupils at schools along the Coast. At 10am at the Gran Hotel Benahavís. Entrance is free. www.benahavisdfas.com

Monday February 8 THEATRE – FUENGIROLA

The Costa del Sol DFAS presents the lecture Three Great Families and their Gardens: the Astors, the Rothschilds and the Sackville-Wests. The lecture traces the history of three very different, but incredibly successful families (the Sackville-Wests, the Astors and the Rothschilds), discussing their considerable contribution to life in England and celebrating the splendid gardens they created. At 4:30pm at the Salón Varietes, Fuengirola. Lecturer: Caroline Rayman. www. costadelsoldfas.com

Tuesday February 9

The Costa del Sol DFAS presents the lecture Popes and Painters: The Avignon Papacy and the Impressionists of Provence. Lecturer:

Caroline Rayman. At 10:30am at The Danish Club, Urb. Haza del Algarrobo, Carretera de Mijas. www.costadelsoldfas.com

Saturday February 13 JAZZ MUSIC – MARBELLA

CARNIVAL – MARBELLA

The Marbella Carnival will be taking place this month, with a host of fun activities lined up, including:

Musica con Encanto presents the Claude Bolling Jazz Suites, featuring Óscar Martín Castro on the piano, Frederik Ghijselinck on the flute, Tilman Mahrenholz on the violoncello, Artur Zawadski on the double bass and Arturo Serra on percussion. At Les Roches Marbella at 8:30pm. For information and reservations, Tel: 689 000 944. www.musicaconcencanto.org

Sunday February 7:

Saturday February 20 NAVAJITA PLATEÁ AND CO. – MÁLAGA

group competition.

Flamenco, Spanish and Flamenco musicians (Navajita Plateá, Tomasito and El Canijo de Jerez) will be performing at Eventualmusic in Málaga at 9pm. At C/ Cuernavaca, Málaga. For tickets, www.nvivo.es

Saturday February 27 DREMEN – MÁLAGA

Dubstep, reggae and rap group, Dremen, performs at La Cochera Cabaret in Málaga at 10pm. For tickets, www.nvivo.es

Kids’ carnival costume march and competition. Starts at the Plaza del Santo Crista and ends at Paseo de la Alameda. Featuring a fun party for the whole family.

Monday February 8 to Thursday February 11:

Semi-finals of the group competition.

Friday February 12: Finals of the

Saturday February 13: Fun March and Cabalgata de Carnaval, plus carnival show at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos. For a full programme, see www.marbella.es

MUSIC AT DA BRUNO SUL MARE – MARBELLA

Da Bruno Sul Mare presents a host of musical dinner events.

Wednesday February 3: Da Bruno

Sul Mare presents Mister Maph, who will be singing versions of hits by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Barry White.

Tuesday February 9: Diners will enjoy a live performance by four singers, featuring songs from the world’s best loved musicals, including Cats, Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera. Thursday February 18:

Enjoy an evening of opera, featuring songs from The Barber of Seville, The Marriage of Figaro and much more.

Thursday February 25: Fred &

Saturday February 6

SERGIO DALMA – MÁLAGA Spanish hit crooner, Sergio Dalma, will be performing hits new and old at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga at 10pm. For tickets, www.nvivo.es

Every Saturday

MARKETS – PUERTO BANÚS Head for the Puerto Banús bullring every Saturday for a fun street market featuring everything from clothing to music, accessories and home ware. Starts at 9am and ends at 2pm. www.marbella.es

Gemma will be singing tunes by Frank Sinatra, Madonna, Elvis Presley and more.

Every Saturday evening, Valeriano the Tenor and Singers Pilar and Carlos will be delighting the audience with classical and modern hits alike. www.dabruno.com

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www.russellgrant.com

THE GUIDE stars

Russell Grant’s

Monthly Horoscope February 2016

AQUARIUS January 21st - February 19th It will be difficult to discuss your fears and problems in early February. You may want to keep these thoughts to yourself. Right now, people are too obsessed with their own troubles to offer support. Concentrate on being a rising star at work. Your managerial skills will make a good impression on the people you work with and work for. Resist the temptation to overhaul your appearance on the 8th, when the New Moon could prompt you to make a decision you will later regret. Your love life could give you a great deal of pleasure mid-month. Be receptive to your partner’s generosity. You’re sure to turn heads as February turns to March. Take this opportunity to make an important presentation. The Full Moon on the 22nd could cause a fight to erupt over joint finances. You might have to hire a lawyer to get your fair share of this fund. Summon your courage and demand what is yours.

Concentrate on being a rising star at work. Your managerial skills will make a good impression on the people you work with and work for

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ARIES [21 MAR - 20 APR]

Career talks will be stressful in early February; don’t exaggerate your importance at work. Instead of looking for more pay, it may be better to take advantage of a retirement or profit sharing programme. The best way to make a good impression on authority figures is to be a helpful team player. Pitch in wherever it is needed, even if this means doing menial jobs. Resist the urge to steer a platonic friendship into romantic waters on the 8th, when the New Moon puts strain on your social life. The results of a fitness regime could pay off handsomely during the middle of February. This would be a good time to splash out on new clothes or a makeover. A stressful job assignment will come to an end around the 24th. Instead of moving on to the next project, take some time to rest, relax and rejuvenate towards the end of the month. Stop pushing yourself so hard.

TAURUS [21 APRIL - 21 may]

A passionate relationship makes you feel like you’re walking on air in early February. Sneak off to some private hideaway with your amour. If you’re single, you could meet someone special at a religious, cultural or educational institution. Resist the temptation to skip work for the sake of a romantic encounter. It’s important to maintain a prominent professional presence during the first half of the month. The New Moon on the 8th warns against making a power play against an authority figure. This is not a good time to pursue a promotion or high profile job. Continue to develop your talent and offer support for your employer. The more gracious you are, the easier it will be to reap professional rewards later on. On the 22nd, the Full Moon will force you to turn your attention from a romance to your social life. Don’t neglect a friend who has been loyal through good times and bad.

GEMINI [22 May - 21 June]

Don’t lend or borrow money in early February. Mixing finance and romance could be disastrous. Work offers will be plentiful; you’ll have no trouble staying afloat. Accepting a difficult assignment will pave the way for more lucrative positions. Summon your courage and take on a job that others have avoided; you won’t be sorry. The New Moon on the 8th warns against venturing into unfamiliar territory; stick with what you know at this restless time. Spending time with family will be very relaxing and restorative in February. Take this opportunity to host a reunion or party. Working from home is a possibility in February, giving you a chance to avoid office politics and annoying commutes. The Full Moon on the 22nd could force you to make some career sacrifices for the sake of your home life. Resist the temptation to accept a job that will keep you away from family for long periods of time.

CANCER [22 June - 23 July]

Resist the urge to assert your independence at work in early February. It’s better to establish yourself as a cooperative team player. A passionate romance is a welcome diversion from career anxiety. When stress starts to set in, run into an attentive partner’s arms. Listen to your amour’s advice regarding your intellectual needs. Taking an adult education course is sure to bring you a great deal of satisfaction and fulfilment. On the 8th, the New Moon will force you to make some changes to a joint financial arrangement. You may have less control over a bank account than you had in the past. Planning or taking a trip for pleasure is a

great thing to do in February; if you’re single, you could easily find love on this journey. The Full Moon on the 22nd will highlight the basic unfairness of a contractual agreement. You might want to enlist the aid of a legal professional to hammer out a better deal.

LEO [24 July - 23 Aug]

Home is where the heart is at the beginning of the month. This is an ideal time to launch a repair or renovation project. If you’ve been thinking of buying a home, a generous relative could give you the money for a deposit. Beware of imposing your family’s ethics on a business or romantic partner. It’s important to show respect for each other’s values and priorities, particularly during the first half of February. The New Moon on the 8th warns against making big changes to a relationship. This isn’t a good time to get engaged or married. Avoid signing contracts, too. If you’re looking to make more money, think about launching a homebased business in April. Relationships fare better during the second half of February; this would be a good time to discuss future plans with your romantic or business partner. On the 22nd, the Full Moon will require you to scale back your spending.

VIRGO [24 AUG - 23 SEP]

Arguments over joint finances could disrupt the early days of February. It’s advisable to put some money into savings to establish some financial security. Developing your creative talent is very important this month; selling your handiwork for a handsome profit is a distinct possibility. Alternatively, you might make some extra cash by teaching a group or publishing a ‘How To’ manual. The New Moon on the 8th warns against pushing yourself too hard at the gym. If you’re trying to become more fit, it’s better to make a slow transition than undergo a radical overhaul. Be patient about adopting healthier habits. You’ll get a great deal of support from your best friend or romantic partner in the second half of February. Lean on this loved one when your resolve starts to falter. The Full Moon on the 22nd warns against changing your appearance. A stimulating work assignment will raise your professional profile towards the end of the month.

LIBRA [24 SEPT - 23 Oct]

A loved one’s erratic behaviour could cause disruption at home in the beginning of February. It’s time to make some choices about your living arrangements. Achieving financial independence may be your first order of business. This is a great time to pursue a lucrative job or launch your own business. Working behind the scenes for a powerful executive could give you the freedom you crave. Beware of getting involved with an aloof rebel on the 8th, when the New Moon puts you in the path of someone who isn’t worthy of your affection. Learning to stand on your own becomes increasingly important over the middle of the month. You should practice enjoying solitary pursuits around the 22nd, when the Full Moon invites you to adopt a low profile. Ironically, your personal charm will be your greatest asset as February turns to March. You’ll attract admirers like a flower draws bees. Enjoy this ego boost.

SCORPIO [24 Oct - 22 NOV]

Your powers of persuasion are at an all time high. Take this opportunity to ask for a favour, apply for a loan or compete for a scholarship. It will be virtually impossible to refuse your request. Work could be a source of stress, so take time out of your busy schedule

to rest, relax and recuperate. Resist the urge to push yourself past the brink of endurance, particularly during the first half of the month. The New Moon on the 8th could make it difficult to improve your living situation. It may be necessary to accept a temporary compromise as a means to deal with a household emergency. Be sure to attend a gathering in the middle of February, when you could make some valuable contacts. Your romantic life could get a big boost as February comes to a close. If you’re looking for love, you could find it with an old friend. This relationship could send shock waves through your social circle.

SAGITTARIUS [23 NOV - 21 DEC]

Keeping a low profile is strongly advised in early February. Working behind the scenes could be more productive than operating as part of a team. Keeping your ego in check will attract the admiration of an authority figure. Don’t be surprised if you’re offered a pay rise, promotion or both. The New Moon on the 8th warns against believing inflated promises. Go over a contract with a fine toothed comb before committing to a partnership. You’ll be able to negotiate a much better arrangement if you dig in your heels and back up your claims with facts and figures. Home life will become increasingly important towards the end of the month. Take time out of your busy schedule to spend time with your nearest and dearest. Lend a hand to someone who is obviously struggling. You may not realise it, but your opinion means a great deal to a relative needing guidance.

CAPRICORN [22 DEC - 20 Jan]

You won’t be able to change a relative’s opinion at the beginning of the month, so don’t even try. Your energy is better spent on a group project that is spiralling out of control. This is your chance to exercise your leadership ability in an emotionally satisfying way. On the 10th, a moneymaking opportunity will be dangled in front of you. Beware of accepting this offer, as there are lots of hidden strings attached. You’re better off expanding your horizons with a trip or adult education course. Take the focus off work and concentrate on finding spiritual fulfilment instead. The Full Moon on the 22nd warns against ignoring small details that require your attention. Forgetting to sign a document could result in expensive penalties. As February comes to a close, you’ll be able to negotiate a better deal on household expenses. Don’t be afraid to call a service provider and play the loyal customer card.

PISCES [20 Feb - 20 Mar]

Money will be tight at the beginning of the month, so you shouldn’t make any impulsive purchases. If you’re going to improve your financial situation, you will have to open a savings account. A good way to make some extra money is to teach your skills and talents to others or write a ‘How To’ instruction manual. Sharing your expertise with others can be lucrative. Fortunately, your best friend or romantic partner will give you lots of emotional support. The New Moon on the 8th may force you to act on your own, even if you’d rather operate as part of a team. Take this opportunity to draw on your inner resources and reach a new level of success. Your best qualities will be evident to the world during the second half of February. Finding love will be easy, but holding on to it will be more challenging. Resist the urge to speed up a relationship; enjoy the courtship phase while it lasts. ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM FEBRUARY 2016 / 129

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THE GUIDE family

February is full of ﬁesta fun, as Spanish Carnival season kicks off in Marbella with music and colours everywhere creating an electric atmosphere for visitors and residents on the Costa del Sol. Love is also in the air this month as Valentine’s Day reminds to us to take a bit of time to remember the ones we care about most.

February Calendar

FAMILY FUN WHETHER YOU ARE A RESIDENT OF MARBELLA OR ARE SIMPLY VISITING FOR A FEW DAYS, HERE ARE A FEW TIPS ON GREAT THINGS TO SEE AND DO DURING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY. FOR TENNIS AND WELLNESS The Royal Tennis Club situated just east of Marbella has it all: tennis, padel, wellness facilities and secure grounds that are well suited for kids and teens. You´ll ﬁnd a wide range of fun and engaging swimming classes, dance lessons, judo, karate and a great half-term camp for kids. They’ve even got Russian billiards for those inclined. Tel: 952 837 651. CHILDREN’S PLAY CENTRE There’s a new facility in town called Fantasy Land which is ideal for kids up to 10 years of age. You’ll ﬁnd an expansive indoor jungle gym, multiple party rooms and a secure outdoor area that will keep the kinds entertained in a familyfriendly environment. Whether you are simply looking for a place for the little ones to burn off some steam or for a full birthday party venue, this new centre is sure to

become a favourite with families this year. Tel: 952 493 395. HIKES FOR KIDS & TEENS La Concha is Marbella’s iconic mountain, but did you know there are several different routes to the summit? For those looking for adventure, try reaching for the skyline’s most definitive feature from a new approach. Whether you opt for the easier path via Refugio de Juanar or attempt to reach the top from the charming town of Istán, you’ll find stunning views, well-marked trails and a memorable experience awaits you. If you’re going for the first time, we recommend contacting one of the guides at Health First Adventure Tours to make sure you enjoy a safe journey. Tel: 637 886 788. SEGWAYS AND BIKE RENTALS This is the tour of Marbella that kids and teens will want to last the

entire day. The team at G2Move Marbella offers Segway Tours for kids as young as 10 years of age. They begin tours from their conveniently located facility at the Gran Meliá Don Pepe Hotel in downtown Marbella and offer a variery of routes for every level of expertise. Their easy-to-ride Segways allow you to literally float above the pathway and discover completely new parts of town. Kids and families are always accompanied by a guide for training and safety. You can also try a tandem bike ride for an extraspecial Valentine’s Day treat! Tel: 617 669 761. Wishing you a fabulous February full of fantastic experiences with the family. For further information about these and other events taking place on the costa del sol, visit marbellafamilyfun.com

FEBRUARY 6-14, MARBELLA CARNIVALS: This year the Carnival will feature a lineup of hilarious comedians and well known productions, raising money for local charities. The Marbella Town Hall will also select this year’s winners as part of the Venus and Nymphs content. For more details, visit MarbellaFamilyFun.com FEBRUARY 14, VALENTINE’S DAY: Love is always in the air in Marbella, especially since we are graced with the romantic Mediterranean coastline. Many restauarants in town will be offering special Valentine’s Day meals and events. If you’re looking for something special for the love of your life, there will be no shortage of tantalising gifts of all shapes and sizes. For details on recommended venues and places to shop, visit the shopping and Valentine’s pages on MarbellaFamilyFun.com FEBRUARY 20-29, SEMANA BLANCA: The kids will be out of school for half-term so this is a great time to take advantage of Marbella’s unique microclimate and get outdoors. Many of the local clubs will be offering week-long camps for the kids or you could consider taking a drive up to Sierra Nevada to build a snow man and snow angels. For details on family recommended things to see and do during the break, check out the Things to Do section on MarbellaFamilyFun.com FEBRUARY 28, DIA DE ANDALUCÍA: This year it falls on Sunday, however, you will ﬁnd that many local businesses will extend their recognition of Andalucía’s holiday through Monday. Although businesses will be closed, you can still enjoy delicious churros with chocolate or mollete con tomate y aceite two days running.

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