Essential Magazine March 2016

N º 199 - MARCH 2016

COMPLIMENTARY EDITION

NEW FERRARI 488 GTB REVS UP

CONTEMPORARY

RED CARPET MAGIC

VERINO

ROBERTO

LUXURY IN CAMOJÁN

WHERE TO WATCH

STARS OV MOVIES

HIGHEST PAID SCREEN

REVIVAL OF THE

CINEMA WORLD’S TOP

FILM FESTIVALS

essential magazine® marbella

ISSUE 199 • MARCH 2016

ESSENTIAL FOR LUXURIOUS LIVING

essential

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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Ag So en le cy Enclosed: 636 m² Terraces: 248 m2 Plot: 11,094 m² Price: € 4,500,000

EL MADROÑAL Set within one of the most magical and mature gardens in the Marbella area lies this beautiful, 7-bedroom cortijo-style mansion with panoramic sea and mountain views. Must be seen and felt in person to truly appreciate this magnificent property. Exclusive gated community, surrounded by nature and with 24-hour security. Possibility to build two further houses on the plot! Ref. ES9001

An International Associate of Savills

Ag So en le cy Enclosed: 2,644 m² Terraces: 300 m2 Plot: 16,967 m² Price on application

SIERRA BLANCA Marbella’s most magnificent estate enjoying amazing views to the coast and offering 24-hr security.

Set on a plot of almost 17,000 m2 with beautifully landscaped gardens and tennis court. Magnificent courtyard, central patio, drawing room, library, billiard room, dining room, breakfast room, dining terrace, master suite with his & her dressingrooms, 6 guest en-suite bedrooms, Turkish salon, spa area with indoor pool, cinema room and staff quarters. Ref. ES7853

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 199 • March 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, BELINDA BECKETT, ALISTAIR SPENCE CLARKE, MICHEL CRUZ, RIK FOXX, RUSSELL GRANT, ALI PARANDEH, CARLOS READ, TONY WHITNEY, KEVIN WOODFORD 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

www.essentialmagazine.com Member of the Association of Spanish Periodical Publications affiliated to:

conditions:

The publishers make every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are correct, but cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information published herein, or be held accountable for any errors, omissions, or claims for damages.

Marbella Magazine cannot accept 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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LOS OLIVOS 路 PHASE II NOW RELEASED 19 Luxury Villas in the heart of the Golf Valley Gated community with 24 hours security Modern architecture with high quality finishes Prices from 陇 1.795.000

OFFICE +34 952 765 060 MOBILE +34 618 886 885 EMAIL info@solvilla.no Hotel Marbella Club, Oficina 10, Blvd. Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, 29602 Marbella, Spain WWW.SOLVILLA.NO

La Zagaleta

La Zagaleta: Extraordinary! The size, location, sea views and architecture make this villa a rare offering and definitely the most spectacular property ever built on the Coast. Voluminous living spaces, impeccable finishes, separate Spa level, guest villa and more! 10 beds, 14 baths.

Built 3.188 m2, plot 5.850 m2. E&V ID: W-024GUP. Price on request. Tel.: 952 85 98 60.

La Zagaleta: Contemporary architecture presenting luxury living with spectacular sea views. Separate 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.

La Zagaleta: The epitome of luxury! One-of-a-kind villa, stunning coastal views on the best position possible. 3 outdoor & 1 indoor pools, Spa, disco, cinema, wine cellar, staff apartment. 9 beds, 10 baths. Built 2.000 m2, plot 4.484 m2.

E&V ID: W-00913O. Price on request. Tel.: 952 85 98 60.

La Zagaleta: Modern villa decorated by one of the best interior designers, offering all the comfort for luxury living. Gym, cinema, wine cellar, heated pool, magnificent views. 6 beds, 6 baths. Built 850 m2, plot 4.151 m2.

E&V ID: W-01ZWBV. Price: 3.995.000 €. Tel.: 952 85 98 60.

La Zagaleta: The perfect home for upscale entertainment. Cinema, wine cellar, lift, heated indoor pool, gym, sauna, Turkish bath, putting green, pool pavilion, pool bar and Jacuzzi. 5 beds, 6 baths. Built 1.707 m2, plot 4.366 m2.

E&V ID: W-023UUC. Price on request. Tel.: 952 85 98 60.

Office Puerto Banús: 952 85 98 60 www.engelvoelkers.com/MarbellaPuertoBanus

Sierra Blanca

Sierra Blanca: Incomparable in prestige, luxury and design! This estate is situated on an exceptional plot in the best location, offers breathtaking sea views, contemporary style, impressive qualities and fittings. Cinema, gym, full Spa, bodega.9 Beds, 10 baths. Built 2.438 m2, plot 10.434 m2.

E&V ID: W-0240PS. Price on request. Tel.: 952 86 84 06.

Sierra Blanca: A very stylish and sophisticated villa with magnificent sea views. Highest qualities. Heated pool, separate Spa, gym, cinema, and guest apartment. 7 beds, 6 baths. Built 800 m2, plot 1.700 m2.

E&V ID: W-022ZVB. Price on request. Tel.: 952 86 84 06.

Sierra Blanca: Fantastically priced! One of the only contemporary, recently built villas with panoramic sea views. High qualities, Spa, indoor pool, sauna and gym. 5 beds, 5 baths. Built 880 m2, plot 1.314 m2.

E&V ID: W-024EIM. Price: 3.700.000 €. Tel.: 952 86 84 06.

Sierra Blanca: New designer villa, built in a contemporary style, offering luxury and comfort. Exclusive fittings, highest qualities and latest technology. 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.

Sierra Blanca: Elegantly designed beautiful villa offering the best sea views available in Sierra Blanca. Heated pool, bodega, gym, big garage for 3 cars.6 beds, 5 baths. Built 702 m2, plot 1.456 m2.

E&V ID: W-0245KP. Price: 3.490.000 €. Tel.: 952 86 84 06.

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

Beachfront

Beachfront Los Monteros: Timeless and sophisticated style, combined with an incomparable beachfront location set this residence apart. Large reception rooms, outdoor entertainment areas, indoor pool, sauna, hamam, gym, home cinema. 7 beds, 8 baths. Built 1.440 m2, plot 3.600 m2.

E&V ID: W-0207K1. Price on request. Tel.: 952 83 20 40.

Beachfront Puerto Banús: The only penthouse available in the exclusive complex of 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: 2.700.000 €. Tel.: 952 85 98 60.

Beachfront Río Real: Best priced beachfront apartment in Río Real Playa, luxurious complex with direct beach access. Very spacious, bright with large terrace. 2 beds, 2 baths. Living area 123 m2, terrace 35 m2.

E&V ID: W-023Z67. Price: 950.000 €. Tel.: 952 83 20 40.

Beachfront Golden Mile: Unique, very large penthouse with private pool in the exclusive complex of Don Gonzalo. 24 hours security and concierge services. 4 beds,4 baths. Living area 357 m2, terrace 315 m2.

E&V ID: W-024KHU Price: 4.000.000 €. Tel.: 952 86 84 06.

Beachfront Puerto Banús: Best investment! Exceptional spacious penthouse situated in a beachfront five star hotel, offering full service, comfort and luxury. 3 beds, 3 baths. Living area 200 m2, terrace 150 m2.

E&V ID: W-024FGT. Price: 1.275.000 €. Tel.: 952 85 98 60.

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

Los Monteros

Beachfront Los Monteros: Unmatched in design and location, the most exclusive and impressive beachfront property available!

Spectacular decoration, highest qualities. Indoor pool, sauna, steam bath, gym and cinema.7 beds, 6 baths. Built 1.548 m2, plot 2.700 m2.

E&V ID: W-01ZHBN. Price on request. Tel.: 952 83 20 40.

Bahía de Marbella: Fantastically priced stunning villa with sea views, only a few meters from the beach. High qualities. Beautifully decorated. Heated pool. 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.

Bahía de Marbella: Set on a large plot, next to the sea, a magnificent beachside villa with indoor and outdoor large entertainment areas. 6 beds, 5 baths. Built 1.149 m2, plot 3.234 m2.

E&V ID: W-022KIW. Price: 4.950.000 €. Tel.: 952 83 20 40.

Los Monteros: A contemporary villa, very stylish, situated only steps from the beach offering lovely sea views and high quality materials. 5 beds, 4 baths. Built 380 m2, plot 800 m2.

E&V ID: W-023N8Z. Price: 1.750.000 €. Tel.: 952 83 20 40.

Los Monteros: Splendid modern villa set on a large plot, just 200 m from the beach, offering top quality, space and the highest standard of luxury living. Heated pool. 5 beds, 5 baths. Built 1068 m2, plot 2.216 m2.

E&V ID: W-024JIQ. Price: 4.300.000 €. Tel.: 952 83 20 40.

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

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LEFTPAGE-Marzo-2016.pdf

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South facing villa 250m from the beach – Guadalmina Baja, Marbella 5 beds 6 baths 405m2 Built 2.721m2 Plot

Price: 2.600.000 € Ref: DM3786

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Villa – Nagüeles, Marbella Golden Mile

Semi-detached villa – Sierra Blanca, Marbella

Corner apartment – Marbella town

Apartment – Los Granados Playa, Estepona

Sea views 4 beds 4 baths 640m2 Built 2.995m2 Plot Ref: DM3710 Price: 4.250.000 €

Sea views 150m from the beach Ref: DM3720

3 beds 2 baths 344m2 Built Price: 954.000€

Over 417 Offices in 58 Countries

Gated 24h security complex Ref: DM3435

3 beds 3 baths 504m2 Interior 319m2 Terrace Price: 2.495.000€

Frontal sea views 2 beds 2 baths 113m2 Built 28m2 Terraces Ref: DM3816

Price: 590.000€

RIGHTPAGE-Marzo-2016.pdf

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Villa – Sierra Blanca, Marbella Golden Mile 7 Beds – 7 Baths – 1.238m2 Built – 2.025m2 Plot

Price: 7.900.000€ Ref: DM3809

Exceptional south-facing villa with panoramic sea views. Contemporary design, built with utmost attention to detail and best materials, offering spacious accommodation including indoor pool and spa, gym, office, billiard room and staff apartment.

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Villa – La Zagaleta, Benahavis 4 Beds –4 Baths – 890m2 Built – 5.702m2 Plot

Price: 6.950.000€ Ref: DM3767

Elegant frontline golf villa enjoying magnificent sea views, set on an elevated flat plot and distributed on one single level.

Extensive terraces, guest and staff accommodation. Project to add 3 bedroom suites on upper level.

Tel: 952 765 138 info@dmproperties.com DMproperties.com

DMproperties.com

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Enclosed: 1,120 m² Plot: 2,280 m² Price: € 8,000,000

SIERRA BLANCA Stunning 9-bed contemporary style mansion with superb sea views in one of the most exclusive

communities on the Golden Mile with 24-hr security. Cinema room, games room, gym with spa area. High quality finishes throughout. Ref. ES8503

Enclosed: 1,087 m² LA ZAGALETA Modern 8-bed family villa on Plot: 10,355 m² an extensive plot with spectacular sea views. Spa, Price: € 6,900,000 heated indoor pool, cinema etc. Ref. ES6342

Enclosed: 304 m² Plot: 2,277 m² Price: € 1,970,000

NUEVA ANDALUCÍA 6-bed, frontline golf villa on a superb plot with wonderful views. Next to Aloha Golf Club. Lots of potential. Ref. ES8865

An International Associate of Savills

Enclosed: 306 m² Plot: 556 m² Price: € 4,950,000

MARBELLA CLUB HOTEL Fabulous

Enclosed: 200m² Garden: 80 m² Price: € 995,000

GOLDEN MILE Contemporary 3-bed property in Imara, a sought-after community with 24-hr security. Ref. ES8299

4-bed villa in the grounds of the renowned 5-star beachside hotel on teh Golden Mile. Ref. ES7349

Enclosed: 1,037 m² Plot: 5,451 m² Price: € 6,950,000

CASCADA DE CAMOJÁN Modern 6-bed masterpiece with Bali touches and superb sea and mountain views. Designed

Enclosed: 200 m² Terrace: 127 m² Price: € 2,500,000

BEACHFRONT GOLDEN MILE 3-bed apartment with concierge service. Incredible views!

Walking distance to Puerto Banús! Ref. ES6127

Enclosed: 976 m² Plot: 2,560 m² Price: € 5,350,000

Enclosed: 493 m² Plot: 1,189 m² Price: € 2,700,000

GOLDEN MILE Modern 5-bed villa under construction in an exclusive community with 24-hr security. Mediterranean-style garden. Ref. ES8478

Enclosed: 886 m² Plot: 4,826 m² Price: € 7,850,000

by well-known architect Carlos Lamas and built to the highest standards. Located in a gated community with 24-hr security.

Heated salt water pool, cinema, garage with revolving floor, domotic system, wine cellar and many more features. Ref. ES8873

NUEVA ANDALUCÍA Stunning 5-bed modern masterpiece in the Golf Valley. Incredible sea views. Top quality finishes. Ref. ES8115

LA ZAGALETA Brand-new 5-bed villa with impressive sea and mountain views. Designed by the renowned architect Carlos Lamas. Ref. ES8268

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

contents The Trend Cinema 36 Home Viewing 38 Music News 40

The Pro 116 Enterprise 124 What Makes Persian Carpets so Valuable?

Books 42

126 Finance: Tax Law

Technology: Smart Cinema 44

128 Entrepreneurship

Cars: The New Ferrari 488 GTB 46

The Focus The History of Cinema 50 Landmark Films 54 Original Version Cinemas on the Coast 68

130 The Vibe

The Leisure 132 Top Film Festivals 138 Hotel: L’Hermitage Beverly Hills

Madness in Film 72

The Gourmet

Top Grossing Actors 74

141 La Parrilla Grill

Creativity and Business Combined by NOK 82

The Style A Mansion in Cascada de Camoján 86 Fashion Feature: Roberto Verino 94 Fashion News 100

The Spa Vintage Hollywood Beauty 104 Beauty News 106 Food Addiction 108 Say Goodbye to Varicose Veins 110 José Luis Guijarro of Healthouse Las

143 T-Bone Grill 145 Besaya Beach 146 Food News 148 Kevin Woodford’s The Whitsundays 150 Chef’s Profile: Mauricio Giovanini of Messina 152 Wine: Priorato – Stairway to Heaven 154 Customised Bodegas

The Guide 156 Listings

The Blog

Dunas*****GL Health & Beach Spa 112

165 Pet News

Health News 114

166 What’s On 168 Stars for March 170 Family Fun

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Silver Sun Living, Guaro

architects

Sierra Blanca, Liszt 2

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 199 P4.indd 1

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WORDS BY IAIN BLACKWELL

THE BIG

PICTURE

T

his month’s issue, our 199th edition, brings you the big picture, literally, with our focus on Cinema. Watching films can be educational, emotional and electrifying and is a prime form of entertainment enjoyed by us all.

We open the curtains on the History of Cinema, showing its remarkable revival in the modern era, and take a look at some of the landmark films that have moved us during the last decades. We also spotlight the highest-earning stars of the silver screen, visit the world’s top film festivals, check out futuristic Smart Cinema, investigate the phenomenon of movie madness and take a tour of cinemas on the coast screening original version (OV or VOSE) films.

Elsewhere in our Easter edition, we rev up the new Ferrari 488 GTB, pop our eyes at a luxurious contemporary villa in Casacada de Camoján, and marvel at Red Carpet Magic couture from Roberto Verino.

Semana Santa is an ideal time to savour with friends and family and we suggest some great local dining options in the shape of La Parrilla, T-Bone Grill, Besaya Beach and Messina, perhaps accompanied by a glass or two of perfect Priorato.

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Photo M. Gibert,Photography used for reference only. Special thanks to : TASCHEN / http://paule-riche.com

éditionspéciale

French Art de Vivre

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reduced from 5.060 €

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*Price reduced until 18/04/2016. On 3-seat leather sofa (L. 240 x H. 63/95 x P. 98 cm) upholstered in leather Taormina, pigmented corrected grain leather. Removable backs.

Black nickel metal legs. Other dimensions available. Deco cushions optional. Zag cocktail tables and pedestal design Toni Grilo. European manufacture.

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

Spring is just around the corner, but there are still plenty of good reasons to enjoy the best home life has to offer, with a host of exciting film and reading suggestions. We also preview the future of cinema and satisfy our adrenalin rush in the new Ferrari 488 GTB.

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Cinema

38

Home Viewing

40

Music News

42

Books

44

Technology: Smart Cinema

46

Cars: The New Ferrari 488 GTB

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THE TREND cinema WORDS marisa cutillas

e BLOCKBUSTER OF

THE MONTH

»» Genre Action r (300) »» DirectoR Zack Snyde n Affleck, Be ill, Cav nry He »» Actors Amy Adams, Gal Gadot

ta Wonder Woman are jus Batman, Superman and h nis too car s thi to life e t giv few fun characters tha l rfu fea n, ma per to take on Su romp. Batman decides er. pow ch mu too ing ass is am that the caped crusader ir the in ges compare the bul While the superheroes a advantage and develops es tak hor Lut tights, Lex as we know it life end to y, sda om new threat called Do on Metropolis.

Batmannv: Dawn of Justice Superma

»» Genre Drama/Western »» Director Lenny

Abrahamson (What Richard Did)

»» ACTORS Brie Larson, Jacob

Tremblay, Joan Allen

Room

Room has won Brie Larson her first Golden Globe award for Best Actress and she is predicted to sweep the stakes at the Oscars as well. In the film, she plays a young mother of a boy of five. She tries to raise her child as best she can, despite the fact that they are locked in a tiny room with no escape.

»» Genre Drama »» Director Joachim Trier (Oslo) »» Actors Gabriel Byrne, Jesse Eisenberg, Devin Druid

Louder than Bombs

Jonah Reed (Jesse Eisenberg) is a young man who returns to the family home to attend a photographic exhibition by his mother, Isabelle, who passed away three years previously.

Jonah’s father, Gene, uses the situation to try and unite his three sons, each of whom remembers their mother in a different way.

»» Genre Musical Comedy »» Director Barry Levinson

(Sleepers)

»» actors Bill Murray, Bruce Willis, Kate Hudson

Rock the Kasbah

Billl Murray plays a rock and roll manager who signs his only client up to a tour in Afghanistan.

Stranded in Kabul, without his passport and money, he discovers a young villager who sings like an angel. He resolves to sign her up for Afghan Star: the national equivalent of TV show, American Idol.

»» Genre Comedy »» Director Jason Moore

(Pitch Perfect) »» actors Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph

Sisters

Talented comedic duo, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, play two sisters who can’t stand each other, but who are forced to communicate when their parents enlist their help to clean the family home before it is sold. The girls decide to throw the party of a lifetime, inviting all their highschool friends and all hell breaks loose, but they also find out how much fun they can still have together.

36 / MARCH 2016 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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THE TREND home viewing

Marisa Cutillas brings us a few of the season’s top DVD releases. »» Genre Romantic Comedy »» Director Cameron Crowe

(Jerry Maguire)

»» actors Emma Stone, Bradley

Cooper, Rachel McAdams, Bill Murray »» IMDB Rating 5.5/10

Learning to Drive

Aloha

»» Genre Drama »» Director Isabel Coixet

A successful military contractor supervises the launch of a satellite from Hawaii alongside an attractive airforce pilot. He unexpectedly runs into the love of his former life, who is now married with children and he wonders if he can start from scratch with his new soulmate who believes he is the man she is looking for.

(The Secret Life of Words) »» actors Ben Kingsley, Patricia Clarkson, Jake Weber »» IMDB Rating 6.4/10

ONTH

D RELEASE OF THE M

e FEATURED DV »» Genre

Fantasy

»» Director

Wes Ball (Beginners)

»» ACTORS

Dylan O’Brien, Ki Hong Lee, Kaya Scodelario

»» IMDB Rating

ment in the Maze In the second instal as and the rest Runner saga, Thom ced to face an for of the Gladers are : that of finding ge en all ch er even tough , powerful us rio clues about a myste .U.E.L. Their C.R as n ow kn organisation inhospitable an to m adventure takes the obstacles. ble ina ag im un land filled with ht a much fig to d ce There, they will be for fighters of up gro l rfu we bigger, more po of the ure fut for the with devious plans Planet…

Maze Scorch Trials Runner: The 6.4/10

»» Genre Comedy »» Director Jonathan Demme

(The Silence of the Lambs) »» ACTORS Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Mamie Gummer »» IMDB Rating 6.0/10

Ricki and the Flash

The indomitable Meryl Streep proves she is as sexy as ever in this sentimental comedy about Ricki, a middle aged rock musician who is called upon to face the music and own up to her responsibilities when her daughter suffers from depression. Ricki has always hated the thought of ‘growing up’ but it’s now or never if she hopes to save her relationship with her daughter.

Wendy is a writer in Manhattan who decides to obtain her driver’s licence for the first time while her marriage disintegrates. Her instructor is Darwin, a man of Indian origin who makes a living as a taxi driver and driving instructor. As they drive through the streets of New York, they distance themselves from the problems of daily life and a special friendship forms between them.

Cut Bank »» Genre Thriller »» Director Matt Shakman »» ACTORS Liam Hemsworth, John

Malkovich, Billy Bob Thornton »» IMDB Rating 6.0/10

Liam Hemsworth plays Dwayne, a highschool sports star who is now working as a mechanic in his hometown of Cut Bank, Montana – the coldest village in the United States. He dreams of leaving and building a future in a more hospitable place but his best laid plans come undone when he witnesses a murder and becomes embroiled in a tough criminal investigation.

38 / MARCH 2016 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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Bedrooms: 4 • Bathrooms: 4 • Built: 680 m2 • Plot: 1460 m2 Terrace: 208 m2 • Price: 2,595,000 €

Bedrooms: 5 • Bathrooms: 5 • Built: 1030 m2 • Plot: 2195 m2 Terrace: 255 m2 • Price: 5,490,000 €

FRONTLINE VILLA IN LOS NARANJOS GOLF A beautiful and very well built house front line to Los Naranjos Golf in a small gated and private urbanisation. The house has been decorated in a modern style and is being offered fully furnished. The villa features under floor heating, state of the art AC system, central vacuum cleaner and a heated pool. Ref: 176-01258P

VILLA IN LOS NARANJOS HILL CLUB This breath-taking villa was designed and built in 2015 by the renowned architect Gustavo Kloster. It is truly a masterpiece of modern architecture with a very privileged position on the top of a hill in Nueva Andalucia, overlooking the valley below with panoramic views of the sea and mountains.

Ref: 176-01234P

Bedrooms: 3 • Bathrooms: 2 • Built: 177 m2 Terrace: 45 m2 • Price: 895,000 €

Bedrooms: 5 • Bathrooms: 5 • Built: 515 m2 • Plot: 1520 m2 Terrace: 120 m2 • Price: 2,250,000 €

TOWNHOUSE IN ALDEA BLANCA A west facing townhouse situated in a popular community close to Puerto Banus, golf and amenities. Tastefully decorated to the highest Scandinavian standard and luxury quality it features a Bulthaup Design kitchen, designer doors, wardrobes, and staircase. Ref: 176-01237P

LOS NARANJOS GOLF VILLA A classic style villa in privileged position front line golf to the 17th hole at Los Naranjos Golf. The wide living and dining room feeds out onto the covered terrace and down to the large heated pool. The house was renovated approximately 10 years ago to a classic contemporary look.

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Tel: 952 816 250 / 619 553 065 admin1@andadev.com • Website: www.andadev.com

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THE TREND music

PAUL WELLER

¿QUÉ PASA?

DAVID BOWIE

WORDS RIK FOXX

with that decision as she wanted that gig.

The DAVID BOWIE memorial concert taking place in New York on March 31 was arranged before his death and was originally going to be a tribute show.

Málaga’s Teatro de Cervantes plays host to the UK 1990s indie icons THE WEDDING PRESENT on May 20 as part of their threenight Alternativo festival; ticket info and full line-up: www.teatrocervantes.com Further afield on the same day – the Territorios Sevilla weekender starts with UK indie rockers THE WOMBATS and the legendary TINDERSTICKS; ticket info and full line-up: www. territoriossevilla.com

There’s talk that DAVID BECKHAM is trying to persuade his wife to do this year’s SPICE GIRLS 20th anniversary shows but GERI (the former) HALLIWELL says the rest will do it either with or without her. But cracks could form on the spice rack as MEL B kept a diary of the girl’s antics in their heyday and she wants to publish it. Meanwhile SpiceWorld: The Exhibition opens on March 24 at Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach and runs until June 26 with the biggest collection of the band’s memorabilia ever assembled.

And just after our last issue went to press, it was announced that SIMPLY RED will play outside the Castillo (castle) de Fuengirola on August 18. Ticket info: www.bandsintown.com

Now ONE DIRECTION are officially on a long holiday, the big question is: Will they get back together after HARRY STYLES has announced he has split from his long time management for pastures new?

Spain’s biggest festival, Benicàssim (near Valencia) has added MUSE, THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS, THE 1975 and UK indie band THE VACCINES to the bill. The festival takes place July 14 – 17; for the latest line-up and ticket info: www.fiberfib.com The latter are also playing at Granada’s Sala el Tren this month on the 19th; ticket info: www.ticketmaster.es

ADELE denounced DONALD TRUMP after he continued to use some of her songs on his US Presidency campaign despite not getting her permission. As we go to press the situation has not been resolved.

The prestigious ‘Legends’ spot at this year’s Glastonbury Festival goes to JEFF LYNNE and his ELO – I bet DIANA ROSS isn’t happy

ALL SAINTS released their resurrection single One Strike on February 26 and the song was written as a direct response to the dissolved marriage of NICOLE APPLETON and LIAM GALLAGHER. An album, Red Flag, will fly on April 8.

LADY GAGA

The clocks go forward at the end of this month and some concerts have been announced to look forward to (see below).

There’s a few tribute acts playing during March so check your local weekly press for details. All information on this page was correct at the time of writing.

Meanwhile, the other GALLAGHER, NOEL, along with PAUL WELLER is reportedly writing a song for the new MONKEES album, Good Times, which will mark their 50th anniversary. Two of the original members, MICKEY DOLENZ and PETER TORK, will tour the album. The other two originals – MIKE NESMITH is too busy with his business and DAVY JONES died in 2012.

She may have been off the radar for some time but GAGA is now back in orbit, and last month she was set to become the first artist ever to play the Oscars, the Grammys (a BOWIE tribute) and the Super Bowl all in the same year. She is said to be working on a new album with ELTON JOHN but as this is penned she still hadn’t been invited to do the Carpool Karaoke.

If you haven’t seen Carpool Karaoke yet, UK comedian and the US Late Late Show host JAMES CORDEN drives around with a music celeb and they sing and chat. These amusing 10 to 15 minute clips have gone viral and artists are begging him to take them for a ride. All clips are on YouTube and as this is an Olympic year, this scribe’s medals (so far) go to – well, it’s a toss-up for bronze between an entertaining ADELE (56 million YouTube hits in the first three weeks) and CHRIS

MARTIN (COLDPLAY); the Silver goes to STEVIE WONDER – but believe it or not the golden boy is BIEBER – he’s was so cool doing the Carpool – he’s already done it twice!

And the BIEBER transformation continues – he recently helped a hit and run victim, he jumped out of his van and lifted an elderly woman on to the pavement and comforted her while his friends called the cops.

More brownie points for the former pop brat.

Meanwhile KANYE WEST continues his war against the world – the selfproclaimed “greatest living rock star on the planet” continues to upset many – he now reckons BILL COSBY is innocent of the recent sexual assault allegations and before that he announced he was considering doing a BOWIE tribute album. Within 24 hours, over 10,000 people had signed a petition to stop him. e

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5

THE TREND books

Cool Hollywood Biographies to Catch

As is only fitting in an edition dedicated to the silver screen, Marisa Cutillas brings us a list of reading suggestions about the lives of some of Hollywood’s greatest legends.

WILDFLOWER BY DREW BARRYMORE

Few child actresses have lived through hell and survived to tell the tale, but Drew Barrymore, who admits to having dabbled in drink since the tender age of eight, knows that even a childhood filled with chaos and loss, can be overcome. Barrymore, now a happy wife and mum and still one of Hollywood’s top billed actors, shares her best life stories with us – such as what it was like to live alone at 14, how she got over addiction and the people and experiences that taught her how to find the happy, healthy place she is in today.

BOSSYPANTS

BY TINA FEY

Tina Fey is one of comedy’s most loved women and she continues to make us laugh until our sides hurt in her autobiography Bossypants, which focuses on her rise to stardom. A dreamy little girl metamorphosises into a nerdy teen and finally, a successful comedian on Saturday Night Life. Today, she is one of cinema’s biggest crowd drawers.

TROUBLEMAKER: SURVIVING HOLLYWOOD AND SCIENTOLOGY

BY LEAH REMINI

Leah Remini, best known for playing an enigmatic housewife in hit TV series, The King of Queens, is now breaking records for sales of her autobiography, which tells her personal story of growing up as a scientologist and eventually falling out of favour with Hollywood’s most powerful ‘sect’. David Miscavige and Tom Cruise, two of the most influential forces in this congregation, are placed in the firing line, as Remini unleashes all the venom she has kept inside for decades of her life.

SERIOUSLY... I’M KIDDING BY ELLEN DEGENERES

Ellen is surely one of the most magnificent talk show hosts to grace our small screens. She is also a serious art collector, designer, sportswoman, and wife to talented Actress, Portia de Rossi. The book gives us a bird’s eye view of Ellen’s busy schedule, delighting us with poignant anecdotes such as the time she quit being a judge of American Idol because she couldn’t bear hurting the contestants’ feelings.

KING OF COMEDY: THE LIFE AND ART OF JERRY LEWIS

BY SHAWN LEVY

It’s sad to think that many youngsters these days don’t know who Jerry Lewis was. The King was once the highest paid performer in film, television and Broadway and those of us who have grown up with his work recall films such as Hollywood or Bust, in which he starred alongside his partner, Dean Martin, and the magnificent Mr. Bascomb. Lewis was so much more than a comedian; he was the first director in talking films who did it all himself: direct, act, produce. He has influenced everyone from Lenny Bruce to Woody Allen and Jim Carrey. This fantastic biography relates the ups and downs in one of the most successful Hollywood careers ever.

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THE TREND technology

Forget Brad P and Angelina J, you are and can be the next superstar. All you have to do is jump in. I am not talking about getting a selfie stick and recording yourself with friends making fools of yourselves; that is almost history and if you missed the boat on YouTube, then why not try something new, like Periscope?

WORDS ALI PARANDEH

The Next Superstar Could Be You:

SMART CINEMA

H

ollywood at one point thought it could control the Internet and file sharing and that it was safe from the disruption the IT industry is causing; how wrong that assumption was. The cinema and the movie industry is changing, yet again. And this time the changes are concerned with how we will be watching movies.

Are you ready? Then buckle in for a ride. Tomorrow’s cinema will involve more than just sitting in your chair and, while it is not here yet and we can only speculate about how it might be, one thing is for sure, that there is likely to be more interaction than you might expect.

What is it that makes you like a movie? A good film that makes you laugh, cry, think. Watching a film is a rather unique experience as it involves an integration of our visual and auditory stimuli. A film connects with us in such a way that it transports us in mind and soul into the skin of the person playing the lead role. They interact with you and me, opening our eyes to

new wonders and broadening our perspectives. Equally in a movie, the raw materiality and physical geography on which the story plays out (i.e., nature, sets, bodies, props) resonates with us as much as or more than the story itself. A scary movie will make you jump out of your seat because you feel the fear close to you or the threat directed at you and not just the actor, as much as a sad movie makes you cry because you emotionally connect in the same way.

So if that’s why we like movies, why not be a real part of them? How many times have you thought to yourself that if you had the option, you would have changed the ending, or you could have come up with a better place or costume? How often have you realised: what an absolutely useless movie and waste of time, in relation to films with weak plots and actors who cannot act convincingly?

The world of virtual reality makes this possible. The next generation of films could be different. They might just provide you with the scene so

that you can play the role. You could participate as one of the leads or many actors and select the role that really appeals to you. What if you could select the part you want to play and decide on how long you want to participate?.

Future movies will be a virtual experience, where they could include more of our sensory stimuli than just the visual and auditory. Imagine feeling the cold air or breeze in the air as the night sets, or the heat of a car on fire, burning and about to explode. In the absence of these additional stimuli you might stay close to the car, but if you feel the threat, you will make a move.

In future movies, you will also be able to decide to abandon a particular experience and jump to another, just like when you flick channels. Once there are enough people playing there should be no reason why you should not be able to switch without a hiccup. The good ones will occupy the scene and the bad ones will fade away, just like now.

The future movies can be written by you and modified by your friends and others on the go as they are being played. There will be no need for a Hollywood studio to approve them or a critic to denigrate them. Start with your friends and, if interesting, you will find plenty of spectators, just like with the YouTubers of today.

Of course, Hollywood will also carry on producing. Movies that will be HD, 3D with full motion and sensory appeal, with scenario options and interaction facilities, streaming live or at your convenience, but what is for sure: future movies will be transformed through our collective conscious engagement and experience. g Ali Parandeh, is the Founder of PC Doctor & Urbytus. He has written five books in the fields of Internet and Biotechnology. He is currently an independent mentor at the Founder Institute and helps entrepreneurs with getting their ideas and work off the ground. parandeh@urbytus.com

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THE TREND motoring

FERRARI

488 GTB WORDS TONY WHITNEY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FERRARI

T

he 488 GTB is Ferrari’s entry-level model, if we may dare to use such a term with a car like this. It’s more affordable than the lofty limited edition models the Maranello manufacturer turns out, though it’s no less endowed with all the expected goodies we’ve become used to with Ferraris. It’s a sleek, sexy, sports car to say the very least and seems to have borrowed much of its charm from the La Ferrari supercar. It certainly looks rather like it to my eyes, but nobody will complain about that. It’s a little longer than its predecessor but some clever aerodynamic tricks around the bodywork have resulted in more downforce and thus better handling. Ferrari says that the big, scalloped, side air intakes are a nod to the old

All good things must come to an end and so it is with the Ferrari 458 Italia, one of the most popular models in the Italian carmaker’s lineup for many years now. The good news is that its replacement is even more impressive and if it sells like the 458, the 2016 488 GTB will certainly be around as long as the Italia and possibly longer.

and much collected 308 GTB. As is very much the fashion right now, the bodywork is adorned with clusters of LED lighting, front and rear, but they are highly efficient and also long-lasting.

Ferrari has had a representative in this slot for many years and they’ve always been midengined, V-8 powered sportsters. The models can be traced back to the 208/308/328 ranges produced in the mid-1970s. It’s always been Ferrari’s tradition to have both closed (GTB) and convertible (GTS) variants in this particular lineup, so there will be a 488GTS before long.

The engine used in the latest Ferrari heads in a new direction and uses a pair of turbochargers, rather than going the superhigh RPM, naturally-aspirated, route of earlier

equivalents. Interestingly, although the new 3.9-litre V-8 has a smaller displacement than the one in the 458, it produces more power.

Enthusiasts who loved the scream of the old V-8 needn’t worry that the new one has been overly refined as it makes all the right noises we’ve come to expect from a Ferrari engine.

(Ferrari calls this ‘the soundtrack’). Ferrari has pointed out that all its future powerplants will use turbochargers or some kind of hybrid (electric motor) boost system. It’s fascinating that a manufacturer’s entry level model has 670-horsepower, but that’s Ferrari for you!

Thankfully, the car has borrowed the huge Brembo brakes from the La Ferrari, so it should be easy enough to keep this performance in check.

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The interior is well up to Ferrari’s usual high standards both with regard to instrument and control layout and convenience items.

Although the cockpit is confined, it boasts all the creature comforts you’d wish for plus a ‘part of the car’ feeling for whoever’s at the wheel. I suppose there have been Ferraris that featured poor interior layouts, but I’ve never sat in one. You can control just about everything from the steering wheel, which is dotted with buttons and switches like that of a Formula One car. Buyers can opt for lots more carbon fibre trim than the standard model comes with.

Don’t look for gimmicky touch-screens though because everything has been developed along traditional lines. As if you weren’t convinced that this is a sports car first and foremost, the one big dial that sits at the centre of the instrument binnacle is a tachometer.

This is an exceptional new Ferrari which has already been widely praised. The company has even developed a new colour for the 488GTB

and it’s called Rosso Corsa Metallizzato with ‘surprising depth and glossiness.’ This isn’t a dramatic break from tradition as it’s just another version of Ferrari Red. And later this year, fortunate buyers will be able to drive their new pride and joy to Barcelona and visit the world’s first Ferrari Land theme park at the PortAventura resort. e

Z ENGINE: 3.9-litre turbocharged V-8 670-horsepower.

Z TRANSMISSION: Seven-speed dualclutch automatic.

Z ACCELERATION: Zero to 100 km/h in 3.0-seconds.

Z TOP SPEED: Not yet available.

Z I LIKED: Stunning styling, almost as dramatic as that of the super-expensive La Ferrari. Major benefits come from a new twin turbo engine that should prove more economical to run than the old V-8, for those who care about that. Great interior and beautifully trimmed in fine leathers. A high-performance sports car with no shortage of luxury touches.

Z I DIDN’T LIKE: Like all cars in this class, cabin stowage space and luggage room aren’t strong points. You either love the styling and performance enough to make the sacrifice or buy a Range Rover!

Z MARKET ALTERNATIVES: Lamborghini Huracan, McLaren 650S, Porsche 911 Turbo, Audi R8.

Z WHO DRIVES ONE? The car is bound to appeal to existing Ferrari owners who want to move on from the Italia. Pricing is quite competitive and the car may attract high end Porsche owners and people who’ve been looking at the entry level McLaren and Lamborghini.

Z PRICE AND AVAILABILITY: Available now at an estimated €210.000.

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CULTURE / HISTORY / FEATURES

focus FAMOUS PEOPLE / INTERVIEWS / HUMOUR

The Cinema is a major source of entertainment and inspiration and this month, hot on the heels of the Academy Awards, we turn our spotlight on the fascinating world of the movies, with features on the history of cinema, landmark films, original version cinema, madness in the movies and top grossing actors.

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The History of Cinema

54

Landmark Films

68

Original Version Cinemas on the Coast

72

Madness in Film

74

Top Grossing Actors

82

Creativity and Business Combined by NOK

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ST !

L A YS DA

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THE FOCUS cinema

THE BIG

PICTURE

It began life as a fairground attraction, learned to walk and talk in seamy nickelodeons and graduated gloriously into a golden age of fabulous Hollywood stars, filthy-rich studio bosses and chandelier-festooned picture palaces. Since then, everything from TV and video to home movies and live internet streaming has been plotting cinema’s downfall but, against all odds, the big screen turns 121 this year and it hasn’t lost the magic. WORDS BELINDA BECKETT

L

ike your first bicycle or first kiss, most of us can remember our first trip to the cinema.

In fact, kissing in the back row of the movies on a Saturday night was a right of passage in my day!

My earliest memory is standing for the National Anthem as the star-spangled curtains at our local Astoria parted to reveal a handsome, young Peter O’ Toole charging across the screen on a camel

with a tea-towel on his head in Lawrence of Arabia. It was the year’s highest-grossing film, winning a Best Director Oscar for David Lean.

But epics on that scale were living on borrowed time. The year was 1962 and cinema-goers were increasingly opting to watch smaller screens from the comfort of their own living rooms. To make ends meet, the big Hollywood studios diversified into TV and record production and

sightseeing tours or turned themselves into theme parks while cinemas cut ticket prices to the bone. But by the end of the decade, despite the efforts of Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music, the picture looked black for the silver screen.

However, the movie business is a master of invention which is how it all began, with the race to turn still images into moving pictures.

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PEEP SHOWS TO MOTION PICTURES Magic lantern shows shone the way.

During the early Victorian era when there was a fascination for the supernatural, travelling showmen used these early glass slide projectors to entertain audiences with spooky images and increasingly, to create the illusion of movement.

In 1891, British light bulb inventor Thomas Edison developed the idea with Kinetoscope Parlours, set up in penny arcades. There were no seats in these primitive picture houses. Customers stood at a bank of slot machines, each showing a different 30-second film, and watched through a peephole.

France’s Lumière brothers topped this with their Cinematographe which could take pictures and project large images quickly for mass viewing, using the newlyinvented celluloid film reels – the birth of the motion picture.

Now the race was on to produce better and longer films and present them in a continuous show to larger audiences – in church halls, music hall theatres and, in America, in the shop fronts of stores.

Nicknamed nickelodeons, from the Greek word for theatre and the five cents (nickel)

entry fee, newspapers of the day reported their ‘lack of air, poor sanitary conditions, unclean floors and no provision of spittoons’. But despite the overcrowding and uncomfortable wooden seats, by 1910 there were 10,000 nickelodeons in America attracting audiences of 45 million per week.

The demand for more upscale theatres to attract a ‘better clientele’ was met by picture palaces. Designed ‘to make the average citizen feel like royalty’, these lavish emporiums were built on the grand scale, emulating Roman temples and Egyptian pyramids. They employed large orchestras and immaculately uniformed ushers, while some even offered air conditioning and baby crèches in the basement. Samuel ‘Roxy’ Rothafel’s 3,000-seater Strand theatre opened on Broadway in 1914 with a spectacular that included a newsreel, travelogue, comic short and live stage show before the main film. Between 1914 and 1922, over 4,000 movie palaces opened in America. Europe tried to follow but World War I got in the way.

Thomas Edison, one of cinema’s early pioneers

Lights, Cameras, Action!

Meanwhile, in the hills west of Los Angeles, the first big film studios were taking shape under a sign for a housing development called Hollywoodland (later shortened to Hollywood and now a protected cultural icon). With acres of cheap land, a reliable climate and natural sunlight – better for developing film than early electric light – it was a no-brainer for the new breed of ambitious film makers.

They built vast studios and stage sets containing miniature cities, bought up movie theatres Stateswide and across the Atlantic to control distribution, and dominated the industry for the next 50 years.

Cecil B. DeMille made 70 pictures including the first ever shot in Hollywood, while epics like Quo Vadis (1913) which ran for over two hours and boasted 5,000 extras, a chariot race and real lions, set the benchmark.

Warner Brothers, Paramount, Metro Golden Meyer, 20th Century Fox, even Disney – originally a B-film studio occupying Hollywood’s ‘poverty row’ – helped Hollywood turn out 800 films a year during its heyday thanks to another major phenomenon – the studiomanufactured star.

While actors had previously been drawn from the theatre and music hall, studio stars had a ‘persona’ created for them off screen as well as on, being told what to eat, how to dress and whom to date. ‘America’s sweetheart’ Mary Pickford, ‘It Girl’ Clara Bow and red hot Latin lover Rudolph Valentino were groomed to become sex symbols of the silent movie era.

Laurel and Hardy, Buster Keaton and British actor Charlie Chaplin added the slapstick comedy in baggy pants and bowler hats while Stetson-sporting Tom Mix got on his high horse in the first westerns.

Although films were silent until 1927, with written ‘dialogue’ only, screenings were often accompanied by a lecturer or barker and music, whether provided by an out-of-tune piano or a full orchestra. D.W. Griffiths’ The Birth of a Nation (1915) was the first film to feature flashbacks, close-ups and a musical score.

The arrival of ‘talkies’ presented fresh challenges and some stars – notably chain-smoking swashbuckler Douglas Fairbanks – didn’t make the transition, opening the stage set door to a new cast of leading ladies and men: ‘blonde bombshell’ Jean Harlow, the sultry Dietrich, the sardonic Bette Davis, Clark Gable, James Stewart, Mickey Mouse.

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LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL Cinema did well during the Great Depression – everyone needed a laugh. Audiences were introduced to new film genres: gangster films, biopics, cartoons, horror, fantasy, sci-fi, musicals, cliffhanger serials – no Saturday matinée was complete without the latest episode of Flash Gordon in a packed programme that included newsreels and at least one feature film. Popcorn and ice cream went on sale, the world’s first drive-in movie premiered in New Jersey and Technicolor wowed audiences in Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz. WW2 action was relayed via Pathé newsreels, propaganda films and documentaries and we collectively sighed over Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca. In the UK, where film-making was dominated by the Rank Organisation, Ealing Studios produced its most celebrated comedies during the 1940s. But America was still the holy grail as British exports Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Alfred Hitchcock and Cary Grant discovered, and the magnificent Marilyn Monroe kept the Hollywood dream alive.

TV was already making its presence felt when NBC broadcast the first Academy Awards in 1953. Widescreen was a bid to woo ‘goggle box’ addicts back but modern

jazz, rock ‘n’ roll and the new youth culture was also changing audience tastes. The industry responded with new cutting-edge dramas and anti-heroes: James Dean in Rebel without a Cause, Marlon Brando in The Wild One and even the King himself, Elvis Presley in Jailhouse Rock.

The 1960s and 70s was a time of huge creativity as panicked producers tried to turn the financial tide with Dolby stereo sound, 3D (in one of its many incarnations) and Smello-vision, which piped scents into cinemas at relevant points during the film.

Sean Connery climbed into James Bond’s Aston Martin and revved up the pace of spy movies in Dr. No; horror became a lucrative genre with The Exorcist – literally head-turning – and The Omen; and it was a pivotal period for special effects and the blockbuster movie.

Steven Spielberg’s Jaws (1975) and the first Star Wars movie set box office records and paved a new yellow brick road to the future for mainstream cinema.

The high cost of making blockbusters was the cue for low budget indie film makers to think outside the box with edgier films shot in lower-cost locations with lesser-known stars.

Slumdog Millionaire and My Fat Greek Wedding proved that breaking away from Hollywood can work.

Movie Milestones Z 1905 The world’s first movie theatre opened in Pittsburgh.

Z 1913 Film certificates (U for children, A for adults) were introduced in Britain. America had none until the 1930 Hays Code which prohibited sex, violence, nudity, scenes of childbirth, miscegenation (sex between the white and black races) and use of the words ‘God’, ‘Jesus,’ ‘Christ’, ‘hell’ and ‘damn’ outside a religious context.

Z 1923 German Shepherd Rin Tin Tin

became the first canine film star.

Z 1928 The 1st Academy Awards.

Warner Bros won a special prize for The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson – the first ‘talkie’.

Z 1939 Gone with the Wind became the first colour film to win Best Picture (one of nine Academy Awards). It was the most profitable film of its time and one of the longest, at 231 minutes.

Z 1969 Midnight Cowboy became the first and only X-rated film to win a Best

Picture Oscar. The X certificate rating system has since been changed.

Z 1971 IMAX arrived. The spectacular mega format has become a mainstay at theme parks and museums and there are 1,008 IMAX cinemas in 66 countries.

Z 1999 Indie film The Blair Witch Project became an instant cult classic.

Marketed on the internet, it grossed $125 million and cost only $30,000 to make.

Z 2001 The new Oscar for Best Animated Feature was won by Shrek.

Z 2005 Digital projection was go. One decade on, the majority of British and US cinemas have welcomed audiences to the reel-less world.

Z 2012 Disney added the mega Star Wars franchise to its empire. To think the world’s second largest media conglomerate was once a B-movie studio relegated to Hollywood’s ‘Poverty Row’.

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PANNING FOR GOLD Today, digital technology has revolutionised the industry once more. Movie making has become a boffin-driven, hi-tech art enabling film makers to achieve the impossible, from resinking the Titanic to creating ‘virtual’ stunt doubles and computer-generated ‘extras’ for crowd scenes using advanced simulation software.

Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings Trilogy, which won the Visual Effects Oscar for three consecutive years, employed every trick in the CGI book to create Tolkien’s mythical characters, fantastic scenery and awesome battle scenes. Just like the old magic lantern days, showmen are constantly looking for new ways to wow audiences. And, so far, technology seems to be proving more of an opportunity than a threat.

“The VCR is to the American film producer and the American public as the Boston strangler is to the woman home alone” was a particularly memorable quote from the President of the Motion Picture Association of America during the Eighties.

In fact, the home video market was the mainstay of studio revenues that decade.

Home cinema, big screen TV, the internet, DVDs, Blu-ray, Netflix, hand-held computers which allow us to stream movies onto our own personal screens – they’ve all been cast as villains threatening to kill cinema

off. But reports of its death have been greatly exaggerated. Indeed, new digital technologies have simplified many aspects of the film making process.

December’s new Star Wars: The Force Awakens adventure not only shattered box office records; it brought three generations back to the cinema for the latest instalment of a sci-fi saga that began in 1977, suggesting that the shared experience of viewing a movie on the big screen hasn’t lost its magic.

It’s a different experience these days.

Cinemas have gone multiplex, seats recline, usherettes no longer sell choc ices and Kia-Ora orange juice in the ‘intermission’ (although some cinemas offer waiter service and hot tubs) and no one stands for God Save the Queen any more. But we can enjoy pop-up movies outdoors, watch live broadcasts of concerts and events as they happen, engage with films via computer games, apps and social media long before we see them, and get the T-shirt too.

And this is only the start, according to director Francis Ford Coppola. “Cinema is in its infancy,” he says. “Its golden age has not yet come. Though in the last 100 or so years, there’s been such an abundance of greatness, cinema is an art form that was waiting for technology to make it happen.” e

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The largest movie markets by box office are the US, China, and Japan, with France in fourth place, the UK in fifth and Spain trailing at 14. India’s Bollywood produces by far the most films, followed by Nigeria, with America in third place. The UK accounts for 7% of global film revenue and rising, with a massive surge in film production since 2014.

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THE FOCUS films

GRO UND BREA KING FILMS

Following last month’s feature on Love at the Movies, Marisa Cutillas brings us a suggested list of landmark films to include on your viewing bucket list, portraying intense emotional depth. Attitude, style and taste changes over the years but we must never forget the way in which a handful of visionary Directors shaped the complex art form that is the cinema of today.

FROM THE 1950S UNTIL TODAY

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ALL ABOUT EVE

1940s & 1950s

(Joseph L. Mankiewicz, 1950) The heated debate surrounding the

role of women and the changes proposed by feminism were subjects embraced with panache

by Joseph L. Makiewicz in his most prized film: All About Eve. This is the tale of manipulative climber, Eve, whose greatest dream in life is to topple Hollywood’s biggest star: Margo Channing, played by the magnificent Bette Davis. Margo is at the top of her game, but she is bitter about having given up all the things women of her generation are expected to have – a home, a husband, children. Margo hires Eve, an ardent fan, as her assistant, yet the manipulative Eve uses Margo’s weaknesses and insecurities to crush her rival on the way to the top.

SUNSET BOULEVARD (Billy Wilder, 1950) Billy Wilder has an impressive list

of films to his name: Some Like it Hot, Double Indemnity, and of course, Sunset Boulevard, a film which consistently makes the Top 10 in countless ‘best of the best’ lists. The film is grand, powerful, sometimes overly dramatic, similar in its hysteria factor, to greats like

Whatever Happened to Baby Jane or All About Eve. The great Gloria Swanson (who took home the Best Actress Oscar for this film) plays a middle-aged ex-silent movie star who buys the affections of a struggling writer (William Holden), hiring him to edit the film that will mark her big comeback. The great diva never quite makes it back into Cecile B. De Mille’s good books, and as she begins to lose control over her young lover, her obsession spirals out of control. “Mr. De Mille, I’m ready for my close-up,” she shouts, in one of the most famous lines spoken on film.

SEVEN SAMURAI (Akira Kurosawa, 1954) Seven Samurai is not only a great

film in its own right, but also the first ever in the buddy flick genre (in which a group of men sets out to fulfill a noble mission). Its influence can be witnessed in everything from Star Wars to Fast & Furious and in the many Western classics that delve into the nature of heroism, duty and social roles.

The samurai risk their lives to rescue a group of poor villagers, not for material gain, but because it is their duty. A phenomenal showcase of Kurosawian film techniques –

the camera following the rising and dying waves of action instead of cutting from scene to scene, the deep focus which allows the audience to view the foreground, middle and background, and the intense close-ups of the action of war.

TOKYO STORY (Yasujirō Ozu, 1953) This story is simple, uncontrived,

yet deeply emotional, particularly for anyone who has lost a parent without connecting with them and saying goodbye. An old couple head for the big city to visit their children, who simply don’t have time for them. The couple return to their village but in a few days, the grandmother passes away and now, the children must visit their parents.

Ozu’s work is flush with exquisite touches that delight and uplift – highly poignant yet seemingly irrelevant shots of clouds, flowers, empty streets, scenes which are nearly always filmed at the same height as the eye level of a person kneeling on a Japanese tatami mat. In a plethora of gentle scenes, emotion is suggested rather than verbally expressed. This is a stunning film that anyone who is plagued by regret should not miss.

THE 400 BLOWS

(1959, Truffaut) This film starts off quite gently, with normal scenes of family life in a home where an adolescent, Antoine, lives with his mother and stepfather. Soon, we begin to see signs of neglect and abuse. Antoine is a burden for his parents, and his totalitarian teacher torments him physically and psychologically. After committing one small act of defiance, Antoine is sent to a correctional centre for boys, where he loses any vestige of innocence that remains. As he runs away and his feet touch the sand of the ocean for the first time in his life, we wonder if he will ever savour the taste of freedom. The 400 Blows was considered a revolutionary work, owing to its unadorned view of childhood, and its use of ‘cinema in the first person singular’ – Truffaut was largely telling his own story through Antoine while he created a new language that expanded on the French New Wave ‘camera-as-pen’ style. The last scene, in which the camera zooms in to freeze frame, was completely original at the time.

As Antoine looks into the camera with a mixture of pain and defiance, he holds a mirror up to society and we are ashamed of what we have done.

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1960s

LA DOLCE VITA (Federico Fellini, 1960) La Dolce Vita introduced a new style

of cinema to Italy, a country which had just emerged from post-World War II poverty and which began seriously questioning the values of the Catholic Church. The first scene sees a helicopter transporting a large statue of Jesus to the Vatican, while another helicopter follows, carrying sexy journalist, Marcello, who flirts blatantly with a group of bikini-clad girls at a rooftop pool. The beautifully styled film, often recalled for the famous Fountain of Trevi scene (in which Marcello is seduced by a beautiful Hollywood star) reveals a world in which the rich, painted by an existentialist brush, escape from emptiness through drink, drugs, and wild partying.

EYES WITHOUT A FACE (Georges Franju, 1960) This French-Italian horror film is

hailed for its poetic style and for its influence on a plethora of Directors, most recently on Pedro Almodóvar,

in The Skin I Live In, in which the relationship between body, image and identity, is explored. The plot is garish: a successful plastic surgeon aims to restore the face of his daughter, after an accident leaves her permanently disfigured.

Stark black-and-white shots and Cocteau-influenced poeticism abound. Strange camera angles and powerful symbolism have led critics to describe this as “a masterpiece of poetic horror and tactful, tactile brutality.”

PSYCHO (Alfred Hitchcock, 1960) It is, perhaps, the sheer simplicity

of Psycho that led Alfred Hitchcock to state to Francois Truffaut, “This film belongs to filmmakers, to you and me.” This is the small yet chilling tale of a young man who murders his mother then exhumes her body and keeps it in their creepy motel, taking on his mother’s personality whenever he feels sexually attracted to a woman. Hitchcock let his full creativity loose in this film, using

a small crew and relying on simple visuals (the blood running down the shower, the expression of the victim, the madness in Anthony Perkins’ eyes) to reveal the nature of killing and dying in its most primitive form

REPULSION (Roman Polanski, 1965) This 1965 horror film stars Catherine

Deneuve as Carol – a beautiful young woman living in her sister’s apartment in London. Carol’s nemesis is her sister’s lover – a married man who makes her sister cry out with pleasure at nights, forcing Carol to hide her head beneath a pillow and wish he would disappear. When her sister leaves town for a few days, Carol starts to suffer from powerful hallucinations: the walls begin to crack, a disgusting man breaks in and molests her, hands reach out to strangle her. The sound of flies hovering over decaying food in her home becomes deafening and her fury is let loose as she struggles to put an end to the source of her unbearable repulsion. The sounds (heartbeats,

clocks, flies), the powerful imagery (the walls cracking as though an earthquake had hit Carol’s home), the contrast of the protagonist’s outer perfection and inner turmoil and the psychological tension that grows stronger with each passing moment are just a few reasons why this is considered one of the most chilling psychological thrillers of all time.

2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968, Stanley Kubrick) It is hard not to become completely

mesmerised from the first few seconds of this film, so expansive in its themes and philosophy that it is as fresh and powerful today as it was in the 1960s. Kubrick delves into ideas such as the power of knowledge, the dangers of artificial intelligence and the evolution of humanity towards a higher spiritual plane, using amazing imagery (futuristic and primitive), exciting action scenes in space and a drop-dead-gorgeous soundtrack which includes Johann Strauss’ Blue Danube and Richard Strauss’ Thus Spake Zarathustra.

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1970s THE DISCREET CHARM OF THE BOURGEOISIE (Luis Buñuel, 1972) This hilarious comedic romp by

Buñuel is a surreal yet immensely enjoyable critique of the well-todo. Buñuel, who was always brave enough to tackle difficult subjects such as marital roles, secret fantasies and sexual freedom (see the exquisite Belle du Jour, 1967), takes the audience on a much lighter, more laughable ride in The Discreet Charm, interrupting every attempt his stuffy characters make at doing one simple thing: having a meal. Dinner hosts having sex in the garden, guests discovering they are actually ‘having a fake meal on stage’ and soldiers opening fire on guests reveal the mad workings beneath the social constructs the middle and upper classes cling to so vehemently.

THE GODFATHER II (Francis Ford Coppola, 1974) This film proves that contrary to

popular belief, sequels can, in fact,

be better than the original. Al Pacino is magnificent as Michael, the one Corleone we hope will put an end to the cycle of violence set in motion by forces greater even than the Godfather himself. Robert De Niro is at his handsomest as the young Vito Corleone, who, as much as he loves his sons, gives them no choice but to carry on with the family business, resulting in failure, loneliness and tragedy for his most intelligent son.

TAXI DRIVER

for presidential candidate, Charles Palantine). When Betsy rejects Travis after discovering his penchant for porn, Travis slowly loses his sanity, shaving his hair into a mohawk and attempting to assassinate Palantine. He fails in his mission but courageously saves the true innocent in the film: a young prostitute subject to the abuse of a violent pimp. Travis is one of film’s most memorable anti-heroes; a man on the edge of insanity yet surprisingly noble in his intent and loyal to those who most deserve it.

(Martin Scorsese, 1976) Just the mention of this film conjures

STAR WARS

up visions of blue and red lights reflecting onto a taxi mirror and the dreamy, romantic jazz sounds of a brilliant musical score, the last ever written by the great Bernard Herrmann.

Robert De Niro is at his very best as Travis Bickle, an honorably discharged marine who copes with his chronic insomnia by working as a taxi driver, spending hours in porn theatres and growing infatuated by the ‘elegant, pure’ Betsy (an uppity volunteer

(George Lucas, 1977) The Star Wars franchise is arguably

the most profitable in movie history, but those of us who saw the first film as children in 1977, will recall how utterly unique and visionary it really was. The world of talking, thinking, feeling robots mesmerised us, as did the vast landscapes of deserts and characters like Han Solo, who revealed the infinite power of the Force.

APOCALYPSE NOW (Francis Ford Coppola, 1979) There have been many excellent

movies about Vietnam (Platoon, The Deer Hunter, Full Metal Jacket), but Apocalypse Now is considered by experts to be the best of them all – as famed critic, Roger Ebert notes, “It is one of the greatest of all films, because it pushes beyond the others, into the dark places of the soul. It is not about war so much as about how war reveals truths we would be happy never to discover.” Inspired on Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, the movie shocks us with sequences that display the cruelty of man in his attempt at survival, and his infinite smallness when compared with all-engulfing Nature. One of the most memorable components of this film is its score, including Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries, which blasts from the speakers as an adrenalin-charged pilot drops bombs from his plane over a village of innocents.

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1980s RAGING BULL (Martin Scorsese, 1980) Robert De Niro is said to have saved

Martin Scorsese’s flailing career after the visionary Director became addicted to cocaine and other drugs. De Niro, who won an Oscar for his performance in this film, encouraged Scorsese to make a film that wasn’t actually about boxing, but about a man’s struggle to redeem himself. Battle, dance and artistry unite in the first scene of the film, in which Jake La Motta (played

by De Niro, who packed on 40 pounds of muscle for the role) is seen dancing like a butterfly to the haunting tune of Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana.

Scorsese brings the camera into the ring, inviting us to witness the fight for dignity and survival, from the fighter’s viewpoint. The film dances upon the fine line that divides sport from violence, intelligence from instinct, beauty from ugliness.

MEPHISTO (István Szabó, 1981) Mephisto, directed by Hungarian

visionary, István Szabó and winner

of the 1981 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, is an adaptation of a novel by Klaus Mann. According to Ingmar Bergman, the film is the only one ever, to be even better than the book it is based on. The protagonist, Klaus Maria Brandauer (Hendrik Höfgen) dreams of playing Mephisto but in order to do so, he ‘sells his soul’ to powerful Nazi officials, unwittingly behaving like a second-rate Faustus.

Höfgen excuses his actions by arguing that he is only an actor, yet he has spent so many years wearing masks, there really is nothing left in him that we can identify as human.

RAN (Akira Kurosawa, 1985) This King Lear-inspired drama is the

story of an ageing warlord who finally accepts a life of peace by abdicating in favour of his two sons, only to unleash greater violence and disruption than in his active years. The cinematography in Ran is supreme, with the Director filming battle scenes through the use of several static cameras, alternating between long views and close-ups of

bloody scenes (such as that of a man holding his own severed arm). The costumes, featuring painstakingly handmade robes, shine in their brilliance against the stark barren landscapes. The film’s epic battle scenes have inspired everyone from Tarantino to Spielberg.

WINGS OF DESIRE (Wim Wenders, 1987) Films sometimes serve as a wake-up

call to harsh reality but they can also lift us to a higher consciousness, such as occurs in Wings of Desire.

Angels move invisibly through the city of Berlin, observing, listening, and comforting lost souls below. The angels do not simply remain in the present; they recall magical historical and geographical moments, such as when the glaciers first began to melt.

Beautiful angel, Damiel (Bruno Ganz) falls hopelessly in love with a trapeze artist, resolving to become human and love her, but also to experience the cold, to suffer and to know what it feels like to sip on a warm cup of coffee. The film elevates the soul, even

as it presents our essential loneliness.

The ethereal world of the angels is indescribably beautiful but so, too, is the simple life of a man.

DO THE RIGHT THING (Spike Lee, 1989) “1989 the number, another summer,

sound of the funky drummer, music hittin’ your heart ‘cause I know you got soul, brothers and sisters.” The unforgettable force of Public Enemy’s Fight the Power blasts from the speakers in the first few seconds of this revolutionary film. Rosie Perez, decked in boxing gear, performs her best fight dance to the tune, wearing red boxing gloves and plenty of attitude and the result is one of the most engrossing first scenes we can recall. The film, considered by many to be Lee’s best, delves into two different philosophies espoused by the most influential black Americans of all time. Martin Luther King advocated for peace, Malcolm X for action. The solution, suggests Lee, lies somewhere in between: in simply doing the right thing.

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1990s PULP FICTION

BREAKING THE WAVES

probably isn’t any other director in film history that quite masters stories about troubled yet extremely special people, as much as Lars von Trier. The Director was said to have driven musician, Björk, to a near-nervous breakdown in Dancer in the Dark (2000), aiming at eliciting an animalistic, powerful performance, as he always does. His aim in this and other masterpieces (Dogville, Antichrist, Melancholia) is pure – to strip down layers of social etiquette and acceptability, to reveal the passion, madness or divine knowledge possessed by a handful of human beings – those who have the ability to feel and truly love. Breaking the Waves deservedly took home the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival in 1996.

(Lars von Trier, 1996) “You cannot love words. You can’t be

FARGO

(Quentin Tarantino, 1994) The electric vibrations from the lone

guitar in the opening scene, John Travolta and Uma Thurman performing that sexy dance at the diner, Harvey Keitel appearing on screen and doing what he does best (fixing the mess left behind without a single hair moving out of place) are simply unforgettable.

The film is vivid, surprising, funny, and tragic all at once. Several scenes (including the sexy dance between John Travolta and Uma Thurman) are emblazoned upon our collective memory like a tattoo and we are grateful for it.

in love with a Word. You can only love another human being.” Thus utters Bess McNeill, a young, naive Scottish woman excommunicated from her community church after doing as her paralysed husband requests: sleeping with a plethora of men so she can sit by his side and tell him about it, in the hopes it will lift his spirits. There

(Joel and Ethan Cohen, 1996) This quirky yet horrific film about a

seemingly naive yet highly intelligent Sheriff investigating a series of roadside homicides, is a gift to lovers of black comedy. Fargo won various awards at the 1996 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay and Best Actress for Frances

McDormand, who was magnificent as the loveable, cluey sheriff who was twice as tough as her violent adversaries. The film has been named one of the 100 Greatest American Movies of All Time by the American Film Institute.

THE THIN RED LINE (Terrence Malick, 1998) Terrence Malick is one of the most

critically appraised directors in film history; famed for making films about how infinitely small human beings are in the majesty of natural and planetary forces, he is also a master at capturing the complexity and beauty of human emotion. The Thin Red Line is based on the Guadalcanal campaign, fought on the Solomon Islands in 1942-1943.

Far from being a standard war movie, it is a reflection on life, death and the tiny role played by even the bloodiest of wars in the evolution of the planet.

The focus is often on Nature rather than on humanity; in one scene, the camera zooms in on a soldier who is staring at the ground, just as a baby bird is hatching from its egg. War is death but it is as much a part of the human

condition as the many planetary forces we simply have no control over.

FIGHT CLUB (David Fincher, 1999) David Fincher is known for fast-paced,

exciting films that take his audience on a vertiginous ride to an often unexpected ending, and Fight Club, made after Seven (1995) and the incredible Gone Girl (2014), is perhaps the prime example of his entertaining directorial style. Edward Norton (one of, if not the finest actor of his generation) is a bored offi ce worker whose life takes a 180 degree turn when he casually comes across a handsome yet violent soap maker (Brad Pitt), who suggests they start a Fight Club. The Club’s famous first rule is impossible to forget: “You don’t talk about Fight Club.” Reality meshes with madness and hallucination seamlessly, as the characters define their ‘manhood’ by the wounds, fractures and bruises they wake up with every morning. Day-to-day routine can drive any man insane and, sometimes, the only way to feel human again, is through violence.

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2000-2009 REQUIEM FOR A DREAM (Darren Aronofsky, 2000) This majestic film offers a bird’s

eye view into addiction at its worst.

When sensitive young addict, Harry (Jared Leto) uses, his hunger is gone, his thirst dissipates, his shaking stops. Everything is right inside his mind and in the world. When the effect wears off, though, he grows desperate, selling his mother’s prized possession (her TV) to obtain the next hit. Harry is just one of many addicts in this film: his mother is desperately addicted to the idea of losing weight (thinness is Heaven) and his girlfriend (Jennifer Connelly) to loving him. This is perhaps the ultimate film about the experience of the user, about the exhileration of the coveted high and the devastation of withdrawal.

MEMENTO (Christopher Nolan, 2000) Christopher Nolan is very much a

Director for the new millennium, with films that are as commercially successful as they are original and

cinematographically compelling.

Inception (2010) and The Prestige (2006) are two of his best known films but for core Nolanites, few of his works live up to Memento. Guy Pearce (an actor with great integrity) plays a young man determined to avenge the death of his wife. Yet his short-term memory loss means that he has to tattoo all the information and clues he discovers so that every morning, he can pick up from where he left off.

What makes this film so revolutionary is the fact that as it moves forward, its plot moves backwards in equal measure and we solve its incredibly intricate puzzle by first learning to undo it.

DONNIE DARKO (Richard Kelly, 2001) This cult film is one of the most hotly

debated among modern cinephiles and academics, primarily because, similarly to Faulkner’s groundbreaking novel, The Sound and the Fury, the audience is taken on an intellectual journey that involves jumps in time

and shifts between dreams/visions and reality. Jake Gyllenhaal is amazing as Donnie, a teenager who is stalked by the most fear inspiring bunny the world of celluloid has ever seen. It takes Donnie time to figure out his role in the crazy scheme of things but once he does, he realises that despite being nothing more than a lost and angstridden teenager, he is the only one who can save the world… and he selflessly, fearlessly does just that in one of the most powerful, ironic and delightful endings we can recall!

LOST IN TRANSLATION (Sofia Coppola, 2003) This gentle, slow moving yet

strangely sad film about loneliness and connection is, in my view, one of the most beautiful love stories told on screen. Forget scenes filled with swooning and tears; this is a meeting of two minds, hearts and souls which occurs in the most unimaginable setting of all: a luxury hotel in Tokyo.

Bill Murray is at his best as an ageing celebrity hired to film whisky ads to

please his Japanese fanbase, and Scarlett Johansson is wonderfully pure as the young girlfriend of a philandering photographer, who convinces the old actor that it’s never too late to find something to live for.

PAN’S LABYRINTH (Guillermo del Toro, 2006) Never before has the brutality of war

been told with such great beauty.

Here, it is a surreal fairytale in which the heroine, a little girl called Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) is called upon to complete a series of missions by Pan, God of the woods. Ofelia’s magical world permits her to mentally escape the abuse she encounters at the hands of her fascist grandfather, and she meticulously follows Pan’s instructions, breaking rules and risking her life in the real world for one that is magical, eternal. She is the ultimate symbol of the importance of putting up a good fight against the powers that be, even if the only weapon one has left, is the ability to dream.

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2010-2015 MELANCHOLIA (Lars von Trier, 2011) Melancholia begins with the haunting

music of Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde, its first few seconds ushering us into a dreamlike state where things are not quite as they should be. A young bride, Justine (Kirsten Dunst) is running through a forest where the branches reach out to trap her.

She is then seen floating on a lake holding a bouquet of flowers, looking up at the sky, convinced that the world she knows is about to end. It is her wedding day and despite having wed her handsome husband, Justine runs to the woods and has sex with a stranger. She is convinced that a planet named Melancholia is about to crash into Earth and destroy it forever.

As the film progresses, her madness becomes the norm, as other characters learn of the Earth’s likely fate. But her tranquillity, her sublime wisdom, are unique and this is because, as von Trier himself notes, depression prepares the mind for most earth-shattering events in a way that those who are happy can never experience.

THE TREE OF LIFE (Terrence Malick, 2011) If I had one film to take with me to a

deserted island, hands down, this would be it (and maybe Singing in the Rain, 1952, for the days I needed a pick-me-up). The Tree of Life focuses on a normal, relatively happy middle-class family. Brad Pitt plays the tough, yet still loving father (who represents Nature) and Jessica Chastain is the kind, gentle mother (who represents Grace) – these two qualities are in constant tension, which

is necessary for life and evolution. The parents are forced to face the toughest challenge that exists: the death of one of their sons. The surviving son (played beautifully by Sean Penn) struggles all his life to come to terms with this death, though the passing is merely symbolic of the loss and tragedy we all have to face in our lifetime. A stunning, impactful, lyrical long sequence displaying the creation of life itself interrupts the narrative (as if to express how small our problems are within the vast workings of the universe yet how deeply important our losses seem, and actually are…) and at one point, Penn’s character literally steps into the afterlife, where he finds and connects with those he has lost. As painful as life is, we are all connected since all our experiences and emotions (love, loss, guilt, regret) are universal. And one day, we will meet again and find connection: “Unless you love… Your life will flash by…”

The Tree of Life is considered to be a cathartic film for Malick, whose brother once broke his own fingers, shattered by the pressure to succeed as a musician.

A little later, the young man took his life, sparking an interest in the eternal that has accompanied Malick throughout his career.

THE ARTIST (Michel Hazanavicius, 2011) This film beat out The Tree of Life for Best

Picture at the 2012 Academy Awards, taking home the lion’s share of awards, including Best Actor and Best Director. It audaciously brings the wonder of silent film to modern audiences, revealing the extent to which communication depends

on body language and facial expression.

Jean Dujardin is irresistible as Valentin: a washed-up silent film actor who loses it all when talking pictures arrive. He falls in love with a pretty dancer who, unbeknownst to him, secretly buys back all the possessions he sells to make ends meet. The actor may struggle to relive past successes, but love is a powerful force. Valentin utters only one line in the whole film – at the very end when, after shooting a scene for his new musical, his boss yells: “Perfect. Beautiful. Could you give me one more?” and Valentin, with his gorgeously winning smile, answers, “With pleasure!” in a markedly French accent!

BIRDMAN or (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE) (Alejandro González Iñárritu, 2014) Many films touch on the world of entertainment (A Star is Born, 1954, All that Jazz, 1979, Whiplash, 2014), but none takes us straight into the sinewy heart of the world of the theatre, like Birdman.

Michael Keaton (making a comeback) plays an actor (also making a comeback) who puts all his resources and passion into a dubiously appropriate theatrical play, based on a novel by Raymond Carver. Despite having made his money playing a superhero called Birdman, the actor has pretensions of authentic grandeur onstage, his narcissism leading him to neglect the most valuable things in real life, including his daughter (a recovering junkie who cannot help but adore her father despite his selfishness).

The film gives us a bird’s eye view of all the nutty things that happen in the theatre

– egos clashing, props falling, actors shooting themselves on stage to prove their commitment to their art. Touches of magic realism lift our spirit above all that is mundane, and we, like Birdman, learn to fly in the final fantastical seconds of the film.

BOYHOOD (Richard Linklater, 2014) Richard Linklater’s story of a normal

boy’s life that unfolds into manhood, is the ultimate love letter to the cinema.

The film was shot once a year for 12 consecutive years and, luckily for Linklater, his magnificent acting team (Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette and Ellar Coltrane) remained committed throughout. This is the story of Mason – a six-year-old leading an ordinary life – very much like yours or mine. He is raised by a single mum, though his father, a rather irresponsible but loving man, is somehow always there when Mason needs him.

Mason lives through his mother’s disappointment: “Is this all there is to life?” she shouts in one of the most impactful scenes in the films; his stepfather’s alcoholism and violence; and a painful breakup when his first love heartlessly dumps him. Anyone who has had a child and held on to each magical year will have their heart broken and mended at the same time, as Mason progresses through his journey. Unforgettable is the soundtrack, comprising Family of the Year’s Hero. The song reminds parents to let our children be who they really are: “Let me go/ I don’t wanna be your hero/ I don’t wanna be a big man/ Just wanna fight with everyone else…” e

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Direct access

It is important to us that our clients have direct access to their relationship managers. Therefore we have no call centers.

Instead, each of our clients has their own personal relationship manager who they can contact anytime - to quickly make good decisions.

There are no obstacles or barriers between us.

Welcome to a bank out of the ordinary.

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THE FOCUS cinema

ORIGINAL VERSION CINEMA In a country where dubbing is the norm, it is great that there are OV cinemas in our area where it’s possible to enjoy movies in their Original Version.

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

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f you’ve ever wondered what VO stands for when you’re looking at what’s playing in the cinemas, well, it stands for Versión Original. And this quite simply means the picture is screened with its original soundtrack – without dubbing.

Newcomers to Spain might wonder why this is such a big deal, but in a country where all films, series and even interviews on television and in cinema are steadfastly dubbed, it is a rare pleasure to head on over to the movies, grab yourself some popcorn and drinks, and settle down to watch a film the way it was intended – in the language it was made in. Usually this means English, and for the majority of the Costa del Sol’s cosmopolitan population it’s the ideal way to enjoy the annual offerings of Hollywood.

But it’s not just the expat population that watches films in English; tourists, Spanish students of English and even those who are keen to learn Spanish make use of the original audio and subtitle combination.

Naturally this isn’t limited to English alone, so speakers and students of languages ranging from French and Italian to Mandarin, Russian and German are just as delighted at the opportunity to hear the dulcet tones of their mother tongue and/or field of study.

Indeed, for the majority of foreign residents in these parts, watching original Spanish films and television with English subtitles would also be a fun and effective way of learning the language.

There are three main cinema complexes that offer this option on the Costa del Sol,

spread from Puerto Banús to Fuengirola and the western part of Málaga, and while they unfortunately do not extend the service to all their screenings, most of the big productions most likely to hit a chord with foreign audiences do come with a VO or VOSE (Versión Original Subtitulada en Español) symbol that confirms you do not have to suffer through performances where Bruce Willis sounds like the guy at the petrol station and Meryl Streep reminds you more of a haughty señora from Madrid. It’s all good and well for people who have grown up with it, but for those of us who know what these actors really sound like, it can do damage to the authenticity and enjoyment of the movie, even if you’re fluent enough to follow the dialogue sans problème.

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Cine Teatro Goya Puerto Banús

At the heart of Puerto Banús is a cinema that continues a rather nostalgic tradition in the glamorous port that dates back to its halcyon days in the 1970s and 80s. Those who were here at the time will often recount the charming little cinema that was a social meeting point in Marbella – and in spite of its rather ramshackle accommodation, the kind of place where you could suddenly find yourself sitting next to Sean Connery or Joan Collins.

When it rained, you weren’t always certain of a dry seat, but still people speak of it with nostalgia, and so the connection between Puerto Banús and the cinema is an important one.

Today, the Cine Teatro Goya continues that tradition with a rather more contemporary setting and comfort level near the seaside end of the Marina Banús commercial centre. Here you will find seven theatres that screen the latest blockbusters and more arty productions complete with popcorn and other cinematic paraphernalia. Those films offered in the original version are marked with VOSE (along with other details, such as 3D), and the website also offers an English language version, though the film summaries are only available in Spanish, so you might have to read up on them online.

In spite of that the site is rather informative and easy to navigate, with an overview of what’s playing on different days, the screening times, length of movies, ratings and a cultural events calendar that also pays attention to the little ones. If you’re a regular it will be worth requesting a loyalty card that offers handy discounts and extras. Don’t forget to check out the trailers and if you have specific requests for information you can fill in the email form or Tel: 951 196 665. i www.cinesteatrogoya.com

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Cinesur, Miramar Fuengirola

For the big cinema experience there is Cinesur at the Miramar shopping centre in Fuengirola with 12 movie theatres. Situated on the eastside of the town, the commercial centre lies about half an hour’s drive from Marbella and is easily reached by both the coastal road and the toll road. It offers the rather North American formula of a cinema setting within a large mall, so you can combine a visit to the movies with a bout of shopping in a centre known for its fashion outlets and large supermarket. What’s more, Miramar also has the full food court offering with a variety of cuisines and classic snack bars to round off a day or evening at the cinema.

The website is only available in Spanish, but it does provide a clear overview of the films on show and the time of their screenings, as well as including arty films and also French, Italian, German and other language movies in addition to those in Spanish and English. There are also loyalty discounts and sporadic promotions to look out for, and be sure to make the most of the classic cinema/mall experience! i www.cinesur.com

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Plaza Mayor Málaga

Similar in scale yet different in ambience, Plaza Mayor also offers the bigger cinema experience, with 20 movie theatres, yet not within a classic shopping mall but more a Mediterranean style shopping village. Plaza Mayor, which is to be found at the point where the Costa del Sol’s toll highway splits into the airport road and leads into the city, is popular because it offers a wide variety of fashion, food and entertainment. The cinema is a part of this successful formula, and at around 45 minutes from Marbella it is quite accessible and offers a day out with a bit of a difference. Moreover, the enticing city centre of Málaga is close by and you can opt to leave your car behind at Plaza Mayor and take a short train ride into the city.

Once again, the website is only available in Spanish, but it is a rather clear and easy to navigate site, so you should be able to find the information you’re after, like what is playing when, which movies are in Original Version, upcoming screenings and offers, as well as other film-specific information, trailers, events, bookings and the possibility to reserve the cinema for schools and large groups. It’s also all available on your mobile, so head off to Plaza Mayor for the shopping village experience or stop by on your way to the airport and allow yourself to escape to a different world for a few hours. i www.plazamayor.es

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THE FOCUS films

When looking back over lists of the best movies of all time, it is impossible to overlook the fact that so many touch on the subject of mental illness. Whether to illustrate rare lucidity, to battle norms or to emphasise the importance of being one’s truest self, madness is often equated to vision, for it takes a special kind of mind to question the social ethos, the distribution of wealth, the roles of men and women, or political structures. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

MADNESS IN FILM

MAGNIFICENTOBSESSION

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any of our greatest cinematic heroes seek to remind the audience that, like King Lear, we often ‘stumble when we see’. It is only when we step outside norms of thinking, feeling and behaving, that we catch a glimpse of the Platonic ideal of truth.

The ‘mad’ hero or heroine is often someone who challenges society’s laws or norms, or who seeks to hold up a mirror to human hypocrisy and egoism. McMurphy, the enigmatic ‘prophet’ in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, so ably played

by Jack Nicholson, is a modern day Huckleberry Finn who seeks to break free of the shackles that define civilisation.

McMurphy is directly confrontational and visceral in his approach to Nurse Ratched, whom we wish he would tackle with a colder, more strategic approach, yet around halfway through the film, in one chilling scene, the camera focuses on McMurphy’s face as he thinks and realises that his (and his fellow inmates’) is a no-win situation.

It is at this point that McMurphy ‘loses it’ completely, replacing his jovial antics and humorous provocation with the violent rebellion

that leads to his destruction via shock therapy. No amount of physical strength, intelligence or charisma can save McMurphy and his friends, but there is something infinitely noble putting up a good fight and raging against the dying of the light.

Madness is sometimes presented in film as obsession, often with one’s art or profession, as can be witnessed in Black Swan and The Wrestler, both by the amazing Darren Aronofsky. In The Wrestler, Randy (Micky Rourke in the role of his lifetime), is a man who has failed at everything (including being a father) yet has shone at one thing: wrestling.

Now a broke, ageing supermarket worker, he decides to give wrestling one last shot, taping his broken body, psyching himself up and giving the audience the show of a lifetime, even though it takes his life in the process.

As Randy plummets to his death in a chilling final ‘battle’, we are reminded of the U2 song, Pride, and Bono’s words: “they took your life They could not take your pride.”

In Black Swan, a New York Ballet lead dancer, played by Natalie Portman, is so obsessed with bringing the sensuous Black Swan to

life in the ballet, Swan Lake, that she takes her life as both a homage to her art and the only way she knows to break free. Similarly, in last year’s Best Film at the Oscars (Birdman), an ageing actor who turns his back on Hollywood for his true love (the stage) is unable to accept negative criticism for his work, and begins to confuse his character’s fate onstage, with his own.

In the work of great directors, madness has always walked on a tightrope of truth. In Melancholia, a young woman (Kirsten Dunst) begins to behave strangely at her wedding, escaping during the reception to have sex with a stranger and gaze at the stars above her. She is convinced the world is going to end imminently and, as a mysterious planet begins closing in on Earth, we begin to realise she is the most sane character in the film. Perhaps the best known film on ‘female hysteria’, John Cassavetes’ Woman Under the Influence, reveals that the so-called ‘mad woman’ is possessed of a unique lucidity that enables her to see the crumbling nature of the role of women in the 1970s, in all its clarity.

Madness is not always portrayed

in a such a positive light; sometimes, it is presented as man’s greatest tragedy – the loss of the one thing we can all cling to, rich or poor – our sanity. Martin Scorsese forces the audience to relinquish our steadfast idea that the hero (Leonardo DiCaprio) perceives reality as it is in Shutter Island, while David Cronenberg’s Spider sees a deranged man struggling against his own imagination and living a veritable hell. Through his memories, hallucinations and visions, we come to understand why he lost his mind, and we lament that there are forces in this world which are capable of leaving us irrevocably damaged.

Sometimes, madness is a challenge to human connection, yet when love exists, nothing is impossible, as is demonstrated in the magnificent Take Shelter (2011), in which a man is convinced that a violent storm is threatening his family. The Director makes the unique point that it doesn’t matter who sees the objective truth, who is truly sane – what matters is sharing the same vision and standing by those we love, even when everyone else would turn their back on them. e

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THE FOCUS people

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f you were sitting with your best friend on a wooden decked terrace, sipping on a glass of wine or a hot chocolate, and he asked you who your favourite actors were, what names would you give? De Niro is the first that springs to my mind, followed by Ryan Gosling, Daniel Day Lewis, Adrien Brody, Montgomery Clift, James Dean, Rock Hudson, Miles Teller, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti… the list is endless and any attempt at including all names, is both futile and too subjective to be of

any worth. The same can be said for actresses – the great Meryl Streep, Gene Tierney, Lana Turner, Emma Stone, Michelle Williams and arguably my favourite actress of all time – Bette Davis – spring to mind. These women have played difficult, dramatic, sometimes comic roles, many of which put an immediate end to a so-called ‘glamorous’ career (think Bette Davis and the great Joan Crawford in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?). They pushed boundaries, refusing to limit themselves to

pretty romcoms and showed the true extent to which acting is one of the greatest arts of all.

When one recalls films that have changed one’s life – everything from Platoon to The Pianist, All About Eve to Whiplash or even Dead Poets Society – it is somewhat disappointing to open Forbes Highest Earning Actors lists, only to find that many of the actors who have given blood, sweat and tears to their craft, are either absent from the list, or miles away from pole position. Marlon

Brando must be rolling in his grave.

We should console ourselves, perhaps by acknowledging that those who fulfill a demand, should also rake in the highest percentage of the takings. And one cannot deny that some of these stars have an unbeatable charisma capable of attracting crowds to theatres.

They may not be into the Method, but they are attractive, appealing and inspiring to many. The Top 10 earners from June 1 2014 to June 1 2015 according to Forbes magazine are:

TOP GROSSING ACTORS OF THE WORLD

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY ©SHUTTERSTOCK

1

ROBERT DOWNEY

$80

MILLION

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The number one earning star is one we cannot find fault with – in fact, Downey has been a firm favourite for most of us since the 1980s, when we were initially more impressed by his sultry good looks, than his acting skills, in cult films like Less Than Zero (1987). Downey has matured considerably since then, and has shown that he is as good at making blockbuster films like Ironman (2008), as he is at soulful, introspective masterpieces like The Lawyer. To catch him at his best, we recommend the latter (in which he plays a city slicker barrister who takes on the toughest case of his life when he is called upon to defend his father, a famous judge, against a charge of murder) and Chaplin (1992), in which he really fine tunes his acting chops to give life to one of comedy’s all-time greats.

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JACKIE CHAN

$50

MILLION

$47

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VIN DIESEL

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This charismatic Actor, Martial Arts Pro, Singer, Acrobat, Director, Producer, and former Body Double, is loved across the world. Alongside Bruce Lee, he is responsible for bringing martial arts to international audiences on a large scale, with hits like Rumble in the Bronx (1995, the first film that ushered him into the US mainstream), in which his character uses his martial arts skills to defend himself against a group of thugs. Chan stunned US audiences because he was one of the first action heroes to perform all his own stunts.

The film is as fast-paced as his impressive choreographies and definitely an excellent introduction to Chan’s often undermined acting skills. Another memorable film is Drunken Master (1978), featuring a very young Chan who harnesses the techniques of the Eight Drunken Immortals to pulverise his enemies into oblivion.

Anyone who has seen the Fast & Furious (2001) series of films knows how charismatic, kind and convincing Mr. Diesel can seem, as the head of an underground group that uses street racing to establish leadership in the inner city. The sparks fly in each installment between Diesel and the sadly deceased Paul Walker, who first appears in the series as an undercover cop aiming to stop Diesel’s gang from stealing expensive electronic equipment. Like the audience, Walker’s character ‘falls in love’ with Diesel, for whom there is no greater motivation than love of ‘family’. Diesel has also raked in big takings in films like The Chronicles of Riddick series (2000 to 2013), once again playing an anti-hero. The films, set in the 28th century, begin with Riddick, a prisoner, escaping from a police piloted spaceship and attempting to flee his doomed planet. In addition to giving as good as he gets in various action flicks, Diesel has also written, directed and produced films, and he is the founder of three different production companies.

BRADLEY COOPER

Here is one actor who is every bit as talented as he is successful. Cooper is a unique actor on the Hollywood scene, capable of playing everything from a bipolar ex-teacher (Silver Linings Playbook, 2012), to America’s most lauded sharpshooter (American Sniper, 2014). Like the ever-changing Christian Bale, Cooper is able to physically metamorphosise into various characters, yet his charisma and the essential kindness and boyishness he expresses, put him in a league of his own. Cooper is at his best alongside Jennifer Lawrence and to date; thus far, the sparks between this couple have flown in Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle (2014) and Joy (2016).

$41.5

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ADAM SANDLER

$41

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Do we really have to talk about Adam Sandler? He may have made millions from barely passable films like 50 First Dates (2004) or Click (2006), but he also put the audience through hell in yawners like Jack and Jill (2001 – you guessed it – Sandler plays both multi-faceted, emotionally complex characters himself – give the man an Oscar, please!), The Waterboy (1998 – deemed by Variety “one of the worst things that ever happened to football”) and Bulletproof (1996 – the Director of this film said he “would just like to erase that whole experience.”) ‘Nuff said – next!

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TOM CRUISE

Anti-scientology rhetoric and rubbish aside, Tom Cruise, alongside Brad Pitt, is and always will be one of Hollywood’s most memorable faces. Cruise is best when he is pushing his limits, performing his own stunts in physically demanding films like Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015), Jack Reacher (2012 – a perfect thriller with a cut-throat pace) and Minority Report (2002 – a film I could watch 10 times more). For an inspiring look into how well Cruise can act, we recommend Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut (1999), Born on the Fourth of July (1989) and above all, one of his earliest and best films – The Outsiders (1983).

$MILLION 33.5

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AMITABH BACHCHAN

$40

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$MILLION 33.5 SALMAN KHAN This highly acclaimed Indian Film and TV Actor, Producer and TV personality is bigger than Beckham in Asia and India, his good looks met by an undeniable thespian ability. His most acclaimed works include Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015 – in which he plays a good Samaritan who takes it upon himself to take a mute little girl back to her family), Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999 – Khan plays a young music teacher who falls for a spoiled rich girl) and Andaz Apna Apna (1994 – a side-splitting comedy about two conmen vying for the affections of a wealthy heiress).

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This handsome Bollywood star has appeared in over 150 films in his half-century-long career. He rates so high on the list because Bollywood films’ satellite rights are sold to TV channels and actors continue to earn a percentage of ticket revenues. Bachchan currently makes a killing as the host of India’s version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, one of India’s most highly rated shows. Catch this actor at his best in Black (2006 – an emotional tale of a deaf, mute and blind girl who finds hope through her teacher, who pulls her out of her own darkness), Sholay (1975 – an ex-police officer enlists the aid of two outlaws to find the man who murdered his family) and Sharaabi (his performance as an alcoholic is touted as one of the best of his long career).

$32

MILLION

$MILLION 31.5

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MARK WAHLBERG

Wahlberg has come a long way since his days as hip hop star, Marky Mark, or those notorious Calvin Klein ads (his abs are still there but thankfully, he doesn’t need to show them off every five minutes anymore). Wahlberg is as cool and loveable as he is tough and grumpy and although his films like Ted (2012) have broken box office records, he is arguably most appealing in films like Boogie Nights (1997 – as a selfdestructive porn star), The Fighter (2010 – as real-life boxer, ‘Irish’ Micky Ward – the charisma with co-star Christian Bale, who plays his brother, is astounding) and The Gambler (2014 – Wahlberg is a literature Professor/gambling addict who believes that life can only be approached with one philosophy: ‘All or nothing’). We should not forget to mention that Wahlberg is the character around which the wonderfully funny series, Entourage, was built. He is also the main Producer of the show and of the recent film, which takes off where the series ends.

DWAYNE JOHNSON

Believe it or not, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is actually higher on the list than Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio and Matthew McConaughey. Films like San Andreas (2015) may be good enough reason to avoid any of his future undertakings, but we can’t help but chuckle when we recall his brilliant comedic performance in gems like Be Cool (2005 – Johnson plays a pathetic country singer) or Fast & Furious 6 (2013 – he is the loveable cop who ends up siding with ‘the bad guys’).

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TOP EARNING

FILM ACTORS (FEMALE)

$35.5

MILLION SCARLETT JOHANSSON

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Like Jennifer Lawrence, Scarlett Johansson began honing her acting chops quite early, shining in films like The Horse Whisperer, in which she plays a damaged adolescent who enlists the help of an old horse trainer to heal her (and her horse’s) broken spirit. Johansson is commercially viable (The Avengers: Age of Ultron, 2015), soulful (Girl with a Pearl Earring, 2003), exciting (The Island, 2005) and tragic (Match Point, 2005). She has been a muse for everyone from Woody Allen to Sofia Coppola though it is probably the latter who managed to capture her deepest essence, in one of the most beautiful and heartfelt films we can recall: Lost in Translation (2003).

1

JENNIFER LAWRENCE

$52

MILLION

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Kudos to the stunning star of Silver Linings Playbook (2012), Joy (2016) and The Hunger Games (2012), for arguing for equality in pay for female actors. She may be raking in more than many of the men in the aforegoing list, but she is empathetic enough to note that she is in a tiny minority. This sexy yet tomboyish star first caught our attention in Winter’s Bone – a depressing but chilling tale about an adolescent forced to fend for her little siblings when her mother loses her mind in a small town filled with violent, ignorant inhabitants. Lawrence has that je ne sais quoi we have only seen in actor, Emma Stone – an ability to be ‘ordinary’ and outstanding, down-to-earth and unattainable, heartbreaking and funny, all at once.

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MELISSA MCCARTHY

$23

MILLION

Alongside Amy Schumer, Melissa McCarthy is one of the funniest actors, male or female, we have seen on screen, full stop. The woman has no shame and no insecurities. Despite sticking to comedy as a rule, she varies greatly between roles. Memorable performances include Bridesmaids (2011 – she totally stole the show from the lead actors), Identity Thief (2013 – in which she plays a totally annoying middle-aged thief who takes over an innocent man’s identity) and best of all, Spy (2015 – move over, Daniel Craig, Melissa McCarthy can play Bond with tons of appeal and humour, so much better than the real thing…).

BINGBING FAN

$21

MILLION

This beautiful Chinese actor is the only non-American female to make it into Forbes’ ranking. She may be known in the Western world mainly for her roles in hits such as The White Haired Witch of Lunar Kingdom, but she has also been the face of many of the world’s top fashion and cosmetic companies, including Chopard and L’Oreal. She recently wowed the audience with her action woman skills in the film X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) and will soon appear in Sean McNamara’s The Moon & The Sun (2016), playing a mysterious mermaid who captures the eye of King Louis XIV.

JULIA ROBERTS

This actor seems to attract polar emotions – you either love her or hate her.

Even if you aren’t a fan, you cannot deny that many of her films have stuck to our collective memory, owing in no small part to TV stations’ penchant for replaying films like Pretty Woman (1990), arguably the film that catapulted her into ‘the big league’.

Personally, we failed to see the romanticism in this modern-day reinterpretation of Pygmalion, and prefer Roberts in stronger roles like Erin Brokovich (2000), for which she won a well-deserved Oscar. Also up on our list of best-ever films is My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997), a funny yet poignant tale about how hard it can be to lose our soulmate to an ‘unworthy opponent’.

5

$16.5

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$MILLION 16.5

6

JENNIFER ANISTON

This actor been America’s sweetheart since her brilliant interpretation of Rachel Green in Friends. Aniston is the Queen of all romantic comedies, which may have garnered her top box office status, but which have done little to show her considerable talent. See her at her best in Horrible Bosses (2011 – where she plays a sadistic dentist to perfection) and more recently, in Cake (2014 – in which she plays a depressed individual who becomes obsessed with a recent suicide).

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ANGELINA JOLIE

One of the things that puts Angelina Jolie into a league of her own is her ability to pull off action movies which sell as well as those starring real-life husband, Brad Pitt, or tough guys such as Jason Statham, Mark Wahlberg or Dwayne Johnson. Angelina has dedicated much of her life to philanthropy of late, and seems more comfortable behind the camera rather than in front of it. Recently, she directed the film By the Sea, in which she also stars alongside Brad Pitt.

The talented duo play a couple whose love is put to the test by two tragic miscarriages.

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REESE WITHERSPOON

$15

MILLION

This actor made a killing in a series of forgettable romantic comedies, though it was clear from the start that she had a special something. She first caught our attention in the quirky film, Pleasantville (1998), playing a teenager who is zapped back to the 1950s, where she challenges the strict morality imposed on society. She was no less than magnificent in Legally Blonde (2001), challenging ideals of what an intelligent woman really is.

Witherspoon took home the Best Actress Oscar in 2005, for her role in Walk the Line.

$15

MILLION

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ANNE HATHAWAY

$12

MILLION

This versatile actress is as great a singer as she is an actor, as is evident in her stunning performance in Les Miserables (2012). She can do comedy as well as she does drama. Some of her most memorable performances include Interstellar (2015 – in which she plays a determined astronaut), The Intern (2015 – an excellent feminist film in which she plays a mother and worker who refuses to sacrifice her career to save her marriage), The Devil Wears Prada (2006, where she lands a job as an assistant to the demanding editor of a high fashion magazine) and Brokeback Mountain (2005 – a stunning work about the price paid when we deny who we truly are).

KRISTEN STEWART

$12

MILLION

This pouty-faced actor is one of few Hollywood femmes who don’t like to discuss the burning topic of unequal pay for females in Hollywood: “Just go out and work,” she advises, which is easy to say when you have been given the role in a franchise as successful as Twilight (2008). Lack of propriety aside, Stewart is a brilliant young actor who somehow adds an alternative, different touch to every movie she appears in. We loved her in Adventureland (2009 – an off-the-wall comedy in which she plays a young worker at an amusement park), Into the Wild (2007 – the unforgettable story of Chris McCandless, who took off into the woods ‘to live deliberately’ but ended up losing his life), and On the Road (2012 – based on the groundbreaking book by Jack Kerouac). e

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THE FOCUS property

Creativity and Business Combined

“

I am a dreamer with a love of architecture,” admits Armando Gómez, the founder of By NOK, a specialist company that encompasses all elements of property development, from market and feasibility studies to architectural design, construction and promotion.

The economist who heads this group of hand-picked engineers, technicians, architects and even interior designers and landscapers clearly has an affinity with his business field that extends beyond the financial and operational running of it.

“For us, it is a combination of skills and passions that has served us very well,” says Armando, who can look back on a track record of more than 20 years in the construction of bespoke projects ranging from high end apartment complexes to luxurious villas and state-of-the-art mansions. “The base of our company is in Murcia, but it is in the Marbella area that we have really made our mark with the kind of outstanding projects that add prestige and weight to a portfolio.”

While there are many architectural

Architecture is often described as a field in which creativity reaches lofty heights, yet the founder of By NOK shows that a creative mind can also be of great value in business.

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

and construction firms in this region,

By NOK stands out for offering an allinclusive project management package in which everything, from initial research and market positioning, to design, construction and interior and landscape finishing is provided with an in-house seal of quality. “Coordinating everything from concept to completion in this way means that the whole process is thought out well and the different elements that go into creating a home are complementary to one another.”

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A formula for success “We currently have three full teams of professionals working on 43 projects across the Costa del Sol, and we can offer this level of operation because we have the critical mass to recruit the best people in their respective fields and keep them busy,” says Armando, who invested in keeping his team of highly qualified and experienced staff together during the lean years of the recession. “It means that we have an exceptional team that has been working closely together for many years, to which we add fantastic young talent.”

Among the latter are young architects such as Laura Jiménez and Kristina O. Bråteng, whom Armando refers to as creative geniuses.

“It is not a term I use lightly, but the ability of our architects to produce the kind of top-ofthe-market designs upon which we have built much of our reputation is a great skill indeed.

Their passion to make each project fresh and unique even more so, and my own love of architecture and drive for perfection would not have it any other way.”

With 80 per cent of projects realised on behalf of investors and 20 per cent for private owners, By NOK has taken the market by storm. This success is built on a quality of design and engineering that has become a signature of the company, but also on a pricing structure that is at the heart of a highly

creative business formula. “We make it our mission to provide the highest levels of quality in design, construction, materials, finish and technology while offering or at the very least meeting the lowest price in the market.”

Creating a competitive edge It is the classic win-win formula that produces irresistible competitive advantage in the market place, but how do you go about achieving it? In other words, how can you offer the best at the lowest price and not lose money? “It’s in how you structure things. We are in a position to offer the best service, product and price, and still be profitable because our scale of operations allows us to buy in materials and other outside cost inputs at the most favourable rates. We pass this on to our clients, and don’t charge for a market study or the architectural concept designs until they are approved and the client officially commissions us.”

What’s more, clients can opt for an Open Book system whereby they pay the construction costs at the beginning of each month as part of an accessible, transparent accounting system. “It’s the further development of our policy to pay our suppliers on a regular monthly schedule instead of the usual 90 days, and it gives us additional discounts that we share with the client, while

also reducing our own capital risk. This is especially important as you grow and work on many different projects.”

An added advantage is the fact that the Costa del Sol operation’s costs are effectively carried by the larger Murcia-based operation, giving By NOK – which is a localised brand – every opportunity to grow. “We are in a very strong position and have grown from a turnover of €8 million in 2013 to €60 million, with the ambition to expand further.” Putting the emphasis on quality over profit margin has worked, as much of the company’s business is from repeat clients and word of mouth introductions, but as Armando says, you can only maintain the initial price/quality appeal if you deliver quality, and do so on time.

“The figure we quote for a project is final, so unless the client comes with changes, there will be no extra charges no matter what. If we make a mistake we carry the cost ourselves. The same applies to the delivery timetables, and it’s a system that incentivises a company to be very efficient.”

He has proved that by applying creative genius of a commercial and operational kind, it is possible to establish a company in which the skills of architects and other professionals can be harnessed to the full within a highly successful business model. i www.bynok.es

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style

INTERIORS / ARCHITECTURE / ART / DESIGN

Those with a love for all things chic will enjoy our décor feature on a sumptuous home in Marbella, and delight in sporting a stunning design by Spanish sensation, Roberto Verino.

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GARDENS / FASHION

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A Mansion in Cascada de Camoján

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Fashion Feature: Roberto Verino

100 Fashion News

2/25/16 12:24 PM

THE STYLE decor

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EL NIDO A new standard of home in Marbella

If you can choose between Zaha Hadid, Norman Foster and the pick of the world’s architects your home is sure to be something truly special. El Nido is just that.

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY WAYNE CHASAN

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A

mid the grand villas and mansions of the Golden Mile, La Zagaleta, Los Monteros and other prime Marbella addresses there is one property that takes residential architectural design to a new level. Set in the peaceful surroundings of La Cascada de Camoján, in the hills above Marbella, El Nido is unique in its aesthetic and practical appeal. It is a home of outstanding qualities that can be described as a masterpiece of modern Mediterranean architecture, and as such suits its Marbella setting so well.

“I wanted a villa that would make a true architectural statement as well as be a comfortable home,” says Lisa, who has played a leading role in the creation of her signature home. “A leading architect would naturally form an important part of this process, so I flirted with the idea of commissioning someone like Zaha Hadid or Norman Foster but in the end fell in love with the work of Joaquín Torres.” The Madrid-based architect is a leader in the field of villa design and has the main residences of many prominent Spanish and international clients to his name, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Penelope Cruz.

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CONTRACT I COMMERCIAL I HOSPITALITY I RESIDENTIAL I RENOVATIONS I ARTCHITECTURE I PROJECT MANAGEMENT INTERIOR DESIGN I CONSTRUCTION I FIXTURES I FITTINGS I FURNISHING I KITCHENS I BATHROOMS I LIGHTING

CONSTRUCTION + INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES FROM NEW BUILDS TO RENOVATIONS AND INTERIORS. WE HAVE IN-HOUSE BUILDING CONTRACTORS.

Excellent service and a high standard of finishes with our team of top professionals working in all areas of renovation and bespoke, design and build.

Visit the studio to see a range of furniture, fixtures and fittings.

BLACKSHAW INTERIOR DESIGN Avda. Canovas del Castillo 25 Marbella 29601, Mรกlaga, Spain Tel: +34 951 403 787 Mob: +34 681 662 000 info@blackshawinteriordesign.com w w w. b l a c k s h aw i nt e r i o rd e s i g n . co m

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“I was seduced by his proposal for the villa,” says Lisa, who saw in the proposed design a true reflection of her own vision. “Joaquín’s work is characterised by a mastery of forms, dimensions and light that brings a house to life and makes it stand out as a unique work of art.” His artful manipulation of space produces a seamless flow of living spaces that are at once intimate and interconnected, while the geometry he creates is characterised by sleek horizontal layers that fit in with the modern architectural vernacular but are given added dimension by mesmerising converging and diverging lines.

It is this singular ability to produce a clean, modern look at the cutting edge of contemporary styling yet imbue it with a great deal of subtle architectural detail that has produced a unique masterpiece of international standing in the foothills of Marbella. “Joaquín Torres wants to outdo himself with each project, and with El Nido I believe he has done it again,” says Lisa. She named the home El Nido – The Nest – because it is a comfortable private domain nestled amid the greenery at the base of La Concha Mountain. “From this position, you enjoy total peace and privacy within your own little world, along with wonderful sea views and at just a short drive to all amenities. In many ways it is ideal.”

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Living as an art The different tones of light that play on the steel sculpture during the day are replaced by ambient light and the choice of projected patterns to suit your mood. In fact, as you would expect in a home of this stature, El Nido may be an ode to architecture and art on the outside, but beneath the skin it is very much a showcase of 21st century technology and engineering – harnessed in this case to offer optimal comfort and luxury. A good example of this is the main living area, where the reception room flows into a salon that overlooks a sumptuous terrace, pool and garden crowned by Mediterranean views.

If you like that view you simply touch a button

and the glass door slides down vertically, not horizontally. This outdoor area is very much an extension of the villa’s refined interior spaces, and continues its rarefied lifestyle in an al fresco setting. Here the architectural beauty of the villa comes into true perspective, mesmerising the eye with its elegant lines and gradually perceptible details. The light Travertine marble tones contrast with dark windows that offer privacy, at the same time also adding to the layered features of the home, while part of the terrace is covered by an extended cantilever roofline that also forms a design feature in spaces such as the kitchen and office.

The sophistication of the interior, with its art

collection and dining room containing made-tomeasure furniture designed by Joaquín Torres, is mirrored outside, where the refinement continues in lounging and dining areas by the imposing dark-tiled pool that feature their own outdoor high definition TV, which appears from the lawn at the touch of a button. Everything about this property speaks of style, from the manicured garden and architecturally styled dog kennel to the championship tennis course and the designer catering kitchen that serves a large communal dining table surrounded by artwork – the crowning piece of which is an ‘urban forest’ by Rafael Llamazares that pleases the eye and adds to the privacy of the garden.

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Inside, the aforementioned dining room looks out upon a modern glass wine cellar whose play of colour settings make it a design feature in its own right. The bodega is also reachable from a Poggenpohl kitchen that matches high catering capacity with clean minimalist styling topped off by lighting globes designed by Tom Dixon. A similarly voluminous and impressive space is the private study, flanked on the far side by the private guest apartments, which have their own access to a multi-car garage with glass wall that allows the showcasing of collector cars. The main suite is a similar blend of seamless practicality married to immaculate style, with each of the family bedrooms offering its own personal space and style.

But this is a home designed for and used to hosting guests of the highest level, so a popular area is the spa on the lower level. Unlike some villas, it feels connected to the rest of the home, enjoying natural light and also its own views of The Pulse. Indeed, virtually every room in the villa is fed with natural light, and the private beauty salon, gym and wet bar bordering the 17-metre indoor swimming room are no exception, though understandably the steam room and sauna are.

In its architectural styling, interconnected layout and celebration of art, El Nido is not only a unique home, but in reality one that stands apart from the rest and in so doing has raised the bar for contemporary luxury living in Marbella. g Engel & V枚lkers, Marbella

Golden Mile Office Centro Comercial La P贸veda, Local 5, Marbella.

Tel: 952 868 406.

MarbellaGoldenMile@engelvoelkers.com www.marbella-ev.com

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THE STYLE fashion

Seduction

in Stripes

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RED CARPET MAGIC FROM Roberto Verino Roberto Verino pulled out all the stops with his latest collection, featuring elegant gowns, jumpsuits and trouser suits seemingly made to shine under the bright ashes of the paparazzi.

Take your pick from these sexy ensembles.

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Innocence & Experience

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Strike a

Pose

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Diva in Black i www.robertoverino.com

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THE STYLE fashion

Louis Vuitton unveils its new Spirit of Travel Campaign, featuring two of Hollywood’s hottest stars: Alicia Vikander and Michelle Williams. Take your pick from beautifully made bags, all in leather and all bearing the unique Louis Vuitton stamp of style. i www.louisvuitton.com

&

Michelle Williams Alicia Vikander

GIVE LIFE TO

VUITTON

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CONTACTS: AIRFIELD www.airfield.at CHOPARD www.chopard.com DUNE LONDON www.dunelondon.com HUAWEI www.huawei.com MISSY EMPIRE www.missyempire.com NEXT www.next.co.uk RUE GEMBON www.ruegembon.com

FASHION PICKS for the Spring/Summer Season It’s never too early to start building your wardrobe for the upcoming season, especially since designers have already revealed their latest collections on the World’s most famous catwalks. Take your pick from these cool items.

Blouse and Trousers by Airfield

Necklace by Rue Gembon

Jacket by Next Jeans by Airfield

COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS Watch by Huawei in collaboration with Swarovski

Skirt by Missy Empire

Watch by Huawei in collaboration with Swarovski

Shoe by Dune London

Imperiale Jade watch

by Chopard ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2016 / 101

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spa

PRODUCTS / BEAUTY / SPA / SCIENCE

Inspire your beauty routine on Hollywood’s most famous stars of old, fight your food addiction and discover what makes you fit or fat, in our interview with Dr. José Luis Guijarro, Endocrinologist at Healthouse Las Dunas*****GL Health & Beach.

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TREATMENTS / HEALTH

104 Vintage Hollywood Beauty 106 Beauty News 108 Food Addiction 110

Say Goodbye to Varicose Veins

112

José Luis Guijarro of Healthouse Las Dunas*****GL Health & Beach Spa

114

Health News

2/23/16 3:08 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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BEAUTY

SECRETS OF HOLLYWOOD STARS Vintage Beauty

ADVICE

They may be gone but they are far from forgotten. Actors like Bette Davis, Lana Turner and Marilyn Monroe set new standards in beauty, influencing everything from skincare to make-up trends. We bring you a few old Hollywood secrets that never had to make a comeback, because they never went out of style. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

MARILYN MONROE

RITA HAYWORTH

AND THE POWER OF RED

WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW

The later, curvier Marilyn we are accustomed to viewing in posters, ads and books belies the slimmer, more athletic Norma Jean of the early days.

Marilyn kept herself lean and mean by following a diet that was rich in protein and low in carbs. Her secret concoction was a morning raw egg cocktail, comprising two raw eggs whipped into a glass of milk.

These days, studies have shown that this type of diet keeps wrinkles and flaccidity at bay, since sugar is the primary culprit for causing these conditions.

Think of Rita Hayworth and the first thing that pops into your mind is probably her long, wavy red mane. Miss Hayworth was actually a brunette, who had her hair dyed (and her hairline pushed back via electrolysis) to create a sexier look.

With her beautiful dark eyes, natural grace and tall, slim frame, we probably would have loved her just the same in any other colour though she certainly sparked a trend that brought thousands of scarletthued manes to starry Hollywood boulevard.

Katherine Hepburn is known for her natural, fuss-free looks, but in her heyday, she went out of her way to keep her skin looking young, by regularly exfoliating her complexion.

Exfoliating products weren’t nearly as popular back then as they are today, however, so the Bringing up Baby star made her own skin sloughing concoction by mixing sugar with lemon juice and a bit of warm water. The old trick is still in use today by those who prefer all-natural beauty products.

AND HER PALEO ANCESTORS

KATHERINE HEPBURN OUT

AUDREY HEPBURN:

LOVE THOSE LASHES

With her naive grace and quirky acting style, Audrey Hepburn seemed anything but a diva, yet she often put her styling team through torture until her look was just right.

It was all about the lashes for the Breakfast at Tiffany’s star – she would ask her beautician to separate each lash with a safety pin after applying mascara – not a job for the fainthearted.

VIVIEN LEIGH

AND THE POWER OF ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils are currently used to treat everything from colds to sores, yet Vivien Leigh, the one and only Scarlett O’hara, harnessed their power to keep her complexion blemish free. Leigh was known to visit the clinic of Madame Lubatti, a legendary skincare expert who mixed creams and fragrant essential oils to treat her wealthy clients.

COCO CHANEL COLOUR YOUR WORLD

Coco Chanel always said that beauty didn’t exist per se; it had to be created through illusion, care and consistency. For her, wearing make-up daily was not a caprice, but a necessity: women should at least wear a little foundation, blush and lipstick, because it is “the polite thing to do.” Chanel lived by her word, sticking to neutral tones and simple make-up to highlight her best features: her cheekbones and eyes.

Today, women regularly use contouring to play with light and shadows, all the while appearing like they have very little make-up on, or none at all.

BETTI PAGE WHEN BEAUTY COMES FROM WITHIN

Betti Page, the most famous pin-up girl in history, had a visionary outlook on beauty; as far back as the 1950s, she realised that beauty was more than about make-up and trickery. Rather, it was all about being healthy – Page worked out strenuously every day, avoiding alcohol and cigarettes. She was not afraid to assert her individuality, wearing a short fringe that is still seen on current pin-up starlets, as well as more glamourous showgirls like Dita Von Teese. e

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

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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

spa

BEAUTY

THE BEST

MATTIFYING

PRODUCTS IN THE BUSINESS Those who battle against skin that shines excessively may be surprised to know that the problem may actually be that their skin is too dry. When skin does not obtain all the moisture it needs, excessive oil is produced and pores become blocked. The first step is to tackle the problem from inside-out, with oil-free hydrating products. Applying the right primer and foundation is also vital. Check out these top products for a shine-free Spring and Summer.

PRODUCTS

1 – DE-SLICK MATTIFYING POWDER

BY URBAN DECAY: This translucent mattifying powder should be your last defence against over-active oil glands. It works on all skin tones and never gives your makeup a caked-on appearance.

2 – ULTRA-FACIAL OIL-FREE CLEANSER

BY KIEHL’S: This gentle lathering, deep cleansing product will ensure your pores are prepped to receive all the lovely moisture you will be providing them with straight after.

3 – DOUBLE MATTE FOUNDATION BY ESTÈE LAUDER: This foundation will last all day and control oiliness for the same amount of time.

4 – KIEHL’S ULTRA WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS FACIAL OIL-FREE GEL CREAM: Despite its gel-like texture, this cream covers skin in delicious moisture, without lending it an unwelcome shine.

5 – MISTER MAT BY GIVENCHY: This lovely primer will ensure that skin remains matte, even beneath a heavy coverage foundation.

6 – FIT ME MATTE+PORELESS FOUNDATION BY MAYBELLINE: A great foundation that lasts all day, clones your actual skin tone and reduces the appearance of pores.

7 – HYDRO-PLUMPING RE-TEXTURIZING SERUM CONCENTRATE BY KIEHL’S: This smooth product glides over skin, intensively hydrating the deepest layers of dehydrated skin.

7

1

2

3

4

6

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HEALTH

Thankfully, for anyone who has experienced an addiction to alcohol or drugs, the stigma associated with these conditions is slowly dissipating. The causes of addiction are manifold and complex and if research has indicated one thing, it is that there is no single overriding reason why some people can occasionally indulge in alcohol, while others quickly become addicted to drinking and/or other substances. While diagnosis and treatment for these addictions has come a long way in the past few decades, the same cannot be said of food addiction.

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

UPDATE

THE SECRET LIFE OF A O

besity and overweight are two issues which have also been the subject of study for many years, yet their root causes remain equally mysterious.

Obesity can hail from either poor lifestyle habits or genetic/hereditary causes, though sometimes, the problem stems from an addiction to food. In this case, cravings can be very difficult to resist and an addict can lose control, indulging in grainbased carbohydrates and highsugar foods, much to the detriment of their health.

FOOD ADDICTION: SYMPTOMS Some of the most common signs of food addiction include: Z A need to eat greater quantities of foods one craves, in order to satiate a craving.

Z Portion control is difficult.

Z Psychological angst when one’s favourite foods are taken away from them.

Z Many failed attempts at dieting.

Z An avoidance of social events and activities so one can indulge in

FOOD ADDICT one’s craved foods.

Z An inability to resist certain foods even if this causes unwanted weight gain or psychological distress.

REFINED CARBOHYDRATES AND HIGH-SUGAR FOODS: FOSTERING PSYCHOLOGICAL UNREST One of the first aims for a food addict to pursue should be that of lowering their intake of sugary foods, and of avoiding refined carbohydrates altogether, sticking to healthy fruits and vegetables instead. As health guru, Leslie Kenton notes, much of the problem has to do with the way our brain works: when we consume any addictive substance, including sugar, our brain’s pleasure centre receives a dopamine (‘feel-good’) signal, which gives us great pleasure. The problem is that the brain soon grows accustomed to stimulation, needing more and more of the offending foods or substances, to have the same effect. When cutting back on food

or substances, the body goes into withdrawal and the easiest thing to do is reach for the subject of our addiction, to put a quick fix to our temporary misery.

The food industry is another culprit that is doing plenty to encourage addiction, manufacturing foods which are so pleasant to our senses of sight, taste and even sound, that they can be difficult to resist. Their main ingredients are unhealthy fats, salt and sugar, which we find immensely palatable, despite the harm they cause. Food developers spend millions on research into how to attract our attention and hook us on specific foods, by creating pleasant textures and flavours that activate our brain’s pleasure centre.

If you feel you may be addicted to food, the first step should be to see an endocrinologist. The latter will be able to determine if there is a genetic reason for your addiction, and if the problem is mainly your lifestyle, they will recommend a nutritionist who will set up a

personalised plan that is realistic for you.

It is also vital to bear in mind the emotional and psychological reasons that lead to addiction and overeating.

If you have desperately tried to lose weight to no avail, or your weight has fluctuated repeatedly over the past few months or years, obtaining psychological support is crucial to enable you to stick to a sound weight loss plan.

Remember that weight loss should be taken one step at a time, and should be pursued with a realistic mindset. Many of us fail at diets owing to a sense of perfectionism: we want all or nothing and lasting weight loss unfortunately can take months or even years. Finally, it is vital to shed the idea that having an addiction is something to feel ashamed or guilty about. Almost everyone we can think of is addicted to something, be it shopping, working, or the gym. If food is your poison, take heart; obtain the help you need and start taking lighter, happier steps on your journey through life. e

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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

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spa

HEALTH

SAY GOODBYE TO VARICOSE VEINS No pain, no scarring

UPDATE

THE TREATMENT? There is a common belief that varicose vein treatment is painful and requires aggressive venous stripping followed by a long period of immobilisation, scarring, bandages and soreness. However, advancements in the field during the last few years have been significant, and the treatment is now painless, leaving no scarring.

At specialised centre, The Marbella Vein & Beauty Clinic, the origin and extent of the problem is assessed by a 4D Colour Doppler ultrasound. Using this precise data, they are able to form a customised, minimally invasive treatment plan to suit each patient’s needs.

Efficiently stopping the abnormal reflux in the diseased vein restores normal pressure, prevents a recurrence and allows the complete treatment of the enlarged veins in one single session.

Endovenous Laser in conjunction with Peripheral Micro Phlebectomy is actually the preferred treatment for varicose veins. It is now considered the medical benchmark, recommended by the American College of Phlebology and many other health organisations. It uses

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laser energy applied inside the damaged vein to seal it shut.

The treatment is performed under local anaesthetic through micro incisions. There are no stitches and patients can walk out of the clinic 45 minutes after completion of the procedure with virtually no scars, returning to normal activities the next day. There is no pain after the treatment with the type of laser being used. Compression is only required for seven days, and the cosmetic and functional results are excellent.

This treatment method removes the need for intravenous injections of a high concentration of chemical foam and also for the use of compression stockings for an extended period.

WHY CHOOSE THE VEIN CLINIC? Experience, expertise and safety are the best guarantee for a successful treatment.

At the Vein Clinic, safety is the first concern and their extensive experience in the vascular field ensures the very best results

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

Varicose veins and spider veins are a very common vascular disease that affects, to varying degrees, almost half of the population. Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic problem, they can be a real health problem.

through customised treatment plans for every single patient.

Dr Dhobb, Consultant Surgeon and Director of the Marbella Vein Clinic is specialised in the management of venous disorders and has extensive experience in the field, acquired through the successful treatment of thousands of patients over the past 20 years.

WHAT ARE THEY?

Veins carry blood back to the heart.

Healthy veins have one-way valves which do not allow backwards flow.

Varicose veins occur when these valves are damaged and no longer close properly. The blood can then only flow downwards in the affected venous stem, causing pressure to increase, and ultimately, swelling of the vein.

Although varicose veins are usually a cosmetic concern, they can also bring serious health implications such as thrombophlebitis, bleeding, skin changes and ulcers.

The Marbella Vein Clinic provides a complete range of venous treatments, using all the latest technologies. For Endovenous laser treatment, the quality of the laser is of paramount importance. The Vein Clinic utilises the ELVeS® PainLess laser combined with a Radial fibre, providing painless treatment with reliable long term results.

When considering operations and endovascular procedures, the fact that the consulting surgeon has extensive experience in major vascular surgery gives an additional margin of safety for those ‘simpler procedures’. When treating the smaller capillaries and telangiectasias, they use either microsclerotherapy or laser in order to provide their patients with an optimal result.

There is a wide variety of venous diseases and these problems are better managed in specialised centres by vascular professionals. The Marbella Vein Clinic treats patients who suffer from symptomatic varicose veins or from cosmetic concerns about spider veins on their face or legs.

g Edificio Camojan, Office #12 Carretera de Camojan 29602 Marbella Tel: (+34) 952 86 70 03 www.marbellavein.com 2/23/16 10:39 AM

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HEALTH

DR. JOSÉ LUIS GUIJARRO

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

UPDATE

OF HEALTHOUSE LAS DUNAS*****GL HEALTH & BEACH SPA AND THE SCIENTIFIC APPROACH TO WEIGHT LOSS

I

f you have never been on a diet or struggled to shed unwanted weight, then you may still subscribe to the myth that those who are overweight or obese, simply eat too much. Dr. José Luis Guijarro, specialist Endocrinologist at Healthouse Las Dunas and part of the Weight Loss programme team that has seen many patients achieve their target weight, will tell you that this and other myths surrounding weight loss have long since been busted. The reasons why some people pack on the pounds with the greatest of ease while others can satiate their hunger while remaining slim, are intricate and still, to some extent, mysterious, though science has made many fascinating discoveries which enable endocrinologists, psychologists, nutritionists and trainers, help a patient or client achieve lasting success.

At Healthouse Las Dunas, patients wishing to lose weight embark on a programme that lasts a minimum of seven days. At the commencement of their stay, they visit Dr. Guijarro, who conducts a series of tests to determine the reason for the excess weight they carry. “Obesity results either from bad habits (eating the wrong foods and leading a sedentary lifestyle)

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or from genetic/hormonal reasons.

With respect to the first reason, Dr. Guijarro expounds, “The food industry has done plenty of harm, by stressing the importance of a low-fat (rather than a low-sugar) diet. Some fats are, in fact, healthy and should be consumed. Rather than avoiding fats, people should attempt to reduce their intake of sugar and refined foods, which shunt unwanted amounts of glucose into the body, leading the pancreas to produce too much insulin. Insulin is the key factor which promotes weight gain and chronically high levels can also lead to Type II diabetes, heart disease, etc.”

Dr. Guijarro is quick to remind us that low sugar does not mean avoiding carbohydrates. He notes: “Low carb diets kickstart weight loss well, but those who go on drastic diets that prohibit all or most carbohydrates usually put all the weight back on. When the body is deprived of carbohydrates and undergoes rapid weight loss, our ‘thrifty genes’ are kickstarted.

These genes are constantly on ‘energy saving’ mode so even if you eat very little, the weight returns. Through a process called neoglucogenesis, the body begins producing its own carbohydrates, so that even if one avoids sugary

food, the weight still returns.

The key to lasting weight loss, he says, lies in consuming a healthy diet comprising good protein sources, and plenty of vegetables (as well as some fruit). Food should be cooked in a simple manner (or served raw) to retain the maximum amount of vitamins. Dr. Guijarro also advises against the excessive consumption of processed meat and smoked goods, which have been linked to certain cancers. Milk, on the other hand, has been given an unduly bad rap: “Only those who are lactose intolerant should avoid milk; it has many vitamins and nutrients children and adults need.”

With respect to genetic factors that cause weight gain, the matter is trickier. Dr. Guijarro explains that studies thus far have indicated that in these cases, obesity/overweight is related to the secretion of specific hormones, or to a lack of balance in the intestinal flora. In severe cases of obesity, surgery may be the answer. Regardless of what is causing weight gain, it is vital to obtain due assessment and diagnosis, so the appropriate approach can be taken.

At Healthouse, Dr. Guijarro is part of a multi-disciplinary team which includes an Emotional Coach (since weight gain is often

caused by emotional overeating), a Nutritionist, and a Personal Trainer.

Most often, notes the Doctor, just a few simple changes to our lifestyle can result in significant weight loss and greater health.

The minimum stay for the Healthouse Weight Loss Programme is seven days – all meals (designed by top Chef, Andoni Aduriz) and snacks are provided at the resort, and the package includes consultation with Dr. Guijarro and the other members of the weight loss team, accommodation, two daily activities (including yoga, Pilates, aguagym, etc.), one daily treatment (including soothing massages), and use of the luxury spa (complete with its own sauna, tepidarium, steam room, etc.). In addition, there is a special programme for children needing to lose weight, called Fit & Fun (featuring games, sport and healthy meals).

The staff is also available for consultation for external clients, so if you don’t have time to stay at the resort but you wish to consult Dr. Guijarro or other members of the team, you are more than welcome to do so. Weight loss can ultimately be achieved through a variety of ways though the most important step is getting started.

g CN340, km 163, Estepona. Tel: 951 082 090. www.healthouse-naturhouse.com 2/23/16 10:26 AM

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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HEALTH WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Recent studies have shown that there is an important link between a lack of Vitamin D and asthma severity. Children with lower Vitamin D levels are more likely to have been hospitalised, tend to have increased hyperactitvity in their airways, and are more likely to require the use of inhaled corticosteroids. Infants whose mothers lack Vitamin D are also more likely to suffer from asthma. Ideally, you should obtain enough Vitamin D on a daily basis, by exposing as much of your skin as possible (not just your face) to sunlight until your skin turns the latest shade of pink.

Don’t go past that point, or you could actually burn skin. Make sure not to obtain your sun from behind a window, since glass can actually block UVB rays.

TAI CHI CAN PROMOTE

HEART HEALTH

UPDATE

Tai Chi is often touted for its stress reduction benefits, but studies are showing that it may also be an effective way to stave off heart disease. Some of the most interesting findings thus far reveal that: Z Tai Chi lowers heart disease risks, including cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It also increases HDL cholesterol levels and reduces the heart rate.

Z One study published by scientists at Harvard University showed that Tai Chi reduces blood pressure levels.

Z Tai Chi was found to improve diastolic and systolic pressure in heart attack survivors.

Z Tai Chi lowers levels of stress hormone, cortisol, which can cause everything from anxiety disorders to heart disease and Type II diabetes, when present at chronically high levels.

LINK BETWEEN

VITAMIN D INSUFFICIENCY

AND ASTHMA SEVERITY DISCOVERED

Gestational diabetes is an illness which can seriously hamper the health of an expectant mother and her child. A new study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has found that eating potatoes during pregnancy can increase the chances of contracting the disease by a significant percentage.

The study, which tracked over 21,000 pregnant women, found that a high potato consumption should be avoided. Instead, combining potatoes with other vegetables is the way to go. Potatoes cause spiking blood sugar levels because they are so high in starch. Therefore, while women should continue to eat healthy servings of fruits and vegetables, they should avoid those which are excessively high on the GI-table, especially if they are a risk for gestational diabetes.

EATING SPUDS MAY RAISE

GESTATIONAL DIABETES RISK

BEING BILINGUAL

MAKES YOU SMARTER! Living in an international town like Marbella, it is easy to notice, on a day-to-day basis, how speaking more than one language is a necessity rather than a luxury. Recent research has shown, however, that speaking more than one language also benefits your brain, resulting in more grey matter, improved cognitive abilities, and greater mental flexibility. These benefits extend to people of all ages, including the elderly. Bilingual older individuals, for instance, have been found to have a delayed commencement of cognitive decline, compared to monolingual individuals. Studies have also shown that in addition to affecting actual brain structure, knowing more than one language can also affect the activity of neurons! The good news is that it is never too late to reap the benefits of language learning, with research also showing that adults can actually be better than children at learning languages, if the right conditions are met.

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thepro NEWS /ENTERPRISE / LOCAL BUSINESS

/PROFILES / FINANCE / LAW

COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

BROMLEY ESTATES LAUNCHES NEW APARTMENTS IN BENALMÁDENA AND MARBELLA

Bromley Estates has been named by Neinor Homes as Exclusive Promoter for the newly launched Benalmádena Golf Homes resort, situated in one of the finest residential areas of Benalmádena, just outside the Marina but within easy reach of the town centre. Bromley Estates is also Exclusive Agent for the newly launched VIME La Reserva de Marbella, located just five minutes from Marbella’s town centre. Showflats for both properties are available for viewing. i www.bromleyestatesmarbella.com

SOTOGRANDE S.A. RESUMES WORK ON LA RESERVA Sotogrande S.A. is pleased to announce that it has resumed work on La Reserva de Sotogrande gold course, a project which had been paralysed since 2008. Marc Topiol, CEO of Sotogrande S.A., has stated that “the finalisation of a work of such great magnitude will be the first step towards the integration of the community into an area with access to all installations. The area will boast greater security and practicality.” i www.sotogrande.com

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ABN AMRO strengthens presence

ABN Amro officially celebrated the upgrading of its operational status in Spain from a representative office to a fully-fledged branch. Following the registering of ABN Amro as such with the Banco de España in December 2015, the staff at the Marbella office can now offer wealth management advice as part of its role within the company’s World Citizen Services. The latter ensures clients of the Eurozone’s third-largest private bank have access to full support wherever they are in Spain. “This is an important step forward in our pursuit to sustainably strengthen our World Citizen Services,” said Jeroen Rijpkema, CEO of ABN Amro Private Banking International, who along with Country Executive Spain, Kurt Looyens, welcomed over 200 clients and other guests at the official re-launching of the Marbella office. i www.abnamro.com

Exciting Times for Aloha College The students of Aloha College have been keeping busy as usual. The boys under-13 team recently became the champions of the International Schools Under-13 Basketball Tournament, while the girls team finished as runners-up. Students aged five to 13 also took part in the International Schools Cross Country Competition, where the school was awarded the champions’ poster. Elsewhere, pupils took part in Enterprise Week, enjoying a fun stock market challenge under the guiding hand of Head of Business, Economics and Technology, Ms. Metcalf. Students also visited the offices of the Sur newspaper, celebrated the beauty of the Spanish language on Wow Day, and enjoyed a fun musical theatre master class. i www.aloha-college.com

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Ocean Clinic Awarded for Excellent Customer Service Fausto Martínez New Vice Dean of the Consular Corp of Málaga Fausto Martínez, Founder of the highly successful FM Consulting Group, was recently appointed Vice Dean of the Consular Corp of Málaga. Mr. Martínez was pleased to attend the first meeting in the Marbella Town Hall.

Magazine would like to congratulate him on his new appointment. i www.fmconsulting.com

Marbella-based Ocean Clinic has received an award for excellent customer service following glowing feedback from clients. The accolade, granted by healthcare search engine WhatClinic.com, is based on patient ratings and comments made over a 12 month period. Clients were asked to rate Ocean Clinic Marbella based on how well the clinic treated them, how quickly they were contacted and seen, and how happy they were with the treatment.

Head Surgeon at Ocean Clinic, Dr. Kai Kaye, said: “We pride ourselves on the service we offer to our customers, from their initial contact with the clinic right through to their treatment and aftercare. Not only do we have one of the very best clinical teams on the Costa del Sol, we also have state-of-theart medical facilities and luxury patient bedrooms, to ensure clients are as well cared for as possible. This award is proof that our investment in our clinic and people is paying off.” i www.oceanclinic.net

Dead Man’s Legacy: Book Launch at Bookworld Puerto Banús

Two Ways to #MakeitHappen on the Costa del Sol!

Author Marion Leigh was recently in Marbella to celebrate the launch of Dead Man’s Legacy, the second novel in her Petra Minx series of adventure thrillers.

The first book in the series, The Politician’s Daughter, was published in 2011.

“My main character, Petra Minx, is a sergeant in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s Marine Unit,” says Marion. “Working on special investigations which involve high-profile Canadians takes her to faraway places and into dangerous situations.” In the new book, Petra is ecstatic when her quirky boss, A.K., orders her to catch the next plane to Nassau to meet the legendary Betty Graceby, a retired Canadian singer and ex-Vegas dancer whose fortune has tripled since the death of her husband, Joe LePinto. The complaints Betty has been filing against her obnoxious grandson Ken have finally caught the attention of the authorities. But why the sudden interest? i www.marionleigh.com

Costa Women are holding two events on the Costa del Sol to celebrate International Women’s Day. The first will be a dinner in collaboration with Bites and Business, a Málaga-based Women’s business group. The dinner will be held at Avanto Restaurant in La Cala on March 8 (International Women’s Day). Freixenet will be launching their new Moscato sparkling wine as part of the evening.

The event will include an Auction to raise funds to support the family of Ethan Adjayi who died suddenly at the age of 11. On March 11, Costa Women and 1230 The Women’s Company will again work together to #MakeItHappen at the 4th annual conference at Andalucía Lab in Marbella. As well as inspirational talks and personal stories, there will be advice and ideas for Women in Business. i For further information, www.costawomen.com

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BRUNO FILIPPONE RECEIVES AWARD FOR PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT Well loved restaurateur, Bruno Filippone, was pleased to receive the Foro Europa 2001 award for his professional accomplishments. The accolade, given to persons from a wide array of professions, has previously been granted to exMinister, Josep Piqué, to Vice-President of the Congreso de Diputados, Josep López de Lerma, and Journalist, Luis del Olmo.

Congratulations to Mr. Filippone and here’s to many more years of culinary and business success. i www.dabruno.com

FIRST JAGUAR C DE SALMANCA PADDLE TOURNAMENT AT RESERVA DEL HIGUERÓN

NISSAN DELIVERS TWO ELECTRIC VANS TO THE MARBELLA TOWN HALL Nissan has handed two e-NV200 electric vans to the Marbella Town Hall, in order to promote 100 per cent sustainable transport with zero carbon emissions. The presentation was attended by Mayor José Bernal Gutiérrez, who noted: “Sustainability is a priority for the city of Marbella; we have started working towards a greener future and that means changing the way we live and also the way we drive.” i www.marbella.es

Reserva del Higuerón Resort will be hosting the inaugural Jaguar C de Salamanca Paddle Tournament, which will commence on March 4. The competition will take place throughout the weekend and will feature a host of men’s and women’s matches in different categories. The DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Hotel has prepared special packs for the occasion, which tempt guests to enjoy a fantastic weekend at the resort and avail of all its facilities, including the Nagomi Spa and Michelin-starred restaurant, Sollo. i www.reservadelhigueron.com

EXPAT PENSIONS ONCE AGAIN SPONSORS MAZARRON CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT Expat Pensions, one of the Coast’s most respected financial advisory firms, has been announced as the flagship sponsor of the Celebrity Golf Tournament, which in turn is part of Los Amigos de Mazarron FC’s March 2016 ‘Gala Week.’ Expat Pensions, the trading name in the EU of UK-based Magna Wealth Management Ltd, is well known to many in the Mazarron area who have benefitted from Managing Director Angela South’s help and advice. Angela is a familiar figure in the area and has worked with Shirley Fisher Legal & Financial Services, in the offices they share at the Camposol Business Centre for many years. i www.expatpensions.info

SAVE THE LIFE OF A DOG WITH ASSOCIATION 4PAWS ADOPTIONS The association, 4Paws Adoptions, was set up to save dogs from the pound and to help find new homes for those in danger of being put to sleep. The charity is small (averaging 15-18 dogs) and dedicates time on a one-to-one basis to needy pooches. If you are interested in helping out, you can adopt, foster, host an event, volunteer to walk, bath or play with the dogs, etc. You can additionally sponsor flea, tick or worming treatments, etc. g You

can also make a donation via Paypal to info@4pawsadoptions.com, or to the following account: ASOCIACION 4 PAWS ADOPTIONS IBAN ES73 2100 2643 4101 1050 0103 BIC CAIXESBBXXX. 120 / MARCH 2016 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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CLASSICAL CELLO CONCERT AT LAS LAGUNAS

Award-winning Musician, Jacob Shaw, the youngest ever Cellist to graduate with the highest honours from the Ecole Normale de Musique in Paris, will give a one-off recital at Las Lagunas on Thursday, March 3 at 7.30 p.m. Having released his two-CD album, DEBUT, and just returned from concerts in Carnegie Hall, Jacob will present a programme of music

by Bach, Britten and a rising new young composer, John Hui. The intimacy of The Danish Church will enhance the splendour of the occasion, coupled with his beautiful and unique interpretations. i For further information,

pmmtickets@mail.com/ www.jacobshaw.de

SIXTH MENA GOLF TOUR TAKES PLACE IN SOTOGRANDE

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Golf Tour, now in its sixth year, kicked off at the Club de Golf Almenara in Sotogrande in February. From April 3 to 6, the Sotogrande Masters will take place at the Club de Golf de la Reserva. The MENA tour was founded by Sheikh Maktoum Golf Foundation in 2011 and backed by the Arab Golf Federation and the R&A. The tournament is considered one of the few which unites professional and amateur players at an international level. i www.sotogrande.com

EASTER ART WALK IN CÓMPETA

Art lovers take note: from Wednesday March 23 to Sunday March 27, the eighth annual Art Walk in Cómpeta will be taking place.

Local and international artists alike will be present, and will be happy to speak to you about their work, inspiration, vision and techniques. They will be presenting paintings, drawings, textile art, ceramics, bronze and metal sculptures and much more. i

www.artcompeta.com

LOOKING FOR A NEW CHALLENGE? VOLUNTEER FOR DEBRA! If you are interested in donating your time to a worthy cause, you may wish to volunteer at one of the four Butterfly Children shops on the Costa del Sol (two in Marbella, one in San Pedro and one in Málaga). Butterfly Children suffer from a rare genetic condition called Butterfly Skin that causes the skin to endlessly blister and scar with no cure. It creates high levels of pain, discomfort and heartache to the sufferer and their family. The Charity Shops provide just over half of the charity’s funding, enabling their team of Healthcare Professionals to provide health and social care and psychological support to all those affected. Volunteers are vital to the success of the shops and therefore the charity. g For further

NEW HEAD OFICE FOR MARBELLA LIVING ESTATE AGENTS

information, Tel: 952 816 434/ butterflychildren@debra.es

The Marbella Living Estate Agents team has moved to a brand new Head Office at Marbella Real on the Golden Mile a couple of doors west of Pan y Mermelada. The move will expand the team’s operational base for the benefit of both clients and collaborators. In order to project a clearer and more meaningful brand image, the company (formerly Crown Estates) has decided to trade as Marbella Living. The new Marbella Real shop and any they open in the future will all operate under the Marbella Living brand. The existing units at the Puente Romano and Guadalpin Banús Hotels will continue to operate as Crown Estates. g Tel: 952 765 428.

info@marbellaliving.com

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TIP TOP SPAIN PRESENTS NEW AWNINGS BY BRUSTOR Marbella-based shade solutions company, Tip Top Spain, is pleased to announce that it is now stocking a brand new range of awnings by Brustor, a Belgian manufacturer which produces awnings and screens made in durable fabric and aluminum frames that stand up to as much wind and rain as the weather can throw at them. Every single component is tested and approved before incorporation, so you can ensure you will be purchasing the very best product on the market. i www.tiptopspain.com

FUNDRAISING FOR WORLD KIDNEY DAY World Kidney Day takes place on March 10 this year, its theme being Kidney Disease and Children – Act Early to Prevent It. All eight Specsavers Opticas stores in Spain have announced that they will be supporting the event, raising money and distributing information about the cause, from February 15 to March 15. The global optical brand has been inspired by Martin Blake, Director of Specsavers Opticas in Mallorca, who came to the rescue of his brother-in-law and donated a kidney in March 2015. Martin commented, “We are aware that on average a kidney transplant only lasts 10-15 years and then this cycle could start again if new treatments or cures haven’t been discovered. This is why I am now raising money to fund the research which will hopefully find the cure and stop the misery of dialysis, and waiting for a donor.” i www.worldkidneyday.org/ www.specsavers.es

GOOD COMPANIONS CLUB SUPPORT TO CUDECA HOSPICE

Susan Hannam, Vice President of Cudeca Hospice, was privileged to receive a generous donation of €8.500 at the recent Annual General Meeting of the Good Companions Club. This is the 21st annual donation that has been made to Cudeca and brings the cumulative total for the past 21 years to €168.185. Cudeca also recently benefited from a sponsored run held by Jessica Jordan in Dubai. i www.cudeca.org

SAVE €50 ON CAR AND HOME INSURANCE WITH LIBERTY SEGUROS Liberty Seguros, the favourite insurance company of expats seeking professional insurance at a sensible price, is proud to announce that from March 21 to June 22, you can save €50 on both car and home insurance if you pay by direct debit. If you choose another payment option, you can still obtain a €20 fuel voucher for contracting car insurance, or a €20 for home insurance. i For

further information, www.libertyexpatriates.es

LIONS CLUB DONATES €4.000 TO IES LA CALA SCHOOL The Director of the IES Secondary School in La Cala de Mijas, Antonio Rojas, was pleased to receive a donation by the Lions Club of La Cala, to the tune of €4.000. The money will go towards tablets and books. The presenetation event was attended by the President of the Lions Club, Tony Bellamy, and the Mayor of Mijas, Juan Carlos Maldonado. i www.lacalalions.com

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THE PRO business

WHAT MAKES

PERSIAN CARPETS SO VALUABLE? Marisa Cutillas interviews Kambyses Daemi, owner of Marbella’s best known Persian carpet store since 1978: Kambyses, an impressive establishment boasting carpets of all sizes, designs, and prices… PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

T

he Persian carpet industry is dying and while this is undoubtedly a reason for lamentation among those who value this highly complex and visually stunning art, it is also a very good reason for those looking to make a sound, sure-fire investment. Kambyses Daemi has lived and breathed among stunning carpets, some of which cost as little as €100, some as much as €150.000, yet his shop is currently in liquidation, for one simple reason: he cannot source new carpets. The reason is the rising cost of living in Iran and the globalisation of many industries. Unlike their forefathers, Persian youths are no longer willing to invest the time and sacrifice that carpet design and manufacture demands.

Currently, in Iran, carpets aged over 100 years are considered a national heritage and cannot be removed from the country. The government has sadly conceded that these works of art are the last few the public will be able to contemplate,

and great care is needed to restore and maintain existing pieces.

This is a good thing for investment because, currently, carpets cost more to manufacture than they sell for. Kambyses explains. “The material alone is incredibly expensive. A 2m x 3m carpet made of silk costs €2.000 just for the material.

Cashmere wool for a carpet of the same size costs €1.300, while normal wool costs around €300. In the past, carpet makes were willing to incur these costs in advance, and live on a small wage, investing many years of their lives in making just one carpet. Nowadays, the rising cost of labour in addition to the price of materials means that the carpets which stores like Kambyses are currently selling, are the last of a fast disappearing trade.”

I ask Kambyses about the characteristics that determine a carpet’s value. The material they are made of, evidently, is one important factor. So is technique: “The more knots in the carpet, the clearer the design and the higher the value. Knots are very similar to pixels; the more there are, the higher the resolution,” he notes.

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The dyes used to give carpets their colour also vary greatly in price. Some of the most exclusive natural dyes include chinchilla red and saffron yellow. Design is also crucial: “A carpet made by a famous designer or a one-off carpet bears a much higher value than mass-produced pieces.”

Moreover, complexity in a carpet’s visuals adds to its price. Kambyses notes that while buyers aged less than 45 tend to opt for modern, simple designs, more mature buyers opt for the traditional designs that have made Persian carpets such a highly coveted luxury in the world’s most beautiful homes.

Lovers of fine art as well as those seeking to make an investment that will beautify their home, should visit Kambyses to appreciate the difference in value between various carpets, and perhaps, to take a special item home. The store has many carpets selling at a 70 per cent discount, so that highly exclusive pieces can be taken home at bargain prices. Kambyses notes that as soon as all carpets have been sold and other exclusive carpet stores like his are forced to sell owing to a lack of stock, prices will begin to rise exponentially and will reach similar heights to those fetched in the 1970s. He recalls that in this decade, he sold one 3m x 2m carpet for two million pesetas, which was the approximate price of an apartment at the time.

Kambyses carpets come in a wide range of prices, sizes and styles so that whether you feel like treating yourself to a €100 runner or a stunning work of art costing thousands, you will find many pretty designs to lose yourself in. Persian carpets will soon be a thing of the past, but they can make the present in your home an infinitely beautiful experience. Kambyses’ liquidation sale will last until July 5 only. g Avda. Pilar Calvo 43 (just before the

Nueva Andalucía bullring), Marbella.

Tel: 952 812 222. www.kambyses.com

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THE PRO law It’s still early in the year and many will be wondering what new tax recipes the Spanish Government has cooked up to delight us.

Indeed, after the 20 December elections, many might wonder which Government we have….? Any Government….? Offers please?

WORDS ALISTAIR SPENCE CLARKE

HAVE I GOT TAXING NEWS FOR Y

ou can choose from the many political flavours on offer today and finish up with all sorts of odd collations, including such unlikely ingredients as the PSOE, PP, Podemos, Ciudadanos, ERC-CATS, IU, plus many regional party spices. Truly indigestible!

No logical coalition of political parties has a majority in Spain’s main national assembly, the Congreso de los Diputados, which today consists of 350 representatives from 10 political parties. In the Senate, things are simpler with the PP retaining a majority, but this only allows the PP power to veto and amend law originating from Congress, which can in any case override the Senate. The Senate does not promote new law.

If a coalition is not established with a sufficient majority by the middle of March, the King will call a new election.

Now to the taxing truth about Spain.

Last year, Mr Rajoy’s Government strung out its mandate to the maximum of four years plus a month and, using its majority in Congress, passed the budget for 2016 with meagre changes to the personal tax system.

Z Wealth tax would continue unchanged for 2016 but 100% exempted for 2017 onwards. We will believe that when we see it.

Z Income tax rates reduced by between 0.5% and 1% in all the income bands.

Not a lot, but this is not the whole story.

Spain, in fact, has 18 tax systems!

Each of the 17 Autonomous Communities has the right to modify the basic system set by central Government and you can imagine

YOU!

how irresistible this temptation must be for politicians. So we have the national system plus the 17 separate regional systems.

Some would say, playing with taxes is almost as irresistible as dipping fingers into the public purse!

In March, May and September of 2015, the various regions or naciones as some prefer, also had their parliamentary elections. Some strange coalitions have already emerged.

A few examples: The Balearics dumped the PP for a coalition of the left comprising PSOE, Podemos and the regional MES. The PP lost out in Valencia to a coalition comprising PSOE and the regional party Compromís. In Andalucía the PSOE remains dominant (now 35 years in power!), but only with the support of the new centre right party Ciudadanos. Very odd.

We can be certain that these political marriages will produce changes to taxation.

Even if the swing left has not been determinant, the influence of Podemos (Reportedly of neoTrotskyist flavour) and the populist regional parties (mostly friends of Podemos) will not be good news for the tax system. This has already influenced inheritance tax in the Balearics, which was 99% exempt for family members.

Now inheritances over €700.000 will be taxed at up to 20%.

In Valencia, the nationally set €700.000 Wealth Tax exemption has actually been reduced to €600.000. A glaring example of left wing tokenism that will generate virtually nothing in extra tax.

So the illustrious naciones of Spain will tweak

taxes so that the politicians can puff up their chests and announce to the world that they are fulfilling their sacred promises.

What is the real effect of all this messing about with taxes? Chaos and negativity, upsetting more foreigners who will chose tax residence in Portugal, UK, Gibraltar, etc. In other words, less tax revenue for Spain.

For Spanish citizens who do not have the advantage of being able to move country, it’s not surprising that the favourite sport is not actually football but tax errmmm… planning.

So where in Spain is it best to live? Madrid, undoubtedly, as has been the case for many years. Wealth tax remains 100% exempt, inheritance tax 99% exempt for families, and the income tax system is the best in the country.

Which is the worst place to live? With the recent political changes, it’s now looking like Valencia, the Balearics and Andalucía will be jostling for this honour.

Which areas of Spain need residential tourism most? Why, of course, Valencia, the Balearics and Andalucía!

You have to ask yourself whether politicians live in our universe. I wish they didn’t! g For details on Spain’s 18 tax systems,

I point readers to our webpage spenceclarke.com/taxtables/2016/ Alistair Spence Clarke, FCA Spence Clarke & Co, Chartered Accountants, Marbella. www.spenceclarke.com

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THE PRO business

Ideas come to everyone - every day we sleep and wake up with new ideas. The universe provides us with an endless possibility of things to do, create and invent. Good ideas are not confined to entrepreneurs like Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk or Larry Page. We are all blessed with many things including the capacity to think, evaluate and envisage. Each one of us deals with problems on a daily basis and often it is these problems that help us come up with the ideas that can enable us to overcome them. WORDS ALI PARANDEH

The Ingredients For A Successful Business

&

PASSION VISION

T

he recent global recession saw many people out of jobs with numerous companies and self-employed workers suffering from a reduction in income. Lots of those people who left their jobs have now set up on their own, providing a new service or something similar while many of the companies have had to adapt, come up with new ideas, products and revenue models or face death.

While I may be generalising, the fact is that this is true for many people and my company and I are no exceptions. While I started a successful IT company in early 2000, the recession meant that quite a few of my employees were made redundant; some left to other jobs and some set up on their own, our revenues dropped and we had to reinvent ourselves with a new team.

You may find yourself somewhere within a similar process. In this, my new series of articles, I intend to write about ways that will help you plan your next big idea. My primary aim is to help you avoid the mistakes I made along my path and to help

you achieve your true potential. Of course, the information and advice I will be giving will be general, but I will do my best to make sure that it is useful and relevant.

Let’s talk about your idea now. It might be opening a new restaurant, clothes shop, an online website or offering general professional services. When the idea comes to you, you get excited and this passion will be what will drive you for the first few weeks, months or even years.

You must make sure that you keep your focus and don’t let your passion drift away or die.

Over the past two years, I have been presenting a talk for entrepreneur groups entitled ‘Passion & Vision’ and I believe these are the most important ingredients for any successful business.

Depending on how innovative and how radical your idea is, you will find resistance and many will try to stop you and advise you against it.

My advice? If you have done your homework right and your heart says do it, then ignore what you hear out there.

I regretted many times the ideas that I left behind before 2005. From then on, despite all the wise men, and notwithstanding the many setbacks along the way, I pushed on. If your idea also happens to be something innovative, prepare yourself for these kinds of setbacks. Innovation is hard work and you will have many false starts. The wilder your idea, the harder to convince people of its use, benefits and so on. One of my favourite quotes is from Henry Ford.

When talking about his Model T car, he said, “If I had to ask people what they want, they would have said give me a faster horse”. And that sums it up for me. What matters most is that you should be sure about your idea, based on your facts and figures. If you are convinced about your concept, then you should have the passion to see it through and if you lose faith in your own idea, along with it you will lose your passion.

If you have the passion, you are already well on track. You just need one more thing: vision. Vision is the result, it is defined by what you intend to achieve with your idea. It is this

vision that will help you plan ahead and it is vision that should allow you to change your path. In order to get from A to B, you may have to deviate from your path many times, you may even have to fine-tune the final destination several times, but it will be your passion that will keep you going and it is your vision that will help you plan this route.

Before you begin, start with a plan.

Define why you are so passionate about this idea; decide why you want to do this, how and in what time frame. Write your ideas down on paper along with all the information you have and, eventually, all this data will form part of your business plan.

Passion and Vision indeed are the two most important ingredients for any entrepreneur and start-up. g Ali Parandeh, is the Founder of PC Doctor & Urbytus. He has written five books in the fields of Internet and Biotechnology. He is currently an independent mentor at the Founder Institute and helps entrepreneurs with getting their ideas and work off the ground. parandeh@urbytus.com

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“Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day” – Jim Rohn

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PHOTOGRAPHY courtesy of abn amro private banking 2/23/16 12:47 PM

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THE LEISURE travel

LIFE ON THE

RED CARPET As we’ve seen recently, life on the rep carpet isn’t all fun and games, yet the world’s leading film festivals remain among the most glamorous and eagerly awaited events on the planet.

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ

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The Oscars, known officially as the Academy Awards, is the original version of the film festivals that now grace the world. Venice, Cannes and even Marbella have their own glamorous red carpet events, but the Oscars remain the ultimate film awards – a star-studded get together that is beamed to more than a billion people in over 200 countries each year. First held in 1929, it was televised from 1953 onwards, and has since become one of the greatest art-related events on the calendar, complete with thousands of fans lining the red carpet for a glimpse of their silver screen heroes.

The awarding is done by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which bestows the Academy Award of Merit – the golden Art Deco statuette otherwise known as the Oscar – to those it believes have achieved cinematic excellence. In reality there are many categories, from Best Writing, Best Original Song and Best Visual Effects to Best Production Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Animated Feature, but most attention goes out to the winners of Best Film, Best Director and Best Actor/Actress, while many a nation takes great pride in scooping Best Foreign Language Film.

This year’s 88th annual awards have drawn criticism and the threat of boycotts by AfricanAmerican actors as the latter perceive the event to be ‘lily white’. It has resulted in a call for structural diversity to be enforced by 2020, a situation that has yet to affect the Grammy Awards, the music industry’s equivalent of the Oscars. It is not the first time the Academy Awards have been surrounded by controversy, and most likely not the last, but regardless of this the event continues to enthral hundreds of millions of people around the world that share a love of film, celebrity and the glamour of the classic big red carpet event. And as red carpet events go, Hollywood’s showpiece is still the ultimate.

ACADEMY

AWARDS

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VENICE

FILM FESTIVAL

Hot on the heels of the Academy Awards, the Venice Film Festival was first held in 1932 – and is also the reason its Cannes counterpart shifted its agenda from autumn to spring. Like Cannes, Venice is a dream location for such an event, complete with glamorous speedboats and gondolas that deliver their famous passengers to venues dotted around this watery paradise. The oldest and therefore original film festival in the world, it forms part of a greater whole, the Venice Biennale. This wide-ranging festival celebrating art in its many forms was first inaugurated in 1895, and includes art, music, dance, theatre, a highly prestigious architectural exhibition and, of course, the famous film festival.

As such, it is a total celebration for the senses, be they visual or sensory, and a better location for it could hardly exist. Many an iconic image has been captured here as Audrey Hepburn stepped off a gondola or George Clooney and his bride Amal Alamuddin glided through the silvery water in a classic speedboat. Indeed, red carpets do not come much more glamorous than this, and in true Italian style the main Golden Lion Award for Best Film is one of a long pantheon of prizes that carry such exotic names as the Volpi Cup, the Golden Osella and of course the Silver Lion.

The winged lion statue of the latter is inspired by the centuries-old symbol of the Venetian Republic, whose grandeur is revived in style by the ancient city’s magnificent Biennale.

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CANNES

FILM FESTIVAL The Cannes Film Festival as we know it was first held in 1946, though its origins date back to 1932. Thanks in part to its seductive setting on the French Riviera, it is the red carpet event to challenge the glamour of the Oscars – and just as good an opportunity to spot the acting world’s elite in their designer finery. Known officially until 2002 as the Festival International du Film, and since then by its more colloquial name, the Festival de Cannes is considered the most prestigious of all film festivals. It arrives with the Riviera sun as spring gives way to summer, creating a rather sensual scene dominated by palm-lined avenues and beachside promenades that – along with the nearby yachts and exclusive nightclub events – provide a rich source of photo shoot opportunities.

The Cannes Film Festival is truly international, so expect not only French stars and jury members, but also the greatest names from Hollywood, Bollywood and the best Europe has to offer. This makes it an important event for Hollywood A-listers, who are no doubt the biggest draw for the thousands of fans that throng the edges of the red carpet, yet the Cannes Film Festival is also an important showcase for European and of course French films. The coveted Palme d’Or they compete for is awarded at a star-studded ceremony held at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. Unlike the Academy Awards, Cannes has a less rigid format that focuses more on the celebration and screening of films as a whole rather than the bestowing of awards to the different categories that go into their making. Herein lies the essential difference between the Oscars and the film festival format, yet if anything it adds to the artistic glamour of events like the Festival de Cannes.

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B E R L I N INTERNATIONAL

FILM FESTIVAL Although officially known in German as the Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin, this event first held in 1951 draws inspiration from Venice’s Biennale in being dubbed the Berlinale by the public. The biggest film festival in actual scale, it boasts hundreds of thousands of spectators watching over 400 films and attending dozens of events throughout the city. Only 20 films compete for the Golden and Silver Bear awards in a city that has become one of the world’s most dynamic centres for art.

In true German style, though, there is also a businesslike side to the event, as it is held simultaneously with an important film industry fair called the European Film Market, which makes the most of the concentration of talent, investors and decision-makers present in one spot in Berlin each February. There are many fine screening venues across the city, but the Berlinale Palast is home to the ultimate red carpet event in what is one of the most up-and-coming film festivals in the world.

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SUNDANCE

FILM FESTIVAL

With the Sundance, the celebration of film comes full circle, back to the USA. However, unlike many of the famous film festivals around the world, it focuses more on an independent Indie scene than on classical glamour and red carpet celebrity worshipping.

More hippie than exclusive in spirit, it eschews Hollywood for Park City, Utah, and prides itself on being independent and representing the free spirit of artistic pursuit. As a result, it especially values experimentation and the breaking of new boundaries in cinematic art, often positioning itself against the more commercial interests that produce the bulk of Hollywood’s output.

A vital ingredient in the Sundance’s success and cool appeal has been the ongoing input of Robert Redford, whose roll in the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid inspired the name that became official in 1991. Though focusing on American movies and talent, the Sundance Film Festival travelled to London’s O2 Arena in 2012 for its first excursion outside of the United States. As Redford said at the time, “It is our mutual goal to bring to the UK, the very best in current American independent cinema, to introduce the artists responsible for it, and in essence help build a picture of our country that is broadly reflective of the diversity of voices not always seen in our cultural exports.” Such has been the success of this concept that other festivals have sprung up around its main venue in Utah, including Slamdance, Nodance, Slumdance and It-dance.

Whether you prefer the glamour and excitement of a red carpet event, the artsy atmosphere of classic film festival screenings, the rock concert feel of the Sundance or the Hollywood showcase of the year that is the Oscars, it will not only reflect whether you are a true movie enthusiast or more of a celebrity chaser, but also define your own personal experience of the big screen – an art form that was born barely a century ago and continues to enthral us just as much today. e

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THE LEISURE hotel

Savouring the Glamour of the City of Stars

at L’HErmitage Beverly Hills WORDS Marisa CUTILLAS Photography Courtesy of Viceroy Hotel Group

W

hen it comes to hotels that exude elegance and luxury in Los Angeles, few quite make the top of the list as often as L’Hermitage Beverly Hills. The Hotel has always been a revered getaway for those seeking the utmost in privacy – thus, stars like Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor have once called this hotel home, keen to evade the paparazzi while recovering from a surgical procedure, or to soothe body and mind in times of stress. The Hotel is also famed for its rooftop pool, where actors, models and producers congregate to catch a few rays and do a little business over a cosmopolitan or margarita.

The Hotel’s outdoor patio and Lounge are frequently peppered with entrepreneurs whose vision gives life to the movies that make or break careers and keep worldwide audiences glued to the screen.

L’Hermitage Beverly Hills offers a taste of the ‘suite life’, with spacious accommodation boasting features such as walk-in closets, cosy dining and living rooms and private balconies. The Hotel is an ideal choice if you are visiting Los Angeles during Oscar season, since

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in the Spring, it will be unveiling some 116 new suites, newly designed public areas and a new restaurant.

The suites are spacious, starting at approximately 60m2 in size. The interiors are dominated by subtle colours, accented with provocative hues and metallic textures. Lavish Venetian-cut glass mirrors reflect caramel-hued walls, brightly shining with grey and golden sparkles.

In the bedroom, floor-to-ceiling headboards in velvet and suede are surrounded by white onyx and grey marble, as well as eclectic art pieces and cutting edge technology.

The dressing room, housing a plethora of mirrors with indoor and outdoor settings, and a spacious walk-in closet, is the ideal spot to don your sexiest designer dress and check that your make-up is just right. In the lead-up to your big event, enjoy a workout at the technologically savvy gym or ‘get your sexy back’ with a rejuvenating facial or relaxing body treatment at the spa.

Kara Smith, Director of SFA Design (the luxury design house that gave life to the Hotel’s new look) explains the firm’s inspiration:

“Suite designs were infused with a modern interpretation of the blend of indulgence and sanctuary for which the hotel is famed. The fusion of colors, textures, and curated artwork deliver that perfect realisation of the hotel you always wanted to stay in, the home you always wanted to live in, and the space you love to entertain in.”

The Hotel is proud to announce the opening of a new quintessentially French bistro called Avec Nous, helmed by famed Chef, Olivier Quignon. The restaurant brings a fresh Saint-Tropez vibe to the hotel, where Spanish and Italian culinary traditions are married to the Chef’s French influences. Classic and modern inspirations abound,

with European spices lending a zing to healthy local produce.

The Chef is also introducing an extensive homemade charcuterie selection, perfect with a glass of wine or two in good company.

The ambience promises to be refined yet casual, so that couples, friends and business associates alike can feel like this is their own private spot. Cocktails are a big priority here – even the savviest of guests will be surprised by modern reinterpretations of classic cocktails such as the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, etc. Wine lovers won’t be disappointed either; there is an extensive private glass wine cellar with its own Chef’s table, dreamed up for private group gatherings and exclusive tastings. Plans are also underway to open a chic new restaurant in the lobby.

Space, design and beauty are qualities which abound at L’Hermitage but we mustn’t forget one of its strongest drawing factors: its discretion. The Hotel is located in a quiet area of Beverly Hills, where celebrities can feel free to let their hair down and enjoy the good life they have worked so hard to achieve.

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met

RESTAURANTS / REVIEWS / NEWS / WINE / CHEFS / GUIDE

It’s all about grills this month, as we review culinary paradises, La Parrilla Grill on the Golden Mile and the T-Bone Grill at the Meliá Don Pepe Hotel. We also learn what it was like for talented Chef, Mauricio Giovanini, to receive his first Michelin star, and zoom off to the Great Barrier Reef with Kevin Woodford.

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La Parrilla Grill

143 T-Bone Grill 145 Besaya Beach 146 Food News 148 Kevin Woodford’s The Whitsundays 150 Chef’s Profile: Mauricio Giovanini of Messina 152 Wine: Priorato – Stairway to Heaven 154 Customised Bodegas

2/23/16 3:08 PM

restaurant THE GOURMET

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

Keeping Up With the Times

LA PARRILLA GRILL

M

arbella may be hitting a high in the gastronomic circuit these days, but discerning connoisseurs know there has been a handful of restaurants that have been serving world class cuisine for over 25 years. La Parrilla Grill (formerly known as El Portalón) is no less than an icon on the Coast, famed for delivering traditional Spanish dishes (Galician steaks, top-of-the-range jamón ibérico, an impressive wine collection comprising some of the most exclusive wines in the world, as well as more affordable bottles…).

La Parrilla Grill has kept the restaurant’s most praised features – a stunning wood fire chimney in the centre of the inside dining area, fit for a palace, a hand crafted wooden beamed ceiling, heavy solid wood beams – yet added a younger, jovial touch via a wooden decked outdoor seating area, pristine white tables and chairs (graced with vivid green fabric) and trendy barrel tables painted a joyful sky blue. There is also a cosy new lounge area inside.

The restaurant has always been known for its exquisite cuts of meat, but has livened (and lightened) up the menu, with an array of additional dishes in which fish and seafood play a starring role, and which are

perfect for sharing. He has installed large oak wood grills at the rear of the restaurant, which can be viewed as clients pull into the carpark. Old arches have been knocked down, dark colours replaced and windows fitted to let in joyful floods of natural light.

The owner met my dining companions and I with his usual cheer; you’d be hard pressed to find someone who knows more about Spain’s best food and wine, and his passion for perfection is present in everything from the wonderful service to the presentation and flavour of the dishes. We started out with a treat that was new to us: pancetta sandwiches, almost paper thin, amazingly crisp and tasty. This was one of the few non sea-based dishes we tried. Soon, an array of freshly caught delights began emerging from the kitchen.

We had great fun peeling scarlet-hued Malagueño prawns, and gently prying rock mussels (smaller and finer in texture than traditional mussels), steamed to perfection, from their shells. One must-try dish is the wood-grilled octopus, served as an entire tentacle which we delighted in slicing for ourselves. The smoky flavour and tender texture left us speechless

and opened our appetites to dishes such as baby clams, bathed in a green sauce made with white wine and garlic. My colleagues and I dipped pieces of recently made bread into the sauce, savouring the slightly piquant flavour and deciding to forego our carb counting for such a worthy cause.

One dish that was new to us is a classic delicacy in Spain – cocochas (or hake cheeks), wonderfully tender and swimming in a buttery, herby sauce that really hit the spot on the cold winter’s day that it was.

Next up were a few meat dishes: a delightful tartare, given the seal of approval by a veritable expert: my Hungarian dining companion, Andrea. The key to good tartare is to ensure it is exciting – flavours like onion, gherkins, mustard, ensure the dish is anything but bland. The next platter reminded me of my earliest years in Spain, when I first visited Segovia (a town famed for its exquisite oven-roasted suckling pig).

At La Parrilla Grill, the meat was cooked to perfection – crisp and light on the outside and soft and succulent on the inside. We washed down these hearty treats with a full bodied Izadi Rioja, one of the bottles on the ‘Special Wines of the

g Open daily for lunch and dinner. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, Marbella. Tel: 952 827 880. www.laparrillagourmet.com 199 ReR Parrilla.indd 141

Month’ list, which features a host of excellent selections for under €20 a bottle.

The last dish was impressive indeed: a whole sea bream, served a la Bilbaína (a simple sauce containing olive oil, garlic, parsley and just a swig of vinegar). Sea bream is a strong-flavoured fish, and, when wild, as tender and light as can be.

We ended our meal on a sweet note: with the classic Spanish torrija (akin to French toast but with a lovely caramelised top) and apple pie – full of wholesome chunks of seasonal apples.

La Parrilla Grill has always been a guaranteed pleaser for sophisticated diners yet now, its sea-inspired menu and youthful tapas area promise to also make it an ideal stop for those seeking tapas and wine for a short business meeting or for a get-together with friends. The selection of tapas is impressive, including boquerones, dill marinated salmon, homemade paté, red Barbate tuna and so much more. The restaurant opens from 1pm onwards and the kitchen doesn’t close ‘til late, so you can always walk in and be embraced by the warmth of the fire and the dedicated staff.

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restaurant THE GOURMET

Flame Grilled Perfection at

THE T-BONE GRILL Gran Meliá Don Pepe

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN AND COURTESY OF THE T-BONE GRILL, GRAN MELIÁ DON PEPE

T

hose who are familiar with the smoky aroma of fine grilled meats know that in Spain, the Gorrotxategi name is paramount. Matías Gorrotxategi is a veritable icon, thanks in no small part to his grill, Casa Julián de Tolosa, founded in 1951 in Tolosa, Guipúzcoa and boasting a unique grilling technique, which relies on vegetable-based carbon blocks, each of which weighs an incredible one kilogram and boasts a height of 4cm. Casa Julián de Tolosa was referred to by renowned gastronomic critic, Rafael García Santos, as “the Sistine Chapel of the T-bone steak” and, in Marbella, its culinary tradition is carried out by Matías’ son, Iñaki, who is in charge of the grill at the Gran Meliá Resort Don Pepe, smack bang on Marbella’s Golden Mile.

Added to the magical equation is Victor Carracedo, the Chef, who is a master at finding the perfect equilibrium between tradition and innovation.

The restaurant is as much a bastion of fine grilled delights as it is of elegance and warmth; live fire features carefully contained behind framed glass walls delight the sense of sight and remind us that despite the elegant sculptures and décor, long-stemmed crystal glasses and chic contemporary furniture, this is every inch a grill and ultimately, a meat lover’s Paradise T-Bone Grill recently invited members of the press to a wonderful lunch in which magnificent Moët Champagne flowed and conversation was

enjoyed, as we sampled some of the season’s best delights. We started out with grilled oysters, a lovely way to enjoy this fresh-fromthe-sea treat during the cooler months. We then tucked into crisp seasonal vegetables ‘en escabeche’, bearing a slightly tart flavour that really whetted our appetites. The ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ began pouring forth with the arrival of a soulsoothing verdinas en salsa verde con almejas (white beans in a green sauce infused with lemongrass and served with clams). Home cooked goodness is a characteristic of many dishes at the T-Bone Grill, and winter is the ideal season to experience it to its full.

The star of the meal was undoubtedly the jarrete de ternera (beef shin), oven roasted for an incredible 20 hours at just 72ºC. The meat fell of the bone and was beautifully accompanied by sides such as blanched veggies and a creamy potato mash. The staff (including maitre’d, Oliver) was attentive throughout, ensuring our wine glasses were always topped up with a rich, full-bodied Vino Los Frontones, whose D.O. is none other than ‘Málaga’. The wine collection is impressive, a fine crystal display revealing bottles of Pintia, Numanthia and Pingus, and many others. There are internationally renowned labels as well as wines from nearby areas such as Ronda, which is fast gaining an excellent reputation among wine critics.

Finally, we tucked into an amazing dessert by Belgian sweet

house: Darcis. This confectioner of all things sinfully good is known for its macarons, chocolates and delicate sweets and, they did not disappoint on this occasion, with a dessert simply called Cacahuetes: a blend of mousse and caramel that was light but decadent enough to end our meal on a sweet note.

While meat is the logical protagonist at the T-Bone Grill, there are many other exquisite temptations on the menu; starters include Caviar from Riofrio (served with blinis and sour cream), Iberian ham (with sponge bread, natural tomato and extra virgin olive oil), carpaccio, cheese and cold cut

g Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ José Meliá s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 300. www.melia.com 199 ReR.indd 143

platters, and many dishes bearing a northern influence. Main meals include everything from rice and stews, to lasagne, vegetable dishes and of course, a wide range of grilled dishes (e.g. grilled wagyu beef, ribeye and Freisian cow beef fillet).

The T-Bone Grill strikes me as the ideal place for a wonderfully filling, healthy meal and an excellent glass of wine alongside friends and family. Top rated service is married to great design and meals whose ingredients are sourced and prepared with a true commitment to excellence. What else could a diner hope for?

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restaurant THE GOURMET

Beachside with Style

One of life’s pleasures is to enjoy the Marbella beachside on a sunny day. Besaya Beach allows you to do just that in a stylish setting that has ‘classic Marbella’ written all over it.

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he location, at the beginning of the Golden Mile’s exclusive seaside area, could not be better. Though there is a stretch of beach and people use the promenade, this is a rather secluded spot where the main presence is that of the open Mediterranean. The latter also forms the logical inspiration for a large part of the cuisine on offer at Besaya Beach, and a restaurant carrying that name sets the bar high in terms of quality and creativity.

The combination of prime seaside setting and the Besaya brand of ambience, service and cuisine is a winning one, making the restaurant a great option for both lunch and in the summer dinner.

Diners have the choice between the more informal terrace and the tastefully decorated interior, which connects with a bar and allows you to see the chefs at work. On a mild winter’s day we opted for the dining room, where panoramic windows ensure you lose none of the visual impact of this stunning location.

MAINTAINING A NAME Besaya Beach has an enviable reputation to uphold, for it is the beach restaurant of the famous Finca

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN Besaya and in so doing, continues a long tradition of fine dining on this very spot. As such, the restaurant offers one of the finest seaside dining experiences anywhere in Marbella, so expectations were high.

I’m glad to say they were met, for the service is attentive in that efficient and friendly way that adds to the dining experience, and the menu offers a good variety of tempting options.

Naturally the main focus at a restaurant in a setting such as this is fish and seafood, but though it specialises in creating beautiful dishes of this kind, you couldn’t describe Besaya Beach as a fish restaurant. For that, the offer is too broad, as meat eaters and even vegetarians are in no way left out.

The latter will be especially pleased with the creative options available among the starters, which include a wonderfully creamy broccoli soup with gingerbread croutons and a mixed grill of Mediterranean vegetables.

In a restaurant of this standing even the bread, olive oil and salt is presented with style, and Besaya Beach catches the attention with details of this kind. We chose a

verdejo from Rueda, a light, delicate wine that is also the house white. It went especially well with the wild salmon sashimi, a fresh dish of artichoke hearts, seaweed and the tangerine-coloured wild salmon, sprinkled with a clear, spicy sauce. In texture and flavour the wild salmon is the real thing, making this a very authentic Japanese dish.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE You can’t help but feel relaxed and rather privileged as you enjoy a meal like this while taking in a broad sweep of the Mediterranean Sea between Marbella and Puerto Banús.

The wine goes down especially well here, as you look forward to the next course. A far cry from your usual seaside spots, Besaya Beach is the classic Marbella way to experience beachside dining in style, and the staff do their best to make you feel at home and looked after. The main ingredient in this particular mix, however, is the chef, who crafts such dishes as caramelised black cod served with wild asparagus.

Simple and beautifully presented, this is one of the signature dishes of the restaurant, offering the flavour of the sea in a creative and skilful way.

The many meat eaters out there won’t be left out thanks to options like the prime cut beef fillet Rossini with foie gras. Made for someone with a healthy appetite, this is a wonderfully prepared cut of quality meat on a bed of wild vegetables in a port wine jus. Making such a dish hearty without it being too filling is the art of a good chef, and though you are not served a minimalist helping, you have enough appetite left to want a dessert.

To deny yourself the latter would be a pity, for Besaya Beach scores very high in this regard too.

Almost every dessert on the menu appealed to me, including such innovative interpretations as Tarte Tatin with Cinnamon Ice Cream, but in the end we chose a wonderful strawberry nougat glacé and an equally delightful passion fruit panna cotta on a plate of pineapple snippets. The latter were just right – neither too sweet nor sour – while the texture and flavour of the panna cotta was perfect! To linger for a drink after your meal is another of life’s pleasures, and where better to do it than enjoying the view and ambience of one of Marbella’s finest seaside restaurants?

BESAYA BEACH

g Urb. Coral Beach, Km 176, Marbella.Tel: 952 777 299. www.besayabeach.com 199 ReR Besaya.indd 145

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THE GOURMET news

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

BĀ Japanese Restaurant Opens at Plaza Malagueta If you’ve been to Málaga lately then you were probably pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of chic culinary fare offered by a plethora of new, gorgeously designed restaurants. BĀ is one of these. The restaurant blends Japanese tradition with Malagueño products, offering a whole new concept in fusion cuisine. The seasonal menu offers delights like uramaki soft shell crab, tanuki udon and secreto robata. g The restaurant opens from Monday to Saturday from 1pm to 4pm and 8:30pm to 12am. Plaza de la Malagueta 4, Málaga.

Tel: 951 776 071. www.grupogorki.com

Enrico Corradin of

Trocadero Arena Marbella Wins Cocktail Competition Talented barman, Enrico Corradin of Trocadero Arena in Marbella, recently took home the prize at the regional semifinals of World Class – considered the most important cocktail competition in the world. Competing barmen took part in a Mindful Drinking challenge, in which they were asked to use autumn/ winter ingredients, including Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, Cardhu Gold Reserve, Talisker, Bulleit Bourbon, etc. Enrico’s cocktail, called The Woodcutter, contains a blend of Zacapa 23 rum, blended with chestnut salt, bay leaf and rosemary. i www.trocaderoarena.com

Les Deux Opens at the Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa

Les Deux is Marbella’s new haven for the ultimate sweet experience, situated within the shopping gallery of the Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa. Serving all the delights your heart desires, the shop offers everything from French macarons to couture chocolate and treats with a difference all made daily on the premises. Les Deux will also be launching its own crêperie on their lovely terrace, so make sure to stop by and enjoy this Parisian Delight! i www.puenteromano.com

Mos Eisley: Chic New Restaurant Now in Marbella Tapas Competition Takes Over Málaga

The fifth edition of the Concurso de Tapas Málaga en la Mesa (organised by SUR), took place from February 26 to March 13, with one laudable aim: to find the best single tapa in the whole of Málaga. Around 100 Chefs signed up for the challenge, seeking to surprise and delight diners who agreed that often, the best dishes are served on small plates. The winner took home €4.000 in advertising in SUR Multimedia, and the people’s choice won €2.000.

Mos Eisley is a stylish new family restaurant/bar opened by Julie Campbell at the El Pilar Urbanisation. Chef Enrique, from Bilbao, has introduced the top 25 superfoods onto the menu, which boasts a plethora of delicious, well sourced, affordable choices for health conscious diners. The restaurant has an enchanted forest playroom where children can enjoy themselves with supervised activities such as arts and crafts, pizza and cupcake making or karaoke with Elsa, while parents enjoy the ambience of the orange tree fountained courtyard or their sun-drenched terrace. g Urb. El Pilar (opposite The Senator Banus Hotel), C/ Ojén, km 166, Edif.

Bena Pilar 6 & 7 (Next door to Peggotty’s), Marbella. Tel: 951 196 609. www.mos-eisleyrestaurant.com

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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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© Gary Edwards

THE GOURMET

WORDS KEVIN WOODFORD

When informed by my Executive producer at the BBC that I was to ‘pop over to Australia’ to cover a story about the Whitsundays, she omitted to mention that it was a direct flight to Brisbane from London, followed by an immediate short hop over to Hamilton Island.

THE WHITSUNDAYS T

hus after an arduous 23 hour journey, I arrived at my hotel ( Qualia) in the dark and climbed into bed exhausted.

Needless to say I was deeply regretting that I’d agreed to do the job in the first place. However, upon waking the following morning to the stunning view from my bedroom, I thought I’d died and gone to heaven!

With its fantastic location right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, a wide choice of quality restaurants, plus activities that include outstanding golf, Hamilton Island is undoubtedly the ultimate tropical getaway. Indeed the late great Beatle, George Harrison, had a deep love for Hamilton and spent many happy times at his beautiful house there, which he wittily named 52 Let’s be Avenue!

Hamilton is not just for the wealthy though and has a great variety of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets. However in my opinion Qualia (voted the best resort in the world by Conde Naste Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards) is quite simply outstanding and

for those looking for something other than another five star resort loaded with touristy facilities, this is the perfect retreat. With its understated luxury and impeccable service, it is a truly special place to unwind.

Situated at the northern tip of Hamilton Island, Qualia is a completely private hideaway that can only be accessed by guests of the resort. The accommodation, or freestanding pavilions as they are referred to, all have amazing views over the Coral Sea and are framed by lush tropical gardens. Each pavilion has its own infinity-edge pool or private terrace and allows you complete privacy from the outside world.

In addition, the resorts Spa is the perfect place to restore those aching muscles after an arduous long haul flight or challenging round of golf. As for food, the Long Pavilion restaurant lives up to the excellent reputation that Australia has for fusion cuisine.

By using Hamilton Island as a base for exploring the Whitsundays it is possible to take full advantage

of everything this part of the world has to offer.

From the resort you can either take a helicopter or speedboat to the spectacular Whitehaven beach and spend the day swimming and sunbathing. The resort will happily provide you with a picnic and waterproof mobile phone to call for the helicopter or speedboat to return you to the hotel. Whitehaven has been described as one of the most stunning beaches in the world with its perfect soft white sand and clear turquoise sea and for me its reputation is well earned.

However, for most people the reason for being in the Whitsundays is to experience the awesome Great Barrier Reef. Hamilton is the perfect base to take full advantage of this amazing ‘wonder of the world’, due to its close proximity to the very best dive areas. A short boat ride and you are able to spend the day swimming, snorkelling and diving alongside the most spectacular marine life.

One of the most popular facilities for the more adventurous visitor is Reef World. This floating

lagoon gives you the option of spending more time exploring the reef and it really is a unique experience.

As for accommodation, there’s the basic but comfortable air conditioned cabin, but why would you want that when you can can choose to sleep in a swag under the stars.

This would definitely make it a two centre holiday with a difference!

g Kevin is an Internationally renowned chef, former Head of Department for one the UK’s most prestigious Colleges of Higher Education and more latterly one of the BBC’s most versatile television presenters, having presented Holiday, Ready Steady Cook, Can’t Cook, Won’t Cook, Big Kevin, Little Kevin, Planet Cook, The Heaven & Earth Show and a host of other network shows. He was the recipient of a National Television Award and the subject of This is Your Life and acts as a consultant to several International Hospitality Companies. Kevin Woodford is also a Presenter at BBC Watchdog.

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THE GOURMET profile

Mauricio Giovanini of

Messina Delving into the World of Textures

WORDS Marisa CUTILLAS

Photography kevin horn

If you are a keen foodie then you are undoubtedly aware of the granting of a new Michelin star in Marbella to Mauricio Giovanini’s Messina: the elegant restaurant in which Mauricio plays the role of Chef and his wife Pía Ninci, that of Maitre’d and Sommelier. The star may still be shining brightly with its novelty, but locals always identified Messina as one of the top establishments for fine dining on the Costa del Sol, as a restaurant where meticulously prepared and refreshingly creative cuisine is married to service that is, quite simply, unique, and not the least bit snobby. We recently caught up with Mauricio, who could hardly contain his excitement after having achieved the highly merited star.

Tell us what receiving Messina’s first Michelin star was like!

The star was awarded to us in Santiago de Compostela at the Palacio Dos Reis Católicos. They only extend the invite to one person so I was alone, but I was connected via telephone to the entire staff, who were eagerly awaiting the news at the restaurant. This year, the gala wasn’t live streamed, so Pía and the team had to rely on my live updates.

I would speak into the microphone telling them what was going on.

Eventually, I disconnected the phone as I nervously awaited whether or not they would call the name ‘Messina’.

When they did I felt a tremendous sense of joy. I have dedicated my life to cooking for almost 20 years so to finally receive the star was immensely gratifying.

Did you manage to do a bit of sightseeing in Santiago de Compostela?

Yes, the Michelin organisation did a great job of taking us sightseeing and I was able to network with lots of other Chefs. Everyone from Arzak to Carme Ruscalleda and Martín Berasategui were there and all the invited Chefs enjoyed a meal in which we did more talking than eating!

Tell us about your current gastronomic philosophy…

We are working on creating novel, creamy textures using new

ingredient combinations. I don’t mind sacrificing the aesthetics for textures that bring emotions to the palate.

One ingredient we are using a lot in our experimentation is macadamia – we are creating new crèmes that we serve, for instance, atop a razor clam.

We also use macadamia crème to add texture to broth, or we whip it up to make cream.

Do you use animal-based ingredients to create new creamy textures as well?

Yes, we obtain gelatin from pig ears, to add texture to beef broth, for instance. Cod bladder, meanwhile, also contains a gelatin that creates a wonderful texture for soups, as do the flippers of manta rays. It takes hours to make the crèmes, and although they look quite simple in a dish, they add a unique texture and

flavour that makes every second of their preparation worthwhile.

What trends are you noticing on the current Spanish culinary scene?

We are definitely going back to the search for subtle, serious cooking with a good, solid foundation. There are always Chefs who aim for shock value, but most of us want to be taken seriously and that means pleasing the diner and meeting their expectations. When you are a young Chef, you tend to ‘pull out all the stops’ but as you mature, the surprise factor diminishes in importance.

What comments by diners most surprise you?

They often surprise me quite pleasantly, by saying that at Messina, the service is even better than the food! (Mauricio laughs). My wife,

Pía, is the Maitre’d and Sommelier and recently, she was one of three Maitre’ds asked to speak at Andalucía Sabor, where she shared tips on how to make the customer experience a truly excellent one.

Messina has never been a stuffy restaurant; our aim is to make diners feel comfortable. We are discrete but friendly; our hope is to make customers feel really at home, and Pía is a natural at the art of customer service. Our team is solid and has been described in the press as ‘moving as though they were part of a ballet performance.’ Most of our staff have been with us for many years and our unity shows in the service we provide.

Have you raised your prices since obtaining the Michelin star?

No, we were the same restaurant last year as we are now so raising the price doesn’t make sense.

However, since the awarding of the star, most people opt for our tasting menus (there is one, nine-dish menu and one 14-dish menu), which makes for a richer experience and is also better for Messina itself.

Congratulations once again to Mauricio, Pía and the team. We cannot think of any more worthy restaurant. Keep aiming for the stars! i www.restaurantemessina.com

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THE GOURMET wine

PRIORATO Stairway to Heaven

The comarca of Priorato is situated in the central mountainous zone of Tarragona province, traversed by the Siurana river and is a fascinating and picturesque region which may originally have been an inland sea, the evacuation of which gave rise to an intriguing mixture of both acid and alkaline soils, perhaps most typically llicorella – a dark, copper coloured, crumbly laminated slate which retains the limited rainfall most effectively.

T

he area’s vineyards are therefore traditionally planted on steep costers or terraces often so inaccessible that at least one producer uses surplus ex-military helicopters to ferry his grapes down from the heights.

The name of the region, meantime, comes from the monastery established in 1194 just up the hill from the tiny village of Scala Dei in the foothills immediately below the Montsant mountain range, which represents the area’s dramatic northern backbone

and limit; and the splendid history of the place is as follows.

The Carthusian Order, based in Provence, had essentially decided that they fancied an outpost in Catalonia; so King Alfonso II of Aragón (known as the Chaste or the Troubadour), also being the Count of Barecelona and the Count of Provence – under his ongoing efforts to achieve Pyrenean unity – sent two knights to scope out possibilities. Many moons later, struck by the beauty of this remote backwater, a local shepherd told them

about a pine tree that projected a staircase to heaven and the angels who could be seen trooping up and down.

The brothers duly migrated and from their lofty and most luxurious establishment set up an agricultural base that would hold total commercial sway until, in 1835, radical Spanish Minister of Finance Juan Álvarez Mendizábal – as part of a liberal programme that included the abolition of tithes and señoríos and at long last freedom of the press – decided to confiscate all the Church’s properties.

In Priorato, the locals, after centuries of servitude, sacked the main complex, leaving it in ruins, and the monks fled.

Thereafter, the region gradually declined, was hit by phylloxera at the end of the 19th century, and it was not until the 1950s that the one professional winery in the region – Scala Dei – began to flex its wings and, in addition to the region’s three classic grape varieties (Garnacha, Cariñena and Garnacha Blanca), after long trials, introduced Chenin Blanc.

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DO status was granted in 1954, but even by the late 1980s there was still only one further private winery to speak of (the most memorable and quirky Masia Barril, owned and run by an elderly visionary Madrid economist who was, though an outsider, far more enlightened than anyone locally) as the various village co-operatives who controlled the region concentrated their commercial efforts on selling bulk wine given the extraordinary intensity of the centenary Garnacha vineyards, largely in the hands of wizened old-timers.

The revolution that

would however change everything occurred in the early 1990s, when José Luis Peréz – lecturer at Spain’s only university to have a professional Oenology Department (Tarragona) – decided to have a long and concerted look at the region.

His extensive fieldwork resulted in a group of young Turks, that would include Álvaro Palacios and René Barbier, from pedigree wine backgrounds elsewhere, moving in and planting outside varieties such as Cabernet and Syrah with which to embroider the most excellent character of the

local offering.

This, as ever, in Spain – once these new wines were finally unleashed and the region’s true potential unveiled – resulted in a major second coming along the lines of Ribera del Duero, with the area under vine growing from approximately 1,800 hectares in 2008 to some 19,000 today.

The region was granted DOQ status in 2000, which is the highest possible status – the only other area to have attained it being Rioja, with its equivalent DOCa.

Splash out this Easter and try: Z RENÉ BARBIER CLOS NELIN 2011 (14%) This blend of Garnacha Blanca, Viognier and Pinot Noir is often still fab after 10 years in the bottle. Pale golden yellow (don’t be put off by its colour); it’s fresh yet densely textured, savoury, unctuous, and sinewy with great mouth feel and elements of white fruits, a touch of lemon, some minerality, good acid, and a most attractive suggestion of sweetness.

Z RENÉ BARBIER CLOS MOGADOR 2012 (14.5%) Garnacha, Cabernet, Syrah and Cariñena; lively cherry-red in hue, forthright aroma, ripe red fruits (strawberry and cherry), with a little chocolate and a touch of caramel.

Most appealing with gentle herbal notes and suggestions of toasty oak. Medium bodied, gentle, smooth and silky. An altogether elegant and super balanced treat with ever so smooth tannins.

Z ÁLVARO PALACIOS FINCA DOFÍ 2012 (14.5%) Such is Álvaro’s status that no one seems sure as to the precise blend for this vintage, though the general consensus is that it’s mostly old Garnacha with some 4% Cariñena.

This notwithstanding, in this brilliant ruby-coloured offering that borders on black, potent red berry liqueur and floral scents vie with deeper, mature notes of liquorice and cola, with a mineral nuance adding lift and focus. It takes a while to open up, but is ultimately sweet and expansive on the palate, offering concentrated but lively spicetinged raspberry and bitter cherry flavours with a touch of candied flowers, not to mention the agreeably integrated toasty oak. Silky tannins add shape to the extremely long, fruit-driven finish, which leaves a sexy spice cake note behind. e

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THE GOURMET wine

THE VISUAL CELEBRATION

OF WINE F

or centuries, wine was kept in a cellar, that uninviting cave into which you would descend to check up on, add to or indeed pillage your treasures of the vine from time to time. From grand chateaux to ‘contemporary’ villas, the natural temperature and humidity conditions of the manmade cave made it the unchallenged home of any collection that was worth the title.

Among the many changes the new millennium has brought is a volte-face in the very concept of what a wine cellar should, and indeed could be. New technologies have fed into a revolution in design, opening up untold possibilities for what was once a highly functional, if somewhat unpleasant space.

Today, the wine cellar is anything and everything you want it to be: a blending of form and function, a comfortable retreat in which to savour wine, a stunning design feature in its own right and a space that has moved away from the depths of the home and come right into its heart.

COLLECTING, INVESTING AND THE MODERN BODEGA Wine lovers have kept their prized collections in wine cellars since time immemorial, but in an era of unsettled and poorly yielding stock markets, wine has also gained great importance and popularity as a strongly performing source of investment. By its nature a noble

product, this is an investment that is also made to be enjoyed, cherished and beautifully presented – and modern bodegas offer the ideal way to do just that.

They are one of the style statements of today’s homes, and a truly inspiring example is the stunning wine cellar at the Rancho Grill restaurant in Las Chapas. Here owner Ghislain and sommelier Alfonso have created a masterpiece that is worthy of one of the finest wine collections of any restaurant in the region. “We originally built the bodega purely with the restaurant in mind,” says Alfonso, “but the reaction from many of our clients was to ask us to create such a feature in their home too.”

As Ghislain comes from a construction background, it was something well within his capabilities, so MarbeVinos was born. “We assembled a team of skilled technicians headed by a specialist architect and started creating contemporary wine cellars in a growing number of Marbella homes. The advantage of what we do is that it is entirely bespoke, so each and every wine cellar we build is not only made to measure but also entirely unique.” What’s more, it can come in any style, configuration or size the client desires, from clever use of space in the smallest apartment to a true temple dedicated to the nectar of the vine – as well as being

Wine cellars have come a long way from the dank underground caves they once were. For one thing, they are seldom found in a cellar these days, while style and technology collude to make the contemporary bodega an eye-catching celebration of wine in your home.

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

integrated into stunning modern kitchens.

The modern bodega is therefore not just about providing a place in which to keep wine, but about celebrating it visually, encased in glass and temperature controlled.

Integrated into a home’s domotic system, it provides the ideal storage conditions no matter where you choose to place it, thus setting it free from the confines of a dark basement. In fact, most contemporary wine cellars now have attractive lighting that can be changed according to the occasion or your mood. Such impressive modern design features that highlight your wine collection to great visual effect are now becoming popular in open-plan living, dining rooms and kitchens.

“We never planned this but we’re busy just responding to the demand that comes in through the restaurant and by word of mouth,” says Alfonso, who is also frequently called upon to stock the new bodegas with a fine wine collection to suit the owner’s taste and budget, as well as provide a firm investment that, if well-chosen, consistently outperforms the stock markets.

“Wine is becoming an increasingly popular investment,” says Ghislain, “especially because it is more secure than the unpredictable stock markets, and we have the expertise to advise our clients on the best investments in wine.”

The collections he sources for private clients combine great investment value with the passion for one of life’s greatest pleasures, and now feature not just French but also Spanish wines. The bodegas created by MarbeVinos have become so popular because they are so visually pleasing; each one is a unique one-off and there are virtually no limits to the flexibility offered in terms of design, features and function, plus it can all be completed at short notice. It seems that Marbella has discovered a new way to celebrate its love for fine things, and what could be nobler than to bring your passion for wine into the heart of your home. g MARBEVINOS

Tel: 676 011 785. Alfonso Rioboo Or visit Alfonso at Restaurant Rancho Grill, Las Chapas (exit Km 194). Tel: 952 831 922.

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

FRENCH Casa mono

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

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

LEs deux

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

Open daily from 10am to 8pm. At the Puente Romano Beach Resort. Tel: 951 194 760

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

Gluten-free celicioso

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

At the Puente Romano Hotel on the Golden Mile.

Tel: 952 820 900

GREEK Red Pepper

Open daily for both lunch and dinner.

Muelle Ribera, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 812 148

GRILLS

Asador Criollo Grill Open nightly for dinner. CN340-A7, km. 166,

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Cancelada, El Saladillo. Tel: 952 784 463

Asador guadalmina 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

Restaurante Rancho

Closed Wednesdays. C/ 4/5 Montemayor, Cancelada (opposite the Farmacia). Tel: 952 887 828

Al Rolo

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 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

INDIAN

Casares. Tel: 951 704 884

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

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

Tel: 952 839 458

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

Jaipur palace

alberts

Besaya Beach

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

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

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

amigos Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday.

C/ Málaga 3, Benahavis. Tel: 952 855 175

aroma

INTERNATIONAL

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

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 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

11&11 Restobar

baboo lounge and restaurant

Aidan’s bar & Grill

Bahia beach

Open Thursday to Tuesday for dinner from 5:30pm.

Open daily for lunch and dinner. CN340, km 146.5,

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.

Avda. Ramón Gómez de la Serna 23, Marbella.

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

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

€60 plus

Open Monday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. C.C. Azalea, Edif. A, CN340, km 173, Nueva Andalucía.

Tel: 951 339 309

Spa

Galeria San Pedro

Open daily for lunch and dinner. CN 340, km 199, Miraflores Playa, Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 587 550

El Bolero

EL OLIVO

Open from 11am until midnight. Closed Sundays. Avda Las Palmeras 15, San Pedro Alcántara.

Tel: 952 780 927

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 every night for dinner. Puerto Banús, Marbella.

Tel: 952 811 716

Open for breakfast every day. At the Kempinski Hotel Bahía Resort. CN 340, km. 159, Estepona.

Tel: 952 809 500

D-wine

El oceano beach hotel Restaurant &

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

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: 952 814 041

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 Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 822 211

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il mare Open every evening for dinner. Playa del Rodeo, Marbella. Tel: 951 319 372

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

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 Open daily for breakfast, lunch and afternoon

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

los arcos

Tetuán 7, Marbella. Tel: 952 771 560

Open every night for dinner. Hotel Meliá La Quinta, Urb. La Quinta Golf s/n, Marbella.

Tel: 952 762 000

mos eisley

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

les cubes Open daily for lunch and dinner. Urb. Oasis Club, CN340, km. 183, Marbella. Tel: 952 868 396

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

momo marbella Open Monday to Saturday from 6pm to midnight. C/

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm to 12am. Closed Mondays. Urb. El Pilar, C/ Ojén, km 166, Marbella.

Tel: 951 196 609

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

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

sollo

The meeting room

Open daily for lunch. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella.

Tel: 952 820 900

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

Open 9am to 11pm every day except Sundays.

Avda. Ricardo Soriano 1, Local 1 (Edif. Portillo), Marbella. Tel: 952 772 577

Restaurante royal

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Paseo Maritimo Rey de España 93, Fuengirola.

Tel: 952 866 627

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the Hotel Torrequebrada, Benalmádena Costa.

Tel: 952 441 414

Rojo

Suave

SUite

Open every day for lunch and dinner except Sunday.

C/ Granada, 44, Málaga. Tel: 952 227 486

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

Sea grill

sutton

At the Puente Romano Beach Club. Open daily for lunch and dinner. CN340, km 187, Marbella.

Tel: 952 820 900

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

shanti-som – amrita

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

CN 340, km 168, Benamara, Estepona.

Tel: 952 883 259

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 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

smart café 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

tanino

Terra Sana

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.

THE PLAYWRIGHT Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Manzana, Locales 8-11, Pueblo Los Arcos, Elviria.

Tel: 952 830 868

tikitano Open every day for lunch and dinner. Urb. Guadalmansa, CN340, km 164, Estepona.

Tel: 952 798 449

Open daily for lunch from 1pm to 6pm.

CN 340, km 166, Marbella. Tel: 647 791 515

zest 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

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

ITALIAN Al Dente

Open every day for dinner. Closed on Mondays.

Urb. Jardines del Puerto, local 12, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 906 181

Trocadero arena

Amore e Fantasía

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

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

Tel: 952 813 464

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

trocadero beach

the little geranium

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

Carpaccio

villa padierna club de mar

casa tua

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

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

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

Venta garcía

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

Aretusa Open daily for dinner. Front line P. Banús.

Tel: 952 812 898 Open every day for lunch and dinner. Frontline Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 813 357

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

CONRADS IL Ristorante Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

Avda. del Prado s/n, Edif. Sport Café, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 628 593 409

Da Bruno 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

Da Paolo Open everyday for lunch and dinner. Muelle Ribera, casa G-H, local 43, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 816 453

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

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

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

Il Tartufo

Marina, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 446 460

km. 14, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 485 996

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

nunos

Villa Tiberio

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

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

la fiorentina Open daily for lunch and dinner. C.C. El Pilar, Local 11 (opposite the Crown Plaza Hotel), Estepona.

Tel: 952 885 765

la pappardella di estepona

O mamma mia Open every day except Sunday for lunch and dinner. At El Corte Inglés Food Hall, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 909 990

Open every day for lunch and dinner from 1pm to midnight. Puerto Deportivo de Estepona.

Tel: 952 802 144

Pizzeria Picasso

LA pappardella sul mare

portofino laguna village

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

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

C.C. Laguna Village, Estepona. Tel: 952 808 035

la trattoria de marbella

Ristorante Regina

Open nightly for dinner from 6:30pm.

C/ Las Malvas, Edif. Online, Local 4, Nueva Andalucía.

Tel: 952 817 591

Open every night for dinner and Sunday for lunch.

Edif. La Ruleta, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 814 529

Leonardo da vinci

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

Open every night for dinner. Urb. Doña Lola, Local 21-22, Calahonda, Mijas Costa.

Tel: 952 934 667

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

MADE IN SARDINIA

Open daily from 12 noon. Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 813 669

ristorante san martino Rosmarino della piazza Open every day from 12pm ‘til midnight for lunch and dinner. C.C. Pinogolf de Don Carlos 34, Elviria.

Tel: 952 850 148

seraFina

Open every night for dinner. C.C. Cristamar, Avda.

Julio Iglesias, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 906 608

Open from Monday to Saturday for dinner at the Puente Romano Hotel on the Golden Mile.

Tel: 952 771 798

Metro

valparaíso

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Puerto

Open nightly for dinner. Ctra. Mijas – Fuengirola,

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

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

Asian fusion bing Open 12.30pm-4.30pm and 6.30pm to 12am daily.

Fuengirola, Paseo Marítimo, L-42C. Tel: 952 470 218

asiatico zen Open every day for lunch and dinner except Tuesday lunch. C/ Lirios s/n, Nueva Andalucía.

Tel: 952 817 691

BAMBOO Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

Ctra. Istan km 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 906 674

Dragón de Oro Open every day from 12.30-4pm and 7pm until midnight. Closed Monday lunchtime. Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 141, Urb. Hacienda Guadalupe, Manilva.

Tel: 952 890 956

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

under €25

€25 – €40

€40 – €60

€60 plus

golden wok

Romano. Tel: 952 820 900

Marañón 4, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 839

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

Osaka

Teppanyaki samurai

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

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

Sakura

At Plaza Village at the Hotel Puente Romano.

Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella.

Tel: 952 818 392

Hanuri KOREAN BBQ & BAR 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

KABUKI raw Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner. At Finca Cortesín Hotel. Ctra. Casares s/n, Casares.

Tel: 952 937 800

Kaiden Sushi

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Avda.

Jardines del Puerto, L.5, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 817 536

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

Tel: 952 888 710

Sukho Thai

thai gallery

Thai Style

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. Playas del Duque s/n. Edif. Gaviotas IV, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 813 675

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

tHapa thai

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

El Barlovento

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

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

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Urb. Puerto Deportivo 13, Edif. Poniente, Estepona.

Tel: 951 318 445

Kama Kura

Sushi des artistes

top thai

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

Open every day for lunch and dinner.

CN 340, km 178.5, Marbella. Easy parking.

Tel: 952 857 403

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

Tse yang Dimsum club

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

Makitake

Sushi Katsura

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Ribera s/n (above disco Seven), Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 811 592

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

Open daily for lunch and dinner except Sundays.

At El Corte Inglés Food Hall, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 909 990

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

Wasabi

Marisquería La Pesquera

meca

Tai Pan

Open every day for lunch and dinner. C.C. Pino Golf, Don Carlos, Local 1, Elviria, Marbella.

Tel: 952 830 365 / 658 646 829

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

Tel: 952 777 893

Open daily from 1.30 pm for lunch and dinner.

C.C. Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 908 577

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

Namazake

Ta-kumi

Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner. Hotel Puente

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Gregorio

SCANDINAVIAN Aloha restaurant

Open every evening for dinner from 6pm to

Restaurante La Marina

La Torre

Restaurante El bote Open every day for lunch and dinner. Paseo Marítimo Rey de España, Fuengirola.

Tel: 952 660 084

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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

SPANISH Bahía

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

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

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

on Sunday afternoons and Mondays. Urb. La Alcaidesa, La Linea de la Concepción.

Tel: 956 582 700

La máquina Open daily for lunch and dinner except Sunday.

At El Corte Inglés Food Hall, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 909 990

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

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

La Taberna del Alabardero 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

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

MULTICINES ALFIL

Vila do grove

Mijas. Tel: 952 663 738

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

C/ Las Malvas, Edif. On Line, Local 2, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 813 415

PALACIO DE LA PAZ

VEGETARIAN

Avda. Camilo José Cela, s/n. Fuengirola.

Tel: 952 800 056

MULTICINES MEDITERRÁNEO Recinto Ferial. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 589 349

TEATRO ALAMEDA Calle Córdoba 9, Málaga. Tel: 952 213 412

TEATRO CERVANTES

loving hut

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

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

TEATRO CIUDAD DE MARBELLA

CINEMAS & THEATRES

Plaza Ramón Martínez, Marbella. Tel: 952 903 159

TEATRO SALON VARIETES Emancipación 30. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 474 542

VERACRUZ CINES

AUDITORIO MUNICIPAL MIJAS

Veracruz. Estepona. Tel: 952 800 056

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

YELMO CINEPLEX

AUDITORIO MUNICIPAL TORREMOLINOS

Plaza Mayor. Tel: 902 220 922

Mesón el adobe

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

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

AUDITORIO PARQUE DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN

mi taberna

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

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

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

CN340, km 178, Marbella. Tel: 952 827 880

CINESA LA CAÑADA

Alhaurín Golf

La Cañada. Marbella. Tel: 902 333 231

Paellas y Más

cines teatro goya

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

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

Avda. Julio Iglesias, Puerto Banús. Tel: 951 196 665

Almenara Golf

Hacienda

cinesur

Open from 1-4.30pm and 7.30 -11pm. Closed

Tragabuches

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

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

DGust Open Monday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Avda. Duque de Ahumada, Marbella.

Tel: 952 863 780

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

Marbella. Tel: 952 825 035

CENTRO CULTURAL EL INGENIO

GOLF GUIDE Alcaidesa Links

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THE GUIDE

Aloha Golf Club

Santa Clara Golf

Sport Club Reserva del Higuerón

Tel: 952 939 595

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

18 holes. Tel: 952 850 111

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

Club de tenis don carlos

Santa Maria Golf & Country Club

SPORTCLUB ROUTE 66

Atalaya Golf

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 831 036

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

Hotel Don Carlos, Avda. Zurita, CN340, km 192.

Marbella. Tel: 952 768 800

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

Sotogrande Club de Golf

SPORTING CLUB ATALAYA PARK HOTEL

Club Internacional de Tennis

18 holes. Tel: 956 785 012

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

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

Cabopino Golf

Valderrama

TICKET-TO-RIDE

Club Madroñal

18 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 850 282

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

Cristamar, Pto. Banús. Tel: 952 905 082

Benahavís. Tel: 617 647 223

Vitality studio

Club Nueva Alcántara

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

San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 788 315

Cerrado del águila 18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 951 703 355

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

El Paraiso Club de Golf

GYMS & SPORTS CLUBS ALHAMAR GYM

MUSEUMS

Hofsaess tennis academy

Basilica Vega del Mar

Monte Elviria (next to German School).

Tel: 952 835 812

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 883 835

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

San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 781 360

Lew Hoads Tennis Club

Estepona Golf

ATENAS

Bonsai Museum

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

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

Barquilla 1. Marbella. Tel: 952 776 240

Manolo Santana Racquets Club

AZTEC COUNTRY CLUB

Parque Arroyo de la Represa. Marbella.

Tel: 952 862 926

Finca cortesín golf club

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

Bull-fighting Museum

Marbella hill tennis club

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

CENTRO DEPORTIVO EL FUERTE

Plaza de Toros. Estepona.

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

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

Museo Cortijo Miraflores

marbella playa tenIs

Flamingos Golf Club

CENTRO DE YOGA Y SALUD INTEGRAL

Marbella. Tel: 952 902 714

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

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

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

Museo de Bella Artes

Miraflores Tennis Club

CENTRO PLAZA GYM

C/ San Agustin 8. Málaga. Tel: 952 218 382

Golf Río Real

Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 817 074

Museo del Grabado

Urb. Miraflores, Km 199. Calahonda.

Tel: 952 932 006

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 756 733

Cerrado del águila

Hospital Bazán. Marbella. Tel: 952 825 035

Puente Romano TEnnis club

Golf Torrequebrada

Mijas Costa, Málaga. Tel: 951 773 523

Museo de la Villa

Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 442 742

CLUB DEl SOL

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

royal tennis club marbella

Guadalmina Golf

Museo Ralli

El Rosario, Marbella. Tel: 952 837 651

36 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 883 375

Tennis /paddle classes. Calahonda.

Tel: 952 939 595

Urb. Coral Beach. Marbella. Tel: 952 857 923

Sport Club Reserva del Higuerón

La Cala Golf Resort

Dynamic training centre

Museum of Málaga Wines

54 holes, Pars 71, 72 and 73.

Tel: 952 669 033. www.lacala.com

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

Carrera 39. Ojén. Tel: 952 881 453

Avda. del Higueron, Benalmádena.

Tel: 952 565 761

FITNESS CENTRE NEW STYLE

La Dama de Noche

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

Museum of Miniatures Carromato de Max

9 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 818 150

Fuerte Gym

El Compas. Mijas. Tel: 952 489 500

Tourist offices

La Duquesa Golf & Country Club

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

Pablo Ruiz Picasso Foundation

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 890 425

GIMNASIO ESTADIO

Plaza de la Merced 15. Málaga. Tel: 952 060 215

La Quinta Golf

Trav. Huerta de los Cristales, Marbella.

Tel: 952 828 217

Picasso Museum Málaga

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

HAPPY DIVER’S CLUB

Palacio de Buenavista, C/ San Agustín 8. Málaga.

Tel: 952 127 611

La Reserva Sotogrande

Atalaya Park Hotel, Marbella. Tel: 609 571 920

Roman Public Baths

18 holes. Tel: 956 695 209

HOTEL PUENTE ROMANO

Guadalmina Baja. Tel: 952 781 360

La Zagaleta Golf & Country Club

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

18 holes. Members only. Tel: 952 695 209

KRAV MAGA SELF-DEFENCE CENTRE

Lauro Golf 18 holes

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

Alhaurín de la Torre. Tel: 952 412 767

MANOLO SANTANA RACQUETS CLUB

C.C. El Zoco. Tel: 952 932 175

Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club

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

El corte inglés

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 784 600

MARBELLA GUN & COUNTRY CLUB

Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 909 990

Los Naranjos Golf Club

Monda. Tel: 952 112 161

Fuengirola

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 815 206

MARBELLA SPORT

Tel: 952 467 843

Marbella Club Golf Resort

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

Estepona

18 holes, Par 73. Tel: 952 113 239

MULTI SPORT

C/ Málaga 82–84. Tel: 952 800 537

Marbella Golf & Country Club

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

Fuengirola

18 holes. Tel: 952 830 500

New Concept Training

Pza. los Chinorros. Tel: 952 474 384

Mijas Golf

Marbella

36 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 476 843

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

Miraflores Golf

02 CENTRO WELLNESS

Nueva Andalucía

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 931 960

Plaza del Mar. Marbella. Tel: 952 900 420

C/ Jazmines. Tel: 952 810 887

Monte Mayor Golf & Country Club

P-E SPORTS CLUB

San Pedro

18 holes. Tel: 952 113 088

Pizarro, 41. Tel: 952 780 39

Parador Málaga del Golf

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

18 holes. Tel: 952 381 255

qi sport

Real Club de Golf Las Brisas

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

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 810 875

SATURNIA REGNA

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

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande

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

bel air tennis and paddel club

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 785 014

SEVEN STARS SCHOOL

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

San Roque Club

Tai Chi & yoga. Pasaje Estrecho, Estepona.

Tel: 952 923 055

Club deL Sol

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 613 030

POST OFFICES Calahonda

Jac. Benavente, 14. Tel: 952 772 898

TENNIS CLUBS Aztec Country Club

Tennis/paddle classes. Calahonda.

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

Benahavís Tel: 952 855 500 Benalmádena Tel: 952 442 494 Estepona Tel: 952 802 002 Fuengirola Tel: 952 467 625 Gibraltar Tourist Board Tel: 956 774 950 Marbella Tel: 952 822 818 Málaga Tel: 952 213 445 / 952 216 061 Mijas Tel: 952 485 900 Ronda Tel: 952 871 272 San Pedro Tel: 952 785 252 Tarifa Tel: 956 680 993 Torremolinos Tel: 952 381 578

TRAIN

Customer assistance T: 952 128 267 General Info T: 902 240 202 Reservations T: 902 240 202 Ave T: 952 128 079

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pets THE GUIDE WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

U-Pet: Watch Out for

Arthrosis in the Winter Affinity Advance foods recently sent us a press note regarding arthrosis in dogs. In the winter time, dogs with arthrosis tend to suffer more from inflamed, painful joints and limited movement.

Signs your dog may be suffering from this condition include difficulty in standing, unusual movements, difficulty in climbing stairs or jumping up on the bed or sofa, etc. If you notice this in your dog, don’t chalk it down to old age. Much can be done to help a dog with arthrosis, so make sure to see your veterinarian to make a due diagnosis and obtain the right treatment. The veterinarian will make important recommendations regarding your dog’s diet, which could make a positive difference. Also, be aware that in cats, arthrosis can be more difficult to spot, since they are excellent at hiding their pain. Treatments for arthrosis include medication, laser therapy and acupuncture. i www.affinity-petcare.com

Let Your Pet Travel Like an Astronaut!

Give your pet a window to the outside world with a gorgeous knapsack or travel bag by U-Pet. All bags feature a transparent bubble that allows your pet to observe their surrounds and even interact with their ‘fans’. They come in an array of different styles (classic, modern, vintage) and sizes, so that whether you have a Jack Russell, a Chihuahua or a Sphinx cat, you will find your pet’s perfect match. i www.u-pet.com

Does Your Pet Have Allergies?

If your pet is incessantly scratching an area of its skin or losing a significant amount of hair in one part of its body, they just might be allergic to something they are eating, or to chemicals and substances in their environment. The most common symptoms of allergies include recurrent ear infections, anal gland inflammation and leakage, ulcerated lips or red sores (which could be indicative of Feline Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex or ECG), or inflammatory bowel disease. If any of these are present, see your veterinarian immediately to treat the infection, reduce swelling and find a suitable solution to allergic problems.

Don’t Overdo Protein in Your Dog’s Diet Protein is a vital nutrient necessary for building muscle and keeping dogs fit and strong but a dog’s diet should not consist exclusively of meat. Nutritional deficiency can cause everything from disruptions in bone growth to kidney disease. Good dog foods contain the right balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates, so rather than finding a high-protein food for your dog, it is important to find the right food for their age, size and lifestyle. Once again, your veterinarian will provide invaluable advice regarding the most complete food for you dog. Don’t be afraid to try natural and organic varieties, especially if your dog or cat is allergic to its current food.

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what’s on...

THE GUIDE what’s on

Events in March and first week of April 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/

Until March 31 ART – MARBELLA

The Golfer Sports Bar is housing an exhibition of original oil and watercolour paintings by Roger Cummiskey. The works can be viewed from 5pm to 9pm daily. www.rogercummiskey.com

PLAYMOBIL EXHIBITION – MARBELLA The Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Marbella will be hosting an exhibition of Playmobil toys, throughout the month. www.marbellacongresos.com

Until April 30 ART – MARBELLA

The Marbella Ralli Museum will be hosting an exhibition dedicated to magic realist artist, Carlos Revilla. www.rallimuseums.com

Until September 11 ART – MÁLAGA

The Museo Picasso de Málaga presents Juego de Ojos. Fondos de la Colección – a new exhiition that explores eyes and different looks in Picasso’s work.

Featuring drawings, ceramics, illustrated books and more. www.museopicassomalaga.org

NEW AND REGULAR EVENTS

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

Monthly on different days AMERICAN CLUB – MARBELLA

Every Wednesday ART – MÁLAGA

AMIGOS DE LA CULTURA – COSTA DEL SOL

FLAMENCO – MIJAS

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

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.

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE – MARBELLA

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

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

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 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

Saturday March 5

Sunday March 20 to Monday March 28

Luis Eduardo Aute is one of the world’s most talented cantautores (songwriter and singer). A lucky audience will enjoy his show at the Teatro Cervantes de Málaga at 8pm. www.teatrocervantes.com

Enjoy the Easter break with your family; catch spiritually filled processions in Málaga, Marbella and all major towns.

LUIS EDUARDO AUTE – MÁLAGA

EASTER – THROUGHOUT MÁLAGA

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Every First Sunday of the month OPEN DAY – MIJAS

BLUES FESTIVAL – FuENGIROLA

PAD animal shelter, Cerros del Águila, welcomes visitors from 12pm-3pm.

Further information, Tel: 952 486 084. www.padcatsanddogs.org

Enjoy fun blues performances by Leo Lyons and Hundred Seventy Split and more artists. At the Palacio de la Paz, Fuengirola. For tickets, Tel: 952 661 819. www.ticketsource.eu/bigmpromotions

Thursday March 3 CLASSICAL MUSIC – LAS LAGUNAS

Saturday March 5 BOn jovi tribute – fuengirola

Award-winning Musician, Jacob Shaw, the youngest ever Cellist to graduate with the highest honours from the Ecole Normale de Musique in Paris, will give a one-off recital at Las Lagunas on Thursday, March 3 at 7.30 p.m. Feautring a programme

by Bach, Britten and a rising new young composer, John Hui. At The Danish Church in Las Lagunas. For tickets, pmmtickets@mail.com

Friday March 4 PADDLE TENNIS – BENALMÁDENA

The Jaguar C de Salamanca Paddle Tournament kicks off at the Reserva del Higuerón Resort. Featuring an array of men’s and women’s matches in different categories. www.reservadelhigueron.com

SPORTS GALA – MARBELLA

The Gala del Deporte (Sports Gala) will be taking place at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Marbella at 8pm. The event seeks to award our city’s best sports persons, both at an individual and team level. www.marbellacongresos.com

Big M Concerts presents a throwback concert, featuring Bon Giovi. At the Palacio de la Paz, Fuengirola.

For tickets, Tel: 952 661 819. www.ticketsource.eu/bigmpromotions

Saturday March 5 to Saturday March 12 YOGA, AYURVEDA AND KUNDALINI RETREAT – MARBELLA

The Urban Villa Boutique Hotel Marbella will be collaborating with qualified instructors to host seven-day yoga, ayurveda and kundalini retreats. For further information, Tel: 952 113 955.

Tuesday March 8 and Friday March 11 WOMEN’S EVENTS – LA CALA AND MARBELLA

Costa Women are holding two events on the Costa del Sol to celebrate International Women’s Day. On Tuesday March 8, a dinner will be held in collaboration with women’s business group, Bites and Business, at Avanto Restaurant in La Cala.

On Friday March 11, the fourth annual

#MakeItHappen conference will take place at Andalucía Lab. www.costawomen.com

Friday March 11 to Sunday March 20 MUSICAL – FUENGIROLA Salva presents West End smash hit musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, at the Salón Varietiés theatre. The show starts at 8pm all days except Sunday, when it starts at 7pm. For the full programme, www.salonvarietestheatre.com

Saturday March 12 DORIAN – MÁLAGA

Indie pop group, Dorian, will be performing at Eventualmusic Málaga at 9pm. For tickets, www.nvivo.es

Sunday March 13 to Tuesday March 15 DANCE – MARBELLA

The Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Marbella will be hosting the Fes Dance Marbella event, featuring a variety of groups performing everything from flamenco to regional dance, freestyle, capoeira and much more! www.marbellacongresos.com

Monday March 14 and Tuesday March 15 CULTURAL LECTURES – FUENGIROLA AND MIJAS

The Costa del Sol DFAS presents two interesting lectures. The first, taking place at the Salón Varietiés Theatre on March 14 at 4:30pm, is entitled Leipzig: Architecture, Art and Music – JS Bach, Mendelssohn and Wagner and will be given

by Dennis Moriaty. The second, on March 15 at 10:30am at the Danish Club at Urb. Haza del Algarrobo, Ctra. de Mijas, is called Granada; a story of the Opposite Hill.

A walk through the Islamic Granada in the 15th Century and will be given by Rafael Anderson. For further information, www.costadelsoldfas.com

Saturday March 19 VICTOR MANUEL – MÁLAGA

Famous singer-songwriter, Victor Manuel will be performing at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga at 8:30pm. For tickets, www.nvivo.es

Sunday March 20 BEBE – MÁLAGA

Saturday March 19 to Sunday March 20

WINE AND CHEESE FESTIVAL – MARBELLA

Female vocalist, Bebe, will be performing hits old and new at the Teatro Cervantes in Málaga at 7pm. For tickets, www.nvivo.es

Tuesday March 1

RICKY LAVAZZA – FUENGIROLA Ricky Lavazza will be performing a concert to celebrate Saint David’s Day at the Salòn Varietès theatre at 8pm. www. salonvarietestheatre.com

Monday March 21 to Wednesday March 23 ART FOR KIDS – MÁLAGA

The Museo Picasso de Málaga will be holding fun workshops for kids during the first half of the Easter week.

Participants will learn different techniques and discover the art of Picasso. www.museopicassomalaga.org

Wednesday March 23 to Sunday March 27 ART – CÓMPETA

The eighth annual Art Walk will be taking place in Cómpeta, featuring exhibitions by national and international artists, of paintings, sculptures, crafts and much more. www.artcompeta.com

Friday April 1 MADONNA AND ROBBIE WILLIAMS TRIBUTE – FUENGIROLA

The Salón Varietiés presents two brilliant tribute acts (Madonna and Robbie Williams) all in one show. Starring Jordana and Ricky Lavazza. At 8pm. www.salonvarietestheatre.com

Trendy restaurant, D-Wine will be hosting a fun wine and cheese festival from 3pm to 9pm, featuring fantastic wines and international cheeses.

Tel: 952 814 446.

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www.russellgrant.com

THE GUIDE stars

Russell Grant’s

Monthly Horoscope March 2016

Your amour will have exciting news about a job or creative opportunity. Go out and celebrate

PISCES February 20th - March 20th Operating by stealth is strongly advised in the early days of March. You’ll win the admiration of a demanding authority figure with your humble attitude. When a high profile job becomes available, go ahead and apply. Your application will go straight to the top of the pile. Be ready to promote your strengths and accomplishments. If you don’t, nobody else will. Resist the temptation to overhaul your appearance on the 9th, when a Solar Eclipse undermines your confidence. Trying to please a shallow person will be an exercise in futility. If you’re looking for love, you could find it with an old friend during the second half of the month. Are you already in a relationship? Your amour will have exciting news about a job or creative opportunity. Go out and celebrate. Don’t make the mistake of getting deep in debt on the 23rd. That’s when a Lunar Eclipse will force you to become more financially responsible.

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ARIES [21 MAR - 20 APR]

Whom you know is just as important as what you know in early March. Get out and network. Attend as many parties, conferences and casual gatherings as you can. People born in foreign countries can be especially helpful. Don’t waste time arguing about cultural and religious differences; concentrate on building bridges instead. It may be difficult to find privacy, due to a meddling colleague. A Solar Eclipse on the 9th could prompt you to retreat into the shadows for a long period of time. You’re tired of being picked apart by petty critics. An opportunity to find meaningful work could arrive in the second half of the month. Publishing, education and travel are all good industries to explore for career opportunities. A close relationship will show signs of strains on the 23rd, due to a stressful Lunar Eclipse. Taking a solitary holiday is strongly advised as April approaches. Visit a country that has fascinated you since childhood.

TAURUS [21 APR - 21 may]

You’ll be in the spotlight as the month opens, which is quite enjoyable. Making a good impression on authority figures will lead to career advancement. Your love life is also showing signs of life. If you’re looking for romance, you could find it with someone who has an attractive accent. Beware of neglecting friends as you get closer to your amour. A Solar Eclipse on the 9th marks an important occasion for a loved one; be sure to attend a birthday party, baby shower or general celebration.

During the second half of March, your creative impulses will be stimulated. This will be a great time to paint, play music or design works of beauty. A work assignment will come to an end near the 23rd, due to a Lunar Eclipse. Try not to let this situation cause lots of stress. You have to clear the decks to make way for fresh opportunities.

GEMINI [22 May - 21 Jun]

Spending more time on spiritual pursuits will be rewarding. You’re tired of focusing on money and status. Fortunately, early March will bring exciting opportunities to study, travel and do research. You might have to cut back your work schedule to acquire important knowledge and take tests. Your best friend or romantic partner will provide you with additional support during this busy time. A Solar Eclipse on the 9th could attract a career opportunity. It may be best to refuse this job offer, as there are considerable strings attached.

Finding a way to work from home is a distinct possibility during the second half of the month. The results of a creative project will be disappointing on the 23rd, when a Lunar Eclipse causes harsh critics to come out of the woodwork. Try to take this disappointment with a pinch of salt. Treat this challenge as a test of character. Pick yourself up and dust yourself off.

CANCER [22 Jun - 23 Jul]

Your allure is very strong in early March, making it easy to attract romance.

Spending time with an attentive romantic partner will make you feel like you’re walking on air. Don’t make the mistake of joining bank accounts just now. It may be better to maintain your financial independence from an attractive but irresponsible partner. Work will be demanding during the first half of the month. It may be necessary to study with a stuffy but experienced colleague. On the 9th, a Solar Eclipse could cause a legal problem to erupt. It may be better to settle out of court than be subjected to a long, expensive courtroom drama. During the second half of

March, your business or romantic partner will spread the word of your talent. Landing a lucrative assignment is a distinct possibility. It may be necessary to move around the 23rd, when a Lunar Eclipse makes emergency repairs necessary.

LEO [24 Jul - 23 Aug]

Two heads are better than one in the early days of March. This is a great time to embark on a serious romance, get engaged or sign a contract.

You’re particularly drawn to rebellious types who are tremendously accomplished. If you’re already in a relationship, it will feel like you and your amour are enjoying a second honeymoon. An unexpected expense will arise on the 9th, due to a disruptive Solar Eclipse.

Fortunately, you’ll be able to land a steady job during the second half of the month. This work will help you pay the bills and stay financially afloat. A troubled relationship with a relative or neighbour could come to an end near the 23rd. That’s when a Lunar Eclipse will force you to face some painful realities. Going away on an extended break can help you to come to terms with this loss as April approaches. It will be a relief to escape familiar surroundings.

VIRGO [24 AUG - 23 SEP]

Invest in new clothes or a makeover during the early days of March.

Looking your best will improve both your personal and professional lives. If you’re single, you could meet someone special in a library, bookstore or classroom. Are you already in a relationship? Your union could experience some difficulty around the 9th, due to a disruptive Solar Eclipse. Being more attentive, supportive and giving is critical to this union’s health. Don’t impose your family’s beliefs on your amour. The two of you may have been raised very differently. It’s unfair to expect them to have the same priorities and values. Finding a middle ground is possible during the second half of the month, when you’ll be able to make some personal sacrifices on behalf of your partner. A Lunar Eclipse on the 23rd will cause a source of income to dry up. Don’t panic. It may take time to find a steady job, so be patient.

LIBRA [24 SEP - 23 Oct]

Fun and games are earmarked for the opening days of March. Give yourself a chance to enjoy some amusements, even if it means putting work on the back burner. Let a relative, neighbour or friend introduce you to a new sport or hobby. You may discover an affinity for this pursuit. A Solar Eclipse on the 9th could make you aware of a health problem. It may take some time to get this illness properly diagnosed. Be patient and don’t subject your body to intense workouts or heavy foods.

Some holistic therapy could be helpful during the second half of the month. Let your best friend or romantic partner relieve you of chores while you recover. You may decide to upgrade your appearance on the 23rd, due to a Lunar Eclipse. Saying goodbye to the past and embracing a more cutting edge look is strongly advised. A business or romantic partner can help you with valuable knowledge and know-how as April approaches.

SCORPIO [24 Oct - 22 NOV]

Spending time with your nearest and dearest lifts your spirits in early March.

If you have a chance to work from home, take it. You’ll be much more productive in familiar, comfortable surroundings. Moneymaking opportunities

are available to you, but you’ll have to pursue them.

Adopting a passive stance could cause you to lose a terrific job to a rival. Be willing to promote your abilities and introduce yourself to influential people who can advance your cause. A Solar Eclipse on the 9th could force you to adopt a new approach to your creative work.

Be open to criticism, even if it stings a little. There will be lots of trial and error involved with an art project during the second half of the month. A tasteful friend will offer good advice about improving your performance. A Lunar Eclipse on the 23rd will force you out of the shadows.

You’ll have to assume a more public role at work.

SAGITTARIUS [23 NOV - 21 DEC]

People will be open to your ideas in the opening days of the month. Use your expertise to uplift and inspire newcomers who want to make a mark in your favourite field. A home improvement project will increase the value of your investment. If you don’t own your home, there will be an opportunity to raise the money for a deposit. A Solar Eclipse on the 9th warns against buying a property. Postpone such a purchase until later in the year, when you’ll be in a stronger financial position. This is a time to accumulate money, not spend it. An exciting career opportunity will arrive during the second half of March, changing the course of your life. Doing work that is both lucrative and satisfying will be the answer to a prayer. Breaking away from an oppressive group will be liberating on the 23rd, when the Lunar Eclipse causes you to question the company you keep.

CAPRICORN [22 DEC - 20 Jan]

Working behind the scenes can result in some exciting moneymaking opportunities. Early March is a wonderful time to increase your income. If you have your own business, raise your rates.

Good clients and customers will be happy to pay more for superior products and service. Think twice about making a public presentation or talk on the 9th. That’s when a Solar Eclipse can cause others to take your remarks out of context. You may have to repeatedly defend yourself during the second half of the month. Keep a low profile.

Working out of public view will be more rewarding and less stressful. A Lunar Eclipse on the 23rd will bring an end to a painful career matter. Take this opportunity to spend more quality time with your nearest and dearest.

Having an enriching personal life is critical to your professional success. If you have to take a break from work, do it with an open and grateful heart.

AQUARIUS [21 JAN - 19 FEB]

Your personal charm is a force to be reckoned with in early March.

Take this opportunity to attract love and admiration. If you’re already in a relationship, you’ll be able to twist your amour around your little finger. Ask for a favour or press your agenda. A Solar Eclipse on the 9th will attract a moneymaking opportunity, but there will be plenty of strings attached. You might want to hold out for a job that allows a greater measure of freedom. If you do accept this position, treat it as a stepping stone to bigger and better things. During the second half of the month, money from an inheritance, refund or legal settlement will improve your financial situation. Put as much of this windfall as possible into a savings account, where it can protect you from economic uncertainty. A Lunar Eclipse on the 23rd could cause a hero to fall from grace.

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THE GUIDE family

MARCH 1 Marbella Palacio de Congresos will host a fun and eye-popping exhibition of the famous Playmobil brand during the entire month of March, open everyday. Tel: 952 828 244.

MARCH 8 International Women’s Day recognises all those who have contributed to the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women worldwide. This day is a time to reflect on progress made, celebrate and increase business knowledge. Costa Woman will hold an event on March 11 for all you amazing women out there. Contact ali@costawomen.com for details.

While some celebrate Semana Santa, others enjoy their chocolate egg hunts and munching on marshmallow bunnies. Marbella is well known to be a top Easter destination and whether you are here on holidays or year round, you’ll love these great tips from MarbellaFamilyFun.com on the best things to do with the family this month.

March Calendar

FAMILY FUN Younger Kids

INTERNATIONAL GOLF KIDS CLUB IN GUADALMINA This club offers a trilingual Easter programme with a fun and effective teaching style for kids eight months up to six years of age. Kids learn through Music and Art, engaging in activities that stimulate their knowledge and usage of English, Spanish and Russian.Tel: 687 173 808.

MULTISPORTS CAMP IN NUEVA ANDALUCÍA Great for sports-oriented kids three to 12 years old. Offers a wide range of activities each day including football, tennis, zip-line, eco climbing wall and arts and crafts. Flexible hours: hourly, daily or weekly sessions. Tel: 678 286 490.

FUNKY FOREST IN ESTEPONA Will be hosting a camp for kids four to 10 years of age

including fun workshops, parties and games. Tasty and healthy meals are offered all day and there’s even a nice coffee bar with fast WiFi if you’re so inclined so parents can join the fun.

Tel: 952 883 224.

FANTASY LAND IN MIJAS Here you have a great range of activities and games for kids six to 11 years of age with an expansive indoor and outdoor area. The indoor set up is large, well appointed and bright, on the off chance that the weather isn’t splendid. Tel: 606 625 044.

Older Kids

TENNIS CAMPS Daily camps at several well-known locations are designed to engage kids as young as five years to develop a passion for the game in a fun and engaging way. The Bel-Air Tennis club

is perfect for those closer to Estepona, Tel: 607 821 700.

Tennis Brothers train at their courts in Nueva Andalucía in English, Spanish, French, Russian and Portuguese, Tel: 603 605 297. For those just east of Marbella, check out the Royal Tennis Club in Elviria. Tel: 952 83 76 GOLF CAMP Offers the flexibility to pick and choose from a variety of classes each day. Daily from 9am to 2pm, including lunch.

Optional early morning drop off is ideal for working parents. Classes available in English, Spanish, French or German. Enjoy Golf is in Nueva Andalucía and Atalaya. Tel: 952 929 938.

FITNESS CAMP For those who want to focus on developing physical fitness, coordination and mental concentration.

Comprised of both indoor and outdoor training sessions and activities, including: hiking, rock climbing and running. Health First Studio in La Campana.

Tel: 637 886 788.

FILM CAMP This gives the kids a great chance to be creative and express themselves. At Mad Hatters they can produce their own blockbuster movies with the help of Hollywood film veterans.

They can even compete in film festivals around the world. Tel: 673 505 838.

Wishing you a fabulous March 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

MARCH 8 Free Jewellery making workshop to raise money for a Charity in Gambia to help provide clean water for villages.

A fun and therapeutic event for all ages where you can create great presents. Contact happypamela69@yahoo.ie MARCH 13 Marbella Palacio de Congresos is honoured to host the second Pitarch Dance Festival where all dancers and dance schools will show off their talent and choreography in a wide variety of dance styles.

Tel: 617 993 336.

MARCH 19 Don’t forget Spanish Fathers Day, even if your Daddy isn’t Spanish, we are sure treating him more than once a year won’t go unappreciated – part of the perks of living abroad.

For ideas on things to do, visit MarbellaFamilyFun.com and click ‘Things to Do’.

MARCH 20-28 Semana Santa – Holy Week in Spain is the annual commemoration of the Passion of Jesus Christ celebrated by Catholic religious brotherhoods and fraternities that perform penance processions on the streets of almost every Spanish town during the last week of Lent. Visit MarbellaFamilyFun.com for the detailed procession schedule.

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Welcome to the Marbella Club Kid’s Club Memories to last a lifetime

Come and join us as we open the doors to our Kids Club, a place where

all the ingredients have been carefully chosen to form a playful and dynamic space that invites to explore, discover and experience. There will be something for everyone to enjoy and to be inspired by. Our programme has been specially designed to help develop and nurture special talents, teach essential life skills and offer a truly extraordinary childhood experience.

Open 365 days of the year from 10am to 6pm and intended for children aged 4-14, the Kid´s Club has something to suit the personality and interests of every child.

Be ready to roll up your sleeves and get creative in the Garage Kitchen or let your imagination run wild in the arts and craft studio.

We are delighted to announce a unique

opportunity to become a member of our Kid’s Club. We are now offering a limited number of memberships for families here in the Marbella area and also for those who are not based here but who visit Marbella on a regular basis.

Sport lovers will burn off excess energy with the extensive range of action-packed sports and seaside activities on offer, including sea kayaking and paddle surf.

If you wish to receive further information about our Memberships please contact Marta Arrese / arrese@marbellaclub.com

Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n, 29602, Marbella, Málaga, Spain (34) 952 822 211 Fax (34) 952 82 88 84 marbellaclub.com

*Icon Signature Villas / Villa Nº 07 / € 1.760.000 UNDER CONSTRUCTION

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Sales office: Urb. Santa Clara Golf | T. 952 907 200