Essential Magazine May 2015

COMPLIMENTARY EDITION

N º189 - MAY 2015

essential essential magazine® marbella

MARBELLA

LIVING LA

DOLCE VITA

I S S U E 1 8 9 • M AY 2 0 1 5

ITALIAN DESIGN

ALFA ROMEO

4C SPORTS COUPÉ CAPTIVATING

Capri

Villa d’Este

ESSENTIAL FOR LUXURIOUS LIVING

Lake Como

La Bella &

e

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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Italia

MILAN EXPO 2015 LEONARDO DA VINCI

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VOLUME 7

PUBLISHED BY PANORAMA, MARBELLA’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED REAL ESTATE AGENCY

This property is featured on the front cover of The Marbella Property Magazine. Pick up your free copy from our office in Puente Romano or opposite the Marbella Club Hotel.

An International Associate of Savills

Enclosed: 2,644 m² Plot: 16,967 m² Price on application Ref. 7853

Marbella’s most magnificent palatial estate in the best area on the Golden Mile, enjoying amazing views to the coast and offering 24-hour security. Set on a parcel of almost 17,000 m2 with a beautifully landscaped garden, tennis court and kitchen garden. Magnificent courtyard, central patio, drawing room, library, billiard room, dining room, breakfast room, dining terrace, ample porches, master suite with his and her dressing-rooms, 6 guest en-suite bedrooms, Turkish salon, spa area with indoor pool, cinema room and staff quarters.

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 189 • May 2015

S T A F F PUBLISHER AND DIRECTOR

YEARS

U ANNIVERSARY U

IAIN BLACKWELL director@essentialmagazine.com

GENERAL MANAGER

ANDREA BÖJTI sales@essentialmagazine.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

MARISA CUTILLAS editorial@essentialmagazine.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER SALES SUPPORT

SUSANNE WHITAKER design@essentialmagazine.com JAN DENDAUW jan@essentialmagazine.com RÉKA VIDÁTS reka@essentialmagazine.com

ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

MARIANO JEVA cuentas@essentialmagazine.com MONIKA BÖJTI info@essentialmagazine.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR ANDREA BÖJTI DESIGN & LAYOUT INMA AURIOLES STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER KEVIN HORN (WWW.PHOTOGRAPHERMARBELLA.COM) CONTRIBUTING WRITERS BELINDA BECKETT, IAIN BLACKWELL, JOSÉ CASTELLANO, MICHEL CRUZ, RIK FOXX, RUSSELL GRANT, PHIL HARRIS, ALI PARANDEH, TONY WHITNEY, DAVID WISHART, 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

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conditions:

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

Marbella Magazine. © Publicaciones Independientes Costa del Sol S.L. for No part of this magazine, including texts, photographs, illustrations, maps or any other graphics may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of Publicaciones Independientes Costa del Sol S.L. Printed on recyclable paper, produced without wood and bleached without chlorine.

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FRANCE

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SPAIN

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PORTUGAL

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CYPRUS

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MALTA

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UNITED KINGDOM

w w w. b l e v i n s f r a n k s . c o m

En Ex ge clu l & siv Vö e to lk er s

Cascada de Camoján

Situated on the hilltop of one of the most exclusive gated communities in Marbella, Cascada de Camoján, commanding spectacular views over the whole coastline from Marbella to Puerto Banús, Gibraltar and Africa. The villa is fantastically priced and offers exceptional high qualities. Built in a classic, yet modern Andalusian style, featuring beautifully appointed, ample reception rooms, a magnificent entrance hall with double height ceilings,

elegant and large bedroom suites; spacious terraces with magnificent views.

The lower floor consists of a separate, large guest apartment with a salon, kitchen and bedroom and a separate entrance. The villa has wonderful outdoor entertainment areas within the tropical gardens, with a lovely gazebo and heated outdoor pool. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, built 489 m², plot 1.075 m².

E&V ID: W-015EZF. Price: 2.200.000 €.

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

Sierra Blanca

This spectacular property combines prime location, exclusive style, breathtaking sea and mountain views and is offered at a very attractive price! Situated in one of the most exclusive locations in Marbella, this property offers the best modern architecture available, built to the highest qualities and beautifully furnished and decorated. The most spectacular, panoramic sea views over the whole

coastline and all other amenities for luxury living such as spacious and impressive reception rooms, large suites with en-suite bathrooms and separate dressing areas. Elegant and large porches, double size swimming pool with a chill out area. Independent staff apartment. 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, built 918 m², plot 2.000 m².

E&V ID: W-015EZF. Price: 4.400.000 €.

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

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Apartment - Golden Mile - Marbella 4 Beds

4 Baths

308m2 Built

Price: 2.500.000 â‚Ź Ref: DM1489-159

South-facing third floor apartment in beachfront luxury building with direct access to the beach through communal gardens.

Recently refurbished to high standards. 24h security, communal pool. Private parking. Walking distance to Marbella centre.

Villa - Altos Reales, Golden Mile - Marbella 6 Beds

6 Baths

839 m2 Built

1619 m2 Plot

Price: 2.850.000 â‚Ź Ref: DM3628

Outstanding south facing villa with spectacular sea views in gated community with 24h security service. Built over two plots in two wings that meet in an Andalusian courtyard and offering extensive accommodation and entertainment spaces.

Villa - Sierra Blanca, Golden Mile - Marbella 4 Beds

4 Baths

732 m2 Built

1812 m2 Plot

Price: 3.500.000 â‚Ź Ref: DM3598

Impeccable villa on elevated position with stunning views in sought after community with 24h security. Built on three levels with great attention to detail. Spacious suites with terraces, gymnasium, heated outdoor pool and mature garden.

Villa - Sierra Blanca, Golden Mile - Marbella 7 Beds 7 Baths

984 m2 Built

2112 m2 Plot

Price: 3.690.000 â‚Ź Ref: DM3553

Thai-style inspired villa with fantastic sea views in prestigious area with 24h security, featuring state-of-the art domotic system, thatched terraces, tropical gardens and self-contained guest accommodation with independent access.

You only live once,

Bahía de Marbella: Situated in unique location, facing the dunes in the elegant beach resort of Bahía de Marbella, a gated community with 24 h security. Finished to the highest standards and tastefully decorated. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Living area 474 m2, plot 285 m2.

E&V ID: W-01MNGF. Price: 1.450.000 €.

Altos de Los Monteros: Spectacular contemporary villa, set in an elevated position overlooking the coastline. Offering luxury and comfort. 4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms. Built 740 m2, plot 1,467 m2.

E&V ID: W-021XY2. Price: 2.995.000 €.

Bahía de Marbella: Stunning villa with sea views situated a few meters from the beach in one of the most elegant beach resorts in Marbella. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Built 698 m2, plot 1.740 m2.

E&V ID: W-01U3UR. Price: 3.200.000 €.

Beachfront Río Real: Exclusive frontline beach apartment in a luxurious residential complex with direct beach access. Very spacious rooms and terraces. 5 beds, 6 baths. Living area 293 m2, terrace 81m2.

E&V ID: W-0218A0. Price: 1.880.000 €.

Bahía de Marbella: Outstanding 4 bedroom duplex penthouse with fantastic sea views in Gran Bahía, a luxury gated community with 24h security. 4 beds, 5 baths. Living area 197 m2, terrace 103 m2.

E&V ID: W-022503. Price: 1.130.000 €.

Office El Rosario: 952 83 20 40 · Office Elviria: 952 83 55 80

we will show you where!

Sierra Blanca: Luxurious designer villa, under construction, will be completed in September 2015! Featuring location, style and comfort.

Contemporary design with luxurious fittings, highest qualities and latest technology. 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. Built 820 m2, plot 1.500 m2.

E&V ID: W-0217CZ. Price: 3.700.000 €.

Sierra Blanca: Newly built, contemporary villa with breathtaking views.

Built with the latest design and high quality materials, offering luxury living in the best location! 5 bed, 5 bath. Built 640 m2, plot 1.222 m2.

E&V ID: W-01TBZC. Price: 3.900.000 €.

Golden Mile: The most impressive, contemporary property available on the Golden Mile. Built on one level on a large plot, offering spectacular sea and mountain views. 4 beds, 4 baths. Built 586 m2, plot 3.000 m2.

E&V ID: W-0205GY. Price: 5.150.000 €.

Beachfront Golden Mile: Elegand and renovated to high standards.

Duplex penthouse with private pool in a frontline beach complex, with direct beach access. 3 Beds, 4 baths. Living area 188 m2, terrace 124 m².

E&V ID: W-02245B. Price: 1.595.000 €.

Beachfront Golden Mile: Unique beachfront apartment situated in an exclusive complex, with direct beach access within walking distance to all amenities. 3 beds, 3 baths. Living area 130 m2, terraces 26 m2.

E&V ID: W-021LK6. Price: 1.350.000 €.

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

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contents The Trend Cinema 34 Home Viewing 36 Music 38 Books 40 Technology 42 Cars: The New Alfa Romeo 4C Sports Coupé 44

The Focus The World Expo in Milan 50 Leonardo Da Vinci 60 Living La Dolce Vita 62 Top Stars with Italian Blood 68 Dario Poli 76

The Style Italian Design 80 Cape Reed: A World of Outdoor Options 88 Fashion: Riani 94 Fashion News 100

The Pro 116 Enterprise 123 Tax Residency and Applicable Tax Systems for Workers and Company Directors Located in Spain 124 Busines Profile: Blackshaw Interior Design 126 The Vibe

The Leisure 130 Lake Como 136 Capri 142 The Bvlgari Hotel in Milan

The Gourmet 145 Aragona 147 Tempora 148 Food News 150 Kevin Woodford’s Florence 152 Chef’s Profile: Emanuele Crisci of Il Tartufo 154 Italian Wines

The Guide 156 Listings

The Spa Beauty: Superfoods 104 Beauty News 106 Hair & Beauty Matters from Reflections 108 Health: Vegetarianism 110 Health News 112 Health Profile: Dr. Nyjon Eccles: Anti-Ageing and Bio-Identical Hormone Specialist 114

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The Blog 165 Pet News 166 What’s On 168 Stars for May 170 Family Fun

4/23/15 4:13 PM

essentialmagazine

速

16 years 1999-2015

w w w. e s s e n t i a l m a g a z i n e . c o m

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Enclosed: 1,850 m² Plot: 4,406 m² Price on application

BEACHFRONT GOLDEN MILE Spectacular beachfront residence on a large plot with uninterrupted sea views. The villa has been partially renovated. Main house, 2 guest bungalows and staff bungalow. 14 en-suite bedrooms. Beautiful mature garden and pool with superb views. Ref. 6767

Enclosed: 169 m² Terrace: 98 m² Price: € 1,050,000

RIO REAL PLAYA Luxurious contemporary style beachfront apartment. Previously a 3-bed totally renovated into a 2-bed. Ref. 8559

Enclosed: 771 m² Plot: 3,007 m² Price: € 2,100,000

GOLDEN MILE 6-bedroom villa in Marbella Hill Club with panoramic views to the coast. A perfect home in an unbeatable location. Ref. 8450

Enclosed: 543 m² Plot: 5,520 m² Price: € 4,500,000

LA ZAGALETA Stunning mansion with 5 ensuite bedrooms. Privacy, golf & mountain views.

Spa area, heated pool, amazing garden. Ref. 8703

Enclosed: 519 m² Plot: 1,057 m² Price: € 1,395,000

LOMAS DEL MARBELLA CLUB

An International Associate of Savills

Luxurious 5-bedroom villa in heart of the Golden Mile.

High specs. Lovely views. Fully furnished. Ref. 7957

Enclosed: 726 m² Plot: 2,750 m² Price: € 1,995,000

NUEVA ANDALUCÍA 4-bedroom Andalusian style villa in the Golf Valley, within a gated urbanization offering 24-hour security. This lovely family home enjoys wonderful views to La Quinta golf course, mountains and the Mediterranean coast.

Mature garden with pool, family room, games room with billiard table, TV area, gym, sauna and wine cellar Ref. 8019

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

publisher’s letter WORDS BY IAIN BLACKWELL

F

ew countries can match Italy for the refinement of its architecture and design, sophistication of its style and culture and diversity of its food and wine. In this, our 16th Anniversary edition, we pay homage to Italy, the land of love, with a bumper issue devoted to La Bella Italia.

D’inizio, Milan Expo commences this month, continuing until October, and if you can make it there you will be sure of a memorable experience.

To preview its highlights, see our lead feature. We also visit captivating Capri and the very scenic Lake Como, staying at the enchanting Villa d’Este.

In terms of genius, they don’t come more all-rounded than Leonardo da Vinci, a talent who was seriously ahead of his time. In the modern era, we also bring you a range of talents that you may be surprised to learn all have Italian ancestry,

and local talent, Dario Poli, whose new musical, Amsterdam, is nearing production.

Legendary for its couture and car design, check out the latest styles from Riani, featuring suave Italian fabrics, and the sleek new lines of the Alfa Romeo 4C Sports Coupé. Don’t miss, too, our fascinating features on Italian Design and Living La Dolce Vita.

Finally, no issue on Italy would be complete without delving into its wonderful cuisine and we present some exemplary exponents of this artistry: Restaurant Aragona in the heart of Marbella and Chef Emanuele Crisci from Il Tartufo. Such sensory experiences should ideally be complemented by classic Italian wines.

Arrivederci!

Iconic

Italy

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

Italy is a land of beautiful natural landscapes, exquisite culinary offerings and world renowned art, architecture and design, and it is only fitting that we should dedicate this bumper edition to such a trend-setting country. In addition to our usual list of new cinematic and home viewing releases, we also offer you top reads on Italy and invite you to enjoy a high-octane ride in the new Alfa Romeo 4C Sports Coupé…

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34 Cinema 36

Home Viewing

38 Music 40 Books 42 Technology 44

Cars: The New Alfa Romeo 4C Sports Coupé 4C

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THE TREND cinema WORDS MARISA CUTIL

LAS

e BLOCKBUSTER » GENRE

Science Fiction

» DIRECTOR

Brad Bird (Ratatouille)

» ACTORS

George Clooney, Britt Robertson, Hugh Laurie

OF THE MONTH da A teenaged genius an who tor en former child inv ing int po ap dis a by is jaded el the life, team up to unrav sive mystery behind an elu ecific place located at a sp ace, point in time and sp ve cti lle co the in n ow kn as y nit ma hu memory of ’. nd wla rro mo ‘To

d n a l w o r r o m To

» GENRE Comedy » DIRECTOR Jeremy Garelick

(Is This Your Mother?) » ACTORS Kevin Hart, Josh Gad, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting

The Wedding Ringer

Doug is about to marry the love of his life, but there is only one thing standing in the way of a perfect wedding: he doesn’t have any friends and cannot find a best man. Luckily, he meets Jimmy, Director of The Wedding Ringer: a company dedicated to converting the dullest, gloomiest grooms in town into ‘men of the moment’. Doug and a hired group of friends embark upon a fun adventure to impress the bride and her family, unwittingly discovering that the best things in life are actually free.

» GENRE Musical » DIRECTOR Max Giwa

» GENRE Comedy » DIRECTOR Anne Fletcher

» ACTORS Hannah Arterton,

» ACTORS Reese

(StreetDance 3D)

Annabel Scholey, Greg Wise

Walking on Sunshine

After a torrid encounter with gorgeous gentleman, Raf, Maddie (who has just broken off with her boyfriend) decides to marry him in the romantic isle of Apulia in Italy. What she doesn’t know is that her sister, Taylor, lived a beautiful summer romance with Raf, whom she still considers to be the love of her life.

Worst of all, this is just one of many obstacles the young couple will have to overcome before getting hitched.

(27 Dresses)

Witherspoon, Sofia Vergara, John Carroll Lynch

Hot Pursuit

Oscar-winning actress, Reese Witherspoon, plays an inept police officer whose new assignment is to protect the widow of a drug dealer, who is about to testify against the mafia. The pint-sized policewoman may be simple, but she is resilient and her adversaries are forced to pay every time they make the mistake of underestimating her capabilities and dogged determination.

» GENRE Fantasy/Adventure » DIRECTOR Joss Whedon (Avengers) » ACTORS Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr.

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Tony Stark, the millionaire erstwhile known as Ironman, creates Ultron: an artificially intelligent machine whose job is to watch out for and solve any threats to World peace. Things go awry, however, when the robot decides that the greatest threat to the Planet, is Man, and that the species should be eradicated…

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Something new is happening in Santa Clara Golf Launch May 15, 2015

www.icon-marbella.com

THE TREND home viewing

Marisa Cutillas brings us a few of the season’s top DVD releases. »» Genre Drama/Biopic »» Director Craig Gillespie (Lars and the Real Girl) »» actors Jon Hamm, Suraj Sharma, Madhur Mittal »» IMDB Rating 7.1/10

Million Dollar Arm

The Judge

This film is based on the real-life story of JB Bernstein, a sports agent who realises that business has changed since he first started and his career is going nowhere. In a last-ditch effort to make a killing, he heads to India to find the best baseball player of the next generation. He launches a competition called The Million Dollar Arm and discovers Dinesh and Rinku, two players who don’t have the slightest idea of how to play baseball, but who do know how to throw a ball at breakneck speed.

»» Genre Drama »» Director David Dobkin (Wedding Crashers)

»» ACTORS Robert Downey Jr., Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga

»» IMDB Rating 7.5/10

ONTH D RELEASE OF THE M DV D URE AT FE e »» Genre

Thriller

»» Director

David Fincher (Fight Club)

»» Actors

Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris

»» IMDB Rating 8.2/10

Gone Girl

mund Pike Ben Affleck and Rosa st Actress Oscar for (nominated for a Be play a young couple ) film s her role in thi it all’: good looks, a who seemingly ‘have mising careers. All pro d an beautiful home recession hits, and that changes when the uggle financially. str to s the couple begin h anniversary, On the day of their fift hands point to all d an Amy disappears bable assassin. her husband as the pro surprising and d, ce The film is quick-pa great performances excellently scripted; make it one of the and an original story year. the of s must-see film

»» Genre Comedy »» Director Luke Greenfield

(The Girl Next Door) »» Actors Damon Wayans Jr., Jake Johnson, Rob Riggle »» IMDB Rating 6.5/10

Let’s Be Cops

Talented comedic actor, Jake Johnson, plays Ryan, an unemployed ex-football player who convinces his best friend, Justin, to don a police uniform, buy a counterfeit police car online, and pretend that they are police officers, to pull the most beautiful girls in town and get in on a little real-life police action while they’re at it. It all seems like adrenalin-charge fun at first, until they get on the wrong side of the mafia and realise they are in way too deep to escape.

Robert Downey plays a hot shot lawyer who returns to his hometown and takes on the most important case of his life: defending his father, a respected Judge, who is accused of manslaughter. Duvall and Downey give spectacular performances as the father and son who adore yet fail to understand each other, precisely because they are so much alike. Both the Judge and his counsel are forced to face difficult issues from the past, including one dramatic event that has been the albatross of their relationship.

The Equalizer »» Genre Thriller »» Director Antoine Fuqua

(Training Day) »» actors Denzel Washington, Chloë Grace Moretz, Marton Csokas »» IMDB Rating 7.2/10

Denzel Washington plays Robert McCall, a mysterious man who has put his past behind him, but who is drawn to a young Russian woman who is being abused by Russian gangsters.

McCall plans the vendetta of his lifetime, putting the skills he learned as a young man to use and discovering that protecting the weak is always a cause worth fighting for.

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THE TREND music

¿QUÉ PASA? Words Rik foxx

With summer just around the corner the concert season kicks-off this month (see below) with a couple of gigs but more could be announced after our deadline, so for any late arranged gigs, check your local press by the week. At the time of writing all info on this page was correct.

And RIHANNA has been accused of plagiarism on the recent single Bitch Better Have My Money by Texas MC JUST BRITTANY who claims it “borrowed heavily” from her similarly named 2014 track Betta Have My Money. Meanwhile the Bajan beaut is putting the finishing touches to her forthcoming eighth studio LP (so that’s why she hasn’t been in trouble recently) which features FourFiveSeconds, a collaboration with producer KANYE WEST and PAUL McCARTNEY. The former BEATLE has also joined the ranks of super group the HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES to record their debut album. As we told you last month, the band includes ALICE COOPER, JOE PERRY (AEROSMITH) and JOHNNY DEPP.

Blur

Bob Dylan Mystery surrounds the slightly publicised 2015 Málaga Festival which takes place in La Cala on May 29/30. According to their site, two of the top acts, RAZORLIGHT and ALABAMA 3, are no longer playing and they are replaced by lesser known acts like Liverpool indie rockers THE ARKANES, who now top the bill on the 29th with HURRICANE #1 in support. Up and coming Liverpool mod outfit, THE UNIVERSAL, move from the 29th to the 30th along with THE CHRISTIANS. The question on many lips is will this actually take place? For more info: www.malagamusicfestival.com Also on the 30th, legendary indie rockers PLACEBO are at Málaga’s Palacio de Ferias y Congresos; and on July 8, the iconic BOB DYLAN will strum his six-string at the Palacio Municipal de Deportes in Granada. Tickets available at: www.ticketmaster.es Benicàssim (July 16 -19) update: BLUR, who released a new album, The Magic Whip, on April 27 have taken the headline act title off THE PRODIGY, more names will be added next month.

Ticket info: www.fiberfib.com FAT BOY SLIM will be spinning the wheels of steel at the Dreambeach festival on the Playa de Villaricos, Almeria on August 7/8.

Ticket info: www.dreambeach.es

KANYE WEST

Fat boy Slim

Eurovision, a competition which many European countries take seriously, will torture eardrums in Austria on May 23. Rumours circulating that guest nation Australia would be represented by KYLIE were false and their entry is the 2003 Australian Idol winner GUY SEBASTIAN with Tonight Again. Duo ELECTRO VELVET will try their luck with Still in Love with You for the UK and EDURNE GARCIA will represent Spain with Amanecer. It can be seen live on TVE1 (Spain) or BBC 1 (UK) at 21.00 CET. The Blurred Lines saga will not lie down – the lawyer for ROBIN THICKE and PHARRELL WILLIAMS intends to appeal the order.

Meanwhile the family of MARVIN GAYE are trying to milk this cash cow dry seeking to halt further sales of the song until an agreement on “how future monies that are received will be shared” and they also want the record label to cough up. His daughter has also brought to attention that the WILLIAMS’ 2013 megahit Happy sounds like her father’s 1965 classic Ain’t That Peculiar. The fined artist reckons everyone had better keep an eye on what chords they write after the court verdict: “Everything that's around you in a room was inspired by something or someone. If you kill that, there’s no creativity.”

KURT COBAIN

The ROLLING STONES are taking their strolling bones on the road in the US this month playing their classic 1971 album Sticky Fingers which has recently been re-released.

KEITH RICHARDS agrees with MICK JAGGER that the band should make a new album; the guitarist has already been laying down tracks for a third solo LP due out in September.

The much talked about KURT COBAIN documentary Montage Of Heck will be eligible for the 2016 Oscars following its cinema release and it moves from movie theatres to the small screen getting its US HBO TV premiere on May 4. Also on that date, MUMFORD & SONS release their third album, Wilder Mind, and they have ditched the banjos, an instrument they have become synonymous with.

Former members of GIRLS ALOUD are in the news, while CHERYL what’s her face moans about this, that and the other, NICOLA ROBERTS is recording a second album, as is NADINE COYLE. Meanwhile SARAH HARDING is making an appearance on UK TV soap Coronation Street.

Also heading in that direction is ED SHEERAN, who is guesting on Australia’s Home and Away. He will also be on TV at the Billboard Music Awards on May 17 where he is up for the Top Male Artist award against SAM SMITH, DRAKE, PHARRELL WILLIAMS and JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE. The ginger one recently said he has written many tunes while on the loo – so that’s why some of his songs are…

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THE TREND books

5 Books Inspired by Italy

Italy is one of the world’s most visited countries, owing to its blend of stunning architecture and stylish design, as well as its knockout gastronomy. This month, Marisa Cutillas brings readers a collection of books inspired by this sunny Mediterranean nation.

AS GOD COMMANDS BY NICCOLÒ AMMANITI

This dark, gritty, yet mesmerising novel tells the story of Rino, an unemployed alcoholic filled with prejudice, whose one redeeming quality is his great love for his 13-year-old son, Cristiano, whom he raises with a mixture of rough affection and violence. Rino hatches a plan to steal a cash machine alongside two dubious friends, but the plan goes terribly wrong and Cristiano’s hopes for a better life are crushed in one moment of violence and desperation.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ANCIENT ROME BY

ALBERTO ANGELA

This is the ideal book for those who wish to envisage the magic of the eternal city. Angela invites the reader to relive a typical day in the Rome of 115AD, ruled over by the Emperor, Trajan. The book commences in an aristocratic home, inviting us into its inner workings, from its hook-up to the nearest aqueduct, to the role played by slaves in domestic work. Out in the streets, we learn more about Roman construction and the slave trade, before being invited to witness a violent scene at the Coliseum, featuring fierce lions and doomed gladiators.

We also visit taverns, take a tour of bedrooms and salons and do a little shopping in the busy markets, teeming with life and excitement.

THE NEAPOLITAN SERIES

BY ELENA FERRANTE

Italian novelist, Elena Ferrante is often hailed as one of the best novelists of our time. Focusing on ‘small’ yet profound matters such as domestic life, family and friendship, her Neapolitan series of books (comprising My Brilliant Friend, The Story of a New Name and Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay), tracks the lives of two women born in Naples near the end of the Second World War. Elena is the obedient girl, studious and responsible, while Lila is rebellious and incorrigible. In their adulthood, Elena becomes a respectable intellectual and marries a fellow academic; Lila marries a wealthy mafia lord and gets divorced, leaving her son with ignorant, brutish neighbours while she works most of the day at a nearby factory. The novel delves into the connection between politics and domestic life, postulating that crime strikes at family, which is the root of all happiness and stability.

CALL ME BY YOUR NAME BY ANDRÉ ACIMAN

This immensely beautiful story of the nature of love and sensual desire is also one of teenage sexual awakening, set in the bejeweled Italian Riviera of the mid-1980s. Elio is a curious 17-year-old son of a renowned academic, who falls in love with Oliver, a young Professor who is visiting the family mansion to edit his manuscript. Oliver is confident, laidback and seductive, while Elio is insecure, nervous and innocent. Elio has always believed himself to be heterosexual, until, 15 minutes after meeting Oliver, he enters into a state he calls “the swoon,” and his idea of desire is irremediably changed.

IN SEARCH OF VENICE

Published by Pushkin Press, this beautifully designed box set features six works on Venice, told by the contrasting voices of Paul Morand, Régis Debray, Henry James, Arthur Schnitzler and Petr Král. The differing views on the floating city will seduce or repel you; altogether, they will provide you with many compelling reasons to visit the most romantic of cities.

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THE TREND technology

WORDS Ali Parandeh

A Brain

Strapped to your Wrist J

ust over a year ago, in the March 2014 issue, a bunch of wearables were covered. However, just one year later, there are ten times as many new versions in the market and even more to come. At the time of writing this article, the Apple Smart Watch is yet to hit the market, but there is a select list of major players: Sony, Samsung, Motorola (Google), LG and Pebble.

They all have their own limitations, come with their specific software and are only compatible with certain phones. So, before you buy one, you might want to check its compatibility and functionality. However, there is one thing that they all have in common, the word ‘Smart’. This is certainly the most recent hype word after ‘cloud’, but it is not just hype and even the Swiss luxury watch makers are taking it seriously.

Will you be removing your Patek or Rolex for the next dinner party and replacing it with a smart watch?

I for one have made the change after 15 years of not wearing a watch.

Actually, I had given away two of my valued watches and I have two others that have been sitting in a box, gathering dust. Apple reckons you will be doing just that, as they will also be rolling out a €9.000, 18 karat gold version of their Smart watch. In fact, it is very possible that you may soon be ditching your mobile phone in favour of a ‘Smart Watch’ in the very near future.

So what is it that makes them smart? What can you expect from them now and what will you

be expecting from them soon?

Currently, most smart watches are a combination of several simplistic functions apart from their basic one of telling you the time, featuring, for example, Communication, Fitness and most importantly an information centre. You may be familiar with the Apple Siri voice activated personal assistant and knowledge navigator.

At the centre of the Sony and Motorola smart watches are similar audio activated functions that can help you do just that and much more.

However, this is just the beginning of yet another change to come and the future of the smart watch can be very different to how you see them now, involving applications that have not yet been created and functionalities that might still sound like Sci Fi today. The future Smart Watch will be equipped with a built-in camera & projector and possibly even a series of biometric and diagnostic devices. Apart from the basic functions of receiving video calls portrayed into the air, interaction with files and information, the future smart watches will also be monitoring your heart rate, calories, fitness levels, sleep patterns and much more. Their artificial intelligence will connect your location, activity, calendar and other information to things that you could not have even considered before.

The possibility of connecting such live data to the vast amount of information available on the net, and with your own personal data that has been fed into it, will make the watch inseparable from your wrist. Your digital chip, identity or companion,

whatever you want to call it, is here and will soon be sleeping next to you at night. Why should you be worried about a tiny device that will help you live better, healthier and prevent you from making mistakes? From taking the wrong route, decision, purchase, to much more, it is simply going to be another device that can process information faster than you and other machines today. Imagine scanning a product at a shop to get a price comparison, product reviews and even a notification that you had already ordered this or a similar product online!

Of course, there are always skeptics, like the ones who predicted computers would replace the secretary and those who are afraid of robots. Artificial Intelligence is not about computers taking over our lives, but simply the new era in computing, where the machines move on from being just calculators to devices that can learn from their environment and connect the data and information at hand to provide feedback that will otherwise take us longer to digest, analyse or react to. Look at how Google searching has changed the way we look for information and how the Internet has enabled us to source

vast amounts of information that a decade ago was limited by access.

Our issue today is having the time to read, analyse and also verify the information available, whereas AI will be able to do this in seconds. That is where your Smart Watch can turn into your second brain and valued companion.

So your future wrist band will not just be telling you the time, but possibly it will be the device that will make you sound smart and support you at your next interview or sales pitch. It can certainly help you avoid a heart attack and even possible accidents. In short, everything that you can and cannot imagine will soon be accessible from your next ‘Smart/Intelligent Watch’, but for the moment, you may just want to get used to the, let’s say, less ‘Smarter’ ones available on the market today. ç 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

ALFA ROMEO 4C SPORTS COUPÉ Alfa Romeo’s new 4C is the latest in a long line of sports cars that goes all the way back to 1910, when the company was just plain ‘A.L.F.A’ and entered into a partnership with the French car builder Darracq. So although the cars have always been regarded as quintessentially Italian, they actually have their roots in France. Alfa Romeo’s racing history began in Italy in 1911 when two of its cars competed in the legendary Targa Florio race in Sicily. The company became Alfa Romeo in 1920 when Nicola Romeo took charge of A.L.F.A. WORDS TONY WHITNEY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ALFA ROMEO

T

here have been some iconic cars built by Alfa Romeo over the years, most of them with a sporting flavour. Highly successful in the world of motor racing, Alfa Romeo cars have competed in just about every formula worth the name and the accolades they’ve garnered makes for a very long list. Unknown even to many Formula One fans, Enzo Ferrari raced Alfa Romeos before he decided to build racers of his own. Classic Alfa

Romeos are highly prized by collectors and fetch very high prices at auction around the world.

With a history like that, buyers always expect a lot from Alfa Romeo products and the company usually delivers. Although today, Alfa Romeo is part of the giant Fiat empire and builds some fairly mundane family cars, it’s never quite let go of its performance background and an envied reputation for technical innovation. Even the

nomenclature of the 4C has a historic element to it since, over the decades, there have been 6Cs and 8Cs of various configurations. The number refers to the number of cylinders and thus the 4C has four pistons toiling away inside the engine block.

Don’t be put off by the fact that this car has ‘just’ four cylinders. Todays four-bangers can be highly sophisticated from an engineering standpoint and amazingly powerful.

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Z ENGINE: 1.75-litre all-aluminum four cylinder turbo.

Z TRANSMISSION: 6-speed dual clutch automatic with steering wheel shifters.

Z ACCELERATION: Zero to 100 km/h in 4.5-seconds.

Z TOP SPEED: 300 km/h, estimated.

Z I LIKED: Great looks, which, though very Although many Alfas over the years have been styled by big name Italian designers like Pininfarina and Giugiaro, the 4C was an in-house exercise. It certainly looks as good as anything the big design houses could have come up with and has very fluid lines and a combination of traditional and contemporary elements. It’s a wonderful looking sports car from just about every angle and perhaps many years from now, it will attain the fame and collectability of more historic models from the marque.

Naturally, the 4C boasts the highly distinctive nose job which might be among the most recognised in the industry. In recent years, Alfa Romeo has returned to a more traditional look for its grilles, after a period when they almost disappeared after bouts of ‘modernisation’. Atop the central grille sits the wonderful Alfa Romeo badge, again, one of the best-known car identity features anywhere. The badge is related to the arms of the city of Milan, spiritual home of the company. The symbolism of the badge goes all the way back to the Crusades of the Middle Ages.

It’s quite a small car and uses a lot of carbon fibre and aluminium to keep the weight down.

Built at the Maserati plant in Modena, the 4C was originally intended to be a limited production model, but strong European sales and a launch in the North American market have prompted Alfa Romeo to look more towards volume production. Recently, a 4C Spider was added to please buyers who prefer open cars. This is more a ‘Targa’ than a full open car as it just involves a detachable roof panel.

The engine, which drives the rear wheels in classic form, is a 1.75-litre unit developing an impressive 240-horsepower. Given this car’s lightweight, those horses are more than adequate in getting the 4C off the mark very quickly indeed and the top speed is exhilarating too. The power is easy to control with the 4C’s set of dynamic vented disc brakes, produced, of course, by Brembo, which has a storied background almost as fascinating as Alfa Romeo’s. Brembo builds brakes for F-1 cars and even for the big NASCAR series in the US. The transmission is one of the increasingly common semi-automatics which you can either leave in auto mode or shift with steering wheel mounted paddles.

The cockpit is one you ‘wear’ rather than sit in.

Once in the driver’s seat, it’s snug and comfortable and you feel part of the car. The layout is pretty businesslike and the steering wheel, with its big Milanese crest at centre, is flattened at the bottom to create more thigh space. It also looks super-cool!

The fit and finish is excellent and there’s certainly a luxurious feel about this Alfa. Of course, the fun starts when you drive off and experience the car’s agility and response. It was good to find a proper centrally located handbrake and not one of those indecisive electronic buttons so many upscale sports cars have these days. Cockpit oddment space is fair, though not too generous.

The 4C is bound to attract large numbers of buyers over the years and its styling promises to stand the test of time. For a sports car with such an illustrious name, it’s one of the most affordable out there and very few buyers will be disappointed.

modernistic, still draw something from Alfas of the past. Very light and responsive and certainly follows the company’s tradition of nimble handling and responsive acceleration.

Nicely done interior which, while not quite in the luxury class of a Ferrari or Jaguar, is nonetheless practical, reasonably roomy and easy on the eye.

Z I DIDN’T LIKE: Not much not to like here, but the car’s small dimensions mean that two people getting away for a few days will have to be creative when it comes to packing their gear. Some prospective buyers may consider the 2-seat layout to be restrictive. It’s a little costly for a 4-cylinder sporty car, but carbon fibre and sophisticated drivetrain technology doesn’t come cheaply.

Z MARKET ALTERNATIVES: The 4C sits in an interesting market niche and most of the models people will compare it with are more expensive. Possibly 6-cylinder models of the Jaguar F-Type will contend, plus products like the Audi TT, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Lotus Evora and BMW Z4. The Mazda Miata (MX-5) is a tempting lower cost solution.

Z WHO DRIVES ONE? Drivers who love the panache of Alfa Romeo and have long been waiting for a new sports car. Enthusiasts who perhaps own more mundane Alfas and are ready to move up to something more interesting. Buyers who like the idea of a classic badge Italian sportster but find most of the others far too expensive.

Z PRICE AND AVAILABILITY: Available now starting from €53.990.

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CULTURE / HISTORY / FEATURES

focus FAMOUS PEOPLE / INTERVIEWS / HUMOUR

We preview one of the most exciting events of the year, commencing this month: the World Expo in Milan, learn all about what made Leonardo Da Vinci tick and enjoy a slice of the Dolce Vita. You may be surprised to learn that our featured top stars all have Italian ancestry. We also offer an exclusive interview with Dario Poli, the multi-faceted artist who is on the brink of taking his brand new musical about Marbella to Amsterdam

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The World Expo in Milan

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Leonardo Da Vinci

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Living La Dolce Vita

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Top Stars with Italian Blood

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Dario Poli

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THE FOCUS expo

‘I

s it possible to ensure sufficient, good, healthy and sustainable food for all mankind?’ This is the question which thousands of participants from all over the world will attempt to answer in a matter of six months. As the force behind the transformation of the natural world, we are the problem but also the only solution. Is it too late to nourish ourselves and planet Earth, by amending our ways and embracing more equitable, sustainable solutions to find the right equilibrium between the world’s resources and our consumption?

The Rio+20 event and the United Nations Millenium Declaration set out a series of objectives and guidelines that Expo Milan seeks to uphold and develop. Some 900 million people suffer from malnutrition, while an equal number display the effects of overeating and obesity. Therefore, the theme of safe, healthy eating is one that affects practically the totality of the world’s population.

FEEDING THE PLANET ENERGY FOR LIFE MAY 1 TO OCTOBER 31, 2015

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The United Arab Emirates Pavilion

WORLD EXPO MILAN 2015 WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF WORLD EXPO MILAN 2015

Every year or two, citizens of the World are asked to pause, ponder and identify the pressing issues that preoccupy the human species. Thus far, some of the most fascinating expos have focused on ‘Leisure in the Age of Technology’ (Brisbane, 1988), ‘Dwellings and Surroundings’ (Japan, 1985) and ‘The Oceans: A Heritage for the Future’ (Portugal, 1998). This Milan World Expo 2015, however, focuses on the two most crucial themes facing humanity and the Planet as a whole: how to solve the food crisis and how to ensure the survival of Planet Earth. In essence, the themes are intertwined: the future availability of food is threatened by human actions and to ensure the continued supply of food, we need to give top priority to nurturing our Planet.

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Expo Milan seeks to achieve a series of concrete aims, including the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger; the reduction by 50 per cent of people who suffer owing to hunger; the reduction by two thirds of deaths owing to hunger of children aged under five; the improvement of maternal health and the reduction in the maternal mortality rate by three quarters; ensuring environmental sustainability; and developing a global partnership for development. The event will also invite each nation to present the very best of their gastronomy, utilising the most sustainable methods possible to source and prepare their delicacies.

The aim is for the 140 countries taking part in the Expo, to work together to actively find the answers to some of these questions; to share experiences, technologies and

practices so that we can avail, on a global scale, of new discoveries in the spheres of health, technology, gastronomy, etc.

The event looks to the future for inspiration, without forgetting the importance of the past: visitors will be invited to reflect on the history of food production and to see how time-honoured traditions can be used to make the best use of the Planet’s resources.

By turning to the past, we can also identify the problems our ancestors faced, and see if the solutions they utilised can be of use in this present age. Interestingly, it is very much our need to source food that has led to some of the biggest changes we have imposed on our Planet: ‘We are both a part of Nature and also its willing or unwitting transformer,’ so goes the saying.

The World may be facing some of the

most pressing issues in its history, but the organisers of the Expo remind us that “Expo Milan also aims to uphold the positive spirit of the faith in human progress that has characterised Universal Expositions throughout their history.” The event will be highlighting some of the most amazing things that food has brought to our lives.

Culinary traditions form an important role in our grandest celebrations; they represent our interest in rituals and allow us to share the very best things we have with others. The Expo will also be celebrating the wide variety of foods and traditions that make up life in the different corners of the globe. It will provide a rich opportunity to learn from each other, sample each other’s best products and learn culinary techniques that can change the way families around the world enjoy food.

The Future Food District

SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS EXPO MILAN WILL BE ADDRESSING INCLUDE:

Green is the colour of Expo Milan 2015

Z How can we ensure that all of us have an awareness of (and access to) a healthy diet?

Z What is the relationship between food and exercise, lifestyle and general wellbeing?

Z How can we utilise resources in an environmentally sustainable way?

Z How can our need for healthy food influence the choices we make regarding energy production?

Z Do we need to redefine our idea of nutrition, associating it not only with healthy food intake, but also with historical, cultural and ethno-social aspects?

Z Can healthy eating promote sustainable development?

SOME OF THE OVERRIDING THEMES, MEANWHILE, INCLUDE: Z Best practices in agriculture Z Livestock farming Z GMOS Z The conservation of biodiversity Z The conservation of natural sources, especially water

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Highlights to Watch Out for Include: Pavilion Zero This is the starting point for a visit to the Expo; it delves into the history of mankind through food, provoking questions and leading visitors to the areas that can answer them.

The Biodiversity Park This is a huge garden spread out over 14,000m2 and reproducing the variety of life in a wide range of habitats, each of which represents the numerous processes of natural selection which have taken place over the centuries. The Park will focus our interest on three areas in particular: Agriculture and Nutrition in Arid Zones – the Challenge of Water Scarcity and Climate Change; Islands, Sea and Food; and a ‘Bio-Mediterraneum’, displaying how health, beauty and harmony can work together.

This area will give visitors an idea of how the food chain will operate in the future, the evolution of traditional cuisine, and interesting inventions such as vertical farms, algae urban farms, etc. People will also see what it will be like to shop in a supermarket of the future, where store layouts will change depending on how customers move through them, and where products will be traceable and contain a host of information which can be accessed with new technology.

The Future Food District

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United Arab Emirates Austria

Italy

France

Top Pavilions

China

Some of the most eye-catching pavilions this year include the Chinese pavilion, which bears a stunning undulating roof, representing a cloud hovering over golden hued crops.

The United Arab Emirates pavilion, meanwhile, evokes the experience of strolling through a contemporary desert.

Elongated and curvy in structure, it includes features such as rainwater harvesting and the integration of photovoltaic cells. There are also a plethora of dining areas, to enlighten visitors on the wonders of UAE cuisine. The French pavilion is inspired by a covered market (central to the French foodie culture) and will contain land management and agricultural features, to show how technology and tradition go hand in hand during the production of some of the world’s most renowned delicacies. The Austrian pavilion is uniquely inspired on air, an essential requirement for the health of human beings and an indicator of ecological equilibrium.

The pavilion recreates a small-scale Austrian forest, which produces 62.5 kilograms of fresh Oxygen every hour, which is enough to satisfy the needs of 1,800 people.

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Children’s Park Kids learn so much through play and this area will invite them to give in to their wildest, most imaginative side through various features and activities that will keep them entertained for hours.

Food and Art: This thematic area focuses on how food has shaped our imagination, spirituality and artistic vision.

Food has symbolic importance and has been an important subject in some of the world’s most iconic works of art.

Food and Art

The Mascot Visitors will delight in the colours of Expo Milan 2015’s mascot, Foody, comprising 11 different fruits and vegetables which combine to form a single face, representing the beautiful synergy between different countries. Ultimately, this connection is what World Expos are all about. e

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THE FOCUS people

W

e think of Italy as a land of hedonists capable of appreciating and creating the beautiful things in life. Connoisseurs of art, beauty, fashion and fine cars, it is a nation where the inquisitive mind of the engineer melds into the intuitive passion of the artist.

But for all this Italy has also produced its fair share of great thinkers. People like Dante, Guglielmo Marconi, Alessandro Volta and Galileo Galilei, not to mention all those great architects, painters and mathematicians. Even among such famed personages, however, there is one man who stands head and shoulders above the rest; one man who embodies the saying ‘Renaissance Man’, describing a person whose mental and creative abilities combined with an insatiable quest for knowledge are such that he is a master of many disciplines at once.

To define such a person would be to conjure the name Leonardo da Vinci, an inventor, artist, mathematician, architect, engineer, anatomist, botanist and geologist who, for good measure, also wrote and played music. Both intellectually and creatively he was a true genius, and one of the greatest minds of all time. But da Vinci wasn’t only a thinker, he was also a doer. His ability to connect the theoretical with the practical has left us with a rich catalogue of inventions, mathematical models, scientific observations and artwork.

The Renaissance Man

RENAISSANCE GENIUS

LEONARDO

DA VINCI

One of the greatest minds of all time, Leonardo da Vinci was a true genius whose proficiency and output in many fields made him one of the engines of the Renaissance. The results of his uniquely creative mind are still felt to this day. WORDS MICHEL CRUZ

To delve into the life story of Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci is to come away with the impression of a superhuman being. Imagine if Stephen Hawking could paint like Picasso, design buildings like Mies van der Rohe, understand nature like David Attenborough and create amazing new inventions that were far ahead of their time. Oh yes, and write like a novelist while reciting classical concertos.

It seems too much for one person to be capable of and yet this is what the Renaissance ideal was all about – and when it is comes to the multidisciplinary Renaissance Man, the ultimate incarnation is Leonardo da Vinci.

Born the illegitimate son of a reasonably prominent man in 1452, the young Florentine had access to a good, and diverse, education.

Though officially trained as a painter who worked for noblemen, kings and popes, his hunger for knowledge was such that he studied everything from mathematical problems and scientific questions to biology, botany and anatomy. Added to his rational, logical mind was the unusual abundance of creative and artistic talent, and this was again given yet another dimension by the inventive drive of the engineer, the problem-solving artistry of the architect and the humanistic pondering of a man who also wished to understand the world of people and their society.

Leonardo da Vinci Self-Portrait, 1512

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The Last Supper, one of his most inspired works

The inventor… engineering drawings

It seems hard to imagine that the man we know as the creator of the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper would also be solving complex numerical problems and designing machines of war, lenses and anything from an early glider and helicopter to a mechanical calculator and the theoretical basis for the harnessing of solar power.

Indeed, many of his inventions were theoretical – destined never to be made or seen by him because they were too far ahead of their time. How else could it be for someone who spoke of hydrodynamics and plate tectonics in the 15th century, at a time when the western world was only just emerging from the darkness of the Middle Ages?

During peacetime he painted works commissioned by the rich and powerful of the day, while pondering – and uncovering – the mysteries of the world. In times of war, meanwhile, he turned his hand to bolstering defences and creating new types of weaponry, giving little insight into a brain capable both of conjuring

Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, La Gioconda

A futuristic concept for a 15th century helicopter

beauty and designing destruction.

Actually, apart from the fact that he was brilliant and inquisitive we don’t know a lot about the famous Leonardo da Vinci. His relationship with the also famous Michelangelo was known to be tense at times, probably as a result of professional pride and competition.

And yet, beyond the realm of art Michelangelo was not his equal.

They both worked for kings, princes, noblemen and popes – among them the De Medicis and the Borgias – and were privy to many of the era’s momentous occasions and intrigues, but while Michelangelo was also a Renaissance Man (a skilled engineer and architect as well as an artist), his range of abilities did not stretch anywhere near as wide as that of the incomparable Leonardo da Vinci. After meanderings through Florence, Milan, Bologna and Rome, it was in France that da Vinci spent his final years. Having entered the service of King Francis I in 1516, he was given a lavish pension and

the run of the Clos Lucé manor house near the king’s royal Château d’Amboise.

It was here that he was buried and remains to this day, beloved by a king who regarded him as the most knowledgeable person in the world, a superlative artist and a great philosopher. As a man he is marked forever by his intellect and the creations that sprang forth from it, but as a person we are told in subsequent writing that he was handsome, a vegetarian, a humanist and very popular among the rich crop of academics and creative minds of his time. There has been much speculation about the possibility that he was gay, but for someone who left 13,000 pages of drawings and writing, we know precious little about the nature of the man himself.

Most attempts to describe him date from well after his death, so it is to his work that we look to understand this unique genius a little better. The huge body of work he left behind covering everything from

anatomically correct depictions of people, animals and internal organs, to detailed and functional plans for advanced buildings, flying machines, parachutes, dams, hydraulic pumps and entire towns. In fact, a bridge built in Norway in 2001 was based on a hypothetical design by da Vinci for the spanning of the Bosporus in Constantinople. What began with the illustration of De divina proportione, a seminal book on mathematics and the golden ratio, led to the creation of the Vitruvian Man, a combined work of art, maths and science that sums up – and symbolises – this unique individual more than even the Mona Lisa.

In the words of his 16th century biographer, Giorgio Vasari: “In the normal course of events many men and women are born with remarkable talents; but occasionally, in a way that transcends nature, a single person is marvellously endowed by Heaven with beauty, grace and talent in such abundance that he leaves other men far behind…” e

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THE FOCUS dolce vita

Fellini’s classic La Dolce Vita captured an era

The Fiat 500 in its natural environment

W Italian style and ‘Dolce Vita’ on a Lambretta

e strive for permanence in everything we do, from installing new regimes to chasing the ultimate form of style, not realising that success, happiness and ideals are but fleeting moments. With the horrors of the Second World War and the sparseness of the immediate post war years behind it, Europe awoke like a flower in spring to a whole new world of possibilities. With Marshall Aid, the continent was rebuilding itself upon the pillars of prosperity and democracy as a tide of youthful liberalism and creativity swept through the once dusty streets.

Bright colours invaded those spaces, driving out dark shadows amid new sights and sounds. It is at the confluence of these two worlds, old and new, that a very special moment in time was created. Of course, an era whose spirit was born of innocence and purity could never survive.

Alfa Romeo Spider © Fabio Alcini / Shutterstock.com

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La Dolce Vita SPIRIT OF AN ER A

While Britain and America were in the grip of the Swinging Sixties, Italy made its own unique contribution – La Dolce Vita. Literally translated as ‘the sweet life’, it embodies the sense of freedom, open possibilities and joie de vivre of the post war era. WORDS MICHEL CRUZ

Cruising through Tuscany in an Alfa Romeo Spider

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An icon of sixties Italy: the Fiat 500

Eternal Spring The spirit of youth is embodied in spring, that time of birth and rejuvenation but, like spring, youth can only flower thanks to the seasons that came before. The young generations who saw the world through different eyes could only do so because of the prosperity and order created by their elders, who had worked and suffered to create the conditions that led directly to the Dolce Vita. Their humanistic rebellion resonated well within a gentle post war period in which many of the elements of the ancien régime were still in place. By the time these new generations had replaced the old system with their own, it no longer looked anywhere near as appealing.

But in the period between the late 1950s and 60s it seemed that the western world had found Nirvana, an era of eternal spring in which each year would be better than the one before. A fresh breeze blew old cobwebs away and invaded the world with colour and bright, sunny light. Fashions grew lighter, music tingled on the senses, art in all its forms entered a phase of intense creativity and experimentation, cinema was transformed and the world of design discovered a new language of geometry and form.

The world became lighter, literally. Instead of being built inwardly, to keep everything out, homes were now designed to let in light and views, while the dark fabrics and tones that

once covered almost the whole body grew thinner, lighter, more colourful and, gradually, downright skimpy. The bikini, maxi and mini followed one another in quick succession as women were liberated and young people broke down old social barriers, aided in this by the technological advances of their parents’ generation.

Music became the voice of this new movement, cinema a means through which to express itself, and in so doing we see a rapid succession from the quaint through the euphoric to the destructivist era that followed the Dolce Vita – and was ultimately its product. Though leading on from it, this negative, anti-aesthetic vision of the world seems so wholly opposite to the life-loving expression of just ten years earlier. It is within the positivist environment where people believed as never before in the future that we see not only the futuristic architecture of Eero Saarinen and a veritable explosion of industrial design, but also the popularity of television programmes like The Jetsons and Thunderbirds.

© BMCL / Shutterstock.com

The Jetsons

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Back to the future: Eero Saarinen’s Egg Chair

Made famous by The Graduate: The Alfa Romeo Spider

A New Expression of Style From Scandinavia and Italy burst forth a cascade of new looks, materials and shapes, be it the latest Olivetti calculator, Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair or any of the other wonders visible at the hugely popular World Fairs. But perhaps cars embody the era best of all, creating a sense of palpable nostalgia that transmits one back to a time of soft pastel colours and creamily rounded bonnets, boots and roof panels. Iconic in this regard was the Fiat 500, the little bubble car that motorised Italy – and as the Seat 600, Spain. Entire families squeezed into this quaint little sweetheart of a car, or its Multipla derivative.

The latter also dominated the street scene of Rome, Naples and Milan as the taxi of choice, bustling through the, shall we say, lively Italian traffic with typical aplomb. To alight from one of these and find yourself in the Rome of the early sixties would be to inhale the essence of an epoch that has gone in history as one of the most special flights of moment. Darting around the Cinquecentos would be the evergreen Vespa scooters, symbol of the era. Indeed, with all the honking in the air blending with the sounds of Perez Prado’s Patricia and the fragrance of Italian cuisine drifting along, you could find yourself in a scene from La Dolce Vita.

But this cinematic masterpiece, while visually embodying the era, also lays bare the underlying currents of a modern, consumerist world that would eventually lead to our own. In

it, the freshness of the age is already tainted with jaded hedonism, lack of purpose and a sense of lost opportunities. The period that started with the gentle glamour of an older era – as represented by the beautiful Aquariva speedboats – would close with the sporty, youthful chic of the Alfa Romeo Spider, another icon of this bohemian time.

Already iconic in Italy and large parts of Europe, the Spider was introduced to a global audience through the film, The Graduate. In an unwitting American sequel, The Graduate picks up the theme as the decade nears its end. Yet much of the aura remains, and the scenes once again provide iconic mementos of a period that is lost to us now, but which continues to return in retro-filled slices. In it, the Alfa Romeo Spider epitomises the leisurely abandon of the Dolce Vita, a time that may not have been quite as idyllic and carefree as we now perceive it to have been, but still one that we look back upon with nostalgia and yearning as we head into the future.

Today, it is still possible to recapture fleeting moments of this youthful age; by driving through Rome in an original Fiat 500, dodging along its narrow streets on a Vespa or rolling through the hills of Tuscany with the Spider’s top down, it is possible to be Marcello Mastroianni or Anita Ekberg for a while. Get retro stylish, with the wind in your hair, and let the spirit and positive energy of those times fill you with Dolce Vita. e The Aquariva on Lake Como

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THE FOCUS celebrities

The Italian Connection

It’s not obvious at first glance but these 10 Hollywood celebrities all have Italian blood flowing through their veins. And whether it’s just a drop or a whole gene pool, it could explain a lot, as Belinda Beckett reports.

© Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com

LIV TYLER

With her father, Steve Tyler

She looked every inch la bella Italiana as she floated through the fields of Tuscany in Bernardo Bertolucci’s Stealing Beauty, the movie that shot her to stardom. Working with the revered Italian director was an early career highlight. “I went to Italy to film one day after graduating from high school, and turned 18 while I was there, so it was a very special time in my life.”

Liv had no inkling of her own Italian heritage until she was eight, when she learned that

Aerosmith front man Steve Tyler, and not musician Todd Rundgren, was her biological father. Her mother, ex-Playboy bunny Bebe Buell, had never been sure, although with Liv’s dark lashes and mane of ebony hair, few could doubt her Latino connection now. Tyler, aka The Demon of Screamin’, changed his name from Tallarico.

His grandfather hailed from Cantabria.

Liv has become an icon of Italian style, with a huge following on Facebook sites like Liv Tyler Italian Fan Club and Italian Team Liv Tyler. A model at 14 and an actress at 16 without ever taking a lesson, her portrayal of Elf maiden Arwen Undómiel in The Lord of the Rings trilogy brought her international stardom – press headlines too, when her prosthetic elf ears melted on her car dashboard!

With a son from a previous relationship and a baby with sports and entertainment manager David Gardner, she’s currently furnishing their country home outside New York and bemoaning her extravagant Italian taste. “Always the light fixtures I love are Italian,” she says. “I’m like, ‘What’s that? I want it!’ And it’s always $40,000 vintage Italian.”

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Jack Nicholson

With his trademark shades and wolfish grin, bad boy Jack Nicholson could easily be mistaken for a member of the Cosa Nostra. Francis Ford Coppola thought so too, offering him the lead in The Godfather before it went to Marlon Brando.

Nicholson played a Mafia hitman in Prizzi’s Honor, although he plays psychopaths more often!

But whether his true biological father was his showgirl Mum’s Latvian manager or her ItalianAmerican husband, Donald Furcillo (more likely, as Jack shares his serial killer looks), history does not reveal. Nicholson has chosen not to dig any deeper. Perhaps he’s still reeling from the discovery that the ‘parents’ who brought him up were his grandparents, while the girl he called his sister was really his young mother. By the time he found out, none of them were alive to tell the tale.

Nicholson was raised in New Jersey, which has America’s 3rd-highest Italian immigrant population.

His idol was the baseball player Joe DiMaggio and Danny DeVito has been a friend since boyhood, when their families ran a hair salon together. The pair have appeared together in numerous movies, including One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, for which Nicholson won the first of three Oscars. With 12 Academy Award nods, he’s the most nominated male actor in Oscar history.

Nicholson acknowledges five children, including one from his only marriage. His longest relationship was the 16 years he spent with actress Anjelica Huston, although their mutual Italian blood chemistry ensured it was a rollercoaster ride.

Nicholson inherited Irish ancestry from his mother but, as for that manic laugh and maniac stare, we have no idea where that comes from!

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BR ADLEY COOPER

You can tell ‘Coop’ has Italian blood because, at 40, he still lives with his mum and she’s been his Oscar date twice! He brought girlfriend Suki Waterhouse along to this year’s Academy Awards, where he was twicenominated for starring in and producing American Sniper. However the couple have since split and despite rumours, the eligible bachelor has no plans to fly the nest yet. “I don’t think it’s weird,” he’s said of living at home. “You know my dad died, and I come from an Italian neighbourhood, and I couldn’t do it any other way.”

His mother’s family are from Abruzzo and one of his favourite childhood memories was helping his grandma make pasta. “She was an amazing cook,” he says. “As a kid I used to help her make hand-made pasta, cavatelli and ravioli. It was one of my favourite things to do.”

Before his career breakthrough in The Hangover trilogy of road trip comedies, Bradley taped an audition for a role as the son of Robert De Niro and, once again, Mum stepped in and read De Niro’s part!

Unsurprisingly, he didn’t get the role but went on to make three consecutive movies with his fellow ItalianAmerican, two of which (Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle) won Oscar nominations for Bradley.

His favourite mode of travel is the Italian Vespa given to him and all the cast of The Hangover Part II. “I thought, ‘a Vespa? What the heck kind of gift is that?

I mean, it’s nice, but I’ll never drive it.’ But I tell you, I cannot stop riding that Vespa. I dream about it when I’m away.”

ANJELICA HUSTON Her surname gives none of her heritage away but the daughter of all-American movie director John Huston inherited much from the Italian side of her family. She has the same Christian name as her Italian immigrant grandmother and the Latin looks of her mother, the Italian–American prima ballerina and model Enrica Soma. Anjelica was less overjoyed to inherit the family’s Roman nose, commenting, “There were times when I hated it. But you grow up and you start to recognise that maybe it wasn’t a bad thing that you weren’t born Barbie.”

A photo shoot with her mother for American Vogue launched her modelling career at 17. That same year she was seduced by actor Edward Fox, 11 years her senior, a liaison the actress/director only recently revealed in her controversial autobiography, Watch Me.

Angelica grew up in Ireland but perhaps it was her Italian roots that drew her to settle among the canals of Venice, California. Best known for her matriarchal roles as Morticia in The Addams Family and Etheline in the Royal Tenenbaums, she won her only Oscar playing the daughter of a mafia don with the hots for Jack Nicholson in Prizzi’s Honour, directed by her father.

As well as their mutual Italian heritage she shared a relationship on and off screen with Nicholson for 16 years.

The Hustons are national treasures in America, the first family to produce three generations of Academy Award winners. Uniquely, John Huston won both his statuettes directing his family in Oscar-winning performances – Anjelica in Prizzi’s Honour and his father Walter in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.

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© s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

had teeth pulled and endured water-boarding to add authenticity to his roles, once commenting, “There’s a fine line between the method actor and the schizophrenic.”

He famously introduced Johnny Depp to movies, sending the musician to see his agent after sensing his talent over a game of Monopoly! At one time Cage had a property ‘monopoly’ himself, buying up castles and an island (and losing millions in the property crash). One of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors, and one of the most philanthropic, at 51 he has two children, a grandson and two divorces (from actress Patricia Arquette and Elvis Presley’s daughter Lisa Marie). A sucker for Italian cars, he once bought the Shah of Iran’s Lamborghini Miura in a telephone auction for a whopping $450,000, mama mia!

She traced her roots for the TV genealogy show, Who Do You Think You Are? and discovered an Italian soap opera! Her Tuscan grandmother was a New York nightclub dancer who gave birth to her mother at 13, then abandoned the child to the nuns.

“From the first time I came to Italy, I felt inexplicably at home.

Now I know why. My gene pool is crying out!” said Sarandon, an honorary citizen of Ragusa in Sicily, where she also has ancestral connections.

It would make a great movie but Sarandon, still sought-after for sexy female leads at 68, is way too busy. From 1975’s outrageous Rocky Horror Picture Show to her Oscar-winning lead in

With Elvis Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie

© Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

La Bella Italia doesn’t instantly spring to mind when thinking of Cage, a name he adopted from one of his favourite comic book heroes to avoid accusations of nepotism. But he comes from a long line of extraordinary Italian talent.

It began with his greatgrandfather, a composer who emigrated from Naples to America where he opened a cinema. It continued through his Italian grandparents, his father and his paternal uncle, who is none other than Italian film director Francis Ford Coppola. His gifted family (including actress Talia Shire and directors Roman and Sofia Coppola), has produced three generations of Oscar winners, racking up nine gold statuettes and 23 nominations!

Cage made a name playing flamboyant and eccentric characters, winning an Oscar for his alcoholic Hollywood writer in Leaving Las Vegas. He has eaten a live cockroach,

NICOLAS CAGE Dead Man Walking and her feisty alter ego, Louise, in Ridley Scott’s iconic modern western, Thelma & Louise, Sarandon has been making quality movies for over four decades. The work hasn’t stopped since 1969, when she attended an audition with her then-husband and landed a part instead of him! She once quipped: “Directors cast the men they want to be and the women they want to have.”

Told she could never have children, she became pregnant with her daughter Eva after a summer fling in Italy with director Franco Amurri. In a continuation of that Italian

connection, Eva made Mom a grandma last year. Sarandon has two other children from her marriage to director Tim Robbins. In her spare time she runs a ping-pong lounge business with toy-boy lover Jonathan Bricklin, 37.

Known for her social and political activism, she is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and received the Action Against Hunger Humanitarian Award in 2006.

SUSAN SARANDON

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J E N N I F E R ANNISTON Our ‘friend’ Jen has such a high-profile Greek background, through her actor father John and godfather Telly Savalas, that people often overlook her Latin roots. Her mother is one quarter Italian through her immigrant grandfather and has a ‘Latin temper’ to match, according to Jennifer. She didn’t speak to her for 10 years after she published a kiss-and-tell book, From Mother and Daughter to Friends: A Memoir.

Almost as famous for her divorce from Brad Pitt as for playing Rachel in the longrunning TV sit com Friends, which spawned ‘the Rachel’ haircut in salons worldwide, Jennifer is a big fan of Italian designer clothes and jewellery. However she and Brad famously sued Damiani when the prestige Italian jewellers made a killing turning out cheap copies of their wedding rings.

Jennifer learned her trade at New York’s ‘Fame Academy’, founded by New York’s Italian Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, and is

known as ‘the queen of rom com’ for her lightweight movies. This year marked a turning point when she won critical acclaim for her first serious role in Cake, playing a woman suffering from chronic pain. Often topping World’s Sexiest lists, Aniston is 46 and childless but 2015 is rumoured to be the year she’ll wed her fiancé of three years, actor Justin Theroux. She appeared on his arm at this year’s Oscars, looking fab in a figurehugging Versace gown.

Although frequently on a diet, she once said in an interview that she might give up acting and move to Italy to “open up a little antique store, eat pasta and get fat”. She was joking, of course!

M A R K RUFFA LO

With Brad Pitt

He’s considered one of the most ‘normal’ and likeable actors in Hollywood, and Mark reckons that his big Italian family kept him level-headed.

His father is of Calabrian descent and his mother is halfItalian too. “There was a lot of family around, a lot of love. My parents were together until I was in my mid-20s. They were really open parents, sweet, and not really strict with us.”

He’s idolised by kids worldwide for his portrayal of Bruce Banner The Hulk in The Avenger, which he will reprise in a sequel this year. He was bar tending for nearly a decade until he was ‘discovered’ in his early 30s, while struggling to fund his own theatre company in L.A., a period he found “humiliating”. Since 2004, he has appeared in high-profile films like Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island and The Kids

Are All Right, earning an Oscar nomination for his role as the sperm-donor father to lesbian couple Annette Bening and Julianne Moore. He directed his first indie movie, Sympathy for Delicious, which won th Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival last year, and also devotes much of his time to environmental causes and the anti-fracking lobby.

Now 45, with his own big family – a French-Canadian wife, son and two daughters, one unusually named Bella Noche in tribute to his Italian ancestry – he enjoys tending his kitchen garden, as his grandfather did, and cooking up Italian recipes learned from his mother. ”I make a pretty mean eggplant parmigiana,” he says. “I have six eggplants I’m looking forward to harvesting.

It’s my wife’s favourite thing.”

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© Everett Collection / Shutterstock.com

With his wife, Kelly Preston

John T r avolta She once joked, “I’m Irish-Italian so I’ve got a really bad temper,” and maybe it’s an explosive combination, as her parents are now divorced. If her own career has been a car crash (and she’s wrecked several of her own), her turbulent home life did nothing to deter her from that collision course.

The actress who also famously said: “Life is full of risks anyway; why not take them?” has certainly walked her talk, morphing from teen queen toast of Hollywood to celebrity jailbird with a well-publicised drink and drugs habit.

Ironically, she had ‘la bella vita’ (beautiful life) tattooed on her lower back in tribute to her Italian heritage. Her ancestors must be turning in their urns!

A case of too much too young, she was a model almost as soon as she could walk,

© Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

He feels more Irish (like his actress mother) than Sicilian (like his father) and all six Travolta siblings followed Mum into showbusiness. But one of his earliest memories, aged five, was watching Fellini’s La Strada, in which the heroine dies of a broken heart. “I didn’t think you could and it changed my whole life.”

The actor who sparked the 1970s disco-dancing craze and a trend for white polyester suits was virtually typecast as an Italian-American after Saturday Night Fever, Grease and Staying Alive. It may be why his career stalled in the Eighties, despite that famous dance with Princess Diana at the White House.

Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction put him back in the A-list running with films like Face Off and Wild Hogs.

But Sicilian heritage will out, and he’s been slated to play the ‘godfather’ of them all, New York’s late ‘Teflon don’, John Gotti. Travolta controversially sought approval from the mobster’s family over a cosy dinner at their home.

His Italian connections also came to his aid in 2009 when his 16-year-old son Jet died from a seizure. The late James Gandolfini of TV’s The Sopranos helped Travolto come to terms with the tragedy. “My father sold tyres to his father and I was his inspiration to get into show business, he was a beautiful man,” Travolta said. He and wife Kelly Preston have two other children and dual membership to the controversial Church of Scientology.

These days Travolta’s more focused on his highflying hobby. He owns five jets, has a runway in his garden and flew his Boeing 707 on humanitarian missions to New Orleans, after the hurricane, and Haiti after the earthquake.

appearing in more than 60 commercials from the age of three. At 11, she beat 4,000 other girls for the lead in Disney’s The Parent Trap and had three other major box office hits under her belt before she was 20: Freaky Friday, Mean Girls and Herbie: Fully Loaded – a title that’s come back to haunt her in tabloid newspaper headlines. She’s also released three pop albums and has been in rehab three times.

Last year, La Lohan flew to Italy to receive a Biggest Comeback Award at the Ischia Global Film & Music Fest. Although the very idea was ridiculed in the press, she seems to be attempting to turn over that new leaf, with a stage debut in London’s West End last year and, now, a new tonguein-cheek Superbowl commercial selling, believe it or not, car insurance! e

Ly ndsay Loh an

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THE FOCUS people

Dario Poli: “If you don’t fight for what you want, you don’t deserve to have it”

A

s a keen cinephile, I was particularly impressed this year by a film called Whiplash: the story of a young musician fighting to become the best drummer in the world, spurred on (or, some might say, pushed to madness) by a brutal teacher, for whom, “There are no two words more damaging in the English language than ‘Good Job’.” The film poses many philosophical questions, including whether or not true genius can be ‘created by force’; the answer is elusive but leans heavily towards the following: genius cannot be pushed (in fact, it can be destroyed this way) but, sometimes, it can arise through sheer desire, determination, and hard work… I am reminded of this thought on the day I meet Dario Poli.

The composer is here to discuss his newest work: Amsterdam, the musical that came to him in a dream: the story of a lost work of art in the city of canals, which is found by a group of street musicians from Marbella. The project is ambitious; Dario is currently working on uniting the Mayors of Marbella and of Amsterdam, who are now lending their support to what is undoubtedly the project of a lifetime. For the musical, Dario and co-writer David Mairs, have teamed up with Mugge Fischer and Ose del Sol (the latter has painted the elusive work, which represents a beautiful lady wearing a bracelet with three crosses – the symbol of Amsterdam, whose origin is unknown and which the musical dares to explain).

Dario is also working on finding a publisher for his new book, The Boatkeeper’s Daughter, a novel based on the life of his father, a Tuscan

Painter, writer, poet, composer…

Dario Poli, self-confessed ‘intellectual anarchist’ and Renaissance Man of the new millennium, shares his views on art and music and delights us with anecdotes about his fascinating life. He also presents two of his latest projects: the musical, Amsterdam, and his new book, based on the life of his father: The Boatkeeper’s Daughter.

WORDS Marisa CUTILLAS Photography Courtesy of Dario Poli

opera singer raised in Scotland and arrested after a concert at the start of the Anglo-Italian War. Dario says that the war changed his father, “turned him into a hard man.” The book is inspired by a young girl living near the internment camp his father was held in, ensconced on an island in the middle of the St. Lawrence river in Montreal, Canada. “My father’s army commander found out he was a known opera singer and asked him to perform for important dignitaries at a party.

One day, he walked up to the wired fence that separated his camp from a beautiful boat house; he began to practise his singing, when he saw a curtain move in a window above.” It was the young girl who, enamoured by Dario’s father yet unable to communicate with him, would leave him love notes beneath a rock on the other side of the fence; notes Dario’s father would collect religiously. They never met, for one day “the girl disappeared” yet years after his father’s passing, Dario would find these letters, innocent yet desperate in their worry for the girl’s “little nightingale”.

Amsterdam and The Boatkeeper’s Daughter are simply the tip of the iceberg for Dario, who

is prolific and indubitably multi-faceted, despite receiving very little support for his artistic and intellectual abilities. “When my father came back from the war, he started up a business and from a very young age, he put me to work.” A little known fact is that Dario’s father was involved with the early manufacture of potato crisps; “At the age of five, my job was to fill the little blue bags with salt.” Dario also had very little formal schooling; at the age of eight and a half, “the hard work was affecting my health, so my father sent me to the live with Tuscan farmers near the Carrara Mountains.”

Dario got lost in Paris on his way there, a fortuitous occurrence, since the train he was meant to be on derailed, killing many passengers. It was not the first time he would strike it lucky: “In numerology, my number is 19, a very lucky number and luck has always accompanied me.” Tuscany would make a man out of the boy, boosting Dario’s selfconfidence and sense of invincibility. He says, “I lived like Huckleberry Finn, with no shoes… I learned to fight, ride horses and handle tough mules and reptiles. I grew strong and when I came back home, my father didn’t recognise me!”

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In addition to owing a food wholesale business, his hardworking father set up a restaurant. In between serving customers, Dario gave in to his greatest passion aside from art: reading. “Perhaps because I was not allowed to study, I was obsessed with learning. I would read morning, noon and night and by the time I was 14 I had read the complete works of Tolstoy. To this day, I haven’t stopped studying.” The hours of reading paid off: Dario has written illustrated books and articles for prestigious magazines, mostly centred around enigmatic figures of literature and history: Nostradamus, Mark Twain, and Mozart are just a few subjects of his writings.

He says that if he could have met one historical figure, it would probably be Leonardo Da Vinci: “Like me, he was very comfortable functioning in a multi-faceted frame of mind. Like this artist, I am a humanist. I like to stand up against all forms of bullying: of the physical, mental and even commercial kind. I consider myself an anarchist because I have studied most kinds of political systems, art and philosophy and I never stop analysing what is going on in the world from a practical and spiritual point of view.” The young artist also learned music, thanks to the grace of his neighbour: “Maestro Gasparini was one of the most famous celloists of the time; he used to play music to me when I was sick and when I improved, he taught me the basics of music.”

Dario tells me of one work he has kept, to this day, preserved in a perfect state: a mural representing the Apocalypse, painted during quiet times at his father’s restaurant over a formica wall. “Formica is a difficult surface because it is so slippery, but I was determined to complete that painting. It was as if I was rebelling against my father, by showing him that despite his failure to support my education or interest in the arts, I

The Apocalypse, painted by Dario Poli at the age of 15

would not succumb.” The painting is impressive in its scope and technique, far beyond the abilities of a 15-year-old, completely self-taught artist working with the wrong materials. A renowned painter from Florence, intrigued by what he identified as genius in this young man, offered him the chance to study art with him in Florence, though once again, Dario’s father put a stop to this ambitious plan.

When Dario was 17, he opened his own restaurant in Leicester with all the money he had saved over the years; its walls were graced with guitars and Dario would play the guitar for guests, many of whom walked over from across the road, where the Haymarket Theatre stood. One visitor would change the course of his life: Engelbert Humperdinck’s brother, who invited Dario to play music with him in the Isle of Man. Eventually, Dario and his sister Delia formed the duo Two of a Kind, jointly winning a prestigious competition held by ATV televison and performing alongside a plethora of international stars, including Buddy Greco, Olivia Newton-John, Julie Felix, Bruce

Forsythe, Dave Allen and Engelbert Humperdinck.

Dario has also co-written the musical Lady X and The Power of Destiny (based on the life of Princess Diana) and he was the brainchild of Marbella, Marbella, the anthem of the recent campaign to boost Marbella’s image and to counter the bad press the Coast had received during the height of the crisis.

Dario has been described by award-winning Photographer, Paul Chave, as “a combination of Edvard Munch, Dali and William Blake,” and although there is something ethereal in his art, he is above all a humanist, fuelled by the unrelenting need to fight against injustice. Riding high with his plans for his latest musical, he says, “I can feel the excitement soaring within me and every day, I get one step closer to getting it produced.” For Dario, the most harmful words in the English language would have to be “Seeing is believing,” for the essence of magic resides precisely in what we cannot see. “People may say that I cannot achieve the dream of producing a musical in Holland and I say, ‘Just watch me’!” e

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style

INTERIORS / ARCHITECTURE / ART / DESIGN

Discover the key elements of Italian Design, which has always been a world leader, appreciate why Cape Reed’s emblematic thatched structures are in vogue, marvel at the latest collection from Riani (featuring Italian fabrics) and read up on the latest fashion news.

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Cape Reed: A World of Outdoor Options

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Fashion: Riani

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The Most Renowned Belgian Art Gallery

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THE STYLE decor

The Paris Armani store at night

W

hen you think of Italy the visions that come to mind are of its delicious food, its passionate people, a love of football, or ‘calcio’ as it known there, and a sense of style and design that transcends the centuries and encapsulates both classical and modern genres. From fashion to cars, furniture and industrial design, Italy perhaps more than any other country is synonymous with the creation of marvellous shapes, textures and tones crafted

into exquisite luxury items.

The French have their fashion and cosmetic expertise, the Germans are renowned for their engineering, the British for their creativity and traditions, and the Americans for their commercial aptitude, but the Italians are the ones who most play on our senses, producing cars, clothes, kitchens and even storage systems that please the eye with their gracious lines. Given shape with the knowing eye of a creative mind, even everyday items such as

cutlery sets can add a little lustre to our lives.

As a result, the nation famous for its appreciation of the fun and fine things in life can measure itself with the best in many fields, from the Armanis, Bulgaris and Pradas of the fashion world, Nina Ricci and Acqua di Parma in perfumery and the likes of Fendi, B&B Italia and Giorgetti in furniture design to the sumptuous yachts made by Riva, stylish motorbikes of Ducati and of course sports car makers such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati.

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Italian Design

Though beautiful items are created around the world, the Italians have become known for their flair for styling and engineering that is built on a centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship.

WORDS Michel cruz

Unmistakably Italian

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A Philosophy of Pure Design As a result, the Italians have given us such globally revered icons as the flaming red Ferrari, the Armani suit, the Prada dress, the pretty little Fiat 500 or cheeky Lambretta scooter, the gorgeous Aquariva speedboat and a whole multitude of chairs, lamps, sofas, jugs, glass sets and even office machinery we seldom realise are also vital reference points in the world of design.

Accompanying the famous brands are legendary names such as Pininfarina, Bertone, Giugiaro, Italdesign and Zagato, specialist design studios whose reputation is second to none. We associate them mostly with the design of exotic Italian sports cars and the futuristic prototypes seen at auto shows, but in reality these agencies give shape not only to Alfas, Lancias, Ferraris and Maseratis, but also to yachts, powerboats, buses, trains, aeroplanes, jet skis, luxurious bicycles and skis – and items that don’t have anything to do with transport at all.

The latter includes many of the products we take for granted, ranging from furniture and home decoration to household utensils, kitchen appliances, storage systems and even vending machines. Some also act as design consultants for hotels, luxury homes or stateof-the-art office blocks, as well as shopping centres and theme parks, while Turin-based Pininfarina would have been particularly proud to have been involved in making the new Juventus Arena one of the most attractive football stadiums in the world.

Interior design stands and home architecture solutions at Milan’s world-famous Salone del Mobile

Prada leather shoes in a display cabinet

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At the heart of this process are the designers themselves, many of whom have gone on to become legendary names in their own right. They naturally include the likes of Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina, Giovanni Bertone and Giorgetto Giugiaro, who went on to establish the world’s most famous design empires.

Giugiaro, who founded the Italdesign Giugiaro studio, was heralded as the Car Design of the Century in 1999, and his influence will be felt well into the 21st century.

Other top designers include the likes of Mario Bellini, Achille Castiglione, ‘Joe’ Cesare Colombo, Tom Tjaarda and of course popular fashion names such as Giorgio Armani, Gianni Versace and Roberto Cavalli. From their conceptualisations have flowed the shapes of the dresses, suits, sofas,

kitchens, cars, but also calculators, pens and even photo computers that embody the global oeuvre of Italian Design. Many carry the flag for famous Italian brands, but others are styled for products from across the planet.

This means that the Nikon camera or Apple computer you’re holding may not be entirely conceived in Japan or the USA, while the pasta you’re eating could very well have been given its shape by someone like Giugiaro.

Born out of car design and coach building, Italy’s design companies have extended their impact on our street scene beyond the reach of their domestic manufacturers, giving shape to Peugeots, Rolls Royces, Bentleys, Cadillacs and Austins as well as to Citroens, Volvos, BMWs, Volkswagens and Hyundais.

Italian design is also famous for avant-garde concepts

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Making everyday items look special Giorgio Armani store

Interior design solutions at Salone del Mobile, international furnishing accessories exhibition in Milan

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Italian Espresso with Italian design

A Tradition of Master Craftsmen Indeed, much of the world could not live without Italian design, but this thirst for life that gives shape to things bold and beautiful is not the only ingredient that the Italians draw upon when conjuring up their worldconquering visual styles. Today we associate this tradition above all with industrial design, the fashion industry and engineering, but Italy’s mastery in this field builds upon the much older and deeper roots of its architectural and craft traditions – many of which have been famous since the middle ages.

Back then, when the country was divided into lots of semi-independent duchies and city-states, Northern Italy was already a hotbed of innovative and creative products. In those times these could have included perfumes, weaponry and carriages as readily as furniture, jewellery and those small but important items of luxury that set the haves apart from the rest of society. It is not by coincidence that Italy was also at the heart of the Renaissance, that rediscovery of classical knowledge that produced such an outpouring of scientific and creative development, and has led in a straight line to the technological discoveries of our own time.

To medieval craftsmen were suddenly added the inventors, innovators and architects who would help to redefine the way the world looked and worked. It is this tradition that Italian design builds upon as it continues to bring together masterful craftsmanship, design and engineering that had its heyday in the 1950s and 60s but continues to be associated with the very best in style, taste and creativity. e

Detail of a Pagani Zonda Cinque at the MPH motor show, London

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THE STYLE cape reed

CAPE REED

A WORLD OF OUTDOOR OPTIONS

Known for its elegant, hardwearing and ďŹ re-retardant thatched roof structures, Cape Reed is opening up a whole new perspective when it comes to outdoor living spaces.

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ

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Stylish outdoor entertainment area that blends in with its green surroundings

A

rchitects and designers often speak about bringing the outdoors in and vice versa, and in the climate we are blessed with in southern Spain, blending interior and exterior spaces in this manner has become a way of life as well as an expression of style. For many, it is an ideal way to let living rooms flow outwards, adding to terraces and pool decks with true outdoor living areas that bring the home into the garden.

This is done in a variety of ways, with gazebos, chiringuitos and entire poolside entertainment areas complete with relaxing lounge, dining space, kitchen, changing rooms and even spa zones. The sky is the limit when it comes to the options, and lately they have expanded even further, as Cape Reed has developed not just the range of structures and styles, but the entire concept of outdoor living spaces.

Taking Reed into the Modern Era “Originally we entered the market through the building of thatched roof wooden chiringuitos,” says founder Louis van der Vyver, whose new concept found a ready market on the Costa del Sol. “There is a traditional reference to building with thatch in many parts of the world because it is a readily available natural product, but even though that wasn’t the case in southern Spain, people took to our products because they fitted so well with the Costa del Sol lifestyle.”

Before long, Louis and his team were building outdoor bars, recreational areas and even guest cottages not only for private villas, but also for hotels, luxury urbanisations and commercial premises. The Sea Grill restaurant at Puente Romano and Shanti Som Wellbeing Retreat are good examples, helping to make the Cape Reed name and thatched roof wooden structures synonymous with quality natural, sustainable materials that are also durable and fireretardant. “Our clients tend to be amazed at just how ingenious and solid our construction is, and even though our skilled craftsmen and technicians steal the show we also pride ourselves on the service that comes with it.”

Keenly aware that quality of service, and when necessary trouble-shooting, are actually as important as the product itself, Louis is proud of his response time. “Along with the design solutions we offer, this is really where we distinguish ourselves. It is by addressing any questions a client may have, and doing so swiftly, that we have earned many referrals.”

But, having grown rapidly since expanding out of South Africa, Cape Reed is not a company that is resting on its laurels. “The market is evolving, with new technologies and design trends affecting the way properties look, are configured and ultimately how they are used.”

The flexible thatch & timber structures can easily be incorporated into any type of landscape

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An expression of elegance, ambiance and style

Cape Reed and its product range have also been evolving, culminating in new designs and applications that are very much in tune with today’s architectural and décor styles. “Our timber is now available in lighter tones that complement modern homes, while the new, integrated structures can create entire indoor/outdoor living and leisure spaces either flowing on from the main house or set within garden and pool areas.” In the process, they are showing just how much potential this type of construction offers as an alternative or in conjunction with conventional ones.

“Our leisure areas are offering an alternative to the gyms, spa areas, entertainment and games rooms, guest accommodation and bars that are otherwise found indoors, often in the lower, subterranean level of a villa or apartment complex.” By placing them in the garden, close to swimming pools and terrace decks that connect with the home’s main living areas, the wooden structures are out in the open, enjoying sunlight, refreshing breezes and often the best views from the property. “What’s more, you can enclose them in a great many ways, be it with partial or entire bricked walls (plastered or not), glassed-in areas with folding concertina doors or just by leaving them largely open to create a free flowing tropical ambience.”

“We believe that, from an aesthetic and practical point of view, our structures add value to any property by creating a stylish outdoor extension to the premises that naturally blends in with its green surroundings, which increases the overall appeal of the villa.” Where conventional

buildings in a garden would require the levelling and excavating of sloped land, Cape Reed’s flexible structures can be built on wooden pillars that overhang a gradient and level it at a stroke. “It is cheaper, easier, more attractive and less impactful on your garden environment – and a great way to turn a steep slope into a prime area where you can relax in private.”

Light, breezy and featuring a rather sophisticated sense of style, the new designs fit the current zeitgeist in terms of design ethos, a fact that is mirrored in the kind of clients Cape Reed is now attracting. “The new range of options is finding a very good response from homeowners, architects and developers, but also the likes of the Hotel Puente Romano, who contracted us as part of the redevelopment of the external areas of the iconic Sea Grill beach club and restaurant.”

It is telling that the new design does not only have an impact on the poolside terrace, but also extended into the main lounge and restaurant itself.

The result is a beautiful new venue that offers today’s client a refined ambience that is at once classic and chic.

Main entrance to Shanti Som Spa & Wellbeing Retreat

Modern interior of the Sea Grill Restaurant @ Hotel Puente Romano

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Sea Grill Restaurant – Puente Romano

New Applications But it isn’t just in Marbella and the Costa del Sol that Cape Reed is in vogue. Today most of the company’s turnover comes from its Dubai and Qatar operations, where local architects, homeowners and developers have long since been converted to the concept. “So much so that, in addition to private villas and smaller developments, we have also had the pleasure of working on large hotel and recreation projects such as the signature Sofitel Hotel and Resort on the Palm Jumeira and the exciting new Dubai Safari.” As an official contractor at both these imposing projects, Cape Reed is responsible not only for creating thousands of square metres of thatched areas, but also for wooden structures that provide all manner of venues and facilities while underpinning the environmental credentials of both projects.

“For the Sofitel group, which offers an upmarket recreational experience, it is a flagship project that showcases their ambition to be a top player in the luxury hotel resort business.” From such large-scale projects to the smaller construction undertaken by Cape Reed’s Aix-en-Provence

team at private villas in places like St Tropez, the versatility of the material and its many applications is clear. “In Sotogrande, a client recently wanted us to build an elaborate pool house, while in St Tropez a poolside leisure area eventually expanded into a guest cottage as it became clear how well suited this sympathetic method of building is to places with strict planning regulations.”

In taking natural materials like reed and timber to the next level and using them to create living and leisure spaces that are fresh, breezy and stylishly modern, Cape Reed has opened a whole new dimension for outdoor areas at villas and commercial venues alike.

Exclusive pool house, Sotogrande

g Avda. Bulevar Príncipe

Alfonso de Hohenlohe s/n, Casa Marbella Pueblo, Local 7, Marbella.

Tel: +34 951 775 495 / 638 421 464. europe@capereed.com www.capereed.com

Aerial view of the Sofitel Hotel & Resort, Palm Jumeira, Dubai

This secluded cottage in St Tropez blends in with the protected natural environment

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THE STYLE fashion

Italian Fabric at its Finest

Marisa Cutillas brings us the latest collection from Riani, a high-fashion brand blending the very best of Italian fabrics with German production techniques. Shine, transparency and original prints are just some of the many highlights of this new line, which is already being seen at many of the world’s top red carpet events.

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Purple Perfection

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Blue

Perfection

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Leather & Shine

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Glittering Goddess

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i www.riani.de

Golden Grace

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Dancing to the Rhythm of

Spring Marisa Cutillas brings you a colourful array of items to celebrate the glory of Spring!

tio bag al Collec

Trib

by Louis

ACCESSORIZE: www.accessorize.es ARARAT JOYAS: www.araratjoyas.com CHOPARD: www.chopard.com JUICY COUTURE: www.juicycouture. com LOUIS VUITTON: www.louisvuitton.com MONSOON: www.monsoon.co.uk STEVE MADDEN: www.stevemadden.com

Necklac e by Acc essorize

THE STYLE fashion

Vuitton

Bag by

Monso

on

Bag by M

onsoon

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Skirt by Juicy Couture

Sexy sandal by Steve Madden

Watch by Chopard

Ring by Ararat Joyas

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Sunglasses by Louis Vuitton

Short set by Juicy Couture

Shorts by Accessorize

Earrings by Accessorize

Bag by Louis Vuitton

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DANESA

LA

La revista danesa en España / Det danske magasin i Spanien

JANUAR 2013

NORSKE Det norske månedsmagasinet på Costa del Sol

Det

magasinet

S PA N I E N F Ö R S V E N S K A R

Sesongen er godt i gang på Europas sørligste skisportssted, Pradollano i Sierra Nevada.

Et ægte boutique-hotel

De vinder mere og mere frem, særligt i de europæiske storbyer, og nu også i de spanske.

La Danesa har studeret det hippe boutique-fænomen.

Mandesnak hos Mærsk

Torben Gram forlod sit job i Danmark til fordel for et liv i Spanien uden på forhånd at have arbejde, bolig eller kendskab til sproget.

• Intervjuer • Nyheter • Utflukter • Sport • Fakta • Kultur • Profiler • Politikk • Mote • Helse • og mye mer...

Jacob Haugaard er tilbage

La Danesa har mødt manden, som den 17. februar besøger Kysten med sit show ”Jacob – Solo”.

Spanske barn møtte Karius & Baktus

Siesta - myter og realiteter

Nesten 200 spanske barn og deres foreldre fikk nylig sitt første møte med de norske tanntrollene Karius og Baktus.

Du trodde kanskje at siestaen var en så inngrodd del av spansk kultur at ingenting kan rokke ved den. Tro om igjen!

Loja - en blomst blant torner Loja ligger 60 km vest for Granada, og det var selveste Isabel la Católica som i 1486, da byen overga seg til de kristne, kalte byen en blomst blant torner – “flor entre espinas”.

JANUAR 2013

Ecológico

Med inspiration hentet i Spanien og i Wien har Kirsten Vaupel begået sin første roman, og kan nu tilføje titlen forfatter til rækken af kulturelle hverv på sit farverige visitkort.

El Mercadillo

Les mer om aktiviteter på Costa de Sol i ¿Qué pasa?

Kirsten Vaupel debuterer med roman

Tomatkrig, vikingeslag og tyreløb, religiøse optog, pilgrimsfærd og menneskepyramider er blandt højdepunkterne på Spaniens kuriøse, kulturelle kalender.

en

Januari 2013

Sesong i Sierra Nevada

• Interviews • Nyheder • Bolig • Finans • Udflugter • Sport • Fakta • Kultur • Profiler • Politik • Mode • Helse

Kuriøse fiestas año 2013

sueco

Fler och fler upptäcker kustens kanske hälsosammaste marknad

Utflykt

El Escorial tronar på minnen om makt och historia.

Motor

Trike – trehjulingar för vuxna.

Resa

Läs ett vykort från Aten.

Profil

Lennart Lundquist är mannen bakom Internetsidorna Svenskar i Spanien.

Golf

Det nya året inleds med stora rabatter.

spa

PRODUCTS / Beauty / SPA / SCIENCE

What are the world’s top superfoods for beauty? Why is vegetarianism the new ‘in’ diet to follow? Find the answers to these questions and keep updated with the latest beauty and health news from this sizzling hot section.

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104 Beauty: Superfoods 106 Beauty News 108 Beauty: Hair & Beauty Matters

from Reflections 110

Health: Vegetarianism

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Health News

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Health Profile: Dr. Nyjon Eccles: Anti-Ageing and Bio-Identical Hormone Specialist

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BEAUTY

SUPERFOODS for Beauty ADVICE

The skin is the largest organ in the body and consuming the right foods can go a long way towards increasing its elasticity, firmness and youthfulness. This month, Marisa Cutillas brings us a selection of health foods that will turn back the hands of time, keeping blemishes, tightness and wrinkles at bay.

Z COOKED TOMATOES AS A NATURAL SUNSCREEN: Cooked tomatoes and tomato sauce are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant thought to help prevent cancer and heart disease and protect the skin against the sun. Lycopene attacks free radicals caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays, firming skin and aiding cells in their important task of collagen formation. Lycopene lends various foods their orange/red hue. In addition to tomatoes, it can also be found in guava, watermelon, grapefruit and papaya. Just one of these fruits a week will give you much needed protection against the sun’s rays.

Z RED PEPPER FOR FIRMING SKIN: Vitamin C protects skin cells against inflammation, permitting new collagen to form and skin to appear firm and wrinkle-free. Source the Vitamin you need from red pepper (just one cup of pepper contains 280mg of Vitamin C, compared to one medium sized orange, which only has 75mg of Vitamin C).

Z SWEET POTATOES FOR FIGHTING BLEMISHES AND CLOGGED PORES: Our oil glands exist to help skin exfoliate (i.e. rid itself of dead cells). However, when these glands are overactive, they can become blocked with oil, bacteria and dirt, leading to the development of pimples. Sweet potatoes are rich in Vitamin A, which helps regularise oil gland activity and promotes more efficient exfoliation. Other foods which are rich in Vitamin A are dark leafy greens, bell peppers, lettuce and dried apricots.

Z MILLET FOR SKIN FIRMNESS: Those who consider millet to be a food for birds may be surprised to know that it has been used for centuries in India to enhance the health of hair, skin and nails. This yellow grain is high in protein and balances acidity in the body. It also houses a secret ingredient that makes it such a powerful ally for greater beauty: silicon, a necessary ingredient to help cells build collagen. Millet is easy to cook; just simmer it in water or stock as

you would with rice; mix it with grilled vegetables for a yummy meat-free lunch or dinner. Other silicon-rich foods include bell peppers (which seem to be the ultimate anti-ageing vegetable), soybeans, oats, brown rice, apples, oranges and cucumber.

Z OILY FISH FOR MOISTURE: Oily fish like wild salmon and freshly caught red tuna are rich in Omega-3 essential fatty acids (which the body cannot produce itself). Consume fish three times a week or more and watch dry, itchy skin turn smooth and supple. Remember that dry skin doesn’t just look unsightly; it also leads to the destruction of the ceramide barrier, which prevents moisture loss.

Z CAPERS FOR INFLAMMATION: Many of us suffer from inflamed, red skin, which can arise from a number of conditions, including perimenopause, seasonal changes, allergies, etc. Capers are rich in quercetin, a flavonoid that has been proven in various studies to lower inflammation and fight free radicals. Just one tablespoon of

capers contains a whopping 190mg of quercetin. Add them to a stew or grilled chicken dish for a flavourful touch of saltiness.

Z DARK GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES FOR DETOXIFICATION: For skin cells to work at their maximum potential, they cannot be burdened by toxins.

Support your liver in its important role of detoxification by eating dark, leafy greans such as spinach and broccoli. If you detest greens, ‘hide’ them in juice.

One of my favorite recipes contains a blend of oranges, bananas and spinach leaves… trust me, you won’t taste the spinach at all! e

PUMPKIN SEEDS FOR FIRMNESS AND ELASTICITY: The humble pumpkin seed is rich in Vitamin E, selenium, essential fatty acids and zinc. This potent blend maintains collagen levels, enhances skin elasticity, stimulates skin cell growth, repairs damage, controls sebum production and protects skin against the sun.

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BEAUTY

Ciao

Bella!

Marisa Cutillas brings you the freshest cosmetic and fragrance releases from Italy’s best brands…

1 PRODUCTS

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1 – GUCCI EYE MAGNETIC COLOUR SHADOW MONO IN ICONIC OTTANIO: We love this new shadow from Gucci’s first-ever make-up line. The turquoise shadow contains tiny sprinkles of aqua, to give the eyes a special glimmer by night. i www.gucci.com 2 – GIORGIO ARMANI FUCHSIA MAHARAJAH LIPSTICK: We are completely smitten by this violet-hued lip colour, fresh from Giorgio Armani’s new Fuchsia Maharajah Spring 2015 line. i www.giorgioarmani.com 3 – GUCCI PREMIER EAU DE PARFUM: This fresh floral scent opens with a fragrant burst of bergamot, fused with feminine, sunny orange blossoms. A young, clean scent for those who like to think of themselves as sweet rather than daring. i www.gucci.com 4 – BOTTEGA VENETA KNOT EAU DE PARFUM: Luxury Brand, Bottega Veneta, aims to bottle “the unforgettable breeze of the Italian Riviera” with a scent that combines refreshing clementine, soothing lavender and feminine rose. i www.bottegaveneta.com 5 – GIORGIO ARMANI FLASH LACQUER CRYSTAL SHINE LIPGLOSS: This new lipgloss claims to capture light like none of its counterparts, owing to Armani’s new ‘shape and shine technology’, which causes light to reflect off every point of surface. i www.giorgioarmani.com 6 – ACQUA DI PARMA OUD: We love this sensual, woody fragrance by Acqua Di Parma; use it sparingly, it is known for its potency. i www.acquadiparma.com

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READY FOR THE SUMMER? TRANSFORM YOUR BODY GET RID OF STUBBORN FAT

DR. ALEXANDER ASLANI

Cirumed Clinic /// Avenida Ramón y Cajal 7 – 4 /// 29601 Marbella /// Tel: +34 952 775 346 www.cirumed.es /// www.alexanderaslani.com /// www.alexander-aslani.es

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

4/22/15 2:36 PM

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BEAUTY

THE ONLINE

Reflections Hair, Nails and Skincare salon in Marbella has launched its online premium beauty store which allows customers to choose from an array of top beauty brands, technology driven skin care, anti-ageing essentials and innovative hair care.

Shopping from the comfort of your own home has never been easier.

Destination For Beauty

R

eflections is not only known for its highly skilled team of professional stylists and therapists who will give you the perfect hair and beauty experience, but also for its wide range of high quality hair and beauty products, ranging from designer labels to household names and

niche beauty brands. The only problem with this was that, after falling in love with their recommended products, the salon’s international clients started to complain, as they were having trouble finding the same products in their home towns. Sensing a gap in the market, the team decided to create a beauty

webshop so that clients could stock up on their favourite items, wherever in the world they were.

The site is easy to use and Reflections provides a no fuss customer service for any questions that you may have. They also offer a free delivery service for all orders within Spain.

What’s Been Trending at Reflections

PRODUCTS

Z RIDE THE WAVE The modern, undone curl is the hair trend of the moment and curls in general are not going anywhere. But how easy is it to create this look at home? This is where the GHD Curve range will become your new best friend. GHD has designed a range of tools that can create the looks everyone wants now in a way that’s never been done before. You will be blown away by how quickly and easily you can create the coolest curves. Perfect for creating beachy tousles and festival-worthy waves, (Creative Curl Wand) or, if you fancy more of a retro Veronica Lake feel, then the Classic Wave Wand is the one for you. The Curve range really is a gamechanger. GHD Curve €179,00

All products are available from Reflections Hair Nails & Skincare. Centro Plaza, Nueva Andalucia, Marbella. Tel: 902 325 324 / 952 906 524. www.reflectionsmarbella.com

Z TAKING LASHES TO NEW LENGTHS Not since the days of Sophia Loren has it been so essential to sport long lashes. However, if you are a regular wearer of false lashes you will know the damage they can do to your own. So is there an alternative? Uberlash is clinically proven to dramatically increase the appearance of lash length, thickness, and fullness within

two weeks. The advanced formula delivers a deep conditioning blend of vitamins and nourishing infusion of peptides, herbals and amino acids.

Uberlash incorporates a proprietary patent pending delivery system which allows this breakthrough lash enhancement sérum to restore, nourish and strengthen lashes naturally over time for a never-before-achievable lash enhancement. Uberlash €135,00 Z TURN BACK TIME The Helen Mirren effect has seen a huge surge in women investing in anti-ageing skincare to try and look as good as their 60-something role model. Germaine de Capuccini is always one step ahead and has created The Cream GNG. This

product approaches the challenge of reversing the passing of time on the skin with a multigenic action to reverse the ageing of the cells and is packed with an extraordinary complex of ingredients of plant origin with multigenic action capable of reducing the age of the skin cells. Its high level of effectiveness makes it possible to modulate the expression of various genes involved in cellular ageing, activating the gene of the Telomerase and reducing the level of expression of the microRNA. Germaine de Capuccini – The Cream GNG €220,00 Z PLAITS ARE NO LONGER CHILD’S PLAY Plaits and braids were all over the

S/S 2015 runways with the likes of Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang and Alexander McQueen sending their models down the catwalk with pigtails, Greek goddess braid crowns and nineties cornrow styles. For any type of braid you need smooth locks to pull it off and nothing works better than a good hair oil. The Kérastase Elixir Ultime is a versatile beautifying oil, designed to deliver incredible softness and shine. Formulated for daily use, it is ideal for all hair types. Everyone who tries this loves it – it works equally well on damp hair to tame frizz and flyaway, or applied liberally overnight as a deep treatment, pre-shampoo.

Kérastase ELIXIR ULTIME Versatile Beautifying Oil €37,20

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HEALTH

WHAT DOES A HEALTHY VEGETARIAN DIET LOOK LIKE? A SOUND DIET SHOULD INCLUDE:

Why is

VEGETARIANISM

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

ADVICE

the New ‘in’ Diet?

M

ost people opt for the vegetarian diet for one of two reasons: an authentic love for all sentient things, or, a wish to embrace a healthier, lower cholesterol lifestyle.

Some people who would like to follow a meat-free diet but who are concerned about their weight, often worry that they could unwittingly gain weight, since they might be tempted to reach for the first quick snack available (such as cheese, bread and crisps, which are high in carbohydrates). Recent studies have shown more people lose rather than gain weight when going vegetarian, however, suggesting that there are many interesting, unexpected benefits of giving up (or at least significantly reducing) our meat intake. These are some of the most interesting findings on veganism and vegetarianism made in the past year: Z A vegan diet is best for weight loss: Scientists at the University of Southern Carolina conducted a study in which participants were randomly assigned to one of five different diets: vegan, semi-vegetarian, pesco-vegetarian (in which only fish and seafood and plant-based foods were

consumed), vegetarian and omnivorous. The participants followed dietary restrictions for six months; at the end of the twoand six-month marks, the vegan group showed the greatest weight loss. The lead author of the study noted that the current wave of ‘carbo phobia’ is not necessarily merited, since the vegan group enjoyed pasta, rice and other grains and still managed to lose a considerable amount of weight.

The vegan group also showed the largest decreases in fat and saturated levels, which is good news as far as heart health is concerned.

Z Semi-veggie diets lower the risk of heart disease and stroke: People who consume a large proportion of plant- rather than animal-based foods have a 20 per cent lower chance of dying from heart disease and stroke, than those who enjoy the least amounts of plant-based foods. Scientists made this conclusion after studying the dietary and lifestyle habits of over 450,000 Europeans, who were part of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.

Z Vegetarian diets help us live

longer and promote environmental sustainability: A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that plant-based diets reduce global warming and increase longevity. The mortality rate for non-vegetarians is considerably higher than that of vegetarians.

Moreover, vegetarian diets cause one third of the greenhouse gas emissions caused by nonvegetarian diets. The authors of the study noted that even reducing the amount of meat we eat can battle climate change and make considerable improvements to public health.

Z Vegetarian diets are a great anti-ageing tool for skin: The media often portrays vegetarians as excessively thin, aged, and with dry skin. The opposite is, in fact, true; plant-based diets are rich in potent antioxidants, which fight free radicals and stop fine lines, wrinkles and flaccidity. Those aiming for firm, youthful skin should aim to avoid high-Glycaemic index fruits and vegetables, which can shunt large amounts of glucose into the system, and cause AGEs (Advanced Glycation

Z QUALITY PROTEIN SOURCES Including lentils, beans, tofu, nuts, seeds, eggs, peas and grains.

Z CALCIUM (ensure you consume at least 1,000mg a day). Source all you need from dairy products, dark leafy greens, broccoli, beans, sunflower seeds and fortified cereals and snacks.

Z IRON: Dark green vegetables and iron-fortified products are key, as are pumpkin and sesame seeds, soybean nuts, fruits and prune juice.

Z VITAMINS D AND B12: Vitamin D enables your body to absorb Calcium. Make sure to get a little sun everyday, protecting your face with sunscreen, especially if you are fair-skinned. Vitamin B12 is produced by animals or bacteria found in the soil, so if you are a vegetarian, you will need to take a supplement, as well as B12fortified products. e

End-products) and RAGEs (Receptors to Advanced Glycation End-Products). The latter are responsible for wrinkling and sagging.

Z Vegetarian diets are linked to lower rates of specific diseases: These include diabetes, colorectal, ovarian and breast cancer, hypertension and obesity. When it comes to obesity, it is vital to avoid eating too much unhealthy fat and dairy products. Vegetarians who are obese may be eating too many unhealthy snacks (such as ‘health bars’, which can contain highfructose syrup, or crisps), or dairy products such as cheese. Like all diets, commonsense and a respect for the nutritional value of what we are eating, are vital.

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HEALTH

UPDATE

Distraction Maketh the Genius Scientists at Northwestern University in the US have discovered that creativity may be linked to an inability to filter out ‘irrelevant information’. This condition is thought to have been shared by Franz Kafka, Charles Darwin and Anton Chekhov, to name a few great thinkers. Marcel Proust, meanwhile, was known to wear ear plugs because he was unable to filter out irrelevant environmental noise. In the study, 100 participants were asked to report their achievements in creative fields, and to complete a test of divergent thinking, which tests creative cognition; they were asked to answer many questions in a limited amount of time. High divergent thinking was linked to higher academic achievement and an increased ability to filter extraneous information. In stark contrast, real world creativity is associated with the opposite: a ‘leaky’ filtering ability which allows some people to expand their focus and take in a wider range of sensory information. This enables them to understand life in a far more sensitive, profound manner, and the result is often output of pure genius.

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Skincare and cosmetic advertisers had better begin targeting their campaigns at men rather than women; a new study compiling information from over 475,000 participants, has shown that men are officially more narcissistic! The study, soon to be published in the journal, Psychological Bulletin, compiled information from 31 years of studies on the disorder. Men scored consistently higher irrespective of age and across multiple generations.

Narcissism is associated with various interpersonal problems, including an inability to maintain healthy relationships, aggression and a lack of ethics.

Interestingly, it is also linked to higher selfesteem and greater leadership.

MEN ARE MORE NARCISSISTIC THAN WOMEN

FEAST AND FAMINE DIET COULD LENGTHEN LIFE Numerous studies have shown that a diet involving restrictive caloric intake can extend the lifespan of mice, yet fasting can be very difficult to maintain. Researchers at the University of Florida have shed new light on the viability of ‘intermittent fasting’. They put a group of participants on a feast-and-famine diet, finding that in just six weeks, their levels of SIRT 3 (a gene that fosters longevity) had increased.

Researchers believe that SIRT 3 is activated by oxidative stress, which occurs when there are more free radicals in the body than can be eliminated with antioxidants. While chronically high stress levels are detrimental to health (since they are causative factors of heart disease, inflammation and Type II diabetes), small amounts of stress are beneficial, because they activate the SIRT 3 gene. The theory is that if the body is constantly exposed to low levels of oxidation, it discovers an efficient way to deal with it.

In the study, participants fasted by consuming only one substantial meal a day. On feasting days, they ate everything from chocolate bars to spaghetti, soda and cake. Oddly enough, the authors report that participants said they found fasting easier than feasting.

Mediterranean Diet Cuts Cardiovascular Disease Risk by Half The American College of Cardiology has just revealed that those who follow a Mediterranean diet for at least 10 years have a 47 per cent reduced risk of developing heart disease.

The study is based on results obtained from 2,500 adults aged 18 to 89. In addition to promoting heart health, the Mediterranean diet is also linked to a lower risk of diabetes, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and an improved chance of weight loss. To reap all its benefits, ensure your diet is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, fish, whole grains, beans, nuts and even a glass or two of red wine, which has also been shown in large-scale studies to have beneficial effects for the heart.

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

Relax and Enjoy

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

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

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PROFILE

HEALTH

Dr. Nyjon Eccles Anti-Ageing Specialist and Bio-Identical Hormone Specialist

Renowned anti-ageing and bio-identical hormone specialist, Dr. Nyjon Eccles, is a pioneer in his field, his Harley Street Clinic providing a fitting backdrop to his cutting edge, yet 100 per cent natural treatments, which approach the subjects of ageing, menopause and andropause, from the inside-out. Marisa Cutillas interviews the man who is ready to make the men and women of Marbella feel and look younger and more vital than they ever have…

PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

What happens when we age?

Most women who approach the age of menopause can find a significant change in the way they feel and look, the large drop in hormones like oestrogen and DHEA causing skin to lose its vital youthfulness, elasticity and glow. Ageing affects more than our appearance, of course; it can affect our sleep, mood and happiness

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as we struggle to come to terms with changes we can sense, yet often fail to understand.

The problems with conventional Hormone Replacement Therapy Dr. Nyjon Eccles specialises in two areas that are directly linked to the process of ageing: anti-ageing medicine (involving effective, proven, natural therapies and nutrition) and

bio-identical hormone replacement.

Regarding the latter, he explains: “As women enter their 40s and 50s, they experience a rapid drop in hormones like DHEA, oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone which manifests itself in issues like weight gain, the loss of collagen in skin, heart disease, thinning bones, etc. Traditionally, medicine has sought to counter these effects through Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). However, recent research has revealed that conventional HRT poses a risk for breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, deep vein thrombosis and other devastating diseases.” Recent studies have also shown a link between HRT and ovarian cancer.

The benefits of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Dr. Eccles and his team believe that sacrificing health for the sake of relief is unacceptable. However, soldiering through menopause without any aid is hardly a suitable alternative. The answer to this dilemma is Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), which uses compounds bearing the exact same chemical and molecular structure as key hormones found naturally in the body. “HRT focuses on only two hormones: oestrogen and progesterone. Through BHRT, we can provide other useful hormones like DHEA, testosterone and pregnenolone, which are ignored by conventional HRT,” says Dr. Eccles.

Some of the benefits of BHRT include safe, natural relief from menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, mood swings, etc.), increased bone mass, improved immunity, higher energy levels, a better metabolism and decreased fat, enhanced concentration, improved libido and younger looking skin.

Not all pharmacies are able to produce BHRT compounds, says Dr. Eccles: “We work with a licensed laboratory in Greece, which produces the compounds according to the individual requirements of our patients.

We conduct blood and urine tests to obtain exact dosages for each patient.”

How is the treatment administered?

BHRT compounds come in cream form, since “the best way for the body to absorb them is through the skin.”

Patients are advised to use the cream in different areas daily; these may

include the inner arms and the outer labia.

BHRT and Skin Quality Collagen, the basic structure of skin, is supported by hormones; numerous studies have shown that women who receive hormonal treatment have higher levels of collagen in their skin.

Additionally, “the heart and brain function better, bones become stronger and numerous tissues are supported by correct hormonal levels.”

BHRT is not just for women Men, too, can benefit from BHRT, since “as they age, men lose energy, libido and muscle tone.” Thus far, Dr. Eccles’ patients comprise “90 per cent women and 10 per cent men,” but the number of men who are waking up to the benefits of natural hormone replacement is constantly increasing.

When to see Dr. Eccles?

Women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and both men and women who are entering their 40s should see Dr. Eccles, to ascertain whether or not they can benefit from BHRT. “Sometimes, those suffering from hormonal fluctuations can be placed on anti-depressants owing to mood changes, when in fact, all they may need is natural hormone replacement.”

The Importance of Nutrition As we age, the mitochondria in our cells cease to function at optimal levels.

Dr. Eccles explains: “The mitochondria are the powerhouses of cells so when their function is diminished we lose energy. In addition, as we age, the proteins inside cells become ‘stickier’ and cell functioning is compromised.

We work with a new supplemental formula which targets mitochondria and proteins, so that cells begin to function more youthfully. This, combined with a sound nutritional programme, is key in fighting ageing.” The success of the supplement can be ascertained, by measuring the patient’s Heart Rate Variability (HRV), via a four-minute test conducted before and after treatment.

Dr. Eccles has been restoring health from the inside-out for decades and is ready to teach you how completely natural treatments and nutrition, can make a big difference. Anti-ageing nutrition and hormone replacement are the first steps to a healthier, happier you.

g At the Triay Clinic, San Pedro. Tel: 952 780 540. www.thenaturaldoctor.org 4/21/15 1:19 PM

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thepro NEWS /ENTERPRISE / LOCAL BUSINESS

/PROFILES / FINANCE / LAW

COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

AIRFIELD OPENS STORE IN CENTRE OF MARBELLA

Austrian fashion brand, Airfield, recently opened its second flagship store in Spain, on Avda. Ricardo Soriano 14. The launch event was attended by dignitaries and members of the media, who sipped on Champagne as they eyed the gorgeous fashions from this casual yet elegant brand. Airfield has over 900 points of sale in 35 countries. Various top models have been ‘the face’ of Airfield, including Claudia Schiffer, Vanessa Hessler and Alessandra Ambrosio. i www.airfield.at

GOLF TOURNAMENT AND GALA DINNER IN AID OF BUTTERFLY CHILDREN

The Butterfly Children Charity (DEBRA Spain) will hold its annual Charity Golf Tournament and Gala Dinner to raise funds for a most worthy cause: those who suffer from Butterfly Skin, a very painful skin condition. The tournament, involving a stableford individual format, will tee off on Saturday, June 6, at the Aloha Golf Club.

Some €10.000 in prizes have been generously donated by businesses, hotels and golf clubs. Golfers and non golfers are also invited to the prestigious Gala Dinner which is to be held on the following evening. The evening will include a delicious three-course meal with wine and live entertainment. g For reservations, Tel: 952 907 085.

www.debra.es

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CASINO OPENING ONBOARD THE SUNBORN YACHT HOTEL, PENDING LICENSE

A stylish new casino recently opened aboard Sunborn Yacht Hotel. Casino Sunborn is ofering players more than 60 slot machines, five roulette tables and five card tables. It is a joint venture between Sunborn and fellow Finnish company Paf, which boasts 50 years’ experience running cruise ship casinos, online gaming and land-based operations “As two well established Finnish-based companies, we have a strong platform to establish an international casino business in Gibraltar.

There is excellent potential for this and other future casino investments for Sunborn in Gibraltar and on future yacht hotels,” said Hans Niemi, Executive Director of Sunborn. Paf CEO Anders Ingves described the venture as “a big and exciting step into Europe.” i www.sunbornhotels.com/gibraltar

ISO CERTIFICATION FOR OCEAN CLINIC MARBELLA

Ocean Clinic Marbella is proud to announce that, after a year of implementation and auditing, it has been certified by the International Standards Organisation (ISO). Ocean Clinic is the only independent Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery Clinic on the Costa del Sol to achieve the (ISO) 9001:2008 certification for Quality Management Systems. To attain this prestigious certification Ocean Clinic had to demonstrate its commitment to eight quality management principles: Customer Service, Leadership, Involvement of People, Process Approach, System Approach to Management, Continual Improvement, Factual Approach to Decision Making and Mutually Beneficial Supplier Relationships. Ocean Clinic optimises its costs and resources by identifying and selecting key partners, pooling expertise and establishing joint development activities. Says Dr. Kai Kaye, Medical Director: “We are delighted to have achieved this certification. It follows rigorous assessment by the Standards Organisation and is testament to our ability to consistently meet and exceed our customers’ expectations.” i www.oceanclinic.net

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Could You Be the Next Face of Reflections?

Reflections Hair Nails & Skincare Salon is searching for a female model to represent its brand and be the new Face of Reflections. You do not need to have previous modelling experience but you must be between 16 and 35. The winner will have their hair styled by Daniel Boardman (who trained under the multi award-winning Errol Douglas MBE) and professional make-up applied. They will also be photographed by one of the Coast's top fashion and beauty photographers and their image will then be used for the new Reflections advertising campaign. A selection of high-end hair and beauty products is also part of the prize. If you think you have what it takes to be Reflections’ new Face, just submit your photo, tell the team why you should be the new Face of Reflections (in less than 50 words), don’t forget to include your name, age and contact details and send all this information to info@harknessmedia.com before May 30, 2015. Be sure to tweet and share your submission using the hashtag #faceofreflections. i www.reflectionsmarbella.com

Groundbreaking Technique for Lung Cancer Diagnosis at the Quirón

The Quirón hospital group is proud to announce that patients in their Marbella and Málaga hospitals will be able to avail of a cutting edge technology to diagnose lung cancer. The technique is called echo-bronchoscopy (EBUS) and it combines traditional fibrobronchoscopy techniques with diagnostic sonography. It enables doctors to carry out sonographs and biopsies from the interior of the organism, specifically in the structures surrounding the trachea and bronchial tubes, without the need for surgery. i www.quiron.es

Andalucía Lab Announces New Developments for 2015

The Costa del Sol’s pioneering centre for innovation in tourism and business, Andalucía Lab, recently launched an English version of their website and announced a full programme of events to help small businesses in the Spring and Summer of 2015. The Andalucía Lab team offers practical and innovative solutions to SMEs on the Costa del Sol, providing advice and support to improve and modernise businesses. They will be holding four-hour training sessions allowing businesses to delve into complex topics such as Creating an Online Shop and Creating a Wordpress Website. Snippets from their courses can be viewed online to supplement their offline training. Short webinar courses will also be offered, to enable business owner to train from home. i www.andalucialab.org/en

Estepona Orchid Garden Launches Before a Packed Crowd

Estepona’s new botanic park and orchidarium has opened to the public, offering lovers of botany an up close experience with one of the most ample orchid collections in Spain. The launch attracted thousands of visitors, who marvelled at the 30-metre glass dome, a lofty waterfall and the beautiful foliage in the new, 15,000m2 paradise. Entrance to the park is free; just one week after its opening, the orchidarium had already received an impressive 35,000 visitors. i www.estepona.es

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WINE FORUM BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO THE LA CONCEPCIÓN BOTANICAL GARDENS OF MÁLAGA

The Vinia Málaga Foro Vitivinícola, a wine forum attended by representatives of nine different Michelin-starred restaurants, was a huge success, with visitors enjoying wonderful wine tasting sessions throughout the day. An array of wine critics, sommeliers and personalities of the wine world gathered together to take part in a wide array of activities, including talks, tasting sessions and round table discussions. i www.viniamalaga.es

GILMAR OPENS NEW OFFICE IN PUERTO BANÚS

Gilmar is proud to announce that it has opened a brand new office in Puerto Banús, at Plaza de Antonio Banderas. The new space, which measures 160m2, will provide a dynamic working place for Gilmar’s highly skilled team, who boast many years in the real estate sector and who (altogether) speak nine languages: Spanish, English, German, French, Italian, Arabic, Russian, Polish and Iranian. i www.gilmar.es

NEWS FROM CUDECA

The hardworking team at Cudeca is always on the go, raising funds for their cancer hospice. They recently presented their annual accounts and also made time for fundraising efforts alongside Unicaja, which renewed its commitment to helping the charity with its home assistance programme, the inpatient unit and much more. Gary and Karen at Sam’s Bar, meanwhile, held a Charity Extravaganza to raise funds for the charity, while Stuart Ashing presented fantastic hypnosis shows in Cártama in Benalmádena. Cudeca also made an official calling for volunteers, who are the engine that enables the hospice to continue to provide its ‘special kind of caring’. Cudeca is holding a Walkathon on Sunday, May 17, at Sunset Beach Benalmádena. The fundraising walk begins at 9:30am and will include live music, paella and much more. g Tel: 952 564 910.

www.cudeca.org

ART TO THE RESCUE OF ANIMALS

Ten of the Costa del Sol’s dog rescue charities are collaborating with Totem Ceramics Pottery School to raise much-needed funds for the coast’s stray and abandoned dogs with a unique, fun competition open to all adults! Throughout the month of May, dog lovers are invited to visit Totem’s studio near Marbella and have fun sculpting a dog out of clay. There is a €10 entry fee, 100 per cent of which goes to the participating charity of your choice and gives you the chance of winning some fantastic prizes. The participating charities at the time of going to press are ADANA, AID, CHAIN, FAMA, GLAMA, LAST CHANCE ANIMAL RESCUE, PAD, SOS ANIMALS, TRIPLE A and 112 CARLOTA GALGOS. Any local, legally registered dog rescue charities not listed are invited to apply to Totem to be a part of this huge fundraising event. g For bookings, contact Suzanne@TotemCeramics.com. For full

competition details, Tel: 952 887 364. www.facebook.com/TotemCeramics

HOT SUMMER NIGHTS IN MIJAS

Hot Summer Nights at the auditorium in Mijas will comprise a series of concerts involving talented performers, including Bon Giovi (a tribute to Bon Jovi), George Mileson (a tribute to Bruce Springsteen), A Night of Classic Rock (with tributes to Deep Purple and Pink Floyd) and an Eagles tribute concert, all presented by Big M Promotions. i For tickets, www. ticketsource.eu/bigmpromotions

www.costadeldisco.com

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Gaucín Artists Open their Studios to the Public

The artists of Gaucín will once again open up their studios and homes to the public for this year’s Art Gaucín Open Studios event, showing a broad selection of their latest paintings, sculptures, ceramics, lithographs, etchings, and photographs. Launched more than a decade ago, the Art Gaucín Open Studios has shown the work of well-known artists such as Bayard Osborn and Brenda Hartill in the past, and has built up a very strong following both locally and overseas. Prominent members include Jim Rattenbury, whose work is in several private collections abroad, and Michael Roschlau, a former lecturer at the famous Glasgow School of Art. Art Gaucín will take place over two long weekends: May 22 - 24 and May 29 - 31. i For further information,

including a map of the village and open studios, www.artGaucín.com

JetExpress Offers Jet for Commercial Charter

JetExpress, based at Malaga airport, operates a Citation Mustang Light Jet which is now available for Commercial Charters. Jet Concierge, Adrian Thomson, sees "a strong market for this aircraft in this region", as he points out that "Italy, France and Morocco are a short flight away" for business or pleasure. The company offers a dedicated concierge service, providing get-aways to one of a select list of hotels, all of which are recommended on the website´s concierge page, and there are Loyalty Membership cards for frequent flyers. For flights out of Málaga, you have the option of selecting from two inflight menus supplied by Bibo Restaurant in Puente Romano Hotel by Dani Garcia. i www.jetexpress.pl

Mama Lotties Cookbook Nominated for Gourmand World Cookbook Awards

Jerome Guiot Works Alongside Marjan Massage

Marjan Massage is pleased to announce that highly experienced Osteopath, Jerome Guiot, will be working with the team, complementing their massage and reflexology therapies with osteopathic treatments. Osteopathy is an holistic therapy; it views the body as a unique, interconnected and self-healing system.

Treatment focuses on connecting disturbances caused by muscle weakness, imbalance, tensions and joint restriction, poor mobility of organs, poor posture, etc. The osteopath seeks the origin of the symptom and uses a range of techniques with patients, including cranial and visceral therapies. i www.marjanmassage.com

The cookbook 76 Mama Lotties, Gibraltarian Inspired Recipes, by Justin Bautista, has been nominated for the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2015, considered the ‘Oscars of gastronomic literature’. The awards honour the best books on cooking and wine from around the world and winners will be announced on June 9. The Mama Lotties cookbook, which seeks to reveal the mutual influence between the British and Spanish culinary traditions, has been translated into Spanish and is available at major bookstores in Gibraltar and on Amazon. i www.mammalotties.com

Radio Manilva Now Broadcasts English Programme

Radio Manilva (RTV Manilva) is pleased to announce that it is now broadcasting an English programme, entitled Manilva Lifestyle, from 11am to 12pm every Friday. The programme will be produced by journalist, Francisco Acedo and presented by Emma de Acedo. Radio Manilva aims to give a voice to all the residents of Manilva, both Spanish and international. i www.rtvmanilva.com

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finance THE PRO

Tax Residency

and Applicable Tax Systems for Workers and Company Directors Located in Spain WORDS JOSÉ CASTELLANO

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n Spain, all private individuals holding permanent residency are subject to Income Tax. (Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas or IRPF). This requires the individual to declare income obtained in Spain and from abroad. The key issue here is how to determine residency. Spanish legislation establishes that a person is considered a resident in Spain when one of the following circumstances concur: A. Remaining in Spain more than 183 days a year in the natural year.

B. If the principal nucleus or base of economic activity or interests lie either directly or indirectly in Spain.

It is obviously not an easy task to acknowledge permanence in Spain for 183 days a year. Therefore it is

presumed that an individual resides in Spain (even if he does not remain in the country for 183 days a year) if the spouse and children under the age of 18, minors, dependent on him, reside in Spain.

To take an example: a Russian national carries out his principal economic or professional activity in another country, and therefore does not remain in Spain for 183 days per year but his wife and children live in Spain (easily deduced if the children attend school in Spain).

This individual will be considered a Spanish resident.

There may be a conflict if both countries, Spain and the country where his professional or economic activity takes place, consider the individual as a resident under their

respective tax legislations. In this case, we must check the Double Imposition Treaty that may be enforced between both countries.

As we all know, 2015 brought Tax Reforms. The government had requested a Commission of Experts to prepare a report that would be the prologue to such a tax reform.

The result of the work carried out by this commission in 2014 was included in the report recommending that existing legislation be amended for the specific case of non-regular residents, with the purpose of not restricting the application of that system only to those displaced under a labour contract.

The system, as it was established, was not applicable, for example, to a foreign pensioner, Director or Manager with a substantial income.

So, with a view to boosting real estate investment and as an incentive for high net worth individuals to feel inclined to establish residence in Spain, the Commission of Experts proposed the following modifications:

Z To broaden the scope of the ‘tax regime for non-regular foreign residents’ relocated in Spain executing a labour contract, but also to those performing an economic activity without a permanent establishment, as administrators or significant shareholders and therefore in receipt of real estate income or income from shares.

Z To eliminate the requirement that yearly income must not surpass €600.000.

Z To eliminate the allocation of presumed income for the ownership of a property in Spain*, to those individuals under this system.

It was clear that the purpose was to lessen the tax burden on this group of individuals who, even though considered under tax legislation as residents, were not to be excessively pressured for this reason from a tax perspective.

Finally, the reform that was enforced on January 1st 2015 broadened the application of this tax regime to Company administrators who do not hold shares in the Company and even if they act as shareholders do not have a major share participation. The limit of €600.000 was also eliminated.

* The non-resident owner of property in Spain is liable to yearly Non Resident Income Tax. Thus, the property is assigned an income which is valued at 2% of the cadastral value of the property (1.1% if the value has been fixed in the last tax period). In Marbella, cadastral values were checked in 2011 and in Estepona in 2007.

The tax rate applied is 24% to be calculated on the 2% (or 1.1%) on the cadastral value of the property. The Tax Reform has introduced a change regarding the tax rate.

In this sense, if the owner is resident in another country of the EU or in another country of the European Economic Area with an effective exchange of information between the two countries, the rate is reduced from 24% to 19%.

Temporarily, throughout 2015, the rate will be 20%. g José Castellano is a lawyer at Pérez de Vargas Abogados in Marbella. www.perezdevargas.com

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THE PRO business

Blackshaw Interior Design

NEW DIMENSIONS

Talented designer and entrepreneur, Sally Blackshaw is riding high on the day of our meeting.

Having recently moved into her brand new, 230m2 showroom, she brings a special guest to our meeting: Harry Joseph, her little boy, just a few weeks old and already a well loved member of the team.

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

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t is a busy time for Sally, and a real ‘rush’ all at once, with so many new projects on the way. “Our old showroom was located in the Polígono in San Pedro, and although ultimately, our clients come to us because of the people, this central location expresses the sophisticated nature of our company.” Indeed, the showroom, a knockout blend of beautiful living spaces, bespoke furniture pieces and cutting edge materials, tells visitors that this is a serious company and a serious team.

Sally launched her own company in 2008, after almost a decade of managing projects for Fendi and Armani Casa and many of the Golden Mile’s most prestigious design and construction firms. There comes a time in every designer’s life where an employer cannot afford their talents, and for Sally, the idea of putting her specialist degree in retail design to good use by opening up her own business, was irresistible. A few years down the line and Blackshaw Interior Design is already the choice for savvy entrepreneurs desiring elegant interiors for their commercial premises, as well as a firm favorite for young families (mainly English, Dutch, Belgian and Scandinavian) seeking a contemporary yet warmly inviting ambience for their home.

The nature of her company is at once difficult and easy to define, since Sally and her talented team take charge of building, renovating and modernising homes and premises.

“We can redo your kitchen or bathroom or take charge of the entire construction… we basically specialise in anything and everything that makes a home.”

Sally works alongside highly reputed firms like Vista construct, part of the Hidromaster group, which has been serving high-end clients on the Coast for 35 years. Company CEO, Patrick Van Dijk, is from Holland and speaks many other languages.

With his skilled team of builders and contractors, Patrick has worked on many projects throughout the years, from extensive renovations to modernisations and reconfigurations.

His vast experience, professionalism and attention to detail, enable Patrick to take care of clients from the very first meeting right through until the completed project.

Sally notes that despite working with an array of professionals, “one of our main points of interest is that our clients don’t have to deal with various people; they just deal with me. I take care of sub-contracting particular areas of work.” Sally isn’t adverse to hiring local talent, though she does note that “whoever we work with is well versed with the perfection we expect in terms of finishings, etc.”

Sally takes me on a tour of the showroom and it is no exaggeration to say that many of the furniture pieces inspire and excite both my creative and emotional side. I run my hand along a velvety grey chair, designed by the team and made to the company’s specifications in Valencia. My eyes are also drawn to the different paint finishings (such as brushed linen) and glass features (the glass doors featuring beautiful prints are graceful and serious all at once). The display kitchen, meanwhile, with its blend of brilliant lacquer and matt open-pore finishes, its elongated white hobs and stunning bespoke cabinets, are

an absolute dream for one who likes to spend many hours whipping up the perfect meal. Finally, Sally shows me a contemporary fireplace, built in lacquer and attached to a wall storage unit; ultra modern yet definitely inviting. The living areas are appealing to the design lover yet they also boast longevity; the kind of elegance that never fades.

In addition to designing their own pieces, Blackshaw Interior Design works with the world’s leading brands.

Check out the full list of firms on their website and Like their Facebook page: the team are very active on social media and love receiving Likes from clients and design fans alike.

Despite dealing mainly in the high-end home and business sector, Sally knows how to work to a budget; indeed, she admits that “almost all projects have a budget… in the long run, however, by working with just one person, the project runs seamlessly and you end up saving on costs.”

In addition to finding the very best brands in furniture, Blackshaw Interior Design also offers top grade client service. “It is fantastic when the client begins to trust you and opens up to you. Our clients become friends. They know we are always there for them, every step of the way.”

To glean a better understanding of the kind of projects Sally and her team complete, visit their website and you will be blown over by the taste, style and dynamism of their work. Despite the sunny weather on the Costa del Sol, Blackshaw Interior Design is set on making life indoors, a lot more appealing than it ever was… g C/ Cánovas del Castillo

25, Marbella.

Tel: 951 403 787 / 657 051 298. www.blackshawinteriordesign.com

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THE VIBE

Benahavís Hills Country Club Launch Real estate agents and members of the press gathered at the recent launch of Benahavís Hills Country Club, comprising exclusive villas and townhouses in a private residential estate. Stunning views, spacious interiors and elegant designs are just a few reasons to make your way to this beautiful urbanisation, located near one of Andaluciá’s most stunning villages. i www.smartpropertyprofessional.com

“There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort” – Jane Austen

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PHOTOGRAPHY Tünde Serban 4/24/15 3:00 PM

THE VIBE

Springtime Opening Party at Plaza Village Trendy new meeting point, Plaza Village at the Hotel Puente Romano, recently heralded the arrival of Spring with a fun party featuring a special performance by Rebecca Lander.

Plaza Village houses various restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world, as well as cocktails ‘til late, making it the perfect spot for those with a penchant for stylish partying. i www.puenteromano.com

“Spring is Nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” – Robin Williams

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THE VIBE

European Union Ambassadors Visit Málaga and Marbella Fausto Martínez Villa, founder of FM Consulting and Honorary Consul of Latvia, and Janis Eichmanis, Ambassador of Latvia, recently welcomed a group of Ambassadors and Diplomats from 19 different European Union countries, during their visit to Málaga and Marbella.

The group toured some of the most emblematic sites and museums on the Coast, including the Alcazaba, the Roman Theatre, and the Picasso Museum. They also visited Marbella’s Old Town and enjoyed a reception at the Town Hall, as well as a delicious lunch at Sea Grill and a trip to Puerto Banús. i www.fmconsulting.es

“Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” – Mattie Stepanek

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THE VIBE

Art Exhibition at Villa Granada, Vasari Vasari invited clients, friends and members of the media to the official presentation of Villa Granada, a stunning villa located in Altos de Puente Romano, now housing a brand new selection of works by renowned Painter from Córdoba, Pepe Morales. The Vasari group is as passionate about art as it is about business; the company recently awarded the Vasari Prize for Painting and supports various cultural pursuits. i www.vasariproperties.com

“Art is when you hear a knocking from your soul… and you answer” – Anonymous

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THE LEISURE travel

Lovely Lake Como Going to Lake Como, one of the most beautiful places in Europe, in the off season seemed a bit of a gamble. But then again, friends who went in July had non-stop rain.

WORDS DAVID WISHART PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LAKECOMO.COM AND VILLA D’ESTE

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consolation would be, if you stay at a grand hotel like Villa d’Este, you might never want to go outside.

Well, I was lucky. The sun shone from dawn to dusk, and the visit was a big success.

Other than one small thing. Villa d’Este has shutters on the windows, which the room maids lower when doing the evening turndown. The result of this is you awake in a dark room. As I informed the hotel, I am not Tutankhamun. I like the dawn to wake me up. It is, I find, a welcome reminder that I am alive.

And Lake Como is a blissful place to find oneself. A deep glacial lake, it is surrounded by mountains with hillsides dotted with little resort towns and scores of

individual villas, the latter built between 1500 and 1900 by wealthy Milanese families. The first settlers of note were the Romans, who established the town of Como, at the lake’s southern end, 2,000 years ago.

Since then the Austrians, Spaniards, and of course the French when Napoleon was on the rampage, have been here.

These days it is a fairly genteel sort of place, popular with the likes of Versace, Madonna and Richard Branson. Actor George Clooney lives near Villa d’Este with his new wife. Apparently the first question asked by guests after checking in is, “Where does George live?” Quite often he is in the hotel, but not on my first morning. Not that I asked, you understand.

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Glorious Lake Como

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Como’s Duomo

Villa Erba

Piazza San Fedele in Como

And so to breakfast, along the spine of this elegant pile, built 500 years ago, past reception, with its beautifully coiffed women, then the concierges, including a Scot, and everywhere splendid columns and sculptures and views of the lake on my right. Ee, it is grand, volunteered a cheery Yorkshireman on a settee.

In France, there would be stoney-faced staff just waiting for you to trip on the carpet. But Italy is different, even here. The maître d’ is waiting for me with a smile. Just a little thing, a Dutch hotelier said of a smile, but it’s everything. Or, as an

Italian friend at Aloha Golf Club observed, if you give nothing you get nothing. If you give a little, you can get a lot.

The waiters at Villa d’Este greet me like an old friend. I am shown to a table with a panoramic view of the lake. Is this good enough, I am asked, the waiter indicting that any other table is available. The hotel is not full, but even so there are no reserved cards

on any of the tables.

Outside, it is sunny but a little chilly to sit on the terrace overlooking the lake. A boatman

waits with a sleek motorboat that looks like a Riva but is in fact a version built in Como.

My destination is Villa Erba, just a 15 minute walk along the lakefront, and as I go I reflect on my arrival the previous day, when I took a taxi the same distance because I had luggage.

Fontana dell’Organo in Villa d’Este © JIPEN / Shutterstock.com

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Villa Carlotta

The Villa D’Este Golf Club

Glorious Lake Como

The meter started at seven Euros and went up to 13, but the driver asked for 20. And why? He wanted paid for the return journey as well.

That’s your lookout, I said. Of course I could not win. Nor did I take any more taxis.

Villa Erba is a convention centre like no other, in fact a beautiful villa that featured in the movie Ocean’s 12, starring George Clooney among others.

I was there for the International Golf Travel Market, which had chosen Lake Como because you can indeed play golf here. Not that

you would know if you looked at one popular website, whose ‘Italy expert’ completely ignores the existence of golf in the area, when in fact there are seven courses, including Menaggio, founded in 1907 by an Englishman called Wyatt who built the first nine holes. It is a beautiful course overlooking the lake.

Not far away is the Villa d’Este Golf Club, which no longer has a connection with the hotel but has

the same prestigious feel. Clark Gable, Bing Crosby and many European monarchs have played here. It is anything but stuffy, and the bar is a good place to linger and eat.

So to is the Palace Hotel

in Como, located on the lake and a few steps from the traffic-free centre. I enjoyed a morning visiting the magnificent cathedral (the last Gothic cathedral built in Italy), browsing the elegant shops, many of them selling the silk for which Como is famous, and doing what one does in places like this — having a coffee in an old square and wondering what if this was the spot where Julius Caesar had the first forum laid out.

Como by night

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Lunch at the Palace was perhaps the culinary highlight of my visit. Sharing ownership with Villa d’Este, the staff at the Palace have the same level of skills and bonhomie. The Manager of the hotel is an affable Englishman from Leeds. He is also a golfer.

Ferries leave across the road, and a cruise on the lake is a wonderful experience, affording close-up views of the villas, some of them so beautiful they defy description. The resort town of Tremezzo is worth a stop. Greta Garbo did scenes for a movie in the Grand

Hotel here, and not far away is the majestic Villa Carlotta with its famous gardens.

A similar distance in the other direction is the village of Giulino, where the dictator Benito Mussolini and his lover Claretta Petacci were shot by partisans in 1945. Earlier they had been seized from a German motorcade en route to nearby Switzerland and taken to the Palazzo Manzi in Dongo, now the location of the End of the War Museum.

The lake steamer carries on to Bellagio on the other side, where the Romans came to

relax and Pliny the Younger had a villa. Over the years Bellagio acquired many patrician homes such as Villa Melzi and its gardens, the latter English in style but with exotic touches, such as a Venetian gondola and two Egyptian statues sent by Napoleon.

Its location and ďŹ ne hotels have allowed Bellagio to maintain a slightly superior air, but the views of the Alps, and the price of a gelato, are the same whether you are a daytripper or the Russian prince with a villa up the hill.

Villa Melzi in Bellagio

Villa Balbianello

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The view from Villa Carlotta

However, if you really want to be up there, visit the Aero Club Como and take a seaplane ride. The base is on the lakefront a short walk to the west from the Palace Hotel.

There are a dozen or so planes, including a Caproni that is very old and special, and a warm welcome.

I had the pleasure of meeting Cesare Baj, President emeritus and a board member. He is also an

aviation consultant and a seaplane pilot, as well as the author of a book about the club, which is the oldest seaplane operation and seaplane flight operation in the world.

It is also the only place in Europe you can get a seaplane licence. One of the first international gatherings of seaplanes was held here in 1913,

concluding with a contest won by the Frenchman Roland Garros.

One assumes he was also a tennis player because back in Paris a tennis centre, rather than an airport, was named after him.

We went up in a Cessna ‘Birddog’, a two-seat observation plane used by the US Army in Korea and Vietnam. It has fore and after seating and big windows, which

you can open for photography.

Take-off speed was about 60 mph, and we never did a lot more than that, quietly cruising around the lake and over the golf course at Menaggio.

All of the planes, including floatplanes, amphibious floatplanes and flying boats, are for rent by experienced pilots, and pleasure flights are available.

g For further information,

www.lakecomo.com. * Shoppers might want to make the short drive into Switzerland to the Foxtown shopping mall, which offers discounted clothing. You can also go by train from Como, which is on the main Milan to Lugano line. For Foxtown get off at Mendrisio San Martino station.

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THE LEISURE travel

L

ike a limestone outcrop that sticks out of the deep blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the little island of Capri is a siren that has been attracting people since the earliest of times. Set just below the Sorrentine Peninsula, near the point where that famous home of classic resort towns like Amalfi and Positano meets Sorrento, and with it the Bay of Naples, Capri’s charms have beguiled and bewitched since the Greeks first landed here and the Romans made it a pleasure haven for their wealthy and powerful.

In a way, this coastline is the first Riviera in the world, for long before the Côte d’Azur or the Ligurian coastline were dotted with anything but fishing villages, places like Capri were already home

to a concentration of villas and mansions that made them the St. Tropez or Marbella of their day. Or should one say Monaco, for to have a summer home here marked one out as a member of the Roman’s inner circle – and naturally the Emperor himself could not be absent either.

For us it is a very contemporary concept, the thought of owning a summer residence on the shores of the Mediterranean, but in reality this practice goes back well over 2,000 years, showing that once again our modern society is merely repeating what was already normal practice to the Romans long ago. In spite of this Roman love for Capri and the region of Naples as a whole, it was Greek settlers who first created towns and cities here.

Beautiful Capri island – a favourite location since classical times

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CAPRI

Home of Emperors WORDS MICHEL CRUZ

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Set within an azure sea, Capri is the quintessential embodiment of Mediterranean privilege. It was here that the wealthy and powerful ocked long before the Rivieras and Costas were born.

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Typical Antipasti

Grotta Azzurra

Classical Connections The very name Naples reveals this Hellenic connection, coming from Neapolis – new town – and into Italian as Napoli. The Greeks named the pretty island loitering on the edge of this coastline Kapros, after the wild boar they encountered here, and while they founded its little capital it is the later Romans who left more of a mark with their villas and splendid gardens. Remnants of these can still be found, and they form an interesting point of comparison with the classic villas that line the Belvedere of Tragara.

One can only imagine the bacchanalian parties, perhaps even orgies, that took place here in the summer as one prominent host tried to outdo the other. Lavish spending would have produced rivers of wine, mountains of food, exotic entertainment and an army of servants to attend to the every need of hundreds of guests.

There are tales of slaves being thrown into the breeding ponds of carp and moray eels, and said to have been devoured there, so the picture is not always a happy one.

The Emperor Augustus is particularly associated with Capri. So enamoured was he with this little paradise that he built not just his own mansion there, but also temples, aqueducts and villas for his friends and family. Roman gardens were established to enhance the sense of paradise, and remnants of the Roman presence remain strong throughout the rocky isle.

Augustus’ stepson and successor, Tiberius, later even moved to Capri permanently, and it became the unofficial capital of the Roman Empire when he continued to run the state’s affairs from there.

Charming pathway in Capri town

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Secluded bay in Capri

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The Romans knew they weren’t the first on the island, and in his epic work the Aeneid, Virgil traced its population to settlers from the Ionian Islands. But the human occupation of Capri goes back further, and even the Greeks would have encountered inhabitants when they dropped anchor before its limestone cliffs. Once part of the mainland, Capri has been inhabited since at least the Bronze Age, as the engineers building the villa of Augustus discovered when they found an ancient burial site.

After the era of civilisation Capri reverted to being the home of fishermen and goat herders, an island in a sea ravaged for centuries by pirates and corsairs. In 1535 and 1553 it was even conquered for a little while by the Ottomans, and it wasn’t until the 17th century that it regained its status as a beauty spot that would attract the wealthy English, French and German aristocrats and artists on their Grand Tour. From then on to the present day this idyllic little island once again became a magnet for those with the means to buy a little slice of paradise.

Among the many famous names to reside on Capri were members of the Krupp family, Maxim Gorky, Swedish Queen Victoria and more recently, Mariah Carey. Tales of bacchanalian excess once again became attached to the island in the early 20th century, as it became a haven for artists, bon vivants and also a gay community keen to escape the attentions of society at large. The juicy gossip and speculation this produced provided the inspiration for many a novel, film and play, while the island’s captivating beauty has proved fertile material for painters across the centuries.

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Elegant restaurant in Capri town

A Place of Art and Beauty With its soaring limestone cliffs, rocky mountains and verdant hillsides clad in pine, cypress and other quintessentially Mediterranean foliage, Capri continues to draw large numbers of visitors. Many are day-trippers venturing across from the mainland on a jetfoil sea taxi or excursion boat, while others book into the charming little boutique hotels dotted in and around the main town, Capri. Once settled here, the picturesque little town overlooking the sea is pleasant to explore at your ease, as you stroll through little streets and squares either downhill to the waterfront at the Marina Piccola, or uphill towards the Belvedere of Tragara.

The classical villas to be found here are not just opulent, they transform you to a time of elegance and recall the lustrous past of the island, with its more than 2,000 years of resort status. Other sights include the Via Krupp, a coastal pathway that rises staggeringly up along a sea cliff.

It takes some stamina, but the views are Via Krupp Capri entirely mesmerising. As you wind your way along the coastline of this small island, you will also come across such

natural wonders as the Arco Naturale, as its name suggests a dramatic natural limestone arch, and the Grotta Azzurra – a sea cave whose deep blue waters extend for 50 metres into the base of the cliff.

It is an entirely bewitching experience, and one of the most visited spots in Capri. Apart from this visitors will have to make do with beautiful gardens, Roman ruins and al fresco meals enjoyed while reflecting upon the amazing views across to the Amalfi coastline. You could also visit Anacapri, the other village on the island, or if you’re here in April, be surrounded by the refined glamour of the Capri Art Film Festival. Naturally the island also has its local traditions, like the festivals of San Costanzo and Sant’Antonio, but it is really the classical resort ambience, combined with the idyllic setting, that Capri’s fame is built upon.

One thing, cars can’t be brought on to the island, so it’s walking, using the iconic open-top taxis or indulging in sailing and water sports that will allow you to enjoy this classic Mediterranean paradise in the best possible way. e

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THE LEISURE hotel

Bvlgari

Hotel Milan

Far from the Madding Crowd

WORDS Marisa Cutillas Photography courtesy of Bvlgari

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he word Bvlgari conjures up two things in the mind of the avid design buff: luxury and cutting-edge modernity.

Fitting in perfectly with the urban spirit of Milan, the Bvlgari Hotel is nevertheless anything but futuristic and minimalistic. Rather, it is a marriage of Nature and nurture; its spacious gardens, measuring over 4,000m2 and surrounded by Milan’s Botanical Gardens, offer busy urbanites an unexpected oasis of tranquility in the middle of a city filled with life. Designed by Architects, Antonio Citterio and Partners, the hotel features rare, precious materials in its interiors, including Burmese teak wood, oak, black marble from Zimbabwe, and bronze.

These are just some of the highlights of this dreamlike hotel: ZZ The gardens: The carefully manicured gardens of the Bvlgari Hotel were once the vegetable garden of a monastery.

Transformed into a stately gardensitting room in the 19th century, they currently bear a MilaneseLombard style, as do the numerous gardens in the historical villas that dot the local landscape. The choice of trees and shrubs which are a staple presence in most garden dwellings and the landscape artists have created a number of open-air rooms that inspire romance and privacy. Black pebble features, ancient horse chestnut trees and delicate white wisteria create a series of ethereal walkways, all of which lead to the Dom Perignon Bar, where guests sip on elegant

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cocktails, protected by the shade of a lofty red beech hedge.

ZZ The rooms: There are 58 rooms and suites overlooking the scenic gardens or a stunning Milanese courtyard. The interiors are dominated by bleached oak and warm, natural fabrics. The sombre bathrooms (warmed up by Navona travertine stone), stand in stark contrast to the light-filled ambience of the bedrooms, which are dressed in white and cream hues. Each room is divided into a sequence of individual spaces, lending a private, exclusive air to even the smallest spaces.

ZZ The Bvlgari Suite: Perched on the top floor of the Hotel, this abode offers sweeping views of the city centre and of the Botanical Gardens from its 90m2 wrap-around terrace.

Measuring 120m2, the room boasts beautiful wooden flooring, designer furniture pieces, teak finishings and floor-to-ceiling windows. It also boasts its own library, stocked with books on art and design you can enjoy reading by your very own fireplace. A spacious walk-in closet leads you from the bedroom to the bathroom, which in turn is fitted with a large bathtub made of carved Brera stone.

ZZ The Bvlgari Touch: Sketches of Bvlgari jewels grace the rooms, while drawings of Bvlgari’s iconic ‘spille Giardinetto,’ dating back to the 1950s, can be found on elevator landings.

ZZ The restaurant: Critics the world over rave over the aromas and flavours whipped up by Chef Andrea

Ferrero, who creatively reinterprets Italian tradition by playing with colours and volumes, harmonies and contrasts. Wine buffs can pamper their palates with over 500 cases of carefully selected vintages, as well as a wide array of Champagnes and sparkling wines. For a casual experience, we recommend the Bar: a hotspot for the Milanese jetset, built in sturdy black resin. Enjoy a chilled aperitivo at cocktail time and feel free to order the entire restaurant menu within this casual setting.

ZZ The location: The Bvlgari Hotel is located in the aristocratic Brera district, a few steps away from the Botanical Gardens, Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and La Scala Theatre. Its spacious gardens lend it a unique sense of tranquillity and romance, which enable guests to disconnect from the buzzing vibe of the city centre, and discover themselves and their loved ones in a botanical Paradise made to awaken the senses.

ZZ The Spa: Immerse yourself in pure unadulterated bliss at the Spa, whose emerald hued glass hammam is renowned for its groundbreaking design.

Boasting stately benches made of Afyon stone, the hammam faces a glorious pool, whose pure gold tiles are illuminated by the natural light that peaks in through glass walls. The treatment list is diverse and tempting; for the ultimate experience we suggest the four-hand massage, with a blend of stretching and deep strokes imparted by therapists who have been trained in ayurveda, aromatherapy, shiatsu and reflexology.

g www.Bvlgarihotels.com

4/21/15 1:52 PM

met

RESTAURANTS / REVIEWS / NEWS / WINE / CHEFS / GUIDE

Italian cuisine is one of the best in the world and restaurants like Aragona, in the centre of Marbella, show that authentic is best. We also step into classic culinary haven, Tempora, travel to Florence with Kevin Woodford, talk with Emanuele Crisci of stunning Old Town restaurant, Il Tartufo, and investigate the diversity of Italian wines.

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145 Aragona 147 Tempora 148 Food News 150 Kevin Woodford’s Florence 152 Chef’s Profile: Emanuele Crisci of Il Tartufo 154 Italian Wines

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The Art of Fine Thai Cuisine OPENING SOON AT THE PLAZA VILLAGE IN THE HOTEL PUENTE ROMANO

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

Tel: 952 818 392

TAI PAN chinese cuisine polynesian bar

Serving Marbella in a Select Atmosphere for Decades.

Tel: 952 777 893 / 952 775 500 Puente Romano, Fase 2, Marbella.

Open Daily for Dinner from 8:00 www.taipanmarbella.com

SUKHOTHAI Exquisite Royal Thai Cuisine

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

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restaurant THE GOURMET

ARAGONA A Piece of Italy in the Heart of Marbella

WORDS Marisa cutillas Photography kevin horn

L

ove. Passion. Humility. These are just a few of the values that make Italian dining haven, Aragona, a special restaurant to be visited when truly good food and fine company are the order of the day. Italian food is a weakness for most diners, though Aragona has seduced even the savviest Marbella foodies, inviting them to experience the sensation of leaving Marbella and stepping into a traditional restaurant in a hidden nook of Sardinia, the hometown of Chef, Emanuele Francesco Aragona. Emanuele is part of a culinary triumvirate who founded Aragona just one year ago.

Arianna Paolucci (who has over 15 years’ experience as a wedding and events planner) and Nicola Cifiello (a talented Dessert Chef who has honed his craft at some of the most renowned restaurants in Rome) complete the team and they are joined by a friendly waiting staff that make every visit a pleasure. In addition to running Aragona, Arianna and the team also host weddings and events at the charming Villa Appia Antica, a dreamlike mansion in the city of Rome.

At Aragona, everything (sauces,

breads, desserts) is made by hand.

The Chefs source delicacies directly from Sardinia, including the exquisite bottarga (salted, cured fish roe), served in salad, grated over pasta or with fine crackers, and bearing a juiciness and unique flavour which diners are guaranteed to crave soon after their first encounter with this gourmet delight.

The affable Emanuele, a true ‘Chef with heart,’ proudly shows off the ingredients that give rise to some of his most amazing dishes.

Truffles are hand-picked in Italy and sent to the team within 24 hours and even the squid ink, used to make Aragona’s flavour-packed black pasta, hails from Sardinia. The Chef tells us, “A meal at Aragona is not meant to be rushed. When guests step inside, we invite them to sample the essence of Sardinia – its flavours, its people, and ambience…”

The experience is akin to being invited to the home of a Personal Chef; despite its prime location, Aragona is very much the perfect match for those who like to enjoy an exquisite meal in a laidback setting.

Our experience started off with a special treat from the Chef: a slice

of bottarga over impossibly fine, deliciously crisp pane carasau, which we enjoyed at room temperature.

Later in the meal, Emanuele once again brought out a plate of carasau, warmed up and drizzled with herbs and olive oil.

The Chef enamoured us with a colourful Sardinian starter: a shared platter called Delights of the Sea, comprising an array of different dishes, including a tender octopus and potato salad, marinated swordfish (bearing a lovely vinegary flavour), tomato and bottarga salad, a wonderfully fresh seafood salad, red prawns over a to-die-for chickpea crème, and a soul-soothing mussel dish, served atop a spicy tomato sauce. We loved the seaward focus of this platter, which complemented the warm Spring weather so perfectly. To top off such perfection, we went with a fruity white Villa Solais from Sardinia (Aragona boasts a select but well-crafted list of Italian wines).

Our main dish was no less enticing: a black-and-white pasta (made that very day by Emanuele), blended with a ragout of fish, prawns, sea bream, basil, mussels and fresh

g Open nightly for dinner. Avda. Del Mar 3, Marbella. Tel: 951 134 322. www.aragonacocinaitaliana.es 189 ReR Aragona.indd 145

tomato. The subtlety of the flavours and textures, alongside the exquisite al dente pasta, had my dining companion ‘oohing and aahing’ and I can’t say it was appropriate to curb one’s enthusiasm in the face of such deliciousness; the good news is that Aragona’s open kitchen makes for great communication with the Chef, who loves to see how diners react to dishes made with so much devotion.

We were equally spoiled at dessert time; Nicola, whose chemistry with Arianna and Emanuele is palpable and one of the most entertaining parts of the Aragona dining experience, brought out an array of little aniseed biscuits (petite and pretty to behold) and a to-die-for chocolate volcano, oozing with warm goodness on the inside and sophisticatedly crisp on the outside.

Aragona is bound to become a favourite for all diners after an authentic Italian experience, served with warmth and a passion for customer service. It was a true pleasure to be invited into Emanuele, Arianna and Nicola’s ‘home’, for it is, indeed, a place that I yearn for and intend to return to, many a time.

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restaurant THE GOURMET

TEmpora

Bistronomía at its best WORDS Michel cruz Photography kevin horn

T

empora – not to be confused with tempura – derives its name from a philosophy built around offering a high quality dining experience from the very best ingredients and seasonal produce.

Intimate, cosy and stylish, this is a restaurant that fits right into its setting in what is fast becoming one of the hottest dining areas in Marbella – the charming pedestrian walkways emanating outwards from the Plaza de Tetuán.

Here you will find a collection of eateries that stand out for their ambience and gastronomic appeal, and featuring prominently among them is Tempora, a restaurant built upon a simple concept of quality. To make a name for yourself amid so many good restaurants is no mean feat, but it is exactly what Andrés Perdiguero and Hanoi Terrero (interior design) have done. She by creating a comfortable and stylish environment and he by establishing the conditions that make for an outstanding dining experience They include a skilful team with a talented chef at its heart, harnessing all that creativity to the greatest effect and producing an ambience in which it is easy to enjoy the company and the delicacies that arrive at your table. Andrés, together with the young Peruvian chef Aldo Espinosa, assisted by Juan Pedro Valero and María José Fonta in the kitchen and front of house Rafael Moreno, make a dynamic lineup who have conceived

an enticing and well-balanced menu.

Its lack of florid descriptions allows you to be wonderfully surprised when the beautifully crafted dishes are put before you.

And so it was that starters such as the Vitello Tonnato enjoyed an altogether more sophisticated presentation than the one conjured up in my mind’s eye. The flavour was equally far above my expectations of this Italian classic, and so we took note of the fact that this is a fine dining venue that refreshingly endeavours to impress solely with its food. Hints of such a pure philosophy were already evident in the delicious little entrées we were offered earlier.

Form and Function

In saying that form and function are well balanced at Tempora I mean that the beautiful presentation is followed up by a taste sensation. In this respect the delightful entrées were an indication of what was to follow, starting with a heavenly foie gras with apple and caramelised diced fruits, a warm carrot and pumpkin cream with beef stew and vegetables, and king prawns on wafer-thin crispy apple rings with a confit of parmesan and onion infused with ginger.

Then came the aforementioned Vitello Tonnato – a delicious bed of roasted veal carpaccio on a cushion of baby leaf salad spiced up with anchovy, paprika, tuna, capers and a refreshing caper sauce. The other starters we enjoyed were a

g C/ Tetuán, 9, Marbella. Tel: 952 857 933. www.temporarestaurant.com 189 ReR.indd 147

Take a talented young chef, the freshest in-season produce and a restaurateur who knows how to look after diners, and you have a recipe for culinary success.

beautifully prepared cod and quinoa salad, a fresh tuna tartare marinated with soy sauce and lime, and finally fresh scallops grilled with a passion fruit dressing and accompanied by asparagus, greens and smoked almonds. Different dishes, but what they had in common was a richness of flavour that balanced the eyecatching presentation.

Before I move on to the main courses I should mention the wine selection. Most good restaurants take great pride in this, but Andrés is particularly keen to offer wines that you won’t see everywhere yet match the best. We started the evening with a Javier Sanz sauvignon blanc from Rueda. The white-wine-fromRueda combination is familiar to most wine drinkers in Spain, but this one has a delightful character in its own right; fruity and quite full-bodied yet dry and refreshing. The same cannot be said for the red wine that accompanied the main dishes. It is a full-bodied red in the classic tradition – not refreshing but rich, earthy and portentous, as a true red wine should be. This lovely discovery, not created for the fainthearted, goes by the name of Clio, an inspired creation of Bodegas el Nido from Jumilla, a small D.O. near Valencia.

It also proved to be a good partner to the rather meaty main courses we had chosen. Firstly a magret de canard prepared with creamy red fruit sauce and accompanied by sautéed seasonal vegetables with

a muscatel sauce. A hint of liquor was also present in the sirloin steak bathed in a Jack Daniels sauce, and while the grilled red tuna is both ‘sober’ and a fish, this wonderfully presented steamed delicacy is very much akin to a fine quality gammon.

It comes with chop suey, a Nikkei of shitake sauce and a wonderfully woody smoked flavour. The final main course was roasted Iberian pork glazed in honey, with paprika, greens and a wild mushroom risotto sprinkled with black truffle caviar, while Tempora also specialises in Peruvian style ceviche presented in a variety of Mediterranean, Nikkei and Leche de Tigre marinades.

By now it was already a memorable experience, made even better by a lively but elegant ambience and the kind of attentive staff that spots things without you having to ask for it – like topping up the Jack Daniels sauce. Before moving on to the desserts, we cleared the palate with a refreshing orange and strawberry shot, the prelude to a sweet sensation that included a chocolate fondant brownie drizzled cream of Lukuma, a wild fruit from the Peruvian jungle, a Frangelico-infused tiramisu and a truly delightful passion fruit and white chocolate cream.

Combining traditions and fresh ingredients with great skill and attentive service within a charming ambience, Tempora takes the culinary heritage of the bistro to another level.

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THE GOURMET news

La Trattoria in Nueva Andalucía is famed for its authentic Italian cuisine, where dishes like delicious risottos, tender Angus beef and the freshest of fish, tempt diners for many a return visit. The restaurant was launched two years ago by Paolo ‘Poppa’ Pozzato, founder of la Trattoria in Tarifa, a veritable institution in the windy coastal town. Paola has let his passion for cooking take hold, and is now the Chef at his lively restaurant. When asked about the essence of his cuisine, he replies that it is “seasonal, respectful to fine produce and featuring ingredients like boletus mushrooms, asparagus and truffles, flown in to my restaurant 24 hours after being picked.” Paolo, who hails from Verona, serves only ‘the real thing’ at La Trattoria de Marbella: “I don’t adapt my cuisine to what tourists demand; I invite them to sample the real thing.” i www.latrattoriademarbella.com

NōMō

Salduna Beach is a scenic new restaurant opened by the Benamara seaside. The idyllic venue whips up seasonal Mediterranean cuisine and promises to be the perfect setting for any kind of celebration by the sea: a wedding, team building get-together, corporate event or beach day and barbecue. The restaurant opens from Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm to 8pm, and for extended hours from May onwards. g Tel: 952 897 916. www.saldunabeach.com

La Trattoria de Marbella WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Salduna Beach Opens in Benamara

New Chef at

Opens in San Pedro de Alcántara NōMō is a brand new Mediterranean brasserie, located on the Bulevar de San Pedro de Alcántara and offering market fresh produce created by renowned Chef, Jaime Camacho. Diners can look forward to enjoying traditional Mediterranean meals made with top quality produce; must-try dishes include the ceviche (made with scallops from the north Atlantic), the fresh pea, egg and cecina from Astorga, and the suckling pig from Segovia, served with an organic sweet potato emulsion. The restaurant opens for lunch and dinner every day except for Sunday. g For bookings, Tel: 951 702 168.

Sweet Treats from Vanilla Blue Bakery Vanilla Blue Bakery is an artisanal establishment founded in Málaga in 2011. The company bakes an array of delicious and beautiful desserts with natural aromas and flavours, always prepared from scratch. The bakery is ready to whip up a storm for tea time, parties or events, since they can create bespoke cupcakes, cookies and many other desserts, bearing your company logo or any image you desire. Vanilla Blue Bakery has just opened at the popular Miramar shopping centre, opposite H&M on the first floor. Pop in to sample their wares, made with top quality ingredients like Belgian chocolate, fresh limes and lemons. The company’s heavenly Key Lime Pie was recently enjoyed by charismatic Actor, Antonio Banderas, and we are assured he helped himself to seconds! g For further information, Tel: 952 448 165. info@vanillabluebakery.com

El Bogavante Restaurant & Caviar House Launch Around 250 people made their way to the seaside venue that is the Villa Padierna Club de Mar, to enjoy the launch of the new El Bogavante Restaurant & Caviar House. The venue, presided over by talented Chef, Cristóbal Gómez, will feature a wide array of dishes in which lobster and caviar play a starring role.

Some of the most delicious treats enjoyed by guests thus far include carpaccios, salads, soup, rice dishes and more. The caviar is supplied by Caviar de Riofrío, which harvests organically-produced caviar whose flavour is said to be superb. i www.villapadiernapalacehotel.com

148 / MAY 2015 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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F L É O F RE A C

e! or m

Cu isi

garden á l’Itali r u o ene m an ro f d ne

Since April 2015

Restaurant Casanis

CASANIS

FRENCH BISTROT c/Ancha, 8 29601 Marbella 952 900 450 casaniscasanis@aol.com

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CAFÉ FLORE

Restaurant Café Flore

RESTAURANTI ITALIANO Plaza Puente Ronda, 5 29601 Marbella 952 770 535 cafefloremarbella@gmail.com

3/24/15 11:43 AM

THE GOURMET

KEVIN WOODFORD’S

© Gary Edwards

Essential Florence

When it comes to gastronomy, most would give credit to the French for its creation.

In reality, however, it was the Italians who taught the French the art of haute cuisine.

Specifically, when Catherine De Medici married into the French court, she insisted that her cooks decamped with her. That Catherine De Medici, was originally from Florence in the heart of Tuscany is significant.

For Tuscany is an area of outstanding natural beauty, renowned for its produce and cuisine.

T

oday, Florence, the regions capital, is not only a cultural feast, but also offers an abundance of high class hotels, great restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.

With only a 30 minute drive to the vine-covered hills of Chianti, it’s little surprise that Florence is one of Europe’s most popular gastronomic destinations.

My favourite time of the year in Florence is from late spring through to early autumn, when balmy temperatures allow for dining al fresco and the city is buzzing with all sorts of cultural events.

However the downside is that this is also when the hotel rates are at their highest! Nonetheless, while there’s plenty of choice, for me the St Regis is perfection. This opulent palace, designed by Brunelleschi, is ideally situated in the historic centre of Florence and is just a five minute stroll away from the city’s finest designer shops, restaurants, cafés, museums and the world famous Ponte Vecchio. The St Regis has 80 beautifully furnished rooms and 19 exquisite suites which benefit from the St Regis Butler Service (thankfully included in the price). This service was introduced in 1906 and to be honest really does make staying at the hotel a very special experience.

Mind you at the rates they charge you might feel as though you are entitled to take your butler home with you on the conclusion of your stay!

Just like many high class hotels around the world, The St Regis has adopted the concept of offering the opportunity of dining in a restaurant operated by a celebrity chef. The Winter Garden Restaurant, situated within the hotel, is run by multiMichelin star Chef Valeria Piccini from the two Michelin star Restaurant Da Caino and his Executive Chef, Michele Griglio, and has truly earned the one Star awarded by Michelin for his modern interpretation of many Tuscany classics.

However, for me a trip to Florence would be incomplete without a visit to Enoteca Pinchiorri. This Italian restaurant, owned by Giorgio Pinchiorri and French-born Annie Féolde, is considered by several restaurant publications as one of the top 50 restaurants in the world and has little difficulty in justifying its Michelin three star status. The restaurants Tasting menu, priced at a mere €225 per person, is one of the most creative I’ve ever come across and the Rabbit with Taggiasche olives along with the pear crystal with coffee and honey is sheer genius.

As for the wine list, not only does

it include a vast selection of some of the worlds finest, but as far back as 1970 they took the decision to offer fine wines uncorked – to purchase by the glass – enabling everyone to experience wines which might otherwise be unaffordable.

Florence really is a ‘must visit’ gastronomic destination and while it is without doubt expensive during high season, why not wrap up warm and take advantage of the excellent low season offers. Visit in January/ February, when log fires abound, the pace is slower and the richer red chianti reserves really do come into their own.

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.

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TEAMWORK IS DREAMWORK!

BELGIAN OWNED

Tel: 952 113 618 www.macaaobeachclubmarbella.com C/ José Echegaray, s/n San Pedro de Alcántara macaaobeachclubmarbella

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THE GOURMET profile

Bringing the Best of Northern and Southern Italian Cuisine to our Shores

Emanuele Crisci

of Tartufo

One of the most emblematic streets in the Old Town, Calle Tetúan, houses a true labour of love for Chef, Emanuele Crisci, and his fiancée, Hollie: their restaurant, Il Tartufo, which began as all the best love affairs do: boldly, daringly, letting passion hold sway and destiny do the rest.

WORDS Marisa CUTILLAS Photography kevin horn

T

artufo, meaning ‘truffle’ in Italian, pays homage to the exotic, earthly bounty that proliferates in Alba, a stone’s throw away from the region of Piedmont. “I grew up in the North, yet my mother and father hail from the South and my cooking seeks to combine the best of both regions,” says the Chef.

At Il Tartufo, a wealth of seasonal truffle dishes are testimony to gourmet Italian cuisine: this is not a pizza and pasta restaurant, but one that seeks to express the rich tradition behind Italian cuisine, with its emphasis on freshly caught fish, exquisite cuts of meat and pasta and risotto dishes, often bearing shavings of truffles, sourced by family friends who send Emanuele the revered delicacy within a period of 24 hours.

Emanuele was just an adolescent when he decided to dedicate his life to food: “In Italy, at the age of 14, you have to select a career path.

I decided to go to cooking school without really knowing if it was for me, but once I was there I began to really enjoy it.” The affable Chef speaks to me in perfect English: “Right after graduation, I headed straight to London, where I lived for five years. I started as a Commis Chef and worked my way up to Head

Chef at a popular Italian restaurant.”

At Il Tartufo, diners will find an array of tempting daily specials; during my visit, these included a juicy prawn and scallop skewer served with a guacamole-filled crunchy roll; a tender fillet of venison wellington with a sweet potato purée, Port wine sauce and chanterelle mushrooms; and a freshly caught, grilled wild red snapper. The à la carte menu, meanwhile, contains a selection of fish, meat (tenderloin and entrecôte), wild fish, risotto and pasta dishes.

Emanuele’s skill shows that although Italian cuisine is widely known and loved, it takes excellent produce, a highly refined palate and plenty of experimentation, to come up with a risotto or pasta as you would find it in the very best regional restaurants of Italy.

Il Tartufo also has special gastronomic events. Last November, the team dazzled a packed house, with a mouthwatering white truffle tasting menu, bearing a host of dishes including homemade tagliolini pasta, saffron risotto and sirloin steak, featuring fresh shavings of what has got to be one of the most hotly solicited gourmet items in the world.

Emanuele admits that what

attracted him to Marbella was the weather, yet it wasn’t until he met his fiancée, Hollie, that he would find the inspiration he needed to open a restaurant of his own. The couple met while working at a restaurant on the Paseo Maritimo of Marbella and, after several years spent at another well-known international restaurant in the Old Town of Marbella, they made a bold move by opening a restaurant during what many consider to be the peak of the crisis. “Both in London and Marbella, I cooked for many years for a host of nationalities so we were confident that we could create something appealing to the many international diners that call Marbella home.” The beginning, he admits, was tough. “I was alone in the kitchen and Hollie was (and still is) the face of the restaurant.” In time, though, the restaurant grew in popularity and renown and, now, the couple are strongly focussed on “offering the very best customer service, which results from having a good team.”

Il Tartufo is young but has already been through important changes.

For one, a year after its opening, the restaurant moved into its new premises, which is much larger and features a delightfully romantic

outdoor terrace next to a stunning Andalusian fountain. Designed

by Blackshaw Interior Design, the restaurant is modern, warm and lively all at once, with purple hues holding sway and larger crystal windows separating the interior dining area from the terrace, which is peppered with lovely teak furniture and contemporary shade sails.

When I ask Emanuele if he has any other hobbies, he surprises me by stating he is into tough workout regiment, CrossFit. “As a Chef I work long hours indoors so going to the gym and working out is an important way of maintaining my social life.”

Emanuele and Hollie are also due to take a short break; he announces that they are soon to be married.

“For our honeymoon we are heading for Positano, on the Amalfi Coast… I have never been there so I hope to be pleasantly surprised.” Sampling the region’s finest meals will be high on the couple’s agenda, and no doubt, they will be sharing all their best discoveries with their myriad of keen diners, upon their return.

g C/ Tetuán, Old Town, Marbella.

Tel: 951 087 323. www.iltartufo-ristorante.com

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THE GOURMET wine

Italy

A REVIEW OF

F

ew countries have the length of viticulture history that Italy possesses although, for many years, particularly in the post-war era, this legacy was squandered. The last 20 years have seen a real renaissance for Italy and there has never been a more exciting time to acquaint oneself with the country and its vines.

The land stretches from the mountains of the Alps and the Austrian border through to Sicily and islands which are nearer to Africa than the Italian mainland.

In the north, the Valle D’Aosta and Alto Adige are situated. The former is extremely small and the wines are rarely seen outside the country.

Alto Adige borders on Austria and is home to elegant, cold-climate wines from grapes such as Kerner, Chardonnay and Riesling. Jermann

is a particularly good exponent of the art.

Heading east towards Italy’s Adriatic coast, the regions of Piemonte, Lombardia and the Veneto lie next to one another.

Many consider Piemonte to be the most exciting and quality driven of all Italian regions. Certainly it is the home of the iconic Barolo and Barbaresco wines, made exclusively from the Nebbiolo grape, whose character has been compared to Pinot Noir, albeit with a persistent acidity and haunting aromas of roses and tar.

These are wines that will not be released until 5 years following the vintage and the truly great Baroli from estates such as Giuseppe Mascarello will age for decades.

Excellent white wines come from Piemonte including Roero Arneis and the steely Gavi, considered by

No country delights and bewilders the winedrinking public to the extent that Italy does. The variety of regions, grapes, styles and topography is difficult to find in many other wine-producing countries throughout the world. Arcane legislation, varieties that have no comparisons elsewhere and often an acidity in both reds and whites that needs some acclimatisation from the drinker prevent many from exploring. WORDS PHIL HARRIS many to be the finest white from the region. As one heads east, the soil changes from chalk, on which Nebbiolo thrives, to clay, which is home to another red wine grape Barbera.

The east of the region features a very individual white wine called Derthona, made from Timorasso.

This is a grape that almost went into extinction, having been uprooted by all but one family who upheld the production. Walter Massa’s work has now seen a revival of this wine.

The region of Lombardia is home to Italy’s sparkling wine Franciacorta, which closely resembles Champagne. In a country that has so many of its own wines and grapes, this product divides opinion but some of the best versions approach Champagne for quality. A more

indigenous product is Lugana, grown on the clay soils around Lake Garda, a favourite tourist destination. Made from the Trebbiano di Lugana, recently discovered to be the same as the Verdicchio, which grows so well in the Marche region of central Italy, this crisp white wine has many followers who first met the wine on holiday and wished to continue enjoying it afterwards. Nunzio Ghiraldi is a fine estate although more difficult to find than the giants of Zenato and Ca de Frati.

To the east of the lake lies Bardolino and the start of the Veneto region. Where Piemonte produces most wine of DOCG standard (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) – think of a premium Appellation Controlée – the Veneto produces more DOC wine than anywhere

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else. Bardolino uses the same grapes as Valpolicella, situated north east of Verona, namely Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara, but rarely enjoys the limelight.

Valpolicella is also the main cherry region of the north and many feel that the wines produced share the light character of that fruit. The iconic Amarone della Valpolicella is the most famous wine here with a variety of styles.

Many border on massive, whereas the Amarone from Marinella Camerani at Corte Sant’Alda beguiles with elegance. Over three kilos of grapes are needed to make one bottle, so it’s a wine to treasure! Further east, the region of Soave can be found. In the 70s, the wine was almost as ubiquitous as Pinot Grigio is today and was seen by many as another example of a poor regional wine. However, families such as Inama and Pieropan have worked tirelessly to raise standards and one should look for Soave Classico on the label. The late-ripening Garganega grape produces a wine that could rival some Burgundies, albeit for less money!

The main area for Italy’s sparkling phenomenon, Prosecco, lies within the northeast. Made by the Charmat method, this light and sometimes discreetly sweet fizz is intensely popular and its low alcohol means that it can be enjoyed on numerous occasions.

Look out for Bisol or Zucchetto.

Heading further northeast, towards the Slovenian border, the region of Friuli boasts a cornucopia of varieties, ranging from the well-known, such as Sauvignon to the classically unknown Schioppettino. Many estates excel in making stars of one or two varieties but very few possess a range as consistently good as Borgo del Tiglio.

A very individual area called Liguria stretches from the French border around the coast towards La Spezia and the north west of Toscana. Home to some of the most picturesque coastline in Italy, if not Europe, many of the vineyards are grown on precipitous heights and in small pockets, making manual

labour the only way possible to do anything. Vermentino and Pigato are grapes for whites and Rossese produces a rare red wine, light in body but flavourful.

Home to the UNESCO heritage site of the Cinque Terre vineyards, unique (I believe) in that this the only vineyards site with such an honour.

Emilia-Romagna is the exact opposite, being the flat industrial basin of the Po valley and home to Ferraris and Balsamic Vinegar from Modena. Wine is produced in very large quantities and this was one of the regions instrumental in giving Italy a mediocre reputation. The production centre for Lambrusco and many believe the birthplace of the Sangiovese grape, which has achieved greater fame in Toscana. Try and find though the iconic estate of Graziano, whose Lambrusco Fontana dei Boschi is one of the very few true and impressive Lambruscos available.

The next layer, again heading from west to east, covers Toscana, Umbria and the Marche.

The former rivals Piemonte for the limelight and is home to Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: wines all made from Sangiovese or closely related grapes which adopted their own characters over centuries, being Brunello and Prugnolo respectively. Toscana is predominantly a red wine region, although excellent Vermentino and Vin Santo keep the white wine flag flying. Look out for Fontodi and the consistently good wines from Marco Bacci at Castello di Bossi.

Umbria vies with Toscana for beauty although it is a lesser light in terms of wine quality. Decent whites from Grechetto and the unique red Sagrantino are usually the highlights here.

On the other side of the Apennines, the spine running down Italy and bordered on the east by the Adriatic coast, the upcoming region of the Marche is located. With

many people unable to afford Toscana or Umbria, fevered house-hunting has now hit the Marche, with the result that many more visitors are familiar with their wines. The North is home to Verdicchio, the south to a hotchpotch of grapes such as Trebbiano, Fiano and the highly impressive Pecorino. Now that the Italians have moved away from concentrating more on the vessel to carry the wine, rather than the wine itself, a real surge in quality has followed.

To the south of the Marche lies Abruzzo, the first of the southern regions. Trebbiano (white) and Montepulciano (red) d’Abruzzo abound and provide excellent drinking at reasonable prices.

Further south, the windswept and empty region of Molise offers a real view of rural Italy and is home to the individual grape Tintilia del Molise.

On the western coast, around Naples and the brooding form of Vesuvius, lies Campania, often believed to be the cradle of Italian viticulture, thanks to the civilising influence of both Greeks and Romans. Vineyards are situated on Vesuvius and thrive on the volcanic soil that lies throughout the region. Excellent whites such as Greco di Tufo and Falanghina grow here with the reds generated by the sturdy Aglianico grape (another import from Greece

many centuries ago). Look out for wines from the Mastroberadino family, truly Campania’s ‘royal family’ when viticulture is considered!

The far South is represented by Puglia – Italy’s heel, Basilicata – Italy’s sole and Calabria – Italy’s toe. Puglia, like so much of Italy, is undergoing a surge in quality, rather than quantity, which dominated thinking for too many years. Primitivo and Negroamaro are the red grapes to drink here.

Basilicata, a vast volcanic plateau, is home to Aglianico and Calabria makes a range of wines from sweet Moscato di Saracena to reds from Frappato and Gaglioppo.

Sicilia needs an article to itself, so great is the variety here.

Like so much of Italy, quality is now asserting itself and grapes such as Nero d’Avola for reds and Carricante for whites are constantly finding new lovers.

For the adventurous, Italy is truly rewarding. e

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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

€40 – €60

€60 plus

gauchos

mytilus

AMERICAN

Open 10am until midnight every day.

Plaza Antonio Banderas 17/29, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 951 136 333

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. Plaza de Los Naranjos, Puerto Sotogrande. Tel: 956 790 212

HARD ROCK CAFÉ

Yanx

ruta 40

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

C/ Ramón Areces, esq. Marina Banús, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 908 024

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

Open from 9am to 12 midnight daily.

C.C. El Zoco, Sitio de Calahonda.

Tel: 951 133 737

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

ARGENTINEAN

Tango

Buenos Aires South

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

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

BELGIAN

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

El Coto

Open daily for both lunch and dinner. Ctra. de Ronda (El Madroñal), San Pedro de Alcántara.

Tel: 952 786 688

FRENCH

Casa mono

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

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

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

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GREEK

Grill del puerto

Tel: 952 888 353

Amanhavis

Massala

Open daily for both lunch and dinner.

Muelle Ribera, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 812 148

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

MARBELLA CLUB GRILL

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

Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday from 8.00pm. Calle del Pilar 3, Benahavís.

Tel: 952 856 026

Open every night for dinner. Marbella Club Hotel.

Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n, Marbella.

Tel: 952 822 211

Mr. india

amigos

Open daily from 6pm. Milla de Oro (next to Da Bruno a Casa), Marbella. Tel: 952 867 868

Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday.

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

Old Town Grill

Mumtaz

aroma

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

Tel: 952 867 306

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

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

INTERNATIONAL

baboo lounge and restaurant

Red Pepper

GRILLS

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

Piratas flame grill Open every day for lunch and dinner except Sunday. Puerto Deportivo de Marbella, Locales 37-40, Marbella. Tel: 952 865 940

11&11 Restobar

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

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

Restaurante Rancho

Open daily for both lunch and dinner. Pueblo Viejo Cancelada. Between San Pedro & Estepona.

Tel: 952 886 307

The Grill House restaurant

Al Rolo

Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday. C.C. Cristamar, Local 32, Puerto Banús. Tel: 951 319 842

El Carnicero 2

VOVEM

Open from 1pm to 4pm and 7pm to 11pm daily.

At Reserva del Higuerón. Avda. del Higuerón 48, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 661 174

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

El Gaucho

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C.C. Odeon, Locales 9-10, C/ Las Yedras, Nueva Andalucía.

Tel: 952 003 434

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

INDIAN

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

Albert & simon Open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Friday and for dinner only on Saturday. Closed Sundays.

Urb. Nueva Alcántara, Edif. Mirador, Bloque 4-B, Marbella. Tel: 952 783 714

Open 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

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

Bar d’o restaurant & Lounge Open daily from 11am to 2am (3am on weekends).

Avda. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, Edif. Milla de Oro, Local 567, Marbella. Tel: 952 821 229

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

Tel: 952 839 458

Jaipur palace

alberts

beckitts

Open every night except Tuesday for dinner.

CN340, km 194, next to Camping Cabopino, Marbella. Tel: 951 310 004

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Puerto Cabopino.

Tel: 952 836 886

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

alumbre

Besaya Beach

Jaipur Purple

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

Open Monday to Thursday for lunch, Friday and Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sunday for

Open daily for dinner. CN 340, km. 166, Estepona.

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Price guide per head for a three-course meal with wine lunch. Urb. Coral Beach s/n, km 176, Marbella.

Tel: 952 777 299

BIBO

under €25

€25 – €40

Casanis

D-wine

Open every day from 6pm except Sundays.

C/ Ancha, 8, Marbella. Tel: 952 900 450

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

Tel: 951 339 309

€40 – €60

€60 plus

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

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

celima Open every day for lunch and dinner. Hotel Hermitage, Ctra. de Casares, Casares.

Tel: 952 895 639.

El Bolero

EL OLIVO

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

Black and white Marbella

cerrado del águila

El Campanario

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

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Muelle Benabola, under the Torre de Banús, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 815 607

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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

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

bono’s beach

c’est la vie

EL CASTILLO

Fabiola

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Cervantes s/n, Urb. Costabella, Playa El Arenal, Marbella.

Tel: 952 839 236

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Paseo Las Palmeras, 15, San Pedro de Alcántara.

Tel: 952 783 394

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

Brunings

cortijo fain

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

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. Hotel Los Monteros, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 187. Tel: 952 771 700

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

CAFÉ DE RONDA

EL JINETE

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Avda. Ramón Gómez de la Serna 23, Marbella.

Tel: 952 862 149

Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

At the Hotel Puente Romano. Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella.

Tel: 952 764 252

Cafetería ke

del mar

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

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

cappuccino grande cafe Open daily for lunch and dinner. José Meliá s/n (Hotel Gran Meliá Don Pepe), Marbella.

Tel: 952 868 790

dani García restaurante

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

El Corzo EL GRAN GASTBY Open daily for lunch and dinner. Muelle de Honor, Puerto Banús. Tel: 951 778 797 Open daily for dinner except for Friday. Ctra. La Cala Golf, km 45, La Cala de Mijas. Tel: 952 119 170

El lago

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

Tel: 952 809 500

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 cortesín Beach Club Open daily for lunch and dinner. Bahía de Casares, Casares. Tel: 952 897 296

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

funky tapas Open daily from 12 midday to 12 midnight.

Avda. Miguel de Cervantes 34, Marbella.

Tel: 952 811 590

Galeria San Pedro Open from 11am until midnight. Closed Sundays.

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Avda Las Palmeras 15, San Pedro Alcántara.

Tel: 952 780 927

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

fonda restaurante el postillón

karma

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 7:30pm to 11pm.

Ctra. de Mijas, km. 1, A-387, Alhaurín El Grande.

Tel: 951 254 520

GD Gourmet deli marbella

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

LA biznaga

Benahavís. Tel: 952 889 150

Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 815 915

La Terraza

Los naranjos restaurant

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

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

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

Magna Café Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

C/ Calderón de la Barca, s/n. Tel: 952 929 578

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 Veranda

la brisa

La Verandah

Open for dinner Thursday to Monday from 7pm.

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

Open week days for dinner at 7:30pm and weekends for lunch and dinner, closed Tuesdays.

Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 136. Playa Guadiaro, Torreguadiaro, Cádiz. Tel: 956 615 998

Messina

La veranda lobby bar

Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner from 7pm.

Closed Monday. Local 1A. Puerto de Cabopino.

Tel: 952 837 483

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

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

Herrero del Puerto

LA CANTINA DEL GOLF

LIMA

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

Casas de Campos, 1, Málaga. Tel: 952 122 075

Open for breakfast and lunch until 8pm.

Closed Sunday. Flamingo Golf Club, Cancelada, Benahavís. Tel: 951 318 815

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 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

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

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

il mare

La cabaña del mar

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 snacks. Hotel Villa Padierna & Flamingos Golf Club, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 166 (Cancelada exit),

Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner.

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

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

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

Severo Ochoa, 12, Marbella. Tel: 952 864 895

MOJO

momo marbella Open Monday to Saturday from 6pm to midnight.

C/ Tetuán 7, Marbella. Tel: 952 771 560

mosaik4

Open daily from 12pm to 3am. Avda. Manolete, esq. C/ Los Lirios, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 929 467

los arcos

mozaic

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

Tel: 952 762 000

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday. Urb. Las Chapas, Marbella.

Tel: 952 839 901

los bandidos

Miraflores Golf Restaurant

Open every night for dinner. Muelle Ribera,

Open daily for Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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Price guide per head for a three-course meal with wine Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 199. Urb. Riviera Golf.

Tel: 952 931 941

under €25

€25 – €40

€40 – €60

Tel: 952 800 015

smart café

Restaurante royal

€60 plus

Open 9am to 11pm every day except Sundays.

Avda. Ricardo Soriano 1, Local 1 (Edif. Portillo), Marbella. Tel: 952 772 577

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

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the Hotel Torrequebrada, Benalmádena Costa.

Tel: 952 441 414

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

n ō m ō brasserie

Rojo

Suave

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

Open every day for lunch and dinner except Sunday. C/ Granada, 44, Málaga.

Tel: 952 227 486

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

NUEVA CAMPANA

Sea grill

SUite

Open daily for lunch and dinner, except Tuesday.

La Campana, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 814 041

At the Puente Romano Beach Club. Open daily for lunch and dinner. CN340, km 187, Marbella.

952 820 900

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

shanti-som – amrita

Swing

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

Open from 12-4pm and 7.30pm until midnight.

Closed Wednesdays. Arena Beach, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 151, Estepona. Tel: 952 796 320

shiraz

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

trocadero beach

Terra Sana

Trocadero Sotogrande

Open Monday to Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nueva Andalucía next to the Casino.

Tel: 952 906 205. Marina Banús, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 817 977. C.C. Laguna Village, Estepona. Tel: 951 901 050. C.C. Mary Sol, Sotogrande. Tel: 956 796 931. C.C. La Cañada, Marbella. Tel: 952 868 663. C.C. Parque Miramar, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 663 937

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Paseo del Parque s/n, Sotogrande. Tel: 956 795 012

NELI Gs

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

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

Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

Puerto Deportivo, Local 15, Marbella. Tel: 952 778 334

passion café

Skina

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

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

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

PURO BEACH Open daily for lunch and dinner. Laguna Village, Playa El Padrón, CN 340, km 159, Estepona.

SMALL WORLD CAFé Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ctra.

Istán, km 1, C.C: Le Village 15, Marbella.Tel: 952 771 046

tanino

The meeting room

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

Trocadero arena Open every day for lunch and dinner. Torre Real Beach, Marbella. Tel: 952 865 579 Open daily for lunch and dinner. Playa de la Carolina, Marbella. Tel: 610 704 144

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

villa padierna club de mar Open daily for lunch from 1pm to 6pm.

CN 340, km 166, Marbella. Tel: 647 791 515

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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 every day for dinner from 7.00pm till late.

Plaza Altamirano 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 858 868

ITALIAN Al Dente

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

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

aragona

Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe 11, Marbella. Tel: 952 900 380

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

Il Tartufo

Metro

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

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

la fiorentina

nunos

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

Tel: 952 885 765

Open daily for lunch and dinner. At the Caleta Hotel. Catalan Bay, Gibraltar.

Tel: +350 200 76501

la pappardella di estepona

O mamma mia

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

Open every day except Sunday for lunch and dinner. At El Corte Inglés Food Hall, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 909 990

LA pappardella sul mare

Pizzeria Picasso

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

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

la trattoria de marbella

portofino laguna village

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

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

C.C. Laguna Village, Estepona. Tel: 952 808 035

Leonardo da vinci

Open every night for dinner and Sunday for lunch.

Edif. La Ruleta, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 814 529

Ristorante Regina

Open every day for lunch and dinner.

Avda. del Mar 3, Marbella. Tel: 951 134 322

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

Aretusa

Don giovanni

Open daily for dinner. Front line P. Banús.

Tel: 952 812 898

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

Lombardo’s

Frascati

MADE IN SARDINIA

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

Open every night for dinner. C.C. Cristamar, Avda.

Julio Iglesias, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 906 608

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

Tel: 952 850 148

gold restaurant

mesana

trattoria l’impronta

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

Open nightly for dinner. At the Gran Hotel Gvadalpín. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 771 133

Open daily for lunch and dinner except on Tuesday. Avda. Salamanca, Edif. San Pedro del Mar, Local 14, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 785 943

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

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

CIBO Open from 12pm until midnight daily. Blvd.

Open every night for dinner. Urb. Doña Lola, Local 21-22, Calahonda, Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 934 667 Open daily from 7pm. Galerías Paniagua, Sotogrande, Cádiz. Tel: 956 795 924

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

Rosmarino della piazza

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

Mediterranean Beata’s Vino y Mar

Open Monday to Sunday from 2pm to 11pm. Avda. del Prado 20, Marbella. Tel: 602 822 598

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

tempora Open nightly for dinner. C/ Tetuán 9, Old Town, Marbella. Tel: 952 857 933

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 every day 13:30-16:00 & 19:30-24:00. CN340, km. 166 (Benavista). C.C. Costa del Sol. Tel: 952 885 751

Sakura Open every day for lunch and dinner. Avda.

Jardines del Puerto, L.5, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 817 536

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

Sukho Thai Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday. Centro Comercial Marbellamar.

Tel: 952 770 550

Sushi des artistes Open every day for lunch and dinner.

CN 340, km 178.5, Marbella. Easy parking.

Tel: 952 857 403

Sushi Katsura Open for lunch from Monday to Friday and for dinner from Monday to Saturday.

C/ Ramón Gómez de la Serna, 5, Marbella.

Tel: 952 863 193

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

Tel: 952 777 893

Tahini

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

Ctra. Istan km 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 906 674

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Hotel Meliá don Pepe. C/ José Meliá s/n, Marbella.

Tel: 952 902 936

camurí RestaurantE lounge

Ta-kumi

Open daily for lunch and dinner. At Laguna Village. CN340, km 159, Estepona. Tel: 951 217 871

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

Dragón de Oro

Teppanyaki samurai

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

Tel: 952 890 956

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

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

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 daily for lunch and dinner. Centro Com. Guadalmina Alta, Guadalmina 4, local 2, lower floor, San Pedro de Alcántara.

Tel: 952 896 508

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

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

meca Open every day for lunch and dinner. C.C. Pino Golf, Don Carlos, Local 1, Elviria, Marbella.

Tel: 952 830 365 / 658 646 829

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

Osaka

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

Tel: 952 813 675

tHapa thai Open every day for lunch and dinner. Urb. Puerto Deportivo 13, Edif. Poniente, Estepona.

Tel: 951 318 445

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

Tse yang Dimsum club Open daily for lunch and dinner except Sundays.

At El Corte Inglés Food Hall, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 952 909 990

Wasabi Open daily from 1.30 pm for lunch and dinner.

C.C. Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 908 577

SCANDINAVIAN Aloha restaurant

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

Tel: 952 811 285

Skandies Open Tuesday to Sunday from 7pm to 11pm.

Closed Mondays. Avda. Antonio Belón, 26 (behind the lighthouse), Marbella. Tel: 952 776 323

SEAFOOD

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

El Barlovento Open from 11am-4pm and 7.30-11pm every day

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except Mondays. Puerto Deportivo de Sotogrande, Cádiz. Tel: 956 790 370

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

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

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

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

palapa Open daily for lunch and dinner. C.C. Laguna Village, CN 340, km 159, Estepona. Tel: 951 217 871

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

beach club restaurante grill Open every day for lunch. Hotel Fuerte, Castillo de San Luis s/n and Hotel Fuerte Miramar Spa, Plaza José Luque Manzano s/n, Marbella.

Tel: 902 343 410

Casa de la era Open every evening for dinner. Ctra. de Ojén, km 0.5, Marbella.

Tel: 952 770 625

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

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 8pmmidnight. Ctra de Cádiz, km 178, Marbella. Tel: 952 827 880

Hacienda Open from 1-4.30pm and 7.30 -11pm. Closed on Sunday afternoons and Mondays. Urb. La Alcaidesa, La Linea de la Concepción.

Tel: 956 582 700

La máquina Open daily for lunch and dinner except Sunday.

At El Corte Inglés Food Hall, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 909 990

la moraga Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Ramón Areces s/n, 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

Mesón el adobe Open daily for lunch and dinner except Tuesdays.

Avda. La Fontanilla, Edif. Balmoral, Bajo 3, Marbella.

Tel. 600 003 144

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

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

Restaurante 1870 Open nightly for dinner. C/ La Concha, 11, San Pedro de Alcántara.

Tel: 952 783 836

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THE GUIDE Tragabuches 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

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

VEGETARIAN loving hut

Open daily from 10.30am to 11.30pm.

Avda. Miguel Cano 11, Marbella. Tel: 951 245 889

GYMS & SPORTS CLUBS ALHAMAR GYM

C.C. Alhamar, CN-340 km 197.

Tel: 952 934 684

ATENAS

Tennis /paddle classes. Calahonda.

Tel: 952 939 595

P-E SPORTS CLUB

Dynamic training centre

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

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

qi sport

FITNESS CENTRE NEW STYLE

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

Amapolas, s/n Nueva Andalucía.

Tel: 952 817 916

SATURNIA REGNA

Fuerte Gym

Marbella Tel: 952 761 475, Elviria.

Tel: 952 834 835

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

SEVEN STARS SCHOOL

GIMNASIO ESTADIO

Tai Chi & yoga. Pasaje Estrecho, Estepona.

Tel: 952 923 055

Trav. Huerta de los Cristales, Marbella.

Tel: 952 828 217

HAPPY DIVER’S CLUB

Sport Club Reserva del Higuerón

Atalaya Park Hotel, Marbella.

Tel: 609 571 920

Avda. del Higueron, Benalmádena.

Tel: 952 565 761

HOTEL PUENTE ROMANO

SPORTCLUB ROUTE 66

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

KRAV MAGA SELF-DEFENCE CENTRE

Ctra. Mijas, 1.5km. Fuengirola.

Tel: 952 461 648

At Hotel Pyr, Puerto Banús.

Tel: 655 689 455

SPORTING CLUB ATALAYA PARK HOTEL

MANOLO SANTANA RACQUETS CLUB

CN340, Km 168,5. Estepona.

Tel: 952 888 212

Barquilla 1. Marbella. Tel: 952 776 240

Ctra. de Istán, Km 2. Marbella.

Tel: 952 778 580

AZTEC COUNTRY CLUB

MARBELLA GUN & COUNTRY CLUB

Cristamar, Pto. Banús. Tel: 952 905 082

Urb. Riviera del Sol, Mijas-Costa.

Tel: 952 934 477

Monda. Tel: 952 112 161

Vitality studio

MARBELLA SPORT

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

CENTRO DEPORTIVO EL FUERTE

Km 171.5. San Pedro Alcántara.

Tel: 952 788 315

TRAIN

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

CENTRO DE YOGA Y SALUD INTEGRAL

MULTI SPORT

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

Avda. Picasso 27. San Pedro.

Tel: 952 782 801

CENTRO PLAZA GYM

New Concept Training

Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 817 074

Cerrado del águila

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

Mijas Costa, Málaga. Tel: 951 773 523

02 CENTRO WELLNESS

CLUB DEl SOL

Plaza del Mar. Marbella. Tel: 952 900 420

TICKET-TO-RIDE

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

Cats Got the Beat Many animal shelters, zoos and pet owners have taken to playing music for animals, yet when it comes to cats, all our good intentions may be for naught, unless we are playing music specifically designed for them. A new study from the University of WisconsinMadison in the US shows that while cats ignore typical music, they are highly receptive to tunes with a pitch and tempo that appeals to their taste. In the study, researchers took a computer and speakers to the homes of almost 50 cats, playing them four different sound samples: two classical music pieces, and two ‘cat tunes’ composed to appeal to them. Results showed that cats reacted much more positively to the cat music, purring, walking towards the speaker and rubbing themselves against it more often and more speedily than they did with the classical music. The researchers noted that there are two considerations to bear in mind when playing music to animals: firstly animals hear different frequencies than we do, so that playing the frequencies they can hear, elicits a far greater reaction. Secondly, people think that all classical music is calming, when in fact it may sound energising, or even angry, to animals.

Taking Care of Your Older Pet

Many people chalk down signs of disease in their pets to ageing, but veterinarians warn that there are many myths surrounding old age that could lead us to lose our beloved pets sooner than we need to. These include the fact that ‘slowing down,’ limping, frequent vomiting, the appearance of lumps or loss of bladder control, are ‘normal’ in older dogs. As soon as you notice any change in your dog’s behaviour, or signs of pain or infection (such as limping or uncontrollable urination, etc.), take your pet to the vet. Also, do not let lumps go unnoticed; they may be cancerous and your vet may be able to remove them before the problem spreads to other parts of the body. Watch out for weight loss; older pets tend to put on weight because their metabolic rate slows down. If they have lost their appetite or are losing weight, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Fedor the Pet Raccoon Takes Instagram by Storm

Anyone who owns an Instagram account knows that it can be pretty hard to raise your number of followers above 100 or so – unless, that is, you’re a celebrity or Fedor the raccoon. The furry creature, who hails from Russia, boasts over 14,000 followers, who love watching him battle it out against the cat, play with soap bubbles, steal food and break his owner’s prized possessions.

Fedor’s fans say that what makes him so special is his ability to look in the camera while he gets up to shenanigans. It’s tempting us to take home our own pet raccoon already!

Separation Anxiety in Pets Most of us think Fido and Moggie are doing okay when we leave them to go to work everyday, yet recent studies have shown that around 80 per cent of pets suffer from separation anxiety.

This can manifest itself in an array of signs, including barking, destruction of the home, howling, etc. At other times, however, suffering can be far more subtle (pets can be nervous, unable to sleep, etc.), which is why vets are recommending that we film our pets while we are away, to see if they seem to be coping or not. As pack animals, dogs in particular can feel very distressed when separated from their owners. However, this anxiety can be alleviated to some extent by providing them with other pack members, such as other pets. Another good idea is to make sure your dog gets lots of exercise before you leave home (a long walk is ideal) to curb anxiety. Also, provide them with the toys they love for some welcome distraction.

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THE GUIDE what’s on

Events in May and the first week of June

Víctor Ullate will delight the audience with their new show, Jaleos. There will be more shows on throughout the month. www.culturamarbella.es

Ten of the Costa del Sol’s dog rescue charities are collaborating with Totem Ceramics Pottery School to raise muchneeded funds for the coast’s stray and abandoned dogs. Throughout the month of May, dog lovers are invited to visit Totem’s studio near Marbella and have fun sculpting a dog out of clay. There is a €10 entry fee, 100 per cent of which goes to the participating charity of your choice. Tel: 952 887 364.

Suzanne@TotemCeramics.com

Until May 17 ART – MÁLAGA

Throughout the month of May ART FOR CHARITY – MARBELLA

Until May 3 International FAIRFUENGIROLA

The Feria Internacional de los Pueblos is one of the most highly awaited events on the Coast and this year’s event is set to satisfy, with a host of live demonstrations, food and dance from various nations. At the Fuengirola fairgrounds. www.fuengirola.es

The Museo Picasso Málaga presents Movements and Sequences, a dialogue between the work of Picasso and contemporaries such as Braque, Gris, Matisse and Miró. www.mpicassom.org

Until June 2 ART – MARBELLA

Two leading AIA group artists, illustrator Anna Molak from Poland and textile artist Dolores Cummiskey from Ireland, jointly exhibit a selection of their new works at Galería Lucía in Fuengirola (located by the three-horse roundabout). The exhibition can be viewed between 12pm and 9pm, every day except Saturday and Sunday. www.aia-art-group.com

Until June 14 CINEMA – BENALMÁDENA

The Reserva del Higuerón Hotel presents an exhibition by contemporary artist, Uriel Calierno, entitled The Only Continuous Line, is Time. www.reservadelhigueron.com

The Centro de Exposiciones de Benalmádena presents Imperio Argentina, El Legado de una Estrella, an exhibition featuring film, photographs and music by famous singer, Magdalena Nile del Río, better known as Imperio Argentina. www.benalmadena.es

Until May 10 DANCE – MARBELLA

Until June 30 ART – MARBELLA

Until May 4 ART – FUENGIROLA

The ninth edition of the Marbella Todo Danza Festival will be lighting up the Teatro Ciudad de Marbella and other venues, with different dance companies representing the best of classical and contemporary dance alike. On May 3 and 10, there will be a dance workshop for kids at the Centro Cultural Trapiche de Guadaiza at 12pm. On Tuesday May 5, Gala Marbella Danza will take place at the Teatro Ciudad de Marbella at 8pm. On Wednesday May 6, the Marcos Vargas and Cholé Brûlé dance company will present a song and dance show called Me va Gustando and on Saturday May 9, Ballet

Irish painter, Roger Cummiskey, will be exhibiting a small selection of artworks at the newly opened Golf Sports Bar in Marbella. www.rogercummiskey.com

Until August 6 YOGA – PURO BEACH MARBELLA

Puro Beach will be hosting Beach Body Yoga classes, taught by Lisa Marie of www.LisaMarieMethod.com. The class aims to sculpt and tone your body, as well as to help you relax and even alleviate aches and pains. Contact Puro Beach for precise times. www.purobeach.com

Until May 3

TAPAS

Torremolinos

The Ruta de la Tapa en Torremolinos will be offering tapas lovers a host of tasty tapas dishes, each of which will only set you back €2!

For information on all participating venues and what you can expect to sample, www.torremolinos.org

Until September 27 LOUISE BOURGEOIS – MÁLAGA

Louise Bourgeois is one of the most influential modern artists in the world and this month, audiences on the Coast will be fortunate enough to view over 100 of her works, including sculptures, drawings, paintings, installations, etc. www.museopicassomalaga.org

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

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

AMIGOS DE LA CULTURA – COSTA DEL SOL

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. smartkidsmarbella@gmail.com

TOASTMASTERS – MARBELLA

The Achievers Toastmasters Club Marbella meets every week at Aloha Gardens, Nueva Andalucía to practise public speaking skills. For further information, contact Maria on Tel: 603 133 805 or Percy on Tel: 646 533 112. www.toastmastersmarbella.com

Every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 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

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

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

Every Second Tuesday of the Month JAZZ – ESTEPONA

The Coast’s Jazz Appreciation Society meets at Benavista Country Club at 8pm.

Classic videos followed by a live jazz performance then dinner. To book, Tel: 952 888 106. Further information from Brian Parker, Tel: 669 504 942.

Every Wednesday SALSA – MARBELLA

If you’re feeling the Latino vibe, brush up on your moves at Buddha Bar Marbella’s special salsa nights (featuring the Nicolás Valiente Dance Academy), which take place every Wednesday at 10:30pm.

Tel: 655 480 748.

ART – MÁLAGA

The Museo Picasso de Málaga offers free guided tours in English (included in the entry price), from 11:30am to 2pm.

Tickets cost €8 for adults. Children enter for free. www.museopicassomalaga.org

FLAMENCO – MIJAS

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

Every first Wednesday of the month CULTURE AND COCKTAIL – MARBELLA

The Association of Art and Culture Marbella holds a monthly cocktail at Magna Café at Magna Marbella Golf, from 8pm-10pm. Tel: 627 833 262. www.artandculturemarbella.com

Every Wednesday and Friday MARTIAL ARTS – SAN PEDRO

Taekwondo expert Justin Menchen, who studied and received First Dan in Los Angeles (from Master Keith Jones) teaches Taekwondo to adults and children at TKD Studio. From 5:30pm to 6pm for Wassabi Warriors, 6pm to 7pm for kids and 7pm to 8pm for adults.

Poomsae and Sparring WTF (light to medium contact) available. To sign up or for a free introductory class, Tel: 666 756 692.

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

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Saturday May 2

Friday May 29

KIDS COOKING WORKSHOP

ARIEL ROT MÁLAGA

MIJAS

Argentinean rocker, Ariel Rot, will be lighting up the evening at La Cochera Cabaret at 10pm. www.nvivo.es

The El Corte Inglés shopping centre in Mijas will be holding a fun dessert workshop for kids from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. The workshops are aimed at kids aged five to 12. For further information, Tel: 952 669 100.

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

Every First Sunday of the month OPEN DAY – MIJAS

PAD animal shelter, Cerros del Águila, welcomes visitors from 12pm-3pm.

Further information, Tel: 952 486 084. www.padcatsanddogs.org

Saturday May 2 and Tuesday May 5 FOOD & COLOR WORKSHOP – SAN PEDRO

Raquel Álvarez Marrero will be commencing her FOOD & COLOR course, entitled How to Feed Body and Mind for Greater Health and Beauty. The course lasts eight weeks. For precise times, contact Raquel on Tel: 667 673 557. www.foodandcolor.es

Monday May 4 JULIO IGLESIAS TRIBUTE – MARBELLA The Boardwalk at Avda. de la Fontanilla on Marbella’s Paseo Marítimo, will be hosting a Julio Iglesias tribute concert

by Danny Owen, Europe’s most famous Julio Iglesias impersonator. For further information, www.allevents.in/marbella

Thursday May 7 SCIENCE AND TECH TALK – MÁLAGA

Mikel Astrain, Professor of History of Science at the University of Granada, will discuss the scientific and technological innovations that took place at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. At the Museo Picasso de Málaga at 7pm. www.mpicassom.org

Friday May 8 SHoWADDYWADDY TRIBUTE – FUENGIROLA

The Salón Varietes Theatre will be hosting a fun tribute to Showaddywaddy at 8pm. www.salonvarietestheatre.com

Saturday May 9 EFECTO MARIPOSA – ESTEPONA

Top Spanish pop/rock band, Efecto

Mariposa, will be performing their latest hits at the Felipe VI Auditorium in Estepona at 7pm and again at 9:30pm. www.estepona.com

CLASSICAL MUSIC – PUERTO BANÚS Journey To Love is a recital featuring singers and a piano player. Music

by Mahler, Strauss and more. At Urb La Alzambra in Puerto Banús at 8.30pm. Tel: 689 000 944. www.musicaconencanto.org

Sunday May 10 ROCK – ESTEPONA

The Rob Sas Band will be playing classic rock hits at Louie Louie in the Estepona Port, from 7pm onwards.

ABBA TRIBUTE – FUENGIROLA

The Salón Varietes Theatre will be hosting a fun ABBA tribute concert, reliving the Swedish band’s greatest hits. The show starts at 7pm. www.salonvarietestheatre.com

Monday May 11 VAN MORRISON TRIBUTE – MARBELLA Global Radio presents a Van Morrison tribute at The Boardwalk on Avda. de la Fontanilla at Marbella’s Paseo Marítimo. www.allevents.in/marbella

ART LECTURE – FUENGIROLA

Friday May 15 THEATRE – MARBELLA

Famous Spanish actor, María Barranco, leads a talented cast in the theatrical representation of Cancún, a comedy about two couples who head for the powdery sands of Cancun to forget about their worries. At 9pm at the Teatro Ciudad de Marbella. Tickets available on www.elcorteingles.es

DOCUMENTARY – MARBELLA

Música Con Encanto presents The Colón Ring, a documentary about Wagner’s Ring in Buenos Aires at 7pm at La Virginia Church. Tel: 689 000 944. www.musicaconencanto.org

Monday May 18 BUDDY HOLLY TRIBUTE – MARBELLA Enjoy an amazing tribute to legendary rock ‘n roll star, Buddy Holly, at The Boardwalk on Avda. de la Fontanilla at Marbella’s Paseo Marítimo. www.allevents.in/marbella

Friday May 22 THEATRE – ESTEPONA

The Felipe VI Auditorium in Estepona presents Al final de la Carretera, an acerbic comedy show starring Spanish acting star, Melanie Olivares (from the series Aída). www.estepona.com

The Costa del Sol DFAS presents The Glasgow Boys: Painting in Scotland 18751914 – a lecture by Julian Halsby. The Glasgow Boys, young Scottish artists who looked to France for their inspiration, revolutionised painting in Scotland by bringing it into the mainstream of European art. The artists established a vigorous style of oil painting using large square brushes and thick paint with bold colours. The lecture will take place at the Salon Varietes Theatre in Fuengirola at 4:30pm. www.costadelsoldfas.com

Friday May 22 to Sunday May 24 and Friday May 29 to Sunday May 31 ART – GAUCÍN

Thursday May 14 BLUES – MÁLAGA

Fito and Fitipaldis will be playing a blend of rock and Spanish rock at the Auditorio Municipal Cortijo de Torres at 9pm. www.nvivo.es

The Vargas Blues Band will be playing a blues, blues rock and Latin blues concert at La Trinchera at 10pm. www.nvivo.es

The artists of Gaucín will once again open up their studios and homes to the public for this year’s Art Gaucín Open Studios event, showing a broad selection of their latest paintings, sculptures, ceramics, lithographs, etchings, and photographs. For a full programme of events, www.artgaucin.com

Saturday May 23 FITO Y FITIPALDIS – MÁLAGA

Sunday May 24 OPERA – MÁLAGA

L’Elisir D’Amore is the title of a twoact opera by Gaetano Donizetti, to be performed at the Teatro Cervantes de Málaga. Música Con Encanto has organised for a bus to pick Marbella audiences up at the Edificio Aresbank at 5pm. The bus will arrive in Málaga at 6pm and the opera will start at 7pm. At 9:45pm there will be drinks and tapas and the bus will leave Málaga for Marbella at 11pm.

Estimated arrival time is 12am. Further information, www.musicaconencanto.org

Friday May 29 to Monday June 29 ART – MARBELLA

Expressionist painter, Hermann Henger, will be exhibiting his latest collection of paintings at the Hotel H10 Andalucía Plaza. www.artmoves.es

Saturday May 30 CHARITY GOLF EVENT – ESTEPONA

Spence Clarke & Co. Chartered Accountants will be holding their seventh annual charity golf day in aid of motor neurone disease at El Paraíso Golf Club in Benavista at 9am. The event will feature a Texas Scramble comprising teams of four. There will be an auction, raffle prizes, breakfast and a hearty barbecue lunch. Tel: 952 834 642. www.GolfTheCosta.com

FLAMENCO – MARBELLA

Andrés Cansino and José Luis Lastre present Tutiplén, a flamenco show featuring guitars and a percussion box at La Virginia Church at 7pm. Tel: 689 000 944 www.musicaconencanto.org

FAIR – BENALMÁDENA

The Fiesta de las Culturas will kick off at 12pm at Puerto Marina in Benalmádena.

Featuring dance performances by English, Irish, Welsh and Scottish performers. www.puertobenalmadena.es

Friday June 5 and Saturday June 6 PABLO ALBORÁN – MÁLAGA

Grammy award-winning artist, Pablo Alborán, will be performing his latest hits at the Auditorio Municipal de Málaga at 9pm. www.nvivo.es

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www.russellgrant.com

THE GUIDE stars

Russell Grant’s

Monthly Horoscope May 2015

TAURUS April 21st May 21st The Full Moon on the 4th forces you to make some radical changes to a close relationship.

You simply can’t keep giving everything to a demanding partner. It’s time to carve out more time for your favourite activities. Stop apologising for having different needs and wants than those of your closest friend. If you’re single, it may be because you are too closely involved with your family. Create a separate identity from your kin. Taking a

short trip for pleasure is strongly advised for the first half of May. This journey will allow you to get your priorities straight. The New Moon on the 18th is perfect for improving your appearance. Change your look or update your wardrobe. The results will be very impressive. Don’t get into a power struggle with a religious or academic leader in late May. You can’t afford to make an enemy of such an influential person.

The New Moon on the 18th is perfect for improving your appearance. Change your look or update your wardrobe

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ARIES [21 MAR - 20 APR]

The Full Moon on the 4th forces you to juggle your finances. A big bill must be paid and won’t leave you with much spare cash. Fortunately, a fresh source of income will arrive soon after. This new opening or opportunity will draw upon your leadership skills. Be very direct and precise in your communications to avoid confusion. By demonstrating a clear vision, you will win the loyalty of the entire team. The New Moon on the 18th brings more money and just in the nick of time. This is a good time to create a budget so you can make the most of your increased income. Organisation won’t be your strongest suit around the end of the month. Make sure to check and double check your work before handing it in. Above all, don’t send emails until you are sure exactly who you are sending them to. You wouldn’t want confidential information being broadcast to an entire mailing list.

GEMINI [22 MAY - 21 JUN]

The opening days of May find you going against the grain. The establishment won’t be receptive to your radical ideas, so you might want to keep a low profile. Then, when all other methods have failed, you can come forward with your suggestions. The Full Moon on the 4th brings an end to a difficult work assignment. This job will probably cost more than you anticipated. It will be difficult to make a logical decision on the 9th; choose your heart over your head on this confusing day. The New Moon on the 18th invites you to rest, relax and rejuvenate. Spend some time by yourself, enjoying solitary activities that give you joy. If you have to take a day off from work or hire a babysitter, so be it. It will be impossible to get a straight answer from a government agency or bureaucratic institution in the final days of the month. Wait until mid-June for clarity.

CANCER [22 JUN - 23 JULY]

Don’t discuss your private life at work in early May, or a hidden enemy could spread some terrible rumours about you. The Full Moon on the 4th marks a turning point in a romantic liaison.

Arguments about money are putting undue strain on a relationship. The two of you need to have a serious discussion about your individual attitudes in regard to spending and saving. You won’t get much help from colleagues during the first half of the month. If you need to do something, you’d better tackle the project yourself. The New Moon on the 18th is ideal for social pursuits of all kinds. You’re sure to meet a powerful executive at a party or professional gathering. Keep some business cards on hand, as you’ll want to pass on your contact information. Don’t let your best friend or lover push you around during the second half of May. You have a right to your tastes and opinions.

LEO [24 JULY - 23 AUG]

The Full Moon on the 4th forces you to take care of some domestic problems. You can’t afford to spend all of your time at work any longer. Be honest in assessing the changing needs of a child or parent. Your boss will have high praise for you during the first half of the month. Your willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty will result in a raise or promotion. If you’re unemployed, take this opportunity to apply for work.

Go for positions that will put you in the spotlight, like public relations. The New Moon on the 18th will find you assuming a different role than you have played in the past. You’ll enjoy implementing efficient systems and organising a chaotic situation. Use the second half

of May to work towards a cherished dream. Friends with good connections can help you reach this goal.

Don’t hesitate to ask for their aid.

VIRGO [24 AUG - 23 SEPT]

The first days of May find you over obsessing about your career. Don’t neglect your family during this busy time, or you’ll drive a wedge between you and a relative. The Full Moon on the 4th finds you pressed for time. It will be hard to finish all of your errands to schedule. This may result in a fine for a late payment. Keep a careful eye on the time as you go about your tasks. You’ll be in great demand at work as mid-month approaches. Juggling your personal and professional lives will be a continued source of strain. The New Moon on the 18th is ideal for scheduling an overseas trip. If you’re single, you will find love on this exciting journey. Don’t be surprised if you have to revise a legal agreement in the second half of the month, when unforeseen circumstances change your situation. A wonderful work assignment arrives as May turns to June.

LIBRA [24 SEPT - 23 OCT]

The Full Moon on the 4th brings disappointing news about money.

You won’t be paid as much as you thought for a demanding job, or a steady source of income will come to an end. A good job is within your grasp, so long as you are willing to play second fiddle to a seasoned expert. You will hear more about this position on the 18th, when the New Moon prompts you to have talks with an authority figure. If you aren’t able to get the salary you want, negotiate for more annual leave or reduced hours.

Find a way to make this job work for both you and your employer. It will be necessary to get additional training as May turns to June. At times, you will feel as if you’ll never master a skill. Give yourself permission to make mistakes at first. Don’t worry; your diligence will eventually pay off.

SCORPIO [24 OCT - 22 NOV]

The Full Moon on the 4th forces you to do battle with a relative. You need to set stronger personal boundaries with a family member who keeps invading your privacy. Your personal pull is at an all time high on the 6th. Take this opportunity to ask for a favour, apply for a grant, or go on a first date.

The New Moon on the 18th finds you celebrating an engagement, wedding, or commitment ceremony.

Alternatively, you might become business partners with a powerful executive. The road to romance will be rocky in late May. Arguments over money, intimacy and obligations will threaten your domestic tranquility.

Don’t resort to personal insults when you’re fighting, or the damage will be permanent. If you’re single, it will be impossible to find a person who shares your interests.

Be content with going solo. You can’t afford to lower your standards when it comes to love.

SAGITTARIUS [23 NOV- 21 DEC]

Don’t inflict pessimistic thinking on your best friend or lover in early May. The Full Moon on the 4th brings an embarrassing secret to light. If you don’t have as much expertise in a certain area as you pretended, go ahead and admit it. Move quickly to close a deal in mid-May or a rival will steal your thunder. The New Moon on

the 18th is perfect for landing a steady job. This job may not be especially stimulating, but it will improve your financial situation. Be more attentive to your best friend or lover as May draws to a close. You might have to assume some of their responsibilities or help them through a difficult emotional situation. It is possible your loved one will have to relocate during this time, due to flood damage or an unforeseen natural disaster.

Just remember that when one door closes, another will open.

CAPRICORN [22 DEC - 20 JAN]

May finds you in a rather gloomy mood, possibly because you feel isolated and alienated. Reaching out to friends will relieve this depression. The Full Moon on the 4th prompts you to leave an organisation that no longer reflects your values. Fortunately, your love life will shimmer with excitement on the 5th, when someone confesses a crush on you. Do you already have a partner? Take this opportunity to show your devotion with a beautiful gift. A holiday package to a country known for its natural beauty will be a high spot of your year. The New Moon on the 18th is ideal for launching a creative endeavour. Give yourself permission to experiment with paint, fabric, wood, or any other material of your choosing. Jealousy could rear its ugly head at the end of May, when a rival tries to steal your amour away. This is a potent reminder to keep the passion alive at all costs.

AQUARIUS [21 JAN - 19 FEB]

The Full Moon on the 4th brings about an aggravating situation at work.

You’re tired of being passed over for a flashier colleague. The only way to put this trend to an end is having a talk with your boss. If you’re self employed, there will be difficulty with an employee who continually defies authority. You’ve got to issue an ultimatum and be willing to follow it through. Money for a household purchase becomes available on the 6th, thanks to a powerful benefactor. The New Moon on the 18th is ideal for buying a home, signing a lease, or expanding your current abode. You’ll resent a loved one’s attempts to make you settle down on the 25th. The two of you need to have an honest discussion about the future.

Don’t mince words. Confusion over finances at the end of May forces you to review bank accounts with a fine toothed comb.

PISCES 20 FEB - 20 MAR]

Don’t waste your time trying to change your employer’s mind at the beginning of May. They won’t be willing to accommodate technological innovations. The Full Moon on the 4th forces you to cancel a trip or settle a lawsuit. Try not to dwell on your disappointment. There are better days ahead. For instance, the 16th will prove wonderfully romantic, when your amour gives you a beautiful token of their appreciation. The New Moon on the 18th will be equally gratifying, thanks to good news about a class or writing project. You’ll feel pressured to spend a lot of money on home improvements during the second half of May. Go ahead and do some emergency repairs.

Postpone a redecoration project for later in the year, when you’ll have more funds. Seemingly inexpensive purchases will add up to a tremendous amount. Sit down and make a list of your priorities. Plumbing and electricity should trump new sheets and towels.

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THE GUIDE family

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Table Soccer for Trendy Kids The summer is fast approaching and that means that parents are already on the lookout for new ways to keep kids occupied. Portobello Street recently launched a brand new collection of soccer tables in four different models: RS2, RS3, RS Wood and RS dining table. RS2 is ideal for outdoor settings and is made in high quality stainless steel. It is available in six colours (black, grey, steel, pink, white and red). RS3, also in stainless steel, comes in five shades (red, white, blue, yellow and black) and was created for indoor play rooms. RS wood gives your home a rustic touch and its wooden structure is highly resistant to even the toughest outdoor weather conditions. Take your pick from white or grey. RS Dining table is more than a soccer table; it is also a dining table which enables you to enjoy a lively game with your kids while you’re waiting for the next course to arrive. It is available in four colours: black, grey, white or red. i www.PortobelloStreet.es

FAMILY FUN ANCRAA Giant Donkeys Cuddle

a donkey or become a volunteer to help save this humble but threatened animal. CN 340, km 164, Finca los Pajaritos, Estepona.

Tel: 952 790 511 Aventura Amazonia Kids and adults alike will have fun in this outdoor adventure park, featuring exciting ziplines.

C/ Valeriano Rodríguez 2, Marbella. Tel: 952 835 505. www.aventuraamazonia.com Bioparc Fuengirola Award winning zoo covering Madagascar, Africa and the Far East. C/ Camilo José Cela, 6. Tel: 952 666 301. www.bioparcfuengirola.es Black Box Teatro Dramatic Arts School for all ages. C/ Notario Luis Oliver 6, Marbella. Tel: 952 779 172. www.blackboxteatro.com Born to be Wild Jeep and dolphin eco-tours for the whole family. Open 9am-8pm. Blue Dolphin Beach Club, Estepona Beach. Tel: 639 720 246 Cable Ski Marbella Water ski cable system and pool. Open 11am-9pm (closed Mondays).

Urb. Las Medranas, San Pedro.

Tel: 952 785 579 Camelot Fun play centre in La Cañada with a wealth of games and activities and qualified child minders. Special events include baby and toddler mornings and a baby grow clinic, for mums to be and newborns. Ctra. de Ojén s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 764 766 Crocodile Park Educational park with more then 300 monsters.

Pose with baby crocodiles.

Open 10am-6pm. C/ Cuba, 14, Torremolinos. Tel: 952 051 782 Dariela’s Cake Sugarcraft store and workshops for kids and

adults. Avda. Mayorazgo 6, Local 25, Marbella. Tel: 952 824 238

El Refugio del Burrito

Donkey sanctuary just 40 minutes north of Málaga. Open 11am-7pm.

Fuente de Piedra, Málaga.

Tel: 952 735 513 Flamenco Classes Children aged 5 to 8 can learn to dance flamenco with Isabel Gil, a professional dancer. Classes on Monday and Wednesday at the Nueva Alcántara Tennis Club. Tel: 952 788 315 Fuerte de Nagüeles Camps, adventures, farm school and sports for kids. Pinar de Nagüeles s/n, Marbella.Tel: 952 821 400. www.albergue-nagueles.com Funny Beach Kids paradise with go-karts, trampolines, minimotorbikes, mechanical bull. Open daily. East side of Marbella.

Tel: 952 823 359 Galaxia Versatile and fun play centre for children of all ages, with separate areas indoor and outdoor. Mega slide, mini planetarium, birthday parties, summer camp. Life size characters. C.C. Guadalmina, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 885 530

Ice Skating Rink and Indoor Swimming Pool New sports

centre with public ice skating, indoor pool, children’s pool. Avda.

García Lorca, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 577 050

Inter Marbella Football Academy Football Academy

for boys and girls of all ages, at Estadio Santa Maria in Las Chapas, Marbella. Training is on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5pm.

Tel: 646 427 589. info@intermarbellacf.com

Karting Club Málaga Go-kart

circuit for kids and adults who feel a need for speed. Open 10ammidnight. Ctra. De Coin, Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 581 704

Kid’s Club at the Marbella Club Hotel Help with

homework and fun artistic and sporty events for kids daily.

Tel: 660 998 800. laurap@marbellaclub.com Kids Multi-Sports Club A plethora of sports for children of all ages and abilities, from tennis through to football, cycling and skateboarding. Parties with games, activities and bouncy castles. Urb. Parcelas del Golf, Avda. del Prado, Nueva Andalucía.

Tel: 656 618 712 Kidz Kingdom Fun play centre and birthday party area for kids, with a mini disco. Urb. Bel-Air, CN 340, km 166.2, Estepona.

Tel: 952 925 936

Le Petit Milk & Roses

Pampering sessions for little girls, including manicures and dressups. C/ Estebañez Calderon 6, Marbella. Tel: 952 859 223 Little Fishes Swimming classes for newborns to 3-year-olds in Marbella, Estepona and Riviera.

Tel: 686 498 561/ 607 875 949. www.littlefishes-spain.com

Little Gem Swimmers

Swimming courses for babies and toddlers along the Coast. Contact Blaise on Tel: 628 882 655 or info@littlegemswimmers.com

Marbella Stage School

Kids can take accredited courses in dance, drama, musical theatre and singing after school on weekdays and all day on Saturdays. Tel: 952 906 865. www.marbellastageschool.com

Musical Babes Babies and

toddlers aged 6 months to 3 years enjoy singing, playing simple instruments and playing games.

Tel: 952 853 027. Los Jazmines 11, Bajo B, Nueva Alcántara, San Pedro de Alcántara. www.brainwaves-spain.com

NMA The Nelson Music Academy Kids aged 4 to 12 are

introduced to music in its funnest aspects. Classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm, Saturdays from 11am to 1pm.

Edif. Jupiter 44, Local 3, C/ Jesús Cautivo, Los Boliches, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 478 416. www.nelsonmusicacademy.com

Original Dolphin Safari

The original dolphin safari, established in 1969! Daily sailings from Marina Bay, Gibraltar. Tel: +350 200 71914. www. dolphinsafari.gi Parque La Batería Kids will have fun in this park, built in the civil war era and featuring four replica cannons, underground bunkers and passageways. Urb. Montemar Alto (near the train station), Torremolinos.

Plaza Mayor Family entertainment with multi-screen cinema, bars, restaurants, bowling alley and kids play area. Málaga.

Tel: 952 247 580 Scouting Kids will have fun being a boy or girl scout. The programme followed is the same as that in the UK. Tel: 680 870 270 Sealife Centre See 2 metre long sharks. Touch pools and walkthough glass tunnel. Open daily 10am-6pm. Benálmadena Port.

Tel: 952 560 150 Selwo Adventure Park Over 2,000 animals, 4x4 tours, plus

adventure activities. Open 10am9pm. CN340 Km 162.5, Estepona.

Tel: 902 190 482 Selwo Marina Dolphins Exotic birds, penguins and virtual reality shows. Open 10am-6pm. Parque de la Paloma, Benalmádena.

Tel: 902 190 482 Stagecoach Renowned performing arts school for singing, dancing and acting skills.

The academy is open to four to 16-year-olds. Tel: 952 900 453/666 838 213. www.stagecoach.es Steam Train Ride Enjoy a steam train ride crossing the Andalusian mountains with a scenic trip from San Roque to Ronda. Tel: 952 931 186 Swim Bebé Swim Swimming classes for under 4’s and AquaNatal classes for mums-to-be. Tel: 617 520 588

Teleférico Benalmádena

Cable car to top of Calamorro mountain, falconry, trekking and horseriding. Arroyo de la Miel.

Open 10am-6pm. Tel: 902 190 482 Tennis Camp Tennis lessons for kids from 4 years on, with professional coaches. Open 10am1pm. Club del Sol, Calahonda.

Tel: 952 939 595 The Music House Kids learn, grow and have fun making music. Open to children from 2 years on. Edif. San Pedro del Mar, Blq 7, local 12, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 785 515. www.themusichouse.es Tivoli World Biggest amusement park on the Costa del Sol. Open daily from 1pm. Avda. de Tivoli, Benalmádena.

Tel: 952 577 016

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