Essential Marbella Winter 2013 by Essential Magazine

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essential magazine® is now also in

Issue 173 • December 2013

S T A F F

Gibraltar

PUBLISHER AND DIRECTOR

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

CREATIVE DIRECTOR DESIGN & LAYOUT

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY PRINTING DEPÓSITO LEGAL

MARIANO JEVA cuentas@essentialmagazine.com MONIKA BÖJTI info@essentialmagazine.com ANDREA BÖJTI INMA AURIOLES MELINDA SZARVAS KEVIN HORN IAIN BLACKWELL, BELINDA BECKETT, ALISTAIR SPENCE CLARKE, MICHEL CRUZ, RIK FOXX, RUSSELL GRANT, AJ LINN, TONY WHITNEY, DAVID WISHART, ROD YOUNGER AIRFIELD, courtesy of FashionVilla JIMÉNEZ GODOY A. GRÁFICAS, MURCIA D.L. MA-512-99

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

ESSENTIAL MARBELLA MAGAZINE

@ESSENTIALEDITOR

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

connect with us: ESSENTIAL GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE

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@GIBMAGAZINE

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.

11/25/13 6:10 PM

Marbella Golden Mile. Beachside 6-bedroom villa within walking distance to all amenities. Plot: 600m2 · Enclosed: 311m2 · Terraces: 148m2 · Price € 1,950,000 Ref 7753

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contents g

The Leisure 122 Cruising the USA 130 Aragon 136 Golf

The Gourmet 143 Salotto 145 Casa Tua 148 Food News 150 Chef’s Profile: Matías Fernández of Casa Mono 152 Ronda Wines

The Trend Cinema 24 Home Viewing 26 Music 28 Books 30 Gadgets 32 Cars: The Jaguar XKR-S 36

The Focus Christmas Shopping 42 Ryan Gosling 52 Catadeperfumes 54 Franck Benhamou 56 Rene Zimmer 58

The Style

The Spa

The Guide

94 Healthy Christmas Treats 96 Beauty News 100 Christmas Safety

154 Listings

The Pro 106 Enterprise 114 Business Profile: Luxury Villa Sales 115 Finance: Property Investment Without the Usual Tax Mistakes 116 Developments in Tax Law

The Blog 165 Pet News 166 What’s On 168 Stars 170 Kid’s Zone

The Vibe 118 Marbella’s Social Scene

Patricia Darch 70 Roche Bobois 80 Dior: Autumn/Winter 2013-2014 Collection 82 Fashion News 90

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You only live once,

Beachfront Los Monteros: The most exclusive and impressive beachfront property on the Costa del Sol! Set on a large, private plot offering the epitome of luxurious living. Spa with indoor pool, jet stream, gym, steam bath and sauna. Cinema, bodega, guest house, staff accommodation. 7 Beds, 9 baths. Built 1.933 m2, plot 4.000 m2. E&V ID: W-01H257. Price: P.O.A.

Beachfront Los Monteros: Best beachfront position in the exclusive community of Los Monteros, this new designer villa provides an extraordinary lifestyle. Comfort, space, stunning decoration and luxurious fittings. 6 Beds., 7 baths. Built 623 m2, plot 1.617 m2. E&V ID: W-013EMQ. Price: € 9.000.000.

Marbesa: Unique in design, quality and location! Beachside, newly built villa in a striking contemporary style. Latest technology and highest qualities. Infinity pool, under-floor heating, domotic system. 4 Beds, 4 baths. Built 385 m2, plot 815 m2. E&V ID: W-01NTW7. Price: € 1.900.000.

Hacienda Las Chapas: Impressive modern villa situated in the elegant community of Hacienda Las Chapas. Built with high quality materials in an elegant style. Mature gardens, gym and guest apartment. 5 Beds, 4 baths. Built 680 m2, plot 1.500 m2. E&V ID: W-01HKSC. Price: € 1.750.000.

Hacienda Las Chapas: Stunning villa with amazing sea views, exceptional interior design and impressive exterior surrounded by marvellous gardens. Separate guest apartment. 7 Beds, 7 baths. Built 524 m2, plot 3.000 m2. E&V ID: W-01FR9S. Price: € 1.999.999.

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

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

we will show you where!

Sierra Blanca: Unmatched in grandeur, location, views and sophistication! Majestic, palatial property with spectacular views and extensive park like gardens of over 5.000 m2, sweeping dual staircases, stunning Andalusian fountains, sauna, cinema, lift. Separate guest house. 9 Beds, 9 baths. Built 1.137 m2, plot 5.295 m2. E&V ID: W-01QY9S. P.O.A

Sierra Blanca: Boasting magnificent sea views, this property presents a masterful blending of Mediterranean style and luxury. Beautifully designed around two cour tyards. Separate guest apartments. 6 Beds, 6 baths. Built 1.275 m2, plot 1.958 m2. E&V ID: W-008Q1Q. Price: € 3.500.000.

Sierra Blanca: Luxurious villa with beautiful gardens, separate swimming pool area and sea views. Professional cinema, billiard room, acclimatized bodega, disco and bar. Separate staff accommodation. 6 Beds, 6 baths. Built 1.472 m2, plot 2.357 m2. E&V ID: W-01O59N. Price: € 4.500.000.

Sierra Blanca: Stunning modern villa with fantastic sea views, built with the highest qualities. Beautiful gardens, outdoor kitchen, sauna, gym and guest apartment. 7 Beds, 6 baths. Built 800 m2, plot 1.700 m2. E&V ID: W-01FN0A. Price reduced from € 5.500.000 to € 3.990.000.

Marbella Hill Club: Magnificent grand estate built on one level on an excep tionally large plot. Impressive reception rooms and beautiful in-and-outdoor areas. Separate guest apartment. 6 Beds, 5 baths. Built 850 m2, plot 3.850 m2. E&V ID: W-00C4FV. Price reduced from € 3.200.000 to € 2.500.000.

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

Marbella Essential December 2013_Layout 1 22/11/2013 12:43 Page 1

Multi-award winning luxury estate agents in over 275 locations worldwide

EL MADROÑAL, BENAHAVIS – 2.450.00 € BUILT SIZE: 525 m² . PLOT SIZE 3035 m² . 4 BEDROOMS . 4 BATHROOMS Ref: 110995 Features:

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• Sea views • Beachside • One minute walk from the beach • Newly renovated • Unique style • Pool house with kitchenette

EL VELERIN, ESTEPONA – 5.450.000€ BUILT SIZE 1020m² . PLOT SIZE 10 000M² . 5 BEDROOMS . 5 BATHROOMS Ref: 107926 Features:

LA ZAGALETA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB, MARBELLA - 7.750.000 € BUILT SIZE: 950 m² . PLOT SIZE: 4237 . 5 BEDROOMS . 5 BATHROOMS Ref: 103985 Features:

• Stunning panoramic sea/mountain views • 6 minute drive from beach/amenities • Heated ozone infinity pool • Huge plot with automatic irrigation • Peace and tranquility

• Spectacular sea views • Advanced design and engineering • Privileged residential area • Chic, contemporary design • Cinema room • Heated infinity swimming pool

• State of the art camera security • Under floor heating/air conditioning • Designed by well known architect • Self contained apartment • Organic vegetable garden • Music system throughout

Fine & Country Marbella Marbella Club Hotel, Bulevar del Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, 29600 Marbella, Málaga, Spain

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tel +34 952 76 40 10 email marbella@fineandcountry.com www.fineandcountry.com

Marbella Essential December 2013_Layout 1 22/11/2013 12:43 Page 2

Marbella

SIERRA BLANCA, GOLDEN MILE – 1.850.000 €

Ref: 111197

BUILT SIZE APPROX: 534m² • 4 BEDROOMS • 4.5 BATHROOMS Features: • Under Floor Heating • Electric Blinds • Jacuzzi • Fireplace

• Large Garage • Ample Garden • Views to Mediterranean • Swimming Pool

publisher’s letter WORDS BY IAIN BLACKWELL

s a ! m L X A I C E SP T

he Christmas countdown has begun and we celebrate it in advance with a bumper issue that will also be circulated all along the coast during the festive period when revelling is in full swing. Being laid back here in Spain, the trend has always been to leave Xmas shopping late, so if you have still to acquire presents for those who matter in your life, check out our comprehensive gift ideas in this month’s lead article and elsewhere within these pages. We also feature wonderful watches, personalised perfumes, fantastic fashion and desirable décor. To set your pulse racing, we profile Hollywood heartthrob Ryan Gosling and, appealing to your generosity, please see if you can help Franck Benhamou’s laudable aim to eliminate child starvation. This time of year, we often start to plan ahead to where we would like to be in 2014 and we suggest cruising across the Atlantic followed by a US road trip. Closer to home, we visit Aragon, a region steeped in history and culture, and what better way to arrive in style than aboard the powerful new Jaguar XKR-S Coupé? Finally, as we will all no doubt be tucking into some much anticipated gourmet spreads in the coming days, we get your taste buds salivating with reviews of great restaurants and memorable dishes, accompanied by wonderful wines from Ronda, right on our very own doorstep. Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year when it comes!

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THE COVER

G N I Y FL H

G I H ASH F H T I W

BY N IO WO R

R IS S MA

A CU T

I LL A S

g The Airfield Collection is available exclusively at FashionVilla Marbella. Paseo de Suiza 394, Elviria. Tel: 952 850 501. www.facebook.com/Fashion Villa Marbella. www.fashionvillamarbella.com

ur cover model this month is sporting stunning Winter wear by Austrian brand Airfield, founded in 1937 by Franz Moser, whose company has evolved over the decades into the largest industrial women’s wear manufacturer in the country. If pressed to define Airfield’s pulling factor, we would have to say it is its unique blend of quality, innovative design and a seductive sartorial flair. Airfield’s motto is ‘Fashion Made with Passion’ and it’s easy to see how this vision imbues each and every item of clothing with a certain brand of magic. The lines between classical and trendy, business and sports and youth and elegance are blurred or completely erased, and the result is a dynamic series of collections which are glamorous and youthful all at once. Airfield is present in premium clothing stores in 40 countries in Europe, Asia and Canada. In Marbella, the line is stocked by FashionVilla, the trendy boutique founded by Julia Rep, whose eye for selecting the very best items from each collection attracts fervent fashionistas to her doors from all over Andalucía. Airfield’s Autumn/Winter 2013-2014 Collection does not disappoint, with a series of items in elegant tones (Sapphire, Night Blue and Black), in luxurious materials such as cashmere, leather, jacquard and silk. The designs will warm your body and soothe your soul, taking your mood to a new level of high. Despite being soft and cosy, the trousers and tops are extremely feminine. Top looks comprise slim-fit trousers with over-sized cardigans and blouses, as well as elegant fitted blazers and warm, woolly jumpers. If fashion turns your lady on, don’t think twice: pop an Airfield item in her Christmas stocking and we’re sure she’ll thank you with countless kisses and a look that simply can’t be beaten. With Airfield, you both win!

20 / DECEMBER 2013 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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

Christmas lights are shining, the trees are up and decorated, the mulled wine is delightful with its delicious brand of spiciness. This month, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all

about enjoying the festive season with family, sitting by the fireplace and savouring the latest films, music and books. Come shopping time, whiz to the mall in the new Jaguar XKR-S.

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Cinema

Home Viewing

Music

Books

Gadgets

Cars: The Jaguar XKR-S

11/25/13 6:38 PM

92% OF BUYERS FIND THEIR *

DREAM VILLAS VIA THE INTERNET

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EPIC RESIDENCE – MARBELLA CLUB RESORT - € 6,750,000

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*Source : National Association of Realtors (NAR)

LD O S 27,200M2 GARDEN – PRIVATE HELIPAD – SEA VIEWS – P.O.A.

ONE OF MARBELLA’S MOST ICONIC PROPERTIES

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The Internet Real Estate Specialists Paul Bell, Production and Marketing Director Tel – (+34) 637 521 657 Email – paul@marbellaluxuryvillasales.com 173 james johnson.indd 1

James Johnston, Valuation and Sales Director Tel – (+34) 677 794 060 Email – james@marbellaluxuryvillasales.com 11/27/13 3:11 PM

trend CINEMA

WORDS MARISA CUTILL

ONTH

OF THE M e BLOCKBUSTER

47 Ronin re » GENRE War/Adventusch » DIRECTOR Carl Rin e Gift) (Th

» ACTORS Keanu

a, Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanad Tadanobu Asano

» GENRE

Adventure/Drama

» DIRECTOR

Phillipp Stölzl (Young Goethe in Love) » ACTORS Ben Kingsley, Stellan Skarsgård, Emma Rigby

» GENRE Drama/Action » DIRECTOR Spike Lee

(Do The Right Thing) ACTORS Josh Brolin, Samuel L. Jackson, Elizabeth Olsen

Oldboy

Fervent filmgoers have long awaited Spike Lee’s comeback and with Old Boy, he shows he’s still got the originality and talent that marked him as no less than a visionary when his first major hit, Do The Right Thing, hit the screens in 1989. Oldboy is the story of an advertising executive (Josh Brolin) who is kidnapped and kept in solitary confinement for 20 long years. When he is finally found and released, he engages on an obsessive quest for those who have committed such an injustice, only to find that far from being free, he remains in the middle of an intricate and multi-layered spider’s web.

» GENRE Biopic » DIRECTOR Martin Scorsese

ves plays In 47 Ronin, Keanu Ree s forces join a social pariah who is headed ura sam of up with a gro nada), (Sa hi by Kuranosuke Ois ir the of ath de the to avenge e and feudal master. They fac seemingly overcome a series of cles in the sta insurmountable ob alty. loy d an ur no ho name of

The Physician

The Physician is set to be one of the Winter season’s blockbusters, since it boasts all the ingredients of a thrilling epic adventure. Based on the best-selling novel by Noah Gordon, it tells the tale of a young surgeon’s apprentice in 11th-century Persia who is forced to disguise himself as a Jew to be admitted into a medical school which does not admit Christians.

(Goodfellas)

» ACTORS Leonardo DiCaprio,

Matthew McConaughey, Jonah Hill

» GENRE Drama » DIRECTOR Robert Luketic (21) » ACTORS Amber Heard, Liam

The Wolf of Wall Street

Martin Scorsese brings us the true story of Wall Street broker, Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio), who goes from wide-eyed stock trader to corrupt mover-and-shaker. For Belfort, all that mattered was money, power, women and drugs; discretion and abiding by the law were outdated qualities that had no place in the greed-filled 1980s.

Hemsworth, Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman

Paranoia

Harrison Ford and Gary Oldman play two of the most powerful entrepreneurs in the technological sector. The mysterious duo share a dark secret that makes each determined to destroy the other. Liam Hemsworth is a young upstart who is easily seduced by money and the idea of unlimited power but soon, he becomes little more than a pawn in the battle between two indomitable wills.

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trend HOME VIEWING

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

» GENRE Drama » DIRECTOR Baz Luhrmann

(Moulin Rouge)

» ACTORS Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton » IMDB RATING 7.3/10

The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald is often referred to as the greatest American novelist of all time and The Great Gatsby, as his seminal work. The passion-filled tale of passion, greed and the inherently corrupt American dream has dazzled millions of readers around the world and, finally, after many attempts at a credible film version, visionary Australian Director, Baz Luhrmann, takes over and comes closer than any previous effort, to the magnificence of the book, whose powerful symbols like ‘the green light’ on the other side of the bay or Gatsby’s expensive shirts, are given life in the most artistic of ways. As is to be expected of Luhrmann, modern music (in this case, hip-hop) forms an anachronistic yet powerful backdrop to some of the most passion-filled scenes. We take our hats off to a film that is almost as engrossing as the beautiful book.

ASE OF THE MON FEATURED DVD RELE » GENRE

Mystery/Thriller

» DIRECTOR

Chan-wook Park (The Humanist) » ACTORS Mia Wasikowska, Nicole Kidman, Matthew Goode

» IMDB

RATING 6.9/10

Stoker

h Miller (who starred Dashing Actor, Wentwort Break) proves his in hit TV series, Prison , a tension-filled ker talent at writing in Sto a trio of strange, by d ise ter rac mystery cha s who inspire great ter socially awkward charac olves around India curiosity. The story rev ), a young woman who Stoker (Mia Wasikowska father dies in a tragic her en is devastated wh ving is interrupted by accident. Her silent grie uncle (Matthew me dso the arrival of a han er knew existed and Goode), whom she nev erlying motives for his und who seems to have y ia begins to feel he ma sudden appearance. Ind th of dea the h wit do to have had something gly not help but feel stron her father, yet she can ll, spe his h eat ben s fall attracted to him; as she ng. wro is n itio w, her intu she hopes that someho

» GENRE Comedy/Action » DIRECTORS

Jonathan Levine (50/50)

» ACTORS Nicholas Hoult, Teresa » GENRE Animation » DIRECTOR

Kirk de Micco, Chris Sanders (Space Chimps) » VOICES Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone » IMDB RATING 7.3/10

The Croods

Dangerous dinosaurs, dramatic continental drifts and a clever bunch of cavemen and women are just a few of the ingredients that make The Croods such fantastic viewing for the whole family. Despite the generally comic approach it takes to some of pre-history’s most significant events, the film is filled with tense, action-packed scenes that will have you rooting for the simplistic yet soulful family that survives a host of natural disasters with speed, courage and plenty of heart. Far from being stuck in the past, the film also touches on issues that face all families such as growing pains, parenting styles and the tension between young daughters and their doting dads!

Oblivion » GENRE Adventure/Science Fiction » DIRECTOR Joseph Kosinski

(Tron: Legacy) » ACTORS Tom Cruise, Jodie Foster, Olga Kurylenko » IMDB RATING 7.0/10

The year is 2077 and Planet Earth has been converted into a wasteland following a nuclear war between humans and aliens. Jack Harper (Tom Cruise) is an engineer living in a spaceship in orbit around Planet Earth. His job is to travel to Planet Earth every now and again to repair special machines called ‘drones’, created to detect and terminate any remaining aliens on Earth. On one routinary mission, he comes across a woman in a wrecked spaceship who turns his world inside-out when she reveals that reality is not actually as he knows it. He thinks the humans have won the war but he is, in fact, working for an army of aliens whose mission is to destroy the very last traces of human life.

Palmer, John Malkovich

» IMDB RATING 6.9/10

Warm Bodies

This romance/zombie thriller/comedy is guaranteed to elicit feelings of horror, emotion and excitement as you accompany intrepid teen, Julie (Teresa Palmer) and her zombie boyfriend, R (Nicholas Hoult) in their attempt to find the cure to a zombie virus that has taken over 80 per cent of the population. The film certainly has a lot to say about stereotypes, individualism and hope; the story is somehow incredibly sweet despite its rather twisted premise.

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trend MUSIC

¿QUÉ PASA?

WORDS RIK FOXX

It may be winter outside but the coast will have a HEATWAVE on December 14 when the late 1970s/early 1980s soul/disco band play a Boogie Night at the Don Carlos hotel. Ticket info: www.heatwavepromotions.com or phone, T: 966 792 595.

BEYONCÉ did her reputation no harm after she singled out a 13-year-old blind teenage girl to sing with her in Australia. And back in the US PHARRELL WILLIAMS is putting the finishing touches to her forthcoming album – the DAFT PUNK collaborator said he’s ‘crazy’ about her new sounds. She has also been made an honorary member of Oxford University’s Oriel College. GAGA will be the first ever pop artist to perform in space when she sings from a Virgin Galactic ship. Is this the same flight that will have RIHANNA, BEIBER and GELDOF on it? Are you thinking what I’m thinking? The ARTPOP star has also filmed a Christmas TV special with THE MUPPETS. ing out her Wreck ILEY CYRUS got MTV e th r fo th As expected, M on sterdam last m e Ball while in Am meltdown in th a social media g in us n coffee ai rt ce a in Awards, ca e ent a lot of tim e process. She sp ly it wasn’t just coffee on th nt re pa ing fag ap ok lo y nn shop but fu a awards, she lit l’s agenda. At the upset her labe is said to have h ic on the wh be w no on stage ay m the 21-year-old partment due top brass and government de US n ai ard rt ce a radar of e well-known aw ng antics – on isi ra ll. k” he r er he tw to than he’s more jerk winner said, “S we ck on tour and s – BIEBER is ba lems aplent y. Talking of jerk ob pr that means – rved af ter all know what ge has been se rayed a ar ch ti affi gr a In Brazil, e World’ sp imed ‘King of th in, but it was All the self-procla ing ay st en ev sn’t ning. And hotel wall he wa got food poiso he en wh a in d by the he tc wa g Bad in Argent ear-old is bein -y 19 e cially th pe s, ru es like Cy haviour, thanks to his be er in Texas – the ‘men in black’ be apped drinking ns might af ter getting sn ica is 21. His fa er Am in e ag w movie, ne s hi legal drinking as tmas present ris Ch a tr ex 25 get an cember . heduled for De Believe 3D, is sc

Also on TV just before the festive period (Dec 20) is SHANE MACGOWAN, the singer, who has propped up many a Costa bar in his time, will be seen in the Rovers Return on Coronation Street. Since Amazon UK was launched in 1998, CLIFF RICHARD’s calendar has been their top-selling celebrity calendar every year – but his 15-year reign has come to an end after ONE DIRECTION have relegated him to the number two spot and doubled the veteran’s all-time sales in just three years.

And at the final of the Y Factor on December 15, GARY BARLOW and ELTON JOHN will perform Face To Face, a tune the two recorded for the former’s latest album, Since I Saw You Last, which dropped last month. Also billed to appear are KATY PERRY and ONE DIRECTION.

Meanwhile, on December 9, ROBBIE WILLIAMS releases a DVD from his recent London Palladium show featuring songs from his Swings Both Ways album, which was also released last month.

And talking of charts – will LILY ALLEN land the prestigious UK singles chart Christmas number one? Her rendition of the KEANE song Somewhere Only We Know is the annual John Lewis pre-festive TV advert which has been airing since the start of last month. But expect challenges from the annual Facebook campaign tune (Highway To Hell by AC/ DC), the SUSAN BOYLE and ELVIS PRESLEY version of O Come All Ye Faithful, the stars of ITV2’s pop comeback reality series The Big Reunion with I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday and of course the Y Factor winner’s release. MICHAEL JACKSON has earned an estimated $160 million in the last year and is number one in the Forbes Top Earning Dead Celebrity chart. His family will need that money as former JACKO producer QUINCEY JONES has filed a $10 million lawsuit against the estate for breach of contract. JONES states that ‘clandestine agreements’ had the effect of reducing his royalties for posthumous releases including the This is It film and soundtrack, the Michael Jackson travelling theatre show Cirque du Soleil and the 25th anniversary reissue of Bad. The estate also want to appeal against the recent AEG Live court case decision and as we reported in October the US tax office (IRS) have an unpaid bill that needs settling.

BRITNEY SPEARS is back on December 3 with her eighth album, Britney Jean. The former teen queen has found a new lease of life as her songs are being used by the US Navy to scare Somali pirates off the coasts of east Africa. Apparently the raiders can’t stand Western culture or music; a naval officer said, “As soon as the pirates get a blast of Britney, they move on as quickly as they can”. e

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trend

ON THE 12TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME…

BOOKS

A Good Book!

Marisa Cutillas brings you a selection of gift ideas you’ll be proud to place under your Christmas tree for the one you love.

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

I AM MALALA BY MALALA YOUSAFZAI WITH CHRISTINA LAMB Malala Yousafzai was a 15-year old girl in the Swat Valley, in Pakistan, who was riding the bus home from school one day when she was shot in the head. Her ‘sin’? Being a keen activist for the right to an education for girls in Pakistan. On her 16th birthday and after surviving several operations, deafness and facial paralysis, Malala faced the United Nations Youth Assembly in New York to share her story and to declare, “Here I stand, one girl among many. I raise my voice so that those without a voice can be heard”. I Am Malala is required reading for young women who may benefit from realising how something they take for granted or fail to value – their education – is a matter of life and death for countless women across the globe.

THE LONGEST RIDE

BY NICHOLAS SPARKS

Nicholas Sparks, author of The Notebook, is arguably the most successful romance writer of our time. Once again, he enchants us with his unique brand of sentimentality in his latest best-seller, The Longest Ride. The book begins when a 91-year-old man has a car accident and is stranded on an isolated embankment. Struggling to clear his mind from a blurry haze, he suddenly has visions of his wife, who passed away several years ago. Urging him to fight for his life, she forces him to remain awake by recalling stories of their life together – the moment they met, the magnificent art collection they built together, the devastating effects of WWII and their greatest moments of happiness.

CAMPER VANS, EX-PATS & SPANISH HOUNDS BY TANIA COATES AND SAM MORRIS

Camper Vans, Ex-pats & Spanish Hounds is the true story of how a couple travelling through Spain met a stray dog at the side of the road who would transform their lives completely, leading to the foundation of the UK branch of SOS Animals Spain. The book highlights the couple’s fascinating story and discusses some of the most oftabandoned dogs in Spain (the Spanish galgo and the podenco). Beautiful photos by Tania Coates capture the soul of too many dogs who simply need someone to love them forever. Interestingly, the book points out the role played by many overseas residents who adopt a dog, only to abandon the latter when they decide to return home. The book is at once a wake-up call and a wonderfully positive testimony to the power of change. All dogs deserve a loving home; that home could be yours. www.spanishhounds.com

THE HUSBAND’S SECRET

KILLING JESUS:

Cecilia Fitzpatrick is the perfect mother with the perfect house and the perfect marriage… until she finds and reads a letter from her husband, John-Paul, meant to be opened only upon his death. In the letter, she discovers a secret from his past that threatens to tumble the foundations of their marriage. Meanwhile, Tess O’Leary discovers that her husband Will and her best friend, Felicity, have fallen in love. Tess runs away to Sydney with her young son, where she meets up with her ex-boyfriend, Connor, a teacher at the school attended by Cecilia’s children. Rachel Crowley, the school secretary, believes that Connor murdered her daughter almost 30 years before. As the three women’s lives intertwine, the author challenges her readers to observe the subtle ways in which darkness can slowly spread across a community, conspiring to hide the many secrets that lie beneath the surface of perfection.

Millions of readers have read best-selling authors, Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard’s Killing Kennedy and Killing Lincoln, two fast-paced works of non-fiction that have redefined our approach to modern history. Killing Jesus has likewise nabbed one of the top spots on The New York Times best-seller list, largely because it focuses on the murder of one of the most influential historical figures ever: Jesus of Nazareth. Nearly two thousand years after this revered revolutionary was brutally assassinated by Roman soldiers, over 2 billion people worldwide still believe in His teachings and worship Him as God. Killing Jesus takes readers to the nucleus of the violent political and historical events that made his death inevitable – and dramatically changed world history.

BY LIANE MORIARTY

DOCTOR SLEEP BY STEPHEN KING

It’s taken 36 long years but at last, the long-awaited sequel to Stephen King’s The Shining has arrived. The book features some of the characters from the original story – such as Dan, the little boy who is now a middle-aged man desperately seeking to shed his father’s legacy of alcoholism, madness and destruction. Haunted by the ghosts of the Overlook Hotel, Dan seeks refuge by obtaining a job at a nursing home, where his remnant powers of ‘shining’ provide welcome comfort to the dying. He then meets Abra, a little girl whose ‘shining’ power is the brightest he has ever seen. Yet across America, a tribe of quasiimmortals called The True Knot are travelling in search of sustenance, which they obtain by sucking the “steam” the children with the “shining” produce. Dan must summon all his courage to protect Abra from a fate as traumatic as his own.

A HISTORY BY BILL O’REILLY AND MARTIN DUGARD

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Fuente del Espanto, San Pedro – Ref. MPV2091

Very elegant finca-style villa on a large elevated plot with magnificent views to the sea. Spacious rooms filled with natural light flooding through large windows and patio doors help fuse the interiors with the exterior, making terraces and gardens a natural extension of the home. A charming private property set in beautiful mature gardens, with paved pool and BBQ area and lovely relaxing terraces to take full advantage of the magnificent Marbella climate all year round. Beds: 4 • Baths: 4 • Built: 643 m2 • Plot: 4.800 m2 • PRICE: 2.950.000 €

Alhambra del Golf, Estepona – Ref. MPA2075

A beautifully laid out, 4-bedroom duplex penthouse located within one of the nicest beachside complexes on the Costa del Sol, offering magnificent gardens with huge island-shaped pool, “chiringuito” with bar, and children’s playground area. Golf courses and shopping centre are only minutes away! Beds: 4 • Baths: 4 • Built: 194 m2 • Terrace: 59 m2 • PRICE: 500.000 €

Aloha Golf, Nueva Andalucía – Ref. MPV2079

This bright villa is simply delightful, and makes a perfect family home to be enjoyed all year round. Lovely terrace areas for chilling out and entertaining, large swimming pool and well established manicured gardens. A beautifully kept property which is easily maintained, with a warm sunny atmosphere. Beds: 5 • Baths: 4 • Built: 274 m2 • Plot: 1.022 m2 • PRICE: 1.250.000 €

El Padrón, Estepona – Ref. MPV2093

Great family home or holiday villa, beautifully positioned to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and all the way down towards the Mediterranean coastline. Meticulously maintained and ready to move into without the need for renovations. Very well priced property and we highly recommend viewings. Beds: 4 • Baths: 4 • Built: 428 m2 • Plot: 3.000 m2 • PRICE: 1.750.000 €

Finca San Antonio, Mijas – Ref. MPA0021

Charming 3-bedroom ground floor apartment in a corner position, with direct access to the main gardens and pool. Special feature must be the fabulous large terrace and covered porch where long summer days and cool evenings can be enjoyed. Garage and large store room included. Beautifully finished. 2012 bank value at 281,000€. Beds: 3 • Baths: 2,5 • Built: 168 m2 • Terrace: 47 m2 • PRICE: 285.000 €

Centro Expo Loc. 11-12, Bulevar Alfonso Hohenlohe, 29602 (Marbella, Málaga) Tel: 952 866 072 • Fax: 952 866 963 • info@mpdunne.com • www.mpdunne.com MP Dunne Properties 173 Mary Dunne.indd 1

@mpdunne

MP Dunne 11/22/13 11:35 AM

trend CHRISTMAS

5 Marisa Cutillas brings you beautiful handmade and designer ornaments, decorations and seasonal items that will make your home begin to look and feel a whole lot more like Christmas.

Christmas Cheer 8

1 – Ornaments from the Christmas Collection by Christian Lacroix, in collaboration with Vista Alegre. 2 – Papier mache bauble by Monsoon 3 – Ornaments by Blaubloom 4 – Felt reindeer garland by Marks & Spencer 5 – Wreath by House of Fraser 6 – Christmas ornaments by Paperchase 7 – Treat holders by Blaubloom 8 – Décor and ornaments by Blaubloom 9 – Champagne flute by Marks & Spencer 10 – Winter robin side plate by Marks & Spencer 11 – Felt boxes by Blaubloom 12 – Tartan baubles by Paperchase

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i www.paperchase.co.uk

www.houseoffraser.co.uk www.blaubloom.com www.marksandspencer.com www.monsoon.co.uk www.christian-lacroix.com

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The Vintage TachyDate

THE MONTBLANC Collection Villeret 1858 I n 2008 Montblanc celebrated a major jubilee – it was 150 years since the foundation of Minerva, a small manufacture specialising in handcrafted watchmaking, in Villeret. The company soon began focusing its attention on timekeeping and has since developed the chronograph to the peak of perfection. Only a handful of watch manufacturers can look back on such a long, uninterrupted history, and over the years, Minerva has held fast to the working methods traditionally associated with Swiss watchmaking at its best. This is the art of haute horlogerie, which is practiced largely by hand. Only a select group of master watchmakers today are familiar with the procedures and techniques required for this rarest and most exclusive form of watchmaking. Important components like the generously sized balance with its high moment of inertia are made in-house, the active length of the tailor-made balance springs is counted by hand as it was in bygone ages, and the ‘Mise en Fonction’ of the chronograph control carried out meticulously by hand for each individual movement. In 2006, in order to preserve its authenticity, Minerva joined forces with Montblanc, which is likewise dedicated to the preservation and practice of manufacturing traditions handed down from one generation to the next, in all its business activities. Montblanc celebrated the occasion with exclusive jubilee

additions to the Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858, which was unveiled at SIHH (Salon de la Haute Horlogerie) in April 2008. Since 2007, the name Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 has stood for timepieces manufactured in accordance with the tenets of traditional haute horlogerie. Watches manufactured like those in the Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 are items with a high cultural value and can rightfully be considered very special works of art. The parts of the movement and other components used in the manufacture of watches in the Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 pass through the hands of highly specialised and qualified master watchmakers hundreds of times.

MONTBLANC FOUNDS THE ‘INSTITUT MINERVA DE RECHERCHE EN HAUTE HORLOGERIE’ Since October 2006, Montblanc and Minerva SA from Villeret in the Bernese Jura mountains have been working together on the development and in-house manufacture of prestigious watch movements. The name Minerva stands for traditional, in-house Swiss watchmaking in the truest sense of the term: Firstly, because it implies the development and assembly of its own movements, and secondly, because it

involves a degree of painstaking craftsmanship that is rarely encountered even in the world of haute horlogerie. It was to quell the growing concern that the skills and craftsmanship intrinsic to the art of Swiss watchmaking might drift into oblivion that Montblanc and Minerva joined forces to establish the ‘Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie’. Back in 2007, Montblanc made substantial investments to sustain this irreplaceable experience and expertise and to secure it for generations of watch devotees to come. The aim of this institute is to preserve invaluable skills, to build on them, and to propel them to a new level of greatness. The spotlight here is on training. The founded institute is intended to function as a kind of think tank, where young watchmakers can meet up to exchange ideas and be initiated into the old traditions, the expertise developed over generations, the rich body of experience, and the mentality typical of the true master watchmaker preserved. This purpose, too, was the reason for the ‘Fondation Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie’, whose foundation capital was provided by Montblanc. There are also plans for exhibitions, workshops and seminars for people in the industry, with a view to making what the institute has to offer accessible to as many interested individuals as possible.

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The perpetual fascination of speed is demonstrated once again by the new Vintage TachyDate from Montblanc’s Collection Villeret 1858. Its face recalls an era of a century ago when watchmaking, science, art and politics were in the throes of dramatic upheavals.

The Vintage TachyDate

The First Villeret Chronograph with Date Display The Vintage TachyDate commemorates this bygone epoch, during which Minerva (now known as ‘Montblanc Manufacture Villeret’) first equipped its wristwatches with its superior chronograph mechanism. The current debutante is the first chronograph in Montblanc’s Collection Villeret 1858 with a date display, for which the new manufacture Caliber MB M16.32 was developed. Faced with the question of whether this model should show the date in a window or via a designated hand, the watchmakers decided that the latter variant would be preferable because it makes an explicitly technical impression. Occupying a separate subdial at ‘6 o’clock,’ the date display joins with a counter for thirty elapsed minutes at ‘3 o’clock’, a small continually running seconds display at ‘9 o’clock’ and a double tachymeter scale to create the convincing aesthetic of a precision instrument. The lively, solid gold dial draws viewers under its spell thanks to the attractive three-dimensionality that results from slightly inset displays at the ‘3’ and the ‘9’ combined with a hand-type date display on three separate levels.

is the first watch in Montblanc’s Villeret 1858 Collection to unite two of the most avidly admired horological complications: a chronograph function and a tourbillon. Mastery of the difficulty of crafting these complications numbers among the distinguishing characteristics of the Montblanc Manufacture in Villeret, which has here combined the two complications in a highly unusual fashion: the chronograph upholds the lovely tradition with a column-wheel and horizontal coupling, and the fourminute tourbillon boasts a never-beforeseen innovation. i www.montblanc.com

Advertising feature

Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 - The New Vintage TachyDate

This Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 Tourbillon first attracted admiring attention with its patented construction in 2010. Its balance is larger and oscillates on a different plane than the rotating cage. This exclusive timepiece now debuts in an attractive new edition which gives an entirely unprecedented look to its spectacular mechanisms. The 18 karat gold dial, which has a distinctively three-dimensional effect, is available with either black or silver-grey décor and with a finely grained texture that contrasts tastefully with shiny hands, applied subdials and polished steel components. The ExoTourbillon Chronographe

On January 21st 2013 at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva, the new and exclusive ExoTourbillon Chronographe model from the Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 was presented to the public and the international press. The ExoTourbillon Chronographe adds another extraordinarily exclusive timepiece to the Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858. This regulator wristwatch combines a large minutehand and elapsed-seconds hand at the centre of the dial, a small off-centre circle for the hours, a second time zone with day/night indication, a small hand for the continually running seconds and a chronograph with a counter for 30 elapsed minutes.

The ExoTourbillon Chronographe

The ExoTourbillon Chronographe from the Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 with a new Face

BOUTIQUE MONTBLANC

CALLE ÁNGEL GANIVET, 3

GRANADA

TEL: 958 071 235

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trend MOTORING

JAGUAR

WORDS Tony Whitney Photography Courtesy of Jaguar

XKR-S 2+2 SPORTS COUPÉ

Jaguar’s much-lauded F-Type has (with some justification) been getting most of the attention lately, but we mustn’t forget the svelte and speedy XKR-S model, which is the fastest road car the British automaker has ever built. It appears almost trackready with its predatory looks and drives that way too with a supercharged V-8 offering an amazing 550-horsepower plus handling that only a racing driver would be able to fully exploit. It packs in all the luxury and refinement you’d expect from a Jaguar and also lots of careful detailing to emphasise its performance heritage. Jaguar’s XK coupés are among the most stylish and coveted 2+2 sportsters available today and the ‘S’ is just about top-of-the-line, though there’s a GT model – not available in all markets – which takes the desirability level a notch higher.

he aluminium-bodied XK is a great-looking car that in my view, recaptures the aura of the old and much loved E-Type rather better than the F-Type does – especially with regard to the Coupé. It’s a very sleek and sensuous shape that has been around for a few years now, but still turns heads. The XKR-S coupé (the one I tested for ) has one or two subtle aerodynamic add-ons and like all ‘R’ Jaguars, has a nifty vintage-style black mesh grille up front. It’s quite large by sports car standards and not the easiest car on the planet to park, but of course, it does have a four-seat configuration and reasonable luggage space. While the XKR-S has a host of upgrades to set it apart from its humbler XK stablemates, the heart of this car is undoubtedly the drivetrain. The 5.0-litre supercharged V-8 really makes this car fly and a

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dab on the accelerator brings a real kick in the back. Exhilarating is hardly the word – it’s a thrill every time you decide to take off briskly. Best of all, it’s very smooth and quiet, befitting a car in this class. If the F-Type is a real street fighter, this one is at its best on long, fast runs in the true ‘grand touring’ tradition. The 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shifter override is silky and seamless and believe me, you’ll never shift a manual box as fast as this one. In many respects, manual transmissions are more a nostalgia choice these days and with many performance car ranges (Mercedes-Benz AMG is a good example), you can’t get one anyway. Jaguar’s automatic transmission selector is probably the best in the industry and very easy to use. Start the car with its push-button and an easy-to-grasp

round knurled knob glides out of the centre console. Turn the knob to the mode you need – drive, reverse or whatever – and you’re up and running. This is certainly one of those ‘why don’t all cars have this’ systems that really grows on you. Going back to an ‘old fashioned’ clunky lever seems a step back every time I take back a Jag and test some other make. Another welcome innovation is Jaguar’s ‘Active Front Lighting’ which involves dynamic pivoting headlamps and cornering lamps that react to the car’s speed and steering input. Amazingly, the system can deflect the headlamp beams by 15-degrees to light up tight corners – a great asset when driving at night on unfamiliar, twisty, roads. Handling is well up to the power of the engine, aided by massive 20-inch wheels shod with wide, grippy tires. The brakes – with red calipers that show through the spokes – haul the car down from speed with reassuring precision. The car has rearwheel drive in conventional fashion but one wonders whether Jaguar will one day adopt all-wheel drive for this model.

The cockpit is a wonderful place to go to work with its fine leather trim and beautifully finished controls. As you might expect, there’s a lot of tradition being drawn on in the interior design of any Jaguar, but naturally, every current aid to safe and enjoyable motoring is included. The front seats (with 16-way power!) have substantial side bolstering to keep the occupants in place during enthusiastic driving and the leather displays appropriate R-S logos. Cockpit ambiance is very satisfying, but everything’s in the right place and it’s an easy car to get to know quickly. There’s a big touch screen on the dash for satellite navigation and various other functions. The idea is to reduce switch clutter in the cockpit and it certainly tidies everything up a little. The touch screen can be used to control an iPod or other brand of MP3 player. The car itself boasts a Bowers & Wilkins sound system of surprising tone and quality. A 525-watt system, it features some very advanced audio electronics to enhance sound quality. Since the car is very quiet, even at high

speeds, it’s easy to listen to the sound system with the volume turned quite low. Another feature of the touch screen is a rear view camera, which shows a great wide-angle view of what’s located behind the car when reversing. This can be a lifesaver, as well as a way to avoid hazards like pillars in underground parking spaces. This is another of those modern conveniences that once tried, is very difficult to do without. There are also audible warnings front and rear to use when parking. Your car will stay in great shape a lot longer with this kind of help! For long days covering widely varying terrain at a good pace, there are few sports cars at any price that are better than this Jaguar. It’s very fairly priced given its performance, level of luxury, comfort and safety and to steal a quote from a colleague, the Jaguar XKR-S is without any doubt ‘achingly desirable.’ e

ZZ ENGINE 5.0-litre supercharged V-8, 550-horsepower. ZZ TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic with manual mode. ZZ ACCELERATION Zero to 100 km/h in approx 4.4-seconds. ZZ TOP SPEED Approx. 300 km/h. ZZ I LIKED Still the best-looking Jaguar of them all. Very fast and with excellent handling and poise. Roomy interior for a 2+2 and decent luggage space. In XKR-S form, a reasonablypriced car that almost breaks into the ‘supercar’ segment. A very desirable 2+2 and confirmation that Jaguar hasn’t lost any of its legendary sports car knowhow. ZZ I DIDN’T LIKE A little large for a sports car and thus not the easiest car in its class to park. All-wheel drive would be nice, though the car lays the power down very well indeed. ZZ MARKET ALTERNATIVES Mercedes-Benz CLClass, BMW 6 Series, Aston Martin Vantage, Audi RS 5, Maserati Granturismo MC Stradale. ZZ WHO DRIVES ONE? Buyers who want exhilarating performance and head-turning good looks – plus a prestige nameplate – at a very reasonable price. ZZ PRICE AND AVAILABILITY Available now at around €120.000.

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CULTURE / HISTORY / FEATURES

focus FAMOUS PEOPLE / INTERVIEWS / HUMOUR

It is often said that Christmas is an odd blend of materialism and altruism and this shines true in this . On the one hand, we suggest some month’s exciting Christmas gift ideas and on the other, we learn how local entrepreneur, Franck Benhamou, is aiming to put an end to world hunger. You’ll also love our personality profile on hot Hollywood Actor, Ryan Gosling. Finally, we invite you to delve into the fragrant world of perfumes with Catadeperfumes.

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Christmas Shopping

Ryan Gosling

Catadeperfumes

Franck Benhamou

René Zimmer

11/25/13 6:37 PM

NUEVA ANDALUCIA Ref. VM09018 Modern contemporary design villa with lovely views. Bright and sunny, a total of 5 bedrooms with a guest apartment, spacious, several large terraces with views, modern interior with many features, modern kitchen, garage for 3 cars, top quality, huge basement. Price: €1.695.000

NUEVA ANDALUCIA Ref. 9223 Lovely large villa with panoramic views, situated in the heart of the golf valley, 2 on a large plot of 3.455 m . Built on one level, with large reception rooms, 5 bedrooms plus a study, seperate snooker room, large garage, underﬂoor heating, huge basement. Price: €1.900.000

NUEVA ANDALUCIA Ref. VM10751 South facing sunny villa within walking distance of amenities, spacious lounge and separate dining room leading on to south and west facing terraces. 4 bedrooms, one bedroom with independent access, garage. Price: €750.000

GOLDEN MILE Ref. VM09806 Villa with panoramic views, facing south, situated in a prestigious residential area of Marbella. Elegant, spacious living and dining area, large sunny terraces, 4 bedrooms including large master suite, modern kitchen, new bathrooms, heated pool and garage. Price: €1.100.000

NUEVA ANDALUCIA Ref. VM09446 Villa in a central position on a quiet dead end street within walking distance of shops and restaurants. 5 bedrooms, sauna, garage, swimming pool, large sun roof terrace. In need of renovation. Open to offers.

NUEVA ANDALUCIA Ref. VM09506 Villa facing south-west, situated in a closed gated community. Three bedrooms and bathrooms, including beautifully renovated large master suite with jacuzzi. New kitchen with granite worktop, several covered terraces, perfect condition. Price: €675.000

Price: €420.000 Casaño 10-B, Nueva Andalucía (Pass the Bullring, beside BBVA bank) Tel: 952 810 695 enquiries@villamarketing.com

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

11/22/13 11:37 AM

THE FOCUS christmas

3 1

FOR HER

1 Eternal brightness beauty ring and jade earrings by Paves. www.paves.es 2 Fragrance lamp by Ashleigh & Burwood. www.ashleigh-burwood.co.uk 3 Jewellery by Chopard. www.chopard.com 4 Bag by Furla. www.furla.com 5 T3 Reader by Sony with a 15.24cm screen and 16 different shades of grey. www.sony.com 6 Earrings by Crystal Bride Accessories. www.crystalbrideaccessories.co.uk 7 Folding Bike by YikeBike. www.yikebike.com 8 Ring by Dior. www.dior.com 9 Bag by Louis Vuitton. www.louisvuitton.com 10 Accessories by Ferragamo. www.ferragamo.com 11 Xperia Z phone by Sony featuring full 1080p HDP on a 12.7cm display and the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first image sensor with HDR video for smartphones. www.sony.com

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Marisa Cutillas brings us a spectacular list of gift ideas for Her, Him, the Kids and even the House! 42 / DECEMBER 2013 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

‘

Tis the Season…

For Some Serious Shopping! 2

FOR HIM

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11 1 HDR MV1 Video Recorder by Sony: Record memorable moments in Full HD with crisp, clear 3D sound. www.sony.com 2 8HZ Chronometer Watch by Chopard. www.chopard.com 3 VAIO Ultrabook/Tablet by Sony: We love this foldable tablet with Windows 8 technology and a 29.5cm screen. www.sony.com 4 Hip flask by Paperchase. www.paperchase.co.uk 5 Galaxy Gear Smartwatch by Samsung, feauturing 4GB on board storage and a 1.9 megapixel camera. www.samsung.com 6 Men’s bag by Chopard. www.chopard.com 7 New Amazon Kindle Fire HDX: Offering 24-hour live customer support, plus higher resolution and an improved Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor. The Kindle’s backlit screen makes it incredibly easy on the eyes. www.amazon.es 8 Samsung Galaxy Note 3 featuring a 14.48cm screen. www.samsung.com 9 Ostrich pillow by Kawamura-Ganjavian. Available on www.studiobananathings.com 10 Leather iPhone case by Chopard. www.chopard.com 11 Fusion Bike by YikeBike. www.yikebike.com ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM DECEMBER 2013 / 43

FOR HOME

7 1 Cushions and throws by Paul Costelloe for Dunnes Stores. www.dunnesstores.com 2 Mugs

by Marks & Spencer. www.marksandspencer.com

3 Cushion by Littlewoods. www.littlewoods.com 4 Fragrance for the home by The Body Shop. www.thebodyshop.es 5 Egg cup holders by House of Bath. www.houseofbath.co.uk 6 Coffee glasses by MooiMaak. www.mooimaak.com 7 Candle by

Marks & Spencer. www.marksandspencer.com

8 Scented candle by Christian Lacroix

and Welton, from the Welton Design Collection. www.weltonlondon.com 9 Birds with Words by Isme. www.isme.com 10 Herringbone Woven Throw by Isme. www.isme.com 11 Chairs by MooiMaak. www.mooimaak.com 12 Spotlight lamp by Furniture Village. www.furniturevillage.co.uk

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FOR KIDS

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6 1 Gloves by Monsoon. www.monsoon.co.uk 2 Legends of Chima Lego Set for Kids aged eight to 14. Available at Toys “R” Us. www.toysrus.es 3 Special edition Barbie doll wearing clothing by Hervé Leger. For girls of all ages (including adult collectors!). www.barbiecollector.com 4 Stuffed animals by Marks & Spencer. www.marksandspencer.com 5 Dress by Monsoon. www.monsoon.co.uk 6 iPotty entertainment potty chair for toddlers. www.amazon.co.uk 7 Crazy Cart for kids aged six and above. Available at Toys “R” Us. www.toysrus.es 8 Sifteo Cubes are an interactive game system for kids aged seven and above. www.amazon.co.uk 9 Sew Kool Sewing Machine. For kids aged eight and above. Available at Toys “R” Us. www.toysrus.es 10 Tabeo e2: The Tabeo e2 kid’s tablet comes with a dual-core 1 GHz CPU, 1GB RAM and 8GB of in-built storage. For kids six and above. Available at Toys “R” Us. www.toysrus.es 11 Cushion by M & Co. www.mandco.com 12 Cra-Z-Loom Rubber Band Bracelet Maker. For ages six and above. Available at Toys “R” Us. www.toysrus.es

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Laguna Village

Shopping Spree Step into the myriad of shops at the Laguna Village Shopping Centre: You’re bound to find the perfect gift for the man or woman “who has everything”! Photography © khphotography.co.uk

All items available at Laguna Village Shopping Centre.

www.laguna-village.com

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1 XL bag. Available at Dreamsgirl 2 Wool cap with fox pom pom and wool scarf by Sportalm Kitzbühel 3 Tom Ford sunglasses. Available at Sonia Troyano Choices 4 Antonello Serio Zebra print sequined bag. Available at Elle Morgan 5 iPhone case with Swarovski crystals by Cango & Rinaldi. Available at Sonia Troyano Choices 6 Stuart Weitzman Satin shoes with Swarovski crystals. Available at Enrico 7 Brunella floral jacket. Available at Enrico

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12 8 Reversible rabbit coat. Available at Sportalm Kitzbühel 9 Thomas Sabo earrings and

necklace. Available at Raquel Troyano Jewels

10 Cashmere and silk sweater for men and women. Available at Tibet 11 Karma

of Charme Diamond Italian leather boots. Available at Elle Morgan 12 Maserati Swiss watch. Available at Raquel Troyano Jewels 13 Aldo Martins jacket for men. Available at Saint-Tropez 14 Cocktail Maquillaje dress. Available at Dreamsgirl 15 Men’s shirts. Available at Saint-Tropez

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essential marbella magazine速 173_christmas.indd 1

11/27/13 11:38 AM

Where do you park at the Airport? .com Visit our new indoor parking superstore opposite the San Miguel Factory. Just look for the Blue Cat!

! w Ne

Short and Long Term Airport Parking Solutions Indoor Guaranteed and price busting Outdoor prices

Tel: 952 475 179 173 blue cat.indd 56

Avda. Comandante GarcĂa Morato, 12 Costa del Sol Airport - 29004 MĂĄlaga 11/27/13 1:50 PM

THE FOCUS people

here is, at the same time, something incredibly ‘decent’ about the boy… since James Stewart’s demise, there hasn’t been an actor that manages to combine the qualities of essential goodness, intelligence and elegance, yet Gosling displays all these and more, for his good looks take him a league beyond Stewart, who, like Gosling, had the lion’s share of A-list roles available in Hollywood in his day. It was fortuitous, but not quite surprising, that Gosling was chosen to play the lead role in classic tearjerker, The Notebook; the Producers of the film reportedly wanted someone who “wasn’t too handsome” for the role. Despite being the subject of many a female fantasy, Gosling’s looks can easily be played down, so much so that he can almost seem like the (irresistible) boy next door and sometimes, even a marginalised ‘nerd’. Ryan’s sense of seriousness and utter lack of affectation can, perhaps, be attributed to his childhood; he was born to a Mormon family, a fact which he acknowledges as having deeply affected him in his youth. His sentimentality, on the other hand, can be attributed to his parents’ divorce. Ryan lived with his mother and sister, and this crucial experience, he says, taught him “to think like a girl”. This blend of sombre and sweet, tough and gentle, is one of the factors that make him so unique in his field. He has a dark side, however, which stems from his childhood. Ryan, who was unable to read for many years, suffered from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He recalls his school days with anything but fondness, since he was a victim of bullying and failed to make friends until he was well into his teens. He related one anecdote that has since been the subject of much fascination on the part of the press and which is more significant because of its revelation of Ryan’s unique ability to meld reality and fantasy: “When I was a kid and I first saw First Blood, after I saw it, it kind-of put a spell on me and I thought I was Rambo. I went to school the next day and put all my mother’s steak knives in my Fisher Price Houdini kit and I threw them at all the kids at recess. I got suspended, which I should have been, and I’m sorry about what I did. I learned my lesson, but my parents put a leash on me… so I was only allowed to watch Bible and National

Geographic movies, which are very violent anyway. My point is that I understand the spell that films can cast on you”. Most of us first encountered Ryan Gosling in The Notebook, in which he stars alongside his former real-life girlfriend, Rachel McAdams, in a love story that spans a lifetime. It’s the ultimate tear-jerker, the story of a rich girl and poor boy (reminiscent, in a way, of The Great Gatsby). Unlike the hero of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s

Calhoun in The Notebook – he told About.com: “It gave me an opportunity to play a character over a period of time – from 1940 to 1946 – that was quite profound and formative.” Despite the film’s sweeping sentimentality and the evident chemistry between Gosling and McAdams (two years down the track, the couple would relive their onscreen romance in privacy), during filming, the actors were set to have quite a volatile relationship, so much so that at one point, Gosling

tale, however, the poor boy does win the heart of the girl he loves. By the time of The Notebook’s release, Ryan was already a household name in the US, since at the tender age of 12, he nabbed a role every kid in America probably longed for, appearing on Disney Channel’s The Mickey Mouse Club, where he sang and acted alongside Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Ryan wasn’t the best singer or dancer, yet he worked at Disney for two years, living in the home of Timberlake, whose mother became Ryan’s legal guardian for the length of his stint at Disney. Ryan’s big break as far as serious filmmaking is concerned, was undoubtedly the role of Daniel, a young Jew who converts into a NeoNazi in 2001 cult masterpiece, The Believer. The film, which won the Grand Jury prize at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival, did plenty to wrest from Ryan’s Disney reputation and lunged him head-first into full-blown drama. Daniel was loosely based on real-life Neo-Nazi Daniel Burros, a member of the United Klans of America who ended his own life after being exposed in The New York Times as being of Jewish origin. Ryan’s performance was deemed “astounding” and it marked a promising beginning to what would soon become one of Hollywood’s most successful careers. Next up was the role of Noah

requested that Director, Nick Cassavetes, provide him with another actress to film an off-camera shot, because of conflicts with McAdams. “We inspired the worst in each other,” recalls Gosling. Since The Notebook (arguably his greatest commercial success), Ryan Gosling has dabbled in small, more independent films like Lars and the Real Girl, in which his character falls in love with a blow-up doll. Here, he comes across as more ‘loveable loser’ than ‘leading man’. Another intimate film is Blue Valentine with Michelle Williams, directed by Ryan’s ‘soulmate’, Derek Cianfrance. The latter, who refers to Ryan as his “younger, more muscle-bound brother”, encouraged a collaborative effort on set, so much so that many of the film’s scenes were completely improvised. Both Gosling and Williams received critical acclaim for their portrayal of a young couple whose passion-fuelled romance slowly begins to crumble with the passing of time. Blue Valentine prepared Ryan for one of the most exhilarating, powerful films in recent film history: Drive, in which he plays a stunt driver who parlays in robbery and theft on the side. His performance, incredibly edgy yet notably silent, was born of the need he felt “to remove all the dialogue that wasn’t absolutely necessary”. Ryan balanced his dramatic roles with comedic ones, shining in blockbusters like Crazy, Stupid Love (in

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which he plays a modern-day Don Juan entrusted with teaching a middle-aged divorcee the art of seducing women). Recently, he has also shone in Derek Cianfrance’s The Place Beyond the Pines, playing a motorcycle stunt rider turned bank robber with an embarrassing tattoo on his face. His most recent film to be shown in Spain was Only God Forgives. Ryan plays a tough guy called upon by his mother to avenge a wrong done to his family. In addition to working to a breakneck schedule, Ryan has so far managed to pull two Golden Globe nominations (for Best Actor in a Drama for The Ides of March and Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for Crazy, Stupid Love). Additionally, he has somehow managed the time to start his own band, Dead Man’s Bones, open a Moroccan restaurant (Tagine, in Beverly Hills, California), support charities like PETA and Invisible Children and travel to Uganda and Congo to raise awareness about issues faced by people in these countries. Ryan is truly a man for all seasons – one that is impossible not to fall for. e

A Modern Renaissance Man

Ryan Gosling Ryan Gosling may epitomise the current masculine ideal, but there is something about him that harks back to gentler times, when a hero’s every action respected a strident moral code and men didn’t beat around the bush. The young Canadian Actor, Director, Writer and Musician has managed to enamour a female audience and elicit the admiration of a normally cooler male audience with his mixture of boyish charm, masculine presence and undeniable acting skill, which he has thus far used to give life to an array of on-the-edge, raw characters whose intensity seems to resonate in every nerve. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

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THE FOCUS people

Catadeperfumes

Unravelling the Intricate World of Perfumery If you’re still choosing perfumes by heading for the mall, sniffing the prettiest bottles you can find and selecting the scent that seems most pleasant without delving into its sillage, longevity or notes, Catadeperfumes, a company bringing the secrets of perfume to your door, may be able to help you find the perfume that truly expresses who you are or who you want to be. Marisa Cutillas speaks to company founder Raquel Navarro, and shares the latest trends in perfume with you. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY © KHPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK AND COURTESY OF CATADEPERFUMES

aquel Navarro walks into the offices caressed by the gentle, innocent fragrance of Jesus del Pozo’s Halloween Fleur. Stylish, warm and vivacious, she begins the interview by setting up a Catadeperfumes ‘space’. In less than half a minute, my desk, previously rather masculine in feel and auspiciously austere, is overtaken by colourful flower petals, coffee beans, and shimmering gold and crystal bottles, some of which are elegant and simple (Baiser Volé), while others are embellished with flowers (Halloween by Jesús del Pozo), diamond-cut glass (Untold by Elizabeth Arden) or sensual curves (Sí by Armani). The array of bottles stirs a sense of delicious greed, for it is every bit as tempting as the first experience of a child walking into a lolly store. As Raquel tells me all about Catadeperfumes, and gives me a dreamlike testing session of perfumes that have just hit the stands, it is difficult to feel anything less than inspired to discover more about this fascinating subject. For Raquel teaches you about so much more than how to select a fragrance; she invites you to discover how multi-layered, artistic and significant the world of perfume is, from a

cultural and historical perspective. Catadeperfumes was launched by Raquel and her partner, María Vélez, less than a year ago. Both women have been involved in the perfume and marketing industries for most of their working life. Raquel holds a degree in Biology and a Masters in Perfumery and Cosmetics, and another Masters in Marketing and Communication. María is a Pharmacist who also completed a Masters in Marketing, Communication and Coaching (in fact, the ladies met many years ago, while they were completing their studies in Madrid). Raquel’s first few working years were spent in a laboratory, since she was immersed in the world of cellular biology and immunology. The confined, solitary nature of her work led her to crave a more sociable and stimulating career and the answer lay in the perfume and marketing trades. Raquel has worked for companies the likes of Dior and Givenchy, shining in their training and marketing departments. After taking a break from the workforce to have and rear her son, she met up with María and both decided that now was the perfect time to bring the world of perfumes

to women, “to help them understand that the perfume they wear reflects their personality and sends subtle messages to the subconscious of others. Despite the popularity of perfume, it is, in a sense, ‘the great unknown’ for many women”. Catadeperfumes provides a series of different services. Raquel explains: “First there are the workshops: groups of between eight and 12 women get together and we teach them two different courses. The first, called Descubrir (Discover) invites them to discover the universe of perfume. We delve into its history, share a host of entertaining anecdotes and provide interesting facts – like how many centuries it took to learn how to extract essences from flowers and plants. We also explain the different perfume families and have a testing session so that women can recall specific memories associated with particular scents. We then talk about the latest perfume trends and provide tips on perfume selection.” Catadeperfumes also offers an advanced workshop, which Raquel defines as “much more experimental”. She elaborates: “This course is for those who already identify themselves with a

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specific family; we go deeper into the subject and also give attendees the chance to design their own perfume. We work in conjunction with a laboratory that can create perfumes designed by each woman”. Of course, perfume isn’t just for the body, which brings us to another of Catadeperfumes’ obsessions: helping you find the perfect fragrance for a space, whether this be your office, home or business. The second main line of activity for Raquel and María lies in events. “We have led testings at everything from wine tasting events to fashion shows. We also offer bridal workshops. It is very much in vogue for the friends of a bride to give her a session with us, so we can help her select the fragrance she will be wearing on her big day. That fragrance holds the utmost importance because it will evoke specific sensations in her groom, in her guests and, above all, she will always be able to associate that scent, with one of the most important days in her life”. Catadeperfumes is able to personalise its services to your needs; just give Raquel and María a call and they will work alongside you to jazz up your event with the seductive power of scent. Finally, Catadeperfumes offers a training service for perfume sellers, teaching the latter how to help shoppers find their perfect scent, quicker. Raquel is the perfect ambassador for her business. Glamorous yet approachable, knowledgeable yet communicative, she takes me through a fun testing session and we identify my favourite family (‘woody’). She reminds me that there is not just one ideal perfume for every woman, but many different perfumes for the different types of day, occasions and moods. She pulls out incredibly beautiful floral scents I may not have considered in the past, containing new ingredients and molecules that reinterpret the very basis of traditional labelling of a perfume by family. e

Halloween Fleur by Jesús del Pozo • Sí by Armani © www.theperfumeshop.co.uk • La ﬁlle de Berlin by Serge Lutens • Vetiver by Annick Goutal

BUT NOW IT’S TIME TO SHARE A BIT OF INSIDER KNOWLEDGE WITH OUR READERS. RAQUEL IDENTIFIES THE FOLLOWING AS THE MOST MARKED TRENDS OF THE SEASON: 1. MULTI-FACETED PERFUMES: “These perfumes contain all the perfume families in more or less equal measure. They contain the perfect blend of sensuality, elegance and romanticisim and they are made for the woman who has many sides to her and who can slowly surprise you in time, as you begin to discover her”. Examples: Sí by Armani (a wonderful and unique reinvention of the Cyprus scent). Untold, by Elizabeth Arden (a woody floral scent), Elle L’aime by Lolita Lempicka (an original fragrance bearing coconut and myrrh), or Place Vendôme by Boucheron (an elegant, woody floriental), 2. PERFUMES WHICH VEER AWAY FROM THE TREND For gourmets in favour of woody, musky scents catered to the young woman who wishes to acquire a select perfume. Examples: Halloween Fleur by Jesús del Pozo (a musky floriental – this perfume contains a brand new molecule called cashmeran, which gives the fragrance a muskywoody-spicy touch), Signorina de Ferragamo (a fruity floral) and Couture La La by Juicy Couture (a musky floral). 3. FRESH SCENTS TRADITIONALLY PRESENTED AS COLOGNES which have a greater complexity and longevity. They have the structure of a perfume but are fresh and sometimes have just one main accord. Examples: Acqua 4711 Mandarin Cardamom, Vetiver by Annick Goutal. 4. DESIGNER PERFUMES: Perfumes created by legends like Annick Goutal or Serge Lutens. Example: La fille de Berlin by Serge Lutens (a solitary floral fragrance). Lutens’ description captures the magic of the process of perfume creation: “La fille de Berlin (‘the daughter of Berlin’) is the daughter of a city that has known the Republic of Weimar. Fed on hope, she has lived through another, more terrible, painful and severe era: that of the Nazi occupation”. The perfume symbolises the thorny, aggressive and piquant rose. “It is a sumptious flower made of blood, night, snow, fear and glory. Its violence is its beauty”. If you’d like to learn more about the world of perfumes or fill your next event with fragrant notes of emotion, Catadeperfumes is ready to make it happen. i www.catadeperfumes.es

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THE FOCUS people

Franck Benhamou

and Family Conquer Kilimanjaro to End Child Mortality due to Malnutrition Entrepreneur, Franck Benhamou, has always been fascinated with technology; as far as he’s concerned, it offers each and every one of us the chance to “either go with the flow, or be left behind”. A business owner of companies in both the technological and gene science sectors, he is also a family man and fitness aficionado who steers clear of the Marbella party scene in favour of workouts with friends or time spent with his wife and children. Franck also spends his personal time on a project that has inspired him to climb the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, alongside his wife and 15-year-old son. That project is as lofty as the seven summits of the world yet it is surprisingly doable. It aims to completely eradicate child mortality due to malnutrition by the year 2020. WORDS Marisa CUTILLAS Photography © khphotography.co.uk

ranck’s project has a catchy name: The 3 Million Club. The entrepreneur has calculated that all it would take to end child mortality due to malnutrition is for three million people to purchase €0,50 of nutritional food on a daily basis from selected food banks in Africa and Asia. “Some nine hundred million people go to bed hungry every night – that is 15 per cent of the world population. Solving this problem will take time. However, there are three million children under the age of five dying every year. These children do not have the luxury of time. Every ten seconds, one child dies from hunger!” A sobering thought when I consider that Franck and I have been talking over a coffee for around five minutes. How many children have died in this tiny space of time? Worse yet is the thought of how little €0,50 means to most of us. “Many people would barely bother to pick up a 50 cents coin lying on the street yet it would make such an incredible difference to these children,” says Franck. The 3 Million Club is not, thus far, a charity; it is a social marketing initiative. Franck and his team in no way receive or manage any monies donated. The Club is basically a crowdfunding project, in which all funds raised go directly to two food banks which manufacture and distribute food to starving children. Says Franck: “This food isn’t the kind the

average child would eat. It is specifically created for severely malnourished children and is fortified with all necessary vitamins and nutrients”. Far from being a Marbella-focused effort, the Club is soon going global. Three million, after all, is a very big number. “Many people have lost trust in charities, probably for good reasons. However, most people willingly participate in local food bank actions, purchasing food at a supermarket to donate to less fortunate people. The idea of the 3 Million Club is to take this local food bank concept to a global audience using the Internet and social networks. Technology enables us to reduce the role of intermediaries and to be more effective. Many studies have indicated that if a malnourished child can remain healthy for five years, they have a great chance of becoming a productive member of society. On the other hand, if a five-year-old reaches critical stages of malnourishment, even if they do survive, it is likely that they will always remain a tragic burden to their families and society owing to their health issues”. The 3 Million Club is a newborn baby but in the last six months, members have already purchased over €100.000 of food. It’s not just people who are getting involved; businesses, too, are making a big difference via sponsorships (companies can opt to purchase €1.000/€500/€100 of food a month).

Franck certainly puts his money where his mouth is; one of his companies, CalendApp (a global events information site), is a Platinum sponsor and has been financing the initiative so far. “Imagine us building a wall or publishing a book in 2020, listing the names of all the Club members who helped eradicate child mortality due to starvation – would you like your name or company name on that wall?” Currently, Franck’s main aim is to spread the word about the 3 Million Club around the world, by generating media interest and inspiring people to share the Club’s story on social networks; and when it comes to generating a buzz, what better way than by climbing Kilimanjaro? Says Franck, with a glint in his eye, “Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and I thought it was the perfect symbol for our seemingly insurmountable, yet definitely achievable goal”. Franck was joined by his equally fit wife, his brother-in-law, and friends and trainers from the Health First Studio in La Campana. Another eager climber was a very important person in his life: his son. “When my son first mentioned the possibility of coming along, I wasn’t too sure about it… Fifteen thousand people attempt the climb every year, but only 40 per cent actually reach the summit. Yet he was very determined and, thankfully, he made it to the top”.

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I ask Franck how hard the climb actually was and he answers, “To be honest, it was very tough. It is a seven-day expedition and we engaged in five to seven hours of hiking a day, culminating with a 14-hour climb on summit day. The key is to adapt to the altitude; this involves climbing up then down before making the final climb to the summit (at 5,895m) from base camp at 4,600m. Each person feels different things at different points of the climb. Some feel dizzy; others suffer from stomach upset or severe headaches. Most interestingly, each of us found a different part of the climb to be the most challenging. For me, the ascent between 5,300m and 5,600m was the toughest; for others, the last stretch was the most taxing”. When I ask what stopped him from giving up, he answered, “I just focused on taking one step at a time. I kept saying to myself that every step I was taking was one child less that would die from hunger”. Franck is very pleased with his group’s achievement (all reached the summit). One of his companions was a friend, Jenny, who, three months prior to climbing Kilimanjaro, was not up to the challenge. “She was keen on coming along, but when she began training with my personal trainer, Manu (who also joined the expedition), he thought she was not fit enough. So she gave up

on the idea, but continued to train anyway, just to improve her fitness level. Exactly two weeks before we were due to head to Africa, the fittest person in our group suffered from a heat exhaustion attack and was unable to go. Therefore, he left a vacant spot and Jenny decided to go for it. We invited her to test her mettle at La Concha, then at the Veleta (3,400m) in Granada and she did brilliantly. In a space of just two weeks, she went from not having climbed a single mountain in her life, to climbing La Concha, the Veleta and the Kilimanjaro! Franck is immensely proud of his son. “Very few kids under 18 manage to reach the summit; actually, if you are under 12, you need a specific permit to make the climb”. Indeed, he sees great hope in the youth as a whole. “I would love to have children take over as ambassadors for the 3 Million Club. They are much more comfortable with technology than their parents; there is no end to how they can use technology to pursue social change and create a better world than the one we are leaving for them”. “Pole, pole” (Slowly, slowly in Swahili), the expedition guides would tell anyone trying to climb too fast. In mountain climbing, as in life, pace is everything and Franck is proceeding similarly with the 3 Million Club, working on a series of goals, which include finding volunteers

to spread the word on the project, working with global PR agencies and sponsors to reach a worldwide audience and, perhaps, even setting up a non-profit social enterprise to make the purchasing process smoother. In the meantime, Club members are keeping the buzz going and searching for new sponsors: Manu from Health First Studio is preparing to climb the highest mountain in South America, Mount Aconcagua, this month; Babak from Team Extreme is planning to sky dive with the Club´s flag; Franck is considering the ascent to Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus, Europe´s highest peak. All this to raise awareness about the issue of child mortality due to malnutrition. “There are two fundamental questions you have to ask yourself”, he tells me, as our meeting comes to a close. ‘Does it bother you that we live in a world of abundance where a child dies of hunger every ten seconds?’ If you answer yes to that question, the second question is, ‘Are you willing to set aside €0,50 a day to put an end to this situation?’ If you cannot answer the second question in the affirmative, then you probably don’t care enough. But if you do, it is so easy to make such a big difference. Just take one small step…”

g www.3millionclub.com

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THE FOCUS people

René Zimmer

from the fall of The Wall to Finca Cortesin Though still a young man, the path of René Zimmer’s career has led from the Berlin Wall through postings around Europe to Finca Cortesin, where as General Manager he presides over one of Spain’s most elegant resort hotels.

Words Michel Cruz Photography © khphotography.co.uk

t is a trajectory you may not immediately imagine when you meet this smartly turned out professional with the welcoming manner of a true hotel manager, but René Zimmer’s ascension up the career ladder is a little different from that of most people in the tourist sector. Born in the former GDR, known to most simply as East Germany, he grew up near the beautiful historical city of Dresden, harbouring a wish to become an actor. “I had already started earning a little pocket money by working at theatres when I was still at school, but my real ambition was to be accepted into the performing arts academy in Berlin, where most of the country’s actors had studied.” With this in mind he set out for an audition on no fewer than three occasions, being rejected each time on the grounds of his age. “With the intensity of youth, I thought my chance was over and began to plan a career in sport. I was going to attend the University of Halle, but first had to complete my military service, which in those days lasted 18 months.” Then world events took a course that would not only influence but shape the rest of his life. “We were all hoping that things would change, but when the change came and the Wall went down

it happened so quickly that few of us were really ready for it.” After several months as a truck driver in the East German army he was suddenly faced with German reunification and the official disbanding of the Volksarmee. “It meant that I started my service in one army and ended it in another, which was quite something to get your head around. I simply handed my old uniform in one night, went to bed and put on a different uniform the next morning. For the last month or so of my military service I was with the West German Bundeswehr.”

A change of career plan While still coming to terms with it all he was suddenly struck by the opportunities presented by all this change. “I decided that, now I could, I would head into West Germany and try to pursue a career in the next best thing to acting – the hotel industry.” And so he set off in an old Lada for Bavaria, where after a fair bit of rejection he was given the chance to learn the trade at a Relais & Château Hotel run by someone who had escaped across the wall a generation earlier. “He worked me hard, but I learned everything, from how a kitchen works to logistics, maintenance, housekeeping, reception

and all the many parts that go into making a great hotel where people feel looked after.” From here followed a career path that would lead through Cliveden House in Taplow, Berkshire and the Halkin Hotel near London’s Hyde Park to Salzburg, Mallorca and the Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg. It was there that he was headhunted by Finca Cortesin. Today René is proud to manage a luxurious resort hotel that is establishing its name as one of the finest in the region, having in a relative short time attained the stature of those that are regarded as Marbella classics. Set within an exclusive country club environment a few minutes from the sea near Casares, Finca Cortesin exudes the elegance and refinement of a true country estate in the midst of nature. In fact, it is hard to imagine that these proud buildings in Spanish country home style have not been the family seat of some aristocratic dynasty handed down from generation to generation. Built to the vision of Javier López, the man behind Spanish property developers Single Home, it is the product of a labour of love in which he wanted to create something very special. “Everybody was chasing modern, contemporary or mock-Moorish styles at the time,” says René, “yet Javier wanted to design a resort with the feel of a country estate where people could be close to the sea, golf and all the other amenities of the Costa del Sol, but also find a peaceful refuge surrounded by nature on the edge of where the true Andalucía begins.” It was to be a place where people with busy, demanding lives could come and relax and be pampered with old-fashioned service and care, and so it is. “With the vision of Javier, the architecture of Ignacio Sierra and Roger Torras, the landscaping of Gerald Huggan, an 18-hole championship course designed by Cabell Robinson and the decoration of Duarte Pinto Coelho in the hotel and sisters Ana and Cristina Calderón in the rooms, something truly unique has been created here that I am proud to be a caretaker of,” says René. “We work hard to offer the classic ambience and service of a true grand European hotel and it seems to work, because year-on-year our bookings are growing and many of those who come do so by recommendation.” To a growing number of American visitors, who love to venture into the Andalusian hinterland, and a rising following of British, German, Dutch, Belgian, Swiss, French and Italian visitors, Finca Cortesin’s challenging golf course, pampering spa, fine dining restaurants and leisurely beach club seem to be just the thing they need to unwind. Moreover, the surroundings and service will have them imagining they are guests in a stately aristocratic home on the edge of Marbella. “Being in the midst of all of this is much more fulfilling than making it as an East German actor. I should thank the art academy for sending me home all those years ago.” i www.fincacortesin.com

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Merry Christmas and Happy 2014

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Lovely townhouse, La Heredia, San Pedro West

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THE FOCUS kids

The Marbella Club Hotel’s

New Kid’s Club

arents looking for a one-stop entertainment solution for their energetic little ones will be utterly thrilled to learn about the Marbella Club Hotel´s newly refurbished Kid’s Club. Cutting-edge designers at Minimec, Madrid, have taken the inspirational vision of hotelier and mother of two, Jennica Shamoon, and used it to magically transform the former residence of Principe Alfonso into what is arguably the most idyllic kid’s club ever built. Think Hogwarts meets a white-washed rustic Huckleberry Finn fort and you’d be somewhere close to the feeling you experience when you enter this truly enchanting playground. No expense has been spared on the lavish, rustic fixtures and fittings, where everything from floor-toceiling and in between – including the rope swings, rocking horses and giant wooden race-cars, is made from natural elements. The attention to detail is simply astonishing. Set in the very heart of the Marbella Club Hotel grounds, this completely secure mini fort provides a wonderful, safe haven and fun, stimulating environment where kids can be kids. Open 365 days of the year and intended for children aged four to 14 (younger children may attend if accompanied by an adult) the new Kid’s Club has something to suit the personality and interests of every child. It’s exhaustive activities programme has been specially designed to help develop and nurture special talents, teach essential life skills and offer a truly extraordinary childhood experience. Kids who have a fascination for the natural world will love the Mini Gardeners Programme where they get to don a pair of wellies and play in the mud using real miniature wheelbarrows and kid´s-sized gardening tools to grow their own delicious organic vegetables. Burgeoning little Jamie Olivers and Nigella Lawsons will thoroughly

enjoy rolling up their sleeves and getting creative in the Garage Kitchen. The new Mini Master Chef Programme teaches them how to make fruit smoothies, pizzas, cupcakes etc., using the organic ingredients grown in the Kid’s Club garden. Children with a natural creative flair can let their imaginations run wild in the pottery and art studios, where they have blank canvases, beautiful, miniature wooden easels and an extensive palate of art materials at their disposal to create truly inspirational works of art. Don´t be surprised if you soon run out of wall-space for these masterpieces! Aspiring pop stars will adore the music room, full of fascinating instruments where they can have fun strumming away on a Spanish guitar or singing till their hearts content, while budding ballerinas can perform their very own version of Swan Lake in the incredible dance studio. Those of a calmer disposition can even enjoy winding down at the end of the day with a session of Yoga. Harry Potter enthusiasts are going to be completely mesmerised by the aroma room, where they can work their magic using a fascinating assortment of glass vessels and heavenly scents to create their very own perfumes. Children with a healthy attitude towards sport will love burning off excess energy with the extensive range of action-packed sports and seaside activities on offer, including sea kayaking, beach volleyball and football. For strategic minds there is even a giant wooden outdoor chessboard with life-sized, carved, wooden chess pieces where they can exercise their mental skills. If you want to give your little sports stars a head start in life there is also the option of the Mini Sports Golf and Tennis Programme which has been designed to help take your child´s natural sporting ability to the next

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Marbella Club Kid´s Club festivities:

The kid´s club is a buzzing hive of activity in the winter season. Christmas is a particularly exciting time of year in the Club, in which children can get elbow deep in icing sugar learning how to make Christmas cake and other delicious festive treats – alongside rehearsing under the instruction of professional dance, music and drama teachers to create a special Christmas concert for parents. Proud parents can expect to be very moved when their little ones take to centre stage and give the performance of their lifetimes. Some of our young members are taking the prestigious LAMDA This outstanding programme is taught by top sports instructors and takes (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) exams at the club and will be advantage of the Marbella Club´s access to exceptional facilities, including performing their final examination pieces at the Christmas concert. Expect its 18-hole private golf course, state-of-the-art equestrian centre and the something out of the ordinary for the grand finale. Rumour has it Puente Romano´s world-class Tennis Academy. that it will involve an eclectic mix of musical instruments Not forgetting to mention – treasure hunts, story-telling, drama and genres including hip hop, ballet and a Ukulele! workshops, dressing up, mini discos, outdoor BBQ´s and star-lit On the 15th of December, The Kid´s Club will also open air movie screenings – the possibilities for fun are endless. be hosting a special members-only Christmas Birthday Parties On top of all this there is the opportunity for them to socialise Dinner, which is a children’s version of the This outstanding venue is also available and learn how to interact with children from different cultures adults Gala Dinner – and is guaranteed to be to rent in its entirety for special events, – an increasingly valuable life-skill for little ambassadors to nothing short of extraordinary. such as Kids birthday parties. The Kid´s have in today´s global society. In fact the Marbella Kid´s Club offers a bespoke list of imaginative Club has three different official spoken languages, English, services to help create the ultimate, Spanish and French and additional languages are available dream birthday party for your child. on request. Participation is on a full or half-day basis: the full day programme runs from 10:00 – 16:00, including lunch.

MEMBERSHIP

For more information about the Kid’s Club, please contact Guy Leleu at guyleleu@marbellaclub.com

Special After-school Programme:

For parents with a hectic work life or busy social schedule, the Kid’s Club runs a special After School Programme from 16:30 – 19:30 during the week and 10:00 – 16:00 at the weekend. Parents can drop their kids off safe in the knowledge that there is a fun, action-packed activities programme in place to help them unwind after a long day at school and a professional teacher on hand to offer support with homework. “Our teachers are experienced and well qualified, which parents really appreciate,” says Guy Leleu, Kid´s Club Director. “They are experts in their field so children really benefit from their instruction, but in a fun and enjoyable way.” On certain days of the week, The Kid’s Club extends its hours for the After School programme and hosts movie nights under a ceiling of stars in its open air chill out theatre. This wonderful, wooden structure, filled with giant comfy, colourful bean bags, is the perfect place for exhausted kids to flop out, munch on tasty snacks and watch their favourite movies. When asked what the most popular activities are at the club, Guy Leleu responded, “It is difficult to say as we offer so many activities. The new Junior Master Chef Programme is a smash hit among children and parents alike! Kids learn the skills required to make a series of recipes and which ingredients to use. They are awarded their certificates by our Head Chef at the end of the course. Due to the extreme popularity of the Master Chef Programme, the club has introduced cooking classes with mums as well!

How does it work?

Guy Leleu: “The client shares their ideas and we share ours and we make sure they have an unforgettable birthday party. The last party we had was really incredible. We had jugglers, clowns, a Harry Potter style Owl and Eagle show too. We finished with an open air Disco complete with a live DJ.”

Can parents join in the fun?

“Yes, they can. In fact at the last party we hosted there were 41 adults – they outnumbered the kids! They had a wonderful time socialising and feasting on paella, while the kids had fun. Alternatively you can leave your children with us and just go off and enjoy one of the Marbella Club’s superb restaurants and bars!”

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THE STYLE decor

CASA BAOBAB C

Contemporary Design and Technological Sophistication on Las Brisas Golf Course

asa Baobab is a fully renovated villa nearing completion located in a private, tranquil cul de sac in Nueva Andalucía. Set in one of the finest locations of the Golf Valley, just a few minutes from Puerto Banús, its frontline position overlooks a broad sweep of fairway of arguably the best golf course on the Costa del Sol – Las Brisas – while also enjoying great views to La Concha mountain. This singular

setting, combined with the comforts, style and sophistication of a contemporary home, is what differentiates this villa and sets it apart. When a property enjoys a location in an established area it means the gardens are mature, the trees tall and the surrounding plots all taken and built upon. In other words, an established area is one with no more room for construction, meaning that features such as tranquillity, privacy and views are

safeguarded. Usually you will find older properties in such prime positions simply because the finest spots were built upon first. Yet despite occupying the best locations Marbella has to offer, the villas themselves are often not up to the standards demanded by today’s homebuyer in terms of comfort, style and technical sophistication. The only way to have the best of both worlds – best location and modern

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sophistication – is to thoroughly renovate and restyle an existing home, which is what has been so skilfully and tastefully done with Casa Baobab. New construction is not really an option, not only because of the short supply of comparable plots, but mainly because of the introduction of new planning regulations, which have considerably reduced the size of the houses that can now be built on a given plot. Casa Baobab, for example, has a built area of 622 m2 on a 1,625 m2 plot. If it had to be rebuilt anew on the same plot, the new property would be limited to a built area of 325 m2 under current regulations. More than just another contemporary home, Casa Baobab incorporates colonial elements into a clean, crisp modern style that results in a refined, comfortable home with lots of character in which the aesthetic and the practical – form and function – are beautifully balanced. A property for individualists, it stands out as probably the best updated villa in Las Brisas.

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Hand-picked qualities

CAsa baobab Fact Sheet

Price: around €3m Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 5½ • Integrated Kitchen/Dining Area • Underfloor heating & cooling • energy-efficient HOUSE • Domotics • Open plan lay-out • Home Cinema/Office • Infinity pool (pre-installation for heating) • Comfortable terraces

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From concept to completion, this is a one-off villa made to measure with care and attention. Much detail has gone into the selection of materials, the layout including the open plan living/dining area and kitchen, and the creation of a home in which a wide range of decorative styles can successfully be applied to suit the owner’s furnishings and personal preferences. Providing such a wonderful canvas for decoration, where one can colour the setting for an enviable lifestyle, has taken a great deal of thought, preparation and above all, a labour of love. The materials chosen in the construction of Villa Baobab are therefore not the most obvious, cheapest or most convenient from the constructor’s point of view, but rather selected with the end result – of living in this property – in mind. This applies to the quality stone of the driveway and the garden path, the honed travertine of the terracing and the handpicked grey Porcelanosa floor tiles of the interior, which will appeal to people with modern tastes, yet feature the texturing that gives it character while also providing a clean background for decoration. As the modern gate opens the crisp lines of the property’s wall give way to a clean, uncluttered distribution in which the white of the villa and garage contrasts beautifully with the deep green tones of the garden. This aspect is perhaps even

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Furnishings are computer simulated

prettier when illuminated with ambient lighting in the evenings, making the driveway and entrance even more elegant. Inside, matt grey floor tiles combine with white walls and chrome and glass detailing to produce a sophisticated modern ambience where lighting again plays an important role. With LED lighting throughout and a home automation system that allows for control of the lighting, heating and cooling equipment, the Venetian blinds, security alarm and cameras, as well as the home entertainment system, this is a villa possessed of all the latest luxuries and technical features. The entrance hall leads past a cloakroom to a spacious open-plan living and dining room that enjoys magnificent views and connects with a modern kitchen with bar, breakfast area, separate laundry room and an impressively lit contemporary glass wine cellar that is a design feature in its own right. Its temperature and humidity settings provide the ideal microclimate for the keeping of fine wines, yet donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t interfere

with the kitchen, which features a combination of the latest Siemens and Miele appliances. Also on this level is a spacious bedroom with en suite bathroom and its own study room, which could be turned into a cinema room. Natural light and views of the garden, the golf course and La Concha Mountain flow into all rooms, which connect to the embracing porches that lead straight down to a large pool area and flowing green garden. On this lower level you will also find a covered pool patio with shower and changing rooms, a BBQ and full outdoor kitchen with relaxing and dining areas, as well as a beautiful infinity pool. Following the pool terraces towards the lawns is a lower porch that provides terracing for each of the four bedroom suites contained on this level, including an incredibly spacious master bedroom, offering in the process a great many private spots in which to relax and enjoy the sun. From its garden, the property offers direct access to the Las Brisas golf course and the wonderful pathways that flank it. The list of state-of-the-art amenities is long,

among it the latest Duravit sanitary ware with Sensowash seats â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a pioneering innovation in the world of shower toilet seats that merges toilet and bidet functions in one single unit, elegant doors with concealed hinges and magnetic locks that allow for noiseless closing and a computer-controlled under floor heating/cooling system that works seamlessly with the air heating/cooling equipment. This is in addition to the home automation system that can be expanded to suit the needs and desires of the owner. High tech is of course not incompatible with artistic sensibility, a sensibility that is evident from the choice of materials and decorative elements, such as the special mosaics commissioned for the villa from renowned artist Mark Kennedy, the special marbles imported from around the world and the unique samurai armour acquired at auction. This is Casa Baobab: Clean modern design merged with technological sophistication and refinement in an unequalled location with fantastic views, silence and absolute privacy. e

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THE STYLE decor

“

Most of the projects undertaken by Patricia Darch and her team of interior designers and outfitters are direct, one-on-one, with the client. However, when Patricia was approached by one of Norway’s leading interior design firms, Christians & Hennie, to work with them on the design and decoration of a luxurious apartment on Marbella’s Golden Mile, it was a challenge she couldn’t refuse.

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We enjoyed working with another design company,” says Bianca Medina, the designer who oversaw the project together with Patricia. “The fact that this was a top firm based in Norway and we would be involved not only in the decoration but also in the renovation of the property made it all the more of a challenge, but that is something we relish rather than step away from.” Patricia’s many years in the business stood her in good stead, and indeed, it was the solid reputation of the Patricia Darch brand that had led to the approach from Norway. For both parties it was a project with novel elements, and the learning curve was steep. “That’s one of the things that made this such an exciting commission to work on,” says Bianca, who can look back on another landmark in the company’s already impressive portfolio.

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From luxury to state-of-the-art The brief was to take two luxurious apartments in a top location and transform them into a single dwelling that represents contemporary living at its finest. In other words, to go from mere luxury to state-of-the-art. “The starting point was the structural work, which involved the fusing of two properties into one large, luxurious home in which comfort and elegance were of equal importance.” Though better known as interior designers, Patricia Darch and her teams of designers, craftsmen and technicians are not new to the restoration and remodelling of villas, apartments and commercial premises. Having overseen this transformation successfully, and created the large open spaces conducive to clean, uncluttered modern styles and a luxurious way of life, they began the process of decoration. “Italian design and brands usually feature very strongly in our work, but in this project we also sourced furnishings and materials from the UK and US, among others,” says Bianca. For the impressive living room, very much the centre of this home, a large, comfortable and stylish sofa by Meridiani was chosen in combination with fine quality carpets and crystal side lamps with antique brass from Porta Romana. The solid lacquered wood coffee table and prominent wall unit were custom made to order, with the latter providing a home for a large flat screen television.

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The soft furnishings are mostly British, while the room also includes a library area with a bespoke daybed in Ralph Lauren linen fabric and a handcrafted library unit containing books and magazines. This space, in turn, communicates with the dining area, which features a sleek set by Maxalto and a hanging lantern in rust and ivory linen. Linking these living quarters to the impressive modern kitchen is a bar with stools from Bolier & Company and lights designed by Stéphane Davidts. “In such a space you have a rich palette to work with, says Bianca, “but the skill lies in creating a home that is at once impressive, practical, homely and stylish – while remaining clean, contemporary and uncluttered.” And so the kitchen is sleek and modern, with warm ambient lighting that also creates a welcoming environment. Another highlight is the TV room, which features refined styling in combination with practical comfort. Using once again a made-to-fit custom-designed wall unit in which the television and audio equipment find an attractive setting, the room has a cosseting and cosy feel, with a fabric sofa from Meridiani, soft draping curtains, opulent cushions and a coffee table by Mis en Demeure. The colours are warm and the textures and patterns effective in creating a room that provides a comfortable but also stylistically interesting setting.

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Modern Marbella living at its best In all, the effect is a luxurious property that represents modern Marbella at its best, with all the charms of old combined with the latest comforts and amenities. A central location puts everything at the owners’ fingertips, yet at home they enjoy peace, comfort and tasteful surroundings. “Naturally, the main bedroom suite featured prominently in this, as it forms an important feature in every self-respecting property of this standard,” says Bianca. And so even the large bed was custom made by master craftsmen, then dressed in the finest fabrics and cosseting materials. “Again, the storage solutions and television are integrated into a wall unit that fulfils both a functional and an aesthetic role, thus contributing to the design and look of the room.” Bay windows and an upholstered back wall offer texture and a soft tactile finish to the guest bedroom too, setting the tone for a series of bedrooms that all create intimate personalised spaces that connect with the views and sunlight coming in from outside. “The sunniest room of all is of course the spacious terrace, where people spend a large portion of the time in summer. As a result, this is one of the most important spaces in the house, and while it needs to be clean and uncluttered it also has to provide a refined and comfortable environment for lounging, entertaining, dining and relaxing.”

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To this end, the terrace is a study in crisp white tones accentuated by the earthier tones of hardwood furniture by Gervasoni and Roda. In a home such as this, even the accompanying fabrics have to contribute to the overall sense of style and wellbeing, not to mention the luxuriant round day bed from the Dedon collection. “It is clear and unfussy yet stylish and understated,” says Bianca, “with lighting that adds a touch of Art Deco elegance but really serves to highlight the natural beauty and views that form the real focal point of this space.” In working to the brief of transforming two luxurious properties into one contemporary state-of-the-art home, Patricia Darch and her team, in collaboration with Christians & Hennie, have created a setting that presents the modern Marbella lifestyle at its very best. g Patricia Darch

Blue Marina Sotogrande www.patriciadarchinteriors.com

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THE STYLE decor DIAGONAL library

CALABRE lamps and vases

LIBRARY BIX

BOBINE lamps

AC A S

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FLAMMES ottoman JEAN COCTEAU

COLORS sideboard

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As the Christmas season ends and the New Year approaches, many of us begin to ponder on how to make our homes more creative, comfortable and stylish and Roche Bobois is here to lend us a helping hand.

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THE STYLE fashion

Metallic

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Splash of

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Come December, we begin to dream up the most colourful, sophisticated evening ware for the parties of the season, and our most vivid imaginings become reality thanks to Diorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Autumn/Winter 20132014 collection.

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18 k yellow gold earrings with diamonds and emeralds by Slizar online auctions

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Dress by Jenny Packham at Debenhams

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Marisa Cutillas brings you a Christmas stocking full of glittering items to make the statement of the season at the next Christmas party.

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CONTACTS: Accessorize www.accessorize.es Boticca.com www.boticca.com Debenhams www.debenhams.com Dior www.dior.com FURLA www.furla.com Glitzy Secrets www.glitzysecrets.com Monsoon www.eu.monsoon.co.uk Marks & Spencer www.marksandspencer.com Missguided www.missguided.eu Slizar.com www.slizar.com Steve Madden www.stevemadden.com THE Vestry www.vestryonline.com

THE STYLE fashion

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Tis the Season

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Metallic bag by Furla

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Santos steel and gold watch by Cartier. Available at Slizar online auctions

18 k white gold ruby ring with diamonds by Slizar online auctions

Ring by Dior

‘Closed Eye’ rings by Dior

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ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM DECEMBER 2013 / 91

spa

PRODUCTS / BEAUTY / SPA / SCIENCE

Discover the Christmas temptations you should definitely give into, read up on the latest Beauty News and steer clear of typical health risks this festive season.

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TREATMENTS / HEALTH

Healthy Christmas Treats

Beauty News

100 Christmas Safety

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spa

BEAUTY

CHRISTMAS

indulgences

you should definitely give in to

Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, involved the study of some 446 compounds with a potential for boosting our innate immune system. The findings were that two compounds in particular are able to significantly raise the expression of the CAMP gene, which plays an important role in immune function. These two compounds were pterostilbene (which occurs naturally in blueberries) and resveratrol (found in red wine and grapeskin). Previous findings also give us good cause to indulge: resveratrol has been found to reduce the chances of contracting prostate cancer and it also reduces the size of fat cells. Scientists are therefore working on new ways to use resveratrol to combat one of society’s biggest epidemics: obesity. SALMON Whether roasted, grilled or steamed salmon tickles your fancy, make sure this oily fish finds its way onto your Christmas table (Harvard Medical School recently published findings indicating that smoking does not destroy potent Omega-3 fats in salmon, so smoked salmon is fine as well). Salmon, particularly when it is wild Alaskan, is one of Nature’s most potent foods, in that it is rich in Omega-3 essential fats. The latter are fats which the body needs to perform its functions but cannot manufacture itself; therefore, we need to obtain these fats from the foods we eat, if we wish to keep heart disease and inflammation at bay. RED CABBAGE If you’ve lived in Spain for any length of time, then you’ve probably enjoyed the sweet/acidic flavour of revered Christmas dish, lombarda, which is made from red cabbage. This food is super rich in antioxidants and it boasts incredible cholesterol-lowering properties. It can also stave off colon, prostate and bladder cancer. Make sure you steam rather than microwave this vegetable, however; recent research reveals that microwaving destroys important enzymes that have cancer-fighting properties. GARLIC Mince it, chop it, slice it, whatever you do, serve plenty of it this Christmas. Garlic is lovely in a starter dish like hummus and is likewise perfect slathered all over an oven-roast meat dish. Touted by many as ‘the world’s healthiest food’, it carries out an array of important functions in your body, including improving your iron metabolism, protecting your heart and regulating the number of fat cells your body produces. These and a wealth of other foods prove that it is indeed possible to stay lean, mean and above all, very jolly this Christmas. Party like it was 1999 for many years to come! e

UPDATE

Health buffs will note that as the festive season approaches, magazines and television programmes alike are awash with dire warnings of spiking cholesterol levels, Type II diabetes and stomach upsets ensuing from the usual lavish family Christmas meal. Whatever happened to ’Tis the Season to be Jolly? This month, we highlight five popular Christmas foods you should definitely pile sky-high on your plate or at least enjoy in moderate portions. Not only will they bestow you with a far more pleasant disposition, they will also make you healthier and even give you a certain kind of glow.

CHOCOLATE, LET IT FLOW When it comes to a treat that everyone enjoys, it’s got to be chocolate. Hailed by the Aztecs in the 16th century for its strengthening properties and shown to bestow benefits to the heart and metabolism, chocolate has also been recently proven (in a study published in the Journal of Physiology, 2011) to improve endurance, reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. This study was carried out on lab mice, whose treadmill performance was found to improve by a staggering 50% when previously fed with chocolate. This has led scientists to conclude that especially athletes should consider chomping on half a square of chocolate a day to enhance their performance. There is only one proviso to all

this goodness, however: the chocolate should be dark (above 70 per cent), and if possible, raw. Raw chocolate has not been over-processed or heated to high temperatures, so it packs a maximum quotient of powerful antioxidants, which promote a healthy heart and a cancer-free system. RED WINE, GO TO MY HEAD Most health buffs already knew that resveratrol has been linked to improved cardiovascular health but two findings within the last couple of months provide even more reason to spill the wine. One study, carried out by the University of Missouri School of Medicine (October, 2013), found that resveratrol makes cancer cells more susceptible to radiation therapy. Another study (September, 2013), published in

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HEALTH

Z BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE: Nothing quite spells Christmas like the fragrance of a freshly cut pine tree filling our home with cheer, yet according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in the US, burning Christmas trees are responsible for the largest percentage of deaths during the jolly season. The threat doesn’t just apply to natural, but also to artificial trees, largely because the problem is in most part caused by the lighting. Fires can ensue from overheated control boxes, faulty wiring or even nearby lamps. Interestingly, trees are less likely to cause a fire than other household items, including newspapers, boxes and curtains. If you are fond of Christmas lighting decorations, be sure to keep the latter away from any flammable items like cleaning supplies, furniture fabric, linen, etc. Z POISONOUS HOLIDAY PLANTS: If you have small children or pets, pass on the Mistletoe, pine cones and berries this Christmas, since they can be toxic when ingested, causing symptoms such as blurred vision, gastroenteritis, weakness and drowsiness.

dessert, instead of calorific treats like puddings. If you’re into Spanish Christmas sweets, opt for mazapán instead of turrón: the former has an average of 70 calories less per serving!

Christmas:

STRESS: Revellers sometimes find it hard to imagine how for others, Christmas can be a very stressful time of the year. Often hailed as one of the most emotionally charged times of the year, the season can be far less than festive when a loved one has recently passed away or when we are forced to face tense family situations. It is important to bear in mind that our health comes before anything else; this means limiting situations we know are likely to cause undue strain. In tough times, it is always vital to take things with a grain of salt and remember that countless people are undergoing the same situation as we are. In Spain, there is the humorous saying: “How was your Christmas? Good? Or did you spend it with family?”

REVOKING THAT LICENCE TO KILL

Z TOY HORRORS: Too many visits to the emergency department are caused by parents and children trying to open hard plastic toy wrappings with a knife or other sharp objects. Toddlers, Z EXPANDING WAISTLINES: too, are at risk, since they According to the Huffington tend to pop small plastic Post in the UK, the average Most of us associate the festive season with warm vibes, items in their mouths, which person gains a whopping half home-made cooking and cosying up with our loved can pose a choking risk. It is a stone (3Kg) over Christmas! ones by the fireplace, but did you know that Christmas vital to respect minimum age By all means, don’t deprive is also one of the most dangerous times of the year? stipulations on toys and to avoid yourself of traditional treats This month, Marisa Cutillas highlights some not-so-jolly buying no-brand items which such as roast turkey, mince health hazards to avoid over the holidays, so we can look are likely to be less stable and pies and chocolates, but do ahead to the New Year in great health. possibly toxic. Fill your kids’ make sure to exercise portion stockings with few but high control and to splurge once or quality gifts rather than a host twice during the season – not of possibly dangerous items. every day of the holidays. conditions ensuing from one too many frenzied To keep illness and undue suffering away feasts filled with rich foods that may clog arteries from your home this Christmas, a good idea is Z HEART HEALTH RISKS: Indulging in food and with unwanted fats. Keeping your meal low-fat to stock up on items you are likely to need in an yet delicious is much easier than you may have drink and family and friend gatherings won’t emergency. These include analgesics (to alleviate thought: just peel the skin off the turkey before just undo all the good work we’ve been doing the pain of a hangover), anti-acids, rehydration popping it into the oven, serve it with lots of at the gym all year: it may also have serious drinks (for tummy upsets) and flu meds (for colds healthy, organic vegetable sides and offer your consequences for your heart. Hypertension and flus). e guests beautifully sliced, colourful fruit platters for and elevated cholesterol levels are just two

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thepro NEWS /ENTERPRISE / LOCAL BUSINESS /

PROFILES / FINANCE / LAW

Hotel Villa Padierna Palace Wins Prestigious Award Five-star clientele are well acquainted with the exquisite beauty of the Hotel Villa Padierna Palace in Estepona but now, the haven of neo-classical art and architecture has a whole new reason to celebrate: it was recently deemed one of Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top Six Hotels at the International Hotel Awards, celebrated recently in London at the World Travel Market. Sales Director, Nuria Pizarro, proudly accepted the award on behalf of the owners and staff of the Villa Padierna Palace. g www.villapadierna.es

Cosmo Beach Marbella apartments launch by Real Capital Solutions Spain Staff at Real Capital Solutions Spain (RCS) were celebrating after the successful launch of the Cosmo Beach Marbella development last month. More than 300 guests attended the event, at which local estate agents were given tours of 53 highly exclusive apartments. During the launch, RCS announced their plans to invest a significant amount of capital into the Costa del Sol property market over the next decade. Located in El Pirata, the rebranded Cosmo Beach Marbella resort is situated on a beautiful stretch of golden beachfront. Thanks to its boutique semi-circular design, the residential development offers breathtaking panoramic views across the Strait of Gibraltar to the Moroccan coastline. g www.realcapitalsolutions.com

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CALLING ALL CHRISTMAS SHOPPERS: NEW BRANDS AT ESSARDAS GROUP Essardas Group in Gibraltar, the jewellery and watch house which boasts over 90 years of experience in the business, is pleased to announce that it is now stocking stunning jewellery by Marco Bicego, Frederique Constant, Canadian Ice Diamonds, as well as watches by Ferrari, Bering and Lacoste. If Rolex watches set your heart on fire, you’ll be pleased to know that the company sells reconditioned Rolex watches in perfect condition and with guarantees. Discerning buyers will be able to select from an array of styles and materials, taking home the watch that best matches their personality.

g www.essardasgroup.com

©Diane Sutton

IT HAPPENED IN AMSTERDAM Popular Scottish Composers, Dario Poli and David Mairs, have just completed an exciting new musical to promote the city of Amsterdam and links Marbella. Music has no boundaries and can touch our deepest emotions, enabling audiences from all over the world to learn more about Amsterdam’s rich history. This musical paints a wonderful picture; a tale of intrigue, a missing masterpiece, (recreated by Ose del Sol) twists of fate, love and romance together with feel-good music. Following their successes with Marbella Marbella and Corazon, the duo are delighted by the positive professional responses they are receiving. g For further information,

Tel: 669 448 612.

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Electro Fitness at NCT NCT gym recently opened NCT FIT, a new Pilates and Electro Fitness studio. Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), is the elicitation of muscle contraction using electric impulses. EMS has received increasing attention in the last few years, since it has the potential to further the objectives of strength training, calorie burning and endurance training. EMS has been proven to be effective in alleviating back pain and in injury recovery. NCT FIT will also be offering Machine Pilates. g Tel: 620 026 351. www.nctmarbella.com

Specsavers Opticas launch Replay & Lagerfeld Collection Cutting-edge Italian smart casual label Replay and fashion-forward designer Karl Lagerfeld have arrived on the Costa del Sol and are available at Specsavers Opticas stores. The Replay range features 24 trendy styles from the experts in denim and smart casual wear. Contemporary, yet with subtle retro detailing, the frames firmly encapsulate the Replay design philosophy. The Karl Lagerfeld eyewear collection, meanwhile, is a fashion-forward collection filled with urban glamour. g www.specsavers.es

Nordic Dental Clinic Opens in Marbella The enthusiastic team at Nordic Dental Centre recently held a well-attended launch party at their new San Pedro clinic, where patients can look forward to dental care of the highest Scandinavian quality. Swedish standards are applied to all therapies, materials, equipment and hygiene. The clinic offers an array of services, including implantology, veneers, laser whitening and much more. They also collaborate with Danish and Spanish specialists in the areas of child dental care and braces. g www.nordicdentalcentre.com

Tarifa Beach Resort: While Your Cares Away If your mind and body are craving a relaxing holiday by the sea, why not opt for luxury rental accommodation at Tarifa Beach Resort? The latter comprises six luxury townhouses and one spacious penthouse, all of which are equipped with stylish, confortable furniture, fully-fitted kitchens and themed decoration. The Resort is refreshingly close to the beach, shops and other amenities, so you can make the most of your stay in the uniquely free and fun coastal town of Tarifa. g Tel: 693 703 378. www.tarifadirect.com

Blevins Franks Sponsorship during La Cala Members Week Blevins Franks recently sponsored an actionpacked Stableford competition, which took place over two days at La Cala Golf Membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Week. The event attracted some 80 players and the first-prize winners were Alan Jewett, Jack Perry and Anki Haggland. John McCann, Senior Partner of Blevins Franks, presented the trophies and prizes, alongside Ron Chesterton (Captain) and Cecelia Massey (Lady Captain).

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British International Education 3-18 years British curriculum, international community: all our students become at least bilingual Warm, caring environment means children feel at home on arrival Student code of conduct promotes respect, tolerance and international understanding IB and A-level programmes offer entry to prestigious universities worldwide Outstanding facilities cover a 30,000 m2 campus, equipped with the latest technology

ALOHA COLLEGE Urb. El Angel, Nueva Andalucia, Marbella. Tel: (+34) 95 281 4133

Aloha College is a not-for-profit Educational Foundation

Red Cross Honours Maurice Boland

Bark and Beach Dog Day with Triple A Triple A is one of Marbella’s best loved charities, but like many other dog and cat shelters on the Coast, they are in need of further funding, since they have a staggering 600 animals under their care. Recently, pet lovers brought their dogs along for a fun Bark and Beach fundraising Dog Day, enjoying a half hour walk, celebratory drink, raffle and lots of fun activities, with all monies received going to the needy animals. g www.aaahelps.com

Francisco Cuevas Moreno, Bárbara Macías Ortega, Antonio Lopez Rui-Díaz, Maurice Boland and Antonio Paz García were recently honoured by the Red Cross (Cruz Roja) Málaga with the Bronze Medal for their continued support of this charity and those in need. The ceremony was held at the Palacio de Congresos in Marbella in the presence of Red Cross President, Antonio Morales, Town Councillor, Manola Cardenia, and Marbella's Chief of Police, Rafael Mora, with members of both national and local press covering the event. This was quite a historic moment, as Maurice Boland is the first expat to have ever been awarded with the Red Cross Bronze medal, a merited recognition of over 20 years of collaboration with the Red Cross and other charities on the Costa del Sol. g www.cruzroja.es

Marbella Montessori School Sponsor a Tile Appeal

Liberty Seguros Offers €50 Cashback!

Due to increasing demand for quality Montessori education on the coast, Marbella Montessori is moving to larger premises (previously owned by Hollywood actor, Mel Ferrer), for children up to the age of 11 years. The school has launched a fundraising appeal whereby private individuals and local businesses are invited to become founders of the new school by buying part of a tree specially designed by G.Vega Ceramics. Each tile will be inscribed with their name and will be permanently displayed on the wall of the new reception.

Liberty Seguros, the top insurer for Expats living in Spain, is feeling generous and is giving back €50 straight into your bank account when you take out a new fully comprehensive car or home insurance before 31st December. The Liberty Seguros Car Insurance is extensive and offers coverage to driver and passengers in case of an accident, as well as roadside assistance from kilometre zero. The value of the vehicle is considered ‘as new’ for total loss, fire or theft claims during the first two years and good drivers can earn a no-claims discount of up to 65 per cent. The Liberty Seguros Home Insurance gives you total piece of mind knowing you receive the adequate indemnity payment in the event of a claim. Goods will be insured on a ‘Value as new basis’; there is a 24-hour assistance service and there are three easy sign-up options. g www.libertyexpatriates.es

g For further information, www.marbellamontessori.org

Culinary Christmas Market at the Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona For the third consecutive year, the Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona will be holding a Culinary Christmas Market in the Hotel lobby on December 7 and 8. There will be a range of traditional items on offer, including German sausages and mulled wine, homemade Christmas sweets and charity stands for a good cause. The Christmas Carols Singers of Estepona and a children's choir will be bringing a festive atmosphere to the event. Proceeds will go to non-profit organisations Nuevo Futuro, ADANA, Comedor Social de Estepona, Mujeres Solidarias and the Lions Club of Estepona.

g www.kempinski.com

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Sotogrande International School Launches Express Bus Service Sotogrande International School (SIS), an International Baccalaureate school offering high quality, personalised learning in English for children from 3-18 years old, has recently launched an express bus service from a central pick up point in Marbella, which will ensure students make it to school in less than 35 minutes. For those further afield, there is a new boarding house in a former four-star hotel, where children can board during the week, enjoy sports, activities and time with their friends and spend the weekends at home. g www.sis.ac

Visitor Evening and Wine Tasting with the Marbella Business Group The Marbella Business Group is a network comprising some of Marbella’s top businesses and recently, members enjoyed a wine tasting event presented by D-wines, as well as a visit from 25 new visitors, which made for a fabulous evening of networking with the Group’s 22 existing members. The Group continues to grow, with members hailing from a myriad of sectors including Events Organisation, Website Management and Real Estate.

g www.marbellabusinessgroup.com/www.d-wines.com

Reality Star Marbella 2013 Show in Puerto Banús RS Productions and Recording Studio, Avalon London, have been searching for the best musical talent from the Costa del Sol and beyond as part of the second edition of talent contest Reality Star. Founder and Organiser, Natalie Stuart-Fox and Producers Roger and Adam Cook, held many auditions and viewed hundreds of video submissions before selecting their favourite 20 contestants to perform live at the semi-finals on 14th December at the Puerto Banús Grand Cinema. The best contestants will be competing at the finals in January. Tickets for the show are on sale for €20. g www.reality-star.com

Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Seeks Help with Postage Stamp Appeal The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is currently aiming to raise £20,000 for blind and partially sighted people through its postage stamp appeal. RNIB is urging you to save and send them your used stamps, to raise funds for the provision of information, support and advice to people with sight problems. RNIB receives around £4.50 per kilogram for British stamps and £12.50 for foreign ones. g www.rnib.org.uk

The Marbella Project: Exciting Crime Fiction Book Set in Marbella If action-packed, adrenalin charged fiction is your idea of a good read, then you’ll love The Marbella Project, a crime novel set in Marbella. Written by Lawyer, Nigel James, it tells the story of an ex-SAS soldier whose son is murdered while partying in Puerto Banús. Determined to find his son’s assasins, the protagonist enlists the aid of a former colleague and soon, the dynamic duo are taking on the biggest mafia ring on the costa head-on. g Available in Kindle form on www.amazon.co.uk and in paperpack version on www.Lulu.com

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Blue Cat: Airport Parking with a Touch of Excellence A little over three years ago, the team at Blue Cat had a vision of a quality, multi-lingual airport parking service that would utilise many years of experience within the airport service sector. They had the people with the desire and drive to make it happen. In short: ‘Driven by perfection – Built on relationships’. This May, Blue Cat achieved its primary goal by acquiring and opening an Indoor Málaga Airport Superstore, with over 300 spaces and 68 in-house battery charging points to plug into, so there are no battery issues on return. Consider this: a taxi can collect you and take you to Málaga Airport for possibly €70 Euros each way. Why not drive in the safety and security of your own car and save up to 60 per cent on your travel expenses? When you drive directly to Blue Cat’s superstore, their Mercedes shuttle fitted with automatic walk-in entrance doors will deliver you to the terminal of your choice. Blue Cat also provides annual contracts, which are ideal when you have a second home on the coast or are a frequent traveller. Calculate the cost for your vehicle then decide where it deserves to be. g 952 475 179. www.bluecatparking.com

25 Years of Success for International Club of Estepona The International Club of Estepona (I.C.E.) held its 25th Birthday Party celebration at the TikiTano restaurant in Estepona recently. Approximately 116 members and their friends enjoyed good food and dancing to the music of well-known entertainer Mel Williams, followed by a fireworks display. A fun raffle, sponsored by Terry Wayne of Blevins Franks Financial Management Ltd., was also held.

g www.facebook.com/InternationalClubofEstepona

Screen opportunity as Stagecoach students film TV advertisement Budding young actors and actresses from Stagecoach Fuengirola have filmed a television advertisement for First Choice Holidays. Stagecoach students from Fuengirola shot pieces for the advert at the Holiday Village in Benalmádena. Stagecoach Principal, Warren Webley, said: “The Holiday Village provided the backdrop and was blessed with perfect weather as the children were filmed dancing and running around areas normally reserved for holiday makers. They answered questions about the new show and the director showed them some of the shots they had filmed. An added bonus was getting the day off school for filming.” Oliver Watson, Emily Watson, Lucia Kitchen, Thomas West, Amber Alvarez Anderson, Max Bailey, Gemma Martlew, Renny Monaghan-Brown and Izzy Monaghan Brown from Fuengirola Stagecoach took part in the filming. g See the video online at http://vimeo.com/72197276

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Sky Shooters: New Aerial Photography and Video Productions Company in Marbella Skyshooters is a new, innovative audio-visual production company specialising in aerial videos. In addition to using traditional techniques to record videos, the company uses a drone (an unmanned aerial vehicle), fitted with the very latest audio-visual technology. The latter permits Skyshooters to capture different products, homes and events in a unique, surprising manner – from above. The possibilities are endless and clients can enjoy plentiful benefits at a more than reasonable price. Skyshooters specialises in the real estate, golf course, hotel, events, wedding and sports sectors, among others. g For further information, Tel: 666 664 395. www.skyshooters.es

Succeed with Málaga Business Minds

Annual Rotary Charity Walk Raises €5.500 The Marbella-Guadalmina Rotary Club held its third annual Charity Walk in October, raising over €5.500 for local projects and other deserving charities. The main sponsor, Banca March, presented a cheque for €1.500 to the Club, while law firm, Vogt Advokatfirma, contributed €1.200. Other contributing sponsors included ALC Global Health Ins, Art & Culture Marbella, Caliendi, Robusto and Survey Spain. A post-walk foot massage service was provided by Marjan Massage, with the proceeds donated to the charity fund. Participants earned a special ‘Walking for Charity’ T shirt and enjoyed warm, sunny conditions as they explored the hills and dramatic countryside encircling Benahavis.

Málaga Business Minds is a business networking group that was recently launched in Málaga to support local businesses by providing seminars and networking opportunities. Local and international business owners come together from East and West of Málaga to meet and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. During the monthly events, presentations are given by international motivational speakers with the chance to interact, or business workshops are arranged, providing opportunities to learn about various business tools and resources. g www.facebook.com/groups/

malagabusinessminds

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New Licence Owner for Engel & Völkers Puerto Banús

Dental Mavericks Save the Day

Studio Ideas Wins Prestigious Marketing Prize Marbella agency, Studio Ideas, founded by Charo Moreno, recently received a highly coveted prize from the Club de Marketing de Málaga. The award was for Best Social Corporate Responsibility, garnered for their project, Ideas en Femenino (www.ideasenfemenino.es). The latter involves the organisation of meetings of women from ASAMMA (the Association of Women Operated for Breast Cancer in Málaga), with a view to sharing stories of survival and support. The meetings take place every two months at the Hotel Vincci Posada del Patio. g For further

A group of dentists has just returned from its fourth annual trip to El Jebha in Morocco, where the team has spent one week treating 500 children. The Dental Mavericks was founded by Tony and Cally Gedge from Alhaurin el Grande who wanted the children to have free, painless dentistry. Many have a highsugar diet, no dentists and no toothbrushes and the consequences are a high level of tooth decay and daily pain. Cally Gedge said: “The main challenge was the absolute fear the children had as they had not seen a dentist before and were screaming, not because of pain, but sheer fear of the instruments.”

g www.dentalmavericks.org

Former Cartier Manager, Mylene Giglio, has just purchased the licence of Engel & Völkers Puerto Banús, opening a new shop in popular residential area, Nueva Andalucía. The Engel & Völkers Puerto Banús licence has been operating for 10 years and was sold to Mylene for personal reasons. Within the Engel & Völkers group (which comprises some 577 shops in prime locations worldwide), the Puerto Banús licence is considered to be one of the most prestigious. It includes areas such as La Zagaleta, Puerto Banús and Nueva Andalucía. Mylene intends to join the extensive national and international marketing activities of the other Engel & Völkers shops in Marbella (managed by Smadar Kahana) and will endeavour to make the Puerto Banús operation a huge success.

g www.engelvoelkers.com

Spook-tacular costumes at BSM Students at BSM swapped their smart uniforms for creepy costumes to celebrate the scariest holiday of the year: Halloween. During the day, ghastly creatures lurked along the corridors and classrooms and children participated in a range of fantastic activities. Later on, a spooky disco saw youngsters taking part in Michael Jackson’s Thriller dance, where prizes were won for the best dancers. Teachers and staff also dressed up for the event that finished with a sumptuous Halloween feast. g www.bsm.org.es

information, contact Charo Moreno on cm@studioideas.es

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THE PRO business Words Michel Cruz Photography © khphotography.co.uk

Luxury Villa Sales

Luxury Villa Sales is a highly bespoke marketing service aimed at presenting, profiling and promoting luxurious properties in a personalised manner that is ideally suited to the top end of the market. It builds upon the online marketing and IT skills of Paul Bell and the longstanding property knowledge of James Johnston who has been involved in luxury real estate for over 25 years.

aving sold his real estate chain in England back in the late 1990s, James came to Marbella to ‘take it easy’, but soon found himself drawn back in by his old passion, property. “I spotted interesting projects and opportunities, so I began constructing villas in good locations,” says the entrepreneur with the easy manner but sharp eye. “I had a lot of success doing this, but as the years passed it became more and more evident that the Internet was transforming the market.” Recognising this, he began working with online marketing specialist Paul Bell to create individual profiles and online marketing strategies for the villas he was building. “This involved an investment in first-class photography, including aerial photography and videos, 3D floor plans, high quality computergenerated imagery and comprehensive descriptions, but the success of this personalised approach made it clear that it’s perfectly suited to the marketing and presentation of luxury homes.”

The birth of a new service Having found the perfect way to showcase top-end properties with fantastic imagery and information on bespoke single property websites that are backed by strong marketing support, Paul and James decided that they could also provide this service to others wishing to sell top-end villas. “A luxurious and by definition rather unique property should be marketed in a very personal way,” says James,

“and this includes everything from the styling of the website and marketing material to the one-on-one interaction with the homeowner.” As a result, they limit the number of properties they take on, as each one represents a significant investment in time – and money. “You see,” says James, “we charge innovative fee structures from one per cent onwards when the property is sold, and work on a no-sale, no-fee basis. Not only that, but we foot the bill for the whole marketing process, from website and photography to online promotion.” This structure reflects their confidence in the system, and by limiting the numbers, each homeowner knows he or she will not only receive attention and commitment, but that Paul and James will take all headaches away as they can deal with the multiple listings agents and keep things clear, simple and transparent for the vendors. “We work with the best photographers and aerial video producers because you cannot use inferior quality when presenting luxury products,” says Paul, “but by the same token we are selective when it comes to the homes we promote. Naturally, they tend to be luxury villas in the €3 million-plus category, but they should also have outstanding features in their location, aspect, design and facilities. We are dealing with an international market, and it takes something special to really attract their attention. Fortunately there are many such properties in Marbella.”

Presenting to a global audience At the top end of the market the audience of potential buyers is increasingly global in nature, both in terms of their origins and the regions they purchase in. One thing that all property segments appear to have in common, though, is the overwhelming tendency to use the Internet to search for homes and gather information about specific markets and their price levels. “Organisations such as The National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the US issue regular reports that indicate around 90 per cent of buyers are finding their homes or starting the process through Internet searches,” says Paul. To present individual villas in an appropriately highbrow manner is therefore a valuable tool in attracting potential buyers from both traditional and new markets. “Before we even get to this level we discuss the process with the homeowner and get a feel for where they’re coming from,” says James. “Firstly, the price has to be a realistic one. We are going to commit a lot of resources to the property’s promotion with a view to bringing together buyer and vendor within a period of months, not years, so price and presentation are vital aspects in addition to the general characteristics of the property.” He will also advise clients on how best to present the property for photo sessions and viewings. “Naturally a home has to be shown in a clean and organised state, but in addition we give clients tips on how to de-personalise certain elements that may put others off and how to efficiently deal with certain areas that may stand out for the wrong reasons.” James will also propose modernisation or expansion of a property if he thinks it will become more marketable as a result. “Some truly great villas in top locations are taking far too long to sell and are losing value because they fall foul of current tastes. In such cases, if the owner is in agreement, we may propose modernising it and adding certain wow-factor features that are more in line with the expectations of today’s buyers. We do it primarily to help sell a home, but in many cases it also reverses the slide in value and pushes it back up a notch or two.” His experience in the field means he has an established team of architects, builders and craftsmen, and will take charge of the project in question. “As you can see, ours is a highly personalised and flexible service,” says James, “and so it should be when dealing with unique, individual properties of this kind. Even the more basic standard service we offer, which involves purely the marketing of the villa, is done in a bespoke manner that highlights the character and USPs of that home and presents them to a select but global target audience.” i Luxury Villa Sales

Tel: 677 794 060. james@marbellaluxuryvillasales.com

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business THE PRO

Real Estate Investment Without the usual tax mistakes There is finally no doubt that the property market is changing for the better. Many have realised that now is a good time to dip into the market and pick up bargains to sell on in a few years’ time. One issue recurs time and again: How can the tax bill be kept reasonable? It is not illegal to choose between ways to structure investments in Spain, keeping tax as low as possible. There are options available, each with advantages and pitfalls. In this article I examine some of the simpler choices and explain some unexpected benefits and disadvantages of buying property in Spain. WORDS Alistair Spence Clarke FCA

he objective of an investor is to make a profitable return on the investment. Profit might be a capital gain or rental income, or a combination of the two. For most investors, the resulting tax will be a major factor in going ahead with a deal. Complications arise not only because the Spanish system taxes income and capital gains differently but when we add other variables, such as an investor being tax resident in Spain, or not, and that a Spanish or foreign company might be used as the investment vehicle, then the subject can become truly confusing. Confusion causes inevitable mistakes. Anyone who says ‘always use a Spanish company’ or ‘always use a foreign company’ or ‘always buy personally’, without understanding the nature of the investment or the objectives, tax and commercial situation of the investor, is likely to be leading the investor down the path to an expensive mistake – or at the very least a missed tax saving opportunity.

Keeping things as simple as possible – these are the issues: ZZ Non-resident persons or companies are taxed almost identically in Spain. Rental income and capital gains are subject to tax at 24.75% and 21% respectively BUT with very restricted deductions. ZZ Spanish companies pay corporation tax at typically 30% of their profits but tax deductions are much more generous. All business related and properly documented costs are deductible. ZZ However, extracting the profit of a Spanish company causes an additional dividend tax at 21% of the amount received. A shareholder resident in a tax treaty country may have less tax to pay. There are several ways of extracting profit that legitimately eliminates this dividend tax. ZZ Persons who are tax resident in Spain can, of course, buy personally. However, they pay income tax on their profits at tax rates up to 56%. This can reduce to a maximum of 27% in certain circumstances but, just like non-residents, they cannot always deduct their costs.

Check out our website spenceclarke.com for more articles on business and personal tax and doing business in Spain and send us an email at info@spenceclarke.com and we will be pleased to send you our soon-to-be-published 2014 tax tables booklet.

g Spence Clarke & Co. Chartered Accountants, Marbella. Tel: 952 822 943. www.spenceclarke.com 173 Fi.indd 115

A few very different examples to illustrate just how odd the tax system can be: ZZ Jack, a non-resident, bought a house for 700.000€ that was in a poor but habitable condition and spent 300.000€ on refurbishing costs. He sold the property six months later for 1,500,000€. What was the taxable profit and tax paid? Sadly for Jack, the taxable profit was 800.000€, not 500.000€, because for non-residents the costs of refurbishing are not an allowable deduction, so he finished up paying tax of 168.000€. Tax and logic are not happy bedfellows! ZZ Jill, a non-resident person used a Spanish company to buy a 1.000.000€ property and one year later sold it for 1.500.000€. How much tax did she suffer? The company paid tax at 30% on 500.000€ = 150.000€. However, when she drew out the aftertax profit of 350.000€, Jill was upset to discover that she had to pay a further 73.500€ in dividend tax. So Jill finished up paying total tax of 223.500€, 45% of the profit. Had Jill bought the property personally or used a foreign company, then her total tax bill would have been 105.000€, less than half of what she actually paid. It’s not such a complicated matter really, but it does take a bit of thinking through to find the most tax efficient way to invest in Spanish real estate. The important thing to remember is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. There is no substitute for proper analysis in order to find a solution that is tailored to the situation.

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11/22/13 3:01 PM

In the last year there have been several developments in the complicated world of expatriate tax and finance and there’s much to report. Here’s a summary of where we are now and how we got here.

Taxing times?

THE PRO finance

g Tim Taplin is an advisor at Totus, an international wealth

and tax management group with over 20,000 clients worldwide. Contact the Spanish office on: +34 952 931 462 or the Gibraltar office on: +350 200 64966. www.totus.com

pain’s future economic forecast is still not as robust or as healthy as it should be. Indeed, The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is forecasting a downturn in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), in part caused by high private sector indebtedness. Therefore, during 2012, the Spanish tax authorities set up various measures to recoup long overdue tax revenues – with some degree of success, we think, but perhaps not as much as they had hoped. However, things are changing dramatically… and fast.

DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THE FOLLOWING, FOR EXAMPLE? 2012 saw a brief tax amnesty, under which taxpayers were able to regularise their tax situation at a 10 per cent flat rate on previously undeclared income without penalties or any criminal liability. A great idea, although we understand that the monies collected were not as much as expected. The tax authorities’ estimate of recovering €2,500 million from funds, bank accounts and other assets had to be re-forecast at €1,200 million less. Big business did not escape the eyes of the authorities either. Corporate tax advantages were substantially reduced – for example, the leniency with regard to the deduction of part of financial expenses and the depreciation or compensation of losses from previous years. An increase in interim tax payments was also implemented in 2012. However, the biggest impact by far for expatriates has been the implementation in October 2012, of highly stringent new tax rules requiring those with non-Spanish or worldwide assets to declare them annually to the authorities. Individuals resident for more than 183 days in Spain are automatically deemed as Spanish residents, and as such, must declare the following: • Bank accounts • Immovable properties and rights over properties • Shares, Loans and Annuities • All types of investment assets and products The new legislation stipulates that these assets must be declared annually and applies to individuals, companies and Permanent Establishments. There’s even a new tax return form – the now famous ‘modelo 720’, launched in January 2013, with the first tax filing deadline having come and gone already: 30th April this year. In future years, ‘modelo 720’ must be filed in the period from January to March. With a four-year statute of limitation, ‘prescrito’, in effect enabling the authorities to backdate tax payments, serious fines with a minimum penalty of €10,000 per undeclared asset, have left many people, perhaps even unwittingly, breaking a new law. Also, any non-declared taxes could be subject to a fine of 150 per cent of the taxable amount. This fine is payable in addition to the tax that’s due – a heavy blow indeed and sometimes more than the capital sum involved. So, the new laws were, and are, serious but none of us should be surprised. These actions have been long expected in Spain and indeed worldwide, where resources have had to be carefully allocated to accommodate all the necessary steps not only to recoup tax revenue but also to ensure future compliance. As such it is vital that you try and regularise your affairs in the correct manner and there are plenty of Spanish compliant tax planning tools to allow this – leaving you free to enjoy the wonderful climate and lifestyle in Spain and also to sleep easy at night. Tax can be complicated – everyone’s circumstances are different, after all. Nobody wants to be on the wrong side of the authorities and we think that it’s quite easy to be there without even being aware of it. We’d strongly advise you to seek expert tax advice. The penalties are severe and could seriously impact your financial peace of mind – something to be avoided at all costs. e

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11/22/13 11:43 AM

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11/20/13 2:20 PM

THE VIBE

Annual Charity Dinner for Amsudan at Trocadero Beach The who’s who of Marbella donned their most glamorous attire and showed plenty of solidarity at the Annual Charity Dinner for Amsudan, held at stunning seaside venue, Trocadero Beach. Amsudan works hard to raise funds for the construction of schools, training centres, wells, etc., in Sudan.

“If you haven’t got any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble” – Bob Hope

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PHOTOGRAPHY tünde serban

THE VIBE

Sportalm Kitzbühel Fashion Show at Camurí in Laguna Village Few clothing brands quite manage to capture the spirit of fashion that is both casual and elegant at once, like Sportalm Kitzbühel, the famed Austrian brand which is causing waves around the world. The fashion house recently revealed its latest collections at the trendy Camurí restaurant in Laguna Village.

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous” – Coco Chanel

PHOTOGRAPHY Johnny gates

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THE VIBE

II Encuentro Empresarial at the Hotel Alanda Club, Marbella Inspired Group recently celebrated the second edition of the Encuentro Empresarial (Business Networking) in Restaurante La Despensa at the Hotel Alanda Club. Entrepreneurs from an array of sectors enjoyed exchanging ideas in an informal setting, filled with music, creative tapas and refreshing drinks.

“One does not leave a convivial party before closing time” – Winston Churchill

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PHOTOGRAPHY tünde serban

Looking For Beachfront Property? Marco Dalli Takes an Up Close and Personal Look Inside a Paradise Lost and Found Again:

have been living on the coast for some thirty years and have driven past the resort named Dominion Beach a thousand times, never thinking of stopping to take a quick look. It’s appearance from the CN 340 motorway, I must say, looked impressive but it never warranted a second thought, until one summer’s evening this year in our office in Puerto Banús, when someone pointed out a new listing for a 2 bed beachfront apartment with a large terrace for under Ð400.000 in the Dominion Beach complex. Some 20 minutes later, I was on my way from The Port with friends of mine from London to take a look - purely out of curiosity at this point. Beachfront at that price, surely there must be a catch? What was to happen next was so unexpected, so incredible, it completely took me off guard. I found myself walking into one of the best urbanisations I have ever seen anywhere and I have been to them all. The Oasis Club on Marbella’s Golden Mile was

DOMINION BEACH famous for the restaurant and the man who put it on the map with nothing less than his heart and soul: Toni Dalli. Dominion Beach had this same special feel as soon as I entered its iron gates - like someone had put their heart and soul on the line and when I met the man responsible for this turn around, Melvyn Langley, a Ferraridriving company doctor and certified chartered accountant from The UK, I knew that he had that special something, a charisma and business acumen that brings people together and turns around a community that, seven years earlier, looked neglected and at war within itself. He is ably backed-up by a competent team, including the Administrator, Samuel Rodríguez and multilingual Secretary, Maria, who oversee concierge services assisting all owners. A template which other developments would be well advised to follow as an example. Dominion Beach seven years down the line has so much going for it that the list runs too long: its prize-winning gardens, fountains and pool are the most impressive you will come

across, there is so much room and natural light that you just want to live there. I could not get off my phone calling my clients and telling them of my discovery, because as far as I am concerned, Dominion Beach is a development that has risen from the ashes of bankruptcy and transformed itself into a resort that surely leads the way in Mediterranean living. It’s simply a lovely place to enjoy life and, with the new San Pedro tunnel, it’s only 10 minutes from Puerto Banús. The price range for property in this gated, well-organised paradise with 24-hour security seems more than reasonable, it’s unbelievable, but for sure it’s only a matter of time before people clock on to this gem and property values shoot up. Well, I presume they already are, as 26 units have changed hands in the last 16 months, but it’s not like people are selling because they are not happy. It’s a new generation of people taking over with an idea of what the good life should be all about, and you only live once! By the way, Melvyn’s A.G.M.s last half an hour and are finished off with cocktails by the pool. Nuff said.

FOR MORE INSIDE INFORMATION ON PROPERTIES AVAILABLE, OR ON HOW A COMMUNITY SHOULD BE RUN, CONTACT MARCO DALLI: TEXT OR TEL (+34) 678 648 765. 173 Marco Dalli.indd 1

11/25/13 4:34 PM

THE LEISURE travel

Does anyone enjoy flying any more? And why take a quick break if you can afford the time and money for a long holiday to escape winter? So went a discussion with people we met on a cruise from Barcelona to Miami. Yes, they were flying home, but not for three months. Funny thing, we were doing the same. “Got any plans?”, we asked. “Yup!” they said, “golf in Naples, Florida”. “And you?” We were going for a drive. But first, the cruise.

Cruising the WORDS David Wishart Photography Genevieve Balthazard and tourism partners

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rossing the Atlantic Ocean used to be such an ordeal. Christopher Columbus, for example, took 70 days to get to the other side. Our cruise to Miami was on a similar track, steaming fairly close to Palos, near Cadiz, the tiny Spanish port Columbus set sail from in 1492, but for us it was 12 days, and all calm seas and sunshine. While I enjoyed retracing Columbus’s voyage, most of the 800 others on the Crystal Serenity probably didn’t care. One man told me he hated flying, his wife wanted to avoid jetlag, and a throng was there, it seemed, just for the bridge. There was no doubt that everyone enjoyed the discounted fares for what was a positioning cruise. In this case, we were one of an armada of ships which sails mostly to Miami and Fort Lauderdale every autumn and the reverse in the spring. These cruises are lean on ports – just Tenerife and St. Martin in our case – so the cruise lines bulk up on entertainment. The ship decided to give the trip a ‘Big Band’ theme and brought aboard the 17-strong Artie Shaw Orchestra. There were also half a dozen gentlemen hosts to dance with the ladies. So, no lonely nights then. But what to do on those sea days? You’d be surprised, but a good book is a start. On the other hand, Crystal Serenity has a splendid library including shelves of films for playing in cabins. You won’t find Titanic, though. Nearby is the computer room, once the orphan of the storm but now the busiest place on the ship after the self-service laundry. For that, thank the iPad, as ubiquitous on board as sequins in the bar. Going online at sea is not cheap, but nor is any satellite service and the computer staff is efficient and friendly with both geeks and grannies. Personally, I like days at sea, when a ship can get into its stride and is freed from the disruptions of docking. I go to the Lido deck aft for breakfast outside, and if my luck is in, sit at a table right at the stern with just a whisker between me and the ocean churning below as we spank along at 19 knots. If you love the sea and ships, this is a special place. The breakfast buffet is amazing. I don’t quite understand why swanky hotels often seem to struggle with the idea of providing fresh fruit yet, every morning, Crystal Serenity serves up fresh, juicy mango and strawberries, and never runs out. Ten o’clock and time for the golf lesson. Fortunately, Joe Herbert’s nets are just below. Joe, the golf pro on board, has a great set-up with two nets and excellent clubs for free use. He is an accomplished teacher and his twice-daily classes were well attended. An hour later, I am in the Spanish class, where Nelson has an equally enthusiastic following. As that ends, and we are hurrying upstairs for the noon quiz, the room quickly fills with passengers learning to play the keyboard. Are we having fun yet? Yes, and it’s time for lunch, usually on deck, followed by a siesta. Only Davy Jones sleeps better. My alarm signals a lecture by Lee Ellis, a POW pilot who spent five years in the prison known as the Hanoi Hilton The gym is next on the agenda, my final stretch taking me next door to the spa for a massage.

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As the sun goes down, I take the cue and sink into a bath, something not found on an average cruise ship. Then, on with the dinner jacket, which the butler has pressed. Amazingly, it still fits. I’ve heard it said formal nights are just for the ladies to dress up, but most men love the feeling of crossing a crowded room in a well-cut dinner jacket. We meet friends for cocktails, and it is worth noting that Crystal now includes all drinks and wines. I like the two-sitting arrangement as we have the same window table and waiter every night. There’s also a willing Head Waiter who whips up a curry on request. And Cherries Jubilee. In addition, Crystal has two bijou restaurants: the Italian Prego, and Silk Road, a work of art by Japan’s Nobu. Both were outstanding, and amazingly, offered at no extra charge. Later, there is a proper cinema, a casino, the night club and of course Artie Shaw. And so to bed, ready to do it all over again the next day. Yes, there were two ports of call, but the ship is the thing, and the voyage. First stop in Florida, after picking up our rental car at the port, was a Best Buy store for a GPS. Then, an easy drive up the coast road to

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Fort Lauderdale, long my favourite city in Florida. Here we checked into Il Lugano, one of the special places we would stay at. Its location is perfect, right on the Intracoastal Waterway and close to the beach. For the price of a room in an ordinary hotel, Il Lugano gives you a suite with kitchen. For me, going to a supermarket makes me feel more a local than a tourist. Picking up a SIM card for my mobile provides a US phone number and further ingrains the notion that I am not just passing through. Then, with some nibbles and a bottle of wine in the fridge, cocktail hour on the balcony is the setting for a welcome toast to our arrival. Fort Lauderdale has a fine beach, and a little north there’s a pier at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. The best beaches have piers and this is the real thing, just two bucks to go for a stroll and another seven for a spot of fishing. We were also well placed to hop on the water taxi cruising the canal system, often compared to Venice but with modern American adornments such as Hooters. Places to eat abound, few better than Houston’s at Pompano Beach serving epic ribs. Our best meals, however, were at the Il Lugano restaurant, right on the water’s edge.

Golf is readily available, ranging from the very affordable to Trump Palm Beach. I had a game at this delightful course, arriving just after the Donald helicoptered in with Lee Westwood. On to Orlando, home to many golf tour players. How many visitors to Disneyworld, I wonder, have looked enviously at the lush fairways of the resort’s courses as they arrive with their kids for a day in the Magic Kingdom. An annual PGA Tour event is played here, which says all you need to know about the quality. The Disney courses, now run by an Arnold Palmer management company, are very accessible and one visitor I played with had just turned up at the pro shop. My next round would be at Tucson, Arizona, but the GPS said it was 3000 kms down the road. So Delta it was, with a flight to LAX to visit friends, then across the desert by car from San Diego to Tucson. It was a day’s drive, not without interest (my expat pal said if you were from Sunderland you’d spot the difference) such as seeing long trains snaking by the cactus. Back in the wild days of the 1880s they would have picked up fuel and water at Yuma, maybe a gunslinger as well such as in the Russell Crowe movie 3.10 to Yuma.

DANESA

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.

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.

It was also a time for stagecoaches, more often than not pursued by Apaches or outlaws. At Tombstone, just south of Tucson, the town publishes a newspaper called The Tombstone Epitaph, which, in its first year, carried a frontpage story on the shootout at the O.K. Corral. Silver brought the settlers here, then after the First World War, soldiers who had been gassed in the trenches were shipped in to convalesce in the clean, dry and warm desert air. That got Tucson started as a spa destination, the spectacular mountains brought tourists, golf courses thrived where springs irrigated lush valleys, and some pretty nice hotels found roots. We discovered the ideal place, the Hilton El Conquistador, which for a modest sum offers

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delightful, roomy casitas with kitchens and a superb location in the lee of striking mountains. On site is one of the best nine-hole golf courses I have come across, while nearby, a few minutes by the free shuttle, the hotel has two cracking golf courses. We were in the Oro Valley, the winner of loads of awards for congeniality, liveability, best place to start a business and without doubt a comfortable and engrossing place to spend the winter. It has attractive, affordable neighbourhoods, shops with designer cowboy boots and everyday people who make one feel welcome. Scratch the surface and you’ll find some carefully tended parks, such as the Tohono Chul, a botanical garden (and attractive lunch

spot) saved by good citizens from becoming another mall. But it’s just a few minutes to the Sonoran Desert with its towering cactuses, old missions and the Pima Air Museum with more than 250 aircraft. Head out towards Phoenix and there’s the Marana field, where scores of old airliners wait forlornly for another take-off. Everywhere you go, there are golf courses, many well priced, including some you really don’t want to miss such as Ventana Canyon. Spa lovers are spoiled for choice with Canyon Ranch being the best known. Canyon Ranch is fine if you like old ranches, which of course is a very American yearning, but others might find it la-la land offering at best a healthy vacation, at great expense.

Mind you, this did not put us off visiting another old ranch, and hey, this is Arizona, but the Hermosa Inn at Scottsdale’s Paradise Valley is something else. Laid back yes, but more a country hotel of great charm, the former home of cowboy artist Lon Megargee, who loved horses, cards and women, although maybe not in that order. His painting of a cowboy giving his last drop of water to his horse – from his hat – symbolises every cowboy’s appreciation of his horse, and to this day is still printed on every Stetson hat. Not far away, we found a restaurant run by French chef Vincent Guerithault, whose Camelback Hideaway is well worth seeking out. Big hotels can also do the business as we discovered at the “wine me, dine me” feature at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch. This is a four-course food and wine pairing and you sit at the kitchen counter. No problems with the service then.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch

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The Hyatt had its own appeal, starting with our lakeside casita, equipped yet again with that most useful kitchen, the source of leftovers shared by handsome birds who dropped on to our terrace daily. Golf was just a stroll away across the lake, and if you’ve come far don’t miss Troon North and the Boulders, renowned for its spa incorporating the rock features of the golf courses. The highway drew us to Jerome, an old mining town at the end of a winding road with many dramatic views, then on to Sedona, where we found another fine Hilton, like the first, outstanding in its concierge services. Sedona, with its startling red sandstone ridges, attracted producers of many western movies in the 1930s, including the classic Stagecoach and the only Hopalong Cassidy film ever shot outside California. Sedona was also the promised land of milk and honey in Der Kaiser von Kalifornien, a Nazi western promoting Adolf Hitler’s schemes of territorial expansion. John Wayne would have had something to say about that. And so to Las Vegas, up the road in Nevada. The Grand Canyon is en route, and Monument Valley, where many other Westerns were filmed, is not far away. We enjoyed the Beatles show, Love, and experienced a big casino hotel called Wynn’s, whose idea of service was a room fridge full of overpriced drinks, and a sign saying that anything else put in the fridge incurred a $25 charge. It was time to go home. Las Vegas airport does not do fond farewells, what with luggage carts requiring dollars or a credit card acceptable to the often parochial banking system. To think I would ever miss the porters at the Miami cruise terminal… e

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THE LEISURE travel

ARAG

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What do you know about Aragon in north eastern Spain? If you are English, Catherine of Aragon, daughter of the Catholic Kings, Isabel of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon, should ring a bell. She is probably Aragon’s best known export to England and wife of one English prince and one English King.

ut did you know that it is also the birthplace of painter Francisco Goya, film directors Luis Buñuel and Carlos Saura, the physician and Nobel Laureate Santiago Ramón y Cajal, and physician and polymath Michael Servetus, who was the first European to correctly describe the function of pulmonary circulation? It is also the birthplace of Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer, the founder of Opus Dei. The organisation maintains a stunning sanctuary in Torreciudad, Huesca, in the mountains overlooking the El Grado reservoir at the foot of the Pyrenees.

ÓN

WORDS Rod Younger

Magazine is honoured to be able to publish this exemplary article by Rod Younger. Rod was a well-loved friend for many members of the local media and he is sorely missed.

View of Our Lady of the Pillar at twilight in Zaragoza

ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM DECEMBER 2013 / 131

The stunning Castle of Loarre

Aragon stretches from the Pyrenees down to Valencia and is a region with a rich culture and history, stunning scenery, flora and fauna, fabulous gastronomy, and some of Spain’s best wines. It also has some of the best castles and monuments in Spain, including the scenic castle of Loarre, which was used as a film set by Ridley Scott in the Kingdom of Heaven, and the amazing Monastery of San Juan de la Peña. However, it remains largely undiscovered by tourists. In the Middle Ages, Aragon was a powerful Kingdom which, under James 1, extended its reach into Barcelona, Valencia, Languedoc and the Balearic Islands. As a youth, James 1 was sent to the Castle of Monzón to be entrusted to the care of Guillem de Montredón, the head of the Knights Templar in Spain, to keep him out of the hands of Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester.

James 1 eventually became ruler of Aragon and married Eleanor, daughter of Alfonso VIII of Castile and Leonora of England. Another English connection! The Kingdom of Aragon was on the frontier of Muslim Spain, hence the large number of castles and fortresses and the reason it was, and remains, a Catholic stronghold. After the re-conquest, in which Aragon played a leading role, it was gradually absorbed into a unified Spain under the Kingdom of Castile. Today Aragon is an autonomous region made up of three Provinces – Zaragoza, Huesca and Teruel.

Waterfall in National park of Ordesa

Alquézar

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All three are steeped in history, have spectacular scenery with well preserved monuments and offer thousands of gastronomic delights, and much more, to visitors. Huesca, the northern most province, borders the French Pyrenees and contains the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, only accessible between May and September, which has stunning scenery and countryside for walking, bird watching and outdoor pursuits in the more temperate months of the year. Alquézar, one of the prettiest villages in Spain, is tucked away in

the foothills of the Pyrenees and is the base for some of the best canyoning in Europe with over 200 canyons in the surrounding Sierra de Guara. For a spiritual experience, or just good exercise, you can walk part of the Camino de Santiago through Huesca – from Somport in the Pyrenees to Puente la Reina in Navarra, a mere 170Km. It would include going through the city of Jaca, the ancient capital of the Kings of Aragon which has one of the best Romanesque cathedrals in Spain. A small detour would lead you to the spectacular Monastery of San Juan de la Peña, built under an overhanging rock in the middle ages and the burial place of a number of early Aragonese Kings. If you take the detour, be sure to visit the picturesque village of Santa Cruz de la Serós, famous for its two early Romanesque churches.

San Juan de la Peña Romanesque Monastery

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Finally, one cannot leave Huesca without sampling some of Spain’s best wines from Somontano. This is a little known region outside wine aficionados but is at the forefront of Spanish winemaking. Moving south we come to the province of Teruel which borders Valencia. It is one of the least known and least visited parts of Spain – why is a bit of a mystery because it is a wild and spectacular place but easily accessible from Valencia – which has an international airport and is also served by the high speed AVE. The city of Teruel contains some of the finest examples of Mudéjar Architecture on churches, cathedrals and towers, some of which form part of the Mudéjar Architecture of Aragon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mudéjar is a unique style of Iberian architecture and decoration, strongly influenced by Moorish taste and workmanship. The province is mountainous and has some beautiful unspoilt villages, several perched dramatically on cliff tops or rocky hills. Perhaps the best known and most spectacular is Albarracín, generally considered Spain’s prettiest and best preserved medieval village, and only a short drive from Teruel. Albarracín’s state of preservation is due mainly to the work of the Santa Maria Foundation, which

Torla, gateway to the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park

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was established in 1996 to acquire, restore and maintain some of the villages’ principal buildings. In addition to undertaking restoration and maintenance, its activities include seminars and courses on restoration and cultural events. The Foundation works closely with state organisations to offer training to the unemployed and even has its own residencies. East and north east of Teruel are the regions of the Sierra de Gúdar and El Maestrazgo – both containing weather-eroded rocky hills and gullies with strange shapes. Gúdar in particular is also known for its architecture – villages filled with noble palacios in typical three-storey Aragonese style while the countryside has masias, solid stone farmhouses, built as much for defence as for farming. In Gúdar the villages of Mora de Rubielos and

Rubielos de Mora are especially noteworthy and in El Maestrazgo, Mirambel vies with Albarracín for the title of the “most beautiful village in Spain” – so named by Queen Sofia herself and used by Ken Loach as a film-set for Land & Freedom. Teruel also has a strong gastronomic heritage – perhaps best known for its award-winning jamón, it is also the home of a variety of cheeses, saffron and olive oil, not forgetting black truffles. So, while the pigs help find the truffles, they often end up on the same menu – truly an end to end experience! Finally, one cannot leave Teruel without seeing the dinosaurs. North-east Spain, and Aragon in particular, is one of Europe’s dinosaur ‘hotspots’. In fact in 2012, the fossil of the biggest dinosaur in Europe was found in Riodeva, Teruel. To celebrate its dinosaur heritage, Teruel has Dinapolis, a dinosaur theme park for all the family. Dinapolis

The Mudéjar cathedral, Teruel

Last but by no means least, we have Zaragoza. The city, which is the capital of Aragon and Spain’s fifth largest city, was founded by the Romans on the banks of the Ebro as Caesaraugusta. Zaragoza has a number of attractions such as the Cathedral/Basilica Nuestra Señora del Pilar, which is the symbol of Zaragoza (the Fiestas del Pilar are among the most celebrated festivals in Spain), La Seo Cathedral and the Aljafería Palace – also part of the Mudéjar Architecture of Aragon. Other things to do and see in Zaragoza include the Museo Zaragoza, which houses a permanent Goya exhibition and impressive Roman Mosaics and the Caesaragusta Route, which combines 4 Museums and archaeological remains from the Roman Empire. The city also has a vibrant nightlife with great food and wine to be found in the many tapas bars and restaurants in the Old Quarter. The province of Zaragoza also has many attractions, for example El Monasterio de Piedra – a 12th Century Cistern Monastery and beautiful Natural Oasis, now a hotel, which is 100km South West of Zaragoza. Fuendetodos, 44Km south of Zaragoza, is the birthplace of Painter, Francisco Goya (1746 – 1828) and has a Museum dedicated to him. 19 km from Fuendetodos are the Ruins of Belchite, a memorial to the Battle of Belchite during the Spanish Civil War. And, of course, there is wine; Zaragoza is home to three official wine regions: Cariñena, Campo de Borja and Calatayud. So Aragon has the full gamut of attractions and activities, from the sophistication of Zaragoza to the beauty of the Pyrenees, stunning castles & monuments, Mudéjar architecture, medieval villages and some of the best food and wine in Spain. Whether you are looking for a city break, an activitybased holiday, a touring holiday or a cultural and architectural experience, check out Aragon – you will not be disappointed. e

Basilica of Our Lady of Pillar

Albarracin, medieval town of Teruel

Getting to Aragon

Zaragoza is more or less centrally located between Madrid and the major cities of Barcelona, Bilbao and Valencia. It is connected by the high speed AVE Train to Barcelona and to Madrid, with the journey taking only 1hr 20 minutes. From Málaga the journey on the AVE takes just over 4 hours. Zaragoza has its own International Airport that is situated 10 kms from the city centre. If you plan to visit Teruel first, then Valencia is probably your best option – it has an international airport which is better served than Zaragoza, and is 1hr 30mins by car from Teruel.

Courtyard of the famous Monasterio de Piedra

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THE LEISURE golf

The New Aloha Golf Club Belonging to a golf club on the coast, whether a shareholder or playing with a society, can be a dream come true, and there’s quite a choice, from the Links pub to La Zagaleta. WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY DC WISHART

he former won’t break the bank while the latter has annual subs of €16.000, plus a current assessment of €10.000 – and the imminent arrival, one assumes, of President Putin, said to be building a mega mansion on the estate. The high life at La Zagaleta, however, is restricted to its 200 golf club members, with lesser mortals hanging out on the lower latitudes of the Golf Valley, home to Aloha, Las Brisas, Los Naranjos and La Quinta. But whereas the villa life at La Zagaleta must have drawbacks – I gather there is not a supermarket among the 300 villas (of which half are said to be for sale) – the Golf Valley is on a roll, with locales being snapped up for a flurry of new restaurants and more, such as a vet at Fuente Aloha. What’s more to the point, ALOHA Golf Club may now have the happiest golfers on the coast following a year in which the impressive renovations have been completed. The new entrance is strikingly handsome, with marble stairs providing a touch of Tara Hall and affording fine views (there is a lift for those who need it) as one descends to terrace level. Left is the pro shop, where the grumpiest of golfers are disarmed by staffers who don’t have to be told, as hotel students at Lausanne surely are, that a smile may be a small thing, but it’s everything. Most of the merchandise, by the way, now carries the logo ‘Aloha Golf Club, Marbella’.

Finally, said one member with a new Merino wool sweater, I won’t be asked what part of Hawaii I am from. Turn right at the bottom of the stairs, and the clubroom/restaurant unfolds. The team working here used to be at the Cipriano restaurant in the port, once rivalling the Marbella Club Hotel restaurant and a favourite of Sean Connery when he lived here and belonged to Aloha Golf club. Should Connery ever drop by he would be pleased to see the same waiters in the room (complete with a picture of him on the course with Seve) where he used to relax after playing with restaurateur Tony Dalli, still zooming up to Aloha in his Ferrari. The food has never been better, particularly the sea bass in salt, rack of lamb and chateaubriand. The same management is now running the chiringuito, itself nicely renovated and with its thatch roof looking like something from Hawaii! Behind the counter are Marian and Nancy, who always have a selection of fresh fruit as well as the club’s renowned tortilla. For those fighting the flab the answer could lie back across the street, at the health club just opened beside the pro shop. Here you can have a health and weight assessment and the option of a personal trainer to guide you around an array of machines. Fitness, as we have seen from the likes of Tiger Woods, is good for your golf, while down at the beach it can apparently stop other blokes from kicking sand in your face. Another big improvement at Aloha is the new parking, with three levels right opposite the club. Hats off to the board for all that, but getting everything right is hard to do, and of late the course – let’s not forget that! – has suffered a rare

lapse in its usual perfect condition. LAS BRISAS, meanwhile, has 18 holes back in play after updating the front nine in a project overseen by Kyle Phillips, the American who came from the stable of Robert Trent Jones and son. As it was the senior Trent Jones who did the original design (after which he went on to do Los Naranjos and Valderrama) the club was clearly determined to keep the same ethos. Some tweaking was involved, such as reshaping some greens and bunkers. Work on the back nine will start next September and this involves more radical changes with some holes moved and one hole reversed. But the members have nothing to fear – not when the work is in the hands of the man who designed the magnificent Kingsbarns and Dundonald Links in Scotland. Is LA QUINTA going to build a new 18-hold course to augment its three nine-holes? The word from the clubhouse is the land is ready but no decision to proceed has been made. LOS NARANJOS is renewing all drainage and sand in its bunkers. Only other talking point among the 200 members is whether there will be fireworks at the New Year party. Last year they were paid for by a Russian member. e

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RESTAURANTS / REVIEWS / NEWS / WINE / CHEFS / GUIDE

Enjoy our reviews of Italian restaurants, Salotto and Casa Tua, keep up-to-date with the latest culinary news and sample fine wines being produced in Ronda.

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143 Salotto 145 Casa Tua 148 Food News 150 Chef’s Profile: Matías Fernández of Casa Mono 152

Ronda Wines

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THE ART OF FINE THAI CUISINE RESERVATIONS: 952 818 392 Open Every Evening for Dinner Ctra. de Cรกdiz Km. 175 PUERTO BANร S (Behind The Shell Petrol Station) Marbella www.thaigallerymarbella.com

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

Alta Cucina Italiana Salotto is an appropriate name for this restaurant, for it means ‘living room’ in Italian. With private parking of its own, an elegant terrace overlooking the pleasant surroundings of Nueva Andalucía from the vantage point of Aloha Gardens, and a cosily stylish interior, Ristorante Salotto is all about enjoying good food in a comfortable environment. WORDs Michel cruz Photography © khphotography.co.uk

wned and managed by Italians, it is a restaurant that welcomes you in and wants you to be comfortable and contented, all the more to enjoy the flavours of Italy produced by its chefs. Watching the sunset colour the sky from such a spot, with an aperitif in hand, is one of life’s pleasures, and a real Marbella experience at that. I couldn’t help noticing everything, from the olive oil and balsamic vinegar to the bread sticks and mineral water, was Italian. One of the owners, who has also run highly successful restaurants in Ireland and the UK, later confirmed that it is all brought in straight from la Bella Italia. Such a dedication to authenticity is also reflected in Salotto’s wine list, which features not only Spanish, new world and local favourites from the likes of Chile, Argentina and Ronda, but also Italian classics such as Amarone, and even a choice of French wines. Much as I love Spanish wine it is sometimes nice to venture further afield, and when you’re enjoying Italian food it somehow seems right to accompany it with local vintages, so we chose a fresh, dry and inexpensive white wine called Fiano di Avellino. In fact, wine plays an important role at Salotto, as is reflected in a wine list put together with dedication and attention.

Real Italian food well made Italian restaurants are about as prolific around the world as Chinese ones, so naturally they range from poor copies to highly authentic trattorias and all the

way up to high-quality fine dining establishments. Salotto offers real Italian food at a high but affordable level, in terms of its cuisine, its elegant surroundings and friendly, professional service from experienced serving staff with a touch of oldfashioned style about them. The dishes, which vary gradually with the seasons, are either classics made to a very high standard or the kind of regional recipes you won’t find in just any Italian restaurant. These include the Risotto al Nero di Seppia, Pappardelle al Cinghiale, Vitello Tonnato and focaccia Bianca all’aglio, as well as the Carpaccio di Manzo – thin slices of cured beef with Parmesan shavings drizzled with a strong truffle-scented olive oil. Among the many other starters that caught the eye was the Burrata Mozzarella, one of Salotto’s signature dishes. Others include main courses such as the seafood pastas, the pappardelle with beef, mushroom and truffle in a creamy sauce, and the Agnello al Forno. We chose Tagliolini al Granchio e Zucchini: angel hair pasta with snow crab, courgettes, white wine, garlic and a touch of chilli. A seafood delight, it matched the deliciously hearty flavours of the Saltimbocca Alla Romana. A classic dish from Rome, it consists of beautiful little medallions of pan-fried veal topped with Parma ham, sage and white wine sauce, accompanied by soft mashed potatoes and vegetables. Having so far established its strong credentials and made good both on claims of authenticity and high quality Italian cuisine, Salotto continued to

impress with its effortless conviviality and pleasant ambience. The dessert is something to look forward to as well, as the panna cotta and Tiramisu are among the restaurant’s most famous offerings. Being somewhat of a panna cotta connoisseur/ fanatic I decided to pitch Salotto’s dessert chef against the best I had experienced so far, and I have to say, he comfortably equalled the best, for this was a beautifully balanced specimen – not too sweet and perfect in consistency! The black chocolate truffle, likewise, was full of flavour yet remarkably light, allowing us to have enjoyed a great evening without feeling sated. Open seven days a week, Salotto will be offering a very attractively priced lunchtime menu in December, as well as bespoke Christmas events and wine tastings, where guests will be invited to sample vintages by the glass, to discover their favourites. Please note that the restaurant will be closed in January and February, during which time an exciting new menu including a new concept of gourmet pizzas will be prepared for the spring opening. In this way, Salotto keeps building on its reputation as a restaurant where you can enjoy authentic, affordable Alta Cucina Italiana in very pleasant surroundings. g Avda del Prado s/n. Edificio Sport Café,

Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 818 112 reservas@salottomarbella.com (bookings online available) www.facebook.com/salottomarbella www.salottomarbella.com ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM DECEMBER 2013 / 143

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RESTO

EL COTO

BELGIAN RESTAURANT бельгийский ресторан

Celebrate this

New Year’s Eve with us! Choose from the á la carte menu and our special chef’s recommendations. Closed Christmas Day.

Open all day, every day. Ctra. de Ronda. Opposite Madroñal, nº 3 29679 Benahavis. Tel: 952 786 688. belgianresto@gmail.com

открыты ежедневно. дорога Ronda. напротив Madroñal, No 3, Benahavis. телефон: 952 786 688

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restaurant THE GOURMET

Casa Tua

Romance is Alive and Well in the Heart of the Old Town

It was a surprisingly warm night in November when I was walking through the cobblestoned streets of Marbella’s casco antiguo, marvelling at the flickering Christmas lights, whose childlike joy was complemented by the serene elegance of the winding streets ensconced behind the Plaza de los Naranjos. As I walked along Ortiz de Molinillo street, an ancient, twisted tree grabbed my attention, its roots firmly lodged by the door of a quaint looking Italian restaurant, Casa Tua, its bark and branches creeping up the wall and forming an enormous canopy of fragrant pink flowers that lovingly drop to the ground every now and again. WORDs Marisa cutillas Photography © khphotography.co.uk

t was in this natural haven that young couple, Adriano and Catherine, decided to open their first restaurant. Adriano, who hails from Milán, had dedicated his whole life to the culinary crafts, travelling far and wide, honing his craft in Italy, the US and Ireland, before settling on Marbella to give life to his longtime dream of owning his own restaurant. If Adriano is the culinary master who whips up fine Italian cuisine with a gusto for flavourful combinations and a respect for quality, seasonal produce, Catherine is the warm, gentle face of the restaurant. She ensures that guests are always perfectly cosy, content and taken care of; an evening at Casa Tua is very much like stepping into an Italian family home. The food, care and conversation abounds and it is frankly no surprise that Adriano refers to some of his dishes as having been inspired by his nonna (grandmother). Casa Tua is not the type of restaurant where you can expect to find pizza or typical pasta dishes; this venue serves up finer fare, seducing diners with a select, sophisticated menu that pays homage to seasonal produce. Ever night, there is a Wine and Dine menu, featuring daily specials Adriano usually dreams up the same morning. On the evening of our visit, my dining companion and I were delighted by a special truffle menu, bearing offerings like a poached egg served over crisp asparagus, with heavenly truffle shavings atop. We gave in to the temptation and

were thankful for it. The creaminess of the egg, crispness of the asparagus and earthy goodness of the truffles certainly soothed our soul on this beautiful night, while our bodies were warmed to perfection by the toasty outdoor heater. Another delicious appetiser was a rather original Arancini, crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside, with the sauce served outside rather than within: perfection in a bite. Adriano is a firm believer in zero kilometer cuisine, but he also relies on trusty Italian suppliers for dishes like the Caprese, comprising one bufala mozzarella ball cut into two: half is fried in a light batter and the other, served fresh over a thick slice of the sweetest tomato you are likely to savour. The Fagottini Di Bresaola is another highly recommended starter. Italan cured beef is wrapped like a rose around fresh Ricotta infused with lemon and herbs and the result is a creamy, tangy mouthful that definitely whets the appetite for more. Being an Italian restaurant, Casa Tua has a select list of pastas, such as the Paccheri All’astice, featuring lobster, zucchini and zucchini flowers tossed with fresh cherry tomatoes and served with paccheri pasta – al dente and typical of everything at Casa Tua– homemade with love and care, just like the bread and paper-fine crackers, often filled with delectable ingredients such as onions, herbs and tomatoes.

If duck is one of your favourite meats then you simply cannot miss out on Adriano’s Petto D’anatra Al Vinsanto, a crisp duck breast served with candied figs and roasted cipollini onions, over a heavenly wine glaze. This dish is accompanied beautifully by a bottle from Casa Tua’s excellent list of Italian wines, chosen personally by Adriano. As you can imagine, following this veritable feast we were as satisfied as Kings, but Catherine insisted we try a dessert – and we did not leave one bite of it. We had the grilled red fruits served with vanilla ice-cream and a torched Zabaglione – quite difficult to describe, simply exquisite. Casa Tua has all that it takes to become a classic for lovers or friends seeking an intimate, elegant setting which, thanks to Catherine and the friendly waiters, still feels like home. My companion and I watched a delicate pink flower fall to our table, and I wondered if it, too, was seduced by the artistry, flavour and charm of Adriano and his team. This restaurant is bound for greatness; experience it before you hear about it from everyone else! You might decide to make your first visit on New Year’s Eve – Adriano and Catherine are serving up a special meal which will include a complimentary cocktail on arrival and glass of prosecco to ring in the New Year, in addition to a sumptuous four-course dinner. Casa Tua is also taking bookings for small Christmas parties.

g Open Tuesday to Sunday from 6pm to 12am. C/ Ortiz de Molinillo 14, Marbella. Tel: 951 712 227. www.casatuamarbella.com 173 ReR Casa Tua.indd 145

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Reservations highly recommended! Reservas • Booking: 951 77 87 97 173 Gastby FINAL.indd 1

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RI Chupa C MER ACTO hups escabec de codorniz en Milhojas he de cít de fo ricos con tosta ie marinado en Moscate s de ave l servido llana, pa Láminas de pulpo sas y flor de sal so de verdu ras de te bre puré mporada Crema d Abrazo de mar e setas c on salvia y foie gra s S E G U NDO AC Pargo co TO n mouss e de calab picante aza y ráb servido c a on taglio lini al aza no Intermed Lomo de fr á io: Sorb n ternera le chal a b ete su jugo d aja e asado servido c temperatura en on verdu ras baby ACTO FI NAL Dulce So rpresa M agna Ca fe 2014 VINOS Blanco: A trium Ch ardonna Rosa Tinto: Ab do: jean leon 30 y Torres a 5 Copa de dia Retuerta Sele 5 rose cción Es bienvenid pecial a: A Champa gne: Mu nna Blanc de Ba mm Cord n on Roug cs e

Reservations highly recommended!

Reservas • Booking 952 929 578 173 Magna FINAL.indd 1

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THE GOURMET news

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Ruta de La Tapa

in Marbella and San Pedro Every year, tapas lovers line up at some of Marbella and San Pedro’s most emblematic tapas restaurants, for the Ruta de La Tapa. Participants enjoyed specially priced tapas and drinks at some 57 different establishments, with awards granted to the bars serving the best and most innovative tapas. The Ruta de La Tapa is good news for diners and restaurateurs alike, since profits go up considerably during the duration of the event, which normally lasts for four days. i www.guiamarbella.com/rutatapa

Zest Eatery Opens in Marbella Fashionable eatery, Zest, recently opened its doors to much fanfare. The trendy café/restaurant restaurant can be found in Nueva Andalucía’s Centro Plaza and has already proved a hit with locals and visitors alike. Formerly known as Starz Café, this new café/restaurant combination is an upmarket hotspot that puts great food and a seductive ambience at the heart of its business. The mouth-watering breakfast menu offers everything from an English breakfast and blueberry pancakes to fresh fruit salads and home made granola. The lunch choice includes classics like the honey and soy glazed baby back ribs, crispy duck with watercress salad and home-marinated salt beef and new potato salad. The legendary cocktails, meanwhile, are really drawing in the crowds after work, especially for the 5-7pm Happy Hour. Firm favourites include Mojitos, Cosmopolitans, Cranberry Cream Mocktails and many more. g Centro Plaza, Marbella. Tel: 951 319

151. www.zestrestaurantmarbella.com

LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT FOR KIDS

at Da Bruno

Da Bruno Sul Mare and Da Bruno Cabopino have a whole new reason to dine out on Sundays: their new Sundays at Da Bruno programme! Families can enjoy an ample buffet and live music while their children are entertained by dedicated performers. Da Bruno’s Founder, Bruno Filippone, said, “The Da Bruno Group understands that family is the most important thing for clients and friends. We want our clients to enjoy Sundays in the company of those they love in an appealing ambience, with accessible food and special games and entertainment for kids.” Bruno and the team were also busy at the recent Goose Festival, delighting diners with traditional goose dishes served in Germany at Christmas time. i www.dabruno.com

Funky Tapas

NEW RESTAURANT BY GARRY WAITE Funky Tapas is another venture from the serial restaurateur, Garry Waite. Opened just 500 metres from his successful Restaurant Nueva Campana, this modern eatery serves exactly what it says above the door! The restaurant is open from 12 midday to 12 midnight seven days a week and serves cocktails and 12 different wines by the glass. The menu combines classic tapas with a twist and some amazingly creative plates that taste fabulous and look… well… funky! The prices are funky silly too. Enjoy everything from Scotched quail egg with Piccalilli puree for just €1,50, to a potato and morcilla blini tortilla for €2,25. g Avda. Miguel de Cervantes 34, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. Tel: 952 811 590. www.funkytapas.com

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R 31 OF DECEMBE

APPETIZERS: PAGNE OR GLASS OF CHAM ER BE , FINO SHERRY S ER TIZ PE AP LD HOT AND CO ÜÜÜ

h c n u L s a m t s i Chr

STARTERS: ED KIN SOUP WITH GRILL MP PU OF M EA CR T AS GOAT CHEESE ON TO OR APPLE SALAD WITH D AN IE FO WARM FRUIT VINAIGRETTE D CALVADOS AND RE ÜÜÜ

MAIN COURSES: HITE WINE SAUCE FILLET OF SOLE IN W OR AND LAMB WITH HONEY BY BA OF G LE T AS RO E ROSEMARY GLAZ OR G CHESTNUT STUFFIN ITH W EY RK ROAST TU E UC SA RT AND PO ÜÜÜ

DESSERT: SSION CHE CAKE WITH PA NA GA E AT OL OC CH M EA CR ISH GL FRUIT, BROWNIE, EN ET AND MANGO SORB ÜÜÜ

COFFEE AND CHRISTM

AS COOKIES

: 46,50€ P.P. Menu 3 courses Price

Drinks not included.

New Year’s Eve

25 OF DECEMBER

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUS IC

us n e M t Se

OU R GR O F ES RO S LABL AVAI 0 / 35 EU 3

STARTERS: BOUILLABAISSE SOUP WITH RO UILLE TOAST 14 MILLEFEUILLE OF ,50€ FOIE GRAS, APPL E AND CARAMELIZED GO AT CHEESE 18,0 0€ SCALLOPS CARP ACCIO WITH RIO FRIO CAVIAR VINAIG RETTE 17,50€ PASTA AND RICE : TAGLIATELLE W ITH VENISON RA GOUT WITH DRIED FIGS 24,50€ LOBSTER RAVIOL I WITH CARDIN AL SAUCE 26,0 RISOTTO WITH 0€ WILD MUSHROO MS AND FRESH ALBA TR UFFLE 27,50€ FISH: WILD SEA BASS WITH TOMATO COMPOTE WITH FRESH TH YM E 35 ,0 0€ FILLET OF TURB OT FISH, TRUFFL ED CABBAGE AND GRILLED BA BY SQUIDS 30,5 0€ GRILLED BLUE LO BSTER 37,00€ MEAT: ROASTED SHOU LDER OF BABY LA MB PERFUMED WIT H ROSEMARY 34 GLAZED SUCKLI ,50€ NG PIG WITH SW EET POTATO PURE AND ORAN GE SAUCE 28,0 FILLET STEAK W 0€ ITH TRUFFLED PO TATO CREAM AND FRESH GRIL LED FRESH FOIE 32,00€ DESSERT: CHOCOLATE FO NDAND WITH PE ARAND GLAZED CARAM EL 12,00€ CHAMPAGNE JE LLY WITH RED FR UIT AND PASSION FR UIT SORBET 12 ,00€

CHRISTMAS CO

OKIES Ü LUCK Y GRAPES

AT MIDNIGHT Ü

COTILLON

ROSMARINO RISTORANTE ITALIANO

Open all day from 12am till midnight for lunch and dinner.

C.C. PINOGOLF LOCAL 34 (near Opencor) ELVIRIA MARBELLA TEL. (+34) 952 85 01 48 rosmarinodellapiazza@hotmail.com

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11/27/13 12:59 PM

THE GOURMET profile

TALENT IN WONDERLAND, MATÍAS FERNÁNDEZ OF

Casa Mono

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GUY SIRRE

f Santa Claus were living today then surely the name on his DNI would read ‘Guy Sirre’. The Belgian founder of dining havens Casanis in the Old Town and Casa Mono in the centre of Marbella has been hard at work for 10 years in Marbella, running venues that are not just places to dine, but veritable treasures troves of art, culture and a certain mystique which is hard to define. Sirre’s passion for African art and the plethora of antique furniture pieces from his mother’s collection have found their way into interiors that are as eclectic as the restaurant’s founder. He surrounds himself with good people too – take Clement Mokeddel, for instance, maître d‘ of Casa Mono, whose good looks are matched by his innate talent for making guests feel both at home and very much like they have stepped into a quite magical place. Sitting in the verdant terrace of Casa Mono as I await Matías Fernández, the young Argentinean whiz who is also the restaurant’s Head Chef, I am taken aback by an invisible web of artistry being spun all around me. Enigmatic contemporary artist, Aldo Gigli, is leafing through a book representing species of plants, seeking inspiration for the restaurant’s next mural. To the left of my table, a colourful mosaictiled Andalusian fountain flanked by lush foliage is matched in joyful beauty by a surreal Magrit-inspired mural. Since Matías is applying a few finishing touches in the kitchen, Guy invites me back to his ‘workshop’ where a carpenter is working on more of Casa Mono’s many handmade wooden and mosaic tables. Indeed, the constantly updated woodwork is one of the pièces de résistance of this restaurant. Upstairs, the tour continues; Guy has made a serious investment into

creating the new ‘British Monkey Salon’ lounge and dining area, which strikes me as the perfect surrounds for an intimate dinner or private party that demands a special kind of artistry and elegance. British colonial pieces are joined by an expansive library of books available for the client’s perusal – a homage to Guy’s love for culture, food and reading. Matías arrives and I begin to think I’m seeing double: the similarity to Oscar-winning actor, Matt Damon, is uncanny. He is joined by another Argentinean culinary maestro: Fabián Cangas, Executive Chef of both the Casanis and Casa Mono restaurants. Fabián, who has just returned from a stint with Paul Bocuse, has been at Casanis for 10 years now and he tells me of the rich evolution he has seen in Casanis’ cuisine since its establishment: “Casanis started off as a bistro with cuisine that was simpler in nature than it is now. Now, I like to call our cuisine `Bistronomía´”: a word play on the words bistro (which conjure up images of simple, hearty food) and gastronomía (which, in Spanish, carries with it ideas like creativity, personality and artistry). While Casanis serves up more traditional Belgian and French dishes, the fare at Casa Mono contains influences from the Italian, French, Mediterranean and Asian traditions, thanks in no small part to Chef, Nacho Jiménez, who, Matías tells me, “tends to take dishes into the Oriental realm”. Both Matías and Fabián are keen travellers. Fabián, who has worked in cities as far removed as New York and Sydney, recalls the Virgin Isles as being particularly breathtaking in their beauty. Matías, meanwhile, is freshly back from a two-week stay in Belgium, where he honed his craft in the kitchens of famed restaurant, Les Uns Avec les Hôtes. If Fabián, 31, has always been passionate about cooking, Matías, 32, discovered its joys later in life, since he had initially decided on becoming a lawyer. Interestingly, these days, he can’t imagine himself doing anything he loves more – this despite his hectic schedule, which he juggles alongside the

responsibilities of being a husband and dad to a ninemonth old baby. Today, says Matías, he is busy working on dishes for the new season’s menu. These include a sinfully creamy goats cheese aumônière and a tuna dish served with wok-style vegetables and a mushroom sauce, livened up with touches of dashi, mirin and sake. The team is also busy preparing for Christmas. This year, diners will enjoy special dinners on both Christmas and New Year’s Eve. On the evening of 24th December, Matías has planned a traditional Christmas dinner, featuring lobster, oysters and classic winter delights. On the 31st, diners will enjoy tucking into an exquisite tasting menu, which will reveal Matías’ most creative, imaginative side. “You learn a lot by seeing, tasting and experiencing food”, says Matías and as he and Fabián hurry off to dedicate their day to their greatest passion, it seems fitting that such talented individuals should have landed so far from their birthplace (Argentina) to give free reign to their talent beneath the guiding hand of the wizard that is Guy Sirre. e

g Casa Mono and Casanis are open daily for lunch and dinner. CASA MONO: C/ Estébanez Calderón 19, Marbella. Tel: 952 774 578. www.casamono.es CASANIS: C/ Ancha 8, Old Town, Marbella. Tel: 952 900 450. www.casanis-restaurante-marbella.es

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11/26/13 1:29 PM

THE GOURMET wine

When Prince Alfonso Hohenlohe made it known that he was heading up into the Sierra de Ronda to make wine, we all thought he had lost his senses. Although recognised as a versatile businessman who had turned his hand, often unsuccessfully, to a number of projects both within and outside Spain, this was a new one. What did our beloved and charismatic Alfonso know about grapes and vineyards and all that?

RONDA

wines T

he Marbella Club had passed out of his ownership and the assumption was that he now had enough money to do what he wanted. Retirement was not in his plans, so his thoughts turned to the country finca which he had owned for many years near Ronda. The property, set in a natural valley among rolling hills, was a delightful place even without vineyards, but his friend the oenologist Marqués de Griñon saw other possibilities. French flying-winemaker Michel Rolland also became involved and eventually 80,000 French vines were planted. As tends to happen in the wine business, the Cortijo de las Monjas was sold to a large company and things were never the same again. Prince Alfonso left us ten years ago and who knows

WORDS AJ LINN

whether without his initiative wine would ever have become established again in the Sierra de Ronda? Wine had been made in the Sierra de Ronda since the beginning of time and in spite of its artisanal nature the activity gave work to people who otherwise would have had to scratch a living from subsistence farming. The phylloxera bug devastated Ronda’s vineyards in the 19th century and the region was out of the wine business for the foreseeable future. Apart from its proximity to Marbella (it is easy to drive up early, visit a bodega or two, lunch in Ronda and be back in time for tea) the region also has the distinction of housing a wide variety of wineries. Here you cannot really say that once you have seen one bodega you have seen them all, as

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each one is different, unlike the boring sherry houses where they are all the same. Ronda has a relatively heavy foreign influence with several producers being of nonSpanish origin. German-born Federico Schatz got his wine to the market before Hohenlohe, in spite of starting later. Schatz, from a winemaking family in Württemberg, found the land he was searching for in 1982. He planted grape varieties never tried in Spain before, which together with Riesling, Chardonnay, Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon, allow him to produce a wide range from a tiny 3 hectare plot. The wines are organic and have become a benchmark for other organic vineyards in Andalucía. Swiss Conrad-Stauffer started in 1991 and the Conrad bodega is finally making its mark with wines like Soleón, San Lorenzo, Cristina and Niño León. The output is small, with the Cristina limited to 2,400 bottles and, satisfyingly, the quality improves annually and has reached a very high level. Another cuckoo in the nest is Austrian exarchitect Martin Kieninger. His 7 Vin wine uses three Austrian grape varieties and is most interesting, as is the Vinana, both awardwinners. To make wine you must be patient. The Cortijo los Aguilares finca was acquired by a Basque businessman in 1999 and will take years to become a money-spinner, but in the meantime ace winemaker Bibi García continues harvesting international awards for the Pinot Noir. The other wines such as Tadeo and Pago del Espino are far above average for the region. Currently, only a few hectares are under vines but expansion is planned to include a white variety. Ronda vineyards are high. El Chantre is over 1,000 metres, and is the biggest red-wineproducing estate in Ronda, with its one-wine Ramos Paul having achieved a good enough reputation to win export orders in spite of a price of €28. The bodega is impeccable, with the latest technology, and an interesting feature is the extensive underground cellar originally excavated by Polish miners working around the clock. Until quite recently it was not easy to find Ronda wines in local restaurants, allegedly on the basis that they were too expensive. This is now being addressed by producers like Bodegas Lunares, with their Lunares 2012 at €9 and Altocielo at €14, both excellent. Joaquín Fernández started up in 2001 and under the Finca los Frutales and Hacienda Vizcondesa labels makes some very good organic red wines, completed by a rare animal, a white wine from a red grape, Blanco de Uva Tinta.

Prices are excellent: the Hacienda Vizcondesa selling for less than €8, and increasingly difficult to find. Chinchilla got going in 2000, and its Doble Doce 2008 is recommended highly in the Spanish media. Made from cabernet sauvignon and merlot. The Seis+Seis a close runnerup. Ronda is slowly developing its white wine potential and Chichilla’s Cloe 2012 is the first from this bodega, although the production is only 6,000 hand-numbered bottles. Juan Manuel Vetas is arguably one of the region’s most experienced oenologists, having collaborated initially with Alfonso Hohenlohe after serving time in French wineries. Vetas is now a brand in its own right and has joined Schatz and Los Aguilares in producing a fine Petit Verdot, as well as its Selección 2005. Both are pricey at around €40. Descalzos Viejos is highly recommended for its sheer uniqueness. Restored from a 16th century convent by its architect owners, this is a matchless bodega, as are the wines, DV + 2007 with cabernet sauvignon, and a delicious naturally-sweet DV Minima made from overripe grapes. Most of the wines mentioned are readily available in Marbella wine stores and the Vinacoteca La Cartuja has an extensive range. e ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM DECEMBER 2013 / 153

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theguide

RESTAURANTS / CINEMAS / GOLF / GYMS /

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

TENNIS / SCHOOLS

under €25

€25 – €40

€40 – €60

€60 plus

ROUTE 66

el banco

::: FRENCH :::

::: AMERICAN :::

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

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

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

HARD ROCK CAFÉ

Yanx

Tango

Chateau Mona lisa

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

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

::: ARGENTINEAN :::

::: BELGIAN :::

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

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

Clericó

mytilus

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

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

RESTAURANTS

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

154 / DECEMBER 2013 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

Buenos Aires South

El Coto

Casa mono

rendez vous Open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 6pm and Sunday from 9am to 2pm. Closed Tuesday. Avda. del Prado, Aloha Gardens, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 813 912

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

::: GREEK :::

MARBELLA CLUB GRILL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Piratas flame grill

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

amigos

Massala

aroma

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

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

Mr. india

baboo lounge and restaurant

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

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

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

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

Restaurante Rancho

safFron

Bar d’o restaurant & Lounge

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

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

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

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

::: INDIAN ::: Chowka

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Avda. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 900 380

Jaipur palace

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

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

alberts

Black and white Marbella

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

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

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

alumbre

Jaipur Purple

Amanhavis

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

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

Little India

beach house

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

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

CAFÉ DE RONDA Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM DECEMBER 2013 / 155

THE GUIDE Price guide ::::::: per head for a three-course meal with wine Avda. Ramón Gómez de la Serna 23, Marbella. Tel: 952 862 149

Café del mar Open daily for lunch and dinner. Urb. Coral Beach s/n, km. 176, Marbella. Tel: 952 777 299

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

camurí Open daily for lunch and dinner. CN340, km 176, Marbella. Tel: 952 765 533

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

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

cerrado del águila

€25 – €40

€40 – €60

€60 plus

Ctra. de Mijas, km. 1, A-387, Alhaurín El Grande. Tel: 951 254 520

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

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

Don Leone

El Restaurante del Casino

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

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

Dynamic Café

Fabiola

Open Monday to Sunday for lunch. Ctra. de Istán, km. 0.9, C.C. Le Village, Marbella. Tel: 952 775 021

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

girasol

Finca Besaya

güey

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

Open nightly for dinner. Plaza de las Orquídeas 4, Marbella. Tel: 952 929 250

Finca El Forjador

hermosa

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

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

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

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

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

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

EL JINETE

c’est la vie

El lago

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. Urb. Elviria Hills. Avda. Las Cumbres s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 832 371

cortijo fain

EL MIRADOR

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

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

del mar

EL OLIVO

156 / DECEMBER 2013 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

under €25

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

Finca las brasas

GD Gourmet deli marbella Open 9:30am to 9pm from Monday to Friday and Saturday from 12am to 6pm. Closed Sundays. Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe 7, Marbella. Tel: 952 774 049 Open daily for dinner from 6.30p.m. Avda. del Prado, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. Tel: 952 813 859

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

Herrero del Puerto

funky tapas

hotel marbella club buffet

Open daily from 12 midday to 12 midnight. Avda. Miguel de Cervantes 34, Marbella. Tel: 952 811 590

Galeria San Pedro

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

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

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

Ikni Banús

fonda restaurante el postillón

il mare

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

Open daily for for breakfast, lunch and dinner. C.C. Cristamar, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 929 978 Open every evening for dinner. Playa del Rodeo, Marbella. Tel: 951 319 372

karma

Estepona. Tel: 952 792 734

Andalucía. Tel: 952 816 105

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

La Terraza

Mc café

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

LA biznaga

La Terraza

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

La Menorah

Los naranjos restaurant

Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Arena Beach, CN 340, km. 151.2,

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Urb. Los Naranjos de Marbella. Nueva

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

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

mosaik4

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

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

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

NUEVA CAMPANA Open daily for lunch and dinner, except Tuesday. La Campana, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 814 041

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

under €25

Nueva Kaskada

Rojo

Romano, Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

Open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Urb. La Montua, C/ Chorreadero 39, Marbella. Tel: 952 864 478

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

Swing

OCHO

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

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

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

POCO loco BEACH Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Playa Hermosa, CN 340, Km 189, Marbella. Tel: 952 836 170

polynesians Open Monday to Sunday from 5pm to 2am. Urb. La Alcazaba, CN 340, km 175. Tel: 952 816 100

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. Tel: 952 800 015

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

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Sea grill

shanti-som – amrita 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

€25 – €40

€40 – €60

€60 plus

Guadalmansa, CN340, km 164, Estepona. Tel: 952 798 449

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

Trocadero arena

tanino

trocadero beach

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

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

Terra Sana

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Avda. Mediterráneo, Edif. San Pedro del Mar. San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 780 114

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

umami

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

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/ Camilo José Cela s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 772 686.

Skina

The Clubhouse Bar & Brasserie

What’s cooking deli and takeaway

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

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

Open daily from 10am to 7pm. C.C. Guadalmina, Local 34, Marbella. Tel: 952 886 748

The meeting room

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

shiraz

SMALL WORLD CAFé Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ctra. Istán, km 1, C.C: Le Village 15, Marbella. Tel: 952 771 046

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

SUite Dinner and afterwards dance to music by resident DJ. Thursday to Saturday. Hotel Puente

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

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

tikitano Open every day for lunch and dinner. Urb.

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

zest

zozoI Open Monday to Saturday for dinner from 7.30pm-12am. Plaza Altamirano 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 858 868

::: ITALIAN :::

Al Dente

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

Amore e Fantasía

on Monday. Da Bruno Sul Mare: Edif. Skol, Paseo Marítimo, Marbella. Tel: 952 903 318/19. Da Bruno Mijas Costa: Ctra. de Mijas, km. 3.6, Mijas. Tel: 952 460 724

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

Da Paolo

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

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

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

Aretusa

De Medici

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

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

Carpaccio

Frascati

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

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

Caruso

gold restaurant

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

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

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

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

Da Bruno

la pappardella di estepona

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

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

la fiorentina

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

la trattoria de marbella

Leonardo da vinci Lombardo’s

Tel: 952 813 669

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

Ristorante Regina

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

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

MADE IN SARDINIA

Rosmarino della piazza

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

mesana Open nightly for dinner. At the Gran Hotel Gvadalpín. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 771 133

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

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

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

Pizzeria Picasso Open daily from 12 noon. Puerto Banús.

trattoria l’impronta 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

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

::: Mediterranean ::: 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

ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM DECEMBER 2013 / 159

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

€25 – €40

Comercial, Pinares de Elviria, Marbella. Tel: 952 850 060

952 863 193

asiatico zen

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

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

Dragón de Oro

Tai Pan

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

€40 – €60

€60 plus

11pm and Sunday and Monday from 6pm to 11pm. C/ Las Violetas, Local 7, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 813 598

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

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

Teppanyaki samurai

La Torre

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

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

golden wok

Thai Gallery

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

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

Marisquería La Pesquera

KABUKI raw

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

Thai Style

Restaurante El bote

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

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

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

tHapa thai

Santiago

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

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

Kama Kura

top thai

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

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

Makitake

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

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

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

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

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

Sukho Thai 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:

160 / DECEMBER 2013 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

under €25

Tse yang Dimsum club

Wasabi

::: SPANISH ::: Bahía

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

beach club restaurante grill

Wok Away

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

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

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

Wok Buffet

Casa Fernando

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

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

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

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

::: SCANDINAVIAN ::: Aloha restaurant

Casa de la era

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

Hacienda

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

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

Skandies

La máquina

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

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

::: SEAFOOD :::

cervecería ostrería santiago

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

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

La Taberna del Alabardero

El Barlovento

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

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

La fishita

Mesón el adobe

Open Tuesday to Saturday from 1pm to

Open daily for lunch and dinner except

Tuesdays. Avda. La Fontanilla, Edif. Balmoral, Bajo 3, Marbella. Tel. 600 003 144

AUDITORIO MUNICIPAL TORREMOLINOS

Emancipación 30. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 474 542

mi taberna

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

VERACRUZ CINES

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

AUDITORIO PARQUE DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN

YELMO CINEPLEX

taberna del volapié

Marbella. Tel: 952 825 035

Open daily from 11.30am to midnight. C/ Ramón Areces, Cjto. Marina Banús, Blq. 3-4, Local 7, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 542 820

CENTRO CULTURAL EL INGENIO

Tragabuches

CINESA LA CAÑADA

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

La Cañada. Marbella. Tel: 902 333 231

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 :::

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

ALHAMAR GYM

Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 810 077

ATENAS

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

Barquilla 1. Marbella. Tel: 952 776 240

MULTICINES ALFIL

AZTEC COUNTRY CLUB

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

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

MULTICINES MEDITERRÁNEO

CENTRO DEPORTIVO EL FUERTE

Mijas. Tel: 952 663 738

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

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

Recinto Ferial. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 589 349

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

GYMS & SPORTS CLUBS C.C. Alhamar, CN-340 km 197. Tel: 952 934 684

PALACIO DE LA PAZ

AUDITORIO MUNICIPAL MIJAS

Plaza Mayor. Tel: 902 220 922

cines gran marbella

loving hut

CINEMAS & THEATRES

Veracruz. Estepona. Tel: 952 800 056

TEATRO ALAMEDA Calle Córdoba 9, Málaga. Tel: 952 213 412

CENTRO DE YOGA Y SALUD INTEGRAL

TEATRO CERVANTES

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

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

CENTRO PLAZA GYM

TEATRO CIUDAD DE MARBELLA

Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 817 074

Plaza Ramón Martínez, Marbella. Tel: 952 903 159

Cerrado del águila

TEATRO SALON VARIETES

Mijas Costa, Málaga. Tel: 951 773 523

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THE GUIDE

CLUB DEl SOL Tennis /paddle classes. Calahonda. Tel: 952 939 595

Dynamic training centre C.C. Le Village, Marbella. Tel: 952 775 021

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

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

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

HAPPY DIVER’S CLUB Atalaya Park Hotel, Marbella. Tel: 609 571 920

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

Tel: 952 905 082

CN340, Km 180. Marbella. Tel: 952 822 211

Vitality studio

hotel Villa Padierna

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

CN340, Km 166, Exit Cancelada. Benahavís. Tel: 952 889 150

HOTELS

vincci selección estrella del mar

Don Carlos resort, leisure & spa

Alanda Club Marbella

Plaza del Mar. Marbella. Tel: 952 900 420

CN340, Km192. Marbella. Tel: 952 768 800

Almenara Golf Hotel & Spa

P-E SPORTS CLUB

Crtra. Casares, Casares. Tel: 952 937 800

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

Gran hotel gvadalpín puerto banús

qi sport

Arroyo El Rodeo, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. Tel: 952 899 700

C/ Pilar 3. Benahavís. Tel: 952 856 026

Gran Meliá Don Pepe

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

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

02 CENTRO WELLNESS

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

finca cortesin hotel, golf & spa

CN340, km 190.5, Marbella. Tel: 951 053 970

CN340 Km 192. Marbella. Tel: 952 902 537

Avda. Almenara s/n. Sotogrande. Tel: 956 582 000

Amanhavís Hotel & Restaurant Atalaya Park Hotel

SATURNIA REGNA

José Meliá s/n. Marbella. Tel: 952 770 300

CN340, Km 168,5. Estepona. Tel: 952 889 000

HOTEL PUENTE ROMANO

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

hotel los monteros

Beatriz Palace & Spa

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

SEVEN STARS SCHOOL

CN 340, km 187, Marbella. Tel: 952 771 700

CN340, Km207. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 922 000

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

Hotel Puente Romano

Benabola Apart Hotel

CN340, Km179. Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

Benabola. Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 815 000

SPORTCLUB ROUTE 66

Hotel Triton

blue Bay banús hotel

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

Avda. Antonio Machado, 29. Benalmádena Costa. Tel: 952 443 240

CN340, Km173. N. Andalucía. Tel: 952 811 517

SPORTING CLUB ATALAYA PARK HOTEL

Kempinski Hotel bahía estepona

Guadalmina Baja. Marbella. Tel: 952 882 211

CN340, Km159. Estepona. Tel: 952 809 500

Gran Hotel Benahavis

MARBELLA GUN & COUNTRY CLUB

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

La Cala resort

Monda. Tel: 952 112 161

TICKET-TO-RIDE

La Cala de Mijas Tel: 952 669 000

Huerta de Rufino, Benahavís. Tel: 902 504 862

MARBELLA SPORT

Cristamar, Pto. Banús.

Marbella Club Hotel

H10 Andalucía Plaza

KRAV MAGA SELF-DEFENCE CENTRE At Hotel Pyr, Puerto Banús. Tel: 655 689 455

MANOLO SANTANA RACQUETS CLUB Ctra. de Istán, Km 2. Marbella. Tel: 952 778 580

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Golf Hotel Guadalmina

CN340 Km 174. Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 812 000

HM gran hotel costa del sol La Cala de Mijas, Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 587 710

Tamisa Golf Hotel Camino Viejo de Coín. Km 3.3. Mijas Golf. Tel: 952 585 988

TRH el paraíso CN340, km 167, Estepona. Tel: 952 883 000

Hotel El Fuerte

C/ San Agustin 8. Málaga. Tel: 952 218 382

El corte inglés

Museo del Grabado

Fuengirola

Hospital Bazán. Marbella. Tel: 952 825 035

Tel: 952 467 843

Museo de la Villa

C/ Málaga 82–84. Tel: 952 800 537

Fuengirola

Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 909 990

Estepona

Avda. El Fuerte, s/n. Marbella. Tel: 952 861 500. Spa & Beauty Miramar. Tel: 952 920 000

Hotel diana park CN 340, km 168.5, Estepona. Tel: 952 887 659

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

Hotel Fuerte Miramar Spa

HOTEL PYR MARBELLA

Museo Ralli

Marbella

Pl. José Luque Manzano. Marbella. Tel: 952 768 400. Spa & Beauty Miramar. Tel: 952 768 410

Avda. Rotary International, s/n, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 817 353

Urb. Coral Beach. Marbella. Tel: 952 857 923

Jac. Benavente, 14. Tel: 952 772 898

NH SAN PEDRO

Museum of Málaga Wines

C/ Jazmines. Tel: 952 810 887

Hotel Meliá Marbella

Carrera 39. Ojén. Tel: 952 881 453

San Pedro

CN340, Km 175. Pto. Banús. Tel: 952 810 500

C/ Jerez 1, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 853 040

Pizarro, 41. Tel: 952 780 393

Hotel Playa Bonita

sisu boutique hotel puerto banús

Museum of Miniatures Carromato de Max

CN340, Km 217. Benalmádena Costa. Tel: 952 442 840

CN 340, km 173, Puerto Banús, Tel: 952 906 105

El Compas. Mijas. Tel: 952 489 500

MUSEUMS

Pablo Ruiz Picasso Foundation

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

Plaza de la Merced 15. Málaga. Tel: 952 060 215

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

C/ Conde Rudi, s/n. CN340, Km 178. Marbella. Tel: 952 763 200

San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 781 360

Picasso Museum Málaga

british school of marbella Ages 18 months-8. Marbella. Tel: 952 779 264

Parador de Ronda

Bonsai Museum

Palacio de Buenavista, C/ San Agustín 8. Málaga. Tel: 952 127 611

Plaza de España, s/n. Ronda. Tel: 952 877 500

Parque Arroyo de la Represa. Marbella. Tel: 952 862 926

Roman Public Baths

Ages 3-18. Tel: 952 930 080

Guadalmina Baja. Tel: 952 781 360

Calpe School

POST OFFICES

Childrens placE Bilingual nursery

Calahonda

Atalaya, Estepona. Tel: 952 928 444

C.C. El Zoco. Tel: 952 932 175

Colegio Alborán

Hotel Princess Playa Paseo Marítimo. Marbella. Tel: 952 820 944

NH Marbella

SENTIDOS Hotel

Basilica Vega del Mar

CN340, Km185, Urb. Golf Rio Real s/n. Marbella. Tel: 952 765 732

Bull-fighting Museum

Sunset Beach Club

Museo Cortijo Miraflores

Avda. del Sol, 5. Benalmádena Costa. Tel: 952 579 400

Marbella. Tel: 952 902 714

Plaza de Toros. Estepona.

Museo de Bella Artes

Pza. los Chinorros. Tel: 952 474 384

Nueva Andalucía

sChools

Aloha College Angela’s School

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

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

bel air tennis and paddel club

Colegio Alemán

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

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

Club deL Sol

Colegio Las Chapas

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

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

Colegio San José Guadalmina Tel: 952 883 858 Estepona. Tel: 952 800 148

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

Dolphin Nursery

Club Internacional de Tennis

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

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

Ecos College

Benahavís. Tel: 617 647 223

Ages 1–18. Elviria. Tel: 952 831 027

Club Nueva Alcántara

English InteRnational College

San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 788 315

Ages 3–18. Elviria. Tel: 952 831 058/9

Hofsaess tennis academy

Hijas de María Auxiliadora Ages 3-12. Marbella. Tel: 952 771 396

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

III language schools

Lew Hoads Tennis Club

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

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

Inlingua Language School

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

All ages. Marbella. T: 952 774 942

marbella playa tenIs

the InteRnational SCHOOL of ESTEPONA

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

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

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

Laude San pedro international college

Club Madroñal

Manolo Santana Racquets Club Ctra. de Istán, Km 2. Marbella. Tel: 952 778 580

Marbella hill tennis club

Miraflores Tennis Club Puente Romano TEnnis club

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

Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

Mayfair Academy

royal tennis club marbella

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

El Rosario, Marbella. Tel: 952 837 651

Monseñor Rodrigo Bocanegra

Tourist offices

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

Performing Arts Academy Ages 3-18. Marbella. Tel: 952 906 865

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

Saint George’s School Ages 2-8. San Pedro. Tel: 952 786 606

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

St. Javier’s International School Ages 1-7. Marbella. Tel: 952 823 457

Stagecoach Theatre Arts School Ages 4-16. Tel: 952 900 453

Sunny View School Ages 2–18. Torremolinos. Tel: 952 383 164

Swans international school el capricho Ages 3–10. Marbella. Tel: 952 773 248

Swans international school Sierra blanca Ages 11–18. Marbella. Tel: 952 902 755

TLC Tutorial College Ages 13-18. Calahonda. Tel: 952 933 249

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

TENNIS CLUBS Aztec Country Club

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

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Club de tenis don carlos

Benahavís Tel: 952 855 500 Benalmádena Tel: 952 442 494 Estepona Tel: 952 802 002 Fuengirola Tel: 952 467 625 Gibraltar Tourist Board Tel: 956 774 950 Marbella Tel: 952 822 818 Málaga Tel: 952 213 445 / 952 216 061 Mijas Tel: 952 485 900 Ronda Tel: 952 871 272 San Pedro Tel: 952 785 252 Tarifa Tel: 956 680 993 Torremolinos Tel: 952 381 578

TRAIN

Customer assistance T: 952 128 267 General Info T: 902 240 202 Reservations T: 902 240 202 Ave T: 952 128 079

pets THE GUIDE LUXURY C

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DOG SHIRT BY ACCESSORIZE i www.accessorize.es

Christmas FOR PETS AND PET LOVERS We hope you can find a little space under your Christmas tree for pressies for Fido, Kitty and/or the person who spends the most time caring for them. Marisa Cutillas offers a few suggestions. DOG CUSHION BY M & CO. i www.mandco.com

BALLOON DOG SCULPTURE BY HOUSE OF FRASER i www.houseoffraser.co.uk

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THE GUIDE what’s on EVENTS CONTINUED FROM NOVEMBER Until January 8, 2014 ART – MARBELLA

Grupo Rhea, comprising Fátima Conesa, Javier Plata, Miguel Ceballos, Yeyo Argüez and Pablo Pujol, presents its latest joint exhibition, featuring a range of styles that veer from figurative to modern/abstract. At the Casino Marbella. www.casinomarbella.com

Until January 15, 2014 ART EXHIBITION – MARBELLA

Red Penguin Art Gallery at El Corte Inglés Capricho presents a joint exhibition entitled Live Your Dream, by contemporary artists Rita Martorell, Robbert Fortgens, Monique Bastiaans, Joss Uñac, Cats & Withoos and Isabell Beyel. www.redpenguinartgallery.com

Until February 23, 2014 ART – MÁLAGA

The Museo Picasso Málaga celebrates its 10th anniversary with a spectacular exhibition of works by artists the like of Cézanne, Courbet, Degas, Gris, Matisse, Rodin and more. 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 Meets at different times and places for

with loved ones or financial stress, at her weekly group meetings, which go from 7:30pm to 9pm. For information on locations, info@ advancedpersonaltherapy.com

Every Monday to Friday CERAMIC CLASSES – MARBELLA

Hone your craft in ceramics or start at the very beginning, with daily classes at Totem Ceramics. Tel: 952 887 364. www.totemceramics.com

Every Tuesday JIVE – ESTEPONA

Learn to dance and feel confident on the dance floor at the three-hour jive dance sessions led by Colin and his team from Jive Spain at TikiTano restaurant. People of all ages attend every week and you don’t have to bring a partner or reserve a space. Just come along

your salsa 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.

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

MARTIAL ARTS – MARBELLA

Taekwondo expert Justin Menchen, who studied and received First Dan in Los Angeles (from Master Keith Jones) teaches Taekwondo to children and adults, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm at MGM gym. Further information, Tel: 666 756 692. www.marbellataekwondo.com

Every first Wednesday of the month CULTURE AND COCKTAIL – MARBELLA

The Association of Art and Culture Marbella holds a monthly cocktail at Magna Café, Magna Marbella Golf, from 8pm-10pm. Tel: 627 833 262. www.artandculturemarbella.com

From Live Your Dream Exhibition

Every Wednesday and Thursday CINE CLUB – MARBELLA

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

Every Wednesday and Saturday FOOTBALL – FUENGIROLA Until January 20, 2014 ART – MIJAS

Some of the founding members of the group, Artistas Eclécticos, have pooled their work together for a new exhibition at El Jinete restaurant. Featuring works by Elaine Carlton (a textile artist), Don Widdall (who works in pastel and watercolours) and Richard Wood (who produces atmospheric scenes in watercolour and oil). Open daily except for Friday from 1pm to 10pm. Tel: 952 119 170.

Until January 24, 2014 ART – MARBELLA

El Campanario Golf & Country House presents an exhibition of impressionist paintings by Carmen Campos-Guereta. www.elcampanarioresort.com

Until February 9, 2014

The Museo Picasso de Málaga presents, for the first time in Spain, an exhibition by Swedish abstract artist, Hilma af Klint. The latter is considered to have been way ahead of her time, since she aimed to depict a reality beyond the visible. www.museopicassomalaga.org

Until February 20, 2014 ART – MARBELLA

The Polígono Art Gallery presents Entre Dos Mundos, an exhibition featuring two very different styles of work by Argentinean artist, Marcos Bontempo. Horses command Bontempo’s most emotionally charged sketches and drawings, which often bear surprising surrealist touches. www.poligonogallery.com

lunches, lectures, concerts, ballet, theatre, opera, etc. Further information, Tel: 669 445 809. smartkidsmarbella@gmail.com

Every Monday SALSA CLASSES – MARBELLA

and join the fun! Tickets cost €10 per person. For precise times, www.jivespain.com

Every first Tuesday of the month INTERNET – MARBELLA

Learn how to shake your hips like a true Latino at El Campanario, under the guiding hand of professional dancer, Rafa. At 7:30pm. Prior booking is necessary. Tel: 952 904 233. www.elcampanariogolf.com

Café Ideas is an informative event that takes place from 9:15am to 11am at the Hotel Meliá Banús, aimed at entrepreneurs who would like to learn more about how the Internet and online networking can grow their business. Entrance costs €15. To reserve your spot, Tel: 952 902 961. info@studioideas.es

Every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday LANGUAGE WORKSHOPS – MIJAS PUEBLO

Every Second Tuesday of the Month JAZZ – ESTEPONA

Spanish/English and English/Spanish conversation with fellow native speakers, 10:30am to 12pm and 6:30pm to 8pm. Mondays in La Cala, Tuesdays in Mijas Village and Thursdays in Las Lagunas. At the Pensioner’s Day Centres. Further information on meeting points, Tel: 952 589 010. www.mijas.es

Every Monday and Wednesday YOGA – MARBELLA

Lori Sjollema teaches Gentle Hatha Flow yoga on Mondays at 10:30am and Intermediate Vinyasa Flow on Wednesdays at 10:30am at the Manolo Santana Racquets Club. Tel: 639 845 285.

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE – MARBELLA

Integral Psychotherapist Gabriella Kortsch helps you with everything from relationship breakdowns to depression, poor communication

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

Every Third Tuesday of the Month FLORAL ART CLUB – ESTEPONA

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

Every Wednesday TOASTMASTERS CLUB – MARBELLA

Weekly meetings of this public speaking organisation, 7:30pm at Aloha Gardens, Nueva Andalucía. Further information, www.toastmastersmarbella.com

SALSA – MARBELLA

If you’re feeling the Latino vibe, brush up on

Every Wednesday afternoon at 5pm and Saturday morning at 10am, the Field of Dreams Football School teaches kids aged three upwards to learn or hone their skills at football. Featuring English UEFA-trained coaches. www.facebook.com/Fieldofdreamsfootballclub

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

JAZZ – MARBELLA

Enjoy magnificent jazz music by Agustín Carrillo, Oliver Lepinat and Markus Schneider at Trocadero Arena restaurant from 10pm onwards. Tel: 952 865 579. www.trocaderoarena.com

Every first Friday of the Month CINE CLUB – ESTEPONA

Top films shown weekly in Spanish or original soundtrack at Padre Manuel Cultural Centre, 9pm. Tel: 952 802 002. www.estepona.es

Every last Friday of the Month COFFEE MORNING – ESTEPONA

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

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BUSINESS LUNCH – MARBELLA

SINGING COMPETITION – PUERTO BANÚS

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

RS Productions and Recording Studio, Avalon London, have been searching for top singing talents on the Costa del Sol. After viewing hundreds of auditions, they have selected 20 semi-finalists, who will be singing their hearts out at the Puerto Banús Grand Cinema. For tickets and information on precise times, www.reality-star.com

Every Saturday MARKETS – PUERTO BANÚS

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

ART CLASSES – MARBELLA

Talented artist, Ricardo Alario, teaches budding artists to paint and draw using oils, acrylics, water colours, etc. Tel: 952 859 671. www.ricardoalario.com

ART – MARBELLA

Enjoy a beautiful art exhibition and art sale from 6pm to 11:30pm at Plaza de la Encarnación, Marbella. The event, organised by the COART Association in conjunction with the Marbella Town Hall, brings local artists and art buyers together in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. For further information, asociacioncoart@gmail.com

ORGANIC FRUIT AND VEG MARKET – MARBELLA

If healthy, pesticide-free fruit and veg are your thing, don’t miss out on this hip market. At the Paseo de la Alameda from 10am to 2pm every Saturday. www.marbella.es

YANELA BROOKS – ESTEPONA

Marbella’s Diva of Disco and Soul, Yanela Brooks, performs at La Cabaña del Mar Beach Club at the Hotel Kempinski Bahía Estepona. Enjoy a three-course dinner while Yanela belts out your favourite pop and R ‘n B hits. From 8pm to 1am. www.kempinski.com

Every second Saturday of the month ECOLOGICAL MARKET – ELVIRIA

The Guadalhorce Ecological Association will be holding an organic fruit and vegetable market in front of the Supersol in Elviria. www.guadalhorceecologico.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

Sunday December 1 HEALING ARTS FESTIVAL – SAN PEDRO

Every year, crowds head to the fairgrounds in San Pedro for the Healing Arts Festival, featuring stands and events centred on the subject of holistic healing. Featuring information and activities of all kinds, including Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, Zumba and free Reiki sessions. www.festivalartesano.com

Tuesday December 3 to Monday December 16 Fuengirola’s Christmas market

Sunday December 15 FOOD FAIR – AXARQUÍA Fuengirola’s annual Christmas market, held at the Plaza de la Constitución, will light up the town with a host of stands featuring gifts, food and drink. www.fuengirola.es

Thursday December 5 CHARITY LUNCH – MARBELLA

Small World Café will be hosting one of the highlights of the Christmas season in Marbella: the Wish List Lunch, held to support Ciudad de los Niños in Málaga and the Lydenhurst School Farm in South Africa. The event will feature a cava reception and hearty lunch for just €30. www.en.smallworldcafe.com

Friday December 6 to Tuesday December 10 CHRISTMAS THEATRE – FUENGIROLA

Salva presents Step into Christmas: a fun-filled Christmas revue to get you in the festive mood. Nightly at 8pm, Sunday at 7pm at the Salon Varietes Theatre in Fuengirola. www.salonvarietestheatre.com

Thursday December 7 and Friday December 8 CULINARY CHRISTMAS – ESTEPONA

For the third year in a row, the Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona will be holding its Culinary Christmas Market in the Hotel lobby. There will be an array of items on offer, including traditional German treats and mulled wine. Featuring performances by the Christmas Carol Singers of Estepona. All proceeds will go to charity. www.kempinski.com

Thursday December 12 GOLF – MARBELLA

A charity pro-am will be taking place at the Marbella Club Golf Resort, starting at 10am. All proceeds will go towards helping local charity, Caritas. For further information, Tel: 600 345 882.

Saturday December 14 CHRISTMAS FAIR – BEL-AIR

The Anglican Church of Costa del Sol (West) will be holding its annual Christmas fair at the Tennis Club on Calle de Tenis in Bel-Air (near the Cancelada roundabout), starting at 11am. Featuring 30 raffle prizes. For information, telephone Joan Thompson, T: 952 804 799.

VIOLETTA – MÁLAGA

Violetta is a teen idol for millions of young girls all over the world. At 7:30pm, she will be singing to a packed crowd at the José María Martín Carpena pavilion. For tickets, www.nvivo.es

Colmenar, a quaint village in Alta Axarquía, next to Montes de Málaga Natural Park, will be holding their yearly Festival of Must and Pork, which draws a large number of visitors from all over Andalucía. Featuring traditional dishes, including migas and plato de los montes. Tel: 952 730 000.

MUSICAL THEATRE – MÁLAGA

Tempus Productions presents Cinderella, The Musical – a classic tale for young and old alike. At the Teatro Echegaray in Málaga at 12 midday. www.teatroechegaray.com

Friday December 20 to Monday December 23 and Thursday January 2 to Sunday January 5 PANTOMIME – FUENGIROLA Salva presents Aladdin, a spectacular pantomime for the whole family, at the Salón Varietes Theatre in Fuengirola. Nightly at 8pm,

The Chorus, Ballet and Orchestra of the Russian Army presents an eclectic concert featuring all three genres. Close to 100 musicians, dancers and singers will be sharing the stage to bring the rich culture of Russia to Costa del Sol residents. The concert starts at 9pm. www.teatrocervantes.com

Thursday December 26 to Monday December 30 and Thursday January 2 to Saturday January 4 THEATRE – MÁLAGA The Pata Theatre Company presents The Miser, a modern rendition of Molière’s famous play about a man who worships money above all else. At 6pm. www.teatroechegaray.com

Friday December 27 and Thursday January 2 BALLET – MÁLAGA

The Tchaikovsky National Ballet of Russia presents a true classic: Swan Lake, featuring over 40 dancers on stage. The performance starts at 9pm on both nights. www.teatrocervantes.com

Saturday December 28 THEATRE, DANCE AND BALLET – MARBELLA

The Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Marbella will be hosting a show called Susurros y Caricias (Whispers and Caresses), performed by the Compañía Centro Dramático Andaluz. The show will feature a combination of theatre, dance and

Friday December 20 MANUEL CARRASCO – MÁLAGA

Popular Spanish crooner and excontestant of Operación Triunfo, Manuel Carrasco, will be singing his latest hits at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga at 10pm. For tickets, www.nvivo.es

Sunday at 7pm, matinees on December 21, January 4 and January 5 at 3pm. www.salonvarietestheatre.com

Saturday December 21 MUSIC – ESTEPONA

TikiTano restaurant in Estepona will be hosting a concert by The Rat Pack, featuring classic tunes by Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Junior and Frank Sinatra. www.tikitano.com

Monday December 23 GOSPEL – MÁLAGA

The Teatro Cervantes in Málaga will be hosting a Christmas concert by the Mississippi Gospel Choir at 9pm. The Choir was founded over a century ago and will be singing moving songs like I am the Lord, Your Lord and Thank You. www.teatrocervantes.com

Thursday December 26 RUSSIAN CHORUS, BALLET AND ORCHESTRA – MÁLAGA

ballet, including Zarzuela, opera and flamenco. www.marbellacongresos.com

Sunday January 12 AURYN – MÁLAGA

Boy band, Auryn, is one of Spain’s most popular pop music acts. The gorgeous lads will be singing up a storm at Sala Paris 15 at 10pm. For tickets, www.nvivo.es

Saturday January 5 THREE WISE MEN CELEBRATIONS – NUEVA ANDALUCÍA, MARBELLA AND SAN PEDRO

The Cabalgata de Reyes will once again see the Three Wise Men digging deep into their pockets and throwing handfuls of lollies at children’s noggins. The Nueva Andalucía run starts at 3:30pm at the Virgen Madre Church. Marbella run starts at 6pm on C/ Guadalete. San Pedro run starts at 6pm at the fairgrounds.

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THE GUIDE stars

Russell Grant’s

www.russellgrant.com

Monthly Horoscope December 2013 SAGITTARIUS November 23rd - December 21st

Fresh opportunities abound at the beginning of December. This is a great time to go for on an audition, job interview, or first date. People are very receptive to your particular brand of charm. Don’t bother trying to blend in with the crowd. The secret to your success is your distinctive personality. Schedule a romantic rendezvous during December. You and your partner will generate some serious sparks. Resist the urge to sign a contract mid-month. Hold out for a more favourable deal. Christmastime allows you to spend quality time with your nearest and dearest, which will boost your confidence. Your family is very proud of your accomplishments, and will encourage you to accept a new challenge. Entering the political arena is a distinct possibility on or around the 29th. Ring out 2013 with the people you love most. Rubbing elbows at a big party with lots of strangers won’t have much appeal. You’d rather be surrounded by the friends who know the real you.

Schedule a romantic rendezvous during December

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ARIES [21 MAR - 20 APR]

December opens with exciting opportunities to travel overseas on a journey that will have a dramatic impact on your outlook, changing some of your most recently acquired views and values. As the days of December turn to weeks, so your self-confidence could take a temporary dip, making you wary about voicing your opinions or stating your point of view. This all changes in the second half of the month when you can take an old idea, put a fresh spin on it and make it all your own. You could even come up with innovative and inventive solutions to persistent problems and win praise and plaudits for your ingenuity from people you live with. The end of the month finds you locking horns in a power struggle with a powerful but envious figure who has badly underestimated you; don’t worry, you’ll come through this with all flags flying!

TAURUS [21 APR - 21 MAY]

Get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions by launching a fitness program in the early days of December. This is the best time of the entire year to shed pounds, tone muscles, and boost your energy. You’ll find it much easier to get work once you start paying more attention to your health. That’s because an improved diet and increased exercise give you an attractive glow. Don’t feel pressured to overspend on Christmas gifts around the 17th; your loved ones will be just as happy with modest, handmade gifts. This is your chance to put your creative talent to work. If you’re stumped for ideas, head for the library and check out the craft section. Avoid arguing about religion or politics at a New Year’s Eve party; you’ll want to ring out 2013 on a positive note. Besides, someone will be throwing flirtatious glances at you all evening. A Venus-ruled sign like you always fares better as a lover instead of a fighter.

GEMINI [22 MAY - 21 JUNE]

Romance is in the air in the first days of December. If you’re single, you will meet someone special at the gym or at a sporting event. Keep your eyes open for somebody with a special style that sets them apart from the crowd. The two of you will get along like a house on fire. If you’re already in a relationship, this will be a good time to embark on a dream both of you have had for some time. It’s never too late to realise your heart’s desire. Do something nice for yourself on the 17th, or you’ll start to resent your loved ones. If you always put your needs on the back burner, they will never be met. Be more emotionally available to your partner as Christmas approaches. The two of you need to make plans for the future, so you will feel united in the New Year. By letting down your defences, 2014 will afford great happiness, especially on the romantic front. Open your heart!

CANCER [22 JUN - 23 JULY]

An exciting work assignment will be awarded to you in the first days of December. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a name for yourself in an emerging field. Go ahead and brush up on your technical skills. They will prove invaluable in the days ahead. It doesn’t matter if you’re working for a regular monthly salary or volunteering for a charitable organisation; your contributions will win you plenty of fame and acclaim. An embarrassing secret comes to light mid-December. Try not to pass judgment on a neighbour or relative

who lied about their past. If the tables were turned, you might have done the same thing. Compassion is critical, especially at this very special time of year. Christmas will force you to make a choice between your private and public lives. Celebrate with the people who make you happy. This will help you lay the groundwork for a happy, healthy 2014. The best is yet to be!

LEO [24 JULY - 23 AUG]

A torrid love affair adds a welcome dash of spice to the beginning of December. The two of you can’t keep your hands off each other. If you’re single, you could meet someone special at a sporting event, dog park, or library. You and your new amour will share a love of fun, adventure, and animals. By the middle of the month, you’ll be forced to scale back these romantic interludes for the sake of friends. You can’t turn your back on the people who loved and supported you this entire year. Fortunately, Christmas will afford you the opportunity to blend both your personal and public lives. Throw a big party for your nearest and dearest. Don’t feel pressured to live up to some glamorous standard set forth in magazines. The more relaxed the occasion, the more fun everybody will have. This upbeat event will set the tone for a joyous 2014. Enjoy!

VIRGO [24 AUG - 23 SEPT]

December gets underway with a lovely family reunion. Relatives will put aside their differences in the spirit of harmony; you won’t have to worry about any angry outbursts. This is a wonderful time to extend an olive branch to a family member who left the fold some years ago. A lot of time has elapsed since that troubling time, and all those old resentments can be forgotten. You’ll have to choose between a public and private obligation mid-month. When in doubt, err on the side of your personal life. Your first loyalty should be your friends and family. Romance heats up around Christmas, thanks to a beautiful gift from your amour. If you’re single, you will meet someone special at a festive get together. Keep your eyes open for a powerful executive with a wicked sense of humour. The two of you should make plans to ring in 2014; it looks like this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship!

LIBRA [24 SEPT - 23 OCT]

Obey an impulse to sign up for a class in the opening days of December. Although you’re already very busy with festive fun and frolics, you will enjoy studying with a charismatic teacher. The two of you enjoy debating with each other, and may even fall in love. It’s only natural that your instructor develops a crush on you, given that your sex appeal is at an all time high. Legal battles probably won’t go very well in the countdown to Christmas. You’re better off settling a dispute out of court. Although this flies in the face of your quest for justice, this is one of those times when it’s better to admit defeat than subject yourself to an exhausting battle. Christmastime gives you an opportunity to let off steam in creative ways. Making hand-crafted decorations and gourmet delights puts the world back in proper perspective. By the time 2013 comes to a close, your good spirits will be restored.

SCORPIO [24 OCT - 22 NOV]

A new job forces you to upgrade your technical skills in the opening days of December. Fortunately, you’re a very quick learner and will have no trouble mastering a complicated gadget or software program.

Your expertise will draw lots of romantic attention midmonth, but you’ll have eyes for only one exotic foreigner. The two of you will have difficulty letting down your defences with each other, but keep trying anyway. A little persistence goes a long way, especially on the 17th. Christmastime affords lots of amusement. If you don’t feel like hosting everybody, you may decide to go on vacation instead. That way, you won’t have to bother with elaborate menus and decorations. A few family members will be disappointed, but that can’t be helped. Be very careful about the resolutions you make at the end of December, as 2014 promises to be a year of dramatic transformation for you.

CAPRICORN [22 DEC - 20 JAN]

Spend as much quality time as you can with family in the opening days of December. They’ll offer to help you in unexpected ways as the countdown to Christmas nears its end. Be willing to accept offers to buy groceries, run errands, and do laundry. This will leave you free to focus on fun festivities like decorating, baking, and gift shopping. Resist the urge to overdo it at the gym, especially on the 17th, when your body will be vulnerable to sprains and strains. Gentle exercise like swimming, yoga or tai chi could be just as beneficial as jogging or pumping iron. The spotlight will be trained firmly on you this Christmas, when loved ones will celebrate your efforts to make this the happiest Yuletide in recent memory. Say what you mean and mean what you say when making New Year’s resolutions. Your words have added power at the end of December.

AQUARIUS [21 JAN - 19 FEB]

A childhood dream is within arm’s reach at the beginning of December. Let a technically savvy friend help you launch a website, develop an application, or write a software program. This innovation will make you both a lot of money. A health regimen starts paying off mid-month. Take this opportunity to buy yourself some attractive clothes. Normally, you don’t place much emphasis on your physical appearance. Now that you’re looking so good, you’ll take extra pleasure in ramping up your wardrobe. Christmastime allows you to rest, relax, and rejuvenate with the ones you love. Resist the urge to discuss controversial subjects like religion and politics with relatives. Instead, focus on enjoying delicious food, good music, and festive decorations together. The final days of 2013 prompt you to question your priorities. This would be a good time to make some resolutions that reflect your emerging needs. Onward and upward!

PISCES [20 FEB - 20 MAR]

The spotlight will be trained on you throughout early December, so take advantage of it! This is a wonderful opportunity to draw attention to your favourite cause. Earning money for an animal shelter, nature preserve, or artists’ collective will provide lots of emotional fulfillment. It will also put you in contact with a lot of other philanthropists. Contrary to what the news media would have you believe, there are a lot of people who are working to make the world a better place. This knowledge will uplift and inspire you throughout the Christmas season. Don’t let a relative’s nasty comments get you down on the 17th. Your critic is just embarrassed by how much you’ve accomplished, and needs an outlet for their guilt and frustration. Christmastime is best spent in the company of friends. Throw a cosy dinner for loved ones who are far from home. A passionate argument with a lover results in an even more exciting makeup session. It looks like 2013 will go out with a bang! ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM DECEMBER 2013 / 169

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THE GUIDE family

Kids&Us

New Language School Opens in Marbella Some 25,000 children across Spain and Europe are already learning English using the revolutionary method created by the Founders of Kids&Us, who opened seven new schools in Andalucía recently. The Kids&Us method aims to immerse children in the world of English from a very early age (one year old and above), teaching them how to respond in a plethora of everyday situations through stories, games, songs, dance and much more. The method was created by Philologist, Natalia Perarnau, who realised that speaking to a child in English for just a few minutes everyday would lead them to express themself in the same language. Children are exposed to English phonetics with no need for translation, learning the language just as any English child would: naturally. Kids&Us is located in the heart of Marbella, making it easy to access for local residents. g C/ Jacinto Benavente 30, Marbella. Tel: 951 968 993. www.kidsandus.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 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 10am6pm. C/ Cuba, 14, Torremolinos. Tel: 952 051 782 Danzzas Ballet, modern dance, jazz, tap, theatre craft and hip-hop for kids. Classes at the Manolo Santana Racquets Club and at Plaza Gym. Contact Fiona on Tel: 663 646 040. www.danzzas.com 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 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 Kids Multi-Sports Club A plethora of sports for children of all ages and abilities, from tennis through to football, cycling and skateboarding. Parties with games, activities and bouncy castles. Urb. Parcelas del Golf, Avda. del Prado,

Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 656 618 712 Kidz Kingdom Fun play centre and birthday party area for kids, with a mini disco. Urb. Bel-Air, CN 340, km 166.2, Estepona. Tel: 952 925 936

Kidz Kingdom 2 – Space City

Space theamed play centre for daily visits or parties. Life size Barney and Sponge Bob. Urb. El Rosario, CN 340, km 188.5, Marbella. Tel: 952 839 275

Le Petit Milk & Roses

Pampering sessions for little girls, including manicures and dress-ups. 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 in Benalmádena. Contact Emma on Tel: 628 567 129. www.littlegemswimmers.com

Marbella Stage School

Kids can take accredited courses in dance, drama, musical theatre and singing after school on weekdays and all day on Saturdays. Tel: 952 906 865. www.marbellastageschool.com 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 Trenecito de Marbella Take a relaxing train ride to view the main sights of Marbella. Daily 10am-1pm. Paseo Maritimo. Tel: 639 765 981 Yaina’s Park Indoor play centre with staff speaking Scandinavian, English and Spanish. Open seven days a week from 10am to 9pm. Children’s parties, parent’s coffee shop with pool tables, television, food. Avda. Gamonal 4, Edif. Hercules, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena. Tel: 622 005 068

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REINVENT YOURSELF

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