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Golden Mile · Second Line Beach: If you are searching for the most prestigious location, you shouldn't miss this exceptional opportunity. Such spectacular estates in this enclave seldom come onto the market! This impressive opportunity offers the most luxurious living experience, a large plot with spectacular park-like gardens and a masterfully designed villa. 6 beds, 7 baths, built area approx. 823 m2 , plot approx. 3,227 m2 . Price: € 19,500,000, E&V ID: W-02WHRI
Los Flamingos Golf: Exceptional villa with Andalusian flair designed to the highest standards with bespoke amenities. 5 beds, 5 baths, built area approx. 800 m², plot approx. 1,092 m². Price: 3,795,000 €, E&V ID W-02V5IV
Puerto Banús · Beachfront: Stunning apartment with unobstructed sea views within an exclusive gated community with direct beach access. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, built approx. 167 m2 . Price 2,750,000 €, E&V ID W-02WBLR
Golden Mile: Outstanding beautifully designed modern villa with stylish interiors within the exclusive community of La Carolina. 5 beds, 6 baths, built area approx. 515 m², plot approx. 1,000 m². Price: 4,900,000 €, E&V ID W-02THEV
Cabopino: Luxurious boutique apartment with beautiful interior design and breathtaking sea views. 3 beds, 3 baths, built area approx. 132 m², terraces approx. 74 m². Price 975,000 €. E&V ID W-02WB6G
Because buying and selling a property is a matter of trust!
Nueva Andalucía: Welcome to luxury living at its finest! Nestled in this ultra-prestigious gated community, this stunning villa offers everything one could dream of. From beautifully appointed interiors designed down to the finest detail, a magnificent Ibiza-style terrace with a fantastic modern gazebo and outdoor kitchen, to magnificent amenities such as a private tennis court, staff flat. 7 beds, 7 baths, built area approx. 1,648 m², plot approx. 2,548 m². Price 8,900,000 €, E&V ID W-02T1WI
Puerto del Almendro: High-quality modern villa with beautiful panoramic views in an esteemed gated community. 5 beds, 6 baths, built area approx. 550 m², plot approx. 1,350 m². Price: 2,150,000€, E&V ID W-02V7YH
La Quinta : Modern luxury apartment with oustanding sea and golf views, within a gated community with high-end amenities. 3 beds, 3 baths, living area approx. 148 m2 , terrace approx. 44 m2 . Price: 1,695,000 €, E&V ID: W-02VFTI
Elviria: Spectacular villa with contemporary architecture and stunning views set on a large plot. 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, built approx. 1,206 m2 , plot approx.3,157 m2 . Price 5,200,000 €, E&V ID W-02WDX0
El Rosario · Frontline Beach: Exceptional penthouse with unrivalled views in an exclusive gated community with direct beach access. 3 beds, 3 baths, living area approx. 188 m², terraces approx. 56 m². Price 1,900,000 €, E&V ID W-02TOG6
Villa Bianca.
Set in the heart of Marbella’s Golf Valley, Villa Bianca has a privileged location in a quiet residential area - perfect for families and golf enthusiasts alike- close to international schools, top golf courses and a couple of minutes’ walk to amenities including restaurants and supermarkets.
Recently refurbished to top standards, this home is tastefully decorated and ready to move into, featuring spacious living areas, open-plan kitchen, well equipped office, five bedrooms and four ensuite bathrooms.
The outdoor area is equally impressive, with a pristine swimming pool and poolside bar with kitchen, providing the perfect ambience for entertaining guests or relaxing on warm summer days. The rooftop terrace offers even more space to enjoy the panoramic views and pleasant weather.
Casa Mashrabiya.
Architectural masterpiece
Meticulously crafted by the globally acclaimed Marcio Kogan, this residence is perfectly placed in El Madroñal, an exclusive gated community overlooking Marbella with breathtaking sea and countryside views, all within minutes from the beach and luxury amenities. Experience a lifestyle of elegance and nature where every detail reflects luxury, quality, and the beauty of its surroundings.
Enjoy expansive terraces, landscaped gardens, and spacious interiors with panoramic vistas that promote calmness and harmony. This eco-friendly home incorporates smart technology, locally sourced materials and energy-efficient systems to ensure sustainability. Exemplary amenities include a cinema room, wine cellar and wellness area with gym, hammam, sauna and cold plunge.
Under construction. Estimated completion: Q1 2025.
ANDREA BLACKWELL design@essentialmagazine.com
MÓNIKA BÖJTI essential@essentialmagazine.com
IAIN BLACKWELL, MICHEL CRUZ, ALICIA DUGGAN, SAM HEXTER, ANDREW J LINN, MADDIE QUINN (A. BLACKWELL), JAMES SINCLAIR, SPENCER WHITNEY, DAVID J WHYTE editorial@essentialmagazine.com
MARIANO JEVA cuentas@essentialmagazine.com
KEVIN HORN www.photographermarbella.com
JACKIE STONE, ADRIANA VILLA MONTERREINA COMUNICACION D.L. MA-512-99
Los Monteros · Beachfront
IAIN BLACKWELL PUBLISHER
BEAT THE HEAT
Stay composed this August with a fresh sea breeze and a tall cool drink, well accompanied by this month’s essential
We feature the World’s Best Beaches and reflect on the Heyday of Spanish Tourism. Come with us on a visit to the unmissable city of Edinburgh in its Festival month and improve your mindfulness at Spain’s Top Yoga Resorts. Don’t miss our exclusive one-on-ones with Cate Blanchett on the eve of the release of Borderlands, internationally acclaimed artist Sacha Jafri, and Theresa Zabell, who won gold medals for Spain for sailing in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics.
Elsewhere in this issue, admire gorgeous Andalusian thoroughbreds and the impressive interiors of a suburban villa paradise in Calabasas, California.
Prepare for an unbridled adrenaline rush aboard the Ferrari Daytona SP3 and take on rugged terrain with the new Land Rover Defender OCTA.
Savour the summer at emblematic resort Boho Club, on Marbella’s Golden Mile, and check out our selection of great wines that can be found in supermarkets.
» GO TO CONTENTS
"Live in the sunshine. Swim in the Sea. Drink in the wild air”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Welcome to the unique villa ‘Elite’ in El Paraíso Alto to experience luxury like never before
Presenting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a truly exceptional property in the prestigious ‘El Paraíso Alto’ Estepona. This unique ‘Villa Elite’ offers a masterpiece of modern architecture and design with stunning panoramic views that will leave you in awe and a villa that pays testament to luxury living. Built to the highest standards with impeccable qualities and materials. Furnished and designed by the renowned ‘Roche Bobois’, every detail of this home exudes sophistication and elegance.
Located close to the famous ‘El Paraíso Golf Club’, Villa Elite is not just a home, but offers a lifestyle of leisure and tranquillity. Featuring four ensuite bedrooms, each designed for comfort and privacy. A spacious lift seamlessly connects all four levels of the villa, ensuring easy access and includes two extra apartments in the lower area of the villa, perfect for guests or staff.
Underground parking for four cars, plus additional space outside to accommodate ten more vehicles, with the option to cover and close the area. With a private discotheque and a professional cinema for endless enjoyment. A state-of-the-art demotic system controls everything throughout the house at your fingertips. Solar panels with 19 kW and a battery capacity of 55 kW ensure energy efficiency. Two exterior platforms for the automatic turning of vehicles add a touch of futuristic convenience. A professional alarm and CCTV system provides peace of mind.
‘Villa Elite’ is not just another villa on the market. It is a must-see, a home built with passion and precision, far surpassing the ordinary villas hastily constructed with mediocre materials. This is your chance to own a residence where luxury, comfort and cutting-edge technology come together in perfect harmony. Do not miss this unique opportunity. Contact us to arrange a private viewing and experience first-hand the extraordinary lifestyle that awaits you.
Savour life to the max on one of the world’s top beaches. Visit Edinburgh in its vibrant Festival month, and relive the heyday of Spanish tourism. Pump the adrenalin with the Ferrari Daytona SP3 and go off-road in the new Land Rover Defender OCTA. Catch our oneon-one with Cate Blanchett.
sspotlight
EDINBURGH EN CHANTMENT
Edinburgh from Calton Hill
I lived in Edinburgh only for a few months but that was long enough to let me fall in love with the famous city. I already knew its allure but living there gave me a whole new perspective and appreciation.
A CITY FOR ALL SEASONS
The Scottish capital is perennially popular! The local tourist board have done a best-of-class job of reinventing and promoting the place. There used to be shoulder seasons when things calmed down. Not anymore! Edinburgh is a venue for all seasons!
The year kicks off – or ends depending on your frame of mind – with Hogmanay, the Scots highoctane version of the New Year when revellers come from near & far to enjoy the city’s now legendary Street Party. Pyrotechnics rock the night skies while major music acts take to the stage for the Concert in the Gardens. With an estimated 50,000 merrymakers, it’s a Scottish feast, fiesta, and fabulous fling to celebrate yet another trip around the sun!
Why confine such jubilation to one day when you can celebrate for an entire month? On our last visit (which was the beginning of December and decidedly chilly), Princes Street, the city’s main thoroughfare was thronging with Christmas shoppers, street markets, Glühwein vendors, Ferris wheels, and rocket rides. The party never stops! ›
WALKING CITY
If all that sounds a bit frantic, don't let it put you off! During my short residency, I rented a flat in the West End area of Fountainbridge, once famous for beer-making and the birthplace of Sean Connery where the Bond star started his illustrious career – as a milkman!
Here I discovered a side of town that was much more pastoral and peaceful. My apartment was a 3-minute walk from the Union Canal and that was my daily amble, either towards Tollcross for a cup of coffee or in the opposite direction into the leafy Lothian countryside.
Edinburgh is a great walking city! You can explore its charming neighbourhoods such as Bruntsfield, Morningside, or Corstorphine enjoying the resplendent gardens and Georgian architecture.
The Scott Monument and Princess street before tram service
Dean Village, a hamlet near the heart of town was once the hub of Edinburgh’s milling industries, taking advantage of the stream that still exists there. It’s now a soughtafter residential quarter! You can continue along the banks of the Waters of Leith to Stockbridge, another enchanting, individual neighbourhood.
If you fancy a longer walk, the Port of Leith is within reasonable reach. Through the centuries, this was Edinburgh’s gateway to the world welcoming mariners and monarchs alike. The area wasn’t in such good shape a few years ago but now it has been transformed into an enviable enclave with modern oceanside apartment blocks, fabulous shopping malls, restaurants and pubs. In fact, Leith was voted by The Sunday Times as The Best Place to Live in Scotland. Who would have thought? The Royal Yacht Brittania is also permanently berthed here and you can take a tour around her. ›
Holyrood Palace
Calton Hill
SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW
The historic heart of the city consists of the Old Town and the New Town. This is where you will rub shoulders with thousands of other tourists but it’s not too onerous. There’s so much to see and appreciate along the way. You will also find all manner of bars and restaurants, from classic to contemporary, to keep you sustained during your wanders. The Royal Mile is the ancient thoroughfare that connects Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It gained its name when it was the processional route for Scotland’s kings and queens and it is in fact (almost) a mile. You could walk it in a half hour but as there’s so much to see
along the way, it’ll take a fair bit longer.
Edinburgh Castle stands out at the top of ‘The Mile’. Perched upon Castle Rock, it was once an impenetrable stronghold now successfully ‘invaded’ on a daily basis by hordes of culture-hungry tourists. Even the Romans and their main northern adversaries, the Picts, had trouble gaining a foothold here. There is only one tenable approach to the Castle via the eastwardsloping Royal Mile. Apart from today’s tourist swarm, the last significant assault was in 1745 when the Jacobite forces of Bonnie Prince Charlie once again wrested it, without much resistance, from English hands. If you’re in the vicinity of the castle or indeed most parts of
town around lunchtime, you will hear loud cannon fire! Don’t worry! It’s not another Jacobite uprising! The One o’Clock Gun is fired daily except Sunday from the castle ramparts. Originally, the cannon was fired to allow ships in the Firth of Forth to set their maritime clocks. Just outside the castle, you’ll notice Cannonball House where some wag might tell you an errant cannonball fired at the Jacobite army is embedded in the wall above the stairs. In truth, the ball was placed there to mark the gravitation height of the city’s first piped water supply.
I particularly like the ancient closes and courtyards you find all along the Royal Mile such as Milne’s Close and James Court. ›
STRAND
MADE THE RECORD BREAKING SALE IN MARBELLA IN 2023.
ASKING PRICE 17,950,000€
The villa was sold off market. In addition to the properties on our website, we have dozens of pocket listings of premium properties that are not listed publicly anywhere. If you wish to hear more about properties that have not even hit the market yet, contact us. We are here to help our clients from first-time buyers to experienced investors in securing the best real estate transactions.
If you are considering selling your property, we would love to help you. Strand Properties sells homes in a new way with a modern and fresh marketing to a wide international client base. Our high-quality pictures, property styling and an exceptional marketing concept will bring out the best of your property.
Come and visit us at our offices in Puerto Banús, Málaga, Fuengirola and Palma de Mallorca.
Gladstone’s Land was an earlier seventeenthcentury tenement building favoured by the wealthier residents of the Old Town. Brodie’s Close was the home of Deacon Brodie upon whom Robert Louis Stevenson based his character, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Brodie was a carpenter and respected city councillor by day and by night, using wax impressions of the locks of the houses he visited in his professional capacity, he returned to burgle them. John Knox’s House jutting out into the Canongate is Edinburgh’s oldest building dating as far back as 1490. At the foot of the Royal Mile, you find the resplendent Holyrood Palace. On return to her homeland, Mary, Queen of Scots set up court here. In 1603 her son, James VI, with the Union of the Crowns inherited the English throne and moved his Scottish court to London. In some ways, this was the end of the Scottish monarchy as, despite his promises, James only returned once to his native land. At this end of the Royal Mile, you’ll also find the Scottish Parliament, a
The Royal Mile
Old Town Aerial View
striking piece of modern architecture juxtaposed to its more elderly neighbours. From here, you can stretch your legs further around Holyrood Park, an array of hills, lochs, and cliffs surrounding Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags, a piece of wild Highland landscape only a mile or so from Edinburgh’s city centre. If you do mount the Crags or amble around the park, carry on to the village of Duddingston and have a pint in The Sheep Heid, the oldest surviving public house in Scotland, established in 1360, which is also good for food. ›
Edinburgh Castle
Princes Street Gardens
Greyfriars Bobby (1856), was a Terrier who spent over 14 years guarding the grave of his beloved owner
The famous Grassmarket
NEW TOWN
The New Town is not so new! It came into being in the early 19th century to relieve the chronic overcrowding of the Old Town. James Craig, an unknown 23-year-old, planned out this residential area, incorporating large public gardens and green spaces. Nowadays, it’s home to fancy wine bars and sophisticated restaurants, especially along George Street. Cart-loads of earth, dug up to make the foundations of New Town residences were used to create a rampart across the Nor’ Loch connecting the New Town with the Old. This was imaginatively called ‘The Mound’ while the Nor’ Loch was transformed into beautiful Princes Street Gardens. Here you can access the National Gallery of Scotland, one of the top 5 tourist spots in the UK.
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Edinburgh boasts three of the top 5 tourist spots in the UK: the National Museum of Scotland, the National Gallery of Scotland and of course, Edinburgh Castle.
THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL
A myriad of visitors arrive in the city specifically for the Edinburgh International Festival held for 3 weeks every year in August when the town is taken over by thespians of every sort who put on more than 13,000
performances per festival. The Festival was started in 1947 to help shake off the gloom of the post war years and with several names of international stature supporting it, the new festival got off to a good start. The Fringe started at the same time and is now the world’s largest arts festival with over 500 performances each day supported by 450 companies. During this time, the Military Tattoo is held every night in the Castle Esplanade. ›
Scottish National Gallery
GOLF IN THE CITY
If you like to golf, it’s worth noting that the game started in Edinburgh and not St Andrews as is popularly postulated. In 1744, the first Rules of Golf were set out in the village of Leith by the Gentlemen Golfers of Edinburgh, later to become The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers (Muirfield). Another historic gem just a couple of miles east of Edinburgh is Musselburgh Old Links, the oldest golf course in existence. When Edinburgh’s public parks became too crowded with golfers, livestock, and archery practice
(not a great combination), Edinburgh’s golfers moved along the coast to Musselburgh. You can still hire hickory clubs at Musselburgh and have an experience of how golf used to be played. Edinburgh has around 28 golf courses within its boundaries, many run by the city council so for a casual game, you’re spoiled for choice. Whether golfing or not, a highly recommended visit would be to the magnificent Braid Hills Golf Course with its outstanding panorama across Edinburgh’s skyline including the castle and the Firth of Forth. e
Braid Hills Golf Course
Britannia at Leith Docks Edinburgh Festival
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COSTA DEL SOL • IBIZA • PUNTA CANA
One of life’s greatest pleasures is to spend a languid day on the beach being caressed by the sun, drifting away with the sound of the waves and the scent of the sea evaporating life’s concerns. What better than to also forge lifelong memories in experiencing one of the world’s top beaches, according to TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards? Here is their top 10 Best of the Best Beaches for 2024.
SPIAGGIA DEI CONIGLO LAMPEDUSA, ITALY
Unbelievably blue waters and white sand set the scene at Spiggia dei Congo, ‘Rabbit Beach’, located on Italy’s most southern island of Lampedusa. It’s a peaceful beach on the southern part of the island, perfect for relaxing, soaking up the sun, and swimming. There’s lots of marine life to check out and you may even spot some wildlife on the shore. Parking is free and it’s easy to get to via public transport. ›
WORLD’S BEST BEACHES
WORDS JAMES SINCLAIR
PLAYA VARADERO CUBA
Varadero Beach in the Cuban province of Matanzas, has everything you’d expect from a picture-perfect beach: incredibly fine white sand, turquoise-blue crystalclear water, and stunning sunsets. The gentle waves are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking. Hop on a catamaran to Cayo Blanco, go fishing, play beach volleyball, and walk along the shore. Or just kick back and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.
PR AIA DA FALÉSIA
OLHOS DE AGUA, PORTUGA L
Praia da Falésia at Albufeira in the Algarve, which extends over almost six kilometres in length, is known for its dramatic orange cliffs, golden sands, and sparkling blue water. Sunbathe on the huge shore, go swimming or body surfing in the waves, or stroll along the scenic footpath on top of the cliff. This is a fabulous beach with soft sand and interesting rock pools at low tide. Access isn’t easy so plan your visit carefully. ›
KA’ANAPAL I BEACH LAHAINA, MAUI, HAWAII
With its gentle waves, soft sand, and blue waters, you could easily spend several days relaxing at Ka’anapali Beach at Lahaina on Maui in Hawaii. Renowned for its translucent water, providing ideal conditions for snorkelling, there is a wide variety of aquamarine life waiting to be discovered. Get there early in the morning to savour the peaceful atmosphere and stay to catch the stunning sunset over Black Rock.
VISITESSENTIALMAGA
LA CONCHA BEACH
DONOSTIA - SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN
La Concha is an iconic crescent-shaped beach with a huge sandy shore and clear blue waters on the Bay of Biscay in Spain’s mountainous Basque country, directly fronting the famous city of San Sebastián. The atmosphere is lively and it’s a great location for families and water sports. With outstanding panoramic views, it is frequently cited as one of the most beautiful and the most famous urban beaches in Europe.
GRACE BAY BEACH GRACE BAY, TURKS AND CAICOS
Grace Bay Beach is a picture postcard scenic spot with powdery-white sand extending over almost five kilometres and amazingly translucent water. Located on Providenciales, part of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Caribbean waters with the perfect temperature for swimming add to its appeal and a large barrier reef protects the island from Atlantic Ocean swells, creating ideal conditions for diving and snorkelling. ›
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ANSE LAZIO PRASLIN ISLAND, SEYCHELLES
Surrounded by green tropical vegetation and featuring the iconic granite rock formations the Seychelles are renowned for, Anse Lazio, in the northwest of Praline Island, is a dreamy beach you may just never want to leave. It’s so alluring with soft, white sands and shallow translucent water that entices you to lounge in it at length. Enjoy cocktails and fruit under elegant shady coconut palms, then take in the spectacular sunset. ›
EAGLE BEACH, PALM EAGLE BEACH, ARUBA
Eagle Beach is located in the neighbourhood of Oranjestad on the Caribbean island of Aruba. With soft white sand and translucent turquoise waters lapping the shore, it is internationally recognised as one of the world’s top beaches. The warm water and calm waves make this a great spot for families, idling in the sea, and snorkelling. The Fofoti trees growing on the Beach are one of its cherished characteristics.
SIESTA BEACH
SIESTA KEY, FLORIDA
True to its name, Siesta Key is the place to go for a relaxing island getaway on Florida’s Southwest Coast. The island, which is just a short bridge crossing west of Sarasota, boasts stunning white quartz-sand beaches of which Siesta is the best of them. Even on the hottest days, the sand is so reflective that it feels cool underfoot! The clear water also beckons with an array of outdoor activities from fishing to parasailing. e
MANLY BEACH, SYDNEY AUSTRALIA
The world’s first surfing contest was held at Manly in 10964, making it one of Australia’s most famous surf beaches along with the famous Bondi. Situated among the northern shores of Sydney, it stretches along three kilometres of soft golden sand. There’s a netted area for swimming in the warm water with lifeguards on duty. The beach also fronts attractive park areas with tall pine trees that provide welcome shade.
Magnificent contemporary style villa on a unique 2000 m2 plot enjoying great privacy just steps from the beach.
Bedrooms I 5.5 Bathrooms I 448 m2 Builts I 102 m² Terraces I 2,000 m² Plot
THE HEYDAY OF
SPANISH TOURISM
This year, some 85 million people are expected to visit Spain, almost double the actual population of the country. This is the second-largest number of visitors in the world, and thanks to longer average stays, Spain has the highest-grossing tourism sector globally, worth around $175 billion a year and accounting for almost one-eighth of the nation’s economy. In other words, tourism in Spain is massive!
WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY ADOBE STOCK, SHUTTERSTOCK AND UNSPLASH
Not only is tourism of vital importance to the Spanish economy, its impact over the past decades has been such that it has actually helped to shape Spain in the modern age. When we think of this quintessentially Mediterranean country, it is as a unique blend of modern and traditional, progressive and less advanced, and it is this fascinating depth combined with a warm climate, bewitching culture, and natural scenery that has made it a source of attraction for a very long time.
The classic picture of Spanish tourism was built around beaches fronting the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. This ‘bucket and spade’ image enlivened by classic icons of Spanish culture such as flamenco, bullfighting, boleros, castanets, and paella was firmly centred upon the sea, creating a series of ‘Costas’ – stretches of coastline dotted with seaside towns and resorts that have few equals in the world. Here, along the Costa Blanca, Costa Cálida, Costa Brava, and of course the Costa del Sol, you will find the largest collection of resort hotels, marinas, golf courses, racket clubs, and holiday homes on the globe, greater even than those of Florida and California, and it all grew from a desire to get away from colder climes and enjoy an exotic experience in the sun. ›
The heyday of Spanish tourism coincided with and formed an integral part of the development of mass tourism, made possible by more economical flights that connected different parts of Europe and North America from the sixties onwards, and the Spanish shoreline was its main European focus. This early period of modern Spanish tourism is well documented from both the Spanish and foreign perspective, the latter of whom were so overwhelmingly Northern European that they collectively
became associated with the blondes of Sweden. The ‘fair maidens’ who descended upon Spain from Scandinavia, the British Isles, the Benelux, France, and German-speaking countries from the sixties onwards made a profound impression, especially on the male population of Spain at the time.
Not only were they exotically blond and tall, but also seductively more uninhibited – a stark contrast to what was still a very Catholic country with strict social norms. Few were the Spanish women who ventured
upon the beaches back then wearing skimpy bikinis, such as Brigitte Bardot had just made so popular. It was the first large-scale exchange between Spain and vast numbers of visitors from Europe, and it’s fair to say that both parties were mutually fascinated by each other. For Spanish men, seducing a Sueca ranged between a summer fantasy and a real-life challenge, while back then Mediterranean men were excitingly exotic and passionate to Northern European women, used to the rather more reserved males of their home countries. ›
Out of all of this, in which the depth and exoticism of Spanish culture also played a seductive role, not to mention a hot summer spent by pool and sea, the true European tourist experience was born, and it helped greatly to modernise Spain and inject investment and growth into its economy. The country began to open up in the sixties, and by the seventies was already the summer ‘home away from home’ for millions of people, particularly those from Northern Europe. Their fascination with hot sandy coastlines and their beaches had not always been shared by Spanish tourists, who had a longstanding tradition of leaving the cities for ancestral
country and village properties still held within the family. There they reconnected with other members of the family and imbibed the tranquillity and beauty of more rural and rustic areas. Not so today, where the vast majority of Spaniards have come to follow the example of their overseas neighbours and head straight for the coast, adding further to the mass tourist phenomenon that gave rise to the whole ‘Costa’ tourist experience.
EARLIER FORMS OF TOURISM
If mass tourism to Spain first developed in the sixties, consolidated in the seventies and has since gone through
several evolutions, this was not the actual birth of the industry. Before larger proportions of society had access to overseas travel and the capacity to stay in resort hotels or buy holiday homes, it had been the monopoly of wealthier elites, like the ones who gave birth to Marbella and other luxury jet-set spots along the Spanish, French, and Italian rivieras. They say that our own part of the world was born as an international luxury destination in the forties and fifties, when the likes of Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe created the Marbella Club Hotel and drew the cream of Hollywood, nobility, and business tycoons from around the world.
Ibiza is the global party island
From early beginnings, Benidorm has grown into a ‘tourist skyscraper city’
The rest, as those of us who know Marbella, is history, but in reality the process goes even further back. In 1933 a young man from Navarre, Norberto Goizueta, was sailing along this very coastline when he fell in love with the area and decided to create something special here. The result is Guadalmina, whose beautiful golf course founded by Goizueta is one of the earliest built in this region. Others followed not long afterwards, such as Joseph McMicking and his wife Mercedes Zóbel, who famously founded Sotogrande along the lines of a classic American country club. And so evolved Marbella and the Costa del Sol, originally as an elite retreat and later accessible to a growing public, yet always associated with a certain degree of glamour and privilege. ›
HERE, YOU WILL FIND THE LARGEST COLLECTION OF RESORT HOTELS, MARINAS, GOLF COURSES, RACKET CLUBS, AND HOLIDAY HOMES ON THE GLOBE, GREATER EVEN THAN THOSE OF FLORIDA AND CALIFORNIA, AND IT ALL GREW FROM A DESIRE TO GET AWAY FROM COLDER CLIMES AND ENJOY AN EXOTIC EXPERIENCE IN THE SUN
VISITWWW.ESSENTIALM
In its classic heyday, you would spot Hollywood greats such as Deborah Kerr, James Stewart, and Frank Sinatra here, later the likes of Sean Connery, Brigitte Bardot, Philippe Junot, and Joan Collins, or indeed James Hunt, followed by Saudi and other royals, and today it remains popular with celebrities and business tycoons alike. But the attraction to this part of the world is even older. Some say it dates back to Phoenician, Roman, and Moorish times, but what we do
know is that Spain was an integral part of the Grand Tour, that adventurous circumnavigation of Southern Europe undertaken by young aristocrats from Northern climes, such as Lord Byron and the other young men who travelled here in search of passion, fascination, and adventure. Back then it was fashionable to be held up by bandolero highwaymen, now we try to avoid such experiences and focus more on fun, relaxation, and a certain amount of posturing.
Fully furnished to the highest standards by the internationally leading Blackshaw Group, this exclusive 5-bedroom villa is situated on a spacious and elevated 3,228 m² plot. The property spans four levels and offers five double bedrooms, each with en suite bathrooms. The villa features a luxurious spa area, complete with a sauna, Turkish bath, massage room, gym, and games room, as well as a private cinema. Additional features include a large garage and an extra kitchen on a separate level. The expansive plot to the rear of the property presents excellent investment potential, allowing for the construction of another villa without compromising the breathtaking views.
PLOT: With additional plot to develop included in the price, discuss with our experienced development team the fantastic investment possibilities with this property.
Price: € 5,950,000
Spanish or foreign, the
BEFORE LARGER PROPORTIONS OF SOCIETY HAD ACCESS TO OVERSEAS TRAVEL AND THE CAPACITY TO STAY IN RESORT HOTELS OR BUY HOLIDAY HOMES, IT HAD BEEN THE MONOPOLY OF WEALTHIER ELITES, LIKE THE ONES WHO GAVE BIRTH TO MARBELLA AND OTHER LUXURY JET-SET SPOTS ALONG THE SPANISH, FRENCH, AND ITALIAN RIVIERAS
In that sense, the coastal form of tourism that gave birth to a vast economic sector is quite different from the city-based ‘cultural’ tourism that is now at least as popular and focuses strongly on the likes of Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Granada, and Palma de Mallorca, to name a few. There the draw is the beauty and history of the city, its many attractions, shopping, gastronomy, art, and nightlife, features that coastal destinations are also seeking to develop in an attempt to move away from less exclusive bucket and spade family holidays and the kind of party tourism of youngsters that have transformed Mediterranean paradises such as Ibiza.
From early elites and mass package tours through to timeshare, holiday home buying that gave/gives rise to property booms, luxuriant hedonism, and a return to more authentic experiences, tourism in Spain has seen it all – and continues to fascinate and draw millions every year. e
Lyra Residences is an exclusive residential complex with all the amenities of a boutique resort, located in the heart of El Campanario Golf. A private escape to enjoy all year round!
UNICO
Launched in 2010 as the first movement designed by the Manufacturer, a technical and aesthetic pioneer, the Unico calibre only served to strengthen the reputation of Hublot, already renowned for the cutting-edge design of its watches. It boasts a unique look, thanks to its column wheel which is perfectly visible on the dial side, its
chronograph with flyback function, its stylish anthracite grey lines, and its unrivalled performance. In 2018, Hublot presented the new generation of chronographs with the calibre 1280, a modernised and simplified version of the original, with five patents that underscored the fertile ingenuity of the manufacturer’s teams.
Constantly pushing one’s own limits, steering away from the familiar and comfort
zones, incessantly creating and innovating. In 2010, the watchmaker unveiled its very first 100 per cent Hublot calibre, the Unico. Eight years later, with the goal of improvement, Hublot launched the calibre 1280, which maintained the attributes of robustness, reliability, and accuracy, but with significant improvements in its assembly, architecture, and precision, and a reduced thickness (from 8.055mm to 6.75mm). ›
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This new model, designed for a 42mm case, has introduced various technical developments, backed by five patents:
» Gentler winding: The watchmakers have removed the traditional ratchet wheel click, substituting it with a pair of wheels with a tooth profile that allows them to turn in one direction only. The solution is quieter, gentler, more reliable, and more robust.
» A faultless chronograph display: The Unico presents a clutch mechanism that eliminates the defects of the traditional chronograph, offering more stable, bettercontrolled friction thanks to a ceramic ball bearing.
» A chronograph with enhanced performance: The chronograph’s architecture reduces the consumption of energy, minimising the disruption rate of the movement and improving precision.
» Greater accuracy: A patented fine-tuning system allows for easier, more precise adjustment of the active length of the balance spring. This new component is perfectly visible... and adorned with the Hublot logo!
» Exceptional shock resistance: A patented innovation which can generate an exceptionally high friction torque on the cannon pinion gear, which holds the hands in the correct place in any situation, offering exemplary impact resistance. Hublot presented various novelties at the 2024 edition of Watches and Wonders in Geneva, including:
» Big Bang Unico Orange Ceramic and Dark Green Ceramic: Two ceramic models in orange and green, respectively, with advanced technical characteristics.
» Big Bang Unico Pink Sapphire: A limited-edition (100 units) model in translucent light pink.
» Square Bang: Square case models in black ceramic and Magic Gold.
Hublot, founded in 1980, blends tradition and innovation, utilising advanced materials such as carbon, titanium, ceramic, and sapphire. Its collections include Classic Fusion, Shaped Collection, and Manufacture Pieces, all of which are sustained by a profound technical knowledge and patented movements.
Hublot’s commitment to sports, art, design, music, and gastronomy is reflected in its partnerships and implication in joint environmental projects with SORAI and Polar Pod. With its motto, ‘Be First, Be Unique, Be Different’, Hublot continues to lead the luxury watch sector in innovation and quality.
IDEAL JOYEROS IN MARBELLA: OFFICIAL RETAILER FOR HUBLOT IN PUERTO BANÚS, SPAIN.
Since its beginnings in 1973 on the vibrant Costa del Sol, Ideal Joyeros has evolved to become an emblem of sophistication and distinction. Founded by Shyam Aswani, its legacy began in Torremolinos and has expanded with the signature elegance of its brand to exquisite destinations such as the Canary Islands and Marbella. Today, Ideal Joyeros owns an impressive 11 emblematic boutiques, and has positioned itself as one of the most prestigious jewellery and watchmaking chains in Spain. Its presence in Tenerife, Marbella, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura allows the brand to offer local and international clientele an unbeatable selection of the most renowned brands on the market. ›
Under the visionary leadership of Anup Aswani since 1998, Ideal Joyeros has infused a renewed spirit into its brand, combining a wealth of experience and family values with an innovative perspective. Every jewellery piece and watchmaking is a reflection of its commitment to excellence and quality, guaranteeing a shopping experience that exceeds all expectations. Its boutiques, located in privileged locations, are true
sanctuaries of luxury where watch and jewellery connoisseurs can immerse themselves in a world of timeless elegance. Ideal Joyeros in Marbella is located in Puerto Banús, where the world’s leading luxury brands converge, at Muelle Ribera, local M-28. Here, tradition meets modernity, and every client receives personalised attention that turns each visit into a unique experience.
Ideal Joyeros doesn’t simply
sell jewellery and watches; it offers stories of heritage, design, and passion. Each piece is carefully selected to ensure it is as unique and exceptional as its customers. Celebrate the beauty and art of fine watchmaking and jewellery with its team, and discover why it is the preferred choice of those who appreciate the best.
LUXURY LOVERS WELCOME
Discover the new luxury hot spot in Marbella
A collection of 104 homes directly overlooking the Santa Clara Golf Course. Each residence offers awe-inspiring vistas and an unparalleled visual feast of the surrounding scenery.
FINCA CORTESIN CASARES, SPAIN
When it comes to peace, quiet, and relaxation, few resorts are quite as appealing as Finca Cortesin. Nestled in the foothills of Casares, it boasts carefully manicured gardens, naturally designed pools, a stunning beach club, exquisite gastronomy, a high-tech gym and the ARANĪ Yoga & Meditation Centre. The latter is perched on a hill with spectacular views of the mountains and the sparkling Mediterranean. ›
Practising yoga at the ARANĪ Yoga & Meditation Centre
Connecting with oneself is easy at Finca Cortesin
Yoga is now one of the most popular holistic activities in the world and by 2025, it is expected to reach a worth of around €185.9 billion. Over 300 million people engage in this pursuit to hone their strength, flexibility, mobility, and overall wellbeing. The global yoga community is thriving, with many practitioners looking forward to the support, friendship, and sheer enjoyment they receive from honing their asanas and engaging the power of controlled breathing. If you will be travelling around Spain or Italy soon and you wish to stay at a resort with a strong yoga focus, check out our recommended list of venues.
TOP YOGA
RESORTS IN SPAIN
WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE RESPECTIVE RESORTS
The ARANĪ Yoga & Meditation Centre at Finca Cortesin
It offers expert treatments and a variety of different yoga practices including traditional Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa, Iyengar, Ashtanga, Yin Yoga, Kundalini and meditative practices such as Pranayama, Guided Meditation, and Yoga Nidra. Additionally, you can opt to receive Pilates, Personal Training, and other forms of exercise upon request. Finca Cortesin is home to a gym boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and the latest wellness technologies from the exclusive collection, Artis by Technogym.
The ARANĪ Yoga & Meditation Centre has special offers that include two-tofour-night stays at the hotel, plus specific yoga sessions, access to the Beach Club and Spa, daily à la carte breakfasts at the renowned restaurant El Jardin de Lutz, lunch for two, and more. The resort entices guests with numerous activities and excursions, so they can combine yoga practice with sports and cultural escapes. Of course, Finca Cortesin is also known for its golf course, which is considered one of the best by numerous prestigious publications, including Golf Digest magazine.
SIX SENSES – IBIZA, SPAIN
The Six Senses resort in Ibiza has made quite a name for itself in terms of its wellness, holistic wellbeing, and self-care offerings. Here, yoga lovers will find a full programme designed to nourish the body, calm the mind, and awaken the spirit through a transformative experience in an environment that boosts inner harmony and connection with nature.
As part of its commitment to holistic well-being, Six Senses Ibiza covers a wide range of styles and approaches. Guests can explore different practices (from the dynamic Vinyasa Flow to the relaxing Yin Yoga) to find the style that best suits their needs. Programmes are designed for practitioners of all levels, from beginners to more experienced yogis, and classes are taught in serene spaces with impressive views.
A welcoming ritual at Six Senses Ibiza
In addition to regular yoga classes, Six Senses Ibiza offers immersive multi-day retreats that allow guests to experience a deep transformation. These programmes include daily yoga classes, meditation, wellness sessions, spa treatments, and healthy and delicious dining options.
Stretching the body at Six Senses Ibiza
Face yoga
Gathering together at Six Senses Ibiza
Yoga on the beach at Six Senses Ibiza
TERANKA FORMENTERA FORMENTERA, SPAIN
Ensconced in the fragrant pine forests, crystal-clear waters, and sandy dunes of one of the smallest Balearic islands, Teranka is at once a peaceful escape, a refuge of joy, and a gastronomic haven. It is inspired by the idea of terre d’ancrage (‘land of anchorage’) – a place where guests can ground themselves and feel more connected to the beauty of nature.
Natural wood and teak abound in this haven, as do biophilic design principles. All up, it’s the perfect place to host yoga retreats. Teranka is in many ways a natural portal to the Earth’s energy. Its ethos combines two Greek concepts: hedonism (the search for pleasure and relaxation) and eudaimonia (the search for improvement and vitality). It boasts a host of outdoor spaces in which to exercise and practice yoga, including the shade beneath an olive tree, the sandy dunes, or a cosy spot beneath the stars.
Honing technique at Teranka Formentera
A yoga session at Teranka Formentera
At Teranka’s Essence of Flow retreat, you will find a unique customised yoga programme led by a seasoned team of experts. Sessions have been developed to help you become attuned to the island’s energy. The retreat comprises a host of activities, including star gazing, sound baths, and cathartic respiratory work under the guidance of renowned hypnotherapist, Annika Lefevvre. Life coach, Matti Mahl, accompanies guests on walks and invites them to take ice baths after their personalised yoga sessions.
WWW.TERANKA.COM
A peaceful spot at Teranka Formentera
Places to relax at Teranka Formentera
Teranka Formentera at sundown
THE MARBELLA CLUB HOTEL
The Marbella Club’s beautiful Wellness Centre, graced by colourful, sun-drenched gardens and a peaceful, soulful vibe, offers guests a wide range of opportunities to hone their yoga skills. One of its most unique classes is aerial yoga, in which practitioners perform graceful sequences in the air while their weight is supported by suspended pieces of fabric. Surrounded by the singing of birds and the gentle sway of pine trees, it is easy to feel wild, free, and powerful, as one completes a combination of acrobatics and antigravity asanas. Aerial yoga is an ideal way to lengthen the spine, promote safe alignment, and increase mobility.
The Marbella Club has a busy schedule of fitness activities, as well as numerous visits from visiting specialists. In addition to yoga, you can also try the resort’s Meditation sessions, whose aim is to bring the mind to full awareness in the present moment, thus restoring the balance between the body and mind. These sessions nip stress in the bud, improve sleep quality, and boost general wellbeing. Meditation is one of the most powerful and oft-recommended natural means to battle a host of issues, both physical and mental.
Aerial yoga at the Marbella Club
Wellness offerings abound at the Marbella Club
IBIZA GRAN HOTEL
This hotel invites guests to savour the beauty of Ibiza, celebrate life beneath the sun, and enjoy experiences in unique spaces while taking in jaw-dropping views of Formentera and Ibiza’s old Town. It houses a sumptuous spa and one of Ibiza’s most renowned beauty salons, run by the prestigious company, Maisolence.
The resort has launched its Wellness Journeys programme, featuring three meticulously designed treatment itineraries for rejuvenation and disconnection from the stressors of everyday life. Each of these is a fully customisable experience that commences with a detailed consultation to identify each client’s preferences and goals. These circuits combine massages, facial treatments, cryotherapy, and body rituals.
One of its most popular itineraries is the Revitalizing Circuit, which begins with an outdoor yoga session guided by experts who foster a connection with oneself. Next, guests partake in a hydrotherapy circuit at the renovated Open Spa, which includes heated hydrotherapy pools, a contrast path, an ice pool, a Turkish bath, a Finnish sauna, aroma showers, and saline inhalation therapy. The latter has numerous benefits. It helps improve breathing, reduce stress, and enhance sleep quality. It has powerful antiinflammatory effects that can help boost overall wellbeing. The experience is completed with a facial treatment called Cryo Time Freeze by Anne Semonin, which uses cryotherapy to enhance skin firmness and luminosity.
WWW.IBIZAGRANHOTEL.COM ›
The good life at the Ibiza Gran Hotel
Yoga at the Ibiza Gran Hotel
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL MADRID
In the heart of the busy centre of Madrid – between the zones of Puerta del Sol and the Barrio de la Letras – lies the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid. This historic landmark vibrates with positive energy, with its four-level Wellness Centre, sun-splashed pool terrace, and restaurants of the calibre of Dani Brasserie (by Dani García) and Isa (an awardwinning cocktail bar and restaurant serving Asian street food). This Hotel has a strong wellbeing focus. Guests can stay active with so many fitness activities and face and body rituals, enjoying visits
from a wide array of wellness specialists. Guests can opt for personal sessions in mindfulness, yoga, Pilates, stretching, and general training. Every Wednesday, the Hotel offers yoga at 7:45 am to help guests start the day harmoniously and connect with their inner world. The good news is that you don’t have to be staying at the hotel to take part. If you are in the city, and you feel like partaking in a class while taking in the beauty of the Madrid skyline, you are welcome to do so.
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Yoga at the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid
Peace abounds at the Four Seasons Hotel, Madrid
VALENTINA AND A LOVE OF HORSES
WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF AV HORSES
Valentina captures the noble beauty and grace of horses
Like true Italians, Valentina and Andrea love the beautiful things in life: fashion, nature, culture, and above all, horses. This shared passion led to a romance and now a new life in Spain, where they can be close to the noble Andalusian and Lusitano breed.
Valentina and Andrea of AV Horses hail from northern Italy, from Treviso and Bologna respectively, and share a lifelong love of all things equestrian. This passion for horses also led to love, as the couple met through an Instagram post of Andrea’s Spanish stallion. It brought together a couple who have been involved in this field for decades, Andrea breeding and training horses his entire life and Valentina riding since she was seven years old. She took to the sport with a natural aptitude and there began a lifelong interest, first through years of showjumping competitions and now in dressage, where she is trained by her highly experienced partner. ›
Andrea and Valentina, a couple who met through horses
Valentina, who is also a professional photographer, is a beginner instructor working with her partner who is a qualified trainer. She used to specialise in fashion photography but has since become more dedicated to capturing the beauty and elegance of horses. “My interest in photography started as early as primary school, when my dad bought me a Reflex as a gift, and I began to coax my friends into modelling for me.” By the time she got to university, Valentina had already developed a high level of skill, and eventually she added celebrities and influencers from around the world to her list of subjects.
“I still work on fashion shoots and love to make the models feel beautiful and good about themselves, just like I enjoy capturing the noble beauty of
horses and try to bring out the special characteristics of each one. Part of the fun in both my work as a photographer and our professional involvement with horses is the fact that it allows us to travel all over the world and discover new places.”
MOVING TO SPAIN
If it is horses that brought Valentina and Andrea together and formed the basis for a shared career in the equestrian field, then what followed next is the natural progression of this. “We especially love Andalusian and Lusitano horses. For us they are noblest among the noble, and our fascination with this breed eventually led us to want to move to southern Spain to be closer and to work with them. It’s an ambition that has come true and now we live in Mijas and are based at Finca la Zambomba, where we not only work with horses, breeding, riding, and training them as well as instructing horse riders, but we also travel to source the finest of the breed.”
They source the finest Andalusian and Lusitano horses for clients
Because of their expertise in the field, and in particular with the Andalusian and Lusitano breeds, Andrea and Valentina are regularly called upon to source the finest examples for clients. “We travel across the region in search of the best horses, inspecting and riding them, taking photos and videos, and reporting back to the buyers. It’s fun and exciting work, and through it we have begun to discover the real Spain and the many unexpected experiences it offers,” says Valentina. She and Andrea have even developed a close relationship with Gypsy horse traders in Huelva. “They have the best animals, because they have been breeding them forever.” ›
Andrea is a master breeder and trainer of horses
Valentina’s love for horse is clear from her photography
Valentina at work
DISCOVERING NEW EXPERIENCES
The couple have become totally immersed in this free and expressive way of life, and they would like others to experience it too and get to know first-hand what the Andalusian hinterland has to offer. “Firstly, we would like to promote this region to Italian visitors, on whose radar it still doesn’t feature too prominently. Also, for most visitors to southern Spain the main focus is on beaches and clubs, but we would like to show just how much there is to experience inland as well. This is a treasure trove of experiences and discoveries, so people should try something new – we think they’d be surprised at how much they’ll love it.”
Part of Andrea and Valentina’s mission therefore is to encourage more people to explore the Andalusian interior, which offers so much in the way of beauty, fascinating sites and sensory discovery, from nature, gastronomy, and relaxing surrounded by tranquil beauty, to active sports and lively social interaction. “There’s so much to see and discover you could spend a lifetime doing it, and it covers a wide range of interests.”
“In our case and that of many of our clients and guests, the love of horses and equestrian pursuits is merely the beginning of a beautiful journey.”
TEL: (+39) 393 550 2826
ANDREA
TEL: (+39) 340 951 1725
VALENTINA
INSTAGRAM: @AV.HORSES
WWW.AVHORSES.COM
Valentina in her showjumping and dressage days
FERRARI DAYTONA SP3
A powerful modern motorcar, oozing with heritage appeal, the Daytona adds to Ferrari’s ultra-exclusive line-up within the ‘Icona’ series in a big way.
Bnspecting the ingredients of the allnew Daytona, you have to look backwards. Back to Ferrari’s racing pedigree, achieved throughout the 1960s and ‘70s with a very particular set of cars. Namely, the 330 P3/4, 330 P4 and 412 P, which helped the famed Italian marque secure an iconic, complete podium finish in 1967 at the 24 Hours of Daytona – with all three cars finishing side-by-side in Ford’s own backyard. This choreographed win came just six-months after Ford had upset Ferrari at Le Mans, with the performance of their infamous GT40.
Looking back at some of those original racers, it’s not hard to see how the ‘60s is widely hailed as the golden decade of motor-racing, of which so many extreme prototypes were shown to the world for the very first time thanks to newfangled designs and engineering feats. And so, this newly reimagined Daytona seeks to pay tribute to those early racing successes for Ferrari, and some truly beautiful cars. ›
CLASSIC CUES IN MODERN FINISH
The styling of the SP3 is really something you need to stand back and take in for some time. It’s a rich blend of references from Ferrari’s racing catalogue, but with the obvious modern refinements expected from a multi-millioneuro hypercar, and follows the same design philosophy as it’s predecessors in the Icona series, the aptly named SP1 and SP2.
The hulking but smooth front wings harp back to the 512 S and 712, with the mirrors placed further forward on the wing rather than on the doors, for that endurance car feel. All the aerodynamic trickery required to keep a modern Ferrari stuck to the tarmac is present, but thanks to curves rather than angles, it all seems much more muted and tame in terms of styling. The Daytona boasts a beautiful,
timeless design throughout. Moving round to the rear you’ll notice long, horizontal slats traced from corner to corner, in which are housed two rectangular exhaust tips. This is a nod to the retro-futuristic 250 P5 concept car from 1968.
In Ferrari’s own words, the SP3 “produces the sense of effortless aesthetic balance that has long been a signature of Maranello’s design history” and looking at the new Daytona, it’s hard to argue with that.
The cockpit is also filled with inspiration from cars such as the 330 P3/4, the 312 P and the 350 Can-Am, while retaining many more modern amenities than those ‘60s racers – like air-conditioning. Even inside the cabin, there’s an air of minimalism and function. The seats are integrated directly into the chassis, with a wonderful wraparound design.
Unlike most cars, the seats retain a completely fixed posture, and it’s the wheel, pedal box and central instrument cluster that are adjustable to the pilot’s content.
Both the chassis and bodyshell are made entirely from composite materials, a
technology derived directly from Ferrari’s Formula 1 programme, that delivers exceptional weight-saving and structural rigidity. This contributes to the Daytona’s rather impressive power-to-weight ratio, in tandem with a rather outrageous engine. ›
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THE POWERTRAIN
The Daytona is powered by the F140HC, which simply put, is the most powerful internal combustion engine Ferrari has ever produced. There’s no hybrid paraphernalia or electric motors on the axels, just a roaring V12 engine – a very fitting tribute to the 1960s!
The mid-rear mounted naturallyaspirated V12 delivers a staggering 829bhp (840PS), and pushes power to its rear axel only, via a 7-speed automatic transmission. While borrowing much of the architecture from the front-engine 812 Competizione, the Daytona features a handful of updates.
The intake system has had a radical redesign, shortening the manifold and plenum to deliver maximum torque at much higher revs, while the torque curve is optimised at all engine speeds by a system of variable geometry inlet tracts.
The Daytona’s impressive 697 nm-torque kicks in at 7250 rpm, with the redline coming in at a screaming 9,500 rpm, delivering that pure Italian theatre that we know and love.
The SP3’s impressive credentials don’t stop there: max speed is a licence-losing
340km/h and you’ll see 100km/h in a mere 2.85 seconds. Which is extremely fast. But for anyone not lucky enough to get on Ferrari’s exclusive client list for the SP3, these performance figures are almost identical to the more affordable V6 hybrid, the Ferrari 296 GTB.
So, can you buy the Daytona SP3?
Well, no. You likely opted to give Ferrari an additional €2.000.000 when you also bought your SP1 or SP2 a couple of years back. The Daytona is limited to just 599 examples, and they’ve all been allocated. But if you are lucky enough to spot one out in the wild, see which design cues remind you of those classic 1960s Ferrari race winners. e
» POWER 829bhp (840PS) and 697 nm-torque
» 0-100KM/H 2.85 seconds
» TOP SPEED 340km/h
» MARKET ALTERNATIVES Is there anything to compete with a one-off 599 limited-edition Ferrari?
» PRICE From €2.000.000 plus local taxes
– all sold out
COMING SOON
FRONTLINE BEACH RESIDENCES
BE THE FIRST TO CHOOSE YOUR FRONTLINE HOME IN A NEW DESTINATION
2025 LAND ROVER DEFENDER OCTA
After nearly five years on the market, Land Rover has decided to take its popular Defender model to the next level. OCTA is the brand’s new performance badge and will reportedly make its way to most models, imbuing them with performance-related enhancements and model-specific trim, much like Range Rover and its popular SVR enhancements have offered for decades. This Defender will be exclusive; only 1,070 of Edition One will be sold worldwide.
The secret to OCTA is under the bonnet – gone is the British-built 5.0 litre V8 in favour of BMW’s 4.4 litre which also appears in the Range Rover. If this seems unusual, recall that many years ago, the Bavarian firm owned Land Rover. Some fans of the marque are no strangers to seeing German motors in their English vehicles, with past experiences being anything but disappointing.
WORDS SPENCER WHITNEY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LAND ROVER
How fitting, then, that OCTA was spied prior to release cruising effortlessly around Germany’s own Nürburgring. Thanks to ‘6D’ air suspension (a speciality of Land Rover engineers) that features hydraulic links and active dampers, OCTA can negotiate tight turns at velocities unheard of for an SUV in this class. The bespoke powerplant propels OCTA from standstill to 100km/h in only four seconds, placing this Land Rover at the top of the brand, and certainly among some of the fastest SUVs ever created.
The engine is specifically tuned for OCTA, offering up a mild-hybrid-enhanced 635hp (473kW) thanks in part to twin-turbochargers. It certainly helps that the Defender keeps on a diet, with its aluminium panelling and space frame construction shedding weight where it matters most –although at over 2.5 tonnes, it’s not going to have sports car handling.
Famous racetracks weren’t the only places OCTA could be found during its rigorous testing phase – it also splashed and crawled
its way across America, digging deeply into its offroad heritage by facing up to challenging rugged trails, scorching deserts, and tall mountain peaks. An additional 28mm of clearance and fitment of 33-inch tyres make it clear that Land Rover want this special model to be off-road ready – and why shouldn’t it be? Defender is now the marque’s adventure brand – a rallying cry for those who yearn to spend more time downhill than downtown. ›
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Exterior cues highlight OCTA’s exclusivity and give the model a much-needed breath of life as nearly five years have passed since introduction. Available 20-inch forged wheels provide incredible strength, while flared wheel arches give OCTA an aggressive widebody stance and more stability – the width necessitates USAmandated clearance lamps in the grille, a look that’s become the calling card for off-road prowess across the car industry. Edition One comes wrapped in an eyepleasing Faroe Green paint, reminiscent of Series Land Rovers from days gone by While the interior is still mostly derived
from existing models, Edition One sports crushed-carbon-fibre inserts and OCTA specific badging combined with refreshed trim colours and cues. Seating is also new and features an optional acoustic massage system along with a new look – integrated headrests are in and leather is out, a spartan look no doubt inspired by Dakar trucks and Baja racers. Pressing the new OCTA button on the steering wheel enables the Defender’s high-performance mode, and displays g-force and vehicle dynamics data for the driver in real time.
While it’s a far cry from the agrarian intent of the Defender’s ancestors, there’s not likely
to be an off-road enthusiast on the planet who would turn down a spin in this one, be it on twisty mountain roads or wild dirt tracks. With a rumoured EV Defender on the horizon and big changes coming for Land Rover, OCTA will no doubt become a sought-after model among fans for years to come. e
» SPECIFICATIONS:
635-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8; 8-speed ZF automatic transmission; 2-speed transfer case and Terrain Response system; hydraulic-linked air suspension; widebody kit; Top speed of 250km/h (160km/h on off-road tyres); 0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds.
» WHAT I LIKE: Off-road heritage meets modern technology; peak Land Rover performance; undoubtedly more useful in daily life than competitors like the Mercedes G63 or Cayenne Turbo GT.
» WHAT I DON’T LIKE: Marks a massive departure from the Defender’s 76-year heritage.
» PRICING AND AVAILABILITY: Limited to 1,070 worldwide (First Edition)available in late 2024 starting at €207.450.
Intensity is a word that Cate Blanchett is happy to embrace. While many in the elite of the entertainment world substitute passion and power on-screen for a life of luxurious leisure off it, the 52-year-old actress appears happy to push to the extremities wherever, debating and challenging at every point along the route.
CATE BLANCHETT
A PIONEERING PERSONA
It’s not that the fiery Australian has a particular axe to grind when it comes to politics, environmentalism, sustainability, equality, feminism or activism; she can just see a better place on the horizon. “If I didn’t use my voice to try to make change or encourage others to, I think that would be really disingenuous,” she says.
For the former Creative Director at the Sydney Theatre Company and double-Oscar winner (for Best Actress in The Aviator (2005) and Blue Jasmine (2014)), a busy year has just welcomed in Borderlands, the sci-fi action comedy loosely based on the video game series of the same
name, alongside Jack Black, Arianna Greenblatt, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Kevin Hart. It follows the story of a group of vault hunters who travel to the distant planet of Pandora to find a vault rumoured to contain advanced alien technology and riches, facing off against various enemies along the way.
On the horizon, and slated for a 2025 release, is Father, Mother, Sister, Brother, the comedy-drama anthology directed by Jim Jarmusch, in which Blanchett stars as Emily, a therapist navigating complex family dynamics. Then there’s Steven Soderbergh’s spy thriller, Black Bag, a gripping espionage tale that centres on a covert operative uncovering a
global conspiracy.
Away from the big screen, Blanchett is mother to Dashiell, 22, Roman, 20, Ignatius, 16, and little Edith, who she and husband Andrew Upton adopted in 2015.
WHAT DREW YOU TO BORDERLANDS?
“Lilith is such a fascinating character with a rich backstory. I was captivated by her complexity and her journey – an infamous outlaw with a mysterious past, which makes her both formidable and vulnerable. The combination of her extraordinary powers as a Siren and her personal struggles made her a character I couldn’t resist exploring.” ›
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WHILE OTHER VIDEO GAME ADAPTATIONS RELY ON BROAD APPEAL, BORDERLANDS’ MATURE CONTENT REQUIRES EXCEPTIONAL DELIVERY FROM ITS STAR-STUDDED CAST. SO, HOW DID YOU PREPARE FOR THE ROLE, ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING ITS UNIQUE SETTING AND TONE?
“Preparing for Lilith involved immersing myself in the world of Borderlands. I played the games and read up on the folklore to understand the universe and her place in it.
Physically, I trained to match her strength and agility. I also took some time to appreciate the tone of Borderlands, and the fact this also feels so unique and so
special.
Ultimately, it’s dark, yet filled with humour and heart. Balancing those elements in my portrayal of her was key.”
WHAT’S THE DYNAMIC LIKE BETWEEN LILITH AND THE OTHER CHARACTERS IN THE FILM?
“Her relationships with the other characters are central to the story. She forms an unlikely alliance with a diverse group, each bringing their own strengths and quirks. Her bond with Roland (played by Kevin Hart), for instance, is defined by mutual respect and a shared quest for redemption.
The interplay with Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt), Krieg (Florian Munteanu),
Tannis (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Claptrap (Jack Black) adds layers of humour and unpredictability. These dynamics make the journey compelling and highlight the importance of teamwork.”
DURING YOUR CAREER YOU’VE PLAYED A WIDE VARIETY OF ROLES INCLUDING SOME RISKY OR UNCONVENTIONAL CHOICES. IS THAT PART OF THE MOTIVATION TO KEEP GOING?
“I like the unknown factor when it comes to choosing a role or a project. I usually rely on my instinct in the sense that if I know right away how I can interpret a character, I’ll usually turn it down because I find it too predictable!” ›
IS BORDERLANDS THE SORT OF FILM THAT FURTHER PUSHES YOUR REPUTATION AS A PIONEER, WOULD YOU AGREE?
“If I’m being truthful. I’m so sick of hearing, ‘You’re a strong woman, you are an inspiration in this, or that…’ What exactly is the definition of that? It’s a very glib, overused expression and I don’t really like it.
I think, at the heart of it, is the fact that art can sometimes be a distortion to real life, and that’s something we want – it’s an escape. And if I’m a pioneer in that world, then fair enough, I’m happy to assume that position. So, I will take it, although it does make me feel uncomfortable!”
I THINK WHAT STANDS YOU OUT AS BEING GENUINE IS THAT YOU BACK YOUR OBSERVATIONS WITH REAL AND GENUINE PERSONAL CHANGE, DON’T YOU? FOR EXAMPLE, IN TERMS OF SUSTAINABILITY, I READ ABOUT YOU MAKING SUBTLE CHANGES TO HOME HABITS TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS POLLUTION.
“It really is the small things that make the difference. I switched household power supply to an accredited company, GreenPower. I then began washing clothes in cold water, invested in roof insulation, pledged to walk
more and drive less, and even avoided unnecessary domestic air flights, insisting as well to purchase carbon offsets.
Many of these changes came about when it dawned on me that my children were going to be growing up in a world which just didn’t seem to care for their long-term welfare, and for me that was heart-breaking,
I try to teach my children about things they need to reflect on as they make their way in life. They do not have the same carefree attitude to the world or the environment that we were afforded as kids – it’s not a privilege they’ll have.”
CREATIVELY YOU’RE STILL AS FRESH AS EVER, WOULDN’T YOU SAY?
“For me, it has always been the case that I need to keep changing, keep evolving, and moving through a set of different gears.
My fear of getting stuck doing something I don’t like, for a long time, is real! And of course, I’m lucky enough to be able to do that – it’s still the case in many industries, jobs, cities, towns and villages that your gender, your sexual persuasion, your colour, your race is the first thing that walks through the door.
I would love to get to a point where that isn’t what people see
and feel, but I think it’s some way off. Perhaps it would help if we didn’t all feel we were in direct competition with each other. Take the sexism debate – I don’t believe equality for women means to denigrate from men in any way. I feel men benefit from it enormously.
There’s also a brand of conservatism that is affecting the way women perceive who they are in the world. It’s going to continue being a challenge going forward, but progress has been made… some progress.”
YOU SAY YOU HAVE WARMED TO SOCIAL MEDIA IN A WAY YOU PERHAPS DIDN’T EXPECT…
“We’ve definitely got a better chance now to do something important than we did before, and that’s via social media. These networks can be very useful on occasion – they drive campaigns, build impact, scoop up awareness, and connect amazing people.
I just wish there was a way of cleansing what’s on there. It’s the reason I stay away from Twitter and Facebook, which I compare to graffiti… you might read one or two things that are interesting but most of the stuff out there isn’t very useful.
That’s the challenge we have as people speaking up for environmental and social
“I FEEL MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE IN MY SKIN TODAY THAN I EVER HAVE BEFORE. I AM MUCH MORE CONFIDENT AND SECURE IN WHO I AM THAN WHEN I WAS IN MY TWENTIES – I WOULD NEVER WANT TO GO THROUGH THOSE YEARS AGAIN!”
change – it’s easy to become bored by what’s being said, and we have to keep the message entertaining and engaging.”
YOUR FAMILY UNIT IS VERY SECURE AND GIVES YOU THE FREEDOM TO EXPLORE WHATEVER PROJECTS YOU PLEASE, RIGHT?
“Yes. Personally, I’m very grateful to have a husband who is so generous and willing to help me with the children when I’m working. It’s much easier to manage a career when you know your partner is always there to support you and help you with the logistics.
In truth, as far as career goes, I have a hard time staying still for very long. Even when I’ve made big statements about taking time off and looking forward to doing nothing, I find I get bored very, very quickly. The appeal of a quiet life is wonderful up to the point where it’s all quiet, all around you… and then it’s terrifying!” ›
WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR FOUR YEARS AS CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY?
“Ultimately, if you’re working on great texts with great people and great creative teams, you cannot help the conversation becoming elevated, and going forward you will always know how to elevate that discussion. I’m immensely proud of the work we produced there.”
THERE’S A LEVEL OF ARISTOCRACY WITH THE THEATRE OVER FILM, DON’T
YOU AGREE?
“I think there’s a fair amount of change across all the spectrums, from stage to big screen to small. Certainly in recent years, you look at the mash up of actors in television and film, and it used to be that the actors in television were siloed from the actors in film. Nowadays there’s not that sense of one art form being more important than the other, or one is inaccessible to or from the other. I love working in theatre and also working in film and TV.”
I HEARD THAT WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING, YOUR ACTOR’S INSTINCTS STAY ACTIVE IN THE SENSE THAT YOU TRY TO OBSERVE PEOPLE.
“I like watching other people shop when I go to the supermarket. Also, when I take my children to the park to play, when I’m sitting down, I’ll find myself analysing what other people are doing or what they might be thinking about.
All those things feed into the mentality… the habit of thinking about human behaviour and psychology. That’s a huge part of your process as an actor.”
YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH –WHAT STILL DRIVES YOU AS A PERFORMER?
“To get into your character, you need to embrace their heart and feel the rhythm of their life. Then it takes a little bit of magic to make that character seem real and authentic.
A lot of what goes into the character also involves the hair, the make-up, and the clothes you’re going to wear. When you’re trying to get into the skin of another person, you also need to adopt the body language that’s appropriate to that person. It’s like learning a foreign language and what is vital for me is finding the right tone of voice that captures the psychology of the character.”
MANY ASPIRING ACTORS UNDOUBTEDLY LOOK TO YOU FOR INSPIRATION. WHICH ACTORS HAVE HELPED INSPIRE YOU AS YOU MADE YOUR WAY IN THE FILM BUSINESS?
“Gena Rowlands is someone who has had a big influence on me. I loved her work in the films she did with her husband, John Cassavetes, especially A Woman Under the Influence. I saw her as kind of a model for the type of career I wanted to have. I also thought she was incredible in Gloria (also directed by Cassavetes) and her way of creating a character really made a deep impression on me. I learnt so much from watching and studying her work.”
MANY WRITERS HAVE DESCRIBED YOU AS ONE OF THE MOST ELEGANT WOMEN IN THE BUSINESS. WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR SENSE OF STYLE FROM?
“My mother and grandmother have been my inspirations in terms of their sense of self-respect and independence. And that was reflected in how they dressed and that had a big impact on me.”
FINALLY, AGEING HAS NEVER SEEMED TO BE SOMETHING WHICH PARTICULARLY TROUBLES OR WORRIES YOU?
“I just accept it. Getting older happens to all of us and there are many advantages that come with age. I feel much more comfortable in my skin today than I ever have before. I am much more confident and secure in who I am than when I was in my twenties – I would
never want to go through those years again!
I enjoyed my thirties a great deal and not in my forties! Now, in my fifties, I feel my life has become better again, because the pressure is off.
I would rather approach getting older with a lot of curiosity and a sense of adventure. Even though you might like to fight it, there’s not much point!” e
Become acquainted with Thereza Zabell, Ambassador of RH Privé, and Alice Vye Henninway, whose book Nyika, I Love You will shortly be filmed. See what’s trending in Spain and further afield, and check out recommended viewing and top reads coming this month.
wwhat’s cool?
COMPILED BY IAIN BLACKWELL
SPECTACULAR KYGO PERFORMANCE
In a feat of daring, KYGO launched his fifth album from the tip of the iconic Trolltunga high above Norway’s magnificent fjords with a YouTube-streamed concert that is a must see. In what he described as “a dream come true”, KYGO was accompanied by the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and several vocalists who are performing on the new album.
WWW.KYGOMUSIC.COM
MOËT ICE IMPERIAL
The world’s first Champagne specifically created to be enjoyed exclusively over ice, Moët Ice Imperial perfectly encapsulated the taste of a golden summer. Incredibly fresh, with fruity and tropical aromas that evoke warm, sunny, and tranquil landscapes, this is a Champagne that invites you to free yourself from conventions and embrace the joy of living in the moment.
WWW.MOET.COM
FIT HAPPY SISTERS
Ani and Sara are two dynamic sisters from Valencia who have achieved the distinction of creating one of the leading foodie profiles on social networks with almost two million followers. Their goal is to promote the enjoyment of healthy eating for people to remain in shape which they present in videos with varied recipes that their audience can readily prepare.
@FIT_HAPPY_SISTERS
BODEGAS JOSÉ PARIENTE A VILERMA
The Pariente family has presented A Vilerma Blanco 2023, a fine white wine that reflects the essence of the D.O. Ribeiro and which embodies the rich diversity of the Avia Valley. Creating a wine in Galicia has always been one of the family’s dreams which has now become a reality with A Vilerma, described as fruity, complex, elegant, and balanced.
WWW.JOSEPARIENTE.COM
THE NEW PAGANI HUAYRA EPITOME
Pagani Automobili has revealed the Huayra Epitome, a one-off creation that comprises an extraordinary level of prestige and customisation. The Epitome, the first Huayra equipped with manual transmission, represents the pinnacle of technology currently available for Pagani road-legal cars. Its exclusive design makes it a totally unique Hypercar.
WWW.PAGANI.COM
OCEAN DRIVE TALAMANCA UP & DOWN
There are many ways to experience the island of Ibiza and one of the most pleasant, without a doubt, is through its gastronomic offering. The new Up & Down restaurant at the outstanding Ocean Drive Talamanca, fuses the best of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. Enjoy 360º panoramic views while savouring enticing menus during the day or in the evening.
WWW.OD-HOTELS.COM
ST. REGIS MARDAVALL
Exquisite gastronomy under the guiding hand of chef Pau Oliver and artesanal cocktails are the order of the day with the new summer proposal from the Mar Sea Club at The St. Regis Mardavall Hotel in Mallorca. With incredible views, noble materials, and a colour palette inspired by the sea and nature, the Mar terrace blends seamlessly with its surroundings.
WWW.MARRIOTT.COM
LOS FELICES: THE FASHION HOTEL
The Fashion Hotel in Ibiza, part of the Concept Hotel Group headed up by Diego Calvo, recently celebrated its opening party with over 1,000 revellers and many celebrities present including Paz Vega, Claudia Traisac, Josh Hutcherson, Bonnie Strange, and Duncan Yair. The brand’s fundamental pillars are art, design, music, fashion, and cinema.
WWW.THECONCEPTHOTELS.COM
MARKET AT EDITION
The Madrid EDITION Hotel, a luxury lifestyle resort, has debuted its new restaurant, Market at EDITION, offering elegant Spanish cuisine focused on fresh local ingredients with a relaxed and innovative approach. This is the fourth Market at EDITION worldwide, following the success of those established at the Miami Beach, Tampa, and Abu Dhabi EDITIONS.
RED DOT DESIGN AWARD CEREMONY
The famous Red Dot Design Awards recently took place in Essen, Germany with around 1,300 guests including international design luminaries from Ducati, Philips, Logitech, Thule, Fiskars, and Hilti present. This year, Red Dot Trophies were presented to manufacturers and designers from 20 nations who achieved the highest distinction, the Red Dot: Best of the Best.
CARDLESS PAYMENT WITH THE RIKKI RING
Perfect for the beach or pool this summer, Rikki is the first Spanish smart ring that offers cordless payment on the market. Made with hypoallergenic ceramic, the ring is resistant to shocks and water up to a depth of 50m. It is inspired by Japanese minimalism and contains a Visa- and Mastercardapproved NFC banking security chip, which encrypts data.
WWW.RIKKI.IO
PENHA LONGA RESORT
Portugal’s Ritz-Carlton Penha Longa Resort is celebrating its 30th Anniversary year with a renewed modern and elegant design in harmony with the surrounding natural park of Sintra-Cascais.
Explore some of the country’s top attractions from the hotel, which comprises 187 fully renovated rooms and suites, four swimming pools, and the Penha Longa Golf Course.
WWW.RITZCARLTON.COM
Monte Mayor Resort
• Nova Art Café & Bar with terrace & stunning views
• Nova Market Grocery Store stocking all your essentials
• Artemis Art Gallery, showcasing leading European contemporary artists.
• Come and meet resident artist, Mila Pierce PROPERTY SNAPSHOT
• Sales Office managed by Cloud Nine Spain
• New & Resale Villas & Townhouses, as well as Residential Building Plots for sale
• Development Plots also available
• Agents & Developers welcome
RH Privé, a leading real estate promoter of high-end homes on the Coast, has renewed its agreement with elite athlete, Theresa Zabell, the brand’s ambassador. The two-time Olympic gold medallist will be representing the firm for a second year, combining this responsibility with Fundación Ecomar (The Ecomar Foundation), which she founded 25 years ago.
COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY RH PRIVÉ AND FUNDACIÓN ECOMAR/ THERESA ZABELL
RH PRIVÉ
RENEWS ITS AGREEMENT WITH OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST, THERESA ZABELL
Theresa Zabell hails from an English family who moved to Fuengirola when she was just a child. She fell in love with the ocean and aquatic sport, rising to fame for achieving great things in the world of sailing. She has won two Olympic gold medals (Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996), five World Championships, numerous international competitions, and 12 national championships. She was also deemed the best female sailor in the world by the International Sailing Federation. Four decades ago, being an Olympic champion seemed like an impossible dream, but Theresa has always been prepared to fight for her goals, one of which was to make the world a better place.
In addition to being a worldclass athlete, Zabell speaks four languages and has served as Vice-President of the Spanish Olympic Committee, being the first woman to fulfil this role. When her daughter, Olympia was born following
the Olympic Games of 1996, she decided to retire from elite sport and commit fully to the sea, intending to give back a little of the wonder it had brought to her life. In 1999, she founded the Ecomar Foundation, which, some 25 years down the line, is one of the most recognised and consolidated foundations in the realm of marine life protection. The Foundation is focused on raising awarenes, especially among children, of the importance of our seas and oceans and how to care for them. It has carried out these efforts with 2.5 million people. One of its mottos is: ‘ Take care of the only two places you will never be able to move away from – your body and your Planet.’
Regarding her agreement with RH Privé, Zabell has stated, “It isn’t easy to find a company that shares the same
values as someone like me. RH Privé continuously seeks to find a way to contribute more to society. It places a strong focus on the design phase to improve subsequent recycling and circular efforts. For decades, this company has prioritised buildability and respected biodiversity.” She feels that continuing to serve as a brand ambassador will lead to “great plans and steps to care for our territory and coasts.”
THE ECO-LUXURY CONCEPT: BECAUSE LUXURY AND SUSTAINABILITY SHOULD GO HAND IN HAND
RH Privé has stood as a standard-bearer for the ecoluxury concept for over 30 years, developing sustainable high-end projects on the Coast that combine respect for the environment with exclusivity. ›
The company has invested in cutting-edge technology and embraced sustainability at all stages: from material selection to the prioritisation of constructive industrialised techniques with a lower environmental impact and the selection of native plants and trees during the landscaping design phase.
Guillermo Rodríguez, founder of RH Privé, states, “The values represented by Theresa Zabell and her dedication to environmental preservation mirror our commitment to sustainable development.”
ABOUT RH PRIVÉ
RH Privé is a leading real estate developer in sustainable
luxury development. With over 30 years of success in Reserva del Higuerón (and having helped found the latter), it continues to evolve and expand its developments across the rest of the Coast. The figures speak for themselves: more than 500 homes delivered, over 200 homes under construction, and more than 160 recently launched on the market.
Theresa Zabell answers some of our burning questions.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE TAKING PART IN AND EXCELLING AT THE 1992 AND 1996 OLYMPIC GAMES AND IN SO MANY OTHER COMPETITIONS OF RENOWN? WHAT LESSONS OR GIFTS DID THE EXPERIENCE
BRING TO YOUR LIFE?
Taking part in the Olympic Games was my dream of a lifetime. My dream started at age 11 as a vague idea of what I would like to see happen in the future. Over the years my dream, written down with a date, became a goal. That goal broken down into steps became a plan which, backed by action, made my dream come true. This way of proceeding to achieve a sporting goal is perfectly comparable (and can be extended) to other areas of one’s life.
WHAT QUALITIES OR SKILLS DO YOU NEED TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS IN ELITE SPORTS?
I don’t know anyone who has achieved mastery, in any area, without a great dose of effort and constancy. As Malcolm Gladwell explains in his book, Outliers, it takes 10,000 hours of intensive practice to master complex skills and materials. On top of this continuous effort, you need to be goaloriented, know how to work in a team, and be prepared to lose – which, by the way, is the best way to learn. ›
TELL US WHY YOU FOUNDED ECOMAR AND WHAT ACTIVITIES KIDS CAN ENJOY.
Over 20 years of my sporting career, I had the incredible opportunity to see the problems our oceans are facing from a seat in the front row. Most people will never get to see a small percentage of what I saw during their entire lives. After many years of asking myself why nobody was taking action, I decided to do so.
When you want to change the way people behave, you must start at receptive ages, which means kids. We have spent 25 years educating, raising awareness, and taking action to protect our oceans alongside 2.5 million children. Sport is an incredible tool for education. It is fun and hands-on and we all tend to remember what we do better than what we read or hear. We engage kids in marine sports
to understand the importance of their playing field. We visit schools to show kids things they don’t normally learn in classrooms. We additionally bring them along to clean beaches so they can see the damage we are doing to the blue ‘lungs’ of our planet.
TELL ME ABOUT HOW YOU CAME ACROSS RH PRIVÉ AND WHY YOU DECIDED TO BECOME AN AMBASSADOR FOR THE BRAND.
When I started sailing in Fuengirola, there were some incredible people in the recently opened sailing club. They all helped me immensely. One of them was Guillermo Rodriguez, father to the CEO of RH Privé, with whom I shared many hours out on the water, competing in different areas of the country and abroad. A time came when we went separate ways, seeking excellence in our different careers – Guillermo
as an architect and builder of quality housing and myself pursuing an Olympic medal. There are many values I share with RH Privé and the company has converted these values into the main pillars of its business, striving for excellence in the product it delivers to its customers. This is achieved by putting a great deal of effort into the planning phase to ensure circularity while taking environmental sustainability into account and embedding giving back to their surroundings into the core of their business.
WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PASSIONS?
I always say that my passion is the sea. I was fascinated by it during my childhood, thoroughly enjoyed it whilst pursuing my sporting goals, and now spend most of my time protecting it and learning more about it to be more useful. e
WWW.FUNDACIONECOMAR.ORG WWW.RHPRIVE.COM
ALICE VYE HENNINGWAY’S NYIKA, I LOVE YOU HEADS TOWARDS THE BIG SCREEN
Alice Vye Henningway is the author of a novel inspired by a true story, Nyika, I Love You, which will be brought to life by Los Angeles-based producer, Stacy Ekstein. Alice shares her incredible story with essential magazine’s Marisa Cutillas.
There are people whose life experiences are so outside the ordinary, so passion-filled, beautiful, and, sometimes, brutal, that their story begs to be told in a novel and a film. This is very much the case for Alice Vye Henningway, the daughter of two unforgettably brave, strong people whose lives left an indelible mark on Zimbabwe, where she was born and raised. The very hospital she was born in – Chiredzi General Hospital – is symbolic of the wild, adrenalin-charged nature of life in Zimbabwe. She says,
Her book will be available on Amazon from October 24
“The hospital was once flooded and a crocodile found itself walking through the hospital breezeways.” This is just one of the many astounding animal encounters that have profoundly marked her life.
Alice’s childhood was characterised by many strong bonds forged with animals. Her parents had a ranch in the Zaka region of the Masvingo province called ‘Ngwane’, which means ‘crown of thorns’ in the local dialect. She lived there for the first six years of her life alongside her brother and sisters. Her father, Derek (whose nickname was ‘Slick’), was “a handsome, swashbuckling man with
vision and drive, who achieved a legacy for Zimbabwe. He helped found (and was the Chariman of) the Savé Valley Conservancy (SVC) – a project that saw 25 property owners open up their properties so that the animals could roam freely across an expanse of 7,500km2. He built a dam with his son on the SVC, saving many animals and people. He additionally flew his family’s Cessna 172 (a light aircraft) across Southern Africa to buy game to stock the SVC, built a theatre in the Lowveld, and was Head of the Cotton Growers Association. ›
Her mother, Joan was a ballet dancer, who, despite being offered a scholarship in Europe, chose to marry Alice’s father. “Down-to-earth yet impeccably presented, she maintained her dignity even in the face of tragedy when my brother passed away,” she writes. The author’s little brother, Russell, lost his life after consuming a toxic substance. This tragic loss
was the reason why Alice’s parents decided to buy a plane (“a Fiat 500 in the sky”). Alice, still a minor at the time, revelled in receiving early flight lessons on her father’s lap. Living, remotely in a rural area such as this, honing this skill was crucial since the nearest hospital was hours away on atrocious roads.
Alice had the kind of pets a little child could only dream
Alice with her daughter, Kate and Stacy Ekstein
of, including a pet warthog called Pig who slept in her bed and bathed with her. There was also Tiny, a baby elephant whose parents were killed by poachers and whom Alice fed enormous bottles of milk. Alice and Tiny swam in a riverbed and in the dam built by her brother and father in Chishakwe – the headquarters where she grew up on the Savé Valley Conservancy.
Her first “real rescues” were two deer called Bambi and Guru. Their mothers had been turned into biltong, a dried meat that is immensely popular throughout Zimbabwe. Alice also had a pet chameleon called Camo, who walked in perfect rhythm to jazz music (Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin to be precise). Then there was Bird, a Ground Hornbill who came into Alice and her family’s lives after breaking his wing. “He could never fly again and he lived and died with us.” The closest of all these pets to Alice was Jessie, her beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback. Bred to hunt lions, her violent end “left a
permanent scar” on Alice’s heart.
Alice and her family survived a few close encounters of the dangerous kind. Once, She was collecting wood with her beloved Nyika (the Shona maid with whom she forged an unbreakable bond). As Alice reached for a branch, she saw a deadly Boomslang snake. She froze on the spot as Nyika raced to grab her bow and arrow, launching an arrow straight into the Boomslang’s head.
The film that will share Alice’s eye-opening life story with the world is based on her book, Nyika, I Love You. It closely follows the friendship between Alice and Nyika, who was the daughter of a Shona Chief. Nyika’s influence on Alice was profound and their relationship shattered typical employer-employee boundaries. Nyika saved Alice’s life more than once, as the two lived through the brutal bush war in Zimbabwe which took place from the 4th of July 1964 to the 12th of December 1979. During one attack, Alice was on her swing when rebels began firing shots at her. Nyika scooped Alice up in her arms, running in zigzags towards Alice’s home to evade the bullets.
The nurturing and protection that Nyika brought to her life were irreplaceable and contrasted with the sometimes strained, complex relationships within Alice’s family. A pivotal
“I AM ABLE, SIMPLY BECAUSE OF HOW I WAS RAISED. DO OR DIE REALLY, I HAVE UNWAVERING GRIT AND I THANK MY PARENTS FOR THIS ATTRIBUTE DAILY.”
event in their lives was when her father terminated Nyika’s employment, owing to the machinations of an envious Shona woman called Pretty. The latter set Nyika up for
the fall, though Alice fought tenaciously to bring her back. Many years later, she succeeded.
Alice’s family home was regularly attacked by the guerillas, who were seeking decolonisation. Unfortunately, this was far from a peaceful handover. Alice’s father was born and raised in Zimbabwe, and she and her siblings knew no other home. Alice is an eighth-generation African.
The attacks were so extreme that her father was forced to build a watchtower and labyrinth around the family home. The day the guerilllas worked out the labyrinth and left a note beneath their door was the final warning to leave. The rebels kidnapped Nyika’s son Kudzai, who was destined to become the next Shona Chief. During the war, Alice armed herself with valor and learned how to use three different guns: an FN, a 2.2, and an AK-47.
Alice lived in various homes. She was a boarder at a school during one stage in her life, and, when her father and mother divorced, she found herself between two homes. Yet her heart undoubtedly belongs to Chishakwe in the Savé Valley Conservancy. ›
Nyika and Alice
“Although we no longer own it, I will always consider it my home in Africa.”
One of the most fascinating parts of Alice’s story is the setting up of SVC, which achieved the largest elephant translocation in history and played a vital role in saving the rhino and wild dog populations. “Elephants need to be moved with their families,” she explains, highlighting how these noble animals were tranquilised and gently moved to their new home. “Logistics were worked out by a man called Clem Coetzee and the funds for the translocation
were raised by Penny Havnar.”
There are many more passion-filled, exciting, and emotionally charged moments in Alice’s life story. Suffice it to say that after reading Nyika, I Love You, Los Angeles-based Producer, Stacy Ekstein (who has produced content for Warner Bros. and Netflix) was immediately captivated by the work. The second edition of the book, edited by awardwinning writer and journalist, Geoff Hill, will be available at the end of October 2024 on Amazon.
In addition to promoting her book, Alice is working to raise funds for the launch of a new classroom for a local school near the Savé Valley Conservancy.
For further information, see Facebook: Savé Valley Conservancy (April 27 entry).
Alice has lived through so many adventures, lifethreatening situations, and losses that many would say she has lived a hundred lives in one. Nyika, like her mother, father, and little brother may have passed away but there
is one place where Alice still sees and interacts with them – in dreams. She has been blessed with the ability of lucid dreaming. “I can decide to dream about them and if I wake up, I can continue the dream.” Her resilience, grit, and strength are backed only by the profound love shared with her by the remarkable people and animals who have made her the unbreakable creative force she is today.
Alice would like to share this special message: “Big shoutout to my amazing daughter Kate – you’re my rock and my reality check. To my bonus daughters, your unwavering support means the world. And to my incredible husband, your endless support and the love and joy you bring into my life are truly beyond words. Thank you all!”
HOT NEW MOVIES
BORDERLANDS
» Genre: Science Fiction
» Director: Eli Roth (Thanksgiving)
» Cast: Ariana Greenblatt, Cate Blanchett, Jack Black, Kevin Hart
Directed by Eli Roth, Borderlands is a science fiction film based on the popular video game franchise of the same name. It is centred on an infamous outlaw who joins forces with a team of unlikely heroes. Together, they take on alien monsters and dangerous bandits to find a missing girl who holds the key to unfathomable power.
THE CROW
» Genre: Action
» Director: Rupert Sanders (Ghost in the Shell)
» Cast: Bill Skarsgård, Danny Huston, FKA twigs
When soulmates Eric and Shelly are brutally murdered, Eric is resurrected with the chance to save Shelly by seeking revenge against their killers. Directed by Rupert Sanders, the film stars Bill Skarsgård as The Crow and FKA twigs as Shelly Webster. Actor, Danny Huston has emphasised that the new film will be different from the original release, offering a more visceral approach and an exciting new visual style.
It Ends with Us is the first adaptation of a Colleen Hoover novel. It tells the heartwarming story of Lily Bloom (Blake Lively), a woman who overcomes a traumatic childhood to start a new life in Boston and achieve a lifelong dream of opening her own business. A chance meeting with handsome neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni) sparks an intense connection, but as they fall deeply in love, Lily begins to witness behaviours that remind her of her parents’ relationship. When Lily’s first love, Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Sklenar), suddenly appears, her relationship with Ryle comes to a close, and she is forced to make an impossible choice for her future.
LONGLEGS
» Genre: Horror / Thriller
» Director: Oz Perkins (February)
» Cast: Nicolas Cage, Maika Monroe, Alicia Witt
FBI Agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) is assigned to an unsolved serial killer case that takes an unexpected turn, revealing evidence of the occult. She discovers a personal connection to the killer and must stop him before he strikes again. Nicolas Cage plays the enigmatic assassin, who is ready to play cat and mouse with the talented detective.
HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON
» Genre: Live action/ Animation hybrid
» Director: Carlos Saldanha (Ice Age 2: The Meltdown)
» Cast: Zachary Levi, Lil Rel Howery, Benjamin Bottani Zachary Levi plays Harold – a man who brings himself out of his 2D world into the physical world by drawing it. The film is based on a 1955 children’s picture book about a boy who can create a world of his own by drawing it with his magic purple crayon. If he has nowhere to walk, Harold draws a path. If he is bored, he can draw an exciting adventure in which he meets a dragon, sails through deep waters, or savours a delicious picnic. Harold has a lot to learn about the real world, for when the power of imagination falls into the wrong hands, it can wreak havoc! e
COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS
HOT NEW SERIES
EMILY IN PARIS S4, PART 1 (NETFLIX)
» Genre: Romantic Comedy
» Creator: Darren Star (Sex and the City)
» Cast: Lily Collins, Bruno Gouery, Samuel Arnold Emily, the young American marketing professional and influencer, is back in the City of Love! Season 4 picks up after the dramatic events that led up to Camille and Gabriel’s wedding, with Emily still confused by the fact that she has feelings for two men: Gabriel and Alfie. However, with Gabriel and Camille expecting a baby and Alfie feeling suspicious about his girlfriend’s interest in someone else, things aren’t looking good for Emily. Meanwhile, Mindy aims to make her dream of entering the Eurovision contest a reality, while Sylvie is forced to confront a problem from her past for the sake of her marriage.
ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING
S4 (DISNEY+, HULU)
» Genre: Murder Mystery
» Creators: Steve Martin (The Jerk) and John Hoffman (Northern Lights)
» Cast: Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, Martin Short Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, and Martin Short play three neighbours in an upscale New York apartment who solve murders committed in their building and set up a successful podcast centred on true crime. In Season 4, the trio receive an e-mail stating that a Hollywood studio wants to make a film about their podcast. They head to the City of Stars and meet a host of exciting people, while also putting their amateur detective skills to good use.
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RINGS OF POWER
S2 (AMAZON PRIME VIDEO)
» Genre: Fantasy
» Creators: J. D. Payne and Patrick McKay (Law Zero)
» Cast: Owain Arthur, Maxim Baldry, Morfydd Clark
Set thousands of years before the events of The Lord of The Rings novel, this series follows the characters and events that gave rise to the world that Frodo was eventually called upon to save. Sauron, the greatest force of evil in the universe, has returned. Cast out by the powerful elf Galadriel, the Dark Lord must rely on his cunning to rebuild his strength and forge the legendary Rings of Power. Season 2 plunges its most beloved characters into a rising tide of darkness, challenging them to find their place in a world on the brink of destruction.
THOSE ABOUT TO DIE S1 (AMAZON PRIME)
» Genre: Historical Drama
» Creators: Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan)
» Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Iwan Rheon, Tom Hughes
This series is inspired by the non-fiction books of the same name, written by Daniel P. Mannix. It features 10 episodes and immerses the audience in the spectacular, complex, and corrupt world of carriage races and gladiators of ancient Rome. Anthony Hopkins plays Emperor Vespasian and Tom Hughes plays Titus Flavius, Vespasian’s son.
TERMINATOR ZERO S1 (NETFLIX)
» Genre: Science Fiction Animation
» Creators: Mattson Tomlin (Project Power)
» Voices: Rosario Dawson, André Holland, Ann Dowd, Timothy Olyphant
An eight-episode anime series based on the Terminator films made popular by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The series will focus on characters we haven’t met yet, particularly one soldier who is sent back in time to save the fate of humanity. She travels back to 1997 to protect a visionary scientist named Malcolm Lee, who works to create a new AI system designed to compete with Skynet. While Malcolm considers the moral complexities of his invention, he is hunted by an unrelenting assassin from the future who inexorably changes the fate of his children. e
Celebrating the outstanding achievements of our IB Graduates, Class of 2024
Congratulations to our Year 13 IB students for their outstanding summer results.
They achieved an impressive 34 point average, with some scoring 38 points or higher, placing them in the top 8.9% worldwide. A score of 36 points is equivalent to three A* A´Levels, underscoring their exceptional performance.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is recognized as the gold
standard in education, fostering critical thinking and promoting a holistic, well-rounded approach to learning.
These excellent results highlight why Swans International School is consistently among Spain’s top performers.
Well done to our Year 13 Class of 2024. They have been exceptional, and we wish them all the best for the future!
Lola Martin Higueras, with an outstanding 43 points, is hoping to study English Studies and Sociology at Trinity College Dublin, which is ranked among the
International Baccalaureate Diploma 2024 Examination Stats
TOP SCORING STUDENTS
points
Jazmin Henareh, with an equally impressive 41 points, has been accepted to study Medicine at Imperial College London, which is one of the top Universities in the UK and recently ranked 2nd in the world for medicine.
39 points
Madeleine Egner Del Amo Dual degree in Business Administration and Law
38 points
Arab
Our IB students attend some of the world’s top universities
• University of Cambridge
• Imperial College London
• University of Edinburgh
• University of St Andrews
• Kings College London
• University of Amsterdam
• University of Manchester
• Trinity College Dublin
• University College Dublin (UCD)
• University of Bath
• Loughborough University
• IE University
• Universidad Complutense
AUGUST’S HOTTEST NEW RELEASES
SUNBIRDS BY PENELOPE SLOCOMBE
In 1997, Anne’s eighteen-year-old son Torran vanished from a hotel in Manali, a notorious Himalayan town. Seven years later, she is still searching, driven by guilt and the belief that Torran is alive. Following every lead and sighting, she remains obsessed with finding him. When her estranged niece Esther arrives with new information, Anne hopes her persistence will finally pay off. Together, they embark on a challenging journey deep into the Himalayas, seeking answers and the mysterious Sunshine House community. As they get closer to the truth, Anne’s resolve is tested, and she begins to question everything she thought she wanted. A thoughtful story of acceptance and forgiveness.
THE PERFECT PLACE BY
AMANDA CASSIDY
Elle Littlewood, a home interiors influencer, is thrilled when her producer offers her a dilapidated chateau in Aix-En-Provence, France, at a rock-bottom price. Despite its too-good-to-be-true nature, she sees it as perfect content for her followers. However, Elle’s seemingly enviable life masks a troubled childhood she desperately hides. As cracks in her facade start to show, Elle’s determination to secure the chateau grows, regardless of the significant challenges it entails. She will stop at nothing to protect her brand, driven by a survival instinct honed through unimaginable past experiences. Amanda Cassidy’s dark and captivating crime thriller delves into the ruthless lengths Elle will go to in order to maintain her image. An immersive and twisty summer thriller.
VERY BAD COMPANY BY EMMA ROSENBLUM
Three days in paradise. Ten dysfunctional colleagues. A billion-dollar deal at stake. Every year, executives at the trendy tech startup Aurora gather their top employees for an exclusive retreat in Miami. This year, Caitlin Levy, Aurora’s newest hire and Head of Events, joins them. The senior team is notorious for grudges and affairs, but with the company up for sale, a successful retreat could make them all millionaires. However, things take a dark turn when a high-level executive vanishes after the first night. The disappearance threatens to derail the company’s sale, potentially costing everyone millions. As tensions rise, Caitlin and her colleagues must keep it together or risk losing everything. With fortunes on the line, someone might be plotting a much deadlier outcome.
WITNESS 8
SBY STEVE CAVANAGH
Ruby Johnson, a nanny and maid for wealthy families on Manhattan’s West 74th Street, knows all their routines and secrets intimately. One night while walking home, she witnesses a neighbour’s murder. Recognising both the victim and the killer, she makes an anonymous call to the police, naming the murderer. However, Ruby doesn’t tell the whole truth. Eddie Flynn, a former conman turned trial lawyer, is tasked with defending the innocent man accused of the crime. As Ruby’s dangerous game begins to unravel, it’s evident that her involvement in this murder is only the beginning. There’s something deeply wrong with Ruby Johnson, and it becomes clear that this won’t be the last murder linked to her.
THERE ARE RIVERS IN THE SKY BY ELIF SHAFAK
From the Booker Prize finalist author of The Island of Missing Trees comes There Are Rivers in the Sky, an enchanting tale connecting three lives across centuries, united by rivers and the epic poem Gilgamesh. In ancient Nineveh, King Ashurbanipal’s grand library on the Tigris River crumbles, leaving behind the Epic of Gilgamesh In 1840 London, Arthur, born into poverty near the polluted Thames, escapes his harsh life through his remarkable memory and fascination with Nineveh. In 2014 Turkey, a ten-year-old Yazidi girl, Narin, facing impending deafness and the threat of ISIS, seeks a sacred baptism before it’s too late. In 2018 London, newly divorced hydrologist Zaleekah, living on a Thames houseboat, finds new purpose in a book about her heritage. This captivating story reveals how rivers – the Tigris and the Thames – transcend time, embodying both life and death: “Water remembers. It is humans who forget.” e
If you have a yacht or frequently charter one, then you know that one of the most enjoyable things about the experience is when the crew pulls out the water toys! Below is a list of fabulous gadgets that can up your summer fun quotient, suggested by yachting specialists, Ocean Independence. They show that our oceans and seas can be much more adventurous when you veer beyond the traditional fun provided by tenders and jet skis.
COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS
FOR YACHTS TOP WATER TOYS
1 – CUDAJET UNDERWATER JETPACK
CudaJet is being marketed as the World’s First Underwater Jetpack. It is a breakthrough in water sports technology that gives you the feeling of ultimate freedom with easy manoeuvrability as you dart weightlessly through a new underwater world.
WWW.CUDAJET.COM
2 – AWAKE VINGA 3
An easy-to-use, high-performance e-foil that uses hydrofoil technology to empower you to fly silently above the water. It works for up to two hours thanks to its bespoke Awake Flex battery technology.
WWW.AWAKEBOARDS.COM
3 – BLU3 NOMAD
A battery-powered dive system that delivers divers compressed air from the surface through a hose, allowing them to breathe underwater to a maximum depth of nine metres. It provides between 45 to 60 minutes of dive time per battery, depending on usage.
WWW.DIVEBLU3.COM
4 – U-BOAT WORX NEMO SUBMERSIBLE
Command your own underwater adventure with your private submarine! Weighing only 2,500 kilograms and standing at just 1.55 metres high, this lightweight, compact vehicle is ideal for larger yachts.
WWW.NEMO-SUBMARINE.COM
WWW. CRYSTAL-SUP.COM 2 3 4 5 6
5 – FUNAIR BEACH CLUB SEA POOL
Don’t worry about jellyfish ruining your swim! Create your very own safe pool to swim in with this sea pool, which contains tightly woven netting to enhance swimmer safety.
WWW.FUNAIR.COM
6 – CRYSTAL SUP
A transparent stand-up paddle board that enables you to feel more at one with the water. Don’t miss out on the beauty of viewing sea life beneath your feet!
WWW.OCEANINDEPENDENCE.COM
Marvel at the stylised and super chic interiors of a suburban villa in Calabasas, California, and transform your spaces with Estores Málaga. Meet internationally acclaimed artist, Sacha Jafri, who is known for creating the world’s largest painting on canvas.
« BACK TO CONTENTS
lilifestyle
160 LUXXU Villa in Calabasas
174 Acclaimed Artist, Sacha Jafri
184 Estores Málaga
192 Blumarine Resort 2025 Collection
198 Glow Recipe
200 Longevity
A SHOWCASE OF LUXURY IN A NATURAL EMBRACE
LUXXU has chosen Calabasas as the destination of its next luxury house. This new project portrays the picturesque and suburban lifestyle of the region, going beyond expectations to showcase how luxury and nature can become one. The villa is well-appointed with a stunning landscape garden, and it matches Calabasas’ adobe architecture highlights, seamlessly blending with the mesmerising mountain scenery. In this suburban paradise, the modern design and living brand displays some of its most emblematic pieces, complementing them with numerous high-end designs from other luxury brands.
AN ENTRYWAY WITH EXCLUSIVE DECOR STATEMENTS
The entryway presents unique features like arched doors and a stucco staircase that blend perfectly with the neutral glamour scheme. The Magna chandelier suspends over the ceiling, creating a poetic statement, and the Talie round sofas in Monet Pearl fabric introduce a midcentury feel with their curved silhouette. ›
A SUBURBAN VILLA PARADISE IN
CALABASAS CALIFORNIA
NATURAL LUXURY TRIUMPHS THE DINING ROOM
From wooden flooring to biophilic design, the ample dining area explores natural luxury to its finest. The majestic high ceilings give room for creativity, and LUXXU puts the spotlight on the sublime Liberty Slim Snooker suspension. The Talie dining chairs and the Algerone Rectangular dining table make for a premium combination. Then, the Liberty Torch wall lamps and the Vertigo mirror set shine through their meticulous details. The Lapiaz sideboard and the Pixel bar cabinet by Boca do Lobo conclude the aesthetic, promoting contemporary design with an avant-garde feel. ›
Paolo Castelli flagship showroom in Marbella now open, by Blackshaw.
Avda. Cánovas del Castillo, 25 Marbella (29601)
SHOWCASING A DETAILED LIVING ROOM
The modern interior architecture conveys a sleek, sculptural, and artistic aura, leaving room for versatile decor. This room highlights a perfect mix of modern and contemporary details with exclusive pieces like the Senzu sofa and the Algerone II bar chairs by LUXXU or the Imperfectio armchairs and the Navarra centre table by Boca
do Lobo. In addition, the tray ceiling holds the magnificent Liberty Slim suspension that provides a soothing lighting effect through crystal glass bars.
A ROYAL MASTER SUITE
The master suite accentuates hotel-like amenities with a touch of nature, from undulating wooden walls to a stucco frame. LUXXU’s Charla collection decorates the
sleeping area with the Charla XL bed stealing the show with its massive beige upholstered headboard, matching the sleekness of the Waterfall small pendants. In the vanity corner, one can spot the iconic lines of the Charla dressing table with a custom twist and the Algerone stool.
In the ultra-modern bathroom, the Darian bathtub and cabinet by Maison Valentina add an imperial flair with marble, brass,
and leather accents. The Shield mirror introduces an architectural character, and the Waterfall II big wall lamp by LUXXU builds on the drama and interest.
The generous walk-in closet with a mirrored ceiling features elegant solutions like the modular Waltz closet in cream tones. Furthermore, the Otto sofa and XL armchairs bring form and aesthetics together. These upholstery pieces styled in mid-century present an organic shape made of velvet and leather. Lastly, the Algerone centre table adds timelessness and refined sophistication. ›
ENTERTAINMENT REDEFINED
The entertainment room features various leisure spots. Throughout the room, one can see numerous custom-made pieces, including the Algerone Snooker and Poker tables. Overhead lighting is a must in these types of divisions, and here, the Waterfall suspensions become the centerpieces with their gold-plated brass details and delicate crystal glass tubes that cast a soothing glow. In the lounge, comfort is also of the essence with designs like the Algerone angular sofa and the Galea armchair. ›
PLAYFUL ACCENTS THROUGHOUT THE KID’S BEDROOM
For the child’s bedroom, LUXXU opted to showcase a custom-made Charla XL twin beds with whimsical details, adding a mint headboard and playful accents to the bottom of the beds. At the centre, the Needle table lamp adds a layer of luxury, complemented by the suitcase-shaped Fantasy Air nightstand by CIRCU. The latter also lent several fun objects from its collection, including the Bubble Gum bench and gym, the Elephant stool, the Bunny floor mirror in green tones, and the Cloud suspension lamps. Finally, LUXXU added a custom-made Talie sofa with a more high-spirited structure. ›
RELAXING IN A WARM OUTDOOR SPACE
The outdoor area boosts the relaxed and sophisticated nature of the location, enhanced by distinguished outdoor furniture from MYSA. Designs like the Hampton Wood upholstery or the Algerone outdoor tables epitomise class and style through a layered form. In addition, magnificent lighting pieces like the Magna floor lamps and the Spear I outdoor wall lamp introduce a contemporary dynamic perfect for the contextual environment.
ABOUT LUXXU
LUXXU’s empire is shaping its future by setting trends with timeless pieces and refined elegance. The brand’s philosophy embraces the utmost attention to detail. When a product has good craftsmanship, it has luxury. With this mentality, LUXXU’s meticulousness is encompassed in its art, pieces exhibited in the
tradeshows, and the most notable homes and hotels in the world, with bold designs that make the difference with distinctive lines. Every piece arises as a masterpiece of modern design to transform any project. The brand specialises in tailoring every detail so each aspect can be personalised, from the finishing and material to the size and shape, and with the finest components from noble metals and premium woods to luxurious stones and high-end fabrics. WWW.LUXXU.NET
AND MORE
S. DALI, P. PICASSO, J. MIRO, K. APPEL,
SACHA JAFRI
Artists, especially famous ones, are known for their overinflated egos. In fact, many of us have been brought up to believe that art = ego, certainly if you want to make it big in such a competitive and difficult field, but Sacha Jafri shows that there is another way. He contends that true art often flows from powerful emotions such as suffering and elation, but that it is purer and better when it’s free of ego.
WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF STUDIO JAFRI
The artist in his working environment
Born of French and Persian ancestry, Sacha grew up in the leafy surroundings of Windsor, before spending his adult and professional life in London. The heavily dyslexic Etoneducated student shone in art, so much so, in fact, that he ranked top in the UK when he completed his A-levels in the subject. This natural affinity with art led him to apply to Oxford. “I didn’t tell anyone, as I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to be accepted, especially as I wasn’t one of the six students annually proposed by Eton to study at Oxford.”
Just six Etonians were allowed entry into Oxford every year, and only one of them could study art, so it came as a big surprise to Sacha and a great deal of annoyance to his school that it turned out to be him. ›
ARTISTRY WITHOUT EGO
An artist who expresses through colour
Sacha Jafri’s work is characterised by impressive scale and use of colour
I studied at The Ruskin School of Art, part of St Catherine’s College, and back then Oxford University was almost embarrassed to offer as ‘unacademic’ a field of study as Fine Art,, so they revved it up with technical subjects like anatomy, which involved us joining first year medical students in their lectures, complete with the cutting up of cadavers.” One interesting point was that in this class the male students would typically faint and the female ones throw up. “I have never quite gotten to the bottom of that one, but I’m sure the phenomenon has been studied,” says Sacha.
SUCCESS IN ART
By the time you graduate from University with an MA in Fine Art, the numbers have already dwindled, but even so, few are the students who actually succeed in making a career in art, much less a highly successful one. As someone who has done just that, Sacha knows first-hand what it takes, including: “Talent, of course. Then come ambition, a vision of what you want to achieve and be as an artist, and vitally: tenacity. You need to have a thick skin and be resilient, as you’re going to get a lot of critiques and rejection, especially in the beginning, so belief in yourself and dogged determination are vital. Without this it is hard to survive.” ›
In 27 years as an artist, Sacha Jafri has created collections that mirror the Zeitgeist
But, much like a chef, performer or architect, a really successful artist also needs to create a brand for – or actually out of him or herself. “You need to stand out, emit character and charisma, and have a little audacity to do what you need to do and believe in it,” says Sacha, who has clearly walked this path. “What is also important for a young and aspiring artist is to have something to say. Talent alone is not enough, as merely making something pretty will not engage enough and get you noticed. You need to create a collection that speaks about what you feel, how you see and experience the world. It has to be the visualisation of your perception of life and society, and has to capture your own interpretation of the prevalent Zeitgeist.”
However, Sacha warns that this has to be authentic, as ‘false stories and narratives’ are always found out. “Not only must a good modern artist be culturally relevant, a mirror of society, but they must also be authentic, true to their real beliefs and feelings.” In his 27 years as an artist, Sacha Jafri has produced 13 collections, one approximately every two years, and he is now the youngest painter in history to have a 25-year Retrospective World Tour, which covers the years from 1998 to 2023. “Picasso was 49, I’m 47. It’s a great and humbling honour of which I am very proud.” To what does he ascribe this success, which has led him to have three flourishing studios: – London, serving Europe and
The Dubai studio is one of three, with others in London and New York
Sacha at work
A gallery that feels like a sophisticated museum
where his new collections are always launched for the press, critics, clients, friends, colleagues, collaborating galleries, museums and other industry specialists. New York, a large urban shabby hangar of a studio where many of his largest works are found. It caters to the American market.
And Dubai, which serves not just the large and important Middle Eastern market but also the rest of Asia, just as large and important.
HOW HE CREATES
“A lot of painters, like novelists, feel compelled to produce a little something every day or every week,” says Sacha, “but it’s not like that for me. I have no say in
the matter; if I don’t paint for a while I become unbearable to be with and simply need to express myself through my work.” Having been born with a condition called synaesthesia, he doesn’t see colours but rather feels them, just as to him music is something that he sees, visualises. “This means that as I walk around and see things I build up all these vivid impressions and sensations related to colours and other stimuli, so that after a while it becomes unbearable unless I can let it all go on a canvas.”
It is this feeling of overwhelming saturation of impressions and stimuli that drives him to need to paint, and the result is vivid in its rich use of colour. The combinations
of tones and their positioning, however, are not random, but form part of what to Sacha almost feels like a carefully constructed theorem in which each component is exactly where it should be as part of the whole. This, and the size of some of his works, mark the style of Sacha, who has become known for the vivid colours and evocative forms of his paintings, which have a loyal following of collectors around the world. “It’s been years since I signed to a gallery. Today I am in a position where I distribute at my own studios and collaborate with top galleries around the world, but retain control over my work and career, and I guess that’s a right you must earn.” ›
Jafri’s work is sought by collectors from around the world
VISITWWW.ESSENTIALM
THE REAL MEANING OF ART
Sacha has achieved all of this, including critical and commercial acclaim, but feels it has taken him 27 years to understand the essence of art, what it truly means to be an artist. “A lot of painters focus on what they make. This is wrong, even more so when they become too obsessed with the commercial side of things, and even when they focus above all on the process, it still isn’t the essence of art, in my opinion. After all these years, I feel that I have come to realise what
a true artist is, and how he or she creates, and this is by living a life of grace, love and empathy, by observing life around us and becoming connected to everything. This way, out of suffering and also pleasure, every now and then you’re touched by a moment of true inspiration, a moment in which you’re linked to the universe and work to reflect what you feel. That’s when the purest and most beautiful and meaningful art is created,” says Sacha, who feels like a vessel of expression when he experiences this process.
Creating art in this way from a state of surrender is very different to the pained toil that we have come to expect from the great, self-obsessed painters. Think of Vincent van Gogh or even the robust egoism of Picasso. “It’s not necessary to live a dark life. When I purify my intentions and live what you could call a more righteous life, I experience an altogether more positive energy and create by tapping into universal consciousness. It’s hard to maintain but so rewarding, and the more I can disconnect the ego, the better it is.”
“This is when I chase the sense of perfection of expression that all artists are after. I haven’t achieved it yet, and with 12 paintings per collection and one collection every two years, I hope that I may draw from this source for a long time to come, and like David Hockney, continue to be inspired and relevant into a ripe old age. If I then manage to hit the nail just on the head, with my last collection, I will die a happy man.” e
Studio Jafri, an accomplishment of success in art
NFTs
Explore the allure of exclusive digital assets crafted by acclaimed artist César Yagüe. Each NFT is not just a wise investment in digital art, but a gateway to timeless beauty, consciousness, and tranquility. Elevate your collection with these meticulously curated digital masterpieces, each a testament to sophistication and individuality.
Scan the QR code to discover your digital gem today and join a growing community of discerning collectors. As recent recipients of the Best of Show award at NAB Show Las Vegas 2024, César’s art is increasingly recognized and valued in the digital art world.
THE SPECIALITY STORE ESTORES MÁLAGA
There are many interior designers and furniture stores on the coast, but if you want specialist home materials such as curtains, awnings, roller blinds, wallpaper, and carpets, you’re often restricted to a trip to the local industrial estate or large well-known retailers. Estores Málaga caters to people looking for quality materials, personal service, and professional advice.
WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN
The flagship store in Málaga
Pablo Romero, Founder of Estores Malaga
“We’re a bit like a technical version of an interior designer,” says Pablo Romero, “as we do much more than merely sell curtains, blinds, awnings, pergolas, carpets, wallpaper, and related products. In fact, we’ll advise you on which products best suit your home and budget, design it to fit into the space you need, have it made, and install it with the expertise and precision that comes from so many years in the business.” In fact, Pablo, Founder and CEO of the company, has almost 30 years in the field, having originally started his career at Satí, a famous manufacturer of textiles and upholstery materials from Catalonia.
“Estores Málaga itself was founded a little over a decade ago, but the team brings many years of experience to the work we do for our clients, and this shows in everything from the range, quality, and flexibility of the products we offer to the fluency of service and installation.” Though based in Málaga, the company services homeowners and businesses across the region, covering the entire coastline from Nerja to Sotogrande, and also reaching inland. “Our customers include of course private homeowners, but also interior designers, property developers, and others related to the building and renovation of private homes, as well as hotels, offices, retail facilities, and a whole range of hospitality venues.”
QUALITY OF PRODUCT
The core of the company’s products comes from carefully selected Spanish suppliers of roller blinds and technical curtains, with BANDALUX as their official supplier. Additionally, they work with top-tier international brands in textile decoration and wallpaper such as Roberto Cavalli and Designers Guild. “We ensure we provide wallpaper, carpets, and curtains from renowned British, French, and Italian suppliers,” says Pablo, “as well as high-quality
Alba and Susana are part of the friendly multilingual team offering a broad range of quality brands and products
awnings, pergolas, and blinds from Germany and surrounding countries. But with our many years of experience in the field, we have complemented this with Spanish suppliers who we know offer the same standard of technical and aesthetic quality, but provide a slightly more economical alternative with the added benefit of greater flexibility.”
Indeed, a very large percentage of the products sold and fitted by Estores Málaga is bespoke and made to measure, and this
is largely possible thanks to access to highly experienced and flexible local and national manufacturers and suppliers across the entire product range. “It gives us – and through us our customers – the chance to fit the product entirely to the space and setting needed, and as part of this we produce an experienced advisory and design service that will assess the requirements, have it made to our detailed design specifications, and install it with care.” ›
Elisa, the store manager
Estores Malaga offers an experienced advisory and design service
AND SERVICE
The broad and exclusive product range is therefore accompanied by an equally high level of personalised service, and it is in this sense of bespoke flexibility that Estores Málaga stands out from the majority of providers. “We offer a very complete consultancy and service that is very different from the experience you get at typical wholesalers, and at better prices than you would imagine, especially if you’re from Marbella.” Though the main brand is Estores Málaga, the company also features brands such as Cortinas Factory Colors, for curtains, and La Maison de Papier for wallpaper.
MADE TO MEASURE
“The strength of our offering is the fact that we match high-quality technical products such as state-of-the-art curtain rails that move like a dream. The same is true of the awnings and blinds, which have undergone the same revolution as modern windows and kitchen drawers. We work with quality equipment that is durable and a pleasure to use. There’s no struggling with roller blinds, and the movement of the automated curtains, blinds, and awnings is a pleasure to behold.” Moreover, they come with sensors that detect dangerously high wind speeds and will automatically retract the awnings when this occurs, in order to avoid damage.
“It is from this quality of equipment that we then offer both standard solutions and those made to measure to perfectly fit your house. Here the fact that we feature our own fabric workshop and have the clout to commission our own white brand from a quality manufacturer, gives us the flexibility to make everything to exact measurements and specifications.”
All the elements come together in this specialist business that provides a seamless solution for builders, interior designers, and homeowners, from conventional window blinds to ones made to beautifully fit double-height floorto-ceiling glass frontages and homes, hospitality venues, hotels, shops, and offices of any size or shape. “It is this ability to provide exactly what you need that sets us apart.”
C/FRANK CAPRA 10, MÁLAGA
TEL: (+34) 951 357 804
INFO@ESTORESMALAGA.COM
WWW.ESTORESMALAGA.COM
Estores Malaga provides top national and international brands
ESTORES MALAGA
BLUMARINE RESORT 2025 COLLECTION
Blumarine’s Resort 2025 Collection plays on the girly, playful style that defined the brand back in the days, reminiscent of its ’90s peak with campaigns shot by icons like Helmut Newton and Ellen von Unwerth. Candy-hued satin slip dresses, Marabou trims, lace accents, leopard prints, and embellished florals adorn coats, dusters, and bralette combos star as Anna Molinari’s newest vibrant and dynamic creations.
VISITESSENTIALMAGA
If you enjoy visiting beauty shops or looking online for skincare products, then you may have been captivated by Glow Recipe’s cute, vibrant, summery image. This brand was founded 20 years ago by Sarah Lee and Christine Chan, whose goal was to create fruit-forward, clinically effective, sensorial products that help skin glow with health. Its products are rich in antioxidants and active patents and all items are clean, vegan, and ‘Leaping Bunny-free’. They are made without environmental hazards, colourants, parabens, and other harmful materials. The brand is also deeply committed to sustainability and social initiatives. Below are just a few of their most popular products.
GLOW RECIPE
WHERE FRUITS TAKE CENTRE STAGE!
WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS
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3
1– AVOCADO CERAMIDE RECOVERY SERUM
Reduce redness and support the skin barrier with this soothing avocado-based serum. Contains avocado extract and butter, strengthening ceramides, calming allantoin, and rice milk.
A non-drying pore facial with hyaluronic acid-infused kaolin clay to minimise the look of pores and leave skin baby-soft.
3 – WATERMELON GLOW PINK DREAM BODY CREAM
A luscious body cream whipped with vitamin-rich watermelon seed butter, naturally smoothing hibiscus AHA, soothing watermelon extract, and multiweight hyaluronic acid for deep moisturising.
4 – PLUM PLUMP HYALURONIC CREAM
A moisturising cream featuring polyglutamic acid, multiweight hyaluronic acid, plum, and ice willow herb that balances excess oil.
5 – WATERMELON GLOW PHA + BHA PORE-TIGHT TONER
A watermelon toner with a PHA and BHA combination that hydrates and gently exfoliates the skin, helping to minimise the appearance of pores.
6 – POMEGRANATE PEPTIDE FIRMING SERUM
A silky serum packed with polypeptides and hyaluronic acid to strengthen and protect skin against future damage.
THE SECRETS OF LONGEVITY
80 IS THE NEW 50: EMBRACE LASTING VITALITY WITH VITALIO
Ageing gracefully has taken on a whole new meaning for those born after the 1960s. Today, we cherish the concept of enduring youth and living life to the fullest. However, maintaining an exciting and pleasurefilled lifestyle can sometimes come at the cost of our health. How can we balance a vibrant lifestyle with ongoing vitality?
As outlined by Marc R. Manklow, the Program Director of Vitalio, in a previous edition, there are numerous strategies which can significantly extend vitality within the lifespan and improve quality of life.
THE VITALIO APPROACH
At Vitalio, the experts in longevity have crafted programs aimed at quick and lasting age reversal, all without the need for starvation or drastic measures. The
bespoke age reversal program is designed to create a more health-conscious and enjoyable lifestyle balance, drawing on the latest medical and scientific research.
The 27-day program is a comprehensive approach to rejuvenation, gaining enhanced organ function, improved performance, increased wellbeing, and a better appearance, all while naturally motivating you towards a more active lifestyle with lasting results.
The regimen includes daily support from a life coach, who assists in integrating the new lifestyle changes
seamlessly. The program’s success is backed by a panel of internationally renowned scientists, specialised doctors, motivational coaches, and dedicated nurses, making it a signature program that represents the future of medicine.
The Key Elements of the Program include Advanced Biological Age Assessment, Comprehensive Lab Tests, Detox Treatments, Personalised Oral Hygiene Plans, Stress Management Techniques, Nutritional Guidance, Fitness Training, and ongoing Medical Monitoring to ensure continuous improvement.
TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEYS WITH THE VITALIO AGE REVERSAL PROGRAM
Vitalio’s Age Reversal Program is structured to ensure participants receive the utmost care and guidance throughout their journey.
A COMMITMENT TO LASTING VITALITY
With Vitalio’s innovative program you can achieve not just a temporary fix but a sustainable lifestyle change. By combining medical expertise with scientific findings, Vitalio helps you embrace a future where 80 truly is the new 50. Reclaim your youth and vitality with a program designed to help you live life to its fullest, without compromising on your health. Join the ranks of those who refuse to let age define them. With Vitalio you can unlock the secret to a healthier, younger, and more vibrant you.
SUSANNE D.
‘You are what you eat.’ We've all heard this saying – on TV, in magazines, podcasts, or on the radio. Despite its omnipresence, many of us struggle to change our eating habits, even though we know it's healthier. Eating the right foods is not only generally healthier, but it can also extend your life and significantly improve your quality of life. I can attest to this from personal experience.
Last month, I participated in the Vitalio Age Reversal Program, and I can confirm that I not only lost weight but also feel more energised, free from brain fog, and alert throughout the entire day. No supplement alone can achieve this feeling.
For 21 days, I cut out specific daily nutrients and overhauled my diet with guidance from a personal coach. Surprisingly, it was easier than expected. The program has three phases, and I learned a lot about my body. My biological age dropped from 34 to 32, even though I’m 42. If that's not longevity, I don't know what is.
JOHANNES S.
I decided to start the Vitalio Age
Reversal Program in May out of curiosity to see if it could really reverse ageing, despite feeling completely healthy as an active marathon runner with no major issues other than high blood pressure. Within 27 days on the program, without experiencing any hunger, I lost 8.5 kg. Although weight loss was not my goal since I didn’t feel overweight, the positive lifestyle changes, improved diet, and new habits gave me more energy, better focus, and lower blood pressure. I also noticed improvements in my sense of smell, skin quality, and appearance, and I stopped snoring at night. I haven’t felt this good in years. This experience taught me that being healthy is not enough; there’s always room to become a better version of oneself. I'm grateful for my health, but even more thankful for discovering a more vibrant and conscious lifestyle through this program.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE VITALIO AGE REVERSAL PROGRAM, CONTACT T: (+34) 711 068 716, WWW. VITALIO.COM
FIND YOUR PRINT COPY AT THE BEST ESTABLISHMENTS ALONG THE COST
Our hybrid digital edition is redesigned and enhanced to make screen-viewing more comfortable while retaining the visual qualities essential magazine is loved for. Offering interactive navigation and videos playing on the pages, you can enjoy an authentic essential Marbella experience from anywhere in the world.
Check out the stunning villas and apartments being created at The Sky Marbella. Find out how hyperbaric oxygen therapy can benefit a number of ailments at the Hyperbaric Medical Clinic of Estepona. Catch up on local business news and recent events.
eenterprise
THE SKY MARBELLA
LIFE ABOVE MARBELLA
If you can envisage a collection of exquisitely styled modern homes in which sustainability is married to luxury, comfort and convenience, and all of this set within a private community in the hills overlooking the coastline, then you are seeing The Sky Marbella.
Follow the road up along wooded hillside suburbs and you come to the entrance of a select private community of homes. The gated entrance glides open to reveal a carefully curated living environment where attention to detail is the defining characteristic. By now, you are a few minutes away from the coastal road, surrounded by forested hills, mountain peaks, and valleys that flow down towards the sea. Look back and you see the coastline spread out before you; look around and you’re in a world of nature, space and views. Here, skies and the sea on the horizon merge as you enter one of the exclusive modern properties and gaze through its panoramic windows or enter the terrace and garden area. The world seems to drop away from the infinity pool of the 16 private villas, leaving a floating sense of sea and sky flanked by views of mountains and greenery. Below, just a few minutes’ ride away, Marbella and its surroundings bustle with life, but here you are in your own domain. A touch of manmade paradise in the midst of nature. ›
A window on Marbella and the coast
The Sky Marbella is a very special living proposition, and one that looks and feels somehow different from what we’re used to, as it has been designed from the perspective of a lifestyle concept. In fact, these homes –50 luxury apartments and 16 villas – are the product of a quality of life philosophy that blends comfort, aesthetic style, quality materials, lifestyle amenities, security, convenience, and sustainability together into one experience. “These are the ingredients that have gone into the making of the homes, and the outcome is very special indeed,” says Alfonso Lacruz, Sales Director of the project. “You could say that The Sky Marbella is the culmination of 60 years of luxury home development on the Costa del Sol.”
Indeed, it feels like the evolution of luxury living for a new era – with an emphasis on quality of life, health, wellbeing, refinement and environmentally friendly living. The villas are designed by Manuel Burgos and the apartments
are by Málaga-based Teodoro Cabrilla Studio, each following the same philosophy of style applied to the quality natural materials, advanced construction techniques, and sustainable technologies that mark this project.
THE APARTMENTS
The 50 apartments that make up an important part of The Sky Marbella are luxurious, to say the least. They occupy the upper segment within this property type within the prime Golden Triangle of Marbella, Estepona and Benahavís, and this is reflected in the standard of materials, brands, and volumes used. In fact, quality of living along with innovative design concepts are stand-out features within these homes that feature spacious openplan living areas, large lifestyle-orientated terraces with panoramic views and private swimming pools, as well as community amenities such as a heated indoor pool, spa, gymnasium, and flexible workspaces.
Villas designed by Manuel Burgos for wellbeing and sustainable living
“WE EMPLOYED LOCAL AND IN SOME CASES RECYCLED MATERIALS, OPTIMISED NATURAL RESOURCES, AND INTRODUCED NEW CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGIES AND INNOVATIVE MATERIALS, INTEGRATING THE PASSIVE HOUSE WITH AEROTHERMAL ENERGY FOR HOT WATER SUPPLY AND ELECTRIFICATION PANELS FOR THE COMMUNAL AREAS,” SAYS ARCHITECT TEODORO CABRILLA. “WHITE FAÇADES MADE OF MATERIALS THAT ALLOW VENTILATION, THE USE OF WATER SHEETS, LARGE DOUBLEHEIGHT GLAZED DOORS AND WINDOWS TO MAKE THE MOST OF NATURAL LIGHT ARE JUST SOME OF THESE ELEMENTS.” ›
THE VILLAS
If the apartments offer superlative standards of luxury and comfort, the villas take it a step further, with private infinity pools surrounded by ergonomically designed gardens and panoramic terraces with lounging and dining areas serviced by outdoor kitchens with a 25year guarantee. The interiors are spacious, the materials exquisite and the kitchens by Poliform Italia, feature appliances by Gaggenau and Bora, and Dornbracht taps with a platinum finish.
The solid wooden floors in chevron format offer underfloor heating in rooms with elegant floor to ceiling doors that lead to the main living areas, and private suites with specially styled bathrooms and dressing rooms. The homes also include a personal spa, gymnasium, entertainment area with bar, lounge and large screen TV, and a wine cellar.
“Our focus on sustainability manifests itself in the very design of the homes,” says villa designer Manuel Burgos, “prioritising optimal comfort with exceptional energy efficiency. The climate control has been carefully designed to assure constant temperatures in all rooms, minimising energy usage.”
“A notable aspect is the integrated HVAC system, which is so efficient that it doesn’t require the installation of solar panels. This innovative technology allows for smart energy management, reducing dependence on external sources and promising a comfortable and sustainable environment for residents.” ›
A WINDOW ON MARBELLA
From a wide range of perspectives, the villas and apartments at The Sky Marbella enjoy a window on Marbella. Situated just minutes from the bustling coast, they offer spectacular country, mountain, and sea views within an ambience of peace, privacy, and security. Developer Rivestia Costa del Sol has created a lifestyle concept here with Swiss precision and dedication to perfection, and it shows in the properties that will be delivered to owners in the course of 2026 –adding a next generation level of comfort and luxury to the Marbella lifestyle offering.
Higuerón Developments Invests €106 Million in New Waterfall Project
Higuerón Developments, a company specialising in luxury homes with top-notch quality and exclusive designs, presented its new real estate project, Waterfall, at the ninth Higuerón Developments Gala. Waterfall comprises 233 exclusive residences divided into seven residential complexes and spread across a 26,272m² plot with over 7,000 m² of green spaces. Located in a privileged area in the heart of the Costa del Sol, just minutes from the centre of Málaga and Fuengirola, it represents an investment of €106 million. These residences will feature the first greywater recycling system in a residential development of this kind, aligning with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
WWW.HIGUERONDEVELOPMENTS.COM
GAT Inversiones Celebrates 20th Anniversary
GAT Inversiones celebrated its 20th anniversary at an event that paid tribute to all those who had contributed to its development and consolidation. Presided over by the President of the Junta de Andalucía, Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, the event was also attended by José María García Urbano, Mayor of Estepona. GAT Inversiones was founded by Andalusian businessman, Rosauro Varo, who integrated various business projects into a synergistic and diversified group. Today, GAT manages over €250 million in assets. It has also created a significant social impact, as its Laguna Beach project alone is estimated to generate around 1,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Marbella Establishes Itself as a Prime Destination for American Investors
The Agency, a U.S. real estate firm specialising in the prime segment, has unveiled current and future trends in the luxury real estate market with their first Annual Real Estate Market Report on Marbella and the Coast. This review confirms the healthy state of the luxury housing market in this area and corroborates the increase in American investors seeking homes and villas as second residences or future investments. It also analyses and contrasts the real estate market situation in Spain, Andalucía, and Marbella and covers the present and future of the rental market and tourist apartments.
METT Hotel Sponsors Starlite Occident Marbella 2024
The METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella – Estepona is proud to announce that it is the only hotel that is an official sponsor of Starlite Occident Marbella 2024. The venue will feature more than sixty concerts by artists such as Van Morrison, Keane, The Corrs, Melendi, Ricky Martin, Aitana, Camilo, and Luis Miguel, among others. Jaime Buxó, CEO of Sunset Hotels & Resorts, the hotel division of Sunset Hospitality Group, states, “We are delighted to collaborate with Starlite Occident, a festival that shares the philosophy and values of Sunset Hospitality Group, as well as our passion for music and entertainment. This partnership underscores our commitment to culture.”
WWW.METTHOTELSANDRESORTS.COM
LOEWE Greenhouse Pop-Up at the Marbella Club
LOEWE, which recently opened a new store at the Marbella Club, will be hosting the LOEWE Perfumes Greenhouse until September 2024. The latter is a traditional Victorian greenhouse filled with lush plant life and containing relaxing corners. Open daily, it offers a captivating interactive setting for the brand's Botanical Rainbow line, comprising nine iconic fragrance families inspired by nature, as well as LOEWE Home Scents, featuring 12 different plant-inspired fragrances that capture the essence of a garden.
WWW.LOEWE.COM
TM Grupo Inmobiliario Generates €317.6 Million Social Cash Flow in 2023
TM Holdings, an Alicante-based investment firm specialising in residential tourism, achieved 90 per cent of its environmental, social, and corporate governance goals for 2023 and generated an impressive €317.6 million social cashflow. This amount has been distributed among different interest groups – including its employees, clients, providers, and public administrations. These figures can be found in TM's Corporate Responsibility Report for the 2023 financial year. The report has been verified by Deloitte and communicated to its stakeholders. It is published on TM’s corporate website.
The Marbella Fashion Show Lights Up Puerto Banús
The seventh edition of the Marbella Fashion Show, held in Puerto Banús, was a huge success, featuring fashion by top calibre brands, including Esteban Freiría, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Rahma Fashion Style, and more. The event was supported by numerous sponsors and collaborators, including the Marbella City Hall, Málaga de Moda, NuevaModa Producciones, and more. It additionally featured an exhibition space with art by Excellence Art Gallery by Giuseppe Carnevale and ARTE + EVENTO EVENT ORGANIZATION, with works that will be exhibited at the International Contemporary Art Fair in Monaco in August. The Marbella Fashion Show provides visibility to local, national, and international designers and generates publicity, excitement, and media impact for the industry.
WWW.MARBELLAFASHIONSHOW.COM
Oculto Hair Club Opens in San Pedro de Alcántara
Oculto Hair Club, a disruptive salon with colourful, urban-inspired interiors, has opened the doors of its second boutique in Spain in the exclusive international club NAC, in San Pedro de Alcántara. Art, architecture, and gastronomy come together in this 150m2 space with a private outdoor terrace. The salon provides a 360º, exclusive, personalised experience with a wide range of services and treatments from the best hair care brands – including organic and natural lines for healthy hair. Working under the creative direction of Elías Pedrosa, the team of highly skilled stylists has been trained to offer luxury treatments with a focus on personalisation.
WWW.OCULTO.HAIR/MARBELLA
FENDI at the Puente Romano Beach Resort
This summer the Puente Romano invites you to be part of something extraordinary: the FENDI takeover of La Plaza. The heart of the resort has been transformed into a new day-tonight destination. Immerse yourself in the timeless aesthetic of FENDI, savouring a new culinary and cocktail experience from lunchtime until late. Discover more of this wonderful universe at the pop-up FENDI Boutique, showcasing key items from the new Summer 2024 Collection, iconic pieces such as Peekaboo and Baguette bags, and seven new perfumes from the FENDI Fragrances collection.
WWW.PUENTEROMANO.COM
New Pools at Higuerón Resort
Higuerón Resort, a luxury and wellness oasis situated in Fuengirola, is now home to a total of 14 pools, six of which are private. The venue offers a piece of paradise to those staying in one of the six villas at Leiro Residences, each featuring a private infinity pool with views of the Mediterranean Sea. The resort’s penthouses also offer the perfect combination of privacy, luxury, and incredible sea views, which can be enjoyed from private Jacuzzis located on their terraces. The resort boasts an infinity pool, MED pool (located in the hotel’s Mediterranean-inspired gardens), Lago pool, Spa pool, and more
WWW.HIGUERONRESORT.COM
The Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer Raises Its Flag in Estepona
The Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (the Spanish Cancer Association) held its traditional fundraising event across Spain, aiming to raise funds for cancer research. Currently, the survival rate is 55.3 per cent for men and 61.7 per cent for women. The goal is to raise these figures to 70 per cent by 2030. The Association is launching a new €10 million aid programme, the ‘70 Per Cent Survival Challenge’, to raise funds for cancer research, particularly research into cancers with low or stagnant survival rates.
TO DONATE, VISIT THE ONLINE PIGGY BANK AT WWW.MIHUCHA. CONTRAELCANCER.ES/CAMPAIGNS/ HUCHA-MALAGA
10th Edition of the Gibraltar World Music Festival (GWMF)
The Gibraltar World Music Festival (GWMF), organised by BrightMed, celebrated its 10th Edition recently at St. Michael’s Cave. This year’s theme, LEVANA, was chosen to address the strong need for rebirth after the effects of COVID on culture. The event tapped into the wonder of female energy, which is seen as a fundamental force for a renaissance. The Artistic Directors selected three powerful artists: Sian Pottok (who plays West African harp, brass, and electro music), Michelle Davis (who performs R&B, soul, and gospel tunes), and Ana Carla Maza (a popular artist in the international jazz genre). The night in the cave offered another unique and unforgettable experience for Gibraltarians.
FACEBOOK: BRIGHTMED
Brand Partnership Between Good Morning Spain and The Hard Rock Hotel
The Good Morning Spain breakfast show has opted to continue throughout the season at the prestigious Hard Rock Hotel Marbella. This weekly one-hour English-language entertainment TV show, presented by Nicole King, is proving to be a welcome addition to expats in Spain and abroad. Hard Rock Hotel Marbella, meanwhile, is one of Spain's most exclusive resorts, combining glamour, music, and the love-out-loud vibe of the Hard Rock brand. The brand collaboration will bring audiences vibrant summer content, trends, lifestyle tips, interviews, and more. The show airs every Monday at 10 am on 7TV Andalucía. It is also available online and via YouTube on the channel Good Morning Spain TV.
WWW.GOODMORNINGSPAIN.COM
Dr.
Eduard von Albert
–
The
White Magician of the Rich and Beautiful
Dr. Eduard von Albert, originally a doctor of law, is a white magician whose profession began at a large corporate law firm in Germany. However, he felt that this career path was not right for him, as he had a spiritual gift that didn't align with his dogmatic, rational work. He now specialises in spiritual ‘house squatting’. He is available for owners of luxury properties worldwide who have been trying to sell their properties but have not succeeded. Evaluating these properties on a spiritual and energetic level, he removes ‘energetic pests’ from homes, protecting them from further disturbances.
WWW.EDUARDVONALBERT.COM
Óbal Urban Hotel Obtains Five Certificates of Excellence
Less than six months after its opening, the Óbal Urban Hotel has achieved five certifications in Quality, Environment, Occupational Health and Safety in the workplace, Universal Accessibility, and Tourist Quality – a unique achievement in the sector. Most recently, the Óbal Urban Hotel was awarded the Q for Tourism Quality certificate (IS 22483). The latter evaluates aspects such as reception management, cleaning, maintenance, food and beverage management, and more. The Hotel also has the ISO 9001 Quality, ISO 14001 Environment, ISO 45001
Workplace Health and Safety, and ISO 170001
Universal Accessibility certificates.
WWW.OBALHOTELMARBELLA.COM
Hispasec Wins Alianza para la FP Dual Prize
Málaga-based cybersecurity company, Hispasec, was awarded a prize (in the Small and Medium-Sized Company category) at the eighth edition of the Premio Alianza for the FP Dual. These awards are centred on the Formación Profesional (FP Dual) modality, in which students hone their skills at educational centres while completing work experience at companies.
Hispasec impressed the judges with its innovative self-evaluation tool for students, the incorporation of teaching profiles, and the rotation of students through different positions within the organisation. Hispasec collaborates with over 10 educational centres from various municipalities and maintains a workforce comprising 30 per cent women.
WWW.HISPASEC.COM
Glamping Village Opens in Fuengirola
Glamping Village is a brand-new glamping resort, the first of its kind to open in Fuengirola. It comprises six exclusive types of bungalows catering to a wide array of customer profiles – from those desiring tranquillity to families seeking enjoyment and pet lovers who wouldn’t dream of a holiday away from their four-pawed friends. Located at the foot of Sohail Castle, close to the beach, it covers an area of 40,000m2 . Its facilities include restaurants, pools, a spa, and sports facilities. Additionally, there is a ‘premium area’ for guests seeking greater privacy, tranquillity, and comfort.
WWW.COSTADELSOLGLAMPING.COM
Málaga Is Home to the First IQOS Boutique in Andalucía
IQOS, which sells an innovative heated tobacco device, has inaugurated its new boutique in Málaga – its first in Andalucía.
Located on the iconic Larios Street, the shop aims to bring adult smokers the latest advancements in design, technology, and innovation in smoke-free alternatives. The new space, designed by the Italian studio Parisotto + Formenton Architetti, offers consumers a unique experience with the latest generation of IQOS ILUMA products and accessories. The brand’s innovative device heats tobacco instead of burning it. With no combustion, it does not produce ash or cigarette smoke.
WWW.IQOS.COM
Secure Your Own Mineral Water Well
A rare opportunity to aquire high quality mineral water in Central Europe, locked away safely in the depth of the Earth, readily accessible for large scale production.
An exclusive investment opportunity in the form of premium quality mineral water, both for businesses and individuals, through the purchase of a project share, in completely safe legal environment.
Hungary, alongside Germany, are among the first countries to offer mineral water wells to investors.
Situated in the heart of Europe, Hungary boasts a seemingly inexhaustible water supply, pristine groundwater, and a remarkable 159 certified mineral waters, owing to its location in the Carpathian Basin. As a true mineral water superpower, Hungary is poised to emerge as a significant player in the global water market in the near future.
This form of investment can be made swiftly and without specialised expertise, as meticulously selected wells with premium water quality and exceptionally high water yields are essentially turnkey, always accompanied by the necessary permits, certifications, and technical specifications. The end user typically establishes a mineral water or soft drink bottling plant.
With over 25 years of presence in the Hungarian market as a project developer and intermediary, our company solely focuses on large-scale, premium-quality mineral wells, primarily catering to financial and professional investors. Investing in high-quality mineral water wells not only presents a unique and invaluable opportunity but also holds the potential for long-term, stable wealth creation.
THE HYPERBARIC
MEDICAL CLINIC OF ESTEPONA CELEBRATES
10TH ANNIVERSARY
The Hyperbaric Medical Clinic of Estepona (HMCE) recently celebrated its 10th anniversary at an event attended by José María García Urbano (the Mayor of Estepona), patients, and friends. The clinic has helped over 2,000 patients accelerate their recovery and improve their physical condition, including tennis sensation, Novak Djokovic and local cyclist, Natalia Fischer. Health conditions treated include sudden deafness, diabetes, and dermatological issues. Hyperbaric medicine has also helped those wishing to give their anti-ageing routines a boost.
Since it was launched, the Clinic has enjoyed great success owing to its central treatment: hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which involves administering 100 per cent pure oxygen at pressures higher than atmospheric pressure, within a hyperbaric chamber. The treatment is non-invasive and safe. It has proven to be highly effective for various conditions and ailments – including injury recovery and improved physical performance – which is why so many top athletes opt for this approach.
“Since opening our doors ten years ago, we have seen how hyperbaric oxygen therapy can transform lives,” says Sady Alexandra Licintuña, Founder and Director of the Centre. She adds, “Our commitment to innovation and excellence drives us to continue improving and expanding our services.”
A HIGHLY EXPERIENCED MEDICAL TEAM
The medical team at the Hyperbaric Medical Clinic of Estepona is a fundamental pillar of its success. Dr. Rafael Sanchez González, a specialist in hyperbaric medicine, brings extensive experience and knowledge to the centre. Christian Keller, hyperbaric chamber technician, ensures that each session is carried out with maximum safety and effectiveness. Dr. David Infante Reyes, another medical specialist, complements the team with his experience and personalised care for each patient.
OTHER CONDITIONS AND DIFFICULTIES IMPROVED BY HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY (HBOT)
HBOT is used to address the following conditions and to achieve the following aims:
» Fibromyalgia
» Cerebral palsy
» Diabetic foot
» Ulcers and wounds
» Sports and recovery
» Dermatological conditions –including psoriasis, shingles, and other skin issues
» Wellness and relaxation
» Anti-ageing
» Post-surgical recovery and recovery from fractures
» Overall health improvement including stress reduction, insomnia, energy boosting It is also used for conditions such as ‘sudden hearing loss’, a sensorineural hearing loss that appears suddenly, primarily affecting adults aged between 40 and 55. Also referred to as the ‘silent epidemic’, it can be related to metabolic disorders, ear infections, and vascular problems. HBOT has proven to be an effective treatment for this condition, especially when administered soon after the onset of symptoms. Numerous patients have experienced significant hearing recovery. The treatment also helps reduce the symptoms of tinnitus and vertigo. ›
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been particularly effective in treating diabetic ulcers and wounds and reducing the risk of amputations. Patients with diabetic polyneuropathy have experienced improvements in their quality of life, thanks to HBOT's ability to stimulate tissue regeneration and improve oxygenation of affected tissues.
STATE-OF-THEART HYPERBARIC CHAMBERS
The Hyperbaric Medical Clinic of Estepona boasts top-of-therange hyperbaric chambers, which are completely transparent and comfortable. The centre has two chambers: one is for single users and the other can accommodate an adult and a child.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Clients of this centre rave about
the immense change it has brought to their lives. Take the case of Anna Pippi, a patient who commenced treatment when she was just six months old and who, at age eight, continues to visit the centre for treatments. Her father tells us that they opted for HBOT to “help boost the healing and regeneration of damaged brain tissue, offering a promising avenue for neurological recovery and overall wellbeing.”
Anna has received a host of transformative benefits from this treatment and is now liberated from infantile spasms. “Her vision has improved substantially despite her cortical vision impairment and the rigidity resulting from spasticity has considerably lessened, enhancing her mobility so she no longer relies on a wheelchair. Her cognitive faculties have markedly
sharpened, encompassing an improved capacity for learning, heightened concentration, and greater focus. Her sleep quality has also been significantly enhanced.”
Renowned paratriathlete, Javier Mérida, also wholeheartedly recommends the treatment: “Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been an essential component in my training and recovery. The sessions at the clinic have helped me increase my lung capacity and recover more quickly after intense competitions.”
Congratulations to the Hyperbaric Medical Clinic of Estepona for its great success over the past decade. May this centre and its staff continue to enhance patients’ lives for many more years to come!
WWW.CENTROHIPERBARICO.COM
PRESSOTHERAPY
Ideal for Heat Edema
What is Heat Edema?
Swelling and discomfort in the legs from prolonged heat exposure.
Why Choose Pressotherapy?
A non-invasive treatment that uses controlled compression to enhance lymphatic drainage and circulation, reducing swelling and providing relief.
Benefits
• Lymphatic Drainage: Removes waste and excess fluids
• Improved Circulation: Reduces fluid retention
• Swelling Reduction: Offers immediate relief
• Non-invasive: Painless with no downtime
• Relaxation: Feels like a massage
Advantages
• Effective fluid reduction
• Pain relief
• Enhanced lymphatic function
• Detoxification
• Improved skin health
• Safe for regular use
SCAN ME
50% OFF your first session
UNIDOS GALA IN PUERTO BANUS
U
Cívitas Puerto Banús celebrated the fourth UNIDOS Gala with haute cuisine prepared by top chefs from local Michelin-starred restaurants. Hundreds of invitees savoured the unique tasting menu with delicious dishes from Benito Gómez, Mario Cachinero, José Carlos García, Mauricio Giovanini, Diego Gallegos, and Diego del Río.
WWW.CIVITASGRUPO.COM
PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN
SONIC PHYSIO OPENING PARTY
Medical specialists, staff, patients, friends, and associates gathered to celebrate the launch of Sonic Physio in Benalmádena. The new centre is fully equipped and offers next generation physiotherapy, advanced regeneration, preventative care and personal wellness, faster recovery from injuries, interactive medicine, and a medical gym.
WWW.SONICPHYSIO.COM
PHOTOGRAPHY JOSÉ MANUEL SÁNCHEZ CONTRERAS
HIGUERÓN DEVELOPMENTS GALA
HAssociated real estate agencies and members of the press attended the IX Higuerón Developments Gala at the Higuerón Hotel for the presentation of the new luxury project, WATERFALL, comprising 233 exclusive residences set within seven residential complexes. The invitees later enjoyed a tasting menu with entertainment.
HAUTE FASHION BY ANNA MASON
AMouna Azirar, Founder & Managing Director of Sönrai Journeys, hosted a fashion morning at the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Hotel showcasing exquisite designs by Anna Mason, a Londonbased leading independent British luxury fashion designer specialising in timeless feminine ready-to-wear and made-to-order clothes.
WWW.SONRAIJOURNEYS.COM
WWW.ANNA-MASON-LONDON. MYSHOPIFY.COM
PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN
Savour the summer at multi-faceted award-winning Boho Club. Meet Juan Carlos García, the EXECUTIVE chef of Michelin-starred Vandelvira, set in a 16th century former monastery in Baeza’s Old Town. Get the low down on wines to seek out on supermarket shelves.
« BACK TO CONTENTS
238 Summer at Boho Club
244 Juan Carlos García of Vandelvira
250 Gourmet Bytes
254 Great Supermarket Wines
ggourmet
BOHO CLUB
Boho Club surprises with great news for the summer season in Marbella.
The emblematic resort, located on Marbella’s Golden Mile close to Puerto Banús, is a diverse complex of more than 40,000m2 with lush vegetation and a bohemian and distinguished atmosphere. It’s the place that invites you to delight in the gastronomic talent of renowned chef, Diego del Río,
based on the Mediterranean flavours of Andalusian cuisine, enhanced with international touches. Luxuriate over leisurely lunches in the cool interior, or romantic dinners under the stars on its expansive terrace.
BOHIS
The main innovation is Bohis, the elegant bar area on the beautiful garden terrace, with
live music and a DJ, where you can enjoy a generous variety of spirits, the complete wine cellar, and classic Boho Club cocktails. Enjoy these with a small menu of enticing light bites and a selection of gourmet products, including Oysters, Caviar, Iberian Ham, and Wagyu Jerky. Bohis is open in summer from 19:00 – 02:00 on weekdays and until 03:00 at the weekend. ›
BOHO CLUB RESTAURANTE
The Boho Club Restaurant introduces another novelty with a single menu which features a greater presence of vegetables and seasonal products. For this summer, Diego del Río has created dishes such as Grilled Sea Bass with Tom Yum Broth and Grilled Asparagus with Yuzu; Contramormo of Glazed Red Tuna with
Chopped Mango; Iberian Presa with White Butter Marinade, Pickled Roasted Cauliflower and Hazelnuts; and Octopus with a Lima and Pipián Causa. The restaurant has also elevated its gastronomic status with the presentation of two Tasting Menus: a Classic Menu, at €85 and Diego del Río Menu, at €110, both available at lunch and dinner. Additionally, to accompany
the tasting dishes, sommelier Richard Mena has prepared two magnificent wine pairing options (€45 and €65 respectively).
The sommelier is responsible for the selection of a winery with more than 350 national and international references, where wines, Champagnes, and sparkling wines coexist with the exclusive cuvée elaborated with its own identity by the Jorge Ordoñez wineries.
As a complement, the Boho Club breakfast showcases an expanded buffet (€25) with appetising options and a small menu of dishes with eggs playing the starring role and which are freshly prepared by the kitchen staff. It is worth remembering that the breakfast buffet is open to all clients and not only to those staying at the on-site hotel. ›
BERNIES
For those who prefer to have lunch by the pool, Bernies is the perfect option. Nestled between palm trees and large cacti, it offers an informal proposal with dishes like Grilled Salmon with Teriyaki Sweet Potato Purée and Moorish Carrots; Tuna Tartare with Kimchi, Green Apple and Corn; Caesar Salad with Grilled and Pickled Chicken; and Fresh Pasta with Prawns, Seasonal Tomatoes, Garlic and Basil. Open from 12:00 – 18:00 daily.
The attractive summer leisure proposal of the Boho Club Resort in Marbella is completed with the possibility of having fun with magnificent Boho picnics in the garden accompanied by the wonderful views of La Concha. They are available with advance reservation to celebrate any special occasion during this season. ›
BOHO CLUB BOUTIQUE HOTEL
The Boutique hotel has 20 cosy rooms, an impressive suite, and 19 comfortable bungalows, and the welltended and harmonious facilities house two swimming pools and an outdoor gym. Boho Club is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts and has been recognised with awards, such as TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice 2023 and the International Property Awards in the category of Best Hotel Interior Design in Spain. e
BOHO CLUB
CN 340, KM 176. URB. LOMAS DE RÍO VERDE, 144, MARBELLA.
TEL: (+34) 952 157 221
RESERVATIONS@BOHOCLUB.COM
WWW.BOHOCLUB.COM
BOHO CLUB RESTAURANT
OPEN EVERY DAY FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AND DINNER WITH THE KITCHEN OPERATING UNTIL 23:30
TEL: (+34) 952 157 222
RESTAURANTE@BOHOCLUB.COM
#DuneMomen ts
@ d u n e b e a c h m a r b e l l a d u n e b e a c h m a r b e l l a c o m
CARLOS GARCÍA
Not many chefs can say they grew up in a home they would personally transform into a Michelin-starred restaurant, but Juan Carlos García’s life has been far from typical. This young, supremely talented culinary wizard was raised in the 16th-century Palacio de Vandelvira, a former monastery in Baeza’s Old Town, which his parents purchased and transformed into a restaurant in 1990. “I always had a passion for food and cooking so I decided to pursue my education in the culinary field,” he tells me.
Juan Carlos belongs to the first batch of chefs who graduated from the Basque Culinary Centre – the prestigious school whose International Board comprises some of the world’s most influential chefs –including Ferran Adrià, Heston Blumenthal, Alex Atala, and Joan Roca. Working under the guiding hand of Eneko Atxa, Juan Carlos was part of the team that achieved the third Michelin star for Azurmendi. He aligned with Albert Adrià to give life to numerous projects, including Enigma and Heart Ibiza, cofounded by Ferran and Albert Adrià with Guy Laliberté (founder of Cirque du Soleil). The restaurant explored the collision between art, music, and gastronomy, offering something unique on this sun-kissed island.
Keen to broaden his horizons, Juan Carlos travelled the world in search of new flavours, textures, and sensations. In no time, he achieved a coveted position at the two-Michelin-star restaurant, Narisawa in Tokyo. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, he joined his siblings Carmen and Luis Alberto to open the doors of the brand-new Vandelvira Restaurante. Here, diners enjoy cuisine made with local, organic produce, much of which is grown in the family garden created by his mother and grandfather. ›
VISITWWW ESSENTIALM A MOC.ENIZAG
Fresh almonds, ‘maiden meat’ tomatoes, and peas are just a few of the many delicious items that make it to diners’ plates. Although Vandelvira serves a tasting menu, what’s on offer varies from day to day and even from table to table, depending on the available produce. The cuisine at Vandelvira represents the flavour of Jaén’s rich culinary history and traditions, but also reflects the Chef’s many years abroad, as well as the lessons he learned from greats like Albert and Ferran Adrià. “I am inspired by the respect present in the Japanese and Korean culinary traditions. Their dishes typically have few ingredients and seem simple to the eye, but result from hours
of laborious technical work.” The Chef’s meticulous ethic is evident in dishes such as the Squid and Iberian Ham, which is accompanied by a dashi stock made of concentrated Iberian ham and served over a squid tartar base. Another signature dish is the Green Peppers, Caviar, and Liquorice, a unique creation made by cooking red peppers to extract all their liquid. “We obtain 100 grams of liquid from every kilo of peppers. We then infuse this solution with stick liquorice, give it a delicate gelée texture, and accompany it with caviar – which is a symbol of splendour. In doing so, we connect past and present ideas of luxury.” ›
Vandelvira’s menu reads like something you might find in a Lewis Carroll novel, with delights such as White Radish and Ham Toffee, Partridge Paté and Cacao Éclair, and Shiitake and Hazelnut indicating the chef’s penchant for blending sweet, acidic, and savoury flavours to perfection. These dishes can be married to excellent wines,
chosen by the sommelier and maître d’, Laura Ferrer Sans.
The restaurant has eight tables and serves a maximum of 30 diners. The team, which has grown exponentially since the restaurant was founded, interacts with diners, answering their questions and offering advice on ideal wines to accompany their culinary adventures. WWW.
VANDELVIRARESTAURANTE.ES
‘LA OFICINA’ IS THE STAR OF THIS YEAR’S DIEGO & FRIENDS
One of the most awaited events of the culinary calendar is Diego & Friends – a series of special occasions in which Diego Gallegos of Michelinstarred restaurant, Sollo (in Fuengirola) whips up a special meal alongside other renowned chefs. This year, the spotlight is on ‘La Oficina’ – a research and development space where Gallegos and invited chefs will be sharing their ideas about sustainable gastronomy. Diego & Friends started in May and will run until November. The next event is set for September 18, when Chef Sergio Bastard of Casona del Judío will be wowing diners with his undeniable talent and passion for eco-friendly food.
WWW.SOLLO.ES
COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS
APRÉS BEACH OPENS AT LA RESERVA DE SOTOGRANDE
La Reserva de Sotogrande is proud to announce the launch of Aprés Beach: a new spot from which to take in the sunset while enjoying tasty tapas and live DJ-spun music. Throughout the summer (until September 15), the restaurant will be offering cocktails and tapas by Chef Rafel Muria (of Michelinstarred restaurant Quatre Molins) from 5:30pm to 9pm daily. Dishes to watch out for include the hot wagyu ceviche with spicy corn ice-cream and the lobster ravioli with foie sauce and black truffles.
WWW.LARESERVACLUBSOTOGRANDE.COM
OCCIDENTAL PUERTO BANÚS HOTEL REOPENS
ARROZANTE MARBELLA, LA CASA DEL ARROZ
If rice and paella dishes tickle your fancy, head to Arrozante Marbella at the Occidental Puerto Banús Hotel. The restaurant, which recently reopened its doors for the summer, has a brand-new menu and a gorgeous terrace where diners can enjoy an open-air meal. The menu was crafted under the guiding hand of Carlos Otaola, one of Spain’s most renowned arroceros (rice chefs). Arrozante Marbella will also be offering a takeaway service as well as a delivery service to yachts docked in Puerto Banús.
WWW.BARCELO.COM
MAYA GARDEN: A NEW GASTRONOMIC OASIS IN SAN PEDRO DE ALCÁNTARA
The lively area of San Pedro de Alcántara is now home to Maya Garden – a seaside restaurant boasting a uniquely designed biophilic terrace with gorgeous views, tasty culinary offerings, and fun for everyone. It also has a play area for kids and an exclusive nighttime bar. The restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine with a Japanese touch, made with top-quality produce and prepared with meticulous care. Choose from delicious dishes such as sushi, tuna tartar, seabass ceviche, and more.
INSTAGRAM: @MAYAGARDEN_MARBELLA
WINES TO SEEK OUT IN THE
SUPERMARKET
WORDS ANDREW J LINN
Depending on how long we have enjoyed the foremost product of the vine, most of us haven’t always looked on supermarkets as the main source of our acquirement. In most of Europe, the days of the private wine merchant are, with a few notable exceptions, almost history, even though firms like London’s Berry Bros & Rudd and Justerini & Brooks still occupy an important place in the wine trade. Indeed, even as recently as the last century, the only businessmen in London who attended their offices in morning dress and top hats were solicitors, bank officers, and wine merchants. In those hallowed times it was usual to offer wine tastings to customers on a regular basis, and much later chains of wine stores popped up locally and nationally. Many of them, with names like Oddbins, Threshers, Majestic, etc, lasted for many decades. In Spain there was no equivalent, possibly because the margins were smaller than in northern Europe, so the main sources were, and indeed in many regions still are, grocery
stores, and even containers at the bodega door for draught purchases.
The average price of wine closed the year 2023 at €3,37 per litre, up 5.7% on the year. This increase has been observed across all channels and hypermarkets have the highest average prices, reaching €4,42 per liter after an 8.6% increase. In contrast, discount stores offer the lowest average price at €2,79 per litre, although they also saw a 4.8% increase.
Supermarkets often have good deals on wines, but check the vintage, and online winery shops may offer competitive prices, although shipping costs should be taken into account. Regular wine shops provide expert advice and home delivery but tend to be justifiably pricier. However, these days, most consumers get their wine from supermarkets, and it is no longer considered a cheap option. This shift in perception began around 2008, coinciding with the financial crisis and changes in consumer behaviour. Prior to this, 55% of wine consumption in Spain occurred in restaurants and bars, but from the early 2000s more wine
began to be consumed at home, and supermarkets expanded their wine selections to meet increased demand.
If we consider the major mega-sources as being El Corte Inglés, Carrefour, Aldi, Lidl, and Mercadona, the principal difference is the price variation and the extent of their own selections, some of the best buys being priced at under €9. Lidl favours the Somontano bodega of Viñas del Vero (Pyrene is the flagship label). The three best buys below are widely available in most stores:
» Prado Rey Origen 2021, Ribera de Duero, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, €6,78 to €8,25.
» Marqués de Cáceres Crianza 2019, Rioja, Tempranillo, €7,55 to €8,06 .
» Viñas del Vero, Somontano Crianza 2019, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, €7,01 to €8,45.
» Peñarrubia Tinto, a label exclusive to Carrefour, is made in Jumilla and priced at an incredible €1,83. The next most economical is Torre de Oria Crianza, from Utiel-Requena, available at Mercadona, and at the price is a steal. ›
In the overall higher-priced category, notable mentions include Tilenus Roble (Alcampo for €7,95), Quixote Tinto Reserva (El Corte Inglés for €10,41), the white Albariño Santiago Ruiz (available in most places for €12,45), and Finca Río Negro Reserva, a red from Guadalajara, sold at El Corte Inglés’ Gourmet Club for €13,50.
Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Valdepeñas, Rueda, Navarra, La Mancha, Penedès, and Cariñena, being Spain’s major regions, are all well represented by the major supermarket groups. We may not always like what is on offer but in general terms there is no better selection anywhere, except from online sources where the downside involves delivery charges (although usually free for orders above €60).
RECOMMEMNDED WINES
» Hoya de Cadenas: tinto tempranillo reserva, 12 months in wood, €3,99. Vicente Gandia. DO: Utiel-Requena. Sold at Alcampo, Carrefour, Consum, Family Cash, Más y más, Mercadona.
» Sarría Tinto 2015 crianza, €5,24, DO Navarra. One year in oak and a year in bottle. Hipercor, El Corte Inglés.
» Casa de la Ermita, Jumilla, €5,67. El Corte Inglés, Hipercor, Makro, Consum, Carrefour, Alcampo, Leclerc.
» CVNE Rioja, tinto crianza made from tempranillo, €6,45. 12 months in French and American oak. Widely available.
» Cucó, Celler Masroig, non-vintage, DO Montsant, €6,88, El Corte Inglés.
» TILENUS ROBLE, Bodega
Estefanía El Bierzo, 12 months in French oak, €8,15. El Corte Inglés, Carrefour, Alcampo, Consum.
» Llàgrimes de Tardor, Terra Alta, tinto de crianza, Agrícola Sant Josep Cooperativa. €8,95, El Corte Inglés, Bonpreu.
» Pasión de Bobal Sierra Norte, Utiel-Requena, tinto joven, €8,95, Hipercor, El Corte Inglés.
» Cava Premier Cuvée Freixenet, cava brut nature €8,22, El Corte Inglés. e
