Essential Magazine, January 2024 by Essential Magazine

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MARBELLA | MÁLAGA | SPAIN N º 290 – JANUARY 2024

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ON PA OS GE

HAPPY NEW

YEAR!

VANISHING

GLACIERS

WALKS AROUND

MARBELLA

ROLLS-ROYCE

SPECTRE

THE SPHERE

LAS VEGAS

EMMA STONE

EXCLUSIVE CHAMPAGNE

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S O F T O P E N I N G JANUAR Y 2024

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contents » GO TO SPOTLIGHT

20 Vanishing Glaciers 32 The New Mandarin Oriental Mayfair 40 The Sphere Las Vegas 50 Top Spanish National Parks 56 Walks Around Marbella 60 The Oxygen Gym in Calahonda 70 Rolls-Royce Spectre Luxury Electric Coupé 76 Emma Stone

» GO TO TRENDS

88 What’s Cool 92 Hot New Films 98 New Book Releases 102 Which Boarding School? 106 Budzak Career Guidance 110 The New M3 iMAC

126 116

» GO TO LIFESTYLE

116 Sumptuous Styling by Blackshaw Interior Design 126 Design Trends 132 Lola Casademunt RTW 140 True Botanicals 142 New Year Resolutions 146 Spa Days for Cats & Dogs

» GO TO ENTERPRISE

150 Small Houses 158 Business News 168 The Digital Nomad Visa 170 The Vibe

176

» GO TO GOURMET

176 Top Street Food Trends 184 Paco Pérez of Edge Marbella 188 Gourmet Bytes 192 Champagne vs Cava

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Issue 290 – January 2024

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The publishers make every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are correct, but cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information published herein, or be held accountable for any errors, omissions, or claims for damages. Marbella Magazine cannot accept responsibility for the claims, goods or services of advertisers, or for the copyright of materials used by them. © Publicaciones Independientes Costa del Sol S.L. for Marbella Magazine. No part of this magazine, including texts, photographs, illustrations, maps or any other graphics may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of Publicaciones Independientes Costa del Sol S.L. Printed on recyclable paper, produced without wood and bleached without chlorine.

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REINVENT YOURSELF!

new year – a new start! This month’s issue is designed to engender the frame of mind that will help focus your energies on selfimprovement. Experiencing nature is imperative and we bring you features on Spain’s Top National Parks and Walks Around Marbella. Our article on New Year Resolutions is a good reference and, if fitness is a goal, consider taking classes at a local gym – we visit Oxygen’s stateof-the-art installations for inspiration. Education is a focus in this edition with reports on Which Boarding School? and Budzak Career Guidance. Learn too from an expert who is photographing them

about the scale of the world’s vanishing glaciers. For unbridled luxury, we take you on board the Rolls-Royce Spectre Coupé, the world’s most expensive electric car, and invite you to experience Mandarin Oriental’s new Mayfair hotel. If you haven’t already seen it, prepare to be stunned by the scope of The Sphere Las Vegas. You will also be impressed by the space-saving innovations in today’s small houses. Don’t miss our exclusive interview with Emma Stone and check out the revelation taking place with Street Food Trends. Finally, toast the new year with bubbles, whether Champagne, Cava, or Prosecco. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

» GO TO CONTENTS

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream” C.S. Lewis 176 70

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Have a look at the spectacle of The Sphere in Las Vegas, and the world’s vanishing glaciers. Check in to the new Mandarin Oriental Mayfair and check out the first luxury electric coupé from Rolls-Royce. Enhance your fitness level by hiking through national parks, walking around Marbella, or joining a state-of-the-art gym, like Oxygen.

spotlight

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SPOTLIGHT | GLACIERS

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My first awareness of glaciers came in the late 1990s. I was a teenager at the time, having grown up in New York State near the Canadian border. A rather studious friend noted what was a recent study that predicted the complete melting of the glaciers in Glacier National Park, Montana by 2030.

MELTING ICE

AND THE GLOBAL GLACIER INITIATIVE WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY GARRETT FISHER

Meltwater pool - Storskavlen, Norway

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Mer de Glace, France without snow in early October

had not seen a glacier in person at that time. I didn’t live near them, nor did I fixate upon them by consuming images of them. However, the news of such a prediction elicited a strong response. How could it be that there would be no glaciers in Glacier National Park? It seemed like an affront to the beauty of the American West and our glorious national park system. I made a decision then that I needed to see them before the projected melt took place. It would take over 15 years before I laid eyes on my first glacier, when I found myself living near Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I knew that glaciers of

appreciable size existed in the state, though it took time to realise that the largest glacier in the American Rockies could be found in a wilderness area over 100km away. As I took exploratory flights in a two-seater, 100 horsepower 1949 Piper PA-11 aircraft, I came across a small glacier west of Mammoth Glacier, Wyoming. It was a steep glacier, with all annual snowfall melted in late July. I could see what I called ‘centuries of snowfall’ showing itself: layer upon layer of ice, similar to tree rings, revealing untold meteorological history. I was hooked. I also had an immediate sense that what I was looking at was

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transient. They are melting rapidly there, as they are in other places. Was I looking at snow that fell before the World Wars, before the Civil War, before America was a nation? Yet there it was, exposed to the July sun, melting away, with its meltwater as part of the headwaters to the Green River, which joins the Colorado River. Would this meltwater irrigate lawns in the Phoenix summer heat? If there ever was a sense of impermanence that touched on some of the biggest sustainability issues in the United States, I was looking at it through the window of my little airplane at 13,000 feet over grizzly bear country. ›

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“An airplane?” you might say. None of this musing and discovery would be possible without a lineage of events involving improbably small and underpowered aircraft. While they are a happenstance introduction to the notion of glacier flying, they form an integral part of the thesis behind my mission in photographing the glaciers. My grandfather had a retirement business restoring crashed antique aircraft, which was located next to my parents’ home

SPOTLIGHT | GLACIERS

during my youth. He taught me how to fly at a young age and eventually restored the airplane that I trained in, inherited, and then began using for this adventure. It happens to be an ideal platform for aerial photography. Once I discovered my love for the glaciers, I attacked them with a fury. The season for glacier photography is not long: late July to late September, as winter snowfall must be melted from the surface to distinguish the glacier from

Glacier de la Plaine Morte, Switzerland with early September snowfall

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surrounding snowpack while revealing its textured beauty. I was in a hurry in the summer of 2015 to complete the glaciers of the state of Wyoming, as I intended to write a book. Life has a way of happening, and I found myself in late August with a decision to move to Europe permanently. I decided, with some trepidation, to walk through the door that opened, which meant that it would be my last season in North America with an aircraft. The PA-11 would come with me to Europe. ›

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SPOTLIGHT | GLACIERS

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The prospect of photographing the rest of the US Rockies was out of the question… until I woke up staring at a retro tourist poster of Glacier National Park in my bedroom. “You have to do them all. You’re not coming back,” I said to myself in a morning stupor. A few days later, I was at the convergence of Alberta, British Columbia, and Montana, in raging winds, over grizzly country, snapping the last of the glaciers in Glacier National Park, before wildfire smoke blew in. It was a

Veobrean, Norway

Grenzgletscher, Switzerland

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bender flying over 65 hours in one month, though I had completed my goal. By this point, the Global Glacier Initiative had not been conceived, and I had no formal objective in place. I intended to publish a book, which I did, fulfilling a teenage promise I had made to myself. I saw each one

of them before they would melt. What’s more, I did my part to immortalise them in print, which was immensely satisfying. The move to Europe was not as expected. Landing initially in Germany, I soon found myself in the Pyrenees, and it took until 2018 before my first flight in the Alps,

which surprised me in how steep and high they are compared to the Rockies. I came to Switzerland for a personal project: to photograph the 82 peaks over 4,000 meters. It took a few months, and in the process of swirling around the likes of the Matterhorn, Jungfrau, Mont Blanc, Piz

Bernina, and a list of other menacing peaks, I also saw glaciers that made what I saw in Wyoming look like little snow fields. There was one memorable flight I took in August 2018, a diversion from the peaks project, to spend a few hours swirling around the Aletschgletscher, the largest glacier in the Alps. I descended into the glacial valley, flying as low as legally permitted over menacing crevasses, the convergence of multiple glaciers, and every corner of the glacial system. If the carbureted engine manufactured in 1967 was to have failed, I would have been forced to land on the glacier. The risk was worth it. ›

Hardangerjøkulen, Norway 25 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

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There is no sense rushing a good thing. I intended to be thorough and commit to print what I had discovered in the Alps. Another season in 2019 resulted in a book about the glaciers of the Bernese Alps. Engine woes coupled with COVID made 2020 abortive, so I could not fully complete my next piece. In early 2021, I decided that things were going too slow. It was time to take the glacier concept to another level. I decided to form the Global Glacier Initiative, with the goal of photographing every non-polar glacier on earth before my demise or their melting. I can’t precisely state what led to the specific decision; it was one of those storms

SPOTLIGHT | GLACIERS

that strike the mind in the middle of winter at night, though the idea took. Perhaps it is indicative where my thought process came from, as I already knew where all the non-polar glaciers are located, inclusive of their elevation, as I satisfy my boredom by browsing Google Maps. The exegesis of the decision to photograph these glaciers comes from their transient nature. It is obvious that the glaciers are melting, sometimes surprisingly fast even for scientists. While there is no shortage of political fury around decarbonisation and the energy transition, there is sadly a reality that 20 to 40 per cent future melt is baked into the system, even if carbon zero were

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Meltwater rushing from Glacier du Tour, France

to occur today. Anyone with the slightest dose of self-awareness will understand that carbon zero is a long way off. That means that the glaciers as we know them outside the polar regions are substantially doomed. The least we can do is document them for future generations. “Why an airplane,” one might ask? In short, it is the best way to efficiently and yet slowly immerse in thousands of artistically compelling glacial perspectives that would take years if not decades on the ground. ›

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SPOTLIGHT | GLACIERS

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Meltwater pool on top of Svellnosbrean, Norway

We are living in an era that will not be repeated for the foreseeable future of human history. Without anthropogenic contributions to atmospheric equilibrium, the earth already was heading out of an Ice Age, with the next one coming in tens of thousands of years… longer than all of modern human history. Will humans still be on earth when the glaciers come back? We are witnessing something future generations will not see nor understand: a life with temperate and tropical glaciers as part of our ecosystem. While we will have left this glacier-less

legacy behind, the least we can do is preserve an experiential rendition of what humans will not be able to enjoy. With that in mind, my goal is to comprehensively photograph each glacier in a mountain range, including the small ones, that are not even noticed now. I often note that we fail as a society to enjoy the glaciers even while we have them. They are located either close to the poles or high up, with difficult weather, harsh terrain, and sparse access. It is something of an irony that a disappearing luxury present on our earth is rarely enjoyed by most.

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Obers Ischmeer, Switzerland

Schoolroom Glacier & Grand Teton, Wyoming USA in 2015

2022’s season featured the introduction of a more capable aircraft to the fleet. The season was supposed to be an attack of all glaciers in Norway and Sweden, basing between the fjords east of Bergen. Reality begged to differ, and after 100 hours of flying in two months, it was evident that two summers were needed. The largest glaciers of Continental Europe are in southern Norway, making the Aletschgletscher look small. 2023’s season almost completed the glaciers of northern Sweden and

Norway. Based in Tromsø north of the Arctic Circle, it was a battle against distance, the sheer expanse of the Scandinavian wilderness, and the weather. For the first time, I couldn’t get what I wanted in a region and will have to return for a few weeks. Future years are an open question. Iceland, Svalbard, the Caucasus, and the Himalayas… they all beckon, though they each get harder the farther away and higher up they go. Where to afterwards? It could be anywhere, each of which is in a different continent.

Folgefonna, Norway

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The 2022 and 2023 seasons presented a change in equilibrium no one saw coming. While I knew each winter was dry and thus the subsequent summer would be hard on the glaciers, nobody expected such flaming heatwaves. In both summers in my absence, the Swiss government confirmed that 10 per cent of the ice present in the Alps in the beginning of 2022 was gone by the end of summer 2023, more than the combined melt of the previous 30 years. We are living through history in a bad way. ›

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SPOTLIGHT | GLACIERS

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Austdalsbreen, Norway emptying into Austdalsvatnet

Normally, the season should be over in the Alps when I leave Scandinavia and head south. In autumn 2023, I was able to have a solid month photographing the glaciers of the Pyrenees (yes, they exist in Spain!) and in Switzerland, Italy, and Austria after the Norwegian season. On October 13, 2023, I took a flight over Konkordiaplatz at the Aletschgletscher and saw the surface of most of the glacier reflecting meltwater. There was a new rushing torrent of meltwater cutting through the centre of Konkordiaplatz in midOctober, when it should

normally be covered in snow. If there ever was a time that such photography hurts instead of bringing joy, it was then. I am often asked if I note that glaciers have gotten smaller when I fly over them. My answer, prior to 2023, was “no”, unless I were to do an exhaustive comparison of images in front of the computer. Now, I can see the most famous glaciers showing serious signs of deterioration from memory, whether it be shortening at the tongue, darkening at the edges, new melt pools, or new torrents of meltwater cutting through the heart

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of the glacier. While my work does virtually nothing to stop the processes that are melting the glaciers, the least we can do is to enjoy them and save photographs for future generations as we live out this history in the making. GLACIERS OF SWITZERLAND, GLACIERS OF THE BERNESE ALPS, AND GLACIERS OF THE ROCKIES ARE AVAILABLE ON GLOBAL AMAZON SITES. GARRETT FISHER BLOGS AT WWW.GARRETTFISHER.ME

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SPOTLIGHT | HOTELS

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MANDARIN

ORIENTAL MAYFAIR

LONDON TO OPEN ON HANOVER SQUARE The Mandarian Oriental Hotel Group is home to an impressive array of luxury hotels in Asia-Pacific, The Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa and it is now expanding its presence in London with the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair. The group has chosen an iconic location for its newest addition – Hanover Square, in the heart of Mayfair, one of London’s most stylish neighbourhoods. This square is a lively commercial area containing beautiful buildings in every style, built between the 18th and 20th centuries. Interestingly, it was one of the first Georgian squares to have been built in the 1720s in the West End of London. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MANDARIN ORIENTAL

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aking advantage of this worldclass location, the new hotel will offer guests and those who are part of the exclusive MO Fans programme exclusive access and experiences from high fashion to art, culture, and dining. Two of London’s most influential quarters, Knightsbridge and Mayfair, will be connected through the Mandarin Oriental brand. For visitors and locals already in love with Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in Knightsbridge, there is now an additional

way to experience Mandarin Oriental, inspired by the vibrancy and creativity of its new neighbourhood.

REST AND ENJOY

The Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London comprises 50 guestrooms and 77 private residences, offering hotel guests and residents an oasis of calm and Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service alongside a vibrant atmosphere in the public spaces. It will house the first namesake Akira Back restaurant in the UK (from Michelin Star award-winning

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Chef Akira Back) as well as his ‘ABar Lounge’ concept and ‘ABar’ rooftop bar. There will also be an urban spa, focussed on renewal and recalibration. ›

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SPOTLIGHT | HOTELS

“We are incredibly excited to open a Mandarin Oriental hotel in the heart of such an iconic location. Mayfair has such a rich history and pedigree within luxury, fashion and art and is continually evolving,” said Susanne Hatje, General Manager. Hatje revealed that the new hotel would introduce delightful touches for which Mandarin Oriental is loved, but in a more intimate and informal setting. She emphasised the warm, club-like atmosphere that would flow throughout the hotel, making the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair a new destination of choice in the area.

the Pompidou Centre in Paris), the building’s design has a rich historic context, given its location on the corner of Mayfair’s oldest square. A strong sense of place has inspired the interior design of the hotel’s public spaces, created by Tokyo-based studio, Curiosity, who have focused their concept on ‘a hub of nature and art’. As a homage to the hotel’s cultural and creative neighbours, artworks by local British artists feature throughout the hotel with one-off furniture pieces curated by Curiosity’s founder, Gwenael Nicolas. The 50 guestrooms and suites have been designed by UK-based Studio Indigo, embracing a British style influenced by the hotel’s iconic location in the heart of London, while encompassing touches reflective of the Group’s oriental heritage.

DESIGN AND INTERIORS

Designed by internationally renowned Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (the talent behind the Lloyd’s building and the ‘Cheesegrater’ in London, as well as

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RESTAURANTS & BARS

There will be several vibrant F&B outlets crafted by Chef Akira Back who makes his UK debut at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair. Born in Korea and raised in Aspen, Colorado, Michelin Star award-winning Chef Akira Back brings a sense of adventure and boundless creativity to his culinary creations. The Akira Back brand is a diverse portfolio of over 20 restaurants and lounges around the globe which pride themselves on creating innovative culinary experiences combined with a social atmosphere and elegant ambience. The mission statement is to make unforgettable memories for guests by revolutionising the dining experience through one-of-a-kind dishes and gracious service. ›

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SPOTLIGHT | HOTELS

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ABOUT THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL GROUP

WELLNESS OFFERINGS

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, will provide the perfect antidote to the fast pace of London life for hotel guests, residents, and the local community, offering sublime serenity in the heart of Mayfair. The overall spa features an indoor 25-metre swimming pool, sauna, vitality pool, relaxation room, and a myriad of bespoke wellness treatments that abound in a Mandarin Oriental spa.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the awardwinning owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, resorts, and residences. Having grown from its Asian roots into a global brand, the Group now operates 37 hotels and nine residences in 25 countries and territories, with each property reflecting the Group’s oriental heritage, local culture, and unique design. Mandarin Oriental has a strong pipeline of hotels and residences under development, and is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group. e WWW.MANDARINORIENTAL.COM/EN/LONDON/MAYFAIR

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SPOTLIGHT | THE SPHERE

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A ZINE O AG

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A THING TO BEHOLD E FO R LIN N

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, SHUTTERSTOCK AND ADOBE STOCK

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There are sports stadia and there are concert venues, many of which are large and impressive, some even hi-tech, but The Sphere in Las Vegas seems to fall into a category of its own. This otherworldly dome looks like something that has descended from the heavens, like an alien ‘wonder of the world’ that has come to visit. But what is it really?

An architectural work of art © Shutterstock

e’re used to a Las Vegas full of bright lights and glittering buildings that defy the common limitations of architecture and urban planning. I mean, a city that sports a replica Eiffel Tower, Egyptian Pyramid and Sphinx all within its centre is not a ‘normal’ place, but we knew that. Las Vegas is a fantasy capital and perhaps an even bigger source of inspiration for Dubai than New York has been. To stand out within this neon world is not easy, but there is one new addition that captures the eye and the attention from just about every angle. The Sphere stands squarely in Paradise, just east of the famous Las Vegas Strip, from where it’s drawing all of the attention to it right now. By day this 157-metre wide and 112-metre high dome looks impressive enough, but it is when the lights come on that this thing begins to shine like no other. You see, where the surrounding resort hotels, casinos and commercial/leisure centres rely on bright lights and towering jets of illuminated water, The Sphere takes the concept of lighting up the town to a whole new dimension. In fact, at night it looks like a giant spaceship that has descended to earth – but a friendly one! ›

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The difference is in the detail, as it is not individual lights or projected illumination that brings this baby to life, but the 54,000m2 of LED displays that span its rounded surface. Not only is their resolution stupendous and way beyond normal lighting, but it becomes the gigantic living, breathing canvas for digitally created artwork of any kind – from standing images and art to moving and evolving ones. The Sphere can therefore be anything you want it to be, from a giant advertising board to a commercial message or indeed a

SPOTLIGHT | THE SPHERE

mesmerising visual display that is a work of art in its own right.

A NEXT-GENERATION VENUE

In essence, however, The Sphere is a new generation of sports and concert venue the likes of which has not been seen or experienced before, and here the emphasis is really on the experience, as it is a showcase for next-gen technology whose visual and sound output has the power to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and more, much more.

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The 18,600 people who can fill this auditorium of auditoriums also have a 16k resolution wrap-around LED screen that covers its interior, not just outside. This is combined with beamforming speakers and wave field synthesis technologies to produce a fully immersive experience complete with 4D physical effects. In other words, you’ll know when you’re watching scenes or hearing sounds as it will dominate your entire being, creating a powerful sensation that is allencompassing, like nothing you’ve known before. ›

More immersive than anything you’ve known before © Phillip Lebowitz CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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You will never feel quite the same again © Dave Stadley CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Sphere stands out even in Las Vegas © Shutterstock

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This is largely because both the interior and exterior LED screens are one big AI surface with endless options for creative expression across a variety of dimensions that blend sound and vision. What’s more, they’re not designed in the USA but in Zaragoza, Spain. The architect behind it all is Miguel Fontgivell of Oboria Studio in collaboration with Saco Technologies, leadingedge Spanish specialists

SPOTLIGHT | THE SPHERE

in digital and AI-driven design and engineering solutions, and in the process the creators of the most amazingly powerful and interactive screen/structure in the world. The Sphere is the brainchild of the Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) and Las Vegas Sands Corporation – also creators of the Marina Bay Sands resort hotel in Singapore. These people are not short on imagination or ambition,

A visual and audio experience like no other

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but they weren’t the ones who saw it through in the end. An undertaking like this is complex, timeconsuming and costly, and can come across a lot of opposition, so the original team that announced the then MSG Sphere in 2018 saw Sands being replaced by Apollo Global Management. Populous got the task to design this futuristic project, which was scheduled to open in 2022 but was delayed by a year due to the

U2 are in residence at The Sphere © Phillip Lebowitz CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Covid-19 pandemic and also saw its projected cost of $1.2 billion almost double to $2.3 billion. It was opened at the end of September 2023 with a 40-show concert residency by U2 with a show officially billed U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere, and of course all of this can be read off the giant external dome, which is also the world’s greatest advertising billboard. The Sphere is a marvel of engineering and a fantastic soundboard for modern technology in general, but the sheer logistics of putting it together is impressive too, involving the shipping of a giant crane halfway across the world. ›

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SPOTLIGHT | THE SPHERE

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The Sphere within the Las Vegas landscape

AN OTHERWORLDLY EXPERIENCE

The most impressive thing of all, of course, is the range of experiences that The Sphere is capable of offering, and this was its very purpose right from the start. There are many huge, expensive, and impressive venues around the world, but The Sphere really does take a step into what entertainment can be like in the future. In addition to concerts on a completely different level, sports events that feel intergalactic and

movies that are out of this world when experienced here, it is also a potential rallying venue for anything from product launches to political party conferences. It is hard to imagine the impact unless you have experienced it for yourself, so if you ever considered a trip to Las Vegas, now’s the time to sample more than the ‘just like in the movies’ strip, bright lights and casinos. Las Vegas has just acquired another wonder to behold. e

Like a nearby moon in a sci-fi world

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SPOTLIGHT | NATURE

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TOP PARKS FOR A WINTER HIKING GETAWAY

Autumn and winter are ideal seasons in which to brave the Great Outdoors, lose yourself in the majesty of a mountainside retreat, and boost your circulation with an energetic trek. If you’re into ‘green escapes’ then you have probably already visited one or more of Spain’s 100 natural parks, which are never greener or more splendid than right now. Vacation rentals company, Holidu, recently put its Sherlock Holmes cap on, analysing Google Maps and AllTrails to discover the highest-rated natural parks for hiking. Below are the top five selections, all of which merit a place on your bucket list! Read on to discover their highlights and once you’ve chosen your first destination, pack up your boots and a good jacket and get ready for an active holiday getaway like no other! WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS SPECIAL THANKS TO HOLIDU

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The stone vault beneath Santa María Church

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THE PICOS DE EUROPA NATIONAL PARK (ASTURIAS, CANTABRIA AND LEÓN) Spread across the provinces of León, Cantabria and Asturias, the Picos de Europa National Park is a fine example of the Atlantic ecosystem. It is home to thick oak and beech groves as well as rock formations whose majesty is frequently posted on Instagram channels of many of the world’s top travel influencers. Here, you can also spot a variety of wild animals, including brown bears, the Iberian wolf, and 21 bat species. The Picos de Europa National Park boasts 156 walking trails, from which you can view some of its most stunning sites. These include the lakes of Covadonga (Enol and Ercina), which have a glacial origin. These serene bodies of water are located a little over 20km from the village of Cangas de Onís, famed for its lush beauty and architecture. This area can be accessed by walking along the Lakes of Covadonga route – an easy, 5km circular path that begins at the Buferrera carpark. On your way to the lakes, make sure

to stop at the Mirador de la Reina, which overlooks a lush valley. If you’re up for a more trek, try Thedemanding Basilica of Covadonga the Garganta Divina route, which goes for 21.4km. Just 12km from the lakes are the Santa Cueva, a place of worship and pilgrimage for those of the Christian faith. This cave is the resting spot of the Virgin of Covadonga, also called ‘La Santina’. It is ensconced in an area of pristine natural beauty, featuring a pond with crystalline waters and a fountain that is said to wield mysterious powers. Of course, no visit to the Picos de Europa would be complete without a picture of yourself atop the Roman bridge in Cangas de Onís. This medieval construction spans the Sella River and is linked to the Roman road that once connected Lugo de Llanera and Santander. Finally, don’t miss visiting the hallowed halls of the elegant Basilica de Santa María la Real, which houses priceless artworks by artists such as Vicente Carducho and Luis de Madrazo. ›

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SPOTLIGHT | NATURE

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The Borosa River in the Sierra de Cazorla

SIERRAS DE CAZORLA, SEGURA, AND LAS VILLAS (JAÉN)

This is one of Spain’s largest natural parks, as it has around 210,123 hectares of forests, valleys, and mountains to explore. Its star players are the Guadalquivir and Segura rivers, whose headwaters (or sources) are located within the park (which is home to dozens more rivers). There are numerous trails to explore so that even families with young children can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding greenery and water.

The most recommended routes are the Rio Borosa (9.2km) and the Huelga UtreraCueva del Agua-Pontones (12.1km) routes. These offer long, leisurely walks with loads of eye candy – think majestic rock formations, ancient trees and plants, and raised wooden walkways that enable you to get up close to the water. Expect to be dazzled by a myriad of rivulets, waterfalls, and hidden caves and natural arches that make a beautiful backdrop for your photos. When in Cazorla, aim to see

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the nearby villages as well. Sites to catch include the Santa María Church, which is home to an underground 128m stone vault through which the Cerezuelo river is channelled down to the Guadalquivir. While you’re in this paradise, don’t forget to fuel up with local cuisine. Cazorla is famed for a host of dishes, including pipirrana (which is slightly similar to ratatouille), rin-ran (a cold potato crème with cod, olives, and choricero peppers), and ropa vieja (comprising chickpeas and beef or chicken).

SIERRA NEVADA (GRANADA)

Perched very close to the city of Granada is the Sierra Nevada National Park. Although it is best known for its ski resort, it is an ideal spot to visit even when its mountain caps are powderfree. This park has 165 trails to choose from and if you visit this month, you will meet a host of walkers taking in the beauty of waterfalls, valleys, springs, and quaint mountainside villages where you can tuck into locally made oil, honey, cheese, and bread. Cycling aficionados will find their perfect match here, as there

are 13 routes that have been specially designed for them. Two of the Sierra Nevada’s most famous hikes are the Sendero del Río Monachil (8km) and the Vereda de la Estrella (20.9km). If you’ve made it this far, definitely take time to explore the Alpujarra, a 70km valley located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. Nestled between numerous springs

and gorges, you will find stunning villages such as Barranco del Poqueira (which offers panoramic views across a magnificent valley) and other villages like Pampaneira, Bubión, and Capileira. There, you will find unique artisanal crafts, including handmade rugs and pottery, which make perfect gifts for friends and family back home. ›

The Alpujarras of Granada 53 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

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TEIDE (ISLAS CANARIAS)

The emblematic Teide volcano stands proudly at the heart of the Teide National Park in Tenerife. The volcanic landscape lends this zone an otherworldly feel… and some spots can make it seem like you’ve just landed on Mars! The area is graced by unique lava and rock formations you can view while walking along a trail that leads you to all its most scenic spots. You can even walk up to the volcano’s crater (you will need a permit to do so but it’s easy to obtain). This park is universally hailed as one of the best spots in Spain from which to stargaze. There are many guided visits available that will enable you to admire the starry sky. It houses

SPOTLIGHT | NATURE

its own observatory, where you can discover fascinating astronomical facts and brush shoulders with astrophysicists since it is also home to the Astrophysics Institute of Canarias. The observatory houses impressive equipment such as the Gregor telescope and other instruments that have enabled scientists to follow some of the world’s most important events – including the Shoemaker-Levy comet crashing into Jupiter. Two of the best routes to enjoy when you’re at this park include Roques de García (3.4km) and Montaña Blanca (10.6km). The latter takes around five hours to complete and connects to a host of other popular trails, including

Roque Cinchado and Mount Teide

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Montaña de los Tomillos, Mirador de la Fortaleza, Lomo Hurtado, and Montaña Rajada. During your visit, make it a point to see Roque Cinchado – one of the most famous and photographed rock formations in the Canary Islands. Visit at sunset, when the sky looms above you in a swirled orange pattern and the Teide volcano rises above you majestically. Finally, take a walk along Arenas Negras, a route that commences at the Centro de Visitantes del Portillo and rises to the Montaña del Cerillar. From these lofty heights, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the park and the Llano de Maja area. ›

Gradas de Soaso in Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park

ORDESA Y MONTE PERDIDO (ARAGÓN)

The Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park is located in the heart of the Pyrenees. It was one of the first natural zones to receive official protection in Spain and is also one of the highest-rated parks in the country, receiving a 4.9 out of 5 rating. It is well known for its beautiful and diverse landscape, which features dramatic gorges, rugged limestone formations, and vertiginous peaks. Here, you can discover forests, rivers, castles, and much more, spread across 15,608 hectares. Most visitors head to the Ordesa Valley, the

most famous part of the park, and the nearby medieval town of Torla. However, the area holds many more surprises: from ancient dolmens and hermitages to lofty viewpoints that make ideal birdwatching spots. Two routes you may enjoy are Los Sestrales - Sercué - Ermita de San Úrbes (6.9 km) and Senda de los Cazadores (19.2 km). Feast your eyes on graceful waterfalls, ancient beech, elm, and birch trees, and a wide array of colourful bird species – including eagles, ravens, various woodpecker species, sparrows, and more. Spain is home to an impressive 55 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

array of natural parks, all of which have various routes to choose from. From a quick 45-minute walk right through to an eighthour (or longer) marathon, you will find the perfect walk for your level, and all parks provide visitors with thorough information on walk lengths and difficulties. If you have kids, don’t let that stop you. Immersing them in the beauty of nature does wonders for the body and mind and puts stress on the backburner. Everyone deserves an escape once in a while but when it comes to healthful getaways, few are quite as beneficial as those involving time in the Great Outdoors. e

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SPOTLIGHT | WALKS

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THESE HILLS ARE MADE FOR

WALKING

Stretch your legs and discover natural and cultural treasures around Marbella WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY SASKIA MEULEMANS

View to Istán Lake from La Concha

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Setenil de las Bodegas

et in touch with nature and enrich your mind by heading for the green hills that form the backdrop to the coast. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, take some time to explore on foot the real Andalucía full of colours, rich culture, white villages, and stunning nature. All of this is hidden in the mountain ranges you can see from the glitzy coastal town of Marbella. From cave houses to Roman ruins, from Arab to Christian art and architecture, the mountains host a vast museum covering thousands of years of history. The variety of what you discover is simply enormous and will surprise even those who have frequently visited or lived in Marbella for many years. The closest and best known 57 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

mountain range is the Sierra Blanca which also embraces the golden mile and is bordered by the lake of Istán and the village of Ojén. There are numerous mountain trails to choose from at different departure points: behind Starlite, la Cañada or up in the mountain refuge of Juanar. For the sporty ones who like a challenge, there is the hike to the summit of ‘La Concha’ at 1215 metres which will be rewarded with fabulous far-reaching views. But do not worry, shorter easier walks are available for all levels and tastes, ranging from one to a few hours. Start slow and build up. Try out the hike from Starlite up to the white village of Istán where you can finish off with a delicious well deserved meal at the church square. Or venture a little more inland and delve into the history of Ronda, a city with jaw-dropping views that you will never forget, not to mention the growing number of quality wines that are made in the local bodegas, a nice way to end your walk! In autumn, your drive up there will be most impressive as you´ll pass the chestnut valley of Genal with all its shades of red and yellow colours. Spring, then again, is magical in Monda when almond trees are in bloom. In summer, head in the direction of Antequera and discover the emerald green waters and dramatic cliffs of el Chorro and the Caminito del Rey. ›

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Immerse yourself in culture while working your legs and treat yourself afterwards; that is what the book 35 Best Walks Around Marbella is all about! It offers a selection of walks for all levels and aims to introduce the reader to a wide variety of landscapes, experiences, and cultural stories – there is so much to learn about this region. Did you know that the reddish mountain of Estepona (the Sierra Bermeja) has volcanic origins? Have you heard about the professional cooking school and delicious restaurants in the white village of Benahavís? Or did you know that Istán has the most important water reservoir of

SPOTLIGHT | WALKS

the coast? Or that one of the best preserved baptismal fonts in Europe is to be found just off the beach in San Pedro? Ever wondered what that strange tower is in the sea off the fishermans port Puerto Pesquero in Marbella? Or that Sierra de las Nieves has proudly been named a national nature park? The list is simply endless. There is always a story to pick up for the entire family. For those who are not keen or cannot walk for long, the anecdotes of Marbella´s wider region will hopefully inspire you. And luck is on your side as many paths have now been signposted, which might remove a bit of the adventure but definitely

Ronda’s Puente Nuevo from Molinos

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makes it more accessible. It only takes a pair of stout shoes and some curiousity to open up to the world of natural and cultural heritage this region has to offer. The walks not only stimulate mind and body but you can also bring back delicacies from the white villages including wines, cheeses, nuts, and olive oil! How did it all start for me? As they say, one thing leads to another. So did my passion for the region around Marbella which grew out of my weekly drive to Ubrique – a white village behind Ronda where I manufactured my design brand of bags, a previous entrepreneurial adventure. It took a good 2.5 hours each way and mostly longer as I paused so frequently to admire the griffon vultures circling the skies. My mind was set to further explore this spectacular region. I took an energetic Irish setter and swapped my car for a 4x4. The more I shared my enthusiasm with friends and took them along, the more I was encouraged to take up pen and paper to also inspire others. JOIN IN THE FUN: THE BOOK IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AND IN THE ENGLISH BOOKSTORE IN PUERTO BANÚS.

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SPOTLIGHT | FITNESS

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THE NEW

OXYGEN

SPORTS AND WELLNESS CENTRE WORDS MADDIE QUINN PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN AND COURTESY OF OXYGEN

After thriving for over 15 years in its previous location, the popular Alhamar Gym has converged into a visionary project in the heart of Sitio de Calahonda, where owner and director Max Claussen’s dream, the Oxygen Sports and Wellness Centre emerged earlier this year as a beacon of health and vitality, providing the Coast with a comprehensive haven for fitness enthusiasts and wellness seekers alike.

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or those like me living in Calahonda, Max’s vision brought a refreshing change to the local landscape. Standing tall, easily accessible from Avda. España, the new Oxygen is already embraced by a community of 5000 members coming from far and wide. It’s set in a beautiful complex, purpose built to provide the full journey, catering to individuals of all interests and fitness levels. From cutting-edge gym equipment to spacious workout areas in and outdoors, diverse classes, wellness facilities, and even a restaurant, the Oxygen Sports Centre is

designed to inspire and motivate its members to achieve their health and fitness goals.

A POST COVID VISION TO TRAIN OUTDOORS

Navigating the aftermath of the COVID period, getting back to a sense of normalcy has been a tough challenge for wellness facilities. Recognising the growing demand for outdoor training options, Oxygen has positioned itself uniquely in this regard. In addition to their well-equipped airconditioned training hall, and dedicated spaces for functional training, classes, Pilates and spinning, Oxygen stands out by providing an 61 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

expansive outdoor area. This outdoor space caters to a range of activities, including weight training, CrossFit, and paddle tennis. Moreover, it serves as a serene setting for those seeking the tranquillity of rooftop sunset yoga — an example of Oxygen’s commitment to offer diverse and holistic fitness experiences. ›

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ONLY THE BEST FOR THE BEST!

Spanning an impressive 4500 square meters, the Sports Centre stands out as one of the largest in the region. Its top-of-therange equipment not only attracts local athletes but also draws sports enthusiasts from as far as Estepona and Fuengirola. Oxygen has earned the title of a recognised CrossFit Centre and serves as official representative for leading professional brands, including Life Fitness, Hammer Strength, Gym80, and Fitness Nation. These partnerships ensure the facility is equipped with high quality premium fitness gear. There are more than 600

SPOTLIGHT | FITNESS

square meters dedicated to CrossFit and its official methodology, and its utilisation is entirely covered by the membership fee. Oxygen provides between five to eight functional classes daily, catering to all levels of intensity and expertise, making it the most inclusive option in the Marbella area. The Pilates studio is furnished with a range of proper Reformers featuring strings and pulleys designed to sculpt deep muscles, enhance strength, and potentially aid in injury recovery. Spinning enthusiasts can expect a large room of immersive experience, complete with 62 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

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full-wall projections and a captivating light show. And after the workout, you can unwind with a long moment in the sauna or steam room before making your way to the changing rooms.

CLASSES FOR EVERYONE

I explored Oxygen’s website to discover a detailed programme of classes, offering over a hundred options each week. In addition to the CrossFit, circuit, and other functional strength training sessions, I found a diverse range of offerings including the TBC Calorikiller, Gymnastics, ZUMBA dance, Pilates, Yoga, ABS (abdominals), and GAP (glutes, abs, and legs) classes.

With two daily spinning sessions held in the morning and evening, fitting one into your busy work schedule is convenient and accessible. Oxygen’s dedicated dojo provides a space for martial arts training, offering classes in disciplines like Taekwondo and Kickboxing. Kids can also enjoy martial arts classes, or they can opt for dancing, so there truly is something for everyone.

HIT THE WELLNESS & YOU ARE IN HEAVEN

After your hard work at Oxygen, a multitude of rewards awaits you through their extensive amenities. Beyond offering the sauna and steam rooms, the building is designed to host various third-party services including sumptuous massage rooms with Thaitrained therapists, a beauty and a hair salon run by the popular Salon RED, and soon there will be a tattoo parlour

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for permanent make-up or creative corporal designs. The co-working space is a popular choice for influencers and athletes looking to squeeze in some work between training sessions, and for those seeking a nutritional boost or a leisurely lunch, Heaven, the on-site restaurant, provides a selection of healthy food and drink options. So, at Oxygen, the experience extends beyond fitness, ensuring a holistic and rewarding visit. ›

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THE CUSTOMER JOURNEY

When you decide to be part of the Oxygen experience, your journey starts at www.oxygensportsclub.com. You can browse the full programme of the weekly classes to make sure the types and times of the workouts are suitable for your goals. In the Membership section you will be offered different ways to enrol and will be guided through a simple signup process. Currently, memberships start for as little as €48 per month if you prepay yearly, with no registration fee usually required by other gyms. A monthly rolling subscription is €65 or you can get further

SPOTLIGHT | FITNESS

discounts by paying three months in advance. It’s also possible to sign up for only four weeks (75€) which is convenient for those who spend a short time in Spain or are just enjoying their holidays. The full use of the sports club is covered in these fees including the CrossFit facilities, with the exception of the Paddle courts that you have to book separately.

THE OXYGEN SPORTSCLUB APP

To get started with Oxygen Sportsclub, simply download their application from the

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Google Play or App Store onto your mobile phone. Sign up or log in with your email to create a profile. Once in the app, you can seamlessly manage your entire Oxygen experience, and it will serve as your electronic card for accessing gym facilities through the reception gates. The app provides a display of memberships, purchase options like day passes, and merchandise available on Oxygen’s webshop. Additionally, you can explore and book classes, find a training partner, schedule personal training sessions, and input health data using their free body composition scale.

PERSONAL TRAINING

NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT AND FOOD PREP

At Oxygen, every membership comes with a monthly personal training session, making it your initial point of reference. In this session, you’ll have the expertise of one of their 19 highly qualified and certified trainers. They will be available to discuss your specific needs and goals, offering guidance on a tailored programme to help you attain them. During the session, they’ll walk you through the facilities, demonstrate suggested exercises, and provide insights into the proper use of machinery, so you can have complete confidence that your efforts are leading you in the desired direction. ›

Oxygen adopts a unique approach to nutritional management, offering comprehensive coaching that includes a full-body scan, guidance on nutrition and calorie intake, and a fully personalised eating program designed to achieve your desired effects. With their onsite restaurant, Heaven, they go a step further by providing a food prep service. This means you can conveniently pick up freshly cooked and prepared, deliciously adequate food every two days, making adhering to the programme easier than ever! 65 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

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PADDLE AWAY!

As Paddle Tennis experiences a global surge in popularity, it has also become a favoured sport on the Coast. Oxygen features 6 Paddle Courts, including one on the rooftop that offers breathtaking views over the Calahonda valley. Being a Playtomic member allows for easy booking of Paddle Courts or even finding play partners, and should you need it,

SPOTLIGHT | FITNESS

coaching for adults and kids can be provided. For your convenience, racket rentals are available, and if required, you can purchase balls directly at Oxygen as well.

A LEAP INTO THE FUTURE

During my tour of Oxygen, Max described plans for expansive growth as the complex is part of a larger group of projects. The upcoming developments will include luxury touristic

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apartments, lush gardens, and swimming pools in the immediate vicinity. He mentioned the addition of a substantial underground parking garage with ample capacity, also available to members. The Oxygen Sports Centre will stand as more than just a fitness facility. Through stateof-the-art tech, expert guidance, and a communitydriven atmosphere, the centre is reshaping the Coast’s landscape, inspiring individuals to embark on a journey towards a healthier and more fulfilling life. OXYGEN SPORTS CLUB & WELLNESS CENTRE AVDA. DE ESPAÑA 24, SITIO DE CALAHONDA. TEL: (+34) 951 745 610 WWW.OXYGEN-SPORTSCLUB.COM

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SPOTLIGHT | MOTORING

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ROLLS-ROYCE

SPECTRE LUXURY ELECTRIC COUPÉ The motoring world’s attention has very much been directed in recent times towards the magnificent RollsRoyce Spectre all-electric coupé and there’s absolutely no question that this is a landmark car in every respect. WORDS TONY WHITNEY

PUBLISHER’S NOTE WE BID A SAD FAREWELL TO TONY WHITNEY, WHO HAS MOVED ON TO A BETTER PLACE. AFTER MANY YEARS OF CONTRIBUTING THE MOTORING COLUMN FOR essential, HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED IN THESE PAGES.

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t’s interesting to contemplate that the very first car from the fabled UK ultra-luxury car builder back in 1904 could just as easily have used electricity instead of petrol. Back in the early part of the 20th century electric cars were hugely popular, topping 38 per cent of all cars sold in the US. When the Hon. Charles Rolls and Henry (later Sir Henry) Royce were toiling over their first model, electric cars had been around for over a decade so it’s not difficult to imagine the two great men having a friendly argument regarding ‘petrol or electric’ back in those pioneering days. It is recorded that Rolls

did predict the success of electric cars before he even met Royce, but only “when fixed charging stations can be arranged.” Whatever history records, it’s taken Rolls-Royce a very long time to build a fully electric production car but connoisseurs of the marque will find that the wait has been very much worthwhile. From a basic engineering standpoint the big luxury coupé is based on the current Phantom and the Cullinan SUV. The bodywork could be described as ‘fastback’ and the configuration is coupé rather than saloon. The car looks a lot like a Rolls-Royce Wraith and, in fact, will replace 71 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

that model which is being discontinued. It’s a big vehicle for a two-door but the overall appearance is stunning, though with the conservative, rather aristocratic touches expected of a Rolls. It has the rear-hinged ‘suicide’ doors of some other RollsRoyce models and inside the door, you’ll find a rather fine umbrella cunningly stowed. One detail that’s changed is the famed Spirit of Ecstasy badge atop what for decades was a radiator grille. It’s lowered and more streamlined this time around and according to Rolls-Royce, is closer to the drawings penned during the earliest days of the company. ›

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should be and more, incorporating the kind of opulence and seriously luxurious ambiance that this maker has always done so well. There are just four seats with no attempt to provide a cramped central seat in the rear. The quality of the leather and carpeting is almost beyond belief, indicating that a large part of the substantial price tag was devoted to the interior. Naturally, the car has all the expected infotainment and electronic safety aids and most functions are taken care of with a large touch screen at the centre of the dash. ›

Technically, the Spectre draws on well-proven EV expertise from parent company BMW, which is no bad thing. Famous Rolls-Royce may be, but it remains a very small company operating at low volume and could never develop the needed EV technology all on its own. Power is supplied by a pair of BMW’s eDrive synchronous electric motors that develop a combined 576-horsepower. Despite the power, the car rides almost silently, which is what Rolls buyers have always sought. The interior is all it

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There are some gimmicky features in the cabin like a ‘stars at night’ effect in some of the trim that won’t win much praise from Rolls purists, but for the most part it’s tastefully opulent. The Spectre represents a new era for Rolls-Royce and there’s little doubt that the production of petrolengined cars will soon tail off at the long-lived carmaker. The Spectre may not end up being the best super-luxury EV, but for many people, that Rolls-Royce emblem up front will always give it the edge when it comes to sheer prestige. e

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» ENGINE Two BMW eDrive synchronous electric motors. » TRANSMISSION Direct drive. » ACCELERATION Zero to 100 km/h in 4.5-secs. » TOP SPEED 250-km/h. » RANGE around 420-km to 520-km. » I LIKED Unmatched prestige, the ultimate status symbol. Superlative levels of luxury. Impressive performance. Excellent range (if substantiated). Uncannily silent operation. » I DIDN’T LIKE Substantial weight and size. Monstrous price. » MARKET ALTERNATIVES Some buyers in this class will save their money and buy a Mercedes-Benz EQS saloon but the Spectre has no serious competition. » WHO DRIVES ONE? Obviously those with the wherewithal to indulge their tastes at the highest level of the auto industry. Longtime Rolls enthusiasts who will certainly want to give an electric Rolls-Royce a try. Buyers who want a state-ofthe-art EV with unmatched prestige. » PRICE AND AVAILABILITY Available soon at €380.000.

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SPOTLIGHT | PEOPLE

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Emma Stone is an actress marked by immense skill, universal recognition, and genuine humility. She approaches her profession seemingly unfazed by the intense spotlight that shadows her, whether she’s on set or strolling in public.

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nterestingly, the 35-year-old's ascent to the pinnacle of theatrical excellence wasn't without its challenges. Similarly, she never portrays the assumption that transitioning between roles is a breeze. In truth, Emma Stone dedicates herself fully to every scene. Now, as she occupies such a prominent position in the film world, maintaining that stature means even greater dedication.

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In our conversation, Stone thoughtfully introspects, delving into the journey of her personal growth, her evolution as an actress and a style maven, and her newfound zest for travel, escape and liberation after years of navigating the demanding realm of Hollywood. It means that she can almost pick and choose roles now and certainly doesn’t feel the need to do anything and everything just to pay the bills. The idea is that Stone has generated enough demonstrations of her flexibility to prove her worth. She is now married to American comedian, writer and director Dave McCary of Saturday Night Live fame and living in New York together with their daughter Louise.

upon me the opportunity to co-produce, offering me a deeper insight into the entire filmmaking process than I would have had if I were solely acting. Everything about this feels just right. YOU’VE SAID THAT YOU REALLY ENJOYED IT…

YOUR NEW FILM POOR THINGS IS AN INTRIGUING MOVIE. CAN YOU TELL US A BIT MORE ABOUT YOUR PART IN IT?

I play Bella Baxter who is grappling with her role in society. As she gains more independence, she seemingly intimidates the men around her. Bella's sexual identity plays a crucial role in the narrative, and she's captivated by the human experience, with intimacy being a significant aspect. WHAT WAS IS THAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE ROLE?

I was drawn to Bella's character as it resonates with the essence of womanhood: the freedom, the vulnerabilities, the courage. Also, the wonderful director of the movie, Yorgos Lanthimos has bestowed

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Absolutely, I loved the experience. Initially, I didn’t fully grasp the entirety of the directorial vision. However, as we progressed with the shoot, I began to comprehend the approach that Yorgos was taking. YOU CLEARLY LIKE WORKING WITH YORGOS AS A DIRECTOR AS THIS IS THE FIFTH SUCH COLLABORATION…

Working with Yorgos is always a transformative experience for me. We just seem to click on a creative level. His distinct approach to storytelling meshes so well with the roles I'm eager to explore. There's a shared passion and mutual respect between us that has naturally led to multiple collaborations. Every time we team up, there's this synergy that I believe truly brings out the best in both of our crafts. ›

« BACK TO CONTENTS ALTHOUGH THIS ROLE IS SUCH A PARTICULAR AND UNIQUE ONE, IT’S OBVIOUSLY NOT BEYOND YOUR CAPABILITIES AS YOU LOVE TO METHOD ACT, DON’T YOU?

Around the house, down the street, I must look like the biggest weirdo because I am physically trying to manipulate my physicality and the way that I walk when I'm trying to get into a character; I'm sure it looks strange to someone walking past… but that’s just the way it is, you know! ARE YOU ABLE TO DO THAT BECAUSE YOU’RE COMFORTABLE IN YOUR OWN SKIN AND BEING WHO YOU ARE, DOING WHAT

SPOTLIGHT | PEOPLE YOU’RE NEEDING TO DO TO GET IN THOSE ZONES?

If I were to go through life refusing to show my vulnerabilities, surely that would make me more vulnerable? Personally, I have always found the holding up of the veneer really tiring, I do more than enough acting on camera to want to carry that on in real life. I have to be comfortable or else what’s the point? YOU’VE BEEN IN SO MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF FILMS NOW AND YOU’RE ONLY JUST REACHING YOUR MIDTHIRTIES. HOW PROUD ARE YOU OF THE VERSATILITY YOU HAVE DISPLAYED OVER THE COURSE OF YOUR CAREER ALREADY?

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It’s all about variety for me and I’ve been lucky enough to find so much of that in the roles I’ve undertaken. Is that luck or judgement? I would have to say that it’s probably a bit of both, to be fair. Certainly, there’s no role I am not wholly grateful to be considered for and I like to think my years of scratching around for anything at all have set me up for the experiences I’m having now. It’s a lot of fun and I just hope it lasts!

“LA LA LAND WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART. IT WAS A DEEP DIVE INTO THE WORLD OF DREAMERS AND PORTRAYING MIA TAUGHT ME A LOT ABOUT PERSEVERANCE AND THE BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY OF ARTISTS”

DO YOU STILL THINK ABOUT YOUR TIME ON LA LA LAND AND JOINING THE HALL OF FAMERS IN GETTING THE OSCAR, BAFTA AND GOLDEN GLOBE?

La La Land will always have a special place in my heart. It was a deep dive into the world of dreamers and portraying Mia taught me a lot about perseverance and the beautiful journey of artists. The musical numbers were challenging, but it’s probably one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had – thankfully, I was recognised for that and getting those awards is still surreal. AND A WORLD AWAY FROM THAT WAS CRUELLA…

That was truly a departure from anything I’ve done before. Stepping into the shoes of someone as legendary as Cruella de Vil felt both exhilarating and daunting. It wasn’t just about portraying a villain; it was about humanising her, offering a fresh perspective on her origins. The film showed the complexities that lie within all of us, tapping into that duality between vulnerability and strength. I was drawn to that audacious spirit of Cruella, a character who’s

so unashamedly bold and determined to carve her own path. In many ways it echoed a lot of the basis of Battle of the Sexes. Beyond the spirit of the sport, it delved into pressing issues of gender equality, individual battles, and challenging entrenched societal expectations. Taking on the role of Billie Jean King, a pioneer who reshaped the landscape for women in sports and beyond, was both a profound honour and a weighty responsibility that I approached with immense reverence.

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I find all of these variances in film have made me the actress I am today, and I am proud to have moved about in terms of who I am and what I do. ACTING HAS ALWAYS BEEN SUCH A PASSION OF YOURS, HASN’T IT?

It was the thing I felt I must do. It was a calling; and I know a lot of people say that, but for a long time when I was young, I genuinely didn’t feel there was anything else out there that either I wanted to do or could do. It was this, or nothing. ›

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YOU HAD A NOVEL WAY OF CONVINCING YOUR PARENTS THAT THEY SHOULD UP STICKS AND MOVE TO LOS ANGELES TO HELP YOU FULFIL YOUR DREAM OF BECOMING AN ACTOR, DIDN’T YOU!

Oh? Oh… you’re talking about the PowerPoint presentation? Yeah, it was just the fastest way of doing it, of trying to prove to them that it was worth everyone following my dream career. I wasn’t very good at cutting things out and pasting. IT’S AMAZING THAT YOU DON’T GET BORED OF PEOPLE BRINGING THAT UP…

Don’t I? Just kidding. Don’t

SPOTLIGHT | PEOPLE

worry, I was taught to be thankful and respectful. I think, actually, a lot of actors get a bad rap on that front but most of the people I know are outrageously down-to-earth and have really had to battle to get where they are. In any walk of life, people don’t really go for egos and the acting world is no different. IT’S NICE NOT TO BE SHOT DOWN WHEN ASKING A QUESTION OR REFERENCING SOMETHING THAT YOU MAY HAVE PROBABLY SPOKEN ABOUT HUNDREDS OF TIMES.

Well, there is a difference between someone

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referencing something that is true and that also isn’t either demeaning or offensive, so there’s no need for me to fly off the handle or be rude. I think that’s the point I was making about egos, some people think that it’s attractive or it’s impressive to be like that. I’m really not that type of person and there aren’t many of the people who I would call friends who are, or I would tell them straight, really. Is that irony [laughs]? YOU SEEM TO HANDLE THE PRESSURE OF BEING A CELEBRITY WELL THESE DAYS… DARE I SAY MUCH BETTER THAN IN THE PAST.

You can’t not get used to it; I think is the truth. It will always be strange, intrusive, over-the-top, inspiring, depressing, and all those other conflicting emotions. That’s just the way it is. Living in the public eye, or in a media bubble, can be a strange place indeed. As a result, now more than before, I do make sure that I’m as far away from things as I can be – both physically and mentally. That’s how I survive. e

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Find out about the benefits imparted by attending a boarding school, and the career guidance services offered by specialist company, Budzak. See what’s coming to a big screen near you soon. Get the lowdown on the new M3 iMAC and check out what’s trending in Spain and further afield.

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88 What’s Cool 92 Hot New Films 98 New Book Releases 102 Which Boarding School? 106 Budzak Career Guidance 110 The New M3 iMAC

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FAIRMONT RÍO COPACABANA – WORLD’S BEST LUXURY BEACH HOTEL Among a host of prestigious awards, the fairmont Río de Janeiro Copacabana has been recognised as the Best Luxury Beach Hotel of the Year by the World Luxury Hotel Awards. On the shore of the iconic Copacabana Beach, the hotel emanates the glamour of the city in the 1950s, comprising 375 immaculately styled rooms and suites with private balconies proffering breathtaking views of the city with its Sugarloaf Mountain backdrop. WWW.FAIRMONT.COM

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NEW CASUAL ILBIRA GRANADA HOTEL The Valencian chain Casual Hotels, founded in 2013 by Juan Carlos Sanjuán and with 24 hotels in Spain, Portugal and Italy, has just opened its Casual Ilbira Granada Hotel close to the city’s Plaza Nueva. The new establishment features 41 rooms which evoke some of the most emblematic places and characters of Granada under an aesthetic that combines Pop Art designs and a colourful fun Kitsch style. WWW.CASUALHOTELES.COM

PAGANI AUTOMOBILI’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY To celebrate Pagani’s 25th anniversary, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the 25 Years of Heart, Hands, and Passion exhibition on the first floor of the MAUTO (Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile) in Turin until January 14. The exhibit revisits the adventure undertaken by Horacio Pagani, from the 1960s in Argentina to the Italian Motor Valley, recounting how a young boy’s dreams turned into a global phenomenon. HTTP://WWW.PAGANI.COM

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TRENDS | GLOBAL

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DOROTHEA HOTEL, BUDAPEST, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION Autograph Collection Hotels has announced the opening of the Dorothea Hotel, Budapest. Housed in three historic buildings in the city’s iconic 5th district, the new hotel is named after Archduchess Dorothea, an influential figure from the 1800s. Conceived by acclaimed Italian architect, Piero Lissoni, the establishment features a classic blend of interior design that pays homage to both history and modernity. WWW.MARRIOTT.COM

CELEBRITIES CELEBRATE MOËT & CHANDON BARCELÓ HOTEL GROUP – BEST MANAGEMENT COMPANY The Barceló Hotel Group has been recognised as the World’s Leading Hotel Management Company 2023 in the latest edition of the World Travel Awards. Leading Resort in Spain Awards were also bestowed on Barceló for its Royal Hideaway Corales Resort (Luxury Hotel), Lanzarote Active Resort (Sports Resort), Fuertaventura Beach (Beach Resort), Sevilla Renacimiento (Conference Hotel), and Isla Canela (AllInclusive Resort).

Moët & Chandon celebrated its 280th anniversary with an evening of glamour and elegance at the iconic Mandarin Oriental Ritz Hotel Madrid. The famous French Maison brought together a select list of guests with emblematic names such as Tamara Falcó, Blanca Suárez, Álvaro Morte, Álex González, Isabelle Junot, Eugenia Silva, Mariló Montero, Eugenia Osborne, Alexandra Pereira, Paula Ordovás, and Alex Rivière among many others.

WWW.BARCELO.COM WWW.LVMH.COM 90 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

BERONIA RESERVA 50TH ANNIVERSARY Internationally renowned bodega Beronia, launched in 1973 in Rioja Alta, is commemorating its 50th anniversary with the launch of Reserva 50, a 2019 vintage of Tempranillo and Graciano grapes matured for 18 months in French and American oak barrels. The vineyard has undergone an impressive trajectory from its early days, established by a group of friends in Oldauri, to becoming the most sustainable winery in the world. WWW.BERONIA.COM

LAURENT PERRIER GRAND SIÈCLE ITÉRACION Nº26 For a special celebration at the most magical time of year, do it in style with avant-garde Laurent Perrier Grand Siècle Itéracion Nº26. A fusion of the 2007, 2008 and 2012 vintages, this elegant Cuvée de Prestige expresses the perfect harmony of a great Champagne that has developed a deep aromatic intensity and complexity while retaining freshness and acidity over time. ¡Salud! WWW.LAURENT-PERRIER.COM

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TRENDS | CINEMA

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HOT NEW MOVIES SPONSORED BY RED DOG CINEMAS, PUERTO BANÚS. TO CHECK CURRENT FILM SCREENINGS, WWW.REDDOGCINEMAS.COM

BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE

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» Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green (King Richard) » Genre: Biopic » Cast: Kingsley Ben-Adir, James Norton, Lashana Lynch This highly awaited biographical musical drama chronicles the life and legacy of legendary reggae musician, Bob Marley. It delves into his humble beginnings in Jamaica, the rise of his musical career, his struggles against oppression and marginalisation, and his unwavering commitment to spreading the message of love, unity, and social justice. It also highlights his relationship with his wife and musical partner, Rita.

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» Director: Yorgos Lanthimos (The Favourite) » Genre: Science Fiction » Cast: Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, Mark Ruffalo This incredible tale, set in 29th-century Scotland, is all about the fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter (Emma Stone) – a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist, Dr. Godwin Baxter. The film explores profound ideas such as identity, science, and the nature of humanity. It is both darkly comedic and thought-provoking, as Yorgos Lanthimos’ films tend to be.

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TRENDS | CINEMA

» Director: David Ayer (Fury) » Genre: Action » Cast: Jason Statham, Josh Hutcherson, Minnie Driver Jason Statham plays Mr. Clay: a former member of a clandestine organisation who now spends his life peacefully tending to bees. When a neighbour takes her life after falling prey to a phishing scam, he sets out on a quest to take down the company perpetrating this ploy.

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» Directors: Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr. (Quarter Life Poetry) » Genre: Musical Comedy » Cast: Reneé Rapp, Angourie Rice, Tina Fey Our favourite mean girl Regina George and her minions (Gretchen and Karen) are back in this new twist on a modern classic. This time, however, the film will have musical flair and new comedic scenes. You may recall that Mean Girls centres on a new high school student from South Africa who unwittingly becomes part of a group of ‘it’ girls who are every bit as cruel as they are popular. This is a story of comedic revenge and forging an identity as a young adult.

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» Director: Alexander Payne (Run Fast) » Genre: Comedy » Cast: Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph This film, set in 1970, follows a curmudgeonly history teacher (Paul Giamatti) who is forced to remain on campus during Christmas break to chaperone a handful of students with no place to go. Among the students is Angus Tully, a troubled and intelligent young man who is struggling to cope with his parents’ divorce. Over the course of the holiday, the teacher and student form an unlikely friendship. They bond over meaningful discussions of history, music, and life. Together, they learn to let go of their past hurts and embrace the possibility of a new start. e

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A NEW YEAR BRINGS DELIGHTFUL NEW BOOKS! WORDS ALICIA DUGGAN OF THE BOOKSHOP IN SAN PEDRO DE ALCÁNTARA , CC LA COLONIA LOCAL 21, SAN PEDRO DE ALCÁNTARA. TEL: 951 779 785. WWW.THEBOOKSHOP.ES

HOW LIFE WORKS BY PHILIP BALL

How Life Works by Philip Ball presents a groundbreaking perspective on biology, offering a fresh vision of life. The book explores the transformative changes occurring in biology, debunking incomplete or misleading concepts such as the genome as a blueprint and genes as instructions for building organisms. Philip Ball reveals life as a complex, ingenious system operating at multiple levels, each with its own principles. How Life Works illustrates the intricate interactions between these levels, providing a comprehensive understanding of the biological processes. The book shows the newfound ability to redesign living systems, reprogram cells, and manipulate organisms, opening doors to unprecedented possibilities in biotechnology. It delves into the potential to regenerate limbs, organs, and even create novel life forms, pushing the boundaries of what evolution can conceive. With the latest research, readers will be taken on a sweeping journey to the forefront of the life sciences, promising to reshape our understanding of life itself.

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ARGYLLE BY ELLY CONWAY

In this high-stakes thriller, a luxury train hurtles toward Moscow, a CIA plane crashes in the Golden Triangle jungles, and a Nazi treasure lies hidden in South-West Poland. A missing relic, dubbed the eighth wonder of the world, resurfaces sparking a global crisis. A Russian magnate’s quest for national restoration sets off a chain of events pushing the world to the brink of chaos. The only hope rests with Frances Coffey, the CIA’s legendary spymaster. However, to thwart disaster, she enlists the help of Argylle, a troubled agent with a checkered past. As Argylle undergoes a crash course in espionage, from the jungles of Thailand to the boulevards of Monaco, from the monasteries of Mount Athos to a forgotten cavern buried deep in the mountains, Argylle must not only save the world but also confront his own demons. This death-defying rollercoaster ride becomes a transformative journey that will either make or break him as he faces powerful adversaries on a global scale.

THE LIBRARY OF HEARTBEATS BY LAURA IMAI MESSINA

A poignant novel by the internationally bestselling author of The Phone Box at the Edge of the World. Ideas of grief, hope, friendship, and love intertwine around a real archive on Japan’s Teshima Island, where people journey to document their heartbeats. The serene island hosts a unique library of heartbeats, collecting the rhythmic pulses of visitors from across the globe, whether living or dead. Meanwhile, in the ancient city of Kamakura, an illustrator in his forties named Shuichi returns to his hometown to attend to his late mother’s house. His path crosses with that of Kenta, an eight-year-old wandering soul. As Shuichi and Kenta form a bond, their connection leads them to Teshima and the library of heartbeats, unravelling a journey of self-discovery and enduring connection that transcends the boundaries of life and death. A beautiful and touching read.

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COVER THE BONES BY CHRIS HAMMER

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A tranquil small town called Yuwonderie harbours a long-held secret that stretches back decades. The discovery of a body in an irrigation canal, brutally murdered and strategically disposed of, sets Detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan on a trail of intrigue in this man-made paradise on the Outback border. The victim, Athol Hasluck, belongs to one of the powerful dynasties controlling the abundant land in Yuwonderie. As the detectives delve into the investigation, they realise that the killing is part of a pattern targeting the aristocracy of this seemingly idyllic desert haven. Unearthing deep-rooted secrets, the story unfolds against the backdrop of a town where no one is truly innocent. The detectives race against time to unveil the truth and prevent the entire community from falling at the hands of its influential families.

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ONE OF THE GOOD GUYS BY ARAMINTA HALL

One of the Good Guys is a gripping psychological thriller by the critically acclaimed author of Our Kind of Cruelty and Imperfect Women. It begs the question: if most men claim to be ‘good guys’, why are most women still afraid to walk home alone at night? Cole, newly separated and seeking refuge from a failed marriage, becomes a wildlife ranger in the countryside. His peaceful retreat with Leonora, a charming artist, takes a dark turn when two women activists disappear, triggering a police investigation and media storm. As the couple navigates the escalating tension, they discover that they don’t really know the other person at all. Providing razor-sharp insights into gender, power, and contemporary media, this thrilling page-turner weaves a gripping and suspenseful tale. e

» VISIT THE BOOKSHOP 100 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

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The UK is home to some of the best boarding schools in the world. These prestigious establishments provide a world-class all-round education to students and support them in the most important years of their development to become thoughtful, responsible, and creative individuals. Most boarding schools offer both short- and long-term placements, giving students the opportunity to get a feel for life as a boarder before fully committing if they wish to do so. This article will expand on just a few of the many advantages to studying at a boarding school in the UK and how you can go about applying. 102 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

THE ADVANTAGES OF A

UK PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Perhaps one of the most important advantages in attending boarding school is the child’s development of personal skills. Boarding school students find themselves in an environment in which they have far more independence than a child attending a

BOARDING SCHOOL EDUCATION

regular school, forcing them to develop excellent time management skills, better organisation, and resilience. This independence often leads to a greater feeling of confidence in their own abilities, something which is a crucial asset in these important years of their development. Learning to live away from home and

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organise homework and activities independently is an essential skill, and one that will better prepare your child for life at university. Many students also notice that it makes them appreciate home life more and families cherish long weekends and holidays together which they may otherwise take for granted. ›

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SCHOOLS TAILORED TO EVERY INDIVIDUAL

Boarding schools in the UK are not all the same – there is a school for every child, whatever his or her strengths, weaknesses or particular interests. Examination results in public exams show that students in boarding schools obtain better outcomes than those in regular schools, even if they aren’t particularly selective. If your child is highly academic, there is the option of selective schools which have a stronger focus on the academic side of schooling,

ENTERPRISE | EDUCATION

with teachers who are experts in their field and who will bring out the very best in your child and help them reach their full potential. A distinctive feature of the teaching in UK boarding schools is that class sizes tend to be much smaller, giving students a more personal education of a higher quality, which will stretch them academically. Choosing a school with the correct academic level for your child is crucial; the same applies to those less academic children who would benefit from a more academically

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relaxed environment. If your child suffers from a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or ADHD, many schools have dedicated centres and teachers who specialise in supporting students with special educational needs so that they don’t fall behind in class. Together with small class sizes, which allow children to have one-on-one time with their teachers, you can rest assured that there is no place better than these schools to support them in their education.

FACILITIES AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES

Our experience is that lots of students have particular interests or talents in sport, music, or drama, and the breadth of opportunities at UK boarding schools allows these students to thrive in virtually any extra-curricular activity they like. For example, if a child is an exceptionally talented horse rider, we work with boarding schools which have dedicated stables, show jumping arenas, and even riding academies run by British Dressage accredited coaches. For footballers, we can recommend schools which have football academies in which your child can develop their skills. For budding performers, state-of-the-art theatres allow actors and musicians to showcase their talents in highly professional settings

only offered by UK boarding schools. The opportunities and facilities available at UK boarding schools are unmatched, and it is for this reason that many of these schools have famous alumni, including actors, authors, and Olympic athletes. The friends and contacts that your children will make at boarding school in the UK are unlike any other school and will often last a lifetime.

LEARNING ENGLISH

There is no better way to learn a language than spending time in the country itself, so many families choose to send their children to boarding school to improve their

English. UK boarding schools are generally flexible and offer the opportunity of one-term stays to foreign students who are looking to immerse themselves in British culture and develop their ability in the language. After spending several weeks learning and socialising solely in English, the difference in their language skills from beginning to end is remarkable. Many students enjoy the school and the opportunities offered so much that they end up staying the entire year, or even on a permanent basis! If you are interested in finding out more, you can contact the consultants at Which Boarding School for free, expert educational advice. We speak English and Spanish. We work with over 150 of the best boarding schools in the UK and can help you find the perfect school for your child, guiding you through the process from start to finish.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THE ADMISSIONS ASSISTANT, INÉS WILCOX: INES@WHICH-BOARDING-SCHOOL.COM WWW.WHICH-BOARDING-SCHOOL.COM

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BUDZAK GUIDING STUDENTS TO THE RIGHT UNIVERSITY AND CAREER As the new year dawns, it brings with it the promise of fresh starts and new opportunities. For high school students and their parents, this is a time of reflection and forward planning, especially when it comes to making pivotal decisions about future careers and university paths. Through a fusion of psychology, technology, and personalised care, fastgrowing company Budzak is revolutionising the journey from adolescence to university, and beyond. In an exclusive conversation, Sviatoslav, the founder of Budzak, unveils the essence of empowering the youth in their educational and career choices. THE PROBLEM

In today’s world, the landscape of career opportunities is more diverse and dynamic than ever before. With this comes the challenge of making informed decisions about one’s educational and career path. It’s a stark reality that in the UK alone, over

40,000 students dropped out from university courses last year. This statistic highlights a critical gap in the guidance and support students receive in navigating these crucial decisions. Budzak’s approach is preventative, ensuring that choices are fostering genuine career fulfilment, thereby

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avoiding costly missteps.

CONCEPTION

Sviatoslav speaks of its inception with a spark in his eyes, “The idea took root during my university days, seeing many peers lost in courses they didn’t love.

The Budzak Team: Alejandro, César, Sviatoslav and Kim

Budzak was born to change that achieve big. Together, they – to ensure that no teenager’s focus on understanding each potential is misplaced.” student’s unique strengths, interests, and aspirations, THE TEAM providing tailored support that The team’s diversity is its paves the way for their success. strength. Kim Wagner, the head THE SERVICES psychologist, brings invaluable The services are designed insights from her extensive for students who are either research and expertise in child uncertain about their future and adolescent psychology. direction or aspiring to enrol in César Riaño, with his 20+ leading universities. years’ background in HR Each journey with Budzak and talent development, begins with a comprehensive provides unmatched career counselling. Alejandro Paredes, exploration of the student’s interests, abilities, and their university advisor, has ambitions. Initially, a meeting a remarkable track record is conducted with the parent to in educational planning and provide information and gain scholarship acquisition. He is the strategist, ensuring students an additional perspective of the child. The team then performs not only dream big, but also 107 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

aptitude and career suitability testing, combined with oneon-one video sessions. Students are provided with the opportunity to discover the crossroads where their passions and abilities meet. In the ever-evolving environment we live in, they pay special attention to the impact that advancing technology has on career trends and projections. In this process, a strong emphasis is placed on open communication and continuous support. From identifying potential career fields to the nuances of university application processes, their experts provide guidance every step of the way. ›

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guidance, often discovering the pivotal role such counselling plays in their child’s future.”

EXPERT ADVICE

“We don’t just stop at helping students make decisions, we equip them with the skills and knowledge to confidently embark on their chosen paths,” says Sviatoslav. Recognising the dynamic lives of today’s youth, especially within the international community, their online guidance is built to fit seamlessly into their busy schedules.

THE BENEFITS

Students emerge from Budzak’s programmes with more than just a plan for the future. They gain renewed confidence and a zest for the journey ahead. “It’s about lighting that internal spark,”

Sviatoslav reflects, “when a student sees their future not as a question mark but as a period of excitement and exploration.” “Beyond finding the right career or university match, our students often experience a profound uplift in motivation and self-assurance. They’re not just prepared for graduation day but for life,” says the career development expert César. Kim, the head psychologist, concludes: “We take pride in the transformation we witness in our students. Many who enter our programmes unsure and apprehensive, leave with a clear vision, heightened motivation, and a defined path to their passions. Parents, too, find solace and assurance in our 108 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

They believe in empowering both students and their parents with knowledge. Here are a few of their tips for starting the new year on the right foot: » Encourage open communication about career interests and aspirations. » Explore various extracurricular activities to broaden perspectives » Start the university research and application process early. As we step into another year of possibilities, Budzak remains dedicated to guiding each student with precision and empathy. For the families in Marbella and beyond, Budzak is not just a service – it’s a partnership in shaping their children’s futures. To discover more about how Budzak can illuminate the path for your child, visit their website or reach out directly. Your child’s journey to a fulfilling future is just a conversation away. TEL: (+34) 691 789 789. WWW.BUDZAK.ORG

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THE NEW & MARVELOUS

M3 iMAC WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF APPLE

Following a two-year hiatus, in November this year, Apple updated iMac to the brand-new M3 processor, which is set to make a big difference in users’ productivity. If you are an iMac fan, then you may wonder if you should splurge on this new device or stick to your old desktop.. The following specs may sway your decision!

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DESIGN FEATURES

The new iMac M3’s look is largely unchanged from its predecessor, with its displays, speakers, and unibody design being identical to the M1. There are seven colours to choose from, including green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver – all set to personalise and elevate any space. iMac features softer hues and finer borders on the front to allow users to focus on their screen, while the back boasts a bold, saturated colour. Apple has spared no detail when it comes to its quest for perfection. The iMac comes with a new power connector that attaches magnetically and an attractive, woven two-metre-long, colourmatched cable. Another bonus is the weight. The iMac ways only 4.42 kg, so if you change your work setting often, then you won’t have any difficulty moving it around.

Apple recently launched three different chips that unleashed new capabilities for Mac: the M3 M3 Pro, and M3 Max. Rendering speeds are now up to 2.5x faster than those delivered by the M1 family of chips. The CPU performance cores and efficiency cores are 30 per cent and 50 per cent swifter than those in M1, respectively, and the Neural

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The iMac has always been known for its top-of-the-range display, and the M3 doesn’t disappoint in this respect. It sports a 61cm (24 inch), 4.5K Retina display with 11.3 million pixels. Boasting over a billion colours and 500 nits of brightness, images spring to life. The M3’s True Tone technology, meanwhile, automatically adjusts the colour tone as the environment changes for a more true-to-life viewing experience. The display additionally comes with a cutting-edge anti-reflective coating that lends comfort and readability to your viewing experience. Note that the resolution is set at default to 2560 x 1440, but you can amp that up to 4480 x 2520 if you wish. The display can be rotated vertically but not horizontally (which doesn’t matter, since it is so light that you can easily move it to the angle you choose).

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Engine is 60 per cent faster than the one found in the M1 family of chips. The new iMac comes with the standard M3 processor.

A NEW APPEAL FOR GAMERS

iMacs have always been the device of choice for people working in video and photo editing, as well as those undertaking day-to-day tasks, but it has never been big on gaming. All that has changed. Apple is now displaying an interest in connecting with the vibrant gaming community. It has entered into a partnership with Sony to release exclusive games, taking advantage of the new more efficient and powerful processor. The aim is for the device to be a one-stop-shop for work and gaming.

ENHANCED CAMERA, MICS, AND SPEAKERS

iMac contains a 1080p FaceTime HD camera – the best-ever in a Mac – which delivers highquality video and magnificent 111 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

performance in low light. The camera image quality is excellent and noise reduction, dynamic range, auto exposure, and white balance are all on point. The iMac features a studioquality, three-microphone system for crystal-clear calls and voice recordings. The mics are positioned to reduce feedback from the rest of the system, so your audience can hone in on your voice without any distractions. The device also incorporates the best sound system that has been seen in a Mac. It has two pairs of ‘force-cancelling’ woofers positioned side by side for an impressive bass response and reduced unintended vibrations. Each pair is balanced with a highperformance tweeter. The result is a six-speaker sound system that produces a massive sound stage with strong, articulate bass and crystal-clear mids and highs. The iMac can therefore deliver a top cinematic experience. WWW.APPLE.COM

Happy New Year!

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Blackshaw Interior Design’s services are in demand – see an example of their prowess with the sumptuous styling of a garden apartment at Fina Cortesin. Revel in style of a difference with Lola Casademunt’s Ready To Wear Collection, and re-style your four-legged friend with a home spa day.

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116 Sumptuous Styling by Blackshaw Interior Design 126 Design Trends 132 Lola Casademunt RTW 140 True Botanicals 142 New Year Resolutions 146 Spa Days for Cats & Dogs

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LIFESTYLE | DECOR

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THE

BLACKSHAW TOUCH AT FINCA CORTESIN WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

The Blackshaw Interior Design team putting the final touches to the project

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If you’re familiar with the Finca Cortesin resort you will know it stands out for quality, service and attention to detail. It’s why this hotel, with its spa and championship golf course, is rated among the top in its class in Spain and indeed Europe, and what attracts events such as the 2023 Solheim Cup. This sense of perfectionism also extends to the private residences that form part of this country club, and to be instructed to decorate a home there is a feather in any interior designer’s cap. Sally Blackshaw and her team at Blackshaw Interior Design rose to the occasion.

“I

t was an honour and a pleasure for us to be asked to design the interior of this luxurious garden apartment at Finca Cortesin,” says Sally Blackshaw, who founded the highly successful and well-respected interior design studio that bears her name. “In recent years, a great deal of our work has been focused upon renovating or even redeveloping properties, especially villas, on behalf of owners and investors, so it was exciting to work on a furnishing concept for this project.” ›

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Outdoor furniture that looks unique to the home

Sourcing textured wallpaper and standout lamps is part of the detail that makes a home exciting

The location was also very appealing to Sally and her team thanks to its reputation as a truly outstanding resort. “The villas and apartments within the country club follow the same standard of excellence set by the hotel, spa and golf club, so naturally we were very pleased to work on a home here. We’ve had the pleasure of completing projects in many of greater Marbella’s best addresses, but Finca Cortesin adds

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a great deal of lustre to your portfolio,” says Sally. The project in question is a luxurious, spacious ground floor garden apartment with private pool overlooking stunning country and sea views.

CREATIVE FREEDOM “Every designer will tell you that it is appealing to work with a generous budget. Naturally, we also like to prove what we can achieve with fewer resources and show how creative we can be, but a larger scope

provides more to choose from in terms of quality furnishing and fittings and highlights the need for good taste and the ability to design with the right proportion of elements.” Sally has a team of experienced and talented designers, but in this case it was Lina Lauritsen who headed up the project as it suited her skill set ideally. A detailed briefing with the client revealed exactly what she had in mind in terms of her taste, practical requirements, and the lifestyle and ambience she

desired for this property. “Today’s trends are above all about neutral colours – a classic truism in interior design – but in our work we reflect the owner’s personal preferences and create timeless designs, so we opted for soft earthy sand tones and noble materials such as Travertine marble, complemented with shades of olive green inspired by the surrounding scenery,” says Sally. “Form follows function in interior design too, so we had to bear practicality and ease of maintenance

A stylish, comfortable modern home. Mission accomplished

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in mind while creating a comfortable and stylish living environment, both inside and out.” The team chose quality brands of predominantly Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese origin complemented by Blackshaw Interior Design’s own made-to-measure furnishings. “Skilled design work matched by quality craftsmanship are vital for a successful, stand-out project where everything looks amazing and fits beautifully together, and that is one of our core strengths.”›

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Others include the capacity to work within agreed budgets and timelines, even if it can be a stressful job at times. “It’s not just a simple task of decorating but requires the coordination of a good number of technicians and suppliers, and the work is increasingly technical/ technological in nature, so it is evolving.” At Finca Cortesin it has resulted in

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another project that Blackshaw Interior Design is proud to put its name to. “Most importantly, our client was over the moon with the home as it was delivered, complete with a list of optional accessories and details. “The end product, I am proud to say, has caused neighbours at Finca Cortesin to contact us for our services.” ›

Modern style with earthy tones

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LIFESTYLE | DECOR

DOWN TO THE DETAILS The modern concept of turnkey homes involves a property that you can literally begin to use, enjoy and live in the moment you open the front door. It is a very popular option among higher end buyers these days, especially in a second home market such as the Costa del Sol, and as part of this, Sally finishes her homes right down to the smallest details. “Normally the larger pieces are discussed beforehand and therefore known to the client, but adding cups, saucers, and spoons as well as towels and signature fragrances according to their taste and style is an additional detail.” ›

Made-to-measure cabinetry

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A lot of attention goes in to quality fabrics that cosset and catch the eye

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Each bedroom has its own ambience, thanks to engaging tones, textures, and handcrafted details

“SKILLED DESIGN WORK MATCHED BY QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP ARE VITAL FOR A SUCCESSFUL, STAND-OUT PROJECT WHERE EVERYTHING LOOKS AMAZING AND FITS BEAUTIFULLY TOGETHER, AND THAT IS ONE OF OUR CORE STRENGTHS”

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Why not make a room come to life? Knowing how is an art

The property is characterised by stylish, intimate spaces that match its impressive architectural design both indoors and on the panoramic terrace. The furniture is from quality, high-end brands and designed to be beautiful, comfortable, and hard-wearing, accentuated with artwork, decorative items, as well as wallpaper and bespoke cabinetry. “Lighting plays an important role, both in terms of ambient lamps and the flow of natural light, and in that sense we complete the architect’s dance of light and space to offer a home that is just as our clients imagine it to be – though we strive for it to be even better!”

Colour, textures and details make a room stand out

BLACKSHAW INTERIOR DESIGN AVENIDA CANOVAS DEL CASTILLO, 25, MARBELLA. TEL: (+34) 951 403 787. INFO@BLACKSHAW.ES WWW.BLACKSHAW.ES 124 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

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A dark and glamorous version of nature inspired design by Eichholtz

The Harmony of

MODERN

ORGANIC Interiors

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Flowing edges and a rustic touch by Zoco Home

Intricate bouclé texures, by Fendi Casa

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of design, the concept of modern organic interior style has gained prominence as a harmonious blend of nature-inspired elements and contemporary innovation. This design approach seamlessly integrates organic forms, sustainable materials, and cutting-edge technology to create living spaces that are not only visually stunning but also reflect a commitment to modernity and environmental consciousness. WORDS MADDIE QUINN

A FUSION OF NATURE AND INNOVATION Modern organic interior style has evolved from the traditional organic design by incorporating sleek lines, minimalist aesthetics, and innovative materials. While maintaining a strong connection to nature, it embraces the functionality and efficiency demanded by contemporary living.

CLEAN LINES AND MINIMALIST AESTHETICS

Modern organic design is characterised by clean lines and a minimalist approach. The emphasis is on simplicity, with clutter-free spaces that allow organic elements to shine. Furniture and decor often feature irregular, curved shapes and sleek profiles, contributing to a sense of modern sophistication. 127 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

INNOVATIVE MATERIALS Unlike traditional organic design, modern organic interiors often incorporate innovative and sustainable materials. This includes recycled metals, engineered woods, and advanced textiles. These materials not only contribute to a modern aesthetic but also align with eco-friendly principles. ›

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Beautifully balanced athmosphere with modern organic shapes and a strong presence of nature, by Eichholtz

NEUTRAL COLOUR PALETTE A neutral colour palette dominates modern organic interiors inspired by the earth, with whites, grays, and muted tones like soft greens and warm browns, creating a serene and contemporary ambience. These colours provide a versatile backdrop that allows organic elements and textures to take centre stage.

connection to the outdoors. The goal is to create spaces that not only look modern but also promote well-being by incorporating elements from the natural world.

SMART TECHNOLOGY A distinguishing feature of modern organic interior style

is the integration of smart technology. From energyefficient lighting systems to automated climate control, these technological advancements enhance the functionality of the space while maintaining a commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly living. ›

Modern organic design of Virrey Villas by Bijan Laufen, The Art Interior Design

BIOPHILIC INTEGRATION Biophilic design remains a central theme, emphasising the integration of natural elements into the built environment. Large windows, indoor plants, and natureinspired artwork establish a

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Villas SHOWROOM MARBELLA Opening hours

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FURNITURE COLLECTION

Design by Aalto

A V D A . B LV. P R Í N C I P E A L F O N S O D E H O H E N L O H E . U R B . C A R O L I N A P A R K Mon-Fri: 10:00-14:00 16:00-19:00 Sat: upon appointment w w w. a a l t o e x c l u s i v e d e s i g n . c o m

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Bolzano Chaise Longue from BoConcept

Natural shapes with modern finishes, by Eichholtz

LOVING THE WORLD The clean lines and minimalist aesthetics of this style contribute to a timeless elegance that withstands evolving design trends. Maintaining its relevance over time, it proves to be a wise and enduring choice for interior spaces. Modern organic style also prioritises sustainability through the use of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies, which aligns with the growing awareness of the need for sustainable living practices. By combining the principles of modern design with organic elements, modern organic interiors promote a holistic sense of well-being. The balance of form and function, along with the integration of nature, creates spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also conducive to a positive living experience. e

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AMBIENCEHOMEDESIGN.COM By ANDREA BÖCK

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LOLA

CASADEMUNT DISCOVERED BY MADDIE QUINN PHOTOGRAPHY IMAXTREE

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Indulge in the allure of Lola Casademunt's current Readyto-Wear collection, featuring a contemporary and cosmopolitan aesthetic that draws inspiration from the essence of the Mediterranean lifestyle. What better way to kick off the new year than with the lively colours and playful patterns presented here? Trendy and accessible, treat yourself by adding at least one of these extravagant pieces to your wardrobe. 133 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

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LOLA CASADEMUNT www.lolacasademunt.com

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LIFESTYLE | BEAUTY

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TRUE

BOTANICALS

CLEAN, CLINICALLY PROVEN SKINCARE 1

3 2

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When it comes to skincare, the zeitgeist has been captured by clean, clinicallybased products that use powerful naturally derived ingredients instead of a slew of ‘feel-good’ chemicals that hinder rather than help. Within the industry, True Botanicals stands out in five main areas: high-quality ingredients, clean formulations, clinically proven results, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

4 – VITAMIN C BOOSTER A powerful ally for putting an end to dark spots and skin uneveness. 5 – SUPERSEA FIRMING & LIFTING TREATMENT A potent blend that lifts, firms, and tightens skin.

2 – GINGER TURMERIC CLEANING BALM A refreshing face cleanser that ‘melts away’ makeup. Ideal for sensitive skin.

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3 – CHEBULA ACTIVE SERUM A clinically proven antiageing solution that fights wrinkles and fine lines.

6 – PHYTO-RETINOL VITAMIN A BOOSTER Vegan phyto-retinol capsules that target skin ageing and wrinkles.

1 – RESURRECTION RADIANCE EYE CREAM Rich in bioactive moisture retention components, this cream can help you achieve brighter, more resilient skin around the eyes.

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he founders of True Botanicals believe that your skin is intrinsically connected to your mind, body and the environment. As such, all products contain pure, functional plant actives that support the skin’s microbiome and fulfil its needs. Two showstopper ingredients are chebula (one of the most bioactive, cascading antioxidants found in nature) and low- and high-weighted hyaluronic acid (which deliver a plumping and hydrating effect, respectively). Applying these products is a sensorial, aromatherapeutic experience that makes your skin routine the ultimate act of self-care. Here are just a few of the brand’s most highly praised products.

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LIFESTYLE | HEALTH

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NEW YEAR

NEW YOU!

With the new year approaching most of us start with grand resolutions and plans of change for the upcoming year.

hese are often routine goals that we pass from year to year and at the end of the year they are left unfulfilled, and we have even forgotten what we set out to achieve.

Setting yourself some goals or resolutions is important to bring about positive change in your life. It is also meaningful to take time to reflect on what is making you happy or adding value to your life which can enhance 142 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

your long-term contentment. It is necessary to be realistic about what you want to achieve and that you have the capacity to commit and follow up on your plans. To start with you need to focus on your overall goals,

the bigger picture; then once you have identified the larger objectives you should set specific and definite targets. The overview can include becoming healthier, removing negativity within interpersonal relationships, becoming happier in the workplace, and achieving financial independence. From these, you can filter down to a few different points that are pivotal to achieving these greater objectives. If your goal is focused on improving specific relationships with a partner or reviewing friendships that are draining, then you need

to investigate what specifically is causing you annoyance or pain. We spend so much time and energy on our personal relationships so we should feel good about them! If working on a partnership is important to you then you need to align your goals with your partner so they can also achieve them alongside you. Talking to each other will benefit both your relationship and your feelings towards each other. This way you do not suffer in silence and you positively set out to make things better. For example, if you feel that you need to improve on the way in which you are communicating, then you make ‘Achieve Better Communication with my Partner’ the objective and then generate different ideas on how this can be accomplished. It may be something straightforward such as switching off the television or keeping telephones away from the dinner table, and both can agree to sit down together at that time and chat about the day, or to go to bed at the same time to feel better connected. Our friends can come from all walks of life and giving understanding to someone’s situation is important. ›

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However some friendships take more energy and effort than others. A friendship should give us a feeling of support, comfort when needed, or just to have the knowledge that if you required someone to be there in a time of need you could count on them. If you have friends who give you these positive emotions then you are better off spending your time and energy enhancing these friendships than on ones that drain you. There must be give and take in all relationships, but someone who does not respect your time, only calls when they need something but doesn’t care to ask how you are, or who makes you feel inferior is a friend who you could interact with less often. The most common new year resolutions are to quit smoking or to join a gym, especially after a festive

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season of indulgence. These fall under the larger objective of ‘Improving Health’. These intentions require careful planning as, without perseverance, they can remain ongoing on our lists year after year. If joining a gym is a goal, then your organisation needs to be specific and include which days and times you can go. If you have made this resolution numerous times, ask yourself: do you need a personal trainer to start you off and help you set up? Also, is this objective a result of a desire to lose weight? Then you need to also look at your diet and general day-to-day routines that could also assist with this and make very specific preparations to achieve it. Once the plans are set put them in your calendar with daily reminders. You could also have a friend or partner

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check in on you, as having someone taking an interest in your goals also makes it easier for you to realise them. New Year’s goals are for YOU! This New Year make some resolutions that are going to enhance your wellbeing and surround yourself with people who make you feel better about yourself. It is not selfish to find ways to become the happiest version you can be of yourself. Keep committed and be dedicated and you can achieve all you set out to do. Happy New Year! TANYAVEGAR_WRITING TANYA_VEGAR@HOTMAIL.COM

WORDS TANYA VEGAR (ARTICLE DEDICATED TO MY MOTHER)

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LIFESTYLE | PETS

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TREAT YOUR PET TO A LUXURY SPA EXPERIENCE AT HOME! When the time comes around for your dog or cat to get a trim, chances are, you turn to one of Marbella’s many excellent grooming services to ensure your pet looks on point. However, if you are a TikTok or Instagram user, then you have probably seen a host of wonderful home spa routines that pet lovers from across the globe indulge their pets with regularly. What makes these routines so entertaining is not only how cute these pets are, but also the enthusiasm with which they look forward to them. They say that once you live in the lap of luxury, it’s very hard to go back. You can make pampering a regular gift to your pet by following this easy spa routine. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

A BATH WITH A DIFFERENCE

Vets recommend that you should bathe a cat every four to six weeks and a dog every one to three months. Doing so can minimise odour and oil buildup, and (in the case of pets with abundant fur and an undercoat) avoid matting. To turn bath time into a spa-like experience for both of you, choose the right gear. We recommend the following items: DE-SHEDDING SHAMPOO. Use a

dedicated de-shedding shampoo to reduce shedding in your home. Shampoos such as Fluff Off! by YouTube influencer and pet groomer, Girl With The Dogs

(with a 2.54M following) is an ideal choice because it contains no additives and is formulated with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and Vitamin E to strengthen your pet’s hair and soothe dry skin. A SHAMPOO DISPENSING NOZZLE. You simply attach

this nozzle to a standard shower and it will shoot out foamy soap, which makes it much easier to extend the product throughout your pet’s body. Just pour your pet shampoo into the dedicated bottle and adjust the amount of foam with the rotary switch.

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HOMERUNPET DRYBO PLUS AUTOMATIC DRYER FOR PETS BY HOMERUNPET

DRYING TIME Next up, use a standard hair dryer to make sure your fourpawed friend is completely dry. There are a few nifty gadgets you can choose to glamourise this step a bit, For instance, you can use a specialised grooming dryer, a dog hair dryer blog bag, or a 360 drying crate for dogs and cats, which is super silent and which ensures that not a hair on your pup or kitty’s fur remains wet. If you use a hair dryer, reduce the sound your pet is exposed to by fitting them with a Happy Hoodie (which goes over their ears).

BRUSHING YOUR PET

This is arguably the most challenging part of the spa grooming treatment for longhaired pets. For completely tangle-free fur, choose the right brush. For dogs like Labradors and Poodles, whose fur can tangle, use a fluff detangler (also known as a ‘slicker brush’). For dogs and cats with thick undercoats, select a quality undercoat rake, which will eliminate tangles, knots, dander, and trapped dirt.

TRIMMING TIME

It’s now time to trim those nails with a pet clipper or a Dremel-type nail trimming tool for pets. If your pet has long fur on its paws, use a pet clipper to trim this area;

it will stop dirt and hard items from getting caught between their fur and skin and keep their pads nice and dry.

FINISHING TOUCHES

Now it’s time to go all the way with the most entertaining part of the pet spa experience – applying fragrance! Use natural pet colognes that neutralise strong odours without containing chemicals that can harm your pet’s skin. To add a little shine to your pet’s fur, use 100 per cent organic coconut oil for pets. Simply take a small dollop in one hand, rub your hands together, and gently stroke your pet’s fur. You may not have time every day for a long spa session, but you can keep up the good work 147 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

every day by cleaning under your pet’s eyes with a natural pet tear cleaner. You can use a pet soft brush eye cleaner, made to remove knots in the eye area. You can also use an electric pet nail file or a regular file to trim your pet’s nails every two or three days, so the quick doesn’t grow long. Don’t forget to brush your pet’s teeth daily with a recommended toothbrush and toothpaste for pets. Finally, you can use a USB-charged paw cleaner every time your pets return home after a walk. This cleaning device contains a blend of soap and water that eliminates germs. e WWW.AMAZON.ES

Enlighten yourself on the digital nomad visa – who is entitled to apply for one and under what circumstances? With an ever-increasing global population, learn about the design revelation of small properties and the innovations taking place within them. Catch up with local business news and events.

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150 Small Houses 158 Business News 168 The Digital Nomad Visa 170 The Vibe

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ENTERPRISE | ARCHITECTURE

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LIVING IN A

SMALL WORLD WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF RUUM TINY HOUSES AND UNEMORI ARCHITECTS

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The world is big, but it is overpopulated. There are already more than eight billion people on the planet, three billion more than in 1990, and every year about 80 million (the population of Germany) are added. Every year! Add to this the fact that annually millions move to the world’s major cities and you get the picture of overcrowded urban areas where land is at a premium. For this reason, people have been working on small house solutions for some time now, but space pressures are making it more urgent than ever, and modern technology is facilitating a new revolution in tiny house development. The results are surprisingly fun and functional.

ot surprisingly, it is in Japan’s overcrowded cities that the micro house has been in development for several decades. This is especially true of Tokyo, which with 40 million inhabitants is the most populous and one of the most densely developed cities in the world. Here, a square metre can cost over €50.000 and only the wealthy few have access to space. The bulk of the population has long since become accustomed to tiny apartments where everything from cooking to sleeping, bathrooms and lounges are crammed into micro areas. In fact, it is quite usual for a lounge to double up as a bedroom, and the Japanese have become masters at space-saving innovations that turn a sofa into a dining room table and back into a bed within a matter of minutes.

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Naturally, such mini homes have to be tidy and minimalist, devoid of the kind of clutter of decoration, furniture, and accumulated possessions that are common in the west. Some might feel that this is a heartless way of living devoid of personality in which you merely occupy a sterile shelter that is not a real home, but with cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Chongqing, Mumbai, Delhi, Dhaka, Manila, Cairo, Istanbul, Sâo Paulo, Mexico City and New York having populations between 20 and 40 million, and a multitude around the world measuring between five and 20 million, there has to be a solution to the space issue – and tiny cubicle homes not unlike a high rise honeycomb appear to be the only answer. Along with global warming, pollution, degradation of the environment, and lack of privacy, these are the prices we pay for overpopulation and overconsumption. ›

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SMALL HOMES OF THE FUTURE

But not all small homes are by definition high rise structures situated in sprawling urban jungles. They are also increasingly a viable solution in smaller cities and towns where land is equally scarce and property prices have soared, driven up further by strong demand and a speculative market where large-scale landlords, cash rich funds, and Airbnb holiday accommodation add ever more competition for those simply looking

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for a house in which to live. This process is pushing home ownership out of the reach of most younger people, even those with jobs and high levels of education. For them, who are fast becoming the majority, very small and cheap houses appear to be the main alternative to a life otherwise limited to renting homes and rooms. A small home is technically qualified as having a footprint space of no more than 37m2 – essentially the size of a large room or medium-

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No wastage of space

sized open plan studio where kitchen, bathroom, lounge and bedroom all but merge into one. Until now, such properties lacked privacy, limited functionality, and were not really suited to anything more than single adult or couple living. In other words, they were not created for family life. New designs, materials and technologies are gathering pace due to space and cost-saving needs, and also form part of a re-evaluation of life priorities as part of which more and more people are deciding to reduce costs, consume less, and focus more on quality of life, rather than standard of living. In choosing to reduce the pressure to earn large incomes, they may also go back to owning one car or give up vehicles of this kind altogether, and the small house trend is a movement that counters the tendency over the past decades for properties to become increasingly large – expanding from an average of 165m2 in the USA in 1975 to almost 250m2 by 2010. ›

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PRACTICAL NEED AND LIFE PHILOSOPHY

Of course, small homes are nothing new. They were the initial shelters people built and continue to be the main type of house found around the world, from traditional huts to shantytown shacks, but now also have increasing traction within developed countries too. Simplicity, rather than ostentation, are the building blocks of this new movement, as espoused by specialist designers such as Ruum and Unemori Architects, sustainable home creators from Estonia and

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also capable of moving and adjusting entire walls, so as to adapt the configuration of the property to your needs – at different times. Such Japan respectively. In North advances can be installed in Split levels optimise functionality and look architecturally America, as well as Europe, tiny cottages, caravan houses sleek © Kai Nakamura such micro homes tend to be (some of which are mobile) made of wood and look like and apartments, as well as a standing caravan or cabin, in small floating homes – all whereas in Japan’s cities they designed to offer functional are more akin to modular living while saving space/land, honeycomb units stacked consumption, and cost. The upon one another to form a same is true of the materials high rise apartment block. used, which can range from In both cases, clever compressed paper and design and revolutionary cardboard to wood, recycled technologies are creating rubble and stone, synthetic new functionalities that not materials, and even earth only move beds into the packed used car or truck wall or convert them into tyres. Construction is most sofas or dining areas at the typically prefabricated and touch of a button, but are assembled on the spot. 154 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

Small but cosy, and private

Every metre is optimally used

Other space-saving innovations include cupboard storage under stairs, sliding doors that reveal compact bathrooms or bedrooms, stacked beds that slide into the wall when not used, TVs and tables that swivel round for greater flexibility, and kitchen appliances that disappear into covered wall spaces, as well as articulated closets that fold into corner spaces for optimal usage of areas that are usually wasted. Some micro homes also make use of skylights and fold down side panels that can be let down to form a terrace or lifted up to create a shaded ‘covered’ space. Mezzanine structures add further utility for storage or even bed space, while every bench or bed is of course also used for storage. With clever design, a table can fold down into the floor to create a play zone for kids or the space upon which to roll out a futon for sleeping. › 155 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

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Open a side panel and you let the outdoors in, complete with simple fold-out bistro sets and loungers. Even stairs themselves lift up to reveal storage space, and tapas tables roll out of walls and are fixed to a steel pole that you pull down from the ceiling. Articulated, foldable furniture units form the basis for much of the space-saving functionality, but so do structures set upon rails that allow you to either manually or automatically recess items into walls, floors or ceilings, or swivel them around to turn a lounge into a work area or dining room. A bed that lifts up to disappear into the wall is well-known, but what about

ENTERPRISE | ARCHITECTURE

one that reveals a readymade sofa underneath, complete with shelves behind it, or one that doubles as a table? Modern cabins of this kind are built on pillars to provide more storage as well as machine rooms and cooling equipment underneath. The system of fold-out surfaces, mezzanine spaces, and swivel walls and cupboards creates almost endless possibilities for creative ideas – much more when you don’t even have to use muscle power to transform your home spaces but simply press a button to slide a tv screen out of the ceiling or roll your workstation out of the wall. It’s all there, ready for when

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you need it, and instead of existing in successive rooms, disappears out of sight into hollow wall spaces when you don’t need it. Using precious space in this way, it is possible to give a 40m2 dwelling the functionality and liveability of a standard two-bedroom apartment of at least twice that size. For cash-strapped urban dwellers as well as those who yearn for a simpler life closer to nature, this is the beginning of a new way of looking at home design and modern lifestyles that may just become a mainstream reality within the coming decades. WWW.RUUMTINYHOUSES.COM WWW.UNEMORI-ARCHI.COM

From holiday bungalow to permanent home – the modern Ruum cottage

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business news COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

LPA Presents Market Study Days Over 600 professionals attended an analysis of the real estate sector in Marbella during the Leading Property Agents of Spain’s (LPA’s) Market Study Days conference. Research indicates that Marbella remains competitive, occupying the ninth spot in Spain and the 16th in the world with respect to the price of housing per square metre. A series of discussion panels addressed crucial issues, including the need to regulate activity, establish a code of ethics, work toward transparency, and defend the rights of the final consumer. Experts also noted that the growing demand for housing and current market dynamics require strong support from public agencies in terms of connectivity, transport, and services. WWW.LPASPAIN.COM

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The Estepona, Duquesa, and Marina del Este Ports Implement Sustainable Solutions D-Marin, a leading selection of 23 marinas in Greece, Turkey, the UAE, Italy, Malta, and many more countries, is proud to announce that it has adopted environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) criteria to prioritise sustainability in its three recently acquired marinas (Marina Estepona, Marina Duquesa, and Marina del Este), in partnership with Marinas del Mediterráneo. The organisation has created comprehensive plans to enhance sustainable development on the Coast by investing in the installation of solar panels. It is also setting up pumping stations to safely collect and manage waste, containers for used oil collection, recycling initiatives, treatment systems to remove suspended particles and heavy metals from water, and more. WWW.D-MARIN.COM

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Carmen Navarrete Wins National Young Entrepreneur Award 2023 The Agency Launches Office in Marbella Global real estate brokerage, The Agency, has announced the launch of its first office in Marbella. The new locale, which will be known as The Agency Marbella, is the firm’s second office in Spain following The Agency Mallorca, which opened in February 2023. The Marbella office joins the brokerage’s growing network of offices in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe. The office will be led by Kristoffer ‘Kris’ Enger and Leif Orthmann, who will serve as Managing Partners, as well as Benjamin Beza, as Sales Director. “We're thrilled to partner with Kris Enger, Leif Orthmann and Benjamin Beza on the launch of The Agency Marbella as we continue to grow our presence throughout Europe,” said Mauricio Umansky, CEO and Founder of The Agency. “Their local expertise, passion, and dedication align seamlessly with The Agency's commitment to excellence, and we look forward to witnessing all their success as we introduce our brand to this incredible location.”

Carmen Navarrete of Grupo Mosh has won the Hospitality Category of the National Young Entrepreneur Award 2023, held by the Spanish Confederation of Young Entrepreneurs Associations (CEAJE). For over three decades, CEAJE has made a great effort to highlight and give visibility to the finest exponents of entrepreneurial success among Spanish and Ibero-American youths. The President of CEAJE, Fermín Albadalejo, spoke of “the importance of creating strong, competitive companies that contribute to fortifying Spain's economic fabric through the renewed, innovative vision that only our youth can provide.” WWW.CEAJE.ES

WWW.THEAGENCYRE.COM 160 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

Restaurante Casino Marbella an Epicentre of Social Encounters Restaurante Casino Marbella is now a meeting point par excellence for those seeking an unforgettable adventure. With its focus on the thrill of gaming and its exquisite gastronomic offering, it is the perfect place to meet and greet and enjoy a wonderful meal. The restaurant, headed by renowned chef, Agustín Román, offers a wide variety of dishes, as well as original cocktails created by professional bartenders who showcase the art of live mixology. On the cocktail list are combinations like the famous Cosmopolitan and newer creations like the Martini Porn Star. WWW.CASINOMARBELLA.COM

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IDILIQ Foundation Donates €12.000 to the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) The IDILIQ Group recently launched its yearly campaign to support the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC). This initiative culminated with the presentation of a cheque for €12.000 to the AECC Malaga, Fuengirola, and Mijas branches. An emotional meeting was attended by representatives of the entity, as well as authorities from Malaga, Mijas and Fuengirola. The donation was made possible by a series of fundraising activities carried out in October, such as the sale of pink IDILQ Foundation T-shirts and AECC ribbons and bracelets, charity breakfasts and lunches, Zumba classes, and raffles. WWW.FUNDACIONIDILIQ.COM

GMM Asesores Celebrates 50th Anniversary GMM Asesores recently celebrated its 50th anniversary at the corporate headquarters of Cajamar in Málaga. The team paid tribute to its founder, renowned economist, Juan José García Mendoza, as well as to the clients who have helped transform the firm into one of the leading specialists in tax and economic matters. Guests enjoyed various talks, including one by dynamic speaker, Nacho Gutiérrez, who discussed high performance in the business world, comparing the latter to the world of sports. Funds raised from the event went to the Olivares Foundation, which works to battle cancer in children. WWW.GMMASESORES.COM

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Rhythm & Motion Treatments Redefine the Spa Experience at Hard Rock Hotel Marbella Hard Rock Hotel Marbella presents its exclusive Rock Spa, a sanctuary of serenity and revitalisation designed to pamper, soothe, and recharge the soul. With world-class facilities and carefully designed treatments, it is an ideal escape for those seeking a complete wellness experience. More than just a spa, Rock Spa blends the essence of rock with indulgent spa practices. Through the immersive experience of the Synchronicity massage or the refreshing Face the Music treatment, this oasis of calm fuses the vibration of sound with quality organic ingredients. WWW.HARDROCKHOTELS.COM

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Soles de Málaga Announces its 2024 Beneficiaries Soles de Málaga is a social movement comprising the community of Malaga, companies, and public entities. Founded by The El Pimpi Foundation, its aim is to help the most vulnerable individuals in the city. Recently, the group announced the names of the 11 NGOs that will be benefiting from its aid this year. The La Caixa Foundation presented a check for €50.000 in advance for various projects related to senior citizens. Just a few of the many beneficiaries are Cudeca, Fundación Harena, and Asimas. WWW.SOLESDEMALAGA.ORG

Isabel García Bardón Receives Special Editor’s Prize at Tourinews Awards 2023 The President of Honour of Fuerte Group Hotels, Isabél García Bardón, has received the ‘Special Editor’s Prize at the 2023 Tourinews Awards. This new prize was launched this year and the winner was directly chosen by Tourinews’ editor, Ignacio Moll. García Bardón was a fitting recipient for the first edition of the prize, explained Moll, owing to “her impeccable and philanthropic management of this family business.” García Bardón meanwhile, highlighted the importance of giving back and trying to make the world a better place. WWW.FUERTEHOTELES.COM 164 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

Quirónsalud Málaga Wins Management Award The Quirónsalud Málaga Hospital has won the New Medical Economics Award 2023 for Best-Managed Private Hospital in Spain. Fátima Matute, the Health Councillor of the Community of Madrid, presented the award to the Managing Director of Quirónsalud Málaga,

To más Urda, who has been leading the management team for the past eight years. The ceremony, held at the Auditorium of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos in Madrid, was attended by authorities and professionals from the administration and health sector. WWW.QUIRONSALUD.COM

United Nationalities of Marbella Summit a Resounding Success The United Nationalities of Marbella Summit took place over a festive lunch at The Harbour Bar & Restaurant. Organised by Nicole King, the event sought to answer the question: ‘Do our children feel at home in Marbella?’. Attendees focused on important topics such as personalised support for youths (including education and internships), a Happy Helpline (for suicide prevention), and an AI platform that empowers young people, giving them control over their choices and improving their overall well-being.

| WWW.UNITED-MARBELLA.COM

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Over 1,500 Patients Operated On by Surgical Robots at Vithas Hospitals Over 1,500 urological patients have been successfully treated by six Da Vinci surgical robots at Vithas hospitals. This technology is one of the most sophisticated available today for treating prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men in Spain. Currently, six hospitals within the group have the Da Vinci robot: Vithas Vigo, Vithas Sevilla, Vithas Xanit Internacional, Vithas Valencia 9 de Octubre, Vithas Lleida, and Universitario Vithas Madrid Arturo Soria. Robotic surgery plays a fundamental role in treating prostate and bladder cancer, as well as some kidney issues. WWW.VITHAS.ES

Bouret Weight Loss Clinic Opens in Málaga Bouret Clinic has opened in Málaga, offering a revolutionary way to lose weight without going under the knife. Dr. Angélica Bouret is well-known in Valencia, where she has been practising a technique called ‘hydro lipolaser’’ for various years. This procedure can eliminate up to three litres of fat during a two-hour treatment. There is no downtime involved and patients can return to their normal lives immediately. Bouret Clinic has branches in Valencia, Madrid, and Málaga. WWW.BOURETCLINIC.COM

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ENTERPRISE | FINANCE

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DIGITAL NOMAD VISA CAN YOU APPLY AND WHAT ARE THE TAX BENEFITS?

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is a residence option for non-EU nationals who can work remotely and have not lived in Spain for the previous five years. It may also provide tax benefits. WORDS CHRIS MCCANN, SENIOR PARTNER, BLEVINS FRANKS

ince the UK left the EU, taking up residence in Spain requires more advance planning, paperwork, and patience than before. That said, retirees with sufficient income are generally still able to obtain residence permits. It is, however, harder for UK nationals to obtain a work visa in Spain, so the introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) was very welcome. While the DNV doesn’t help individuals wanting to work for a Spanish company, it is an opportunity for people who have the freedom to work online and meet the

work requirements. Besides younger digital nomads who enjoy moving from country to country, this visa may also enable you to move to Spain a few years before retirement if your employment allows you to work remotely. And besides all the lifestyle benefits that come from living in Spain, having a DNV can provide interesting tax advantages.

WORK REQUIREMENTS

There are, however, some restrictions on who can obtain a Digital Nomad Visa. Besides being able to prove you can fulfil your work duties with just a laptop, phone, and 168 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

internet connection, you must have a suitable qualification or three years' work experience. You can work in any type of business, in many roles, and be employed, self-employed, or an entrepreneur. If you are employed, the company you work for must be outside of Spain and established for at least one year. If self-employed, your contracts must have been agreed at least three months prior. Entrepreneurs intending to initiate, develop, or direct an economic activity need confirmation from ENISA (Spain's funding agency for startups and SMEs).

TAX BENEFITS

Having a Digital Nomad Visa can provide tax advantages. Provided you are employed or

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As with Spain’s other residence visas, you need to prove a minimum level of income – €30.240 for individuals and €41.580 for couples (in 2023). It can be a combination of earnings, investment income, and savings. You must have qualifying medical health insurance and a recent authorised medical record check, plus supply UK and Spanish criminal record checks no more than 90 days old. Various other paperwork will be submitted with your application, such as proof of residence, passport, birth and marriage certificates, etc. If you already legally reside in Spain, you can apply locally and receive a three-year Digital Nomad Residency Permit (DNRP). This can later be renewed for three years. UK residents apply via the Spanish Consulate in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh and receive a 12-month Digital Nomad Visa. On expiry you can apply for a two-year DNRP. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency.

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APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

an entrepreneur you can apply to be taxed under the more beneficial special inpatriate tax regime (commonly known as the 'Beckham regime'). It is not available to self-employed people. Once you have this status, income up to €600.000 will be taxed at a preferential rate of 24%. Any excess is taxed at 47% (normally applied on income half this amount). If you dispose of assets outside of Spain, including company shares, you will not have to pay Spanish capital gains tax. You will also not be liable to Spanish Wealth Tax on non-Spanish assets during the period. Provided you remain non-UK resident (as determined by the Statutory Residence Test) you will not have to pay UK tax on your earnings either. Note that these tax benefits are not automatic; once you have your DNV you need to apply for this inpatriate regime. The tax benefits can then be extended to cover your 169 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

spouse, provided they meet the conditions. As always, you should get personalised advice to establish how these relatively new rules apply to your circumstances. Contact an immigration specialist to learn more about the Digital Nomad Visa. For the tax elements, it is recommended that you speak to a cross-border wealth management specialist, so they can confirm what tax would be due in Spain and the UK and how to take full advantage of the rules in both countries. The tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual should take personalised advice. WWW.BLEVINSFRANKS.COM

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FMR BRANDS PRESENTS COOL DRINKS

FMR Brands chose the exclusive Villa El Martinete in Puerto Banús to present its new line of ‘Ready to Drink’ RTD2 cocktails and the award-winning kombucha with alcohol SAVG Lyf. More than 400 attendees enjoyed the innovative drinks while touring the luxury villa which features an emblematic swimming pool with an artwork signed by Pablo Picasso. WWW.FMR-BRANDS.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

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LEADING PROPERTY AGENTS CONFERENCE

L A large contingent of

representatives from the property industry attended the analysis of the real estate sector in Marbella during the Market Study day organised by the LPA. The event, which was chaired by José Carlos León, President of LPA, took place in Marbella’s Palacio de Congresos and featured the involvement of keynote delegates in the round table discussions. WWW.LPASPAIN.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

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ENTERPRISE | SOCIAL

RH PRIVÉ PRESENTS MIJAS SEAVIEWS

With more than 30 years experience in creating sustainable homes, RH Privé recently presented its latest project, Mijas Seaviews, comprising 50 homes with sweeping vistas across the Coast and over the Mediterranean. The launch was attended by Guillermo Rodríguez, CEO of RH Privé, Ana Mata, Mayor of Mijas, and Theresa Zabell, Ambassador of RH Privé. RESERVADELHIGUERONPRIVE.COM/ EN/RH-PRIVE-EN/ PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

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COLLECTIVE CALLING COLLECTIVE CALLING

Collective Calling charity hosted a glamorous Christmas Gala themed ‘007 - Licence to Give,’ at the fabulous venue, Barbillón Marbella. The night, sponsored by SVOY, Le Petit Jardin, BRIGHT, Tenant Evaluation, Sunstars, Baycrest Wealth, and Gomez y Molina, showcased the community’s generosity and corporate social responsibility. Attendees enjoyed live entertainment by The Vintage Experience, culinary delights, charity casino tables and a raffle & auction. WWW.COLLECTIVECALLING.ORG

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Get your appetite stoked and your mouth watering with seriously enticing street foods that are trending. Become acquainted with multi-michelin chef, Paco Pérez, who is curating the cuisine at Edge located on the rooftop of the new El Fuerte Marbella, and consider the relative merits of Champagne vs Cava.

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176 Top Street Food Trends 184 Paco Pérez of Edge Marbella 188 Gourmet Bytes 192 Champagne vs Cava

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GORUMET | STREET FOOD

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TOP

STREET FOOD

AND MARKET TRENDS For those with a sense of culinary adventure, one of the most exciting things about travelling to big cities like London, New York, or Paris is trying the hottest street food and market trends. London alone is home to over 160 markets, including traditional, takeaway, and specialist food establishments. If you happen to be in London and you’re centrally located, must-visit venues include Seven Dials Market, Borough Market, and The Real Food Market Kings Cross. While you’re there, try out these new street food trends while they’re hot! WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

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2 3 1 - SUSHI DOUGHNUTS

This hot food craze is currently taking over New York but it won’t be long before it will be holding sway in European cities as well. The ‘doughnuts’ are essentially variations of your favourite sushi dishes, served in an attractive circular shape. They feature ingredients such as salmon, avocado, tuna, egg, and cucumber.

2 - SOUTHERN INDIAN FOOD

Food from Mumbai is all the rage in London at the moment, and your go-to place is Curry On Naanstop at the Seven Dials Market. At this spice-laden haven, you can expect to find treats like jini dosa (a super-fine, crisp ‘pancake’ filled with vegetables and melted cheese) and vada pav (a Maharashtra-born vegan dish comprising a deep-fried potato dumpling placed inside a soft bread bun).

3 - JAMAICAN EMPANADAS

Jamaican empanadas are an ideal food to enjoy alongside a cold beer, as they are flaky, juicy, and packed with rich spices. They are typically filled with beef, though markets often serve chicken and pork varieties as well. The empanadas are made of a shortcrust-style pastry with added spices such as cumin, curry, and cayenne. Some cater to diners with a

penchant for hot foods with ingredients such as Scotch bonnet pepper. Empanadas are often served with coconut bread, which is made with coconut milk.

4 - CHEESE CONVEYOR BELTS

One of the hottest gourmet foods to tuck into this year is gourmet cheese. In London, The Cheese Bar has created the world’s first cheese conveyor belt, featuring 40m of rotating cheese pairings. Two establishments where you can try this concept are Pick & Cheese at the Seven Dials Market and The Cheese Bar at the Camden Stables Market. They champion British cheese and prepare all dishes with locally sourced ingredients and at least one British cheese. ›

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5 - BAO BUNS

Baos are warm, fluffy buns made of a slightly sweet white dough. Open baos, also known as gua baos, are a staple at food markets. You can choose from a host of fillings, including pulled pork, fish, beef, glazed mushrooms pickled vegetables and even chocolate. For a taste of this treat at its finest, try Yum Bun at the Spitalfields and Seven Dials Markets. This company uses seasonal produce for ingredients such as plum punch in October and sprout slaw in December. Their creations are inspired by Japanese izakaya-style cooking.

6 - WHEELCAKES

Wheelcakes are soft, moist, fluffy Taiwanese pancakes with creamy fillings in a wide array of flavours – including azuki bean, chocolate, matcha, and vanilla custard. They smell like pancakes, look like a thick, biscuit and taste like heaven. You can try this dessert at Wheelcake Island, located at two London markets: Spitalfields and Seven Dials, as well as at the Westfield London Shopping Centre. › 178 | JANUARY 2024 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

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7 - KOREAN CORN DOGS

If you’re into mukbangs, then you’ve undoubtedly seen your favourite influencers tuck into a food with one of the best ‘cheese pulls’ in the world: Korean corn dogs! This hot comfort snack comes in an impressive range of varieties, including squid, plain cheese, and wrapped in French fry cubes.

8 - TTEOKBOKKI

NBC News recently described tteokbokki – the famous Korean pillowy rice cakes doused in a sticky red pepper sauce – as one of the hottest trends on the current street food scene. There are a variety of cakes to choose from, as they are made with different ingredients (including sweet potato and corn). You can also select from a host of sauces, ranging from traditional piquant varieties to fusioninspired sauces like carbonara.

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10 10 - DANGO

Dango are chewy, sweet, flavoured rice balls that come in different variations – including plain, matcha, and strawberry, coated in a sweet soy glaze. Served on a stick, they are easy to carry around and are a light way to end a meal, alongside a cup of hot green tea. Unlike mochi, which is made by steaming glutinous rice, dango is made with rice flour.

9 - EASTERN EUROPEAN STAPLES

The 2024 Food & Drink Trends report by Bidfood UK indicates that one of the hottest trends of the year will be Eastern European dishes like goulash, paprikash, bigos, meatballs, and dumplings. In particular, look out for ingredients like smoked sausage and meat.

11 - TRUFFLE BURGER

If you’re a burger fan then you’ve probably seen a host of gourmet burger establishments pop up along the Coast. If you’re in the mood for something extra special, splurge on a truffle burger. The warm umami aroma and grilled beef make for a unique flavour extravaganza that pleases the palate, every time. ›

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GORUMET | STREET FOOD

12 - ZUNDA MOCHI

This tempting mouthful comprises mochi covered in sweetened, mashed edamame. The dish originated in Sendai, in the region of Tohoku. The edamame topping is made by boiling this green superfood, then shelling and blending it alongside soy milk and sugar.

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kakigori and bingsu flavours include strawberry, cherry, lemon, green tea, grape, and melon, though many shops provide a blend of syrups and their very own flavour concoctions.

14 - TAKOYAKI

A must for seafood lovers, this dish is made up of tiny,

13 - KAKIGORI

A gorgeous Japanese shaved ice dessert with a myriad of toppings. If you are into this cool dessert, you might also enjoy bingsu – a similar dish made with milk to lend it a creamier texture. Popular

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piping hot balls of batter filled with octopus, tempura bits, ginger, and green onion. Both crisp and gooey, it is often described as fresh, sweet, and sour all at once. Takoyaki balls typically come with skewers so you can easily pick them up and taste their steamy goodness. e

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GOURMET | CHEFS

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CHEF

PACO PÉREZ LAUNCHES

EDGE

AT EL FUERTE MARBELLA

If you’ve ever been to the stunning rooftop terrace of one of Marbella’s most iconic hotels – El Fuerte – then you know that it boasts one of the most magnificent views of the Mediterranean in Marbella. Indeed, few spots manage to capture what makes our city so special as well as this unique emblem, which sits between the wondrous Old Town and the sea. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF EL FUERTE

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he Coast is famed for its beach life and majestic mountain ranges, but also for the things that make life magical – luxury hotels, stunning yachts, and impressive cuisine. It is only fitting that El Fuerte should be the spot to inaugurate Edge – the new rooftop restaurant whose culinary offerings were created by Paco Pérez. This chef has achieved a total of four Michelin stars – two stars each for his restaurants: Miramar (in Girona) and Enoteca Paco Pérez (in Barcelona). As busy as his own establishments keep him, Pérez also serves as an advisor to top restaurants wishing to achieve a little of the sparkle his cuisine is famed for. When he was approached by Fuerte Group Hotels, he didn’t hesitate to accept. He tells me that the friendly, family-run group quickly won him over, with their openness to his many ideas and interest in transforming this rooftop getaway into one of Marbella’s hottest restaurants. Edge is a new concept to the local

gastronomic scene, located on the rooftop terrace of the 5* Hotel El Fuerte, which reopened its doors last summer following a €31M refurbishment programme. It currently entices diners with a menu comprising mainly regional and local delights. “When crafting this menu, we prioritised Mediterranean and local produce,” says the chef. Delicacies such as quisquillas, chipirones, and white prawns appeal to those with a passion for authentic Malagueño seafood. Accompanying the talented kitchen team at Edge is Meritxell Falgueras – who became Spain’s youngest sommelier at the age of 20. She ensures that clients’ wine selections match the dishes on the menu. Meanwhile, renowned mixologist, Cristian Pineda, with over 15 years in the industry, is in charge of cocktails. ›

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a sea and mountainside territory that extends from Cap de Creus to Cap Cerbère, located on the border between France and Spain. For over 30 years, he has run Miramar restaurant alongside his wife, Montse Serra, who is its Maître d’. Miramar was once “a restaurant with rooms” that Montse’s grandparents took over in a small fishing village in 1939. Miramar has held onto its two-Michelin-star status

Edge has been open for just a few months, but Pérez and his team already have big plans for its future. “In 2024, we will be serving a tasting menu,” he tells me, adding, “Throughout the festive season we will be experimenting with different possibilities.” The chef has a fascinating trajectory that has led him to be viewed as one of the ultimate exponents of high gastronomy in Mar d’Amunt,

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since 2010, never ceasing to innovate while remaining true to its roots. Enoteca Paco Pérez, meanwhile, is the chef’s refuge in Barcelona. Here, he pays homage to local, seasonal ingredients. He has brought a similar ethos to Edge in Marbella since when it comes to his cuisine, the star player is the Mediterranean. His personal touch can be found in the simplicity, elegance, and creativity of every dish.

Pérez’s success can be attributed to his meticulous craftsmanship, passion for excellence, and many years of experience. He has trained under the guiding hand of some of the world’s best chefs, telling me of his work at Ferran Adrià’s El Bull in the 1990s. For him, the spirit of El Bulli can be distilled into values such as consistency, creativity, humility, and teamwork – all of which have helped him achieve a brand that is associated with excellence. He may sleep beneath a canopy of stars, yet he is determined to never let it get to his head. While it is fantastic, he says, to attract diners from far and wide, acclaim from the culinary sector “has not stopped us from knowing who we are, where we come from, and what we have to do.” We look forward to savouring the results of this commitment for many years to come at Edge and beyond. WWW.ELFUERTEMARBELLA.COM

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GOURMET | NEWS

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COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

BADIANI PRESENTED PRODUCTS FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON

Badiani, the Florentine gelato specialist company with a 91-year history and a flagship store in Barcelona, recently presented its array of festive items, with panettone products playing the starring role. This exclusive panettone is made in Florence and sold in limited numbers in Spain – last year, the product completely sold out during the festive season. Within this holiday-inspired collection, you will also find Pandoro items bearing traditional gelato flavours and a selection of sauces in flavours like pistachio, chocolate and hazelnut, chocolate-orange, and more. WWW.BADIANI1932.COM

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9TH EDITION OF POPI CHEESE FAIR COMES TO ESTEPONA

The ninth edition of the Feria del Queso Popi Sabor a Málaga (the Sabor a Málaga Popi Cheese Fair) took place in Estepona, with over 30 companies presenting numerous cheeses, dried fruits and nuts, wine, oil, and paté. The event was dreamed up by the Estepona Town Hall and José María Téllez (known as ‘Popi’), a renowned professional ham slicer. This yearly extravaganza aims to raise awareness of the quality and diversity of dairy producers. Over 80 per cent of the companies taking part hailed from Málaga. WWW.ESTEPONA.ES

JOSÉ CARLOS GARCÍA PRESENTS TWO NEW MENUS

Renowned Chef José Carlos García, whose eponymous restaurant boasts one Michelin star, presented two new menus for the season: Otoño 2023 (a shorter menu featuring the very best local produce) and José Carlos García (a more extensive menu paying special homage to the classic dishes from his vast professional trajectory). The Laurent-Perrier terrace will also feature new bites alongside classic bottles of Champagne from the famed French maison. WWW.RESTAURANTEJCG.COM

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NEW MICHELIN STAR FOR MARBELLA’S BACK RESTAURANT

RONDA 14 COMING TO MÁLAGA

WWW.BACKRESTAURANTE.COM

WWW.RONDA14.COM

Congratulations to Back Restaurant in Marbella for receiving its first Michelin star at The MIchelin Guide Spain 2024 awards. Úbeda-born chef, David Olivas, founded the restaurant seven years ago alongside talented sommelier, David Villar. The Chef built his career alongside some of the world’s top chefs – including Dani García and Martín Berasategui. He was also Head Chef at Dani García’s Calima for 15 years! At Back, Olivas prepares zero-kilometre, local, and seasonal cuisine, creatively reinterpreting traditional favourites.

Following great success in Aviles (Asturias) and Madrid, renowned Peruvian chef Mario Céspedes will be launching his new restaurant, Ronda 14 in a central location in Málaga – the iconic Avda. Velázquez. Diners will be tucking into nikkei (Peruvian-Japanese fusion) delights with surprising Asturian touches. Céspedes is known for breaking the mould and continually surprising with his creations. The restaurant boasts a stunning terrace and design by Madrid-based architectural firm, Ballarín Mendoza and will be open from Monday to Sunday.

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FRENCH CHAMPAGNE VS SPANISH CAVA It is fair to say that in the world sparkling wines there is a trinity of heavyweight contenders for the accolade of being the best. To some extent the depth of your pocket may determine your preference but no celebration or commiseration is complete without some bubbles. It is often, though not exclusively, served in a fluted glass to toast the happy couple, to coat the winning racing driver’s helmet or to perform as ad hoc shampoo for bikini wearing revellers at a beachside pool party. However, not all sparkling wines are created equal.

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o who are our frothy contenders? In the ring, from a very specific region around the Cities of Rheims and Epernay in North-Eastern France, we have Champagne. The location is typified by a climate with low rainfall but often hot summers and cold winters For me, Champagne is the reigning champion of deliciousness in the fight to be regarded as the finest of all sparkling wines. The origin of Champagne is not crystal clear. In the middle of the 16th century the Church owned most of the rural land and various orders of monks worked it. In the Southern French town of Carcassonne, the Benedictine monks at the Abbey of Saint-Hilaire bottled their wine before the initial fermentation had completed its process and thereby created a sparkling wine known as the Blanquette de Limoux. This is thought to be the first of the genre. ›

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made from early picked grapes, typically of the Pinot noir, Pinot Meunier or Chardonnay varieties, starts off the process. The addition of small quantities of lesser known grapes from varieties including, Pinot blanc, Pinot gris, Arbane or Petit Meslier, are used to augment the depth of flavour in the blending process. To the base wine, sugar and yeast are added with the latter consuming the former, releasing carbon dioxide into the

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just North of Epernay, he became an expert in the pruning of vines and the blending of grapes from multiple vineyards. Around the same time, English glassmakers were improving the capacity of the bottles to withstand the internal pressures generated during the secondary fermentation. Champagne, like most sparkling wines, is produced using a traditional process known as Méthode Champenoise. A sharp tasting base wine,

A century later, and contrary to the myth that he was the ‘inventor’ of Champagne, Dom Pierre Pérignon, also a Benedictine monk, contributed greatly to its production. He avoided the dangerous in-bottle refermentation, that gives sparkling wine its bubbles, but which also resulted in many bottles exploding due to natural yeasts being warmed in spring following the colder winter months. Based in the Abbey Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers,

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wine, giving it sparkle. The Champagne is then aged. By rotating the bottle in the rack in a process known as remuage, the dead yeast cells, called lie are collected at the neck of the bottle. A later process known as disgorgement involves the neck of the bottles being frozen, opened and the lie removed. The dosage stage involves a final mix of wine and sugar being added to the opened bottles for yet more flavour before they are resealed. A second fermentation follows for a minimum period of fifteen months that delivers a ready, but a non-vintage, Champagne. To satisfy the definition of a ‘vintage’ Champagne, the second fermentation needs to continue for a minimum period of three years. It is interesting to note that the 19th century version of classic Champagne would have been far sweeter than those of today. For his 1846 vintage, destined solely for the British market, Perrier-Jouët refrained from adding sugar. The expression Brut Champagne, the driest, was specifically introduced for the British market in

1876. Champagne should always be served cold, ideally between 7ºC and 9ºC. There are more than fifty major Champagne houses with some of the best known being Bollinger, Moët y Chandon, Veuve Clicquot and Pol Roger, which was apparently the Queen’s favourite. Equally, there are many smaller domaines that make a few thousand bottles of Champagne annually, including the house of Jacquinot & Fils, that my wife and I discovered in Epernay, twenty-nine years ago, when seeking our wedding Champagne! The European Union has a series of measures intended to protect iconic products by the designation of origin, authenticity and geographical region. Champagne is one such product and varieties which are not from the defined Champagne region are prevented from using its iconic name. France has its own rules known as Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) that impose local geographic restrictions, defining which grapes may

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be used and from which domaine those grapes may be grown in order to qualify to be used in the production of Champagne. The intention is to ensure that the market is delivered the genuine article. While this creates a clear monopoly, the dominant producers are at pains to point out that the overriding aim of these regulations is to provide customers with certainty and a quality product. ›

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The consistent high price charged for Champagne opens up gaps in the market that others can very capably fill. Our second contender, Cava, is a sparkling wine that hails from the Spanish region of Catalonia. Cava takes its name from the Spanish word for ‘cellars’ where it continues to be produced. Champagne and Cava are made by a very similar process. They both contain three varieties of grapes that are harvested early to ensure high acidity. However, the grape varieties differ. Although some Cava producers use Chardonnay and Pinot noir grapes, the majority use the distinct local varieties of Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo. Unlike Champagne rosé, which is produced from a base wine that usually contains a small amount of Pinot noir red wine, most Cava rosados are made

GOURMET | WINE

with a rosé base wine produced from Trepat, Garnacha or Monastrell varieties. Cava production requires a double-step fermentation process that significantly changes the flavour by reducing the acidity, giving it fruity notes including melon and peach. Typically, a simple Cava’s second fermentation takes a minimum of nine months. This period is extended for a Reserva Cava or Gran Reserva to 15 and 36 months, respectively. Cava benefits from a Spanish Denominación de Origen (DO) status and only wines produced by the traditional Méthode Champenoise, detailed above, can be labelled Cava. Around 95 per cent of all Cava production comes from the Penedès region of Catalonia. Notably the village of Sant Sadurní d’Anoia near Barcelona is home to three of the best-known Cava

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houses. Codorníu, which was founded in the village in 1551, Freixenet in 1861, and Juve y Camps, who have been making delicious Cava since 1921. Some records suggest that Cava was first made in the early 1850s. Others note that Josep Raventos, who promoted Codorníu’s still wine products in the 1860s, visited the Champagne region and appreciated that the vineyards of Penedès could be repurposed to produce sparkling wines of a similar quality. The Europe-wide vine plague, phylloxera, delayed Joseps ambitions and it was not until 1872 that he launched his first Cava. The decimated vineyards were replanted with varieties of white wine grapes and commercial production was underway.

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Technology assisted the Catalonian producers when a device called the gyropalette was developed to mechanise the process of remuage prior to disgorgement. Invented in 1968 by two French vintners, Codorníu became its first major user in the mid 1970s. Many of the established Cava houses now age using this technology. In addition to rosados versions, Cava is produced with various levels of sweetness, with brut nature being the driest and dulce, the sweetest. I am particularly fond of the reasonably priced Codorníu product Anna de Codorníu named after one of the founders. However, one of the finest Cavas I have

tasted to date is the slightly more expensive 24-months aged ‘Cinta Púrpura Brut Reserva’ from Juve y Camps. Both of these fine wines are deliciously complex and present very acceptable alternatives to non Vintage Champagne. The third contender in this trinity hails from Italy and is called Prosecco. Typically the wine comes from the village of Prosecco close to the north eastern city of Trieste. Predominantly made with Glera grapes, historically known as Prosecco grapes, it may also contain grapes of other varieties including Verdiso, Bianchetta, Trevigiana or Perera. I confess to being fond of

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Prosecco. It is usually light yellow in colour and has a wonderfully cri+sp, fresh and predominantly citrus flavour. It characteristically stops forming bubbles soon after it is poured. For a modestly priced bottle of sparkling wine, Prosecco is on a par with many Cavas. However, I would argue most Champagnes and some better quality Cavas are superior. Additionally, it does make an excellent sparkling cocktail when accompanied by Aperol! Geographically protected by a method similar to Champagne and Cava, the wine rarely ferments in the bottle and is usually drunk young. WWW.AESTHETICONS.COM

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