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Sierra Blanca : One of the most impressive properties in Sierra Blanca, a truly architectural masterwork. Crafted to the highest specifications with premium Italian marbles, soaring ceilings, and extraordinarily ample spaces, it offers 5 sumptuous bedroom suites, a 400m² reception room, cinema, gym, and 12-car garage amid manicured gardens enveloping an Olympic-sized pool. 6 beds, 8 baths, built area approx. 2.000 m2 , plot approx. 4.200 m2 . Price: P.O.A, E&V ID: W-02H45O
Guadalmina · Beachside: Elegant Andalusian-style villa with an additional guest house, walking distance to the beach. 6 beds, 7 baths, built area approx. 603 m², plot approx. 3,374 m². Price: 4,900,000 €, E&V ID W-02RYAG
Paraíso Alto: Beautifully designed modern villa in a gated community boasting impressive panoramic views. 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, built approx. 591 m2 , plot approx. 822 m2 . Price 2,950,000 €, E&V ID W-02W2AS
El Rosario: Villa Amani - Exquisite high-end home beautifully presented with fantastic views in a gated community. 4 beds, 5 baths, built area approx. 428 m², plot approx. 1,054 m². Price 2,749,000 €, E&V ID W-02VSQC
Golden Mile: Unique double-sized apartment with beautiful views in the exclusive gated community of La Trinidad. 4 beds, 5 baths, living area approx. 337 m², terraces approx. 63 m². Price 5,900,000 €. E&V ID W-02W3YD
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Blanca: Redefine luxury living in this breathtaking Sierra Blanca villa. Commanding panoramic sea views, this residence pairs timeless elegance with smart home technology on an incredible plot. Exquisite en-suite bedrooms, expansive living areas seamlessly extending to the lush gardens, two extraordinary kitchens and a private apartment elevate the experience. 7 beds, 9 baths, built area approx. 1,178 m², plot approx. 2,132 m². Price 10,000,000 €, E&V ID W-02T1WI
Elviria: Stylish modern home with fantastic panoramic sea and mountain views nestled in a prestigious area. 4 beds, 5 baths, built area approx. 442 m², plot approx. 1,004 m². Price 2,249,000 €, E&V ID W-02TM35
Puerto Banús · Frontline Beach: Oustanding luxury apartment with private garden, unrivalled sea views and direct beach access. 3 beds, 3 baths, living area approx. 198 m2 , terrace approx. 100 m2 . Price: 4,400.000 €, E&V ID: W-02VECG
Nueva Andalucía · Frontline Golf: Exceptional villa with remarkable architecture, ultra-modern amenities and privileged views. 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, built approx. 840 m2 , plot approx.1,500 m2 . Price 5,995,000 €, E&V ID W-02VYSB
Río Real · Frontline Beach: A truly unique penthouse with awe-inspiring views and spectacular interior design. 4 beds, 5 baths, living area approx. 230 m², terrace approx. 95 m². Price: 4,995,000 €, E&V ID W-02S1AG
Sierra
Alcuzcuz One
Unique grand estate
Enveloped by unspoiled nature, this Andalusian- style mansion offers mesmerizing views of the Marbella coastline, Gibraltar, and North Africa. Its privileged location in La Reserva de Alcuzcuz, neighbouring La Zagaleta, ensures privacy and security just a few minutes’ drive from Marbella’s beaches and amenities.
The home is primarily on one level, with charming patios and courtyards. It offers principal and additional accommodation, including a spacious owner’s suite with private rose garden, guest house and staff apartment.
Set on a 7,000m2 flat platform, the spectacular gardens offer picturesque spots for enjoying the views and a pool area with pavilion, gym and sauna. Its 58,000 m2 of enclosed land with lush vegetation creates a tranquil and exclusive retreat. Built
Villa Windfall.
Luxury modern living
This luxurious villa is located in the exclusive La Reserva de Alcuzcuz, overlooking Marbella. Designed by renowned architects Tobal, it offers total privacy and security within a residential area of only four villas. Its prime location provides easy access to Puerto Banus, golf courses, beaches, and restaurants.
The villa spans three levels, with six en suite bedrooms, open-plan living room with double-height ceilings and large panoramic windows with breathtaking sea views. Expansive terraces, manicured gardens, and a heated swimming pool enhance outdoor enjoyment.
With top appliances and luxurious amenities, Villa Windfall is the perfect combination of comfort, impeccable design, and the highest quality standards in an unparalleled paradise-like setting.
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IAIN BLACKWELL, BENHOLM GROUP, MICHEL CRUZ, ALICIA DUGGAN, SAM HEXTER, ANDREW J LINN, MADDIE QUINN (A. BLACKWELL), JAMES SINCLAIR editorial@essentialmagazine.com
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SUMMER DAYS, DRIFTIN’ AWAY
The summer is upon us and it’s time to live life to the fullest.
Let essential help you in this pursuit with this month’s entertaining issue, full of interesting content and diversion.
Join us in previewing the Paris Summer Olympic Games, which will run from July 26 to August 11, showcasing the pinnacle of human sporting achievement in a myriad of categories.
We visit Monaco – Europe’s 2nd Best Destination for 2024 after Marbella, and enjoy lounging at Tenerife’s iconic Iberostar Grand El Mirador, recently selected as one of the best luxury hotels in Spain by Travellers’ Choice Awards voters.
For sheer unbridled top end adrenalin, it does not get more exciting than the
Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 superyacht and the McLaren 750S supercar.
Get away from it all in a haven of tranquility at the Viluz wellness retreat in the hills on the edge of Marbella, or consider the merits of living in the valley paradise of Monte Mayor in the vicinity of Benahavís.
Check out our one-on-one with Hugh Jackman who is once again lighting up the big screen in this month’s release of Deadpool & Wolverine, and our recent interview with Málaga’s dynamic Mayor, Francisco de la Torre Prados.
We see if Sublim Beach at the new Laguna in Estepona lives up to the hype and we find out why there is so much talk about orange wine these days.
“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too”
Paulo Coelho
Get ready for the paris summer Olympics. Find out why Monaco is 2nd on the list of Best European Destinations 2024 (Marbella is 1st). Sense the adrenalin rush with the world’s first Lamborghini Yacht and the new Mclaren 750S. Take off for the hills to visit Monte Mayor and the Viluz wellness retreat
sspotlight
WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HOTEL METROPOLE MONTE CARLO AND AS INDIVIDUALLY CREDITED
MONACO THE REALM OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS
Monaco is known for its spectacular Grand Prix, its luxury and wealth, and its sunny Mediterranean climate, but it holds so much more for those who feel a profound connection to its essence. A host of celebrities have made their name in
metropolitan areas like Paris yet call ‘the second-smallest country in the world’ home. The list includes Chef Alain Ducasse, whose restaurants have a total of 21 Michelin stars and who first revealed his incredible talent in the famed Louis XV restaurant in Monaco. As this gastronomic trailblazer recently told Monaco Now, “It was in Monaco that
“EVERY DAY IS A JOURNEY, AND THE JOURNEY ITSELF IS MONACO” MATSUO BASHO
I encountered the land of the Riviera, which has so strongly and lastingly inspired me. It is in Monaco that I recharge my batteries after travelling the world. Monaco is my home base. It’s here that I’ve planted my roots.”
Monaco recently took the coveted second-place spot of the Best European Destinations 2024 recognition, which was voted for by over one million travellers hailing from 172 countries (Marbella took first place in the list). The 20 mostvoted sites scored highly on aspects such as sustainability, quality of life, year-round
cultural offerings, popularity on social media, and international recognitions (including Blue Flags, smart tourism, and UNESCO honours). European Best Destinations highlighted Monaco’s “perfect blend of glamour, culture, and leisure”, as well as its safety, gastronomic offerings, sporting events, and exceptional nightlife. Let’s dive right in and discover what makes Monaco so memorable and unique.
A REGAL HISTORY
Monaco’s Head of State is Prince Albert II of the House of Grimaldi – a family that
has ruled Monaco with only brief interruptions since 1297. Its sovereignty was officially recognised by the FrancoMonégasque Treaty of 1861, which accorded Monaco independent status and sovereignty and stipulated the rules of succession for its rulers.
The history of the principality goes back to ancient times; evidence of Stone Age settlements exists in the area and is preserved in the principality’s Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology. Monaco was known to the ancient Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, and Romans. ›
The ancient historian, Diodorus Siculus and the geographer, Strabo claimed that the first settlers in the area were the mountain-dwelling Ligurians, who immigrated to ‘the Rock’ from northern Italy and called it ‘Monoikos’ (‘Single House’).
In 1191, the Genoese took possession of the strategic area, and in 1297, another Genoese warrior, Francesco Grimaldi (known as ‘Malizia’ – meaning ‘the cunning one’ in Italian) and his men dressed up as friars and captured the fortress protecting the Rock. Throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, numerous Genoese factions sought to take control over the area, but the Grimaldis reigned supreme. Monaco has undergone various
exciting developments in modern history, though one of its defining moments was in 1641, when Prince Honoré II signed the Treaty of Péronne with France, placing Monaco under French protection while allowing the Grimaldis to maintain sovereignty. The agreement reduced Genoese influence but maintained the principality's independence. Its economy, based on maritime trade, flourished, and it began amassing great wealth, Monaco was annexed by France in 1793 (during the French Revolution) but regained its independence after Napoleon’s defeat in 1814. Major historical moments include the opening of the Monte Carlo
Casino in 1863, the ascent to the throne of Prince Rainier III in 1949 (and his marriage to Grace Kelly), and key economic developments that took place at the time. Under Rainier III’s rule, Monaco made a concerted effort to diversify its economy, prioritising the banking, finance, and tourism sectors. It developed a reputation for its favourable tax policies and high standard of living.
Prior to Rainier III’s ascent, the principality played a pivotal role in WWII under the guiding hand of his grandfather, Prince Louis II. The latter’s sympathies were with the French camp, but Monaco was invaded by the Italian army and later occupied by Nazi Germany.
Prince Louis II instructed the Monaco police to warn Jewish inhabitants that they were about to be arrested by the Gestapo. This allowed them to escape from a cruel fate faced by millions. As the Allies advanced, an American contingency liberated the principality, and this, alongside Rainier III’s marriage to Grace Kelly forged a strong alliance with the U.S.
Rainier III had an outstanding reign, establishing Monaco’s status in the international community in numerous ways. In 1993, Monaco joined the United Nations and in 2004, it was admitted to the Council of Europe. Prince Rainier offered financial support and patronage to countless causes and fought staunchly for environmentalism and conservation. He died in 2005 after a 56-year reign, passing the baton to his son, Albert II.
A WEALTH OF CULTUR E AND TRADITIONS
Monaco delights locals and visitors alike with a host of cultural activities that bring it to life every year. Top events to watch out for include:
THE FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX
The Monaco Grand Prix, held annually in late May or early June in the streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine, is one of the most viewed events in the world of Formula 1 racing. Founded in 1929, its long and fascinating history has transformed it into one of the most prestigious events of its kind. Ask any racing fan what makes this circuit so special and they will gush effusively about its narrow, serpentine streets, tight corners, elevation changes, and scarce run-off areas. It isn’t for the faint of heart and many of its best-known sections – including Casino Square, Le Mirabeau, the Grand Hotel Hairpin, and the tunnel, only add to its degree of complexity.
Monaco is a particularly prestigious circuit to conquer since its difficulty enables it to demonstrate driver skill rather than mere car performance. Precision and concentration are paramount – and many of the race’s most famous crashes and controversies are testimony to the lore and excitement the mere words ‘Monaco Grand Prix’ conjure up.
No discussion of this event would be complete without recalling some of its finest moments, including: ›
» The 1982 Monaco Grand Prix is universally hailed as one of the craziest in the history of the event. It has been deemed ‘the race that nobody wanted to win,’ because, in the final three laps, the lead changed hands four times, leaving just five cars speeding toward the chequered flag. From crashing into barriers to running out of fuel, driver after driver was eliminated from the race. In the end, Brabham’s Riccardo Patrese crossed the finish line first without even knowing he had won.
» Ayrton Senna’s dominance of the circuit from 1984 to 1993, which began with a rain-soaked battle in 1984. Driving for Toleman, Senna flew from 13th on the grid to second place, almost stealing the win from Alain Prost before the race was stopped owing to poor weather. In
1988, Senna’s qualifying lap was (and still is) deemed one of the best in F1 history. He took pole position by an incredible 1.4 seconds ahead of teammate Alain Prost. Senna was victorious in Monaco six times (winning five Grand Prix events consecutively – between 1989 and 1993) and was deservedly crowned the ‘King of Monaco’.
» Michael Schumacher’s five wins. Schumacher claimed epic victories with Ferrari, contributing to his iconic status in the sport. Graham Hill, who reigned in the 1960s, also achieved five Monaco victories, leading fans to call him ‘Mr. Monaco’.
» The epic battle between Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna in 1992. This race saw Mansell close an enormous gap with Senna, following a late pit stop. Senna claimed victory despite intense
pressure from his rival.
» Scary crashes. Two notable crashes will remain in F1 fans’ minds for many years to come: Alberto Ascari’s 1955 crash into a harbour in 1955 (luckily the driver managed to swim to safety) and Lorenzo Bandini’s fatal crash in 1967. On the entry to the harbour chicane on the 82nd lap, Bandini lost control of his open-wheel 312, its left rear wheel hitting the guard rail and sending his car into an erratic skid. The vehicle crashed into a light pole and overturned, colliding with protective straw bales that lined the harbour and trapping the driver beneath it while bursting into flames.
» Charles Leclerc’s victory at this year’s event in May.
In the 81 editions of the Monaco Grand Prix, only two Monégasque drivers have won the race: Louis Chiron in 1931 and Leclerc in 2024. ›
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THE MONACO YACHT SHOW FROM SEPTEMBER 25 TO 28, 2024
If you are considering visiting Monaco this year, one of the best times to do so is in September, when the Monaco Yacht Show takes place in the idyllic setting of Port Hercule. Here, you can meet the industry’s foremost experts to take part in your first yacht purchase, charter, or construction project. The event features an exhibition of over 120 superyachts, 50 luxury tenders, and over 560 expert exhibitors – who can inform you of the latest technological advancements and the sustainable solutions shaping the future of highend yachting.
THE INTERNATIONAL CIRCUS FESTIVAL OF MONTE-CARLO
Launched in 1974 by Prince Rainier, the exciting International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo event takes place every January and is presided over by Princess Stéphanie. It features a selection of the top circus acts in the world, including acrobats, jugglers, clowns, and contortionists. Every year, artists win prestigious prizes in the form of gold, silver, and bronze clowns.
This exciting event, held in April every year, is an annual tennis tournament for male pro players held on clay courts at the Monte Carlo Country Club. The latter is famed for its art-deco architecture, set against a backdrop of vertiginous cypress trees and colourful flowerbeds. Here, members of the royalty, celebrities, and top athletes gather to enjoy the enthralling nine-day events. The tournament is part of the nine ATP Tour Masters 1000 events on the ATP Tour and it has attracted the world’s top players throughout its history – including Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, and Alexander Zverev. Over 140,000 visitors attend this event yearly, celebrating the beginning of the clay court season for the world’s top players.
LE BAL DE LA ROSE
Le Bal de la Rose, or the Rose Ball, is an annual charity event held in Monaco that attracts celebrities, royals, and members of the jet set from across the globe every March. It was founded in 1954 by Princess Grace of Monaco and is a major fundraiser for the Princess Grace Foundation, which is dedicated to helping people in need and disadvantaged children. Today, it is presided over by Prince Albert II and Princess Caroline of Hanover and features a different theme and different decor every year. Big names have helped to orchestrate the event, including Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld, who helped direct it and contributed hand-drawn illustrations for the event from 1999 until his death in 2019. Every year, new ambiences are created in line with a specific theme. Some of the most spectacular themes thus far include the Belle Époque (2013), Russian Constructivism (2014), Art Deco (2015), Cuba (2016), and Viennese Romanticism (2017).
Monaco is famed for its rich culinary tradition, which represents a fusion of French (particularly Provençal and Niçoise) and Italian cuisine.
Traditional favourites include the barbajuan (a crisp, baked or fried puff pastry treat filled with Swiss chard, ricotta, leeks, garlic and herbs,
usually served as an appetiser), socca (a thin pancake made with chickpea flour and olive oil and usually purchased from street vendors), stuffed zucchini flowers, Swiss chard pie (with Parmesan cheese, eggs, and Swiss chard), and fougasse (a sweet bread with an appealing orange flavour). Monaco is also known for its lively organic craft beer culture and its wine cellars (the most famous of which are hidden beneath the Hotel de Paris and feature a secret room used in WWII to store 20,000 wine bottles). The principality is a renowned producer of honey (made with native succulent cactus), and olives (the oldest olive tree on the French Riviera is located in the principality. ›
STAR-STUDDED DINING EXPERIENCES
Considering it is a revered destination for lovers of luxury, it is logical that Monaco should be home to home to seven Michelin-starred restaurants. Top restaurants to visit when you’re there include:
Alain Ducasse, who hails from Orthez in southwestern France, shines at LouisXV–Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris but also heads an empire comprising an impressive 30 establishments. At the young age of 33 (when Louis XV was exactly 33 months old), he achieved three Michelin stars for it, stunning diners with his famous, plant-based ‘Jardins de Provence’ set menu. Here, you will find dishes that are almost otherworldly in their beauty. The Riviera is Ducasse’s main inspiration and his vision is light, healthy, and energetic. Ducasse’s talent is married to that of Chef, Emmanuel Pilon, and pastry chef, Sandro Micheli.
WWW.DUCASSE-PARIS.COM
LES AMBASSADEURS BY CHRISTOPHE CUSSAC
This restaurant, also housed within the Hôtel Metropole, received two Michelin stars just nine months after its opening! It’s a merited thumbs-up for Chef Christophe Cussac, who boasts more than 40 years’ experience. Cussac spent his early career with the Troisgros brothers (the ‘founders of nouvelle cuisine’) then honed his craft at three of Joël Robuchon’s restaurants in Paris before calling the Hotel Metropole his home. At his restaurant, you will find both a full eight-dish tasting menu and an à la carte menu. The restaurant offers something unique – the chance to order small servings of numerous dishes to create a mix-andmatch feast! So what’s on offer? Simple, authentic Mediterranean cuisine with a nod to the French terroir.
This one-Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant is ensconced in the Hôtel Metropole Monte Carlo – a Belle Epoque-style edifice built in 1889 and sitting across from the Monte Carlo Casino gardens, in the heart of Monaco’s Golden Square. Yoshi is led by Takao Yamazaki – a chef creating both Japanese and fusion delights. Dishes such as the fillet of black cod marinated in boiled saki and wrapped in a Japanese magnolia leaf reveal
the meticulousness and artistry that are present in every dish. This restaurant’s design is as appealing as its menu. Modern, youthful interiors coloured in lime green, orange, and wood hues give way to a lovely Japanese garden, designed by French interior architect, Didier Gomez. If you visit Yoshi, make sure to try the amazing international wine and sake selection.
Pavyllon Monte-Carlo, with one Michelin star, at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo is the brainchild of Chef Yannick Allenó, who achieved a third Michelin star for for Pavillon Ledoyen in Paris just seven months after taking over this renowned dining haven. His restaurant, Le 1947, opened at the Cheval Blanc Courchevel luxury hotel, followed suit soon after. At Pavyllon Monte-Carlo, guests will find fresh, seasonal cuisine made from freshly-picked, largely plantbased produce, dishes created with avant-garde techniques such as cold extraction and fermentation, and food and wine pairings. Light, naturally sweetened dishes are married to special sauces that bring all the other ingredients together. WWW.MONTECARLOSBM.COM
Bains de Mer
Creative cuisine at Pavyllon Monte-Carlo
Droits Réservés/Société
The Art: Floral inspirations at Pavyllon Monte-Carlo
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COSTA DEL SOL • IBIZA • PUNTA CANA
‘BEST OF THE BEST’ THE IBEROSTAR GRAND
EL MIRADOR HOTEL IN TENERIFE
WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE IBEROSTAR HOTEL GROUP
Tenerife is known as ‘the island of one-thousand experiences’. It is a unique place to escape to at any time of the year – one that bathes visitors in sunny warmth even in the peak of winter and is known for its beautiful beaches, green zones, and top-level hotels. It may have stiff competition, but one resort that has always stood out is the Iberostar Grand El Mirador Hotel, recently deemed the third Best of the Best Luxury Hotel in Spain by Travellers’ Choice Awards voters.
The Iberostrar Grand El Mirador is decorated in a romantic style and is filled to the brim with special details to make you feel as though you were living in a fairytale. It offers incredible views over the sea. Interestingly, the quality most highlighted by TripAdvisor voters was “the warm atmosphere, exceptional
service, and attention to detail.” Guests mentioned the impressive cleanliness standards, gorgeous pool area and views, and friendly, attentive staff. Sounds like a winner! Let’s dive in and see what else the resort has to offer.
LOCATION IS EVERYTHING
When you book a trip to the Canary Islands, proximity to the beach, major sites, and gastronomic hubs is key. The
Iberostar Grand El Mirador offers all of this at once. It is located on the Golden Mile of the Costa Adeje, at the foot of Playa del Duque, and is appealingly close to a golf course. Playa del Duque is known for its soft sands and clear blue waters. It has umbrellas and sunbeds for hire and is conveniently nearby a myriad of restaurants where you can enjoy catch-of-the-day fish and other sea-inspired delights. ›
ROOM TO RELAX IN
This 126-room boutique hotel offers an excellent choice of accommodation for all types of tastes, starting from the Junior Suite (which is 38m2 in size and has a lovely King-sized bed, a bathroom with a bath and shower, a minibar, and a cosy balcony) to the Superior Star Prestige Sea View Junior Suite (measuring 50m2 and containing panoramic sea views, a 16m2 terrace, butler service, and more). This suite is part of the Star Prestige service, which allows guests to access the La Balconada area and avail of unique facilities and personalised butler and concierge services
as well as exceptional accommodation with breathtaking views.
SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS
There is a higher demand than ever before for sustainable travel and this hotel will be right up your street if you are an eco-traveller. Iberostar
has eliminated single-use plastics across all its resorts and has placed the circular economy at the heart of its sustainability strategy. It will be landfill-free by 2025 and will reduce its energy consumption by three per cent by the year 2030. It will achieve this goal through a strong emphasis on renewable energy. ›
Unique Masterpiece
Brand new villa at El Paraiso offering breathtaking sea views and exquisitely detailed top-of-the-range decoration
Near Golf, Tennis, Restaurants & Other Amenities
Wine Cellar, Gym, Cinema Room, Games Room, Guest Quarters, Garage and more 7 Bedrooms I 7 Bathrooms I 464 m2 Builts I 62 m² Terraces I 1,940 m² Plot
Price: € 5,750,000
FEEDING BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT WITH HONEST FOOD
The hotel is home to three restaurants offering the best of local and international gastronomy. It embraces the ‘Honest Food’ motto, comprising natural, fresh, homemade dishes that rely on authentic, natural, seasonal ingredients. Required cooking times are respected, and techniques that conserve the nutritional value and organoleptic properties of food (its colour, taste, texture, and aroma) are embraced. Seasonal vegetables, vegetable protein, and free-range meat play a starring role, and so do numerous homemade breads and desserts. Produce (including fish) is
sourced responsibly and –whenever possible – locally.
SPA SENSATIONS
Indulge body, mind, and spirit at the 100m2 SPA Sensations, where you can try a host of treatments catered to your needs. From a deep tissue massage to a Hawaiian lomi lomi nui or facial biotherapy, you will find everything you need to feel great and eliminate every element of stress from your body.
VISITESSENTIALMAGA
ABOUT THE IBEROSTAR GROUP
This multinational Spanish group is 100 per cent family-based and boasts a 65-year history in tourism and a business structure that hails back to 1877. Its main business comprises Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, whose portfolio contains over 100 four- and five-star hotels in 16 countries.
WWW.IBEROSTAR.COM
NUEVA ANDALUCIA
Modern contemporary villa situated on a quiet dead end street near Los Naranjos Golf Club. Facing south-west, with good views and from where you will see some beautiful sunsets. Large windows bringing light and brightness into a spacious living room and dining room with an open-plan modern kitchen; 4 bedrooms with 4 ensuite bathrooms, possibility for fifth bedroom or a gym/spa or cinema room, lift to all floors, WC, underfloor heating, air-conditioning, wooden Dinesan floors and a large garage. Price now reduced to €3.350.000
Over 40 Years of Real Estate in Marbella
PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES
This summer, Paris hosts the ‘biggest show on earth’, the modern Olympic Games. Inspired by the original summer games of classical Greece, today it is a high-tech festival of sport and entertainment that runs from the 26th of July to the 11th of August 2024 and is beamed across the globe.
This year, Paris becomes the only city other than London that will have hosted the Olympic Summer Games three times, having done so before in 1900 and 1924 – and fittingly so, as it was a Frenchman – Pierre de Coubertin – who inspired the revival of the summer games of classical Greece and with this initiated the era of the modern Olympic Games. He suitably ceded the hosting of the very first ‘new’ Olympics in 1896 to Greece’s capital Athens, birthplace of the concept that has inspired what is also the greatest sports event in the modern world.
Exactly one hundred years after it last organised the games, Paris becomes the centre point of the world when it welcomes more than 10,500 athletes from over 250 countries, who will be competing in 329 events across 32 sports. They will be staying at the specially designed Olympic Village, where they can train in peace and keep their focus on the sport in hand. Security will be tight, with 40,000 policemen and women supported by 15,000 soldiers and special units of the French military, intelligence, and satellite imaging services, including complete control of the skies and surveillance of the city.
Hundreds of thousands of spectators will visit the games held in Paris and 16 other cities, including venues on the other side of the world, in French Polynesia, and there are estimates of a combined 15 million visitors to the events, not to mention visitors to the country, whose economy will receive a significant boost in a year that also features another huge (annual) sports event and logistical wonder, the Tour de France. In other words, this year Europe will be the centre of sport, with the European Football Championships being held in neighbouring Germany, and the Olympics and Tour in France, drawing large numbers of followers. ›
Billions more will follow it on television and online. At the Tokyo games in 2020, around 3 billion people watched the action, and it is estimated that this figure will easily be surpassed in Paris this year, following the action from the no-doubt spectacular opening ceremony to the equally creative show that will wrap it all up over two weeks later. 2024 will be the first Olympic Games with an equal number of male and female athletes, and also the first to feature
breakdancing as an official event. Many of us on the Costa del Sol are also rooting for padel tennis, but that will take a little longer to realise.
For now, the newer events also include sport climbing, skateboarding, and surfing, with the latter competition taking place within France’s territories in the Pacific. Despite it costing around €8.5 billion to host, the 2024 Paris Olympics will be perhaps the most socially minded to date, as the city’s
infrastructure already provides for a great many of the required sports venues, with the minor updating and expansion needed replacing the massive construction programmes of recent Olympics. It is estimated that around 13 million meals and snacks
will be served during the event, provided in part by some of the 30,000 volunteers, who will also assist in the administering of over 6,000 anti-doping tests. The modern Games are, evidently, an organisational exercise on a grand scale. ›
In addition to embodying a drive to make each successive Olympic Games greener than the one before, the Paris 2024 Olympics will also leave behind a physical legacy that veers towards the environment, with entire areas given a green (landscaping) makeover before the event that is very much intended to become a permanent feature. Most famously, the Champs Elysées, perhaps the world’s most
illustrious avenue, will return to its former glory thanks to an extensive restauration programme that will also see the car lanes halved and replaced with a pedestrian parkway lined with trees, plants, flowers, and outdoor cafés. This famous tourist site will in this way be given back to city residents while also providing a fresh new attraction for visitors.
The thinking is clear, as more and more major cities, from New York and Beijing to
now also Paris, are keen to create new green spaces to beautify their downtown areas, provide leisure and sports facilities, as well as create cooler areas with a natural feel. For those familiar with Paris, it will create a whole new look that may be somewhat unfamiliar at first, but like the now-iconic Eiffel Tower will become an integral landmark of the city. It will be interesting to see just how the aesthetics of the city will alter, but it seems like a welcome change in an era where we’re searching for greener solutions and living environments.
THE SPORT
Traditionally, the top draws at the summer Olympics are the field and especially track events in the main host stadium – in this case the Stade de France – swimming, gymnastics, volleyball, and of course universally popular sports such as football, tennis, basketball, boxing, equestrian sports, and cycling. Other disciplines that are seldom focused on but receive a great deal of attention during the Olympics include weightlifting, judo, taekwondo, handball, badminton, table tennis, fencing, rowing, and kayak. BMX, beach volleyball, and rugby sevens, while relatively new, have also become popular events at the games. Let’s see if they bring some new surprises and upsets, like when rising Danish badminton star Viktor Axelsen broke the long-held Chinese domination of the sport at the Rio Games in 2016. In basketball, the US is as usual the team to beat, with stars such as Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors and the likes of LeBron James, no less. They are among the big names to watch at these Olympics, where Europe’s charge will be led by Nikola Jokić of Serbia and France’s Victor Wembanyama. ›
One of the ‘sexiest’ events is beach volleyball, where the USA appears to have gained the upper hand, though there will be stiff opposition from the likes of Brazil and Australia, just as the Americans will also try to break the hegemony of the Dutch in women’s cycling. The question remains if the GB team will be able to maintain its medal haul of previous Olympic Games in cycling and overall, but popular platform diver Tom Daley will be doing his best to repeat earlier successes for Britain. He will have to see off some serious Chinese challenges to achieve it, with fellow Brit Ben Maher another medal hopeful in the Equestrian events. India’s hopes of gold will be focused squarely on field hockey, but here they will face great
opposition from The Netherlands, Germany, and Australia, just as Rory McIlroy will be attempting to thwart American plans in the golf. In gymnastics, things have changed considerably since the days when Eastern European countries dominated the sport. Now it is the USA that countries like Brazil will be trying to ‘steal’ medals from. In handball and judo, home nation France will be hoping to make it their fourth gold medal in a row, with Britain looking to give chase to the Americans and Germans in the rowing.
The competitors will be travelling to idyllic Tahiti in French Polynesia for the surfing competition, where the USA, Brazil, and Australia are among the favourites, while in the swimming competition Britain and France will lead the pack chasing the Americans. With Usain Bolt no longer competing, athletics is once again very much dominated by the USA, but athletes from the Caribbean, most notably Bolt’s Jamaican compatriots, will do their best to upset the Yankees. Tennis ranks among the most high-profile sports, and here the women’s game appears to be split between American stars such as Coco Gauff and Eastern European athletes such as Sabalenka, and among the men many believe it will in the end be a battle between Serbian legend Novak Djokovic and Spanish talent Carlos Alcaraz, who could bring the gold home to Spain. ›
The same is true of the women’s football team, who as reigning world champions know they have it in them, but would of course have to defeat perennial favourites, team USA. In men’s football, Spain are also hopefuls, with youngsters such as Lamine Yamal, though with the likes of Kylian Mbappe in the team – considered by many to now be the best player in the world – France will be hoping for a home success to drown out memories of the 2022 world cup final loss to Argentina. In all, there will be veteran stars such as LeBron James, Rory McIlroy, and Novak Djokovic, established ones like Mbappe, Simone Biles, and swimmer Katie Ledecky, and also new rising
talents to watch out for, such as the exciting new prospects Lamine Yamal, French swimmer Leon Marchand, and women’s football ace Aitana Bonmati from Spain. The games will hopefully produce many new standout athletes, and in Paris they will compete in some of the most iconic venues and settings ever. These include athletics and cycling races that will involve world famous Parisan landmarks such as Les Invalides, the Place de la Concorde, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Trocadero, along the Champs Élysées up to the Arc de Triomphe, and of course the banks of the River Seine, where the marathon swimming will be held. The
action will flow through the grand avenues and boulevards of classical Paris up to the gleaming skyscrapers of the financial district, at La Défense, where some of the indoor sports facilities are located.
Fencing and Taekwondo will have a suitably stylish venue at the evocative Grand Palais, beach volleyball at the Champ de Mars under the gaze of the famous Tour Eiffel, archery at Les Invalides, and equestrian sports and the modern pentathlon held on the incomparable grounds of the Palace of Versailles. It should be a spectacle to remember in what will be a mouthwatering summer of sport. e
Lyra Residences is an exclusive residential complex with all the amenities of a boutique resort, located in the heart of El Campanario Golf. A private escape to enjoy all year round!
HITS THE SEAS LAMBORGHINI
Do you recall those sleek, futuristic powerboats that slice through the seas in Mission Impossible or a Bond movie? Tecnomar in collaboration with Lamborghini have brought the future to the waves.
WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF
Lamborghini is known as one of the ultimate sports car brands, creators of supercars that produce an almost unrivalled performance in terms of power and roadholding grip. This is accompanied by a styling tradition that doesn’t just embrace modern car design but actually helps shape it, and as a result a Lamborghini slices through the air like an arrow, producing one of the lowest drag coefficients ever. It’s a tradition that goes back to the sixties and has now found its expression on the water.
Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 is a superyacht just as the Aventador is a supercar. It is the product of a collaborative design and engineering project between Tecnomar and Lamborghini. Though founded in 1987, the Italian yacht builder from Viareggio has already attained legendary status with its superb modern vessels, which blend luxury with sleek lines and powerful dynamics with consummate skill. The merging of these two iconic brands adds the design and engineering DNA of Lamborghini to the mix to create something truly exquisite. ›
A new legend of the seas
The 20-metre yacht is a study in lustrous, clean design – born out of the ability of the finest industrial stylists to create perfection with ‘brushstrokes’. If they make it look easy, it isn’t, and neither is the opulent finishing and the finely tuned power of two MAN V12 engines
that each produce 2,000HP and propel the yacht to speeds of 60 knots. More importantly, these are crafts that offer the ultimate combination of comfort, safety and – when you want it –exhilarating speed and dynamic performance.
The Centro Stile Lamborghini
team sat down with Tecnomar to bring the best of supercar and luxury yacht design together in a series of inspired creative sessions in which artistic design and advanced engineering set new aesthetic standards while creating solutions to technical challenges. The visual inspiration, or starting point, for the project was the Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 concept car. For Lamborghini, this model represents its future direction, and it formed the point around which the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 evolved. ›
Modern technology, engineering, comfort and style
Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63
Villa / El Paraiso, Marbella
2,750,000 Penthouse / La Reserva, Sotogrande
Villa/ Los Flamingos, Marbella
Villa / Nueva Andalucía, Marbella
3,650,000
YACHTS FOR A NEW ERA
Yacht design has been actively more progressive and modern for some time now, just look at the Tecnomar collection, but this project takes it to the next level and opens the door to yachting for a new era. It is the synthesis of sleek, aerodynamic styling with cutting edge engineering, where the incredible dynamics are the product of power, speed, and advanced lightness. The 63 weighs in at just 24 tonnes thanks to light yet super strong high-tech carbon fibre hulls that mirror those used in Lamborghini cars.
In many ways, the 63 is a Tecnomar nextgeneration yacht imbued with the racing performance of Lamborghini. Seen from the other perspective, it is also a Lamborghini taken to water, complete with the fine quality craftsmanship of both Italian brands, and
of course the Ad Personam programme of individualised customisation that extends from the interior material choices, and style and amenity options to the colour tones and finishing of the yacht’s exterior. Though varied, the result is always stunning.
Made from the same lightweight carbon fibre and Carbon Skin as Lamborghini cars and Formula One racers, the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 offers the ultimate in luxurious options, including super sports seats at the steering helm/wheel, fine leather, suede and fabric upholstery, noble wood, brushed steel or carbon fibre detailing, and creature comforts enhanced with the latest in technological refinement. This a luxurious yacht that also feels like, and indeed is, a powerboat – made for seafaring in the 21st century.
The unmistakable lines of Lamborghini are visible in the interior
Interior styling is taken from a palette of the finest Italian fashion and furniture brands, paired with cutting-edge engineering that bears the unmistakable seal of Lamborghini, as do many of the interior design options, which can range from elegant to as sporty and masculine as the interior of a racing car by this famous brand. Fluid dynamics and structural strength, coupled with finely tuned engines, provide an authentic Lamborghini experience in movement too, making these among the most exciting yachts to be found on the seas today. ›
Gracious power and finesse
The avant-garde vessels glide through the water with superb dynamics thanks to unequalled design finesse, adding all-important stability and safety – and when needed comfort – to incredible power and performance. One of the iconic features of the 63 is the start-stop button that powers the roaring engines – one for each of the two machines on board, and it is the exact
same one that you will find inside a Lamborghini racing car, underlining the hybrid link between exhilaration on land and at sea.
Made to measure by uniquely skilled craftsmen in Italy, the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 is the new face of luxury boating, featuring futuristic design that also borrows from classic retro-style inspiration in the
form of such legends as the Lamborghini Miura of the 1960s and the Countach of the 1970s. The knowing eye will recognise the touches that have helped to shape what are certain to become timeless modern classics in their own right – yachts with a balance and simple beauty of design that speaks for itself and suits the finest scenery. › Lamborghini of the seas
VISITESSENTIALMAGA
Like a quality road car, these ‘aquatic Lamborghinis’ are also offered in ‘hardtop’ and ‘soft top’ versions, complete with signature Lamborghini headlights and the unmistakable design DNA of the brand. The Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 is a superlative new addition to the seas, one that brings together new-age technology with a proud pedigree, and the performance to match. Available in a variety of inspiring colour tones, it makes the futuristic visions of a Bond movie a real and tangible reality, for those who can enjoy it. e
LUXURY LOVERS WELCOME
Discover the new luxury hot spot in Marbella
A collection of 104 homes directly overlooking the Santa Clara Golf Course. Each residence offers awe-inspiring vistas and an unparalleled visual feast of the surrounding scenery.
MONTE MAYOR VALLEY PARADISE
Originally designed as a private domain, Monte Mayor long lay a little forgotten on the periphery of Marbella. Now this valley paradise in the hills between Estepona and Benahavís is being discovered, and loved.
WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN
The Monte Mayor clubhouse, heart of the community
When Sean Woolley, founder and CEO of Cloud Nine Spain, first drove into the hills past the Marbella Club Golf Resort, he’d heard of Monte Mayor but wasn’t too sure what to expect. Passing through the barrier at the entrance to this country estate his eyes widened as he took in a gorgeous, wooded valley dotted with large villas. Reaching his destination, he turned round and there it was, one of the most beautiful vistas to be had on the Costa del Sol. From this vantage point, on the terrace of a Monte Mayor villa, Sean surveyed the green valley, hills that rolled down to the coast, the shoreline as it swept towards Gibraltar, and across swathes of sea the peaks of North Africa.
“I fell in love,” says Sean. “ Having gone
there to sell a property, I ended up buying one and moving to what feels like paradise for me and the other residents of Monte Mayor.” This hill club area, which was originally created as a private retreat by two millionaire friends, measures over 330 hectares of wooded hills, green valley areas, and panoramic ridges. “The average plot size is 3,000 square metres, with 12% above-ground, internal build volume, which makes for beautiful, spacious villas that offer peace, privacy and of course those amazing views.” Sean compares Monte Mayor to El Madroñal and the neighbouring Marbella Club Golf Resort to La Zagaleta, and like those highly established and prestigious country clubs on the east side of Benahav ís, the extensive nature here is also roamed by deer, rabbits , and wild boar, with eagles spotted overhead. ›
Patio at the clubhouse
“Monte Mayor is not as consolidated as El Madroñal or La Zagaleta, it is a country club in the making, so still a little while behind those two in its development, but herein sit the opportunities and people are becoming aware of it.” They are drawn by the quality of life in an area that still offers peace and nature on the edge of an ever more accessible Golden Triangle (Marbella, Benahavís, and Estepona), but also by its value for money and investment potential.
“There is still a good choice of building plots available, and at considerably lower prices than other comparable areas along the Costa del Sol, which gives you more home for your money.”
A PARADISE IN VOGUE
As the coast develops and fills up, so beauty spots such as Monte Mayor that were once considered a little remote become not only more accessible but also increasingly appealing. “Monte Mayor will never become built up, the permitted densities are too low for that, but already we’re seeing the critical mass being created for a country
club community, with some wonderful new villas having been built in recent times and an original townhouse complex being snapped up.”
Currently, there are 23 villas under construction, ranging from the modern homes of Vitae Villas to more rusticinspired contemporary homes, and a new extension to the townhouse ‘pueblo’ is under plan. ›
The atmospheric Nova Art café
Overlooking the greenery of Monte Mayor from the terrace of the Nova Art Café
“There remains more room for development, and as a community we are looking at ways of adding new amenities such as renovating tennis courts and other sports and leisure facilities.” One of the key elements of this is the social hub that is forming at the entrance to the community. The elegant clubhouse here is home to a series
of services that are highly prized by the community. They include a convenience store, a reception, and a clubhouse area where Sean has his office. Catering and hospitality specialist Marco Hipke has created an inviting eatery and meeting point here that is stylish and cosy inside and offers spectacular views across the valley and hills of Monte
Mayor. “It’s become the hub of the community,” says Marco, who owns the Dutch bakery in La Heredia and knows the business inside out. “I’ve run a good number of diverse restaurants and hospitality businesses in The Netherlands, Austria, France, and now also Spain, but few are as pleasant to be in as here in Monte Mayor.”
Cloud Nine’s office at the Monte Mayor clubhouse
The ambience is tasteful and relaxed, the menu light and refreshing, and the setting hard to equal. “One thing you notice the minute you arrive in Monte Mayor is the sense of peace and tranquility that overcomes you,” says Marco, who appreciates this quality
within an increasingly busy Costa del Sol. “Everything is close by, but here you’re in a private domain, like a paradise valley.” Because relationships with neighbouring communities are good, their residents and those of Monte Mayor enjoy one another’s amenities, which include a variety of restaurants, golf courses, horse riding facilities, security, and also venues for private events, such as the clubhouse at the entrance to Monte Mayor. “We can lay on private and corporate events and parties,” says Marco, who provides a classic food truck in the atmospheric courtyard that adds a fun finishing touch to this appealing setting which is also home to another elegant and somewhat unexpected feature, a top class art gallery. ›
Sean Woolley and Darren Simons of Cloud Nine, specialists in Monte Mayor
The Cloud Nine office in Monte Mayor
Indeed, you will very likely be surprised to learn that Monte Mayor is home to one of the finest art collections on the Costa del Sol, courtesy of Artemis Global Art, which provides an international platform where the work of Dutch painters, sculptors, designers, and other creative souls is exhibited worldwide. There is a very special ‘look and feel’ approach, resulting in a unique environment for art to be enjoyed, appreciated, and acquired. A selection of the very best Dutch contemporary artists, who have all received
international acclaim, can now be found at Monte Mayor where you can enjoy the colourful paintings of Ton Schulten and Gert van Reenen, as well as the sculptures of Jan Pater.
Recently Mila Pierce has joined Artemis as Artist in Residence, a highly skilled artist herself. She contributes her own evocative, textural works inspired by her childhood in Lattvia and experiences around the world. “It’s a fantastic setting in which to work, surrounded by nature and an ambience that relaxes people and
produces good energy,” says Mila. She loves to work with sand as a textural medium, creating labyrinths that capture the eye and fascinate the spirit. ›
Mila Pierce, artist in residence at the Artemis Global Art Gallery
The Artemis Global Art Gallery
VISITESSENTIALMAGA
“Monte Mayor is a place in motion. It is upwardly mobile with new people building beautiful villas here,” adds Sean, “but as we expand and create the critical mass needed to also develop the sports, leisure, and social amenities typical of a country club environment, we’re also mindful of the fact that we don’t want our paradise valley to change too much. It may sound a little selfish, but while we’re happy to share it with others and welcome new members to our community, we’re very pleased that this is one place that cannot be overdeveloped. That is the ultimate safeguard of the lifestyle we enjoy and which is becoming all the more appreciated.” e
CLOUD NINE SPAIN DEDICATED MONTE MAYOR WEBSITE
WHATSAPP: (+34) 692 254 432
EMAIL: SEAN@CLOUDNINESPAIN.COM
WWW.MONTEMAYORSALES.COM
NOVA ART CAFÉ
TEL: (+34) 952 937 101
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ GROUPS/7703452383038528
ARTEMIS GLOBAL ART GALLERY
ANTONIA GUZMAN (OFFICE MANAGER)
TEL: (+34) 670 640 243
WWW.ARTEMISGLOBALART.COM
Hosting the work of internationally renowned artists
Sean Woolley’s studio at the clubhouse
VILUZ PARADISE ON THE EDGE OF MARBELLA
In an area better known for its glamorous hedonism, you could be surprised to discover an oasis of peace, harmony, and rejuvenating energy. In many ways, this holistic retreat is a beacon of light on the edge of Marbella.
WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF VILUZ
Just beyond La Mairena, a gate glides open to reveal the inner sanctum of a country estate.
Viluz, named for lifegiving light, is a finca that sprawls over four hectares of land at a point where the municipalities of Marbella, Mijas, and Ojen meet. It stands upon a hillside that overlooks the wooded suburbs of La Mairena, the mountains leading to valleys that flow towards the coast, as well as Fuengirola,
Mijas, and the beginnings of the Sierra de las Nieves national park.
This is a country retreat, just a few minutes from the coastal area and yet in a completely different world. When you stroll through the Mediterranean gardens – part of which are inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s Majorelle gardens in Marrakech – you become aware that you’re in the midst of nature. The sights and sounds of the countryside surround you, from big skies and endless mountain ranges to the song of birds and the chirping of crickets.
Here you actually hear the wind, how it rustles through the leaves of trees and plants, and caresses your skin. In this spot time doesn’t stand still, but it does slow down –deliciously so. Viluz is not a country hotel. It is a holistic retreat, the perfect answer for people on whom the demands of work and modern life have begun to take a toll. If you’re stressed, worn out, and are beginning to lose your spark, this is the place to get it back – a paradise on the edge of Marbella. ›
A tastefully renovated country property
Wim Voss and Anna Cammaer, creators of Viluz
HEART AND SOUL
One of the key things that makes Viluz so special is its ambience, or energy, something you begin to notice shortly after arriving. The tastefully renovated country house combines
Andalusian architecture with Provençal and Moorish touches to create a stylish and exclusive rustic chic feel. Its soft-edged lines are purposely rounded to provide a less rigid, more natural and organic look and feel.
Viluz is a gorgeous place, with its elegant gardens, intimate patios, panoramic views, and superb interior spaces. This is a five-star retreat, but to tell the truth it feels even better than it looks, as you can just sense the heart and soul, and the love that has gone into its creation. “We wanted to respect and revive its classic Andalusian essence within an ambience of well-being and harmony,” says Anna Cammaer, who founded
and runs Viluz together with her husband Wim.
Not only did they transform it into the beautiful country retreat it is today, but the couple also filled Viluz with positive energy and have created an oasis of harmony and peace in the hills just outside Marbella. “I started to become interested in a healthy, holistic way of life at a young age, while still at university,” says Anna. “I wanted to avoid becoming like the many people I saw who were dependent upon medicine, living unhealthy lives and fighting off depression, so from that moment on I began learning about healthy diets, mindfulness, and how to lead a balanced life.” ›
Viluz, a perfect Holistic Retreat in the hills near Marbella
A JOYOUS PLACE
Thanks to Anna, Wim, and the team of people that make Viluz special, this is a joyous place. The setting is beautiful, the food an exploration of taste sensations created by chef Jamie, who proves that natural food can be as delicious as anything a gourmet restaurant can put before you, and the experiences are as light or intense as you want them to be. “We don’t dictate to people here, but adapt to each person’s needs. Viluz is a place where you feel safe, full of relaxing and rejuvenating energy, which is why we have named the rooms after moon goddesses.” And wonderfully stylish they are, each with its own private terrace from which to enjoy the country views.
Viluz has been created to become your home of inner peace. Surrounded by beautiful greenery and the soothing sounds of gently cascading water, this tranquil haven offers a range of experiences designed to nurture your spirit. For those with a spiritual bent, yoga classes are offered at different levels of intensity, along with unique experiences like the Cacao Ceremony and the Inner Dance. These activities are crafted to provide anything from deep relaxation to significant
personal insights. “It’s different for each person,” says Souraya Zouaoui, a key team member who helps set the tone for a stay that can range from simple rest and relaxation to a healthy detox, or even a more healing, holistic journey. All rooms and spaces at Viluz have been designed with one purpose in mind: to bring you the precious inner peace that you deserve to have. For those who wish to engage in more traditional activities, options like country hikes, mountain biking, and serene picnics by the little beach along the river are also available. At Viluz, each and every one of these experiences is enjoyed in suitably inspiring settings, ›
Dining out in the evening
from the spectacular yoga pavilion set among the greenery to music recitals within a grove of trees, and dinner served at a large table against the backdrop of spectacular mountain scenery. Seated here, listening to the crickets gracing the nighttime as you look over the twinkling lights of Mijas Pueblo and Fuengirola, it is hard to imagine that such a serene, revitalising spot as this exists within close proximity to the heady nightlife of Marbella.
Viluz is in the heart of nature, close to Marbella
Anna and Wim, the entrepreneurial couple from Mechelen in Belgium, have created something truly special here, the realisation of an inspiration that came to Anna during the Covid lockdown in 2020. “Suddenly, a life of immersion in mindfulness and experience in corporate event management came together in one concept. I put it all down in a project presentation and it didn’t take long for my husband to share my enthusiasm.
For a moment, we thought of Belgium, but having had a holiday home in Marbella for years, we just knew there had to be a beautiful country spot nearby where people could come to relax, revive, find new equilibrium and a renewed sense of purpose and joy.” It’s called Viluz, home of inner peace. e
EMAIL: WELCOME@VILUZ.COM
INSTAGRAM: @VILUZ.RETREAT WWW.VILUZ.COM
The cosy dining room welcomes guests for a healthy morning meal
The gorgeously evocative lounge area
MAYAN MONKEY MIJAS
Freshly made chocolate bars
WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY ANDI BLACKWELL, ENRIQUE
VINAGRERO AND MAYAN MONKEY MIJAS
Jason at work
Eli of Mayan Monkey Mijas
A big variety of chocolate delights for sale, along with Oolal, the stuffed spider monkey
A CHOCOLATE FACTORY AND HAPPINESS HUB WITH A SUSTAINABLE HEART
Ifirst heard about Mayan Monkey Mijas years ago, when a friend told me about a lovely chocolatemaking workshop her family had taken part in. She showed me a picture of a chocolate bar her child had made. It was packed to the brim with crunchy nuts and chewy fruit pieces – it made my mouth water just looking at it! I was delighted when it was my turn to visit the Coast’s very own ‘Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory’ right here in Mijas – a scenic pueblo overlooking the sea and nestled beneath a majestic
mountain range.
Mijas Pueblo is a traditional Andalusian village whose elegant whitewashed buildings and cobblestone streets are married to an array of cultural and gastronomic offerings. “If you’re visiting Mayan Monkey, I suggest that you make it a full day,” says Eli, co-founder of the chocolate factory. “There are markets, live flamenco performances every Wednesday and Saturday, and during the summer there is also live music, tapas routes and free performances, as well as lots of free events throughout the year.”
A DIVE INTO THE HISTORY OF MAYAN MONKEY MIJAS
Eli is Irish by birth, but very much a citizen of the world (she speaks an impressive seven languages and is fully fluent in Spanish). “I lived in Barcelona in 2001,” she tells me, “I moved down to Marbella to help a friend of a friend open a wearable art gallery and after completing that project, Jason (the co-founder of Mayan Monkey Mijas and Eli’s life partner) and I decided to set up a business together.”
“ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE. BUT A LITTLE CHOCOLATE NOW AND THEN DOESN’T HURT.” CHARLES M. SCHULZ
Eli is the business’ creative spark (she finds ideas, brings them to life, and communicates them to the team), while Jason is a visionary who is an expert in technology and making things happen. “Jason was financially independent at the age of 11 and at 15, he founded his first company,” she tells me. Both Eli and Jason have spearheaded many successful ventures, but the project that united them professionally for the long haul was their popular chocolate factory, which opened its doors in 2012. So, how did the idea to set up a chocolate business in Mijas come about? Eli says, “It all started when Jason and I visited the village of Pampaneira in the Alpujarras in Granada. We had been together for six months and fancied a weekend away. The third building in the village was a chocolate factory. As soon as we entered, I felt
my inner child take over. It was a ‘Eureka!’ moment for both of us. Freshly made chocolate has a totally different taste and texture.
When you pick up a chocolate bar in a supermarket or store, it will typically be about 10 months old. This is not a problem from a food safety perspective. However, by the time you take it off the shelf, it’s no longer at its prime. Our chocolate is freshly made in small batches precisely so that our customers are getting it as fresh as possible, and you can tell the difference in its rich flavour, along with how smoothly it melts in your mouth. We also supply chocolates for private and corporate events. All our chocolate is packaged in-house, in packaging we design, paper engineer, print and assemble ourselves using Spanish recycled card.”
TECHNOLOGICAL WONDERS
One of the most amazing parts of Mayan Monkey is the workshop and printing area. A massive 29th-century Heidelberg printing press stands proudly and grabs all the attention away from the even larger modern-day printer. “We still use the Heidelberg to cut our printed material into boxes,” she tells me. The factory is graced with more than one sizeable machine whose beauty and intricacy spark your curiosity. The collection includes antique cacao roasters, mélangeurs, and an impressive coffee roaster that nearly touches the ceiling! “Our coffee used to be roasted in Málaga but we wanted to make everything from scratch — including our coffee, so that our visitors enjoy the freshest of everything.” ›
PLEASING THE PALATE
Speaking of coffee, yes, you can simply visit Mayan Monkey Mijas for a cup of freshly brewed Arabica if you wish… or enjoy a cup of ice-cream or a gluten-free dessert. On our visit to the shop, my husband and I tried a few of their 100 per cent made-from-scratch ice cream flavours, including a creamy pistachio and rich, dark chocolate. It is heart-warming to think that every single ingredient is locally sourced and hand-made. “The pistachios for our ice-cream are roasted in-house and we do not use any artificial colourings or flavours.” The same goes for the cheesecake (which visitors
can enjoy in ice-cream and dessert form). “That’s why our mint ice-cream is white. It is made with pure organic peppermint essential oil, which is clear. Why would we add artificial colours to it?”
CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE
There are many ways to enjoy Mayan Monkey Mijas’ offerings. You can simply pop in and buy a chocolate bar or ice-cream cone, or go for a more interactive experience. Mayan Monkey Mijas hosts workshops for schools, but also offers chocolate-making workshops for groups as small as two. View the many standard workshops they have online,
which range from €9,95€99,95 per person, along with completely exclusive and tailormade experiences catered to the interests, age, and profile of the group. You can make everything from bonbons to bars, take part in a workshop with your kids, choosing from a host of gorgeous chocolate shapes, decorated with a choice of 54 toppings! “We also offer chocolate and wine-tasting experiences to accompany the chocolatemaking for adults, just call us beforehand,” Eli says.
I was pleased to make a lovely chocolate bar alongside Lynn, who gave me great advice on yummy ingredient combinations. ›
Personalised story book for kids at Mayan Monkey Mijas
As you can imagine, the factory is spacious. There are separate areas for the café, store, chocolate-making, and chocolate museum zone (where kids print and colour designs and learn more about chocolate, with a special focus on the little-known role of Andalucía in its origins!).
A MONKEY WITH A GREEN HEART
Mayan Monkey Mijas embraces sustainability in all its processes, products, and activities and it all starts with the cacao. Eli explains, “We discovered that between 60 and 70 per cent of cacao originates from the Ivory Coast or Ghana. These workers earn one-quarter of the minimum global poverty threshold – they
make just €0,54 a day. Often, child labour is involved. When we discovered this, we spent months searching for an ethical supplier, deciding that if we could not find one, we would close the business down. We found a wonderful supplier in Italy called ICAM. Their cacao is traceable, sustainable, and ethically produced. Rather than raising prices, we absorbed the costs, as a demonstration of our commitment to sustainability.”
Mayan Monkey Mijas has ethical, sustainable, organic suppliers for everything from cane sugar to coffee beans, and is the only chocolate factory in Spain to be officially recognised by the NGO Slave Free Chocolate: www. slavefreechocolate.org/ethical-
chocolate-companies
At the entrance to the shop, you will see a cute grey stuffed monkey toy sitting on the shelves by the chocolate bars. Her name is Oolal (which means ‘happy’ in ancient Mayan) and she is a replica of a three-month-old spider monkey. Eli spent many months choosing her to be their mascot and took time to find the right company to make her and her stuffed toy sisters.
The chocolate factory ready for visitors
VISITESSENTIALMAGA
up finding one of the very last remaining businesses in Spain that hand-makes stuffed toys. They are located in Totana, Murcia.”
In the shop, you will also find a beautiful photo of a baby orangutan hand, taken by renowned conservationist and photographer,
Jacha Potgieter. It is a powerful reminder of the loss of critical habitats for these primates owing to palm oil production. As you might imagine, there is zero palm oil at Mayan Monkey Mijas. “In the end, we chose to make everything ourselves – even our version of Oreo cookies for our ice-cream (tellingly called Better than Oreo! ’ ) because pretty much all industrial confectionery nowadays uses palm
I leave Mayan Monkey with a smile on my face and a bag-full of freshly made chocolate hand. My husband and I stop to view the vastness and greenness of the view from one of the many gorgeous lookout areas and comment that this is a place we must come back to. I think about what a great feeling it is to immerse yourself in the art of chocolatemaking while supporting a business whose founders put the planet, people, and wildlife at the forefront.
MCLAREN 750S
Peak performance achieved in McLaren’s lightest road-going car to date. But is the new 750S a step forward enough to be lured away from the already supremely capable 720 model?
WORDS
SAM HEXTER PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MCLAREN
ITERATIVE EVOLUTION
From the exterior, you’d be forgiven for mistaking this brand-spanking new McLaren 750S for the outbound 720S that burst onto the scene back in 2017. And while its outer spaceship-looking shell may look similar to its predecessor, McLaren has said a third of all the
hardware is new for the 750S.
Many of the improvements help to usher in some serious functional ferocity. It boasts larger intakes helping to channel more air into the motor, trick aero parts to channel hot air out from the arches, lightweight alloy wheels, and new linkedhydraulic suspension dubbed
PCC III – catchy – just to name a few of the latest upgrades. The interior has had a facelift too, but more on that later.
The most significant thing to note with the 750S is its weight. This new McLaren tips the scales with a dry weight of just 1,277kg.
That’s an impressive 30kg less than the 720S, and 100kg lighter than the legendary McLaren P1 hyper car, and almost 200kg lighter than its nearest rivals! The result of this weight saving is a hair-raising sprint to 100km/h in a mere 2.8 seconds, with 200km/h coming moments later in 7.2 seconds. The powerplant of the 750S is the same twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 from the previous car, but with power upped from 711bhp to a whopping 740bhp (or 750PS, hence the name).
The improvements don’t stop there. The 750S now features a limited slip differential placed between the rear wheels. The overall gearing ratios have been adjusted, giving a 15% shorter final drive than the 720S, which helps with the mighty midrange punch on offer. And while the exterior differences may be subtle, the 750S has many styling cues that pay homage to other McLarens in the line-up, including the huge rear wingcome-airbrake, the new centreexit stainless steel exhaust system akin to the P1, and loads of lightweight mesh in the rear section.
VISITESSENTIALMAGA
Lift the scissor door towards the sky and climb inside the carbon tub, and you’ll be met with the usual plethora of Alcantara and carbon fibre. The cabin has had a more significant refresh than the cars exterior, and as a result offers what is a more refined and practical place to sit, even over longer cross-continental trips. A Bowers & Wilkins sound system and integrated Apple Car Play offers a welcome upgrade too, making the car surprisingly good for everyday use – not to the standards of something like a 911 Turbo S, but certainly a leap ahead of the older 720. There’s even some decent storage under the hood now, offering up 150 litres of cargo space; enough for a small grocery shop, but maybe don’t try and put your dog in there. ›
Purists will be pleased to know that the steering wheel remains button-free. Shift paddles and various cabin switches remain tactile and crisp. Unlike the 720S, the instrument cluster is now fixed to the steering column, meaning even with wheel adjustment, the tachometer and speedo remain clearly in view. Driving modes and traction control are also
accessible with two hands on the wheel, thanks to topmounted switches either side of the central cluster.
RAW OUTPUT
The 750S comes in two flavours, a coupé and Spider versions, but whichever configuration takes your fancy, the thing to note is the lightweight design philosophy. In the current
day and age, an increasing number of supercar manufacturers are focusing on increasing power –with many electric and hybrid arrivals now offering horsepower numbers well into four-figures! So it’s truly refreshing to see McLaren go the other way, and focus on going faster the oldfashioned way, by removing weight. ›
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And the results speak for themselves. Many modern cars feel like cumbersome loads dragged forward by big torque, but the McLaren is nimble, light, and feels pushed forward with great pace from its rear axle.
Is the 750S enough to get current 720S owners to part with some significant cash for the upgrade? Likely not. But what this new McLaren should
do is inspire new customers to the brand through the very appealing package on offer here – with some everyday supercar practicality, partnered with benchmark performance on tap. With its segment-leading power-toweight ratio of 578bhp per tonne, the 750S isn’t a car that should be overlooked, and isn’t one that will be easily overtaken. e
» POWER 740bhp (750PS) and 800nm-torque
» 0-100KM/H 2.8 seconds
» TOP SPEED 332km/h
» MARKET
ALTERNATIVES Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Ferrari 296 GTB, Lamborghini Huracan Evo
» PRICE From €322.400 plus local taxes
While Jackman recently split from Deborra-Lee Furness, the couple have adopted children, Oscar, 24, and Ava, 18, and the simple pleasures of home and happiness have always, unapologetically, been the things that have pushed the Sydney-born star forward. Yet the caring, controlled Aussie is stepping into the spotlight once again with this summer’s Deadpool & Wolverine, set to catapult the 55-yearold, and co-star Ryan Reynolds, right back into the glare of centre stage. After a relatively serene few years away from the drama of blockbuster movies, is Jackman ready to step back in? The answer, it seems, is yes.
WE ALL THOUGHT YOU HAD HUNG UP THOSE METALLIC TALONS FOR THE LAST TIME IN 2017’S LOGAN, YET HERE YOU ARE, BACK AGAIN. WHAT WENT WRONG?
“Ha, well something clearly has. I will admit, after Logan, I was happy to be done, genuinely happy. And I mean that in the best possible way! I was happy that I had arrived at a place where my own personal path was veering off in a few different directions. It felt the right time to do that.
After 17 years, and nine films, I was definitely done. It never felt right before when I had considered walking away. Yet, in my gut, I knew this time it was the right move. Maybe as well there was a bit of getting in there first before the studio broke the news to me in a heartbreaking way, I don’t know.
However, some paths do meet back up further down the road, and it’s not a complete surprise to see this happening. Obviously, we have a new story to tell, and that in itself was exciting enough to pique my attention again.”
DID YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT ABOUT DOING IT ALL AGAIN?
“Absolutely none. When I got the call to do the movie, I was driving my car and I immediately shouted ‘Yes!’. I have been away from it and you can’t help but miss it, so the temptation to jump back in was just too great.
When you get butterflies over a project you just know it’s something you have to pursue.” ›
Deadpool & Wolverine
VISITESSENTIALMAGA
DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE SEEM A PERFECT COMBINATION, DON’T THEY?
“You’re right and I’ve been thinking that for years, right back to when Deadpool first emerged.
I know fans have always raised the idea of bringing them together somehow. In comic terms Wolverine actually pre-dates Deadpool by about 15 years, so on our first conversation I made sure Ryan knew who was wearing the boots on this project [laughs].
What’s funny is that it wasn’t so long ago that I, apparently, was telling Ryan he needed to ditch Deadpool and do something else entirely. I mean, he bought a football
club so at least he was distracted enough to do that.
I’m glad now he didn’t fully take my advice!”
PERHAPS THE SUPERHERO GENRE CARRIES WITH IT MORE CHANCE OF SUCCESS THAN ANY OTHER, YET THERE IS NO CAST-IRON GUARANTEE, IS THERE?
“That’s true, although after you’ve been in this business for a while, you grow confident of grasping the right opportunity when it’s handed to you… you grip it tight with both hands, and that’s exactly what I felt with this.
I’ve watched Deadpool at the movie theatre. It was in Times Square in New York, the
9pm showing, and because it was absolutely packed to the rafters I had to sit on the stairs. Nobody knew it was me, as I was sat at the back of the theatre, crouched down, wearing a baseball cap… just taking in the movie and the reaction of the theatre. › We can live a sheltered life as actors whereby you never actually see how a film influences and impacts an audience directly, but that was a really cool and revealing moment for me, and ever since I’ve known the power of that character… and of course my own; so I’ve no doubt we are on to a really good thing here.” ›
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WILL YOU GO INCOGNITO TO THE MOVIE SHOWING WHEN DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE COMES OUT?
“That’s not a bad idea – I just might!”
WHAT ABOUT THE DEMANDS OF PLAYING SUCH A MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY CONSUMING ROLE. AFTER ALL, YOU ARE NOT IMMORTAL, SO DID YOU THINK TWICE ABOUT DRAGGING YOURSELF BACK TO THE GYM FOR THE GRUELLING BODY PROCESS
THAT THE ROLE DEMANDS?
“I guess the good thing is that the Wolverine Workout, as it has become known, is almost second nature to me now. I’ve reacquainted myself so often with that version of myself, and the yearning at the end of it for bread and beer is still the thing that pulled me through.
I have also made sure I kept in some sort of regular shape this time as well. I’ve spent over two decades in the gym now because of this character, and this time
“WHENEVER YOU’RE PERFORMING AND DOING SOMETHING UNIQUE, IT MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’RE A LITTLE ON EDGE AND, IN THE END, THAT’S WHAT MAKES IT”
I never really stepped away from it, even if my time there was cut from two hours to perhaps 20 minutes, despite Logan seemingly heading for some sort of retirement.
As I have said before, I actually think he prolonged my life expectancy because I’ve been working out like a maniac for so long, and I’ve eaten pretty well, ‘clean’, as they call it now, for all that time. My waistline would be twice the size it is now if it wasn’t for him, so I’m eternally grateful for that.”
I THINK WHAT INTRIGUES SO MANY IS THAT YOU ARE EQUALLY ADEPT AS THE TRUE PERFORMER AND ENTERTAINER ON STAGE, AS YOU ARE THE CGI-DRAPED HIGH-ENERGY SUPERHERO GENRE. YOUR VERSATILITY ALWAYS SHINES THROUGH…
“Thank you for that. As an actor, I still think of the theatre as my finest means of creative expression, and all my best memories come from moments I’ve spent on stage in front of an audience, particularly musicals.
I have vivid memories of playing King Arthur in Camelot when I was five years old and how the crown kept slipping down over my head and nose. I fell in love with musicals around then. A couple of years later, I must have been eight, my dad
took me to see a performance of The Man of La Mancha, and I remember Hugo Weaving starring in that. He had studied at the same high school that I was about to enter, so that was a very inspiring moment in my life.”
DO YOU EVER GET NERVOUS PERFORMING IN FRONT OF PEOPLE OR NOT?
“A little bit, but I call it ‘excited’ and I would probably be really worried if I felt nothing at all. Ultimately, in the end, it matters to me. Every show matters to me. I’m not the type of person who feels that he just has to get through the run.
I want the audience to feel they have witnessed something unique and special. I want there to be a little air of danger to it,
like, for example, we might stop in the middle of a song and then tell a story. I might just interact with a person in the crowd.
Whenever you’re performing and doing something unique, it makes you feel like you’re a little on edge and, in the end, that’s what makes it. They are the types of things that people remember – I mean, whether it works or not, who knows [laughs]!”
AND AWAY FROM IT ALL YOU’VE CULTIVATED A VERY HAPPY HOMELIFE WITH YOUR CHILDREN.
“I was lucky to have a beautiful and generous wife to help me raise our children, and Deborra will always be that to me.
I always want to invest everything I have in my family, just as my dad invested everything he had in us. He had a hard time and it wasn’t the best way to grow up, so I’ve been extremely conscious of providing the right environment for my own family. I mean, my children are grown up now so, to a certain extent, my work is done.
Ultimately, nothing I’ve accomplished as an actor or performer would mean very much to me without having them in my life.” ›
DO YOUR KIDS THINK THAT YOU’RE THE COOLEST PERSON EVER?
“No! I’m an annoying dad. I’m embarrassing and everything about my films or my shows is lame [laughs]!”
YOU SEEM QUITE AGELESS IN YOUR APPROACH AND, DARE I SAY IT, YOUR APPEARANCE TOO. HOW DO YOU VIEW GETTING OLDER?
“As the years advance, I don’t view my life as having fewer opportunities, but instead many, many more. I think there is often a fear that we hit certain age milestones and desperately need to feel as if we’re ticking boxes, but certainly in the past 10 years I’ve relaxed that whole notion.
I think getting older means focusing on health and wellbeing to give you the option not to tick more boxes, necessarily, but create more boxes to be ticked!”
YOU’VE SPOKEN BEFORE ABOUT PASSING THE AGE OF 50 AND THE IMPORTANCE OF
CONTINUALLY CHALLENGING YOURSELF…
“Definitely. When I did the Music Man stage production, that was a real case of going out of my comfort zone for an extended period of time.
Even away from the stage I still work with my singing teacher and dance teacher, because I know I want to return to that challenge at some point, and to do that I need to be in stage-ready shape.
Ultimately, Pavarotti had a singing teacher until the day he died. So, who am I to say that I am not going to have dancing teachers, singing teachers, acting teachers?
There is always something to learn, there is always something new to do, there’s always a new goal to go for and I am the kind of person who always wants to keep moving, trying new things, different challenges, and setting the bar higher and higher.
At the same time, I do want every performance to feel fun and something amounting to a celebration. To do that, I can’t be turning up out of breath and feeling tired, so health is the cornerstone of my longevity.”
INDEED, YOU HAVE HAD YOUR HEALTH SCARES ALONG THE WAY [JACKMAN HAS HAD A NUMBER OF BASAL CANCER CELL CARCINOMAS REMOVED FROM HIS NOSE]…
“Unfortunately, that is something I have a genetic predisposition to. I have English fair skin and it’s becoming routine. And all I can do is be vigilant, look for the signs, look for any discolouration, change in shape. That’s all any of us can do, and if you feel unsure or
concerned, get yourself to the doctor.”
DID YOUR HEALTH ISSUES LEAD YOU TO THINK DIFFERENTLY ABOUT RELIGION OR A HIGHER SPIRITUALITY?
“Not really. I have always been grounded in the here and now. I live my life as me, not through some spiritual belief or being.
I think the older you get, it can’t help but creep into your mind, and not anything to do with the skin cancer, but you think, ‘One day, I’m not going to be here’, and it’s a terrifying thought if you let it fester.
Yet in the last few years I’ve educated myself to not always be so hung up on all that. You’ve got to live in the
moment, so I like to walk, appreciate my surroundings, and take time to give thanks for what I have in my life because I know I’ve been very lucky in so many ways.
I do believe in karma though – I believe in doing good things, and the bad can come back to bite you on the arse. I believe in maintaining zen. I meditate. I keep it spiritual, in that sense at least. It connects you better to life, and to a longer, happier life.”
See our interviews with the charismatic Mayor of Málaga, Francisco de la Torre Prados, and stalwart Marbella realtor, Callum Swan. Get abreast of what’s trending, both in Spain and further afield. Preview the latest releases for the big and small screens, as well as in the book stores.
wwhat’s cool?
COMPILED BY IAIN BLACKWELL
NH COLLECTION DUBAI THE PALM
NH Collection Dubai The Palm, the Spanish chain’s first hotel in the Middle East, is also the first hotel in Dubai to have vegan rooms. Located on the popular West Beach of Palm Jumeirah with views of Dubai Marina and the Dubai Eye, it has 532 rooms and suites spread over 14 floors, of which 10 are completely vegan in terms of materials and amenities.
WWW.NH-HOTELS.COM
ST. REGIS AL MOUJ MUSCAT
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has unveiled a glamorous coastal paradise with the debut of the St. Regis Mouj Muscat Resort in Oman. Situated in Al Mouj, one of Oman’s most exclusive neighbourhoods known for its luxurious beachfront living, the exquisite resort with 250 luxurious rooms and suites, is a gateway to the state’s captivating wonders.
WWW.ST-REGIS.MARRIOTT.COM
LOBSTER CLUB BY GRUPO CAPPUCCINO
Ensconced in the exclusive area of Puerto Portals, Mallorca welcomes Lobster Club, the new venue from Grupo Cappuccino, destined to become the place to be on the island this summer with live music and a unique ambience. The luxurious new club comprises the exquisite Lobster Restaurant, a Hammocks and Balinese area with infinity pool, and the Lobster Cantina chill zone.
EOS-X SPACE
EOS-X SPACE, the first European space company of Spanish origin, will start flight operations both in Sevilla, the company’s headquarters, and in Abu Dhabi around the third quarter of 2025. The necessary validation tests will begin soon with the National Institute of Aerospace Technology. This new form of tourism has a current market value of $9 billion.
WWW.EOSXSPACE.COM
VP PLAZA ESPAÑA
DESIGN 5*
Madrid’s iconic VP Plaza España Design 5* brings together the best of Japan and the Mediterranean at its exclusive rooftop pool venue. For the summer season the hotel has prepared an exceptional menu alongside Ginkgo Restaurants, highlighting its innovative selection of ‘Sushi boards and chopsticks’, the most refreshing delicacy for sharing.
WWW.PLAZAESPANA-HOTEL.COM
Paolo Castelli flagship showroom in Marbella now open, by Blackshaw.
Avda. Cánovas del Castillo, 25 Marbella (29601)
MARTINI SPRITZ
Refresh yourself with a Martini Spritz this summer! The award-winning flavour of the Turin brand has been reinvented through four vibrant and colourful combinations that are the perfect allies to enjoy the summer to the fullest in good company. Try the Martino Fiero or Bianco Spritz, as well as the non alcoholic Floreale and Vibrante Spritz.
WWW.MARTINI.COM
MADUNIA IBIZA
Madunia at Sant Antoni de Portmany, destined to revolutionise the culinary offering of the island, recently launched in style with an event filled with glamour, rhythm, and flavour that was attended by many well-known faces and influencers. The restaurant celebrates Ibiza’s gastronomy while promoting sustainability and the use of local products. WWW.MADUNIA.ES
MAYORAZGO HOTEL
Grupotel Hotels & Resorts are the new owners of Hotel Mayorazgo located in Madrid’s famous Gran Vía, with its signature restaurant, Gastrovía 61. The hotel has a storied history that has made it an icon in the centre of Madrid, with 200 themed rooms that exhibit many details intrinsically linked to its history, culture, and authentic traditional customs.
WWW.HOTELMAYORAZGO.COM
THE STIGULL STAIRWAY
With a 40m ladder stretching 790m above the fjord at the Norwegian village of Loen, the Stigull Stairway is one of this summer’s big new attractions in Fjord Norway. Only for those who do not suffer from vertigo, the ladder offers an adrenaline filled experience for all climbing enthusiasts with a floating sensation and incredible views above the fjords.
WWW.FJORDNORWAY.COM
KOENIGSHOF MUNICH
The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of more than 30 brands, has announced the long-awaited opening of the Koenigshof Munich. Located in the heart of Munich’s historic Stachus Square, with a new contemporary design which embodies the city’s rich history and culture, the hotel offers guests a unique experience in the Bavarian capital.
WWW.MARRIOTT.COM
PERSHING YACHT TERRACE
Located in the heart of the 7Pines Resort in Ibiza, the exclusive cocktail bar created by Pershing architects and designers reflects the style and values that make the brand unique. The front of the carbon fibre bar features the sleek, streamlined silhouette of the iconic side wing with incorporated glazing, conjuring up the elegant style of Pershing X series yachts.
WWW.PERSHING-YACHT.COM
EVA GONZÁLEZ & SUNGLASS HUT
Under its Find Every Shade of You campaign, Sunglass Hut has celebrated its long-awaited summer party with the model and presenter, Eva González and other friends of the brand. The Spanish actress and TV show host welcomed the summer season by showing the versatility of the four collections on the emblematic rooftop of the Hotel Bliss in Madrid.
WWW.SUNGLASSHUT.COM
BoConcept
BoConcept
BoConcept El Corte Inglés Calle Ramón Areces S/N
Banús, Málaga
Droplets of Water refract Eternal Connection. Sway in Harmony, each a unique expression of the Sacred, urging us to share Earth’s Treasures with Love, where Spirituality and Materialism unite as One. A Silent Whisper to the Soul, reminding the Divine Realm, guiding us back to the Essence of Being.
Be mesmerized by Wealth’s fluid motion. –Be Present with Wealth–
MAYOR OF MÁLAGA FRANCISCO DE LA TORRE PRADOS
A MAN COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY, CULTURE, AND HIGH-END
TOURISM
WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE MÁLAGA TOWN HALL
The world of politics can be ephemeral and unpredictable and to be chosen as the Mayor of the second most populated city of Andalucía for almost a quarter of a century is no small feat. Francisco de la Torre Prados, born in 1942 and in command of the Town Hall since 2000, is much more than a politician; he is a beloved figure who is known for his innovative outlook, passion for technology, and efforts to transform Málaga into a haven for high-end tourism. His CV is too impressive to include in full… suffice it to say that he has a degree in Sociology (The University of Salamanca), a doctorate in agricultural engineering (The University of Madrid) and studies in regional development (The University of Rennes, in France).
It was a pleasure to meet Sr. de la Torre Prados after reading about his passion for innovation for so many years. My curiosity about why he went into politics was piqued, since his studies were heavily focused on agriculture and development. He answered, “My first forays into politics stemmed from my father’s (Francisco de la Torre Acosta’s) involvement in the Asociación de Amigos de la Universidad de Málaga, (Friends of the University of Málaga Association), which fought to establish a university in Málaga.” Until the 1970s, Málaga was the only capital in Europe (and perhaps the world) with over 300,000 citizens and no university of its own. Málaga had actually been home to a university way before that, in the 12th century (in the Muslim
era), but this institution was closed down when the city was annexed as part of the crown of Castilla.
In May 1968, a key meeting was held – the Consejo de Ministros (Council of Ministers), whose outcome was expected to result in an announcement of a new university for Málaga. However, the result was disappointing, to say the least. To the south of Madrid, three universities would remain (in Granada, Sevilla, and Valencia) and more superior technical schools would open in the north… but there was nothing for Málaga. Francisco de la Torre Sr. founded the Friends of the University of Málaga alongside José Luis Alonso del Castillo to ensure Málaga was not left behind in the race for better education.
Sadly, cancer took the life of
Francisco Sr., leading Francisco Jr. to take up the cause in 1969. By then, Francisco Jr. had built up an impressive resume. He worked at the National Institute of Agricultural Research in Córdoba, holding the post of Director of Agrarian Economy and Sociology. Later, he advised various Latin–American countries in matters relating to agrarian reform and development. His intelligence and hard work for the establishment of a university in Málaga led others to take notice and in 1971, at the tender age of 28, he was named President of the Provincial Council of Málaga – a highly coveted post and one involving great responsibility. In 1972, he achieved what had been his father’s great dream – the foundation of the University of Málaga was finally approved. ›
Sr. de la Torre Prados has held many important positions, including that of Senator for Málaga, councillor of Economy, Tax, and Tourism of the First Junta Preautonómica de Andalucía, and Founder of the Andalusian Social-Democratic Party. He is also Vice-President of the Partido Popular de Málaga (the PP). His political views are clear: he is a ‘municipalist’ and a defender of autonomy and local decentralisation.
If you follow Málaga-centred news, then you know how busy he is. A few days before I wrote this, he launched the installation
of the new High-Tech Incubator in the Metaverse in the Tabacalera building –which has the capacity to host 50 ‘Deep Tech’ projects focused on promoting entrepreneurship in technologies such as 6G, supercomputing, virtual reality, blockchain, and artificial intelligence.
Speaking of technology, the Mayor has taken many steps in the right direction, as the results show. Many global tech companies are present in the Málaga TechPark and in the city today, including Google, Accenture, and Oracle. The Mayor explains, “Málaga offers the quality of life
that attracts talent. It has shown a capacity to adapt quickly to the demands of the STEM industry and today, a host of vital developments take place in the city, centred on subjects such as robotics and cybersecurity.” The Mayor is also proud of Málaga’s recent achievements in the realm of digital nomads. “Málaga is the first territory to successfully pass the rigid testing process undertaken by AENOR, who has awarded the city the prestigious Digital Nomad Destination certificate. We have made it into the Executive Nomad Index (a ranking undertaken by Savills PLC), which chooses the top 20 cities in the world for long-term work.”
Closely related to technology is sustainability – another area where Málaga shines. Recently, it incorporated hybrid buses into its fleet, created a network of charges for e-vehicles on public roads, and added a significant number of bicycle lanes to the city.” The Town Hall has invested in lowering the city’s carbon footprint via initiatives such as the creation of a network of solar roofs, the substitution of traditional lighting with LEDs, greener treatment of residues, the
creation of more green zones in forest and periurban zones, and more. “Málaga is now home to 60km of trails and 31 lookout points, as well as dozens of kids’ play areas – five of which were recently added.”
The Town Hall is moving “to create subterranean tunnels that connect current public transportation systems more optimally.” There are also plans to improve communications with Marbella via train.
Education is another big priority for the Mayor, as it has been from the start. “We’ve created the new Oficina Municipal de La FP (the Municipal Office for Vocational Training).” This office has already launched over 30 workshops in a myriad of secondary schools across the city. Moreover, two new private universities will be joining Málaga University: Alfonso X el Sabio and the Universidad Europea. He explains, “These private institutions will complement the public university well and we hope to further expand our educational offerings.”
Málaga is also riding high in terms of culture and events. Last year (2023), the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga (FYCMA) hosted an impressive
156 events – including fairs, congresses, conventions, workshops, and more. Another exciting development is the Auditorio (the Auditorium), a 33,000m2 edifice, which requires the collaboration of the central government and the Junta de Andalucía to become a reality. “We hope to bid for the parcel of land it will be built upon before the end of this year,” the Mayor tells me. Finally, what would Málaga be like without its tourists? “We have made a big effort to attract high-end tourists through the construction of new five-star, grand luxury hotels. In 2014, there was a total of 22 four- and five-star hotels. Today, there are 36. That amounts to a growth of 63 per cent in the number of four- and five-star hotels.” The city is also undertaking marketing campaigns to attract discerning tourists, though for the Mayor, the best way to achieve this goal is to offer quality. “An excellent city attracts excellent tourists,” he says, giving me a warm goodbye before heading to his next meetings. With a man this active at its helm, the only way is up for the capital of the Costa del Sol.
SUCCESS WITH DISCRETION CALLUM SWAN
WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN
In a career that spans 30 years, Callum and Louise Swan have sold many of the most important properties in Marbella. Their success formula has been remaining true to themselves and a work ethic grounded in results.
There are many ways to do things when selling luxury real estate. You can shout from the rooftops, follow the latest marketing trend, grow big and then small again, or just stick to your principles and let your work do the talking. For Callum and Louise Swan, the preferred method has been a low-key road to success, as this couple has created an agency that ranks among the top guns in sales value but consciously chooses to be boutique.
“We’re the size we want to be,” says co-founder Callum, who feels very much part of Marbella. “Louise grew up here, I’ve spent most of my adult life in this great place, we’ve built up our careers here and raised a family. Marbella is home.” After
working for one of the largest real estate agencies the coast has known, the couple set up their own company 14 years ago, opting to make it boutique, personal and not quite like most others.
“I judge no-one, but just like to follow my own way and be true to myself,” says Callum, who early on realised that he did not have an affinity with volume work.
“I’m not really attuned to the multiples, but am the kind of guy who invests time in a client and immerses himself in the project of matching buyers with the kind of home they’re looking for. ›
Louise and Callum Swan –lifelong expertise in Marbella real estate
In the case of luxury villas, in which we specialise, that is a pretty personal and detailed process.” It is made much easier by knowing the market, areas and properties inside out.
MARKET KNOWLEDGE AND SPECIALISATION
Callum and Louise don’t cover the entire spectrum of the market, either in terms of product or geography. “We focus on quality properties in certain core areas, being the Golden Mile, La Zagaleta, Sierra Blanca, and Nueva Andalucía to name a few,” says Callum, and his knowledge of these areas is so detailed that calling him an expert is an understatement. “Over the years, I’ve built a relationship with homeowners, often people who have bought with us, put their faith
in us to manage or even renovate/update their properties, and then ask us to list and sell them when they’re ready to move on to another home or location. Repeat business and word of mouth referrals are in fact the foundations of our business.”
It is on the basis of such longstanding personal relationships that this boutique agency is instructed to list and then consistently sell some of the most impressive properties in Marbella. “We don’t do it by being loud or hyperactive. We are thorough and up to date in our marketing, but it’s never been our way to be boastful or in your face, it’s just not who we are, so instead we build reputations that stand on our ability to deliver, and this has attracted a level of homeowner and buyer that we’re proud to work with.”
An office that feels more like a comfortable home
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Callum doesn’t feel the need to be involved in every transaction in town. He prefers to stick to his way of working, following an ethic that has seen him tell clients a certain property is not right for them, or advising them of an issue that would have created problems later. “We’ve done alright for ourselves while also maintaining our integrity, and that is what pleases me the most. I’d rather not close a transaction than try to sell something I don’t believe in, and anyway, in my view, an agent should open doors, not sell.”
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
The quality over quantity ethos has served Callum Swan well, for the team forms a tight-knit
operation with an efficient yet family feel in which the fact that many of the staff members have been with the company for years says enough. Enter the elegant office on Marbella’s Golden Mile and you won’t be greeted with the usual promotional material but rather feel like you’ve just stepped into a stylish, welcoming home.
You wouldn’t imagine that this appealing space is the spot from which Callum, Louise and their team have negotiated the majority of the villas sold in recent years within the Marbella Club, some of them two or more times, and have been consistently involved in sales since 1995 in La Zagaleta, including many plots. Evidently, a lowkey approach can work very
well, as long as you have an excellent product and market knowledge, an efficient operation, and you get things done.
“Our clients appreciate our discretion, and the fact that we take the time to sit with them and give them real advice, even if it goes against a sales decision. Ultimately this is what builds trust, relationships, and results in repeat business and referrals, something we do take a great deal of pride in.”
CALLUM SWAN REALTY
URB. LAS TORRES DEL
MARBELLA CLUB, LOCAL 1, BLV PRINCIPE ALFONSO VON HOHENLOHE, MARBELLA TEL: (+34) 952 810 608
INFO@CALLUMSWAN.COM
WWW.CALLUMSWANREALTY.COM
The elegant offices of Callum Swan
PASTA ONER HAPPY MEAL
HOT NEW MOVIES
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
» Director: Shawn Levy (Date Night)
» Genre: Action
» Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin Witty mercenary, Wade Wilson (Deadpool) is ushered into the Marvel Universe when the Time Variance Authority asks him to join a mission to prevent a catastrophic event that could alter the course of history. He reluctantly teams up with Logan (Wolverine), whose quick thinking, powerful claws, and sheer power can help stop the event. They may be complete opposites, but they know how to work together to defeat their enemies, including the villainous Pyro. As they strive to achieve their goal, they uncover a deeper conspiracy that threatens the stability of the Marvel universe.
Haunted by her traumatic experience with a tornado, Kate Cooper returns to the open plains at the request of her friend, Javi, to test a new tracking system. She soon meets Tyler Owens, a charismatic yet impulsive social media celebrity known for sharing his storm-chasing exploits on the Internet. As storm season reaches its pinnacle, Kate, Tyler, and their teams gather together to create a foolproof plan, sparked by the discovery that multiple storm systems are converging over central Oklahoma.
VISITESSENTIALMAGA
THE BIKERIDERS
» Director: Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter)
» Genre: Thriller
» Cast: Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, Jodie Comer, Michael Shannon
The Bikeriders delves into the lives of the members of a fictional 1960s Midwestern motorcycle club called Vandals. It follows Kathy, the girlfriend of the highly committed Vandals member, Benny. She describes the transformation of the club from a surrogate family to a dangerous crime syndicate; one in which friendships are pushed to the brink. Amid all the chaos, Kathy must carve out her path and walk the fine line between love and survival in a world where the motto is “You’re either for us or against us.”
Set during NASA’s Apollo 11 mission, this film centres on two charismatic personalities: marketing genius, Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson) and NASA official, Cole Davis (Channing Tatum). Kelly has been brought in to generate excitement about the moon and fix NASA’s floundering public image. When NASA deems the Apollo 11 mission too important to fail, she is asked to stage a fake moon landing as a backup – and she must work alongside Cole to ensure her employers’ ‘Plan B’ goes without a hitch.
HORIZON – AN AMERICAN SAGA PART ONE
» Director: Kevin Costner (Dances with Wolves)
» Genre: Drama
» Cast: Kevin Costner, Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington
This stunning saga (which received an endless ovation at Cannes) is all about the expansion of the American West during the Civil War era. Set between 1861 and 1865, it explores the lives of numerous families, friends, and enemies as they tackle the challenges of settling in a harsh frontier during the expansion into the West. Meanwhile, the Civil War rages, as the industrial North and the agrarian South battle it out over the issue of slavery. e
COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS
HOT NEW SERIES
VISITESSENTIALMAGA
LADY IN THE LAKE
S1 (APPLE TV+)
» Creator: Alma Har’el (Honey Boy)
» Genre: Drama
» Cast: Natalie Portman, David Corenswet, Moses Ingram
This limited series, based on Laura Lippman’s best-selling book, is set in Baltimore in the 1960s. Natalie Portman plays Maddie Schwartz – a housewife and mother who reinvents her life as an investigative journalist when the disappearance of a young girl grips the city in fear. She collides with Cleo Sherwood (Moses Ingram) – a hardworking woman juggling motherhood, numerous jobs, and a fierce commitment to advancing the city’s progressive Black agenda.
TIME BANDITS
S1 APPLE TV+
» Creator: Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords), Iain Morris (The Inbetweeners) and Taika Waititi (Our Flag Means Death)
» Genre: Comedy
» Cast: Lisa Kudrow, Kal-El Tuck, Tadhg Murphy, Rune Temte
Time Bandits, based on Terry Gilliam’s classic adventure film, is an exciting journey through time and space with a ragtag group of thieves and an 11-year-old history nerd called Kevin. The group set out on a thrilling quest to save the boy’s parents and the world at large. The gang stumbles upon fascinating realms, where they seek treasure and depend on Kevin’s wits to escape from dangerous situations. They witness the creation of Stonehenge, see the Trojan Horse in action, visit the Ice Age, and more.
In Season One of Savage Beauty, a young woman infiltrated a powerful family that owned a global beauty empire to seek revenge for their illicit practice of testing a toxic skin-whitening product on children. The new season picks up where the first left off. Don, the patriarch of the business, is losing his grip over his wife Grace, and their children’s unpredictable behaviour threatens to tear the family business apart.
ANOTHER SELF S2 (NETFLIX)
» Creator: Nuran Evren Şit (8 Seconds)
» Genre: Drama
» Cast: Tuba Büyüküstün, Seda Bakan, and Boncuk Yılmaz
Another Self is centred around three friends who travel to a seaside town to connect with their spiritual selves and face unresolved trauma from their families’ pasts. In Season Two, the friends face new challenges as they start a new life in the district of Ayvalik. Leyla starts a new business, Ada immerses herself in the world of science, and Sevi harbours a secret that she keeps from even those she is closest to.
SUNNY S1 (APPLE TV+)
» Creator: Katie Robbins (The Affair)
» Genre: Science Fiction
» Cast: Rashida Jones, Joanna Sotomura, Hidetoshi Nishijima Rashida Jones plays the role of Suzie, an American woman living in Kyoto whose life is turned upside down when her husband and son disappear in a mysterious plane crash. To help her through this tragedy, her husband’s electronics company gives her ‘Sunny’, the very latest in domestic robots. At first, Suzie is suspicious of Sunny, but the two forge an unlikely bond and set out to discover what really happened to her family. e
READING
A SHORT WALK THROUGH A WIDE WORLD BY DOUGLAS WESTERBEKE
If You Could Never Stay, Where Would You Go? Set in Paris in 1885, nine-year-old Aubry Tourvel discovers a mysterious wooden puzzle ball. After tossing it away, she finds it inexplicably returned to her satchel. Days later, she falls ill. When a visit to the doctor only makes her worse, she realises that movement is the key to her survival. Aubry embarks on a lifelong journey across diverse landscapes, from deserts to snowy peaks, and from a Parisian well to an infinite underground library. Along her travels, she learns the essence of survival and truly living. However, it becomes evident that her world differs from that of others. This spellbinding novel offers adventure, wonder, and self-discovery, perfect for fans of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, The Midnight Library, and Life of Pi
THE PARIS MUSE BY LOUISA TREGER
In Paris, 1936, French photographer Dora Maar meets Pablo Picasso and is captivated by his intense stare and powerful creativity. Their passionate relationship, marked by sadism and masochism, pushes Dora to the brink. The Paris Muse is a fictionalised account of their tumultuous affair, set in Paris and the French Riviera. It reveals Picasso’s genius and disregard for social norms, his refusal to divorce, and his infidelity. The Spanish Civil War deepens his depression, influencing his creation of Guernica, which Dora documents. As World War II begins, their relationship darkens, leading to Dora’s nervous breakdown and hospitalisation. This intense and moving narrative highlights Dora Maar’s significant yet often overlooked role in Picasso’s life.
ALL THE COLOURS OF THE DARK BY CHRIS WHITAKER
In 1975 America, amid the end of the Vietnam War and the iconic boxing match between Mohammed Ali and Joe Frazier, the small town of Monta Clare, Missouri, is gripped by the disappearance of girls. When a wealthy family’s daughter becomes a target, Patch, a local boy with one eye, emerges as an unlikely hero, saving her but leaving heartache in his wake. As Patch and his loved ones navigate the blurred lines between triumph and tragedy, they uncover truths that threaten to tear them apart. Chris Whitaker’s novel intertwines a missing person mystery, a serial killer thriller, and a love story, offering unique twists on each. Delving into themes of obsession and hope, the story explores what lurks in the shadows and the blinding light of hope.
RESOLUTION
BY IRVINE WELSH
In this gripping new novel, Irvine Welsh returns with a tale of redemption and reckoning. Ray Lennox, a former detective burdened by his darkest days, seeks solace and a fresh start in Brighton after leaving Edinburgh behind. Settling into a quieter life, Lennox replaces his past fixations with disciplined routines and peaceful evenings. However, fate intervenes when he crosses paths with Mathew Cardingworth, a charismatic property developer. Their encounter triggers a cascade of memories from Lennox’s tumultuous childhood, propelling him into a tumultuous journey of selfdiscovery and confrontation. As Lennox delves deeper into his past, he uncovers unsettling connections between Cardingworth, the disappearance of foster care boys, and the shadows of violence that haunt him. With each revelation, Lennox grapples with the haunting question of what he is willing to sacrifice to finally confront his demons and find closure.
THE MOONLIGHT MARKET BY JOANNE HARRIS
Bestselling author Joanne Harris returns with her first fantasy novel in six years, a captivating love story. Tom, an orphaned and lonely photographer, has no plans to fall in love until he meets Vanessa, who leads a dangerous double life in London’s King’s Cross. Pursuing Vanessa, Tom uncovers an alternate world hidden within the city’s streets and rooftops, inhabited by strange beings. In this realm, two ancient factions – one of night, one of day – have been at war for centuries over forbidden love and a lost prince of sun and starlight. Discovering a secret moonlit market where memories buy spells, Tom begins to suspect he’s been there before. This modern fairytale, blending elements of Romeo and Juliet with Neil Gaiman’s style, offers a spellbinding tale of fae courts, magical wars, and hidden worlds, ideal for fans of V.E. Schwab and Samantha Shannon. e
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Stand out from the crowd this summer with Luli Fama Beachwear. Take a tour through a grand villa by Vasari. Catch up the latest design trends. Check out some of the hottest products from Sol de Janeiro and find out how biophilic design is combatting burnout.
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VASARI DESIGN PROJECT ON THE GOLDEN MILE
Boutique developers Vasari have earned a reputation for designled homes that stand out for quality over quantity. This singular architectural and interior styling project is a prime example.
WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ENGEL & VÖLKERS
The last villa to be released within a select community of architecturally styled and beautifully decorated homes, this property on the Golden Mile is a fine example
of contemporary design and finishing. It features advanced engineering and construction to offer a modern lifestyle option in what has been confirmed as the most desired location on the Costa del Sol, within a stroll of the coastal pathway and the beach. ›
The characteristic architectural styling of the villa
From here, you can easily access Marbella town and Puerto Banús, always with the impressive La Concha Mountain as a backdrop. A series of exclusive beach clubs and seaside restaurants are dotted along the way, with the Marbella Club, Puente Romano resort hotel, and the golf courses of Nueva Andalucía close by. For all that it is so central at the heart of Marbella, this privileged enclave is a private oasis of tranquillity in the most upcoming part of the Golden Mile, Marbella’s top address
where great demand and a shortage of available properties is driving prices up – having risen 100 per cent for new properties over the past three years. This property’s very reasonable
price in comparison with others on the Golden Mile makes it an excellent investment as well as a lifestyle opportunity in an area where price growth is dynamic. ›
Rooftop lifestyle area with mountain and sea views
VISITWWW.ESSENTIALM
ALL ABOUT STYLE
The villas within this small, secure community were from the outset conceived from a boutique perspective. As a result, the qualities are superb and the attention to detail involves engineering, materials, and construction methods as well as architectural styling and interior furnishing. The exterior design is what catches your eye first, but enter the home and the standard of finishing and décor add the final touches to a wonderful interior flow that defines the house.
Stylish, comfortable living between Marbella’s three iconic reference
points – the sea, La Concha Mountain, and the fairways of the Golf Valley – makes this a highly desirable home within the region’s finest address, a combination of factors that set the Vasari villa apart. Not surprisingly, the developers have paid homage to such a prized location with a design-led project that adds value to a prime setting near the sea.
Top-specification kitchen
MODERN MEETS TIMELESSNESS
Modern architecture is by tradition defined by sleek, rectangular lines and crisp white tones. The villa features these, but enriched with the honey tones and richly marbled texture of natural stone – added here not just as a detail but in the form of an imposing entrance that provides the villa with its characteristic feature. It sets the tone from the moment you approach, always against the backdrop of La Concha Mountain, views of which accompany you from all angles.
This is certainly true of the garden, whose Mediterranean landscaping offers the perfect opportunity to view the mountainous landmark from a variety of vantage points. Set upon three levels, this newly finished five-bedroom, six-bathroom property offers just over 1,000 square metres of built space on a plot of 2,105 square metres. The living areas comprise a total of 630 square metres, including a spacious lounge, dining and kitchen lifestyle zone that flows the one into the other and continues out into an outdoor space. ›
The lower floor features a bedroom suite and the setting in which to create a gym, spa, home cinema , or combined entertainment area, as well as a generously proportioned garage. You enter the home on the ground floor, passing the imposing sandstone entrance marked by its slanted pillars, whose gradient interacts with
the right angles of the surrounding walls. It adds a sense of occasion every time you arrive home.
A PRIVATE DOMAIN
One of just a few villas within a select community, this home is a perfect blend of form and function, where elegance abounds in support of lifestyle enjoyment. The main
floor is dedicated to living spaces, where the living room, dining area, and topspecification kitchen merge into one another within an open plan distribution. Panoramic floor to ceiling windows reveal stunning mountain views and slide open to allow access to a large, covered terrace overlooking the garden and swimming pool. ›
Finest quality materials and style
From here, you can relax, unwind, and socialise as you watch the children play by the pool, but it is not the only part of the villa dedicated to quality of life, as the rooftop provides the amenities for a rather privileged way of living. These include a jacuzzi, solarium, barbecue area, bar, lounging and dining spaces, as well as sunbathing area from which to soak up the Costa del Sol sun while taking in those sea and
The views from within the garden, a private domain
mountain views. Seen from here, they are particularly impressive.
The first floor is home to the private quarters, including two comfortable bedroom suites and a master bedroom with luxurious bathroom and dressing area, not to mention inspiring vistas of the surroundings. The angled architecture continues on the coving that frames the large terrace of the master suite, creating a sense of symmetry with the main entrance on the other side of the property, and an element of visual detail and playfulness that many modern homes lack. ›
The place to keep your prized cars
Minimalist elegance in the private gym
FINE STYLING
Sold furnished, the villa is as much an exercise in interior styling as it is in exterior architectural design, and it shows in the quality and choice of the furnishings and the combination of tones, textures, and styles within the house. Timeless meets modern inside and out in this spacious contemporary home set between golf and mountain views at a short stroll from the sea. Marbella and Puerto Banús are just minutes away, but you wouldn’t notice it from within this peaceful private enclave on the Golden Mile. The fact that it is located within the most up and coming part of Marbella’s top address adds further investment potential to a boutique project defined by comfort and style. e
ENGEL & VÖLKERS, EXCLUSIVE SALES
AGENCY OF VILLAS VIRREY LOCAL 5, LA POVEDA, BLVD. PRINCIPE ALFONSO DE HOHENLOHE, MARBELLA INFO@VIRREYVILLAS.COM WWW.VIRREYVILLAS.COM
Mijas
Carretera de Mijas, 3.6Km Mijas
Marbella
Carretera Nacional 340, 175Km Puerto Banus
WINDFALL 20TH ANNIVERSARY
Windfall Crystal Lighting, the distinguished German brand is known for luxurious, modern fixtures that blend traditional chandelier elegance with contemporary design. These high-quality crystal fixtures vary from intricate to avant-garde, fitting various architectural styles from lavish homes to upscale commercial spaces. In the last 20 years, Windfall stood out for its collaborations with top designers to create custom, innovative lighting solutions that emphasise aesthetic harmony, making it a popular choice for those seeking to make a bold, upscale statement in their interiors.
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BO CONCEPT
Launched last year, the curved Bolzano Kollektion by BoConcept, designed by Morten Georgsen, has quickly become popular. The collection is recognised for its organic, rounded silhouettes that create a cocooning effect. The seats are puffed-up, complemented by cosy textures like bouclé in calming, neutral shades, enhancing the sense of comfort. The modular pieces, including small and large sofas, a swivel armchair, and a chaise longue, offer flexible arrangement options, allowing them to fit into various living spaces seamlessly. This versatility, combined with the inviting design, makes the Bolzano Kollektion a favoured choice in contemporary home decor.
WWW.BOCONCEPT.ES
TRENDS DESIGN
THE PERFECT GHIDINI1961 HARMONY
WIth their recent new collection, contemporary Italian interior brand Ghidini1961 reveals the secret of timeless beauty. Each piece of furniture is a unique creation shaped by skilled hands and constant research and is defined by a detail to create perfect harmony between furnishings, accessories, and lamps.
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PAOLO CASTELLI, OUTDOOR LIVING
The new Paolo Castelli Fenpei Outdoor sofa is a versatile, high-end furniture piece, designed to offer flexibility and comfort. It features a modular design allowing for various configurations to suit different spaces and uses. Crafted with durable materials suitable for all environments, this sofa combines functionality with a sophisticated, contemporary aesthetic, making it ideal for enhancing modern outdoor living spaces. Available in Marbella at Paolo Castelli by Blackshaw.
WWW.PAOLOCASTELLISPAMARBELLA.COM
CORIAN® IMPRESSED IN TRADEFAIR
Last month at the FIMMA + Maderalia International trade fair, Materfut unveiled the latest designs and finishes of Corian® Solid Surface. Known for its wide range of textures and colours, Corian® offers aesthetic versatility with options like different vein intensities and particle sizes that enhance both its appearance and functionality. This makes it particularly suitable for translucent versions that are ideal for backlit applications, allowing for creative and practical uses in various design projects. WWW.CORIAN.COM
TRANSFORM YOUR GARDEN INTO AN ECO-OASIS
Designed to help you create a beautiful and eco-friendly oasis, the Weaver Green sustainable outdoor collection, made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, includes hammocks, parasols, throws, cushions, and rugs that are perfect for enjoying the warm summer months. Weaver Green’s innovative process transforms discarded plastic bottles into soft, durable textiles, offering you luxurious outdoor products that are both ecoconscious and can handle the elements.
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SPIN COLLECTION
BY KENNETH COBONPUE
Kenneth Cobonpue's latest 'Spin' collection introduces a captivating design reminiscent of a giant spirograph, utilising carbon fibre to craft intricate, continuous lines that create a hypnotic effect. The collection, which includes a side chair and an easychair, showcases the versatility of each piece, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings. The elegant and innovative use of materials and design in the collection highlight Cobonpue's creative approach to modern furniture.
WWW.KENNETHCOBONPUE.COM
AND MORE
S. DALI, P. PICASSO, J. MIRO, K. APPEL,
One of the latest collections at the Paraiso Miami Beach Swim Week features a stunning array from Luli Fama, a Latin-owned luxury swim and resort wear brand celebrated globally for its universally flattering fits, quality designs, and vibrant hues. The new 2025 collection, titled 'La Vida Miami,' draws inspiration from the chic lifestyle of Miami, and includes a variety of styles that blend playful prints with unique construction, designed to accentuate different body types. Also available from their European website, why not explore Luli Fama, which is perfectly suited for the Marbella summer?
LULI FAMA
BEACH WEAR 2025
DISCOVERED BY MADDIE QUINN PHOTOGRAPHY IMAXTREE
SOL DE JANEIRO
HERE COMES THE SUN!
If there is one company that has managed to capture a wide array of markets in one fell swoop, it’s got to be Sol de Janeiro – an American brand founded in 2015 and inspired by Brazilian beach culture. The label came to life in 2008, when Heela Yang – who was Director of Marketing at Clinique and Manager at Lancôme – moved her residence from New York to Brazil. She became enamoured by Brazil’s beach culture and launched a brand that luxury niche perfume and top beauty bloggers rave about – and best of all, its products are highly affordable. Try a few of these delicious-smelling, luscious-feeling skincare items.
WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS
BODY LOTION
A lightweight 100% mineral SPF 50 body lotion with cupuaçu butter and niacinamide to lock in moisture and help even skin tone.
3 – BEIJA FLOR RENEWING BODY WASH
A creamy body wash that helps support the cellular renewal process and delivers vital moisture. Infused with a gentle retinol alternative and vegan squalane for smooth, supple skin.
4
– BOM DIA BODY SCRUB
This AHA BHA body scrub visibly improves skin clarity and helps even skin tone.
5 – BRAZILIAN BUM BUM CREAM
One of the brand’s top-sellers – a delicious smelling cream with fast-absorbing cupuaçu butter and antioxidant-packed ingredients like guaraná extract and açaí oil to leave skin feeling silky soft.
6 – BRAZILIAN CRUSH CHEIROSA 62 PERFUME MIST
A heavenly mist with an irresistible pistachio and salted caramel fragrance.
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Excellence in Eye Care
TRUST YOUR VISION TO PROFESSIONAL SKILLED HANDS
The esteemed medical team at QuironSalud Hospital Marbella, led by the renowned Dr. Nabil Ragaei, who was honoured as the Doctor of the Year in Ophthalmology, and his dedicated team of specialists boast exceptional qualifications and expertise in all subspecialties of ophthalmology, ensuring comprehensive care for every patient in all the visual impairments. One of the standout features is its cuttingedge medical technology, which facilitates accurate diagnoses and enables the team to provide advanced medical and surgical treatments. Patients can rest assured that they are receiving the best care possible, thanks to the medical team’s commitment to staying at the forefront of medical innovation.
TREATMENTS OFFERED
• Laser cataract surgery
• Refractive surgery (multifocal lenses and laser treatments)
• Medical and surgical retina treatments
• Glaucoma
• Cornea transplant
• Oculoplastic
• Dry eye
• Strabismus
In addition to offering state-of-the-art services, Dr Nabil Ragaei and the medical team prides itself on its efficient ‘comprehensive general eye care’ services where patients can undergo a series of tests and evaluations all in one day, streamlining the diagnostic process and allowing for prompt treatment planning. This approach not only saves time but also ensures that patients receive an all-inclusive assessment of their eye health without delay.
Trust your vision to the skilled hands of Dr. Nabil Ragaei and his team for your vision healthcare.
Enhance your green credentials with the Kumulus Amphore One, a state-of-the-art, plug’n play device which generates pure water directly from the atmosphere daily!
With no installation required and full CE certification ensuring the highest quality water and safety standards, Kumulus is perfect for homes, hotels, and recreational facilities. Monitor production effortlessly with the LCD screen and Kumulus app for remote connectivity.
Call to book your viewing in the Marbella Golden Mile Center. (Across from the Marbella Club Hotel)
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COMBATTING BURNOUT WITH BIOPHILIC DESIGN
Burnout, characterised by chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed, is an escalating issue in today’s fast-paced business environment. Symptoms include emotional exhaustion, reduced performance, and a feeling of detachment from one’s job. As businesses seek sustainable solutions to this problem, the integration of biophilic design offers a promising way ahead.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND BIOPHILIC DESIGN
Biophilic design is more than just an aesthetic choice; it is grounded in substantial research that highlights the benefits of connecting people with nature. Studies such as 2023’s ‘Reap What You Sow’ have shown that environments enriched with natural elements such as plants, natural materials, and access to daylight can significantly reduce stress, enhance cognitive function, and improve overall wellbeing.
HOW PLANTS REDUCE BURNOUT IMPROVED AIR QUALITY
Plants are natural air purifiers, absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen. This improvement in air quality can lead to better concentration, reduced headaches, and fewer respiratory problems, all of which contribute to a more comfortable and less stressful working environment.
ENHANCED AESTHETICS
The presence of greenery can make a workspace more visually appealing and inviting. This aesthetic enhancement can boost mood and create
a sense of calm, making the workplace a more pleasant and inspiring place to be.
STRESS REDUCTION
The presence of plants has been shown to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. This biological response helps employees feel more relaxed and less overwhelmed by their workloads.
BOOSTED PRODUCTIVITY
Environments that incorporate natural elements have been linked to increased productivity. The calming effect of nature can help employees maintain focus and
work more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of burnout.
SUCCESS STORIES
Brodies LLP, Edinburgh: With a total of 257 live plant displays installed, there is a tangible feeling of nature throughout this modern working space. The building benefits from a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and EPC ‘A’ rating, meaning that it is highly sustainable and environmentally sound. Kay Quillan, Marketing Manager, commented, “Promoting well-being at work was key to the success of our new, flexible workspace. ›
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE BENHOLM GROUP
Creative planting promotes that well-being, while complementing and enhancing the variety of workspaces.”
HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
To create a more soothing atmosphere for both patients and staff, integrating biophilic elements into the facility’s design, including a preserved moss wall and numerous potted plants resulted in a significant decrease in reported burnout among staff and a more welcoming space for patients.
IMPLEMENTING BIOPHILIC DESIGN IN YOUR WORKPLACE
For business owners looking to combat burnout and enhance their work environment,
incorporating biophilic design can be a game-changer. Here are some steps to get started
ASSESS YOUR SPACE
Evaluate your current office layout and identify areas where natural elements can be integrated. Consider factors such as natural light, space for plants, and areas that could benefit from a touch of greenery.
CONSULT WITH EXPERTS
Engage with specialists who can provide tailored solutions based on your specific needs and workspace constraints.
START SMALL
Begin with easy-to-maintain plants and gradually expand. Even a few plants can make a significant difference.
ENCOURAGE EMPLOYEE
PARTICIPATION
Get your team involved in the process. Allowing employees to choose and care for plants can foster a sense of ownership and enhance the overall impact. The power of plants in reducing burnout and enhancing workplace well-being is clear. Through biophilic design, business owners have a valuable ally in creating healthier, more productive work environments. By embracing the principles of biophilic design, you can transform your office into a haven of calm and productivity, ensuring that your employees remain engaged, happy, and far from the brink of burnout.
ABOUT BENHOLM GROUP
BENHOLM HAS PROUDLY BEEN DELIVERING PLANT, FLORAL PRODUCTS, AND SERVICES WITH CARE AND CREATIVITY FOR COMMERCIAL CLIENTS
ACROSS SCOTLAND AND THE UK, FOR OVER 30 YEARS. WWW. BENHOLM.COM
FIND YOUR PRINT COPY AT THE BEST ESTABLISHMENTS ALONG THE COST
Our hybrid digital edition is redesigned and enhanced to make screen-viewing more comfortable while retaining the visual qualities essential magazine is loved for. Offering interactive navigation and videos playing on the pages, you can enjoy an authentic essential Marbella experience from anywhere in the world.
See the next level in virtual property tours courtesy of MetaLiving. Find out how the new Stingblade is a lifesaver for jellyfish stings. Check out some of the hottest events taking place in and around Marbella, and catch up on the latest news from the local business scene.
METALIVING
WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF METALIVING
Described as the Next Generation of Property Marketing, MetaLiving takes video walkthroughs to a new level to offer an immersive experience – like walking through a home from a location anywhere in the world.
You can see all the detail, textures, tones and shades you could wish for
Not so long ago, estate agents used to walk through a house taking a video with their mobile phone, either recording it to send later or live with a customer in a distant location. Then the process became more professional and the results more sophisticated and truer to life. In the meantime, we also gained ever-improving renders as valuable visual aids to represent homes that were either not yet built or far away from the prospective buyer’s location. Drones added to this visualising capacity, and with that we had already reached an impressive level of refinement, but now things are about to become even more realistic. ›
If you’ve heard of such things as VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality), you’ll know that they usually come with headsets that include goggles and earphone speakers, and in some cases special gloves or even entire suits wired with sensors that allow you to ‘create’ and ‘move’ the things you are seeing virtually. It is an immersive way of ‘stepping into a world’, like entering a virtual dimension, in which the physical world we know and the imaginary, created one we are connecting with,
begin to merge. Naturally this is a thing of the future, but it has already been used and evolving for some time, especially within the gaming industry.
A NEW LEAP FORWARD IN PROPERTY TECHNOLOGY
“We’ve borrowed from the gaming sector to take property walk-throughs to an entirely new level,” says Joachim Sannes, COO and one of the founders of MetaLiving, an Oslo-based tech company that is using its expertise to revolutionise
the tools available to the real estate sector. “With the use of the architectural plans of a property or a new project, we can build an entire 3D representation of the home or complex in question –inside and out!” What he means is that MetaLiving can take an architect’s drawings and bring them to life in 3D ‘reality’. Yes, a virtual and in fact augmented reality that is so good and true to life that you really feel like you’re walking through a property you may be ‘viewing’ as a prospective buyer.
Incorporate true-to-life views, seasonal sunlight, and angles
“This process is all about feeling, sensations. It is an immersive experience that goes further providing information and giving someone a good idea of the sizes and forms of rooms, how they flow and connect to one another, what the views are, etc. We’ve gone way beyond that to perfect it to the point where it becomes a sense, a feeling – as if you are really inside the property and experiencing it.” Add decoration and material finishes to it – which the user of the system – be it a developer or a potential buyer – can adjust to their liking, and the property really comes alive. ›
When it’s almost impossible to tell from an actual photo
MAKING DRAWINGS COME TO LIFE
“Even when people have already bought, they can use the technology to select materials, such as floors or tiles in the bathrooms, but also things such as kitchen finishes, colour tones, and furniture choices. It’s a great tool for architects and interior designers too, as it allows them to ‘walk through’ designs and options with clients, from where to place a window or wall to adjusting shapes and any other detail you could imagine.”
And, using AI (artificial
intelligence), the programme allows for the changing light patterns of different seasons, times of day, orientations, and weather types.
“In reality, the possibilities are endless and highly interactive,” says Joachim. “We know there are so many other applications for this technology, but as it was a project born as a spin-off from a Norwegian property company called Bonum, we are in the first instance focused on the real estate sector, not just locally or in Europe but globally.”
For agents and developers, the system produces not just walk-throughs but also promotional videos, renders and stills of a new standard of quality, all derived from a source that has been with us for a long time – architectural designs.
“Give us yours and within two months we will have a fully immersive suite of material ready for you that will first blow your mind, and then your clients’,” laughs Joachim, confident that this technology is about to add another powerful resource for an entire sector.
An ideal tool for developers, architects, interior designers, and many other professions
COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS
bbusiness news
Ikkil
Bay Confirms the West of Estepona as a New Premium Destination for Luxury Projects
Ikkil Bay is pleased to confirm that the western area of Estepona, known as Seghers, is the most expensive in the city, with an average price of €4.417 per square metre (compared to €3.356 per square metre for the city as a whole – as reported by Idealista). This area is home to the luxury residential development Ikkil Bay, comprising eight high-rise villas with superior quality standards and exclusive services. With a prime location on the frontline of the iconic Playa del Cristo, Ikkil Bay captures the essence of the transformation of the city, which now boasts a top-tier cultural centre, high-level international dining and entertainment brands, and soon-to-be-renovated marina.
WWW.IKKILBAY.COM
The Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís Marbella Resort Awarded a
Michelin Key
The Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís Marbella Resort has been awarded a Michelin Key. Echoing the renowned Michelin Stars for restaurants, the Michelin Key directs discerning travellers towards exceptional hotel experiences and only 97 properties in Spain have received this distinction. Michelin Keys are issued following anonymous evaluations by experienced guide inspectors, independent of any existing classification or rating system. Since their establishment in April of this year, the Keys have quickly become an international benchmark that is coveted by the world’s top resorts.
WWW.ANANTARA.COM
Fundación Sierra Blanca Raises Over €350.000 for a Good Cause at its First Charity Gala
The Sierra Blanca Foundation is proud to announce that its first charity gala, attended by a total of 400 people, raised over €350.000. Celebrated at the elegant La Câbane Beach Club, it was attended by top celebrities, including Antonio Banderas and Sarah Almagro. The auction, presented by Mar Saura and Bertín Osborne, also raised a significant amount, which will go toward various charitable organisations such as Cáritas Diocesana Marbella, Fundación Lágrimas y Favores, Asociación Somos Tu Ola, Ciudad de los Niños, and Fundación Ly Company Agua y Vida.
The Global Gift Gala Takes Place This Month at Finca Besaya
The Global Gift Gala Marbella, presented by Mamzel at Finca Besaya and Nota Blu New Brasserie, will be taking place on July 21 at the Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá, with María Bravo as host and Eva Longoria as honourary host. The pre-gala press event was attended by María Bravo; Zazou Belounis (Presenting Sponsor of the edition); ex-basketball player and founder of Proyecto 675, Berni Rodríguez; Swiss entrepreneur, Kent Björn; the General Manager of the Hotel Don Pepe, Rocío Galán; Executive Chef, Víctor Carracedo; and dignitaries from the Town Hall. FOR TICKETS, WWW.GLOBALGIFTGALA.COM
Scandinavian Food Market SPISA Expands Operations in Marbella, Spain
Marbella’s largest specialist Scandinavian supermarket, SPISA Food Market, has just announced ambitious expansion plans for 2024, starting with the launch of a new terrace restaurant and the completion of an extension to the Centro Plaza store. The purpose of the expansion is to increase the range of product lines and in-store capacity to cater for the growing demand for Scandinavian groceries and food, which is synonymous with quality, innovation, and sustainability. This summer 2024, SPISA will have three stores: in Nueva Andalucía, Estepona, and the Forum at the Puente Romano. The company plans to open stores in other regions in Spain, followed by France and Portugal. WWW.SPISA.SHOP
Artists’ Association Artesanal-Inoxis Celebrates Third Anniversary
The artists' association, Artsenal-Inoxis in Alhaurin el Grande (just 25 minutes from Marbella) has celebrated its third anniversary. This joint initiative was started by Carmen Peña, who previously had a gallery at Muelle Uno in Málaga, and the exceptionally talented artistic welder Robert Heidegger. It offers a platform for all creatives on the coast, including painters, musicians, and craftsmen. One of the most remarkable aspects is the building itself, which is reminiscent of trendy Bohemian spots in Berlin or London. The celebration featured a live band with drinks and snacks.
FACEBOOK: ARTSENAL INOXIS
The Fifth Edition of Building the Future Raises Over €120.000
The Building the Future association, founded in 2019 by NVOGA Marbella Realty, surpassed its fundraising goals, collecting a record amount exceeding €120.000 in the fifth iteration of its charity event. This achievement was made possible through the involvement of over 150 businesses and collaborators, who contributed their funds, time, facilities, and gifts. The funds raised have been allocated to various local associations. The Gala Dinner was hosted by José Carlos León, President of the association and CEO of NVOGA Marbella Realty, alongside María Peláez, also a partner at the real estate agency. In addition to this event, the Costa del Sol Real Estate Sector Charity Padel Tournament took place at the Villa Padierna Racquet Club, with over 80 doubles competing.
WWW.NVOGA.COM
Spain’s First Bilingual Literary Magazine Launches at the Madrid Book Fair
Spain’s first bilingual literary magazine was launched recently at the Madrid Book Fair. The Madrid Review, whose first issue features interviews with John Boyne, Santiago Posteguillo, and Sir Paul Preston, is run by a team of volunteers based in the Spanish capital. “Litmags are a modern phenomenon but what we wanted to do was to mix that modern trend of harnessing unpublished work
and to place it in a traditional context,” Editor James Hartley said. The free magazine is published in both print and online editions and the next issue, scheduled for September 2024, will feature interviews with Joanne Harris and Colm Tóibín. Submissions for poetry and prose are open.
WWW.THEMADRIDREVIEW.COM
The New Beach Club Higuerón Opens its Doors
The New Beach Club Higuerón, located in Benalmádena, has opened its doors, comprising a three level experience. The club is located in an idyllic setting and offers a unique atmosphere and excellent gastronomic selections. Two of its zones, The Club and The Beach, feature fresh new dishes by Chef Diego Gallegos. The Club, located by the sea, boasts Balinese beds
by the pool, perfect for a day's relaxation. If you enjoy feeling the sand beneath your feet, head to The Beach, where you can experience dreamy times on comfortable loungers or relax on the beachfront terrace. Finally, to expand your culinary horizons, check out The Japo, which fuses the Japanese and Malagueño culinary cultures.
WWW.THEBEACHCLUBHIGUERON.COM
Celebrity Hairdresser Chooses Marbella for International Expansion
Salon Maher opened its doors on Avenida Ramón and Cajal in May to bring Maher Mansour’s unique brand of hairdressing to Marbella. Following his two successful salons in the Netherlands, Mansour is bringing 25 years of experience, international training, and qualifications to the Coast. He aims to enhance the natural beauty of every customer who walks through the door, saying, “Hair is a woman's ultimate beauty asset – the only thing that she never takes off”. Star services include the latest hair extension techniques, legendary blow-outs, cuts, colours, and highlights. The team speaks English, Arabic, Dutch, and Russian.
WWW.SALONHMAHER.COM
Originals Interiors Holds Charity Golf Day in Aid of Betania
Originals Interiors recently held a charity golf day at the prestigious Las Brisas Golf Course. Raising over €25.000 in vital funds for the charity Betania, the event was a tremendous success, bringing together compassionate golfers dedicated to making a difference in the lives of disenfranchised individuals. Based in La Línea de la Concepción, Betania is an organisation dedicated to providing essential services to individuals facing social exclusion – victims of human trafficking and gender-based violence, homeless people, immigrants, and families seeking legal aid. Participants enjoyed a day comprising a light breakfast, 18 holes of golf, a delicious lunch, and a celebratory atmosphere.
WWW.NUEVOHOGARBETANIA.COM
Fundación Heroes Celebrates 25th Anniversary
The NGO Fundación Héroes, which helps children and adults with special needs and diverse abilities, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary at La Isla Pool Club. Its president, Fernando Moreno Muñoz, welcomed nearly 300 guests, who demonstrated their generosity and solidarity. This year, funds raised will go toward those with limited economic resources. Fundación Héroes has a multidisciplinary team of 32 professionals, who provide services in speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, neuropsychology, and psychology, among others. In 2023 alone, the team attended to more than 1,174 people.
The Jolly Mile Launches in Marbella
The Jolly Mile has opened its doors in Marbella, marking the arrival of the genuine electric MOKE vehicle in Spain. The event was a vibrant testament to innovation, style, and community spirit. Attendees enjoyed a delightful array of canapés and drinks, as well as live DJ-spun music and a live painting performance on a MOKE by the renowned artist, Sebastian Marc Graham. The electric MOKE, an emblem of sustainable innovation and classic charm, made a striking entrance into the Spanish market. Its presence at The Jolly Mile symbolises a lifestyle choice that aims to recapture the glamorous essence of a bygone era.
El Pimpi Foundation Donates €173.250 to Festival Soles de Málaga Beneficiaries
The El Pimpi Foundation recently handed a cheque for €173.250 to the beneficiaries of the Soles de Málaga Festival, held to promote awareness and raise funds for Málaga’s NGOs. The event, held at the Patio de Banderas of the City Hall of Málaga, was attended by the Mayor of Málaga, Francisco de la Torre Prados, with actress Belinda Washington playing the role of MC. Next year’s event will focus on battling poverty and social exclusion. All NGOs, foundations, associations, and entities with projects related to this theme are encouraged to prepare their proposals before August 4. WWW.FUNDACIONELPIMPI.COM
Quironsalúd Málaga Offers Free Fertility Advice
As part of the Quironsalúd’s initiatives for Fertility Month, the Assisted Reproduction Unit at Quirónsalud Málaga Hospital recently offered free advice on fertility problems, aiming to raise awareness of the importance of reproductive health care. The Health Corner of the hospital, located in the lobby of the Day Hospital, was made available to interested parties. The main cause of fertility problems is age. “We know that a 30-year-old woman of fertile age has only a 20 per cent chance of pregnancy each month. This drops to five per cent in 40-year-old women,” stated Dr. Irene Barreche, coordinator of Assisted Reproduction at Quirónsalud Málaga Hospital.
Windup MKT PARTY a Resounding Success
The Windup MKT Party, featuring talks on the latest trends in digital marketing and artificial intelligence, was a big success, with 350 people in attendance. Combining education and fun is one of the premises of this original event, which is organised by the Málaga-based agency Windup, which integrates a digital marketing agency and school. Combining education and fun was one of the premises of this original event, which comprised 15-minute educational sessions, activities and games, storytelling workshops, live music, networking, and lots of fun.
WWW.WINDUP.ES
Triumph Opens My Atelier at El Corte Inglés Puerto Banús
El Corte Inglés is now home to My Atelier: a dedicated space by lingerie brand, Triumph offering a novel interactive experience to shoppers that aligns with Triumph’s new motto: 'It’s personal.' My Atelier offers each client a perfect environment to feel comfortable and take their time, while enjoying a fully personalised service from the brand's advisors. The space is bright and inspiring in style and boasts natural, sustainable materials. Soft colour palettes add an intimate touch, and open spaces provide ample room for customers to move freely. The fitting rooms and resting areas are designed to create a sense of calm.
WWW.TRIUMPH.COM
STINGBLADE
WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF STINGBLADE
Many people wait all year for just one or two weeks of rest and relaxation.
Those who opt for a sea vacation dream of catching a few rays on the beach and enjoying the peaceful experience of swimming in the sea. The one thing most don’t count on is the painful shock that runs through their bodies when they are stung by a jellyfish – and unfortunately, owing to over-fishing, jellyfish have completely taken over a vast majority of Mediterranean beaches.
Mark Dyer, the founder and COO of Stingblade – a handy tool that eliminates jellyfish ‘microbarbs’ from the skin – knows all too well how quickly jellyfish can ruin a perfectly crafted holiday. He is an avid scuba diver who recalls unforgettable experiences, such
as the summer of 2018, when he was swimming in the turquoise waters of Taormina, Sicily. “I swam into a school of jellyfish for around 20 minutes and was stung around 30 times. I knew I was carrying enough venom to kill me if I didn’t do the right thing.” You read right – while one jellyfish bite may simply cause pain, multiple bites can cause you to go into anaphylactic shock – which can lead to a heart attack and death. Mark knows exactly how serious this can be. His sister was stung in Mallorca in 2021 by a Portuguese man of war around six feet from where she was swimming. “She had a massive allergic reaction and she is now partially blind,” he tells me, a dire warning of the importance
TheStingblade PersonalSport
The Stingblade Professional
A SOLUTION FOR JELLYFISH STINGS THAT MAKES SENSE!
of dealing with jellyfish the correct way.
“The problem with most firstaid solutions implemented by coastguards and emergency medics is that they only exacerbate the problem. When a jellyfish stings you, it inserts microbarbs containing venom into your skin. The first thing most coastguards do is rub the area and apply a ‘remedy’ to your skin. In doing so, they release the toxins from the microbarbs, which immediately enter your bloodstream.” Mark recalls that last summer, a friend visited Ibiza and was stung, only to have the coastguard rub the affected area with a cloth and vinegar. His back swelled up quickly and to this day, he has scars that remind him of this painful experience. “He was unable to lie down for a week. It completely ruined his trip.”
As experienced scuba divers, Mark and his buddies knew that the only solution that works is removing the microbarbs with a
blade. Mark, a busy entrepreneur with multiple successful businesses, developed Stingblade with the sincere hope of stopping disaster from happening for so many people who do not want to forego the beauty of swimming in the sea. “Stingblade removes over 95 per cent of the poison from your skin because it removes microbarbs and stops them from releasing their venom.”
Mark has important additional advice to share: “When you are stung, don’t hop out of the water immediately. Provided there are no more jellyfish, remaining in the water is a good idea, as the water can help wash away some of the toxins. After getting on your boat or swimming to the shore, use Stingblade. Glide it over your skin to effectively remove practically all the microbarbs. Next, get into a hot shower and wash any remaining toxins off. Finally, apply a cream or soothing product.” e
“THE PROBLEM WITH MOST ROUTINE FIRST-AID FOR JELLYFISH STINGS IS THAT IT DOES THE ONE THING IT ISN’T SUPPOSED TO: INJECT TOXINS INTO YOUR SYSTEM SWIFTLY AND UNEQUIVOCALLY, SOMETIMES WITH DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES.”
MARK DYER, FOUNDER AND COO OF STINGBLADE
STINGBLADE IS EASY TO USE AND IT COMES WITH A QR CODE YOU CAN SCAN FOR A FULL SET OF INSTRUCTIONS ON WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE STUNG. THE DEVICE IS MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN AND HAS A DEDICATED DISTRIBUTOR IN MARBELLA. TO GET YOUR HANDS ON A STINGBLADE DEVICE OF YOUR OWN, CONTACT SIMMI KARIA ON +44 (0) 203 946 9599 OR SIMMI@ STINGBLADE.COM WWW.STINGBLADE.COM
Mark Dyer and his wife, Clare
METT HOTEL
OFFICIAL OPENING PARTY
The METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella – Estepona recently held its Official Opening Party. The many invitees enjoyed a balmy evening with Champagne, cocktails, gourmet canapés, music, and creative entertainment, culminating in a grand fireworks display.
GUNNEL’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY
Gunnel’s Fashion Marbella celebrated its 20th Anniversary at Centro Plaza with a party for clients, guests, and associates. The event, which also raised funds for Cudeca, featured a Fashion Show in front of the store, and exclusive items from Caroline Svedblom Jewelry.
PORSCHE OWNERS CLUB
10TH ANNIVERSARY
PThe Porsche Owners CLUB of Andalucía recently celebrated their 10th Anniversary at the Atalaya Golf & Country Club. Founded in 2014, the club, which hosts monthly events, is designed to bring together Porsche enthusiasts who wish to share their knowledge and expertise.
PORSCHEOWNERSANDALUCIA.EU
PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN
ELYSIUM MARBELLA OFFICE INAUGURATION
Elysium Marbella inaugurated its plush new offices at the prestigious Occidental Hotel in Puerto Banus. The luxury real estate developer specialises in creating sumptuous living spaces with its exclusive projects, Elysium Golf, Rugiano Villas, and Elysium Grand Luxury.
EELYSIUMMARBELLA.COM
PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN
COLLECTIVE CALLING SUMMER GALA
CCollective Calling recently hosted a well-attended Summer Gala at Cortijo de Cortes during Marbella Feria week, raising €14.000 for the charity. Guests enjoyed an evening with chilled drinks, gourmet canapés, a fusion flamenco performance, and a stunning display of equestrian skills.
COLLECTIVECALLING.ORG
PHOTOGRAPHY ELENA SIKORSKAYA
Take yourself down to the new Sublim Beach for a session of chilling out with great F&B. Meet José Luis Morales, the Director of the emblematic restaurant, La Veranda at Anantara Villa Padierna. Find out how orange wine is made, what it tastes like, and why it is in the ascendancy.
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José Luis Morales of La Veranda at Anantara Villa Padierna
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Orange Wine
CATCH THE WAVE AT SUBLIM BEACH CLUB
If you have been driving past the Kempinski Hotel in the direction of Marbella, you will surely have noticed the imposing structures at the new Laguna Village with the impressive curling roofs, whose sweeping waves mimic the sea. Conjectured by iconic architectural firm, Archidom Studio, this is the setting for the trendy Sublim Beach Club, Kai Sushi Restaurant by Ricardo Sanz, and the Ecoalf boutique which offers a range of clothing from sustainable natural fibres.
WORDS JAMES SINCLAIR PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN
VISITWWW.ESSENTIALM A MOC.ENIZAG
SUBLIM IS SUBLIME
The new beach club is the place to be with friends and family for those who like to soak up the sun with maximum comfort, reverberating DJ spun chill music, and quality eats and drinks just an order away. The ambience is refined with an Ibiza-style vibe that simply transports you to a better place.
On passing the reception, you will find yourself looking over the large swimming
pool fronting the beach, with panoramic views across the Mediterranean. The venue is expansive and there are many areas to choose from in which to spend your day, whether on the myriad of umbrella shaded loungers on the beach, which also receive waiter service, or the super luxurious sun loungers surrounding the graceful palm-lined pool. If you are coming for lunch, dinner, or drinks, there are numerous
seating options under elegant shade sails, in recessed areas and alcoves, or in the extensive interior of the restaurant which is fully open to the action. The tables are sturdy, supported by solid central pillars, providing ample leg room, and the wooden chairs are comfy. Green foliage is abundant, nicely separating zones, as is the use of wood in the building façades, beneath the roofing, and with the plush loungers.
Once seated, our party of four settled in for an idyllic afternoon with lunch. Sipping on chilled cocktails as we perused the menu, we were already feeling substantially chilled, with good conversation flowing naturally. ›
FOOD THAT HITS THE SPOT
It wasn’t too long before our starters arrived, consisting of a creamy Caesar salad with grilled chicken, a salad of roast beef with rocket and hazelnut dressing, sautéed clams and garlic, and Super Gilda de Bonito (white tuna), pickled pepper and
olive skewer. These were so enticing that we could not resist tasting each others chosen selections.
Suitably primed, we were looking forward to the arrival of the main courses and our choices of Corvina Bilbaína and cherry tomatoes, Tarantella de
Atún de Almadraba, Solomillo de Simmental with fresh herbs butter, and rigatoni with Jerusalem artichoke, boletus, and smoked radicchio certainly did not disappoint. Nor did the classical French fries which were finely sliced with the potato skin partially retained. Having seen one being served at a nearby table, we were sorely tempted to indulge in a shared paella, but that will have to wait for a return visit. ›
The drinks menu is very comprehensive with Champagne, wines, and cocktails to suit every palate and occasion as you would expect from a prestigious beach club. This is a place where you can equally chill or party.
Our sojourn gradually came to an end over coffee and shared desserts of chocolate, salted caramel and spices, passion fruit ice cream with a lovely passion fruit sauce, and the exotic wild fruit platter.
We will be back! e
SUBLIM BEACH:
OPEN EVERY DAY FROM 11:00 - 24:00, WITH THE KITCHEN OPERATING FROM 12:00 - 23:00. DON’T MISS SATURDAY RITUALS WITH INVITED DJS, DRUMS AND DANCERS.
OPEN EVERY DAY FROM 12:00 TO 24:00 WITH THE KITCHEN OPERATING FROM 13:30 TO 23:00. WWW.LAGUNACOSTADELSOL.COM
@dunebeachmarbella dunebeachmarbella.com
reservations@dunebeachmarbella.com
JOSÉ LUIS MORALES
The love of good wine is something that is often passed through generations, instilled in the mind and heart by sharing information about the delicate process of winemaking and how to best serve and enjoy a glass. José Luis Morales, the Director of La Veranda and Head Sommelier at the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís, cannot imagine dedicating his life to any other pursuit. “When I was a child, my parents loved wine and my father was maître d’ of a resort for over 40 years,” he tells me. “I started in the restaurant business as a waiter but was always curious about wine and studied to become a sommelier. My career at the Villa Padierna began almost 14 years
ago, right after Michelle Obama’s visit to Marbella. I was living in Barcelona at the time with my partner and, when a job at this resort came up, I didn’t hesitate to accept.”
The Anantara Villa Padierna
“A BOTTLE OF WINE CONTAINS MORE PHILOSOPHY THAN ALL THE BOOKS IN THE WORD”
ERNEST HEMINGWAY
Palace Benahavís is, without a doubt, one of southern Spain’s most renowned five-star resorts; a top choice for celebrities, politicians, and discerning travellers. Guests, as you can imagine, are savvy wine consumers and catering to their
every whim is a must. José Luis elaborates, “Our clients’ tastes vary greatly. Some ask for more classical, robust, older wines, while others are keen to try out new, trending varieties.” The wine expert and his team ensure that every demand is met thanks to their knowledge and the impressive collection of wines at hand. The resort boasts a cellar with 300 varietals of wine, which are carefully kept at the right temperature and humidity levels. The collection of bottles at the Anantara resort includes sparkling wine (primarily Champagne) as well as white, rosé, and red wines, from Andalucía, other regions in Spain, and numerous countries (mainly France). “I’m a big fan of wine from Jerez; we have around 50 bottles from this province,” says José Luis. ›
“Currently, some of the most in-demand whites and reds are from Burgundy. There are always clients who prefer traditional D.O.s like Ribera del Duero or Rioja, but many are keen to try lighter, fresher, trending varieties. In Jerez, there is a big demand now for lighter wines without added alcohol. Galician wines, meanwhile, which are lighter, dryer, and more acidic, are also holding sway.”
José Luis is as excited about wine as he is about the new developments at La Veranda. “We have kept our bestselling dishes on the menu but also brought back traditional ones, some of which are prepared
tableside – including the crêpes Suzette and steak tartare. We are highlighting the important role that the server plays in making a dining experience unforgettable. Our clients are used to dining at top restaurants all over the world, so the best way to stand out is by offering excellent service. Our diners enjoy personalising their dishes, and often, they ask for plates that have been prepared at another table. Seeing a flambéed crêpes Suzette or a châteaubriand sliced at the tableside piques their interest, and younger diners are often keen to discover these
eternally appealing classics.” Indeed, dishes such as a beef Wellington, Norwegian salmon, and soufflé merit getting fancily dressed up and heading out for… for these choices befit a special occasion, romantic getaway, or family celebration. This summer, La Veranda will also be serving lighter interpretations of popular dishes – including a pistachio and coconut ajoblanco with lobster and a lemongrass air, and Mediterranean baby prawn quisquillas with an apple and aniseed emulsion.
José Luis is responsible for ordering all the wine and creating the wine lists for the entire resort. He also manages a busy team of sommeliers and the staff at La Veranda. As such, his work involves administration, communication, and human resources tasks. He is the heart and soul of anything and everything to do with wine but balances his knowledge with a keen understanding of human nature. “To deliver a great dining experience, it is vital to instinctively understand each client’s definition of excellence.”
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COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS
LA VERANDA KICKS OFF THE SUMMER SEASON WITH THE OPENING OF ITS ELEGANT TERRACE
La Veranda at the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís is pleased to announce that its terrace is open for the summer season. Guests can enjoy excellent dishes like aged beef steak tartare prepared tableside, traditional matured Simmental chateaubriand carved on the spot, and the revival of one of the most iconic classic desserts, crêpes Suzette, flambéed at the table. These exquisite dishes can be complemented by wine, both national and international, from the cellar – which boasts over 300 references.
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ANCALA – ANDALUSIAN AND NIKKEI CUSINE AT THE BEACH, LA RESERVA DE SOTOGRANDE
The Beach, located in the elegant La Reserva de Sotogrande, is pleased to present Ancala – a new gastronomic concept headed by Alberto Sarmiento, Executive Chef of La Reserva. The name Ancala is inspired by the fusion of the words ‘anca’ (a term from Cádiz meaning ‘the home of’) and ‘cala’ (cove), which together evoke the sensation of a home by the sea. At this new dining haven, you will find Andalusian flavours with a twist – a Nikkei cuisine twist to be exact. Dishes to watch out for include scallop tacos, red tuna and Malagueño gazpachuelo, and steak tartar nigiri.
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ESPETOS GALORE AND MORE AT THE ANANTARA’S BY THE SEA
By the Sea, the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís’ Marbella resort, is welcoming the summer season with an irresistible gastronomic offer that includes espetos made from Málaga sardines, fish, and seafood. White shrimp from Huelva, gazpacho, and ajoblanco Malagueño are just a few dishes you can look forward to trying. You can also visit By the Sea to lounge beneath the sun and enjoy an array of snacks, refreshing drinks, and cocktails.
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KAI BY RICARDO SANZ OPENS AT LAGUNA
It’s an exciting time for Laguna, which has recently reopened its doors once again. One of its new restaurants is Kai – a Japanese-Mediterranean restaurant led by renowned Madrid-based chef, Ricardo Sanz. Nestled in the heart of lush gardens, an open kitchen with its robata and sushi bar integrates seamlessly with the stunning views of the sea and the Strait of Gibraltar. In this exceptional retreat, you can expect to find a wide array of dishes – including sashimi and sushi, tartar, robata dishes, hotate, yakitori, and desserts like umeshu babá, apple harumaki, and chokoreto banana.
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PRESENTING THE NEW EL LAGO RESTAURANT
If you are a keen foodie, then you know that El Lago is one of Marbella’s most famous restaurants. This establishment, located in Greenlife Golf in the heart of Elviria Hills, has new owners and has renewed its image. Its dishes, however, continue to be based on seasonal, zero-kilometre produce. The team is working on a completely new menu. For lunch, you can enjoy dishes like homemade guacamole with vegetable chips and nachos, zucchini tempura with tzatziki sauce, lobster salad, and more. By night, tuck into delights like red prawn carpaccio al ajillo with black caviar, almond ajoblanco crème with cured bonito, nori, and more.
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NEW AND EXCITING STAGE FOR EL LAGO RESTAURANT
Going to the El Lago restaurant, located in the Greenlife Golf urbanization in Elviria signifies visiting one of the establishments with extensive history within haute cuisine on the Costa del Sol. It also means finding a haven of tranquility in every sense, since the the harmony of the environment and the views of the scenic lake, especially from its summer terrace, are the ideal complement for a perfect meal.
Regarding the cuisine, the new owner has revamped its proposal, but wants to maintain the commitment of the venue to Andalusian cuisine, using seasonal products, always based on the best local raw materials or Km Zero.
Currently, El Lago is recommended by the prestigious Michelin Guide, has two Repsol Suns, and is ranked in the Top 10 by the Macarfi Guide.
The restaurant debuts a completely new menu this summer. For lunch, the offer includes zucchini tempura with tzatziki sauce, fresh salad of local seasonal tomatoes with goat cheese, sea bass ceviche, or the seafood plate; and desserts such as chocolate and hazelnut mousse with vanilla chantilly. While in the evening, the client can savour starters like red shrimp carpaccio with garlic and black caviar, the white garlic almond cream with cured bonito; main dishes such as dry-aged beef tataki with bone marrow sauce and pepper
emulsion, roasted Málaga goat shoulder with payoyo cheese sauce and seasonal vegetables, or panko mullet with Japanese cucumber salad and coral sauce; and sweet dishes such as the popcorn semifreddo with crumble and spicy notes.
The present El Lago team is willing and excited to organise personalised events: cocktail parties, corporate presentations, dinners with wine tasting, business meetings, and family celebrations such as birthdays or anniversaries, and even weddings, since the excellent location makes it ideal for outdoor ceremonies with beautiful views of the lake that gives it its name.
THE RISE OF ORANGE WINE
WORDS ANDREW J LINN
Orange in the title refers to the colour, and nothing else; it is not made from oranges. If we conduct an experiment and drink samples of red, white, and orange wine while blindfolded, we cannot distinguish one from the other. So why is there so much talk about orange wine these days? After all, it has been made in Georgia, Armenia, Slovenia, and elsewhere since time immemorial. Orange wine has also been made in Catalonia for as long as anyone can remember. This unique winemaking method imparts both a distinct colour and flavour profile to the wines, depending on the grape variety and length of skin maceration. Its recent popularity is attributed to
its accessibility and the educational opportunity it presents to wine drinkers, encouraging exploration of wine’s diversity and its creativity. Orange wines typically have a fuller body and more textured mouthfeel compared to traditional white wines, due to the tannins extracted from the grape skins.
Skin-fermented white wines were common in Italy up until the 1950s and 1960s, but fell out of fashion when fresh white wines came to dominate the market. ‘How about an orange wine?’ If a fellow diner or a sommelier did utter these words, the reaction would probably be raucous laughter. Pablo Picasso knew of Terra Alta’s brisats in the first half of the 19th century, when farmers seeking to make
wine for home consumption put whole bunches of white grapes in large, underground concrete tanks (some as large as 10,000 liters) called trulls. The grapes, most commonly the phenolic Garnatxa Blanca, would ferment on the skins until completely dry. The process is a fermentation the same as red wine, and this is the origin of the brisat wines in Terra Alta. The orange wines in Georgia are the same.
To craft red wine, winemakers pick grapes such as Cabernet or Merlot and leave them in contact with their skins during fermentation. Afterward, they press the juice and may age it. White wine, on the other hand, is made using lighter-skinned grapes like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. ›
The key difference is that for white wines, the skins are removed before fermentation. Orange wines are made like reds but using white grapes with skin contact during fermentation, no matter how brief or extended that period may be. The striking amber, copper, or bright orange hues of these wines are a result of the skin contact. These wines display a remarkable range of colours and flavours. Some are robust and aged for years in clay vessels, while others are light and refreshing, having spent just a few hours on their skins in stainless steel tanks. Not all orange wines are aggressively tannic, or aged in amphorae like traditional Georgian wines. There are also delicate, floral orange wines, tropical varieties, and those that have macerated long enough for the bitterness to soften. There’s a wide array to explore, and as more people are becoming receptive to them, they are increasingly produced with organic or biodynamic farming techniques, minimal intervention, low sulphite use, and without additives or commercial yeast.
The surprising Pieles, crafted in Menorca by the Binifadet winery is 100 per cent chardonnay. It macerates and ferments the grape skins, with subsequent ageing in clay jars, which contributes to accentuating its aromatic complexity and volume. In Galicia, an albariño orange is made by Bodegas Attis, macerated on skins for 15 days and aged for 6 months on lees. It is a wine of high acidity and tannic texture. Ditto the rioja Macerado, produced by Bodega 220 Cántaras with viura grapes, whose skins have stayed attached for 12 months. It does not contain added sulphur, so it is also a natural wine, a method of winemaking that was born
out of a lack of resources, dating back to a time when equipment like presses, destemmers, and tanks did not exist.
The whole point about orange wine is that it can be as versatile as red or white (or rosado), light and crisp, full- bodied and aromatic, or deep red. It can also be made sparkling or semi. Many are natural, and with awareness growing consistently, their inclusion in the natural wine niche has long since been left behind.
But the name is a drawback, and many professionals prefer Amber, while technical terms like maceration and skin contact have little resonance outside the trade. e
Andrew Linn tasting orange wine with John Wurdeman of Pheasant’s Tears in Tbilisi
