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ANDALUCÍA - SPAIN
N º 272 - JULY 2022
essential
He C T A W -pag on OS VIDE
MARBELLA
EXCEPTIONAL
DUNIQUE
SAY CARBON
POWERBOATS
MCLAREN
ARTURA HYBRID
LUXURIOUS HOMES THE ART OF MEN’S FASHION
OCEAN CLUB
EXPERIENCE
HARD ROCK
HOTEL MARBELLA
JAKE
GYLLENHAAL
ROSSO CORSA
ISTANBUL THE INFLUENTIAL CITY - P34
W W W.E S S E N T I A L M A G A Z I N E.C O M I T R AV E L I T R E N D S I C U LT U R E I LIFES T Y L E I P R O P E RT Y I G O U R M E T
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Luxury villas
NEXT TO EL CAMPANARIO GOLF & COUNTRY HOUSE BEST AMENITIES AROUND I 10 MIN TO THE BEACH BETWEEN MARBELLA & ESTEPONA
PRICES FROM
990.000€
Focus on Excellence JUNIO2022.indd 1
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contents
ESSENTIALS
22 Publisher’s Letter GO TO SPOTLIGHT
34 Istanbul
52 Tall Buildings with Unusual Features 66 The Art of Men’s Fashion 80 Deep Dive Dubai 88 Diving on the Coast 96 Hard Rock Hotel Marbella 104 Say Marbella 114 McLaren Artura Hybrid 120 Rosso Corsa
158
128 Jake Gyllenhaal GO TO TRENDS 138 Hot New Films 142 Cool New Series 146 New Book Releases 150 Starlite Marbella 152 What’s Cool
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GO TO LIFESTYLE 158 Dunique Marbella 168 Five * Luxury at Home 178 Award-winning Drop Spa 180 Fab & Local Fashion 188 Safe Swimming for Dogs
GO TO SPA 190 Carolina Herrera Makeup 194 Where Does Luxury Begin in Medicine
238
GO TO ENTERPRISE 198 Vista Lago 204 Nova III Solidarity Paddle Tournament 210 Acciona – Properties with a Difference 216 Business News 226 How UK Investments are Taxed in Spain 228 The Vibe
GO TO GOURMET
114 180
238 Ocean Club 244 Gourmet Bytes 248 Rosado Rules
52
Los Monteros
6 BEDS, 6 BATHS BUILT AREA 1.229 M², PLOT 1.500 M2
11.750.000 € | E&V ID: W-02JNBD
www.marbella-ev.com | marbella@engelvoelkers.com
Sierra Blanca
6 BEDS, 7 BATHS BUILT AREA 1.395 M², PLOT 2.055 M2
12.650.000 € | E&V ID: W-02P6IR
www.marbella-ev.com | marbella@engelvoelkers.com
OTTO 20.000.000€ LOS FLAMINGOS GOLF BED 12, BATHS 12, PLOT 3.223 M2, BUILT 2.470 M2
DISC OV ER
M A R B E LL A ´S
L ARG E ST
S EL EC T I O N OF TU RNK E Y V I LL AS I N P RI M E LOCATI ONS
NUEVA ANDALUCÍA BED 5, BATHS 5, PLOT 1.109 M2, BUILT 599 M2
OLIVOS 8 3.595.000€
LAS BRISAS BED 4, BATHS 4, PLOT 1.171 M2, BUILT 350 M2
VILLA ROMA 3.995.000€
B L V D . P R I N C I P E A L F O N S O VO N H O H E N L O H E , M A R B E L L A C L U B H OT E L , O F F I C E 1 0 , 2 9 6 0 2 M A R B E L L A , S PA I N
OLYMPUS 27.500.000€ CASCADA DE CAMOJÁN ‑BED 9, BATHS 10+3, BUILT 2.449 M2 , PLOT 4.674 M2
E X C L U S I V E L Y
W I T H
P R O P E RT Y D E V E L O P E R S & A DV IS O R S
NUEVA ANDALUCÍA BED 4, BATHS 4+1, PLOT 1.038 M2, BUILT 435 M2
NUEVA ANDALUCÍA BED 5, BATHS 3+1, PLOT 800 M2, BUILT 373 M2
AURIGA 1 3.300.000€
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9 5 2
7 6 5
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BELLEVUE 3 3.250.000€
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IN FO @S O LVILL A .ES
SO LVILL A .ES
Issue 272 – July 2022
STAFF
PUBLISHER & DIRECTOR IAIN BLACKWELL director@essentialmagazine.com DIGITAL & CREATIVE DIRECTOR ANDREA BLACKWELL andrea@essentialmagazine.com
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ASSOCIATE EDITOR MARISA CUTILLAS marisa@essentialmagazine.com DESIGN & LAYOUT ANDREA BLACKWELL, INMA AURIOLES design@essentialmagazine.com OFFICE ADMINISTRATION MÓNIKA BÖJTI essential@essentialmagazine.com WRITERS IAIN BLACKWELL (JAMES SINCLAIR), ANDI BLACKWELL (MADDIE QUINN), MICHEL CRUZ, ALICIA DUGGAN, ADAM JACOT DE BOINOD, ANDREW LINN, PAUL MONTAGUE, GAËLLE MOUSSET, MANUELA REISBECK, TONY WHITNEY editorial@essentialmagazine.com KEY ACCOUNTS MANAGER ADRIANA VILLA ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE MARIANO JEVA cuentas@essentialmagazine.com STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER KEVIN HORN www.photographermarbella.com PRINTING JIMÉNEZ GODOY A. GRÁFICAS, MURCIA DEPÓSITO LEGAL D.L. MA-512-99
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www.essentialmagazine.com CONDITIONS
The publishers make every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are correct, but cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information published herein, or be held accountable for any errors, omissions, or claims for damages. Marbella Magazine cannot accept responsibility for the claims, goods or services of advertisers, or for the copyright of materials used by them. © Publicaciones Independientes Costa del Sol S.L. for Marbella Magazine. No part of this magazine, including texts, photographs, illustrations, maps or any other graphics may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of Publicaciones Independientes Costa del Sol S.L. Printed on recyclable paper, produced without wood and bleached without chlorine.
Buying property. Selling property. Downsizing. Keeping UK property. What tax will you pay? Whether the property is in Spain or the UK, whether it’s your home or an investment, there are many tax implications to consider. Besides capital gains tax and income tax on rentals, we also need to consider Spain’s annual wealth tax and plan ahead for Spanish succession tax. And when moving country, are you better off selling as a Spain or UK tax resident? Blevins Franks can advise you on the various tax liabilities and tax planning opportunities; help you weigh the pros and cons, and recommend personalised tax and estate planning solutions.
NERJA, MALAGA, MIJAS, MARBELLA, NUEVA ANDALUCIA
900 670 047 Freephone
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900 978 903 Freephone
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INTERNATIONAL TA X ADVICE • INVESTMENTS • ESTATE PLANNING • PENSIONS Blevins Franks Wealth Management Limited (BFWML) is authorised and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority, registered number C 92917. Authorised to conduct investment services under the Investment Services Act and authorised to carry out insurance intermediary activities under the Insurance Distribution Act. Where advice is provided outside of Malta via the Insurance Distribution Directive or the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II, the applicable regulatory system differs in some respects from that of Malta. BFWML also provides taxation advice; its tax advisers are fully qualified tax specialists. Blevins Franks Trustees Limited is authorised and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority for the administration of trusts, retirement schemes and companies. This promotion has been approved and issued by BFWML.
www.blevinsfranks.com
El Paraíso Alto
.950.000 € | E&V ID: W-02P6BP 6 BEDS, 8 BATHS | BUILT 1.340 M2, PLOT 1.920 M2
La Quinta
Altos Reales
7.995.000 € | E&V ID: W-02NUHH
3.950.000 € | E&V ID: W-02OUQD
6 BEDS, 7 BATHS | BUILT 958 M2, PLOT 2.000 M2
5 BEDS, 5 BATHS. BUILT 696 M2, PLOT 1.250 M2
Frontline, Puerto Banús
Monte Paraíso
1.000.000 €| E&V ID: W-02P2H1
1.295.000 € | E&V ID: W-02OKLZ
3 BEDS, 3 BATHS | LIVING AREA 165 M2
3 BEDS, 2 BATHS. LIVING AREA 138 M2, TERRACE 36 M2
www.marbella-ev.com | marbella@engelvoelkers.com
Nueva Andalucía
3.895.000 € | E&V ID: W-02PF9F 6 BEDS, 7 BATHS | BUILT 907 M2, PLOT 1.420 M2
Beachside, Elviria
Beachside, Marbesa
4.150.000 € | E&V ID: W-02LP7Y
3.990.000 € | E&V ID: W-02OIED
6 BEDS, 7 BATHS | BUILT 869 M2, PLOT 7.121 M2
5 BEDS, 6 BATHS | BUILT 735 M2, PLOT 1.266 M2
Cabopino, Marbella East
Los Flamingos Golf
720.000 €| E&V ID: W-02OJII
1.020.000 € | E&V ID: W-02P547
3 BEDS, 3 BATHS | LIVING AREA 115 M2, TERRACE 27 M2
3 BEDS, 3 BATHS | LIVING AREA 233 M2, TERRACE 132 M2
www.marbella-ev.com | marbella@engelvoelkers.com
Classic charm. Privacy and sea views Beds 5 Bath 5
Built 795 m2 Plot 1.250 m2
Price: 3.950.000 € Ref: DM4978
Situated in Altos Reales, one of the most private and consolidated residential communities in Marbella’s Golden Mile, only 2 kms from the beach, with spacious green areas, paddle tennis court for residents and children’s play area. This is a charming south-facing villa which enjoys sea views and is surrounded by a mature garden. The ground floor features the lounge, kitchen with breakfast area, summer kitchen with barbecue, separate formal dining room and a bedroom suite. The upper floor has 3 bedroom suites sharing a terrace with sea views. The lower level includes a self-contained staff apartment, fitness room and a spacious 5-car garage.
As Marbella Luxury Real Estate specialists for three decades and exclusive representatives of Knight Frank for the Costa del Sol, we are committed to offering our clients the best property portfolio, excellence in service and a completely secure experience when selling or buying a property.
Over 384 offices in 51 territories
Modern elegance. Design and sustainability Beds 6 Bath 6
Built 557 m2 Plot 1.011 m2
Price: 3.400.000 € Ref: DM4926-01
Located in Las Lomas del Marbella Club in Marbella’s Golden Mile, a prestigious address 3 km from the beach and all the amenities, this villa stands out for its contemporary design, high quality materials and top energy efficiency rating, The functional layout includes an open plan living area on the main floor with lounge, dining room, kitchen and a 3-sided bioethanol fireplace. A double bedroom suite completes this level where all the rooms lead out to the covered terraces. Upstairs features two bedroom suites and an office. The basement has natural light and includes 3 bedrooms, a sitting area, gym and wine cellar.
Marbella Av. Cánovas del Castillo, 4 - Tel. 952 765 138
info@dmproperties.com DMproperties.com
D WORDS BY IAIN BLACKWELL PUBLISHER
LIFE IN THE FAST LANE
T
his is a busy month in Marbella with temperatures and tourism reaching frenetic levels. Accordingly, we have striven to deliver an issue packed with content, to offer you some diversion. Water features strongly with Deep Dive Dubai, Diving on the Coast, and an introduction to Say Marbella’s spectacular yachts, which are like sports cars on water. For those on dry land, see our spotlight on the stylish McLaren Artura Hybrid and a presentation of the new Rosso Corsa Ferrari showroom in San Pedro. We report on the much anticipated Hard Rock Hotel Marbella, and find out how Dunique is making waves in the real
22 / JULY 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
estate market for its unique location, design and lifestyle. Have a look at some of the world’s tallest buildings with unusual features and consider experiencing Istanbul, where East meets West across the Bosphorus strait. Elsewhere, we interview prolific actor, Jake Gyllenhaal, and marvel at The Art of Menswear, a fascinating exhibition of flamboyant fashion currently being staged at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum. Lastly, do not miss visiting Ocean Club this summer as it marks its 15th anniversary. Happy reading!
go to CONTENTS
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“NO MATTER WHAT PEOPLE TELL YOU, WORDS AND IDEAS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD” ROBIN WILLIAMS 34
114 228
DESIGNED FOR BETTER LIVING Each design-led home at Vista Lago will be quite unlike anything that has gone before. All 18 villas, as well as the furniture and fittings in them, are different from each other. The commonality they share are the breathtaking views across the Mediterranean Sea to Gibraltar and Africa beyond.
SEE MORE
BUILDING LICENSE APPROVED · CONSTRUCTION STARTED prices on application | (+34) 648 981 111 | info@by-bright.com | vistalago.es
The view from your sofa at Vista Lago Residences
antimahomes.com / @antimahomes
Antima is a family run property developer creating one of a kind private residences. — Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on instagram @antimahomes to stay in the loop on current and upcoming developments. Antima is represented by Solvilla.es please call +34 627 813 545 for sales information.
antimahomes.com / @antimahomes
Villa 2000
Frontline Golf Los Naranjos Golf with Private Access to the Golf Course Spa & Gym / Elevator / Indoor Pool / Cinema / Putting Green Rooftop Terrace / 6 Bedrooms & Office
DESIGN AND BUILD BY
Another Masterpiece by
v (+34) 610 315 729 m info@lavele.ca i @lavele.ca
e back to CONTENTS
spotlight
VISIT HISTORIC ISTANBUL, WHERE EAST MEETS WEST, AND CHECK OUT TALL BUILDINGS WITH UNUSUAL FEATURES. MARVEL AT THE SCALE OF DEEP DIVE DUBAI AND LEARN ABOUT DIVING OPPORTUNITIES ON THE COAST. PREPARE TO BE IMPRESSED WITH THE MAGNIFICENT SAY CARBON YACHTS, THE STYLISH MCLAREN ARTURA HYBRID, AND THE BRAND NEW ROSSO CORSA FERRARI SHOWROOM IN SAN PEDRO.
CULTURE TRAVEL HISTORY PEOPLE MOTORING 34 Istanbul 52 Tall Buildings with Unusual Features 66 The Art of Men’s Fashion 80 Deep Dive Dubai 88 Diving on the Coast 96 Hard Rock Hotel Marbella 104 Say Marbella 114 McLaren Artura Hybrid 120 Rosso Corsa 128 Jake Gyllenhaal
DDSPOTLIGHT traveltravel SPOTLIGHT
The Ortaköy Mosque in front of the Bosphorus Bridge
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There’s something so colourful and exotic about the Ottoman world with its calligraphy and kilims, eunuchs and seraglios, caravanserai and hammams, belly dancers and dervishes, concubines and harems, sultans and viziers, Turkish delights and smoking hookahs. And it’s all part of the rich tapestry of Istanbul whose true founder is really the Bosphorus. As a strait it controls the main crossing point between Asia and Europe and acts as the passageway for big oil tankers and small boats mesmerically sharing the shipping lanes, some chugging along, others seemingly serene. WORDS ADAM JACOT DE BOINOD
A
©Shutterstock
long it I boarded a boat from my ‘iskelesi’ (historic passenger ferryboat pier) at Besiktas that took me to Emirgan, Küçüksu to Beylerbeyi and back again. I passed the real and the fantastic in equal measure with loveless dilapidation beside stunning palaces symbolising both the city’s modern economic struggles and her glorious bygone eras.
Along the banks, the milky teal water lapped at both ‘yalis’ (summer residences built of wood) and the glorious miniature Ortaköy Mosque on the European side, and the imposing Küçüsu Summer Palace on the Asian side, a rococo building whose two bowed balconies on consoles add to the staggering beauty of its façade.
I stayed at the Four Seasons Bosphorus www. fourseasons.com/bosphorus, a former palace and gardens with an impressively neat and formal layout. What a great front row seat from which to see out over the Bosphorus and beyond to Asia. At Aqua, its restaurant, I enjoyed a variety of fish on its menu, my favourite being a sushi of salmon, avocado and spices. ›
ISTANBUL WWW.ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM / 35
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First Byzantium, then Constantinople and now Istanbul. What will it be called next? I met a student called Pamuk who was fairly circumspect about his city saying, “This is indeed a city moving westward but it’s still not changing as fast as it talks.” Part religious part liberal, neither East nor West, it has its own destiny and path, its own influence politically, militarily and culturally. A student told me he felt the European side wasn’t really Europe and that the Asian side was more Middle Eastern, while Eurasia was how to see it in continental terms. Back in the mid 19th century, as the Ottoman Empire had aspirations to westernise, the Sultan abandoned the Topkapi and moved to the Dolmabahçe Palace and it was here that Ataturk died in 1938. It’s an enormous edifice of white marble and by far the grandest imperial Ottoman palace on the Bosphorus: ornate, luxurious and 36 / JULY 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
opulent with its Baccarat crystal chandelier, beautiful Hereke carpet and Chinese vases. Dolmabahçe means ‘filled-in garden’, and this former inlet was made into a royal park with beds of scented flowers and shrubs surrounded by an imposing wall only penetrable through two gloriously elaborate grilled gates. Meanwhile, as a classic fortress and with its strategic defence from the confluence of waterways, Topkapi Palace was home to the sultans for almost 400 years. Like Venice’s Doge’s Palace it’s all too easy to overlook the bloodshed to pay homage The gorgeous façade of Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
to its beauty. Mozart found inspiration for his Abduction from the Seraglio and Melina Mercouri and Peter Ustinov starred in Topkapi, the 1964 film about the theft of the sultan’s emeraldencrusted dagger. Set among plane trees and cypresses, the buildings offer an explosion of colour from the Iznik tiles whose different designs work successfully. I loved all the vibrant hues of blue and the explosion of surface patterns all coexisting in an eclectic mix. Both within and outside, the spacious rooms are as richly consuming as courses of a banquet. ›
E XC E P T I O N A L S E R V I C E F R O M U S T O YO U .
C H O O S E E X P E R I E N C E D P R O F E S S I O N A L S TO S E L L YO U R PROPERTY WITH THE HIGHEST QUALITY MARKETING We are passionate about our work, and we want to share this passion with you. We provide personal and flawless service to our selling and buying customers. All of our property advisors have a profound knowledge and understanding of the real estate market here in Spain with many years experience. Operating from Malaga to Sotogrande we have access to all the properties for sale along the coast. Our team speaks 20 different languages and also includes content producers, marketing experts, visual merchandisers and photographers.
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For a more affordable meal, try the Konyali restaurant, which is on site and is an ideal spot for a break between visiting the palace and the harem. It’s an old-fashioned establishment serving up the surprise of excellent food following the lifting of the metal plate cloches with synchronised theatricality. Afterwards I stepped outside onto the palace balcony to look out over the confluence of waterways and feel the gentle breeze coming off the Sea of Marmara. The Hagia Sophia, another of Istanbul’s ‘must see’ attractions, looms proud from all directions like the Eiffel Tower. Built at the
command of Emperor Justinian in the years 523 to 537, it’s the city’s oldest and largest building and every brick remains intact. Having been the third church to stand on its site, once for Christians then for Muslims, it’s now a museum and is particularly impressive not just for its history but for its scale as an architectural feat with its many buttresses. I felt a real excitement walking up the vast nave and standing under the great dome that the Byzantines deemed suspended from heaven by a golden chain. What assuredly are suspended are eight of the world’s largest calligraphic levhas (roundels).
I tried to comprehend the architecture, the soaring vaults and the towering colonnades that swept me upwards, as was their fully intended effect. For further along the clean and traffic-free Roman hippodrome that plays host to some smaller attractions, is the stunning symmetry of the Blue Mosque with its magnificent series of domes and semi-domes and its spacious courtyard with grandiose yet elegant proportions. Despite the mosque undergoing massive restoration, I managed to get a glimpse of its glorious interior and the stunning tiles from the workshops of Iznik and Kütahya.
Hagia Sophia by day from the A’Ya Terrace of Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
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The main facade of Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at The Bosphorus
I walked up a steep hill past Ottoman-era wooden houses to look back spectacularly over the Haliç (Golden Horn), the city’s primary inlet. I reached the Suleymaniye Mosque, whose immense splendour and majesty was built to Sinan’s plans, the architect of 42 mosques in Istanbul. I had pointed out to me the camel skin drums placed in its dome for audibility. But the mosque Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Cami’i was my real ‘find’. It’s set behind an old wall with cats on the cobbled street that meandered downhill towards the Sea of Marmara. I had it all to myself with just the one pair of shoes outside and the silence amplified the décor and the ambiance as the sun shone through the coloured glass panels onto the turquoise vine and flower motifs and added to a feeling of weightlessness within. ›
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Across the water and in the neighbourhood of Pera is the Pera Palace Hotel which proudly shows off its former glory. Room 101 was occupied by Ataturk, 103 is where Garbo slept and 411 where Agatha Christie wrote much of A Murder on the Orient Express, a copy of which was granted reliquary status in a glass cabinet beside the antique elevator which, along with the salons, ensures the hotel’s spirit endures. I stayed next at the nearby Four Seasons Sultanahmet www.fourseasons.com/istanbul, a spice yellow building and former jail until 1986. It’s fantastically positioned between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, both of which I saw close up from the hotel’s roof top terrace. There was a
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film crew shooting allegedly either Poirot (an actor was swanning about in a white suit and boater) or was it Charlie’s Angels (as they called ‘action’ on a car burnt to bits out in the street)? All this from the city that brought us From Russia With Love. I went one evening to Hodjapasha in Eminönü (having bought my tourist pass www.istanbultouristpass. com to watch a Dervish
performance. It cost 120 liras, started at 7pm and lasted an hour. I became absorbed at the same pace as the five dancers whose routine, with musical accompaniment, involves them pointing their masculine right arm upwards to receive energy that their feminine left then releases downwards. They seemed sufficiently ‘sent’ not to get giddy and they finished their whirling with their feet as steady as top gymnasts. ›
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Looking across the strait from Europe to Asia
I love rummaging about as a potential purchaser. Down the ‘Avenue of the Mat-Makers’ are ropes and buckles, buckets and cooking knives, hessian bags and baskets of every shape, and size. A boy as young as 12 was carting bags of rags twice his size as others brought trays of tea to shopkeepers holding their fort. Nowhere among this cornucopia of emporiums could I find what I discovered in a Turkish dictionary, namely a paçaci (a man who sells sheep’s trotters) or a cigerci (a seller of liver and lungs)! Formerly and still 42 / JULY 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
formally called the Mısır Çarşısı (Egyptian Market), the Spice Market is an L-shaped building. First organised into eight separate guilds that included the Merchants of Musk Sherbets, the market now has only six out of the 88 shops devoted to its original products. But I could sense the exotic allure that caught the attention of western merchants across the centuries with its rich colourful displays in pyramid heaps and open sacks. On sale are sandalwood, ambergris, mastic, henna, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and pistachios.
Just a 10-minute walk away is the Grand Bazaar. Apart from a few rug stalls and the Kapali Carsi Lonca (at number 58) with its beautiful towels and unusual nazar boncuk (evil eyes) generally there’s too much touristic tat. At least my taste was restored by rummaging among the authenticity of second-hand books at Sahaflar Çarşısı outside the bazaar. Yes the hawkers approach you but they are not over-persistent and, of their more imaginative spiels, I loved: “Here I am,” and “Excuse me, you forgot your carpet.” But better than being heckled is the fun of bartering. The vendors enjoy it too. ›
The Hagia Sophia at night
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FIVE OTHER TIPS
Z Take lira not euros and don’t buy anything you can’t carry home (like a carpet!). Z Getting about: Taxis are comparatively cheap for when your feet go on strike but only step into a yellow cab (not orange) and only with a driver with a Sat Nav screen. Z Don’t expect English to be understood by more than a few locals most of whom are in the tourism business. Z If you see a mosque that’s open to visitors pop in as it’s often closed for prayers. Don’t put your shoes upside down on the shelf as it augurs someone will die at home. Women usually wear scarves or risk losing their place in the queue by being sent to the back to borrow one. Z Always get a second opinion on street directions, ferry companies and their timetables and all opening times as there’s no definitive website or guidebook.
As the Turkish proverb goes, “zemheride yoğurt isteyen, cebinde bir inek taşır” “whoever wants yoghurt in winter must carry a cow in his pocket” (i.e. “if you want something difficult, you must be willing to take the trouble to obtain it.”). But be careful to understand the locals’ gestures. A head tilted back means no, a movement of the hand up and down means yes and a movement of the head from left to right expresses doubt while a hand over the heart means thanks. e
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The glorious colours of this exotic city
A ROOFTOP VILLA BEYOND COMPARE Approx. 600m2 of living space with private pool and panoramic ocean views PRICE ON REQUEST
A bespoke development immersed in authentic Andalusia, bordering a protected nature area and conceived by a world class team.
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY +34 951 255 255 info@oceanviewmarbella.com OCEANVIEWMARBELL A.COM
A bespoke penthouse in cooperation with Aalto Design. Additional costs apply. Many of the components, amenities and place names of Ocean View and the surrounding areas depicted and/or described in this material are still in the conceptual planning stages and are subject to change without notice. This material is intended to encourage the sale of the residential units; however, it does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to purchase in any state where prior registration is required.
Mansion in the Centre of La Zagaleta for Sale 12 Bedrooms, 15 Bathrooms. 3 Kitchens, 3 Heated Swimming Pools. Sauna, Hammam, Gym, Cinema, Billiard Room, Bodega, Japanese Garden, Waterfalls, Stream, Duck Pond, Chiriguito and More... Views to Gibraltar/Mediterranean/North Africa. Built 2,300m2 (€4.348/m2) Plot 6,993m2 (€1.430/m2)
Price: €9.999.500
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Tel: (+34) 952 856 844 ǀ Mob: (+34) 672 050 503 ǀ info@casa-cascada-zagaleta.com
D SPOTLIGHT architecture
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It seems that there are no limits to the imagination for architects designing super structures these days. They are not just reaching for the sky, but the predominant trend seems to be very much focused on creating a wow factor. Here are a few prime examples. COMPILED BY IAIN BLACKWELL
THE SHARD, LONDON
Designed by Italian architect, Renzo Piano, The Shard was the tallest building in Europe when it was inaugurated 10 years ago on July 5th 2012. In that short timespan, it has been overtaken by six other structures, all of which are in Russia, except for the Varso Tower, which is just being completed in Warsaw. The glass-clad pyramidal structure comprising 11,000 panes of glass features 72 habitable floors, stretching to just under 310m, and is topped by a viewing gallery and open-air observation deck proffering panoramic views of the London skyline. ›
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MARINA BAY SANDS SINGAPORE
Relax in the world’s largest rooftop pool while gazing out over Singapore’s aweinspiring city skyline. Fronting Marina Bay in Singapore, it is also known as the Ship Hotel as the design mimics a cruise ship perched atop three skyscrapers. The resort is owned by the Las Vegas Sands Corporation and, at its opening in 2010, it was deemed the world’s most standalone casino property. It comprises three 55-storey towers of extravagant hotel rooms and luxury suites, supporting the infinity pool and observation deck at an altitude of 200m. ›
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INTEMPO BENIDORM
At 202m, and completed in mid-2021, it is the tallest residential building in Europe. Consisting of two parallel towers separated by a gap of 20m, which are connected by a conical structure between floors 38 and 44, it’s one of the few skyscrapers in the world which has the shape of an arch. The facade of the building is made of glass, a first for a residential building in Benidorm, providing magnificent panoramas. With 256 apartments and close to the beach, it offers residents a gym, spa, sauna, restaurant and bar, and various swimming pools. ›
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SHANGHAI WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER
Designed by American architectural firm, Kohn Pedersen Fox, the 492m 100-storey Shanghai World Financial Centre features a trapezoid aperture at the peak, which helps reduce the stress of wind pressure. This has given it its coloquial name as ‘the bottle opener’, and metal replicas of the building that function as bottle openers are sold in the tower’s gift shop. The skyscraper houses the offices of many international financial companies as well as the Park Hyatt Shanghai, comprising 174 rooms and suites occupying the 79th to the 93rd floors. ›
CHINA’S WATERFALL BUILDING
Named the Liebian International Building, the 121m skyscraper in Guiyang, southwest China, has been built to incorporate a spectacular waterfall. This unique feature with the water falling 108m is one of the largest artificial waterfalls in the world and the tallest to be included in a building. As well as creating a veritable deluge of beneficial negative ions, which on inhalation confer the feeling of being refreshed and revived, the dramatic falls also generate rainbows, which can be seen by the city’s inhabitants from miles around. ›
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THE GRAND LISBOA, MACAU
The Grand Lisboa, at 261m is the tallest building in Macau and the most distinctive part of its skyline. The hotel, opened in 2007, contains 430 rooms and suites distributed over 47 floors, while its casino offers 800 gaming tables and 1,000 slot machines. The structure is home to the Robuchon au Dôme restaurant, established by the late Joël Robuchon and boasting three Michelin Stars. It is ranked among the best in the world by Elite Traveller and has a wine list featuring over 14,600 wines. e
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“In a patriarchal society, masculine gender-identity is often moulded by violently toxic stereotypes. It’s time to celebrate a man who is free to practice selfdetermination, without social constraints, authoritarian sanctions and suffocating stereotypes.”
18th centuryinspired ensemble by Edward Crutchley, Spring/ Summer 2022. Photo Chris Yates
Gucci Creative Director Alessandro Michele
THE ART OF
FLAMBOYANCE 66 / JULY 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
Unknown artist, Dudley, the 3rd Baron North © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Nicholas Hilliard, Young Man among Roses, c.1587
© Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Ever since David Beckham stepped out in a sarong during the 1998 World Cup, designers have been itching to get guys into skirts. Now a fascinating exhibition of gender-bending fashion through the ages at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum promises to ‘unlock the dressing-up box for men’.
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en haven’t always ‘worn the trousers’. Stays, stockings, high heeled shoes and pussycat bow blouses had a place in the fashionable heterosexual gent’s wardrobe in times gone by. Now their peacock past is revealed in a major V&A exhibition that unpicks concepts of manliness at the seams through men’s clothes… and what they wore under them. For which the famous London
museum has brought five centuries-worth of jaw-dropping gentlemen’s garments out of its substantial closet of 100,000 period costumes. Fashioning Masculinities: The Art of Menswear, which comes with a nudity warning, ‘celebrates the multiplicities of masculine sartorial selfexpression and dressing beyond the binary.’ With a new genderfluid generation of designers like Edward Crutchley, Kim Jones
and Thom Browne sending trans and non-binary models down the catwalk in frocks and frills, it’s perfect timing for spreading the word that gender-conformist fashion is a recent invention. Sponsored by Gucci whose Creative Director Alessandro Michele pioneered cross-dressing on the catwalk, the tulle frock he made for Harry Styles of One Direction’s US Vogue cover photo is one of 100 fabulous fashion highlights. › WWW.ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM / 67
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Kim Jones for Fendi Couture, Spring/ Summer 2021. Photo Arnaldo Castoldi.
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But it’s not just a clothes show. The Renaissance painter Joshua Reynolds, the sculptor Rodin, photographer David Hockney, Action Man, Calvin Klein underwear, Chanel perfume and male fashion icons dating from Bowie to Beau Brummell to the Borghese Gladiator all play a part in illustrating – through their paintings, portraits, sculptures and images – that once upon a time, women had to fight men for the mirror. Ordered nonchronologically in three galleries, the show doesn’t skirt around its subject, stripping
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male body image down to the buff before romping through the Renaissance underwear drawer in Undressed; rejoicing in the campest outfits you’ve seen outside a drag act in Overdressed; showing how the boring old lounge suit threatened to spoil all the fun in Redressed; finishing on a high note with a dazzling men’s ballgown finale. “I really hope the show unlocks the dressing up box for men,” enthuses co-curator Claire Wilcox. “The whole spirit is to give empowerment to our visitors in terms of really thinking about why they dress the way they do. Menswear has such a wealth of fascinating history to draw on, nothing is out of bounds.” Could menswear as a label be on its way out? Mainstream men’s fashion has a way to go before it embraces the full rainbow spectrum of LGTBQ culture, but the future is no longer just orange!
FROM GODS TO DAD BODS An enormous plaster fig leaf opens the show with a giggle. Hastily made by order of Queen Victoria to cover the modesty of the V&A’s copy of Michelangelo’s David, the sovereign was not amused by the statue’s naked form when she inaugurated her namesake museum in 1857. Juxtaposed with medieval corsetry and modern Spanx shapewear for transgender men, it’s a neat lead-in to Undressed which reveals the tortuous lengths men went to (and still do) in pursuit of physical perfection. Blame it on the ancient Greeks whose statues of Gods set a high bar: ‘A normalisation of hypermasculinity that has spawned contemporary gym culture,’ suggests an information panel next to a cast of the buff Belvedere Apollo and a 1996 Jean Paul Gaultier
Installation in Undressed, with Jean Paul Gaultier’s trompe l’oeil Greek god torso blazer front and centre
Cast of the Borghese Gladiator, late 19th century. © Royal Academy of Arts, London/ Photo Paul Highnam
trompe l’oeil Greek god torso blazer. Fashions change, so do body ideals. Chiselled abs were of no interest to the Elizabethan gent due to their association with peasants. Shapely legs were considered the acme of anatomical perfection, shown off in stockings (hose) held up with ribbons, Blackadder-style. Conversely, in the industrialised 19th century, obesity was the wellfed shape of power and prosperity. Styles were groin-centric most of the time, paying homage to
the crotch with ever-larger and more elaborate codpieces in the 15th and 16th centuries, and ever-tighter and more revealing breeches in the 17th and 18th centuries when a chap could barely have coughed with confidence. What does the average male body look like in 2022? The chubby ‘dad bods’ leaping around naked to champion body positivity in Canadian photographer Anthony Patrick Manieri’s iconic two-minute film, Arrested Movement, offer a large clue. It’s not chiselled but at least it’s attainable! ›
Dad Bods on film © Anthony Patrick Manieri
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ste, Jennie Baptioyz, B Brix ton 2001
IN THE PIaNK suggests that fashio.n
le shu rned full circ tu A striking Jo s a h f rtrait o s Reynolds po For centurie nt o m o ll e B f o e the Earl pink was th ib and h b t s e b is h in lour of wealt o c t a s th orn tucker show and power w n e m ry 18th-centu adults of both y b s n itio larised had no inhib sexes. Popu k in p g n ri de about wea by Madame f o ess g padour, mistr (to say nothin m o P t u B ers). XV of ostrich feath f King Louis o t x e n dye g e, cochineal c snap! Hangin n ra F graph merican to it, a photo from South A inally in l e d orig of a male mo beetles was d n a k in p y ly royalty a similarl so costly, on k c ut ld afford it. B shiny glam ro g u o c oun ntury number by y new 18th ce n a c es British-Ameri chemical dy d e e R is rr a H designer
for life. war vet fans xier hybrid In 1982 a se ith c and briefs w rs e x Between loin o b f o oven ng-tailed ame brand w johns and lo n e th g in it c g ex tband shirts, nothin n’s into the wais e m g else ed everythin happened in h s u p 5 3 9 ntil 1 erwear underwear u ut of the und o t n ro -f Y e of y er. Called ‘on when Jocke w ra d d e tionis apparel briefs revolu the greatest d n a ’ rt o p p u s of the ‘masculine s eed revolution n e th h it w d in Klein dispense century,’ Calv e c n e (h p a viral for a jock str erwear went d n u , rs ark oxe tor/rapper M c a the name). B r e ft a s rt the sho his CKs named after hlberg wore a W in rs te h efig above his low g in worn by priz w o h s d invente tage and the ring, were They g jeans on s n lu s e ad ier. ned up for th ig s 10 years earl s a w ck-out n. weren’t a kno when campaig 2 a W W l ti n u s there it was m succes ro F rd a r stand to underwea p te s they became ll a m s e and won military issu
TER BRIEF ENCOUNloths, long
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Joshua Reynolds Por trait of , Charles Coote of 1st Earl Bellomont (1738-1800), in Robes of the Order of the Bath, 17731774 Photo © ry National Galle
enderd the sheer g n a r a e rw te dovic u as o igners like Lu r s e d f o s n fo etapho fluid chif . ‘There is a m fabric in rn e S t in a de S ncy of the transluce there about enswear,’ the m in ty s e n o and a new h ggests. exhibition su
Harris Reed Fluid Romanticism 001 Photo Giovanni Corabi
Billy Porter’s Randi Rahmdesigned cloak was a red carpet sensation
propelled pink to the height of chic throughout Europe. It was also a little boy’s colour, the thinking being ‘red military uniforms for grown-up men, pink for mini men’ – until the post-WW2 baby boom when it became girlie. Many historians blame this gender stereotyping by colour on the fairytale pink gown Mamie Eisenhower wore to her husband’s presidential inauguration in 1953. Domestic goddess Mamie – “Ike runs the country. I turn the pork chops!” – set the trend that inspired a whole new pink market for little girls who dreamed of growing up to be just like her. Today, pink has regained its power and gender neutrality. Check out actor Billy Porter’s fabulous fuchsia-lined cloak, on loan for the exhibition. It was a red carpet showstealer at the 2019 Golden Globes. ›
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Omar Victor Diop, JeanBaptiste Belley, 2014. Courtesy MAGNIN-A Gallery, Paris.
CLOTHES MAKETH THE MAN In the dapper parliamentary uniform of the First French Republic he looks like he was born to greatness. But Jean-Baptiste Bellamy was a Senagalese slave in the French colonies before he bought his freedom and became the first black deputy in French history.
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‘In a period of sartorial and political revolution, his tailored attire marked him as the equal of his Republican brothers,’ explains a plaque below this arresting image by Senegalese photographer Omar Victor Diop. A take on an original 18th century painting by Girodet from Diop’s African Diaspora series of self-portraits themed on historical figures, the football references the conflicting hero worship and disrespect African players face today.
Wool coat and trousers, and silk top hat, US, 18451853. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Brocaded silk waistcoat, British, 1730-35; © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Silk three-piece suit, UK/ France, 1765-1770 © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
MEN IN SUITS The three-piece suit was introduced by King Charles ll in 1666 to boost Britain’s wool trade and encourage a simpler sartorial standard at court. It consisted of a long coat, breeches and a kneelength vest worn with a cravat, wig and hat. An 18th-century exhibit in pink, patterned with lace ribbons and flowers, shows how early styles were as eccentrically flamboyant as the Merry Monarch himself. However in a phenomenon
coined The Great Male Renunciation, men began to moult their peacock plumage in preference for dark colours and utilitarian styles more ‘suited’, literally, to the new industrial age. Stockings, wigs and high heeled shoes were left to the ladies in favour of black frock coats and wider pantaloons, a new practicality that chimed with the Victorian idea that men were rational, women frivolous and emotional. By the 20th century,
ready-to-wear lounge suits in sombre greys, blues and browns were flying off the rails. Men were back in ‘uniform’ on Civvy Street. Kaftans, jeans and velvet loons attempted a coup on the suit in the counter-culture 1960s and 70s but James Bond, Giorgio Armani and Don Draper kept it fresh. And, thanks to next-gen designers like Thom Browne whose skirted versions modelled by men come with matching codpieces, it could be here to stay. › WWW.ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM / 73
D SPOTLIGHT fashion STRICTLY BALLROOM Menswear will be inseparable from womenswear in the V&A’s vision of the fashion future. And the show’s eyebrow-raising podium finale showcasing three bling-tastic celebrity ballgowns that went viral for their male wearers puts forward a strong argument. There’s the head-turning Christian Siriano tuxedo gown Billy
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“I love approaching design in one gender, I don’t really even think of masculinity and femininity.” US fashion designer Thom Browne
Porter wore to the Oscars in 2019; the Gucci gown and suit jacket worn by Harry Styles on the cover of US Vogue in 2020; and the OTT Ella Lynch wedding dress worn by drag queen Bimini Bon-Boulash in RuPaul’s Drag Race UK when ‘she’ sang: ‘Don’t be scared to embrace the femme, whether you’re a he, she or them’. The message is clear. Gender fluid fashion is all over the catwalk and the red carpet. Next stop, the high street!
g Fashioning Masculinities: The Art of Menswear runs until November 6, 2022 in partnership with Gucci, with support from American Express. www.vam.ac.uk/ exhibitions/fashioningmasculinities-the-artof-menswear
Thom Browne, SS20, look 10. (Check out that codpiece!)
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Bimini Bon Boulash wears a wedding look by Ella Lynch for the final episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK season 2. © Jakub Koziel
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Freedom in the depths of a post-apocalyptic world
DEEP DIVE DUBAI
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE WORLD’S DEEPEST POOL 80 / JULY 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
Dubai is known for many world firsts and architectural feats. It holds the world records for the world’s tallest chocolate sculpture, the highest base jump from a building, and the world’s tallest hotel – the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, which stands at 355.35 metres from ground level to the top of its mast. Now, there is a whole new reason to visit ‘the City of Gold’. It’s called Deep Dive Dubai, and it holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s deepest pool. It is 60.2 metres deep and 17 metres wide, and it holds 14 million litres of water. In layman’s terms, this is as much water as that contained by six Olympic-sized pools! WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY DEEP DIVE DUBAI
Underwater games
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The pool deck at sunset
DIVING INTO A POSTAPOCALYPTIC CITY Deep Dive Dubai invites divers to discover a sunken, post-apocalyptic city that is divided into different levels: Z From 0 to 25 metres, you will find a cityscape with shopfronts, street lights, ATMs, benches and a large tree with roots 82 / JULY 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
stretching to 25 metres. Z From 28 to 38 metres, you will enter a full apartment, enjoying a circular 62-metre ‘donut swim’ around a bedroom, kitchen, music room, art room, dining room, and living room. Z From 38 to 40 metres, a garage that is viewable via a circular 62-metre swim
features cars, motorbikes, arcade games, pinball machines, a pool table, a full-size Star Wars storm trooper, a full-size Lego man, and other toys. A shaft with a staircase and cars on the wall connects this space to the apartment above. Z From 40 to 60 metres, there is a deep shaft with brick walls and graffiti art. The pool has 56 cameras in total, as well
as a sound system that can be used to create underwater soundscapes. It is also home to 154 mood, ambient, and way-finding lights. A large, central pool light illuminates the surface above. Some 27 speakers positioned throughout the construction allow music or messages to be relayed to divers throughout the underwater environment. ›
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WHO IS DEEP DIVE DUBAI FOR? Deep Dive Dubai is for anyone and everyone (kids included), as there are a number of experiences on offer, with prices starting at around €459. Prices vary depending on whether you opt for basic, premium, or platinum packages. The more expensive packages include services such as Instagram-style edited videos, guaranteed one:one instructor-tostudent sessions, and more. The experiences are:
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Z Discover (for firsttime divers). If you’ve never dived before, this is the ideal experience for you, as it will enable you to dive up to 12 metres using scuba diving equipment. The experience begins with a short briefing on the basics of scuba diving and an introduction to the equipment. After practising techniques in shallow water, you will then begin your exploration of the pool. The minimum age for this experience is 10. Z Dive. An experience for certified divers only.
You can explore the numerous sections of the underwater city up to the depths permitted by your certification. Open water divers can swim to 20 metres, advanced divers to 30 metres, while trimixtechnical divers up to 60 metres. Professional dive guides show divers
around to make sure they obtain the most out of their experience. Z Develop. This experience is aimed at honing your diving skills and taking you to new depths. You can complete various types of training and complete a PADI open water diver and other courses.
Kids can learn the basics of diving Underwater spinning
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Oyster inspirations
IDEAL CONDITIONS The water is kept at a pleasant 30ºC, so divers don’t need to wear thick wetsuits. It is completely filtered every six hours to ensure cleanliness, and there is a fully-staffed, 12-person hyperbaric facility for emergencies. All divers are monitored for safety on large screens. Oxygen, automatic external defibrillators (AED) and first aid equipment are all on site. Staff is trained in CPR, oxygen administration, and AED use. No animals are present in
the pool, since Deep Dive Dubai wishes to protect and preserve marine life.
INSPIRED BY THE UAE’S PEARL– DIVING HERITAGE The outside of the Deep Dive Dubai building is almost as
impressive as the pool it houses. Shaped like an oyster shell, it pays homage to the UAE’s rich pearl-diving tradition. Pearls once played a key role in the economy of the UAE and were responsible for a large percentage of its international trade. ›
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ON DRY LAND If you aren’t up for a dive yourself, but you’d like to witness your family and friends enjoying themselves, simply watch them through the many large windows and screens that surround the facility. You can also enjoy a meal at the restaurant or do a little shopping at the dive and gift shops. Deep Dive Dubai opens from Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm to 8pm. Book your experience before booking your flight, to ensure you aren’t disappointed.
Fuelling up at the restaurant
i www.deepdivedubai.com
Watching the action from dry land
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DIVING
ON THE COAST Of the numerous hobbies enjoyed by human beings, diving is arguably the closest one can get to Heaven. Immersed in the cool blue of the water, watching fish and sea creatures of all colours, characteristics, and even facial expressions swim by, it is difficult not to feel the beauty of life, or be profoundly touched by the beauty of nature. If you want to teach your children why global warming is worth fighting against, why plastics need to become a thing of the past, or why marine sciences are so fascinating, get them off their computers and take them diving. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS
“The best way to observe a fish is to become a fish” Jacques Cousteau
A nudibranch
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M
álaga is home to many scenic diving spots, including Marina del Este, located between two villages in Granada – La Herradura and Almuñecar – and bordering the Nerja Coast. This underwater paradise contains a cluster of hidden coves and caves that are home to numerous marine species. The Coast has a select number of wellreputed, safe, five-star PADI diving centres, with friendly staff who can teach you to dive in a few hours or days (depending on the course you opt for). They offer classes to kids (from eight years of age upwards) and adults, teaching
absolute beginners and seasoned divers alike. Top centres to watch out for include:
SIMPLY DIVING MARBELLA Simply Diving SL is a premier PADI dive operation on the Coast. Located in the heart of Marbella, it serves a 240km stretch of the Costa del Sol, Costa Tropical, and Costa de la Luz. Its incorporation in 1999 makes it one of the longest-established dive operations in the area. It offers a full range of courses (from beginner to PADI pro) and certified dive excursions to customers from all over Europe and beyond, all year round. ›
A school of cow bream
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back to CONTENTS Colourful marine life
This company is the longest-running, British-managed PADI IDC Dive Centre in Spain, and it was purchased by its current owners in September 2008. A small business operating one minibus a day grew to over five times its size in as many years, with owner, Simon Bell, extending the range of dive courses and sites. Following its completion of the PADI Course Director training programme, Simply Diving was awarded the status of PADI Five-Star Career Development Centre. Next came the expansion into Marbella and many new achievements. Some of the many activities it offers include boat diving, shore diving, wreck diving, deep diving, and drift diving. g Tel: 600 506 526. www.simplydiving.com
SCUBA TOURS MARBELLA Scuba Tours Marbella is part of the Scuba Tours Group, which comprises a selection of five-star PADI IDC (Instructor Development Course) diving centres in Sunset Beach, Benalmádena, and Marbella. Scuba Tours takes clients to a host of destinations on the Costa del Sol, as well as Tarifa. Children and adults can take part in various classes, including the Bubblemaker class
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(in which kids aged eight and upwards learn to use scuba diving equipment in a pool), Scuba Diver (which allows you to become a qualified diver in just one day), Open Water Diver (one of the world’s most popular scuba diving certifications as it qualifies one to dive to a maximum of 18m), and many more PADI advanced and specialty courses. Clients can also train to become Diving Instructors.
ABYSUB DIVING SCHOOL
I recently spoke to Jason Wust, the friendly Australian owner of Scuba Tours Marbella. He mentioned that the centre organises fun day trips to Marina Del Este. “There is a lot of animal activity there. You can see octopi, colourful eels, and vividly hued nudibranchs (soft-bodied marine gastropod molluscs). There are around six nudibranch species at Marina Del Este.” Scuba Tours also has a sizeable centre with an impressive shop, classroom, compressor room, and more. Scuba Tours Marbella receives regular strict inspections and has The vibrancy a strong of life focus on safety, cleanliness, and underwater hygiene. g Tel: 622 804 039. www.scuba-tours.com
This Fuengirola-based, five-star PADI diving school takes its students throughout Málaga and selected sites in Andalucía. It offers a full range of scuba diving courses with qualified PADI instructors, as well as diving trips and excursions to selected locations – including wreck sites. Abysub offers a host of courses ranging from beginner to instructor level. Personalised diving experiences are arranged in small groups and high safety standards are followed throughout. Just a few of the places you can visit with Abysub include the reef by the Fuengirola port, Marina Del Este, Almirante Rock near Cabopino (which houses a stunning reef), the Marbella Mineral Tower (with an antique cargo ship, a gathering of sea stars, and octopi), and Tarifa (featuring beautiful reef dives and a white, sandy bottom). g Tel: 657 644 906. www.abysub.com
The beauty of the underwater world
Swimming with fish
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Nic and Ellie
A purple nudibranch
DIVING WITH NIC Diving With Nic, a five-star PADI Dive Centre in Las Lagunas de Mijas, focuses on customer-centric experiences, not on timetables and numbers. I can testify that the owners (couple, Ellie Hudson and Nicoli Unt) are so friendly, even I am tempted to join them for a day out at sea! They are a kind, proactive couple who recently drove to the Ukraine to bring donations to those affected by the war. The video, which can be viewed on their Facebook page, is emotionpacked, indeed! Based near La Cala de Mijas, the centre offers PADI courses for beginners or advanced divers. If you’re already certified, they offer day trips to see some of the most beautiful dive sites on the Costa del Sol and Gibraltar. If you’ve never tried scuba diving before, the Discover Scuba Diving 92 / JULY 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
Celebrating women who dive
experience (a five-hour day course that offers you the possibility to dive in the pool and sea to a maximum depth of 12m) is a great option. Popular courses also include the Beginners Course (a four-day course which certifies you to dive up to 18m with a buddy) and the aforementioned Bubblemaker (featuring a three-hour scuba diving session in their training pool). Nic recently purchased a new location and constructed a bespoke teaching and training centre near La Cala de Mijas. It boasts two dedicated classrooms with a full multimedia suite, maintenance facilities, full disabled access, a large equipment
room, and a well-stocked shop providing SCUBA and snorkelling gear. The Diving with Nic team comprises five members. If you are a female diver, take note. The seventh Annual PADI Women’s Dive Day will be taking place on July 16, 2022. Thousands of female divers across the globe will be diving to help create a balance between humanity and the ocean, and to celebrate equality within diving. The meeting point will be the Diving With Nic Centre. Divers will drive to Marina Del Este and enjoy a barbecue on the way back. g Tel: 697 141 759. www.divingwithnic.com
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HARD ROCK HOTEL LANDS IN MARBELLA
The Coast is buzzing with excitement owing to the recent launch of Hard Rock Hotel Marbella, under the management of the Palladium Hotel Group. The new establishment is the result of an agreement between Hard Rock International, Stoneweg Hospitality, Bain Capital Credit, and the Spanish hotel chain, and it promises to bring the magic of music to the local hospitality scene. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HARD ROCK HOTEL MARBELLA
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his is the Palladium Group’s third Hard Rock Hotel in Spain and it follows the success of two previous launches: Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife and Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza. Located
right in front of Puerto Banús, the four-star property was once the Andalucía Plaza Hotel. It has undergone extensive renovations since its acquisition by the current owners. The Costa del Sol is
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an area of expertise for Palladium Hotel Group, which will now be operating three hotels in the region following the opening of Palladium Hotel Costa del Sol in 2019, and Only YOU Hotel Málaga
in 2021. Hard Rock Hotel Marbella will offer quality facilities and premium services, while providing the immersive musical environment all Hard Rock hotels and casinos are known for.
“I'm into rock 'n' roll because rock 'n' roll, to me, means freedom” Ozzy Osbourne The four-star Hotel will feature 383 exclusive rooms and suites, two swimming pools, (including a spectacular infinity pool with premium bar service) numerous leisure facilities, and one of the largest meeting and event centres in Marbella, with an extension of 1,000m2. The cost of a double room starts at €170, with breakfast included.
Music and entertainment will be at the heart of the Hard Rock Hotel Marbella experience. Guests can expect to find: Z An iconic music memorabilia collection (sourced from Spanish artists and musicians to reflect the hotel’s location) Z A full musical immersion experience through Hard Rock’s Sound of Your Stay®
programme (which allows for in-room guitar jam sessions, streaming playlists available upon check-in and an in-room delivery of a Crosley vinyl player). Gourmet palates will find plenty to tantalise them at various on-site restaurants and bars. These include: Z Sessions (serving a unique take on Spanish cuisine with unexpected culinary delicacies and locally sourced ingredients). Z The Eden Pool Club & Sun Society (two exclusive bars by the
pools), sGTM+1 (a lobby bar serving speciality coffee, craft cocktails, and light bites), and an à La Carte Restaurant (serving modern Asian food with a fusion of Mediterranean flavours). Those looking to relax and reconnect with themselves can check out installations and services such as the Body Rock® gym, Rock Om® yoga programme, and Rock Spa® wellness centre – complete with five treatment rooms, a sauna, and a relaxation room. ›
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The Hotel also has beautifully landscaped gardens, created by the talented team at Agrojardín. Its vibe is distinctly tropical. Green walls, vividly-hued flowers, and stone pathways create a haven of peace and calm. The Hard Rock Marbella is located just 500 metres from the Mediterranean, and only 50 km from Málaga International Airport. Likewise, the Coast’s top golf courses are easily
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accessible from the Hotel. Stoneweg Hospitality’s Managing Director, Miguel Casas, told the press: “We are very pleased with this agreement, which involves the synergy between a great brand such as Hard Rock Hotels, the hotel management experience of Palladium Hotel Group and our experience in real estate. Puerto Banús is a perfect destination for the Hard Rock Hotels’ brand.” ›
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“We are thrilled to be bringing Hard Rock’s signature sense of hospitality to the Costa del Sol and to be working in partnership with Palladium Hotel Group”, said Graham Kiy, Area Vice President at Hard Rock Hotels. Palladium Hotel Group’s CEO, Jesús Sobrino, added: “We are excited about this project because it will be our first hotel in Marbella – an important international destination that is particularly popular with the UK market. There is no doubt that the hotel will prove a huge success and add value to the destination and the Hard Rock brand.” i www.hardrockhotels.com
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SAY CARBON YACHTS SPORTS CARS ON WATER
Following the success of SAY Carbon Yachts Ibiza and Mallorca, the luxury yacht company continues its expansion across Europe with the launch of SAY Carbon Yachts Marbella, and the recent announcement of the new SAY 52 model.
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S
AY Carbon Yachts is the most technologically advanced manufacturer for carbon built luxurious day boats. The models are ultralight, fast and powerful, a ‘sportscar on water,’ yet are manufactured with 50 per cent less fuel consumption compared to their peer group. The brand also ‘electrified’ yachting with the SAY 29E
(in addition to the SAY 29), offering silent boating in style; the innovative technology provided by e-mobility pioneers, Kreisel Electric, enables top speeds of up to 40 knots, while consuming only 25 l/h at a cruising speed of 22 knots. Significantly, it was recognised as the world’s fastest production built electric boat. ›
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The May launch of the SAY Carbon Yachts Marbella dealership showcased the latest SAY Carbon Yacht, the SAY 42, of length 12.96m, which has all the advantages of the SAY 29, including the light-weight carbon hydrodynamic hull and the Volvo Penta 430HP lowemission engine (using only 50 litres of fuel at an average speed of 20 knots), which enables breathtaking acceleration of 0 to 50 knots within seconds, but with more space for increased comfort and a master bedroom to make it a real ‘weekender’ boat, with a capacity for up to 12
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people. The brand has revealed that its newest boat, the SAY 52, will be launching at the 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival. This model will boast the same SAY DNA, but will be the first yacht in its class to be optionally equipped with an electric hybrid system, enabling silent boating in the marina and in sheltered bays, as well as a boost for unique top speeds. It will have a length of 15.75m, supporting 12 passengers, with a master bedroom and bathroom, and a kitchen. The Marbella dealership was launched by Sascha Falk,
Managing Partner of SAY Carbon Yachts Marbella. Falk’s company, FRD Group, a full service property company, also conceived Ocean View Marbella, a bespoke development of 44 private sea view residences in the hills above Marbella, overlooking landscaped gardens, with 180 degree ocean views of the Mediterranean and beyond to Gibraltar and Africa, which is due to complete in 2024. ›
For the ultimate Mediterranean experience
Reinventing Marbella’s boating heritage S AYM AR BEL L A.CO M C H A RT E R & B RO K E R AG E
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As Sacha Falk says: “When I created Ocean View, I wanted to bring a wider lifestyle offering to the Andalusian coast too, therefore Louis Concierge was born, but most importantly we are now bringing SAY Carbon Yachts to Marbella to reinvent its boating heritage, with purchase and charter opportunities. SAY Carbon Yachts are carbon masterpieces, they are pioneers of lightness, which allows this incredible acceleration, and they are made from the most luxurious materials and offering the highest comfort. It is modern and timeless, it really is a piece of art.” Designed by Austrian born Karl Wagner, one of the most experienced carbon specialists in Europe, with the goal of
creating the most efficient yachts, the idea behind SAY Carbon Yachts is to provide buyers of prestigious homes with the opportunity to purchase a SAY Carbon Yacht to use as a day boat. Before joining SAY Carbon Yachts, Karl and his 700 employees at the company Carbo Tech were one of the largest producers of carbonfibre-reinforced components
in the automobile industry. His customer base included Aston Martin, McLaren and Porsche. He is now applying his carbon expertise to the yachting industry, bringing a material that has already been used extensively and proved successful not just in motorsports but construction, aviation and other high-tech applications too.
CLICK TO VISIT
www.saymarbella.com
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His career highlights include gaining the contract for the worldwide first carbon fibrereinforced polymer (CFRP) monocoque for road cars, and working with Sebastian Vettel on his inaugural victory driving for Scuderia Toro Rosso at Monza in 2008, in a protective monocoque produced by Carbo Tech. At 21, he was the youngest ever to win a Grand Prix. Karl Wagner, CEO SAY Carbon Yachts, says: “We are excited to expand SAY Carbon Yachts
to Marbella; the international audience and year-round weather makes it the perfect location for the launch. We’re delighted to have Sascha Falk leading the charge for us in taking our expertise to a new destination, with lightweight construction, unique acceleration and agility, plus fuel consumption reduction while still increasing range. We’re thrilled that he is also exploring Dubai and Miami and taking us to new territories too.” All SAY Carbon Yachts are
handcrafted with the latest technology in Germany. The iconic designs are highly efficient with eye-catching hull lines. Every model has a unique ‘wavecutting’ hull that slices easily through the water with side wings offering maximum stability, and additional support from a Seakeeper gyro-stabiliser. Future plans for SAY Carbon Yachts include the introduction of SAY Carbon Yachts to Dubai, UAE. The first yachts will arrive in Dubai in September or October 2022, with intentions to expand to other areas of the Middle East. As well as this, SAY Carbon Yachts Miami is starting to take shape with plans for a sales office and partnerships with concierge and hotels. i For enquiries please contact: Louis Concierge, Urb. Bahía de Marbella, Plaza de la Fuente, Marbella. Tel: (+34) 951 255 255. info@louisconcierge.com www.louisconcierge.com WWW.ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM / 109
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MCLAREN ARTURA HYBRID SUPERCAR
It’s no secret that the motor industry has been moving towards wider electrification for some years now and the trend has even spread to the rarefied world of sports supercars. UK sports car icon McLaren’s new entry is the impressive and striking Artura, a seriously fast supercar powered by a V-6 based hybrid powertrain. WORDS TONY WHITNEY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MCLAREN
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W
ith no shortage of hype, McLaren used the Miami F-1 race for one of the Artura’s world debuts with Bruno Senna, nephew of the legendary Ayrton Senna at the wheel for a fast lap or two. Public response was highly enthusiastic and it was a good way of showing people that hybrid cars have potential way beyond the compact commuter vehicles they’re usually associated with. Apart from its advanced powertrain, the Artura boasts many innovations
worth noting. Appropriately, McLaren’s first seriesproduction hybrid supercar is based on an all-new hybridised lightweight carbon and aluminium architecture. This mode of construction blends carbon composites with light alloys to create a rigid, superlight structure that’s ideal for cars like the Artura. As a result, the car is very light but retains lots of ruggedness and the stiffness needed for highly agile handling. › Combine this featherweight structure with the car’s 671-horsepower twin-turbo V-6 and its electric motor and you get what McLaren calls
‘ferocious’ acceleration. Tests have shown that 100 km/h can be topped in a scant three seconds. The transmission is an 8-speed automatic that can be manually overridden using the now-common paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. The electric motor that’s a feature of all hybrid vehicles is tucked within the transmission housing and the associated battery pack is located under the rear of the cabin. With its lightweight bodywork and hybrid power, the Artura can approach fuel economy levels that would simply be a fantasy with any conventional supercar. ›
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As far as styling goes, the Artura is very much a McLaren, a point that should please just about everybody. This is strictly a two-seater sports car and those planning any kind of lengthy road trip had better be ready to cut back on what they take. This is common enough in this class. There is a compartment up front, but packing it with anything bulky will take a little imagination. The interior follows McLaren practice of minimalist layout with as few buttons and controls as possible and this is something other carmakers could copy. Of course, connectivity is still a key feature because buyers expect that nowadays with any vehicle. Room has been found for an 8-inch infotainment screen so owners won’t be completely deprived of the kind of conveniences they have in their SUVs. The seats are well shaped for fast driving and covered in sensible materials like microfibre cloth. The leather clad steering wheel, which has a refreshing lack of buttons and controls, is flattened at the bottom for better thigh clearance. ›
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The Artura is a very welcome addition to the supercar world and should gain lots of popularity among people who covet this kind of transportation. It’s economical enough to please most people with environmental concerns, though McLaren fans and
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sports car enthusiasts generally are speculating whether an all-electric variant will follow. As one of McLaren’s least expensive cars, the Artura is quite competitively priced for this class and that will certainly help boost sales. e
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Z ENGINE: 3.0-litre V-6 twin-turbo based hybrid powertrain. 671-horsepower, including 94-horsepower electric motor integrated with transmission housing. Z TRANSMISSION: 8-speed SSG with manual override. Z ACCELERATION: Zero to 100 km/h in 3.0-seconds. Z TOP SPEED: 330 km/h (electronically limited). Z I LIKED: Superb looks, exhilarating drivetrain and handling, excellent economy, comfortable cabin, high quality of detailing around the car. Comfortable cockpit for a car in this class providing both performance and range.
Z I DIDN’T LIKE: Minimal stowage space, but expected with the class of sports car. Z MARKET ALTERNATIVES: Ferrari SF90 Stradale, Porsche 918 Spyder, Honda NSX, Porsche Panamera Turbo SEHybrid, Polestar 1. Z WHO DRIVES ONE? Buyers who’ve always fancied a supercar but hesitated because of gas guzzling, wasteful, imagery. Existing supercar owners who’ve been waiting for something more ‘ethical’ to hit the market before they trade-in. Z PRICE AND AVAILABILITY: Now available starting at €225.000.
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A small sample of the extensive range of Ferraris at Rosso Corsa
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T
he story of Rosso Corsa began 20 years ago, when Francesco Sena first began to share his passion for the creations of Maranello with fellow enthusiasts of this particular artform from around the world. The result is a company that can boast close to 100 iconic modern, classic and limited edition Ferraris in its showroom at any point in time – each and every one of them a timeless work of art. Thanks to this and its sourcing, maintaining and caretaking of the finest Ferraris for owners not just in Marbella but around the world, Rosso Corsa is regarded as one of the greatest Ferrari specialist firms internationally. “We certainly live and breathe all things Ferrari,” says Sales Manager Patric Oldbury, who shares the founder’s passion for the Prancing Horse. ›
FOR LOVERS OF FERRARI!
ROSSO CORSA A Ferrari is so much more than just a car, and its owners are an international band of aficionados who have long since fallen in love with these powerful beasts of beauty. Rosso Corsa is a place dedicated to the love of all things Ferrari.
WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ROSSO CORSA / MARBELLA PHOTO
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The Rosso Corsa collection includes real competition racing cars
Suitably situated at the base of an iconic driver’s road – where Marbella meets the mountain route up to Ronda – Rosso Corsa is more than a luxurious showroom, much more, offering a bespoke sales and sourcing service for both new and classic Ferraris from and for
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customers around the globe, as well as expert mechanical work, reconstruction and refurbishment of cars, maintenance and caretaking. “We provide a specialised rental service of Ferrari challenge cars for passionate drivers, delivering them to the racetrack of their choice, complete
with a mechanical support team and professional driving instruction.” And when they’re not on the track, owners and professional drivers can work on their lap times with an authentic Ferrari simulator, located in the heart of Rosso Corsa ‘limited edition’ showroom.
A SUCCESSFUL FORMULA It’s a very personal approach that is much appreciated by fellow Ferrari owners and enthusiasts, and which has seen Rosso Corsa grow both in stature and size. Last month a suitably glamorous event celebrating the company’s expansion was hosted at its 5,000m2 showroom and premises at the edge of San Pedro de Alcántara. Clients and guests mingled amid mouth-watering models that include the La Ferrari, ‘Magnum’s’ F308, the Testarossa, GTO, the 812 GTS, the Dino and the ‘Icona’ Monza, of which only two are available in Marbella – both at Rosso Corsa. ›
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The Rosso Corsa workshop – where the power is tuned
“Not only are we able to source any model, classic or modern for collectors, we count on a worldwide network that enables us to always have both rare and the latest limited-edition models,” says Francesco. Above the showroom on the ground floor is a level dedicated to racing cars and limited-edition models for advanced collectors, who in the Ferrari tradition have to be longstanding clients before they are invited to buy
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one of the latest offerings. This may sound a little snobbish, but such is the demand for Ferraris – and in particular the special versions – that by simply owning a car of this kind represents a value-added investment, as many Ferraris made in particularly small numbers increase greatly in value. The classic and luxury car world have therefore joined the ranks of art and prized property
as a bona fide asset class with great investment potential. As always, knowing how to go about it makes a big difference, so Francesco and Rosso Corsa team not only source, restore and service the finest Ferraris at their workshop on the lower floor, but also provide the kind of curating advice that a serious art buyer would expect – and with the sums currently being paid at auction it is easy to understand why.
For lovers of the finer things in life
ROSSO CORSA ‘ROOFTOP’ LOUNGE BY LOUIS XIII It’s clear that Rosso Corsa is far more than a dealership and workshop alone; it is a veritable temple to the art of beautiful sports cars, works of art in design and engineering that have garnered a global following whose appreciation of these Italian stallions on wheels grows with every decade. This car lover’s spot at the base of the Ronda road is the place where they acquire their Ferraris, have them
lovingly restored and looked after, curated for racing activities, complete with technical support teams, and also come together at the rooftop VIP lounge, where kindred spirits can indulge a passion as complete as the love of sport and automotive art. g Calle Países Bajos, Nº6, Pol. Ind. San Pedro, Marbella. Tel: (+34) 644 416 501. Tel: (+34) 952 635 956. info@rossocorsa.es
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www.rossocorsa.es
The sleek premises of Rosso Corsa in San Pedro
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JAKE
GYLLENHAAL
It would be hard to find a more serious and articulate observer of his profession than Jake Gyllenhaal. He answers every question with deep consideration and is keenly aware of the inflated status of actors in the context of modern celebrity culture. Yet he also believes in the importance of film in its ability to reach people and explore the human condition, meaningful issues and critical events.
A
sumptuous stint of commercial successes on the big screen – culminating in 2019’s SpiderMan: Far From Home – set the 41-year-old actor up for something of a hiatus, yet he has roared back in the past year with an undertaking of projects, as both actor and producer, that appears catastrophically large. Gyllenhaal’s upcoming list of appointments – projects either announced, rumoured or in pre-production – are well into double figures, ranging from thrillers (The Interpreter, The Division, Road House, Snow Blind), drama (Francis and the
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Godfather), through to all-action fodder (The Anarchists vs ISIS and Combat Control). There are also two miniseries thrown into the mix – The Son, in which he plays an escaped convict; and Lake Success, where he embodies Barry Cohen, a hedge fund manager looking to break free from the shackles of humdrum. Gyllenhaal even recently switched back to theatre mode, playing the lead role in Sunday in the Park with George at the Savoy Theatre. The actor is clearly hungry for more, refusing to subscribe purely to box office spectaculars. He is at a stage in
his career when it seems he has little to prove… and if there is something, it’s purely to himself. Is fighting convention something you’ve tried to do during your life and career? I think we’re all always fighting convention in a way or we’re not and then we succumb to that. Ultimately all that matters is what you as an individual believe in regardless of what other people tell you you should believe. I guess in a way that’s something I’m trying to do as an artist, but all human beings should be doing that because if we did, we’d have a totally different world. ›
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INTENSITY
PRECISION AND
©Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com
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idealistic but it means so much to get at the truth of ourselves and to use acting as a way of examining human nature.
You have always been willing to push yourself to the limit in films like Nightcrawler, Southpaw and Everest. Is that something that you feel driven to do? I’ve always been anxious to challenge myself as much as possible. I’ve never wanted to do things that were easy or too comfortable. They feel that that’s the way you grow as an individual because you’re forcing yourself to exit your comfort zone. For me, life is all about discovery and risk and exploring new aspects of yourself as well as the world in general. Does that sometimes mean you take things too far? [Smiles] I’m hardest on myself. I’m very passionate about what I do, and I can’t take the easy way out. I just can’t... acting offers you an opportunity to find catharsis through the way you express the emotions of your characters and by behaving in ways that you wouldn’t dare to in your own life.
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Do you have a natural predilection towards characters that are either extreme or as emotionally complex or conflicted as possible? I like characters who are messy and complicated because that’s who we are as humans. It’s much more interesting for me to explore those states of being than playing characters who don’t find themselves under stress or need to face up to serious problems. We’re all struggling in our own particular ways and we all live in different states of joy, hope, fear, and anxiety. That’s what makes us interesting and those are the kinds of characters I enjoy portraying. Is this what you feel is the essence of acting for you? I love performing and I am constantly fascinated by getting into a story and exploring what I can do with a character and being able to help tell interesting stories that reveal something about us as human beings. Maybe I’m too
How would you label yourself as an actor? I’m not at all interested in becoming the kind of actor who needs to worry about his box-office performance with each film. That defeats the purpose of what you want to accomplish as an actor. Of course, you need to have some sort of standing that enables you to get cast in bigger budget films, but the main goal is to find good stories and directors who have a strong vision and interesting sensibility. I love my work, I love being excited and drawn to it, but I felt I had moved away from the work itself, and I was being asked questions that I didn’t know how to answer. About, you know, life, films, everything. The reason why I started was because I deeply, deeply love acting. You know, I love storytelling, I really do, and I just felt like I was moving farther and farther away from that idea. And I thought, well where can I find projects and work with people that will allow me to be involved in a way that will fulfil my life and make me feel like when I’m on my deathbed, I’m going to go ‘Yeah, like that’s the way I want it to be’. ›
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You’re often identified in the media as a kind of heartthrob. How do you feel about that? It has nothing to do with me. It’s the media image of me and it’s not really something that defines who I am. I go to very few public events, I live very quietly, and don’t really do anything that attracts attention to me beyond my work in films and promoting them by doing interviews. You’ve spoken candidly in the past about your relationships – [Gyllenhaal has been with French model Jeanne Cadieu since 2018] – do you think it is so difficult for couples to stay in love or commit to relationships once the initial buzz of sexual attraction gives way to something else? I don’t know, really. That’s the great question that everyone finds themselves trying to answer at different points in their lives. What happens is that sexual and physical attraction is gradually overtaken by deeper emotions, and also by practical considerations and decisions. That’s when you must think very seriously about whether your love for another person is so great that you want to spend serious time with
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them going forward, or not. Or maybe that the intensity of your feelings is so great that you can’t think straight, and you need to see whether you can actually live together in one place and find those little ways of accommodating each other’s needs and desires. That’s the challenge, isn’t it? It takes a lot of thinking about. Speaking of which, do you still follow Buddhist teachings? It’s something which has enlightened me in many ways. When I started reading about Buddhist philosophy (while making the film Donnie Darko) I saw right away that I had an intuitive grasp and conviction about so many of the same ideas and principles. So, I naturally gravitated towards it. It’s not something which I think about as much as I try to follow some of the teachings because I believe in them, and I feel I am a better person for trying to be open to simple joys and truths about life and appreciating the beauty in other people. I believe there’s a spirit and energy that links us all in some way. How do you feel you’ve evolved over time? I’ve learned to trust myself more and worry less about
making the right decisions and being too careful and serious sometimes about my work. I think I’m more relaxed and I have less apprehensiveness and anxiety about myself and other people in general. There was also this dichotomy between my approach to films and my approach to life. I think I’ve sorted a lot of that out now. Your career has seen you play a wide variety of characters. You seem to enjoy both the physical and psychological transformation involved? I have so much fun creating a character and I love observing people and all the complexities and oddities of human behaviour that inform what I do. I enjoy the kind of creative expression that comes with mimicry, and I love exploring human psychology, how we interact with each other, and going beneath the surface of human behaviour. As an actor, I like the catharsis that comes with pushing the boundaries of what you ordinarily feel comfortable with doing. My parents encouraged me to express myself and test my limits as far as possible and not take the easy way out.
What’s the biggest kick you get out of acting? When I play a character, the most interesting and exciting thing for me is being able to express myself very differently and more intensely than I could ever dream of in my own life. It’s also interesting to see yourself actually feeling and behaving the way your character behaves without even being aware of it. I also find that as an individual I learn so much from looking at the world differently when I work on a film and I’m seeing things from the perspective of my characters.
You’ve been described by your colleagues as being very intense when it comes to your work? [Laughs] I take my work seriously in ways that people outside the business would never appreciate or find particularly interesting. The thing that really drives me as an actor is my curiosity. I’m far less adventurous in my own life and my work gives me the capacity to exceed my normal boundaries and explore things about myself that I wouldn’t do otherwise. I need to challenge myself. I usually listen to my instincts and pursue projects that
appeal to me artistically as well as personally. I like working with people who share the same vision and artistic approach that I have simply because that makes the process so much more enjoyable. I’ve developed some wonderful creative relationships over the last several years and I want to keep working with people who help me be as creative and expressive as possible. e
©DFree / Shutterstock.com
“I take my work seriously in ways that people outside the business would never appreciate or find particularly interesting. The thing that really drives me as an actor is my curiosity”
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trends
CONSIDER THE HOTTEST RELEASES HITTING THE BIG SCREEN THIS MONTH AND SOME SERIES SERIOUSLY WORTH WATCHING. CHECK OUT SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS COMING TO STARLITE THIS SUMMER, AND SEE WHAT’S MAKING WAVES HERE IN SPAIN AND FURTHER AFIELD.
CINEMA SERIES MUSIC NEWS 138 Hot New Films 142 Cool New Series 146 New Book Releases 150 Starlite Marbella 152 What’s Cool
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HOT NEW
MOVIES THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER
» Director: Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok) » Genre: Superhero » Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale Thor is ready to hang up his hammer and embark on a journey towards inner peace. However, his spiritual sojourn is interrupted when he discovers that Gorr, the God Butcher, is seeking to completely annihilate the Gods. Thor must embrace his destiny as one of the most powerful warriors of the Universe and leave peace-making to brighter days.
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BULLET TRAIN
» Director: David Leitch (Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw) » Genre: Action » Cast: Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson Five assassins find themselves on a fast-moving bullet train from Tokyo to Morioka. Brad Pitt plays Ladybug – an unlikely hit man who simply wants a life of peace after one too many adventures gone wrong. Things take an exciting turn when Ladybug and the other assassins discover that they have a common mission to complete. Their objectives may be conflicting, yet their destiny is most definitely to work as part of a united team.
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PIG
» Director: Michael Sarnoski (Fight Night Legacy) » Genre: Drama » Cast: Nicolas Cage, Alex Wolff, Adam Arkin If you love Nicolas Cage in challenging roles in which he is called upon to bare his soul, don’t miss out on Pig. In this raw, heartfelt film about unconditional friendship, he plays Rob – a former Chef turned reclusive truffle forager. Living in a cabin in the Oregon woods, he hunts for truffles with his beloved pig. When his pet is stolen, he embarks on a search for her in the city of Portland, determined to do anything it takes to bring her back home.
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MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU
BERGMAN ISLAND
» Director: Mia Hansen-Love (Things to Come) » Genre: Drama » Actors: Vicky Krieps, Tim Roth, Grace Delrue A young film-making couple heads to the island of Fårö (where Ingmar Bergman lived and shot so many amazing films) to attend a wedding. In this beautiful, wild landscape, they hope to find the inspiration for their next film. However, as the days go by, the romantic ideal of a first love returns to haunt them. Real and imagined lives overlap with increasing complexity, and the couple face surreal, fantastical experiences that will change them forever.
» Directors: Kyle Balda (Minions), Brad Ableson (The Simpsons), Jonathan del Val (Despicable Me 2) » Genre: Animation » Voices: Steve Carell, Pierre Coffin, Taraji P. Henson The Rise of Gru takes us back to when Gru was a young man (with hair!). The youthful scoundrel aims to join a group of super villains called the Vicious 6 after they oust their leader – the skilful fighter, Wild Knuckles. Gru’s interview with the mob results in disaster, and he ends up on the run with his faithful Minions, the Vicious 6 hot on their trail. Gru finds an unlikely ally in Wild Knuckles himself, and realises that even legendary villains sometimes need a little help from their friends. e
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TOP SERIES
TO CATCH THIS MONTH There are so many top-quality series this month. Marisa Cutillas brings you a list of favourites that are as highly praised by critics as by audiences.
STRANGER THINGS S4, VOLUME TWO
Netflix
» Creators: Matt and Ross Duffer (Wayward Pines) » Genre: Horror Fiction » Cast: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown Stranger Things Season Four, Volume One recently premiered seven episodes on Netflix. This month, Season 4 Volume 2 – with just two epic episodes – hits our screens. Thanks to the trailer and information provided by the cast and crew, we know that Volume Two will feature new monsters (of the human and Upside Down varieties) and all the interplay between the characters we have come to know and love. Season Five will be the series’ last.
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RESIDENT EVIL S1
Netflix
» Creator: Andrew Dabb (Supernatural) » Genre: Horror » Cast: Ella Balinska, Lance Reddick, Lea Vivier The heart-stopping teaser trailer to Resident Evil indicates that its plot is divided into two. The first, set in 2022, sees two girls called Jade and Billie moving with their father to the futuristic Raccoon City. The place seems ideal, but Jade soon discovers that her father and the corporation he is working for (the Umbrella Corporation) are hiding secrets. The second set of events take place in 2036. Jade is now older and fighting for her survival in London. The world is now overrun by a plague of zombies, thanks to the workings of the Umbrella Corporation.
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THE TERMINAL LIST S1
Amazon Prime Video
» Creator: David DiGilio (Eight Below) » Genre: Thriller/ Action » Cast: Chris Pratt, Taylor Kitsch, Constance Wu An exciting series centred on Navy SEAL, James Reece (Chris Pratt), whose entire platoon is ambushed while he is on a covert mission. Reece returns to his family with disturbing memories of the event, but stress is the least of his worries when he discovers that his life is still in danger. He must once again muster his courage to take on the enemy while protecting the lives of his loved ones.
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BLACK BIRD S1
Apple TV+
YOUNG ROYALS S2
Netflix
» Creators: Lisa Ambjörn (Sjukt) » Genre: Drama » Cast: Edvin Ryding, Omar Rudberg, Malte Gårdinger This Swedish series is all about a teenager prince (Prince Wilhelm of Sweden) and the time he spends at an elite boarding school. When Season One ended, Wilhelm had fallen for fellow student, Simon. However, the couple was threatened by a secret recording of their affair by Wilhelm’s evil cousin, August. The two are clearly still in love, so we will see how their attraction plays out in this new season.
» Creator: Dennis Lehane (Mystic River) » Genre: True Story » Cast: Taron Egerton, Ray Liotta, Greg Kinnear This tough, gritty psychological series is adapted from the true crime memoir, In with the Devil: A Fallen Hero, a Serial Killer, and a Dangerous Bargain for Redemption, by James Keene and Hillel Levin. The action begins when high school football hero and policeman’s son, Jimmy Keene (Taron Egerton) is given a 10-year prison sentence. The police give him two choices – he can either serve his full sentence, or enter a maximum-security prison and obtain information from a serial killer. He chooses the latter, despite the immense risks involved. Black Bird is Ray Liotta’s last completed project before he passed away. Series creator, Dennis Lehane, called him “the most electric American actor of his generation.” e
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CHECK OUT JULY’S MOST ANTICIPATED NEW RELEASES! WORDS ALICIA DUGGAN OF THE BOOKSHOP IN SAN PEDRO DE ALCÁNTARA , CC LA COLONIA LOCAL 21, SAN PEDRO DE ALCÁNTARA. TEL: 951 779 785. WWW.THEBOOKSHOP.ES
THIS IS GONNA END IN TEARS BY LIZA KLAUSSMANN Miller, Ash and Ollie are childhood friends growing up in the Quaker seaside town of Wonderland. Thick as thieves, the trio are never apart and long for the day when they can escape the confines of their parochial town. As teenagers they make it to Malibu where everything is fantastic, until suddenly, it’s not. Now in their forties Miller and Ash are married with a teenage son and living back in Wonderland. Ollie, who is single and recently unemployed returns to the town and friends of his youth in the hope of finding purpose or redemption. Consumed with their own loves, losses, and secrets, they fail to notice what’s happening between Miller’s son and the girl next door. A compelling coming of age story filled with messy relationships, regrets and an 80s soundtrack. This is Gonna End in Tears is perfect for fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid.
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THE DAUGHTER OF DOCTOR MOREAU BY SILVIA MORENOGARCIA Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s novel, Gods of Jade and Shadow, is on Time Magazine’s list of the 100 best fantasy novels of all time and Mexican Gothic has become a TikTok sensation. Her latest offering, which has been hailed as one of the most anticipated books of 2022, is a reimagining of H.G. Wells’ The Island of Doctor Moreau set against the backdrop of 19th century Mexico. The story is peopled with intriguing characters such as the beautiful and enigmatic Carlota; her mad scientist father, Moreau; the secretive mayordomo, Laughton; their benefactor Eduardo Lizalde, and the hybrids that are the result of Moreau’s experimentation. Taking place during the Caste War of the Yucatán in which the Maya revolted against the Hispanic Yucatecos, this is a historical and darkly gothic take on the classic sci-fi/fantasy genre.
ONE LAST SECRET BY ADELE PARKS From international bestselling author Adele Parks, comes a provocative page turner about money, sex, power and revenge. Dora works as an escort and, although it has exposed her to the seedier side of life, it has also helped her remain financially secure. When one client treats her horrifically, she decides to accept a marriage proposal from her best, and only, friend and leave the sordid business behind. She has one final job to do. Daniel, a regular, has hired her to be his fake girlfriend at a luxury chateau in the South of France. However, upon arrival it becomes immediately apparent that something sinister is going on. Dora finds herself face-to-face with a man from her past, the one man who truly knows her and her secrets. Those secrets could cost Dora her life. The tension and twists combine to produce a captivating and dramatic thriller. WWW.ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM / 147
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THE SORCERER OF PYONGYANG BY MARCEL THEROUX Marcel Theroux (brother of Louis) has won a Somerset Maugham Award and been a National Book Award Finalist for his previous novels. The Sorcerer of Pyongyang is a meticulously researched look at how a chance discovery can change your life forever. For ten-year-old Cho Jun-su life is difficult as he grows up in oppressive and famine stricken North Korea in the 1990s. One day he discovers a copy of Dungeons & Dragons: Dungeon Master’s Guide, left behind in a hotel room by a rare foreign visitor. As he painstakingly translates the text and learns the rules of the game, his imagination takes hold and transports him away from the harshness of real life. Over the following years the game leads him on a journey through the many complexities and layers of his isolated country. Cho Jun-su’s story is ultimately a tale of hope and survival against all odds. It is compelling, mesmerising and eye opening. 148 / JULY 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
DARK OBJECTS BY SIMON TOYNE As a teenager, Laughton Rees witnessed the brutal murder of her mother at the hands of a masked killer. She barely escaped with her life. Now, as an adult, she is a successful forensics professor, devoted to her daughter and her work. However, her past comes back to haunt her when a wealthy woman is killed in similar circumstances. Four unusual objects are left around the body; one of them is a book on forensics by Dr Laughton Rees. As Laughton helps with the investigation, she discovers more disturbing elements which lead her to believe that the murder scene was left specifically as a message for her. In order to help the Met police and keep her daughter safe, Laughton must confront the horrors of her past and the father she hasn’t spoken to in years. A tense and gripping murder mystery. e
VISIT THE BOOKSHOP
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Starlite Catalana Occidente is without a doubt one of the most exciting cultural events in Marbella, bringing us a wealth of national and international acts that enable us to forget our woes and immerse ourselves in the wonder of music. Whether you are into Spanish icons like Sergio Dalma, you enjoy reliving the wonder of past musicians like Freddy Mercury, or you revel in the joyful pop beats of A-list acts like Jason Derulo, you will find what you’re looking for at Starlite. This year, the Cantera de Nagüeles once again promises to put you in the mood for dancing. Highlights to watch out for in July and August include: COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS
HIGHLIGHTS OF
STARLITE CATALANA OCCIDENTE 2022 SARA BARAS AUGUST 16
Sara Baras once again displays her powerful authority and dominance of flamenco dance. A spectacle of grace and fire that is not to be missed.
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Z DIANA ROSS JULY 6 She’s one of the hottest divas of all time; a woman who has epitomised the most glamorous side of music since the 1970s and voiced hits like Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s Miss Diana Ross. Z PABLO ALBORÁN JULY 9 This multiple-award-winning crooner writes and performs the songs that lovers the world over call ‘their own’. Pablo Alborán will be performing hits like Castillos de Arena and more. Z C. TANGANA JULY 12 C. Tangana has been deemed “one of the most influential artists in Spain” by Forbes. This Madrid-born rapper is changing the game by combining contemporary pop and folklore. Z MALUMA JULY 20 Maluma’s star is on the rise, thanks to his many musical hits and his recent appearance in the Jennifer
Lopez film, Marry Me. He is the voice behind hits like Felices Los Cuatro, HP, Hola Señorita, and many more. Z JESSIE J JULY 22 Jessie J has made our hearts soar with hits like I Want Love, Price Tag, and Domino. We can’t wait to hear her belting out her latest tunes. Z CHRISTINA AGUILERA JULY 25 Anyone who adores divas like Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, or Christina Aguilera knows that seeing these artists in person is a bucket list affair. Aguilera will be wowing audiences with her characteristic vocal gymnastics and high drama. Z ESTRELLA MORENTE, ISRAEL FERNÁNDEZ AND KIKI MORENTE AUGUST 11 If flamenco music inspires you, don’t miss out on three of the most important artists on the current scene. Estrella and Kiki Morente
are brother-and-sister, while Israel Fernández is the singer who has enamoured artists the calibre of Rosalía, C. Tangana, and Pablo Alborán. Z ANDREA BOCELLI AUGUST 15 Andrea Bocelli’s voice is ideal for opera as it hits all the right notes while maintaining the subtlety and emotion of popular music. Bocelli sings many tunes that soothe the soul, including La voce del silenzio and Canto della terra. Z LUIS FONSI AUGUST 22 Puerto Rican crooner, Luis Fonsi, has too many hits to mention, with Despacito arguably being the top seller of his career. Fonsi, hasn’t stopped, though, and this year, he released his latest album, Ley de Gravedad.
i www.starlitemarbella.com
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? l o o c s ’ t wha COMPILED BY IAIN BL
ACKWELL
M AR IN A EU RO STAR S GR AN D ina Hotel The Eurostars Grand Mar k Marina 5* G.L. presents the Blac of peace Terrace, a unique oasis e in which that aims to offer a spac frenetic to disconnect from the tstanding pace of city life, with ou and over views across the Marina be able to Barcelona. Visitors will ils and live enjoy fine dining, cockta Saturday. music every Friday and el.com i www.grandmarinahot
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LU NG A PAGA NI HUAY RA CO DA lighted to present its Pagani Automobili is de a the Huayra Codalunga, latest bespoke creation: e vehicles in a tribute to limited edition of just fiv lian race cars of the 60s. the timeless style of Ita rior lies state-of-the-art Beneath the elegant exte ad neering. Approved for ro Pagani mechanical engi w hypercar starts from use, the price of this ne €7M. i www.pagani.com
DE TU N GS TE N O VE N EZ IA N IC O N ER EI iled the Nereide Venezianico has unve ving watch that can Tungsteno, a classic di re to a depth of 200m withstand water pressu accidental damage. and is resistant to any d a 42mm face, polishe The timepiece features pphire crystal, in tungsten bezel with sa Swiss Sellita SW200-1 combination with the t. mechanical movemen caliber, a self-winding com i www.venezianico. M/Y RI O SU PE RYAC HT etre M/Y RIO was The supreme new 62-m oup Ancona SuperYacht Gr tti rre Fe e th at d ne ho llaboration with Omega co in N CR by ilt Bu . rd ya styling from Pulina Architects, with interior
O will be unveiled in her RI /Y M , rs rio te In e siv Exclu t estigious Monaco Yach world premiere at the pr highlight of this event. Show, promising to be a i www.crn-yacht.com
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NUJAMA, A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE Marriott International Inc. has announced the signing of an agreement with The Red Sea Development Company to debut its distinguished Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand on the west coast of Saudi Arabia. Nujama is expected to launch in 2023, offering a fully personalised leisure experience within the incomparable beauty of the natural surroundings. i www.ritzcarlton.com
PAPAGENA AT THE TEATRO ROYAL Located on the sixth floor of the Teatro Real in Madrid, Papagena is the new gastronomic project managed by Life Gourmet Catering in collaboration with renowned chef Ramón Freixa, with the sublime interior design having been overseen by Luís García Fraile. The restaurant is sophisticated and cosmopolitan, with a unique magnetism. i www.papagenarestaurante.es
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CARRERA Y CARRERA RETURNS TO ITS ORIGINS The new creative team of Carrera y Carrera, led by Daniel Calvo, proposes as its fundamental objective to recover the DNA of the house’s characteristic design,
that for several decades satisfied the most demanding tastes of aristocrats and celebrities with innovative creations inspired by art and nature, comprising a unique and unmistakable style. i www.carreracollection.com
AUBAMAR SUITES & SPA Felip Polar Estudio has been given charge of the Aubamar Suites & Spa, a newly built hotel with a 5-star category in Playa Palma, Mallorca. With a mix of Mediterranean, tropical and colonial styles, the new establishment offers a complete vacation experience. Check out the lobby, one of the most instagrammable areas of the new hotel. i www.aubamar.es
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lifestyle
SEE WHY DUNIQUE IN MARBELLA REALLY IS TOTALLY UNIQUE, IN TERMS OF LOCATION, DESIGN AND LIFESTYLE. FIND TIPS ON HOW TO CREATE A FIVE * LUXURY FEEL IN YOUR HOME. CONSIDER THE MANY ADVANTAGES OF HAVING AN AWARD-WINNING DROP SPA IN YOUR GARDEN OR ON YOUR TERRACE.
INTERIORS ARCHITECTURE ART FASHION
158 Dunique Marbella 168 Five * Luxury at Home 178 Award-winning Drop Spa 180 Fab & Local Fashion 188 Safe Swimming for Dogs
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WHEN THE LOCATION DESERVES THE BEST What do you do with the rarest of Marbella real estate assets – a tranquil frontline beach location close to all amenities? Simple, you create a living environment worthy of such a privileged setting.
T
he decision to design and build one of the most outstanding property developments in Marbella may be straightforward enough, but its realisation requires rather more effort and dedication, not to mention creativity, skill and specialised experience. Prime Invest bundles all the above within a company dedicated to taking real
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estate projects from concept and land acquisition through to product development and architectural design, marketing and sales – and the first thing its team did was advise the developer to opt for quality over quantity. More than this, they made a strong case for creating something truly outstanding within this prime beachfront setting in Las Chapas. ›
A L L E B R A M E U Q I N DU WO
IC H RDS M
UZ E L CR
PHY OGR A T O H P
T ES COUR
IN RIME P F O Y
V EST
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A UNIQUE SETTING AMONG THE DUNES Most every architect and property developer will tell you that each site is different and the setting forms the spark of inspiration from which the concept behind a luxury residential project takes shape. The concept, in turn, provides the basis for the kind of properties to be offered, their architectural design, internal layout, as well as the landscaping, configuration of the public spaces and the amenities included. Given this, Dunique Marbella was never going to be anything but impressive, and the promoter together with Prime Invest has worked hard to do such a top location justice. “We named it Dunique, a
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combination of ‘dunes’ and ‘unique’ in reference to the rarity of its location,” says Carlos Rodríguez, Sales Manager for Prime Invest. The result of months of detailed concept and development is Dunique, a superlative private community of 32 semi-detached villas and 64 ground-floor apartments and penthouses ranging from two to four bedrooms. “It is a private domain between the dunes of Las Chapas, where residents pass through a gated entrance into a landscaped environment planted with indigenous greenery. The properties are orientated in such a way that they enjoy great east and west-facing southern views across the sea, with direct access to the beach and some of the best fish restaurants and chiringuito beach bars this part of Marbella is known for.” ›
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SCULPTED CURVES The overall concept and master plan was the creation of Maíz y Díaz, who placed the bar high to create a design to set Dunique Marbella apart. Flowing gently downwards to the beach on six hectares of land are the infinite curves of luxuriant duplex garden and penthouse apartments with ample, beautifully styled space, where interiors merge seamlessly with outdoor living areas – always against a backdrop of the sea. The sounds and scents of the latter form part of life in this peaceful location surrounded by golf and tennis clubs, shops and fine dining – the perfect setting in which to relax and soak up the Marbella sun. ›
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E INTERIOR DESIGN
SHOWROOM MARBELLA Opening hours
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BESPOKE CARPENTRY
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FURNITURE COLLECTION
by Aalto Design
A V D A . B LV. P R Í N C I P E A L F O N S O D E H O H E N L O H E . U R B . C A R O L I N A P A R K Mon-Fri: 10:00-14:00 16:00-19:00 Sat: upon appointment w w w. a a l t o e x c l u s i v e d e s i g n . c o m
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back to CONTENTS “The architects, working together with the team from Prime Invest, produced a stunning design of sensuously sculpted lines inspired by the gentle geometry of this coastline setting,” says Carlos, and in combination with the finest quality materials it works together with beautifully proportioned dimensions to create a visual harmony both in the semi-detached villas and the duplex apartments. “The tonal and textural detailing add further impact to Dunique Marbella, complemented further by the interior decoration options provided by Pedro Peña and JA Flores, which encompass furnishings and personalised detailing all the way to specially sourced art collections.” ›
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Two decades of transforming our clients’ ideas, needs and dreams into a three dimensional reality. We believe this synergy is the key of our success.
Facts speak for themselves - Over 1.500 satisfied customers in the last 20 years
- Multiple awards winner in the last 5 years
- 32 staff members
- In house team of architects, interior architects and 3D artists
- 17 international projects in 9 different countries
- 3 installation teams
ambiencehomedesign.com
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With quality, superlative styling and finishing as just a starting point, painstaking detail has gone into making Dunique Marbella truly outstanding in every way. “There is a choice of different layouts both for the villas and the apartments, but they all offer space and refinement, with the apartments set within these gorgeous low-rise buildings where the infinity pools and Jacuzzis of the generously proportioned penthouses and garden apartments merge with the blue of the sea.” The latter feature large ground floor living spaces that flow out onto private gardens overlooking the landscaped communal grounds, with a lower level as in villas that 166 / JULY 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
is flooded with natural light. Each individual property features its own private pool The villas, on the other hand, follow a semi-detached configuration in which every set of two is positioned in such a way as to provide optimal privacy, with one containing a swimming pool in the garden and rooftop Jacuzzi, and its neighbour having the opposite combination. “A lot of detail and indeed experience has gone into the design, orientation and fitting of these properties, in which we have put the feedback of contemporary homebuyers to good use.” Forms, textures and views merge in these superlative homes to create the setting for privileged
living by the beach. Here, the choice between a villa or apartment is a strictly personal one, as each of the properties offers the specifications, luxuries and space of a top-of-the-range home.
A PRIVATE CLUB ON YOUR DOORSTEP Within walking distance, at the entrance to Dunique Marbella, is a select owners-only social club that forms the stylish hub for the community. Featuring imposing design by Archidom Studio in collaboration with Maíz y Díaz, the building is a study in mesmerising forms that transcend mere ‘modern’ architecture to timeless effect.
It is where you will find the reception and concierge service offered to owners, as well as a very complete spa and two gyms in fivestar deluxe resort style, a coworking space, meeting rooms available upon request, and a swimming pool and pool deck that just seems to flow into the sky and sea around it. The tasteful chill out lounge and bar is an ideal meeting spot and just made for watching the sunset. Dunique Marbella offers fivestar deluxe living with top-range villa qualities in a very rare, private frontline beach location just a few minutes from the town centre. Here, style, setting and sustainably styled and built homes designed to offer the highest level of comfort and quality of life set a new standard for beachside living in Marbella. g Tel: (+34) 951 100 077.
CLICK TO VISIT
www.dunique.es
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The term ‘luxury’ is not easy to define. Frequently used in very different contexts, its meaning is constantly evolving and represents something different for each person and for each generation. However, everyone would agree that luxury implies exclusivity, uniqueness and extravagance. What about the luxury of an interior? What does it imply? We all have once dreamed of making our home a unique and luxurious space, such as those found in palaces and 5-star hotels. Besides a luxury appearance of your interior, the gift of luxury means living in a state of comfort and elegance; where your interior environment feels warm, inviting, and unique in its characteristics. At the same time, it should invoke an emotion of well-being and reflect your personality. Here are a few points of attention to bring that luxury feeling into your home. WORDS GAËLLE MOUSSET 168 / JULY 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
Living room design by Ambience Home & Design
Design by Eichholtz
THE POWER OF SPACE
THE LUXURY OF FEELING
AT HOME
WHAT YOU SHOULD FOCUS ON FOR A LUXURY LIFESTYLE FEELING
One of the main characteristics of a luxurious interior is the creation of space, of airy and uncrowded rooms. An essential element to give space to your interior is the use of neutral and light tones such as beige and white that will make your interior bright. Complementing these neutral tones with pops of color will be necessary to add relief and dynamic to the room and to reflect the natural environment. For example, choosing a beige sofa and embellishing it with coloured cushions that you can change according to your desires is an ideal solution to create contrast by keeping neutral tones. WWW.ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM / 169
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The height of a room is another important element in the creation of space and in the standing of an interior. If you can create double height ceilings, even if only in one part of your interior, do not hesitate. It will immediately give dynamic and a sense of
grandeur to your home. The concept of space also depends on the type of furniture chosen. Today, designers focus on making furniture that guarantees your comfort while establishing a chic, open and elegant decoration. If your interior is not gigantic, you need
to be able to arrange it in such a way that you can maximise the space, make it more fluid and thus make your life more convenient. This is where furniture selection plays an important role and where the advice of an interior designer might be needed. ›
Design by Laskasas
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Av. Playas Del Duque, Edificio Malaga, Local 1 B & C, 29660 Marbella, Málaga, Spain EMAIL: marbella@laskasas.com PHONE: +34 682 11 65 09
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QUALITY OVER QUANTITY Creating a modern and luxurious interior design is also the art of being able to limit yourself to the most essential elements, even if your budget allows for more. Choosing quality over quantity will avoid overloading a room with all sorts of decorative objects that can make the space look messy and cluttered. A luxury interior is not only defined by the price of its decoration, but by the choice of materials, furniture and decorative objects. A family heirloom, passed down from generation to generation, is sometimes much more
luxurious than an expensive vase. Investing in some quality furniture or decoration pieces that will last over the years and mean something special to you is a good way to bring luxury into your place.
A REFLECTION OF YOU Designing your interior means above all shaping it to your image, to what you like, to what inspires you and makes you feel good at home. Even if you work with an interior decorator, this person will start by identifying your tastes, your inspirations and the person you are. This will be the best way to reflect your
personality in your interior. As example, let’s talk about the living room, the area where you relax and spend considerable time with family and friends. It is the space where your guests will be welcomed and where the atmosphere must be comfortable, warm and with your image. Whether you decorate it with beautifully designed candles, coffee table books, colorful cushions bringing nuance to your home, or lamps bringing style, the most important thing is to always stick to your taste, your personality and your style. ›
Bedroom design by Ambience Home & Design
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Design by Eichholtz
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COMFORT AND ELEGANCE ARE KEY Beautiful interiors are great, but they should ideally be comfortable as well. Feeling good at home has become a major issue. Indeed, with the frantic race towards the expectation of greater objectivity in terms of productivity, we often find ourselves in a state of fatigue. When you get home in the evening, taking the time to rest and to disconnect is therefore essential. It is a guarantee of efficiency, good health and well-being in society. The choice of materials and colours is essential in the search for comfort. Some materials such as highquality fabric coverings generally provide the comfort you need. In this regard, noble materials are the right choice to provide the feeling of well-being. ›
Interior design by Alexandra Studio. Luxury sheets by SAGA Homewear. Picture by Gonzalo Boteto
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at
Plus ®
A Touch of Scandinavia
www.boconcept.es
BoConcept & PlusStore Mijas
BoConcept & PlusStore Marbella
BoConcept El Corte Inglés
malaga@boconcept.es
Ctra. de Mijas km 3,5
Ctra. N-340 km 176,
Calle Ramón Areces S/N
marbella@boconcept.es
29650 Mijas, Málaga
29602 Marbella, Málaga
29660 Puerto Banús, Málaga
ecibanus@boconcept.es
Tel. +34 951 242 092
Tel. +34 951 492 727
Tel. +34 659 388 226
Essential.indd 32
www.plusstore.es malaga@plusstore.es marbella@plusstore.es ecibanus@boconcept.es
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Design by UDesign
In a home, once the word comfort is mentioned, it is quite normal to think of particular furniture. In the living room, for example, we immediately think of armchairs and sofas. However, comfort can also be found in the implementation of a space dedicated to rest, relaxation and disconnection. Whether it is a reading corner, an area devoted to sports, stretching or yoga, or a beauty corner in your bathroom. Everyone has their own way of disconnecting and relaxing and must shape this space according to their needs and their image. The concept of space also depends on the type of furniture chosen. Today, designers focus on making furniture that guarantees 176 / JULY 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
your comfort while establishing a chic and elegant decoration. Even if your interior is not gigantic, you need to be able to arrange it in such a way that you can maximise the space, make it more fluid and thus make your life more convenient. This is where furniture selection plays an important role. Something that is often forgotten or neglected but that makes all the difference in the dressing of an interior, is the linen. Investing in high-quality linens, bringing comfort and elegance to your home, is an important detail that will give your home a touch of luxury. Quality Egyptian cotton towels will, for example, bring that little touch of splendour to
your bathroom. Let’s go further for even more luxury with a personalised embroidery name or initial that will be the added value to your decoration. This way the bathroom becomes a real place dedicated to relaxation. Let’s also not forget the power of beautiful satin cotton sheets on your sleep. Slipping into highquality sheets every night will give you that immediate feeling of being in a hotel and are of an absolute elegance and comfort. These sheets can be of a simple white colour, embellished with a colorful embroidered line to bring that special touch to your bed. Wouldn’t that be the true luxury of feeling at home? e
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DROP DESIGN SPA EVERYDAY OUTDOOR LUXURY, AWARD-WINNING NORDIC DESIGN
Soaking in a Jacuzzi has a myriad of benefits, including stress relief, muscle relaxation, pain relief, better sleep quality, and improved cardiovascular health. Of course, not all Jacuzzis were created equal. One spa that is certainly inspiring us to ‘take the plunge’ is Drop Design Spa – an outdoor Jacuzzi of superior quality with an award-winning, ergonomic design that is easy to use and delivers a luxury spa experience right in the comfort of your own backyard or terrace.
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he Association of Finnish Work awarded Drop the Design of the Year award. It is the only outdoor spa to ever receive this recognition, which is testimony to its minimalistic beauty and ability to adapt seamlessly to natural surroundings and a host of landscape and exterior home design styles. Its features include:
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• Ergonomic seating with space for up to eight people. The spa has four massage seats. • An integrated step that makes it safe and easy to use. • A capacity to fit seamlessly onto any terrace, with borders that can convert into tables. • The Spa boasts adjustable LED lighting at its base. This enables users to personalise their chosen ambience.
FINISHING TOUCHES
You can accompany your Drop Spa with complementary accessories such as Drop Design Fire, which adds to the warmth and cosiness of any moment.
SUPERIOR EASE AND COMFORT OF USE
DROP IS EASY TO USE AND CONTROL
Drop’s massaging jet nozzles and ergonomic seats make it very comfortable to use. The jets massage your muscles while you bathe in a relaxed environment, and the heating system maintains your ideal temperature. The filter and UV system, combined with water cleaning chemicals, keep the water germ-free and purified at all times.
Drop can be used yearround, 24/7, regardless of weather conditions and its integrated ambient lighting adds to its safety. It comes with the ControlMySpa smartphone app, which enables you to monitor and adjust your temperatures from anywhere at any time.
TECH SPECS Drop Spa has been crafted using state-of-the-art technology and top-quality materials. Its frame is made from aluminium and its basin from hygienic acrylic plastic, with a 50 mm polyurethane insulation. The Spa has 32 stainless steel massage jet nozzles, a surface water filter, and UV and ozonisation systems, as well as an adjustable ‘Extreme Winter’ cover. It comes with a starter kit, which includes all the chemicals needed for a purified and hygienic bathing experience. The Spa is available in either the ‘One Model’ design or with wooden panelling and wooden stairs.
g Drop Spa can be viewed at Design Strand’s dedicated Showroom in Marbella. Avda. Playas del Duque, Edif. Málaga 1C, Puerto Banús, Marbella. Tel: (+34) 676 901 519. www.designstrand.com
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Fabulous local ladies model a selection of high quality preloved clothing that has been given a second lease of life at the Collective Calling Charity Shop. These charismatic Marbella women who are mothers as well as business owners on the Coast, felt the need to highlight this fantastic opportunity to be sustainable while supporting important charitable causes. We applaud their initiative!
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FAB & LOCAL
PRE-LOVED CLOTHING FOR CHARITY DISCOVERED BY MADDIE QUINN PHOTOGRAPHY DAGMARA LEGANTE
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G
reen Clothes on Evergreen Ladies is the title of this ambitious photoshoot that aims not only to raise awareness for the importance of recycling high value, still perfectly enjoyable garments but also supports pressing social issues. Locally run charity organisation Collective Calling whose major project is the 'Centre of Hope' that rescues Tanzanian street children, is now also involved in helping Ukranian refugees fleeing to the Coast, as well as assisting the local homeless community with much needed food. Veronica Tye and Gemma Carr, founder and ambassador of the organisation, have also volunteered to model some of the fabulous dresses that were donated by generous Marbella ladies of all styles and ages. None of the models are professional, everyone involved including the photographer and makeup artist offered their time and services free of charge. "We are just ordinary women doing extraordinary things," explains Gemma, "working on ways that help transition value to where it's really needed. All sales from the Collective Calling Tienda Solidaria in San Pedro go towards our causes and we make sure the outfits get a second chance to be loved without ending up in landfills." g If you wish to donate clothing to support these great causes, please contact Tel: 711 006 961 or visit the Collective Calling Tienda Solidaria, Avenida Pablo Ruiz Picasso 4, San Pedro. www.collectivecalling.org
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MODELS Marie Rodoni, Tilla Andersson, Ekaterina Belova, Melanie KettnerBorough, Olga Prytula, Gemma Carr, Veronika Tye PHOTOGRAPHER Dagmara Legante @legante.art MAKE UP Elen Litvincovich @elen_litvincovich
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DOGS AHOY!
TIPS FOR SAFE SWIMMING WITH YOUR DOG
There are many canine swimmers that would put Michael Phelps to shame in the pool, including German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Portuguese Water Dogs. Of course, most breeds and mixed breeds can be gold medallists in the water as well, so long as their owners provide them with a safe, fun introduction to swimming. If you have a dog who is ready to take the plunge, keep the following tips in mind. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS
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will stop them from getting fatigued and/or swallowing too much water, which can result in vomiting. After your swim, feed your pooch a dry snack or food so that excess water is absorbed. Finally, be wary of throwing large toys in the pool. Throw smaller toys instead, so your dog swallows less water when retrieving them.
OUTDOOR TIPS SETTING THE SCENE
Start swimming with your dog in a small body of water such as a pool, so they feel more secure and know they can exit via the steps. Avoid swimming if the water is too cold for you to stand or wade in. When temperatures are too low, your dog can experience ‘swimmer’s tail’ – a condition in which their tail droops and can no longer be wagged or lifted up. Cold water can also result in hypothermia, particularly in puppies. If your dog starts to shiver or they can no longer use their tail, see your veterinarian.
INVESTING IN A GOOD LIFE VEST
Your dog should wear a dedicated canine swimming vest the first time they enter a pool. This garment provides your dog with buoyancy and ‘hugs’ them, so they feel safer. Place the vest on your dog for a few minutes before bringing them into the pool, so they get used to having it on.
MOTIVATING YOUR DOG TO TAKE THE PLUNGE
Get into the pool and entice your dog to join you by taking their favourite toy and squeaking it in front of them. They may be
reluctant to join you at first, but if you tempt them long enough, they will eventually dive in (or walk in via the pool steps). If your dog is a little anxious about jumping in, gently lower them onto the first step of the pool. Lift them out of the pool frequently, so they know they have the option of being on solid ground. Once your dog is happy to remain in the water, give them little treats, swimming a metre or two away so they swim towards you to obtain their treat. Make them feel safe by holding them frequently, letting them rest on your chest or shoulder, and taking them out of the pool frequently. Show your dog how easy it is to exit the pool from the steps. Once they are confident, take their vest off and allow them to wade around in their birthday suit, picking them up/holding them frequently, so they don’t tire out. In time, have another family member stand on one side of the pool and call your dog.
KEEP IT SHORT
Your dog’s first few sessions should be short, lasting no longer than 10 minutes. This
When swimming in a lake or beach, make sure you are in the water, right next to your dog. Keep their vest on for extra protection. Be wary of taking your dog on a big boat like a yacht, as there are many unsafe spots from which they could fall. Make sure the sea is calm and there are no undercurrents in any body of water before taking your dog for a swim.
FUN SPORTS YOUR DOG MAY LOVE
If your dog is a water baby and cannot wait to jump into water, boost their happiness factor by introducing them to sports like surfing and stand up paddling. For surfing, start out by placing your vest-wearing dog on your board while you surf, and don’t surf unless the water is relatively calm. You can slowly encourage them to surf by themselves by getting off your board close to the shore and allowing your dog to surf increasingly larger distances of water by themselves. Make sure you are holding the surf leash, so you can initially control the board’s movement. Include your dog in any safe water sports you enjoy – including surfboard yoga, kayaking, and diving. Skilled canine swimmers will love diving to the bottom of the pool to retrieve their favourite toy! e
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A SELFTAUGHT FASHION AND BEAUTY VISIONARY
CAROLINA HERRERA Beauty lovers who are into high-end makeup are raving about a new collection from famed fashion house, Carolina Herrera. Comprising a small selection of items for the lips and face, it aims to bridge the gap between makeup and jewellery. Products are housed in elegant cases and sold alongside charms and accessories that can be mixed and matched and reused. In this feature, we shall delve a little into the Carolina Herrera brand and suggest a few musthave makeup pieces for Summer 2022. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CAROLINA HERRERA
BEAUTY AND FASHION ARE FOR EVERYONE Carolina Herrera is a big name at the world’s most awaited yearly fashion shows, with designs that are frequently chosen for the red carpet by stars like Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, and Nicole Kidman. Elegance, femininity, and delicate craftsmanship are what this brand is all about. With prices for designs starting at just a few hundred euros and extending 190 / JULY 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
into the thousands, the international company manufactures a wide array of clothing, bags, shoes, fashion jewellery, and accessories.
THE GLAMOUR OF STUDIO 54 Carolina Herrera, who was raised in Venezuela, had a fervent love for fashion from her younger days and in 1980, she officially joined the International Best Dressed Hall of Fame. She opened her flagship store on Madison Avenue
and 75th Street in a fourstorey landmark building, enamoured by the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. However, her affair with ‘the city that doesn’t sleep’ goes all the way back to the 1970s, when she was a regular guest at Studio 54. She can lay claim to having had her portrait done by no less than Andy Warhol. The famed pop artist had his eye set on a dazzling clutch bag she was wearing and offered her a silkscreen portrait in exchange for it.
In many ways, the creative, dynamic, rebellious atmosphere of the 1970s sparked Herrera’s interest in design. By hobnobbing with top actors, designers, and entertainers, her horizons were broadened and her sartorial skills sharpened.
MAKING KEY CONNECTIONS IN THE 1980S In 1980, Carolina and her husband settled in New York and she decided to break into fashion by making fabrics. Her friend, Diana Vreeland (the theneditor of Vogue) inspired her to think bigger and get into fashion design. Herrera held her first show at New York’s Metropolitan Club in 1981, thinking that it would be a oneoff exhibition. Instead, orders began pouring in from stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Neiman Marcus. The jetset soon started taking note of her glamorous ensembles, and one of her most assiduous clients was Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. In fact, Herrera
designed the wedding dress for Jacqueline’s daughter, Caroline, as well as the frock worn by Mrs. Kennedy-Onassis herself.
BRIDAL INSPIRATIONS, FRAGRANT FORAYS Modern brides-to-be are now happy to wait in line to wear a dress by Carolina Herrera. The Venezuelan visionary launched her first bridal collection in 1987, undoubtedly inspired by her experience at the Kennedy wedding. In 2011, she received a true honour: a commission to design the dress for the character Bella (played by Kristen Stewart) in the film, Twilight: Breaking Dawn I. In 1988, Carolina Herrera launched its first fragrance – a perfume that is wellloved to this day owing to its appealing blend of jasmine, floral tuberose, and warm sandalwood extracts. The year 1991 would see the brand branching out into men’s fragrances. By 1996, the company was a top contender in
the industry and Carolina’s daughter, Carolina Herrera de Baez, joined the firm as Creative Director of Herrera’s House of Fragrances.
READY-TO-WEAR DESIGNS Another big moment for the Carolina Herrera brand was the launch of CH Carolina Herrera in 2001. The latter was a more affordable collection with a wide range of ready-to-wear clothing and accessories for men, women, and children. The first store opened in Madrid. Carolina Herrera is arguably best known for her taiilored white blouses,
billowing ballgown skirts, and chic dresses in plain, bold colours. Many would say that she is one of the few designers to bridge the gap between the American and European visions of elegance and style. The designer has won countless awards and recognitions, including an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, NY. In 2018, she took her final bow, appointing American designer, Wes Gordon as Creative Director. Check out a few items from the brand’s new makeup collection below. ›
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CAROLINA HERRERA MAKEUP: FLAUNT IT LIKE JEWELLERY!
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We bring you a few of the most stunningly designed items from Carolina Herrera’s new makeup collection.
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1 – LIPSTICK MATTE Happiness is surely the emotion inspired by this ultra-matte, long-lasting lipstick. When you have finished the product, reuse the gorgeously designed cap with a new lipstick shade. The cap comes in various designs, including Virgin Mint, Blond Confidential, and Dot Drama. When making your purchases, you can add bangles, letters, charms, and tassels for a designer touch. 2 – JASMINE CHARM Add this glamfilled charm to your beauty products. 3 – THE MATTIFIER Keeps skin completely matte while allowing it to breathe. 4 – HIGHLIGHTER Emphasise chosen areas of your face with this luminous highlighter. 5 – POWDER SET A glow-enhancing, skin-perfecting powder that is finely milled to give you a perfect, poreless look. It doubles as a breathable foundation-setting base. 6 – LIP LIQUID VINYL This liquid lip product is packed with pure pigments. It glides on effortlessly to provide hours of ultra-glossy colour. Choose from a turtle, lion, or beetle cap design. 7 – GREEN AND RED TASSLE CHARMS Tassle charms add movement and elegance to Carolina Herrera’s beauty products. 8 – MORE LIPSTICK CAP DESIGNS Which one tickles your fancy? e
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WORDS MANUELA REISBECK
WHERE DOES LUXURY START IN MEDICINE? A
s a medical doctor providing medical care for numerous patients over many years, I have noticed a new trend in medical services requested by newcomers to my clinic. The old-fashioned visit to the doctor’s when it hurts the most has given way to wider concepts of preventive health check-up’s putting the emphasis on maintaining health rather than fixing something already broken. This is of course not a new concept. Extensive check-up programs have been offered by many doctors and clinics for years. The market is
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vast, and the concepts offered are also of a wide range: from simple health evaluations at your local doctor’s office, all the way to luxury clinics excluding sickness altogether from their business and focussing solely on the health market. On the other hand, insurance companies have not increased their portfolios with preventive medicine; the maximum a patient will get reimbursed for is a blood test and an ECG. The rest must be paid by the patient, and all offered preventive medicine programs do have one thing in common: they
cost a lot of money. In addition, new areas of interest in ‘health medicine’ have been introduced to the world, creating new demands.’ I am thinking of the new iv-therapies containing expensive vitamins and antioxidant agents, aesthetic medicine shaping the image of society, nutritional consulting programs promising complete rejuvenation and even dentistry claiming that only a beautiful white tooth is a healthy tooth. My non-judgemental question is: where does medical necessity end and where does medical luxury start?
As a rule, preventive medicine must do no harm. The patient is rather a healthy client and no test offered should be causing more harm than the benefit the client will obtain from it. Standard medical protocols, if followed by providers, will ensure that (especially where X-rays and other rather harmful diagnostic agents are involved). Nevertheless, I am always surprised, how potentially harmful tests like CT-scans are being offered as a pure lifesaving investigation, whereas they should require a medical indication to be performed. So, what is the right check-up program? The only correct and honest answer should be that it depends on the client and their individual needs. These are based on their medical background, family history and psychological aspects like level of likelihood for specific conditions. Nevertheless, nearly everybody offers extensive packages, a potpourri of tests, whether they may or may not be necessary. Here not only are the providers to blame, but also the clients, because they themselves ask for a simple choice. But take a moment and think about it: when you are considering such a program, ask for an individual evaluation of your health risks to start with and design together with the doctor your individual check-up investigations. This evaluation will also determine what is medical necessity and
what is additional benefit to obtain piece of mind, the true luxury. My personal interest over the last years has focussed on alternative orthomolecular medicine. I have been offering intravenous treatments with vitamins, amino acids and minerals for many years and I have been following the trend of ‘iv-treatment spas’ all the way to luxurious worldwide franchises. My take home message here is the same as above: it is easy to offer pre-designed ivcocktails which apparently fit everyone the same way, but most clients forget that applying something directly into your blood stream cannot be done without evaluating the individual needs and health situation of the recipient. The immune system in a cancer patient requires different ingredients than a healthy 30-year-old with burn-out or a chronic auto-immune patient. So, if you are willing to spend a lot of money on iv-therapies, then allow yourself the luxury to get the right evaluation by a qualified doctor up-front, rather than a quick fix, ‘one fits all’ concept. So where does luxury start in medicine? Is it just the price and the fancy actual trends that
indicate quality in medicine and services that you may opt for? In my opinion, over the years, preventive medicine and early diagnosis without harming yourself in the process is the real piece of luxury, because health itself is the most precious asset in our lives. The clue is however not to confuse health with beauty and healthy appearance. Choose your providers carefully and don’t save on expertise. Whether you opt for a medical check-up, nutritional management or iv-treatments, get involved in the process, make it your individual journey, not a choice from a menu! g DR. MANUELA REISBECK Internist at Reisbeck-medical private practice and CardioCare Marbella, international cardio-vascular centre. “We do offer check-up packages – but we always end up redesigning them on an individual basis!“ www.reisbeck-medical.com
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enterprise
NVOGA’S THIRD SOLIDARITY PADDLE TOURNAMENT AND ASSOCIATED REAL ESTATE WORKSHOPS AND FOOTBALL COMPETITION HAVE BEEN AN AMAZING SUCCESS. FIND OUT HOW THE VILLAS AT VISTA LAGO ARE BEING PERFECTED TO FULFIL THEIR OWNER’S DREAMS, AND SEE HOW ACCIONA ARE PIONEERING A NEW LEVEL OF SUSTAINABILITY WITH THEIR PROJECTS ON THE COAST.
PRODUCTS BEAUTY SPA HEALTH 198 Vista Lago 204 Nvoga III Solidarity Paddle Tournament 210 Acciona – Properties with a Difference 216 Business News 226 How UK Investments are Taxed in Spain 228 The Vibe
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VISTA LAGO
CREATE YOUR PERFECT STYLE OF LIVING Nestled in the hills above Real de La Quinta is a private gated community of 18 bespoke villas surrounded by nature and views that stretch all the way to Mediterranean horizons. WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BRIGHT
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private gated community set within a gated complex, Vista Lago looks out over the green valley of Real de La Quinta, the country club with which it will share amenities such as golf and tennis clubs, a lakeside
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club with beach, boutique hotel, and also walking and cycling tracks that trace paths through the abundant nature. Both Real de La Quinta and Vista Lago are BREEAM certified, part of a commitment to sustainable development that reduces the
impact on the environment, designed to create a healthy, beautiful and joyous living environment on the edge of Marbella – just eight kilometres from the beaches of Puerto Banús and the Golden Mile.
HOW DO YOU MAKE A VILLA SPECIAL? That was the question Bright CEO, Michael Rodziewicz, and his development team asked themselves as they set upon creating a property offering at Vista Lago that would transcend mere exclusivity and quality to evoke a true sense of pleasure, well-being and excitement among those lucky enough to reside there. “We sat down to work out the concept in detail, not simply following the conventional tick-list but really conceiving of the kind of home you picture in your dreams – the conduit for the ultimate Marbella lifestyle,” says Michael, who notes how far this region has come to reach parity with top international locations such as LA, Miami and the French Riviera.
Given the tough competition on the Costa del Sol, where many luxurious developments cater to a variety of lifestyle ambitions and tastes, the Bright team began working from a bespoke perspective, designing the villas that would become the essence of Vista Lago from the inside out, building outwards as they defined successive living spaces around the ideal Marbella way of life. “We imagined the finest examples of living rooms, kitchens, dining areas, terraces, bedrooms and leisure spaces, and how they would flow into one another as a fluid lifestyle environment in which all proportions and elements were in harmony.” In fact, Michael and his team meticulously measured each and every space in proportion to the kind of furnishing they would have. ›
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LUXURY IS ATTENTION TO DETAIL Few promoters of even luxury residential projects go to these lengths, but it is very much the approach of Bright, a boutique property developer that works in close collaboration with UDesign, a company that specialises in creating made-tomeasure furniture and decoration for luxury interior design projects. “We designed the Vista
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Lago villas around living spaces that weren’t empty and soulless, as is the standard procedure, but fullspec and alive with the kind of furniture, décor and artwork that the owners would dress them with, and this is why the proportions work so well – creating homes that are neither too big or small, with no cramped or wasted spaces.” Such attention
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to detail continues into the technical specification of the properties, which see form and function balanced in villas with the highest levels of engineering, lighting and home automation spec. “It helps that I come from a software and hardware background, with specialisation in home automation systems,” says Michael, who takes both pleasure
and pride in the build quality and aesthetic beauty of the homes Bright has created. “From the concepts created by our team and the architectural design of UDesign in collaboration with González & Jacobson to the bespoke décor produced by UDesign, we form a team together with the new owners to deliver nothing short of their dream home.”
A HOME BUILT AROUND YOUR DREAMS There is a growing trend towards luxury homes available with a range of upgrades and additional options, but Vista Lago villas are rare in that they are completely customised to the style, requirements and lifestyle of their owners. “Though we make it an easy process, we need input from our clients to create a home to their exact specifications, ranging from combinations of layout and detailing to the
inclusion of any mix of spas, gymnasiums, home cinemas, entertainment areas, home offices, private beauty salons, and of course hot tubs, sunken lounges with firepits, outdoor kitchens and barbeques, to name a few of the options.” This process, which many of the clients thoroughly enjoy, also extends to colour schemes and textural materials, right down to where you would ideally like to have sockets. Using the experience of the Bright and UDesign
teams to also incorporate attractive/functional details such as bathroom shelves for towels and scented candles – the kind of features that add a sense of ambience to each and every room. “Through UDesign we also offer optional decoration packages that include a complete and rather literal made-to-measure design service of bespoke furniture, decorative items, soft furnishings and even artwork, built to seamlessly fit your home.” ›
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AWARD-WINNING DESIGN Everything is designed around your style of living and needs, including even fabrics that are especially resistant for families with children and/ or pets. In fact, one of the principles upon which Vista Lago villas are based is creating an ambience of wellbeing, and this ties in well with Bright’s commitment to sustainable development. “We’re very proud that this dedication to quality, design
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and sustainability is being recognised,” says Michael, who received the award for Best Architecture in Europe 20192020 for Villa Alcuzcuz, which has recently been completed. Bright also swept more International Property Awards this year for Vista Lago, taking Best International Residential Development 2022 earlier in the year, with UDesign taking the prize for Best Architecture in Europe. “Given that we were
competing against over 500 top developments from around the world, we believe this is an achievement to be proud of, and one that once again places Marbella and the Golden Triangle in the spotlight.” Where the awards highlight the styling and design of Vista Lago, the high score the project receives within the BREEAM certification system reflects a commitment to sustainable development, home comfort
and well-being. “It starts with a wonderful location close to all of Marbella’s amenities yet private, secure and surrounded by 200 hectares of greenery close to the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park.” Added to this is a community where everything is taken care of for you by an on-site concierge service that arranges anything from security and gardening to maintenance and cleaning. “It allows us to manage the process better and have fewer suppliers moving in and out of the community, which improves both security and quality,” says Michael. “In the homes, we use a flowing internal distribution with
abundant natural light and views, employing the best levels of insulation, natural air ventilation as well as solar panels, recycled water for irrigation and also optimised orientation and landscaping. The drought-resistant endemic plant species ensure not only reduced maintenance costs but the highest levels of comfort and well-being you could wish for. In short, at Vista Lago style and ultimate comfort create the setting for the ideal Marbella way of life.”
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III SOLIDARITY
PADDLE TOURNAMENT BRINGS THE COSTA DEL SOL’S PROPERTY SECTOR TOGETHER
Bring the Coast’s real estate professionals together in support of worthy charitable causes, add an engaging industry conference as well as friendly football matches and a charity paddle tournament – not forgetting the inspired leadership of José Carlos León – and you have the ingredients for the most successful property-related event in years! WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF NVOGA MARBELLA REALTY
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osé Carlos León is a busy man; as the founder and CEO of NVOGA Marbella Realty he runs a successful real estate company that is the commercialising sole agent for numerous signature developments on the Costa del Sol – an expertise the company has become well-known for. While this in itself is more than enough to keep most people engaged there is more, for he is also the President and one of the driving forces behind the
LPA (Leading Property Agents of Spain), a quality network of real estate companies he has helped to bring back to life, and as part of which he works tirelessly to bring together the business sector and local authorities in a drive to promote quality, professionalism and excellence in real estate services. And yet he finds the time to do even more, in a show of community spirit and business leadership seldom
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seen in these parts. He always wanted to do something special for the community, to help those in need, and was inspired by the travels of one of his team members at NVOGA, María José Jiménez, who returned from a trip to Uganda keen to help village children whose school had been partly destroyed by storms. José Carlos took up the challenge and the Solidarity Paddle Tournament of the real estate sector was born.
“We wanted to help people less fortunate than ourselves and give these kids a chance in life. The real estate industry and residential tourism are more and more important to the Costa del Sol, and this is why we had the idea to join forces with all the professionals of the sector for a good cause, and a paddle tennis tournament formed the starting point from which a now pretty comprehensive event has evolved.”
José Carlos León of Nvoga – organiser and host
III SOLIDARITY PADDLE TOURNAMENT OF THE COSTA DEL SOL PROPERTY SECTOR The first edition, held back in 2019, was a roaring success, donating €24.500 from which €20.000 went to a new pavilion with classroom in Uganda where children can study in a safe and comfortable environment. The project revitalised the school and gave new impulse to the local community too. We also donated €4.500 to CADI (Centro de Atención a la Diversidad Infantil de Marbella), who provide children with equine therapy. Covid meant the second edition had to wait until 2021, when the event held at Reserva del Higuerón Resort in Fuengirola took off in even greater fashion, bringing over 140 paddle players together as well as property professionals from across the region, who contributed to one of the most successful real estate conferences on the Costa del Sol for years. › WWW.ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM / 205
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back to CONTENTS Round table discussion with key representatives from the local construction sector
Last year, €65.000 was raised, from which €30.000 went towards the construction of a second pavilion in Uganda, with local charities also receiving much-needed funds raised during the tournament, each one received €5.000 (Avoi, Cadi, Debra Piel de Mariposa and Fuensocial). It was going to be tough to better this in the third edition, but when the Mayor of Estepona offered the full and enthusiastic support of the Town Hall for this wonderful initiative, José Carlos knew that he could raise the bar even higher. As he says: “There is no
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official organising body, it’s all done by the NVOGA team, our collaborators and sponsors, working together with entities such as the Estepona Town Hall, so all of us involved do it in a voluntary capacity alongside our other activities, and this is exactly what gives the Solidarity Tournament such a special feel.” It is also one of the reasons behind its success, apart from of course lots of hard work and a good dose of creativity. “We wanted to improve and expand, so we felt we had to use this opportunity to achieve two things: bring the area’s
real estate companies and professionals together in an open, cooperative environment where we can learn from each other, and while doing so raise as much money as possible to support the charities here and abroad.” The paddle tournament and friendly football matches between local teams and property professionals were topped with a fun dinner and dance evening with fashion show, prize-giving and live entertainment by Yanela Brooks, while the real estate conference was given a highly creative and engaging modern format.
OVER €80.000 RAISED! With the Estepona Town Hall kindly offering the use of its new football stadium and the Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI, the stage was set for a fantastic event, which kicked off with three matches between veterans of Estepona CD, and both Spanish and Rest of the World teams made up of players from the real estate sector. The international team took the title on Wednesday 1st June, followed by over 400 of their colleagues attending a highly entertaining and informative conference enlivened with the music and dance of the African ‘Ballet Sunugal’ and impactful acrobatic dance routine by Duonika from Ukraine. José Carlos shone as the host,
fluidly bringing together expert discussions about a variety of well-chosen topics affecting the sector now and in the coming years.
vision of the near future. Another important subject debated was the Metaverse, and if the Costa del Sol is ready for it.
ROUND TABLE 2 – CONSTRUCTION ROUND TABLE 1 – REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE The discussion involved Pia Arrieta (CEO of DM Properties), Sergey Sinichkin (founder of Drumelia), Angela Schouten (Managing Director of FM Property Realty Group), Setareh Mohregi (International Department Director & Institutional Relations Costa del Sol for Gilmar) and Jesus García (Managing Director of Banús Rentals) about the real estate market situation in the recent past, the present boom and a
A table of construction experts including Rubén Solis (CEO of B. Solis), Javier Curto (CEO of Concept Homes International), Pablo Villaroel (Owner of Villaroel Torrico Arquitectos), Ignacio Peinado (President of the Developer Association ACP Málaga) and José Félix Perez-Peña (member of the management team of Savills Spain and head of its Andalusian division, discussed the shortages of materials, qualified workers and the rising cost of construction. ›
Round Table 3 discussion on Branding the Future
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back to CONTENTS A fantastic performance of acrobatic dance by Duanika from Ukraine
ROUND TABLE 3 – LET’S BRAND THE FUTURE The third and final round table conversation involved Massimiliano Ferrari (CEO of CORPORATE BRAND), Juan José Millán (Chief Strategy Officer for Idiliq Group), Ziad El Khoury (the CEO of Fort Partners, Four Seasons), Ignacio Alonso (Corporate Relations Manager at Pacaso) and Ignacio Pérez (Executive Chairman of La Zagaleta). Well-represented by leading members of the Costa del Sol’s real estate sector and made possible by the collaboration of
an impressive list of sponsors, the focus moved to the verdant, beachside surroundings of the Racquet Club Villa Padierna, where 160 players competed for the prizes, followed by a glamorous evening of dinner, dance, music and fashion under the stars. In all, over €80.000 was raised, of which €40.000 will go to Uganda, to construct another building that will bring schooling to over 300 students. Each of the following associations will receive €5.000: Spanish Association against Cancer of Estepona, Ubuntu, Paula y la Fabrica de Medula,
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Victoria Kent proyecto Andaluces con Ucrania and Fundación Cesare Scariolo. The Building the Future initiative received a prize from Inmociate with a €3.000 donation that was part of the Victoria Kent project for Ukrainian refugees. “I am so grateful to everyone who was been involved, from my team and the Mayor and Town Hall of Estepona, to Villa Padierna, our wonderful sponsors, the 140 companies who collaborated and donated amazing prizes. Also those who came together in an atmosphere of open communication and
solidary – as a result of which we raised over €80.000 for such worthy causes here and in Uganda.” Mission achieved, and now we look forward to the fourth edition!"
PADDLE TOURNAMENT WINNERS The exciting final of each category was held on Sunday 5 June and the winners were: Z Mixed B: Javier Ruiz and Carlota Ruiz, who received a dinner for two at La View Los Arqueros and Magnum Vino, courtesy of Casa Santi. Z Mixed A: Grantley Harris and Camino Llamazares. Their
prize was two tickets to Starlite Marbella, courtesy of Drumelia as well as one night at Cortijo del Mar (courtesy of FM Properties Realty Group) and Bondre Mirador de Estepona Hills (courtesy of Mirador de Estepona Hills). Z 5 Female: The winners were Cris González and Rocío Ruiz, who received a dinner for two at Amarillo, courtesy of Livingstone Estates, and a €100 gift voucher courtesy of Chocofruits. Z 4 Female: Judith Mendiolagotia and Chus Fernández were the winners of this category, receiving dinners at Coa Nueva Andalucía and the Bardot Restaurant at the Meliá Don Pepe, as well as a basket and hat from Mar de Coral and a bag and sunglasses By Niuma.
Z 3 Female: The winners were Paula Rucklova and Bárbara Gallardo, each receiving a treatment at Jack Dessange and a night for two at La Ciudadela Marbella Hotel. Z 4 Male: Adrián Caballero and Manuel Sánchez were the winners in this category, receiving a paletero and paddle tennis shoes from Bendita Stampa as prizes. Z 3 Male: Winners Gilles Louvet and Diego Calabvig, whose prize consisted of an experience at Lobito de Mar and another at Leña, both from the Dani García
group, as well as a massage at Mazzini and Mind, and a session at the Vincci Estrella del Mar Spa. Z 2 Male: Ricardo Calamita and Francisco Giménez won this category, with their prizes three gourmet days and two nights with breakfast and dinner for two courtesy of Azul Marino Viajes, as well as a dinner for two at La Sala, courtesy of La Sala Banús, and another dinner for two people at the Marbella Club Grill. g Tel: (+34) 952 813 333. www.bthefuture.org
Feedback on buyer demand and the state of the market
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ACCIONA
PROPERTIES WITH A DIFFERENCE Though it is locally known as the developer of signature projects such as Estrella del Mar on the Elviria beachside, Acciona is also committed to sustainable building and driving technological innovation in our region. WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ACCIONA
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COMMITTED TO A NEW KIND OF DEVELOPMENT Most manufacturing and development, including construction, during the past century was based upon an approach that traces its origins to the industrial revolution, and as such it has always focused upon largescale development that moves resources from around the world to a central point where production is concentrated, and from which the finished product is, once again, shipped around the world. This method, which originally relied on coal, later became dependent upon the oil, concrete, steel and industrial and financial systems we have grown up with – but as we enter deeper into the 21st century and technology is
opening up new possibilities, there is a drive for change. Many are now jumping on the so-called bandwagon, but Acciona has been committed to transforming the industrial and development paradigm since its founding, pioneering sustainable energy sources and materials thanks to which the company has emerged as a leading technological and conceptual innovator that is promoting the transition to a new generation of development. Sustainability is therefore a key element in all the new projects launched by the company, and takes the form of industry-leading building techniques applied in the development of over 13,000 properties in Portugal, Poland and Mexico, as well as across Spain. › WWW.ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM / 211
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ACCIONA INMOBILIARIA Acciona designs its residential projects from a sustainable perspective, focusing on minimal impact on the environment, the efficient use of energy and resources, as well as the development of sustainable energy sources. This process also includes a commitment to creating pleasant living environments through attractive architectural design, modern features and on-site amenities, and not forgetting indigenous, drought-resistant
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landscaping. On a technical level, the construction process is modernised and sped up with the use of new project management systems, materials and also prefabricated elements that reduce the build time by several months at a time. In this, Acciona is leading a trend away from dirty building sites and into a cleaner, more efficient way of working, and besides the reduced impact on the environment this also has cost-saving benefits for developers and homebuyers
alike. Not surprisingly, all its residential projects are BREEAM certified, ensuring they comply with a long list of stringent environmental criteria, including a significant reduction in carbon footprint. The philosophy is clear: to build a successful business that is in harmony with its natural environment and makes a positive contribution to society as well as the economy. In so doing, Acciona has become all about developing advanced solutions.
ACCIONA ON THE COSTA DEL SOL The Madrid-based firm is involved in a variety of projects across Spain and indeed the world, but on the Costa del Sol focuses on commercial and residential/ resort development. Prominent among the latter is Estrella del Mar, a stylish new complex of 58 modern two and three-bedroom townhouses in Elviria just 280 metres from the sea. Situated near the Hotel Vincci Estrella del Mar and a short stroll from its beach club and spa upon the beach, this project represents a rare opportunity to own a brand-new, first-occupation home this close to the water – a privilege that is hard to find these days. ›
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Stylish and modern, the properties are designed to offer the latest comforts in a spacious, engaging environment with nice terraces and open views and first-class on-site amenities. In Casares, Acciona is developing La Sabina, a luxurious private community of 60 two and threebedroom apartments within a gated garden complex. A key feature here are the 360-degree views that take
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in mountain and country scenery flowing down to the Mediterranean Sea, with Gibraltar and North Africa standing out in the distance. The Acciona team is also working on a new project in Elviria of 88 modern three and four-bedroom townhouses close to the beach that will be released early this summer. Meanwhile, in Reserva de Sotogrande, an exquisite project will soon to be launched to the public.
A little further along, adjacent to the Santa Catalina beach and yacht harbour of Puerto de Santa María, there are more projects from the drawing boards of this innovative company – Vistahermosa, a high-level residential development. Finally, between Chipiona and Rota, Playa Azul Costa Ballena is a residential development with more than 25,000m2 of green areas dotted with 168 property with another 200 under planning in an area surrounded by golf courses as well as the beaches, marinas and historic centres of the Cádiz Bay. Through such projects, Acciona not only forms part of the current wave of modernising construction on the Costa del Sol and Málaga city, but is also a force within it that is leading
the way in terms of innovation and the conversion to a more sustainable, balanced form of property development – in the residential and resort sectors as well as in commercial, retail, logistical and co-working/student housing. If it is up to Acciona, the future is full of possibilities where commercial and environmental interests can be harmonious, a philosophy they believe also produces more aesthetically appealing homes and living environments. g ACCIONA C/ Eslava, Edificio Perchel Plaza, Portal 14, Planta 1ª, Puerta 9, Málaga. Tel: (+34) 607 402 849. promocion.estrelladelmar @acciona.com www.inmobiliaria.acciona.com
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business news WORDS BY MARISA CUTILLAS
A NEW LOOK FOR THE ALANDA MARBELLA HOTEL The Alanda Marbella Hotel, located just 380 metres from the beach, has been totally renovated, and the results are simply spectacular. An amount of approximately €20 million has been invested and the interiors, pool, gym, and restaurants now boast a contemporary look. There are 191 rooms, all of which have cutting-edge technology, and views over the sea, mountains, and gardens. i www.alandamarbellahotel.com
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BROMLEY ESTATES LAUNCHES ONE80 SUITES Following the success of One80 Residences overlooking the Estepona coastline, Bromley Estates Marbella has just launched One80 Suites. With prices starting at €299.000, the gated boutique development consists of 48 two-, three-, and fourbedroom apartments and penthouses
situated within three beautifully styled low-rise buildings. The homes will be surrounded by the greenery of landscaped gardens. From its elevated position within walking distance of a range of amenities, One80 Suites has commanding sea views tracing the shoreline all the way to Gibraltar and North Africa. i www.bromleyestatesmarbella.com
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MIJAS BUDGETS 4.5M FOR THE GREAT PARK OF THE COSTA DEL SOL The Mijas Town Hall has decided to practically double its public spending. The Council extended its budget by €78 million to support new projects and infrastructure, increase social help for those in need, and implement cultural and leisure projects in the area. A €4.5 million euro budget has also been set aside for the Great Park of the Costa del Sol, which will contain vast green areas, a large lake for boats, a bridge, and a fantasy area with hobbit-like homes. i www.mijas.es
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HIGUERÓN YACHTS: AN ADVENTURE ON THE HIGH SEAS Guests at the Higuerón Hotel 5* CURIO Collection by Hilton can now enjoy an added bonus during their holidays: the chance to spend time at sea aboard a beautiful yacht while they relax and take in the beauty of the Mediterranean and its surrounding landscapes. Guests can also go dolphin-watching and enjoy a swim while catching the beauty of the sunset. i www.higueronresort.com
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back to CONTENTS HOMIÉS MARBELLA WINS PRIZE FOR INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY Trendy streetwear brand, Homiés Marbella, recently received an award for Innovation and Sustainability from Mayor Ángeles Muñoz, at the Premios al Comercio 2022 (Business Prizes 2022) event. Homiés has worked hard to implement processes and utilise materials that are environmentally friendly and has organised beach and green zone clean-ups. Its flagship store is in Puerto Banús, though it also sells items in the UAE. It hopes to be a zero-waste business by 2025. i www.homiesmarbella.com
GINEMED LAUNCHES IN MÁLAGA Fertility Clinic, Ginemed, launched its first assisted reproduction centre in Málaga on a date that coincided with the company’s 30th anniversary. Ginemed boasts various other centres in Sevilla, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, Zaragoza, Murcia, Huelva, Cádiz, and Lisboa. Cutting-edge technology enables its team to select the best ovules, sperm, and embryos, in order to obtain the best results. i www.ginemed.es
PESERICO ITALIAN FASHION NOW IN PUERTO BANÚS Italian fashion brand, Peserico, has opened its first store in Spain in Puerto Banús, adding to its portfolio of stores in elite destinations like Forte dei Marmi, Venice, Naples, Miami, Palm Beach, Florida, East Hampton, and Newport Beach. The brand’s collections are created for those seeking styles that go beyond seasonal trends. They comprise versatile, high-quality garments that are characterised by simplicity and elegance. i www.peserico.com 220 / JULY 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
VIOLINIST WINS CONCURSO DE JÓVENES INTÉRPRETES ‘CIUDAD DE ESTEPONA’
CARMILA ACQUIRES THE LA ROSALEDA SHOPPING CENTRE Carmila, the third-largest shopping centre company in Continental Europe, recently purchased one of Málaga’s most popular malls – La Rosaleda – which measures 15,500m2 and contains 73 stores and a hypermarket. The centre receives over 5.8 million annual visitors and sells fashion, furniture, design, food, and more items. i www.carmila.com
Congratulations to talented violinist, Alexander Erokhin (aged 12), for winning the fourth edition of the Concurso de Jóvenes Intérpretes ‘Ciudad de Estepona’ (the City of Estepona Young Performers Award). The young virtuoso received a €1.000 prize plus a special gift from the Philharmonic Orchestra of Málaga – an invitation to perform at one of their concerts. The competition gathered 10 youths aged up to 14 from different parts of the world. i www.estepona.es
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back to CONTENTS MOONZ REVOLUTIONISES ORTHODONTICS FOR KIDS If your children need orthodontic treatment in Marbella, pay a visit to Moonz – a clinic that is specially designed to appeal to youngsters. Cool features that will instantly make them feel at home include a Games Zone with a PlayStation and XBox, jungle-inspired décor, a kitchen, and tables and chairs. The Clinic also treats adults, making it a great choice for orthodontics for the whole family. i www.moonz.com
FIDES LEGAL SERVICES LAUNCHES IN CANCELADA New firm, Fides Legal Services, has opened on the New Golden Mile in Cancelada. The team is ready to provide friendly, professional legal solutions to expats in Spain. Thanks to their international background, Fides staff can make the law much simpler to grasp. They cover real estate law, non-resident taxes, succession planning, and commercial law. g Tel: 951 552 220. www.fideslegalservices.com
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MARBELLA NETBALL SUMMER TOURNAMENT AT LAUDE The Marbella Netball Summer Tournament, organised by the Marbella Netball Club, was a resounding success, with over 100 players enjoying a fun day’s play at Laude San Pedro International College. Participating teams included Fetcham & Portishead Planets from the UK, Costanets, Manilva, the Marbella Netball Club, Barcelona, and two teams from Madrid. Madrid A took home the top prize, Costanets came in second, and Fetcham came in third. The day included a warm-up, food, a tombola, and raffle prizes. The event was sponsored by Fluent Finance Abroad. i Facebook: Marbella Netball Club
THE CUDECA HOSPICE WALKATHON WAS A HIT The Cudeca Hospice Walkathon was once again a big success, attracting 1,200 participants. The event began on the Benalmádena promenade, with walkers completing a 10- or five-kilometre route. Participants additionally enjoyed live music, paella, games for children, and raffle prizes, as well as a holi color party and a pop concert featuring music from the 1980s and 1990s. i www.cudeca.org
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back to CONTENTS ANASTASIYA PETRYSHAK PLAYS VIOLIN CONCERT FOR KYIV, UKRAINE A concert by world-renowned violinist Anastasiya Petryshak, organised by the TulSun Foundation, which took place at the María Cristina Unicaja Concert Hall in Málaga, recently raised over €14.300 for orphans and handicapped children from the Kyiv region of Ukraine. The TulSun Foundation is a charity that has been supporting orphans and handicapped children from Kyiv for more than five years now. i For donations, visit www.bekind.ua/es
PHYSIOTHERAPIST OF NATIONAL BASKETBALL TEAM AT HIGUERÓN RESORT CANSAT 2022 PRIORITISES GENDER EQUALITY AND INCLUSIVITY The national finals of the satellite competition, Cansat, took place recently in Granada. Organised by the Parque de las Ciencias Andalucía-Granada, it focused on gender equality and inclusivity in Science. Over 30 per cent of the participants comprised girls – the result of an initiative called #EllasInspiranSTEAM, which supports women who have contributed to scientific advances in outer space. i www.parqueciencias.com 224 / JULY 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
Higuerón Resort’s Sport Club is proud to announce that it has a new member in its team – José Antonio Fernández Carazo, a physiotherapist of the National Basketball Team. Fernández Carazo will be focusing on personalised injury prevention and treatment. In other news, the Higuerón Hotel 5* CURIO Collection by Hilton has launched Padelworking, a new service that involves creating vital synergies through the sport of paddle tennis. i www.higueronresort.com
CHARITY EXHIBITION OF CONTEMPORARY UKRAINIAN ART An exhibition of contemporary Ukrainian art and a sale of the works will take place from July 8 to 10 at the Wadström Tönnheim Gallery in Marbella. The aim is to support Ukrainian artists during the war, highlight contemporary Ukrainian culture, and foster vital connections between Spanish collectors and the artists. The exhibition will include paintings, graphic art, photography, and sculpture. i www.wadstromtonnheim.se
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HOW UK INVESTMENTS ARE TAXED IN SPAIN While adapting to a life in Spain comes easily to many expatriates, letting go of the things we are used to is not always easy. Having financial assets structured in a way that is familiar and that you understand can be comforting. But is holding investments in the UK the wisest choice if you live in Spain? Is this strategy tax-efficient, or are you sacrificing potential opportunities to stay with what feels safe? WORDS PAUL MONTAGUE, PARTNER, BLEVINS FRANKS
PREMIUM BONDS Possibly the main attraction of investing in premium bonds is that any winnings have always been tax-free in the UK. However, this is not the case once you become a resident of Spain. Gains from bonds will be added to your general income for the year and taxed at the progressive rates of income tax. These tax rates vary a little depending on which region you live in, and reach as high as 47% in Andalucía.
ISAs ISAs may be tax free in the UK, but the interest and gains earned from UK ISAs are fully taxable
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in Spain if you are a resident here, at the progressive savings income tax rates of 19%, 21%, 23%, and 26%, depending on how much savings income you earn. These savings income rates do not vary between the autonomous communities.
BANK INTEREST AND OTHER UK INVESTMENTS Like ISAs, worldwide bank interest is taxable for Spanish residents at the savings rates, irrespective of the UK resident’s tax-free threshold. Low interest rates have caused UK savings accounts to stagnate, while the rise of inflation decreases their value. In
fact, with the current economic climate, exploring alternative structures for your money could present you with better options. Ideally, you should review all your UK investments to consider how they will be taxed in Spain. Besides income tax, you will be taxed on the gains when you sell them and you also need to consider Spain’s annual wealth tax and plan ahead for Spanish inheritance tax.
PENSIONS Lump-sum payments from UK pensions are taxable in Spain, so if you have not yet left the UK you may wish to draw the pension before you do.
For those who are already Spanish residents, UK private, occupational and state pensions are taxable only in Spain. State retirement pensions are paid gross, but other pensions will be taxed in the UK until HMRC receives your Spanish tax residency certificate. Government service pensions remain only liable to UK tax but will be considered by Spanish authorities when determining the effective tax rate on your other income. The Spanish taxation of UK private pensions is a little too complicated to cover here, and it would be advisable to seek personalised advice regarding yours.
UK RENTAL INCOME If you are resident in Spain and rent out property in the UK, the income could be taxable in both countries, though the UK tax paid can be offset against the Spanish liability. In Spain, it is taxed at the
scale rates of income tax. A 60% reduction is available in Spain against the net rental income, but only for long-term lettings where the tenant uses the property as their main home.
ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT OPTIONS There are highly tax-efficient opportunities available to residents of Spain. A more favoured of these is a Spanish approved life assurance contract, which acts as an investment wrapper to a conventional portfolio. With this structure in place, no tax is payable on income from the underlying asset until a withdrawal is made, and even then, only the gain is subject to tax. And when it comes to reviewing investments, there is more to it than just about tax. They should be specifically structured around your circumstances, objectives,
time horizon and current risk tolerance – all of which have probably changed since you moved here. You should regularly review your savings and investments to ensure they continue to meet your objectives and are suitable for your new life in Spain. Breaking old habits can be profitable if you take the time to explore all options and seek specialist cross-border advice. Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; individuals should seek personalised advice. i www.blevinsfranks.com
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DRIVERS WHITE PARTY AT TIKITANO After three days driving through the Andalusian countryside, enjoying scenic routes, lovely lunches and overnight stays in top hotels, the participants of the inaugural Marbella Grand Prix assembled for a memorable white party at Tikitano Restaurant. i www.marbellagrandprix.com
“The cars we drive say a lot about us” - Alexandra Paul
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OCEANIC LUXURY VILLAS Otero group invited members of the real estate community, associates and representatives of the press to celebrate the success of phase one and for the presentation of the second phase of Oceanic, a project consisting of luxury villas at La Paloma that command outstanding views over the Mediterranean. i www.oteromarbella.com
“Owning a home is a keystone of wealth… both financial affluence and emotional security” – Suze Orman
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NVOGA Under the leadership of José Carlos León, Nvoga brought the Coast’s real estate sector together for its annual fund raising Paddle Tournament, football competition and property workshops. This year’s event was a phenomenal success, with over €80.000 raised for the various charities the initiative supports. i www.nvoga.com
“Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference” – Kathy Calvin
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NEW DEVELOPMENT
Casablanca Beach 7 200m to the beach
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COLLECTIVE CALLING SUMMER GALA Collective Calling held their annual summer gala at the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace with the theme of The Greatest Show Maquerade Ball, which included an incredible finale of The Greatest Showman, by Sam Woodrow International Productions. The event raised an impressive €31.000 for the various charities Collective Calling is supporting. i www.collectivecalling.org
“Help one another. There’s no time like the present, and no present like the time” – James Durst
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MARBELLA ALL STARS Marbella All Stars hosted its annual summit with two days of events at the Don Carlos Resort and Santa María Golf & Country Club. Local dignitaries, chefs, members of the catering and hospitality sectors and representatives of the press enjoyed gourmet presentations, cooking shows and a think tank on Golf & Tourism. i www.marbellaallstars.es
“True hospitality consists of giving the best of yourself to your guests” – Eleanor Roosevelt
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PALO ALTO PRESENTATION Matías Villarroel, Director of Palo Alto welcomed guests to the Palo Alto Club for the presentation of Olivos, the latest phase of the prestigious development, and its fully equipped co-working space, which is one of the main attractions for owners in the community being developed by Round Hill Capital. i www.paloaltomarbella.com
“Home ownership is the cornerstone of a strong community” – Rick Renzi
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VILLA OLYMPUS Solvilla invited representatives of the real estate community to a sunset Open House to launch Villa Olympus. Commanding a privileged position in Cascada de Camoján, Villa Olympus is a magnificent property that measures over 2,000m2 of built space, set in grounds of almost 4,800m2, comprising more than nine luxurious bedroom suites. i www.solvilla.es
“My tastes are simple, I am easily satisfied with the best” – Winston Churchill
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gourmet
OCEAN CLUB IS BETTER THAN EVER THIS YEAR WITH MANY EVENTS LINED UP, INCLUDING ITS 15TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY ON 15TH AUGUST. SUMMER IS ALSO THE PERFECT TIME TO ENJOY A CHILLED GLASS OF ROSÉ WINE AND SOME OF THE BEST ARE PRODUCED HERE IN SPAIN.
NEWS GASTRONOMY CHEFS WINE
238 Ocean Club 244 Gourmet Bytes 248 Rosado Rules
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OCEAN CLUB MARBELLA
AN OASIS OF FUN Ocean Club is in its 15th season and will celebrate its 15th anniversary with a special party on 15th August which, very appropriately, is a national fiesta in Spain. WORDS JAMES SINCLAIR PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN
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CLASSIC BEACH CLUB Over the years, Ocean Club has evolved to become an internationally renowned resort, drawing visitors from across Europe and further afield. Its annual opening White Party is a much-anticipated event, filling the evening with music and lights, bringing thousands of revellers together for a session
of total glam. There can be few more fulfilling things to do in Marbella than to spend an afternoon with friends at this haven of style and sophistication. Rent one of their numerous giant circular sun beds around the extensive saltwater pool and enjoy chill out music with cocktails and Champagne, or savour a leisurely lunch which
can often take on legendary proportions. The atmosphere in the club is always rarefied, with the music washing over you and a bass beat you can feel in your stomach. This is a hangout for beautiful people, who are everywhere you look. There are regular visiting DJs, Champagne Parties and special events. ›
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AMAZING AMAÏ When hunger pangs hit, you couldn’t be better placed to satisfy them than at Amaï. Under the watchful eye of Swedish Chef, Andreas Nygren, you can select from a diverse and varied menu that offers something for all tastes. The large portions and attentive service are famous, as are the range of wines and Champagnes you can accompany your meal with. This year, the restaurant has introduced a board of
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specials, featuring starters, mains and desserts, to augment the à la carte menu. Here we were tempted by Fresh Oysters, Imperial Ocietra Caviar, Carpaccio of Carabineri Shrimp with King Crab Claw, as well as an exotic Fresh Burata Salad, Black Truffle Risoni with Porcini Mushrooms and Aged Pecorino Romana; a Yellow Thai Lobster Curry and a Whole Roasted Fresh Dorada, among other tempting offerings. ›
Tel: 952 818 392 www.thaigallerymarbella.com
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ALL OUR RESTAURANTS ARE OPEN ACCORDING TO REGULATIONS, WITH FULL SAFETY MEASURES!
Puente Romano Hotel, Plaza Village, Marbella.
IN ES E R ES TA U R A N T PO LY
NEW TAI PAN
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Marbella
ES IA N BA R
Tel: 952 777 893 / 952 775 500 www.taipanmarbella.com Puente Romano, Fase 2, Marbella. Open Daily for Dinner from 8:00
SUKHOTHAI Exquisite Royal Thai Cuisine Tel: 952 770 550 www.sukhothaimarbella.com Marbellamar, L-3A, Marbella. Open Daily for Dinner from 8:00
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Turning to the main menu, the dishes are arranged in sections: Sushi, Starters, Healthy/Vegan Options, Sandwiches, Fresh & Crispy Salads, Main Courses From the Sea & Grill, Pizzas, Pasta, Sharing Platters, and Desserts. Some of the total standout dishes here are the fresh Sushi, served with Soy Sauce, Wasabi and Pickled Ginger; Nachos ‘Viva Mexico’; Tempura Prawns with Sweet Chilli Chutney; Pil ‘King’ Pil, with Tiger Prawns, Sole, Scallops, Lime, Mango and Pomegranate; Grilled Goat Cheese Salad; Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad; Pene Arrabbiata; and Steak Tartar The Belgian Way.
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Five of us savoured a Sunday lunch that exceeded all expectations. The combination of the sea breeze with the beat, tumbling acrobats and pretty dancing girls quickly generated a feel good factor that was infectious within our group, even before our lunch choices arrived. The food we were served went down a treat, well paired with Cloudy Bay from New Zealand,
a sauvignon blanc that always brings a smile. We brought a memorable afternoon to a close with a round of desserts, all agreeing that we would like to repeat the experience again soon. g Ocean Club, Avda Lola Flores, Nueva Andalucia. For bookings & reservations: www.oceanclub.es
DINE UNDER THE STARS AT LA VERANDA
Enjoy the elegance and old-warm charm of La Veranda, which is going ‘back to its roots’ by serving a new menu offering its most iconic dishes and guests’ all-time favourites from 20 years ago. Savour mouth-watering flavors created by chef Santiago Altuna. Steeped in nostalgia, complemented by exceptional service and a fairy-tale setting on the property’s iconic veranda terrace. Information and reservations: E: laveranda.villapadierna@anantara-hotels.com T: +34 952 889 150
LIFE IS A JOURNEY. Visit anantara.com
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COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS
DAZZLING NEW MENU AT COA Chef Sergio García has whipped up a dazzling summer menu at COA, which is now open for dinner exclusively, seven nights a week. The menu has a range of fish dishes – including a grilled turbot with basil and ginger sauce, pak choi, and sea anemones; roasted sea bass with coconut and yellow chilli sauce, truffled purée and nasturtium flower; and Almadraba tuna tataki with avocado and coriander sauce and crunchy fennel. You can also take your pick from a selection of starters, in addition to pasta, meat, vegetable dishes, and tempting desserts. i www.coarestaurant.com
BOHO CLUB IS
READY FOR THE SUMMER! Boho Club, Marbella’s secret green hideaway, has enticing news for lovers of great food this season. Talented Chef, Diego del Río, has added an array of seasonal items to the menu, including cold soups and rice dishes for lunch, and classics like beef rossini for dinner. He also has a to-die-for-tasting menu comprising eight stages. Meanwhile, in the boho-chic gardens, the Club’s trendy picnics and teepees are back! i www.bohoclub.com 244 / JULY 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
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HAM AND WINE EVENT AT
BODEGAS EMILIO MORO The Emilio Moro winery recently gathered a host of professionals from the world of gastronomy at an event in which the ‘World Ambassador’ of jamón ibérico, Florencio Sanchidrián, showed off his impressive slicing skills. Guests also tasted a variety of Emilio Moro wines, including Malleolus, Malleolus de Valderramiro, and Clon de la Familia. Attendees included famed culinary critic, Carlos Maribona (from the ABC newspaper) and Loles Silva (Director of De las Cosas del Comer). i www.emiliomoro.com
‘GASTRONOMIC JOURNEYS’ AT LA RESERVA CLUB SOTOGRANDE
La Reserva Club Sotogrande’s The Beach will be hosting a special dining extravaganza called gASTROnomic Journeys for five weekends in a row (from July 11 to September 4). A host of talented Chefs from Michelin-starred establishments will be delighting gourmet lovers with exciting dishes, to be enjoyed under a starry night sky. Participating Chefs will include Cristóbal Muñoz of Ambivium, María José Martínez from Lienzo, Nicolas Isnard of L’Auberge de la Charme, Germán Carrizo and Carito Lourenço from Fierro, and Aurelio Morales from CEBO. i www.lareservaclubsotogrande.com
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JOSÉ CARLOS GARCÍA RESTAURANTE CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY
José Carlos García recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of his restaurant, alongside whiz Chef, Martín Berasategui. The culinary maestros created a unique menu that they shared with clients and friends. Just a few of the concoctions enjoyed by those in attendance included acidic apple and spring onions, a prawn carpaccio, and a cod confit and seasonal pea soup. Dessert was a coffee cuajada with licorice ice-cream and black ink tuile. i www.restaurantejcg.com
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Any wine lover knows there are certain unwritten rules about wine that revolve around its colour. We all know the basic ones: red with meat, white with fish, red at cellar temperature, white from the fridge or ice bucket, etc. But where does rosé fit into the scheme of things? WORDS ANDREW J LINN
ROSADO RULES
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learly the most pervasive negative is that rosé is not for real men and is best left to the fairer sex. When rosé finally became an established universal drink, men who drank it were referred to as brosé (Bros’ rosé – geddit?) Another myth is that it is never a serious accompaniment to food, being neither fish nor fowl in the vinous sense, and can only be acceptable as a lighthearted aperitif. In its most simplistic guise, most of us assume that, if white wine comes from white grapes and red from red grapes, rosé must be a mix of both. Wrong. 75 per cent of wine of any shade comes from red grapes, and
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since man started crushing grapes all wine was rosé, or to be totally accurate, orange. Why does colour matter when colour is not reflected in the taste? The colour of red wine is provided by the skins and can be adjusted by the length of time the freshly pressed must is left in contact with them. Here we arrive at a somewhat conflictive area, as it has been proved systematically in rigidly controlled tastings that experts, winemakers and sommeliers are unable to tell the difference by taste alone. Impossible? Just try it. Get someone to pour a glass of each and then do a blind tasting. In the highly unlikely event that you can identify
the colour of the wine correctly by taste, you are in the tiny minority of people capable of doing this, and it will more likely to be down to serendipity than any other factor. The dark red wines as we know them today were not popular until well into the last century, and the bulk of wine that used to be consumed had more of a rosé tone than a red one. When the clarets from Bordeaux started to become popular in overseas markets, notably the English one, it was the type referred to as ‘d’une nuit’ or ‘one night wine’ that was most accepted. The brief 12hour skin contact was sufficient to produce the desired reddish tinge. Uniquely in the history of our favourite tipple, a couple of commercial brands changed the entire way Europeans and North Americans looked at rosé wine. Two Portuguese winemaking families independently launched the Mateus Rosé and Lancers brands that were to dominate the low-cost market for the ensuing half century. Although white wine is accepted as being made from white grapes, this is only true to a degree. During the last half of the 20th century in the USA, there were not enough white grapes to satisfy demand so many Californian producers turned to using red grapes with minimal skin contact instead. Rosé wines are therefore to some extent
those whose development is not permitted to run its normal course and is in some way inhibited. It is all about the length of time the must is allowed to stay in contact with the grape skins and stalks. There are several varieties of rosé wine, starting with what is generally regarded as the original Provence version. One of the reasons why rosés have a very limited shelf-life is because of their low phenolic levels. Within a year of production the level of 3-mercaptohexanol1-ol in the wine has usually dropped to half its fermentation level, which is why most rosés are consumed as soon after release as possible. I was the first importer of Spanish rosado wines into the UK back in the 1960s, and it must be admitted that the challenge was more difficult than originally anticipated. The classical rosados come from the Navarra region, and the Las Campanas winery produced the best, but sales were slow, and a very conservative public could not focus outside French borders on such a product. It has taken half a century, but currently Spain’s rosado wines are generally considered superior to many others, although of course other winemaking
countries like Italy, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand and South Africa have some outstanding also-rans. Rosados are often confused with claretes, a common term for young reds from the north of Spain, but they are in quite different categories. e
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