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z ENTERPRISEbusiness back to CONTENTS WORDS BY MARISA CUTILLAS business newsz FINCA CORTESIN RECOGNISED IN CONDE NAST TRAVELER READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

The palatial luxury resort, Finca Cortesin, was delighted to be voted the third-best hotel in Spain at the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2022. The resort’s stunning design, top-notch service, world-class amenities, and sublime gardens are just a few reasons why a stay there is the ultimate way to relax, re-energise, and feed the body, mind, and spirit. i www.fincacortesin.com

ANDARA VILLAS PRESENTS TWO NEW SUSTAINABLE LUXURY VILLAS

Award-winning property developer, Andara Villas, has just released two outstanding four-storey villas for sale. Designed by Archidom Studio, the villas feature seven luxury bedrooms and bathrooms. In addition to the high-end luxury lifestyle offered, these homes are notable as they are set within extensive private plots of 2,000m² on Marbella’s prestigious Golden Mile. They have unique features such as an atrium with a spiral staircase, spa, gym, indoor swimming pool, wine cellar, show kitchen and butlers’ kitchen, staff quarters, and more. The licence has been applied for and completion is due in the summer of 2025. i www.andaravillas.es

IDILIQ LAUNCHES 104 APARTMENTS AT ROYAL MARBELLA GOLF RESORT

Chairman and Founder of IDILIQ Developments, Roy Peires, recently hosted the launch of the company’s latest development of 104 branded residences at the Royal Marbella Golf Resort. The project will comprise one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, set within lush green surroundings. Their interiors will be styled by international award-winning firm, FOC Designs. It was also revealed that 58 new luxury townhouses in La Cala de Mijas will soon become a reality. Meanwhile, the IDILIQ Foundation was officially presented at a cocktail party at Wyndham Costa del Sol. Approximately 250 people attended the event, which was sponsored by IDILIQ Developments. The founder of the Foundation, Roy Peires, emphasised the Foundation's social commitment to the Málaga and Tenerife areas. i www.royalmarbellagolfresort.com/ www.fundacionidiliq.com

OVER 400 ARTWORKS AT HOTEL HIGUERÓN 5* CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON

The Hotel Higuerón 5* Curio Collection by Hilton is a unique establishment that complements the artistic heritage of the city of Málaga. It is now home to a collection of over 400 artworks, which are distributed throughout the resort. Some of the most interesting pieces in its collection include the Moscón sculpture by Francisco Leiro, a painting by Camarón de la Isla (the famed cantaor), and the graffiti work by Darko. i www.higueronhotel.com

REDLINE CELEBRATES ITS 18TH ANNIVERSARY

Redline Company recently celebrated 18 years as a renowned fullservice marketing agency on the Coast. Continuing its birthday tradition of nominating a charity, the company supported the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Orphan Project, adopting 18 orphaned elephants – one for each year of Redline’s service. The company is committed to giving back to communities, particularly those related to children and animals. Its unofficial slogan is, 'It’s a jungle out there!' and its branding features wild animals – including a big red elephant on the cover of its marketing brochure. i www.redlinecompany.com 17TH MARBELLA

INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The 17th edition of the Marbella International Film Festival took place recently at Red Dog Cinemas. The event hosted filmmakers, their casts, and a myriad of production companies from Spain, the UK, the U.S., Ukraine, Georgia, Brazil, Honduras, China, and Korea. Just a few of the many attendees included Kevin McNally, Nicole Faraday, Terry Stone, Emily Wyatt, Rachel Warren, Michael Head, Daniel O´Reilly, Emiliano Ruschel, Fernando Abadie, and Jake Cornish. The film Secrets won the Best Feature award, while Coz Greenop for Last Heist was deemed Best Director. i www.marbellafilmlfestival.com

LAGOOM LIVING BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO MÁLAGA AND LAGUNILLAS

LAGOOM LIVING (a joint venture comprising Otero Group and Iberian Yield Investment AB) is firmly committed to the rehabilitation and regeneration of Málaga’s city centre. The group recently presented its proposals to AVRA (the Agency for Housing and Rehabilitation) of Málaga. The latter held a competition for the rehabilitation of properties on Victoria and Lagunillas streets, close to the Plaza de la Merced. The LAGOOM LIVING brand is a standard-bearer thanks to initiatives like LAGOOM LIVING SANCHEZ BLANCA, which acquires land for affordable rental homes. i www.lagoomliving.es

JOSÉ MARÍA SÁNCHEZ-ROBLES

PAYS HOMAGE TO COUNT RUDI

Renowned journalist, José María Sánchez-Robles recently presented his book, Un Hombre Afortunado (A Lucky Man), which commemorates the life of Count Rudi von Schönburg. Those attending the event were delighted to learn about the passion-filled life of a man who has played such an important role in the history of Marbella. The Count, who was born in Saxony, made his way to the Coast in 1956 and began working at the Marbella Club as a young man. His family was greatly affected by WWII and this led the Count to find a new home beneath the sun. i www.marbellaclub.com

RECORD WIN FOR ADRIÁN OTAEGUI

AT THE 2022 ESTRELLA DAMM N.A. ANDALUCIA MASTERS

Adrián Otaegui was the victor of the eighth Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters. He scored the lowest 72-hole total in the 27 DP World Tour events, played at Real Club Valderrama. His final result was -19 (seven strokes less than the previous record, held by Sergio García). Otaegui’s win marks the 200th victory of Spanish players in the Tour. “Valderrama is my favourite golf course in Spain and now, it’s part of my history. I’m delighted that my first home victory took place here,” declared the champ. i www.estrelladammandaluciamasters.golf THE SAN CRISTÓBAL HOTEL UNDERGOES A COMPLETE REFURBISHMENT

The San Cristóbal hotel has closed its doors to carry out a complete refurbishment and to be transformed into a four-star establishment. The works are expected to be completed by the summer of 2023. The new hotel will provide higher-quality facilities and the number of rooms will increase from 100 to 110. The total renovation of the façade and the rooms, the installation of the reception at street level, and the opening of a rooftop swimming pool and chill-out area are some of the important changes planned. i www.hotelsancristobal.com

A NEW ERA FOR

DRUMELIA REAL ESTATE

Drumelia real estate has experienced impressive levels of growth and development in recent years, achieving record sales and reaching global audiences via video presentations, online traffic from social media platforms, and organic search engine rankings. The company, which is now operating from its new office near Puerto Banús (next to the BMW and Porsche garages), recently rebranded itself. It now boasts a new logo, colours, and website (which serves as a medium for showcasing the company’s listings). The website additionally promotes the company’s tailored services and consolidates its position as one of Marbella's leading real estate firms. i www.drumelia.com

LES ROCHES HOSTS HOTEL CENTRED DEBATE

Grupo Vía recently organised a lively debate about the hotel industry at Les Roches. Despite worries about inflation, energy, and the Ukraine-Russia conflict, it has been a positive year and hoteliers in Marbella expect consistent growth in 2023. The debate was attended by important professionals from the sector, including Jorge Manzur of the Anantara Villa Padierna Place, Miguel Cerván of La Ciudadela Marbella, Rocío Galán of the Gran Meliá Don Pepe, José Luque of Fuerte Hoteles AEHCOS, Gonzalo Rodríguez of the Puente Romano Beach Resort, and Ignacio Gómez-Escolar of the Hard Rock Hotel Marbella. i www.lesroches.es

THE VITHAS-XANIT INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL

PRESENTS NEW INSTALLATIONS

The Vithas-Xanit International Hospital in Benalmádena presented its expanded installations to the press. The Hospital has increased in size from 12,000m2 to 25,000m2 thanks to a €16 million investment. It now boasts 51 external consultancy rooms, a surgical area with seven operating rooms, four in-patient floors (with 141 rooms) and an intensive care unit with 16 boxes. i www.vithas.es

STEPHANE MENOU IS SO/ SOTOGRANDE’S

NEW DIRECTOR GENERAL

Luxury resort, SO/ Sotogrande has a brand new Director General: Stephane Menou, a professional whose management experience extends to the Latin American, Central American, Asian, and European markets. Mr. Menou will centre his efforts on offering guests excellent service while emphasising the artistic and cultural roots of Sotogrande. He will also be working alongside lifestyle hospitality company, Ennismore, to entice guests with new food and beverage offerings. i www.so-sotogrande.com

FIRST PADDLE TENNIS OPEN

AT NUEVA ALCÁNTARA CLUB MARBELLA

Nueva Alcántara Club Marbella recently held its first paddle tennis open, attracting a host of players from along the Coast. The Club boasts 16 panoramic paddle tennis courts and a WPT court. Players (men’s, women’s, and mixed teams) received a welcome pack with an Adidas racquet bag. The prize list was vast and included paddle tennis racquets, racquet bags, and backpacks. i www.nuevaalcantaraclub.com

CASINO MARBELLA HOSTS RECORD-BREAKING TOURNAMENT

Casino Marbella recently beat all records for participation at the Spanish Poker Championship. Over €320.000 was awarded in prize money and the main event alone brought together 490 players and accumulated €207.360 in rewards. For over a week, the Casino was transformed into a spectacular poker room. Thanks to his patience, skill, and focus, Málaga’s own Antonio Galiana was proclaimed Champion of the Main Event. i www.casinomarbella.com

NEW STREET MARKET

AT MARBELLA ARENA

Marbella Arena is now home to the new Street Market Arena, where you will find ecological and artisanal goods and enjoy live musical performances every Sunday. There will be over 50 stands to visit, featuring a myriad of goods made by local creators. Have fun shopping for clothing, jewellery, skincare, essential oils, perfumes, natural products, aromatic plants, and organic olive oil. There will also be a dedicated space for artwork and décor, as well as personalised products that make perfect gifts for loved ones. i www.marbellaarena.com

TOP PRODUCERS FROM MÁLAGA

SHINE AT JORNADAS GENIUS

Six producers from Málaga will be under the spotlight at the Fundación El Pimpi’s ‘Jornadas Genius’ (Genius Conference). The event, which aims to inspire future innovators, will take place on November 8 and 9 at the Cervezas Victoria factory. The list of mastermind producers comprises Lucas Bricout (who has created an extraordinary rosé wine), Víctor Pérez (an expert in olive growing), Mateo Argudo (an expert cheesemaker), Miguel Urbaneja (a master of traditional bread making), Carlos Torres (creator of the famous jamón de castaña), and Carlos Aguilera (who has devised a way of bringing one of Málaga’s most famous dishes to any home across the globe). i www.fundacionelpimpi.com

COSTA WOMEN CELEBRATES 12TH

ANNIVERSARY WITH A CHARITY LUNCH

Costa Women celebrated its 12th anniversary in a characteristically giving way: by holding a fundraising end-of-summer party and raising €900 for Cudeca. Guests enjoyed live music by Laura Elen, a flamenco performance by dancer Asami Ikeda, a welcome drink sponsored by Simply Spanish Wine, and a fashion show by Mapuchi Moda. Some 26 businesses also donated prizes for a charity raffle and Anja Ekstrøm Photography captured a myriad of special moments. “It is such an honour to celebrate this party to help Cudeca since this foundation is very close to my heart. I always feel very glad to be able to help to continue Cudeca’s special kind of caring”, said Ali Meehan, Founder of Costa Women. i www.costawomen.com