Essential Magazine, September 2023

skincare on a next level

new generation products for all skin types

Cannabidiol booster

botox like peptide serum

vitamin c serum

Cannabidiol eye cream

AHA peeling

acne spot care

Omega 9 skin body toner

antioxidant ginko gel booster

caffeine gel booster

Micellar cleansing water

Niacinamide gel moisturizer and many more...

our wide range of unique skincare products are currently available online and at the art interior design. Soon you can visit our bijan365 shop at the art center opposite the marbella club hotel.

» GO TO LIFESTYLE

138 Virrey Villas by Vasari

150 Zoco Home

160 NIZA Fashion

168 Pat McGrath Makeup

170 Bullying in Schools

174 The Environmental Impact of Pet Ownership

» GO TO ENTERPRISE

178 Camoján Six

184 Alberto Webster of Blackshaw Estates

188 Business News

196 The Vibe

» GO TO GOURMET

202 The New SOUL Marbella

208 La Veranda Chef, Santiago Altuna

212 Gourmet Bytes

216 Crafting the Perfect Wine Cellar

The world's leading brand with the best local expertise

Los Flamingos: A true modern villa with an exceptional architecture combining sleek design with unmatched luxury and boasting unrivalled panoramic sea views. 4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, built area approx. 948 m2 , plot approx. 1.867 m2

Price 3.750.000 €, E&V ID W-02SV71

Monte Mayor: Stunning villa with breathtaking sea views and high-end features. 4 beds, 5 baths, built area approx. 890 m2 , plot approx. 3.800 m².

Price 4.450.000 €, E&V ID W-02PYLD

Beachside · Los Monteros: Spectacular villa walking distance to the beach.

3 beds, 4 baths, built area approx. 494 m2 , plot approx. 906 m².

Price 2.995.000 €, E&V ID W-02S388

La Alquería · Frontline Golf: Stunning ultra-modern villa with superb sea views. 4 beds, 4 baths, built area approx. 967 m², plot approx. 1.292 m².

Price 6.250.000 €, E&V ID W-02RDYZ

Río Real: Avant-garde luxury villa situated in a privileged location with sea views. 4 beds, 5 baths, built area approx. 830 m2 , plot approx. 1.250 m2 .

Price 4.995.000 €, E&V ID W-02RE2U

Because buying and selling a property is a matter of trust!

Cascada de Camoján: Discover the epitome of refined living in this exquisite villa with mesmerizing sea views. Spa, indoor pool, sauna, gym, bar, cinema, games room.

6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, built area approx. 1.121 m2 , plot approx. 2.000 m2

Price: 12.500.000 €, E&V ID: W-02P6JY

Nueva Andalucía: Magnificent vila in the gated community of La Cerquilla.

6 beds, 7 baths, built area approx. 618 m2 , plot approx. 1.350 m2

Price 4.895.000 €, E&V ID W-02SVT3

La Quinta: Spectacular villa nestled in an impressive plot with panoramic views. 7 beds, 8 baths, built area approx. 1.041 m2 , plot approx. 10.100 m2 .

Price 8.900.000 €, E&V ID W-02SP3T

Sierra Blanca: An oasis of luxury offering breathtaking panoramic sea views. 4 beds, 4 baths, built area approx. 803 m2 , plot approx. 1.811 m2

Price 6.500.000 €, E&V ID W-02SXKY

Sierra Blanca: Impressive villa with a classical architecture and modern hinteriors. 9 beds, 8 baths, built area approx. 1.701 m2 , plot approx. 4.375 m².

Price 9.950.000 €, E&V ID W-02S11Q

Villa Las Yucas.

Elegance redefined

Price: 4.100.000 €

Ref: DM5110-01

This traditional Andalusian-style villa with elegant interiors is nestled within La Zagaleta, one of Europe’s most exclusive residential estates. Guarded by 24-hour security, this haven offers two golf courses, equestrian centre, helipad and red-carpet services for residents.

Spread over two floors and a basement, the inviting lounge with adjoining family room and separate dining area leads to the terrace with panoramic mountain views. A charming kitchen and two suites are also on the ground floor, whilst the upper floor is dedicated to the grand main suite with private terrace. Guest/staff accommodation, wine cellar and space for gym, spa or cinema room are available in the lower floor.

The impeccable garden with pool and gazebo is the perfect place to relax or entertain family and friends.

Villa El Magnolio.

Classic comfort

This opulent residence, embraced by relaxing mountain views, is an exclusive gateway to the La Zagaleta lifestyle, with 24h guarded access and an array of world-class services and amenities that redefine the art of living.

The grand entrance and double-height foyer with sweeping staircase lead to the upper floor which hosts the spacious main suite with sitting area, dressing room, office and private terrace with expansive views. The main level hosts a cozy lounge, dining and TV rooms, elegant kitchen and 3 bedroom suites, all with wrap-around terraces.

The lower level, with access to the two-level garden with heated pool and gazebo, offers a superb and luminous entertainment area with a lounge, open plan kitchen, dining area, home cinema, wine cellar, bar, games room, gym, spa, and one-bedroom guest studio with kitchenette.

MARIANO BRAGA, MICHEL CRUZ, ALICIA DUGGAN, CRISTINA FALKENBERG, JENNIFER PELEGRIN, TANYA

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.

The view from your sofa at Vista Lago Residences

WORDS BY IAIN BLACKWELL PUBLISHER

COOL YOUR HEELS

After what felt like one of the hottest summers here on the Costa del Sol, hopefully September will bring a respite, especially with cooler temperatures in the evening – bring it on! This month we experience Eco Tourism in Madeira and focus on Flora Native to Andalucía.

Check out our recent dazzling tour of The Royal Collections and consider also being in the capital for Open House Madrid, from September 21 - 24. We preview the 2024 Porsche Panamera,

review some Top Smokers, and consider the forthcoming impact of A.I.

Live like a Viceroy at Virrey Villas and jazz up your interiors with eclectic style from Zoco Home and Design Centre.

Carla Morales, the Marbella businesswoman on our September Cover, enlightens us on her her role at Anytech365, and don’t miss our profile on Witcher Supremo, Henry Cavill – could he be the new Bond?

Finally, Soothe your senses at SOUL by BREATHE, the sensational new dining venue at the Nueva Alcantara Club.

• No.1 golf resort in Europe

• Gated community with 24 hours security

• Stunning hillside location boasting fabulous sea, golf and lake views

• 5 star Anantara Villa Padierna Hotel & Spa

• Exclusive beach club inaugurated by Michelle Obama

• Active, lavish lifestyle www.losflamingos.co.uk

Los Flamingos Golf Resort

BY MARBELLA CHOICE

Villa

our choice

– Los Flamingos

Exceptional 5 bedroom villa located in the luxurious sought after urbanization of Los Flamingos. The villa has been unified over 2 delightful plots providing uninterrupted views to the Mediterranean cost and Gibraltar and distributed over 4 floors incorporating a private Master Bedroom suite located on the top floor. Special features includes fully equipped Spa with professional gymnasium with Technogym equipment, a sauna, steam room, a huge Jacuzzi, massage room, fully fitted bar, professional top of the range home cinema system.

3328 sqm plot 1,207 sqm built 5 beds, 9 baths

6,995,000 €

One of oldest and most experienced luxury real estate agencies in Marbella Unparalleled knowledge of the resort • Personalized property portfolio

Marbella Choice Properties – the leading agent in Los Flamingos since 2004

Ananda

Casa Colinas – Monte Mayor

From here to eternity

Private, secluded estate located in a privileged position within a gated community with 24 hour security where you can enjoy undisturbed peace and tranquillity. With 450 meters above sea level, it is built into a south west facing mountain slope and stands solitary as the last villa on the edge of a protected national park. It offers magnificent views to the mountains, the national park and the Mediterranian Sea where no roads, properties or cities will ever find room to spoil the view.

Consider a trip to the green island of Madeira, or visit The Royal Collections recently unveiled in Madrid. Also in the capital this month, take the opportunity to see the interiors of iconic buildings during Open House Madrid. Check into the new Eurostars Oasis in Marbella and check out our profile on debonair, Henry Cavill.

« BACK TO CONTENTS

24 Eco Tourism in Madeira

36 Eurostars Oasis Marbella

44 Flora Native to Andalucía

58 The Royal Collections

sspotlight

66 Open House Madrid

78 The Impact of A.I.

86 The 2024 Porsche Panamera

94 Henry Cavill

THE GREEN SIDE OF MADEIRA

Northeast Coast of Madeira from Santana

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID J WHYTE & THE MADEIRA TOURIST BOARD

If any place on the planet should shout about its ‘green’ credentials, it’s Madeira, the mid-Atlantic archipelago that is a hothouse of sustainability and healthy, happy visitors. Surrounded by a pristine Atlantic Ocean and punctuated with a plethora of steep basalt peaks, Madeira’s long been recognised for its healthenhancing properties! Back in the 18th & 19th centuries, winterweary Northern Europeans came by the boatload to enjoy its beneficial climate.

FUNCHAL

Funchal is Madeira’s main city and it’s full of genuine Portuguese character, authentic encounters and local flavour. It’s also full of tourists! That doesn’t take anything away from it. I love taking my laptop downtown for a coffee, spending an hour or two writing and peoplewatching before enjoying ‘Prato do Dia’, a local lunch in one of the city’s many small restaurants or ‘tasquinhas’. The golden rule is ‘follow the locals’ and enjoy excellent home cooking at an exceptionally reasonable price! ›

TRAVEL WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER DAVID J WHYTE TOOK A ‘RURAL ROAD’ LESS TRAVELLED TO DISCOVER SOME FRESH PERSPECTIVES ON THIS POPULAR HOLIDAY ISLAND.

I was recently asked to write a series entitled, Madeira Travel Stories which took me out-of-town and it was thanks to that, I began to appreciate these islands from a whole new perspective!

ORGANIC FARM BIO-QUINTA DO PÂNTANO

The village of Santo da Serra is half an hour from Funchal and only 15 minutes from the island’s airport. We stayed at BioQuinta Do Pântano, an organically-certified Quinta or farm estate abundant with fresh flowers, vegetables, fruits, sheep, chickens and its own cheeky, little white goat.

Pântano’s main house sleeps 8 people so it’s good for larger groups. There are two smaller studios and another house on the property all complete with excellent kitchen/cooking facilities. The Quinta is wonderfully quiet with lots of room to relax in the gardens along with a 27-hole golf course just over the trees and the added bonus of all the organic fruit & veg you can handle.

On our first night, owner Emanuel prepared espetadas, traditional Madeiran meat-on-the-skewer washed down with flagons of local cider. This upland area is

famous for cider production with apples & pears growing profusely at these higher altitudes. Emanuel’s sister runs a restaurant only a short walk through the village called A Quinta so it’s handy if you don’t feel like cooking.

Santo’s Sunday Market is a great place to buy locally-grown, organic produce and you can also try the local ‘Poncha’, a traditional ‘fisherman’s’ drink that’s popular throughout these islands. ›

Ribeiro Frio

Bio Quinta do Pantano

VILLAGE PEOPLE

Staying locally like this lets you tune into village life and Emanuel informed us we could buy homemade bread from a baker just down the road. José or ‘Zé Padre’ used to work in the butcher shop in Santo da Serra but lost that position due to the Covid downturn. With little else on his plate, he decided to ‘use his loaf’ and get into the bread-making business! It’s been a rising success!

José is an excellent musician, singing mainly Portuguese songs accompanied by guitar or accordion. He’ll show you his rustic bread-making process, offer you a sample along with a glass of wine and perform a couple of songs. I asked him what his favourite 1970s band was. “Bread,” he replied! No, he didn’t! I just made that up...

RIBEIRA PRIMEIRA PARK

Another local attraction is Parque Ribeira Primeira whose motto is ‘care for nature; nature will care for you’. We met owner Paulo whose family has owned this forest property for generations. During lunch, he produced the Grand Book of Tree Planters, its cover made from solid oak, a registry of all the trees visitors have planted over the last 10 years. “If you plant a tree with us, it’s recorded here and you can come and see its progress,” Paulo told us.

Canyoning in Poiso

Ribeira Primeira Park is part of Madeira’s Laurissilva Forest, a remnant of one of the world’s largest forests that once covered much of Southern Europe. It is now confined to the islands of Madeira, Azores and Canaries. There are at least 76 plant species endemic to Madeira here at Ribeira Primeira together with many native insects and birds thriving in the dense, largely undisturbed habitat. Most of the property has never been felled so it includes some massive old trees, some over 800 years old.

Madeira is famous for its levadas, manmade water courses which run through the forests and follow the contours of the mountainside, clinging to the cliffs and cascading down steep-sided valleys. Many of these were established 300 years ago to carry water from the highlands to provide irrigation to the terraced farms and hydropower stations as well as drinking water to the towns.

As a bonus, the levadas have created a network of walking paths where hikers can access the otherwise almost impenetrable forest without disturbing the great valleys and mountains that surround them. ›

Pico Do Arieiro

Fanal’s Laurissilva Forest

FOLKLORE

We moved location to the pueblo of Camacha. This delightful village plays an important role in keeping Madeira’s traditional folklore alive and thriving. There are various groups performing here and at the numerous religious fairs and festivals held around the island throughout the year.

Camacha also introduced the game of football to Portugal. The story goes that after attending school in England, a young Harry Hinton, son of an English wine exporter, arrived home to Madeira bringing with him a leather ‘tub’. Needing pals to play with, the 18-year-old enlisted local lads and the first game of ‘footie’ kicked off on the village green in Camacha. The year was 1875!

CASAS VALLEPARAÍZO

Our next country estate was on the outskirts of Camacha and truly delightful. Mixing lodgings like this is perfectly feasible, in fact recommended if you want a better appreciation for different parts of the island. This little ‘pastoral palace’ had two upstairs bedrooms, a full kitchen and a spacious lounge complete with a

log-burning fireplace. It can get cold in the evening at these higher altitudes but nothing that a roaring log fire and a little Madeira wine won’t help with.

Casas Valleparaízo’s cottages are ideal for two couples or four friends. If there are more of you, hire the cottage next door. There’s even a neighbourhood peacock to keep an eye on proceedings. ›

Casas Valleparaizo

Camacha Folk Dancing

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE FROM US TO YOU.

Our agents are trusted advisors. We are here to help our clients from the first-time buyers to experienced investors to make the best possible deals in real estate.

We have offices in Marbella, Fuengirola, Málaga and Palma de Mallorca. Our team of 80 experts speak over 20 different languages. We have exclusive listings from Sotogrande to Málaga, and also in Mallorca.

+34 676 901 519 INFO@STRAND.ES STRAND.ES

THE ISLAND OF PORTO SANTO

Next, we took a detour to the neighbouring island of Porto Santo for a three day stay, a sort of holiday within a holiday. From Funchal, you board the ‘Lobo Marinho’ leaving Funchal at 8am most mornings. We settled down in the dining room for a full English breakfast and did the same on the way back for dinner – the ideal way to spend the 2.5-hour crossing.  The island of Porto Santo is famous for its 9 km golden sandy beach! There are only two like it in the entire world with special healthgiving properties! This is where Christopher Columbus made base before his trans-Atlantic voyages of discovery, marrying the daughter of the island’s first governor and building a house on the island. You can see what remains of it alongside a dedicated museum.

The village of Seixal

Paul do Mar

Casas da Levada

CASA ROSÁRIO COELHO

For our Porto Santo stay, we chose a contrified cottage just outside of town. Casa Rosário Coelho is ideal for touring the rest of the island’s sights and only 10 minutes back into town to that lovely beach. Porto Santo does get busy during the summer months mainly with younger Portuguese coming to enjoy the great party atmosphere. But for the rest of the year, its perfectly peaceful.

CASAS DA LEVADA

Our final mini break was perhaps the best yet, staying at the Casas da Levada in Ponta do Pargo on the western tip of the main island of Madeira. Since its inception, Casas da Levada has adopted permaculture values throughout its design and space, a sustainable environment in balance and harmony with nature. It also comes complete with its own little Hobbit Hole which has been tastefully transformed into a bar! Bilbo Baggins would not leave home so readily if he knew this was here. Our relaxing days touring this unspoilt end of the island usually ended at the ‘Hobbit’ bar where everyone congregates in the early evening to watch the sunset!  ›

RURAL ROUND-UP

Country cottage accommodation works particularly well on an island like Madeira and prices per head based on 4 or more sharing are extremely attractive. The website of the local association Madeira Rural brings together country cottages, cultural encounters and healthy outdoor activities far from the madding crowd.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT MADEIRARURAL.COM, WWW.MADEIRAOUTDOOR.COM/EN

Madeira was certified as a sustainable tourism

destination receiving the Silver Award from EarthCheck, an international destination. Now they’re going for Gold with a programme of protecting the islands’ natural resources and involving the entire local co mmunity.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE ISLANDS GO TO VISITMADEIRA.COM/EN

Pico

ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM » SPOTLIGHT | TRAVEL « BACK TO CONTENTS 34 | SEPTEMBER 2023 | MARBELLA, SPAIN

THE EUROSTARS

OASIS MARBELLA 4*

A NEW FOUR-STAR GETAWAY ON THE COAST

Eurostars Hotels, a brand belonging to the successful hotel Eurostars Hotel Company chain, has one more holiday resort to add to its impressive list: the Eurostars Oasis Marbella, a four-star hotel opened on the Golden Mile. It is located just five minutes from the beach and has an array of restaurants, a wellness area, solarium, pool, gym, and more.

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE EUROSTARS HOTEL COMPANY

The President of the Eurostars Hotel Company, Amancio López Seijas, told the press, “We are focused on strengthening our holiday offerings and Andalucía is a community of vital strategic importance. We are proud to continue growing alongside this community and fulfilling its touristic demands.

The Eurostars Oasis Marbella is the ideal destination for those wishing to enjoy a superior, comfortable stay that is close to the beach and the vibrant atmosphere of Marbella.”

THE ROOMS

The Eurostars Oasis has 68 rooms, all of which have their own terrace and views of the sea or gardens. ›

Four of these are suites. The modern, delicate interior design scheme is inspired by nature and light hues and wooden features abound. If you’re into biophilic design, then these cool, calming rooms will transport you to a more tranquil state of mind almost instantly. Boasting natural sunlight, floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and large glass windows, they blur the distinction between indoor and outdoor living and pay homage to the features that make Marbella so special – the swaying palm trees, blue sea, and almost cloudless blue skies.

The suites and premium rooms have creature comforts such as a sofa, and all rooms have a writing desk. The terraces, meanwhile, have joyful teak furniture chairs and a table where you can sip on your morning coffee and gaze at the sunrise. WiFi is available in all rooms and is free of charge.

EAT AND DRINK TO YOUR HEART’S CONTENT

The hotel has three separate food and beverage establishments. At the main restaurant, diners can tuck into exquisite, healthy dishes and an ample wine list featuring white, rosé,

red, fortified, and sparkling wines, mostly from Spain. On the main menu, dishes such as hand-sliced Iberian ham (with a Guijelo DOP), Almadraba tuna tartar, lobster rice, and mature tenderloin impress. The resort is also home to lively pool and lobby bars. ›

THE SPA

Disconnect from your daily stressors at the Eurostars Oasis Marbella Spa. It has its own Turkish bath and sauna, as well as a sun deck, where you can work on your tan. After a hectic day shopping or partying, you can unwind at the pool, which is open all year round. There is also a kiddie pool for young and inexperienced swimmers.

The Eurostars Oasis Marbella will be open throughout the year and thus far, forecasts are more than positive. Best of luck to its team and if you’re a guest at the hotel, may your stay be memorable and joyous!

WWW.EUROSTARSOASISMARBELLA.COM

ANDALUCÍA’S BOTANICAL JEWELS

WITH OVER 200,000 HECTARES OF PROTECTED WOODLAND, THE STONE PINE IS A COMMON SIGHT IN ANDALUCÍA. TOGETHER WITH CASTILLA Y LEÓN, THESE TREES PRODUCE WELL OVER 90% OF THE PINE NUTS USED IN SPAIN

Andalucía is widely known as one of the most attractive areas in the Mediterranean, owing to its excellent climate and cultural heritage. However, those who value natural landscapes will tell you that one of its most defining features is its natural flora. Ensconced between two continents – Africa and Europe, it is home to around 5,000 plant species, some 10 per cent of which are endemic. Here, you will find spectacular natural areas such as the Sierra de Grazalema, a biosphere reserve that measures some 53,439 hectares. The Sierra Nevada, meanwhile, is one of Europe’s most biodiverse areas, containing approximately 2,100 plant species of the 7,000 found in Spain.

The Andalusian landscape is divided into three main ecosystems, each of which has markedly different flora. The northernmost zone (comprising the area from the Huelva mountain ranges to those of Jaén) is the Sierra Morena. The second is the Valle del Guadalquivir, named after the famous river that gives life to so many plant and animal species.

The third is the Cordilleras Béticas, which occupies the area between the mountain ranges of Cádiz to those of Almería. In this article, we will bring you typical flora that abounds in each of these zones. ›

THE SIERRA MORENA

Thanks to minimal human interference, this zone is one of the best-preserved when it comes to plant life. Within this area you will find:

THE EVERGREEN OAK Quercus Ilex

The stunning encina (known in English as the Evergreen, Holm, or Holly Oak), which can reach a height of around 25 metres, is often referred to as Spain’s national tree, as it takes up over three million hectares of oak woods and can be found in the Balearic Islands and the Iberian peninsula. This tree produces acorns, which are fed upon by Iberian pigs and cattle.

It is also a vital source of coal, and its wood, known for its sturdiness, is used to make items such as flooring, ploughs, beams, and other items that need to withstand heavy weight or friction.

WILD PEAR Pyrus Pyraster

Legend has it that the wild pear used to attract dragons, demons, and witches. Aside from producing sweet, fleshy fruit, it lends a host of benefits to its local ecosystem. A wide array of insects feed off the sweet nectar produced by its flowers, and animals such as hedgehogs, dormice, martens, and badgers consume its fruit. The good news is that, if you provide this gorgeous tree with at least eight hours of daily sun, you can easily grow it in your yard. Planting time runs from late winter to early spring, and the tree blossoms from early to mid-spring.

THE CORK OAK Quercus Suber

Without cork oak (alcornoque), we wouldn’t have the famous pata negra ham, since acorns are the staple diet of the black pigs whose cured ham is considered a delicacy the world over. Do you remember the story of The Giving Tree? The cork oak could very much be the subject of that tale, since it continues to share its bounty with human beings throughout its lifetime. It boasts a thick bark that is used to make cork and is harvested for this purpose every nine to 12 years. Thankfully, this process does not harm the tree. Cork is considered a highly sustainable resource, since it is both renewable and biodegradable! The cork oak boasts excellent longevity, as it can reach the age of 200 years. This means that it can be harvested around 15 times during its lifecycle. ›

THE VALLE DEL GUADALQUIVIR

Owing to its proximity to the Guadalquivir river, land in this zone is known for its fertility. Sadly, the rich native ecosystems in this area have almost completely disappeared, owing to human interference (including agricultural activities). Just a few of its now scarcer native plants and trees include:

THE KERMES OAK Quercus Coccifera

The Kermes oak, commonly known in Spain as the coscoja, is a slow-growing, bushy, evergreen scrub oak that can reach a height of around 3.7 metres. It has tiny acorns, which are enclosed in spiny, thick ‘cups’ that cover part of their surface. It is called the Kermes oak because it is host to the Kermes insect. A bright red dye (called cochineal), which is used in a host of cosmetic products, is extracted from dead female kermes insects –and today, these insects are mainly farmed in Peru. The bark and roots of these plants contain tannins, which can be used in leather tanning.

THE WILD OLIVE

Olea Europaea Var. Sylvestris

This shrub (commonly referred to as acebuche) is officially the same species as the classic cultivated olive tree from which olive oil is obtained, but it is wild. Instead of typical olives, it produces the acebuchina, which is smaller and ‘inferior in quality’ to its cultivated cousin. It is one of the resilient and leathery plants in this zone, which make it a true survivor – even in times of drought. Although it is generally much smaller than its cultivated counterpart, it can occasionally defy graffiti and grow to a height of around 10 metres!

THE MEDITERRANEAN FAN PALM Chamaerops

Humilis

The palmito, or Mediterranean fan palm, is a single-to-multiple-trunked evergreen palm that matures as a shrub or small tree and grows up to three or four metres tall. Despite the fact that it abounds in warmer Mediterranean zones, this plant can grow in altitudes of over 1,000 metres, in rocky zones with a southern orientation. If you’re looking for a pretty but sturdy plant for your garden, this is a great choice. It can live for centuries, requires very little care, and is resistant to dry weather. ›

THE CORDILLERAS BÉTICAS

This zone has an elevated altitude and is home to an impressive number of species. In fact, it has five different vegetation zones. Some of its most characteristic flora are:

THE CAROB TREE

Ceratonia Siliqua L.

This tree, which grows to a height of around 5 metres, is both a typical ornamental tree in gardens and a source of the delicious alternative to chocolate – carob! Most carob trees are dioecious (meaning they have separate male and female parts), but some are hermaphrodite. Their fruit, contained in pods measuring between 12 and 20 centimetres, are not only delicious, but also healthful – they are rich sources of fibre, calcium, potassium, copper, and manganese. They are also excellent providers of Vitamins A, B2, and E!

THE ROCK ROSE Cistus Ladanifer

This gorgeous shrub, known locally as jara, grows to just around three metres maximum, and produces delicate white flowers with a canary yellow stigma encircled by five bloodred ‘stains’. Not only is it visually stunning, but it also smells lovely, making a great addition to any home garden. Its flowers can grow up to 10 centimetres in size, and although they are usually white, they can be yellow, pink, lilac, or purple. There’s only one downside to these blooms: they remain open for just a few hours! The good news is that they grow in such abundance that your shrub will burst into colour throughout the spring and summer seasons.

THE ROUGH BINDWEED OR ZARZAPARILLA PLANT Smilax Aspera L.

This perennial creeper grows up to a length of around 10 metres and it flowers from the beginning of August to the end of October. It winds its way around other plants and has a number of medicinal properties – including diuretic, depurative, stimulant, and tonic benefits. Its red tendrils are also used to make red dye. Zarzaparilla is a very pretty plant with its bright red berries that ripen until they become black. The berries provide food for birds, and make a great addition to your garden if you’re aiming to attract wildlife. ›

THE A-TEAM: THE AGAVE AND ALOE-VERA

Two plants that are cultivated in Andalucía are the agave (Agave americana L.) and the aloe-vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) plants.

The agave, known in Andalucía as the pitera or pita, grows to around two metres and has thick, fleshy, perennial leaves and yellow-green flowers. It produces a spectacular yellow flower that can grow between five and 10 metres, and is commonly pollinated by bats! Its use is mainly ornamental and it should not be confused with the plants that make agave syrup and tequila. Blue and salmiana agave are used for syrup, while blue agave is the top choice for tequila.

As for the aloe, what’s not to love about it? It is easy to grow, needs very little water, and has a beautiful, modern aesthetic

that contrasts wonderfully with graceful flowering plants and shrubs. As such, this plant is cultivated in abundance in zones like Níjar, Almería. If you are a health buff, then you’re probably more than familiar with the many ways that the aloe can enhance your life. Christopher Columbus was so impressed with this plant that he shipped it from the Canary Islands to America, and its many benefits spread rapidly across the world. Aloe vera has been traditionally used to treat skin injuries (insect bites, cuts, burns, psoriasis, and eczema) and digestive problems owing to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing properties. It is also commonly used to reduce arthritis-related swelling and soothe swelling caused by strains and sprains. e

OPENED IN JUNE 2023, IN THE HISTORIC HEART OF MADRID, THE ROYAL COLLECTIONS GALLERY EXHIBITS 650 ARTEFACTS AND ARTWORKS, CAREFULLY CHOSEN FROM THE OVER 170,000 THAT COMPRISE THE ROYAL COLLECTIONS.

The idea of a museum that would house pieces scattered over palaces, convents and other historically crowndependent estates, dates back to the 1930’s. The current project has taken over 25 years to complete, resulting in a huge, much-awarded construction of over 40,000 square metres, 145 metres long and 32 metres tall. ›

La reina María Luisa de Parma en traje de corte (Goya)

Caballo Blanco (Velázquez)

Carlos IV en uniforme de coronel de Reales Guardias de Corps (Goya)

Mercedes-Benz Especial todoterreno

El Arcángel San Miguel venciendo al demonio (Luisa Roldán)

The building continues the huge supporting wall that lies under the Royal Palace, running towards the facing Almudena Cathedral that lies across the monumental square overlooking the vast gardens of El Campo del Moro (The Moor’s Field). The name is not casual, as the origins of Madrid happen to be a IXth Century Moorish fortress, standing on what was the frontier between Christendom and the Omeya Emirate of Al-

Ándalus.

Construction of the museum started by completing the excavation of this IXth century wall, today preserved within the museum, on floor minus one. It comes with a most informative audio-visual, which, at a glance, gives you a good idea of how Madrid became the city it is today.

Of the 40,000 square metres, only 8,000 square metres of display are open to the public; the rest is devoted

to storage space, restoration and services, shop and cafeteria. You will however not be disappointed with the magnificence of the artwork on exhibition; actually, seeing the whole museum in a day is perhaps even a bit too much, if you are keen on detail.

Spreading over two dynasties and five centuries of collecting and patronage, floor minus one is focused on the Habsburgs and floor minus two on the Bourbons. We’d recommend arriving at each floor via the accessible ramps, as they show audio-visuals presenting the sites where the objects on display come from.›

Sala de los Austrias

Each floor is over 100 metres long and exhibits virtually anything you could imagine as collectable art at the time: paintings, sculptures, tapestries, embroideries, jewellery, furniture, all nature of decorative objects, saddles, garnitures and armoury, musical instruments, books, artefacts, photographs. The variety of origins is as vast as was the Spanish Empire: from Latin America to the Philippines, Belgium, Portugal and Italy, and the 650 pieces on display will not always be the same.

We bought our tickets with an audio guide. It comes as a mobile phone you can borrow or an app you can download on your own phone. We all dispensed with it after a while, as it only explains a few pieces. The entire museum is in Spanish and English, so you are better off reading the explanations on the reign of each king – as they put the pieces into context – and then drifting through the arranged spaces and delving into whatever catches your eye (which can be quite a bit, meaning you’ll end the day having done a considerable amount of reading).

Paisaje con San Cristóbal y el Niño Jesús (Patinir)

If you do not have too much time, the general brochure has convenient floorplans and pictures of some of the masterpieces you should definitively not miss out on. We’d add a few beauties anyone would love having such as some of the artefacts, the books, china and glasswear, and the Italian Pietra Dura furniture collected by the Bourbons. Between one dynasty and the next, you might want to explore the local gastronomic scene, regaining strength for your afternoon visit. Floor minus three hosts temporary exhibitions. Until June 2024, In Motion exhibits carriages and other vehicles, in an amusing selection of 24 pieces, to round off your visit. ›

The Royal Collections Gallery is well worth hopping on the AVE (high-

La Carroza Negra

Coche de Amaranto

The Royal Collections Gallery is well worth hopping on the AVE (high-speed train), departing from Málaga and arriving at Atocha station, from where it is only about 15 minutes by taxi. With some great hotels and restaurants in the area, for all tastes and pockets, we suggest you take the opportunity to attend any of the excellent music, ballet or operatic productions at the Royal Theatre, a five-minute stroll away from the Gallery and the Palace.

If you are hopping back on the train, luggage lockers are available in the Gallery, as well as extra storage for larger items. This is an additional free service but do allow yourself some extra time when dropping off and picking up. e

Dessert del Príncipe don Carlos

Reloj-candil de sobremesa (Hans de Évalo)

Litera del emperador Carlos V

CELEBRATING AN ARCHITECTURAL LEGACY OPEN HOUSE MADRID

WORDS JENNIFER PELEGRIN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF OPEN HOUSE MADRID

Madrid, a jewel in Spain’s crown, boasts an eclectic blend of history and innovation. As you walk its bustling streets, every corner reveals a tale: from Gothic cathedrals whispering secrets of ancient ceremonies to avant-garde buildings that are testaments to human creativity and modernisation. These structures, both venerable and contemporary, come alive in a chorus of stories that span the epochs. Once a year, amid the vibrant fall foliage, the city offers an exclusive passport to this illustrious journey. Unfolding its architectural tapestry, Madrid invites residents and tourists alike to step inside and experience first-hand the essence of its built heritage. This grand event, where doors are flung open and the veils of time are gently lifted, is the celebrated Open House Madrid.

OPEN HOUSE MADRID: A VISION BROUGHT TO LIFE

At the vanguard of this architectural renaissance is Paloma Gómez Marín. As the beating heart and visionary founder behind this initiative, her dream was simple yet profound: to fling open the often-guarded

gates of Madrid’s architectural masterpieces, revealing the intricate details and designs that lie beyond. When probed about the origins of such a monumental undertaking, Marín’s eyes gleamed with nostalgia. “It all sprouted from a nascent dream in the year 2015,” she mused. ›

Casa Palazuelo © David Spence

“I envisioned a city where the intricate latticework of Madrid’s architectural wonders wasn’t just the privilege of those armed with blueprints or historical chronicles. Instead, I dreamt of a Madrid that unfurled its architectural narratives to every passerby, every child’s wide-eyed wonder, every tourist with a keen eye, and essentially, to every soul

with a flicker of curiosity.” This dream, nurtured with dedication and passion, wasn’t just a whimsical fantasy. It bore fruit, transforming into Madrid’s very own chapter of the esteemed Open House Worldwide festival, recognised and celebrated on a global scale.

“Yet, for me,” Marín reflects with a

contemplative pause, “Open House Madrid transcends the confines of a mere event. It is a living, breathing educational tapestry. Through its curated experiences, we don’t just showcase buildings; we illuminate the symbiotic dance between Madrid’s storied past and its ambitious, ever-evolving future.” ›

Colegio Reggio Andres Jaque Office for Political Innovation © José Hevia

THE ARCHITECTURAL JOURNEY AWAITS

The 9th edition of the festival promises a richer, more diverse exploration. Visitors have the opportunity to step inside the rejuvenated UMusic Hotel –Teatro Albéniz, a testament to modern rehabilitation by Ruiz Barbarin Arquitectos. For the more adventurous, the Storm Tank of Arroyofresno offers a different narrative, taking participants on an intriguing underground journey.

Hangar 6 of Iberia stands as a relic of the past, holding within its walls tales of the golden age of Spanish aviation.

Additionally, the headquarters of Banco de España, generally hidden from the public eye, will display its majestic interiors, echoing both Spain’s financial history and its architectural prowess.

San Lorenzo de El Escorial further punctuates the itinerary, offering an amalgamation of history and modernity. Located a stone’s throw from Madrid, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts both centuries-old structures and modern marvels.

IETower-TorreCaleido©XimoMichavila

HONOURING AN ARCHITECTURAL MAESTRO: JOSÉ MARÍA GARCÍA DE PAREDES

Every year, Open House Madrid honours an architectural maestro. This year, the spotlight falls on José María García de Paredes. To many, Paredes might simply be a name in the annals of architecture. But to Madrid, he’s a legend.

Known for pioneering Spanish Brutalist architecture, Paredes’ designs seamlessly combined raw aesthetics with cultural relevance. His masterpieces like the Edificio Serrano 69, a private property seldom seen by the public, and the majestic National Auditorium of Music, are testimonials to his innovative thinking.

His signature style incorporated raw, unfinished materials, particularly concrete, which might seem cold or impersonal. Yet, his designs exuded warmth, each structure resonating deeply with the ambiance of its surroundings. ›

Auditorio Nacional de Musica JM Garcia de Paredes © Victor de la Fuente

Casa Palazuelo © David Spence

THE PATH TO ARCHITECTURAL ENLIGHTENMENT

Organising Open House Madrid is no easy task. Marín shared the behindthe-scenes challenges. “Every year, we push ourselves to elevate the visitor experience. While the logistical hurdles are numerous, from coordinating with property owners to managing the influx of visitors, the true challenge lies in curating a narrative that’s fresh and enlightening.”

However, the recompense is profound. “The joy in the eyes of participants, especially when they step into a building they’ve

walked past a hundred times but never entered, that’s our reward,” says Marín.

As for the future, Marín is optimistic. “The trajectory of Open House Madrid is upwards. With each edition, we aim to diversify, encapsulating more of Madrid’s architectural wonders.”

HOW TO EMBARK ON THIS JOURNEY

For those itching to explore, Open House Madrid offers an organised system. Comprehensive details about all landmarks, studios, and routes, including timings, are neatly laid out on their official

website. While many tours are open, some require prior registration, facilitated through Eventbrite.

MADRID’S DISTINCT ARCHITECTURAL FLAVOUR

Drawing a comparison, Marín spoke of Open House events in Málaga and Sevilla. “While the essence is the same, each city, be it Madrid, Málaga, or Sevilla, paints its own architectural narrative. Madrid, given its size and rich history, offers a more intricate and expansive tale.”

Open House Madrid is more than an event. It’s an invitation to step into the city’s architectural heritage , to traverse through time, and to understand the genius of minds like Paredes. As the city gears up for this September festival, Marín leaves us with a piece of advice for newcomers, “Keep an open mind, wear comfortable shoes, and let Madrid tell you its story.”

Instituto Homeopático y Hospital San José

WHAT TO EXPECT IN AN

AGE OF AI?

FIRST THERE WERE MACHINES THAT MOVED THINGS WITHOUT A HUMAN HAND. THEN THERE WERE MACHINES THAT PROCESSED THINGS WITHOUT A HUMAN BRAIN. NOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR ‘DUMB’ MACHINES TO BECOME ‘SMART’ AND ‘LEARN ON THE JOB’. IS THIS A NEW ERA OF COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE, MASS UNEMPLOYMENT, OR IS ELON MUSK RIGHT AND SHOULD HUMANITY FEAR THE POTENTIAL ENEMY IT IS CREATING IN OUR MIDST?

Amachine was made to move certain parts if you powered it through electricity or a fuel source such as petrol. This applies to cars throughout most of their history. Then came computers that processed complex binary calculations and gave birth to the electronic and digital ages, when automated systems appeared capable of a wide range of activities without even requiring the presence of humans – other than creating, programming and maintaining them of course.

Programming is at the heart of this world, with coding at its core, but with AI we’re now taking a step beyond, and through the proverbial looking glass. You see, the programmers and engineers have got so good at what they do that they’re not just coming up with eversmarter equipment, but actually their machine is learning. In other words, they have access to a stored database of knowledge, search the Internet for new and updated reference material, and even evolve their know-how as they go along.

Until now this, along with reading text and understanding spoken words, was a human domain, and therefore the feature that made most jobs in the world human specific. ›

However, what good is it studying for years and becoming an expert in what you do if a machine could soon be taking over the role of a lawyer, surgeon or even a coder. Just as it opens up whole new world of possible applications that could, in theory, serve mankind very well, so AI also has the power to destruct. In fact, it could conceivably destroy the world we know, from our jobs and livelihoods to our

very lives if we’re to believe some of the most dystopian sci-fi movies that predicted this very conundrum some time ago.

TYING A WORLD TOGETHER

AI is much like a supercomputer that sucks knowledge from the Internet to inform itself, learn and apply that knowhow into a very wide range of functions. For now,

the most famous centre upon writing, translating and image recognition skills – as per ChatGPT or AI art – but there is more to come. We’re already familiar with the handy but also sometimes rather creepy devices (Siri, Alexa, etc.) that respond to voice commands and sometimes even appear to be ‘listening’ to our conversations. Such has given rise to more than one conspiracy theory about ‘Big Brother watching us’, but even apart from such a possibility, the idea of machinery acquiring humanlike abilities is potentially disconcerting. ›

A little girl making friends with a robot – Andy Kelly © Unsplash

Not least because, in tying a world of information and knowledge together at an ever-increasing pace and level of capability, it won’t take long for machines to outperform us. Think about it. If all of a sudden even a surgeon or computer coding expert is no longer sure of their job, how much career security is there for the rest of us, especially when these machines are not likely to be working for us or owned by us – the broad public – but by the very corporations and financial institutions that

tend to own most everything as it is? Said firms and funds will not think twice to begin laying off people in huge numbers, and it will be for the governments of this world to deal with the problem.

I’m not a doomsday prophet saying this is imminent or even certainly going to happen, but what motivation do large corporations have to hold on to ‘expensive’ staff when they can invest in equipment that will work 365 days a year for free? Well, apart from the initial outlay of millions or

billions of dollars, as the case may be. Naturally there are some repetitive jobs we will not be sad to see disappear, but they are covered more by existing machinery than smart learning supercomputers, and when, as some suggest, such machinery begins to look and act increasingly human, even the final job security we can hold on to – i.e., the personal touch of human service –can become obsolete too.

THE ECONOMICS OF AI

The economics of AI is therefore tied into something that we’ve seen in action since the 1970s –namely economies of scale and cost reduction. In the short term, major corporations ranging from manufacturers and retailers to distribution centres and hotel chains will want to minimise costs and maximise profit margins as they have been working hard to do for decades now. This has already involved automation and lay-offs, endless marriages between large firms that fold into one another to form giant corporations, and shifting operations to cheap labour centres such as China and Vietnam. Now the latter option is increasingly less plausible, AI looms big as the salvation of corporate profit growth, the very mechanism that drives our reality. It is true that every time there has been a similarly Schumpeterian example of Creative Destruction threatening to sweep away entire job sectors, something new has come up that has created better jobs. However, that premise was always

built upon moving upwards thanks to better training and expertise, such as from farmworker peasants to factory workers and up to office staff and trained professionals. With AI applying reasoning, natural language processing, problem solving intelligence, artificial neural networks, statistics/probability, economics, medicine, engineering, psychology, philosophy, neuroscience, physics and so much more in a single machine/moment, it’s hard to see how we can avoid arriving at the cul de sac of mankind’s career path. ›

From factory ‘workers’ to surgeons, machines can do it all – 24/7, 365 days a year – David Leveque © Unsplash

There will always be jobs for some, be they particularly skilled or especially chosen, but perhaps all the semiofficial and now increasingly official noises about Universal Basic Income (UBI), and the handouts already being experimented with since Covid, are a sign that permanent unemployment could be on the cards for most of us. New generations being trained up now may not get the chance to practise their skills if worst comes to worst, and while it sounds tempting to sit around at home and receive money for nothing, it is a souldestroying existence that will lead to serious societal problems and seldom results

in more than a handout.

THE MORALS OF AI

AI can be fantastic if properly applied. In fact, it could have the potential to mark a point in human history and change it for the better, making possible a greater spread of wealth and balance between work and life, but things seldom work out that way, and for this opportunity not to be missed those without mass capital need to be represented by the people they elect to look after the public good. Indeed, lest we forget it, the role of government in a democracy is to look after the interests of society and maintain a balance between the corporate world, the

greater public, and ideally the natural environment too. To achieve this, we need a healthy social contract to be in place, yet that is exactly what has been disappearing for the past half century, and with it any semblance of common sense.

For this reason, we need to regard AI not just with the frothy excitement of a teenager examining a new computer game, but with the wariness of those who forewarned that all this new technology could wreak economic havoc, potentially trap us within a Chinesestyle autocracy, or worse still, become totally out of hand and begin to resemble a 1990s sci-fi movie. e

Will our colleagues of the future be robots, or will they simply replace us?

Motion skills mark a big leap forward for robotics –Possessed © Unsplash

PORSCHE PANAMERA

TURBO S E-HYBRID 4-DOOR SPORTS SALOON PLUS THIRD-GENERATION MODEL BRIEF PREVIEW

The Porsche Panamera, now in its second generation, was launched in 2009 following a notion that a market existed for a ‘family’ Porsche that was not an SUV. As with any Porsche that departed from the iconic 911, it was not welcomed by the dedicated core of enthusiasts for the marque, but as with the Cayenne SUV, they were proven wrong.

WORDS TONY WHITNEY

The fact is, for a small family that needed a four-door but yearned for the performance and ambiance of a Porsche, it was the perfect answer. Globally, the Panamera has sold well with over 34,000 units delivered worldwide last year, a strong performance for a premium car from a carmaker like Porsche. We’ll have to wait at least until 2024 for Porsche to announce a third-generation Panamera, but insiders believe that it will not depart radically from the model you can buy right now. It’s expected that the top of the line product will continue to be the Turbo S E-Hybrid, a model that offers superlative performance with an environmental bonus. There are three hybrids in the Panamera range but it’s the Turbo S that’s captured enthusiasts’ hearts.

At the time of its introduction, the Panamera was almost unmatched as a fourdoor, four-seat luxury sports saloon but since that time, many competitors have appeared. The bodywork is intriguing because although it’s low and sleek, it really will accommodate two adults in the rear. That may be so, but few grown-ups would want to tackle a long road trip back there and it’s families with a couple of pre-teens who have formed the nucleus of Panamera buyers. ›

Various subtle upgrades over the model’s years seemed to have made the bodywork even more appealing and today’s Panamera is a very handsome and capablelooking sporty saloon by any standard.

At the heart of the Turbo S E-Hybrid’s impressive performance is a highly refined twin-turbo V-8 boosted by a 134-horsepower electric motor using a

17.9 kWh lithium battery. Combined horsepower is 690 – perfect for a family car with a Porsche badge on its bonnet! Power is delivered to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission that can be manually overridden when needed. All that power may be daunting to some, but all-wheel drive goes a long way towards maximising safety, even in wet and icy conditions. Excellent weight

balance helps here too. It’s worth emphasising that the Turbo S E-Hybrid has plug-in capability and the battery can be charged either at home or at a charging station. Electriconly range for the car around town is around 48-50 km.

The Turbo S has a performance-tuned suspension that aims at combining a comfortable ride with taut and predictable handling. ›

Driving a Panamera is a reminder of who built this car and a well driven Turbo S E-Hybrid will just about keep up with a 911 Carrera on a winding road and Porsche has proved this with endless laps of the famed Nurburgring track. What you have with this car is a roomy family hauler with supercar performance and what could be more enjoyable than that?

The interior is beautifully trimmed and fitted out with the usual high quality materials we’ve come to expect with a Porsche. Hiphugging seats front and rear ensure that all occupants can enjoy fast and challenging roads without any drama. As is so common nowadays,

there’s a big rectangular screen in the centre of the dash to take care of the myriad infotainment duties modern luxury cars come with. A nice retro touch on the instrument panel is an analogue rev counter but the rest is digital It would be hard to imagine how Porsche could improve the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid and spy shots of the new generation model show few changes other than some new ducting and detailing picked up from the Taycan EV. One thing for certain will be a rise in price. It’s an expensive proposition to build cars like this right now so we wouldn’t be surprised to see existing Panamera stocks sell out quickly. e

» ENGINE 4.0-litre V-8 twin-turbo plus electric motor. Total horsepower 690.

» TRANSMISSION 8-speed Porsche PDK, manual override. Standard all-wheel drive.

» ACCELERATION Zero to 100 km/h in 3.1-seconds.

» TOP SPEED 315-km/h.

» I LIKED Supercar performance in a family saloon. Superb drivetrain with a welcome fuel economy bonus. Outstanding handling for what is a fairly large sporty car.

» I DIDN’T LIKE The cabin is a little snug even if Porsche did a clever job with packaging four people.

» MARKET ALTERNATIVES BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe, Mercedes-Benz CLS, Audi A7.

» WHO DRIVES ONE? Buyers with growing families who don’t want to give up on the world of sports car excitement to drive something more utilitarian. Buyers who own other Porsche products like the Cayenne SUV who like to have something sportier alongside in the garage.

» PRICE AND AVAILABILITY Available now at €204.894.

Enjoy a front row seat during the Solheim Cup at Finca Cortesin Estate. Last villas and private houses available to rent.

HENRY CAVILL FROM COUNTRY GENTLEMAN TO CAPED CRUSADER

The evolution of Henry Cavill, from nobleman to superhero, and the road beyond, is an interesting journey – one that has seamlessly woven together different eras and different genres, amid a slew of iconic roles.

From portraying an influential nobleman in the heart of Tudor England to embodying the most renowned superhero from the DC Universe, Cavill’ s transformative arc illuminates both his remarkable versatility and his undeniable impact on the silver screen.

There’s a quiet intensity about Henry Cavill. His journey from the gilded corridors of Tudor England to the ethereal cosmos of DC’s Metropolis is something that splinters art into theatre, and beyond, the dreaded cult of celebrity.

With a career that spans the sort of creative diversity that seems to be a prerequisite these days, the Jersey-born star’s foray into acting has

been nothing short of stellar, leaving audiences both enamoured and anticipatory for what comes next.

In the eyes of many, the now 40-year-old’s breakout moment was amid the historical tapestries of Showtime’s The Tudors His portrayal of Charles Brandon, the Duke of Suffolk, showcased not only his ability to immerse himself in a role, but also proved he could captivate audiences with his charismatic charm.

Yet it was Cavill’s landing of the role of Superman at the age of 30 that truly etched his name into Hollywood’s hall of fame. His portrayal in the DC Comics Universe was both homage and reinvention. While Christopher Reeve’s

version was the epitome of hope and innocence, Cavill’s portrayal added layers of introspection and complexity. The Reeve-era’s placement of eternal optimism was reimagined in Cavill with a weightier disposition, reflecting perhaps the intricacies of our modern world.

“You have to do things differently, otherwise what’s the point?” Cavill begins.

“For Superman, it was a case of wanting to go about something in a different way, yet at the same time ensuring I was being respectful to the original. Finding that balance is a difficult thing, but when you pull it off it is an incredible high, and I do believe we did that.” ›

The Witcher

Both men brought distinct nuances to the role, each contributing to the ongoing legacy of the iconic superhero. What inspired Cavill to take up acting and follow in the footsteps of Reeve, eventually donning the red and blue outfit?

“As a child, stories were my refuge and my wonder,” he says. “Whether they were intricately woven narratives in books, or the dynamic tales presented on screen, they had the power to transport me to places and times I’d never known. The allure wasn’t just in the plot or setting; it was in the depth of each character: their joys, pains and dreams.”

“The idea of slipping into another person’s shoes, truly living their life, and expressing the vast spectrum of their emotions was not just a mere thought, but a deep yearning. This magnetism towards understanding and portraying

varied personas drew me into the realm of acting.”

“It felt less like a chosen path and more like an inevitable journey, a natural progression of my childhood fascination with storytelling.”

With the cape and boots well-fitted, fans soon began to speculate on another iconic role for Cavill: James Bond

The suave demeanour, the British charm, the capacity for action – it seemed a match made in cinematic heaven.

However, there were those who voiced concerns, asserting that Cavill, despite his undeniable charisma and talent, was perhaps too youthful for the role. They believed that he lacked the seasoned, almost weary demeanour that Bond frequently displays — a culmination of the spy’s years of experience, betrayals, and close encounters with danger.

This world-weariness, so

intrinsic to Bond’s character, might be hard to convincingly portray for an actor still radiating the zeal of his early years. This is even despite the admission from Casino Royale director Martin Campbell that had Daniel Craig not been the perfect choice, Cavill was more than a suitable selection. What did the man himself think about that?

“Regarding Bond, it’s a blend of timing, choices, and how the stars align,” he concedes.

“Every actor brings their own essence to a character, and perhaps the creators had a specific vision for Bond that I didn’t quite match at the time, and when casting was underway.”

“I’ve always been open about my admiration for the Bond franchise, and yes, there were talks and discussions over the years, which obviously the audition was part of. Yet as with many roles in this industry, it’s a game of availability, vision alignment, and what the story demands.”

“Also, Daniel seemed to have that role locked down, didn’t he and performed it so very well.” ›

As Cavill ventured into the harsh terrains of The Witcher, morphing into the brooding Geralt of Rivia and exploring various roles in cinema, the sands of time kept flowing.

“I’ve always been a fan of The Witcher books and the video games. The depth and complexity of Geralt’s character, coupled with the rich world of ‘The Continent’ were incredibly appealing. It felt like a role that would challenge me as an actor and also resonate with fans.”

With so many different action roles in his resumé, the demands on him to carry out the part of Geralt would certainly have been beyond most. Yet Cavill took it all in his huge stride and emerged with another solid statement of accomplishment. “I think with every role you take away something important from it, and for this one it was true physical preparation, including swordplay, mixed with a terrifying deep dive into the psyche of a character who I would both admire and fear.”

“I collaborated closely with the show’s stunt team, spent hours in the gym, and revisited the source material to truly understand and embody Geralt’s motivations, his struggles, and his unique moral compass. It was a tough ride at times, but wholly satisfying, and it proved to me the need to feel that challenged in everything I intended to do in future.”

“I also found real enlightenment in destitution mixed in with moments of levity. It was, ultimately, fun.”

The future looks promising for Cavill. His dual role as producer and actor for the much-anticipated Warhammer 40k project reveals a new facet in his career, and one that hints at a deeper involvement behind the scenes.

Man of Steel

Perhaps that’s because beneath the chiselled jawline and perfect cheekbone structure that any male model would be happy with, he’s the geekiest of geeks. He’s shared his hobbies of Role-Playing Games, building computers, and all other manner of other activities that wouldn’t be out of place on The Big Bang Theory

He follows through this nod to the nerd with an upcoming project with renowned director Guy Ritchie, in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

Ritchie, known for his stylish and kinetic storytelling, and Cavill, with his penchant for absorbing roles, promises to present a cinematic duo that audiences won’t forget in a hurry.

“I think that’s ultimately the point, isn’t it?

“I’VE ALWAYS BEEN A FAN OF THE WITCHER BOOKS AND THE VIDEO GAMES. THE DEPTH AND COMPLEXITY OF GERALT’S CHARACTER, COUPLED WITH THE RICH WORLD OF ‘THE CONTINENT’ WERE INCREDIBLY APPEALING. IT FELT LIKE A ROLE THAT WOULD CHALLENGE ME AS AN ACTOR AND ALSO RESONATE WITH FANS”

Do something, do anything, that people won’t forget. Warhammer has a vast, intricate universe that we’re trying to do justice with, but rather than fear that, I am excited by it, for the simple reason that I am a fan myself!”

“Meanwhile, in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, all I will say is expect the unexpected. It’s a riveting story with Guy’s signature touch!”

Add to this mix Matthew Vaughn’s Argylle, and one thing becomes clear: Cavill is far from done. He remains a chameleon, adapting and evolving, always surprising and never predictable, amounting to an intriguing trajectory in the world of entertainment.

His choices reflect both audacity and finesse, and while some roles may have eluded him, or perhaps simply weren’t meant to be, Cavill, it seems, is perennially bound for ever-greater heights. e

Carla Morales, the Marbella businesswoman on this month’s cover, talks about her part in the success of Anytech365. Are you going to EGB Málaga to see Boney M. in concert together with a host of other artists from the 80s and 90s? Get smoking with a range of top smokers!

what’s cool?

COMPILED BY IAIN BLACKWELL

LEXUS – VENICE FILM FESTIVAL

For the seventh consecutive year, Lexus returns as the Official Vehicle of the Venice International Film Festival. The new LBX compact crossover will have a prominent presence among the flotilla of electrified Lexus vehicles, providing luxury transport for VIP attendees. This years festival is a landmark one being the 80th edition, taking place from August 30 to September 9. WWW.LEXUSAUTO.ES

W MILAN LAUNCH

W Milan, which belongs to Gruppo Statuto and will be managed by Marriott International Inc., will make its debut in the Italian fashion capital this autumn, with a location in Piazzetta Bossi, behind the iconic Teatro alla Scala. The new W venue will feature 116 stylish rooms, including 14 suites and an EXTREME WOW Suite, with an emblematic rooftop pool, and an eclectic collection of restaurants.

WWW.MARRIOTT.COM

EL GRIFO BRUT NATURE RESERVA 2018

El Grifo Brut Nature is made from pre-phylloxera strains of 40 - 60 yearold Malvasia grapes cultivated under a blanket of volcanic ash. The first sparkling wine to be produced in Lanzarote, its origin was accidental when a batch of semi dry white wine re-fermented causing the corks to pop. Today, it is made by hand following the traditional method with a minimum of five years ageing in the bottle.

WWW.ELGRIFO.COM

W IBIZA POP-UP

Following its success on the roof top at the W Rome, savour pizzas from Seu Pizza Illuminati at the W Ibiza throughout September. Since its inception in 2018, its focus has been on creating top quality pizzas with a creative touch. A combination of  light, airy easily digestible dough and vibrant toppings has placed Seu Pizza Illuminati in the Top 10 of 50 Top Pizzas, both in Italy and globally.

WWW.MARRIOTT.COM

MAGICAL MONET IN MADRID

More than 50 masterpieces by the father of impressionism, Claude Monet, will be exhibited at CentroCentro for what is sure to be one of the great cultural events of the autumn. Starting on September 21, the exhibition will feature some of his most famous works from the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris, which houses the largest and most important collection of art by Monet.

WWW.CENTROCENTRO.ORG

MACARENA GÓMEZ HITS STELLAR OVERDRIVE

Continuing to consolidate her career as a leading actress on the big screen and as a film producer, Cordoba-born actress Macarena Gómez will be in high profile this autumn following a number of national and international premieres. She will be appearing in the forthcoming films Rampage and Tabula Rasa as well as producing and acting in Deep Fear and 30 Coins

HOTEL MONGIBELLO IBIZA

The new Mongibello Hotel in Ibiza, operated by the Concept Hotel Group, is located in the Santa Eulalia area, where it evokes the Italian ‘dolce vita’. Its name, from the fictional town on the Amalfi coast in The Talented Mr. Ripley, has inspired its Italian design. The 136 rooms include 32 suites named in honour of aficionados in the art of living in Ibiza, whose portraits appear in each of them.

WWW.MONGIBELLOIBIZA.COM

43 THE SPA – HOTEL ARTS BARCELONA

The Hotel Arts Barcelona has renewed its holistic concept at 43 The Spa, its wellness centre and spa on the 43rd floor of the emblematic hotel. It now features products by ALQVIMIA, the iconic Spanish high-end cosmetics brand with almost 40 years of operation. With incomparable views of the Mediterranean and Barcelona, it’s the ideal place to regenerate your body and mind.

Meet Carla Morales, a cool and successful Marbella mother of four children with a busy IT entrepreneur as a husband… but still a very independent and determined modern woman who manages to juggle and control family, relationships, and business.

Carla Morales, 34 years old. Born in Cuba, living in Marbella since 2015

CARLA MORALES

THE PERFECT ROLE MODEL FOR THE MODERN WOMAN OF THE 21ST CENTURY!

After meeting her now husband, Janus R Nielsen, the founder and CEO of the renowned Costa del Sol based IT company, AnyTech365, Carla decided to move to Marbella to start a new life with him.

They first laid eyes on each other at Finca Besaya, now Mamzel. Carla remembers it like this: “I was in Marbella for the very first time. One of my girlfriends from Valencia has an apartment here and many times she pushed me to come with her to explore what she called ‘The Amazing Marbella’. For whatever reason it never worked for me. But finally, one day I found the time to come down for a long weekend”.

As mentioned, Janus had founded AnyTech365 a few

years before Carla arrived in Marbella. What would later become one of the biggest and most successful IT companies ever founded and started in Marbella, at that point AnyTech365 was just a little IT security startup with only 40 employees, located in a fairly humble office in El Rosario.

But Carla got involved and suddenly things went very quickly from there on. Today AnyTech365 is world-renowned and among the leaders in the international IT security sector, with hundreds of thousands of customers all around the world. Carla indeed has played a big part in this success.

Today, the company has more than 400 employees and offices in Marbella, Torremolinos, Morocco, Denmark, and America. With less than 10 years

of trading history, it has already accomplished more than many and made an impressive name for itself. The firm has received lots of praise and rewards for its excellence and success.›

Carla and Janus at the ATP 250 international tennis tournament AnyTech365 Andalucía Open

In 2021, it was honoured with the prestigious Andalucía Excelente award for the best new technology company. It was also recognised with the Premios del Comercio award from the Major of Marbella, Ángeles Muñoz, and recently it also received the first edition of the Top International Business award given by one of the institutions on Costa del Sol, the Sur in English newspaper which is known by most on the Coast. But the most prestigious international recognition AnyTech365 received was in 2019 when it was recognised by Financial Times as The Fastest Growing Tech Company in Spain AnyTech365 is also known for the spectacular International ATP 250 tennis tournament AnyTech365 Andalucía Open, held during the last three years at the prestigious Puente Romano Hotel’s Tennis Club. Over the years, famous superstars like

world number one, Carlos ‘Carlito’ Alcaraz, world number four, Holger Rune, and world number five, Casper Ruud have been among the contenders. A major setup, with months of preparation and planning, throughout the years Carla has been in charge of all VIP arrangements, hospitality and PR.

Carla has a legal background and today acts as the AnyTech365 Head of Legal Matters. With more than 400 employees, partners, and activities all over the world, a sharp legal team is crucial for success in the IT sector. Carla manages the daily contact and responsibility towards the different teams of lawyers and law firms that AnyTech365 consults.

Carla is also in charge of events and teambuilding as well as teaching and preaching the company’s DNA which is ATTITUDE, TEAMWORK, COMMITMENT and PERFORMANCE.

On behalf of AnyTech365, Carla receives the Premios del Comercia award from the Major of Marbella, Ángeles Muñoz

As if all the above wasn’t enough, an even bigger responsibility and challenge as Head of Legal recently landed on Carla’s shoulders. Over the past couple of years AnyTech365 has received many acquisition offers but all have been rejected. But recently, it was decided to take the company public on Wall Street and that, according to Carla, is nothing less than a mammoth task, with countless contracts, rules, and regulations to comply

with, as well as serious decisions to be taken. As part of the company’s  C-level management team, Carla has found herself right in the middle of something big and crazy and which she never experienced before. But as the ultradetermined modern woman Carla is, she is confident she can handle this adventure too. It is planned that AnyTech365 will go public on Wall Street (NYSE) by the latest in March 2024. e

Mother of four: William, Alex, Carla Maria and Joanna

COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

HOT NEW MOVIES

JEANNE DU BARRY

» Genre: Biopic

» Director: Maïwenn (High Tension)

» Cast: Johnny Depp, Maïwenn, Louis Farrel Jeanne du Barry is a young, working-class woman who has a passion for culture and pleasure. Through her intelligence and charm, she rises up the rungs of the social ladder, until she meets King Louis XV and inspires him to live life to the full. They fall madly in love and she moves to Versailles, where her relationship with the king scandalises the court and incurs the wrath of Marie Antoinette. As the king’s chief royal mistress, Jeanne is the centre of all eyes at court. She wears costly, extravagant gowns and sparkling jewels, straining the already beleaguered treasury and eventually paying a high price for her insatiable ambition.

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

OPERATION NAPOLEON

» Genre: Thriller

» Director: Óskar Thór Axelsson

(I Remember You)

» Cast: Vivian Ólafsdóttir, Jack Fox, Iain Glen

A lawyer is unjustly pulled into an international conspiracy after being accused of a heinous crime she has not committed. Her only hope for freedom is hidden inside an old German World War II airplane, discovered on Iceland’s largest glacier. Through a series of flashbacks, we are transported to 1945, when a bomber is flying over Iceland during a blizzard and crash lands on a glacier. Surprisingly, there are both German and American officers on board. One German officer claims that their best chance of survival is to find the nearest farm, and he sets off with briefcase in hand, only to disappear into the vast white landscape.

THE EQUALIZER 3

» Genre: Thriller

» Director: Antoine Fuqua

(The Magnificent Seven)

» Cast: Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, David Denman

Denzel Washington once again gives life to beloved character, Robert McCall – a former government assassin who finds solace in seeking justice for the oppressed. Now residing in Southern Italy, McCall discovers that the people in his community are being harassed by the local mafia. After a series of violent events, he decides to meet these criminals head-on and end their reign of terror.

DRAGONKEEPER

» Genre: Animation

» Director: Salvador Simó (Insight)

» Voices: Bill Nighy, Brendan Coyle, Anthony Howell

In ancient China, people and dragons were friends. However, greed and a fierce desire for power led humans to hunt down the powerful dragons, causing a chasm in the once peaceful word. Centuries afterwards, in a remote fortress, a bond forms between an unexpected duo: Ping (a young slave) and an unlikely, mystical companion. Ping embarks on an extraordinary quest to save her newfound friend and protect the realm from an ancient evil.

THEATER CAMP

» Genre: Comedy

» Directors: Molly Gordon (in her debut film) and Nick Lieberman (Make Dinner Safer)

» Cast: Ben Platt, Molly Gordon, Noah Galvin

This light-hearted, feel-good film tells the story of the eccentric staff of a theatre camp in upstate New York. They have a big challenge up ahead: to team up with the camp founder’s young son to put a spectacular show together –thereby guaranteeing the camp’s continuance. The highlight of this film is undoubtedly the many unique, talented kids who dance, sing, and perform comedic acts. If you enjoyed Little Miss Sunshine then this one will definitely be up your street! e

COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

HOT NEW SERIES

SEX EDUCATION

S4 (NETFLIX)

» Genre: Comedy » Creator: Laurie Nunn (Radiance)

» Cast: Gillian Anderson, Asa Butterfield, Emma Mackey, Ncuti Gatwa

When Season 3 of Sex Education ended, Moordale high school was closing down, Eric and Adam had split up, Maeve was off to the U.S., and Jean gave birth to a baby. In Season 4, Otis and Eric will be facing a new frontier: their first day at a Cavendish Sixth Form College! If Moordale seemed progressive, Cavendish takes things to a whole new level! It offers students daily outdoor yoga classes, prioritises sustainability, and values kindness among pupils. Otis continues to pine for Maeve, who is thrilled to be a pupil of the cult author, Thomas Molloy.

CLASS ACT/ TAPIE

S1 (NETFLIX)

» Genre: Biopic

» Creators: Tristan Séguéla (Destination One), Olivier Demangel (Atlantics)

» Cast: Laurent Lafitte, Joséphine Japy, Patrick d’Assumçao

A relentlessly ambitious workingclass man becomes one of France’s most controversial public figures in this fictionalised biopic about Bernard Tapie – a professional soccer player and entrepreneur who became a government minister in France. His world came crashing down when he became embroiled in the Crédit Lyonnais affair. Tapie was accused of receiving a large payout in an arbitration case involving the sale of the Adidas brand and in 2019, he was convicted of fraud and sentenced to jail.

THE CHANGELING S1 (APPLE TV+)

» Genre: Drama/ Horror

» Creator: Kelly Marcel (Saving Mr. Banks)

» Cast: LaKeith Stanfield, Clark Backo, Adina Porter, Samuel T. Herring

Based on the best-selling book of the same name by Victor LaValle, The Changeling is described as “a horror story, parenthood fable and a perilous odyssey through a New York City you didn’t know existed.” It is centered on a young couple (Apollo and Emma), who have just had a baby. When Emma starts behaving oddly, Apollo thinks it’s just postpartum depression. However, before he can do anything to help, Emma commits a horrific act and disappears from their home. Apollo embarks on a quest to find his wife and reclaim the beautiful life he has seemingly lost forever.

THE MORNING SHOW

S3 (APPLE TV+)

» Genre: Comedy/ Drama

» Creator: Jay Carson (The Front Runner)

» Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Billy Crudup, Reese Witherspoon, John Hamm

When we last left the team at the fictional UBA news network, the pandemic had just started and Alex (Jennifer Aniston) was at home battling the virus. Meanwhile, Bradley (Reese Witherspoon) was getting used to her new relationship with Laura (Julianna Margulies) and trying to track down her brother, Hal (who was battling addiction). Season 3 will see a new, billionaire character (played by John Hamm) showing interest in UBA. In the trailer, he utters, “You need a miracle, I’m offering you a lifeline.”

THE WHEEL OF TIME

S2 (AM AZON PRIME VIDEO)

» Genre: High Fantasy

» Creator: Rafe Lee Judkins (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.)

» Cast: Rosamund Pike, Daniel Henney, Zoë Robbins

This series is based on the bestselling fantasy series by Robert Jordan. In Season 1, humble farm boy, Rand, discovers he is The Dragon Reborn – a powerful figure who is destined to save the world or annihilate it. An army of powerful sorceresses discovers his existence and protect him from the Dark One. The end of Season 1 saw Rand seemingly destroying the Dark One, though evil is definitely still in the land. Season 2 sees new threats to the stability of the young group of allies from the Two Rivers. Their original mentor is now unable to help them, so they must rely on their inner strength and on each other. e

EXCITING SEPTEMBER RELEASES…

HOLLY BY STEPHEN KING

In Stephen King’s novel Holly, the iconic character Holly Gibney returns, having evolved from a timid recluse to a capable detective. In King’s new novel, Holly faces a daunting challenge as she confronts two deeply depraved and cunning adversaries. Penny Dahl seeks help from Holly to locate her missing daughter. Despite Holly’s personal struggles, her partner has covid, her mother has recently died, and she is supposed to be on leave, Penny’s desperation compels Holly to take the case. The trail leads to two seemingly respectable Professors, Rodney and Emily Harris, who hide a sinister secret in their basement. They are clever, patient, and ruthless, and Holly must use all her skills to outwit them. King’s novel delivers a chilling tale of suspense, resilience and cunning. An unsettling and captivating read.

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

BEFORE

WE SAY

GOODBYE BY

KAWAGUCHI

TOSHIKAZU

Delving into the enchanting realm of time travel, Before We Say Goodbye is the fourth instalment in the globally renowned Before the Coffee Gets Cold Series. Set within the magical Café Funiculi Funicula in Tokyo, the novel introduces a fresh array of patrons, each granted the extraordinary ability to journey into the past. However, the cafe’s unique rules dictate that they must return before their coffee grows cold. Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s previous works have woven tales of rekindled romance, reconciled families, and cherished reunions. In this edition, readers encounter new characters, including The Husband with Something Important Left to Say, The Woman Who Couldn’t Bid Her Dog Farewell, The Woman Who Couldn’t Answer a Proposal, and The Daughter Who Drove Her Father Away. The novel delivers Kawaguchi’s trademark heartwarming storytelling, prompting readers to ponder the transformative power of revisiting the past.

SISTERS UNDER THE RISING SUN

BY HEATHER MORRIS

Heather Morris, the critically acclaimed author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, delivers an impactful tale of resilience and survival in Sisters under the Rising Sun. Set against the backdrop of World War II, Norah Chambers, an English musician, makes the heart-wrenching decision to send her young daughter, Sally, away from Singapore as the Japanese army advances through the Pacific. Norah remains behind to care for her family but faces the possibility of never seeing her child again. Welsh Australian nurse, Sister Nesta James had enlisted to help Allied troops but as Singapore falls, she escapes on the merchant ship Vyner Brooke, which is tragically sunk off Indonesia. After surviving 24 hours at sea, Norah and Nesta are captured by the Japanese and endure the horrors of a POW camp. Together, they display remarkable courage, resourcefulness, and camaraderie in the face of adversity. A touching depiction of women in war.

THE SEVENTH SON BY

SEBASTIAN FAULKS

A child will be born who will change everything. Behind the secretive walls of the Parn Institute, a billionaire visionary concocts a radical experiment that challenges the boundaries of medical ethics. Through a series of secret IVF treatments, they plan to alter the future of humanity. Talissa Adam, a young American academic, offers to be a surrogate for hopeful parents, Mary and Alaric. Little does she know that this decision will have far-reaching consequences. When Seth, the baby, is born he is perfect. However, as Seth grows and his differences become apparent, they begin to set him apart from his peers and he becomes a magnet for both fascination and scrutiny. Set against the dynamic backdrops of New York, London, and the Scottish Highlands, the novel raises important questions about the essence of what it is to be human. It boldly questions the moral implications of scientific advancements that transcend the boundaries of nature. The Seventh Son weaves an intricate tale of unrequited love, unchecked power, and the intricate tapestry of human existence.

THE LAST DEVIL TO DIE BY

RICHARD OSMAN

Richard Osman’s is back with the fourth instalment of the immensely popular Thursday Murder Club series. This time, the club members are faced with a jolting revelation: a longtime friend from the antiques trade has been murdered, and the dangerous package he was protecting has vanished. The gang leaps into action, delving into a web of art forgery, online scams, and illicit drug operations, all the while dealing with personal heartache. As the death toll escalates and their pursuit of the missing package becomes increasingly urgent, their luck appears to be running out. Have they finally encountered a mystery they can’t solve? And who will be the last devil to die? Charming, thrilling and completely entertaining. e

YO FUI A EGB

LA GIRA

(PRESENTING THE EGB TOUR!)

If you haven’t been to Autocines Málaga yet, what’s stopping you? This impressive drive-in movie theatre, the second largest of its kind in Europe, is also home to an impressive food area and hosts dinner and dance experiences and unique events! This month, say goodbye to the summer with a bang, at Yo Fui a EGB La Gira (literally – ‘I made it to the EGB Tour’). What makes Autocine Málaga such an ideal venue to host this type of event is its size. It measures some 16,000 m2!

WHAT IS EGB LA GIRA?

EGB La Gira is a concert featuring nine artists that defined an era – the ‘EGB’ era. In case you weren’t here at the time, EGB stands for ‘La Educación General Básica’ – the nine-year period of compulsory education for children aged six to 16.

To many, this acronym represents an entire generation; a time in which TV was limited to two channels, and music was everything! As described by the event organisers, this was “an era in which the cinema conserved its magic and our elders spent Sunday afternoons listening to the

radio. Students memorised the names of rivers and tributaries while waiting for the moment when they could record their favourite song on the radio without the presenter speaking over it. This was the time when Duralex plates, Facundo sunflower seeds, and VHS tapes abounded. When we sat together with our family members to watch The Price is Right.”

EGB La Gira is much more than a concert. It’s a true journey through all those memories. It prompts you to remember the excitement you felt when you first watched Michael Jackson’s Thriller video or the smell of popcorn while you watched Grease at the summer cinema. Sing along to your favourite songs from all these classic groups at the festival that never was and that has finally been brought to life! e

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 22

THE LINE-UP

You can look forward to catching the following singers and bands at EGB La Gira:

» SABRINA: The Italian chanteuse famed for her song, Boys (Summertime Love).

» BONEY M: One of the biggest pop groups of the late 1970s, known for their infectious party anthems and dance hits, including Rasputin, Daddy Cool, Ma Baker, Rivers of Babylon, and Sunny

» LA FRONTERA: A rock and roll band created in the mid-80s, headed by Javier Andreu and Toni Marmota.

» DANZA INVISIBLE: A band that first appeared in the 1980s, delighting youths with huge hits like Sabor de Amor, Catalina, and Yolanda

» VICKY LARRAZ: A singer who first caught the public eye in 1983, when she was a vocalist for the group, Olé Olé.

» TENNESSEE: Despite their American name, this group was formed in Parla (Madrid) in 1978, when three 13-year-olds dreamed of conquering the music scene.

» TAM TAM GO!: A Badajoz-born band that created hits like Atrapados en la Red and Espaldas Mojadas

» LOS MANOLOS: A band that delights audiences with upbeat hits like Amigos para Siempre and All My Loving

» ORQUESTRA MONDRAGÓN: This group was formed in 1976 in San Sebastián. Its most famous songs are Lolita, Corazón de Neón, and Caperucita Feroz

The event will be presented by the legendary Corbacho, and there will be a special show by DJ Neil. Also featuring music from Michael Jackson, Queen, Dirty Dancing, and Grease

FOR TICKETS, WWW.YOFUIAEGBLAGIRA.COM

TOP SMOKERS

TO ADD FLAVOUR

TO FAMILY

AND SOCIAL GET-TOGETHERS

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

If you read last month’s essential Magazine, then we hope you enjoyed our feature on top home barbecues. Without a doubt, homeowners have been cooking up a storm over the past few years, and they are going beyond stove-cooked and even barbecued meals. Smoky, woody flavours are all the rage, not only on the food truck and steakhouse scene, but also at home garden parties. If you’re looking for a top smoker to surprise friends and family at your next home gathering, then read on.

1 – THE MASTERBUILT GRAVITY SERIES 560 DIGITAL CHARCOAL GRILL AND SMOKER

It may not strictly be a smoker, but the Masterbuilt 560 has a groundbreaking charcoal burning system that makes it a fantastic all-purpose cooker to invest in. To smoke items, simply set the temperature, use the timer, and fill the machine with lump charcoal. The machine also has an ash bucket that holds wood chips that burn slowly but surely as embers fall on them. If you love meat with a goldenbrown crust, this smoker won’t disappoint!

1

2 – THE WEBER SMOKEY MOUNTAIN COOKER

This quirky, bullet-shaped cooker is ideal for those who like to smoke various items at once, since it has two cooking grates with ample room for smoking two large items simultaneously. Boasting easily adjustable dampers, it enables you to be in full control of the heat. It also has a fuel door that facilitates the addition of charcoal or wood while you are smoking, and silicone temperature grommet monitors that make it easy to measure the internal temperature of your smoker.

3 – THE NINJA WOODFIRE ELECTRIC BARBECUE AND SMOKER

A handy gadget to have around if you want to try out different types of cooking – including grilling and smoking – since it has seven different cooking functions! Despite being electric, it burns natural wood pellets, so you can obtain the unbeatable flavours that your chosen pellets can produce. It is a sturdy device that you can leave outdoors when it’s not in use.

WWW.NINJAKITCHEN.ES

4 – THE TRAEGER PRO 575 PELLET GRILL

This pellet grill is one of the most popular for home cooks, as it is just large enough for the average family and is surprisingly affordable. It is fuelled by wood pellets and delivers a subtle smoky flavour. Simply load your pellets into the side hopper box and smoke your meat, fish, seafood, or vegetables on the lowest setting before raising the temperature to deliver a final burst of smoke.

WWW.TRAEGER.COM

5 – MASTERBUILT MB20051316 PROPANE SMOKER WITH THERMOSTAT CONTROL

This propane-powered smoker comes with four, chrome-coated smoking racks and a sturdy stainless steel burner. Its top-quality thermostat allows you to cook food at your desired temperature, and it has a safety valve that shuts off if the burner flame is extinguished. You can cook your food at a wide array of temperatures up to 177ºC, which is great if you enjoy cooking crispy chicken. It has two-door access, so if you need to add more chips, you can open the lower door and do so without disrupting the cooking process.

WWW.MASTERBUILT.COM

A SENSORIAL TRIP TO TUSCANY, BUT RIGHT IN THE HEART OF PUERTO BANÚS.

The best of traditional Italian gastronomy, in an intimate and cozy atmosphere, inspired by the Belle Époque.

Find out why the luxurious Virrey Villas by Vasari in the heart of Marbella’s Golden Mile are so-called. Enhance your interiors with a range of Mediterranean-style furniture and design from Zoco Home. Check out suave fashion from NIZA’s Autumn/Winter Collection

VIRREY VILLAS BOUTIQUE DESIGN

What happens if you desire privacy, space, and open sea and mountain views – almost a country feeling – and yet also want to be upon the Golden Mile and its beaches? Well, normally that would be it – good luck with the search, for not only does this seem to be a near impossible combination of elements, but the Golden Mile is also a highly sought after and well-consolidated area. As a result of the associated shortage of land in such a prime location, there are few luxurious new modern villas such as Virrey Villas by Vasari, which unlike many on the Golden Mile is newly built. What may surprise those familiar with the Marbella – and in particular the Golden Mile –property market is the fact that these villas are on the market for €3,5 million upwards, well below the €5 million norm for this exclusive area. This adds value and an enhanced investment proposition to an already compelling range of attractions, not least of which are a prime location with sea and mountain views and top-spec homes. It is for this reason that Vasari has named the project Viceroy and designed and fitted it accordingly. ›

Virrey in Spanish means Viceroy – an indication of just what the designers had in mind with this project, a development of beautiful homes in the most exclusive area of Marbella – The Golden Mile.

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRA PHY COURTESY OF ENGEL & VÖLKERS

Every now and then a jewel of a project comes to the market that appears to defy the odds and provides just that – a modern villa surrounded by space in Marbella’s top address. “Virrey Villas by Vasari is a select offering of five contemporary villas in a setting upon the western edge of the Golden Mile, literally a short distance to the beach, the renowned Marbella Club and Puente Romano hotels, with their elegant beach clubs, tennis centre and Michelin star dining opportunities, and midway between Puerto Banús and Marbella town,” says Smadar Kahana, CEO of Engel & Völkers Marbella, sole agents for the project. “It is a location where demand outstrips supply, so excitement arises around a project of this kind, which consists of five stylish modern homes on plots between 1,272m2 and 2,104m2 . The five-bedroom, six-bathroom villas feature 21st century architectural design and the latest technical infastructure and lifestyle comforts.”

Vasari has long since established a name for itself as one of the leading developers of quality homes on the Costa del Sol, and the design team wanted to outdo itself and make

The spacious and luminous living area

The immaculate styling even continues on theJacuzzi deck

Virrey Villas their finest project yet, offering a prime blend of modern refinement and classic elegance. The homes share a design language with subtle individual details, but range in size between 471m2 and 629m2 , with porches and terraces that measure in excess of 100m2 to provide lots of private living space in a low-density environment distributed over three floors. ›

LIVE LIKE A VICEROY IN MARBELLA

Developers will often tell you that plots of rare beauty and quality deserve homes of the very same standing. This is because such locations are

hard to come by in a market like Marbella’s, and when they do, warrant a project that matches its intrinsic value.

Specialist developers with a great deal of market knowledge and longstanding experience

in this region such as Vasari have a definite advantage when it comes to finding such opportunities, as well as the ability to do them justice, and Virrey Villas is a prime example. ›

The Virrey Villas are set in a peaceful location near the Golden Mile

Modern refined décor

The entrance sets the tone for a modern home with classic detailing

Design by Aalto

Now entering the final stages of development, the five properties will be delivered key-ready during the summer (three villas will be ready at the end of September and the final two in November) – all set up to occupy, designer finished and ready to enjoy. These days, this means a luxurious villa that features all the latest comforts, technical standards, energyefficient functionality and postsnagging detailing ranging from landscaped garden and furnishing styled by Bijan Laufer from The Art – Interior Design, right down to cups and saucers. Virrey Villas is set to offer a superlative lifestyle in Marbella’s best address.

A creative, artistic approach to comfortable style

The modern kitchen is stylish and functional

MODERN QUALITY MEETS CLASSIC INSPIRATION

“Vasari wanted to create a timeless classic,” says Smadar. “It’s not an easy design brief to give leading architect Juan Carlos Tortosa Aguilera, who also designed the stunning modern mansion by Vasari in Cascada de Camoján 55, but he has translated it into a bold style that will certainly stand the test of time. The villas blend familiar contemporary cues with a fresh treatment of materials and dimensions, which involves dressed concrete, glass and clean white surfaces in a new way. Taken together, the end result is evocative and well-balanced, with large panoramic windows that take in the impressive views offered by the location. In fact, the form and positioning of the windows is one of the playful elements of design used to great effect.” ›

Soft fabrics, along with natural tones and textures create a cosseting environment

Landscaping complements architectural design at Virrey Villas, where the unfaltering attention to detail continues indoors in interior spaces that dazzle the eye with gorgeous modern lacquered doors, elegantly lit stairs, modern kitchens and bathrooms, and the quality of the materials used, as well as the craftsmanship employed upon them. A tranquil beige-based palette is used with great style throughout the villas, adding a sense of refinement to cool, crisp interiors with understated neutral tones. The result is a calming effect within an interior design that blends northern and southern European stylistic traditions. Smooth lacquered and more rugged textures complement one another within a neutral colour palette that flows from the grey of the kitchen to sand-toned dressing rooms and light-coloured bathrooms, as well as from stone and concrete to fine fabrics and smooth surfaces. At Virrey Villas, modern and classic elements come together well to create luxury residences for today with a touch of inspiration from the past. Interspersed among this living environment are the kind of views that attract people to Marbella, along with spaces designed to optimally enjoy them. ›

Kitchen and dining integrated

The panoramic terrace with views to the sea and mountains

Terraces, gardens and private swimming pools are central in this, to which are added rooftop areas dedicated to iconic Marbella lifestyle enjoyment, featuring a bar, kitchen and dining space, lounge and chill-out zone, as well as a sunbathing deck with Jacuzzi. As Smadar says: “Nothing has been left out in these homes designed to offer the ultimate experience of life in this region – and a location that is tranquil and private yet finds itself within a two-kilometre range of beaches and golf clubs, where Puerto Banús adds the final ingredient to living as a modern Viceroy in Marbella.”

ENGEL & VÖLKERS, EXCLUSIVE SALES

AGENCY OF VILLAS VIRREY

LOCAL 5, COMPLEJO LA POVEDA, BLVD. PRINCIPE ALFONSO DE HOHENLOHE, MARBELLA.

TEL: (+34) 952 868 406.

INFO@VIRREYVILLAS.COM

WWW.VIRREYVILLAS.COM

Rear view at El Virrey

Natural materials create a relaxed feel on the terrace

A STYLE MADE FOR THESE SHORES ZOCO HOME

The Zoco Home showroom and design centre on the Mijas Road is a 15,00m2 haven of balance and visual delight on two floors that plays on the senses as you enter, for this is sleek Ibiza cool with all the tones, textures and forms that a natural palette provides. The fabrics

here are like the wood, drawn from nature and beautifully worked with the skill and passion of an artisan, yet the look is both earthy and modern, indeed sleek. It is cool Mediterranean style personified and for this reason conjures up images of beautiful seaside homes in Ibiza, the Aegean, Tarifa, Mallorca, and yes, Marbella. ›

Villa Abisko: Natural materials and tones in contemporary interiors

Many a design trend is imported from abroad that sort of suits the homes and lifestyles of the Costa del Sol, but when you blend local inspiration enriched with international touches the result is a perfect fit.

Casa Padre ›

We’ve come full circle from the cold, somewhat sterile minimalism of a few years ago and now seem to be yearning to connect with nature again while remaining true to crisp clean contemporary interiors. It’s a marriage of two desires that comes off beautifully if you get it right, and Zoco Homes has it spot on, providing a wonderfully balanced collection of furniture and decorative items that blend into one another just as they complement other styles to form a pleasant eclectic ensemble. Zoco Home has created a leading ethnic Scandinavian style with Mediterranean influences that is clean and welcoming, not cold and stark, and for this reason it’s perfect for these shores. ›

Casa del Olivo: Chilled rooftop terrace design

Full renovation and interior project for Casa del Olivo

FROM ITEM TO INTERIOR

Johanna Weckström, together with her family, traded Helsinki for the Costa del Sol when the cold Finnish weather and way of life finally got the better of her. “We wanted to make the move before our children grew too much and it would no longer be so easy to leave,” says Johanna, who drew upon childhood roots when she founded Zoco Home ten years ago as an online furniture brand. “When I was growing up, my father had a business importing furniture from Mexico, but whereas I appear to have followed in his footsteps, the styles of furniture differ and ours is not

quite as brightly coloured as his was.”

The venture proved a success, as buyers from across the Costa del Sol and indeed far beyond took a

liking to the combination of carefully chosen furnishings that Johanna sources from places like Morocco, India and Indonesia. ›

Villa Abisko: Neutral tones that create a sleek clean but also warm and homely feel

Villa Abisko: Form and functionality in perfect harmony

“I am very selective and take care to create a collection that draws upon natural materials and traditional craftsmanship yet comes together as clean contemporary decoration.” To this she also adds a distinctly Scandinavian touch through a light-toned colour palette, fine fabrics such as linen, and Zoco Home’s own line of designs made-to-measure in local factories and workshops.

“Zoco Home is about an easy Boho chic, an effortless refinement that suits the homes and lifestyles as well as the climate and light of the area we live in, in fact the entire Mediterranean,” says Johanna, “and it shows in increasing demand from as far away as France, Portugal, Greece and even Scandinavia, where we provide furniture and complete interior design and renovation projects for private homes as well as commercial venues such as restaurants, spas, and boutique hotels.

Casa Padre: Using design and decoration to create emblematic spaces

We’re currently working on such a hotel in Bali, Indonesia, and recently completed the renovation and decorating of Casa Padre, a wonderful historic building in the centre of Tarifa, whose apartments are rented out as a boutique Airbnb.

Projects such as these and the likes of Scorpios Mykonos and Nikki Beach Miami, as well as private homes on the Costa del Sol, provide us with an opportunity to use the very varied collection of furnishings within Zoco Home to create modern Mediterranean ambiences inspired by the properties and settings themselves.”

A DESIGN CENTRE

The Zoco Home shop, opened within the Centro Idea on the Mijas Road some seven years ago, has therefore become a popular reference for home decoration, complemented by an interior design team that works with builders and architects to transform homes and commercial venues or give newly built properties heart and soul. “Ours is a look that is sleek while also being warm and homely,” says Johanna. ›

“In addition to our existing collection, we

The showroom at the Centro Idea on Mijas Road offers 1,500m2 on two floors of décor inspiration

“In addition to our existing collection, we also design and make furniture to measure, from sofas and tables, to cupboards, loungers and beds, including indoor, outdoor as well as kitchens and bathrooms.”

Zoco Home also supplies other interior designers locally and abroad, providing among others such specialised services as micro-cement floor and wall treatments. “There are not a lot of artisans who know how to create such finishes, so it’s a service that is in great demand.”

As the company celebrates its tenth anniversary and looks back at a decade of growth and development, the main ambition is to continue to love this work. “We have lots of plans and are bubbling over with creativity, and that comes not from an overriding desire to expand but from the enjoyment of our work. Like all jobs it has its pressures, but as any designer will tell you, creating beautiful spaces is a very fulfilling and regenerating process.” e

ZOCO HOME

CTRA. DE MIJAS 3.6KM, MIJAS.

TEL: (+34) 635 546 360.

INFO@ZOCOHOME.COM

WWW.ZOCOHOME.COM

Johanna Weckström travels far and wide to source quality furnishings

September is the month of getting back to routine, but while returning to the office seems daunting, it can also be an opportunity to reinvent our style, trying a fresh approach. NIZA’s new collection presents some elegant and professional looks that would surely reflect renewed energy after the holidays.

NIZA

BACK TO WORK

With a mix of classic elegance and modern touches, the Spanish firm embraces the idea of returning to work as an exciting and stylish concept. Whereas suits are considered more on the traditional side, NIZA's pieces are highly combinable and distinguished by details such as fancy buttons, hand embroidery and trimming appliqués, adding depth and character that communicate your determination and personal style. ›

Another option NIZA proposes are dresses that come in a large variety of styles. With neutral tones and touches of autumn colours one can look elegant and confident, a polished and professional appearance for important meetings and presentations. On the other hand, for a work look that requires movement and comfort without sacrificing elegance, flowing dresses with floral and geometric prints are a great alternative. ›

Stylish, elegant and suitable for a variety of occasions, blouses become a must-have for going back to the office.

NIZA presents blouses as an ideal option to add a touch of freshness and femininity to any work outfit, especially the subtle ones with elegant prints in soft colours. e

NIZA www.nizaonline.com

Mastering the Art of Beauty PAT MCGRATH THE CREATIVE VISION OF

PAT MCGRATH IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST INFLUENTIAL BEAUTY ENTREPRENEURS AND CREATORS AND SHE IS BEST-KNOWN FOR HER SHIMMERY, ALMOST OTHERWORLDLY EYESHADOW PALETTES. LUXURY IS THE NAME OF THE GAME WHEN IT COMES TO HER PRODUCT LINES, WHICH ALWAYS BOAST AN ULTRA-SMOOTH TEXTURE, REMARKABLE BLENDABILITY, AND GORGEOUSLY DESIGNED PACKAGING. WORDS

McGrath’s career in makeup and art began at an early age, and she completed her studies in fashion design and photography. In the 1990s, her beauty career took off, when she began collaborating with top designers such as John Galliano, Stella McCartney, and Alexander McQueen. In 2016, she

launched her visionary brand and released a collection of highly pigmented products that captured the attention of the world’s top influencers. Today, she is known not only for revolutionising beauty, but also for shattering traditional beauty standards and inspiring upcoming artists. Below are just a few must-have items from her brand.

MARISA CUTILLAS

1. LIP FETISH: SHEER COLOUR LIP BALM

A lightweight balm that keeps lips hydrated

2. SKIN FETISH: SUBLIME PERFECTION SETTING POWDER

A light-as-air powder with a natural matte finish

3. MOTHERSHIP X MOONLIT SEDUCTION EYESHADOW PALETTE

Featuring 10 starry-eyed shades

4. MOTHERSHIP VIII DIVINE ROSE EYESHADOW PALETTE

A 10-shade, rose-inspired eyeshadow collection

5. SKIN FETISH: SUBLIME PERFECTION FOUNDATION

A medium-coverage foundation that lasts 12 hours

6. SKIN FETISH: SUBLIME SKIN HIGHLIGHTER

A shimmering highlighter that evokes a gilded glow

BULLYING IN SCHOOLS

As a new school year begins, the prospect for children returning can be exciting after a long summer, or in contrast, it can be daunting with feelings of fear as to how the new school year will start, especially for children who have been the subject of bullying behaviour previously.

WORDS TANYA VEGAR

Bullying in schools can be very distressing for a child who is feeling distraught about going to school and for their family watching their demise and suffering. Schools have a large responsibility in how they approach the issue and their policies on dealing with and consequences for bullying behaviour. Most adults who have been bullied as a child can remember the feelings of hurt and loneliness, with the memories staying with them throughout their adult life. This can lead to problems with their confidence levels, how they develop relationships, and follow through to their working career also.

There is a large difference in the approach taken by the English school system where there are much stricter guidelines and disciplinary measures as opposed to the Spanish system where schools are more likely to turn a blind eye, denying any bullying could ever occur in their school. It is a universal problem among children and even adults, however the differences in approach and elimination can vary from one extreme to another.

Bullying can be a lot more severe when a group of children decide to pick on one child over a prolonged period. It can also be the problem of one child continuing an attack on another, verbally or physically, for reasons of racial discrimination, jealousy, the child is different to the others in terms of accents, language barriers, and so on. It consists of a power relationship involving repetition and intent. The child suffering will usually show signs of distress, becoming less engaging and more introspective. They can

be depressed to the extent that they may not want to attend school and will find reasons to stay at home. Bullying has no age barrier: it can happen to children of all ages from young through to teenage years and if the bullying remains unchallenged, the offender often continues to pick on people throughout life and into their workplace.

When a complaint is made the school should have policies to deal with the behaviour, to investigate and to monitor. As a parent, you should be able to trust in the school that they are really doing something about it. There are privacy and sensitivity issues surrounding the outcome of the investigation, however you should be reassured that the behaviour will be stopped and dealt with.

The issue becomes more complex when bullying is taking place outside of the school and in the realm of social media or social events. Cyberbullying can occur in gaming, social media apps, phone messaging groups, or in any technological platform. Unless the cyberbullying is happening on a school device or due to a school related issue, then the school does not have such authority to deal with the issue, however they can try to mediate. If this is not a path the school is willing to get involved in, then a complaint will need to be made to the application hosting the problem and most sites have a specific complaints department.

Education within the home is also important, to talk to your children about the effects of intimidating behaviour. Even if someone is not directly engaging in the behaviour, they may be a spectator and can speak up to help a distressed child.

Alternatively, if your child complains about being picked on, over and above what would be a tolerable level and repeatedly, then it is crucial that you are always available to talk with them about it, and that they know that there is a support system for them.

It is necessary to know what options are available to you and how to follow up if a school does not adequately deal with the complaints. In Spain, after exhausting and escalating the options and complaints procedures within the school and finding that the issue has not been resolved, the final measure is for a complaint to be made to the Department of Education, which would send investigators and psychologists to the school for an 'independent' investigation. But the follow-up and punishment is not very harsh for breaches.

Many parents believe that there should be tougher guidelines given to schools to ensure that they eliminate and eradicate bullying behaviour as it has longlasting consequences for the victim’s mental and physical wellbeing, impacting a developing child's life into their adulthood.  e

HOW TO REDUCE YOUR PET’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Around 26 per cent of households in Spain have a dog and 11 per cent have a cat. These statistics are testimony to the great importance that pets have in our lives. Not only do they provide us with unconditional love, but they also do wonders for our mental health and empower us to seize the day and head outdoors more frequently. Most people say there is only one negative side to pet ownership, and that is that our furry best friends’ lifespans are too short!

There is another pressing issue you may not have considered, however – their

environmental impact. The good news is that there are many steps you can take to ensure that you, Moggy, and Rex can reduce your collective carbon footprint.

WHAT IS THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF PETS?

The association, Earth.org reports that the average pet cat produces around 310kg of CO2 annually, while dogs produce around 770kg. Big dogs can emit over 2,500kg. The biggest impact is caused by their diet. Most pets have a meat-based diet, and some studies indicate that they consume up to onefifth of the world’s meat and fish.

THE MEAT INDUSTRY AND LAND USE

A medium-sized dog consumes around 164kg of meat and 95kg of cereals. Producing this food takes up around 0.84 hectares of land. For a big dog such as a German shepherd, the figure rises to 1.1 hectares – as found in research by architects, Robert and Brenda Vale. Meanwhile, you would need around 0.42 hectares of land to produce the amount of energy a Toyota Land Cruiser needs to drive some 10,000km per year. Even a humble pet hamster ‘takes up’ around 0.014 hectares per year, while a cat requires 0.15 hectares.

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself”

Josh Billings

STEPS TO TAKE

Now you know the lowdown on pet ownership, it’s time to proactively tackle its environmental burden. There are so many steps you can take that make a real difference to the Planet. These include:

» Buying sustainable food for your pets.

» Check out sites like www. ethicalconsumer.org and www.thegoodshippingguide. com. To work out how different dog and cat food brands fare in terms of eco-friendliness. These sites also have important recommendations. www. ethicalconsumer.org, for instance, recommends that you buy nutritionally complete, organic food and avoid foods with palm oil, as well as those containing low-welfare fish or meat and foods that are packaged in plastic or nonrecyclable individual pouches.

» Buy in bulk. The less packaging you take home, the better.

» For snack time, feed your pet healthy leftovers and use surplus ingredients in your fridge to make them yummy snacks. If you decide to cook your pet’s meals yourself, see their veterinarian beforehand to ensure you are ticking all vital nutritional

boxes. If you are thinking of feeding your dog a vegan diet (veganism is not an option for cats) then definitely obtain vet approval first. You might also consider edible insects as a sustainable and affordable snack for your pets. These protein sources produce 96 per cent lower greenhouse emissions than meat products.

» Avoid overfeeding your pet. Doing so can make them obese, but it can also considerably raise their carbon footprint.

» Avoid any pet foods, toys, and clothing that are packaged in plastic. The Pet Sustainability Coalition

estimates that around 99 per cent of all pet food and treat packages end up in landfills every year.

» Clean up after your pets. Pet waste comprises various bacteria, viruses, and parasites that transmit disease and can cause harm to wildlife and humans. Dog waste is a safe additive for revegetation and landscaping when it is composted properly.

» Avoid taking day trips with your dog if driving is involved. Instead, build up their fitness levels by walking, choosing suitable times of the day when the ground isn’t too hot for their delicate paws.

Pets are a beloved part of the family and they deserve to have a good life. By following the above-mentioned tips, you can raise them more sustainably and enjoy their company for many years to come.

e

“Time spent with cats is never wasted”

Sigmund Freud

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Cascada de Camoján, the upmarket suburb alongside Marbella Sierra Blanca, is trending as the exclusive new area for super luxury property – Camoján Six present six phenomenal villas taking shape there. Find out how Alberto Webster of Blackshaw Estates is making a name for himself in Marbella Real Estate.

CAMOJÁN SIX THE VIEW FROM THE TOP

Six luxurious villas for a new age occupy the high point of the Golden Mile. From here, you overlook the coastal area but are also in Marbella town or on its beaches within a few minutes. It’s the personification of modern luxury amid nature.

You may not have noticed it but there is something of a design shift underway. I wouldn’t call it a revolution of the kind that saw the sudden transition from classical pastels to minimalist modern white a little over a decade ago, but rather a gradual refining and evolution of a 21st century architecture style that has

been focusing strongly on technology and comfort, and more recently is also incorporating sustainability and personal well-being into its designs. The six luxurious new villas – of which Villa 3 and Villa 4 have already been reserved – that make up the exclusive gated resort community of Camoján Six represent one of the finest examples of this trend. ›

WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF NVOGA MARBELLA REALTY

They are constructed around a concept of fine quality natural materials that are not only beautiful to behold and touch, but also chosen with sustainability in mind and the creating of building blocks for a healthy, pleasant way of life. It is into this philosophy combined with a prominent hilltop setting that architects Salvador Cejudo and Carlos Morales have created a fresh evolution of the modern Marbella villa.

SECLUDED PRIVILEGE

A few minutes will take you from Marbella’s Golden Mile up towards the select leafy surroundings of Cascada de Camoján, the most exclusive villa suburb of Sierra Blanca. Pass its security entrance and you’re surrounded by the lush greenery of beautifully landscaped gardens belonging to private villas. Ensconced at the top and endowed with the best views is Camoján Six, a personal

domain of modern gated homes measuring between 590m2 and 1,200m2. Though they vary in size and configuration, all have four bedrooms with accompanying bathroom suites and dressing rooms.

The architectural style is a blend of Marbella with international touches, as seen in white-plastered geometry married to steel columns and balustrades set off against wood tones. The result is a further evolution of the modern style of the past decade, and it represents a refinement of it in all senses, from aesthetics and distribution to the technology, engineering and home comforts, and features that set these homes apart. ›

Among them are a full suite of amenities such as heated swimming pool, spa, fully equipped gymnasium, bodega wine cellar, multicar garage and a private cinema with additional entertainment areas. In fact, the complex offers doublesecurity with its 'gated within gated' concept.

EVOLVED STYLE

The materials used have been chosen not only for their visual appeal and practical maintenance,

but also because of their environmental credentials, as these are properties developed with sustainability and low energy consumption/ cost in mind. One of the more advanced results of this is a highly effectively climate control system that maintains temperatures at the most comfortable levels and greatly reduces the need to heat or cool. The bespoke décor and interior detailing is created especially for Camoján

Six by leading Marbella designer Heidi Gubbins, who infuses each home with its own look, feel and style.

Working closely with the new owners of the individual villas, she moulds a living environment around their practical needs and personal preferences until it becomes a clear expression of their style. Camoján Six opens the door to a new frontier of luxury living that focuses strongly on quality, technology and comfort, but

within the context of healthy living and well-being, where textures and tones add to the tactile and visual pleasure derived from the homes.

Nature and views play a big role in this process, as do gorgeously landscaped gardens that offer beautiful greenery while also being water efficient. From its privileged position, this fine collection of villas overlooks the gardens of Cascada de Camoján down towards nearby Marbella and the coast, offering stunning sea views that dominate everyday life in these homes.

Flanking you is the open nature of the protected reserve at the base of La Concha Mountain, which provides another inspiring perspective of Marbella amid the Mediterranean bouquet of aromas produced

by private gardens laid out with endemic plants, trees and flowering species that are in harmony with their natural surroundings.

It is within this personal haven of peace, beauty, views and privacy that the developers, architects, landscapers and interior design team have created one of the finest examples of a new generation of luxury living – Camoján Six.

NVOGA MARBELLA REALTY

AVDA. DUQUE DE AHUMADA, S/N, PASEO MARITIMO, EDIF. MARBELL CENTER, MARBELLA. TEL: (+34) 952 813 333.

INFO@NVOGA.COM

WWW.CAMOJANSIXMARBELLA.COM

There aren’t a lot of people who at the age of 24 could say that they were the CEO of a successful Marbella real estate company specialising in the luxury segment. In fact, Alberto Webster is the youngest person to hold such a position, and while still only 25, this bright ambitious young man is already a highly experienced professional who is wise beyond his years.

Of British and Spanish extraction, Alberto Webster is a son of this coast – born and bred in these parts and representative of its mix of local and expat communities. It’s the reason why he knows the local region and its property market inside out, while also understanding the perspective of foreign buyers. “It means that I am aware of their needs and am better able to build our service around them,” says the young CEO of Blackshaw Estates, who at 25 is already a veteran in the Costa del Sol property business.

“I grew up on this coast and started working in real estate at the age of 19.” By the time he was 21, Alberto had already been appointed director. ›

A born entrepreneur, he didn’t rest on his laurels but instead went on to become CEO in a successful Costa del Sol agency before moving to Marbella and founding Blackshaw Estates in partnership with the leading interior designer Sally Blackshaw. “It’s been a great pairing, as our combined networks and services complement one another very well to provide our homebuying and investor clients with a very complete offering,” says Alberto.

A NEW WAVE IN THE BUSINESS

Young agents such as Alberto not only represent the next generation of professionals in the Costa del Sol real estate sector, they are also helping to revolutionise it with a fresh new approach that embraces modern technologies and marketing and presentation

tools while also valuing personal contact and relationships. “This is, after all, a people industry, and one that throws up its fair share of complexities, challenges and rewards.” Alberto loves them all, not being able to pinpoint a part of the work that he likes the best. “I guess I was born for this job because I enjoy it all, even the more complicated moments.” In fact, he gets a certain rush from overcoming challenges, and finds negotiations and problem-solving every bit as exciting as marketing and matching people with the right home.

A natural entrepreneur, he is driven to succeed and achieve goals, but while financial success is naturally part of the picture it is not what motivates him on a daily basis. “I set goals and am keen to achieve results both on a company level and

for our clients, and although money is what results from it at the end of the process, it doesn’t feature so much when we’re hard at work getting things done,” says the young director who would rather lose a sale than sully his or his company’s name, or go back on his word. “Integrity and trust are vital in this industry, especially if you’re dealing in the upper segment, where reputation is everything.”

LEADERSHIP QUALITIES

When asked, he ascribes his stellar career path to two things: drive and discipline. “I am driven to be successful and more than willing to put in the hours. I’m young, full of energy and share the kind of ambition with my girlfriend that makes us want to succeed in our respective professions.” Discipline is another important factor, as getting up at six every morning and working out before taking a cold shower and heading off for work gives him the focus and energy that provides an edge.

“That and the fact that I just love doing what I do are the building blocks of what I have achieved so far and hope to

achieve in the future.” Ultimately, it’s the track record that Alberto has built up with Blackshaw Estates in a short period of time that has seen this fast-growing company earn the trust of buyers and investors, including those who entrust him to ‘add value’ to the properties they invest in. “Sally and I develop projects on their behalf, and our respective services come together very well to do just that – add value to real estate assets and earn our clients good returns.”

In the end, when a young person stands out in the business world it is because they possess drive, ambition, talent and also one other vital skill: leadership. Soft-spoken and easy-going – for all that he is an avid martial arts practitioner in MMA and boxing – Alberto Webster leads a fast growing

team of various nationalities and skill sets chosen because they too add value to the process. The fact that he is so successful in motivating his colleagues and moulding them into a well-oiled machine is a sign of his leadership skills as well as his philosophy to lead by example.

The young entrepreneur is one of a select group of contemporaries that are creating a fresh wave in the Marbella real estate sector and taking it in exciting new directions.

bbusiness news

COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

Pasarela Larios Málaga Fashion Week

If fashion ignites your passion, then head to Málaga’s most famous street – Calle Larios – for the Pasarela Larios Málaga Fashion Week. This is the 12th edition of the event, which brings together top designers from Málaga, Spain, and beyond. Watch models strutting their stuff along one of the longest outdoor catwalks in the city, as they don designs by Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada, Susana Hidalgo, Ángel Schlesser, Bananamoon, and more!

WWW.PASARELALARIOS.COM

Presentation of NIWA in Sotogrande

NIWA is a brand new architectural masterpiece by Ark Architects. Situated in The Seven – a private community in the exclusive resort of La Reserva, Sotogrande, the project is inspired by the beauty of nature, which it preserves and honours. Its structures are organically interwoven with the environment and take advantage of a myriad of natural elements. NIWA blends in with nature becoming an integral part of it and creating a sense of peace, balance, and security for its inhabitants.

WWW.ARK-ARCHITECTS.COM

SOUL by BREATHE™ Opens at the Nueva Alcantara Club Sports & Social Complex

BREATHE™ has inaugurated a new venue within the facilities of the Nueva Alcantara Club Sports & Social complex: SOUL by BREATHE™. The concept was designed by Archidom Studio and developed by Aguilene Benicio, Founder and Ambassador of BREATHE™. The aim was to expand the group by the opening of a new health food restaurant within one of the most exclusive sports clubs in Spain.

SOUL by BREATHE™ shares space with the 1,500 square-metre premium gym, The I/O, which belongs to the Swedish fitness giant, Fitness24Seven.

WWW.BREATHE.LIFE

Antonio Banderas and Sandra García-Sanjuán Host the 2023 Starlite Gala

The 2023 Starlite Gala, hosted by Antonio Banderas and Sandra García-Sanjuán, was as successful as always, gathering a myriad of stars and celebrities – including Miguel Ángel Silvestre, Santiago Segura, Rosana, Esther Cañadas, Domingo Zapata, and Luis Fonsi. The fundraising event featured live performances by stars like Christopher Cross, Kiki Morente, Juan Peña, and Julio Iglesias Jr. Paula Echevarría and Victoria Federica de Marichalar displayed their generosity by auctioning off their own dresses!

WWW.THESTARLITEGALA.ORG

Soldiers in the Fog

The Clapton Press has translated the outstanding novel by Antonio Soler, Soldiers in the Fog, into English. The book, which won the prestigious Premio Primavera de Novela, tells the story of Gustavo Sintora –a young soldier who arrives in Madrid after Franco’s rebel forces take Málaga. He is posted to the Republican army’s mobile entertainment unit on the city’s outskirts, where he meets Serena – a seamstress who is destined to become the love of his life. Sintora’s unit is sent into action on the Ebro front, but, when faced with the inevitability of defeat, it disintegrates and Sintora rushes back to Madrid, desperate to find Serena.

WWW.THECLAPTONPRESS.COM

LPA Restructures Its Board

The Leading Property Agents of Spain (LPA), comprising over 45 real estate agencies, has restructured its board of directors, maintaining José Carlos León, founder of NVOGA Marbella Realty, as its President. The vice-presidency is in the hands of several members of the association, including Chris Clover and Katinka Clover of Panorama Properties, Pia Arrieta and Mariano Beristain of Diana Morales Properties, Mia Pearlman of Affinity Spain, and Setareh Mohregi of Gilmar. Members of the board include Javier Nieto of Pure Living Properties, Álvaro Botella of Terra Realty, Anke Borchert of Von Poll, Jesús García of Banús Rentals and Roland Gillis of Garu Estepona.

Launches Exclusive Space in El Corte Inglés Puerto Banús

Prestigious jewellery brand, Chocrón Joyeros, has opened a new point of sale at the El Corte Inglés store in Puerto Banús. The firm, whose flagship store is in the city centre (on Avda. Ramón y Cajal), has established this new partnership to reaffirm the brand’s position in the luxury sector and reach a wider range of high-end clients. The new boutique, located on the ground floor of El Corte Inglés, measures 90m2. It was designed by the prestigious architectural and design studio, Ujo+Partners. WWW.CHOCRONJOYEROS.COM

The SO/Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort Pays Homage to Andalusian Fashion

The SO/Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort recently presented Cabalgando Entre Costuras – a show that blended the equestrian arts and Andalusian fashion. It highlighted the designs of Juan Saavedra, Josué Selfa, and Macarena Delgado, and featured live classical music. The complex equestrian choreography added a touch of magic to an event that was steeped in artistry and imagination.

Anantara Offers Immersive Picasso Experiences with Museo Picasso Málaga

The Anantara hotels in Spain and France are aligning with cultural institutions in their respective countries to pay homage to Pablo Picasso, on the 50th anniversary of his death. The Anantara Villa Padierna Palace in Marbella is offering guests the chance to take part in Luxury Retreat: A Palatial Stay Inspired by Picasso, featuring a two-night stay, spa session, themed dining, and a tour through key areas in Málaga. The magic will begin with a guided visit of the Museo Picasso Málaga, and will continue in places like the Plaza de la Merced, where Picasso’s childhood home still stands. Available until December, 2023.

WWW.ANANTARA.COM

Campus Mijas Educational Course

Campus Mijas, the educational project undertaken at ILUNION Hotels, completed its first educational course with resounding success. The initiative was one-of-a-kind, as it involved converting one part of the hotel into a campus aimed at developing the organisation’s internal talent. Over the past few months, around 700 students have engaged in an immersive educational course, learning the inner workings of the hotel and getting to know nearby areas such as Fuengirola and Benalmádena.

ILUNION is a special employment centre, as 70 per cent of employees are living with a disability. WWW.ILUNION.COM

The Journey of Life Exhibition at Puerto Banús

Cívitas Puerto Banús recently celebrated the launch of The Journey of Life: a large-scale sculptural exhibition by Costa Rican artist Jorgé Jiménez Deredia, erected on the port’s Muelle de Honor. The showcase arrived in Marbella for the first time after making its way through cities like Rome, Milan, Miami, and Shanghai. It comprises six sculptures made of bronze and marble, whose circular forms guide the viewer on a flowing journey and convert the port into a marvellous open-air gallery.

WWW.PUERTO-BANUS.COM

El Fuerte Marbella Hotel: A Favourite Summer Spot for Socialites

Top influencers, Ana Boyer and Darja Barannik, and the aristocrat, Amelia Windsor, chose the renovated El Fuerte Marbella Hotel to enjoy part of their summer. The hotel’s new look comprises a perfect combination of tradition and avant-garde styles. It boasts a rich Andalusian heritage and a relaxed Mediterranean essence. Its timeless, joyful, and vital appeal bring an added value to the south of Spain, attracting both national and international celebrities to our shores.

WWW.ELFUERTEMARBELLA.COM

Alec Monopoly Visits Marbella for Exclusive Solo Exhibition

Twisted Art Gallery in Puerto Banús recently hosted a solo exhibition of works by superstar artist, Alec Monopoly, dazzling art lovers with over 40 pieces for one night only. Guests met and interacted with the artist, who was visiting Marbella for the first time. Twisted Art Gallery exhibits Monopoly’s works all year round, alongside those of 20 other artists.

WWW.TWISTED-ARTGALLERY.COM

BON AIR TERRAZAS DE CORTESIN OPEN HOUSE

EBon Air Terrazas de Cortesin recently hosted an open house to present the development to real estate agents and prospective clients. The luxurious resort comprises 51 apartments and penthouses and is located in a privileged position on the frontline of Finca Cortesin Golf, which will command an unrivalled viewing platform for this month’s Solheim Cup.

WWW.EXXACON.ES

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF EXXACON

25TH ANNIVERSARY INFANCIA SIN FRONTERAS

IFor the eighth consecutive year, following the paddle tournement, the Gala Dinner supporting Infancia Sin Fronteras was held in Marbella, at the Hard Rock Hotel, raising funds for underprivileged children. The glamorous event featured celebrities Norma Duval, Beatriz Jarrin, Estefania Luyk, Makoke, José Manuel Parado, Agustín Bravo, Rappel, and Curi Gallardo, among others. Attendees enjoyed a sumptuous dinner with live music.

WWW.INFANCIASINFRONTERAS.ORG

PHOTOGRAPHY MARBELLA CHIC

GALA DINNER AGAINST CANCER

The Spanish Association Contra el Cancer recently held their annual Gala Dinner and fundraising event in the magnificent gardens of Finca La Concepción in Marbella. With live entertainment and fine dining, this year’s gala featured a host of celebrities, and dignitaries including José María Aznar, Ana Botella, Lolita Flores, Juan Peña, Chico Castillo, Fiona Ferrer, Eva Ruiz, Poty, and Marilia.

C

WWW.ASOCIACION CONTRAELCANCER.ES

PHOTOGRAPHY ASOCIACIÓN ESPAÑOLA CONTRA EL CANCER

DEBRA PIEL DE MARIPOSA

Debra, the association that supports children suffering from Butterfly Skin disease and their families, held their summer Gala Dinner at Aloha Golf Club, following the golf tournament which took place earlier. 2023 is the 30th anniversary for the charity, having been set up in 1993 by Nieves Montero and Iñigo Ibarrondo after their first child was born with Epidermolysis bullosa.

WWW.PIELDEMARIPOSA.ES

PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

Have you been to sensational new dining venue SOUL by BREATHE at the Nueva Alcantara Club? Another great restaurant not to miss is the sumptuous La Veranda at Anantara Villa Padierna, where Head Chef, Santiago Altuna is reviving classic dishes from decades ago. Consider factors involved in creating a home wine cellar.

SOOTHE YOUR SENSES AT

SOUL by BREATHE at the Nueva Alcantara Club is the new sensation everyone is talking about. Give your taste buds a work out at this cool dining venue.

WORDS JAMES SINCLAIR PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN

With the recent opening of SOUL, the Nueva Alcantara Club has really come of age. Long renowned as a sports venue with an exemplary paddle and tennis set up, in combination with one of the most extensive and impressive gyms on the Coast, now you can savour a range of healthy options curated by the team at BREATHE.

Perfectly conceived for fitness fans, the menu, as you would expect, features healthy snacks, salads, poke bowls, protein drinks, power shots, natural juices and smoothies. The restaurant operates continuously from 8am to 11pm, offering breakfast (until 12:30pm), lunch and dinner, as well as some late breakfast options until 5pm.

ORGANIC BY NATURE

SOUL is located just behind the

reception on entering the club and offers three main dining zones: a sophisticated interior seating area with a window view to the spotless kitchen and a large glassed-in wine cabinet on the facing wall. The impressive gabled wooden roof continues over the inner terrace sheltering an island bar immediately beneath it. This extends to the spacious outer terrace, which has plenty of shade sails and elegant Taittinger umbrellas for protection from the sun. The extent of the venue can easily accommodate large private events.

The décor is very natural with organic shapes, stone and wooden tables with brushed wood chairs, soft cushions and sofas. Tropical plants and planters are everywhere, shielding the terrace from the paddle courts and providing a plethora of segregated partitions and alcoves for greater privacy. ›

The floors consist of a polished micro cement and unobtrusive and hanging lamps provide illumination in the evening. This is indeed a lovely place to spend time as day turns into night, with upbeat music from hidden speakers providing a nice ambiance as you enjoy a great dinner.

DIVINE DINING

Our party of four arrived at 8:30pm and were warmly received by Nacho and the team. We ordered some cocktails to chill us out while we perused the menu – as exotic as their names suggest: Garden 3.0, Shipwreck and Scoundrel, and they piqued our appetites for the feast to come. Choices having been

made, we were most surprised by the speed in which these arrived. We sampled a Sweet Potato Hummus served with strips of red pepper, Free Range Chicken Fingers with a spicy mayonnaise dip, a Semi Cured Manchego Cheeseboard, and the Salad of Potato and Salmon with gravlax, mayonnaise, beetroot and gherkins. This array of starters were beautifully prepared and perfect for sharing, which was exactly what we were in the mood for.

Our main course selections of Roasted Sea Bass Fillet with baby potatoes and asparagus, Slow-Cooked Beef Brisket marinated in Yakiniku sauce, Panang Curry with cashews, coconut milk and prawns accompanied by ›

basmati rice, and a tasty Poke Bowl of Tuna marinated in ponzu of spicy soya, with avocado, mango, wakame, edamame, radish, crunchy onion, sesame seeds and quinoa, really hit the spot making it obvious why SOUL is the place to EAT, PLAY, CONNECT.

We finished what had turned out to be an entertaining evening with their Chocolate Brownie served with vanilla ice cream and a coulis of red fruits and pistachio, and Matcha Cheesecake with fresh red fruit desserts, all in agreement that we will return to try some of their other dishes soon.

SOUL NUEVA ALCANTARA

AVENIDA DE BARCELONA, 8, SAN PEDRO DE ALCANTÁRA.

TEL: (+34) 646 733 136.

WWW.BREATHE.LIFE

The Culinary Craftsmanship of FROM THE ANANTARA VILLA PADIERNA PALACE

ALTUNA CARRIZO

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ANANTARA VILLA PADIERNA PALACE

ELEVATING PALATES FROM ARGENTINA TO MARBELLA

The Chef was born in Córdoba, Argentina, and obtained his professional qualifications at the Instituto Gastronómico Azafrán. His passion for cooking and work ethic led to his proclamation as runner-up to the champion at the Hotel Gastronomic Competition in Argentina in 2001. A year later, he took a leap of faith, moving to Spain to discover the origins of his family and to immerse himself in Spain’s profound culinary heritage.

AUSPICIOUS BEGINNINGS AT THE ANANTARA

In 2004, Altuna joined the hardworking team at the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace, under the mentorship of Chef Cristóbal Gómez — who shared his vital knowledge of classical cuisine. Altuna was subsequently whizzed into the wonder of avant-garde techniques thanks to Martín Berasategui, the renowned Basque chef who now boasts a total of 12 Michelin stars! Through his talent, dedication, and commitment, Altuna was offered the

chance to lead the team at La Veranda, where he currently shines as much for his culinary talent as for his ability to motivate and inspire his staff. Here, he has crafted a menu that fuses tradition and innovation, and which pays due respect to exquisite produce.

TRAVELLING BACK IN TIME

It’s an exciting time for diners whose palates have been dazzled with some of the Anantara’s most iconic dishes – those that have been in high demand from diners over the past 20 years.

“All four elements were happening in equal measure - the cuisine, the wine, the service, and the overall ambience. It taught me that dining could happen at a spiritual level”

Charlie Trotter

Altuna is bringing the magic back with a dinner menu that includes staples such as steak tartar made with mature meat, caramelised foie gras mi-cuit, lobster salad, cold cantaloupe crème, and red tuna tartar.

The mains are equally tempting. Imagine the taste and texture of dishes like wild seabass over tender leeks and a light pumpkin purée, a classic châteaubriand,

or crispy duck magret. For dessert, meanwhile, few things beat the sophistication of a freshly made crêpe suzette or a classic Grand Marnier soufflé. The restaurant also has a select wine list featuring prized national and international bottles.

THE AMBIENCE

If you live in Marbella or you have visited many times,

then without a doubt you know that La Veranda is the quintessential venue for a meal with loved ones or to celebrate a special occasion. In addition to its graceful terrace, it also has an interior dining area that stuns with priceless pieces such as antique blue tapestries and original designer lamps.

Capturing diners’ attention is the quaint photograph, La Merienda, by Marbella photographer, Jesús Chacón, which is located above the fireplace. It features three Marbella neighbours enjoying merienda (afternoon tea) in a traditional home, adding a touch of daily life to this elegant spot. The most romantic place at La Veranda is undoubtedly the terrace, where candlelight and a stunning stone fountain are surrounded by tall pines and a myriad of carefully tended plants.

La Veranda is the perfect home for a Chef who prizes perfection and who strives to surprise diners with something new, delighting their senses all at once with the inimitable joy of familiarity.

LA VERANDA RESTAURANT

Indulge in the terrace of La Veranda restaurant and live the perfect gastronomic experience. Classic recipes with a modern touch and exceptional service awaits

Enjoy your dinner under the stars, surrounded by candlelights and the sound of the fountains in our gardens.

Scan QR to check our menu.

Bookings: +34 952 88 91 50

Open from 7:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. from Friday to Tuesday. Livemusicfrom FridaytoSunday.Wednesday and Thursday closed.

LIFE IS A JOURNEY. Visit anantara.com

VIPS OPENS AT THE MIRAMAR COMMERCIAL CENTRE

The famous VIPS restaurant chain has opened its first establishment in Fuengirola, at the Miramar Commercial Centre. All proceeds from the launch were donated to the Red Cross, and free pancakes were distributed throughout the shopping centre. This is VIPS’ 15th restaurant in the region and the brand is now present in five of Andalucía’s eight provinces. Paco Páez, CEO of VIPS, stated: “This opening not only marks a new chapter in our growth trajectory in Andalucía, but also represents another opportunity to create a positive impact on society through charitable actions.”

WWW.VIPS.ES

NEW LAURENT-PERRIER TERRACE AT JOSÉ CARLOS GARCÍA RESTAURANTE

The Michelin-starred José Carlos García Restaurante is now home to a brand-new Laurent Perrier terrace, and its renowned chef is now an ambassador for the brand. García has crafted an exciting new menu featuring a host of epicurean bites – including oysters, Amur Beluga caviar, and a selection of cheeses from Málaga. Diners can accompany these dishes with exquisite Laurent-Perrier bottles, including Laurent-Perrier Brut La Cuvée, Laurent-Perrier Cuvée

Rosé, Laurent-Perrier Brut Millésimé 2015, LaurentPerrier Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature, Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteración N°26, and Laurent-Perrier Alexandra Rosé 2004.

WWW.RESTAURANTEJCG.COM

COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS

‘BISTRONOMY’ GOURMET EVENT AT THE SO/SOTOGRANDE SPA & GOLF RESORT

The SO/Sotogrande SPA & Golf Resort recently featured a new chapter in its ‘Bistronomy’ series of culinary events. This time, French chef, Olivier Limousin, was invited to design a menu inspired by Andalucía and culinary richness. The result was ‘Barbate Atún Through the Eyes of Olivier’: an exclusive experience in which the chef provided insights into this special product, and delighted attendees with tasty tuna dishes.

WWW.SO-HOTELS.COM/EN/SOTOGRANDE

SIMONE D’ELIA LAUNCHES THREE NEW FOOD CONCEPTS AT CÍVITAS PUERTO BANÚS

Cívitas Puerto Banús is now home to three new establishments, spearheaded by the renowned Italian chef, Simone d’Elia. The first is Banús Beach – a chic chiringuito where guests can enjoy a fine array of fish and seafood dishes on Levante Beach. Next is the food truck Breeze –a light, healthy alternative where fruit juices and shakes provide welcome relief from the blazing summer sun. Finally, there is 1970 Banús – a pop-up food truck serving oysters, caviar, and Champagne. Breeze and 1970 Banús are located at Cívitas Puerto Banús’ Muelle de Honor.

WW.BANUSBEACH.PUERTO-BANUS.COM

NOMAD WHISKY TRIUMPHS AT THE INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS AWARDS

Nomad and Nomad 10 – two whiskeys that were born in Scotland and aged in Jerez – have been awarded a gold medal at the International Spirits Awards, which are organised by the German specialist, Meininger. Some 550 spirits were tested, and a gold medal was awarded to only 149 bottles. Both Nomad and Nomad 10 are matured in the cellars of González Byass, a prestigious family business that is based in Jerez and famed for its exquisite wines and spirits.

WWW.GONZALEZBYASS.COM

CRAFTING THE PERFECT PRIVATE WINE CELLAR ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM » « BACK TO CONTENTS GOURMET | WINE

The award-winning sommelier and wine communicator Mariano Braga guides wine enthusiasts towards crafting a private wine cellar that echoes their individuality and passion. From embracing personal preferences and celebrating diversity to cherishing historical significance that can also be seen as a great investment, each bottle is a testament to the collector’ s taste.

For any wine enthusiast, the pursuit of assembling a personal wine collection is a gratifying yet intricate journey. The seemingly simple task of selecting bottles with finesse requires a dance between personal preferences, variety, and historical resonance. As we delve into this fine art, we uncover the quintessential elements that compose a noteworthy private wine cellar.

EMBRACING PERSONAL TASTES

The essence of a remarkable wine collection resides in its capacity to mirror the owner's unique preferences. My advice is that the first step toward assembling an exceptional cellar is understanding the individual's wine proclivities. An assessment of favoured regions, grape varieties, and styles serves as the cornerstone of this venture. It is this deep understanding that infuses the collection with character and the narrative of the owner's palate.

DIVERSE AND DELIGHTFUL VARIETY

A well-rounded wine collection should be diverse. While red wines will probably command the stage with their rich and complex notes – comprising around 70 percent of the collection – I suggest a harmonious blend of reds, whites,

roses, and sparkling wines to create a full-bodied ensemble. The inclusion of fortified wines, such as sherries, ports, and madeiras, adds an elegant depth, echoing the importance of balance.

A MATTER OF SIZES

In the world of cellaring wine, you will know that size does matter. The allure of bottles larger than the standard 750ml beckons collectors seeking both rarity and optimal ageing conditions. Magnums and Double Magnums, coveted for their ageing potential, are emblematic of luxury and convivial gatherings. Here you will have to leverage with a great wine dealer with direct contact to those emblematic châteaux from Bordeaux or Bourgogne, négociants or important distributors, to buy specific vintages of these gems. Furthermore, these grand formats are a great investment but also the pièce de résistance for special occasions.

ELEVATING WITH HISTORY

To elevate your private wine cellar, history becomes an invaluable asset. I always underscore the significance of possessing historic vintages: the inaugural harvests of iconic wines or those hailed by accolades. These relics infuse the collection with heritage, and that’s something to be proud of, amplifying the cellar’s value over time. ›

A GLOBAL OVERTURE

I really encourage a blend of local and international wines. The fusion of classic European and Californian wines can harmoniously complement world-class Argentine Malbec, some highend Shiraz from Australia or a Canadian icewine (as, for the intrepid collector, venturing beyond conventional wine regions proves rewarding).

Journeys to off-thebeaten-path vineyards or iconic wineries in distant capitals unveil the hidden gems that embody diversity and surprise. Marbella's cosmopolitan spirit finds resonance in a cellar that

traverses continents, so feel free to explore.

THE ART OF PRESERVATION

As the collection matures, meticulous preservation becomes paramount. That’s the reason why I suggest adopting a digital or handwritten record, crafted with a touch of romance, chronicling the acquisition of each bottle. This catalogue not only safeguards against the untimely opening of a prematurely aged bottle but also fosters a tangible connection to the collection's evolution. Designing the wine cellar's layout is equally

pivotal, allowing effortless access to every bottle while maintaining their tranquil repose.

With this thoughtful counsel, aficionados can curate a collection that reflects their distinctiveness and ardour. From embracing individual preferences and relishing diversity to valuing historical significance and global viticulture, each bottle becomes an opportunity to share a piece of your journey with every guest fortunate enough to raise a glass with you.

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