Located in Carib Playa, just 700 metres from the beach and 10 km from Marbella’s city centre, Pavo Real blends modern luxury with a relaxed lifestyle, ideal for families and holidaymakers alike.
This four-level villa features spacious living areas, including an open-plan kitchen, a bright lounge, a large semi-covered terrace and a swimming pool with ample sunbathing spaces. The upper floor has three bedroom suites with a terrace offering stunning sea views. An elevator shaft connects the basement with the second floor for added convenience.
The lower level adds two more bedrooms and a lounge with a bar. The rooftop features a jacuzzi, perfect for relaxing while enjoying panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
Beachside luxury
Casa Bach.
Classic elegance
Located in the prestigious Sierra Blanca, in the heart of Marbella’s Golden Mile, Casa Bach has character and great potential. The area has 24-hour security, ensuring privacy and convenience just minutes from Marbella centre and Puerto Banús, with top schools nearby.
Set on a double plot with access from two streets, it is classified as UE4 which allows to split the land (minimum plot size 1.000m2) to build one villa on each.
The property has sea views from all levels and includes a main villa with spacious living areas to accommodate large families with ease, and a separate house, currently with an office and gym, but easily convertible into a guests’ villa.
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MÓNIKA BÖJTI essential@essentialmagazine.com
IAIN BLACKWELL, MICHEL CRUZ, ALICIA DUGGAN, SAM HEXTER, ANDREW J LINN, ADAM JACOT DE BOINOD, TOM O’ROURKE, MADDIE QUINN (A. BLACKWELL), JAMES SINCLAIR editorial@essentialmagazine.com
MARIANO JEVA cuentas@essentialmagazine.com
KEVIN HORN www.photographermarbella.com JACKIE STONE, ADRIANA VILLA
MONTERREINA COMUNICACION D.L. MA-512-99
18 individually designed sustainable villas
Vista Lago Residences is located in the 200-hectare country club estate of Real de La Quinta, surrounded by magnificent countryside and bordering a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, just 15 minutes from Marbella.
Each award-winning villa has breathtaking views across the Mediterranean Sea to Gibraltar and the African coastline beyond.
MODERN VILLA WITH SPECTACULAR SEA VIEWS
Perched in the beautiful hills of Benahavís, this modern villa offers breathtaking sea views just 15 minutes from the beach. The villa blends countryside tranquillity with cutting-edge design, featuring spacious living areas, seamless indoor-outdoor flow, and luxurious amenities such as a
and
Los Monteros · Beachfront
UNIQUE AND EXTRAORDINARY DUPLEX PENTHOUSE
A top-floor residence offering an exquisite beachfront living experience, featuring fantastic interior design with luxurious fittings and top-quality materials. Spanning two floors with a spectacular open-plan living area, a terrace with breathtaking sea views, and 4 en-suite bedrooms. On the upper level, the master suite boasts a private terrace and sauna, as well as a rooftop terrace with a Jacuzzi and BBQ area. The exclusive complex offers 24-hour security, indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, and direct beach access.
publisher
IAIN BLACKWELL PUBLISHER
SWEET SEPTEMBER
Welcome to the September edition of essential, released in one of the nicest months of the year in our lovely part of the world, with temperatures easing and the crowds having finally dissipated.
Consider luxuriating in exotic Sri Lanka or exploring the attractions of the Algarve, at only a three-hour drive from Marbella. For a pampering experience par excellence, take time out at the Atrium Palace Thalasso Spa Resort on Rhodes.
We present Villa Elite, a sumptuous property that is so cosseting, you may never want to leave. For interiors that resonate with their surroundings, Zoco Home has established a leading reputation for merging natural materials and
Scandinavian design sophistication. Check out Ferrari’s foray into fashion with their Resort Collection 2025, and feel the adrenalin pumping on board the Maserati MC20 Cielo while it reaches 100km/hr in a mere 2.9 seconds.
Don’t miss our exclusive with Bill Skarsgård talking about his new role in The Crow and other projects. We also feature America’s most famous President, JFK, and Christopher Lance, who is known as The Spanish Pimpernel.
Savour authentic Italian food with flair in a refined ambience at Florentine, meet the METT hotel’s talented Executive Chef, Giannis Toman, and learn about the art and tradition of the forthcoming Wine Harvest.
» GO TO CONTENTS
“Take a deep breath. Inhale peace. Exhale happiness.” A.D. Posey.
VILLA ELITE
Modern, luxury Villa in El Paraiso with unobstructed panoramic sea views
Consider luxuriating in exotic Sri Lanka or exploring the attractions of the Algarve. Take time out to rejuvenate at The Atrium Palace Thalasso Spa in Rhodes. Marvel at the sleek lines and unbridled power of the new Maserati MC20. Catch our exclusive one-on-one with Bill Skarsgård.
« BACK TO CONTENTS
sspotlight
26 Luxury in Southern Sri Lanka
40 The Algarve
54 The Atrium Palace Thalasso Spa Resort
62 Wild Boar Invasions on the Costa del Sol
68 Maserati MC20 Cielo
76 JFK
81 The Spanish Pimpernel
88 Bill Skarsgård
LUXURY IN SOUTHERN SRI LANKA
How magnificent, how humbling and yet uplifting to invite myself into this harmonious triangle of mankind, animal, and nature. Of all the tropical islands I have visited, Sri Lanka surely has the headiest mix of this exoticism. I knew it would be utterly enriching and rewarding.
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY ADAM JACOT DE BOINOD AND FEATURED HOTELS
The Golden beach at Amanwella
Iarrived in the midday heat through a scrum of dutyfree shops bizarrely composed of electrical goods. The dishwashing machines particularly amused me. I was soon to relax at my first hotel, the Wallawwa (www.thewallawwa. com). The island’s capital, Colombo features a number of iconic colonial-era hotels with the charm and romance of a bygone era. This one is 250 years old and now nine years into its renovated state. It has the feel very much of a house rather than a hotel and even calls itself ‘my house near Colombo’. It’s a great hideaway and resting spot being a mere 15-minute drive from the airport. ›
Sri Lankan Diet
The Wallawwa Booutique Hotel
The next morning I set off for Ratnapura, the home of Sri Lankan jewellery, in the search for gems. The island has one of the widest varieties of precious stones with blue sapphires, star sapphires, rubies, garnets, moonstones, aquamarines, and topazes being just a dazzling handful.
In cutting across
the island, I got to recognise the pattern of jungle encroaching on villages that then spilt out onto streets. The neon shop signs of the towns were already familiar to me from other Asian visits as were the locals as they went about their lives, sometimes a whole family to a bicycle.
I had a wonderful drive through stunning,
diverse landscapes. One moment there were hills and jungle, the next paddy fields where strikingly thin and brilliantly white ibis birds pecked at worms and appeared in blissful harmony with their neighbours, the buffalo who even have the distinct word ‘gokuradiya’ for their action, meaning ‘the water in a hole made by its hoof.’
And so onwards and down south I ventured, onto the fishing town of Tangalle and the coast that meets the Indian Ocean, directly beyond which the next land is Antartica.
For along this strip of coast was the new Anantara resort (www.anantara.com). Anantara means ‘without end’ in Sanskrit echoing the hotel’s spirit of freedom, movement, and harmony. As a complex it has been thoroughly thought through. It’s cleverly landscaped and there’s something for everyone. Buggies take you to tennis courts or you can bicycle instead. Lounge chairs are actually fixed into two lengthy infinity pools proferring panoramic views over the ocean. And it’s mercifully mosquito free. Peace haven or ‘piece of heaven?’ It’s certainly pampering and tranquil.
The Amanwella
After a five-minute tuktuk ride I had reached Amanwella (www.aman. com/resorts/amanwella), a meticulously stunning hotel, discretely tucked away in a cove. Amanwella means ‘peace and beach’. It’s a signature Aman hotel enhancing what’s already in the environment with the lines and colours, spaces and angles of the buildings. And it’s got that classy
quality that makes me look for details as I crave aesthetic satisfaction. I found myself stopping in my tracks to appreciate fully the brilliance of the design.
The writer Leonard Woolf described Tangalle with great precision: “The evening air is warm and gentle. An enormous sky meets an enormous sea. The stars blaze in the sky and blaze in the sea … there is no
sound in this melodrama of a tropical night except a faint lapping of the sea, and now and then a shivery stir of palm leaves”. And it’s true that here at Amanwella there is a real paradise.
The golden beach, curving for half a mile in a gentle arc, is flanked by two rocky headlands. The water is certainly crystal clear and the sand is fabulously fine and powdery. ›
Holyrood Palace
An aerial view of Anantara Peace Haven Resort
The Amanwella
VISITESSENTIALMAGA
It may help to tell you that down on the South coast, it’s hot from December to March. In April and May the monsoon rains and stormy seas come, and the scene shifts to the heat of the East coast, around Arugam Bay. Then people move back to the South coast again. In the summer months it can get a little more humid and rainy but there are some beautiful sunsets and the central part of the southern half of the island (known as the ‘tea country’) tends to be cooler than the coastal regions.
On I go, past the famous temple at Dikwella and the large sprawl that is Matara, past the beautiful half-moon bay at Mirissa and the already developed Weligama. Finally up inland to Lake Koggolo
and onto my next hotel, the Kahanda Kanda (www. kahandakanda.com). 15 minutes inland and 5 miles from Galle, this style-conscious hotel looks down from its prominent bluff, a hilltop perch, over a dense 12-acre tea plantation. An entrance of steep steps is punctuated
with glazed brown gourds and then follows along a saffron wall. Most of the movement within the complex is along or across this wall and the colour, along with the abbreviation KK, is the hotel’s slick brand and motif. The long pool runs along the entire length of the villa reflecting the wall as well as the sky. There are lily ponds with male and female statues to provide a cultured ambience. It’s all designed to be reassuringly familiar for a principally British clientele with scattered Country Life magazines in the high-beamed lobby-cum-library. ›
Kahanda Kanda
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I took the most wonderful of all local walks down through a village where I felt all of the island’s innocence and timeless charm. Dogs sit out by day to protect the houses and lie on the road at night to enjoy the tarmac’s warmth. A row of houses awaits the sound of Für Elise that heralds the bread truck or was it for ice cream? A multi-coloured school bus goes by. Schoolgirls in their white uniforms have thick platted hair that descends beyond the top of their legs. A washerwoman by the stream thinks twice about agreeing to be photographed beside her laundry. Elderly ladies parade in pairs beneath their vividcoloured parasols. Old men
stick their legs out at right angles on old colonial bicycles that cause them to adopt staunch, upright postures.
I was next to experience the period charm of a bygone era, at the Amangalla Hotel (www. aman.com/resorts/amangalla). I can strongly recommend the best book I have read about the island, called Elephant Complex by John Gimlette. I learnt that the Hotel was the old officers’ mess, a Dutch colonial building within the ramparts of Galle’s historic fort. Built in 1684, it was later converted into first the Oriental and then the New Oriental Hotel before its current reincarnation. And while clearly the supreme standard of an Aman hotel must have
given the building quite some makeover, I sensed nonetheless its residual authenticity. It’s full of character with triangular stairwells, wonky tiles, and those Portuguese terracotta tiles that I much prefer to the red roofs of the more modern Sri Lankan structures.
As soon as I stepped outside the hotel I felt immersed in the extraordinary colonial outpost that is Galle. It was the lure of the highly profitable trade in spices and gold that had drawn the Europeans. First the Portuguese in the 16th century and then the Dutch and English in the 17th. The name Galle is
Beautiful female Sri Lankan leopard
Amangalla’s pool
VISITESSENTIALMAGA Z I EN ENILNO EROMROF !
attributed to a Portuguese mariner who was first to spot the natural harbour in 1505, when they were blown off course heading for the Maldives. He is said to have seen a cockerel and shouted out from his crow’s nest, “galla buonvista”, Portuguese for “a cockerel, what a beautiful sight”. With fourteen massive bastions, a grid system of streets, and original Dutch
bungalows, it has a different vibe from the Sri Lanka I had come to know and love. Quiet at night and a tourist trap by day for shoppers keen to haggle for gems, as well as find traditional designs such as makara (a mythical animal, lion, swan, elephant, and lotus) along with ritual masks, lacquer ware, batik and handloom textiles, lace, and wood carvings.›
Amangalla Hotel
Just outside the fort I felt compelled to pop in on what for me is one of thirty odd Meccas around the world, namely a Test Cricket ground. Unusually underdeveloped with at least half the ground lacking seats, it still allows for spectators to look on for free from the ramparts above. It’s bang next to the famous fruit market with its yards upon yards of bunches of bananas.
In 1850 there used to be a 45-minute
pigeon post from Galle to Colombo, flying at some 85mph, established by The Observer newspaper. Even with the new motorway it was bound to take me a little longer to reach the capital. Transport has its own challenges even now with the right of way always open to question. So renting a car would not be my suggestion. Tuk-tuks are fun to take and breezy especially on the minor roads. While dishing out advice, I
Lighthouse in Galle fort at beautiful dawn
Sri Lanka tea plantations
stress you just have to respect the midday intensity of the sun and likewise the savage currents of the Indian Ocean.
I was to spend my last night at the lovely boutique hotel called Maniumpathy (www.maniumpathy.com). It’s tucked away in its own little world, off the main road and secure behind a grand façade and porch. It features lattice artwork and has columns lifted to prevent the threat of the monsoon floods. The interior houses an old-fashioned dining room with a lovely long ebony table and a sitting room that is cosy and convivial. Teak, jac, and mahogany are also much in evidence. ›
Maniumpathy Boutique Hotel
Colombo is the executive and judicial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka
I picked up a copy of the Sinhala dictionary, the island’s most spoken language. It has some wonderful vocabulary, especially those alluding to physical characteristics such as ‘kadadat’ meaning to possess only half of your original teeth; ‘khuranásá’ for one having a nose like a horse’s hoof; ‘tivili’ for a person with three dents in his belly
(from fatness), and my favourite ‘miyulesa’ for a woman with the eyes of a deer.
Unlike other popular tropical destinations, Sri Lanka remains relatively untouched and unspoilt. The war is finished, the tsunami is now well past, and the highways now connect the island efficiently. With tourism rates projected to explode over the next few years, now is the perfect time to visit. ‘Ayubowan’ is their word for every form of greeting stretching from ‘good morning’, ‘good afternoon’, ‘good evening’, ‘good night’ to‘good-bye’. Ayubowan!
ADAM JACOT DE BOINOD WORKED ON THE FIRST SERIES OF THE BBC PANEL GAME QI FOR STEPHEN FRY. HE IS A BRITISH AUTHOR HAVING WRITTEN THREE BOOKS ABOUT UNUSUAL WORDS WITH PENGUIN PRESS.
Sri Lankan Cuisine, Rice and Curry
EXPLORE THE OTHER COAST ALGARVE
We live in one of the most famous ‘Costas’ in the world, but there’s another one close by, and it’s every bit as famous, beautiful, and interesting, so why not venture out and discover it?
VISITESSENTIALMAGA
There is a coast under three hours’ drive from Marbella that is similar to our Costa del Sol yet also notably different. Take the highway westwards, past Sotogrande, Gibraltar and Algeciras, head north to Jerez, then up to Seville and you’re less than an hour away from the border. Look left when you cross the bridge over the River Guadiana as you enter Portugal and you will see two white patches were it meets the Atlantic Ocean. They are Ayamonte (on the Spanish side of the river) and Vila Real de Santo Antonio, the first port of call in Portugal. ›
The green woodlands between Silves and Monchique
The iconic Algarve coastline
Well, actually you’ll pass through the quaint village of Castro Marim first, and it’s well worth stopping here for the first of what should be many bicas (espressos), for the coffee is rich and syrupy in Portugal. Castro Marim is small, but you sense its former importance in the pretty houses, churches and squares, not to mention the
mighty castle standing atop the hill looking back on to Spain. It all looks quintessentially Algarvean, which is to say southern Portuguese, and this will be the first but certainly not the last time that you get a sense of how similar and yet also how distinct this region is from Andalucía.
From Castro Marim, it is
a few minutes to Vila Real, a town that borders the river at its mouth, but in its resort area of Monte Gordo also faces the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll find the wonderfully long and soft sandy beaches here that characterise large parts of the 150-kilometre long Algarvean coastline, but don’t miss out on Vila Real itself, with its pretty historic centre ›
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built along the river bank and around a classic main piazza, or praça, as they say here. Vila Real is also home to one of the most elegant boutique hotels in the Algarve, the Grand House Algarve, a beautifully restored classic building overlooking the river. It recaptures the history, wealth, and style of Portugal like few others, and ranks as an authentic experience for those less keen on generic resort hotels.
BEACHES, PINE FORESTS, AND SANDY LAGOONS
The eastern Algarve – the area from the Spanish border to the regional capital Faro – is a world of long sandy beaches, fragrant pine forests, sand bars, and lagoons. The Ria Formosa that extends outwards towards the sea from Faro forms part of a protected nature reserve with wetlands and bird sanctuaries, but the lagoon that runs parallel to the coast near the charming town of Tavira (roughly midway between Vila Real and Faro) is a haven of sand bars, dunes, and secluded little beaches in a coastal world dotted with fishing villages and crisscrossed by boats both modern and traditional. ›
The lagoon is made up a system of canals, sand bars, and beaches
Silves
Joaolpascoa_Photography
Cristiano Ronaldo on vacation in Vilamoura, Algarve, on his yacht
Fishermen still use ancient techniques to catch octopus in these waters and not surprisingly the local villages abound with seafood restaurants overlooking the lagoon. You’ll also spot little yacht harbours and almost hidden beaches that locals like to reserve for themselves, but take a boat ride across the water and you can be dropped off on a sand spit whose soft cream-coloured sand offers
beaches on both the lagoon and sea side. Nearby Tavira is one of the prettiest towns in the Algarve, rich in classic Portuguese architecture, atmosphere, and also cuisine, including such delicacies as cataplana (a seafood stew cooked in a brass pot), bacalhao a bras (a delicious cod dish) and a host of other fish, seafood, and meat dishes that are typically Portuguese and quite distinct from the Spanish
kitchen.
A great place to stay here is Conversas de Alpendre, a wonderful sustainable hotel within a natural setting surrounded by the lagoon, beaches, sea, wetlands, and the fishing villages that dot this area within a short drive of Tavira itself. This eco-retreat is tourism the way it should be – low-key, natural, sustainable, nurturing, relaxing, and in harmony with its natural surroundings. ›
A picture perfect beach in Carvoeiro
GOLF RESORTS, MARINAS AND GOLDEN COVES
Just after Faro the coastline gradually changes into what is the iconic picture of the Algarve – sandy coves surrounded by gold-toned cliffs and an aquamarine sea. This is picture postcard beautiful, one of the signature images of summer holidays under the sun, touched by a soft Atlantic breeze. Three of the most exclusive resorts in the Algarve can be found here, starting with Quinta do Lago, which still inhabits the pine forests and lagoon beaches, yet in neighbouring Vale do Lobo the famous cliffs begin. Both of these luxury resorts are internationally renowned for their golf courses, and the cliffside one in Vale do Lobo ranks among the most photographed in the world. ›
The endless sandy beaches of the eastern Algarve
Tavira is one of the most attractive towns in the region
From here you reach the largest resort in the Algarve, Vilamoura, which extends along a long yacht harbour into a familiar blend of hotels, golf courses, and villa suburbs. Now you’re in the middle of the Algarve, at the heart of a region famous for its golf courses, vacation resorts, and pretty villages dotting the undulating countryside. Head a little further west, amid a succession of resort towns such as Alvor, Lagoa, and Praia da Rocha, and you come to what is perhaps the most charming trilogy
of attractions in the region, all located within a relatively short distance from one another. Together, Carvoeiro, Silves, and Monchique offer a representative picture of the variety of this region within an afternoon excursion, starting with the coastal charm of Carvoeiro, one of the more picturesque of many pretty villages. ›
Built against a golden cliff, the compact white village overlooks its pretty little cove and azure waters in iconic style. It’s a great place to soak up the sun, the atmosphere, and also some of that seaside
cuisine before heading a little inland to the stunning little town of Silves. Possibly the prettiest of them all, Silves is a historic treasure trove surrounded by green hills. The onetime Moorish capital of the Algarve is well preserved and a lovely place to saunter around and grab a snack, but leave time for the drive up through wooded hills to the little spa town of Monchique, beautifully positioned in a parkland setting.
A special place to watch the sun set – at the end of a continent
THE END OF THE WORLD
After such earthly pleasures, the Algarve also has something a little more spiritual to offer, for as you continue westwards the landscape grows wilder, the resorts and golf courses recede and give way to the unbridled power of the sea. Sagres, on the very edge of the continent, is a haven for surfers, nature lovers, and spiritualists alike, with crowds flocking to the beaches and riding the waves by day and watching the sun sink into that endless ocean by evening. They say this is a very special experience, and the perfect way to conclude a visit to that other ‘Costa’.
WWW.CONVERSASDEALPENDRE.COM
WWW.GRANDHOUSEALGARVE.COM
Quintessential Algarve surrounded by wooded hills
The charming historic town of Silves
THE ATRIUM PALACE THALASSO
TripAdvisor has consolidated its reputation as the best traveller review site; the one most vacationers read before selecting their destinations and accommodations. It boasts over eight million listings, fewer than one per cent of which receive one of its most coveted milestones: being considered the Best of the Best in the Luxury sector in Europe. This honour was recently bestowed upon the Atrium Palace Thalasso Spa Resort in Rhodes – an oasis of tranquility ensconced by the turquoise blue of the Mediterranean Sea.
The Atrium Group has three resorts on the island of Rhodes: The Atrium Platinum in the north-western part of the island, the Atrium Prestige in the south-east, and the Atrium Palace, on the eastern side of the island, north of Lindos. It is a family-owned and operated brand that embodies the spirit of genuine Greek hospitality. The company’s motto, ‘Authentic Philoxenia’, encapsulates the virtues of dependability in human connection and heartfelt hospitality. Philoxenia is derived from the ancient Greek words philo (‘friend’) and xenos (‘stranger’). It embraces the philosophy of sharing one’s heart with others and welcoming them into one’s home and culture with unconditional warmth. As such, for the Atrium group, hospitality extends to more than just offering luxurious amenities.
It extends to making every guest feel welcome and cared for.
Although each resort is an entity, they are connected through programmes such as the Premium AllInclusive option, which offers guests the chance to enjoy benefits such as dining in all restaurants or bars within the three resorts and visiting all pools, beaches, and spas.
The Palace is an ideal summer oasis, where travellers can unwind in the tranquil bay of Kalathos Village (some six kilometres in distance from the picturesque village of Lindos and its breathtaking Acropolis and beach). Lindos is a charming village with cobblestone streets, gorgeous craft stores, and a vibrant gastronomic scene. When they’re not out exploring the sites, guests can recharge on the Atrium Palace’s Blue Flag-awarded beach and explore the vast natural beauty on display throughout the island. ›
WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY ATRIUM PALACE THALASSO SPA RESORT
The hotel has six outdoor swimming pools and an indoor heated pool, as well as a Thalasso Spa Centre and Fitness Room. Some of the many activities on offer include tennis, basketball, water sports, volleyball, boat trips, and excursions. There is also a beautifully designed Kids Club, which allows parents to enjoy a little ‘me time’ while their children participate in a host of dedicated activities.
The Palace, like its sisters, has numerous accommodations, with 320 rooms, suites, and villas to choose from. For ultimate luxury, guests can opt for a villa close to the beach with private pools. They can also select from a balcony, terrace, or garden. Guests are
VISITESSENTIALMAGA
welcomed with water, local wine, and fresh fruit in all rooms. Additionally, all accommodations have tea-making facilities and a Nespresso machine.
The choice of food and beverage establishments at the Palace is impressive. It includes Symposium (the all-day main restaurant that serves buffet and à la carte meals), Asterias (featuring Mediterranean gourmet cuisine at lunch and dinner time), Zen (with Asian fusion gourmet food), Mesogeos (a Mediterranean à la carte restaurant serving lunch and dinner), Il Gusto (serving Italian food à la carte), Il Cavaliere (the main bar), and Amphibian (a pool swim-up bar by the main pool). ›
One of the Palace’s undoubted jewels is the Anagenessis Thalasso Spa Centre, with a host of therapeutic treatments featuring pure marine resources and products. It offers a wide array of massages, beauty programmes, and packages, and has a steam room, sauna, and multi-functional seawater pool. Guests can experience full relaxation mode as they rest on hydro massage seats and allow the underwater jets to massage their cares away. The Spa is open from 10:30am to 7pm and the Gym (which is free to use for all guests) can be visited from 6am to 8pm.
When not enjoying the many facilities or lying on the beach, one can visit a host of stunning sites aside from the Acropolis and Lindos. Top choices include Rhodes’ Old Town, Seven Springs (a cool, magical landscape even in the heat of high summer), Kalithea Springs (an ideal place to experience the fascinating way in which nature, architecture, and history have intermingled through the ages), and Butterflies Valley (a unique nature reserve featuring vividly hued butterflies).
If you will be visiting the Palace for the first time, get ready to be pampered, wined and dined, and treated with the hospitality you can expect only from Europe’s best luxury resort. Congratulations to Atrium Hotels & Resorts for winning the most valuable recognition of them all: the people’s vote!
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At the contact point where nature and human civilisation meet there is often potential for conflict and disruption. Usually, it is the natural world that suffers from human intrusion, but every now and again animals ‘invade our space’, as has been the case on the Costa del Sol.
ild boar is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Costa del Sol. In fact, it’s probably the last. First you’ll picture beaches, golf courses, the beautiful gardens of villas, expansive country clubs, and leafy residential streets lined with stylish homes, but believe it or not, you’re increasingly likely to come across Obelix’s favourite meal there, and though these are beautiful, fascinating creatures with every right to share the earth with us, face to face encounters can be something of a shock, and sometimes even dangerous.
The wild boar belongs to the same family that Iberian and mainstream European pigs form part of, but it is wilder and larger. The Mediterranean wild boar can stand almost a metre high, so meeting one in person is a lot like running in to a large dog. Most of the time, they roam around at night looking for food, staying away from people but capable of uprooting gardens – literally – in search of roots, berries, nuts, leaves, bark, insects, worms, reptiles, bird eggs, carrion, and… garbage.
This is where one of the main problems comes into play, for as we push further into natural habitats and come closer to the living environments of wild boar, so the boar become more accustomed to people, pets, and cars, and stop running away when they see us. They prefer to stay within the wooded areas that form their natural habitat, but during those times of year when natural food supplies run low, they venture out into residential areas and feast on the garbage that we leave out.
THE PROBLEM
Besides the destruction of gardens and the spreading around of litter after a ‘garbage meal in the suburbs’, wild
boar have also been known to attack humans and pets when they have piglets with them, and that’s not infrequent, as they breed three times a year, producing an average of eight piglets each time. Yes, they breed profusely, so like rabbits are among the few wild animals that can actually become something of a plague – and that’s what is happening in large parts of Spain right now.
The population of wild boar in areas such as the Costa del Sol has grown to the point where they are becoming a pest, overpopulating their own habitat and spreading out into residential areas, golf courses, and even beaches. This can cause traffic accidents that are potentially lethal to animal and human alike, while overpopulation can lead to
the animals becoming weak and viruses spreading among them, some of which can be transmitted to other animals and to humans.
SOLUTIONS
The traditional solution has been to cull the animals, in other words, go out and shoot the trespassing wild boar, but these days the authorities look for a more lasting solution that will create a better balance between human and animal habitats. “We aim to look past short-term solutions that tend to result in a repeated cycle,” says Scott Marshall, who besides being the Deputy Mayor of Benahavís is also Councillor for Tourism, Foreign Residents, Communication, Local Development and New Technologies. ›
“As we have so much open nature, Benahavís is one of the municipalities most affected by this problem, and we are working with other town halls and regional authorities to come up with a more sophisticated approach that will result in a lasting solution.” Scott explains that individual town halls are quite limited in terms of what they can do about situations such as this, as there is a chain of command that extends from the Junta de Andalucía through the national government to the European Union.
“This means it can take a long time for official policies to be decided upon, as it is a national problem that also involves the spreading of those pretty green but very noisy parakeets, the occasional
invasion of deer into residential areas, as well as the fact that some of the wild boar we see around here are not even indigenous, but belong to the Vietnamese subspecies.” There is a little more leeway in dealing with non-indigenous species, but today’s approach veers away from culling, except when there is no other option.
“Fencing in huge tracts of land is also not feasible, although some urbanisations have resorted to it, but ultimately we are looking to find a balance between human interest and conservation, and since Benahavís is now part of the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, part of that responsibility falls upon us.” Since the problem is caused when the animals forage for food, one of the
main suggestions is to create concentrated feeding areas within their natural habitat, so that they can survive the lean periods (May to October) without the need to plunder our garbage.
“The very last resort will be culling, and that would in any case be a temporary solution, but we’re working with other local authorities and also the owners of large estates within the Benahavís municipality to create areas within natural habitats where there is sufficient food for the animals to survive the difficult months. Human and boar alike need not invade one another’s domains. And if you do come across them, just stay relaxed and keep your distance. Just walk away calmly and the boar will do the same.” e
Wild boar are becoming something of a plague, entering into towns and residential areas
MASERATI MC20 CIELO
A brilliant return to form – Maserati cooks up old Italian passions with a small tweak to its most recent recipe. The MC20 now comes in two flavours, a coupé and a topless variant.
WORDS SAM HEXTER PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MASERATI
For a long time, Maserati has been making some good, if a little under-theradar, sports cars and tourers. Hardly a surprising statement when you’re operating in the shadow of a brand like Ferrari. Think: Quattroporte, GranTurismo, Ghibli. All exciting and capable GT-focused cars, but nothing truly innovative for the marque has landed in quite some time. That’s if you exclude their foray into the SUV market with the quite bonkers Levante V8 Ultima. And so, in an attempt to lure customers away from cars in a slightly different segment of the market, Maserati created the gorgeous MC20 – an allnew, wicked-fast mid-engine
Italian supercar. And this year, they´ve introduced the Cielo (or sky, in Italian) bringing with it the additional theatrics of convertible driving thrills. So, let’s start with the drivetrain. Unlike many Maserati’s of old, which have previously borrowed a hefty amount of running gear from Ferrari thanks to their shared parent company, for the MC20, Maserati has in-sourced all the talent required to derive its very own engine, dubbed Nettuno (or Neptune). The MC20’s Nettuno motor is a 3-litre twinturbo V6, devoid of any hybrid assistance – a needed caveat of our times. The in-house engine produces an impressive 630PS and 730 nm-torque on tap from 3,000 rpm and
above. This makes the mean Maserati sprint from standing to 100km/h in a staggering 2.9 seconds, and capable of reaching a top speed of 325 km/h – which are stats that can really put its nearest rivals on notice. Maserati’s secret sauce for this new Nettuno engine is the pre-chamber combustion technology used, that’s typically found in highlevel Formula One engines. This twin combustion effect pre-empts the traditional spark plug to create more efficient firing. Putting all that power into the road is a snappy eight-speed twinclutch transmission that spins an LSD on the rear axle only; no fancy four-wheel traction systems here. ›
some very clear design cues from the infamous Maserati MC12, a very limited-edition vehicle Maserati produced in exceptionally low numbers between 2004-2005 to meet FIA homologation rules to compete in the GT Championship. And that’s no bad thing, because the MC12 is certainly a stunning point of reference. The car boasts a full carbon-fibre monocoque, giving excellent structural rigidity and contributing towards the impressive 1,565kg dry weight. Even with the new roofline mechanics of the Cielo, the convertible top only adds 65kg over the coupé version.
The car sits wide and low, as you’d expect, but actually
aerodynamics and aggressive thermal management that have become commonplace on many other cars in the supercar segment. The MC20 looks refined and elegant, while maintaining some of the menacing stature the brand is known for, courtesy of the gaping front grille housing the coveted trident emblem. The rear of the car also remains clean yet functional, accommodating a huge lower diffuser and integrated twin exhaust exits. It’s simple, and it all pulls together in an immaculate package.
Both coupé and Cielo variations feature scissor doors that open upwards and twist out. Once you’ve
assumed position in the cabin, the first thing to note is that its vastly improved over the interiors of previous Maserati cars. All of your dials and gauges on the instrument cluster are completely digital, and can be customised to display information at the drivers’ preference. The central infotainment is all digital too, taking centre position on a
large screen. Here, you’ll have full control of all the typical media, convenience functions, and vehicle info. Beneath the screen are some large, tactile dials, responsible for changing driving modes with a range of settings on offer. The MC20 can be tailored for softer, comfortable cruising
and sharpened for more aggressive twists and turns thanks to excellent adaptive suspension. The cabin is home to the expected plethora of carbon fibre, brushed metals, contrasting stitching, and soft leathers, and comes together in a very refined package. This helps the MC20 wear
VISITESSENTIALMAGA
two hats fairly well, blending the expected hair-raising performance of a mid-engine supercar with some convincing GT capabilities. That’s if you can travel light, as the MC20’s cargo space is extremely limited. The frunk only offers up 47 litres of space, and the rear compartment only 101 litres. ›
And then, the Cielo´s party trick, the roof. Thankfully it´s a retractable hardtop that sits horizontally above the engine bay once retracted, meaning the already minor cargo space isn´t compromised further by having to store a roof panel as with some competitors. The roof itself is made of electrochromic glass, which allows it to switch between clear and near-opaque forms at the touch of a button. The folding mechanism is operated electronically from within the central infotainment screen and can be opened at up to 48km/h if you´re already on the move. Taking the roof off of the MC20 adds drama in droves to match
the exhilarating performance, and giving the exhaust note some space to bounce off the quickly passing foreground.
Overall, the MC20 Cielo is a compelling package that brings Maserati back into the picture in a big way – offering something truly unique and innovative. The only potential compromise on this Italian supercar, apart from a rather muted exhaust note, is the price. It’s a car that can compete in its weight class, but with a starting price of around €276.000 before you’ve ticked boxes against the healthy list of configuration options and upgrades, it makes the Lamborghini Huracan look like bit of a bargain. e
WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JOHN F. KENNEDY PRESIDENTIAL
MUSEUM
Why should someone who lived – and died – over 60 years ago continue to be the most famous president the USA has ever had?
The thing about JFK – John Fitzgerald Kennedy – is that he remains a fascinating mystery. There are many reasons for this – being the first US President with Hollywood appeal as well as a decorated war hero, his extramarital affairs (among others with Marilyn Monroe), and of course the liberal policies that unleashed a wave of enthusiasm around the world. Yes, to a whole generation, John F Kennedy was the symbol of hope for a better future.
A PRESIDENT OVERSHADOWED BY HIS DEATH
And yet his life was overshadowed by his violent
death. Why? Because the circumstances surrounding this momentous event that reverberated around the world are so suspect that they have given rise to the most persistent conspiracy theories ever. You could say that the modern conspiracy theory was born when JFK died.
Another thing that died with his assassination was America’s innocence. There was disbelief when word spread that the beloved President had been shot dead, and a generation still remembers where they were the moment the news reached them. In a world of cynicism and disinterest in politics created by decades of disappointing political leaders, it is difficult to understand just how hard a blow this was to hundreds of millions
of people around the world. To many, John F Kennedy was an international symbol of hope of a brighter future, thanks to a whole raft of legislation that he pushed through – such as the famous Civil Rights Act that finally gave black Americans full equality before the law, as well as measures designed to raise the minimum wage, promote equal pay between men and women, reduce taxes, and many more.
In his famous speech before the United Nations on September 12, 1962, Kennedy captured the imagination with an address that envisaged a future built on peace and stability, yet the world took a different course that day in November 1963 when the bullet that hit him changed everything. ›
The fact that perhaps the most popular President in the history of the USA is remembered for his death is not just down to the spectacular and shocking nature of his assassination. It is above all kept alive because the assassination of JFK smells of something very strange to people from across the political spectrum, forming the basis for growing mistrust in the state, as many believe it wasn’t really Lee Harvey Oswald who killed him out of some vague motivation as a lone wolf assassin.
Things got even weirder when, while being led to court, the same Oswald was gunned down on live television by another lone wolf with vague motivations – Jack Ruby, who soon after died of cancer while on retrial. It was all vague, strange and convenient, like many other similar situations before and since, but this one really rooted doubt in the minds of a significant part of the public, in what the media now so derisively calls ‘conspiracy theorists’. Even so, a Gallup Pole from 2013 shows 61% of Americans
believed Kennedy’s murder was the product of a conspiracy, and only 30% thought Oswald was the real killer.
Although the Warren Commission hastily convened by Kennedy’s Vice-President and successor Lyndon B. Johnson found no ‘evidence’ of any conspiracy, a 1979 U.S. House Select Committee on Assassinations felt that the President had been killed by a conspiracy. The Justice Department does not agree and to this day says that Oswald acted alone. ›
If the President of the United States of America was assassinated as a result of a planned conspiracy, then who was behind it? The mob is a possibility, as Kennedy had been putting pressure on the CIA, IRS , and others to go after the Mafia with more gusto, but the suspicion that appears hardest to shake is that the decision and ‘execution’ came from within the system itself.
If this is considered as a real possibility, then by implication the mind also begins to drift to the assassinations of Martin Luther King, JFK’s brother, Robert F Kennedy (Attorney General of the US at the time), and many other incidents, ranging from the moon landings and President Eisenhower’s departing warning about the rise of the ‘Military Industrial Complex’, to JFK’s son’s airplane crash, 9-11,
Covid 19, and many more. We know that the CIA was involved in such conspiracies as The Bay of Pigs Invasion, Operation Condor, the Contras in Nicaragua, etc, so it’s by no means impossible to think that they could have orchestrated something like this.
The question is: why would someone want to do away with JFK, his brother, and Martin Luther King? Were they all killed by lone wolves or were they an annoyance to the powers behind the scenes, the very ones that Eisenhower appeared to be warning us against? It seems reasonable to assume that the one/twoterm Presidents we know are not the all-powerful figures we are led to believe they are – that the lifers within the military complex, the intelligence agencies, and the government bureaucracy outlast them and just get on with business regardless.
If this is true, and the ‘tail wags the dog’, then who really is in charge? Is it the military/ intelligence elite, or is there a financial elite that stands above them, and all else? It is tempting to believe in a small cabal of evil men controlling the world, but the problem is that life tends to be more complicated than that. There always have been conspiracies and complots, always secret and open agendas fought out by the powerful of the world, mobilising the likes of you and me in their battles against other powerful and ruthless groups intent on coming out on top, but to what extent can we believe in the system that surrounds us and to what extent do we live in an illusion?
The most fascinating thing about JFK should have been what he might have achieved, but instead it has become his death. Not just because it provides good material for films and documentaries, but because it gets us thinking and connecting the dots. The fact that we may not necessarily be getting this exercise right doesn’t really do anything to detract from the sensation shared by many that the assassination of John F Kennedy in 1963 was by no means an isolated incident. e
In 1960, British writer C.E. Lucas Phillips published a book about a hero who saved hundreds of people from the deadly grasp of murder squads, encountering all kinds of obstacles and dangers as he took them from Madrid and other locations of the fighting to the ports of Valencia and
THE MAN IN THE CHECK JACKET
Sometimes, reality yields the most amazing stories of all. The case of a mysterious Englishman who saved hundreds of lives during the horrors of the Spanish Civil War is a perfect example of this. Even more amazing is the fact that the deeds of this daredevil hero, who came to be known as The Spanish Pimpernel, would go unnoticed until almost 25 years after the war.
Alicante, from where they could escape by ship.
At first, it was fellow British citizens who he helped to safety, later other foreigners caught up in the melee, but rather than quit while he was ahead, this daredevil carried on, risking life and limb to ferry hundreds of Spaniards to safety. Was he partisan, did he take sides? No,
unlike members of the Foreign Brigade or many a travelling journalist reporting on the war, he stayed clear of the fanaticism that raged on both sides and consumed hundreds of thousands of lives. Christopher Lance would go on to save so many exactly because he didn’t care from which side they were from. ›
WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SAPERE BOOKS
A DISTINGUISHED MILITARY MAN
Born in the dreamy Somerset countryside in 1893, the young man who would later become a largely unsung hero enlisted in King Edward’s Horse Regiment while still 19. By the beginning of the First World War, he had been promoted to Corporal, only to desert shortly afterwards and reenlist with the West Yorkshire Regiment, later making it to the rank of Captain and even earning a D.S.O. – Distinguished Service Order.
FROM BRIDGE BUILDER TO HERO
There was, however, more to Christopher Lance than met the eye. As a civil engineer working for a British construction company in the 1930s, he lived in Madrid with his wife and enjoyed a peaceful expatriate life. When he wasn’t travelling the country overseeing the construction of roads, bridges, and dams, he socialised with colourful foreigners and Spaniards alike. To them he was
a likeable and sociable man with a calm yet friendly demeanour, but it was when the first shots and shells destroyed the peace of 1930s Madrid that they began to find out what he was really made of.
It was 1936, and the Spanish Civil War had erupted with full force. As the conflict spread, the fighting unavoidably touched the city. Unlike many around him, Lance and his wife had no particular affiliation or strongly held opinion about the combatants and their ideologies, but when the terror struck close to home, a natural instinct came to the fore.
At first, Lance assisted fellow Britons caught up in the war to process their documents and find a way out of the mess, which was growing ever more real and dangerous. In this way, he and his wife helped dozens of British families to get away, but when the last ones had departed and it seemed logical that the Lances would be next to leave, the couple refused to go. They felt there was more that could
be done, and began extending their efforts to other foreign expats, assisting Americans, Europeans, and others to escape the hostilities.
NO GOOD SIDE
War brings out the worst in humanity, and the stories of atrocities and killing squads going from building to building, hunting down entire families, and sending them to concentration camps or firing squads became a visible reality before long. People were in danger all around them, so the couple began to organise their efforts on a new scale, risking their lives to get Spanish people out of the city, through routes lined with armed roadblocks. This required crossing battle lines and passing through areas held by both the Falangist Nationalists and the Republicans, now dominated by Communists and Anarchists. In cold reality, there was no ‘good side’, and civilians were being murdered and tortured in the tens of thousands.
Valencia’s harbour was another lifeline for thousands
Thousands fled the war via Alicante’s port
Decked out in his check jacket, Christopher Lance became a legend in wartime Spain, a beacon of hope for fugitives from both sides, and a thorn in the side of both warring factions. His audacity and daring were such that he would risk his own life to save others, and his adventures not only saved the lives of hundreds of people but also led him to meet General Franco and the much-feared leader of the Communists, Dolores Ibárruri, known as ‘La Pasionaría’.
Lance played with danger for so long that eventually it found him and he was arrested by Republican forces and imprisoned on charges of spying and aiding the enemy. He was branded ‘enemy number one’ and sent to a camp where he almost succumbed before being ordered to death before a firing squad. He was little more than hours away from this
fate when a message from the British government saved him. His health had suffered, but the Spanish Pimpernel who had done the impossible to secure the lives of so many returned to Britain.
He and his deeds would remain in obscurity for over 20 years, until a British writer caught hold of this incredible story and published The Spanish Pimpernel in 1960, followed by a Spanish version five years later. Lance gained some of the recognition he more than deserved, but remained a low-key figure right up to his death in 1970. Like the Scarlet Pimpernel, the aristocrat who saved so many people during the French Revolution, the story of the Spanish Pimpernel is something of a Schindler’s List in its own right – and one that should serve as a shining example to all of humanity. e
SPANISH PIMPERNEL IS PUBLISHED BY SAPERE BOOKS AND IS AVAILABLE
Little fishing boats like these took refugees to ships waiting offshore The flat after bombing
An Artist's Journey Through Life, Loss, and Spiritual Awakening
Growing up in Marbella in the early 1970s, my childhood memories are vividly painted with the sight of massive cables crossing the N-340 highway and the swaying cable buckets overhead. Our school bus passed beneath the halted mining rigging that stretched out to sea, a scene dominated by the iconic El Cable tower. This daily commute took us from the bustling town to the quiet mountains behind Elviria, where my educational journey began at the English section of ECOS, the German/Spanish school.
In 1972, my parents, Gerald and Barbara Raven, moved from London to Marbella with my older brother Jason and me, Julian, later welcoming our younger brother Jonathan. My childhood was a blend of English discipline and Spanish charm, as I attended various international schools, each leaving an indelible mark on my artistic development.
The Birth of an Artist
One of my earliest and most cherished memories is sitting on my father's knee in our garden in San Pedro, drawing hot pink bougainvillea with coloured pencils. This artistic inclination, passed down from my grandfather through my mother, ignited during my years at the English International College. After the traumatic loss of my father, math teacher Dr. Mike Sutcliffe discovered my talent as I doodled aimlessly in the library. He placed a crushed can of Coca-Cola in front of me and said, “Draw it.” His belief in me, coupled with the mentorship of American artist and teacher David Bodlak, set me firmly on my artistic path.
Under the bright blue Marbella sky, I realised that I saw the world through an artist's eyes. Lines, colours, shapes, and patterns captivated me far more than numbers. My struggles in math suddenly made sense — I was meant to express myself through art, like Picasso, Monet, and Dali.
Spiritual Awakening and Personal Struggles
My journey as an artist was intertwined with a
quest for meaning and purpose. Unanswered questions about life led to a period of despair, prompting me to leave the prestigious Chelsea School of Art in London. The negative critical environment there was a stark contrast to the nurturing support I had known in Marbella. Returning to Spain, my brothers and I channelled our creativity into opening LOCOS, a hard-rock bar that became a local institution of sorts. Despite our success, I grappled with inner turmoil, resorting to alcohol and drugs to numb my existential confusion. It wasn't until I had a profound spiritual experience, while contemplating nature on Marbella’s mountain, La Concha, with my dog, Cosmos, that I found clarity. In that moment, I discovered the presence of a higher power, the Great Artist behind all creation. Expressing my experience with this presence and its positive effect on me through nature was later to become a driving force in my art as an expressionist painter.
A New Chapter in America
This revelation led me to America, where I met my wife, Gloria. Together, we raised our three children — Johanna, Victoria, and Jeremiah. While building a successful custom furniture business in New York, where I mastered my made-to-order, hand-crafted custom skills, my passion for painting remained. A return to Marbella in 2010 reignited my artistic career, thanks to the encouragement of renowned Puerto Banus gallerist Sam Benady. In 2014, I showcased my spring-inspired wildflower paintings at Sam's Sammer Gallery, and my art began gaining recognition. Back in New York, I converted a large warehouse into my studio, where
my brushless, nature-inspired impressionist, and large abstract expressionist paintings flourished. Selling through Saatchi Art in Los Angeles and securing notable commissions from private individuals, interior designers, and commercial clients, my work found homes with collectors worldwide.
Returning Home
After years of successes and struggles, I returned to Marbella last summer to be with my lifelong art supporter, my dearest mother, during her battle with cancer. Her passing on October 2nd was a profound loss, but it also brought a sense of closure and unexpected new beginnings. My wife Gloria and I decided to stay in Marbella, where I established Raven Art Studio Marbella on Gold Street or Calle Oro 9. Located just past the celebrated Marbella arch, my studio is a vibrant creative space and gallery that is open to the public. Here, I continue to channel my passion and joy into my art, offering Raven originals, custom ordered commissions, photography and sculptures directly to contemporary art aficionados, interior designers, and collectors.
Contact Us
Visit us in the afternoon from 16:00-19:00 hrs., Wednesday through Saturday, or by appointment at info@julianraven.com. Enjoy super easy access and ample free parking as you explore the world of art in Marbella. I look forward to meeting you and helping you find joy and inspiration through the power of art.
Bill Skarsgård, the Swedish actor renowned for some of the horror genre’s most delightfully haunting portrayals, is not only a master of fear on screen but a multi-faceted artist whose life shapes his compelling performances. Yet, beyond the film set, there is a softer side at play.
BILL SKARSGÅRD
BEHIND THE MASK
It 2017 - Pennywise
He’s a scholar, firstly – fluent in Swedish, English, Norwegian, and German. And as with most creatives, music plays a huge part in his life too. He likes classic rock and alternative genres, with bands like Radiohead featuring heavily on his playlists.
His musical tastes reflect a preference for thoughtful, somewhat eclectic sounds, something that counterbalances and aligns with an often intense and introspective screen presence – hence the soundtrack to Hemlock Grove being one of his favourites.
The father of one finds solace in nature, indulging in outdoor pursuits such
as hiking. “I love how it makes me feel – the cool breeze flowing through my luscious blonde locks,” he notes, breaking into laughter.
“Getting away from the city and breathing in that amazing fresh air is wonderful. It’s an incredible way to brighten up my mood. The fantastic trails in Sweden are my favourite and walking is my ‘go to’ exercise.” ›
The Crow 2024
There are acting dynasties, then there are acting dynasties, and while Bill Skarsgård would much rather his career sat on its own merits rather than swaying alongside the achievements of brothers Alexander, Gustaf, Valter, and Sam, plus sister Eija, not to mention father Stellan and mother My, the reality is the 33-year-old Swede cannot escape the inescapable.
“Luckily they are all people I like,” he jokes. “I think we will always be intrinsically linked, like all families should, although it does always feel like a very public family, if that makes sense.”
Asked whether having such
deep associations with his blood relatives becomes an annoyance, he quips back. “They follow me around in everyday conversation. The consolation is that I follow them around too!”
It’s an upbeat start from someone who has made a name across the horror, gothic, and fantasy genres. And, following the intense action of Boy Kills World , it’s fitting then to see him return to those staples in 2024.
First up is a reimagining of 1994 film and 1989 limited comic book, The Crow. In it he assumes the lead character, Eric Draven, a musician who has been revived from the dead to take vengeance upon
those who murdered both him and his fiancée.
Just like he did with Pennywise, Skarsgård has chosen to play the role in his own way and take it in a new direction, instead of mimicking the excellent performance given by the sadly departed Brandon Lee, who died on the set of the original film.
After that, Skarsgård is appearing as Count Orlok in the Robert Eggers update of the legendary gothic horror Nosferatu , due out on Christmas Day 2024 with a stellar supporting cast of Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Willem Dafoe. ›
The aforementioned dancing clown, Pennywise will be terrorising the citizens of Maine again in the IT prequel, Welcome to Derry, which is slated for 2025 on HBO. Most of the actors from the two recent films will be reassuming their roles, as well as Skarsgård, of course. ›
YOU’RE STARRING IN A REIMAGINING OF THE CROW. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THAT?
“Yeah, sure. It was exciting when I got the call to do it, yet I couldn’t help but feel a little daunted by the prospect of taking on the role of the character played so brilliantly by Brandon Lee – who tragically died on the set of that film in the 1990s.
It’s directed by Rupert Sanders who had a completely new take on the story and that was something which made me feel a lot better about doing it, because if you’re ever going to do something that has been done so well previously, it can put a lot of pressure on you. So, I’m glad it’s a fresh take and that Rupert has allowed me to play the role in my own way, without having to try and follow Brandon’s brilliant performance.
It’s the appearance of Brandon in the original movie that made me feel so warm to that. He was excellent and just so visually impressive and having played one or two characters where make-up and visual effects were high on my list of attributes – obviously for Pennywise and Nosferatu –that attracted me to this role, as well.”
WITH YOU SAYING THAT YOU FEEL DAUNTED BY TAKING ON THE ROLE OF ERIC IN THE CROW, HAVE THERE BEEN ANY OTHER PARTS YOU’VE PLAYED THAT MADE YOU FEEL PRESSURED?
“I would say that if I don’t feel a sense of pressure or that I’m going to be challenged by taking a part in any film, then I have to question why I would be choosing to do it in the first place.
I always want to be challenged by anything I’m doing or I’m just playing a parody of myself and what’s the point in that? Because that’s not acting, it’s just me being myself and, quite frankly, who wants to see that?!
I would say that playing Count Orlock in Nosferatu was a very interesting experience because I was shown the
moulds of the character, and I was getting a little anxious as they didn’t look a lot like me.
It made me think that I might not be able to get into the right mindset of the role and therefore, my performance wouldn’t be anywhere near where I wanted it to be or, more importantly, that it needed to be for the movie to be a success.
However, thankfully, it all worked out and I felt really comfortable in the role, and I feel I performed that part really well. Unless anyone else says otherwise [laughs]. I mean, come on… How rude?!”
WHAT DO YOU PREFER, PLAYING A CHARACTER IN PROSTHETICS AND MAKE-UP OR WITHOUT AND JUST ACTING NORMALLY?
“What I would say is that although I do like doing it, when you’re in a role which is largely CGI – just like I was for the Marvel film Eternals – it can feel something verging on the ridiculous.
Usually, you only have a picture or illustrated image of the character which you’re looking to be doing the voiceover for and you’re working opposite someone like Angelina Jolie – like I was –and you’re doing the voice of a ›
“I ALWAYS WANT TO BE CHALLENGED BY ANYTHING I’M DOING OR I’M JUST PLAYING A PARODY OF MYSELF AND WHAT’S THE POINT IN THAT? BECAUSE THAT’S NOT ACTING, IT’S JUST ME BEING MYSELF AND, QUITE FRANKLY, WHO WANTS TO SEE THAT?!”
character who looks like Kro does, who is seven feet tall. It can feel bizarre. However, ever the professional that I am [laughs], I do it to the best of my ability and power through it.
When you’re playing someone like Pennywise, that’s much easier because you can assume the character due to being able to feel it. They’re both roles where you have
to use imagination, but it’s much easier when you can see a reflection of yourself in costume.
I loved the role of Pennywise and I am very aware of it being the character that most people identify me with – though, with the greatest of respect, I don’t want it to define my career. I do like playing straight roles without any CGI or make-up and I have actually done those!”
FAMOUSLY, YOU SEEM TO EXHIBIT A LOVE/ HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE INDUSTRY. WOULD YOU AGREE WITH THAT?
“Definitely. I think it’s like most things –even the things you love you will become tired of and need a break from.
And I do love this world; it is just a world that, very quickly, can become very frustrating. I know that’s what you sign up for when you invest in it, and rely on it, in fact, but that doesn’t mean to say there aren’t periods when you just want to remove yourself from it totally, and I guess I do feel like that quite often.
I’m never going to be one of those actors who wants to produce three or four films a year. The sheer thought of that I would find quite paralysing, I think. I would expect all the creative energy to drain out of me very quickly.”
THAT FEELS LIKE A SKARSGARD THING – LESS IS MORE…?
“Less is always more, in any walk of life. You can always go too far, too hard, too soon, and the outcome is never anything good.” ›
The Crow 2024
IS IT THEN A CASE OF PICKING THE BIG PROJECTS CAREFULLY?
“I’m not obsessed with the big projects and in reality, I don’t think many actors are… not the ones who really care about their reputation and the image.
I know there are those people out there and sometimes it may feel like an addiction… to always want to be active and to always want to be involved in the cut and thrust of the industry; and for some I don’t think that’s a constant desire to be
busy or to be earning money.
I know lots of people in the industry who are simply just afraid to turn work down –it’s a classic actor insecurity whereby you worry that if you start to do that you will get a reputation for being picky, and that’s not a good thing, as an actor.
Yet the other side is that you don’t want to over-present yourself in every situation and every setting. I feel I have it about right, and honestly, I just don’t have the energy to do it any other way, anyway.
I feel I have a family acting
legacy that protects me from the fear that many have.”
FOR SOMEONE WHO ONLY REALLY HAD A BREAKTHROUGH SOME SEVEN OR EIGHT YEARS AGO, YOU SEEM TO HAVE CULTIVATED A REPUTATION THAT’S VERY STRONG…
“That’s kind of you to say so. I think reputation is a fragile thing anyway so I will take that compliment with a pinch of salt, as you might say.
Of course, I am proud of my reputation for the type of cinema I produce, but it’s not something I want to assume will always be there. You always have to work not just to further what you have, but to protect it too.”
DO YOU SEE YOURSELF MOVING OUTSIDE OF THE HORROR AND HEAVY DRAMA GENRES YOU HAVE INHABITED?
“At some point, yes, but I’m not sure I’ll be doing a romcom anytime soon, if that’s what you mean!” e
See how advances in AI are enhancing robotics to aid humans rather than replace them. Check out what’s trending in Spain and further afield. Preview great viewing options coming your way this month on the big and small screens, as well as new book releases.
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COMPILED BY IAIN BLACKWELL
THE RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION
Scheduled to launch in September, Ilma is the latest addition to the RitzCarlton Yacht Collection following the company’s debut in the ultraluxury yacht sector with Evrima in 2022. Standing at 241 metres, Ilma offers one of the highest space ratios at sea, with 244 sophisticated residential suites, all with private terraces, and two new superior suites comprising over 93 square metres of indoor and outdoor space.
WWW.RITZ-CARLTON.COM
PAGANI UTOPIA ROADSTER
Designed with meticulous attention to detail, the new V12 Pagani Utopia Roadster offers the choice between an open and closed driving experience, while uncompromisingly maintaining the performance and agility of the Utopia Coupé. Each Roadster is unique thanks to the wide range of customisation options available, making it possible to create a car that epitomises the personalty of its owner.
WWW.PAGANI.COM
SCHWEPPES AND INÉS DOMECQ
Designer Inés Domecq presented the IQ Collection x Schweppes, a capsule collection made up of three looks inspired by the versatility of Schweppes® and its experiental platform, Perfect Moments, highlighting special occasions of enjoyment and hedonism. The outfits combine a timeless look with a delicate attitude, focused on exceptional fabrics, impeccable details, and precise tailoring.
WWW.THEIQCOLLECTION.COM
ES FUM NEW TASTING MENU
Es Fum, the gastronomic treasure of the St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort Hotel, consolidated as a leading gourmet destination on the island, has presented its new tasting menu, Recorrido, a unique haute cuisine experience inspired by the evolution of life. Acclaimed chef, Miguel Navarro, has opted for a selection of 12 dishes that propose a wonderful journey through flavours, textures, and aromas.
VALENTINA RIVERA TOTE BAG
Return to the office or studies in style with this all-terrain bag from the vegan brand, Valentina Rivera Madrid, large enough to store everything from a purse to a laptop. Camila is a multipurpose tote bag in grained vegan leather, characterised by an elegant embossed monogram motif. It is available in five different colours and contains seven pockets, with two fixed handles, a removable shoulder strap and cross body strap.
AMONTILLADO 1975 VINTAGE BY GONZÁLEZ BYASS
Amontillado vintage 1975 has been named Best Liquor Wine in the Spanish Food Awards and has been awarded 99 points in the Peñin Guide. There are only 2,235 bottles of this delicate sherry, made with grapes from the 1975 harvest, having rested for years in the stillness of the winery, impervious to the passage of time. In the mouth, this balanced Vintage Amontillado is long and complex.
Paolo Castelli flagship showroom in Marbella now open, by Blackshaw.
Avda. Cánovas del Castillo, 25 Marbella (29601)
ROOFTOP POOL WITH A VIEW
Located on the coveted Jumeirah Beach coastline, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi boasts striking glass architecture with unobstructed views of the sun-drenched Arabian Gulf. At 31 storeys high, guests can access the WET Deck rooftop with a luxurious infinity pool to admire Dubai’s famous skyline. Catch the vibrant sunset while savouring a delicious cocktail from the contemporary rooftop lounge, Attiko.
WWW.MARRIOTT.COM
THE AMAZFIT ACTIVE SMARTWATCH
The Amazfit Active is a super stylish and highly functional smartwatch with advanced fitness features. It can track more than 120 sports, seven of which it automatically recognises, including walking, running, swimming, and cycling. It is water resistant (5 ATM), has market-leading GPS, and a battery life of up to two weeks (up to 30 days in battery saving mode). In addition, with the Amazfit Active, you can train specifically.
WWW.AMAZFIT.COM
Secure Your Own Mineral Water Well
A rare opportunity to aquire high quality mineral water in Central Europe, locked away safely in the depth of the Earth, readily accessible for large scale production.
An exclusive investment opportunity in the form of premium quality mineral water, both for businesses and individuals, through the purchase of a project share, in completely safe legal environment.
Hungary, alongside Germany, are among the first countries to offer mineral water wells to investors.
Situated in the heart of Europe, Hungary boasts a seemingly inexhaustible water supply, pristine groundwater, and a remarkable 159 certified mineral waters, owing to its location in the Carpathian Basin. As a true mineral water superpower, Hungary is poised to emerge as a significant player in the global water market in the near future.
This form of investment can be made swiftly and without specialised expertise, as meticulously selected wells with premium water quality and exceptionally high water yields are essentially turnkey, always accompanied by the necessary permits, certifications, and technical specifications. The end user typically establishes a mineral water or soft drink bottling plant.
With over 25 years of presence in the Hungarian market as a project developer and intermediary, our company solely focuses on large-scale, premium-quality mineral wells, primarily catering to financial and professional investors. Investing in high-quality mineral water wells not only presents a unique and invaluable opportunity but also holds the potential for long-term, stable wealth creation.
BY MARISA CUTILLAS
HOT NEW MOVIES
SPEAK NO EVIL
» Director: James Watkins (McMafia)
» Genre: Thriller
» Cast: James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Aisling Franciosi
When an American family is invited to spend a weekend at the idyllic country estate of a charming family they met on vacation, their dream holiday turns into a diabolical psychological nightmare. They quickly decide that they’d rather be home, but their demented hosts are not ready to let them leave. Speak No Evil is a remake of a 2022 Danish film of the same name.
BEETLEJUICE
» Director: Tim Burton (Edward Scissorhands)
» Genre: Comedy
» Cast: Michael Keaton, Jenna Ortega, Winona Ryder Beetlejuice is back! After an unexpected family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return to Winter River. Lydia’s life, still haunted by Beetlejuice, takes a turn for the worse when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, accidentally opens a portal to the Netherworld. When someone says Beetlejuice’s name three times, the mischievous demon gleefully returns, ready to unleash his characteristic mayhem.
WOLFS
» Director: John Watts (SpiderMan: Far from Home)
» Genre: Thriller
» Cast: Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Amy Ryan
George Clooney plays a professional fixer hired to cover up a high-profile crime. However, when a second fixer (Brad Pitt) is assigned to the same job, the two ‘lone wolves’ are forced to work together, and their assignment spirals out of control in ways neither of them expected. Things get complicated even further when they meet a young man involved with drugs.
TRANSFORMERS ONE
» Director: Josh Cooley (Toy Story 5)
» Genre: Action
» Voices: Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jon Hamm
This is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, sworn enemies who were once the closest of friends. They were the visionaries who changed the fate of the planet Cybertron forever. The film, set on Cybertron, centres on the history of the Transformers race, delving into how these gigantic bots learned to transform themselves and adapt to their new powers.
THE PRESENT
» Director: Christian Ditter (How to Be Single)
» Genre: Fantasy
» Cast: Isla Fisher, Greg Kinnear, Ryan Guzman
Taylor, the youngest child in the family, discovers that he can manipulate time using an extravagant wall clock he inherited from his grandfather. With the help of his siblings, he repeatedly returns to the day their parents announced their separation, hoping to change the family’s fate. As their plotting becomes increasingly elaborate, they discover the nature of family bonds and how to focus on things they can control. e
COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS
HOT NEW SERIES
AGATHA ALL ALONG S1 (DISNEY+)
» Creator: Jac Schaeffer (WandaVision)
» Genre: Fantasy
» Cast: Kathryn Hahn, Joe Locke, Sasheer Zamata
Kathryn Hahn reprises her role as Agatha Harkness, the powerful witch from WandaVision. The series picks up after WandaVision leaves off, with Agatha trapped in the little town of Westview, New Jersey. She escapes with the help of a goth teen who is willing to face a series of trials and tribulations on the iconic Witches’ Road. Devoid of her magical powers, Agatha and her new friend form a new coven of witches to surpass their hardships.
THE PERFECT COUPLE
S1 (NETFLIX)
» Creator: Jenna Lamia (Awkward)
» Genre: Mystery
» Cast: Eve Hewson, Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Billy Howle
The Perfect Couple follows Celeste Otis, a young woman who is about to marry into a wealthy family, much to the dismay of the family matriarch (played by Nicole Kidman). When a body is discovered on the beach on the morning of the jet-set wedding of the year, everyone at the party becomes a suspect.
TWILIGHT OF THE GODS S1 (NETFLIX)
» Creator: Zack Snyder (Dawn of the Dead), Eric Carrasco (Supergirl), Jay Oliva (Wonder Woman)
» Genre: Adult Animation
» Voices: Sylvia Hoeks, Stuart Martin, Pilou Asbæk
In this highly awaited animated series inspired by Norse Mythology, Leif, a mortal king, is saved on the battlefield by an iron-hearted warrior called Sigrid, with whom he falls madly in love. On their wedding night, Leif and Sigrid survive a dramatic incident that sets them on a relentless mission for vengeance, against the odds. The heroic story of love and loss takes the brave warriors across fantastic lands, fierce battlefields, and countless wars against gods and demons.
THE PENGUIN S1 (HBO MAX)
» Creator: Lauren LeFranc (Impulse)
» Genre: Crime Drama
» Cast: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz
Colin Farrell plays the legendary Batman character, Oswald ‘Oz’ Cobblepot (Penguin) – a disfigured former chief lieutenant of a deceased crime boss who is ready to become Gotham’s most powerful criminal. The storyline is similar to that found in the comic series, Batman: No Man’s Land, which saw powerful villains vie for control of the city. Farrell has stated that the series is “incredibly violent” and “really heavy,” describing Penguin’s journey as “one man’s rise to what he’s always dreamed of inhabiting, which is a certain power or social status.”
NOBODY WANTS THIS S1 (NETFLIX)
» Creator: Erin Foster (Barely Famous)
» Genre: Comedy
» Cast: Kristen Bell, Adam Brody, Justine Lupe
Joanne and Noah are an unexpected duo. She’s an outspoken, agnostic woman. He’s an unconventional rabbi. Nobody Wants This charts their unlikely relationship, showing that ideological differences matter little when the love between two people is strong. The series creator, Erin Foster, said, “This show is based on the only good decision I ever made: falling for a nice Jewish boy. But I realised that being happy is way harder than being miserable… so I created this show based on all the ways that finding the right person can be so hard.” e
READING
WE SOLVE MURDERS BY RICHARD OSMAN
Solving murders is a family business for the Wheelers. Retired Steve Wheeler enjoys a quiet life with his pub quizzes, favourite bench, and his cat. Though he occasionally takes on investigations, his adventurous days are behind him. His daughter-in-law, Amy Wheeler, thrives on adrenaline as a private security agent. While protecting bestselling author Rosie D’Antonio on a remote island, Amy encounters a dead body and a bag of money, signalling trouble. She calls on Steve, the only person she trusts, for help. Together, they embark on a thrilling global race, trying to outrun and outsmart a killer. Can Amy and Steve solve the mystery and catch the murderer?
THE WOMEN BEHIND THE DOOR BY
RODDY DOYLE
Booker-Prize winner Roddy Doyle returns to his iconic character, Paula Spencer, from The Woman Who Walked into Doors. At sixty-six, Paula, a mother, grandmother, widow, and survivor, is finally enjoying her life. She has a job at a dry cleaner, a relationship with Joe, and friends who appreciate her. Her four grown children, each with their own lives, bring the kind of everyday dramas Paula once dreamed of. However, her past resurfaces when her eldest daughter, Nicola, unexpectedly arrives. Nicola, seemingly successful and happy, reveals a crisis that compels her to confide in Paula. Over a few days, mother and daughter share stories and revelations, confronting their intertwined lives. The Women Behind the Door is a delicate yet devastating exploration of shame and its lasting impact on families.
FRANKIE BY GRAHAM NORTON
Frankie Howe, an elderly woman, lives in a small flat filled with art, furniture, and memories. Her young carer, Damian, listens as she recounts her life story, which delves into the vibrant world of aspiring New York artists and writers on the verge of fame. Despite always being on the periphery, Frankie’s outsider perspective allows her unique insights and subtle influence. Her journey from post-war Ireland to 1960s New York, via London, reveals a life shaped by unplanned choices and unexpected turns. Frankie learns that life often diverges from our hopes and the expectations of others. This immersive, decade-spanning novel explores love, bravery, and the essence of living a meaningful life.
GABRIEL’S MOON BY WILLIAM BOYD
In his most exhilarating novel yet, William Boyd, one of Britain’s greatest storytellers, takes the reader on a journey from the lively streets of 1960s London to the sunny cobbles of Cádiz and the icy squares of Warsaw. Gabriel Dax, haunted by dreams of his childhood home in flames, travels as an acclaimed writer during the Cold War. Offered a chance to interview a key political figure, he unwittingly steps into a world of espionage and betrayal. Gabriel becomes ensnared by Faith Green, a cunning MI6 handler, and reluctantly becomes her spy. As he navigates the perils and passions of his covert life, he discovers revelations closer to home that will alter his story forever.
THE HIDDEN GIRL
BY LUCINDA RILEY
The Hidden Girl spans two generations, from the ghettos of Europe during the Second World War to the elite enclaves of New York’s Fifth Avenue. It traces Leah Thompson’s rise from humble beginnings in rural Yorkshire to modelling stardom. Her life is shaped by the powerful Delancey family, whose secrets lead to unfulfilled ambitions, forbidden love, revenge, and murder, climaxing in a forgotten prophecy. This novel, initially published as Hidden Beauty by Lucinda Edmonds, has been rewritten and reimagined by her son, Harry Whittaker, for Lucinda Riley fans worldwide. It is a novel of ambition, secrecy, and the haunting legacy of the past. e
KG TECH CHANGING THE FACE OF REMOTE WORK
Robotics and artificial intelligence have had a tremendous impact on many industries. There are over 3.4 million industrial robots in the world today, and industrial companies plan to invest 25 per cent of their capital in industrial automation over the next five years. The media often portrays these technologies as disruptors of human employment, potentially taking over millions of jobs. What if, however, there were machines that could work alongside humans instead of replacing them, performing actions
controlled by humans remotely? It’s all possible thanks to technologies such as those developed by Kent Gilson of KG Tech.
Kent is a lifelong entrepreneur and inventor. By the age of 12, he had built his first computer from a kit and taught himself how to programme his own video games. By 17, he had designed his first computer and was working on his third company – which officially went public shortly after Kent turned 18. Fast-forward 40 years, eight companies, multiple groundbreaking technologies (including parallel supercomputers,
Kent at work
Marisa Cutillas interviews Kent Gilson, the developer of (among other things) a 7+ axis robotic arm called Ultradex, which is already revolutionising work and creating safer, more productive settings for human workers.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF KG TECH
digital recording studios, and 3D-printed precision robotics) and we come to the present incarnation: 3D-printed AIpowered robots building other robots.
Kent prefers to call his creations ‘surrogates’. “We are trying to steer away from the term ‘robots’ because it implies that they are programmed, autonomous, and unfriendly. We are rebranding our actuators as surrogates, primarily because they are controlled by humans. Human flexibility, dexterity, decision-making ability, and integrity are all protected remotely because our system involves an interaction between the human controller and the surrogate machine. We call this the new face of remote work.”
Interestingly, the surrogates come in a box. “You open the box and they crawl out; they have batteries and are ready to perform your chosen tasks.”
KG Tech’s aim isn’t to take
human jobs, but rather, to empower humans to work safely and comfortably, regardless of their location. Through a computer screen, they can ask their surrogate to perform an array of tasks – everything from pulling muffins out of a hot oven to working on farms or assembly lines. “Currently, millions of jobs remain unfulfilled because there aren’t enough humans able or willing to carry them out – for instance, because they are too dangerous, laborious, or menial.”
Humans simply weren’t made for some tasks – those that are unsafe, difficult, or excessively repetitive. “Take the case of the Foxconn Technology Group factory in southern China, which assembles iPhones and iPads,” Kent says. In 2010, Foxconn installed nets at many of its factories, to stop workers jumping off roofs. The company has since made efforts to improve workers’ conditions but,
interestingly, the jobs of most of these employees involve working on an assembly line.
KG Tech’s surrogates are essentially applying for those jobs; the ones that nobody wants to or should be performing.
What, then, do these surrogates look like, and what are their capabilities? Meet the 3D-printed Ultradex – KG Tech’s latest 7+ axis robotic arm. This machine sports a set of industrial features while costing a fraction of what other robots do, making automation accessible in a whole new frontier of applications. This is all thanks to an exciting leap forward in encoder technology, developed by KG Tech. The FPGA supercomputer onboard the robot delivers 0.8-1.6 million points of precision (CPR) to each of the robot’s joints, allowing extremely imprecise parts to produce ultra-precise movement. ›
“HUMAN FLEXIBILITY, DEXTERITY, DECISION-MAKING ABILITY, AND INTEGRITY ARE ALL PROTECTED REMOTELY BECAUSE OUR SYSTEM INVOLVES AN INTERACTION BETWEEN THE HUMAN CONTROLLER AND THE SURROGATE MACHINE. WE CALL THIS THE NEW FACE OF REMOTE WORK”
This same encoder technology grants two disruptive features: motors no longer need to be placed inside of joints and their resolution is high enough to measure deflections in otherwise ridged components, allowing them to double as precise torque sensors. This drastically reduces the power and structural rigidity required of traditional industrial robots, as the heavy motors and gearboxes are no longer being lifted but now act as a counterweight. The HDI can be mounted on desktops and plugged into standard wall outlets, giving easy integration into a vast array of environments. The robotic arm weighs just six kilograms and its base, shoulder, elbow, and two wrists can move 360º. Its third wrist can move an infinite number of degrees.
Surrogates can make
anything that is normally manufactured in a factory and build practically any type of durable goods. One interesting application of this technology is in high-end watchmaking. “Tourbillons are incredibly difficult for human beings to assemble because their components are so tiny. Surrogates could assemble tourbillons in a fraction of the time.” The effect of this technology on industries such as these will be immense. For one, the exclusivity of highend watchmaking could soon become a thing of the past.
The company is also working on AI technology, since AI can learn by ‘observing’ human motions and behaviour, eventually performing tedious, dangerous, or menial tasks directly.
Once again, this indicates there may soon be big shifts
in employment, particularly in industries such as manufacturing.
KG Tech is doing more than matching surrogates to jobs that humans can control from their computer screens. It is also enabling everyday people to own a piece of these technologies by buying into ‘Microfactories’. “These Microfactories have 3D printers that fabricate parts. We send computer-assisted design (CAD) data to these printers. Once the parts are printed in 3D, the surrogate can use these parts to build new machines.” Kent sees the current distribution of wealth (which “removes the masses from the economy”) as our biggest problem. “Entire governments are based on who owns the means of production. Our tools empower human beings to
participate in AI and automation economy so that everybody benefits.”
KG Tech has strict social and sustainability goals. “We are working on creating finance models to bring this means of production to everyday people. Surrogates can help put people in charge of their own economies, since they can buy Microfactories or form part of a cooperative that controls one. We also foresee entirely new jobs emerging – for instance, people could work as trainers, teaching others how to instruct surrogates to perform specialised tasks.”
Sustainability, meanwhile, is afforded by recycling materials and pieces. “Around 90% of the materials we use to make surrogates are recycled plastics. Once we are done with a surrogate, we break it down and turn it into pellets, then use it for our next series of surrogates.”
Without a doubt, robotics and AI are already shaking up a wide array of industries. “Currently, $7 trillion worth of economic opportunities are lost because of a lack of labour. Our technology can provide surrogates to fill current market opportunities, but it can also offer millions of people a chance to buy into a more prosperous, financially independent future.”
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT NAOMI HESSELING ON (+1) 702 444 6874 (USA) (+31) 614. 3728 45 (NL) NAOMICONSULTANTS1209@GMAIL.COM
Villa Elite is a stunning example of a sumptuous home you may never want to leave. Soothe your senses with natural interiors by Zoco Home. Experience luxury skin care with Clé de Peau Beauté, and elevate your style with Ferrari’s 2025 Resort Collection.
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134 Villa Elite
178 Animal-Centred Internet « BACK TO CONTENTS
Zoco Home 162 Ferrari Resort Collection 2025
172 Clé de Peau Beauté 174 Soothe Your Stomach
VILLA ELITE A PLACE IN EL PARAÍSO
Up in the higher part of El Paraíso is a superb modern villa overlooking a classic Marbella scene: golf course, hills, verdant gardens and of course, the Mediterranean Sea.
Villa Elite is a unique place in El Paraíso, perfectly located to offer the ultimate Marbella lifestyle. A superb design project, it breathes Marbella refinement and lifestyle possibilities. Situated in one of the most emblematic suburbs in the greater Marbella, Estepona, Benahavís area is a stylish modern villa that offers all the comfort and amenities you could wish for in a modern home. Close to golf, beaches, countryside and also just minutes from Marbella, Puerto Banús, San Pedro, Benahavís, and Estepona, it has first class credentials as a contender for ‘best location’. From here, you can access everything, but the true value and charm of this property is actually just being at home. ›
Villa Elite is a conveniently located haven of peace in a beautifully scenic setting that overlooks its surroundings all the way to Gibraltar and North Africa – the ideal spot from which to enjoy the trappings of a 21st century home. The
villa features four levels, each dedicated to an element of lifestyle. A stunning stone entrance door opens up to the ground floor, an open-plan living space that flows from the entrance, kitchen, and dining area to the living room, and on
to the terrace with its zones just made for the Marbella way of life. An English patio distributes natural light and fresh air throughout this part of the home, with an authentic olive tree as a visual feature and Zen element at its heart.
Here you will find a panoramic environment with a choice of areas including a sunbathing deck, infinity pool, lounging, dining, and outdoor kitchen area. Villa Elite is designed and created for enjoyment and has the capacity to offer an entire family what it needs and desires ›
It is above all a lifestyle orientated home, with a lush green lawn that extends from the pool deck to further lounging and sunbathing areas. This continues on the top floor, where more chill-out and socialising areas await, amid spectacular views. Just picture yourself surveying it all from the rooftop Jacuzzi, a glass of wine in hand.
The first floor is a private domain dedicated to three independent bedroom suites and dominated by stunning handmade walk-in closet
areas and separate dressing rooms, as well as his and her bathrooms. Here again, this level is endowed with large panoramic terraces and fitted with made-to-measure blackout curtains to provide optimal peace and privacy.
The lower level of the villa, meanwhile, houses some truly exciting surprises, including a four-way gallery garage with two automatic turning platforms for the convenient entrance and exit of your prized vehicles.
The four interior parking
spaces come alongside another ten parking places outside, while the basement floor additionally features three independent suites designed as autonomous accommodation for guests and/or staff. This floor also offers a home entertainment area with games room and private cinema with a very special design and top of the range viewing experience with special motorised Moovia chaise longue chairs. How about enjoying your own discotheque, designed to
replicate the look and feel of a real-life nightclub, complete with bar, dance floor, seating areas, DJ booth, large screen, and of course state of the art sound system?
Imagine the parties and memories to be made in this house, which also features elegant lounge areas, an office/ study and the perfect space for kids to have fun in. How do get around the four levels? By the beautiful staircase or the convenient lift of course, as this is a property in which fine quality materials come together with technology, as seen in the CCTV and security system, ›
home entertainment, and Domotics with Palladiom keypads, which is second to none. Solar panels and highly efficient energy consumption mean Villa Elite achieves a high level of energy efficiency and is a good example of the drive towards sustainable building, while also being easy and economical to maintain. The high-tech elements can be found ‘under the skin’, alongside such practical conveniences as a professional laundry
and state-of-the-art machine room that acts as a control centre for the home’s electronic infrastructure. Lighting by Illusion sets the mood, and it can range from soft and cosy to practical, elegant, and just right for a party. The hanging lamp designed especially for the triple height gallery of Villa Elite by the Marbella company is a particular highlight, a good example of the fine workmanship that can be found throughout. Another high-tech solution
is the smart window lighting system by Italian firm CoeLux, which uses nanotechnology to artificially reproduce the natural light of the sky in what would otherwise be a dark space.
A gym and dance/ballet room further complete the picture in a house that offers so much in terms of entertainment and lifestyle options. Few homes can claim to be as much fun, and stylish with it, providing the canvas for what is literally a world of opportunities. ›
ANDREA BÖCK
COMFORT AND STYLE BY ROCHE BOBOIS
The furnishing and interior styling of Villa Elite features the designer style and immaculate quality of Roche Bobois, one of the most revered furniture brands in the world, and it is a perfect match, as the French marque known for its exquisite craftsmanship and avant-garde styling comes with a sense of happy exuberance, showcasing that style and decorative beauty can also be fun. The hardwearing Roche Bobois sofas, chairs, tables, and other design elements in the house are as practical as they are eyecatching and add the finishing touch to a villa that stands out in the crowd.
Villa Elite impresses and excites from the moment you enter through the branded gates, leaving a lasting memory and desire to return when you leave. This is a property you want to keep coming back to and enjoy again and again. The quality of the marble, wood, furnishing, technology, and amenities
will impress, the views and proportions will delight, and you will be left with the idea that this is what a modern Marbella villa should be like – stylish, comfortable, and overloaded with possibilities.
Here, in the foothills of the Sierra Bermeja, you’ll enjoy life under the sun with 360-degree views of El Paraíso’s golf course, the sea, and of course La Concha Mountain in the distance. You feel on top of the world – it’s a setting made for relishing life
THE PROPERTY IS FOR SALE WITH MELROSE PROPERTIES
TEL: (+34) 952 802 912
MOB: (+34) 667 337 330
EMAIL: SALES@MELROSE-PROPRETIES.COM
WWW.VILLAELITE.INFO
BoConcept
BoConcept
AND MORE
S. DALI, P. PICASSO, J. MIRO, K. APPEL,
A collection of quality made-to-measure and specially designed furnishings
ZOCO HOME
CREATING THE NATURAL LOOK
There are trends and there are classics. The first is highly in favour for a while, then fades; the second remains evergreen in its elegance and appeal. There are different ways of creating a timeless style, and Zoco Home has perfected the natural way.
WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ZOCO HOME
A dramatic setting for socialising, relaxing and enjoying special moments
It takes conviction to follow a clear yet distinct path when others head in the opposite direction. Zoco Home was founded from a passion for comfortable living surrounded by natural materials such as quality wood, stone, marble, iron, ratan, and fabrics. What’s more, the philosophy behind the store and the collection of furnishings that has become its calling card is all about creating a comfortable, elegant living environment that is in harmony both with its natural and cultural environment. “Living in this part of the world, with its gorgeous sunlight, views, nature, and its rich cultural and architectural heritage, it seems wrong to not be inspired by it when we design and create collections,” says Johanna Weckstrom, founder of Zoco Home. ›
Where many of the very modern, minimalist styles can truly impress the eye yet have a distinctly generic look and feel about them that sometimes seems a little out of place, here the interior and exterior decors created by the Zoco Home Interior Design Studio feel right at home in the Spanish surroundings. “Though some of the inspiration comes from other, compatible places such as Morocco, Ibiza, and Mexico, much of the visual references that go into the design and materials of the furniture and decorative pieces naturally come from our own surroundings here in southern Spain, so it’s perhaps not surprising that they fit so well in local homes.”
This is true of more rustic properties but also of very modern ones, as the undeniable touch of Scandinavian design sophistication ensures
that the offering of Zoco Home is always fresh and up-to- date as well. “It combines very well with avant-garde elements in a modern home, and often accentuates the Marbella lifestyle and Andalusian feeling that comes in through all those large windows and their views.” This creates a harmony between house and setting, home life, and the surrounding lifestyle and culture that gives décors by Zoco Home such a fluidly appealing look and feel. Intuitively, it just seems right. ›
SHOP AND DESIGN PROJECTS
Zoco Home is both a shop – in Mijas and Marbella –where you can come and select individual furniture pieces such as sofas, chairs, chaises longue, tables, dining sets, cupboards, lamps, carpets, beds, and more, including outdoor furniture. “We complete this collection with smaller decorative items, and can help you to blend it together or also flow in with
other design styles,” says Johanna, who also provides entire made-to-measure kitchens in the now iconic Zoco Home style.
Most of the items on display are designed and made specifically by Zoco Home itself, which means that they are created to fit around your property, not the other way around. “This is especially true of our interior design projects, which in themselves have expanded
into entire renovation and construction projects. It’s a field we have become increasingly specialised in, and now we also include micro cement building, which adds so much to the range of practical and design possibilities, as well as fitting our boho design style like a glove. It just adds the finishing touch that transforms a home from nice but a little generic to something full of its own character and style.”
Zoco Home creates bespoke kitchens in a variety of styles and flexible configurations
Refinement and style with a welcoming charm to it
and
Johanna and her team pay a lot of attention to the selection of materials, taking their time to choose the right types of wood, fabrics, and other natural building blocks for the interior and exterior pieces they create. “One thing that stands out about Zoco Home furnishing is the natural feel and the quality, and this has formed the building block around which we approach interior design and renovation projects, and seek to create special ambiences that capture the outdoor, sun-filled lifestyle of this region.”
FROM MARBELLA AND TARIFA TO BEYOND
The range and scope of such projects keeps growing, and has long since expanded from the Costa del Sol to include other parts of Spain, Europe, and further afield. “It is gratifying to see that our interpretation of Mediterranean styles with a contemporary Scandinavian touch is catching the eye in places such as Greece, Ibiza, Mallorca, Miami, Jordan, and parts of southern France and Italy, exactly where much of our inspiration has come from,” says Johanna. “We’re being asked to decorate and
renovate homes in such evocative settings, but our core ‘home’ area remains the Costa del Sol, and its lovely neighbour, the Costa de la Luz, where Zoco Home styles and the local setting come together in a way that is just dreamy.”
Elegance
sophistication in the heart of Tarifa’s historic centre
Casa Padre is a stunning remake of an historic old Tarifa house, spanning three floors with a rooftop terrace, right in the heart of the old town. It embodies the same spirit of being at one with the natural elements, creating a relaxed, harmonious, ‘chilled out’ setting that reflects its cultural location and views. “The building is in the midst of old town Tarifa, directly overlooking a wonderfully ‘organic’ church that is the opposite of sterile. We took all of this in, breathed in the salty air of the nearby sea, and felt Tarifa absorb us. Then we thought ‘I’ve got it’ and set to work.
The picture was clear. We designed and renovated according to this mental image and the result is Casa Padre, a restoration project I’m very pleased with and which we believe truly embodies what Tarifa is all about.” ›
“We’re being asked to decorate and renovate homes in such evocative settings, but our core ‘home’ area remains the Costa del Sol, and its lovely neighbour, the Costa de la Luz, where Zoco Home styles and the local setting come together in a way that is just dreamy”
Juxtaposing different elements to great effect
The result is a comfortable, stylish, practical and very special property whose true sophistication comes exactly from the fact that it interacts so well with the rustic chic of its surroundings. “It works so well together, adds a sense of drama to the terrace environment and the views, and if it’s impressive by day it’s completely evocative at night,” says Johanna, whose ability to conjure up ambiences of this kind and dress them with specially designed furniture collections is what sets Zoco Home apart. ›
An elegant flow of spaces that catch the sunlight
A stylish living space that blends in with its surroundings
Zoco Home creates entire home renovation projects
Are you dreaming of transforming your space into a haven of beauty and comfort? Look no further than Zoco Home, where exquisite pieces and expert guidance come together to create unforgettable interiors. Get free Interior Design Service with Zoco Home Interior Design Studio and start your project today.
ZOCO HOME MARBELLA N340, KM 175, C.C RIMESA, MARBELLA (PUERTO BANÚS) TEL: (+34) 630 323 309 INFO@ZOCOHOME.COM
ZOCO HOME MIJAS CTRA. DE MIJAS 3.6KM, MIJAS TEL: (+34) 635 546 360 INFO@ZOCOHOME.COM WWW.ZOCOHOME.COM
CASA PADRE WWW.CASAPADRETARIFA.COM
FERRARI RESORT COLLECTION 2025
Famous for its elite sports cars, Ferrari has now ventured into luxury fashion with its first ever Resort Collection! Rocco Iannone, Creative Director proudly details the three-year evolution that reflects seven seasons of customer feedback, seamlessly integrated with the brand's cutting-edge vision. The garments feature innovative Q-Cycle™ yarn made from recycled tires, highlighting Ferrari’s push for sustainability. The collection extends the brand's palette beyond its signature red to include ecru, navy, and sage, and mixes high-tech materials with classic designs, like driving shoes and leather joggers, all infused with Ferrari’s racing heritage. This is more than fashion; it's a lifestyle statement, embracing both luxury and responsibility.
CLÉ DE PEAU BEAUTÉ AN ICON IN LUXURY SKINCARE
WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS
Clé de Peau Beauté was founded in Japan in 1982 with the ambitious aim of forging new frontiers in advanced skin cell science. Based upon decades of research and boasting a sophisticated combination of cutting-edge technology, the brand has unlocked the power of skin intelligence – the skin’s innate capacity to distinguish between good and bad stimuli to maintain its innate harmony. The brand epitomises luxury in every aspect, from its masterfully crafted formulations to its highly sensorial experiences and stunning packaging. Below are just a few of its many powerful, effective products.
1 – CORRECTING CREAM VEIL
A universal skincare primer that instantly diffuses dullness and blurs skin’s imperfections while protecting it from damaging aggressors.
2 – INTENSIVE FORTIFYING CREAM
A brightening, firming cream that protects skin against the daily damage caused by UV rays.
3 – THE LUMINIZING FACE ENHANCER
Inspired by the brilliance of the precious opal, this beautiful powder captivates 360-degree radiance.
4 – THE SERUM
Created with a potent blend of red, yellow, and green kelp – which are known for their lightabsorbing properties – this serum activates
skin’s regenerative powers so it evolves in radiance, day by day.
5 – CONCENTRATED BRIGHTENING EYE SERUM
A powerful illuminator that effectively reduces darkness and dullness in the under-eye area.
6 – BEAUTÉ LA CRÈME
A sumptuous cream that delivers a potent ingredient cocktail that nourishes and contains CeraFerment Extract, a rare bio ingredient that helps improve skin’s natural renewal mechanisms. WWW.CLEDEPEAU-BEAUTE.COM
WORDS TOM O’ROURKE
SOOTHE YOUR STOMACH
According to data from Google Trends, searches for ‘stomach health’ have increased substantially over the last five years.
An unhealthy gut can contribute to several health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and even anxiety. Increasing stomach-healthy foods into your diet can be a
great way to combat a wide range of health problems.
However, are you confused about which foods to eat to improve your gut health? Well, health experts at superfood supplement store Human Tonik have revealed five foods that can contribute to a healthier stomach.
1. GINGER
Ginger is a superfood that has many surprising health benefits. It can help with congestion, reduce heartburn, and even promote weight loss. However, ginger can also be used to provide relief for an upset stomach and other digestive issues and support a healthy gut.
Gingerol, a natural compound found in fresh ginger, is packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help restore gut balance. Ginger also helps promote digestion, meaning food doesn’t linger around in your gut for an extended period.
There are plenty of ways to include ginger in your diet. Add chopped ginger to your tea or hot water in the mornings. You can also blend it into a smoothie. If you’d rather take supplements, ginger capsules can be taken daily to improve gut health.
2. BANANAS
Bananas are another food that can contribute to improved gut health. Bananas contain a fibre called inulin, a substance that stimulates the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Inulin is a prebiotic that can help develop a microbiome and provide fuel for good bacteria to live in your gut. Eating inulinrich foods can help your bacteria
perform activities that keep your gut healthy.
Bananas are also a rich source of fructooligosaccharides, which act as a probiotic and promote the growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract, which ultimately helps with digestion.
The carbohydrates in bananas are easily broken down. The fruit is gentle enough to be eaten if you are suffering from stomach ailments, and it restores lost electrolytes back into the body. Eating one or two bananas a day can seriously improve gut health.
3. YOGURT
Yogurt is probably the first food you think of when it comes to healing your stomach. Rich in probiotics, which are live microorganisms that keep the gut microbiome healthy, yogurt can help with issues such as bloating.
Having a proper balance of bacteria in your gut improves digestion and can block dangerous organisms that can cause infections, and boosts your immune system. Foodstuffs such as yogurt can also help your body absorb vital nutrients from food.
However, not all yogurt is live with probiotics, so be sure to read the label and search for
ones that contain live bacteria. High-protein yogurt with minimal sugar is the best.
4. LENTILS
Lentils are a versatile food rich in nutrients such as iron, B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, as well as resistant starches, which are good for gut health.
Resistant starches are carbohydrates that do not break down into sugar and are not absorbed by the small intestine. They pass through most of the digestive system unchanged, usually fermenting in the colon. They then decrease the pH level in the colon to help create an environment where beneficial bacteria thrive.
There are many ways to include lentils in your diet. You can add them to your soup, pasta, and salads. You can also bake them with chicken or fish in the oven or simply serve them as a side dish. ›
5. ALMONDS
Almonds are high in fibre, which can increase the production of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that promotes gut health. Eating a handful of almonds a day can positively affect our overall stomach health.
Butyrate is produced by gut bacteria and supports digestive health. It promotes the growth of villi, microscopic extrusions that line the intestines, and enhances the production of mucin, a gel-like substance that coats the inside of the gut and keeps it healthy.
However, it should also be noted that almonds are high in fat, so while a handful of almonds a day is recommended for gut health, be sure only to eat them in moderation. Adding almonds to your breakfast smoothies or yogurt is a great way to get them into your diet.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF AN UNHEALTHY GUT
If you regularly experience any of these symptoms, you could try adding some gut-healthy foods to your diet.
» Upset stomach this could
include gas, bloating, and even heartburn
» Unexplained weight changes – gaining or losing weight. An imbalanced gut can make it difficult for your body to regulate blood sugar and store fat
» Fatigue Poor stomach health can cause broken sleep cycles, which may cause extreme tiredness
» Skin issues Poor gut health can contribute to eczema, psoriasis, acne, and other skin conditions
FURTHER INFORMATION: HUMANTONIK.COM
HOW THE INTERNET CAN MAKE THE
WORLD A BETTER PLACE FOR ANIMALS
In May this year, a fascinating study by researchers at the University of Glasgow was published which showed that parrots prefer live video calls to recorded video messages. The findings are paving the way for the establishment of an online world for animals since, as its lead author, Dr. Dr Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas told Sky News, the Internet has “a great deal of potential for giving animals agency to
interact with each other in new ways.” Online interaction can help reduce the stress that living in domestic situations causes birds. They are highly social animals who spend hours in the wild interacting with other members of their species. When confined indoors, they can develop self-harming behaviours like featherplucking or constant pacing.
In the study, the scientists observed the online social behaviour of nine parrots.
WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS
They created a profile for each bird featuring its photo and gave a tablet to their owners for Facebook Messenger calls. The parrots were trained to ring a bell when they felt like interacting with their online friends. Over a six-month period, the birds were given access to 12 video sessions, six of which comprised live calls with their friends and the other six of which consisted of prerecorded footage of their bird friends.
The results show that parrots chose to spend approximately 560 minutes on live calls, but to view only 142 minutes of prerecorded video. The researchers concluded that birds have the intelligence to react to the complex challenges of digital tablet communication. They also found that during calls, birds often displayed the same behaviours they do in the wild. This contrasts with the way they behaved when they simply watched pre-recorded video files of their friends.
This study isn’t the only one to recognise the potential of the Internet for animal welfare. A leading group of computer scientists and cognitive biologists are currently working to make Internet tools accessible to the rest of the animal kingdom via a project called Interspecies Internet. Specifically, the scientists hope to give intelligent animals such as dolphins, great apes, elephants, and magpies the chance to communicate with each other and with human beings via the Internet.
The project is centred around the use of artificial intelligence to crack the code of animal language and bridge the current gap between humans and animals. Peter Gabriel, the
famed musician who gave us Shock the Monkey and Simply Irresistible, is involved in the project. He told IEEE Spectrum, “We can use data analysis and technology tools to give nonhumans considerably more choice and control.”
Some 18 years ago, Gabriel visited two bonobos in an Atlanta research centre, and all three enjoyed a lively music jamming session. He was shocked at their exquisite timing and sense of melody. The musician then teamed up with Internet protocol co-inventor Vint Cerf, cognitive psychologist Diana Reiss, and IoT stalwart Neil Gernshenfeld to embark on the Interspecies Internet project.
Over the past six years, a dedicated team has focused on two species: dolphins and chimpanzees. Currently, Reiss and renowned biophysicist Marcelo Magnasco have developed a D-pad (a touchpad for dolphins), which dolphins use to play a host of games (including one called Whack-aFlash). In the UK, Alison Cronin (Director of the ape rescue centre, Monkey World) and Gabriel are working on using FaceTime with chimpanzees.
The biggest challenge lies in developing efficient interactive systems for numerous animals.
Scientists have taken the first necessary steps to achieve this goal. They are accomplishing important milestones in the natural language processing of the vocalisation of animals like whales, primates, and other animals.
Another challenge with AI software is verification and validation. AI can create interpretations of a sperm whale’s clicks, but how do we know its interpretation is correct? In the case of apes, primatologist, Sue SavageRumbaugh believes that expertly trained bonobos who have grown up in a mixed ape/human environment could serve as bilingual interpreters, translating the language of people into ape speak and vice-versa.
Many high-profile individuals have taken an interest in the project, including private equity specialist, Jeremy Coller, who is passionate about animal welfare and has donated significant amounts to this enterprise. He hopes that one day, the Interspecies Internet will allow cows, pigs, and a myriad of other animals to speak their minds. He poignantly says, “If I can have a chat with a cow, maybe I can have more compassion for it.” e
Discover an enclave of peace, privacy, modern style, and comfort with Vilas 12, designed for the Golden Mile of the 21st Century. Catch up on local business news and check out some of the recent important events and fundraising galas.
eenterprise
VILAS 12 GOLDEN MILE
The Golden Mile is a concept of luxury living, considered to be the ultimate address in Marbella, which for many is the most prestigious address in the Mediterranean. Within it, you’ll find an enclave of peace, privacy, modern style, and comfort, designed for the Golden Mile of the 21st century.
WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF NCH DALLIMORE MARBELLA
Life at the top – of the Golden Mile
The rooftop entertainment area
Like all top locations, especially those right by the sea, the best spots on Marbella’s Golden Mile were taken long ago, when the area first started to develop. In fact, there is little virgin land left in one of the finest addresses in all of Spain, such has been its appeal over the years. Modern properties and a very private setting are therefore distictly rare in such a hotly desired location, not to mention at strolling distance from the sea, but amazingly it does exist – in the form of Vilas 12.
A MODERN OASIS
Vilas 12 is exactly what you wouldn’t expect to find at the heart of the Golden Mile – a modern oasis of peace, privacy, and refinement. You also wouldn’t expect to find space, but that is exactly what pervades the 12 modern villas that make up this superbly styled private enclave. Stand before the gate and more details will catch your eye as it silently glides open and reveals a large, impressive entrance in immaculate style. From the font and detailing of the backlit signs, to the pavement, the landscaping, detail makes the difference.
Vilas 12 is an architectural collection of contemporary villas designed with minimalist opulence and space. It has been created to offer a special sense of living, whether you drive down to the four-car underground garage that each property enjoys or enter your home from the front door. Observe the details that distinguish it and you realise this is a different living proposition, with superlative modern 21st century homes created with a touch of midcentury inspiration. Indeed, these are modern classics at the heart of the Golden Mile. ›
Rooftop pleasures
VILLA 9
Inspired modern architecture meets you at the entrance to Villa 9, amid patios and water features that set the tone as the stunning front door opens up to views of the sea. They reach you across the manicured lawns and pool area of the complex and through the private terrace and open-plan living area that is one of the villa’s many outstanding features. In fact, it looks like it’s just jumped off the pages of Architectural Digest, complete with beautifully styled details such as a subtle brown-copper toned lift that links the four levels of the home.
Storage space is hidden behind wooden panelling, and the guest bathroom is an experience in design. The living room, dining area and state-of-the art Gaggenau kitchen open up to both a spacious covered terrace with its own lounge, dining and chill-out areas as well as a modern interpretation of the classic patio feature. Open up the sliding doors, which fold into the walls, and you have one superb indoor-outdoor living space where fresh sea breezes obviate the need for air conditioning, in combination with an impressive double-height ceiling. ›
VISITESSENTIALMAGA
DESIGN AND LIFESTYLE
Design and lifestyle are two elements that stand out with this beautiful home, which offers the choice of lift or elegantly lit stairs up to the two bedroom suites and the inspiring master bedroom on the first floor. The latter looks straight across the lawns and pool area to the sea, flanked by a gorgeously styled and finished bathroom and dressing room that continue to entice with sea views. Again, every little detail is considered and finished to the finest level, from taps to leather-bound wardrobes and shoe shelving that extracts odours.
“It’s a simply stunning home, with off the scale style and technology,” says Diana Dallimore, founder and CEO of NCH Dallimore. “We’re very excited to offer Villa 9 to our buyers, as it represents a fresh new standard of luxury in these
parts. A new interpretation of luxury and style in a classic Marbella setting.” She takes us up to the rooftop from which the views seem to magnify. From every angle, be it the sunbathing or lounge areas, the covered kitchen and dining area or the spectacularly panoramic splash pool, sea and sky form the backdrop.
FOR CONNOISSEURS OF THE FINER
THINGS IN LIFE
“This is an ultimate lifestyle home, for people who appreciate excellent design and the finer things in life. It is not so much a family home as a place to put down your suitcases and begin to enjoy the Marbella way of life to the very fullest, as everything is here, every detail thought of.” The interior design and furnishing reflect Pedro Peña at its very best, with
pieces that are as unique as they are beautiful, next-level kitchen and bathroom, and a lower floor that connects with the private four-car garage and offers a potential fourth bedroom suite or gym, a professional laundry room, and a stylish study or entertainment area.
“We’re delighted to be representing such a wonderful property,” says Diana, whose enthusiasm and knowledge is typical of an award-winning agency that has a reputation for personal attention to detail and meticulous preparation. “We recognise and love stand-out quality when we see it, and see our own passion and love for beautiful homes reflected in Vilas 12."
It’s a unique opportunity to enjoy this iconic location within a modern, very private stylish enclave of peace and privacy. In truth, a gem!
TEL: (+34) 951 502 010
INFO@DALLIMOREMARBELLA.COM
WWW.VILAS-12.COM
WWW.DALLIMOREMARBELLA.COM
The NCH Dallimore team
A master suite that feels like the height of style and refinement
bbusiness news
COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS
Cogitari Homes and Homerun Brokers Present Pinares Hills
Malaga-based developer, Cogitari Homes, and Marbella real estate agency, Homerun Brokers, have joined forces to launch the luxurious real estate project Pinares Hills, located in Pinares de San Antón, Málaga. Pinares Hills is a luxury residential community comprising 13 contemporary villas. Each is designed to integrate with nature, minimising visual impact and offering a space where comfort and elegance prevail. The project preserves native species and prioritises sustainable materials and green roofs, integrating the villas into the landscape. The first villa is expected to be ready by June 2025. This initial phase, which consists of six villas, will be available for off-plan purchase starting at €2.4 million.
Versace Home Dresses Up Luxury Villas by RGZ Developers
Italian fashion house, Versace and real estate firm, RGZ Developers have signed an agreement to support a Marbella real estate project that is centred on the promotion and sale of exclusive villas in Nueva Andalucía. These high-end homes will feature exclusive, unique design work by Versace and will start at a selling price of over €10 million. Versace will take charge of all the interior design and furniture.
Ascari Race Circuit Being Renovated by Jamena
DOM3 associate, Jamena Construcciones, is currently undertaking the renovation work for the private circuit, Ascari, in Ronda. The project, designed by Pastor Vázquez Arquitectos, further elevates the standards of the already exclusive venue, underscoring Ascari's commitment to excellence and innovation. Jamena, a company with a long history in urban development, building, refurbishment, restoration, and rehabilitation of buildings of significant historical or heritage value, is widely recognised for its dedication and expertise in constructing luxury detached homes in Marbella, Madrid, and Barcelona. The Ascari project covers three key areas: the long-term vehicle storage and workshop area (paddock), another service building of the circuit's inner road (pitlane), and an existing building primarily intended for offices.
WWW.JAMENA.COM
Puerto Sotogrande Joins Marinas de Andalucía
The Association of Marinas and Tourist Ports of Andalucía, Marinas de Andalucía, has a brand-new member, Puerto Sotogrande, located in San Roque, Cádiz. Some 18 marinas and yacht clubs are now part of this professional collective, which comprises more than 9,000 berths along the Andalusian coastline, from Huelva to Almería. Puerto Sotogrande combines size, beauty, and quality. It boasts high-quality services and amenities, as well as numerous navigable canals, luxury residences, a hotel, designer shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
Zengo by Richard Sandoval Comes to Marbella
Renowned chef, Richard Sandoval, whose RSH hospitality group operates 60 locations across four continents, has opened Zengo restaurant at the Hard Rock Hotel Marbella. ‘Zengo’, which means ‘to give and receive’ in Japanese, offers a perfect fusion of Asian and Latin cuisine and has a distinctive, personal cocktail bar serving six signature cocktails. It is the first Zengo in Spain and the third in the world after those in Doha and Dubai. The menu ranges from Nikkeiinspired sushi and sashimi to curries, grilled entrées, and wok dishes, made with ingredients sourced from the best zero-kilometre producers on the Coast. Highlights include the lobster maki, Nasi Goreng wok, and Beef-Udon Noodle (featuring bok choy, spring onion, and furikake).
WWW.ZENGOMARBELLA.COM
Fuerte Group Obtains efr Certification
The Fuerte Hotel Group, known for its deep commitment to sustainability, is pleased to have been awarded the efr Certification by Másfamilia. This award attests to the group’s excellent treatment of its staff. The General Director of the Fuerte Group, José Luque García, stated, “Our staff is the nucleus of our organisation. We have undertaken different actions to improve their well-being and conserve their talent, offering them initiatives such as health insurance at a reduced cost, the payment of their childcare and the purchase of schoolbooks for their children, and a well-being programme to protect their mental health. We have also taken over 30 measures to improve work ergonomics.”
WWW.FUERTE-GROUP.COM
UAX Mare Nostrum Aims to Transform Málaga into a Technological Nucleus
The UAX Mare Nostrum campus, home to Alfonso X El Sabio University, recently opened its doors and announced plans to foster talent in highdemand sectors like health and sports, business and technology, and art and design. “We firmly believe in quality education. The needs of innovative businesses will be vital for the sustainable development of our region and the success of our students,” said Jesús Núñez, President and Founder of the University. UAX seeks to boost economic activity in Málaga and Andalucía by providing students with the knowledge they need to form part of a nucleus of technological innovation.
WWW.UAX.COM
Pan-Asian Beach Paradise
New Paediatric Ophthalmology Unit at the Vithas Xanit International Hospital
Vithas Xanit International Hospital has integrated a new unit into its ophthalmology services, dedicated specifically to the care of newborns and children under 14 years old. The unit offers services for the diagnosis and treatment of numerous conditions, including refractive errors, strabismus, hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism, among others. “We also treat conditions related to the tear ducts, corneal issues, and retinal problems, and we will progressively expand the services offered by our unit,” explains Dr. Angel Cilveti, head of the ophthalmology department. Between 18 and 20 per cent of the paediatric population has undiagnosed eye conditions, and up to 77 per cent of families are unaware that their children have visual anomalies, indicating the necessity of early eye checks.
WWW.VITHAS.ES
Fundación Olivares Holds a Fundraising Gala
The Fundación Olivares, which is dedicated to supporting the families of children with cancer, held a fundraising gala at Hacienda Nadales. The event was attended by over 300 people, who enjoyed a cocktail reception and delicious dinner organised by ESCA Catering. The list of participants who helped make the evening special included the Costa del Sol Bartenders Association, Cervezas Victoria, Jamonería Isa Bruno, and Chacinas Manuel Castillo. Pianist Carolina, in collaboration with ELCAMM Contemporary Music Centre of Málaga, provided a special musical touch. Numerous companies and individuals attended the event, including Fundación La Caixa, Caixabank, Banco Mediolanum, Metro Málaga, RGB, Maireles Abogados Asociados, Hospital Quirón Málaga, Bodegas Quitapenas, and more.
WWW.FUNDACIONOLIVARES.ORG
Martínez de Septién
Real Club El Candado Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary
Real Club El Candado recently celebrated its 60th anniversary at an elegant gala event at Club de Golf El Candado, attended by 400 people. The Club was founded by a group of Malagueño promoters and businesspersons who decided to create an urbanisation and, further down the line, a Social Club in El Candado. Its current President, Manuel Calderón de Bonis, gave a speech, recalling its rich trajectory. The Club has organised numerous exciting events, including regattas, tennis and padel tournaments, and golf competitions.
WWW.CLUBELCANDADO.COM
The Agency Publishes Its New Market Report
The premium real estate market on the Costa del Sol is in better shape than ever, with off-plan sales, rapid sell-outs upon construction, and rising prices. The Agency Marbella – The Belleside Team has prepared the report ‘New Real Estate Developments in Marbella: Comprehensive Analysis and Perspectives’, which analyses some of the best developments and real estate projects underway from Sotogrande to Málaga, through Casares, Estepona, Benahavís, Marbella, and Ojén. The 20 real estate developments analysed in this report total more than €3.2 billion in value and as a whole, the premium real estate market is in excellent health.
WWW.BELLESIDE.COM
New Openings at McArthurGlen
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Málaga is now home to five new designer stores: Ferragamo, G-Star, Ben & Jerry’s, Havaianas, and Hoff. This brings its total store count to 91. If you haven’t been to McArthurGlen yet, consider a visit. Measuring over 17,000m², it is home to a host of luxury stores, selling mostly fashion and footwear. It also offers a variety of food and beverage establishments, including Starbucks and Five Guys.
WWW.MCARTHURGLEN.COM
Casino Marbella Welcomes Over 1,000 Guests Daily
The Casino Marbella has welcomed over 1,000 visitors of 122 nationalities through its doors in recent months, thanks in no small part to the recent extension of its opening hours to 5am. The change not only responds to growing demand from clients but also reflects the significant expansion the Casino recently experienced. The Casino is now home to 23 tables for blackjack, roulette, and poker. Guests hail from countries as far as Malaysia, Nicaragua, and Saudi Arabia, helping to create the lively multicultural ambience the Casino is known for. WWW.CASINOMARBELLA.COM
The 13th Edition of the Pasarela Larios
Málaga Fashion Week Takes Place
The Málaga Town Hall recently hosted a press day to announce the upcoming 13th Larios Málaga Fashion Week, to be held on September 13 and 14 at the emblematic Larios Street. The event, organised by NuevaModa Producciones, is one of the most highly anticipated on the Coast in terms of designer fashion. It is held yearly to foster local talent, boost the local economy and the tourism sector, and display Málaga’s commitment to sustainability. Visitors will enjoy stunning catwalk shows showcasing designs by wellknown and upcoming designers, as well as speeches, prizes, and more.
WWW.NUEVAMODA.ES
Benahavís Flamenca Takes Place on September 6
The fifth edition of Benahavís Flamenca, an event centred on flamenco fashion, will be taking place at the Avda. de Andalucía on September 6 at 8pm. The event shows off the talent and designs of top Andalusian professionals who specialise in the traje de flamenca and other traditional garments. This year, visitors will view fashions by Teressa Ninú, Jorge Sánchez, Pepitina Ruiz Arte en Seda, Rocío Montserrat, Susana Zamora, Inma de la Riva, Rocío Salas, María Sanz, and Sol Cortés. A special prize (the ‘Hilo de Oro’ or Golden Thread) will be awarded to Melisa Lozano for her talent and creativity.
WWW.NUEVAMODA.COM
Movengo Launches an Exclusive Property Portal
Movengo has launched a premium portal in selected and niche markets and its first geographical target is Marbella. The portal comprises an attractive, user-friendly search engine for those looking for exclusive homes, apartments, plots, and new construction projects. The company collaborates with established brokerage firms, offering customers security and top-notch service and receiving part of the commission from transactions as compensation. Buyers receive a one per cent cashback on the purchase price of properties.
WWW.MOVENGO.ES
Ferragosto at La Câbane
The emblematic beach club La Cabâne recently celebrated its very own version of the popular party, Ferragosto, paying homage to Italy through the La Dolce Vita gastronomy and lifestyle. For Italians, Ferragosto is the most important summer festival, with origins dating back to the Roman Empire. Its name comes from the Latin term ‘Feriae Augusti’, meaning ‘August Holidays’, named after Rome’s first Emperor –Augustus. Guests were delighted by the typical Italian decorations on show, including flowers, candles, lemons, sidecars, baskets, and garlands while dancers moved to live music played by the popular band, The Phly Boyz.
WWW.LACABANEMARBELLA.COM
SPANISH ASSOCIATION AGAINST CANCER GALA
The Asociación Contra el Cáncer surpassed its own attendance record by bringing together 620 diners for an unforgettable evening at Finca La Concepción. With the support of over 200 companies, and a host of celebrities, this year’s gala represents an unprecedented success. Attendees revelled in a night filled with fine dining and music from The Gypsy by Chico Castillo.
A
KEVIN HORN
WORLD VISION GALA
The World Vision Gala, which plays a significant role in aiding children globally, was held at the Puente Romano Tennis Club under the starlit sky. In an evening filled with elegance, Marbella’s glitterati enjoyed a Champagne and cocktail reception, fine dining, and live music from Botti String, Kansha, Cello String, and vocalist and DJ Rebeka Brown.
W
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HIGUERÓN RESORT
STRAND GALA 2024
Strand Properties hosted a memorable gala in Helsinki in the magnificent hall of the Old Student House to celebrate the company’s expansion to Finland and to award the best agents of 2023.
Colleagues and friends savoured a very special night with entertainment from saxophonist Kristian Laikari, singer-songwriter Mikko Harju, and artist Anna Abreu.
S
Florentine at Forum is wowing Marbella crowds with its glittering new offering of authentic Italian cuisine. Become acquainted with Executive Chef Giannis Toman of the Mett Hotel and Beach Resort Marbella–Estepona. September sees the start of the wine harvest.
« BACK TO CONTENTS
ggourmet
210 Florentine at Forum
216 Executive Chef, Giannis Toman
222 Gourmet Bytes
228 The Wine Harvest
FLORENTINE FUN AND FROLICS AT
WORDS JAMES SINCLAIR PHOTOGRAPHY FLORENTINE
Florentine may have only just opened last month, but already it is wowing Marbella crowds with its panache and sparkle. Its location is first rate, set in the new Forum Centre, just in front of the Puente Romano Hotel on Marbella’s famous Golden Mile. Florentine brings to Marbella the same unique combination of attractions that have made Florentine in Stockholm such a resounding success.
WHAT MAKES FLORENTINE UNMISSABLE?
Firstly, it exudes youth and playfulness, while oozing style and sophistication, with slick and attentive service. The décor is dazzling, with mirrors and glass reflecting a profusion of colours, evoking the glamour of Italy from a bygone era, luxurious indeed but simultaneously enticing. The seating follows this trend, the compact layouts affording close-knit dining among family and friends amid a theatrical setting. There is an ample terrace out front with
umbrella shaded tables for exterior dining and a panoramic cocktail bar will be inaugurated on the roof. While this is a great venue to hang out with those whose company you value, over finely crafted cocktails and drinks, it won’t be long before your appetite is provoked, lured into submission by the plates laden with the delicacies you will see passing your table regularly. For Florentine is, above all, a trattoria serving fine Italian fare with finesse. Look out for great pizzas, pasta dishes, and tempting starters. ›
ARTESANAL, AUTHENTIC, CONTEMPORARY
Our party of four arrived on a balmy evening and were met by Fernando, who explained he would be our waiter for the duration of our stay. Perusing the menu over refreshing cocktails – order the Amalfi Spritz, blending Champagne, Italian lemon, Limoncello and St. Germain – he returned to take our orders and, considering how busy the restaurant was, causing a blur of waiter movement, we were pleasantly surprised to receive our chosen starters shortly. We settled down to savour the Prosciutto E Melone, Truffle Carpaccio, Capri Burrata, and Tuna Tartare, a medley of dishes with many contrasting flavours which we eagerly shared in the best Italian tradition.
We continued to partake in each others main course selections, consisting of Holy Carbonara, which is authentically prepared in a large round Pecorino cheese table side, succulent Beef Tenderloin with Truffle Sauce and Fresh Truffle, a wonderfully presented Seared ›
#DuneMomen ts
@ d u n e b e a c h m a r b e l l a d u n e b e a c h m a r b e l l a c o m
Sea Bass with Mussels and a Light Bisque Sauce, and the Spicy ’Nouja Pizza, with San Marzano Tomato, Smoked Scamorza, Salame Piccante, and Stracciatella. The conversation was notably subdued as we relished the sensations playing out on our palates.
Accompanying this banquet were sides of Roasted Potatoes with Bomba Sauce and a Salad of Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables, all nicely complemented by a refreshing Charlatan blush rosé. Wine connoisseurs will find plenty to contemplate when studying the impressive list of
Champagnes, and Italian and Spanish vintages.
To finish, we indulged in two signatures: Lavamisu and Florentine’s Profiterole which were both outstanding, as was the ambience that enveloped us. It was so pleasurable in fact that we stayed there chatting late into the night. Florentine is quite simply unique and is set for a stellar future. In the words of Robert Wieczorek, Director of Operations: “The location is like a dream and here we get all the conditions to direct
an incomparable restaurant experience for our guests and create a hotspot for many long nights in Marbella.”
FLORENTINE, BV PRINCIPE ALFONSO HOHENLOHE N7, MARBELLA. OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY WITH THE KITCHEN OPERATING CONTINUOUSLY FROM 19:00 – 02:00 AND SATURDAY & SUNDAY FROM 13:00 – 02:00.
G iannis Toman holds the kind of job that could raise the heart rate of even the most seasoned of chefs but he is completely composed, his mind firmly set on creating simple, flavourful dishes that whet the appetite and immerse diners in the culinary traditions that surround them.
He is the Executive Chef of the METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella - Estepona, where he is in charge of four restaurants, each of which is a distinct concept. The cuisine served at these venues may vary, yet the ethos is the same: that of serving authentic produce bearing influences from the Mediterranean.
Giannis is a world traveller at heart. After completing his studies at the renowned culinary school, S.T.E. Makedonias in Macedonia, Greece, he completed two years of compulsory military service, putting his culinary talents to use by performing the role of a cook. He then perfected his skills at a host of leading resorts, one of which was located in Halkidiki, Greece, where he was Chef de
Partie. Shortly afterwards, he was off to the Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Graubünden and the Gstaad Palace in Switzerland. He then commenced a long stint with Ikos Resorts, working at establishments in Greece and Spain (as Head Chef at French dining haven, Provence Restaurant, which services French cuisine) and in Kos (in the Southern Aegean). He was additionally Head Chef of the pre-opening team of fusion cuisine haven, Seasons Restaurant, and formed part of Ikos Andalusia’s preopening team in Marbella (serving as Executive Sous Chef, with five restaurants under his charge). These years irrevocably shaped him. “My travels enabled me to come across so many people and different styles of cooking. Doing so allowed me to refine my style and envision the cuisine I wanted to create,” he says.
The Chef overcame another challenge: arriving in Spain and starting his life in a new country in 2020: one of the most difficult years for the food industry. “It was a tough commencement because everyone was isolated.” However, in time, he settled in perfectly, delighted by the chance to create dishes made with market-fresh produce. When asked what
his favourite cuisine is, he answers, “It would have to be seafood. I am fond of completely fresh food that is consumed immediately after being sourced, instead of being frozen, canned, or preserved.” Indeed, Giannis was raised enjoying market-fresh seafood, which is an important component of Greek culinary tradition. ›
The Executive Chef has been heading the kitchens at the METT Hotel & Beach Resort MarbellaEstepona for a little over a year and is delighted with the experience. “I was intrigued by the opportunity and decided to take up the challenge.
The METT has numerous gastronomic concepts.”
The first space at the METT is called El Bar de Lola – an elegant establishment serving mouthwatering tapas and a wide array of drinks. The second is Isola – a traditional Italian restaurant whose menu is inspired by the Roman Empire and southern Italian cuisine. Here, the gastronomic experience comprises homemade pasta, pizza, and an extensive wine selection sourced from the best wine-producing regions in Italy. Then there is Azure Beach Club by the pool, a true oasis for those into Asian cuisine and fancy cocktails. Finally, AMMOS Greek offers the very best of Greek food and hospitality. It is also the restaurant that aligns most with the Chef’s own style.
AMMOS’ menu meshes the best of Greek charm and hospitality with a respect for tradition.
Diners gush over freshly caught fish and seafood, served alongside Greek favourites such as tzatziki, souvlaki, and orzo pasta.
When asked what dishes are favourites among clients, Giannis mentions an array of temptations such as the Greek Mezze (featuring a host of starters, including tyrokafteri, taramosalata, octopus ksidato, and prawns saganaki), salads such as the Greek or Ammos salad, and the famous tyropita (a filo pastry dish with feta cheese and covered in honey). The seafood orzo (with prawns, mussels, and clams) and the keftedakia (beef meatballs with yoghurt sauce), meanwhile, certainly satisfy lovers of authentic Greek cuisine.
Giannis is enamoured by Mediterranean, Italian, and Spanish food. He has curated a fine selection of traditional dishes made with seasonal, fresh produce, imbuing them with his creativity and love of healthy cuisine.
EL LAGO SUMMER MENU
El Lago restaurant, recommended by the Michelin Guide and boasting two Repsol suns, recently launched a new menu that suits the warmer weather. Crafted by the Chef, Milos Zdravkovic, it comprises à la carte menus for lunch and dinner, as well as a tasting menu, all of which respect El Lago’s zero-kilometre food philosophy. The lunch menu now includes dishes like seabass ceviche, a wide array of salads, and a confit of cod with pisto. There are numerous choices for meat lovers as well, including the mature beef entrecôte and slow-cooked ribs. For dinner, temptations include oysters and Champagne, a prawn carpaccio with caviar, nori, mature beef tataki, and panko-fried red mullet with Japanese sunomono cucumber salad. The tasting menu, called Armonía, features two starters, two main dishes, and dessert.
INVINIC WINE COLLECTION BOUTIQUE OPENS IN BENAHAVÍS
Invinic Wine Boutique is a new haven in Benahavís for lovers of collectors’ and vintage wines. Its Wine Bar features a terrace, where guests can enjoy an exceptional selection of wines by the glass, accompanied by artisanal cheeses, Joselito Iberian products, and the finest preserves. INVINIC sommeliers organise exclusive tastings where clients can enjoy unique wines that are almost impossible to find elsewhere. INVINIC was founded over 30 years ago by Sebastián Lozano after studying to become a sommelier. He has also managed over 3,000 clients in the hospitality industry.
WWW.INVINIC.COM
1970 YACHT CLUB: A UNIQUE GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCE IN PUERTO BANÚS
1970 Yacht Club is a new restaurant located at Muelle de Honor, adjacent to the Puerto Banús Control Tower. Its dishes range from innovative starters to gourmet sandwiches and sushi and raw bar options. Starters include the trio of dips (featuring hummus, guacamole, and black garlic cream served with fresh crudités, and tempura prawns with spicy mayonnaise). Notable mains include the wild Alaskan salmon tartare, hot smoked salmon salad, and Greek salad. There are a host of sandwiches, Roman pinsas, and tempting desserts, ranging from a crispy lemon and yuzu tart to a decadent chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream and Bailey’s sauce.
WWW.PUERTO-BANUS.COM/1970-YACHT-CLUB/
ENJOY A HEALTHY BRUNCH AT BARCELÓ MARBELLA
If you wish to whip yourself back into shape after the summer, consider visiting the Barceló Marbella Hotel for a healthy brunch by health coach and nutritionist, Emily Costa. It comprises delicious, nutritious, zero-kilometre foods. Dishes to enjoy include the matcha latte with almond milk, chia and oatmeal pancakes with red fruits, Antequera molletes with Malagueño cheese, avocado, smoked salmon, and poached egg, beetroot gazpacho, and homemade yoghurt ice-cream with mango, plus a ginger, lemon, and mint water.
WWW.BARCELO.ES
NEW MEXICAN CONCEPT AT CELICIOSO
Celicioso, the famed gluten-free café and bakery located at the Puente Romano, is pleased to announce that it has recently transformed into a vibrant Mexican restaurant in the evenings, meanwhile diners can continue to enjoy a host of glutenfree treats during the day. The new menu includes a host of amazing dishes such as nachos, chicken salad with sweet corn, an array of tacos, desserts, and cocktails – including classics such as the margarita, michelada, and mojito!
WWW.PUENTEROMANO.COM
WORDS ANDREW J LINN
THE ART AND TRADITION OF THE
WINE HARVEST
The Spanish wine harvest, or vendimia, is a pivotal time in the winemaking process, steeped in tradition, scrupulous care, and cultural significance. It is not merely an agricultural activity but a carefully timed event that can influence the quality and character of the wine produced. The process is rich with idiosyncrasies, from achieving optimal grape maturity to harvesting under moonlight, employing specialist grape pickers, caring for the harvested bunches, and celebrating with nightly parties.
The journey to a successful wine harvest begins with determining the optimal
maturity of the grapes, a critical factor that winemakers closely monitor. The concept of optimal maturity refers to the point at which grapes have reached the perfect balance of sugars, acids, and phenolic compounds, which are crucial for producing high-quality wine. Vintners use a combination of scientific methods, such as measuring sugar levels (Brix), acidity, and pH, alongside sensory assessments like tasting the fruit. This delicate timing ensures that the grapes will produce a wine with the desired flavour profile, aroma, and texture. The decision to harvest is often a race against time, as weather conditions can suddenly
change, potentially impacting the crop’s quality. Many have been lost to hailstorms, and even more to mildew brought on by a wet growing season. Repeated mildew infections can weaken the vines over time, affecting their overall health and productivity in subsequent years.
One of the more romantic and practical idiosyncrasies of grape harvesting is the practice of picking grapes in the moonlight. Also known as night harvesting, it is employed for several reasons. Primarily, cooler night temperatures help preserve the grapes’ freshness and prevent premature fermentation, which can begin if the fruit becomes too warm. Night harvesting
also benefits the harvesters, as it avoids the intense heat of the day, making the work more manageable and reducing the risk of heat-related stress. Moreover, some winemakers believe that harvesting during specific lunar phases can influence the quality of the wine, aligning with biodynamic farming principles that consider lunar cycles in vineyard management.
The role of specialist grape pickers is another crucial element of the wine harvest. These individuals are often skilled workers who bring experience and expertise to the delicate task of hand-harvesting grapes. Unlike mechanical harvesting, which can be rough and imprecise, hand-picking allows for a careful selection of the best fruit and minimal damage to the grapes. This precision is especially important for high-quality wines,
where the integrity of the fruit can significantly affect the final product. Skilled pickers are trained to recognise the subtleties of grape maturity and handle the fruit gently, ensuring that only the best bunches are collected. As a curiosity, there exists in some regions what is known as the gypsy’s harvest (vendimia de los gitanos) whereby, after the main harvest has been gathered in, the vineyard is thrown open to anyone who cares to come and pick any grapes that have been overlooked by the harvesters, and which are theirs for the taking free of charge.
Once the grapes are collected, great care is taken to preserve their quality. The bunches are usually placed in shallow, ventilated crates to avoid crushing and ensure air circulation, preventing the onset of rot or premature fermentation. Speed
is also of the essence; the grapes must be transported to the winery quickly to maintain freshness. Some vineyards use refrigerated trucks or cold storage to keep the grapes cool until they can be processed. This meticulous care continues throughout the winemaking process, where gentle pressing and careful fermentation practices are employed to retain the grapes’ natural characteristics.
The wine harvest season is not just a time of intense labour; it is also a period rich in cultural traditions and celebrations. Many wine-producing regions organise festivals, known as fiestas de la vendimia, where the local community and visitors celebrate the season’s bounty. These festivals can include traditional music, dancing, parades, and the blessing of the harvest. They are a time for winemakers and workers to rejoice after the hard work, and for communities to come together in appreciation of their shared heritage. The lore associated with the harvest often includes tales of past harvests, superstitions, and rituals intended to bring good fortune and a bountiful yield. e
