Outdoor Living: al fresco luxury

THE WONDERFUL OUTDOORS

As we are once again enjoying the warm weather, this is a good time to start assessing our outdoor area so that we are all-set for the summer. After all, we want to soak up the sun and dine al fresco in style. Also, it is scientifically proven that spending time outdoors brings great benefits for our health, both mentally and physically. If you don’t have a garden to enjoy, there is no reason why a small patio or terrace cannot be transformed into a mini oasis. Blurring the lines between the indoors and the outdoors – by creating cosy outdoor lounge areas with comfy sofas and armchairs, cushions, firepits, rugs and good shade solutions, for example – creates a luxurious homely feel that makes the outdoor area feel like an extension of your indoor space. With outdoor furniture, investing in quality materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions will pay-off in the longrun, so don’t be afraid to take the plunge.

Talenti’s Cleosoft collection, shown here in their wood version, is elegantly simple in its aesthetic, with soft cushioning for optimal comfort. Available from the new Talenti store in Puerto Banús (www.talentimarbella.com) and also through Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es) and De Tropen on the Autovía del Mediterráneo A7, Km. 272, Vélez-Málaga, or buy online at www.detropen.es.

The Metropolitan by 4 Seasons has an aluminium frame, weather-proof cushions and a charming cubistic design with large armrests. The low teak table features a floating aesthetic – a perfect match with this comfortable and stylish sofa. Available from De Tropen on the Autovía del Mediterráneo A7, Km. 272, Vélez-Málaga, or you can buy directly online at www.detropen.es.

The Bitta collection from Kettal has a lightweight look, with aluminium frames and seats made from braided polyester. It comes with comfortable cushions, and the tables can have either teak or stone tops. Kettal is available through Darch & Co Design Studio in Centro Comercial Sotomarket in Sotogrande (www.darchandco.com), Siesta Interior Design in C. Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com), Acoola in Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu), Diana Dominique in Pol. Ind. Nueva Campana 54 in Nueva Andalucía (www.dianadominque.com), Casasola Decor, situated just after the Torre Real exit in Marbella (www.casasoladecor.com) and Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es).

The natural simplicity of bamboo furniture from North By North gives their collections a timeless appeal. Bamboo grows easily and fast, making it a highly sustainable natural resource. It is also extremely durable, especially when treated, and is generally stronger and more resistant than most other hardwoods. You can buy online from North by North at www.northbynorth.com.

The Saranac collection from Gloster uses the finest materials for a sophisticated and inviting look that offers luxury and superlative comfort. Gloster is available through Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es) and A Cielo Abierto in Centro de Negocios Oasis on Marbella’s Golden Mile (www.acieloabierto.net).

SUN LOUNGING

The Hartman Emma daybed has an aluminium frame with a thick cushion upholstered in Sunbrella weather-proof fabric which is both fade and mould-resistant. Available from De Tropen on the Autovía del Mediterráneo A7, Km. 272, Vélez-Málaga, or you can buy directly online at www.detropen.es.

The Molo sun lounger is made from bamboo powder-coated black metal legs. Shown here with the Alpine green cushion, the bed can be adjusted into five different positions. Available from Your Home Styling in CC. Nordico on the Mijas Road (www.yourhomestyling.com).

The luxurious Mozaix collection from Royal Botania is characterised by large slats in teak, oiled mahogany or aluminium. The collection offers comfortable cushions for lounging with QuickDry filling, so you can get back to enjoying the furniture soon after a rain shower. Royal Botania is available through Outdoor Concepts (www.outdoorconcepts.es) and Acoola (www.acoola.eu), both situated in San Pedro de Alcántara.

The Original Acapulco chair from Co’tantic – shown here in their green and rainbow version but also available in other colours – is handcrafted in 100 per cent recycled vinyl by Mexican artisans. It has an anti-UV treatment and it is free of phthalates. Available from Co’tantic in Calle Sierra Bermeja in Guadiaro or you can buy online at www.cotantic.com.

The Palm Cozumel sun lounger is extremely ergonomic, with a 100 per cent recycled, handcrafted and UV-resistant vinyl bed on a stainless-steel frame that has been hand-welded and galvanised and then coated with a black electrostatic paint. It is easy to maintain and clean and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Available from Co’tantic in Calle Sierra Bermeja in Guadiaro or you can buy online at www.cotantic.com.

The Kobo collection from Manutti is made entirely from handwoven rope around a welded aluminium frame. The curved lines and large luxurious cushions invite you to relax and enjoy the outdoors in style. Manutti is available from Acoola in Polígono Industrial San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu) and A Cielo Abierto in Centro de Negocios Oasis on Marbella’s Golden Mile (www.acieloabierto.net).

The Kos teak sun lounger from Tribù is robust and contemporary in style, with a comfortable padded cushion and useful wheel for easy manoeuvrability. Tribù is available through Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es) and Siesta Interior Design in Centro Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com).

C’est la Vie is a new collection from Unopiù that typifies refinement and elegance. Its frame is made from polished mahogany, with shiny stainless-steel feet and large and comfortable cushioning. Unopiù is available from Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es).

The Original Outdoor by Fatboy is made from weather-resistant Sunbrella fabric and comes in a wide range of contemporary colours. Available through Siesta Interior Design in C. Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com) and from De Tropen on the Autovía del Mediterráneo A7, Km. 272, Vélez-Málaga, or you can buy this product directly online at www.detropen.es.

DINING OUT AT HOME

Fast’s Allsize rectangular dining table, shown here with an Iroko tabletop, has an aluminium frame that comes in a wide range of colours. Fast is available from A Cielo Abierto in Centro de Negocios Oasis on Marbella’s Golden Mile (www.acieloabierto.net) and Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es).

Ethimo’s Ribot collection is made entirely from solid teak, and the extendable dining table slides easily to accommodate the required number of diners. Ethimo is available from Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es) and through Siesta Interior Design in Centro Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com).

Designed by GamFratesi for Dedon, Rilly dining chairs feature maritime rope that surrounds the entire backrest. They are shown here with Dedon’s Tibbo teak dining table. The Rilly collection also comprises several other seating versions including daybeds, footstools and lounge chairs. Dedon is available from Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es), High End Homes in Puerto Banús (www.high-endhomes.com), GC Studio in Centro Comercial Camoján Corner in Marbella (www.gc-studio.es) and Acoola in Polígono Industrial San Pedro de Alcántara (www.acoola.eu).

USEFUL LOW TABLES

The versatile Mikado bamboo bench can serve not only as a seat but also as a useful resting surface and a great complement to the Málaga sun loungers, all available online from North by North (www.northbynorth.com).

The hexagonal Capri coffee table from Roberti Rattan is elegant and chic, and its shape makes it ideal for being conveniently placed around furniture. Roberti Rattan is available through Diana Dominique in Polígono Industrial Nueva Campana 54 in Nueva Andalucía (www.dianadominque.com).

Point’s Heritage coffee table is made from sustainable grade-A teak logged in Indonesia. Point is available from Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es), Darch & Co Design Studio in CC Sotomarket in Sotogrande (www.darchandco.com) and Casasola Decor, situated just after the Torre Real exit in Marbella (www.casasoladecor.com).

Jut Chill square tables from Vondom come in various colours and offer a contemporary and dynamic look to an outside space. Available through Your Home Styling in C. C. Nórdico on the Mijas Road (www.yourhomestyling.com), Darch & Co Design Studio in CC Sotomarket in Sotogrande (www.darchandco.com), Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es) and Alison Bethell-Collins Interior Design in Avenida del Mediterráneo in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.alisonbethellcollins.com).

SHELTERING IN THE SHADE

With summer around the corner, it’s a good time to start considering where you are going to retreat so you can enjoy your outdoor space in comfort away from the harsh rays of the sun. If you don’t already have cover over your dining area, this would be an obvious place to start. The simple pleasures of dining al fresco or reading a book on your favourite sun lounger are often taken for granted by people living in southern Spain, but when the sun becomes intense the experience can take its toll. Whether you are looking for a simple parasol or something more elaborate such as a pergola or daybed, there are many options available on the Costa del Sol – to enable you to enjoy your outdoor space for longer and make your summer more comfortable.

Scolaro’s Galileo Inox Copertina is a retractable cantilever parasol with a swivel system and able to be inclined up to 60 degrees. Its contemporary look and easy manoeuvrability make this model ideal for a modern villa during summer. Available from Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es).

The F-1 Max is Tuuci’s most durable and wind-resistant design, featuring high-tension stainless-steel reinforcement cables and Armor-Wall aluminium. Mounted directly to the ground with reinforced concrete and steel feet, the parasol withstands extreme weather conditions, including a wind force of more than 105 km/h. Tuuci is available from Outdoor Concepts at the top of the Boulevard in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.outdoorconcepts.es), Siesta Interior Design in Centro Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com) and Escandi Design situated on the Mijas Road, or alternatively you can buy the product online at www.escandidesign.com.

Shade sails are a fabulous way to create effective shade on a patio or terrace, in an area in the garden or they can even serve as cover over a car creating a carport. They are made-to-measure and come in a range of attractive colours with easy installation and maintenance. Installed and available from The Shade Sail Company, situated in Calahonda (www.theshadesailcompany.com).

This technological wood is a beautiful way to add shade to an outdoor area. There are many variations of the wood-effect, and it is weather-resistant and made-to-measure to suit the exact space required. The struts play with the light, providing calming and relaxing shade for some much-needed respite from the sun. Available from Grupo Monasterio in Avda. del Mediterráneo in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.grupomonasterio.com).

The Markilux High Five MX comes in an array of beautiful colours that are perfect for summer. These award-winning awnings use innovative technology and offer premium quality, with many extra options provided to ensure solar and rain protection. Available exclusively from Arte del Lusso in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.artedellusso.es).

This home in Bordeaux (southern France) required a lot of protection from the sun as it was south-facing, so the owners decided to install every element of Renson’s sun protection range. The blades of the awnings and terrace cover tilt, offering full control over the direction of the sunlight. Also, the Loggia panels over the windows slide across so that you can always position them according to your preference. Lijomi, situated in the Marbella Club, is an official installer and retailer of Renson products (www.lijomi.eu).

The customisable Module 2 246 × 484 outdoor pergola from Gandia Blasco has an assembly system that uses specially designed, long-lasting materials for outdoor use. It comes with different enclosures, ceiling types and powder-coated colours, as well as electrical and USB home automation options to suit your specific requirements and help you enjoy the outdoors. All furniture shown here is also from Gandia Blasco. Available through Siesta Interior Design in Centro Comercial Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.siestainteriordesign.com).