Mallorca Olive Press Newspaper – Issue 4 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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June 9th - June 22nd 2017

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Mallorca culture

PAGE 9

Mauled

Rugby star scammed in holiday rental shakedown

Page 2

Saluting Hugh Remembering civil war academic Hugh Thomas

Page 6

Spycatcher Spy Garbo’s links to Mallorca

Page 10

Don’t miss our C’an Pastilla special

Page 13

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MAllorca PROPERTY

AN expat has made an urgent appeal to have his sevenyear-old daughter returned from a Norwegian church after his ex-partner ran off with their child. Heartbroken Dominic Shepherd, 40, is involved in a nightmare battle with ex Tonje Bjornsen, 37, after she sought ‘refuge’ in the place of

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holding’ her daughter from joining her twin brothers in Mallorca. “I’m numb, but the boys make me strong,” Shepherd, an IT expert, based in Santa Ponsa, told the Olive Press. “I’ve had nothing but support from friends and family.”

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True heroes A PAIR of Spanish heroes came to the aid of Londoners attacked by three crazed terrorists at the weekend. Ignacio Echeverria and Sergio Farina stepped in to save the lives of innocent bystanders caught up in the carnage that killed seven and injured 48. It has now been confirmed that Ignacio Echeverria, from Madrid, who defended a woman from one of the terrorists, died in the attack. Echeverria, 39, is said to have been on his way home from a skate park on the Saturday night when he attempted to defend a woman with his skateboard in Borough Market. He was last seen lying on the pavement.

Onslaught

Desperate dad’s fight to win back seven-year-old daughter from Norwegian church asylum

worship in February. Despite Shepherd winning custody of their three Britishborn children, Bjornsen is not allowing his daughter Maia to leave Spjelkavik Church in Ålesund. She now faces criminal charges in Spain for ‘illegally with-

June 9th - June 22nd 2017

Mallorca classifieds

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Choking back tears, the British expat, continued: “I am just concentrating on keeping my head together because those kids need a dad. We just want Maia back so we can live a normal life.” His ordeal began last August, when Bjørnsen left Spain with the children, ostensibly for a holiday, after living on the island for three years. However two weeks later he received a call from his partner to say she was not coming back. Mystified, the distraught dad was forced to use the Hague Convention to win legal custody of their children. But despite three court verdicts in his favour, he was forced to travel to Norway to get his children back after Bjornsen refused to return them. After picking up the two boys Tobias and Christian from school, he was stunned to learn Bjørnsen had fled with their daughter - whose birthday is this week - to live in a local church. “I was utterly lost for words,“ said Shepherd, who has spoContinues on Page 2

In a second incident, a heroic Spanish waiter put his life on the line during the onslaught. CCTV footage shows Sergio Farina, from Galicia, throw himself against the door of his bar to prevent one of the knife-brandishing terrorists from entering. He managed to keep the man from entering, before opening the door to help another person find safety. “You do not even think about it,” he said, “I could have simply left, as everyone did, but I would have left 28 people behind.” He added that ‘all he could see was a guy with dynamite’ as he tried to lower the bar windows’ shutters. He added: “We did not know how many terrorists there were and whether they would return.” Dozens of pedestrians were mowed down by a van on London Bridge before attackers stabbed a police officer and revellers around Borough Market with 12-inch knives. More than 20 remain in a critical condition. Opinion Page 6

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Rent rage

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England rugby international and friends fury at €50,000 holiday scam EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan

RUGBY star Dean Schofield is urging action after being mauled in a sophisticated holiday shakedown. Wasps international Dean (right) and wife Gemma, both 38, were set to take a dream break to Spain with friends to celebrate the England international’s retirement. But the vacation turned into a nightmare after the group of 16 from Cheshire unwittingly booked via a fraudulent holiday property rental website. In total, scammers took payment and deposit of €5,700 (£5,000) and €11,400 (£10,000) respectively before swiping another €29,800 (£26,000) for the stunning villa in Mallorca, which is owned by a wealthy foreign owner. The group only rumbled the scam, via rentholidaysvillas. com, the day before they flew. “We were very angry when we found out,” Gemma told the Olive Press this week. “It was a horrible moment and we weren’t sure what to do. “We started Googling it and other stories came up. When we emailed the person we’d been dealing with at the site called ‘Flavio’ he sent an abusive email back. “Luckily we were in a fortunate position where we could arrange an alternative villa and

June 9th - June 22nd 2017

SCAMMED: Holiday group and (right) fake site with profile stolen from Oz agent still get the flight over. But what if we were from a normal family and couldn’t afford to come? We were at least able to salvage the holiday.” The group had come across the stunning eight-bedroom villa with a huge pool and grounds and got in touch with the website via email. The website looked extremely credible and even had a photo of its alleged owner, Flavio Hernandes Davila, who did the negotiating.

“I must confess we did think it was a bit cheap for where it was, and it in fact rents for a lot more,” admits Gemma. Thankfully, the group of eight adults and eight children - who are still on holiday on the island - are now trying to reclaim their money as the booking was made via a credit card. The website meanwhile is still live, despite being reported to its web hosting company by the Olive Press and to UK police. Despite boasting that ‘you can

put your trust in us’ and that they ‘believe in honesty’ the scammers have stolen photos from hundreds of properties across Spain, Portugal and Greece and has a series of fake testimonials from ‘happy’ clients at the bottom. There are 18 properties for rent on the Costa del Sol and 38 in Mallorca, as well as 38 in Ibiza and 21 on the Algarve, in Portugal. Various genuine rental firms we have spoken to on the Costa

del Sol and in Mallorca are demanding legal action after their own properties were taken and offered to rent at much cheaper prices. We have discovered that the photo of Davila (left) is actually a photograph of an Australian estate agent, whom we are not naming, for legal reasons. Another British victim of the site, pensioner Anne Landon, said she became suspicious after booking a break through the site and transferring £4,600 into one of their UK bank accounts. “I take my grandchildren on holiday every summer and was getting pretty desperate trying to find somewhere,” said Anne, 74. “The price was very reasonable and I was so excited. But immediately after booking he sent

STOP THE SCAMMERS Rentholidaysvillas.com is hosted by US-based server GoDaddy, which was warned as long ago as April of the scam by a leading holiday rental site in Spain. When asked why it was still live this week, GoDaddy Digital Crimes boss Ben Butler, explained: “We communicate regularly with law

enforcement on alleged fraud and have processes for taking action. If anyone believes they have been defrauded they should contact law enforcement.” Contact your local police and Action Fraud and email newsdesk@ theolivepress.es if you’ve been scammed.

another email to say he had given me the wrong bank account number. “I immediately felt very uncomfortable. I believe he was going to hit me twice. I phoned my brother and said. ‘I think this is a scam.’” Anne phoned both hers and the recipient’s bank and her money was returned four days later. “I can’t stand the thought of families heading to a villa with their children to find they have nowhere to stay.” While she got her money back, she was forced to apply for a new passport after sending a copy of her passport to the fraudsters. This week, an Olive Press reporter, posing as a holidaymaker, enquired about renting an exclusive property with rentholidaysvillas.com. ‘Flavio’ offered us a price of £3,850 a week, plus a 10% discount for full payment up front, requesting a passport copy and full address. When asked why he needed this, ‘Flavio’ replied: “When we make the contract, we need to be sure of your passport details.” One genuine property rental site, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed her ‘regret at the negative impact this could have on holidaymakers who have paid their deposits.’ “We are deeply shocked and saddened,” she said. “This is extremely clever criminal activity and we will always do our best to help people who have been treated in this way.” Helle Heredia from Malagabased holiday property rental firm Novasol, said: “We hear about these types of scams all the time and the name ‘Flavio’ has been mentioned several times by guests that have been scammed before reaching to us for help. “My advice for holiday makers, is to book with well-known and established holiday rental companies, check there is a valid phone number, always use a credit-card when you make a booking, Google the websites first to check if they have been reported for scams before and always remember if it sounds too good to be true – it probably is!”

Asylum drama From front page

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ken to his daughter just once since. “It’s morally wrong, seeking asylum to avoid the law. “My lawyer said if everyone in Norway with a legal problem ran to a church to escape the law we better start building more churches,” he continued. He claims Maia is not attending school and is only able to learn to play the organ and sing with the choir, which is ‘hardly an appropriate syllabus’. Local vicar Knut Bjune denied this however, insisting local teachers were coming to the church to give her lessons ‘almost all the time’. “Socially she is not isolated and their living conditions are good,” he told the Olive Press. “We are not hiding information and we have made it clear this cannot be long term.” In the one, heartrending phone call to Maia which Shepherd taped - the tearful youngster can be heard telling her brothers she wants to return to Spain. Shepherd’s Norwegian lawyer Sol Elden, confirmed this week: “A church is not a place to withdraw yourself from legal responsibilities. It is an abuse of church asylum. “It is her duty to now bring the girl back to Spain after the final court ruling.” Shepherd has now written to Norwegian government minister Solveig Horne demanding help after local child services dismissed Maia’s case, saying no further action would be taken.

WISHES: On Maia’s birthday this week A Norwegian Supreme Court will probe Bjørnsen’s asylum claim this month. Bjørnsen’s lawyer, Vidar Helgheim, claimed that ‘new information’ had now ‘changed’ the case, but refused to disclose it. “The (original) case was based on very little information. You have to go deeper and ask why she ended up in this situation,” he said. A Norwegian police spokesperson told the Olive Press they would not intervene while Maia remained in the church. “The police will not enter a church and arrest someone who has requested protection,” said Ingar Boen, Chief of Police District Møre og Romsdal.

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www.theolivepress.es

June 9th - June 22nd 2017

he must be having a laff! HE’S known for his acerbic humour and famous laugh. Now Jimmy Carr is bringing his The Best of, Ultimate, Gold, Greatest Hits World Tour to Mallorca.

Britt fit BRITT Ekland will be lighting up Palma at this month’s Atlandina cinema festival. The Scandinavian beauty will join stars paying tribute to James Bond director Guy Hamilton, who died aged 93 in April. During the festival inauguration, the Chamber Film Orchestra will perform famous soundtracks from Hamilton’s films

LOVED UP: Couple

Pretty woman

RICHARD Gere couldn’t keep his hands off his girlfriend on a trip to Spain. The Hollywood star, 67, hugged and kissed his 34-year-old Spanish lover Alejandra Silva as the pair posed for pics in Madrid. The duo were attending the premiere of Gere’s new film Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer.

Bolton change MICHAEL Bolton has changed the date of his upcoming Mallorca gig. The multi-million-selling artist, who scored smash hits with How Am I Supposed To Live Without You and Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay will now play Palma’s Son Fusteret on August 12. The American artists, who has been recording since the 1970s was originally scheduled to play on June 15. All tickets bought will be valid for the rescheduled date.

The comedian and television host, who presents 8 out of Ten Cats and The Big Fat Quiz of the Year, is to perform at Palma Auditorium on August 23.

Carr has been doing comedy tours for over a decade,racking up awards along way including the 2006 British Comedy Award for Best Live Stand Up.

Calamity Cole Strictly Come Dancing star crashes 40ft from ladder while holding chainsaw

IT was almost the Mallorca Chainsaw massacre. But Strictly Come Dancing star Brendan Cole somehow cheated death after falling 40ft from a tree he was cutting at his holiday home. Cole, 41, confirmed he had been left ‘wounded’ after plummeting to earth while using the chainsaw in his property’s garden. The BBC dance star hurt his leg after the fall, which happened after his tree became infested with caterpillars. “I hit the floor with a thud and I checked I was still alive,” said Cole, who had been on holiday with his British model wife Zoe Hobbs. “I have hurt my leg. I am serious. I fell off a ladder. I was chopping a tree down with a chainsaw as it had caterpillars in. It was awkward. I came down with quite a thud. It did hurt. I was wounded for a while. “It was my first time up a ladder. It was a brand new 13 metre ladder. There was just a Spanish guy saying “Are you OK, are you OK?” It’s not the first time the New Zealandborn star, who has appeared on the smash-hit BBC show since 2004, has had a nasty accident at home. Last year, TV star Cole came a cropper again when he badly cut his finger while using a handsaw. Being nimble footed on the dancefloor is one thing, but perhaps best to leave the CHEATING DEATH: Zoe and Brendan DIY to someone else, Brendan.

The Talented Mr Reader JUDE law has been spotted in Sevilla enjoying the book fair. The Hollywood heartthrob was snapped reclining under a lamppost enjoying the sun with psychologist girlfriend Phillipa Coan. The British star was seen taking pictures like a normal tourist, before perusing various stalls at the fair in Plaza Nueva. He has taken frequent breaks in Andalucia, having been spotted various times on the Costa de la Luz, in particular around Vejer. Since arriving in Andalucia, the

JUDE: Soaking up Sevilla

heartthrob confirmed his role as Albus Dumbledore in the sequel to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Out of this world THE first images of the Han Solo film set in Spain have been released. The Star Wars spin-off is currently being filmed on the island of Fuerteventura as the hometown of Han Solo emerges from the white sand of the Jandía Natural Park. In the film, the inhabitants of the planet Corellia live in some

HUNK:

Alden and (above) Emilia, while (top) the set

damaged igloos and under the remains of ships and other intergalactic scraps. The film, starring Game of Thrones’ star Emilia Clarke and hunk Alden Ehrenreich, is expected to hit cinemas in May next year.

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Blown away by woman POLICE were called to Palma’s Estacion Intermodal at 1pm on Monday after outraged commuters saw a woman fellating a man in broad daylight.

Banking on it SANTANDER has bought under-threat Banco Popular for just one euro after the heavily in debt Spanish bank came close to collapse.

Party poopers MALLORCA mayors are looking at banning minors under the age of 16 from summer veraniega festivals over fears of youth binge drinking.

Fare deal BALEARIC residents will be able to travel between the islands for €20 one-way from July. The government announced a 75% discount on air and sea travel between the islands. Residents will pay no more than €22.50, plus fees, for a flight, with the maximum airfare costs fixed at €90. The government will be keeping a close eye on airlines taking advantage of the new discount by hiking up prices. Residents will also continue to receive a 50% discount on air travel to mainland Spain.

June 9th - June 22nd 2017

Brexit bible

A MALLORCA-based academic has launched a major new study into the effects of Brexit on British expats. Dr Joel Busher’s two-year project will document expats’ experiences throughout the process of Britain leaving the EU. “Lots of research is a one-off

EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan

and you meet people once and take your conclusions from that.” the Coventry University professor, 37, told the Olive Press. “I’m trying to follow a process and look at how people

Brit killer facing 20 years

A BRITISH expat facing up to 20 years in jail for allegedly murdering his wife claims she died in a bizarre sex game. Warren Lyttle, 51, was arrested near Magaluf last January after admitting killing his wife Lisa Jane, 49. Prosecutors in Spain are treating the mother-of-one’s death as murder, although car sales-

man Lyttle is adamant she choked during a consensual sex game. The trial will take place in Palma next year, with prosecutors seeking a 20-year sentence for Lyttle, who had lived in Mallorca for nearly ten years. A Guardia Civil spokesperson said: “A British man who is resident in Mallorca phoned

Drone attach A FRENCHMAN has been denounced to the police by a group of female nudist bathers who spotted him filming them sunning themselves between the lighthouse and s’Arenal. CUFFED: Lyttle during arrest

the emergency services around 3.20am and confessed during the call to killing his wife. “The victim was strangled with a telephone cord during a row.” Lisa Jane was killed on January 23, with her husband calling police and emergency services immediately afterwards.

Stormy

A protest by 300 people was held in Calvia on the day of the Londoner’s death. Lisa Jane, who lived in London, had arrived in Mallorca two days before she died and was said to have a stormy relationship with her husband Lyttle’s mother Joan said: “We don’t know how this could have possibly happened. “There were no problems in the marriage as far as we knew. They were happy.”

Palma academic starts research project into the effects of Brexit on expats

respond to the drift of information.” “Lots of interesting things are coming out about how people now feel about being British. “People aren’t really forced to think it except during World Cups and things like that.” Speaking at his home in Palma, he continued: “I’m most interested in how British communities in Spain have responded collectively to Brexit.” The author behind 2015 book The Making of AntiMuslim Protest, which examined the English Defence League’s (EDL) grassroots, added: “How the campaign group Brexpats in Spain have responded is interesting, sharing newspaper stories online in a non-partisan way.” The book is due to be published in 2019, with Busher aiming to talk to a range of expats from across Spain. Busher spent a year researching his award-winning EDL book meeting leader Tommy Robinson and many grassroots supporters. “It was interesting trying to understand why they got involved with something that most people in society don’t like very much,” he said.

Hey bigger spenders A TOURIST boom brought a record €906 million boost to the island in April. Spending by Mallorca visitors during the month was 36% up on April 2016’s figure of €664 million, according to official figures. Average spend per tourist was €908, up over 5% from last year’s figure of €863. Across Spain, the average 2017 tourist spend in April was up over 19% on last year. In Catalunya and the Canaries the rise was 20% and in Andalucia it rose by 11%.

Tolo trouble

MOVED: Cursach

MILLIONAIRE businessman Tolo Cursach has been transferred to a prison in Valencia. A lawyer for ‘King of the Night’ Cursach, who faces 16 charges including bribery, extortion, and money-laundering, has filed a complaint against the prison authorites. Lawyers for Cursach are now claiming his constitutional rights were violated over his transfer to the mainland jail.

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June 9th - June 22nd 2017

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Fe at u r e

www.theolivepress.es Mallorca’s original community newspaper

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than 500,000 people a month.

OPINION

We feel for you

MOST of us at the Olive Press herald from or have lived in London at one point or another. So while the Manchester bombing was painful in the extreme, the attack on our beloved capital has hit right to the quick. Our hearts go out to the victims, but, above all, we hope there is no knee-jerk reaction. This was the work of three deluded outcasts, who have no place in any religion. In a true testament to the greatest city in the world, people went about their business this week, without a sideways glance… because terrorism doesn’t - and shouldn’t - work. Above all, we hope this week’s general election can take place in peace and that the attacks don’t affect voting intentions. We at the Olive Press would love to see a Lib Dem/Labour alliance to - maybe, maybe keep the UK and Gibraltar in the EU.

Holiday hell

THE summer season is just starting and innocent holidaymakers are already falling prey to professional conmen. The devious scammers behind rentholidaysvillas.com hide behind the internet’s anonymity. So far, precious little appears to have been done by web host GoDaddy to take the site down. It has to be hoped that the UK police’s Cyber Crime unit have more success at persuading them to act. The scam is far from being unique to Spain, with Greece and Portugal also suffering. And while such stories do nothing to promote tourism, it is important the public are well-informed so the number of people being stung is limited. As Costa rental agent Helle Heredia told us: if a holiday rental deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Depòsito Legal PM: 610-2017

Publisher/ Editor Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es

SALES: sales@theolivepress.es Admin (+34) 951 273 575 admin@theolivepress.es

Newsdesk newsdesk@theolivepress.es Tel: (+34) 665 798 618 Joe Duggan joe@theolivepress.es Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es Chloe Glover chloe@theolivepress.es Laura Duckett laura@theolivepress.es Designer James Partington design@theolivepress.es

Accounts Héctor Santaella (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@theolivepress.es Maria Angeles Vázquez mangeles@theolivepress.es Admin and account assistant Distribution Graham Warters distribution@theolivepress.es

June 9th - June 22nd 2017

CAPTION:

ETE Ceglinski is battling vicious jet-lag. The Seabin co-founder has just returned to Palma from San Diego, where his revolutionary sea-cleaning receptacle is being trialled. And although bleary-eyed with fatigue, Ceglinski, along with fellow Seabin creator Andrew Turton, is following a very clear vision: to battle ocean pollution. “Plastic in the sea is no good for anyone,” he says, over a much-needed coffee. “We end up eating it. Even if you went to some beautiful tropical island, which looks like pristine and amazing, when you get up close there’s plastic all over it. “It’s a pretty insane situation we have got ourselves into and we have nobody to blame but ourselves. Plastic is such an amazing thing, but we’re not recycling or reusing it anymore. Basically, we’ve been trashing the place for 60 years.”

Surfers

Taking a stand in the global clean-up operation are Seabin’s Australian crew. This small band of surfers - the team is ‘Three and a half’ strong - are making big waves in the eco-fight with their floating rubbish bin, which sucks in rubbish from waters around marinas. So far, Seabin is being trialled in six locations, including Palma’s Port Adriano, Helsinki, France and now California. An agreement has been struck to trial more Seabins in the Balearic Islands. Commercial sales of the bin are due to start in three months. But already global interest has been phenomenal. “We’ve had interest from every single country in the world that has a marina,” says Ceglinski. “We’ve had 50,000 emails in the last few weeks. Our videos have been viewed around 500 million times online.” Among their supporters are Safe Harbor Marinas, the world’s largest marine operator with 64 locations, who have now partnered with Seabin. It’s a success story born out of the Seabin crew’s lifelong love of the ocean. Growing up in eastern Australia, Turton, Ceglinski and Seabin project manager Sascha Chapman were natural water babies. An industrial designer by trade, Ceglinski married his technical nous with his respect for the ocean, spending four years creating the Seabin prototype with Turton. “At first, nobody paid attention,” say Ceglinski. “All the environmental groups and people we thought would support us just blocked us because we were a conflict of interest.” With Australian company SMS backing the project, the friends launched a crowdfunding campaign through Indiegogo in 2015, which raised €150,000 in a few weeks. “It was insane,” says Ceglinski. “People started donating and it all just took off. We raised €135,000 in one week alone.” Based in Palma, the bold young entrepreneurs lived and breathed their project - literally. With money tight, they lived and slept for up to a year in the factory that produced the Seabins. But with the likes of Finnish technology giants Wärtsilä backing Seabin’s global pilot programme, the only way is up. The days of kipping on factory floors are long gone. Like all of the world’s best ideas, Seabin ap-

Plastic people How team of Mallorca-based inventors are binning sea pollution, writes Joe Duggan

IN ACTION: A team lowers a seabin into place

Head office

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2012 - 2017

Named the best English language publication in Andalucia by the Rough Guides group.

HISTORY: Britons fighting for Spain’s Republican forces against dictator Franco

pears deceptively simple. The half-metre-round, half-metre-high bin sits in the water 24/7, 365 days a year. A pump on the bottom provides a constant flow of water which sucks in floating rubbish. ‘Ballpark’ cost for the Seabin is going to be around €2,675. And with a running cost of less than a euro a day the bins make economic as well as environmental sense. “At the minute, people go round with nets to collect the rubbish in marinas and that is quite expensive,” says Chapman. “The Seabins are built to last a lifetime but we will offer a three-year warranty and we hope to have a buy-back scheme to ensure the plastic can perhaps be reused and avoid landfill or being incinerated.”

Storm

Three days after installing their first Seabin in San Diego it had collected 20 kilos of plastic. Five more are due to be installed in Port Adriano as part of the pilot project. “Port Adriano is actually a very clean marina compared to others,” says Ceglinski. “But when a storm comes through it rains all the rubbish off the streets, into the drains and into the sea. That’s when you start having issues. “ Once launched, they expect 400 of their V5 Hybrid models to go on the market in the first year. And with word of the project continuing to spread, Sergio Halpern Ruiz, Seabin’s marine scientist, is due to speak at a UN conference next month. But the team are resting on their laurels. New Seabins, designed to be used further out to sea, are also being planned. “It’s been pretty amazing putting my life skills to use for something that helps the environment,” says Ceglinski. “But for us the main goal is to get off the dock and into the water. We don’t want to be restricted.”

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How the acclaimed British historian’s Spanish Civil War rocked Franco’s regime

UGH Thomas’s death last month saw the passing of one of the Spanish Civil War’s greatest chroniclers. His totemic 1961 book on the war was banned by dictator Franco and became an underground staple in Spain. Copies were smuggled across the French border. Anybody caught with one faced jail. Such was the power of Thomas’s words, the simply-titled The Spanish Civil War was described by Professor Paul Preston as ‘the Bible of the Left’. “The Spanish War appeared as a ‘just war,’ as civil wars do to intellectuals, since they lack the apparent vulgarity of national conflicts,” stated Thomas. “It looked, at least at first, as the great moment of hope for an entire generation.” Although the historian grew to become associated with the Left, his roots were actually firmly in Britain’s establishment. His father was a colonial officer in Ghana, where Thomas spent his childhood, and his uncle was the governor of Singapore during Britain’s humiliating Second World War surrender to the Japanese. Thomas went on to study history at Cambridge, where he became the Conservative president of the university’s Union. He later took a position at the Paris Embassy, resigning in 1957 to start work on the legendary tome, albeit nearly 20 years since the conflict ended. Armed with never-before-seen papers from the German foreign office, diaries from the Italian Count Ciano and parliamentary papers from France Thomas was able to shine much new light on the role of foreign countries in what was ostensibly a domestic conflict. Thomas’s meticulously researched work drew on extensive interviews from participants on on both sides of the Spanish conflict. One right-wing Carlist historian assured him the unexploded bomb in his fireplace had been dropped there by ‘the Reds’. He also interviewed Noel Fitzpatrick and Peter Kemp, two of the few Britons who fought alongside Franco’s forces. Meanwhile those who fought for the Republicans - among them 4,000 Brits who joined the International Brigades - Thomas interviewed Kitty Wintringham, widow of the British Battalion’s commander Tom Wintringham. The poet Stephen Spender and the Communist reporter Claud Cockburn and George Aitken, former commissar of the XV Brigade

Fe at u r e

Saluting

Olive Press can be read in its entirety on www.theolivepress.es And our site is updated daily with the latest news, June 9th - June 22nd 2017 making it one of Spain’s most visited news websites.

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Mr Thomas YOUNGER DAYS: Hugh Thomas

were other notable contributors to Thomas’s tome. Beavering away in the Reading Room of London’s British Museum, Thomas pored over books written by left-wing Brigadistas and contemporary journalists. While unable to speak Spanish, he still travelled extensively throughout Spain to undertake research, passing through Madrid, Andalucia, Toledo, Asturias, the Basque Country and on to Barcelona. “I remember how excited I was by the lively avenue, the Rambla, with its flowers and stalls and cafes, and the great statue of Columbus on his column at the end of it,

HISTORY: Britons fighting for Spain’s Republican forces against dictator Franco

facing the sea,” he wrote of Barcelona. Thomas would go on to meet the Andalucian-based legend Gerald Brenan (he himself the writer of a famous civil war book, the Spanish Labyrinth) in his Churriana home, near Malaga, before the Spanish Civil War was published in1961. It soon became highly sought after in Franco’s Spain, its dissenting voice challenging the regime’s narrative of the conflict. Copies of the book were printed by a group of exiled Spanish Republican refugees at the publisher Ruedo Iberico in Paris before being smuggled across the border. Founded by José Martínez Guerricabeitia, Ruedo Iberico’s printmakers were of varying political allegiance, but united in their implacable opposition to Franco’s regime and hell bent on establishing the truth about the Civil War. One working-class Spaniard caught redhanded with two suitcases of the book at the French border was sentenced to two years for ‘illegal propaganda’ and ‘spreading communism’. Writing in the Guardian, academic Paul Preston commented: “So successful was the book that even Franco himself was regularly asked to comment on statements in it. “He largely dismissed it all as ‘lies’, denying that civilians were killed when he bombed Barcelona or that there were mass executions. The book’s notoriety led to colossal sales after the dictator’s death in 1975.” The Spanish Civil War went on to sell a million copies, with Thomas winning international acclaim. Further books on Cuba, Spanish artist Goya and the Suez Crisis were to cement Thomas’ position as one of the world’s most preeminent historical scholars. The former Labour Party parliamentary candidate was also later to become an unofficial adviser to Margaret Thatcher. Writing five years before his death, Thomas addressed the thorny issue of reconciliation in a country where over 100,000 victims of the war still lie in unmarked graves. “My solution to the problem of the memory of the war is a simple one. A monument should be erected outside Madrid along the lines of the Holocaust Memorial in Israel. “On this, the names of all those who died in battle as a direct consequence of the conflict, either in battle or behind the lines, should be inscribed.”

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Worrying Lamp crash leads to safety review Health times scare SPANIARDS are growing increasingly worried about corruption in their country. A total of 54% of citizens expressed their concerns last month, which is a sharp rise from 42% in April. The rise is believed to be due to the avalanche of high profile cases which are in the media at present, in particular surrounding the ruling PP party. It also follows news that the public prosecutor in charge of corruption cases was discovered to own an offshore company in Panama. (see story (right). The rate is the highest since 2015 when the public raised concerns about the Gurtel Case, Operation Punica, the so-called ‘black cards’ of Caja Madrid and trial of ex-Catalunya president Jordi Pujol.

PALMA Town Hall has announced a safety review after an outdoor street lamp fell on a young boy, critically injuring him. The six-year-old child remains in hospital following the accident on Calle Mayor. Police investigating the cause of the accident removed another lamppost of simi-

Corruption prosecutor resigns over links to offshore company SPAIN'S leading anti-corruption prosecutor has resigned after admitting he holds a stake in an offshore company in Panama. Manuel Moix stepped down shortly after it was revealed that he has a quarter-share in a company that was set up as part of an inheritance

Red-faced Rajoy

MARIANO Rajoy has been left red-faced after accidentally voting against his own budget. The Spanish prime minister pushed the red ‘no’ button instead of green while voting to pass an amendment proposed by the regional party Nueva Canarias, earning applause from his opponents. Luckily for Rajoy, who has a minority government, he got the support of smaller parties in exchange for investment pledges and tax benefits, meaning the delayed budget was passed. Ciudadanos and several regional parties also supported the budget in return for concessions. Ciudadanos got €4 billion in social spending into the budget, while the PNV Basque Nationalist party got more rail investment and tax reform for the region. The budget should be adopted by the end of June, eight months later than usual.

lar size to weigh it and check if its moorings are the right size. The company in charge of the lamp posts’ maintenance, Palmallum is now examining all the lamp posts on the street to check they are secure. The lamps in question are located in the

city centre in areas like Son Espanyolet. The Town Hall has offered the boy’s family accommodation and transport while their son is in hospital. Palma Mayor, José Hila, was due to meet the young victim’s family this week.

Panama firing

from his parents. Despite his decision to leave, citing ‘personal reasons’, his boss Jose Manuel Maza insisted there was no suggestion 'of any irregular or illegal behaviour.' But Moix's short time in office has been mired by accusations that he has attempted to interfere in corruption investigations involving the ruling Partido Popular. Only in the role since February, Moix is alleged to have undermined several investigations of fraud involving senior PP members in Madrid. It also emerged at the

OUT: Manuel Moix

weekend the offshore trust owned various properties in Spain, including a €530,000 villa, near Madrid. Opposition parties insisted his resignation came too

late. Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias said: “Ministers and prosecutors who corrode democracy and are parasites on institutions' need to be kicked out of office.”

EXPAT pensioners forced to return to the UK after Brexit could cost the NHS a staggering €1.15 billion a year, a new report has claimed. If the UK fails to strike a deal over health rights for elderly Brits living in the EU, the NHS would have to foot the bill, the Nuffield Trust has warned. Currently, the UK government pays €575 million a year for healthcare provided to some 190,000 British pensioners living in the EU, the largest number in Spain. The reciprocal ‘S1’ scheme grants pensioners the right access to the same healthcare as the local population. Report author Mark Dayan said: “The NHS and social care were already under pressure from tight funding settlements and growing staffing problems well before the EU referendum last year. “But if we handle it badly, leaving the EU could make these problems even worse, given the potential impact on both the strength of the UK economy and the supply of overseas staff to both health and social care services.” The report also highlighted the importance of EU workers in the NHS, with social care facing a shortfall of 70,000 workers if migration is halted.

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Oscarwinning Brit actress brings directorial The Olive Pressdebut to Mallorca

SNAPPER: Toni Catany

Talking Toni

A MAJOR of in work TOPexhibition for news Spain! by Mallorca photographer Toni Catany will run until August 20. BRITISH actress Vanessa Toni Catany. D'anar i tornar Redgrave will be the star (To Go and Return) at Palma’s name at this year’s AtlandiCasal Solleric concentrates on na Film Festival. the later stage of Catany’s work. The iconic Oscar winner will The collection of 150 photo- present Sea Sorrow, her digraphs includes 70% which are rectorial debut, at the Palma unpublished. event on July 2. Catany, who died in 2013, was Redgrave, 80, made the docfamous for his depictions of umentary about Europe’s nature, death, nudity and the refugee crisis, and says countryside. her experiences as a young The event is curated by two Londoner during the World friends of the photographer, War Two blitz informed her Alain D'Hooghe and Antoni thinking. Garau. Catany was awarded France’s "I was a child in the war and prestigious Chevalier de l’Ordre people needed protection," she said. des Arts et des Lettres in 1991.

Life’s a Beach LEGENDARY 60s group the Beach Boys are bringing their sun-kissed sounds to Mallorca. The California icons, whose hits include Let’s Go Surfing Now, God Only Knows and Surfin’ USA, will play Palma’s Son Fusteret on June 18 as part of their World Tour. The Beach Boys, fronted by original band member Mike Love and Bruce Jonnson, head to the mainland for a gig in Fuengirola on June 24. Legendary frontman Brian Wilson is currently touring as a solo act performing the band’s seminal album Pet Sounds, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this month.

ICON: Vanessa Redgrave

"We needed protection as children and we needed people who were kind to us.

Evolution revolution THE Evolution! Mallorca Film Festival has announced new categories for this year’s event. The experimental festival will showcase documentaries, short films, children’s movies and music video. The sixth edition of the festival will also include a new virtual reality category. A Balearic section will highlight the best in upcoming local films, with a Wake Up Europe category examining European politics and culture. Film-makers can now register entries through Filmfreeway.com and Withoutabox.com until July 31. The festival will run at the CineCiutat and Es Baluard cinemas plus other theatres from October 26 to November 4.

Miro work to fetch €27 million A MIRO painting is expected to be sold for around €27 million when it goes on sale in London. Femme et Oiseaux was painted by the Mallorca artist at the start of the second world war when he lived in Normandy. It was one of eight in his Constellations series painted immediately prior to the Nazi invasion of France. He fled to Spain with his wife in 1940 clutching the paintings. “Miró knew they were important enough that he could not leave them in the house at Varengeville and risk their destruction,” said Thomas Bompard, of Sotheby’s London. The painting will be displayed in Hong Kong and New York before it goes under the auctioneer’s hammer on June 21.

“My producer encouraged me to tell my personal narrative because it would help

people see that what has happened to me is happening to so many people – younger, older, babies, you name it. “These are doctors, these are engineers. These aren't 'them'. They're 'us'." Sea Sorrow features Ralph Fiennes quoting from Shakespeare’s The Tempest. During the film, Redgrave visits the notorious Calais migrant camp “Disasters are happening to refugees in the deserts and, above all, in the seas – the Adriatic and the Mediterranean – because of [government] policies," she said. "People are dying who shouldn't be dying and who have a right to live and a right to protection." The Atlandina Film Festival, which runs from June 26 to July 2, will also feature films by Tilda Swinton and Michel Gondry.

what’s on

esca Hoop, Palma, June 9

FOLKSY singer travels to Spain on her European tour to perform as part of Palma’s Women Without Frontiers festival.

eria of Herbs, Selva, June 10

TRADITIONAL Mallorquin bagpipes, cooking demos and the procession of the ‘myrtle’ plant, which is made into a liqueur, are just some of the fun events lined up for this fair.

armen, Palma Teatre Principal, June 10-11

CLASSIC Spanish opera tale performed by the National Dance Company ballet perfomers over two nights, with music from the Orchestra of the Balearic Islands.

ummer Pie Festival, Museu Es Baulard Palma, June 16-17

CANADIAN indie band The Wooden Sky headline this feast of music with Evening Hymns, Emily Barker and Co-Pilgrim also performing.

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On the anniversary of D-Day, writer David Baird reveals the secret life of legendary MI5 agent Garbo (right), how he met him in Andalucia and how his handler mysteriously died in Mallorca

OU don’t often meet a man who has come back from the dead. Nor a man who helped to change the course of history. But above all, it’s rare to find journalists admitting they missed the story of a lifetime. So you can excuse my mixed emotions as the anniversary for D Day approached this week - June 6 when in 1944 the Allies launched the biggest naval landing in history and the world held its breath. Every journalist has his tale about ‘the one that got away’ — the fantastic scoop that they somehow missed. But most of these are small beer compared to mine, which concerned a momentous event, the Normandy landings and the man who played a vital role in their success. This is the tale of an infamous double agent named ‘Garbo’ whose false intelligence reports misled the Germans into believing the real invasion would come near Calais. It is also the tale of his fellow agent, Tommy Harris, who died a mysterious death in a Mallorca car crash. Everybody believed that the mysterious Garbo had died shortly after World War Two. So I was not inconsiderably surprised when, 40 years later, I met him face to face in Spain. There he was, walking along the main street of my village, Frigiliana, in Andalucia. With him was a friend, Desmond Bristow, a charming fellow with a fund of entertaining anecdotes. The trouble was that you did not know how much to believe. With a wicked smile, Desmond told me: “This is an old colleague and he has a EXPAT: Desmond Bristow very important appointment in London.” And sure enough, that bald, unassuming fellow at his side, did have an appointment a few days later — at Buckingham Palace, where he chatted with the Queen and Prince Philip and emerged with an MBE, the medal awarded him 40 years earlier, but which he had never been able to collect. Too late, I realised I should have listened to Desmond a little more carefully. Many an evening over a few glasses of wine he had spun tall tales from his past. Too late, I realised that he had guarded a secret that would make headlines around the world. On the surface Desmond was just one more expat enjoying retirement in the sun. In fact, he was a wily ex-MI6 agent who had made a name for himself as a master of deception. And here’s the irony. Secret agents live their entire careers in a twilight zone. They sign oaths of confidentiality and are expected to take their secrets to the grave. They may receive medals but can never reveal exactly what they are for. But they are only human. Deep down, they crave recognition. Imagine all those exploits they are warned not to talk about, ever. It’s not surprising that some decide to spill the beans. As Desmond finally did. After leaving the Secret Service, he had first worked for the De Beers diamond com-

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June 9th - June 22nd 2017

Spyca D-DAY LANDINGS: Thanks to Garbo the allied landings in Normandy were made a success

MONUMENT: An American tank has become a Normandy monument

pany before retiring to an old mill on a hill launched an attack, the guards rushed overlooking the coast near Nerja. out with guns drawn. It took all Desmond’s He was discretion personicharm and diplomacy to calm fied – well, most of the time. matters down. He did attract the authorities’ I had always imagined that attention on one occasion — discretion was a vital part Imagine all those in an explosive manner. of a spy’s armoury, but DesTo extend his house, workexploits they are mond dispelled that view. Afmen needed to blast away ter a few glasses of wine, he some rock. Unfortunately warned not to talk would launch into amazing they overdid the dynamite tales. Thus he recalled that about, ever. and a huge blast shook the Peter Ustinov’s father had whole village and lumps of once worked for British intelrock soared hundreds of feet ligence. into the air, then crashed onto the roof of “Klop he was called. A colourful fellow,” he the Civil Guard barracks. would say. “Did useful work for us in LisSuspecting that Basque separatists had bon. I remember once…ah…hmm…yes, but

that’s another story.” Desmond always knew when to stop. Raised in Huelva, where his father was a mining company executive, he spoke fluent Castilian and spent much of World War Two in counter intelligence in Spain and North Africa. He was based in Gibraltar when the Germans were assiduously monitoring all the traffic passing through the Straits and in and out of the Rock, though Allied submarines escaped surveillance by secretly docking in caves carved below sea-level. Desmond and colleagues would often hop over the frontier to enjoy food and wine in neutral Spain and on one occasion they entered the restaurant of the stately Hotel Reina Cristina in Algeciras to find none other than Admiral Wilhelm Canaris, head of the Abwehr (German intelligence), lunching there. “Each side pretended not to notice the other,” recalled Desmond. “But the Germans knew who we were and nodded politely as we left the room.” In Algiers, Desmond (using the codename Tapwater) ran deception operations. His speciality was locating spies working for the Germans and ‘turning’ them to work for the Allies. I never dared ask what gentle means were used to achieve this. Then in 1942 arrived a young Catalan named Juan Pujol offering his services to the British. Initially he was rebuffed. But finally they realized his potential value (he revealed that he was already supplying false information to the Germans under the name of Arabel) and he was flown to London. There, Desmond was asked to use his flu-

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atcher

Spy Batt

Southern througho Spain was rife The mos ut World War Two with Allied and Axis spie gence orgt chilling were th . s e a A n b is w a e ti hr, the N on who o cia thank governme s to the cooperaperated throughoazis’ intelliut tion of Fra Its prime nt. nco’s na Andaluta tionalist rg et was G repeated ibra Fortunately tried to attack. ltar, which it ob served a and sym ly, a counterwe nd prevent opathetic anti-Fasight force of turn c ver 40 sa botage a ist Spaniards maed agents ttempts. naged to

SPANISH LINKS: Frigiliana where Bristow lived and (right) Llucmajor where Harris died mysteriously

ent Spanish to gain Pujol’s confidence and assess whether he could indeed be trusted. Soon he was joined by Tommy Harris, a sophisticated art-lover and an MI5 operative. They agreed: Pujol was the genuine article. And he was given the codename ‘Garbo’. Harris became Pujol’s mentor as an elaborate plan was evolved to fool the Germans. Pujol fabricated a string of 27 non-existent agents dotted around the UK. Reports apparently coming from them were sent to the Abwehr station in Madrid, to be passed on to Berlin. Such was German trust in their agent Arabel that they believed his misinformation about the range of the V2 rockets aimed at London so that many missed their target. On hearing of Pujol’s work, Churchill allegedly commented: "In wartime, truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies." As D-Day approached, the Allies were concerned at the potential losses when troops stormed ashore. Thus was devised the biggest coup of all. Via Garbo, the Germans were led to believe that the main assault would take place not in Normandy but near Calais.

Warning AT the last minute Garbo sent a warning that Normandy was the main target. That way their faithful agent appeared to have done his duty, but, by then, it was too late for the Germans to rush reinforcements to the landing zone. So pleased were the Germans with Garbo that they later awarded him the Iron Cross. After the war, fearful that Nazi agents would

seek vengeance, he went into hiding. The rumour was spread that he had died in southern Africa. Meanwhile, some suspected that Harris, whose mother was Spanish, was a double agent. Frequent visitors to his London house were leading figures in the world of espionage; Blunt, Philby, Burgess, as well as Desmond Bristow and Guy Liddell. After the war, Harris moved to Mallorca, where in January 1964, he was killed in a strange motor accident at Llucmajor, when his new Citroen inexplicably veered off the road and hit a tree. Some observers have suggested that Harris was murdered by the KGB before he could give important info to British security. Desmond meanwhile retired to Frigiliana, MASTER SPY: Tommy Harris where he thought of writing a book, with my help as a ghostwriter. There was one big prob- By the 1980s, however, whatever secrets lem with this. Getting Desmond to stick to the Desmond knew had mostly been revealed. point was nigh impossible. Just when an im- What more was there to say? But this master portant revelation seemed close he would veer of deception did have one more secret up his off in another direction. sleeve. Deception was his game. It Thus, when he read a book had been all his life. And inon MI5 by Nigel West in which deed, when he finally pubGarbo was reported long dead, I comfort myself lished his memoirs, A Game he could not resist writing to of Moles, they were sub-titled today with the fact contradict him. ‘The Deceptions of an MI6 OfWest (real name Rupert Allaficer’. (MI6 did its best to block I had been dealing son, once a Conservative MP) publication, quoting the Offia smooth talker and a fast with a master of was cial Secrets Act). mover. He took the first flight The ingredients were there. He deception to Málaga and a taxi to Frigilihad known some of the most ana. notorious traitors in British The wine flowed — and then intelligence such as Anthony Desmond made an astonBlunt and Kim Philby. The last he heard from ishing revelation: Garbo was still alive, in Philby was a Christmas card mailed from Bei- South America. And a relative in Barcelona rut. It showed three Bedouins heading east knew how to find him. and bore a scrawled message: “May not see Desmond had given away for free the inforyou for a while. Love, Kim.” mation that could have made his memoirs a

best-seller. Hardly believing his luck, West flew to Barcelona, then London, where he signed a deal with The Mail on Sunday. Next stop: New Orleans. And there, alive and well, was the man who was supposed to have died years before, Garbo. He persuaded him to fly to London to pick up his bravery medal, just in time for the 40th anniversary of the Normandy landings, where Garbo and Desmond would duly be pictured walking those beaches. There were emotional scenes as scores of veterans came up to shake the hand of the man who had helped save their lives. It was splashed across every paper and TV station. Too late, I realised how close I had been to breaking an amazing story. If only I had taken Desmond a little more seriously. Many a time he must have been about to reveal his secret, but checked himself at the last moment. If only I had been able to push him. I comfort myself today in the fact that I HAD been dealing with a master of deception. Inevitably, one wonders what other secrets lurk in the closets of power. Why, for example, does Britain’s Official Secrets Act still prevent certain information from the First World War being revealed? And how many others in the upper ranks of the Establishment were actually traitors? But that — as Desmond loved to say — is another story… PS Desmond Bristrow died in 2000 and is buried in Malaga´s English cemetery NOTE: David Baird is the author of Between Two Fires, a poignant account of the anti-Franco guerrilla movement in Málaga and Granada (published by Maroma Press, www.maromapress.wordpress. com). A Spanish edition, La gente de la sierra, has just been published. His other books include East of Malaga – Guide to the Axarquía and Costa Tropical and Don’t Miss The Fiesta!

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It will launch its first hotel in Mallorca next year. “We are delighted to have your excellent newspaper available at each of our restaurants,” said Cappuccino marketing director Patrick Amengual. I have known the Olive Press for a long time from my regular trips to Marbella, where we have a restaurant and I know how popular and respected it is by the expats there.” Since launching two months ago, the Olive Press has increased its distribution to now have over 400 places around the island. This includes town halls, restaurants and hotels, as well as almost all golf courses, supermarkets and petrol stations, as well as the airport

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VARIETY: C’an Pastilla has so much to offer from stylish beach clubs to watersports and great restaurants

The thriving again resort of C’an Pastilla has come a long way from its humble origins, writes Joe Duggan and Gillian Keller

T’S been one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations for decades. And it’s easy to see why. The golden, gentle curl of its main beach, its nearby coves and its superb links to Palma and its airport make C’an Pastilla the ideal holiday spot. In fact, with the airport just a five-minute drive away, sun-seeking tourists can maximise every minute of a long weekend break away. But there is something else going on in this once sleepy fishing village. With large-scale investment pouring into the Playa de Palma area, the place is becoming trendy again. “We have something incredible here,” said Engel & Völkers director Terence Panton. “We are close to the airport, a golf course, the beach and close to the capital of the Balearic Islands.” Where it once had its legendary Cockroach alley, now it has trendy new tapas bars and restaurants like Fins and Rumbo Fiso, with new hotels sprouting up by the month. Mass tourism first arrived here in the 1960s, when the first waves of British travellers began arriving at the resort. Becoming one of the island’s most popular resorts in the 1970s and 1980s, it was later overtaken by nearby S’Arenal and Magaluf, which were more specifically purpose-built for modern mass tourism. Metamorphosis It then went through something of a crisis of confidence a decade or two ago, but is now very much back and kicking, as locals and tourists alike realise what an interesting mix of buildings and residents it has. Walking around its streets today is like a journey around the world, hearing different accents every 20 paces. No nationality dominates and there are equal numbers of Germans and English, with plenty of Scandinavian, Italian, as well as French and even Eastern Europeans. Few places better typify this than the legendary El Ancla bar, whose waitresses herald from Colombia, Romania, Morocco and good old Blighty, where owner Sue originally heralds. C’an Pastilla’s metamorphosis into a family-friendly tourist town mirrors the extraordinary changes tourism brought to Spain. The arrival of wealth being the main one. In 1918, local businessman Bartolome Riutort built the Hotel C’an Pastilla, which the town takes its name from. Aiming to develop the area, the tiny town began to take shape be-

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COASTAL GEM From Page 13 tween 1920 and 1925. Riutort - after whom the town’s main street is named - persuaded local landowners the Ripoll brothers - who ran the nearby Sa Torre Rodona finca - to give land to the Catholic Church to build a new place of worship. A 30-metres by 12-metres plot, situated where the town’s main square is, was earmarked. The land was then exchanged for a larger plot, measuring some 970 square metres, ample enough for a church and a rector’s house. On the feast of St. Anthony of Padua in 1927, Bishop Gabriel Llompart blessed and laid the foundation stone of the new church, San Antonio de la Playa. Although the main drag Avenida Bartolomé Riutort is bustling now, it wasn’t always like that, as local bar owner Lorenzo Bover says. “Sixty or seventy years ago there was nothing here. Maybe only two or three houses on this street,” says Bover, who has run the family-owned Maracaibo restaurant for 44 years. “There was a lot of poverty. People worked in orchards. One of my grandfathers left for Cuba in the 1920s and the other for Argentina.” Things started to improve. Following the laying of the first stone, donations from local parishioners and the canon allowed the building to grow. And as the church grew, so too did the town. Poverty remained a problem during the lean post-Civil War years, with many locals taking to smuggling contraband tobacco from Morocco, according to Bover. One of Playa de Palma’s oldest hotels, the San Francisco, was built in the 1950s as local tourism began to grow. But Riutort’s foundations really began to take shape during the 1960s, when the area boomed. Hotels like the Alexandra, built in 1967, shot up bringing thousands of sun-seeking British holidaymakers to the resort. C’an Pastila’s proximity to the airport made it the ideal location for tourists landing in Palma, but as transport and road links around the island improved, visitors started venturing further afield. However, such is the area’s enduring popularity that the same visitors are seen year after year, as The Manchester Pub’s owners, the Hankes, know well. “We’ve been here 34 years and you see the same people coming back year after year,” explains Tracey, who runs the pub with brother Darren and dad Ray. “It’s definitely going more upmarket now. A lot of hotels have been renovated. It’s also a very international resort.” No doubt Riutort would rub his eyes in delight at the modern pastimes taking place in his beloved C’an Pastilla. Wind and kite-surfing are popular pastimes here, with the beach’s geometry making it perfect for watersports, as Bona ona worker Toni Rosabel explains. “The break points here are good for waves,” he said, predicting good surf conditions for the coming weekend. “We have surfers coming all year round and the island is a great spot for surfers

BUZZING: At night the place comes alive with musicians in the streets and interesting locals

C’an Pastilla convenience

One of the best things about living in C’an Pastilla is the incredibly short commute to the airport; nothing beats flopping on the couch minutes after landing. It is also the perfect place to come and wait, have supper, or a drink while you wait for your loved ones to arrive at the airport, just a five minute drive away. Plenty of the local bars regularly see residents stopping off to kill time on their way to the airport, while its range of new and exciting bars and restaurants opening means its a great spot to come for supper or lunch after picking people up. The second advantage of Can Pastilla is the convenience of the bus line to both the airport and into Palma, with plenty of people parking nearby and taking the bus.

SUN AND SAND: The beaches in C’an Pastilla are fabulous with (inset) a serious sand castle and (above) its train

in general.” The spectacular beach which connects onto Playa de Palma draws sunseekers from all over Europe, with British, German and Scandinavian holidaymakers. These days it is certainly a long way

from fifty years previously, when locals would take intrepid tourists for a Lawrence of Arabia-style camel ride across the golden sands. Next to it, the modern-day marina at Club Nautico San Antonio de la Playa,

with its rows of sleek yachts bobbing in the harbour, nestles in between Cala Estancia and Playa de Palma. Although not quite on big brother Palma’s impressive scale, the boats on display, many of them locally owned,

are - with the Club Maritimo bar offering hearty fare for intrepid seafarers. For weary landlubbers, the mini train that runs along the promenade from C’an Pastilla to Arenal is the perfect way to spare aching joints. And for the more active, the superb cycle track that reaches down from C’an Pastilla to Palma attracts lycra-clad riders and day tourists out for a simple ride. A short walk from the port, you will find Palma Aquarium, the ideal day trip for all the family. Its Shark Vision Boat is not for the fainthearted. The seethrough-bottom vessel allows groups to admire the 11 sharks that swim in one of the aquarium’s pools. On terra firma, you can get a better look of the sand tiger and sandbar sharks. And if that’s not close enough, you can watch one of the aquarium experts share interesting information about their fish while feeding them. If it’s more visceral water thrills you are after, nearby Arenal’s Aqualand is a water park where the kids will have a great time. So whether it’s on land or water, there is something for everyone at this everpopular coastal gem.

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Offshore ceremonial site

THE tiny island of na Galera, off C’an Pastilla, is a remarkable piece of undisturbed history slowly being understood. In 2012, local archaeologists began excavating after a human skeleton (left) was found. A lot has been found since including items dating back to the Punic era, as long ago as 400 BC. Experts now believe the inlet was a ceremonial site where ships travelling from Ibiza made offerings for a safe journey.

In the Can

AFTER 17 years in the C’an Pastilla property market, estate agent Cristobal Grosjean is as well placed as anyone to gauge the local market. His company, Inmo Can Pastilla, one of the longest-running local real estate agents, specialises in properties around Can Pastilla, Cala Estancia and parts of Playa de Palma. Fluent in German, French, Spanish, English and with some Catalan, Cristobal’s expertise has allowed him to know the market as well as anyone. “We have seen a lot of changes, seen the market go up and down,” he said. The huge surge in demand for property across the island has recently seen prices rise around Can Pastilla. And with strong interest from British, Scandinavian and German buyers, the area’s easy access to the airport and Palma makes it one of the island’s property hotspots. “Normally clients are looking to buy somewhere for around €100,000 to €150,000,” he said. “Right now, there are not many of those but maybe in the future things will change. “But you can see why people want to be here. Can Pastilla has something special. “There is life throughout the year, and it’s big enough that you don’t have that feeling of a village. I think prices will continue to go up.” Contact: cristobal@inmocanpastilla.com or call 0034 971 26 27 02

As well as numerous pieces of pottery, an urn was found with human remains dating back to the third century BC. The team has also uncovered the base of two temples. The first was built in the fourth century BC and destroyed in the first Punic war, and the second built to replace it. There has also been an unusual amount of bird bones found, but with no real hypothesis for the strange find. Anyone interested can head out to the island most Saturdays with a donation of €10.

Playa de Palma paradise

The area is coming up fast, explains leading agent Terence Panton

T is fast becoming one of the most sought-after areas in Mallorca. The stunning transformation of Playa de Palma is predicted to cause a property boom, as this scenic coastal spot continues to flourish. With huge investment com-

HAPPY: Panton (in light suit) at launch party

ing in, Engel & Völkers director Terence Panton believes these are exciting times for the fivekm-long stretch of the coast, which goes from C’an Pastilla to S’Arenal. He believes the changes could see the area becoming Palma’s answer to South Beach,

in Miami. city centre. Internationally renowned real The consistent upgrading of estate agency Engel & Völkers hotels to four and five stars has has just opened its first office in given the area a stylish makethe area - its seventh in Mallorover. ca - and Panton believes Playa And with a fine selection of de Palma is already enjoying quality, reasonably priced resreal ‘momentum’. taurants and outdoor leisure “The area will develop within activities, such as cycling, windthe next five years,” Panton told surfing and kite-surfing, this is the Olive Press. the ideal loca“The question is tion for a family not ‘if’ anymore. apartment. Absolutely not. With prices in This is a place The question is Palma out of where you can ‘when’. some people’s “This is a place budgets, now still get value for where you can is the ideal money still get value for time to snap money and in up a property terms of prices in Playa de hitting their Palma, says peak, three to five years is the Panton, with buyers’ investbest case, with the worst case ments only increasing in value five to ten years.” over time. “It is still Palma and With government and local the beach here is the city’s best business owners working tobeach,” said Panton, adding: gether to improve the area, “Let’s face it: you don’t have a property prices have been risbeach right next to you in Santa ing over the past three years. Catalina or the Old Town.” You Leading the charge has been can get a first-line apartment Palma Beach Consortium, from €250,000 with a fantastic which has helped to inject milview of the sea. “If you buy now, lions of euros into the Playa de you will reap the rewards within Palma area, situated a short a few years,” he insists. Call the ten-minute drive from Palma office on 971 412 925.

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Riding the wave!

The surf school that made C’an Pastilla cool again, writes Gillian Keller

OU can’t spend a day in C’an Pastilla without seeing a group of paddleboarders or windsurfers heading into the briny. All year round watersports lovers, including surfers and kitesurfers, head out to play around in the waves near the San Antonio Marina. You’re bound to spot under fives and adults well into their eighties riding out on a board… and even the occasional dog can be spotted going for a ride. Much of this is thanks to Cristina Rozalen who launched the island’s coolest surfer bar and surf school, Bona Ona, after spending a number of years in California. Bona Ona has brought a unique slice of chilled-out, laid-back, surfer vibes to Can Pastilla, especially now it has been joined by a number of other rival businesses. Since opening seven years ago, Bona Ona has become a hangout for surfers, stand-up paddle boarders (SUP) and windsurfers. Locals and tourists alike stop by to rent boards and book lessons, or just to hang out in this stylish spot. “Nothing is as easy as it looks,” says the mother-of-two, whose two brothers, Victor and Fran, help run the business. “But it is definitely worth the effort and I love the waves.” Herself a surfer, pictured riding a wave on the company brochure, she knows all the best surf breaks on the island and is available to offer tours and lessons. The school has a 12-person stand-up paddle board for rent, paddle tours through caves or sunset tours, summer camps, and stand-up

WATER WINGS: Paddleboarders enjoy an outing, while (top right) Bona Ona paddle yoga. The company has also just expanded over the road to Samoa Beach cafe, which helps when the bar throws one of their big neighbourhood parties. This Thursday (June 8) is their full moon party which will begin with a party at the bars during the afternoon followed by a paddle around Can Pastilla under the full moon.

Bona Ona supports many charities around the world, raising money through the bar and the events they throw. They currently sell bracelets supporting Red School Uganda, a charity funding a much needed school, and Thursday’s party with raise money for the cause. Visit www.surfschoolmallorca.com for more information

Pedal power CYCLING has become synonymous with Mallorca. From the Tour-de-France-winning Team Sky team, to amateur enthusiasts, the island has become a mecca for lovers of pedal power. C’an Pastilla makes a fine base for riders of all ilk. With an increasing number of bike-friendly hotels, and good access to local cycle routes, riders can strike out across the island. At local bike shop Pearl Izumi Alvaro Arizaleta has seen cycling royalty pass through the doors. “Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome and the Team Sky team have all been in ,” he says. “We had one of the Sky mechanics in just a few days ago.” Of course, the soaring Mallorca peaks scaled by Britain’s Tour De France winners aren’t for everyone. So the flat, 10-mile bike path which runs through C’an Pastilla has been a huge hit with cyclists of all abilities. Hugging the scenic coastline, the paseo maritimo stretches

Summer Camp

Surf

CYCLE FRIENDLY: The beachfront in C’an Pastilla from S’Arenal to Palma, gliding past Palma’s cathedral and the Parque del Mar. From here, it strikes east past the former fishing village of Portixol before reaching the sandy expanse of Ciudad Jardin’s beaches. Ride past El Molinar and on to C’an Pastilla, for a gentle journey that cyclists of all ages can

REGULAR: Sky cyclist Chris Froome

navigate. It’s quick, too. “I live in Palma old Town and it take me just 30 minutes to cycle here to C’an Pastilla,” says Alvaro. “If some days I have to take my car it is very frustrating as I have to spend time and money parking.” To add to the allure, hotels around C’an Pastilla are becoming increasingly cycle friendly. AS more and more cyclists come to the island, the pedal pound has become a boon for business. “The cycling boom has extended the holiday season,” said The Manchester Pub’s Darren Hankes. “The cyclists start coming around March and then in September, when it is cooler. “It’s also helped rejuvenate small villages nearby, which had died out because the motorway bypassed them, but now cyclists are riding through them.”

Windsurf

Weekend Courses – Surf & SUP

Bonaona Mallorca - Surf School & Surf Café Bar Carrer Palangres, 7 – 07610 Can Pastilla – Palma de Mallorca bonaonamallorca@gmail.com – Tel: 971 261 261 – Mob: 619 749 271

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WORLDLY STAFF: El Ancla barmaids from Colombia and eastern Europe

the authentic anchor!

’an Pastilla has come a long way from it’s village days. From just a few houses along the shore, it now boasts a wealth of fantastic restaurants and unique bars. It’s no wonder tourists and Islanders alike flock to the cool town all year around.

IT is easily one of the most unusual and original bars on the island. Sitting overlooking the sea, beside the marina, El Ancla (The Anchor) is a late night spot busy for most of the year. Unique for its incredible mix of nationalities and races, on any given night there are a dozen languages and cultures mixing, including many expats who travel across the island for this special bar.

Well established for 18 years, serving an array of drinks and cocktails alongside shisha pipes and international tapas. The chilled-out vibe and welcoming atmosphere has attracted customers from all walks of life since the beginning. Set up by a British businesswoman, its waitresses herald from around the world, including east Europe, Colombia and Morocco.

Star Fresco

Can Pastilla’s newest ice cream shop is not just delicious but more than your average summer pit stop. The Italian artisan gelateria hand makes their own cream flavours daily, with a dozen fresh options from black chocolate to fresh mint. They also make fresh smoothies and milkshakes to make any summer day cooler.

Surf and turf TOP TUCKER: At Fins

E’S navigated ten-foot swells as an international surfer, now restaurateur Edmond is making a splash in C’an Pastilla’s foodie scene. Fins Tapas & Cocktails is one of the coolest eateries in the resort - and wouldn’t be out of place in Palma; its blend of tasty cuisine and hip cocktails is the perfect way to round off a day beside the Mediterranean’s swell.

For Barcelona-native Edmond, Fins has allowed him to bring together the gastronomic influences he tapped into as a globe-trotting surfer. “I opened Fins two and a half years. The restaurant is themed around surf. Mallorca is a great place to surf,” he says. “The food is very international, with a very creative menu. Steak tartare and

DELICIOUS: Burger and chips at Fins

plenty of dishes that I enjoyed while surfing around the world, but I have adapted them for Mallorca.” It’s a classic family affair with his girlfriend working behind the bar and her mum in the kitchen, while he even has a hardy Scot doing her bit for the expat hordes. Beach boy Edmond spent two and a half years hitting the waves in California, before heading to the north of France - ‘Great surf, but very cold’, then in Bali. On the walls, a photo of Edmond riding a wave sits alongside a surfer’s sleek board, its fins jutting out proudly. As he speaks, trays of appetising food - jamon Iberico and croquettes - are ferried from the kitchen to the terrace. “We have a full cocktail list, and serve drinks until 2 am at the weekend,” said Edmond. “Negroni, Pina Colada, Caipirinha. We play deep and chillout house, a real beach bar vibe.” And with Edmond a regular at Mallorca’s surfing hotspots, he’s just at home in the waves as he is in the kitchen or bar.

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It’s cooking

C’an Pastilla is starting to see a culinary revolution, writes food critic Jon Clarke

HISPER it quietly… there is something going on in C’an Pastilla. The previously old-fashioned resort is cooking - yes, truly on fire - with new restaurants and bars opening by the week, it seems. Best of all, these are not your average expat-run, fish and chips-style diners… there are mostly gourmet-focussed places, each with their own unique selling point. While staying for a month, earlier this year, I was amazed to discover a mix of eateries, that offered amazing tapas, creative cuisine and even top class sushi. Among the hundreds of places to dine was a Cuban place, a Mexican joint and the obligatory Indian, not to mention a Thai, a Chinese and an Argentinian steak house. And then I found - what was once known as ‘Cockroach alley’ - with two amazing new places, Fins and Rumbo Fijo. Sitting cheek by jowl, they best epitomise the change that is taking place in the resort. Both alluring in the extreme, they have style in spades, and magicians in their kitchens. The Rumbo Fijo team come from Madrid and include boss-

TALENTED: Team at Rombo Fijo, their foie dish and (left) Samoa Beach es Jorge Fijo and Begona Arroyo, with Juanjo and Pablo in key supporting roles. Set around a charming patio garden, it serves up a great mix of tapas and dishes with loads of specials on the giant blackboard inside. There are two big jamons ready to be carved on the bar and the wine list is particularly good, thanks to various members of the team, who have been sommeliers. Apart from a good mix of Riojas and Ribera del Dueros there

BEST PIZZAS: At Italian Soul Cafe

Calle Cesar 10, Can Pastilla, 07610, Palma de Mallorca tel: +34 971 26 31 96

are plenty of Mallorca wines and a great albarino and even champagne by the glass. I particularly liked the foie with fresh mango and a sprinkle of burnt caramel on top as well as the ‘salteado de setas’, a delicious plate of grilled mushrooms with jamon iberico. Next door, expect to be amazed by Fins, set up by Barcelona native Edmond, a keen surfer, who has various businesses on the island. Stylishly-lit and well designed, with plenty of plants and attitude, this is a place you just want to dive into, and you do generally need to book. The menu is a decent range of local and international dishes, with the steak tartare a sure fire winner, as well as the incredible chicken and pistachio croquettes, served with mustard. Chef Maria Jose, from Albacete, does a great tartaki of tuna, as well as the best patatas bravas I have tasted outside Barcelona. Around the corner you will find easily the best Italian restaurant in the area, the Soul Cafe. This cool spot is one of the genuine hives and is busy from opening to closing time. And it is no wonder with the fantastic attention to detail from its staff and great mix of pasta dishes, along with the best pizzas around. Some of them are gluten-free. There is also a range of Spanish tapas and no less than 40 different cocktails. And then there is more, with the recently opened Samoa Beach, next to its sister establishment Bona Ona. This is one hell of a spot to spend the evening, dining looking over the sea and it feels quite authentically Mallorcan. With its brushed concrete floors, wooden tables and African style plates it has a cool vibe, plus its dishes, including a fabulous wok with prawns and vegetables, was excellent. Watch this space… it will only get better. Last but not least, look out for Finca del Mar, which sits on the front, run by an Italian Swiss called Bagnoni, which is a good spot to eat steaks or decent

fish and watch the windsurfers and kitesurfers buzz by. Jon Clarke has written many travel and food articles for the Daily Mail and was described by Gordon Ramsay as ‘Andalucia’s leading food critic’

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IN COME THE BIG BUCKS! A HUGE US property fund is splashing €45 million on three new Costa del Sol developments. The American bosses behind Real Capital Solutions have snapped up sizeable plots in Estepona, Mijas and Benahavis and continue to look at further opportunities along the coast. The company, based in Marbella since 2013, already has five other developments, including The Retreat, in Elviria.

“We have spent around €86 million here so far and have a fund of €100 million to spend,” explained Managing Partner Peter Wells, based in Colorado. “We are one of the largest developers on the Costa del Sol and our emphasis is on distressed properties.” He added: “Also we do things transparently and always try and deliver on price and quality.” The company - which made hundreds of millions buying and selling distressed properties in the US - has 16 staff working out of its office at Centro Plaza. Local boss Taylor Cox, added: “The coast is really starting to come alive and it’s a pleasure to live in such a beautiful part of the world.”

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Booming July predicted following ‘pause’ in run-up to EU referendum Special report by Iona Napier ESTATE agents in Spain and Gibraltar are lining themselves up for the busiest July on record. It comes as some British buyers put purchases on hold due to the forthcoming EU referendum on June 23. Most agents the Olive Press spoke to confirmed they had various sales currently ‘paused’ awaiting the result, despite the British market remaining strong. The majority believe that the expected result - to stay in Europe - will lead to the pound strengthening with a red hot summer of sales to follow. Ben Bateman, at Holmes Sotogrande, described the referendum lead up as a ‘pause for thought for British buyers’ due to concerns over the weak pound. “After a remain vote however, we expect to see a strong finish to the year - and a sudden wave of bids from British buyers,” he told the Olive Press. One agent in Gibraltar has gone one step further actually employing extra staff for July. Savills director Sammy Cruz-Armstrong said: “Everything is on hold due to Brexit, but I am convinced we will stay in Europe and am taking on extra staff in July to deal with the expected deluge of business.” Benahavis agent Scott Marshall of Proper-

Roll on Remain tieSpain, meanwhile, described the pause as ‘very psychological’. He said: “It’s a combination of the uncertainty of the vote and the exchange rate right now.” While many agents have a couple of sales currently on hold, some have seen more. “We have up to ten sales currently on hold until after the referendum,” said Victor Witkowski, boss of Castles, in Manilva. “Buyers are not necessarily pulling out, but they are biding their time to see what happens.” Fellow Manilva agent, Shani Hamilton, also confirmed a slowdown, but added: “We are predicting a huge influx of business as soon as a decision is made.”

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Deals

Spanish property sales by nationality and quarter

www.spanishpropertyinsight.com Source: Registradores Q1 2013 Q2 2013 Q3 2013 Q4 2013 Q1 2014 Q2 2014 Q3 2014 Q4 2014 Q1 2015 Q2 2015 Q3 2015 Q4 2015 Q1 2016

Either way, official statistics out this month confirm the British market remains strong and tens of thousands continue to look for their dream home. Respected analyst Mark Stucklin insists that foreign demand for Spanish property was up 16% in the first quarter with Brits the biggest group of foreign buyers at 22% of the market share. “The British still dominate the foreign market for property and there is no evidence of a noticeable decline in demand as yet,” he said. And certainly not everyone is suffering. One agent, Graham Govier of Inland Andalucia has seen ‘no negative impact’ at all during the referendum lead-up. “In fact it is the opposite. Prices are extremely cheap right now and we are selling two times as many properties as we were last year,” he said. He added: “My salesman Paul - already a bit of a local celebrity - has just completed his seventh consecutive sale and people are buying because they can see that the incredible deals won’t wait around for them forever,” he added. Paul made headlines in the Olive Press last year when he sold an impressive nine properties in a row.

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Illegal rentals to be tackled in July

of the new law to tackle ilBE ‘APPY!PARTS legal rental accommodation will

come into effect by the beginning of July. Vice president Biel Barcelo said rules such as fines of up to €40,000 for illegal rentals would

Download our app now and MAGALUF tourist rental enjoying best Spanish searches CLAUDIA Schiffer isbegin selling her theaccommodation luxury Mallorca villa. news on the go. have doubled in the first six The German supermodel’s months of 2017, according to Camp de Mar finca is report- new data. edly on the market for a cool Holiday search engine Hundredrooms also reported that €4.5 million. Schiffer has been closely linked the average price of a summer to the Balearic island for the break in the Mallorca resort past two decades, and has been has almost doubled coma regular visitor to the island pared to March’s rates. The average price for accomsince she was a child. The Olive Pressfor eight guests modation She previously owned a glamorous pad in Cap Andritxol in in July is €931 per night, or €13,056 for a 15-day stay, acAndratx, although TOP neverfor lived news in Spain! cording to Hundredrooms’ there and sold up in 2005. Schiffer, who shot to stardom analysis as one of the world’s top cat- May saw a 20% increase in walk models in the 1990s, was bookings at the popular party previously a tourist ambassa- resort, according to the webdor for Mallorca at London’s site’s data analysis. Occupation levels in the first 2005 World Travel Market. In 2015, Schiffer was involved two weeks of June were up to in a courtroom battle when F1 73% for four people with July driver Michael Schumacher’s showing accommodation at ex-manager after her gardener 50% capacity, according the Hundredrooms data. cut down two of his trees. Wili Weber filed a legal com- The study also found that priplaint, reportedly claiming vate accommodation did not Schiffer cut down the trees as allow young people in groups that are below 25 years old. they were blocking her view. Both parties reached an agree- There were also restrictions on 'adults only' and hosting ment at the end of 2016.

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be enforceable ‘from the first day’ the law is passed in parliament. However, the new law will leave it up to councils and town halls to decide where tourist rental will be legal, with local authorities having until next year to decide

this. PP MP Alvaro Gijon criticised the coalition government over the tourist accommodation issue, saying it ‘doesn’t know how to resolve it, how to tackle it and how to apply it [the law].’

Mighty Magaluf club nights on the properties. According to the website, there are around 60 offers of holiday rental-style accom-

modation in Magaluf in addition to hotel supercomplexes that have their own apartments.

Tourist rental searches double in first half of 2017

A Hundredrooms spokesperson told the Olive Press they had compared prices across 100 different sites.

Tourist trap TWO thirds of Mallorca's tourist rental space is not properly registered, according to new data. Only 77,000 of an estimated 201,000 beds for rent on the island are registered with the local authorities, avoiding a DRIAT fee of more than €300. Biel Barceló, vice-president of the government and tourist minister, revealed the figure on his Twitter account yesterday. Airbnb and HomeAway offer 201,843 rental spaces on the island, according to ecologist group Terraferida, although the figures are disputed by rental accommodation body APTUR. However, the government said there had been an increase in registrations in recent months, with those offering accommodation concerned about fines and inspections. A tourism law soon to come into force will fine websites that offer illegal tourist accommodation.

CG Property C/ Julia Bujosa Batle, 6 07184, Calvía Mallorca Tel: (+34) 971 670 300 Mob: (+34) 628 196 939

www.gc-property.com

Finca, Calvia – 495,000€

ref: CT127

A very old ruin in the Calvia countryside to restore back to former glory. The finca has approx 150m2 of construction and 12.000m2 of land. There is also a neighbour with approx 30m2 construction and 9.000m2 of land which could be bought as well. A sizable project but potentially very rewarding. No electric or water currently.

Finca, Es Capdella – 1,795,000€

ref: CAP37

A beautiful stone finca dating back hundreds of years with a private peaceful location 5 minute drive from the village of Es Capdella. The property has a constructed area of 290m2 and sits on 11,000m2 of land. The main house consists of a large kitchen, dining room, lounge, study, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & w/c. There is also a separate casita with a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. Outside there is a private pool and deck with beautiful country views, various terraces and eating areas, and lots of garden/land with trees. Other features include a storeroom, 2 fireplaces, electric radiators & fans.

22 22

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Price is right SPANISH property prices have risen by another 2.2%. According to figures from the Ministry of Development, homes sold between January and March this year averaged €1525.80 per square metre. This rise represents the eighth successive increase AVERAGE rental costs in the in average market Balearics are some of the highest prices. in Spain and expected to rise, a The most signifinew study show. cant rises were seen A 90-metre-square apartment in Barcelona and now costs €1,080 a month on avMadrid, going up erage in the Islands, according to 5.4% and 4.9% reEspaña de Servihabitat Trends. spectively. The average cost of an 80 to

Rent rise

90-metre-square home in Spain as a whole was €600, the rental report found, with rent going up by an average of 5.4% nationwide. Madrid’s average price for a property the same size was €1,000, the Basque Country €930 and Catalunya €670 In the Balearics, average price increases were 5.6%

Property

June 9th - June 22nd 2017 June 9th - June 22nd 2017

Keys Isl nd to the

Where’s hot?

The places to buy after a recordbreaking year for foreign buyer sales ACCORDING to official figures released by the National Ministry of Development, the value of home sales in the Balearics by foreign buyers last year exceeded €1.6 billion, making 2016 a record breaking year. The figures represent a 50% increase on the previous two years. The southwest is of course in greatest demand due to ease of access, infrastructure, sea views and weather. The strongest interest and price increases being for sea view properties, with transactions in the southwest hitting some €740 million, a value exceeding the total of all sales in Ibiza. Average property purchase prices increased over the past year by 21% from around €1.7 million to €2.1 million. All quite astounding figures for our relatively small island!

NOT FINISHED THE popular Trenc chiringuitos may take weeks to replace, the town hall has admitted. The six beach bars were knocked down last month after the Supreme Court ordered the concrete buildings should be destroyed as they are in a place of natural beauty. Replacement chiringuitos were due to be built, but Campos town hall has suspended the tender. The hold-up also means Trenc has no hammocks or parasols.

By Amanda Butler

COOL: Alaro townhouse with gorgeous gardens

STUNNING: Finca in Es Capdella

So to focus on where the value is still at – it is definitely inland, with prices only slowly increasing by comparison to the sea view variety, yet this is still where the real Mallorca is to be found, far away from the ‘madding crowds’. My showcase choices this week are: A nicely presented Townhouse in Alaro (centre/northwest), offering four bedrooms, including a guest-house, garden and roof terrace. Build size 198 m², on a plot of 204 m², double-glazed with wood-burning stove and only a five minute walk to the village square. Price: €410.000, Ref: 17010. The second is a rather lovely country finca on the outskirts of Es Capdella (southwest) offering 290 m² of living area, on a plot of 11.000 m². There are four beds including a separate guest house, open plan country kitchen, lounge, dining room, and beautiful pool area with delightful countryside views. Price: €1.795.000, Ref: 17003. For enquiries please go to www.mjcassociates.net, ajb@ mjcassociates.net or tel: 690075169 Amanda J Butler

Contact Amanda Butler at +34 690075169 or by email: ajb@mjcassociates.net

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Holiday Let – New special price for May and June If you own one or more properties, perhaps ‘for sale’, fully furnished and well maintained with a pool, and currently unoccupied, whilst still costing you money? Why not turn the situation around and start making money between visits or until sold? You can earn in 3 or 4 months by weekly rentals what you would earn in a year by a long-term rental, without impeding a possible sale. We are a professional team and will take care of your home whilst meeting all the cost of promoting and marketing your property. We find you the guests, make the reservations, prepare the contracts and all legal paperwork necessary but the best of all is,

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We speak Spanish, English, German and Dutch

We speak Spanish, English, German and Dutch +34-871 551 307 +34-693 516 446 homeandlifestyle@realtyagent.com tel: +34 871 551 307 tel: +34 693 516 446 Gremi Sabaters 21, 2nd Floor 24, Pol. Son Castelló, 07009 Palma de Mallorca homeandlifestyle@realtyagent.com

Gremi Sabaters 21, 2nd Floor 24, Pol. Son Castelló, 07009 Palma de Mallorca

Property

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MORTGAGE THINK TANK by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola

Mortgage valuation A Spanish lender will require that the property be valued by one of their appointed valuation companies. This can cost anything from a few hundred to more than one thousand euros depending on the property’s worth. Opening Fee Most Spanish mortgage lenders charge a fixed fee for setting up a mortgage. This is typically 1% of the value of the mortgage, but can range from 0.5% to 2%. Notary Fee If a Spanish property has a mortgage secured against it this has to be declared before a Notary and a separate title deed (escritura) drawn up. Notary fees are based on the number of clauses in the deeds and will have approximately the same number as a purchase deed. The notary will charge for this and therefore a Spanish mortgage increases the notary costs at the time of signing the public deeds of sale. Land Registry Fee

Hidden costs A mortgage on a Spanish property must be registered with the land registry, which will increase the land registry fees when buying property. The fee for registering a mortgage is roughly the same as the fee for registering the property. Spanish Stamp Duty (AJD) This tax - paid to the government - is worked out as a percentage of a Spanish mortgage. The amount can vary from region to region and will vary according to the amount of the mortgage. In the Costa del Sol it is 1.5% and is calculated as a percentage of the full responsibility, i.e. of the interest payable over the full term as well as the loan amount. Deed Arrangement Fee This is paid to the gestoria which arrange for the deeds to be inscribed correctly

What are some of the extra fees you can expect to pay on your Spanish mortgage?

in the local land registry and to calculate the correct taxes and other costs contained in the escritura. Lenders use their chosen gestoria to ensure both the property and the mortgage have been properly registered. It should cost no more than a FEW hundred euros. Cancellation fees It’s important to remember that early cancellation fees are quite the norm and are usually 0.5% of the value of the property. There could also be fees for paying off part of your mortgage early. In any case we can usually negotiate these away. And, finally, all Spanish lenders are currently making life insurance and buildings insurance a condition for the offer. However, these can often be cancelled after the first year.

To contact Tancrede for all your mortgaging needs call: 666 709 743 or for insurance queries call: 951 203 540 Email: tdp@thefinanacebureau.com The Finance Bureau Centro Commercial Guadalmina, 2nOffice No. 7 Guadalmina, 29670

June 9th - June 22nd 2017 June 9th - June 22nd 2017

23 23

To Di for IT’S the fairytale Mallorca villa that was fit for a princess. The Mallorcan Castle, a favourite of a young Lady Diana when she holidayed on the island, is on the market for a cool €38 million with Engel & Volkers. The idyllic mansion near Port Andratx boasts a swimming pool, seven bedrooms and bathrooms, a billiards room, piano lounge and sauna. One of the three suites in the main house is named after Diana, who spent summers holidaying here before she married Prince Charles. A private docking area can hold a yacht of 30 metres in length or, if you prefer to drive, Palma is a mere 20-minute spin away Nestled within beautiful

Castle built for a princess on sale for €38 million

gardens the villa offers panoramic views of the majestic Mediterranean coastline.

Brexit bust BRITISH purchases of Spanish property have fallen by 22%. During the first quarter of 2017, over 15,000 Spanish properties were bought by non-Spaniards, but only 14.5% by Brits. Experts have likened the fall to the continuing uncertainty over the conditions of the UK's exit from the European Union. Despite the drop, the UK still tops the list of overseas buyers.

It’s 6,000-square-metre plot comes with 1,097 square metres of living space, with a private celler to the west of the peninsula. An open-air dining room is the perfect spot to while away the long summer evenings. The nearby villages of Andratx, Sant Elm and S’Arraco offer scenic views across the Sierra Tramuntana mountains. The castle is just a short drive away from the surrounding beaches and golf course. Contact: Engel & Volkers, +34 971 674780

Newly built sea view apartments in Santa Ponsa Located in Mallorca’s southwest, Nova Santa Ponsa is the ideal place for weekend getaways and year-round living. Where time is precious, a surrounding of sandy beaches, picturesque golf courses and a selected choice of restaurants makes life valuable. GREEN ELEMENTS is composed of only 26 units, each of them with their own individual design, which offers the optimal utilization in relation to privacy and sun orientation. The modern architecture is softened by natural Mediterranean elements. Special attention is dedicated to the large pool area surrounded by lush gardens. The generously sized apartments feature a constructed area of 156 to 385 m². On the ground floor, the apartments have private gardens and from the first floor, each property enjoys impressive sea views from the terraces. The penthouses not only feature generous level terraces but also roof terraces large enough to install a private pool if desired. E&V ID: W-028G9Y · Prices from € 745,000 Engel & Völkers · Santa Ponsa Tel: +34 971 69 90 63 · SantaPonsa@engelvoelkers.com www.engelvoelkers.com/greenelements

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Business

June 9th - June 22nd 2017

Brexit could +TheolivepressEs

Official visit Green giant

undermine Spain’s biggest Go east BE ‘APPY! arms market INDIAN prime min-

ister Narendra Modi TOURISM isn’t the only has invited Spanish business in Spain that’s uncompanies to invest der threat from Brexit. heavily into his counLast year, the UK was the try during the first country’s biggest customer trip to Spain by an our and industry. inapp thenow arms Indian leader inDownload 30 years. Asthe part an EU arms probegin enjoying bestofSpanish gramme, Spain sold Britain news on the go.

€1.3 billion worth of weaponry in 2016, representing a massive 33.2% of total MORE than 20,000 taxi sales. drivers across Spain According to the Secretary have protested against of State for Trade, Spain ride-hailing apps Uber increased its total weapon and Cabify after they sales by 8.9% to just over continued to recruit driv€4 billion, accounting for ers using another SpanThe Olive 1.6% of Press total exports. ish startup, JobandtalAnd for the past ten years, ent. TOP for the news Spain! UKin has been among the top four buyers of Spanish Pulling out arms. Last year, the UK bought UK insurer Aviva is confour Airbus A400M transtinuing to reduce its

Taxi!

Spanish presence with the sale of two businesses, which raised €475m.

You’re hired! THE number of unemployed people in Malaga fell by 5,134 in May, a decrease of 3.26%

Fire power port planes and two Airbus Multi Role Transport Tanker (MRTT) air-to-air

refueling aircraft, along with spare parts for the Eurofighter 2000, all of them

Public sector job jump THE Balearic government will create 7,750 new public sector jobs in the next three years. In total, 4,500 posts will be created in the health sector, with 3,000 in education and 250 other jobs. The government is aiming to cut the number of temporary positions, which currently stits at

42% of overall public sector jobs. The authorities aim to slash the number to 8%, with 257 of the new education positions to be created this summer with several health and general roles. Vice president Biel Barcelo said: “This is the biggest increase that has been made in the Balearic Islands.

part of EU arms programs. Britain is expected to remain part of these programs after it leaves the EU, but it will find it harder to join future projects, which could deprive the Spanish defense industry of its main market. Two-thirds of Spanish arms sales went to EU members or NATO partners, with a third spread out among 52 countries, chief among them Egypt, Oman, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.

SPAIN’S prime minister has bolstered relations with China throughhas a recent offiA SPANISH company bevisit. come the firstcial energy firm in Rajoy met the world to beMariano carbon neutral. with president Renewable energy company Xi Jinping Jose to discuss bilatAcciona’s president Manuel Entrecanales revealed the firm had reduced its emissions by 43% in five years. Speaking at Barcelona’s Innovate4Climate forum, Entrecanales called for an increase in renewable energy to help tackle global warming. Acciona employs around 33,000 people in more than 20 countries, with annual sales of nearly €6 billion. It works with wind, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, hydroelectricity and biomass to generate power.

Crisis, what crisis? THE number of Balearic businesses is above pre-crisis levels for the first time. Some 44,190 companies were registered with social security in April, the highest number for that month since 2008. In total, this represents 373 more than April 2008 and 458 more than 2007.

l e tt e rs

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A dozen expats sue Irish bar over pay and working hours

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HOT 100

highest amount since February 2011. Malaga’s College of Architects, which approves all new buildings, described the rise as ‘very positive.’

see 3 page Malaga market booming with around 100 homes sold per day, while Spain sees growth of 27% Last year saw more than double the amount of new homes on the previous year in given licences Malaga, which is home to the key markets of Marbella, Benahavis and Mijas.

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Come and meet our motivated and professional consultants Or visit our website at www.thespanishestateagent.com at Avenida Espana 250, Estepona 29680. Email info@thespanishestateagent.com

It’s your move!

IF the Tories win expats can kiss goodbye to healthcare and increases in pensions (The Expat Factor, issue 3), they have broken promises in previous manifestos so they will no doubt do it again. I do not know how you can describe it as a second referendum on EU membership politicians from all parties with (perhaps the exception of the Lib Dems who have no chance of forming or being part of a government) have jumped on the Brexit means Brexit bandwagon. Democracy no longer exists in the UK politicians are in it for themselves and the voters and taxpayers are just regarded as cash cows for their deluded evil plans which never appear in their manifestos. Best thing for UK voters on the 8 June DON’T vote and show these bunch of clowns what you really think of them.

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May 24th - June 7th 2017

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1 23/02/2017 11:31 679702_DFS_SPANISH_BOX_AD_40x40_MIJAS_COSTA.indd

EXCLUSIVE By Alexander Brown

OVER a dozen ex-members of staff are taking a popular Irish pub to court in a dispute over pay. ex-employees Disgruntled of Healy Mac’s, in Estepona, claim they were forced to work more than three times the hours in their contracts, and in some instances were not even paid for their work. The bar, which opened last year, is currently facing a series of legal battles connected to treatment of staff. One alleged victim, Kayleigh Smith, 22, said: “They treated us with complete disdain and no respect. “It was bullying and after countless legal letters, visits and requests we’ve got nowhere.

week to accuse court&this in Bar our last re-Irish to court is PORT “Going Restaurant ESTEPONA Healy Mac’s S.L of unfair dissort.” Smith, who was a supervisor missal. at the bar in Estepona Port for He told Malaga court he was nearly six months, claims she fired without explanation, frequently had to work up to only for the company - which 60 hour weeks, and was bul- has various Irish pubs around lied by other members of staff. the world, including Thailand A former manager at the bar, - to later accuse him of stealAlvaro Mendo, 30, appeared ing from them.

Tel: 951 517 015 www.healymacs.com

Spain offers solidarity to UK terror victims

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Employed by the bar from June 2016 to Feb 2017, Mendo also accused them of making him work 60 hours a week, despite being placed on a 20hour contract. He said: “It was a nightmare from start to finish and the same for many other staff.” A judgement on his case is expected on June 6. When contacted by the Olive Press, Healy Mac’s declined to comment.

50% oN all varifocal lENSES

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THE FACTOR Crunch time

Our voting guide for UK election

Page 6

DISPUTE: Smith and Mendo

MARIANO Rajoy has condemned the terrorist attack that rocked Manchester this week. At least 22 people were killed and more than 50 injured after an explosion at Manchester Arena during an Ariana Grande concert on Monday night. “I condemn the attack in Manchester. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased victims and I wish speedy recovery to the injured,” said the Spanish Prime Minister Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias added: “Our solidarity goes to the victims of the bombing in Manchester. Counter-terrorism: The rule of law, democracy and human rights.” Newly-elected leader of the PSOE Pedro Sanchez said we need to remain ‘united’ to fight such terror. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack while its affiliates were celebrating on social media shortly afterwards. The UK election campaign was suspended yesterday as Prime Minister Theresa May chaired an emergency Cobra meeting.

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LIB DEM leader Tim Farron has blasted Theresa May for ‘disregarding’ Gibraltar. Farron, who cancelled yesterday’s planned trip to the Rock in the wake of the Manchester terror attack that killed at least 22, accused the Tories of ‘breaking their word’.

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ROPERTY sales in Malaga ince are at their highest prov2008. since An incredible were sold in March, 2,925 properties which is nearly per day. 100 The increase only beaten byof 37% on last year, was the number of between January new and March, builds soared at 121% which over 2016’s equivalent period. last year’s rate, The Andalucia while the total region has also amount of excellent growth registered properties sold in Spain rose with sales at 28% A massive 40,461 by 26.9%. above across the country in homes were sold March, which is the

highest amount since February Malaga’s College 2011. of Architects, approves all which new buildings, the rise as ‘very described positive.’

see 3 page Malaga market with around 100booming sold per day, whilehomes Spain sees growth of 27% Last year saw amount of new more than double the on the previous homes given licences is home to the year in Malaga, which Benahavis and key markets of Marbella, Mijas.

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FLOODED OUT

“96% of you voted to remain in the EU, but your voices have now been disregarded,” said Farron. “In the letter Theresa May sent triggering Article 50 Gibraltar was not mentioned at all.” He added: “At the heart of EXCLUSIVE our philosophy lies protectBy Laura Duckett ing the rights of people and standing up for minorities A MOTHER has slammed everywhere." the Ministry He also pointed out how the failing to takeof Housing for steps to proTories had backtracked on tect her children’s fragile I have now received two “But it is a a promise - laid out in their health. step I don’t have letters saying they could the money to take,” she in2015 manifesto - that they Janine Suetta, would grant the vote to ex- told by doctors 27, has been end up in hospital,” she ex- sisted. The incident occurred in pats who had lived abroad young childrenthat her two plained. ‘face hos- The family have been re- October for more than 15 years. last year when Japitalisation’, “The Conservatives pledged swept throughafter a flood peatedly prescribed antibi- nine came home to find a her council otics to clear several infec- huge flood caused by an uphome seven months ago. Continues on Page 4 tions including tonsillitis stairs pipe burst. The flooding - caused by and bronchitis. The extent of the damage works in an upstairs flat - “They say our chronic ill was so great the fire brigade left her Laguna Estate prop- health is down to the flood- was called in, and a houserty with serious damp and ing, which has left mould on ing department cleaner was ‘practically impossible to the walls and ceilings. sent to clear up the mess. live in’, she told the Olive “I don’t know if they are There are still holes in the Press this week. waiting for my children to ceiling and light fixtures She is now demanding ac- be hospitalised before tion from the authorities to do anything about it, they hanging out from damp Europa FC knocks the Red but I walls, while she has moved ensure her children, Tiana, am at my wits end. Imps off the top at long last 5, her children’s beds into her and Jay-z, 3, are not left “It’s not fair for a three and room due to a cracked wall at risk. a five-year-old to live like that she fears will fall on Page 7 Her two children struggle this. It is ridiculous to breathe at night and are are living right now.”how we them. This week, a Ministry for coughing all the time. She Despite this, housing fears their condition is get- have merely told her chiefs Housing spokesman refused to take to comment, insisting they ting worse. the building company con- were ‘unable to give out any “The doctors are very con- tracted for works upstairs information on the case’. cerned for their health and to the small claims court.

CRUNCH TIME IN UK Tories’ tall stories

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Malaga market booming with 100 properties per day, as Spain sold growth of 27% sees

OnlIne frOM frIday

Issue 14

How to live like a Hollywood legend... oh, you’ll need a few million to start with

Page VIII

ROPERTY sales in Malaga ince are at their highest provsince 2008. An incredible 2,925 properties were sold in March, which is nearly 100 per day. The increase of 37% on last year, was only beaten by the number between January and of new builds March, which soared at 121% over 2016’s equivalent last year’s period. rate, while the The Andalucia region has properties sold in Spain total amount of rose by 26.9%. excellent growth with salesalso registered A massive 40,461 homes were sold at 28% above across the country in March, which is the

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Lesson learnt companies have chosen All these leading international deepest sympathy to the family to trustMy the OliveFamily Press with (ABANDONED: of Briton killedtheir campaigns by drug driver in Mallorca slam Brit- years in Spain over recent ish and Spanish authorities’ handling of case, online). But there’s a lesson to be learnt, don’t go anywhere without Travel Insurance! Tamara P, Mallorca

vote. If concerned about social problems, vote Labour. If concerned about Brexit, vote Lib Dem. If concerned about your greed, vote Tory. Then there’s the Greens for the environment, UKIP for nutters and various Independents for one-trick ponies. No party will ever be a one-size fits all, just go for the one nearest your ideas, hold your nose and keep your fingers crossed, but get a cross in a box, it’s all we’ve got. Stefanjo, Estepona

Null ballot paper Why should you have the right to vote in a country you do not reside in any longer? Brandon Walsh, UK

Anchored Since the anchor is so heavy (Experts discover Christopher Columbus anchor, online), the chances are that it really hasn’t moved since it originally sank. Even the local currents would not be able to do that, albeit for a few inches. Thus, it’s a great marker of the location of the lost fleet when that occurred back then. A good stepping “stone” to find more relevant items, and rewriting some historical knowledge of ships’ traffic in those times. Can’t wait to hear of more artifacts. John Brown, UK

Open Letter to mayor Dear Alfonso Rodriguez, The restaurant of Perseverantia and Las Olas in Santa Ponsa have both carried out expensive renovations recently. They supply quality food and are surrounded by dangerous walkways which are not included in the first phase of the new walkway development. Could I suggest that until these areas are properly developed in a later phase of the promenade proposals that they are temporarily repaired and made safe by your council? I recently read that the Santa Ponsa hotel association were complaining about lack of investment by your council in Santa Ponsa and suggested that your council was favouring Magaluf. I totally agree with the hoteliers suggestions. Ian Rice, Mallorca

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Hotel horror All hotels in Spain are obliged to automatically send all guests´ information (copy of passport, date of arrival etc.), even if they are minors, within 24 hours of arrival to the local police. Amazing but true! This is a very undemocratic practice which treats all guests as suspects and can be traced back to the Franco era when the regime wanted to keep tabs on dissidents. Similar practices are normally to be found in authoritarian third world countries. The argument of my online campaign is that the time has come to drag Spain (and indeed, within Europe, Italy, Portugal and Switzerland - all of whom employ the same practice) into the 21st century on this issue. To this end, would you be willing to print in your paper about this and encourage people to complain against this practice when they stay in hotels by asking for a complaints form (hoja de reclamación) to be submitted to the local tourist authority and police? Alex Tabor, Privacy Activist, Brussels, Belgium

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FieLd/General Sales person We are looking for an outgoing self-motivated individual to fill this key position for the Mallorca edition. This is an important role that will command a basic, plus generous commissions.

CURRENCIES DIRECT ARE MARKET LEADERS IN FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE, OFFERING OUR CLIENTS THE OPPORTUNITY OF OBTAINING THE MOST COMPETITIVE COMMERCIAL EXCHANGE RATES. DUE TO CONTINUED EXPANSION WE HAVE THE FOLLOWING FULL-TIME VACANCIES: Business Development Executives – Mallorca. YOU WILL BE AN ENTHUSIASTIC, RESULTS-DRIVEN PERSON AND WILL NEED TO DEMONSTRATE A FIRST CLASS TRACK RECORD IN EXTERNAL BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS SALES. BASED OUT OF OUR MALLORCA OFFICE YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR EXPLAINING AND MANAGING OUR SERVICES TO NEW AND EXISTING AFFILIATES AND SALES SUPPORT TO OUR CLIENTS. IN RETURN WE OFFER A GOOD BASIC SALARY, EXCELLENT BONUS SCHEME, COMPANY CAR & MOBILE PHONE / LAPTOP, SPANISH CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT, AND THE CHANCE TO JOIN A FAST MOVING, INTERNATIONAL COMPANY. IN THE FIRST INSTANCE PLEASE SEND YOUR CV TO: andrew.b@currenciesdirect.com Andrew Brown Head Of Eastern Spain Currencies Direct Limited

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Please send your CV to admin@theolivepress.es

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ANTI-SMOKING campaigners have held a flashmob in Palma to raise awareness of the dangers of tobacco. Around 70 members of the Spanish Association Against Tobacco (AECC) descended on Plaza del Tubo de Palma for last Wednesday’s event on No Smoking Day.

Nearly half the Balearic Download our app now and begin enjoying the best SpanishIslands’ news on the go. inhabitants PROSECCO: Brit fave think they are fat

Boozy Brits

ALMOST half the people in the Balearic Islands think ONE third of the world's they are overweight, a new The Olive Presssurvey has shown. Prosecco is drank by Brits, Some 27% dieted on three a study has revealed. or more occasions with the The TOP Consortium forinthe for news Spain! Protection of Prosecco Balearic Islands fasting reported that a whopping more than anywhere else in 410.9 million bottles of Spain. bubbly are produced each Overweight year, with 112.7 million gulped down by boozy Around two thirds of men brits. also think they are at least This comes after a 44.8% five kilos overweight acboost in prosecco produc- cording to the Centre of Intion between 2014 and vestigation for Phytothera2016. py and the Spanish Society It’s bad news for Span- of Diet and Food Science ish produced Cava, which (Sedca). continues to fall further Last year, 40% of the isbehind it’s Italian arch ri- lands’ inhabitants made val. one or two attempts to diet with 27% trying on three or more occasions, with health authorities urging

Smoked out

The theme of the event was To Smoke is To Lose One in every four people in the Balearic Islands smokes, with one in three men lighting up and one in four wom-

en. Across Spain, around 23% of those aged 16 or more smoke every day, 2% smoke occasionally and 26% are occasional smokers.

Weight off your shoulders

people to pick a healthy diet they can stick to. “Diets are usually very restrictive, very low in calories and very monotonous, they always have the same food or the same restrictions, and it is easy to abandon them,” said Sedca nutritionist Andrea Calderon. Among the ingredients most recommended while dieting were artichoke, green coffee and the appetite suppressant Garcinina cambogia.

GOOD NEWS: For wine

Bottoms KEEPING IT TRADITIONAL up VICTORS: The Can Lau team

SALES of Mallorca wines leapt by 21% in 2016, according to new statistics. Altogether, the 13 bodegos under the Denominación de Origen (D.O.) Pla i Llevant de Mallorca umbrella sold 1,283,400 litres of plonk last year, 220,000 than in 2015. Reds made up 46% of sales with whites accounting for 37% and 17% rose. “Last year was climatically good, despite the lack of rain,” said D.O. president Antoni Bennàsar “The combination of humidity heat and rain favours disease, so for the wine dryness is better.” Grape production also grew, with 2.4 million kilos, a 16.6% rise since 2015 and one millon more than in 2013.

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AN Inca restaurant has won an award for best traditional Mallorquin dish. Can Lau was picked by a panel of judges at the Mostra de Cuina de Mallorca 2017 food festival. The restaurant’s chefs served up cuttlefish and sobrasada, pigs’ trotters with snails and Spearmint ice cream dessert.

Restaurante S’Oratge in Son Servera scooped an award for best original dish, with Restaurante Mesón del Mar in Calvia’s menu selected by a panel of bloggers and journalists. In the category open to the public, diners voted for Restaurante Sa Cuina d’en Marc in Fornalutx’s menu.

Go east ASIAN food has come out top with Balearic diners. A survey by online coupon deal company Groupon showed asian food was the number-one choice among its users on the islands. Across Spain, 39% of Groupon members chose Italian food, with 25% opting for an Americanstyle meal.

Raised the bar A BRITISH expat has won a coveted cocktail prize in the UK. Joe Bamber, who grew up in Andalucia and works in The Alchemist in Leeds, won the company’s internal competition which saw hundreds of its bar staff create their own cocktails. The 21-year-old’s winning tipple, the Matador Martini, was a twist on the old classic using Don Julio tequila, but instead of olives, the drink contained asparagus wrapped in jamon. The Spanish-inspired cocktail beat out hundreds of other entries.

WINNER: Joe

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STAYING: Bale

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Not Baleing

Mallorca relegated into third tier for first time in 36 years.

GARETH Bale has claimed he is ‘happy’ at Real Madrid and wants to stay at the La MALLORCA have been out of Spain’s professional Liga giants. relegated to Segunda B leagues was confirmed on Bale remained on the bench Olive Press for 77 minutes The of Real after drawing 2-2 with Mithe penultimate day of the Madrid’s 4-1 Champions randes. season at already-relegated League final winTOP overfor Ju-news Thein humiliating descent Mirandes Spain! ventus. The 27-year-old signed a new deal with the club in October to stay until 2022 Bale said: “We are winning trophies and I am happy. I have signed a long-term THE green light has been given to renovate Atletico Baleares’ deal. My family is happy and Estadio Balear. I am happy. So we will conThe Procampo Assembly voted by 198 votes to 29 in favour of tinue what we are doing.” refurbishing the stadium doubling its 3,000 capacity to 6,000, Bale joined Real Madrid the minimum for professional leagues. from Spurs in a world-reThe first phase of the development would cost an estimated cord-breaking €97.5 million €2 million. fee in 2013. It comes after two years of talks about the proposals with the The reigning Spanish chamstadium at one point of being declared a ‘in a state of adminispions have scooped three trative ruin’ and facing demolition. Champions League wins in The stadium plans will now go before Palma Town Hall the past four seasons.

Stadium standstill ends

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DOWN: Mallorca team

Maikel Mesa and Iker Guarrotxena put the home side 2-0 up within 34 minutes to leave Mallorca with a mountain to climb. Juan Emmanuel Culio’s strike pulled the visitors closer, but Dejan Lekic’s 87th minute equaliser was too little too late. Mallorca lie four points from safety with one game remaining, and will now play in Segunda B for the first time since the 1980-81 season. Owner Robert Sarver bought the club last season, but is now facing tough questions after Mallorca’s embarrassing fall from grace.

Rafa rocks on RAFAEL Nadal has cruised into the semi-finals of the French Open after quarterfinal opponent Pablo Carreno Busta withdrew through injury. The Mallorquin was on court for just over 50 minutes, with the scores 2-6 0-2, when a wrist problem caused Carreno Busta to pull out. King of Clay Nadal’s pursuit of a 10th Grand Slam triumph on the Roland Garros courts has seen him lose just 22 games so far, the lowest number in his career.

CHRIS Froome has grown too powerful for Team Sky, according to former GB rider Chris Boardman. Three-times Tour de France winner Froome has been taking part in the Criterium du Dauphine that as he warms up for the Grand Tour start in Dusseldorf on July 1. But his run-in to this year’s Tour de France has been low key, with Boardman claiming his training is ‘unusual and often doesn’t end well’ wiith Froome having too much say over his training schedule “It certainly won’t make the Team Sky management feel comfortable,” said Boardman. “There’s nothing there where they can say, ‘We’re on track’. He might be OK but you’re not going to find out until the day. “But he has got the status where he can do that. He can say, ‘No, what are you going to do? I’ll ride for someone else’.

LEGEND: Froome

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Savannah sailing THE world’s first super hybrid yacht is cruising into Mallorca. The luxury €90 million boat Savannah, owned by mining mogul Lukas Lundin, has been sailing around Miami and Bermuda but is due to cross the Atlantic. Boasting a master suite, VIP stateroom, swimming pool, gym and four double cabins, Savannah holds 24 crew and 12 guests. The multi-award-winning megaship has scooped three Show Boat Design Awards in February as well as Motor Yacht Of The Year. With a top speed of 17 knots and a cruising speed of 14, the motor yacht’s ornate furnishings are the height of elegance. It’s classy exterior was designed by Cristina Gherardi Benardeau, founder of the Giorgio Armani Interior Design Studios in New York and LUXURY: Interior of super yacht Milan.

Cruising on CRUISE ship AIDAperla will be christened in Palma on June 30. Boris Becker - no, not that one - will captain the ship as it makes its maiden voyage before a seven-day cruise around the Mediterranean. Model and presenter Lena Gercke (above) will the the German-run ship’s godmother at the Palma christening ceremony. The 300-meters long, 125,000 tonne vessel can carry 3,200 passengers, 900 crew and has an all-weather beach club with water slides and pools. Onboard, there are 12 restaurants, 18 bars with the ship capable of reaching 22 knots. The AIDAperla will stop at Barcelona, Rome, Corsica and Florence on its first cruise.

Making waves Green-conscious yacht-holiday charter firm launches in Palma

A NEW eco-friendly yacht-hire firm has opened in Mallorca. Saliero will donate 10% of its profits to protecting the Mediterranean and and reducing plastic pollution. Portals entrepreneurs Yannick Kwik and Joaquin Sanchez’s green-conscious start-up identifies captained

boats for holidaymakers to enjoy the seas. “We find the best options to charter and then curate a selection of vessels for a sea experience in Mallorca,” cofounder Joaquin Sanchez told the Olive Press. “The idea is helping our clients to find the best option to enjoy a sea ex-

Boats, bikes and (mostly) fast cars… It was a fine win for the Olive Press as Hamish Goddard was joined by fellow columnist Amanda Butler in the annual Classic Car rally

perience in the Mediterranean. “We think that Palma is the perfect place for a startup that can digitalise the nautical industry.” Saliero has 80 boats that can be hired, with 80 more on the way, ranging from traditional yachts for small groups, to luxury yachts and sailboats. And with a strong emphasis on protecting the environment, the duo are committed to keeping the oceans clean. “In the last few years, we have seen the Mediterranean deteriorate, and it’s not the fault of the tourists, but of businesses that don’t operate as they should,” said co-founder Kwik.

EVO 43

HE theme of our recent Classic Car Club Rally - a convoluted route across the island from Palma to Porto Colom - was ‘counting crows’, one of my favourite bands, as it hap-

pens. The task involved spotting pictures of crows with letters attached hidden in various trees en route… then collect the letters that formed an anagram of a famous British sports car. Finally we had to identify the faces of various historic F1 drivers pinned in various places at the spectacular coffee stop at the old convent of Montesion de Porreres and submit all our answers on arrival at the excellent Sa Llotja waterfront restaurant in Porto Colom. Despite having to do this in a difficult-to-drive, extremely loud, but ultimately rewarding 1960´s Austin Healey 3000, it was a lot of fun… especially as we were joined by 20 or so beautiful cars and a jovial crowd of like-minded friends. Best of all, my co-pilot was none other than Olive Press property columnist Amanda Butler - whose eagle eyes and knowledge of Formula One made for a fine win for The Olive Press team!

Scooting around As the reported extra 30,000 or so hire cars arrive on the island this month to cope with the ever greater number of tourists, getting around – and particularly parking – has become the perennial nightmare. So my Baxter Marine colleague Pablo Hayes and I have invested in a humble but brilliant Yamaha X-Max 125. After 16 years of living in London, I finally succumbed to getting myself a scooter… in Mallorca it took me two. And what a liberation it has been… It takes me just 10 minutes to get into Palma from Portals,

Eagle eyes! parking takes 30 seconds and is free... and continual use drains a mere €15 tank of fuel every two to three weeks – a complete no brainer.

Using the latest IPS technology (with ‘pod’ propellers that pull rather than push), she is fuel efficient, easy to use - and fast – but perhaps the most surprising and unique feature is that at the touch of a button, the rear half of the boat completely transforms, expanding into a ‘beach area’. ‘XTensions’ slide out and in less than 30 seconds, the usable space is increased by 40% to create a 25-square metre sun deck with built-in deck chairs and diving platform. Furthermore, even if it doesn't automatically prepare a shaken - not stirred - Vodka Martini from a distance, one can still command the XTensions and other functions from an iPhone. Roger Moore - bless him - would have approved.

Hello Evo On to business we at Baxter Marine are very excited about a new agreement we signed at the Palma Boat Show to act as agents for one of the most exciting day cruising motorboats to hit the market for many years. The dramatic EVO 43 comes from Italy and if innovation means more than just a simple exercise in style and the best response to specific requirements, then the Evo 43 is truly ground-breaking, aside from being one of the coolest boats around.

www.baxtermarine.com or call on 606375666 or 971676786

EN ROUTE: Greenpeace vessel

Rainbow heaven ICONIC Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior is heading into Mallorca next month. The eco-campaigners ship will stop in Palma on June 13 as part of its ‘Less plastic, more Mediterranean’ fight against ocean pollution.

Warrior

There will be a press conference on the ship on June 14. During a 10-day journey around the Med, Rainbow Warrior will also dock in Barcelona and Valencia. Rainbow Warrior is the third boat such-named ship in the Greenpeace fleet, with the original vessel bombed and sunk by French intelligence services in 1985.

www.theolivepress.es

Cheers to the British cocktail Spain has adopted as its national drink, writes Belinda Beckett

T’S World Gin Day this Saturday, the perfect excuse to pour yourself a large measure of the spirit invented by the Dutch, topped off with an anti-malaria mixer created by the British in India. We Brits call it G&T. The Spanish call it ‘gintonic’ – all one word, no ampersand – and Europe’s largest nation of gin drinkers can’t get enough of it. Spain is third in the world for gin consumption per capita, behind The Philippines and America, and even drinks Britain under the table in the juniper-infused spirit. Adios vodka ice bars and fro-

Columnists

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¡Viva el gintonic!

zen shot glasses that tore the skin from your lips. El gintonic is Spain’s new coolest drink and sangria is so yesterday. But it’s a different beast entirely to the genteel cocktail British officers wives sipped from highball glasses in the days of the Raj. Here it comes in a f***-off

copa de balon (goldfish bowl on stem), stacked with industrial-sized ice cubes that never melt and festooned with elaborate garnishes to rival Del Boy Trotter’s yuppie cocktails in Only Fools and Horses. It also requires two hands to hoist it to your lips unless you want a cinnamon stick up your

Learning the lingo

nostril. Spain’s Michelin chefs pioneered the balloon glass trend, all the better to inhale the bouquet and pack enough ice to keep it cool under the hot Spanish sun (or in their hot Spanish kitchens, according to some reports, but let’s not suggest they drink on

June 9th - June 22nd 2017 June 9th - June 22nd

duty). Meanwhile a ginnami of cheffy new brews infused with everything from seaweed to frankincense to wood ants (said to taste lemony by the ‘ima-gin-ative’ Cambridge Distillery) is flooding the global market and Spain is lapping it up.

Mallorca diaries

By Lesley Keith

‘Picking up’ Spanish isn’t as easy as it seems, discovers Lesley Keith

LIVING in another country has many challenges, as you all know, and one of the main ones is definitely learning the lingo. Now I have tried, I really have, but living in a resort in the north practically everyone speaks English. Throw in the fact that locals talk to each other in Mallorquina and notices are in Catalan, what hope have I got? I dress in Spanish clothes, have my hair cut by a Spanish hairdresser, drive a Spanish car etc yet I am always addressed in English. How do they know? It soon became apparent that I was not going to learn without making a

major effort. I didn't want to be one of those expats I've met who proudly informed me that after living here for 45 years they still couldn't speak a word (more common than you'd think). I have how enrolled at council run classes and drag myself along twice a week, doing my homework like a right little swot. Most times we all end up in peels of laughter as we've all got it hopelessly wrong except the Dutch pupils who make the rest of us look like idiots. Our patient teacher Inez has a great sense of humour and makes it an enjoyable experience. Plus it is a brilliant way to meet other nationalities and who knows we may even be able to even understand each other one day (not anytime soon though). It's a very long time since I was at school and I had forgotten how nerve-wracking it is being put on the spot in front of a class. The brain goes blank, the room goes silent and your face goes red - and that's when you know the answer! The next thing I am trying is a free phone app called Duolingo. You probably know the one, it has a little green owl and sends you annoying reminder texts if you don't do your daily lesson. It teaches you very useful phrases like 'Luis is not a yellow football', I can't tell you how much I've used that one.

Gutted

I always try to talk in Spanish whenever I get the chance. Nothing says ' Oh my dear God ' more than a waiter's face as you stumble through your order. Sitting with a friend the other day in a very Spanish bar I tried to ask the waitress if we could wait a minute as someone else was joining us. That was greeted with a big sigh and rolled eyes plus the comment 'Look, could you just speak in English as I can't understand a word you're saying'... Gutted. Finally beware the translation app. Useful as it can be, it can also cause great confusion. In a well known DIY warehouse my partner was trying to buy wood for fencing. I stepped in but the app had given the wrong translation, as fencing is also a sport using swords. Waving my arms around descriptively really didn't help. The assistant’s face was a picture and we never got our wood. What if we'd been asking for decking I wonder? All my hard work sometimes does pay off though. I did manage to order dinner and drinks perfectly the other day requesting no cheese and extra bread only to be told by my English octogenarian companion to stop showing off. Sometimes there are no words in any language.

Barcelona is beginning to look like London during the other Great Gin Craze of the early 18th century, when there were half a dozen gin shops to every 100 citizens selling liquor laced with turpentine to give it a woody flavour. Today’s baristas have gone so barmy for botanicals – in the tonic as well as the gin – you can choose from an entire menu. In Galicia, you have the fantastic original flavoured Nordes, which has taken the world by storm. Andalucia has its own brand of gin, Puerto de Indias – try the one made with strawberries from Huelva and spirit from Cordoba, bottled in Sevilla with corks from Jerez. Gin has gone local, specialist and artisanal – just like cheese only it’s 37.5% proof. In Britain, where supermarket shelves groan with more curious bottles than a Victorian apothecary’s window, the government has added gin to

the notional ‘shopping basket’ that measures the Consumer Price Index. Asda is selling G&T ice lollies, the Ginstitute is a new London hotel where you can drink gin all day and make your own and even the delightful Mary Berry of Great British Bake Off fame is topping her lemon drizzle cake with gin and tonic icing. Do we really need a world gin day? I’ll raise a glass or three to it myself but a large G&T with ice and slice has been my nightly reward after a hard day’s work for more years than I care to reveal in public. And whether drinking it from a plastic cup in the buffet car of the London to Brighton train, as I once did, or from a glass the size of my head as I do now, it always goes down a treat. Salud!

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June 9th - June 22nd 2017

Fine mess

Love sick STILL GOT IT: Melanie Sykes in great shape

Ab-solutely fab MELANIE Sykes has been flaunting her fabulous figure while on holiday in Mallorca. Posing in bikinis for these sensational Instagram snaps during a half-term break with son Benj to her island villa, the Boddingtons bombshell looked sizzling hot. Soaking up the Balearic sun, the Lancashire lass, 46, showed off her toned body and gym-sculpted curves. Fitness model Melanie posted underneath one of the photos: “Good morning you beauties! Me and Benji catching some early morning rays. It’s another stunner here in Mallorca.” The former I'm A Celebrity star CHILLING: Mel on sunbed is a frequent visitor to Mallorca.

Pride of place

FLYING PROUD: Gay pride flag

MALLORCA buses will be flying the rainbow flag at this year’s Gay Pride. Palma Town Hall announced that the EMT buses will sport the colours during the festival, which runs from June 26 to July 2. This year’s Gay Pride procession will travel from Baulard to Plaza de Cort with organisers awarding the Dimoni and Rosa prizes for the worst and best gay figures of the year. Among those up for the Dimoni are the president of Chechnya, with reports of gay men being brutally tortured and killed in the republic.

Branson fixes air pickle AN ‘air rage’ row has erupted after a hen party wearing ’bitches on tour’ t-shirts were thrown off a Mallorca-bound plane. Jet2 have claimed the group of 18 was asked to leave when one of them tried to take off her t-shirt, not because of the swear word on the t-shirt. But bride-to-be Emma Green said the group had not been causing trouble and that the airline’s action had ‘completely ruined the whole experience’ with the group forced to pay for new flights. “We have lost a day already and everybody is really tired from flying in from different airports,” she said. “Some didn't land until 2am this morning.” Virgin Atlantic boss Richard Branson offered the Magaluf hen party a free flight to LA when he heard what had happened.

IT has to be the most pricey parking spot of all time. A driver who left her car in a Mallorca parking bay has been slapped with a fine of almost €28,000 some eight years later. The woman, named only as Inmaculada M., parked her Volvo in Los Patines in Palma on March 24, 2009. The car has not been moved since and is covered in dust with its tyres deflated. The owner of the vehicle, who is said to work at Son Espases hospital, was denounced by the car park owners. A judge ordered her to pay €27,995 to the car park owners.

Railway children

ITV contestants given gel and spray to fight bacteria sickness CONTESTANTS at Love Island are being given antibacterial gels and spray to prevent any outbreak of sickness during filming of the hit reality TV show. TV bosses are reportedly concerned that filming in Mallorca could be hit if cast and crew catch the Norovirus on the island. And with the raunchy ITV show set to attract an audience of around two million, producers are taking no chances over the winter vomiting bug threat. “There have been cases of a nasty sickness and tummy bug in Mallorca,” a source said,

“Infection spreads fast in a hot climate and it would ruin months of planning. “The show is about sexy young people hooking up in the sun – vomiting or diarrhoea would not be a good look." Love Island will be hosted by Caroline Flack, with celebrity guests including Prince Harry’s ex Camilla Thurlow. Flack has promised this years show will be ‘sexier than ever’. “Some viewers like watching raunchy scenes and others don't. People love moaning, let them moan. British people love a good moan,” said Flack.

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PRESENTER: Caroline Flack

A MUM leaving a Mallorca train became separated from her baby after the doors closed, leaving the pram on the station platform. The mother was travelling from Inca when the nightmare scenario unfolded last week. As she tried to leave the SFM train along with other passengers the automatic doors closed on her, leaving the tot stranded on Lloseta platform. She was forced to stay on the train until the next station and catch a train back. Thankfully, she was able to collect her child, who was safe and well.

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