Property www.theolivepress.es
olive press
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June 2018
Issue 21
be And s a m t p luc ag ro ia az pe ’s in rty e
A hippy commune, Scottish castle and a21 June 6th - June 19th 2018 ‘priceless’ pool, but which connects to who?
Becker, picasso and king alfonso all inside
This Arabicstyle stunner comes with a wine cellar and staff quarters... wait till you see the view SEE PAGE IV
BACK ON FORM Brits lead the way as sales in Spain return to near pre-crisis levels
SPANISH home sales this year are the highest they have been since the market turned the corner towards recovery in 2014, and growing foreign demand contributed to the increase, led by the British. There were 128,990 home sales inscribed in the Land Register in the first quarter of the year
(see chart on page II), an increase of 13.4%, according to the latest property market report just released by the Association of Spanish Property Registrars, known locally as the Registradores. “This volume of quarterly sales was the highest in the last 38 quarters, and you would have to go back to the third quarter of 2008 to find a
bigger figure,” explain the Registradores in its latest report. Foreign demand hit a high of 16,833 purchases in Q1, up by 13.2% compared to the same period last year. Spanish property is clearly still Continues overleaf
PROPERTIES SELLING FAST AT THE SPANISH ESTATE AGENT!
Continues on Page 21
Thinking of Selling? Get in touch with The Spanish Estate Agent – the fastest growing agency on the Costa del Sol
Phone us now on +34 951 516 905 • Properties urgently needed for eager buyers • Tap into our worldwide, award-winning marketing • Dynamic, motivated and professional sales team Come and discuss your property with our friendly sales consultants at Avenida Espana 250, Estepona 29680. Or visit our website at www.thespanishestateagent.com Email info@thespanishestateagent.com
It’s your move!
B II 22
From Page I
Property
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rit oom
seen as a good investment by buyers from all over the world, led by the British. Despite the increase in buyers, as a percentage of the overall Spanish housing market foreign demand remained at 13% of the market due to a slightly bigger increase in local demand. UK nationals purchased more homes in Spain than any other foreign nationality in Q1 2018, with 2,451 acquisitions in the period, followed by the Germans with 1,316, and the French on 1,290. As a result, the UK’s share of the foreign market was 14%, followed by Germany and France with just above 8% each. So even after Brexit, the UK market is still almost double the next biggest market, and bigger than Russia, China, and Italy combined. That said, 44% of buyers came from the ‘rest of the world’ in a sign of the increasing global diversification of demand for property in Spain. Demand from Bulgaria grew the most, up 16%, followed by Morocco, the Ukraine,
and the ‘rest of the world’, which contributed the biggest increase in foreign buyers in absolute terms with more than 600 more buyers, followed by the UK with 301 more buyers, up 14%. At the other end of the scale purchases by the Swiss were down 15%, and by the French down 10%. Switzerland is a small market of around 150 purchases per quarter, so a small change in buyer numbers can deliver a high percentage change and we can’t read too much into one quarterly decline, though generally speaking sales are about 10% down from 2016 when the Swiss Franc was incredibly strong against the Euro. France, on the other hand, has traditionally been the second biggest market, and a decline of 10% is noteworthy. What might be the cause of this double-digit decline whilst almost all other markets are growing? I suspect the answer has something to do with the constitutional crisis in Catalunya, a Spanish regions that borders with France, where the French have long been the biggest group of foreign buyers, with 43% of the
June 6th - June 19th 2018 June 2018
foreign market for second homes, according to the latest figures from the Association of Spanish Notaries. The Catalan separatist drive to break away from Spain has shattered foreign confidence in the region, and some developers in Barcelona I have talked to report their foreign clients
have vanished since the crisis erupted with a disputed referendum last October. The Registradores do not say how foreign demand breaks down by region, but it is likely that all regions have seen an increase in buyers from abroad, with the possible exception of Catalunya.
Property
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June 6th - June 19th 2018 June 2018
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Not my problem
GAME AND SET: Becker home squatted
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Plans to make historic farmhouse in Mijas into an art gallery ONE of Mijas Costa’s last surviving links to its past could become an art museum. The run-down cortijo Los Limones, which sits by the A-7 motorway between Fuengirola and Mijas, had been scheduled to be demolished. But, the opposition PP party believes the historic farmhouse at the start of the Camino de Coin, shows an important link to Mijas’ agricultural and cultural history.
BORIS Becker has hit back at claims hippies have taken over his mansion in Spain insisting it is no longer his. It came after bearded Bohemian Georg Berres, from Germany, said he planned to ‘save’ the exWimbledon champion's holiday home in the rural town of Arta, Mallorca, by turning it into a commune. However, the former tennis star spoke out explaining the home had been repossessed some years ago, after financial
Recycling history 16 IV
Historic home will become epicentre of new pedestrianised Torremolinos ...
SCRAPPED ... while petrol station to other protected Costa delreplace Sol site
VESTIGE OF THE PAST:
A
Cortijo de Los Limones
PROTECTED Costa del Sol property is to be knocked down to make way for a petrol station. The 100-year-old farmhouse in Mijas is to lose its listed status to allow developers to prime land beside themove onto the A7 motorway. The controversial move has angered locals and environmentalists, who had hoped the historic Cortijo de to maintain los Limones building.
Rural
story of María Barrabino, who inherited the home from her aunt, Maria Melgar,as well as the hacienda San Miguel. Architect Moreno Peralta added that the house allows us to discover ‘the origin of Torremolinos’. Once opened to the public, the museum will tell the story of María, who donated land to the poor, assisted with the creation of several soup kitchens and helped to eradicate tuberculosis in Torremolinos. "She was a great benefactor," added the architect.
WELL RESPECTED: The Barrabino family gave land away and opened soup kitchens
The former lemon and tation, on the Caminoorange plande Coin, in Las Lagunas, is one minders of the area’sof very few re“Why are we losing rural past. this valuable historic building to make way for a gas station?,” asked Angel Nozal, of Mijas former mayor PP party. “There are already two petrol stations on the same stretch so it makes no sense.” He added: “It is a miserable decision as it has been cultural reminder ofan important lives of the people whothe former were alive in the fifties.” The decision to remove ing’s status came after the buildhall, run by Ciudadanos, the town decided that the building had no integral architectural value nor historical
LANDMARK: It stands
and its cobbled form inside
interest. Town planning boss has now started the Andrés Ruiz process to modify its status. Ruiz said: “After asking the owners as well as our town planners, both parties agree that the farmhouse does not have any special feature that deserves such protection.” The PP party had previously planned to see it renovated and some sort of museum. turned into The petrol station will 10% of the land, with only take up to be used for further the rest likely Nozal pointed to thedevelopment. success of similar restorations Ermita building and of the Doña the old winery Don Elías. What is your view? Contact newsdesk@theolivepress.es
on key location on A7
AT RISK: Cortijo Limones and (right) previous story last year
ed buildings in the town. Town planning boss Andrés Ruiz launched the process to modify its status in September last year, but it has still not been formally agreed. Ruiz said: “After asking the owner as well as our technicians, both parties agree that the farmhouse does not have any special feature
that deserves such protection.” But as Nozal countered: “There are already two petrol stations on the same stretch so it makes no sense.” He added: “It is a miserable decision as it has been an important cultural reminder of the former lives of the people who were alive in the fifties.”
Paddy power
SLEEK: Interior of hotel
IRISH businessman Denis O’Brien has built a second hotel at his PGA Catalunya Resort for €6.5 million. It brings his investment in the hotel and golf resort to date to about €120 million. He is now developing some 400 villas and apartments on 300 hectares to include a lake and winery. The just-built 50-bed Lavida Hotel is aimed at golf enthusiasts and tourists drawn to the area’s cycling, hiking, trekking, and horse riding trails, not to mention nearby historic Girona. The PGA Catalunya Resort already includes two fine 18-hole golf courses, the 145-bedroom Hotel Camiral and 250 apartments, townhouses and villas.
Ivory towers
THE members of Spain’s antiausterity party Podemos have voted unanimously that leader Pablo Iglesias should not step down after buying a €600,000 ‘luxury’ home. The party’s half a million members voted with a 70/30 split that it was not wrong for the staunch left-wing politician Pablo Iglesias to buy the property - which has a swimming pool and a guest house - in Galapagar, northwest of Madrid. He explained that he and his girlfriend, fellow Podemos polítician Irene Montero, need the extra space as they are about to have twins.
September October 27th2017 - October 10th 2017
ORNATE: The home will be restored to its former glory
T
ORREMOLINOS town hall has vowed to fork out more than €1 million to protect its landmark Maria Barrabino house. It comes as part of a project by the town to pedestrianise its historic centre. The house, built in the 19th century, reflects the tastes of the then Malaga bourgeoisie, and still retains much of its original design and structure. The town hall will pay €1.1 million to the heirs of Barrabino, who was a key figure in the area, and whose family still own important property there. PSOE Mayor Jose Ortiz described the purchase as a ‘great milestone’ for the city as ‘the first symbolic stone of the great pedestrian boulevard’, which has been designed by the architect Salvador Moreno Peralta in the center of Torremolinos. He added that the building ‘treasures unforgettable memories of the municipality in different times and is one of the forgotten buildings with the most architectural value on the Costa del Sol.’ The bad state of the house has led to acts of vandalism that have damaged the hand-decorated kitchen tiles and vintage stair handrails, which are topped with carved wooden lions. Although the remodeling work is said to be complicated, the town hall remains convinced of the necessity of integrating the property into the urban strategy of the town centre. This strategy includes the pedestrianization of the Costa del Sol square, an enclave intimately linked to the
ties now housing CAC Mijas Contemporary Arts Centre. The Olive Press reported last year how it was scheduled to be knocked down to make way for a petrol station, under orders from the current mayor from Ciudadanos. It came after leader Juan Carlos Maldonado took it off the catalogue of protect-
UNDER FIRE: Iglesia
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SAVED
Petrol station
PP leader Angel Nozal wants to renovate the building, which has been abandoned for several years. “It could be a key municipal tourism office or an art museum,” said Nozal, “If it has been there for so long... it deserves to be protected and to have a use that benefits all residents.” The house, next to the Las Islas Marianas roundabout, would add to the town’s list of rescued heritage buildings being put to municipal use, such as the old Don Elias winery, a former flour mill and the historic proper-
troubles. Berres, 44, later admitted he only discovered the €14 million villa, called Son Coll, was previously owned by the former world No 1 tennis player when German media showed up. He has already cut weeds and picked up rubbish as a number of helper friends have already moved in with him. Becker, 50, was declared bankrupt last June after blowing his £100 million fortune and neighbours confirmed to have not seen the tennis star in years.
MODERN: PGA Catalunya
Iglesias had previously criticised the former Economy Minister Luis de Guindos for buying a similarly priced apartment in 2012. “Would you hand the economic policy of the country to someone who spends 600,000 euros on a luxury apartment?,” Iglesias then tweeted. Several political commentators and real estate experts questioned the timing of the purchase of the house in Galapagar. “With the public data we have, it looks like the couple have taken on more risk than is advisable,” said Juan Villen, the head of mortgage services at Idealista. “It is not setting a good example to get into debt in this way, especially at a time when we’re asking for prudence from the financial industry to avoid the excesses of the past.” Iglesias and his partner took out a 90% mortgage of €540,000 on the property, which they plan to pay off over 30 years.
Property
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June 6th - June 19th 2018 June 2018
€16,200,000
B
S e Em do pai st v ai ln n i ew yo ? ew W i u sd es thi ha n k@ n t ol k? ive pr es s.e s
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Es Bosc, Ibiza If you’re looking to excite all your senses you’ve come to the right place ... this sprawling villa, built on stone and perched on a cliff, really has it all. Built in Mudejar style, it’s filled with Moroccan-inspired furnishings (below left) and comes complete with an infinity pool and stunning views of the whole island. Other features include a wine cellar, staff quarters, huge gardens and fireplace. Christiesrealestate.com ID: IS10723
WOAH… We’re going to
Ibiza
I
BIZA is officially the priciest property hotspot in Spain. According to Pisos.com, the Balearic island’s four municipalities are the most expensive in the country after prices rose 17% last year. Average home prices in Ibiza town now exceed €495 per square foot, which is 25% higher than Sitges, in Catalunya, and 40% higher than prime locations on Mallorca. The surge in prices has come with a reboot of luxury island attractions, including the expansion of the marina in Ibiza Town, which can now accommodate super yachts, as well as several new top-tier hotels and restaurants. These include the likes of Sublimotion, which has fixed-price dinners at €1,550, or La Granja Ibiza Retreat, where stays also fetch €1,550 a night. In the spirit of all things luxury, we’ve rounded up the island’s most impressive high-end properties.
Villa Nell, Ibiza Town Villa Nell’s architecture blends seamlessly into the landscape. From the immaculate green lawn and fragrant citrus trees, to the white walls against the blue Ibiza sky and the sound of the waterfall along the rear façade. Situated on former agricultural land, the villa enjoys a unique unobstructed view of the town and bay, and year-long unrivaled sunsets. The property boasts almond trees, vineyards and 66 olive trees which produce an exquisite range of organic oil. There is also a gym and outdoor pool.
+€10,000,000 (POA)
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June 6th - June 19th May 20182018
30 % SO L
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€17,000,000
Villa Bemus, Ibiza Perched on a cliff above the sea, this estate sits on more than one hectare with the house sprawled over 1.000 m2.The villa is built on three levels with spacious terraces and porches, containing a whopping 22 rooms and 24 bathrooms, a fully equipped professional kitchen, various lounges and seating areas and a service apartment. The spacious garden has various chill-out areas, viewpoints and a large infinity pool surrounded by Palm trees, with a tennis court to boot! Christiesrealestate.com IS10164
ID:
+ €10 million (POA)
Villa Marés, Can Pep Simo This 28.000m2 villa on top of a hill offers majestic 360º views of the island and beyond. It counts seven bedrooms, a huge outdoor pool, gym and a guest house for visiting friends or staff.
Christiesrealestate.com ID: IS4090
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June 6th - June 19th 2018
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84 5, 00 0€
Tel +34 952 816 250
VILLA – EL CAMPANARIO, ESTEPONA 4 Beds • 3 Baths • 550 Built m2 • Terrace 200m2 • REF 176-01380P New project now being built and with estimated delivery summer 2019. This very well located residential site overlooks the charming El Campanario Golf & Country Club, just minutes from San Pedro and Marbella. The development will consist of 4 luxury, southfacing golf villas with built sizes of over 300m2 and plot sizes of over 550m2. Modern design and high quality materials are the principals of the project. There is now an opportunity to reserve your new home and customize & modify the choice of materials and even the layout and distribution. There are basement options and an option for a roofterrace with wet bar and jacuzzi. All villas have 3 off-street parking spaces. Prices starting at 845.000 euros
Centro Comercial Plaza 63, 29660 Nueva Andalucia, Marbella Tel +34 952 816 250 • info@andadev.com • www.andadev.com
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Benalmadena
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Issue 293
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June 6th - June 19th 2018
August 7 - August 20 2014
June 6th - June 19th 2018
A different spirit Benalmadena is uplifting in more ways than one, discovers Iona Napier
AFTER my wife died I spent three years travelling the world to find the perfect place to spend the rest of my life,” explains Bob Bainbridge, who moved to Benalmadena two years ago. “And there is something very special about this town, something undeniably different.” He isn’t kidding. We’re on a sleepy back road in Benalmadena pueblo, heading towards an enormous gold monument glinting spectacularly in the midday sun that happens to be the biggest Buddhist temple in Europe.
Honour
A whopping 33 metres high, it was the final project of Buddhist master Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche, who was so smitten by Benalmadena’s multi-cultural mix that he built the stupa in 2003 in its honour. “The sense of calm and community feeling here is very strong,” continues Bob, who had quickly volunteered to become my self-appointed guide for the day. Touchingly, friendly Bob cut short his cana to give me a personal escort around the village, chucking in his abridged life story for free. Strolling around in surfer flip flops, with long grey hair, he is the very epitome of the sort of laid back, cultured travellers who would have first arrived in the village in the 1960s. Up here, in the hills, it is a very different feel to the heaving tourist meccas of Benalmadena costa, Torremolinos and Fuengirola far down below. The cluster of white houses sit at 280m and count on lovely sea views and a sense of green space and hills. “You’re close to the action but not in the thick of it, and there are some really good people here, not to mention great bars,” enthuses 68-year-old widower Bob, a reBREATHTAKING: Buddhist stupor and (inset) Bil Bil castle
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From Page 29
ICONIC: Watch tower in Benalmadena
tired electrician from York whose new home overlooks the stupa. As the temple represents peace, prosperity and harmony it’s good feng shui although not something Bob considered at the time. It’s also only one of Benalmadena’s many curiosities that intrigue all-comers. Enchanting Colomares Castle is another – an ornate palace built in 1992 by a certain doctor Esteban Martin in honour of Christopher Columbus – go figure. Without a single architectural qualification to his credit he did a stunning job with this unlikely Gothic hillside structure whose ornate towers and spires rise skyward like a fairytale illustration. Once used for falconry shows until locals complained about the birds preying on their cats, everyone loves it for its Hans Andersen vibe. And while you’re up here, don’t miss the Mariposario – another extraordinary attraction housing 1,500 exotically-coloured butterflies. The pueblo is a bijou gem of gourmet tapas bars clustered along narrow alleyways that emerge into picturesque floral squares. Restaurants like Longhorn del Sol, stylish tapas bar Gastro La Tajea, and Italian trattoria Palo Doro give the village a gastronomic edge. It’s not just Brits who flock to this enclave. Teresa Garcia, on holiday with her doctor daughter and adorable baby grandson from Madrid, waxes lyrical as they look out over the ocean from Colomares castle, getting to geographical grips with Benalmadena’s triple
Sanitas Seguros C/ Sagitario, 5, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmadena - Malaga, 29631 Tel. 952 964 728 Mobile: 648 747 828 louisemetherell1@gmail.com Imetherell.pex@sanitas.es mgemovic.pex@sanitas.es
FAIRYTALE: The Hans Andersen style Colomares Castle
decker topography that epitomis- The Moors developed agricules the something-for-everyone ture, introducing sugar cane, figs, cliché – from feathered vultures grapes and mulberry trees from wheeling skyward to fodder for the East during the 11th century, culture vultures when the local down at sea levpopulation was el, where we can concentrated Bil Bil recalls spot Moorishwithin the pretty the age when inspired Bil Bil walled town. Castle, host to But that’s anMuslim foreigners countless modother story. Mine ern art expos continues downinvaded these and concerts. hill to Arroyo de shores Bil Bil recalls the la Miel, jutting age when Musout like a ballim foreigners incony between vaded these shores and brought the sky above and the sea below. huge prosperity to the pueblo in This is Benalmadena’s sharp the hills where Benalmadena’s end where the real business of story began. shopping, working and living gets
done. It’s also home to one of the resort’s most enduring family attractions - Tivoli World, open every day in June from 4pm to midnight and in July and August from 5.30pm-1.30am. From here, via the iconic Teleferico cable car, you can go up or down. Once you get used to seeing sea, and not snow, beneath your swaying cabin you can appreciate being lifted up to the peak of Mount Calamorro, over the A-7 road, with spectacular views and live shows in summer. If you prefer to walk to the bottom, take the route through stunning La Paloma park, a peaceful 200,000m2 urban oasis of
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SCENIC: Church in Benalmadena pueblo and (right) the port
greenery with shady lakeside rina while 10km of coastline can walkways and a menagerie of deliver the perfect beach – rocky surprising wildlife. cove, sandy strip or nudist colony They say the Spanish embrace - whatever your whim. siesta culture and Benalmadena Here you will also find the incredat 4pm presents strong evidence ibly popular Sunset Beach Hotel, to support this. probably the coast’s most sucBut down the bottom of town cessful place to stay, balancing I fall upon Irish bar El Chorrillo quality with value and rarely less where the mainly British clien- than 80% full. tele are discussing Brexit over Sybarites and socialisers head their pints of Guinness and G & for Calle Bonanza, where the Ts. Lounge Bar is the unofficial Guiri Iris Lawrence, 68, swapped Army HQ but most visitors end south London for the south of up at the port, the jewel in the Spain in her 40s, after a career resort’s crown. as PA for one of BP oil’s top ex- Winner of the ‘Best Marina in ecutives. She has some tales to the World’ award more than tell. once, it’s an allJust like Bob, white and more she came here down-to-earth The pueblo will on holiday to version of mulstill be there visit her friend ticoloured SoJill and ‘never retogrande Port, to soothe your ally left’. with pseudo“It’s changed a Moorish archihangover and lot here in 20 tecture and years with con- quench your thirst minaret domes siderable desuggesting velopment,” Iris Mr Whippy ice relates, gesturing at old photo- cream – and you can still get a graphs of donkeys and traps in 99 here. the street, taken just decades Designer boutiques, bars and ago. “But I still love it here.” restaurants do a roaring trade, Outside siesta time, breezy Be- especially after dark when the nalmadena Costa is undoubt- waterfront twinkles with rainedly the beating heart of town bow-coloured lights and the diswith its bar-lined beach strip and cos get going. pumping port. By day there’s scuba diving, SegTwo glorious kilometres of ways, bikes, dolphin cruises - it’s seafront stretch between the not for lazy landlubbers. ziggurat-shaped Benal Beach In my best Spanish I ask four apartments and the swanky ma- handsome seadogs basking
atop a luxury white catamaran in smart shirts if I can take their photo. Skipper Jason replies with an English ‘yes’. This working Brit guarantees to show you dolphins Monday to Friday and his two-hour booze cruises top Tripadvisor's list of outdoor pursuits in Benalmadena. Just down the promenade, Laura Castillon can take you on a 10-minute Segway tour of the marina to give you a taste of these curious pogo sticks on wheels. “I would say 70% of tourists here are Brits,” she reveals. “After that there’s around 20% Dutch and the other 10% is a melting pot with a tiny 1% of Spaniards.” She continues: “I should add that the English always behave impeccably and we love working with you.” Time to sample Benalmadena’s coolest bar, entirely made of frozen water. Essentially a walk-in fridge with blue walls, garish music and all revellers dressed in floor-length fur ponchos, if you’re seeking respite from the 40 degree heat, the Ice Bar has my full recommendation. So don your furs – whether for an elegant, on-board soiree or a spell in the fridge bar – and strut your stuff until the wee small hours. The pueblo will still be there to soothe your hangover and quench your thirst for peace and quiet tomorrow.
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BUSTLING: Tourists and locals enjoying Benalmadena beach
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Benalmadena has transformed dramatically since its modest fishing village days
Do I need health insurance? Need health insurance? Struggling to make sense of Spanish insurance policies? Look no further. Sanitasforexpats based on the Costa del Sol, has been created specifically for expats looking to take out a new health insurance policy. Seguros We spoke to Sanitas Sanitas’ Client Relationship Manager, Louise Metherell, about how health C/ Sagitario, 5, Arroyo deprivate la Miel, insurance could not only save expats a lot of time Benalmadena - Malaga, 29631 but also unnecessary stress.
Tel. 952 964 728 Mobile: 648 747 828 1. Why should Brits have health insurlouisemetherell1@gmail.com ance? Whilst the Spanish healthcare system is excellent, Imetherell.pex@sanitas.es the waiting times for appointments can be long. mgemovic.pex@sanitas.es With private health insurance it is significantly
Rolling back the years!
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T h o S The dev awa But day her Sitt gor its n But trad From the
shorter and sometimes the client can be seen the next day. It also offers a wider choice of doctors and hospitals which can be invaluable.
2. Why should they choose Sanitas?
Sanitas has a huge network of doctors and hospitals and as part of Bupa it enjoys the best facilities in Spain. We have over 40,000 professionals working with us.
BACK IN THE DAY: Benalmadena coast had the feel of Galicia’s Costa del Muerte in the 1950s, while its historic Torremuelle (above) has changed little
3. What makes Sanitasforexpats different to other insurance companies?
Sanitasforexpats was created specifically to help expat clients who may struggle with the healthcare system in Spain. We are renowned for our excellent customer service - we can book appointments, authorize treatment and due to our in-depth knowledge, we can recommend specific doctors. We also provide all documentation in English.
4. What services do you cover?
Sanitas covers medication, diagnostic tests, hospitalisation and surgical procedures. We also provide dental cover and funeral insurance.
5. How easy is it to insure with Sanitas?
It is a very easy process. There is a simple application form which can be completed online, over the phone or at our office.
6. What are the main issues expats face when dealing with health care abroad?
One of the main issues is the language barrier and having English speaking medical staff can make the experience a lot less stressful. Also, as a lot of companies only produce their documents in Spanish, it can be difficult to understand your policy. This is why we created Sanitasforexpats - to make sure you know exactly what policy you are taking out.
7. What advice would you offer to expats regarding health cover?
Make sure you understand the policy before you purchase it to ensure that you are getting the level of cover that you require. This is particularly important if applying for residency. Be careful of special offers that have very low starting premiums as they may suddenly double later! Read the small print!
8. How can expats get in touch with Sanitasfor expats?
By visiting our website: www.sanitasforexpats.es, calling us on: +34 952 964 728, visiting our Facebook page: SanitasForExpats, or by coming into the office in Benalmadena.
SURROUNDED: Bil Bil Ca
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T’S hard to imagine Benalmadena as anything other than the buzzing holiday hotspot it is today, but it was once a poor modest fishing village accessible only by dirt roads and nestled on a sprawling countryside reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands, or, closer to home, Galicia’s rugged Costa del Muerte. e town was transformed in the 1950s when it became among the first to be veloped into a resort for UK and European jet-setters who could afford a break ay from the likes of smoggy London and Berlin. t since the tourism boom throughout the 70s and 80s and the package holiy phenomenon of the 90s, hotels, restaurants and beach clubs have sprung up re at break neck speed - and it’s hardly surprising. ting just west of Malaga, a short drive from the airport brings you to 7km of rgeous sandy beaches packed with a multitude of restaurants and bars along newly improved promenade. t there are still remnants of the old Spanish village up in the pueblo, with its ditional Spanish architecture and culture. m churches to historic look-out towers, it’s comforting to see the remnants of ese now tourist hotspots still exist beyond just black and white photos.
astle today and 50 years ago
Costa del style
AFTER celebrating its first year of business in September, New Styles Hair and Beauty continues to dominate, offering the best beauty treatments on the coast. The salon is the brainchild of Lynn Montgomery who, having learnt the tricks-of-the-trade in Ireland, hopes to turn it into a recognised brand. 'Five star service at normal prices' is their motto and with treatments including waxing, massages, facials and nail treatments for both ladies and gents there really is something for everyone. Located in Arroyo de la Miel, the salon can also look after all your needs with regard to hair styling and colour. "Having set up shop over a year ago the response has been fantastic," Lynn told the Olive Press. Dubliner Montgomery says the Costa del Sol has it all. "Everything from the weather, the people and lifestyle is a dream. "I absolutely love it."
TALENTS: Lynn with employee
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enalmadena
Benalmadena has some great places to eat when you know where to look, writes Jon Clarke
Sunset dreaming With a huge range of facilities, activities and shows, it is no surprise that Sunset Beach Club is one of the Costa del Sol’s most successful hotels, writes Jon Clarke
Pasaje Malaga 2 Local 10 Arroyo de Miel Benalmadena info@nickysenglishacademycom 951 391 798 - 666 215 125 Opening times 16:30 - 20:30
Try Our Heated Indoor Salt Water Hydro Pool
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ITH its Padi dive school, gym and round-the-clock entertainment, you hardly need to look outside its four walls. Add in three restaurants, a supermarket, hairdresser and beautician and it feels like a town in itself. This is the Sunset Beach Club Resort, one of the most successful hotels on the Costa del Sol. Occupation has been up every year for the last decade, despite the recession, and the hotel caters for nearly 2,000 guests a day in peak season – and rarely under 1000 at any time of the year. And is it any wonder, with the amount of activities on offer, including aerobics, cookery and Spanish classes all year round, not to mention billiards, live music and power walking. And then come the weddings, with around two dozen in the key months of May and September alone. “We get over 90 a year and starting at €5,400 (40 guests) an event we think that is terrific value,” explains manager Mark Wardell. It doesn’t seem much. But, of course, by the time you have factored in the guests rooms, their meals and mini-bar tabs (the majority are Irish, after all), it becomes a profitable business for the hotel. Sitting on a fantastic head-
land next to two lovely beaches, it is perhaps no surprise that Sunset has continued to grow every year for the last seven, despite the recession. An incredibly well-run ship, the hotel - one of the biggest on the Costa del Sol - consistently delivers to holidaymakers from all around the world…. over 50 different nationalities this year so far! And it definitely does not scrimp and save on food, entertainment – or indeed on its fantastic rooms – having spent a whopping €22m upgrading its facilities since the Millenium, and millions more being spent to keep the standards up. Without a doubt the price/ quality level is one of the best in Southern Spain and the food in all three restaurants is excellent. Locals rave about the live concerts – some of the best on the coast - which are free to expats, as well as the beach restaurant and fantastic pool and playground area for kids. “My ideal guest never leaves the premises and is never in need of anything,” explains Dubliner Wardell. “Security and safety would always be our number one priority but on a day to day basis from the moment the cleaning team moves in at 2am to the last bar closing at 4 am our real job is to make people happy.” “We are now investing regularly to keep us at pole position on the Costa del Sol.”
Pick and mix
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N the bustling tourist hub that is Benalmadena you could be forgiven for failing to find anywhere genuinely decent to eat. With mass tourism the norm, hundreds of average Fish Alleystyle establishments bash out bog-standard fodder, whether it be in the port, sea front or up in Arroyo de la Miel. There are, of course, exceptions, one of the best being stylish Coast, in the heart of the busy marina. Owned by the talented Metro Group, which runs over a dozen restaurants on the coast, this attractive spot has tables overlooking the boats, or on comfortable banquettes in the seductively-lit interior. There is an It serves up an impressive mix of and international dishimpressive salad Spanish es, with a nice wine list to boot. I particularly liked the mix startsection with ers sharing platter for only 21 7 selections, euros, which included some real including sesame including Waldorf chestnuts chicken fingers and prawn and avocado cocktail. There is an impressive salad section with seven choices, including the world famous Waldorf salad, with goats cheese, apple, celery and grape. Main courses include a fabulous Wagyu beef burger, with smoked cheese, which is moist and succulent, as well as delicious lamb cutlets. Nearby you might also check out Jack’s American, as well as Gaucho and Metro for other decent spots in the poart. Up in the village, one of the best places to check out is Italian Pala d’oro, which is set around a patio and with cool, stylish in-
NEW MEMBERS Enjoy €10 off the 1st months membership
STYLISH: Hip interior of Coast
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NIGHT AND DAY: Luna beach is Benalmadena’s best chiringuito
VARIETY: Kaleido and Blankko
terior. Hosts Sandro, Alessandro and chef Matteo Manzato, from Venice, have a great repertoire and you will love the gnocchi stuffed with courgette and a natural goats cheese Asiago, especially imported from Italy, while the speck ham with rocket and walnuts and a balsamic sauce had just the right balance. A stunning dish of pappardelle with truffle comes highly recommended, while the wine list is appropriately angled towards top Italian vineyards. If modern tapas is more your thing, make a beeline to superb La Tajea, a hip spot in a backstreet of the casco historico. Set up by four local friends, it aches with stylish touches, in particular its lighting and upside down garden on the ceiling. But the food is also excellent - and superb value - with such chestnuts as blue fin tuna chops, which were delicious and tasty on the wallet at just €4.50. A beetroot ‘porra Antequerana’ soup was very original and almost as good as the ajo blanco, with pine nuts, grapes and cherry tomatoes, while the artichokes with jamon iberico and foie was rich
TEAM: At Palo Doro in the village and delicious. Down on the coast, it is well worth seeking out the amazing chiringuito Luna Beach, run by the nearby hotel Sunset Beach.
You literally couldn’t ask for a more romantic spot, right by the water with the waves lapping at your feet. Subtly-lit, this natural spot - all thatched roofs, simple deckings and rope fences - also counts on an excellent menu, at extremely good value. I particularly liked the grilled langoustines, which came with a choice of sauces and a very generous green salad, while the brochette of chicken and salmon looked great too. A starter of veggie spring rolls were excellent in sweet chili relish, while a rack of lamb is available for the more hearty eaters. A wine list includes the excellent Payoya Negra from Ronda, as well as the good value Habla de Silencio from Extremadura, at €22. Once you have been wined and dined, head next door to Salitos, for some of the best cocktails on the coast, and in a great position too. Also on a romantic tip, you must definitely take a look at Blankko, which sits under an old defensive fort in Torremuelle with views up and down the coast. Here, you sit overlooking the sea, with stylish white tables and plenty of creative flourishes.
WORLD CUP, RUSSIA
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€199
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Benalmadena Costa Beachside
www.lunabeachclub.com | Tel: 952 579 401 Bar: 12.00h to midnight, Kitchen: 12.30h-16.30h & 19.30h-22.30h • Chillout music • A la Carte menu & BBQ • Special events • Weddings • Wifi zone
Benalmádena Marina 2,5km
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10km
• cocktails and drinks by the sea • sunset beach club promenade • Open until late • www.sltbar.com
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Sherry appealing
AMBITIOUS PROJECT: The family seat of Jerez’s sherry magnates, the Gordons, has come up for sale in Scotland
ORIGINAL: Architect John Adam
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ONCE grand mansion linked to the Span- He said: “Of course, I am sad to let Wardhouse ish royal family has gone up for sale in go but I have got to this stage with the project Scotland. Wardhouse near Insch, Aber- and now is the time to hand it on. It is an absodeenshire, was left behind in the 1950s lutely brilliant project for someone to take on by the ‘Spanish Gordons’, a - an architect’s dream.” branch of a prominent north He added that the current head east family whose lineage took of the Spanish Gordons clan, King Alfonso XIII on an Iberian connection after who lives between Sevilla and several of its members moved spent part of his Madrid, has already been in to Jerez to make their fortune in touch. honeymoon at sherry. It is said that King Alfonso XIII The sprawling estate was despent part of his honeymoon at Wardhouse in signed by Scottish architect Wardhouse in 1906 following John Adam in 1757, but it has his marriage to Victoria Eug1906 fallen into disrepair since being enie of Battenberg, the grandabandoned 60 years ago. daughter of Queen Victoria, who But now it can be yours for was born at Balmoral Castle. £500,000 (€573,000). The King was a close friend of the 10th laird Current ownr Architect Douglas Forrest tried to of Wardhouse, Rafael Gordon, who was born at create his vision for the historic site, but is now Madrid’s Royal Palace where his mother was passing the project on. lady-in-waiting to Queen Maria Cristina.
VISITOR: King Alfonso XIII
SCOPE: Much can be done at the mansion near Aberdeen
Marbella office now open Marbella Centro Plaza Local 1. Avda. Manollete 1. 29660 Nueva Andalucia.
MIJAS COSTA
C.CCentro Atalayas
Comercial C/Viento del Sur s/n 29649 Mijas costa
+34 952 930 532 / +34 670 673 472, Mijas@fineandcountry.com, www.fineandcountry.com
Ema
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In the
June 6th - June June19th 2018 2018
NEW BUILD: Recent Marbella project
As it reaches a ten-year milestone, Laurence Dollimore asks Sally Blackshaw what the ingredients are to her design company’s success
S DESIGN QUEEN: Boss Sally
ALLY Blackshaw has come a long way since sketching out her dream homes as a child back in the UK. And in the end her creativity paid off dividends, when after becoming the first person in her family to go to university to study design, she landed a top job in London as a shop designer for Gap. And, now the Leicestershire girl has gone many steps further running her own inte-
CREATIVE: Light and spacious interior
rior design company, in Marbella. The hard-working entrepreneur is now celebrating 10 years at the helm of Black-
Naked luxury
shaw Interior Design, which launched back in 2008. And despite years of recession in Spain, she has managed to build an instantly recognizable brand for the business, that employs four designers in the heart of Andalucia’s wealthiest resort. Blackshaw’s handpicked team of designers, architects and structural designers come from around the world and are capable of taking on any job. And today, it is a lot more than just interior designs, with the company also undertaking renovations and new builds across the entire residential, retail and commercial sectors. “I just love the satisfaction of breathing new life into something,” explains Sally, who was most recently tasked with turning the exclusive Nine Lions development in Nueva Andalucia, into something amazing. And her secret? Caring about the client.
SHOWROOM: In Marbella
CAPTION. Sequiam rerferu ptatur aspero quunto
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GLASS house in the middle of the Tabernas desert is giving new meaning to living with transparency. Available to rent on Airbnb, the villa’s walls are made entirely of see-through crystal. Although, being in the middle of nowhere, it’s unlikely to attract peeping Toms. Featuring just one single room and a glass-walled toilet, the Glass Pavilion is the brainchild of OFIS architects and Guardian Glass. The floor-to-ceiling windows are also structurally and thermally efficient and work with the light and shade to create the illusion of separate rooms. The flat roof reflects the desert back into the building, creating an immersive effect. Its angular design, pointed in the direction of the mountains, ensures that sunlight only reaches the interior of the home at cooler points of the day. The pavilion will remain as a holiday home for now, with guests being able to rent it for a week at a time on tourist sharing platforms like Airbnb. Just remember to throw no stones, people who live in glass houses shouldn’t.
“We work really closely with our clients and get fulfillment in giving homes and businesses a new functionality. “We’re not your typical design studio, it’s not just cut and paste and we really care about our client’s vision and want the best for them. “We always keep in touch after the project is finished, and they often send us pictures saying they still love what we did, and that’s a great feeling.” The company has made a name for itself for delivering complex interior design and building projects both on time and to budget. “You can leave us to handle everything from obtaining the necessary licences to overseeing the construction,” explains Sally. “We’ve just built our first villa from scratch in Nueva Andalucia, and ahead of schedule! So we look forward to doing more projects like these.” Contact Blackshaw Interior Design on 951 403 787 or email info@blackshawinteriordesign. com. www.blackshawinteriordesign. com
Property
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BEFORE // AFTER
Since 2008
New builds, architectural renovations, construction, licenses and project management. Commercial and residential interior design. Design studio and construction offices / showroom Marbella centre.
www.blackshawinteriordesign.com +34 951 403 787 I +34 681 662 000 Avd. Canovas del Castillo 25, Marbella, Mรกlaga, 29601
226_blackshaw.indd 1
21/05/2018 16:04
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PRICELESS POOL: Aerial shot shows off the Picasso sketch at the bottom of the pool
RECORD PRICE: The home once owned by famous dancer went for ‘over €15 million’
VIEWS: Frontline vistas by Banus
Stroke of genius
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LAVISH: Interiors are grand and luxurious
BRITISH-owned beach mansion featuring a Pablo Picasso work has sold for ‘at least €15 million’ at auction. The Malaga maestro painted and signed the bottom of the Marbella pad’s pool for his good friend and famous flamenco dancer Antonio El Bailarin Ruiz Soler. The property has been sold at auction tomorrow with no reserve price, although it was previously on the market for €15 million. The bidding will close on May 31 and is being handled by Concierge Auctions. The painting is a primitive sketch of a figure that could be that of Soler, featuring extended arms and a pointed toe. Picasso wrote ‘Para Antonio’ above the figure and signed the bottom, dated October 29 1961. The six-bedroom main house features polished stone floors and Greco-Roman-inspired fixtures, including marble fireplaces and a dining room lined in columned
archways. Two guest houses contain three bedrooms and additional living spaces, according to Concierge. The home currently belongs to a limited liability company linked to British citizens. Charlie Smith, a European adviser for Concierge Auctions said: “Beachfront properties are rare in this sought-after area of Southern Spain and beachfront villas offering this level of luxury living even more so. “The buyer of the villa will not just be purchasing one of the region’s most prestigious properties, but also a one-of-kind piece of art.” The home was previously on the market in 2014 for €15 million. Owners turn to auctions when aspects of the home make it difficult to appraise the market price - in this case the Picasso sketch. A bar, additional indoor pool, sauna, elevator and private beach access also come with the sprawling pad.
MAESTRO: Picasso was a friend of the owner
LUXURY: Home is decked out in the style of Versace
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WE BUILD YOUR DREAMS! Nordic assurance throughout the entire construction process. For over 15 years, the Nordic construction company Casas & Reformas has helped clients to create their dream homes on the Costa del Sol. With the highest focus on quality and communication, we will assist you with everything from minor renovations to new production and make sure you are in safe hands throughout the entire construction process. Our international team has a solid experience from the Spanish, English and Nordic construction industry and we speak English, Swedish, German, Finnish, Danish, Russian, French and Spanish. Together with our partners in the form of interior designers, architects and suppliers we offer a complete service for you and your project.
www.casas-reformas.com • +34 654 663 814
info@casas-reformas.com •
@casasreformas
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Gibraltar turns heads at London’s biggest property expo
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FPG Estate Agents based at 15 Irish Town, announced a joint initiative with Raine and Co, one of Southern England’s largest independent Estate Agents and have recently returned from a spectacularly successful exhibition at Olympia in London. We reported in our previous edition EFPG Raine-international Ltd was the only company representing the Gibraltar property market in a property show that was dominated by Spanish companies and the response EFPG Raine-international received was phenomenal. The exhibition A Place in the Sun Live far exceeded expected visitor numbers as people seemed to have shrugged off any Brexit blues, having endured a particularly cold British winter. Thoughts haveOLIVE definitely turned18 ANUNCIO PRESS ENERO again to owning a property overseas with warmer climates proving to be the biggest attraction.
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HUGE TURNOUT: Visitor numbers were much higher than expected at A Place in the Sun area with cafes, bars and restaurants, while residents will also benefit from state of the art leisure and concierge facilities. This is an exciting time for Gibraltar and property investment has shown year on year consistent growth, the demand for quality property has continued to increase as a direct result of Gibraltar’s successful economy which continues to show no signs of slowing down. Gibraltar offers many attractions to anyone considering purchasing a property overseas but also offers a great return for investors typically achieving yields in excess of 6% in the buy to let market. EFPG Raine-international received an overwhelming living in this small British outpost. ternational were offering all types of response to UK investors and holiday “The most frequent comment we reGibraltar property, a main feature of home buyers from the show, who are ceived was that ‘Gibraltar was not their exhibition was the new Eurocity now making arrangements to visit on the radar’ for the vast majority of development being constructed by the them to help and guide them in the visitors and we certainly gave many Bentley Investment Group. Eurocity is right move. people something to think about,” a to set a new benchmark of quality in If you missed out on this Exhibition spokesman said. Gibraltar, to be formed of three towEFPG Raine-international said it was and are interested in what Gibraltar “Especially those looking to move to ers including Gibraltar’s tallest with fascinating to hear people’s views of can offer in the property investment southern Spain, who will now consider 22 storeys. The development will offer Gibraltar1 and quite remarkable the market please contact EFPG Raine- inOK.pdf 22/1/18 15:33 366 apartments, some with unrivalled lack of knowledge some British people Gibraltar as a possible alternaternational Tel 00 350 200 65065 or views towards Spain and Africa. The actually have about Gibraltar with the tive.” email – enquiries@efpgestateagents. Although EFPG Raine-inground level is to offer a lively retail many benefits of owning property or com.
Looking for Design Inspiration?
by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola
MORTGAGE THINK TANK
Forget me not
Spain may be booming, but that’s never a reason to skip on hiring a mortgage broker SPAIN’S property market is the healthiest it’s been for years. And the facts don’t lie, sales in the first quarter of this year were the highest they have been since the third quarter of 2008, the height of Spain’s property golden era. A sign of good times ahead is that, according to the Land Register, foreign sales were up 13.2% compared to the first quarter of 2017. It means the country’s property market is seen as a strong investment from buyers across the world. More encouraging is that the Brits remain the biggest international group with a foreign market share of 14%. It seems Brexit has been firmly shrugged off by the British, who have long been fundamental to the success of Spain’s property market. Here at the Finance Bureau we have been kept extremely busy by Brits looking for a home in sunny Spain, and they made the right decision in seeking out a mortgage broker. Buying a property overseas can be one of the best decisions you ever make, but if the correct steps aren’t taken, it could end up being the worst, without sounding too dramatic! With established links to all the major Spanish lenders the Finance Bureau acts as a gobetween for the client and the bank – but it is important to remember that the broker is not connected to the bank - and works to find the
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The leading home decoration magazine for homeowners with style… Tel. (+34) 951 38 38 97 | info@homeandlifestyle.es | www.homeandlifestyle.es
buyer the best deal available. It’s important to have someone in your corner to highlight any hidden fees or compulsory add-ons tucked away in the small print and to ensure you get the best possible mortgage rate to suit your needs. One of the biggest pitfalls can be ‘trap-related products’ that often get hidden in the small print. These additional products get attached to your mortgage and usually include insurance policies. It is important to know exactly what is attached to your mortgage. What may seem like a great rate can be soured by expensive – and sometimes unnecessary – insurance packages. Using a broker will save both time and money as they will be looking out for these hidden add-ons and will always look for ways to lessen their impact. And while the vast majority of banks specify the fees and commissions they charge, not all of these costs are always declared. But the best way to ensure a good mortgage that does not hide anything in the fine print is to solicit the help of a mortgage broker. When it comes to picking a mortgage, you must get it right on the first try as due to the relatively high transaction costs, it is virtually impossible to reverse.
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
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