Essential Marbella Magazine April 2012 by Essential Magazine

FREE MAGAZINE - COSTA DEL SOL N º154 - APRIL 2012

essential essential marbella® magazine ISSUE 154 • APRIL 2012

ESSENTIAL FOR LUXURIOUS LIVING

WINNERS

defy the odds

the new

PORSCHE 911 CARRERA

FAR AWAY

FASHION

winning

BUSINESS STRATEGIES

THE WORLD‘S

BEST restaurants

spring to success

VENICE: Floating

city

N E W S I C U LT U R E I P E O P L E I T R E N D I S T Y L E I S P A I P R O I L E I S U R E I G O U R M E T & M O R E

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1983 by the Fá bric aN ac i on

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Issue 154 • April 2012

S T A F F

Lim it

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PUBLISHER AND DIRECTOR GENERAL MANAGER

ANDREA BÖJTI sales@essentialmagazine.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

MARISA CUTILLAS editorial@essentialmagazine.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER SALES SUPPORT ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

You are holding an

CREATIVE DIRECTOR DESIGN & LAYOUT

award winning

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

publication in your hands

At the end of 2011, the largest national association of publishers, the Asociación Española de Editoriales de Publicaciones Periódicas (AEEPP), selected Marbella Magazine as the Best Free Publication in Spain.

IAIN BLACKWELL director@essentialmagazine.com

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY MODEL HAIR MAKEUP CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS PRINTING DEPÓSITO LEGAL

SUSANNE WHITAKER design@essentialmagazine.com JAN DENDAUW jan@essentialmagazine.com MARIANO JEVA cuentas@essentialmagazine.com MONIKA BÖJTI info@essentialmagazine.com ANDREA BÖJTI INMA AURIOLES MELINDA SZARVAS KEVIN HORN IAIN BLACKWELL, MICHEL CRUZ, GARY EDWARDS, RIK FOXX, NICK HALL, ANNIE HEESE, MARK LANE, AJ LINN, AMY WILLIAMS, ROD YOUNGER HENRYK LOBACZEWSKI / PICDESK.COM SIMONE HOLTZNAGEL AMELIA AXTON LAUREN McCOWAN FAMOUS, JAN DENDAUW, GARY EDWARDS, JOHNNY GATES, AJ LINN, KH PHOTOGRAPHY JIMÉNEZ GODOY A. GRÁFICAS, MURCIA D.L. MA-512-99

Over 100 titles were considered nationwide in only a handful of categories for these prestigious annual awards and was proud to accept the limited edition medal as its prize at the awards ceremony in Madrid.

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICES COMPLEJO LA PÓVEDA, BLQ. 3, 1º A, CN 340, KM 178, 29600 MARBELLA, MÁLAGA. TEL: 952 766 344 FAX: 952 766 343

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The publishers make every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are correct, but cannot accept Marbella Magazine cannot accept responsibility for the effects of errors or omissions. responsibility for the claims, goods or services of advertisers. Marbella Magazine. © Publicaciones Independientes Costa del Sol S.L. for No part of this magazine, including texts, photographs, illustrations, maps or any other graphics may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of Publicaciones Independientes Costa del Sol S.L. Printed on recyclable paper, produced without wood and bleached without chlorine.

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contents tents The Trend The Style Films 24 Home Viewing 26 Music 28 Books 30 Gadgets 34 Porsche 911 Carrera 36

The Focus Hollywood Stars Pose for Douglas Kirkland 40 Winners Defy the Odds 46 Best Restaurants of the World 52 Winning Strategies in Business 64

72 A Marbella Mansion from Fine & Country 80 Décor News: Häcker Kitchens 82 Fashion Feature: Roberto Verino 90 Fashion News 92 All About Kids

The Spa 96 Award Winning Beauty Products 98 Beauty News 100 Winning the Weight Loss Battle 102 The Science of Successful Health & Healing 104 Heath Profile: Life Coach Shivani Mair

The Pro 106 Enterprise

The Vibe 120 Who’s Who and What’s Up on the Marbella Social Scene

The Leisure 124 Venice 132 Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia Gran Canaria

The Gourmet 137 Tai Pan Restaurant 138 Giancarlo Paparusso of Da Bruno Restaurant 140 Food News 142 Chef’s Profile: Diego del Río of El Lago 144 Award-Winning Wines

The Guide 146 Listings

The Blog 158 Kids Zone 159 Pet News 160 What’s On in April

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words BY IAIN BLACKWELL

Winning Ways With so much doom and gloom about, get prepared for a really positive issue focused on Winning and Success. This April, let’s be inspired by winners and return to feeling good about life. We set the scene with Douglas Kirkland’s quirky Out of Character portrait exhibition featuring Oscarnominated stars for this year’s Academy Awards and follow up with some of the most famous achievers who have succeeded in defiance of all the odds. This is already good stuff but wait ‘till your eyes feast on The World’s Best Restaurants, which are guaranteed to give you an appetite for some of the finer things in life, such as gourmet dining. As well as this, don’t miss our low down on Winning Strategies in Business for Surviving Tough Times. Continuing with this month’s

theme, we bring you Award Winning Gadgets from the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the 2012 Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice No. 1 Hotel in Spain – the Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia in Gran Canaria, medal-winning wines, and we show you how to Win the Game of Life with your health. We also take an exhilarating ride in the new Porsche 911 Carrera and a romantic trip to top destination, Venice, which is a must-see during any lifetime and preferably sooner rather than later as its well known to be slowly sinking into the surrounding lagoon. These are only some of the highlights you will find in our Easter edition, packed with a punch and designed to confer plenty of feel good factor. Enjoy!

Cómo Triunfar en Tiempos Difíciles Últimamente el mundo se ha vestido de gris y hay mucha negatividad en el ambiente. Por lo tanto, este mes, subimos los ánimos con historias sobre grandes triunfadores y te damos consejos sobre cómo tener más éxito en tu vida laboral y personal. Empezamos con la exposición Out of Character del famoso fotógrafo Douglas Kirkland. En esta ocasión, su cámara ilumina a los actores más famosos de Hollywood. Después, conocemos a los ganadores y perdedores más famosos del mundo y hacemos un tour gastronómico por los Mejores Restaurantes del Mundo. En el área de negocios, aprendemos cómo sobrevivir a la crisis con estrategias para triunfar en ellos. Además, cubrimos un evento clave en el

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mundo de la electrónica: el Consumer Electronics Show, que se celebra todos los años en Las Vegas y nos hospedamos en el hotel ganador de los Premios 2012 Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice: el Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia en Gran Canaria. También os deleitamos con vinos que se han llevado varias medallas en prestigiosos premios, mientras que, en la sección de salud, aprendemos cómo ganar el juego de la vida. Si ya eres un ganador, quizás deberías comprarte el nuevo Porsche 911 Carrera y, si te gusta viajar, ¿por qué no haces un viaje Venecia? Mejor

que lo hagas cuanto antes, pues es conocida por estar hundiéndose poco a poco… Esperamos que disfrutes de nuestra edición de Semana Santa y que te sientas mucho mas feliz después de leernos. ¡A disfrutar!

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F&C Marbella Essential Ad 21.03_Layout 1 23/03/2012 12:43 Page 1

Multi-award winning luxury estate agents in 300 locations worldwide HErrojo Alto - PricE: 5.750.000€ Recently built to the highest standards, this elegant villa is situated in a gated 24/ 7 secure community close to the La Quinta Golf Course and a ten minute drive to Puerto Banus. On the ground floor is a grand entrance hall with sky light, a cloakroom, an office and two of the seven bedroom suites one of which has a private terrace. Off the entrance hall is a large Vintage kitchen, a TV room, a lounge/ dining room, a covered terrace and private mature landscaped gardens with pool. On the first floor is the master bedroom suite and one en suite bedroom. The master en suite has a dressing room and a large balcony with breath taking views. On the lower ground floor are two further bedroom suites, staff accommodation, sauna, games room/gym, cinema, laundry room, storeroom and a garage for up to five cars. • Gated 24/7 security • Stunning sea and mountain views • Under floor heating • Heated and covered pool • Recently built

• Music throughout • Cinema/ Sauna/ Gym • Manicured gardens • Approx. 10.000m² plot • Approx. 970m² built

NuEvA ANdAluciA - PricE: 3.900.000€ This is a beautiful contemporary villa which has been recently refurbished and from its elevated position enjoys both sea and mountain views. The stunning modern kitchen leads through to the very spacious lounge / dining room which has doors leading out to the part covered terraces. Also on the ground floor is one of the en suite bedrooms. The expansive master en suite comprises a bedroom, dressing room and bathroom with double shower and Jacuzzi. Alongside the master bedroom is an en suite bedroom which is currently being used as an office. On the lower ground level is another en suite bedroom which has separate access, a laundry room and a large garage. The unusually designed mosaic tiled swimming pool has decking surrounds. Several important attributes combine in making this a very appealing property which ticks all the boxes. • Recently refurbished • Close to all amenities • Sea and mountain views • Basement with potential to develop • Lift

• Under floor heating • Tastefully designed • Beautifully decorated • Approx. 1,796 m² plot • Approx. 500 m² built

El HErrojo Alto - PricE: 3.200.000€ This three storey villa was built in 2004 and has been recently tastefully refurbished. From its elevated position it offers stunning sea, golf and also mountain views. The spacious lounge / dining room opens out onto a covered terrace which overlooks the gardens and swimming pool from where one can enjoy the fantastic views. The kitchen and a large office are also situated on the ground floor as is a newly built gym and sauna. There are five spacious en suite bedrooms, a cinema room, a two bedroom staff apartment with its own lounge and a garage for four cars. Other features include under floor heating, own water supply and a music system throughout. This property is also offered completely furnished and with the price representing excellent value for money this is a wonderful opportunistic buy. • Furnished • 24/ 7 security • Security system and CCTV • Cinema • Separate 2 bedroom apartment

Fine & country Marbella

Marbella Club Hotel, 29602 Marbella, Malaga, Spain

• Gym/ Sauna • Heated swimming pool • Beautifully interior designed • Approx. 2.130m² plot • Approx. 809m² built

tel +34 952 76 40 10 email marbella@fineandcountry.com

F&C Marbella Essential Ad 21.03_Layout 1 23/03/2012 12:43 Page 2

Marbella

GuAdAlMiNA - PricE: 2.500.000€ Immaculate newly built villa situated in the extremely desirable area of Guadalmina, only 300 metres from the beautiful sandy beaches and a 10 minute drive into Puerto Banus. The villa was completed in 2010 and comprises a galleried entrance hall, a living/ dining room, kitchen with Siemens appliances, four en suite bedrooms, two dressing rooms and a guest cloakroom. A lovely part covered terrace has views of the lush gardens. The basement has a laundry area, a staff en suite bedroom, another large room, a bathroom, another room currently being used as a recording studio and an expansive garage. Other features include solar panels, under floor heating, heated swimming pool and a security system. • Sought after area • Walking distance to beach • Newly built • High quality build and finish • Heated pool

• Basement with development potential • Off street parking • Under floor heating • Approx. plot size 2.500m€ • Approx. build size 600m€

NuEvA ANdAluciA - PricE: 2.190.000€ Stunning front line golf villa situated in Nueva Andalucia, Marbella. This property has recently been completely renovated and comprises a spacious lounge / dining room, fabulous new kitchen, sitting room/ bedroom 5, 4 bedrooms all with dressing room areas and access to the garden, 4 bathrooms and a laundry room. From the lounge, doors lead out onto a covered terrace where one can dine ‘al fresco’ most of the year in the wonderful Spanish climate whilst enjoying the magnificent views of the golf course and mountain backdrop. Steps from here lead down to the garden which has a large swimming pool and alongside it a Jacuzzi. This villa has been beautifully and stylishly decorated throughout and must be seen to be appreciated.

• Front line golf • Stunning golf and mountain views • Recently renovated • Beautifully decorated • Jacuzzi

• Security cameras • Tranquil / private area • Under floor heating • Approx. plot size 940m² • Approx. build size 413m²

SiErrA BlANcA - PricE: 1.900.000€ Situated in one of the most exclusive areas of Marbella with vigilant gated 24/7 security, this villa, which is of recent construction represents excellent value for money. From its elevated prime position it has majestic views of the Mediterranean coast as well as the mountains behind it. The entire exterior of the villa has a travertine marble finish giving it an authentic but elegant rustic style. It comprises entrance hall, lounge/ dining room, kitchen, enclosed balcony, guest cloakroom, office/ bedroom, 3 en suite bedrooms and a basement with large bodega/ wine cellar, gym, laundry room, en suite bedroom and a further bedroom. This property has huge potential and would make an excellent family home in this tranquil area which is only a five minute drive from the centre of Marbella and its beaches. • Exclusive area • Close to Marbella centre • Fantastic sea/ mountain views • 24/7 gated security • Under floor heating

• Alarm system • Automatically irrigated garden • Travertine marble throughout • Approx. plot size 1.300m² • Approx. build size 575m²

La Zagaleta offers two 18-hole private golf courses, a riding club, tennis courts, and the most serene natural reserve in the midst of luxury facilities.

2.100 m2 constructed on a plot of 4500 m2. Lift to all ﬂoors.

9 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms.

Garage for 8 cars.

Heated indoor swimming pool, Turkish baths, chill-out zone, disco bar and cinema.

frank@marbelladirect.com

www.marbelladirect.com

www.khphotography.co.uk

THE MARBELLA DIRECT COLLECTION OF FINE HOMES

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King of the Hill

A magniﬁcent new villa for sale with panoramic sea views located within the prestigious La Zagaleta estate. POA Call Iain Irving (+34) 607 314 126

Властелин горы

Великолепная новая вилла с панорамным видом на море расположен в престижном поместье Ла Загалета. Телефон Елены (+34) 663 139 966

•••154 Marbella Direct SUPERFINAL INMA.indd 27

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You only live once,

Front Line Beach Los Monteros: Magnificent beach front villa in Andalusian style in one of the most exclusive communities. Fantastic sea views, beautiful tropical gardens, heated salt water swimming pool and separate guest apartment. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Built 669 m2, plot 2.153 m2. ID-No.: W-00UZUL. Price: 2.950.000 €.

Front Line Beach Rio Real: Unique beach front mansion built on a very large plot, only minutes from Marbella centre. Traditional,Andalusian style combined with antique details. 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. Built 987 m2, plot 4.773 m2. ID-No.: W-00LPR0. Price: 6.950.000 €.

Elviria: Newly built modern villa, south oriented with marvellous sea views. Built to the highest qualities and situated in an exceptional area in Elviria. 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Built 834 m2, plot 1.335 m2. ID-No.: W-00SY56. Price: 895.000 €.

Front Line Beach Los Monteros Playa: Luxury apartment with amazing views in beach front position situated in the most exclusive beach complex. Highest qualities throughout. 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Living area 226 m2, terraces 60 m2. ID-No.: W-00UYRB. Price: 2.390.000 €.

Front Line Beach Los Monteros: Well priced, very elegant, spacious high quality apartment situated in a beach front complex close to Rio Real Golf. 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Living area 170 m2, terraces 46 m2. ID-No.: W-00ILJU. Price: 590.000 €.

Office Elviria: 952 83 55 80 · www.engelvoelkers.com/MarbellaAndEast

Argentina · Australia · Austria · Bahrein · Belgium · Bostwana · Chile · China · Croatia · Cyprus · Czech Republic · France · Germany · Great Britain · Holland · Hungary · Ireland · Italy · Jordan Luxemburg · Mozambique · Namibia · New Zealand · Peru · Portugal · Qatar · Romania · Russia · Slovenia · South Africa · Spain · Switzerland · Thailand · Turkey · UAE · Uruguay · USA · Zambia

we will show you where! we will show you where!

Sierra Blanca: Impresive Balinese style estate built to high standards. Decorated with original features from Bali and benefits from high security and total privacy. Stunning gardens with large swimming pool, staff quarter and many features. 7 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms. Built 904 m2, plot 2.112 m2. ID-No.: W-00EE7V. Price: 4.990.000 €.

Cascada de Camojan: Fantastically priced villa with breathtaking sea views built by the renowned architect Cesar de Leyva. Large plot with separate swimming pool area. 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms. Built 576 m2, plot 2.200 m2 ID-No.: W-00U2L4. Price: 1.460.000 €.

Sierra Blanca: Beautiful villa with stunning, panoramic sea views in an exclusive and secure community. Tastefully decorated. Big outdoor swimming pool. Cinema room. 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. Built 532 m2, plot 1.266 m2. ID-No: W-00L7A0. Price: 3.500.000 €.

Front Line Beach Golden Mile: Best priced penthouse in the exclusive complex of Las Cañas. Direct access to the beach promenade and to all amenities. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Living area 137 m2, terrace 99 m2. ID-No.: W-00SIF4. Price: 640.000 €.

Front Line Beach, Gran Marbella: Well priced, very attractive apartment in a luxurious complex with direct beach access and walking distance to all amenities. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Living area 118 m2, terrace 15 m2. ID-No.: W-00U2TT. Price: 620.000 €.

Office Marbella: 952 86 84 06 · www.engelvoelkers.com/MarbellaAndEast

Plot Участок ca 5.850 m2

Built Строение ca 900 m2

Terraces Террасы ca 250 m2

Âèëëà êëàññà ëþêñ íà ïðîäàæó Это совершенно новая, потрясающая вилла, построенная с использованием современных материалов. Она расположена на холмах над Золотой Милей и имеет чудесный вид на горы, долины и Средиземное море. Находится всего в 5 минутах езды от оживленного города Сан-Педро и в 10 минутах от Пуэрто-Бануса, недалеко от пляжа, супермаркетов и ресторанов и в непосредственной близости к гольфовому полю. Расположенная в одном из самых безопасных районов,вилла находится рядом с Марбельей. Роскошная двухэтажная резиденция с большим количеством спален и ванных комнат(1 спальня и 4 ванны на первом этаже и 6 спален меньшего размера на втором этаже). Она красиво оформлена и

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может похвастаться захватывающим вестибюлем с впечатляющей лестницей, большой гостиной, столовой с панорамными окнами, залом для завтраков, полностью оборудованной кухней.Оснащенная сигнализацией, кондиционерами, электрическим генератором, системой орошения и колодцем и украшенная живописным частным садом с самыми красивыми субтропическими деревьями эта вилла оборудована бассейном с подогревом, отдельно стоящим таунхаусом с ванной комнатой и частным теннисным кортом. Эта экслюзивная резиденция, окруженная защитной стеной, располагает 3 гаражами и помещением для охраны, что делает ее одной из самых привилегированных и безопасных резиденций в Марбелье.

3/21/12 12:31 PM

Purchase price Цена €7.500.000 - Contact the owner on Связаться с владельцем можно непосредственно (+34) 639 404 187

LuxuryVilla for Sale This completely renovated stunning Villa constructed with the most beautiful materials located in Paraiso Alto (direction Villa Padierna) enjoys a marvellous sea view, as well as views over the mountains, valleys and golf course. Just 5 minutes from the bustling town of San Pedro and only 10 minutes to Puerto Banús, close to the beach, supermarkets, restaurants and within easy reach to top golf courses. This property has direct access to the best Marbella offers and is situated in one of the safest areas. Built over two ﬂoors this luxurious residence enjoys one master bedroom and 4 en-suite bathrooms, with a further 6 smaller bedrooms with bathroom. This beautifully designed Villa boasts a spectacular entrance hall with impressive double staircase, large living room,

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dining room, breakfast room, all with panoramic windows and has a fully equipped new kitchen with all appliances and a separate laundry. Finished to the highest standards, this amazing property includes inside and outside security with camera system, air-conditioning throughout, electric generator, water tanks, irrigation system and a water well. The magniﬁcent private park-like garden is planted with the most beautiful subtropical trees and has a heated swimming pool, townhouse with bathroom and private tennis court. This very exclusive residence has 3 garages and a security room. Accessed through a large private drive, the plot is completely walled to offer one of the most privileged and safe residences in Marbella.

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3/28/12 12:11 PM

thetrend READING / MUSIC / FILMS / GADGETS / MOTORING / TRENDS

Did you know that being successful is more

Films

than a matter of destiny? Or that you can coach

Home Viewing

yourself to success by following a few simple

Music

steps? After designing your new life

Books

plan, laugh, cry and fall in love alongside the

Gadgets

actors in quirky films like Larry Crowne. Or put

The Porsche 911 Carrera

the pedal to the metal in your new Porsche 911!

NOVEMBER 2011 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE / 23

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trend CINEMA

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

E MONTH e BLOCKBUSTER OF TH

The Hunger Games » GENRE Science Fiction » DIRECTOR Gary Ross rence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks » ACTORS Jennifer Law the first in a trilogy that lling novel by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games is a best-se tion is expected to rake by storm. Its big screen adapta is taking science fiction fans and plenty of it has to n the Twilight saga premieres in record figures, beating eve lm is set in the futuristic excitement of the plot. The fi do with the sheer tension and of Panem. Every year, one America and is now the nation ruins of what was once North to take part in a cruel form 12 different districts are sent from girl one and boy age teen vised nationwide and Hunger Games. The event is tele of entertainment known as The en (Jennifer Lawrence) is Young heroine Katniss Everde only one teenager will survive. rely on her instinct and better trained fighters, and to forced to compete against far discovers her brutality, an standing. In the process she wom last the be to nce llige inte acity for love. but also her humanity and cap

» GENRE Drama » DIRECTOR James » GENRE Comedy » DIRECTOR Paolo Sorrentino

» GENRE Thriller » DIRECTOR

Michael Brandt (Wanted)

» ACTORS Richard Gere,

Topher Grace, Odette Yustman

The Double The Double focuses on the mysterious assassination of a U.S. Senator by a Soviet assassin called Cassius, assumed to have been dead for many years. Retired CIA agent Paul Shepherdson (Richard Gere), who in his youth put an end to Cassius’ criminal organisation and thought he had killed Cassius himself, is shocked when the CIA tells him that he will have to once again track the Soviet criminal down. To make matters worse, Sheperdson is partnered with a fresh-faced FBI agent (Topher Grace) who has a wife and two kids but who is desperate to understand the inner workings of the criminal mind. Innocence and experience collide and mesh in a game neither could win on its own.

(The Family Friend) » ACTORS Sean Penn, Frances McDormand, Judd Hirsch

This Must Be The Place

Just one look at the poster of Sean Penn’s latest film set my heart racing and my mood to joyous, prompting me to immediately ‘share’ it with my unfortunate Facebook friends who weren’t into Gothic music and fashion (like I was) in the 1980s and 1990s. For Sean Penn pays homage to The Cure’s Robert Smith, the ultimate Goth enfant terrible and idol of the masses, who spent hours imitating his fashion style, hairdo and sad, sorry expression. In the film, Penn plays Cheyenne, an ex-rock star in his 50s who is living a life of drudgery on the streets of Dublin. The death of his father, whom he hadn’t seen in years, prompts him to return to the family home in New York, where he reconstructs his father’s life by reading old diaries. Cheyenne discovers that his father had spent his last 30 years trying to find a Nazi war criminal and he decides to carry out his work, searching for the now ancient Nazi across the harsh terrain of the United States.

Cameron (Avatar)

» ACTORS Leonardo

DiCaprio, Kate Winslet

Titanic 3D

When it comes to romantic films, just about everyone’s is Gone with the Wind… or of course the beautifully crafted Titanic, which tells the tale of a poor artist who falls in love with a beautiful aristocrat who may be madly in love, but not quite enough to give up her place on a rescue boat while she watches her lover freeze to death in the icy waters of the Atlantic. Irony aside, the music, special effects and charisma of the actors have made Titanic a film to be treasured and now, there is a good excuse to catch it again on the big screen, thanks to the new 3D rendering of the film by James Cameron, a process that took him years to complete. The film has been re-mastered on digital support at 4K and been laboriously converted to 3D making for a very realistic experience. It promises to be an epic adventure for young and old viewers alike, but not for me. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the fact that Kate just sits and watches Leo die, doing him the great favour of pulling her hand out of her warm coat to hold his just before he slips eerily into the black waters below. Now that is one complete ice queen.

24 / APRIL 2012 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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La Zagaleta

g An exquisite villa, offered for sale in the exclusive residential estate of La Zagaleta. This stunning family home is beautifully presented and offers the ultimate in relaxed and stylish living.

g From the entrance hall, a double

staircase leads up to an impressively large master bedroom suite, which comprises a sitting area, ofﬁce, dressing area and a luxurious bathroom.

5 Beds

5 Baths

g On the entrance level, the property

features 3 additional suites, welcoming living room, dining room and a fully ﬁtted kitchen.

g The lower level is an entertainment

paradise with state of the art spa and massage room, a professionally designed and installed cinema room, bodega and bar area, games room, a second living/ dining room, gym and a completely independent guest apartment.

Built 1.390m2 (agents enquiries welcome)

Plot 4.975m2 Price € 6.950.000

Listed exclusively - Call Brennon Nicholas on 620 249 229 - brennon@nicholasdunne.com

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trend HOME VIEWING

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

30 Minutes or Less

» GENRE Comedy

When it comes to comedy, you’ve » DIRECTOR Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland) either got the magic touch or » ACTORS Jesse you haven’t. Jesse Eisenberg is Eisenberg, Danny McBride, definitely a naturally born comic Nick Swarsdon actor, despite having risen to fame » IMDB 6.2 for his dramatic portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network. Eisenberg has proven that when it comes to playing young, insecure guys challenged by seemingly insurmountable obstacles, few do it better (think Zombieland or Adventureland) and in 30 Minutes or Less, he is once again called upon to play an unlikely hero: Nick, a pizza boy who is kidnapped by a questionable pair of thugs who force him to rob 100,000 dollars from a bank within 10 hours. Eissenberg squirms, steals and sweats his way out of a situation that is always at the point of going horribly wrong and it makes for a light, pleasant, sometimes hysterical viewing experience.

Salvation Boulevard » GENRE Comedy » DIRECTOR George Ratliff

(Plutonium Circus) » ACTORS Pierce Brosnan, Greg Kinnear, Marisa Tomei » IMDB 5.3

THE MONTH FEATURED DVD RELEASE OF

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 » GENRE:

Drama

» DIRECTOR:

Bill Condon (Dreamgirls)

» ACTORS:

Kirsten Stewar t, Robert Pat tinson, Taylor Lau tner » IMDB 4.7

probably wait with baited If you’re a Twi-hard then you er to witness once again eag lm, fi breath for every new een its young stars, the great sexual chemistry betw inson. On the other hand, Kirsten Stewart or Robert Patt rented these films out ly if you’re over 30, you probab new release in the er oth ry eve g only after watchin ned by critics, the Twilight video shop! Despite being pan ed, garnering millions franchise is a lucrative one inde kend of their release. wee rst around the world in the fi king Dawn – Part 1 is Of all the sequels thus far, Brea since it manages to instil a perhaps the most satisfying unadulterated teen angst. sense of fear instead of pure nally make it to the altar fi ard In the film, Bella and Edw ting the ultimate test to (at the ripe old age of 18!), put and to her love for Edward. Bella and Jacob’s friendship

Age has been kind to Pierce Brosnan; not only is he still handsome enough to be the object of lust of many middle aged femmes around the globe, he is also at the stage of his career where he is beyond proving himself. Brosnan always took on the big roles (like James Bond) reluctantly, revealing to the press his penchant for independent film and more intellectual scriptwriting. For he is a great actor and if you ever doubted that, then you must watch Matador, in which he gives the performance of a lifetime playing a middle aged charlatan who is both incredibly comic and tragic at once. In Salvation Boulevard he once again takes on a tragiccomic role: that of a wealthy preacher who loves both money and the Lord, in equal measures. His comfortable life and buoyant economy are threatened when a little accident makes him look like a cold assassin. He decides to pass the buck to one of his most loyal followers: a lonely, devout Christian called Carl (Greg Kinnear) who is both disappointed and enlightened by the experience.

» GENRE Comedy » DIRECTOR Tom Hanks (That Thing You Do!)

» ACTORS Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Sarah Mahoney » IMDB 5.9

Larry Crowne

What would you do if, after a lifetime dedicated to your job, your boss decided to lay you off? This is the dilemma faced by 50-something-year-old divorcee, Larry Crowne and he decides to resolve it by going back to college. Larry relives youthful experiences such as meeting new people, being the object of attention of a pretty young girl, getting over one’s shyness and learning new subjects (like economics and public speaking), while he begins to fall for his embittered but undeniably beautiful Professor (Julia Roberts). Oh, and Larry also foregoes his car for a classic Italian moped! 26 / APRIL 2012 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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trend MUSIC

¿QUÉ PASA?

WORDS RIK FOXX

THE BOSS IS BACK One of Spain’s favourite adopted sons, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, rolls his Wrecking Ball Tour into Sevilla at the Estadio Olímpico on Sunday May 13. This is the opening leg of his European tour to promote a new album, Wrecking Ball, which topped LP charts throughout the continent (including Spain) when released last month. Have you ever seen The Boss live? If not, do yourself a favour and take a trip up there – value for money is guaranteed as his concerts usually last well over three hours. Tickets are available from FNAC in Marbella.

European tour in Spain Another big name starting her moting a new album, MDNA is MADONNA. She too is pro of Madonna), which was n (a pseudo-blend abbreviatio here when released on ryw eve rts cha top expected to celona is the venue on Bar in i March 26. Palau Sant Jord extra date after a first gig, Thursday, June 21 for this, an time of going to press the At . the night before, sold out FNAC or Halcón Viajes in tickets were still available from Marbella.

SHAKIRA is currently recording a new English language album in Barcelona with LADY GAGA Producer, ROB FUSARI. The Colombian beauty is now a permanent fixture in the city as she is still going out with Barcelona footballer GERARD PIQUE. Did you know she is the UNICEF Ambassador for the American Government in education for Hispanics?

No major action taking place on the coast but if you are into Latino pop, LUIS MIGUEL is at Málaga’s Palacio Municipal de los Deportes José María Martín Carpena on Saturday, May 5. Highly respected in that field, he has won five Grammys, the first, Me Gustas Tal Como Eres (I Like You Just The Way You Are) featured SHEENA EASTON. All the above are also available on line from www.ticketmaster.es Reliable sources recently announced that guitar legend GARY MOORE died from a heart attack and was eight times over the Spanish drink-drive limit when found dead in Estepona’s Kempinski Hotel in February 2011. By the time you read this the Saturday night TV war between The Voice (BBC) and Britain’s Got Talent (ITV) will have started and judge TOM JONES threw the first punch saying “SIMON COWELL is a record man, not a singer. How can someone give advice if he or she is not qualified?” Agreed – hang him! Well I know one person’s TV who will not be on either channel on Saturday nights.

The ADELE album 21 recently became the seventh best-selling LP of all time in the UK and by the time you read this it will probably have overtaken Thriller by MICHAEL JACKSON in the number five spot. 21 has now sold over 4.14 million copies. Queen’s Greatest Hits is tops with sales of 5.83 million.

Vinyl is back in the groove

– last year there was a 40 per cent surge in sales while CD takings slumped by 13 per cent. That was noticed on a recent trip back to the UK where lots of venues have DJ’s spinning tunes on the old ‘wheels of steel’, especially on the northern soul scene which is now as big as it was when it peaked in the mid 70s. April 21 marks the fifth International Record Store Day and 350 known artists including ABBA, ARCTIC MONKEES, the CLASH, NOEL GALLAGHER and WHITE STRIPES, are releasing limited edition discs on the old plastic. Promoting the day, original punk JOHN LYDON (aka ROTTEN) said “A record is for life, a download is a lack of life”. Of course he’d say that as he makes no money out of the latter!

At the time of going to press, ONE DIRECTION were set to become the first British band in history to top the US Billboard charts with a debut album. Their fame has brought the boys problems fighting off the ladies and they are considering hiring extra security to keep them safe. Well there are plenty of recruits in Banús every weekend who badger the talent in many a bar before frightening them away.

It looks like the FREDDIE MERCURY biopic will be going ahead in the near future. SACHA BARON COHEN has landed the main role as Mercury and the film will focus on the often strained relationship between the singer and his QUEEN band mates. Drummer ROGER TAYLOR has found some unreleased songs but they are being kept under wraps. Good news though, the legendary duets with MICHAEL JACKSON will finally see the light of day next year. Did you know QUEEN played their penultimate concert at the Marbella football ground back in 1986? 28 / APRIL 2012 ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM

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trend BOOKS

If you feel like making positive changes in your life, start with some essential reading for the winner inside you.

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

1 BOUNCE: THE MYTH OF TALENT AND THE POWER OF PRACTICE BY MATTHEW SYED

If you’ve ever wondered if success is a matter of destiny enjoyed only by those born under a lucky star, get off the couch and read this book. Author Matthew Syed (an award-winning journalist, three-time Commonwealth table tennis champ and Olympic competitor), sets out to debunk the common myths that stop us from pursuing success, including the one that says that we are born brilliant (and that child prodigies are evidence of it), that our social background matters and we are restricted by our genetic make-up. Learn about the magic spark that makes top athletes soar above their competitors; see why the most successful figure skaters are those who have fallen the most; discover how a Hungarian father trained his daughters to be three of the world’s best chess players and find out why the author’s street has produced more top level table tennis players than the rest of Britain put together.

6 THE SUCCESS PRINCIPLES: HOW TO GET FROM WHERE YOU ARE TO WHERE YOU WANT TO BE BY JACK CANFIELD

2 THE BIGGEST LOSER: YOUR PERSONAL PROGRAMME FOR PERMANENT WEIGHT LOSS BY

3 THE CHALLENGE

If you’re a reality TV fan, then without a doubt you’ve shed a few tears (and maybe even a few kilos) alongside the contestants in The Biggest Loser, a show which celebrates health, fitness and weight loss. If you secretly wished you could benefit from the wisdom of the trainers and nutritionists on the show, all you need to do is get your hands on this book, which gives readers advice on each of the key aspects of the show: diet, exercise and motivation. It also contains some mouthwatering recipes that will definitely leave you satisfied, including a mean Thai beef and mixed pepper stir fry, blueberry and lemon ice-cream and chicken with pesto and veggie mash.

Author Lesley Anne Freeman’s life changed dramatically after realising the extent to which what we think and believe can make a difference. In The Challenge, she encourages readers to embark on a spiritual journey into positive thinking. Freeman’s book was the result of her attempt to answer deeply resounding questions about how the mind works, why some achieve success while others never seem to reach out of the mire, and why the human race seems intent on selfdestruction. She discusses the World’s main religions, gleaning important messages from each. She also shares her vision of the meaning of life and argues for the importance of spiritual growth and positive thinking for a successful, happy life..

ANGIE DOWDS AND RICHARD CALLENDER

BY LESLEY ANNE FREEMAN

4 COACH YOURSELF TO SUCCESS: 101 TIPS FROM A PERSONAL COACH FOR REACHING YOUR GOALS AT WORK AND IN LIFE

BY TALANE MIEDANER

Top CEOs around the world rely on the services of an executive coach, few athletes get very far without a good coach and many normal folk have also benefited from a life coach in the areas of finding their passion and living a happy life. If you like the idea of being your own coach, Talane Miedaner’s practical, easy-to-follow book is a good start. Miedaner has coached hundreds of Fortune 500 clients using a ten-part programme she developed as a result of extensive experience in finding what works and what doesn’t. This book promises to take you ‘from the ordinary to the extraordinary’.

5 THE 4-DAY WIN: CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK ABOUT FOOD AND YOUR BODY IN JUST 4 DAYS BY MARTHA BECK

Those who are tired of endless diets and yo-yo weight loss and gain should read The 4-Day Win. The book, written by counsellor and social behaviour specialist Martha Beck, argues that the secret to permanent weight loss resides in the first four days we decide to make a change. Martha Beck provides readers with a series of programmes that prepare them mentally for the challenge ahead, instead of asking them to jump head-first into a strict regime they may not be psychologically ready to cope with.

Jack Canfield, best-selling author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, shares a timetested list of strategies which he promises will help anyone achieve success. With his Ten Step Action Plan, you can learn how to take responsibility for your life, set goals and manage time, invest in developing knowledge and core skills, face up to what isn’t working and stay motivated. Another key aim is to focus on your unique abilities, putting aside third party opinions. “Decide what you want, believe you deserve it and practise the principles, and with these powerful new habits you can experience astonishing opportunities and extraordinary results in all aspects of your life, from your career to your relationships.” This philosophy seem to have worked for him, since he has sold over 80 million books worldwide. He holds the Guinness Book World Record for having seven books simultaneously on the New York Times bestseller list!

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G R U P O

LEZAMA-LEGUIZAMÓN VILLALEGUI S.L.

Beachside Villa for Sale Outstanding villa for sale, situated in Guadalmina Baja just 200 meters from the beach and 150 meters to the Guadalmina Hotel. The villa has 5 bedrooms and 5 marble bathrooms finished to the highest standards. It also boasts a fabulous 70m2 overflow saltwater heated swimming pool and gazebo. American Oak wooden floors throughout, domotic vantage controls, under-floor heating, top of the line carpentry with Climalit windows and electric domotic control blinds in all bedrooms. Individual control air-conditioning, separate laundry room, and 4 car garage.

specs Plot Build area

870 m2

Terraces

120 m2

Price

•154 Lezama FINAL.indd 1

3.090 m2

POA

For information please contact Mobile: (+34) 653 964 609 Tel: (+34) 952 780 191 email: info@llodilu.es www.llodilu.es Sales Office: Bahialcantara, Avda. Mediterraneo San Pedro de Alcántara, 29670, Málaga, Spain.

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trend BOOKS

WORDS ROD YOUNGER

Books4Spain

CR E FICTIM ION// THRIL LER S

1 THE ANGEL’S GAME BY CARLOS RUIZ ZAFÓN

Price: £3.99 with FREE UK shipping (also available as eBook: £4.99/€5,99) In an abandoned mansion in Barcelona, David Martin makes his living by writing sensationalist novels under a pseudonym. Taking refuge in the world of books, he spends his nights spinning baroque tales about the city’s underworld. But perhaps his dark imaginings are not as strange as they seem, for in a locked room deep within the house he finds letters hinting at the mysterious death of the previous owner. Then David takes the offer a lifetime: in return for a small fortune he is to write a book with the power to change hearts and minds. However, he soon realises that there is a connection between this haunting book and the shadows that surround his home…

N OV

FO &WIOD NE

CR E FICTIM ION// THRIL LER S

All books featured are available from www.books4spain.com FO &WIOD NE

2 AS EASY AS MURDER BY QUINTIN JARDINE

Price: £9.99 with FREE shipping The latest crime thriller in the Primavera Blackstone series. A tranquil Spanish village by the sea is the perfect place for Primavera Blackstone to raise her ten-year-old Tom, son of the late lamented Oz. But her best friend Shirley’s new man, Patterson Cowling, seems to be a trouble magnet, with potentially dangerous and deadly consequences. As a series of mysterious deaths occurs, and Primavera becomes mother to an extended golfing family, it seems that homicide is par for the course, and that hazards lie in wait for everyone. Can she save the day, or is the game just too rough?

5 SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS BY

3 THE FINEST WINES OF RIOJA & NORTHWEST SPAIN BY VICTOR DE LA SERNA, LUIS GUTIERREZ & JESUS BARQUIN

Price: £9.99 with FREE shipping Beautifully illustrated with photographs and detailed maps, this guide covers not only Rioja but also Navarra, Bierzo, Galicia, and the Basque country. Written by a trio of experts, it explores winemaking from the ancient to the traditional and modern. It provides fascinating indepth information on climate and soil, grape varieties, and viticulture, along with profiles on individual wineries and ‘secret addresses’ for the best restaurants and shops offering aged and historic vintages of Rioja. This book is an absolute ‘must have’ for all lovers of Spanish wines.

SOPHIE KINSELLA (WRITING AS MADELEINE WICKHAM)

4 A WORLD OF FLAVOURS – TAPAS BY M. TERESA SEGURA

Price: £8.49 with FREE shipping Immerse yourself in the wealth of flavours, textures, aromas and colours of Spanish cuisine - a melting pot of tastes and influences, from Arabian to Jewish, with an emphasis on the finest and freshest ingredients. Learn about the diversity of Spanish regional cooking and how the flavours and traditions of each individual area of the country come together to produce the most fragrant and flavourful food. The recipes in this book will entice your imagination as well as your taste buds.

Price: £4.99 with FREE shipping – (also available as an eBook) Chloe needs a holiday. She’s sick of making wedding dresses and her partner Philip has trouble at work. Her wealthy friend Gerard has offered them the loan of his luxury villa in Spain – perfect. Or is it? On arriving at the villa they soon find Gerard has double booked, and offered his villa to his old friend Hugh and his family, also in desperate need of a holiday. An uneasy week of sharing begins, and tensions soon mount in the soaring heat. But there’s also a secret history between the families – and as tempers fray, an old passion begins to resurface…

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Laguna de Banús

Beachfront € 3 400 000

Luxury beachfront properties

photography • danlindberg.com

FOR SALE

Los Monteros Playa

Beachfront € 3 500 000

www.nordicapropertymarbella.com

trend ELECTRONICS

ARDNG W A NNI WI

Gadgets WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

PEOPLE’S VOICE

Every year, the world’s most important electronics companies gather together in the lively city of Las Vegas to show off their wares and compete for a coveted prize in their respective category. This month, we bring you the winners of the CES 2012, voted for by the world’s most prestigious editors in the realm of technology.

BEST HOME THEATER SIMPLE.TV

PROJECT FIONA PC GAMING TABLET BY RAZER

Simple.T V is a device that allows you to watch live TV on connected devices such as your iPad, phone or tablet or record and stream content within your home. i www.simple.tv

BEST SOFTWARE AND APPS BLUESTACKS FOR WINDOWS 8

NETWORKING

BEST IN SHOW 55EM9600 OLED TV BY LG

AMPLIFI HD MEDIA ROUTER 3000 DIR-857 BY D-LINK The Amplifi HD Media Router 3000 DIR-857 boasts a data transfer rate of 900 Mbps and HD Fuel technology, which makes prioritising band width and boosting up the performance of your digital entertainment devices a whole lot easier. i www.dlink.es

Any self-confessed couch potato would give their life’s blood for this, the first 140-cm OLED television that boasts crisp, vivid images, absolute black levels, a speedy panel and excellent viewing from all angles. i www.lg.com

The BlueStacks for Windows 8, which will be pre-installed in select Windows 8 machines, will bring over 400,000 Android apps to your PC; making for a much more complete user experience. i www.bluestacks.com

BEST CAMERA X-PRO1 BY FUJIFILM

The mirrorless X-Pro 1, created for professional photographers, boasts a new hybrid multi-viewfinder, a 16-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor and an appealing retro design. i www.fuji.com

Guests at the CES were blown over by Project Fiona, a tablet-cum-videogame machine-cum-personal computer. This compact gadget offers users the ultimate Windows gaming experience through its advanced Intel Ivy Bridge Core i7 technology, which makes playing even the most sophisticated games a breeze. i www.razerzone.com

BEST BEST PC: PC ENVY 14 14 ENVY SPECTRE BY BY SPECTRE HP HP

HP’s latest premium ultrabook is light as a feather (starting at under 2kg), boasting a beautiful scratch-resistant glass top and HP CoolSense technology, which automatically adjusts the PC’s cooling to ensure a comfortable, pleasant experience. i www.hp.com

BEST CELL PHONE LUMIA 900 BY NOKIA

Nokia’s newest smartphone, rumoured to be released in June this year, is set to provide tough competition to the iPhone and Blackberry, with its 12-megapixel camera, 11cm AMOLED screen and additional frontal camera. i www.nokia.com

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VILLA MARKETING Since 1983

Frontline Golf Ref. VM09579 Villa situated in Nueva Andalucia and facing west. Built on one level on a plot of 1.686 m2 which rolls gently down to the golf course, 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, spacious lounge, separate dining room, modern kitchen, garage, heated pool. Price: €1.250.000

Nueva Andalucia Ref. VM09955 Lovely, private, bright and sunny villa, close to golf course, south facing, with a large sitting room and seperate dining room, 3 spacious bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Underfloor heating in main areas, covered parking. Price: €875.000

Nueva Andalucia Ref. VM09941 Unique semi-detached, sunny, south facing villa, with beach and Puerto Banus within walking distance. This 3 bedroom villa has a private garden, private pool and private garage. Spacious new kitchen and bathrooms, no community fees.

Beach Penthouse Ref. VM09792 Situated beside Puerto Banus and the beach, this duplex penthouse has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, sea views, 2 terraces plus a large sunny roof terrace, underground garage, 24 hour security, heated pool. Price now reduced.

Price: €450.000

Price: €595.000

Ref. VM09845 Nueva Andalucia Ref. VM06645 Nueva Andalucia Penthouse Magnificent and large townhouse situated in a gated community close to Aloha Magnificent penthouse, very large terraces and panoramic views. In a gated Golf, south facing, with 3 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms, WC, spacious lounge and community, large lounge and dining area leading to a huge terrace, big kitchen,3 dinining area, roof terrace with BBQ area and a very large underground garage bedrooms, 2 garage spaces, 2 golf buggy parking, and store room. for 4 to 5 cars. Price: €585.000 Price: €499.000 Casaño 10-B, Nueva Andalucía (Pass the Bullring, beside BBVA bank) Tel: 952 810 695 enquiries@villamarketing.com Sales - Long & Short Term Rentals - Property Management

www.villamarketing.com

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trend MOTORING

The New Porsche

911 WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY NICK HALL

On the surface, the new Porsche 911 Carrera S looks so much like the old one that you might be forgiven for thinking this is a mid-life face lift rather than a whole new model. You would be wrong. The new Porsche is a quantum leap forward for the iconic marque – it just all happens under the skin.

he new car is longer, wider and literally every contour has changed – subtly. That’s because Porsche cannot, will not, sacrifice four decades of heritage that began all the way back in 1963. Since then, the basic shape of arguably the world’s most successful sportscar by any tactile measure has evolved without any radical cosmetic changes. Of course park the original next to the latest car and the age gap is clear to see, safety, technology and legislation have seen to that, but the basic profile remains untouched and each generation enjoys only incremental updates. Here the only real aesthetic changes from the outgoing 997 model are the lower and wider stance, LED daytime running lights on the front,

thinner LED brake lights and, well, that’s more or less it. It isn’t really enough, and the curvaceous rounded rump is starting to look just a little fat and long in the tooth. Audi’s R8 is a more youthful, exuberant sports car for similar money and the new 911 could have done more to redress the balance. Then again, with both brands under the same Volkswagen-Audi Group umbrella these days there might be a deeper reason for aiming at a different demographic. The interior has come in for a much-needed revamp and the raked centre console has made its way over from the Panamera. It brings the dated 911 interior up to speed and increases the GT feel of lower spec 911s. The rear seats are still little more than a token gesture, but the front is

a glorious place indeed and all this performance comes with near S Class comfort. These are the cars aimed at the solicitors, bankers, the bread and butter 911 buyers. Porsche knew that improved comfort, ride quality and luxury was more important than outright power, speed and handling. The much more aggressive GT3, GT2 and Turbo variants will follow-on in good time and they will quite probably stomp the opposition into the dust on track, but it is this base model that has to win over the masses. It will. Because the Porsche just screams quality and engineering from the moment you swing open the door and twist the key. With each passing generation, the car that started out as a wild and near dangerous ride thanks to its rear-engined set-up has evolved into a sporting limousine that a banker can handle but a racing driver can appreciate. It is also one of the few sportscars that truly feels at home in city traffic, the highway and anywhere else it’s likely to see active service. There’s a maturity to this latest generation, a conscious step towards true limousine luxury and with the adjustable suspension, exhaust note and electronics set to comfort this is a car that could handle the daily commute in any weather. The dual-clutch PDK gearbox shuffles seamlessly between seven speeds and the 3.8-litre flat six is noticeable only by its near absence as I tool gently through the city of

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has the small matter of 400bhp and 325lb ft of London. I’m heading for the wild, the country torque, and that sounds like a lot of fun. roads, but it’s in the stop-start traffic that the 911 Forget the 0-100kph time of 4.1s and the top will live for 90 per cent of its life. It is amazing: end of 304kph, it’s the way this car simply zips pure luxury and refinement, feather light controls, through the gears and flows through the bends perfectly stitched and trimmed interior. This is a that makes it a real driver’s car when the city street car I could drive for hundreds of kilometers and gives way to flowing B roads. Anyone can drive jump out fresh as a daisy. There’s almost nothing a 911 fast and with multi levels traction control, else in the sports car class that passes that suspension settings and exhaust note, there’s a particular test and a trip to the office will dissolve set-up for every occasion and every driver. With into air conditioned, iPod-connected luxury. the electronics on the most secure setting the car That is the Carrera’s reason to be and the simply plots a course up the mountain, refusing new car is a massive step forwards in terms to deviate even when I get it wrong. It’s secure of refinement. I’m slightly annoyed nobody is and just doesn’t want to dump me in to the dry looking as I cruise through the streets, but then stone walls that line the roads. that understated style has been a part of the But to get the best from it takes a switch to Porsche DNA for eons now. Those that want Sport Plus mode, to loosen the rear and smear their car to open doors should go the Ferrari/ that unmistakable backside through each and Lamborghini route instead, the 911 is all about every bend. It’s a skill that few owners will take subtlety, elegance and an iron fist inside a the time to learn, in truth, and the speeds velvet glove. Even the Audi R8 gets required are so far beyond the legal more attention, and it’s worth G R O I A PH T OB Y limit that it’s perhaps best. bearing this in mind if your ego AU PRICE: €115.400 As I find that rhythm, though, just is on the fragile side. ENGINE: 3.8-litre for a few minutes, with the exhaust Back to the important stuff, POWER: 400bhp though, the oily bits that define 0-100KPH: 4.1s the Porsche driving experience TOP SPEED: 304kph when you get past the perfectly tailored cabin. The car I’m driving

turned up and the engine sounding like a detuned, old-school F1 car as the now raucous revs bounce off the face of the mountain, this car is perfection. A TFT screen is on hand for such naughtiness, recording G-forces and suchlike, while I tap at the paddleshift fitted to the optional sports steering wheel. As for the optional manual box, I miss the clutch pedal and real shift action on a hard charge, but the PDK is just so good now that 99 per cent of the time it’s the better option. With Lamborghini and Ferrari quietly removing manuals from the options list we should applaud Porsche for developing the seven-speed manual here, but I wonder how many it will sell as the target market for this car is not the hardcore enthusiast. The market, in fact, is the brand-conscious and affluent crowd that can do without real rear seats, like to stand out subtly and love the Porsche legend. A select few will also know that on the right road, away from the city streets, the Porsche 911 remains one of the finest sports cars the world has ever seen. e

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Untitled-9 1

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thefocus CULTURE / HISTORY / FEATURES

FAMOUS PEOPLE / INTERVIEWS / HUMOuR

Few industries embody success like the Hollywood

Hollywood Stars Pose for Douglas Kirkland

film industry and this month, we bring you the

Winners Defy the Odds

crĂ¨me de la crĂ¨me of the acting profession, as seen

Best Restaurants of the World

through the lens of photographer Douglas Kirkland.

Winning Strategies in Business

Join us as we portray some of the most inspirational winners ever, learn new winning strategies in business and dine at some of the 50 Best Restaurants in the World.

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T U O WORDS MARISA

CUTILLAS

THE FOCUS winners

A H C OF

s tographing icon o h p n ee b as h nd s, ouglas Kirkla Orson Welle , e ro n o M n ly ost stars like Mari ns. One of his m le is h gh u ro th e t Angelina Joli ominees for Bes n e th f o n o ti ta of t represen you a selection g n a somber, elegan ri b e W s. ar year’s Osc Actress at this

MERYL STREEP » BORN 1949, New Jersey » TOP FILMS Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), Sophie’s Choice (1982)

» NOMINATED FOR (WINNER) Best Actress for playing Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady. Streep is known for mimicking a real life character’s accent, body language and nuances to perfection and her recent portrayal of Britain’s first female Prime Minister was flawless. In her acceptance speech, she said that half of America was probably thinking, “Oh no! Not her again!” yet for many she is, quite simply, ‘the greatest actress of all time’. » OUT OF CHARACTER In The Iron Lady, Streep’s performance was powerful and sober. In Kirkland’s photo, her timeless sensuality and elegance shine through.

George Clooney » BORN Kentucky, 1961 » TOP FILMS Ocean’s 11 (2001), Up In The Air (2009) » NOMINATED FOR Best Actor for his role as a distant father living in the not-so paradisiacal side of Hawaii.

» OUT OF CHARACTER

Clooney does not suit Hawaiian shirts and scruff y shorts particularly well. We love him in his trademark suit.

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R E T C RA of turing the spirit p ca , es ad ec d nd for the last five el Jackson a a h ic M , rn u r, Audrey Hepb of Characte t u O as w s n d recent exhibitio pporting Actor an u S t es B d an ss Actor and Actre s. our favourite pic

r a c s O Nomineesof Their Movie Roles Step Out

Jean Dujardin » BORN: Rueil-Malmaison, 1972 » TOP FILMS OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies (2006), Un balcon sur la mer (2009)

» NOMINATED FOR (WINNER) Best Actor for The Artist. Dujardin shines as a silent film star forced to come to terms with the advent of sound in film. » OUT OF CHARACTER We have serious doubts as to how ‘out of character’ this photograph is, since it faithfully depicts Dujardin’s charisma, star attraction and childlike joie de vivre.

JESSICA CHASTAIN » BORN 1981, California » TOP FILMS The Tree of Life (2011), The Debt (2011)

» NOMINATED FOR Best Supporting Actress for playing Celia, an unconventional member of the middle class in a small southern town. Unlike her catty neighbours who see the African-American ‘help’ as second-class citizens, Celia hires feisty cook Minny (Octavia Spencer), and finds a best friend while she’s at it. » OUT OF CHARACTER Jessica is famed for playing vulnerable, ‘damaged’ women. Here she is serene, confident and far from distressed.

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Brad Pitt » BORN Oklahoma, 1963 » TOP FILMS Seven (1995), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) » NOMINATED FOR Best Actor for Moneyball, in which he plays real-life character Billy Bean, the General Manager of a baseball team who took a new approach towards scouting and rating players. » OUT OF CHARACTER Brad Pitt played sporty and laidback excellently in Moneyball. Here, he shows he can also do suave and serene.

GARY OLDMAN » BORN London, 1958 » TOP FILMS Sid and Nancy (1986), Dracula (1992)

» NOMINATED FOR Best Actor for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Oldman has been one of my favourite actors since I was a teenager. He was typically magnificent in Sid and Nancy and in this year’s Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, in which he plays a semi-retired spy who is forced to uncover a Soviet agent. » OUT OF CHARACTER Gary Oldman is far from a has-been, proving he is still smoking hot.

Rooney Mara » BORN New York, 1985 » TOP FILMS The Social Network (2010), Friends with Benefits (2009)

» 2011 OSCAR NOMINATION FOR Best Actress for her role as tortured avenger Lisbeth Salander in the Hollywood version of Stieg Larsson’s novel. » OUT OF CHARACTER Douglas Kirkland portrays Rooney Mara as the youthful woman she probably still is, despite her meteoric rise to fame.

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MELISSA MCCARTHY » BORN 1970, Illinois » TOP FILMS The Kid (2000), White Oleander (2002)

» NOMINATED FOR Best Supporting Actress for her role as Megan,

a vulgar, eccentric yet altogether loveable tomboy in Bridesmaids. McCarthy proved that when it comes to physical comedy, she plays in same league as male actors like John Ritter, Jack Lemon or Jim Carrey. » OUT OF CHARACTER Through Kirkland’s lens McCarthy is feminine, composed, professional.

Michelle Williams » BORN Montana, 1980 » TOP FILMS Brokeback Mountain (2005), Blue Valentine (2010) » NOMINATED FOR Best Actress for My Week with Marilyn, in which she plays ‘the Blonde Bombshell’ herself and reveals an innate ability to express emotion and despair in their rawest state. » OUT OF CHARACTER It has been said that Williams wasn’t pretty enough to play Marilyn but Douglas Kirkland shows how naturally beautiful she is.

KENNETH BRANAGH » BORN Belfast, 1960 » TOP FILMS Othello (1995), Peter’s Friends (1992) » NOMINATED FOR Best Supporting Actor for playing Lawrence Olivier in My Week with Marilyn. Branagh is acclaimed for his strong dramatic abilities but proves he is also a great character actor, bringing the great Olivier back to life for a few magical minutes. » OUT OF CHARACTER Kenneth Branagh may be trained in classical theatre but he is far from stuff y; in his 50s, he appeals more than ever.

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Beautiful Villa with vast Tropical Gardens Build: 860 m2

Plot: 4.000 m2

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 3

This elegant South West facing villa with fabulous views over the sea and mountains, is located in the prestigious urbanisation of Hacienda Las Chapas. Built to the highest standards, it comprises a lounge with double height ceiling and fireplace, dining room, guest bathroom and a generous and modern fully fitted kitchen. The main floor also offers two bedrooms, an office and a bathroom. There is an independent guest apartment with a lounge, a bedroom and a bathroom. The second floor offers a large main bedroom, small office and a splendid bathroom with jacuzzi. On the lower floor there is a games room with fireplace, a gym, a sauna, large storage room and also an independent service apartment with one bedroom, bathroom, living room and kitchen. The heated swimming pool is situated within the vast 4,000m2 garden that includes an aviery, kids park, vegetable garden, Japanese garden and a tropical garden with more than 100 varieties of palm. Other features include wooden flooring, triple layered windows, central heating system, alarm, many storage areas, a car port for 4-5 cars and a 24hr security patrol.

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THE FOCUS winners

orty-three days after the sound of the starting pistol, Eddie Kidd crossed the finishing line of the 2011 London Marathon. In the first few hours of the month and a half it took him to complete the course, most competitors, cartoon characters, marching bands, celebrities, and even one couple who stopped at mile 20 to get married, had all finished and were on their way home; twelve days after Kidd began the race, Kate and William were married; and in the days following that, the world was reeling from the news that Osama bin Laden had been found, and killed, during an American military operation in Pakistan. So how is it that someone who came last in the London Marathon can possibly make it into a discussion about success?

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WORDS amy williams

Lance Armstrong Beethoven

Wilma Rudolph

Christopher Reeve

Hellen Keller

I N NE R S

Because, for those 43 days, the only thing that held Kidd’s focus was finding the strength, mentally and physically, to lift one foot after the other and drag each another step forward, with the aid of a walking frame, a hi-tech sensor to stimulate movement in his legs, and the support of his wife. Once a motorcycle stunt rider, most famous for jumping the Great Wall of China in 1993, Eddie Kidd had an accident 15 years ago which broke his neck, shattered his pelvis, put him in a coma for three months, and left him with partial paralysis and brain damage. He may have finished last, but he finished; and in so doing, he raised £75,000 for children’s charities. His was a phenomenal achievement in the face of enormous adversity; an achievement through which the lives of others was to be deeply enriched. Successful, inspirational men and women come from all walks of life, and all periods of history. Some devoted their lives to the service of others, often in an endless campaign against injustice and intolerance, others are remembered for bravery or courage in the face of moral conflict, and some simply and doggedly pursued their own, personal goals; but all are recognised for their refusal, against all odds, ever

to give up. Whether they are household names, or rose from, and then returned to, anonymity, these men and women succeeded in their goals, through bravery or pure conviction, and remind us all what can be achieved with tenacity and grim persistence. Take Helen Keller, blind and deaf by the age of two, in a nineteenth century society which knew nothing about handling such severe handicaps other than removing the sufferer to an asylum, she learned to communicate, and with sheer persistence, determination and the help of a devoted teacher, graduated from college and grew into an inspirational woman who toured extensively, championing many social causes. The eulogy given at her funeral by Senator Lister Hill informed the congregation that, “She will live on, one of the few, immortal names not born to die. Her spirit will endure as long as man can read and stories can be told of the woman who showed the world there are no boundaries to courage and faith.” And many more since have been driven by their disabilities, their accomplishments far outweighing any illness, mental or physical handicap, whether it afflicted them since birth, or developed later on in life. Wilma Rudolph,

having suffered from measles, mumps, scarlet fever, chicken pox, double pneumonia and polio as a child, and been left with a weakened and deformed left leg and foot, was told she would never walk again. She went on to win three gold medals in track events at the 1960 Olympic Games. Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with a form of motor neurone disease at the age of 22 with the expectation that he would live no more than a few years. He has since become one of the most renowned physicists in the world, been awarded a CBE, medals and honorary degrees in recognition of his work on black holes, the universe, and for his bestselling book A Brief History of Time. He was most recently honoured for his ‘astonishing triumph over adversity’ – at his recent 70th birthday celebrations. Amazing examples abound. Lance Armstrong displayed an equally indomitable spirit, beating an aggressive cancer with a less-than 40% chance of survival, and going on to win the Tour de France a record seven times. Ludvig van Beethoven wrote five of his best-loved symphonies following the onset of what became total deafness in his late twenties, never even hearing his own work. And mountaineer Mark Inglis set himself the challenge of climbing

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Christopher Columbus, determined explorer

Abraham Lincoln never gave up, and upon election as President of the United States in 1860, became arguably one of the greatest presidents in the country’s history

Abraham Lincoln: Triumph in the face of adversity

Mount Everest – after losing both his legs below the knees in a mountaineering accident. When Christopher Reeve, most famous for his movie role as Superman, was left paralysed after a riding accident in which he broke his spinal cord, he emerged as an example of courage, advocating stem cell research, crusading to find a cure for spinal injuries, and speaking out for quadriplegics in the United States. But, he showed a very human side in his admission that he cried every day. “In the morning, I need twenty minutes to cry,” he said. “To wake up and make that shift, you know, and to just say, “This really sucks”… to really allow yourself the feeling of loss… still needs to be acknowledged.” And then, when he felt ready to gather his strength, he would tell himself, “And now, forward!” For some, the limitations were not their own, but rather those imposed upon them by others. Numerous historical examples exist of the damning conclusions by experts that the proposed ideas, projects and plans of others could never succeed. And the reason we know? Because they did. It was ‘impossible’, according to the Spanish advisors to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, for Columbus to succeed in his proposed venture. Yet Columbus refused to abandon his conviction, and in 1492, after tirelessly campaigning for and eventually winning the monarchs’ support, he dropped anchor in the name of Spain and took Europe’s first steps into the New World. Thomas Edison was told by his teachers that he was ‘too stupid to learn anything’, and went on to be no more immediately successful in the workplace where he was fired from his first two jobs for not being productive enough. Yet, undeterred, with no fewer than a thousand unsuccessful attempts behind him, Edison finally made his ‘lightbulb’ discovery. According to Edison, “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realise how close they were to success when they gave up.” Indeed, many of today’s household names could easily have been one of the failures that Edison describes. JK Rowling’s manuscript was rejected by twelve publishing houses, Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard and saw his first company fail, and Winston Churchill was defeated in every election for public office until the age of 62… the list is a long one, and the world would have been a very different place had they simply accepted the fate others told them was theirs. Purely on paper, things never looked great for Abraham Lincoln either. His list of failures included losing his own business, defeat in eight elections, and a nervous breakdown. Want this guy in charge of running the country? Actually, yes.

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Aung San Suu Kyi: Female warrior for freedom

Despite this stream of failures, Abraham Lincoln never gave up, and upon election as President of the United States in 1860, became arguably one of the greatest presidents in the country’s history, guiding America through her darkest hours, and one of her greatest moral and military crises – precisely when not giving up mattered the most. Some simply refused to take the easy path that stretched out before them, choosing instead to stand up for what they believed. The son of a tribal chieftain, and expected to follow in his father’s footsteps, Nelson Mandela won the respect and admiration of the world as he stood up to prejudice and discrimination in South Africa. He was imprisoned for his opposition to the system in the 1960s and only released after 27 years. He went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, before becoming elected as South Africa’s first black President the following year, and is now accredited with bringing about the end of apartheid and introducing the first truly democratic elections in South Africa. Aung San Suu Kyi left a comfortable life in Oxford with a husband and two children in order to become involved in politics in Burma and to address the injustice in Burmese society. So rousing was her oratory against a ‘regime characterised by brutality’, and so feared was her popularity, that she was put under house arrest for 15 years, during which time not even the death of her husband deterred her. She was eventually granted freedom, immediately announcing her continued resolve to fight for democracy, and lead the people of Burma to a brighter future. She too, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights. There were others for whom imprisonment proved only to be a driving force. During his 13-year imprisonment, Walter Raleigh wrote The History of the World; Luther used his confinement in the Castle of Wartburg to translate the Bible; Dante’s Divine Comedy was written whilst under

a sentence of death during a 20-year exile, and Bedford Jail was where John Bunyan penned Pilgrim’s Progress. Adversity has been described as the grindstone of life. Depending on who you are, it will either grind you down, or polish you up. How each of us deals with the difficulties in our lives, will define us. The common trait among history’s greatest success stories is the drive to set high goals, and to achieve them at all costs, with a positive reaction to whatever life throws in the way. That’s not to say that a little ‘thick skin’ doesn’t go quite a long way too: The Beatles were told that their sound was unsuitable and that guitar music was on its way out; Fred Astaire, it was noted by the testing director of MGM, couldn’t act or sing, but could ‘dance a little’; and Walt Disney was fired from the newspaper he was working on because he lacked imagination and had no original ideas. As the advertisements for Disneyland Paris, just one of the multi-million dollar theme parks which bear Disney’s name, ask: When are you going to tell them?

LO SE RS

There are losers we love (think back to the 1988 Olympics and Eddie the Eagle Edwards coming last in the ski jump), and those we will never forget (that utterly unacceptable outburst against the umpire by John McEnroe at Wimbledon in 1981 – the bastion of all things British for goodness sake). There are those who conduct themselves impeccably, such as Sir Stirling Moss who endeared himself to his fans despite never actually winning the World Drivers' Championship, due to his sporting conduct on the track – foregoing the 1958 title for example, by protesting the disqualification of another driver who, as a result of the intervention, took the championship. And there are those who are not so sporting, among them our Greek ancestors, such as Achilles, who threw his historic sulk when his spoils of war were taken from him, or Ajax the son of Telamon, who (albeit under a spell) lost a competition and slaughtered a flock of sheep he believed to be mocking him. (Anyone thought of tracing McEnroe's family tree…?) And then there are those you probably won't be surprised you hadn't previously heard of, such as Plennie L. Wingo, who on overhearing a conversation between a couple of teenagers, in 1931, about how everything in the world had already been done, decided that he would walk around the world backwards – never before done. This sadly, is still the case. Thirteen pairs of shoes, and one divorce, later, Wingo was held up in Turkey (having started in California the year before), where he simply decided to call it a day, and abandoned the idea. You're unlikely to remember his name. e

John McEnroe: Tennis’ favourite ‘brat’

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THE FOCUS restaurants

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

In times of economic crisis, one can’t help but feel almost apologetic for being an avid consumer of haute cuisine. The Stoics among us would say that when stripped to its bare essence, food is simply a source of energy, without which we would cease to function as the efficient machines we are. Yet for others, this statement would be akin to questioning the value of the work of Miró, Einstein, Shakespeare or Beethoven. The teacher in Peter Weir’s film Dead Poets Society, said: “The human race is filled with passion. Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.”

THE WORLD’S

Best Restaurants

Pictures © Ditte Isager

Noma

Offerings from Nature

Noma (a contraction of the Danish words ‘nordisk’ and ‘mad’, meaning ‘Nordic Food’), is famed for its celebration and reinvention of Nordic cuisine. As poetically stark, simple and uncluttered in its design as its philosophy, it is the brainchild of Chef René Redzepi and his team, who scour the wilderness of Denmark, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden to discover indigenous foods such as Icelandic skyr curd, halibut, Greenland musk ox, berries and water. The staff meticulously carries out all its own salting, smoking, pickling, drying and grilling, preparing in-house vinegars and foregoing wine in sauces and soups in favour of beers, ales, fruit

juices and vinegars. Although Redzepi honed his craft at institutions such as The French Laundry and El Bulli, he breaks free of French and Mediterranean impositions, in an attempt to enrich people’s ideas on Nordic cuisine. The Noma team defines its values thus: “We feel that the cooking at Noma is fairly ambitious but then again (it) must possess a certain purity, an essential simplicity, and we firmly believe that the Nordic cuisine has significant health benefits to offer as well. All these values are reflected in our menus, in the composition and presentation of each dish and in the planning and preparation that underlies it all.”

Copenhagen, Denmark • 2 Michelin Stars • www.noma.dk

Noma’s interior Swimming against the tide

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Of course he forgot one crucial ingredient of the good life: food. For George Bernard Shaw, it was “the most sincere passion that ever existed”. Marcel Proust, meanwhile recognised its raw emotional power: “No sooner had the liquid mixed with the crumbs touched my palate than a shudder ran through me and I stopped, intent upon the extraordinary thing that was happening to me…” Every year, Restaurant Magazine informs the world of the very best exponents of creativity and science in cuisine, in its internationally revered awards, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants (sponsored by S. Pellegrino and Acqua Panna). The winners are decided by a group of over 800 influential food critics, writers, chefs and gastronomes from 27 regions around the world. Each has seven votes to cast, though at least three votes must be given to restaurants outside voters’ respective regions. This month, we bring our readers a selection of restaurants holding the top positions on the list.

The Roca brothers

An exterior view of El Celler de Can Roca

El Celler de Can Roca by night

El Celler de Can Roca Girona, Spain • 3 Michelin Stars • www.cellercanroca.com

El Celler de Can Roca in Girona is a true marriage of tradition and creativity and also evidence of the old adage that the family that works together, stays together. Run by a triumvirate of Roca brothers (Joan in the kitchen, Josep the sommelier and Jordi the wizard of all things sweet), it was founded in 1986, a kind of offshoot of Can Roca, a humble but tremendously popular restaurant/ bar opened by their parents in the 1960s. Their dishes are based on Catalán and family tradition as well as the world of emotions. Technical wizardry is not an end in itself but a means to bring back forgotten flavours and aromas, which in turn conjure up specific moods and memories. At Celler de Can Roca you can expect to live unheard of experiences, like ‘tasting the impossible: earth’, through a high-tech process of distillation. “When you savour earth distillate, you go into an emotional shock,” they say, adding, “It feels like taking a leap in the dark… once you have tasted it, your mind relates the scent of earth to a certain state of mind; the feelings of nostalgia and melancholy engendered by the smell of damp earth, memories of rain, moss, nativity scenes”. There are two tasting menus to be enjoyed at El Celler de Can Roca: a five-course, two-dessert menu (for €125) and a nine-course, two-dessert menu (€155).

Steak tartare

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Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz

Nature’s bounties ©José Luis López de Zubiria/Mugaritz

The inviting interior of Mugaritz

Mugaritz takes its singular name from the Basque words muga (frontier) and haritza (oak). Nestled between the northern towns of Errenteria and Astigarraga, this haven of ‘non-conformist cuisine’ is beguiling yet deceptive in appearance, since viewed from outside it seems to be little more than a rustic cottage, quaint and cosy, its rooftop and doorway overrun with lush green foliage. Run by the talented Chef Andoni Aduriz (who commenced his culinary odyssey at a pizzeria and eventually worked alongside greats such as Ferran Adrià, Juan Mari Arzak and Pedro Subijana), the restaurant is known for weaving its menus

Mugaritz

Errenteria, Spain • 2 Michelin Stars • www.mugaritz.com

Dark and light © José Luis López de Zubiria/Mugaritz

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around seasonal produce, edible flowers and wild plants, always aiming to “look at cuisine through new eyes”. Some of the values prized by Aduriz include challenging convention, having definite goals in mind and prizing feeling over thinking. At Mugaritz, it is important to focus “not only on who you already are, if not what you wish to become…”

Smoke-filled wonder ©José Luis López de Zubiria/Mugaritz

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“ Wh e n yo u are s er i o u s ab ou t R eal Es tate”

Ref: AP0606 – Price: 385.000€

Penthouse with stunning sea views, Elviria

Ref: VI0356 – Price: 599.000€

Finca with character by Los Flamingos Golf, Estepona

- Close to golf course and amenities - Walking distance to the beach - South orientation - Three bedrooms, three bathrooms

Built: 190 m2

- Large and private plot with property set on two floors - Wooden beamed, rustic style - Beautiful kitchen - Very peaceful - Four bedrooms, three Bathrooms

Ref: VI0194 – Price: 3.900.000€

Spectacular residence in Sierra Blanca, Marbella - High quality villa with underfloor heating throughout - Staff apartment - Prestigious area, great sea views - Eight bedrooms, seven 1/2 bathrooms

Ref: VI0371 – Price: 1.990.000€

Distinguished beach side family villa, Puerto Banús

Plot: 2.000 m2 Built: 1.000 m2

- Quality built - 60 meters from the sea - 10 minutes walking distance to Puerto Banús - A bigger alternative also available - Three bedrooms, three bathrooms

Ref: AP0662 – Price: 1.230.000€

Playas del Duque in Puerto Banús

- Fourth floor apartment - Great location - Walking distance to the marina, shops, restaurant - Two/Three bedrooms, two bathrooms

Plot: 2396 m2 Built: 148 m2

Plot: 1.045 m2 Built: 431 m2 Terrace: 134 m2

Ref: AP0720 – Price: 193.000€

Selwo area, East Estepona, New Golden Mile

Built: 300 m2

- Brand new small and secured complex - Only 12 apartments - South facing and panoramic views of sea, Africa and Gibraltar - Close and easy access to N.340 motorway - 2 to 3 bedroom apartments before 460.000€, Built: 89 m2 now from 193.000€ including garage and storage Terrace: 50m2 - Finance available

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Massimo Bottura © Per-Anders Jorgens

Osteria Francescana is an 11-table restaurant in the heart of Modena that “tells a story of tradition in evolution”. Chef Massimo Bottura describes his cuisine as “traditional seen from ten miles away” yet others have singled the irreverence, cheekiness and irony of his creations. Bottura is a self-declared lover or art, music, literature and pop culture, taking a conceptual approach to everything he

makes. Bottura says: “I love music. I think about Maharishi, the spiritual teacher who seduced the Beatles. He changed the way they made music and influenced generations of musicians. He often used the metaphor of the calm lake, like a mirror reflecting nature, but distorted. A fisherman will tell you that to get the best fish, you have to go deep. And Maharishi will tell you that to find what is true, you cannot rely on reflections, you must go beneath the surface… Slow Food taught us that Ethics and Aesthetics go hand in hand in the kitchen.” Food must please the

Liquid ravioli © Paolo Terzi

Croccantino di foie gras © Per-Anders Jorgens

five senses but also be approached ethically, by “restoring a correct relationship with food, beginning with the farmer, the cheese-maker, the herdsman… (never) ask a producer how much something costs. If you have to ask, don’t buy it.” Bottura invites you to marvel at “imperfect beauty”, to “Chew. Crunch. Squish. Grind”, to “touch your food”, to “treat your mouth like a temple” and to embrace the future: “We can change the world one seed at a time. Planting seeds of thought… on the plates of a thinking man’s restaurant can and will lead to great things,” he says.

Osteria Francescana Modena, Italy • 3 Michelin Stars • www.osteriafrancescana.it

Colour explosion

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An interior shot of The Fat Duck

Heston Blumenthal

The Fat Duck Berkshire, England • 3 Michelin Stars • www.thefatduck.co.uk

Snail porr

Green tea in its most powdery state © Dominic Davies

idge © Dom

inic Davie

Just mentioning The Fat Duck conjures up the inspiring story of Heston Blumenthal, the entirely self-taught chef whose meteoric rise to fame began with a life-changing meal at a threestarred restaurant in Provence with his family when he was 16. Who would have imagined that the young man who spent his youth working as a photocopier salesman, debt collector or credit controller, experimenting in his kitchen by night, “seeking out the best ways to harness flavour”, would one day receive three Michelin Stars or compete against none other than Ferran Adrià for the number one spot on the 50 Best list. If you have time to check out one Chef’s website, make sure it is The Fat Duck’s. Here, Blumenthal shares his world with fans present and future (he invariably seduces us with his creativity and insistence on the dining experience being both highly emotional and entertaining). The Chef highlights the importance of memory in our appreciation of food, taking a multi-sensory approach to each dish and investigating the way our brain influences the extent to which we enjoy what we eat. Blumenthal is always on the lookout for ways to stimulate “all the senses during the eating experience – orchestrating a succession of bursts of flavour in a dish or using smell to generate emotion or headphones to introduce the dimension of sound”.

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Alinea

The Alinea team at work

Chicago, USA • 3 Michelin Stars • www.alinea-restaurant.com Alinea is to Chicago what Per Se is to New York: a source of pride not only to its founders but also to the Chicagoan people, who now officially live in a city that is a chosen destination for devout diners from all over the world. Chef Grant Achatz is its visionary, a third generation Chef who worked closely with Thomas Keller at The French Laundry and shined as Executive Chef at Trio (the latter received the elusive four stars from the Chicago Tribune). Achatz also ventured to far-off shores, completing a brief stint at El Bulli, which inspired him to shatter existing frontiers and open Alinea in 2005. Diners can expect to indulge in a delectable 20-course menu and have fun with a capital ‘F’. Achatz’s originality does not end with the food, extending to every implement, glass, metal and crockery, designed alongside sculptor Martin Kastner and bearing appealing names such as ‘antenna’ or ‘2D-3D’. For a peak into the ingenuity of Achatz and his team, type ‘Alinea dessert’ into YouTube and watch the staff create ‘chocolate art’ over the diners’ table, a cheeky yet altogether groundbreaking exemplar of performance art.

Sweet potato dreaming

Hearts of palm

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Pictures © Lara Kastner, Courtesy of Alineabook.com

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Pirarucu com tucupi

Inside D.O.M.

D.O.M

Sao Paulo, Brazil • N/A Michelin Stars • www.domrestaurante.com.br Chefs the caliber of Ferran Adrià, Wylie Dufresne or Marcus Samuelsson, have all made their way to the hot, humid streets of Jardins district in Sao Paulo to knock on the door of D.O.M., the restaurant that sparked a true culinary revolution in Brazil. Here, Chef Alex Atala brings diners traditional fare but also surprises them with an endless array of vegetables, tubers, herbs and fruits sourced from the exotic forests of the Amazon; ingredients many Brazilians had never tasted. Atala was trained at the Namur Hotel School in Belgium and although he gained important practical experience in France and Italy, he realised that his success as a Chef lay in discovering and sharing his own culinary heritage. At D.O.M., you will enjoy new flavours and textures in dishes such as Atala’s palm heart fettuccine, in which the pasta is replaced with finely sliced palm hearts, or his pirarucu fish, served with a tucupi sauce and wild herbs from the Amazon. D.O.M. invites you to go into the wild in search of adventure.

Arzak

San Sebastián, Spain • 3 Michelin Stars • www.arzak.es

Juan Mari and Elena Arzak

Priprioca Milk pudding with lime ravioli and ouro banana

Arzak restaurant, run by revolutionary Chef Juan Mari Arzak and his daughter Elena, was destined for greatness. Few other establishments can lay claim to being part of a more than 100-year-old tradition and few other Chefs have played such an important role in the influential New Basque Cuisine movement, as Juan Mari Arzak. The story begins in Donostia-San Sebastián in 1897, when Juan Mari’s grandparents opened a popular tavern, inherited in turn by his parents and converted into a popular restaurant. Juan Mari commenced his studies in Technical Architecture in Madrid, only to return home after a year to take his rightful place behind the grill at his family’s restaurant. Slowly, he began to create his own ‘cocina de autor’, inspired by the artistry of Paul Bocuse. Arzak restaurant has retained its three Michelin stars since 1989, an amazing feat. Juan Mari and Elena say their success is based on five pillars: authorial cuisine with personality, the Basque spirit, research, evolution and the quest for the avante-garde.

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The exterior of Arzak

The interior or Arzak

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Foie Per Se style

Per Se It is impossible to talk about the New York dining scene without mentioning Per Se, owned by Chef Thomas Keller, also the Founder of The French Laundry in California, a bastion of culinary excellence that has held onto its three-Michelin star rating since 2006. It is to Keller’s credit that his New York vision should have achieved comparable results to

Banofee dessert

New York, USA • 3 Michelin Stars • www.perseny.com

The French Laundry; Per Se has been called the Best Restaurant in New York City by The New York Times, yet it pays homage to its Californian predecessor through the sentimental use of similar symbols (the characteristic blue door, fireplace and gardens, and natural materials – wood, marble, granite, etc.). Diners are taken on an emotional journey where the very best

produce imaginable is handled with precise technique and oodles of artistry. Every day the staff prepares two unique nine-course tasting menus (a chef’s tasting and a tasting of vegetables). “What we want you to experience is the sense of surprise when you taste something so new, so exciting, so comforting, so delicious, you think, ‘Wow!’ and then it’s gone,” says Keller. e

Salad of sunchokes

The entrance to Per Se

Pictures © Deborah Jones

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THE FOCUS business

Winning

business strategies

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for tough times 3/26/12 1:42 PM

The local scenario

Where the bubble burst spectacularly on the international stage, here on the Costa del Sol it went with a whimper. In reality things have been slow since around 2007, well before the rest of Spain was plunged into recession by the international financial crisis. Empty offices and shops attest to the number of businesses that have closed along with the reluctant return of many to their home countries.

imes are tough. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen a macroeconomic downturn, Wall Street crash, financial crisis and public debt disaster play out before our eyes as one domino pushed the other in rapid succession. Much of the focus is on the Euro zone, but it is a malaise shared by most developed countries, the US and Japan included, which has now also stunted growth in the developing world. WORDS Michel cruz

Several years into the recession it is hard to make a living, let alone launch a business or make it grow, but those companies and individuals that are still trading and surviving now have a very good chance of seeing light at the end of the tunnel. Having hopefully passed the point where things cannot get worse, we have to look to the wisdom of the old adage that things can therefore only get better.

What to do about it Whether you are looking just to survive or are preparing to make the most of the better times to come you need to have an effective forward-looking strategy that suits your business, your market and your personality. At this point it is tempting to plunder the self-help section of the local bookshop and read up on the success stories of billionaire entrepreneurs, but apart from some much-needed encouragement there is no ready-made formula for success to be gleaned from them. The first thing to realise about making it big in business is that it is based on being in the right place at the right time, yet the next vital pearl of wisdom is to be ready and prepared for such an occurrence, for an opportunity squandered may never present itself again. In the year ahead it is therefore important to create an effective business strategy, and naturally it is no more than logical to use textbook tips from those who have succeeded where many failed.

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PLAN AHEAD AND HAVE A VISION

To move ahead you need an idea of what you are moving towards. In general terms this is called a vision, and entails a goal towards which you can strive. Sitting at your desk it can be a rather abstract exercise, but if you can’t picture or verbalise your ambitions for your business and yourself how can you expect to realise them? Modern businesspeople tend to call it an ‘exit strategy’, or a planned exit from the company, which usually involves building it up and selling it before you move on or retire to Bora Bora. My problem with this concept as a universal business principle is that it doesn’t work mathematically; there will always be more people looking to sell than to buy established businesses, so you might find yourself chasing a fata morgana as you aim to create a brand and flog it for lots of cash. In my view it’s also a rather cynical way of approaching your own business. At any rate, the current economic climate may force a rethink of such strategies and a focus on more realistic, shorterterm goals.

TAKING STOCK

A recession is the ideal time to evaluate, reorganise, revitalise and get ready for busier times – you’re usually too busy during the latter to do much restructuring. However, one of the biggest problems the owners of small to medium-sized businesses encounter is the fact that they can’t see the trees for the forest. It may be easy to give advice to others, but one of the hardest parts of moving your company forward is being able to take a step back and assess it analytically. Even so it is a vital part of the exercise, and if you find it hard to be rational and dispassionate about something so close to yourself then input from outsiders can be invaluable.

or services properly tuned into that market segment and the opportunities it offers? If so, are you marketing and promoting yourself properly? Once issues of product, operational efficiency and pricing policy are ironed out you should set turnover targets, looking both to increase your local market share and expand your marketing horizons. It is easier if you can break the process down into clear parts, so look at what you do and how you do it. Then look at your market, both in broad sector terms and in relation to your immediate market area. What products or services do you offer, and do they need updating, adapting or streamlining? Is your operation efficient, and can you make it more efficient, so you can achieve the same in less time whilst maintaining or improving quality? In tough times you worry more about income and cash flow than about high yields, but even so it is vital to ensure that your profitability is as good as it can be in the prevailing climate. Here you should look both at cost-efficiency and trying to set your prices in such a way that you operate on decent profit margins. Lost leaders and special offers apart, it is the profit margin that creates the real income regardless of whether you’re in a mass market or work on a bespoke basis. Analyse who buys from you. Are you catering to the right audience, is your range of products

THE MARKETING MIX

The so-called four P’s of marketing: Product, Price, Place and Promotion need to be optimally aligned to be set for success. Analysing your business and its operation should reveal your strengths and weaknesses. Play to your strengths, develop them and don’t be bashful about them, for they are your key marketing tools. Your weaknesses will reveal what needs fixing, omitting or admitting to yourself and others what is best done by third parties. Don’t sell something you aren’t comfortable with or don’t believe in; it is better to say no to certain requests, pass them directly on to specialists or maybe project manage outsourced work if you believe you can be of added value. Studying the market and trends in your sector and what your peers and competitors are doing should tell you what works and what doesn’t. Drop from your range of products or services what isn’t working or profitable, and streamline or innovate until you have an offering that fits your skills

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MAKING A NAME FOR YOURSELF

and target market well. Although it is great to be innovative and find that elusive niche that no one else has spotted, in reality being too much of a pioneer can be your undoing, especially if you don’t have serious backing behind you. You may find it better to do existing things but do them exceedingly well. Either way you will need to use that market research to identify your target audience clearly and adapt your offering to it. Flexibility of mind and operation are important here. These are fast-changing times, so a flexible approach not only keeps you up-to-date with new trends but also opens the mind to innovative ideas and the ability to recognise opportunities. Looking at your market, business and what products or services you wish to offer should also involve careful consideration of how you can improve operational and cost-efficiency, and create profitable margins at competitive prices. This is a point at which you may want to ask for some trusted outside advice. If you know where you are heading you will need to work out a route, so plan the stages of your restructuring and introduce deadlines. This is the so-called path to your vision. It also includes setting financial targets that are realistic enough to realise but ambitious enough to give you something real to aspire to.

MARKETING AND PROMOTION

Now that you know what to make, how to make it and whom it is intended for, you will need to think about how to promote it. Before you can promote a product or service you need to think about the image of your business itself. A corporate identity has to be not only appealing but also in line with the sector or segment it is in and the specific offering of the company. This applies to the choice of colours, fonts, design brief and communicative language used. Your corporate branding will have to be well thought-out and consistent before you can even start to think of promotion and advertising. Is your website all it can be? Does it represent you well, is it SEO-oriented and how do visitors rate it? Even if you don’t sell on the Internet these are important issues, as your website will at the very least be your calling card and an indication of what you do and how you approach it. In evaluating your existing marketing and promotion it is all too easy to say you no longer have much of a budget, but tough times are when it is most crucial to promote your business, so you will have to be creative and come up with a marketing budget and accompanying plan. Is there flexibility in some of your prices? Maybe a slight increase in price here and there will not lose you any business but provide the basis for a marketing budget.

When formulating a plan of action and how to spend your often-limited resources it is important to add a timeline. Advertising and promotional budgets run over a year, and although there can be seasonal peaks and troughs in promotional activity and spending, you need your budget to last the year. Study the options available, what works best for you in reaching your target audience, what is free, what paid for and what extras can be obtained when paying for advertising. A fresh and well-designed corporate identity includes a SEO-friendly website, perhaps with a blog to share your know-how and enthusiasm and engage with visitors, as well as drive your Google rankings. In addition, you should look into other cost-effective marketing tools such as social media and contributing to third-party sites, and assess which media or promotional events will work best for you. Good presentation, in the form of quality design and appealing visual material will help your chances of getting free publicity in addition to the advertising and PR you pay for, and make sure you have something interesting to share when you are interviewed or featured. But you can’t do it all from your office. Very often a recognisable person is as important to a company as is attractive branding, so get out and meet people. This need not entail knocking on doors in the old vacuum cleaner salesman sense, but can include attending launches and networking events. Just make sure they are reasonably relevant, or else you might be pitching to the wrong people. Having said that, don’t sell when you are networking. You should be able to explain who you are and what you do in enough time not to hog the conversation with someone you’ve just met. Instead of exchanging business cards with multitudes of people it is better to meet a few new ones each time and take the time to listen to them and get to know them. That is how enduring new contacts are made. Another important step is to get to know the industry leaders in your area. Remember, the best way in is by offering something, so see if you can be of assistance in some way – the selfless investment should pay off sooner rather than later. Ultimately, making a name for yourself is not just about getting your brand out there, but also about building a reputation. That reputation should represent quality, precision, reliability and service, so be driven to excellence. I know it sounds corny, but it means that you care about doing a top notch job, even if quite often it will mean doing that little extra. Remember that in tough times you often have to do more for less. The final piece in the jigsaw puzzle is enjoyment. Masochism does not a magnate make. If you enjoy what you do you’re more likely to be dedicated to it, good at it and pleasant to know. What’s more, your enthusiasm will be infectious, and that is about the best selling tool there is. e

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C L ST EA OC RA K NC E

ALL Due to Refurbishment

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thestyle INTERIORS / ARCHITECTURE / ART / DESIGN

GARDENS / FASHION

Most of us work hard to enjoy the finer things in

A Marbella Mansion from Fine & Country

life and our featured house, by Fine & Country,

Décor News: Häcker Kitchens

brings us a bit closer to our ideal abode. Check

Fashion Feature: Roberto Verino

out the latest in kitchen style with Häcker

Fashion News

Kitchens or the latest Spring fashion

All About Kids

designs by Roberto Verino. Even your kids can learn how to dress for success!

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THE STYLE decor

The classic Marbella lifestyle so desired around Europe involves sunshine, style and sophisticated self-indulgence, a seductive mix that begins at home.

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up of grand properties in the classic Marbella style, set upon large private estates. Among the finest of these is this magnificent new home on almost 5,000m2 of gently sloping terrain that offers views of the surrounding countryside and the focal point that is the Mediterranean Sea. The best of Marbella is what comes to mind as you glide into the elegant driveway and park before the grand pillared portico. Step out of your vehicle and on to hand-laid pedra calçada pavement stones that add an established feel to the house as they describe an intricate pattern en route to the imposing entrance. You leave behind you a peaceful world of Mediterranean greenery as you enter the home, but varying perspectives of the manicured garden and vistas of this property come into view from almost every room.

LIFE

n Marbella you want to be close to the sea, shopping, sports facilities and the trendy meeting points where café society is a way of life, yet you also want seclusion, sea views and natural surroundings. In many parts of the world privacy and accessibility are mutually contradictory, but one of Marbella’s great assets is the fact that it’s blessed with the ability to satisfy both requirements. The exclusive urbanisation of Vega Colorado, tucked into a gentle hillside behind La Quinta, is a case in point. With golf courses, spa facilities, restaurants, shops and schools on its doorstep, it is nonetheless a very private area that enjoys the distinction of looking out over the coastline without being subjected to transit traffic or other breaches of its peace and tranquillity. This gated community of luxury villas is made

3/23/12 12:19 PM

IN THE W O RD

S M IC H

E L CRU

SUN

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Marbella high life The attention to detail evident outside is continued throughout the villa, starting with an elegant entrance hall with sweeping stairs and a direct perspective to the living areas, terrace and the sea beyond. Decorative details such as recessed alcoves and murals catch the eye as you take in an architectural symmetry that ensures a balance of space and volume in what are effectively two wings flanking the main living area of lounge and formal dining room.

These two rooms open up to the terraced area to let in the light and views of the outdoors in what highlights the Marbella way, where interior and exterior spaces merge. Added to the elegance of the dining room and the lounge is a built-in bar, a remarkably rare occurrence in these parts but one that perfectly suits the lifestyle. Where the living room flows effortlessly into a comfortable family room on the west wing, the dining room is connected to a professional modern

kitchen, on the opposite side. With its stylish appliances, in themselves a study in industrial design, its built-in breakfast nook and a sunny terrace, the kitchen is a place you could happily spend a lot of time in, though other parts of this home would be vying for your attention too. A laundry room adds a discreet practical element on this east wing, while on the other side a guest suite, a study and a cloakroom complete the ground floor.

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Walk up the grand staircase in style or take the lift to the private quarters on the first floor, where the geometrical symmetry underlying the design of noted architect Miguel Tobal sees the luxuriant and spacious master bedroom suite flanked by two (almost) equally generous suites. The latter enjoy their own views and configurations, complete with walk-in dressing rooms and opulent bathrooms clad in different types of fine marble. However, the master suite is quite understandably even more impressive, enjoying panoramic views, a large private terrace and the kind of space and features reserved for the master and mistress of the house. Needless to say the finishing is of the highest standard, crowned by a luxuriant Jacuzzi bath that overlooks the garden and surroundings without being seen.

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A private domain While spacious and luxurious, this is not a villa that has lost its sense of proportion and intimacy, a trap that many a lesser architect falls into. This property is certainly impressive and top-of-the-range, but it is also a comfortable and welcoming home, with proportions that are generous but never cavernous. A good example of this is the souterrain; in many a villa the basement level has an unloved feeling to it, in spite of the luxuries it contains, but here the architect has succeeded in making it feel like the rest of the home.

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This accessibility and attractiveness is partly due to the dimensions and layout, but also to the fact that although you go down a floor this level is also blessed with windows that look out onto the garden and let in natural air and light. Using the slope of the land, the property therefore connects with outdoor terraces and the grounds on two of its

three levels. The result is a delightful entertainment area complete with a professionally fitted private cinema, a large games room and a Spanish style wine cellar. The large garage and technical operation rooms are discreetly tucked away, while this floor also contains a fully independent apartment that can be used for guests, relatives

or staff. Stepping into the garden from here allows you to take in its manicured detail and predominantly Mediterranean vegetation before finding your way to the main lawn that flows on from the swimming pool and terrace area. It delineates an exclusive domain that looks out onto a private 9-hole golf course set to open this summer.

Reserved for residents within Vega Colorado, it is a luxury shared by very few residential areas in Marbella or indeed Europe. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, the new course uses the latest synthetic grass, and while this faux-lawn looks and feels just like the real thing it requires a minimum of maintenance and cost to the community, crowning the many features that make this an outstanding vision of the Marbella lifestyle. e

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FINE & COUNTRY MARBELLA Marbella Club Hotel, Bulevar Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, 29602 Marbella. T: +34 952 76 40 10. info@fineandcountry.com www.fineandcountry.es

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THE STYLE decor

Tones of warm grey: a modern and versatile colour which works well in combination with natural wood

HÄCKER

Cool matte, white lacquer and grey worktops are given a touch of warmth through the addition of walnut doors The warmth of wood complements the purity of white to perfection

BY KITCHEN CONCEPTS A meeting point of

design and function

High contrast, a combination of high gloss lacquer and dark oak with a simple chrome and oak dining table

High gloss is a major player in this spacious, bright kitchen

he dynamic of a modern home has evolved in synchronisation with our everincreasing desire to combine busy working and social lives with the needs of our families and a desire for a clean, comfortable and beautiful home. The nucleus of any modern home, the living area, has metamorphosed to embrace kitchen and dining spaces. This is usually the only area where the whole family is together at the same time and it often encompass a home office, library or television area. Häcker by Kitchen Concepts incorporates the open living aesthetic to all its current projects, new builds and reforms, increasing your home’s functionality and making it inviting.

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This kitchen in coral red high-gloss lacquer suits the family preferring vibrant colour accents in their home

g Häcker Shop, Calle Francisco Moreno Lomeña, 16, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 799 307. info@kitchenconcepts.info www.kitchenconcepts.info 3/23/12 12:24 PM

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THE STYLE fashion

TA k to bac ack bl

cruising in style

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TAKE ME away Prolific Spanish designer Roberto Verinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spring/ Summer 2012 collection, inspired on the glamour, excitement and freedom of travel, caused a sensation when it was presented for the first time at the Cibeles Madrid Fashion Week. Marisa Cutillas bring you some of the highlights.

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i www.robertoverino.com

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cruising in style

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THE STYLE fashion

Saffron trouser by Monsoon www.monsoon.co.uk

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Rings by Rabat. www.rabat.it

Marcel dress by Monsoon www.monsoon.co.uk

It’s Spring cleaning time once again, a great opportunity to rid yourself of outdated frocks and accessories and shop ‘til you drop for the hottest looks of the season. If you need some inspiration, you’ll find them in these gorgeous items, which herald the return of all things bright and colourful.

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THE STYLE kids

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1 – French Bull Super Hero Plates. i www.frenchbull.com 2 – Deglingos Big Bad Wolf stuffed toy . i www.deglingos.com 3 – Kata Golda’s Hand-Stitched Felt book. i www.amazon.co.uk 4 – Playsam pink stroller. i www.playsam.com 5 – Thomas Paul Canvas MP3 Case i www.thomaspaul.com 6 – Reversible pillow by Thomas Paul. i www.thomaspaul.com 7 – Zid Zid Kids Puppets. i www.zidzid.us 8 – Nurseryworks Storytime Rocker. i www.nurseryworks.net

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thespa PRODUCTS / BEAUTY / SPA / SCIENCE

TREATMENTS / HEALTH

No success is complete in the absence of health

Award Winning Beauty Products

and well-being. This month we bring you

Beauty News

award-winning beauty products as well as a

100 Winning the Weight Loss battle

guide to successful health and healing by Marbella

102 The Science of Successful Health & Healing

chiropractor, Mark Lane. Have you ever considered

104 Heath Profile: Life Coach Shivani Mair

turning to a life coach to give your life greater clarity? If so youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love our interview with Shivani Mair.

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spa HEALTH

BEACH BODY

SURGERY TRENDS The American Society of Plastic Surgeons have reported that the number of patient requests for the Brazilian Butt Lift rose by 474% between 2004 and 2008, which is by far the sharpest increase in any single procedure in the last three decades. In the United States, this procedure is well established as ‘beach body’ surgery and in Miami and Los Angeles, which are the traditional plastic surgery hotspots, the results of this trend are clearly obvious. Extremely slim waists paired with firm and curvy buttocks are the rule rather than the exception, an extreme look that is impossible to achieve with just diet and exercise. “The name ‘Brazilian Butt Lift’ is somewhat misleading as the procedure did not originate in Brazil, but was developed in the U.S.” says Dr. Alexander Aslani, Head of the Department of Plastic Surgery at Málaga’s Quirón Hospital. Apart from his position as Chairman of the Quirón Plastic Surgery department, he is also in private practice at the Cirumed Clinic in Marbella. Dr. Aslani and his team of specialists have seen a massive increase in enquiries for this kind of surgery in the last two years. “In Spain this kind of surgery has always been more popular than elsewhere in Europe and I believe that’s related to the lifestyle”, says the surgeon. Whilst in America, voluptuous celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian have fuelled the demand for patients seeking curvy buttocks and slim waists, the British Royal Wedding in 2011 seems to have boosted interest in the procedure in the UK. “I very much doubt that Pippa Middleton really had surgery, but she shows the typical shape that Brazilian Butt Lift surgery seeks to achieve: a slim waist paired with a rounded buttock” says Dr. Aslani. “I cannot recall an occasion in four years of practice in the UK when any patient asked me for a Brazilian Butt Lift, but since the Royal Wedding we get enquiries from the UK on a weekly basis. I think this is not only because of the hype that surrounds the procedure, but also because in the UK this surgery is not readily available”.

urgeons have revealed that the new trend for cosmetic surgery coming to Europe from the United States is the so called ‘Brazilian

TREATMENTS

PUBLIREPORTAJE

The Brazilian Butt Lift

Butt Lift’.

So what is a Brazilian Butt Lift? “Essentially, the Brazilian Butt Lift consists of removal of fat from one area and transfer to another, a procedure that we call fat transfer or fat grafting,” says Dr. Aslani. “In the ideal scenario, this fat is taken from typical female problem zones such as saddlebags and love handles. The goal is not really to make the buttock bigger but to make them shapelier, firmer and tighter. For a good result, creating a slim waist and shapely legs is as important as the fat transfer.”

So will Marbella be the point of entry for Brazilian Butt Lift surgery in Europe? “I think so, at least to a certain degree,” says Dr. Aslani. “In the U.S, the surgery has seen the greatest demand in beach locations in Florida and California. Speaking for my own practice, I can definitely confirm that the increase in demand is dramatic. I do not know how far this is influenced by the fact that we are in the South of Spain, although I am convinced that Marbella will once again be a trendsetter in this regard.” But Marbella does not only score with its location, it is also seen as a hotspot for new technology. “I think that our increase in Brazilian

Butt Lift enquiries can only be explained by the fact that we practice in a place like Marbella. The procedure works best in combination with jet-assisted liposculpture, the so-called Body Jet lipocollector technology. It enables precise contour shaping and the harvest of high quality fat transplants at the same time. The jet assisted fat transfer technique has got the best take rates documented in scientific literature, and it makes it possible to do the procedure under local anesthetic. Since we are the only hospital department in Spain using this technology, this will most definitely contribute to a concentration of patient referrals.”

So who is it right for? “It works best in patients who want their buttocks to be firmer and shapelier, and at the same time have excess fat that they would want to get rid of”, says Dr. Aslani. “Many patients initially come for fat removal, and they are usually quite happy to learn that the fat that bothers them so much in one place can be of enormous aesthetic benefit elsewhere. We use the latest version of the Canfield 3D Mirror photosimulation system, so we simulate on the actual patient what the effect of any cosmetic surgical procedure would look like.” e

g CIRUMED CLINIC MARBELLA Avda. Ramón y Cajal 7 – 4°, Marbella, Málaga. Tel: (+34) 952 775 346. Mob: (+34) 607 307 515. www.cirumed.es 154Cirumed FINAL.indd 95

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BEAUTY

UPDATE

1 – BEST NEW MEN’S FRAGRANCE – CHANEL, BLEU DE CHANEL EAU DE TOILETTE: Bleu is a woody, aromatic fragrance for the rebellious man who like to provoke and indulge in flirtation. It contains a blend of citrus and wood tones. g www.chanel.com

CEW

A CUTILLAS

e h t f o t s The Be Awards 2011 Beauty

WORDS MARIS

st industry’s mothe ty u a e b e th Every year, s gather in London for re ulptu panie important coinmthe beautiful ‘Lalique’escCosmetic chance to wrded to the winners of thrds. Voting awa ) Beauty Aweala crème of W E (C n e m o Executive Wertaken by the crème d d marketing is und ors an including edsitinclude everything , ry st u d in e th tegorie onic executives. CBaeauty Product to Best Icsome you ssic from Best Clauct. This month we bringte winners. d ri Beauty Pro of our favou

3 – BEST NEW HAIRCARE/ STYLING PRODUCT – LIZ EARLE NATURALLY ACTIVE SKINCARE BOTANICAL SHINE SHAMPOO: This high shine shampoo contains naturally active ingredients such as Vitamin E, Aloe Vera and West African Shea Butter. g www.uk.lizearle.com

4 – BEST NEW SELF TAN OR SUN CARE PRODUCT – ELIZABETH ARDEN, EIGHT HOUR CREAM SUN DEFENSE FOR FACE SPF 50: This light,

easily absorbed cream is ultra powerful, providing a protection factor of SPF 50 for those with fair skin. g www.elizabetharden.com

5 – BEST CLASSIC BEAUTY PRODUCT – EVE LOM, CLEANSER: Deemed by Vogue

4 2

“the best cleanser in the world”, this gentle cleanser contains a powerful blend of Egyptian chamomile, hops, cloves and eucalyptus oil. g www.evelom.com

2 – BEST NEW WOMEN’S FRAGRANCE – CHLOÉ, LOVE CHLOÉ:

6 – BEST NEW MAKE-UP PRODUCT FACE – NARS, COSMETICS ORGASM ILLUMINATOR: Skin can sometimes look tired and dull, despite our efforts to get a good night’s sleep and get some exercise. Luckily, Nars brings us this new illuminator, which restores youth and light to your complexion. g www.narscosmetics.eu

This super feminine fragrance blends notes of orange blossom, pink pepper, iris, lilac, wisteria and hyacinth. g www.chloe.com

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Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

let your beauty blossom this spring... . Kaye Dr. K, AeaisthO etic &

Plastic Reconstructive Surgeon Full Member of the c, Spanish Society of Plasti c Reconstructive & Aestheti Surgery SEGPRE ard Fellow of the European Bo e& of Plastic, Reconstructiv S Aesthetic Surgery EBOPRA Full Member of the German Board of Plastic, c Reconstructive & Aestheti Surgery DGPRĂ&#x201E;C Member of the Colegio de Medicos de Malaga (No.29/2909452)

WINNER of ESSENTIAL MARBELLA

AWARDS

2010 & 2011

Av. Ramon y Cajal, 7 - 29600 Marbella 0034 951 775 518 - Mob : 670 770 455 info@oceanclinic.net - www. oceanclinic.net

spa

BEAUTY

NATURALLY

Winning Looks

Marisa Cutillas brings us the best new products Nature has to offer, for simple, glowing, youthful beauty that can’t be surpassed.

1 – NUTRIGANICS DROPS OF YOUTH BY THE BODY SHOP: Nutriganics is

PRODUCTS

The Body’s Shop’s newest line, featuring cleansing and moisturising products for the face as well as serums for younger, fresher skin with less fine lines and wrinkles. We particularly loved Drops of Youth, a youth-enhancing concentrate made from criste-marine plant stem cells. g Avda. Ricardo Soriano 20, Marbella.

5 – MINERAL POWDER BY BOBBI BROWN: We’re hooked on this loose

Tel: 952 825 808. www.thebodyshop.es

mineral powder by Bobbi Brown, which keeps foundation in place all day and removes unwanted shine. g www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com

2 – THE COFFEE LINE BY B3 BARISTA BATH AND BODY: Java lovers will not be

6 – HAIR PRODUCTS BY TEA AND HONEY BLENDS: Tea and Honey is a

able to resists the aroma of this gorgeous line of products. Our favourite items include the ‘one lump or two’ coffee and sea salt body scrub, ‘pump of flavour’ body mist and ‘perk it up’ energising coffee shampoo. g www.b3products.com

wonderful company committed to using natural ingredients in a wide range of products which includes everything from a gorgeous shine mist to stimulating tea tree shampoo, herbal nutrient oil and curl definer. g www.teaandhoneyblends.com

3 – CHOCOMANIA BY THE BODY SHOP: Talk about guilt-free pleasure! Even

7 – MISAKI PERFUME BY TSI-LA ORGANICS: This gentle, natural perfume

the strictest of dieters will love indulging in chocolate body lotions, shower creams, body scrubs, body butters and lip balms. g Avda. Ricardo Soriano 20, Marbella.

is packed with the soothing effect of lavender, and the anti-oxidant power of tea, crushed mint and green tree moss. A sweet floral sensation is imparted by ingredients such as Tahitian vanilla orchid, neroli and nectar. g www.tsilaorganics.com

Tel: 952 825 808. www.thebodyshop.es

only are they free of parabens and other harmful chemicals, they glide on the skin smoothly and last all day! g www.janeiredale.com

4 – MAKE-UP BY JANE IREDALE: When it comes to top-of-the-range mineral make-ups, few are quite as popular across the globe as Jane Iredale products. Not

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HEALTH

BEATING

THE WEIGHT LOSS BATTLE

d How to Shed Unwante ver! Kilos Fore WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

’m well aware that my headline may be a teeny bit misleading; after all, we’ve been promised the panacea for eternal, effortless weight loss time and time again, with new diet books, supplements and exercise gadgets aiming to make a quick buck at the expense of our hopes and dreams. I’ll never forget a good friend’s advice when the subject of how to lose weight came up. “Zip your lips”, she said, crushing me with her unadorned sincerity. Losing weight is all the harder when we are expected to sit back and watch our skinny friends greedily cramming all sorts of cakes, pastries and sweets into their mouths, their flat tummies showing no signs of bad behaviour. But it is also comforting to know that there are a few simple steps we can take to look… well, if not like Megan Fox, at least like Meryl Streep. Extreme thin is too hard to keep up in the long run and there is no greater treasure in life than health. Try our top tips for a fitter, trimmer body this month: Z DO WEIGHTS When you hit 40, your metabolism slows down and you begin to burn around 50 calories less every day. Boost it up by increasing your muscle mass (you won’t turn into The Hulk, trust me) with some light weights. Aim for three sets of 20 reps of 10 different machines/ free weights. Z EAT REGULARLY When you’re feeling hungry and your blood sugar drops, your brains starts demanding a sugar fix and this can lead to unhealthy snacking and weight gain. Eat five meals a day instead of three and enjoy some low-cal snacks in between. This will ensure that your blood sugar remains at a consistent level throughout the day.

Z DON’T GIVE UP ON CARDIOVASCULAR WORKOUTS Weights are the number one metabolism booster but cardiovascular workouts can help you lose approximately half a kilo every fortnight. A new study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise suggests that by cycling on a stationary bike for 47 minutes,

subjects burned some 190 calories for 14 hours after their workout. This is in addition to the 500 calories they burned during the workout itself! Note: don’t make up for it by having two chocolate croissants for a midnight snack. Z NO CARBS AFTER 5PM This idea was espoused in fitness expert, Joanna Hall’s book, Starch Curfew and it is hugely popular among fitness buffs worldwide. The idea is not to cut out carbohydrates completely (since whole grain carbs are important factors in keeping the heart and the colon healthy), but to consume them earlier in the day. The reason? Carbohydrates can cause your insulin to spike then fall, making you hungrier and more likely to snack before going to bed. Z GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP Your metabolic rates slows down by five per cent the day after you forego just one night’s sleep and you also tend to eat more (as much as 300 calories more) if you sleep for four hours rather than the recommended eight or nine. You also burn less calories when you’re sleep-deprived. Z OPT FOR GROUP EXERCISE Encourage friends or family to join you in your exercise routine. This will make it that much easier to get to the gym on a dark, rainy afternoon.

Z CUT BREAD AND REFINED SUGAR OUT OF YOUR DIET FOR A MONTH It may not be as severe a carb cutting exercise as recommended by Dr. Atkins, but it will make a huge difference on the scales. You’d be surprised how many calories that couple of cookies or piece of white toast with marmalade adds to your daily intake. Z FOCUS ON STAYING COMMITTED Instead of placing weight loss goals, why not keep it to fitness goals like making it to the gym three times a week, walking to work instead of taking your car or doing one more Zumba class a week? Z FOCUS ON HEALTH Instead of setting yourself unreasonable goals and obsessing over kilograms and scales, think of how much healthier you are now than when you were a couch potato. And how much firmer! e

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HEALTH

ost evidence supports that promoting a healthy lifestyle is the most effective strategy for successful ageing and the preservation of health. Think well, eat well, and exercise, and your body won’t break down and need new parts. What is now being discovered though is that as well lifestyle our brain and nervous system has more influence on your health than hereditary factors. This is changing what we know about the cause of health (and disease).

Is it in my genes? According to Bruce Lipton PhD, “Our health is not controlled by genetics. Conventional medicine is operating from an archaic view that we’re controlled by genes. This misunderstands the nature of how biology works.”

UPDATE

Challenging the cause of disease. “It used to be that we thought a mutant gene caused cancer”, says Lipton. “However it is the chemistry of the body that determines the nature of the cell’s environment within you. The blood’s chemistry is largely impacted by the chemicals emitted from your brain. Brain chemistry adjusts the composition of the blood based upon your perceptions of life. So this means that your perception of any given thing, at any given moment, can influence the brain chemistry, which, in turn, affects the

environment where your cells reside and controls their fate. In other words, your thoughts and perceptions have a direct and overwhelmingly significant effect on cells.” Interestingly this echoes, from a highly scientific point of view, what the intuitive and spiritual healers have been advocating for years: your mind can and does contribute to both the cause and healing of whatever ails you – including cancer. Not all disease is from the mind of course. Two other factors that impact the fate of cells, according to Dr. Lipton, are toxins and trauma, both of which are influenced by lifestyle. All three of these factors have been associated with the onset of diseases such as cancer.

Change your future With this knowledge that our mind influences our health in a big way, there is good news and also self-responsibility. According to Dr. Lipton, gene activity can change on a daily basis. If the perception in your mind is reflected in the chemistry of your body, and if your nervous system reads and interprets the environment and then controls the blood’s chemistry, then you can literally change the fate of your cells by altering your thoughts. In the simplest terms, this means that we need to change the way we think if we are to heal cancer. “The function of the mind is to create coherence between our beliefs and the reality we experience,” Dr. Lipton said. “What that means is that your mind will adjust the body’s biology and behaviour to fit with your beliefs. If you’ve been told you’ll die in six months and your mind believes it, you most likely will die in six months. That’s called the nocebo effect, the result of a negative thought, which is

the opposite of the placebo effect, where healing is mediated by a positive thought.” “You can rewire yourself,” he said. “If a disease such as cancer has progressed to an advanced stage, then you might do a round or two of chemo, but at the same time you need to be reprogramming your mind and identifying your involvement in the disease. You must recognise that you are a participant in the unfolding of your life. Then you can go into your subconscious program and find out where the problems are.” Dr. Lipton’s research suggests that the subconscious mind is built on habituation. It learns from patterns and repetition of patterns. By accessing that invisible field, you can rewrite those habits. The milliondollar question is, how? According to Dr. Lipton, we can do this in many ways. “Through processes such as hypnosis, subliminal tapes, the religious use of affirmations, Buddhist mindfulness, or a series of reprogramming modalities collectively referred to as energy psychology, such as PSYCH-K, Emotional Self-Management (ESM), and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), among many other new techniques, we can rewrite those destructive programs that occupy our subconscious field.” The core of Dr. Lipton’s premise is that by rewiring the subconscious thoughts that negatively impact our cells, we have a far greater chance of healing. The absence of doing this kind of work could also explain why cancer recurs, even after hard-core treatment and years of remission. Science, said Dr. Lipton, is onboard with epigenetics, even though most of modern medicine disregards it. For the individual, however this knowledge can only empower you to take charge of your health. e

THE SCIENCE OF

successful health WORDS DR MARK LANE

g Dr Mark Lane is a qualified Chiropractor and Member of the Asociación Española de Quiropráctica.

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healing

g MARBELLA CHIROPRACTIC, Urb. Guadalmina Alta, C.C. 4, Local 8, San Pedro. Tel: 952 880 398. www.marbellachiropractic.com 3/26/12 5:23 PM

Discover the Shanti-Som Experience HOTEL - DETOX - YOGA - SPA - RESTAURANT

Relax, Restore, Rejuvanate ...only 10 minutes from Marbella Open daily for lunch to the public

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HEALTH

Shivani Mair and the Growth of Consciousness

In the midst of a recession that has crushed millions of people with its force, there is a paradigm shift enveloping the Western world. Suddenly it’s not all about money or power but a change in the very nature of our consciousness. Tough times lead to creative thinking and there is a greater demand than ever for someone who can enlighten the way. Shivani Mair is a dynamic creative producer, professional communicator and life coach from the UK, who you may have seen present last year’s Marbella Awards. In this Q&A interview, we find out about her own journey and discover how a life coach can help you create the life you want. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

LIFE-COACH

Shivani Mair is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach and Professional Communicator, Creative by Nature Ltd. Tel +44 20 3286 7764. Em contact@shivanimair.com Follow online www.shivanimair.com Youtube Channels ShivaniMair1 and CreativebyNature1 Twitter @shivanipresents and @cr8ivebynature

How did you first get into broadcasting presenting and media production? I graduated with a media degree in the UK though even before that, I’ve always been interested in creating content and presenting a message that would inspire or challenge people. Since I was 13 I’ve been doing radio voice-overs and stage compeering. By the time I was 21, I had appeared on MTV and BBC radio.

In what areas do you specialise? My expertise lies in teaching others to present themselves with confidence and using their existing resources, such as their time, skills, money, networks, more effectively.

What holds people back? In my experience it’s self-doubt, fear of failure or rejection. In the Western world failure is feared, while in cultures like India, failure is seen as a gift of growth.

What is your passion? Bringing powerful messages to life and maximising human potential, whether I’m doing this through presenting, producing media content or coaching. In 2007 I set up a company to do just that, Creative By Nature, where we create inspiring media content and transform lives through personal and professional coaching.

How did life coaching come into play? Working with young people, I found that there was a lot of untapped talent, leading to many adults feeling frustrated because they are not fulfilling their dreams. I felt the impact of being coached for a year and then realised it was a powerful tool to empower others. I trained for two and a half years to become a Certified Professional Coach.

How do you help people live their passion? I use my intuition to ask challenging and powerful questions, like ‘Who are you becoming?’ or ‘What values are you dishonouring?’ I also set challenges and ask explorative questions that require the person to look deeper and face some tough truths and exciting ideas. This allows my client’s mind to be open and find new possibilities around work and personal interests. I enjoy coaching so much that I also take to the streets of the UK to do Street Coaching, for free.

How do you conduct your coaching sessions? Either in person (if based in London) or via Skype/phone; I am blessed to work with clients in countries as far as Germany, Malaysia and India!

Do people often want the same thing? Yes. Sometimes when we begin coaching clients say they want more money and success. But then I ask them, once they have gained the fancy Rolex, car or nice clothes, what next? They normally get more excited by the simple things like more quality time with their family and friends, time to do what they love. Often these things don’t actually require a lot of money.

Do people’s passions tend to change? Our passion continually grows and evolves. At the outset I moved to London to present in mainstream media, but through time I found that the traditional roles as a presenter were not for me. What was at the heart of my dream was to connect with and empower people on a mass level, via the media, but with heavy doses of fun. Human beings are amazing and I want to celebrate the great things they are doing around the world. Life is an exciting journey and we have choices about how we live our dreams. I am passionate about reminding people of the power they have. e

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thepro NEWS /ENTERPRISE / LOCAL BUSINESS /

PROFILES / FINANCE / LAW

Princess Stephanie of Monaco at Da Bruno Sul Mare Princess Stephanie recently visited Marbella for a short holiday, and she chose the popular Da Bruno Sul Mare restaurant for an authentic Italian dinner. She received a warm welcome from the staff and personalised attention from Bruno and Giuseppina. Stephanie was wearing a gorgeous bracelet designed by Christian-Rex Nielsen (pictured on her right).

g www.frontfashion.com, www.dabruno.com

Three New Branches for Engel & Völkers Engel & Völkers, the German real estate company specialising in luxury real estate around the world, is proud to announce that it is opening three new establishments in Andalucía this year: in Guadalmina, Estepona and Sotogrande, respectively. The first office to open will be located at the Barclays Bank Commercial Centre in Guadalmina Alta. The new openings are part of a strategic plan of expansion which commenced a year ago and which rests on the excellent opportunities offered by the Andalusian real estate market.

g www.engelvoelkers.com

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The Ultimate Golf Experience at Padel n Sports Padel n Sports at the Polígono Industrial in Estepona is offering golf buffs a chance to fine-tune their skills with the new 3D Pro Shot Golf Simulator, which analyses a player’s golf swing, posture and movement. From swing to swing, golfers can see how even the smallest corrections can drastically improve their game. Play Pebble Beach or St. Andrews for only €10 per hour, take some golf lessons or play 18 holes with a friend in only one hour and 40 minutes! The simulator is also ideal for corporate fun days, tournaments, etc.

g C/ José Martín Méndez 13, Polígono Industrial, Estepona. Tel: 951 965 597. www.padelnsports.com

Originals Interiors Studio Opens in La Alcazaba Originals Interiors, the design studio founded on the Golden Mile by Deborah Pea and Doreen Burton, is opening a new studio at La Alcazaba in Puerto Banús. The studio will cater to both classic and modern tastes, creating interiors with a perfect blend of style and comfort. The Golden Mile studio, meanwhile, will now function as a store featuring stylish furniture and home accessories. g Urb. La Alcazaba s/n, CN340,

km 175, Bajo Local 1-2, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 863 230. www.originalsinteriors.com

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Yusto & Giner Contemporary Art Gallery opens in Marbella

©Johnny Gates

Estudio Gastronómico: A Place to Discover and Enjoy Food

Art lovers are gushing with excitement about a new gallery on the scene: Yusto & Giner, founded by couple Juan Pablo Yusto and Graciela Giner and specialising in contemporary art. The first artist to exhibit at the Gallery is José Noguero, a multi-disciplinary artists who lives in Berlin. The exhibition is called Sobre el Silencio (On Silence) and it comprises photographs inspired on the world of whales and dolphins, as well as colourful, dynamic paintings and highly original sculptures of whales and the human form. The Gallery’s Founders hope to turn the Polígino in Marbella into a new hub of culture (interestingly, the Sophie Gravier Gallery, which specialises in contemporary Chinese art, is just a stone’s throw away). Watch this space for upcoming information on new exhibitions. g C/ Madera 9, Marbella. Tel: 951 507 053. www.yusto-giner.com

Estudio Gastronómico is a new cooking school which recently celebrated its launch with a well attended cocktail party. The objective of the school is to share Founder Aitor Perurena’s experience, dedication and passion for cuisine, with people, establishments and institutions interested in cooking as a hobby or as a possible commercial venture. Aitor invites you to learn how to cook international cuisine (Japanese, Thai, French, Morroccan, Mexican, etc), visit the school for tastings (of wine, truffles, sweets, pastas, etc) or host your own cooking party. g C/ Jazmines 364,

Casa Pucompai, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 678 720 158. www.estudiogastronomico.es

Princess Studios Opens in Centro Plaza

Artists Sign Up for 4th FIAM Festival Artists seeking exposure to a vast art-buying public should consider exhibiting at the 4th edition of the Festival Internacional de Arte Marbella (FIAM), to be held at the Avenida del Mar and Alameda Park in Marbella from June 21 to 24. Inscription is now open to gain selection for the increasingly popular cultural event, which showcases the work of around 100 artists and galleries from a wide range of nationalities and geographic locations. With approximately 20,000 visitors over the three-day event, FIAM gives artists excellent exposure to an international audience. Entries are encouraged from professional artists, who are requested to submit a curriculum vitae and four images of their artwork, along with a €30 inscription fee. g Please email the FIAM

panel on caroline@artemarbella.com for details of inscription, no later than April 30. www.artemarbella.com

Everyone’s favourite studio for dance, exercise and beauty treatments, Princess Studios, recently opened in Centro Plaza. This month, there are free Kids and Teens Open days on Saturday April 21, Monday April 23 and Tuesday April 24 (call the Studio for precise times and activities). Due to the presence of the Saturday market stalls, a special drop-off zone has been organised for the safe arrival and departure of all children. All families are welcome to stay at the studio for as long as they like and there is a special viewing window so you don’t miss out on any of the action.

g C.C. Centro Plaza, M9, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 813 108. www.princessstudios.com

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Swans Students Volunteer for Horizonte Charity and Have Fun at the Carnival Year 13 International Baccalaureate students from Swans School have been working as volunteers to raise money for the charity, Asociación Horizonte Proyecto Hombre (AHPH), which provides assistance to children affected by drug dependency. Students Nicholas D’Alessandro and Lucas Reek completed a 360 kilometre cycle ride from León to Santiago de Compostela, raising over €400 for AHPH. Elsewhere, Year 9 students staged a giant cake sale, raising over €500 for chosen charities AVOI (for children with cancer) and PAD (for abandoned animals). Students also had their share of fun on Carnival Day, wearing fancy dress and enjoying a special lunch and performance. g www.

swansschoolinternational.es

MCR Estates in Association with Aylesford Opens in NUEVA ANDALUCÍA

Speak Up To Achieve ... in Marbella!

After five years running Aylesford International in Marbella, Director Michael Corryreid is going independent with his new company, MCR Estates. Aylesford is one of London’s leading estate agents, and Michael will continue to represent Aylesford on the Costa del Sol, but will also pursue other property interests from his new office in Nueva Andalucía. Michael says, “The MCR Estates (in association with Aylesford International) website will be up and running at the beginning of April, together with our sister site, www.InsideZagaleta. com. As is the case at our London offices, we aim at the higher end of the market and are able to take advantage of our international connections.”

g Local 1 Las Lolas, C/Califa (by the Pasta Café), Marbella.

The Achievers Toastmasters Club of Marbella will be hosting this year’s Spring Conference for Toastmasters clubs in Spain and Portugal, which will be attended by members from over 20 different clubs. The event will feature workshops and presentations on the subject of public speaking, as well as the International Speech Contest, to determine the best speaker of the Iberian Peninsula. The winners will go on to represent Spain and Portugal at the European Championship in Poznán, with a view to competing at the World Championship of Public Speaking in Florida. The Conference will be taking place on April 28 at the Palacio de Congresos in Marbella. g For further

information, please call Percy Roland on Tel: 646 533 112. www.toastmastersmarbella.com

Tel: 951 317 317/ 608 264 148. mcr@mcrestates.com

New Commercial Director for La Cala Resort, Costa del Sol La Cala Resort has a brand new Commercial Director: Noemí Román, who will be responsible for Leisure Sales and Marketing. Noemí has a strong background in Tourism, having spent eleven years working for the Fuerte Hotel chain, followed by a two-year period as Manager of www. Andalucía.com. She has a first class Honours degree in Tourism and recently completed a Masters in Online Marketing. g La

Cala de Mijas, Mijas. Tel: 952 669 000. www.lacala.com

Marbella Rugby Club Proclaimed SpanishChampions The Mayor of Marbella, Ángeles Muñoz, recently invited the Marbella Rugby Club team (under 18s) to the Town Hall, to congratulate them for winning the Spanish Championship. The boys are currently training with the Spanish National Team and will play at the European Championships, which will take place in Madrid from April 1 to 8. g www.marbellarugbyclub.com

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Andalusian Paddle Tennis Championships for Seniors at Nueva Alcántara The Tennis and Paddle Tennis Club of Nueva Alcántara recently hosted the Andalusian Paddle Championships for Senior Players, which brought together the top 80 seniors doubles teams in Andalucía. The awards ceremony followed and was attended by the President of the Andalusian Federation of Paddle Tennis, José Luis Canorea, and the Director of the Tennis and Paddle Tennis Club of Nueva Alcántara, Ignacio Saracho.

g CN 340, km 171.5, San Pedro. Tel: 952 788 315. www.clubpadelnuevaalcantara.com

Pilar Urbano Presents New Book at FNAC When it comes to the Spanish Royal Family, few journalists are quite as respected as Pilar Urbano, who recently visited the FNAC store in Marbella to present her newest book, El Precio del Trono. The book focuses on the life of King Juan Carlos, from the moment of his coronation to the present. g C.C.

La Cañada, Marbella. Tel: 952 899 300. www.fnac.es

Gibraltar Wedding Workshop: Get Hitched Without a Hitch! MedWeddings are organising an informative wedding workshop on Friday, April 27 from 4:30pm to 9:30pm at the Eliott Hotel in Gibraltar. The event will encompass every aspect of the big day, from logistics (location, travel bookings, invites, guest lists) right through to design (colour schemes, hair styles, make-up, flowers, the cake, table décor and dresses) and entertainment (music, DJs, bands, photography, video, etc.). The cost is £35 for brides-to-be and £20 for each additional guest. Suppliers, speakers and sponsors can sign up from as little as £50.

g To book or for further information, Tel: + 350 580 08355/ info@medweddings.com. You can also buy your entry online at www.medweddingsexpress.com/ Specialoffer. Alternatively, pop into Serenity Beauty on Gibraltar’s Main Street, nº113.

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Sitting Spiritually: Luxury Outdoor Seating Enjoy the long, hot summer days on a luxury swing seat from Sitting Spiritually. Designed by ecocarpenter Martin Young, each seat is hand-crafted from scratch and is made using top quality sustainable woods, including painted pine, cedar and oak. As each seat is made to clients’ individual requirements, there are a number of personalised design options on areas including the frame, seat back and engravings. The Harmony Swing Seat Collection is made from pine, and finished in your choice of Farrow & Ball paint – go subtle with a soft blue or stand out from the crowd with a rich red tone. It is available as a two-, three- or four-seater. For added comfort each seat back is designed at a 105º angle, to mould to the body. g For further information, contact Ana Jiménez, on ana@sittingspiritually.

co.uk. Tel: 620 912 727. www.sittingspiritually.co.uk

Mayor Attends Children’s Orchestra Rehearsal The Mayor of Marbella, Ángeles Muñoz, recently attended a rehearsal session of the Pequeña Orquestra Mediterránea (the Little Mediterranean Orchestra), staying true to her promise to support the musical group. The orchestra was founded in 2008 by violinist Alison Harling and comprises 25 students between the ages of seven and 14. g www.musicaconencanto.org

Marbella Women’s Week at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos The first edition of Marbella Women’s Week, organised by Samar Abou-Farah of La Difference PR, was a resounding success, attracting the attendance of hundreds of men and women including acclaimed dancer María Pineda, who was awarded a Plaque for being a Woman of Solidarity. The week comprised various speeches and discussion tables, all of which focused on the subject of issues faced by women in current society.

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Fun Times at Aloha College The students at Aloha College have been busy bees, taking part in a wide range of activities in addition to the core curriculum. The College Hall was recently transformed into 1950s Skid Row NY, as students from older years performed the musical Little Shop Of Horrors. Aloha also recently celebrated its annual Book Week, featuring the Junior and Senior book fairs and a well-attended visit from famous footballer-turned-children’s author, Dan Freedman, who spoke on the pleasures of writing. Additionally, the Junior School library hosted a session in which Senior School pupils read to younger students. Chess was another big activity, with Key Stage 3 students taking part in a chess tournament organised by the Sports Department of the Marbella Town Hall. The winners will represent Aloha College against other schools in the next Inter-School Chess Tournament, which will take place at the Palacio de Congresos in Marbella this month.

g www.aloha-college.com

Charity Lunch for the Vicente Ferrer Foundation Vicente Ferrer, Founder of a charity dedicated to improving the living conditions of the impoverished in Andhra Pradesh, may have passed away, but his wife, Anna (of English origin), is continuing his legacy, dedicating her heart and soul to the people of India. Anna gave local journalists and friends a real treat on her recent visit to Marbella, attending a lunch that raised €3.000 for the Foundation. She spoke of her love for her husband and her future plans, which include battling violence against women, extending the Foundation’s work to more areas in India and establish orphanages for children with AIDS.

g For further information, www.fundacionvicenteferrer.org

Busy Days at the British School of Marbella Students from the British School of Marbella joined hundreds of schools around the world recently to celebrate World Spelling, Maths and Science Days, taking time off their regular timetables to take part in a bevy of competitions, games and experiments. The competitions were created to spark the children’s interest in core curriculum subjects. g C/ Jacinto Benavente s/n,

Marbella. Tel: 952 779 264. www.bsm.org.es

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NUBA Takes Travellers on an Unforgettable Trip to Israel NUBA, the agency specialising in bespoke luxury holidays, is organising a trip to Israel from April 1 to 8, in the company of Tito Vivas, an expert in archaeology and religion. Find out more about Jesus Christ by getting to know the social, political and economic atmosphere he lived in, visit historically significant sites and marvel at the majesty of Israel. g Avda. Cánovas del Castillo 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 859 113. www.nuba.net

Free Financial Consultations from Fiduciary Wealth Management On Thursday April 26, Fiduciary Wealth Management will be holding an Open Day at the Hotel Pyr in Marbella, giving prospective clients the opportunity to enjoy a private 30-minute financial consultation free of charge. Whether you are concerned about the proposed changes to QROPS which are coming into force on April 6, worried about living in Spain under the radar of the tax authorities or you’re thinking of investing in a QNUPS or Tax Wrapper but want to ensure that your advisers can manage your assets proactively, reserve your appointment by giving them a call or clicking the events tab on their website. In addition to providing free financial consultations, lawyers from De Cotta McKenna will be on hand to offer free initial appointments covering wills, probate and inheritance tax. g Tel: +350 200 50982.

www.fiduciarywealth.eu

German Entrepreneurs Unite at the Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona The German Embassy in Madrid recently organised a networking event for German entrepreneurs, who gladly took a break from city life to head for the warm shores of the Mediterranean. The group stayed at the Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona for three days, networking and relaxing at the Hotel. g CN 340, km 159, Estepona.

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Stephen Lloyd-Morgan Releases iTunes Album in Aid of Cudeca Everyone’s favourite tenor, Stephen Lloyd-Morgan, re-released his album To Where You Are on iTunes this week and in his characteristically generous manner, he is donating 100 per cent of all income generated to the Cudeca Cancer Care Hospice. If you love his powerful voice and you’d like to lend a hand to a very worthy cause, make sure to download your copy. Stephen will also be releasing a new album this month My Father’s Footsteps, once again donating all proceeds to Cudeca and Welsh cancer charity, TENOVUS. g www.slmlive.com/

album.htm

More Home Insurance Covers From Liberty Seguros Liberty Seguros has launched its new and updated home policy, which comprises several new covers, including one for customers in need of a little help around the home. The DIY service allows customers to enjoy their free time and forget about small household tasks. Once a year, on weekdays, customers can request the help of a professional for jobs such as plumbing, installing bath accessories, curtains, sealing of joints in tubs or sinks, assembling furniture, replacing power outlets and hanging artwork on walls among other issues. Additionally, LibertyHogar offers its customers computer and technology support in person or over the phone, for queries related to home electronic equipment such as computers, GPS and digital cameras. The new policy includes legal advice on matter relating to Internet use or e-commerce. Optional covers are also available, such as legal defence for landlords in dispute with tenants over default rental payments or damage caused to the property. g Tel: 902 255 258. www.libertyexpatriates.es

Pre-Owned Boat Show in Puerto Banús, Marbella. The Pre-Owned Boat Show in the Puerto Banús marina is just around the corner. During the Easter holidays, from April 5 to 9, approximately 100 boats will be exhibited at the show, most of which will be available for sea trials. This will be the perfect opportunity for anyone looking for a good deal and great value for money. The majority of the boats have the added security of a complete service-history provided by the professionals at Marina Marbella. As well as the sale of pre-owned and brokerage boats, the Marina Marbella Group focuses on sales, service, the import and export and distribution of powerboats and motor yachts by Sea Ray, Chris Craft, Azimut, Jeanneau, Dominator, Lazzara and Marquis. g Puerto Pesquero s/n,

Marbella. Tel: 952 777 099. www.marinamarbella.net

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New Cultural Society in Benahavís The Benahavís Decorative & Fine Arts Society has recently been formed and is currently seeking affiliation to the National Association of Decorative & Fine Arts (NADFAS) in the UK. The group will be holding regular meetings featuring the attendance of NADFAS-approved speakers, who will give talks on a wide variety of subjects, including architecture, fabric design, classical sculpture, classical music, etc. This core activity will be complemented by exhibitions, visits and tours to museums and other places of interest. g If you would like to attend the

‘taster’ session or would like further information, please contact info@benahavisdfas.com

Revolutionary Dentistry at Clínica Dental Tallarek Hotz Clínica Dental Tallarek Hotz (Klinik am Schloss), right above the 24-hour pharmacy in San Pedro, is proud to announce that its services have been extended and improved and that Dr. Wilfried Tallarek now has a new partner: Dr. Nadine Hotz, a specialist in oral implantology, laser dentistry and oral surgery. In addition to general dentistry, the clinic now offers various innovations in implantology, with 3D-planned and navigated implant surgery. Says Dr. Hotz: “Many patients ask for this treatment, because it avoids sutures and, in most cases, the augmentation of bone is not necessary. Patients suffer potentially less post-operative pain and swelling.” For patients who fear going to the dentist, the clinic offers all treatments under anaesthesia with laughing gas. The clinic has two lasers for different types of soft and hard tissue treatments, fillings are placed without injection and drilling and surgery is possible without the use of a scalpel and sutures. g Avda. Marqués del Duero 76, 1ª Planta, San Pedro de Alcántara.

Tel: 634 368 501. www.exclusive-dental-highcare.com

Moore Stephens Signs Up with Oak Power Comunicación Oak Power Comunicación, the agency founded by Ángel Marco and María Asenjo (pictured here), is proud to announce that Moore Stephens, one of the world’s largest auditing and consulting firms, now forms part of its portfolio of clients. Oak Power specialises in marketing, communication, press relations and event organisation. The company will help in developing global communication and online strategies for its new client, working on the latter’s brand image and coordinating press relations. Moore Stephens is present in over 100 countries around the world and employs more than 22,000 professionals. g www.oakpowergrupo.com

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THE VIBE

Johnny Gates Exhibition at the Kasser Rassu Gallery When it comes to photographers in Marbella, few are quite as well known among the glitterati as Johnny Gates, whose website, www.marbella-eye. com, is a veritable Bible on everything to do with the Marbella social and entrepreneurial scene. Johnny recently showed another facet to his work with his most recent exhibition at Kasser Rassu Gallery, delighting visitors with his beautiful photographs of Nature, where bright red flowers stole the show.

“Art is the unceasing effort to compete with the beauty of flowers” - Giancarlo Menotti

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THE VIBE

Andalucía Open at Aloha Golf Frenchman Julien Quesne recently won the Andalucía Open at Aloha Golf, equalling the course record with a magnificent 64 and taking the victory from Italian teenager Matteo Manassero. Quesne is ranked 322 in the world and delighted in being soaked in champagne by his fellow Frenchmen as he declared the day to be the happiest of his life.

“Golf is a day spent in a round of strenuous idleness” - William Wordsworth

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THE VIBE

Estudio Gastronómico Launch Cooking is the newest trend and Estudio Gastronómico is here to help you do it better. Learn to bring the magic of Japanese, Thai, French or other world cuisines to your table, host a cooking party or enjoy a delicious tasting of wines, truffles, pastas or sweets!

“Anything is good if it’s made of chocolate” - Jo Brand

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THE VIBE

Galician Tasting Evening at Trocadero Playa El Trocadero Playa restaurant was abuzz with lovers of fine cuisine at its recent event, Galicia en Tu Mesa, a week-long affair presenting the freshest fair Galicia has to offer, including seafood from areas such as Carril, Marín and Ría de Arosa. Everything from clams to prawns, wines to breads, desserts to pastries made our taste buds dance and we discovered why the Galicians have such a solid reputation for excellent cuisine.

“There is no love sincerer than the love of food” - George Bernard Shaw

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THE LEISURE travel

th e

Allure

enice, inspiration of writers and authors for hundreds of years. Shakespeare’s play, The Merchant of Venice and Thomas Mann’s 1912 literary classic Death in Venice would never have been written if it were not for this city of magic and mystery. In more recent times, American crime-writer Donna Leon set her series of novels in Venice, where Commissario Guido Brunetti tracks down murderers and solves conspiracies along the watery Italian canals. Leon’s first novel centres around the Opera house La Fenice where a German conductor is found dead during a performance of La Traviata after drinking a cyanide-laced cup of coffee. In the non-fictional book The City of Falling Angels, another American writer, John Berendt

gives an account of his time in Venice and the interesting characters he knew just after the catastrophic fire in 1996 which burnt La Fenice to the ground. History and fiction is intriguingly combined in Marina Fiorato books The Glassblower of Murano and The Botticelli Secret. And who can forget the action-packed scenes from no less than three Bond films each with a different 007: From Russia with Love with Sean Connery, Moonraker with Roger Moore and Daniel Craig in the 2006 making of Casino Royale. In 2003, Venice was the setting for the opening scenes of the heist of The Italian Job with Donald Sutherland, Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron. So what is it that draws artists, writers, actors and film producers to the waterways of Venice?

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of the

Floating

City WORDS GARY EDWARDS

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Historic beginnings

As far as destinations go, Venice is one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the world. Situated in the North East of Italy, it’s renowned for its rich tapestry of history, profusion of architecture, fine collections of artwork and its maze of canals. Founded in 421 AD, the city stretches across 117 small islands along the Adriatic Coast in the marshy Venetian lagoon. As time has passed, the islands have been connected by bridges, the exact number of which is disputed, although it is widely believed there are 409. For years, Venice was an unrivalled leader in trade between Europe and the Orient and a major centre of European culture. Construction of the Doge’s Palace started in the year 814, although the current version was completed in the 14th century. After a fire in the 16th century, the Bridge of Sighs was added linking the Palace to the prisons. As can be seen from the skyline above Venice today, not all the towers are standing vertically. Teetering in precarious balance between endurance and decay, some lean quite severely towards an almost certain demise, a problem pertaining to the sinking of the city. Its architectural treasures are crumbling, the foundations are shifting and many marble ornaments fall, even as efforts to preserve them are underway. It is believed that over the past thousand years Venice has sunk by approximately 7 cm per century, but frightening new data shows that in the last century alone Venice has sunk 24 cm, and is expected to sink a further 50 cm by 2050. The Venetians have a continual battle against subsidence to preserve and maintain their unique and magical structures, evidence of which is all over the city.

A walk through history

St. Marks Square, where (worryingly) the river water laps constantly up over the flag stones, is the historic centre of Venice and the perfect starting point for a day wandering around the city. Before setting off, a cafe latte in the oldest café in Venice is an absolute must. Below the ancient pillars surrounding the square, Caffé Florian opened in 1720 and over the years has been visited by the likes of Lord Byron, Casanova and German writer Goethe. Possibly the best coffee in Italy is served with the most divine pastries and biscuits and the retail corner offers exquisite preserves, teas and fresh coffee beans for sale; waiter Luigi recommends Florian’s fine roasted Arabica coffee beans covered in milk chocolate. History oozes from every nook and cranny of the establishment and the staff embrace the fact, knowing that the same history flows through their veins. While sipping the latte on the terrace, soak up the magnitude of the 11th century domes and spires of the Basilica di San Marco (which dominate St Mark’s Square). The intricately carved gold and marble facade is one of the city’s most famous sights. Alternatively, grab a quick coffee on the move in Caffé Rosa Salva in Calle Mercerie, between St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. This quaint patisserie is a favourite with local business people, who squeeze through its doors before starting their day. The café is famed for its pastries and jellied fruit sweets, but don’t forget to buy a bag of delicious Cantuccini crunchy almond biscuits. Continuing in the direction of the Rialto, the street Marzaria San Zulian is full of curio shops purveying art, jewellery and trinkets, and wooden puppets including the beloved Italian character, Pinocchio.

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1000 years of trading

“What news on the Rialto?”, the question asked by Salanio, a merchant in The Merchant of Venice. For centuries, the architectural icon of Venice, the Rialto Bridge, was the hub for trading and gossip. Completed in 1591, the present bridge had many wooden predecessors, one of which even collapsed into the river owing to the weight of onlookers watching an aristocrat’s wedding procession. But today, the stone structure is a cluster of shops and souvenir stands selling products including hand-crafted Venetian masks, Murano glass ornaments and Venetian lace products from the district of Burano. The panorama from the bridge onto the river below is a constant flow of water taxis, delivery boats carrying produce to restaurants, and the traditional gondolas ferrying romantically embraced couples. Enchanting restaurants line the shores near the bridge and to spend a lunch soaking up the views and atmosphere is tempting but best avoided if the requisite is good food at a non-tourist inflated price. A lunch recommendation would be the oldest bar in Venice, which according to the owners Francesco and Matteo dates all the way back

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museums Peggy Guggenheim Collection Most of the artworks in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, one of Italy’s most important museums for modern art, were acquired by American socialite Peggy Guggenheim, a lifetime patron of the arts. The museum contains 20th century works from artists including Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, and Alexander Calder. The museum hosts special exhibitions throughout the year and is located in Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, Guggenheim’s former home on the Grand Canal, not far from the Galleria dell’Accademia. Open 10am to 6pm (Closed Tuesday).

Venice Natural History Museum (Museo di Storia Naturale) Founded in 1923, but reopened in March 2010 after a 10-year gap, the Venice Natural History Museum is located in Fondaco dei Turchi, a Veneto-Byzantine style Palace. It is believed there are over two million objects in the collection including a fossilised baby mammoth. The museum contains sections dedicated to the Venetian lagoon, natural sciences and ethnology and a centre for scientific and educational activities. Open Tuesday to Friday 9am to 1 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm (Closed Monday).

Doge’s Palace The Palace is a collection of smaller museums, with a courtyard. Typically Venetian, the walls are superbly ornate, with gilded ceilings, and intricately carved statues and friezes. There were 120 Doge’s to Venice, the last being Ludovico Manin, who abdicated in 1797. Fortunately, the Palace is untouched and the history remains with all the opulent rooms where paintings from Veronese, Titian and Tintoretto still hang. The Palace also acted as a fortress hence the Bridge of Sighs linking to the prisons. Open April 1 to October 31 from 9am to 7pm and November 1 to March 31 from 9am to 5 pm (Closed December 25 and January 1).

Galleria dell’Accademia Venice’s Galleria dell’Accademia boasts its own stunning treasures, most of which are of Venetian heritage. The greats of Venetian painting from the 14th to the 18th centuries are represented, including works by Paolo Veneziano, Giovanni Bellini, Giorgione, Titian, and Tiepolo. Open from 8am to 7pm (Closed Monday). i www.museiciviciveneziani.it © Gary Edwards

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to 1462. Only two streets back from the Rialto in the San Polo district, Cantina do Mori is on Sestiere San Polo but any Merchant of Venice will give directions. Order the fresh cicchettis, the Italian version of Spanish tapas (about a euro each) and wash them down with an ombra or two. Ombra, a small 100ml glass of wine, literally translates as a ‘shadow’ of wine and gets its name from the 19th century wine sellers who used to sit in the narrow shade of the bell tower in St. Mark’s Square, moving round as the day went on.

Holy architecture

Once you’ve devoured your fair share of cicchettis and ombras, continue to stroll through the labyrinth of car-free streets and over the tiny bridged walkways, to the magnificent churches, palaces and lively squares. Clearly, there are literally hundreds of buildings of note in Venice, but art lovers should take a water taxi over to the Church on the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore where Tintoretto’s Last Supper is housed. Jacopo Tintoretto was born in Venice in 1518, the eldest of 21 children and in his long career painted hundreds of masterpieces which now hang in galleries all over the world. The Santa Maria del Rosario Church or ‘Gesuati’ with its Rococo or ‘Late Baroque style’ stands on the Giudecca canal across from the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore, back in the San Marco area, and is another ‘must see’ of Venice.

speed boat. Shoulder blankets are provided if the evening air is a little spry.

Haunted houses

Constructed over a period of 30 years in the 16th century, the grey stone pillars of the facade look cold, a contrast to the warmth of the paintings inside. The altarpiece is another Tintoretto, a depiction of the Crucifixion.

Hotels

Possibly one of the most famous hotels in Venice is the Cipriano on the Giudecca Island: a sumptuous establishment whose guest list reads like a who’s who of actors, models, musicians, politicians, royalty and writers. The list of A-list guests includes everyone from Joan Collins to Jim Carrey, Paul McCartney to José Carreras, Giorgio Armani to Gianni Versace. Even if the fivestar tariff is not in the budget, treat yourself to a pre-dinner Bellini cocktail in the Fortuny Bar overlooking the breathtaking gardens and serene lagoon. Soak up the atmosphere as the resident pianist tinkles on the ivories. As the Bellini slips down, the temptation to dine in the Fortuny Restaurant will grow. Who could resist Spider Crab Venetian style followed by home-made ravioli filled with sea-bass and wild fennel in a light guazzetto jus, naturally accompanied by a Pinot Grigio from the surrounding area. Alternatively, there are many superb eateries in the centre of Venice. Getting to and from Hotel Cipriano is an experience in itself with a regular complimentary ferry to and from St. Mark’s Square in the hotels 1950s wooden Riva

But if cocktails and fine dining don’t float your boat, perhaps a tour around the haunted locations of Venice will be more appealing. There are several tours which can be taken, all of which will take trembling tourists through the passageways of the Canareggio and Castel districts. There are many spooky statues, creepy buildings and, as legend would have it, phantoms throughout the city including a man emerging from the water carrying his severed head near the Campiello del Remer. The tours are eerie and the silence of the night along the cool waterways unerringly spine-chilling. Reflections seem to come to life from below the surface of the dark water and the damp walls appear to speak as they creak and grown in the moonlight.

Like no other

Yes, Amsterdam has canals, Paris has romance, Rome has a copious number of historic buildings, but there is no doubt Venice is unique. Somehow, there is a thousandyear Shakespearean tragedy about Venice. Once a thriving world trade centre, now sinking, and slowly disappearing. The millions of people who wander the narrow passageways each year have an overwhelming mixture of feelings, evoked by the beauty, romance and the nostalgia and the inevitability of it being the last visit. e

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THE LEISURE hotel

pain according S in l te o H t s e B e h T Awards to Travellers’ Choice

nd a r G e d i s a e S The a i c n e d i s e R l e Hot ***** GL WORDS Marisa Cu

tillas

hen you were a child you probably read comic books portraying an oasis in the middle of the dessert, approached thirstily by intrepid characters like Tintin, who usually discovered that it was all just a mirage. The Seaside, the only member of The Leading Hotels of the World in Gran Canaria, is as real as it gets: a real-life oasis nestled in the middle of a palm grove adjacent to dreamy Maspalomas sand dunes and a lofty mountain range. The Hotel’s location is ideal for those seeking a holiday close to Nature without foregoing the finer things in life, thanks to nearby shopping havens like the seafront Boulevard El Faro (with its exclusive boutiques, restaurants and bars). Those after a bit of sun and sea will love the golden sands of Playa del Inglés or the never-ending ‘city beach’, Las Canteras. Speaking of variety, Gran Canaria is known for its variable

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landscapes, which include dramatic cliffs, volcanic rock structures and romantic bays in the North of the island; sunny beaches in the south; and quaint villages inland, surrounded by lush tomato and banana plantations. Abrupt changes are plentiful, with dense vegetation giving way to stark plains heavily populated by prickly cacti. About the only thing that remains fairly constant on this island is its enviable climate, which is pleasantly sunny even in a month like December. The Seaside Hotel fits right into all this magic, with an ambience that captures the very essence of all that is exotic and exclusive. Designed by renowned Parisian interior designer Alberto Pinto, it bears a blend of colonial and Spanish styles, with features such as dark wood furniture, wrought iron mirrors and plenty of natural motifs generating an ambience of joy and youthfulness. The Hotel has 94

from a decade differs dramatically el agent to ys da e es th l te ho Selecting a our local trav us would head for ly by word of mouth. ago, when most of e on otherwise availabl cking, booking glean information our fingers do the cli nfidence in g in tt le e ar us of t Today, mos ith all the co and restaurants, w n count on the our flights, hotels e Trip Advisor, we ca world. It is lik es sit to ks an Th the world. all over the of travellers from the opinion of millions erefore, that readers keep abreast of th for , d st te re vo te , in ards with keen avellers’ Choice Aw Tr r’s so li vi pu Ad po ip x Tr e vo , the results of th u and me. This year the Seaside yo e lik le op pe by ever y year in Spain is ar: the best hotel sounds loud and cle in Gran Canaria. cia Grand Hotel Residen

rooms, distributed into small, twofloor villas. All boast cosy wooden balconies or terraces, furnished in cool teak furniture, as well as LOEWE plasma TVs, free WiFi and CD and DVD players. Views are of the interior landscape, gardens, dunes or pool. For sheer comfort, we suggest the Junior Suites, with their spacious interiors and tranquil views over the sand dunes. An attention to detail is present in touches like the espresso coffee machine, wireless phones or hydromassage shower. When guests aren’t out and about photographing the scenery or visiting local museums (the historic La Vegueta area is a revered cultural hive), they make it a point to enjoy the hotel itself. There is plenty that tempts them to stay within, including a beautiful climatised pool poised adjacent to a sunny terrace, peppered with elegant wooden hammocks. Then there is the cuisine, a delightful blend of

international and Canarian, with a hearty barbeque served twice a week. The pool and piano bars, meanwhile, are ideal getaways for a disarming tête à tête. There are a host of sporting activities, with guests having access to all the facilities at neighbouring hotel, the Seaside Palm Beach, where they play chess, volleyball or tennis, or hone in on their yoga and Tai Chi skills. Gran Canaria is recognised as a golfer’s paradise, with eight golf courses, three of which are close to the Hotel. Then there is the Spa, utterly hedonistic in design, with features such as hydro-massage showers, a sauna, steam room and a wide range of treatments including Rasul baths, Aromatherapy and a ‘Cleopatra’ cream bath. There is also an open-air gym and interior gym, bearing top-of-the-range TechnoGym equipment. All-up the Seaside promises guests one relaxing yet action-packed holiday, the very best kind there is.

g Maspalomas, Gran Canaria. Tel: 928 723 100. www-grand-hotel-residencia.de/es 3/26/12 1:48 PM

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gourmet RESTAURANTS / REVIEWS / NEWS / WINE / CHEFS / GUIDE

We tempt your taste buds with our review of top Chinese cuisine restaurant, Tai Pan and interview Da Bruno a Casa’s Giancarlo Paparusso, who reveals news about an ecofriendly Da Bruno restaurant soon to open in Mijas. We also profile Michelin-starred Chef Diego del Río of El Lago and wash our sorrows away with award-winning wines.

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137

Tai Pan Restaurant

138 Giancarlo Paparusso of Da Bruno Restaurant 140 Food News 142 Chef’s Profile: Diego del Río of El Lago 144 Award-Winning wines

3/26/12 6:28 PM

ESSENTIAL CMJN.pdf

CMJ

26/03/12

00:01

t h e a rt of Fi n e T h a i C u i s i n e

952 818 392 or 670 748 415

RESERVATIONS:

Open Every Evening for Dinner Ctra. de Cรกdiz Km. 175 PUERTO BANร S (Behind The Shell Petrol Station) Marbella

TAI PAN

Chinese Cuisine - Polynesian Bar

Serving Marbella in a Select Atmosphere for 29 years. Puente Romano, Fase 2, Marbella. Open Daily for Dinner from 8:00

Tel: 952 777 893 / 952 775 500

Exquisite Royal Thai Cuisine Tel: 952 770 550 Open Mon-Sat. C.C. Marbellamar, L-3A. Marbella.

NOW OPEN FOR

LUNCH & DINNER!

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restaurant THE GOURMET

Tai Pan

...a Marbella classic

Words Michel Cruz Photography kh photography

There are very few businesses, let alone restaurants, that can boast 30 uninterrupted years of business in Marbella. Tai Pan, however, can do more than that, for in the past 30 years it has become a true Marbella classic, a restaurant that evokes the glory days of this town. The iconic setting at the Puente Romano Hotel has a lot to do with that, of course, for both share a link with a glorious past that has continued right up to this day.

he appeal has not diminished, a fact that is borne out by the continued popularity of Tai Pan. “Many of our customers have become regulars over the years, and many who came here as children are now returning with their own families,” says Lincoln, who founded the restaurant in 1982 and has continued to run it personally. The business has expanded, and other restaurants such as Sukhothai and the Thai Gallery have followed, but Lincoln has never attempted to replicate Tai Pan elsewhere, realising that his star establishment is truly unique. It is this unique appeal that explains the success and continued allure of Tai Pan, starting with a timelessly elegant décor that evokes the Far East, but in a sensual and refined way seldom seen in Asian restaurants. The cuisine is essentially Chinese and South East Asian, but prepared, presented and served in a way that can only be described as a notch above the rest. Put plainly, there is no other restaurant like this, and it would be very hard to replicate it, difficult indeed to copy the history, pedigree and setting of what must surely be the most sophisticated Chinese restaurant this side of Madrid.

Award-winning

No wonder Tai Pan recently won the 2011 Marbella Magazine Award for Oriental Restaurant, elected by popular vote. On the night we went it was well occupied with both large family groups and couples from a variety of nationalities, including Spaniards, which must always be seen as a very positive sign. “We are very popular with British, Scandinavian and Spanish diners, but in reality our clientele is very diverse,” says Lincoln’s business partner Yiu. Mody, in an elegant Chinese dress, acts as maître d’ and welcomes you into the warm embrace of Tai Pan. I know I’m a bit of a romantic, but it has all the charm of a sophisticated meeting place in the films of old, so you’d almost expect to see Robert Mitchum in the bar or Lauren Bacall at one of the tables for two. With that vision in my mind I studied a menu that represents a fine selection of the best of Far Eastern and South East Asian cuisine. Our starters included succulent pork ribs ‘Tai Pan Style’ in a sesame and soy sauce. The meat came off the bone and was so good that I almost forgot about the Vietnamese Nem rolls, which feature chopped lettuce, mint

and chicken wrapped in crispy rice paper and dipped in a spicy sweet sauce. They’re referred to as ‘imperial’ rolls, and they taste like it. The Dim Sung arrived in pretty baskets containing scallop and roe-filled dumplings that will thrill fish lovers. A classic Peking duck, as once served at the Celestial Court, was next, featuring wafer-thin pancakes and a garnishing of thinly chopped cucumber, spring onions and Hoisin sauce to accompany crispy duck prepared to perfection. Apart from the ambiance and service, what sets a restaurant like Tai Pan apart is the quality of the ingredients and standard of preparation. Chef Tony Mak has been with the restaurant since its inception, and you can see why they want to hold on to him. The sea bass, for instance, is bought fresh at the market and prepared in a proper Chinese slow-steamer, ensuring that the skin falls off the soft and flavoursome meat. A touch of spicy ginger adds a bit of zing to this Asian delicacy, and set us up for the conclusion of an enjoyable meal. We rounded it off with lychees and Chinese tea, and left contented, realising why it is that Tai Pan is such an enduring classic. The final word came from Lincoln, who asked us to thank his customers and friends for their support over the past 30 years. e

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Da Bruno

THE GOURMET restaurant Whether you’re doing business on the Golden Mile, shopping in the centre of Marbella, chilling out on holiday or simply living in this beautiful part of the world, there is one place you can always count on for a traditional Italian meal, friendly service and the kind of ambience present only where the love of a family gave rise to its inception. That place is Da Bruno. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY KH PHOTOGRAPHY

Keeping the

Faith in Spain

he popular restaurant group was founded 20 years ago by Bruno Filippone, and his wife Giuseppina. The couple was spending a weekend on the Coast and they decided, almost on a whim, to open their first restaurant in Marbella. Call it kismet, serendipity or courage but the couple’s vision took them far: today, Da Bruno has five restaurants and continues to grow, and now, Bruno and Giuseppina’s children are carrying on with the family tradition. Da Bruno a Casa, on the Golden Mile, is a mere three-minute walk from the offices, a fine excuse for my colleagues and I to tuck into a lovely pizza, pasta or meat dish on at least a weekly basis. But my appetite wasn’t in command on the day I headed for the cosy terrace of the restaurant; I was set to interview Giancarlo Paparusso, Director of the establishment. Giancarlo was pretty excited, fending off calls from his mobile to let me know of important news: the Da Bruno group is opening a new restaurant in Mijas in June, which will boast a cutting-edge renewable

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energy system. Says Giancarlo: “We won’t just be using solar energy, but also a system of climatisation and heating that works by placing ‘capillary tubes’ under the flooring and above the ceiling. This allows us to control the temperature by using hot or cold water. The water, in turn, will be heated through an exhaust pipe connected to the kitchen extractor.” Saving energy makes sense these days, as the world’s resources are running out faster than measures being taken to replace them with alternative sources. Giancarlo, who frequently travels to culinary events abroad, notes that in Germany, the

alternative energy sector has been prominent for over 20 years. “They use up all their renewable energy before turning to non-renewable sources, which is the contrary to standard practice in Spain,” he states. The Da Bruno Group hopes to apply these techniques to all its restaurants and to even grow an organic garden in Coín. The new Mijas restaurant will feature some novelites; for instance, in addition to the usual à la carte menu, diners will have a wide selection of healthy and light options. There will also be a bakery, since, as Giancarlo says, “There is quite a large market of Scandinavians seeking a place to find the bread they used to enjoy back home”. A daily lunch menu for €9,90 will be offered and diners will enjoy live music and dancing on weekends. The Da Bruno Group is also building a new logistics centre. Between this and the new Mijas restaurant, employment will be offered to some 30 workers. “At a time of economic recession, Da Bruno still believes in the people of Spain,” says Giancarlo. “The Coast has appeal that will never wane. We

are laying the groundwork now and creating employment because we want to play our own little part in improving the economic situation.” And if all these plans aren’t enough to keep the Da Bruno team busy 24/7, they have long-term projects in mind too, such as the launch of a venta in Coín, an area which, Giancarlo says, “we are particularly fond of, largely owing to its unique climate”. According to Giancarlo, the secret of Da Bruno’s success is three-fold: “We have a wide range of dishes; we only use market fresh vegetables, meat, fish and seafood; and of course there is our service. At Da Bruno we have a low staff turnover and our clients love seeing the same friendly faces every time they visit us for a meal. Some of our regulars are clients from years back who used to visit us with their parents. Now they have a meal here with their own children.” Da Bruno’s clients are, like its Founders, loyal to the core and even in the toughest times, the restaurant group continues to flourish, and has received the Marbella Award for Italian Restaurant every year since 2006. e g www.dabruno.com 3/26/12 1:36 PM

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THE GOURMET news WORDS AJ LINN AND MARISA CUTILLAS

An interesting ‘vertical’ wine tasting took place recently at French and Italian cuisine restaurant, Chateau Mona Lisa, in Puerto Banús, in which members of the press and friends were treated to a dinner and a tasting of five different vintages of the classic Rioja, Viña Real Gran Reserva, the oldest being the 1947 Imperial Gran Reserva. What made this event so special is that these wines can no longer be purchased or even priced, yet it was interesting to note how well they had held up over the years, despite the almost zero characteristics they had in common. g Frontline Puerto Banús, Marbella.

Tel: 952 908 808. www.chateaumonalisa.com

Wine tasting and dinner at

Chateau Mona Lisa The competition was rife at the recent Best Sommelier in Málaga contest, which comprised a blind tasting of three different wines, as well as a theoretic exam with questions on law, manufacture, distillation, wines, oils, waters, cheeses, cigars, beers and other agricultural products. The jury consisted of the President of the Association of Sommeliers of Málaga (Juan Miguel Rubio), the President of the Regulating Council of the DO’s Sierras de Málaga and Pasas de Málaga (Didier Bricout) and the Director of the Patronato de Turismo de la Costa del Sol (Arturo Bernal). The winner was Francisco Rubiales of the Hotel Puente Romano.

Alberts Restaurant Re-opens in Cabopino

Best Sommelier in Málaga Competition

Alberts Restaurant is a revered institution in the Cabopino port, offering both traditional and contemporary dishes whipped up by brand new Chef, Jason Coupe. Alberts recently closed for two months for refurbishments and has now re-opened, boasting a gorgeous new look designed by Fernando de la Fuente. The restaurant now sports a stunning lounge bar in addition to the open air terrace. As well as the à la carte menu there will also be a hearty bar menu, snacks and a fantastic cocktail menu offering classics as well as exotic new creations. Alberts hasn’t lost its characteristic ambience and its walls still feature antique bicycles and Victorian memorabilia. g Puerto de Cabopino. Tel: 952 836 886. www.alberts-cabopino.com

Céline’s Macarons Comes to Town g For further information,

Tel: 622 850 435. www.celinesmacarons.com

Anyone who has lived in Paris and shared the French penchant for adding a sweet touch to their day with a delightful macaron knows that it can be very hard to find ‘the real deal’: macarons fresh and light as the fare you might encounter at the famous Ladurée shop in Paris on Rue Royale and Rue Bonaparte. The good news is that Céline’s Macarons have come to town: made by Céline, a Parisian who follows strict tradition and offers flavours you are not likely to find anywhere else on the Coast: salted caramel, dark chocolate, white chocolate, pistachio, raspberry, lemon… the sky’s the limit. Céline comes up with new flavours to go with the seasons and special occasions and is already working on new varieties for Spring. Best of all, they cost around 1,10 euros each. Céline takes orders as small as one macaron (an impossibility once you try them) and specialises in weddings (parties and events - private or corporate are also ideal showcases for her colourful macarons).

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DIEGO DEL RÍO

THE GOURMET profile Michelin-starred Chef Diego del Río was pottering about in the kitchens of El Lago on the day of our interview, popping his head out of the door to ask me for five more minutes, as he was experimenting on dishes to be presented shortly at the ITB (one of Germany’s most important tourism fairs) alongside Mauricio Giovanini (of Messina), Ricardo Alcayde (of Med de Torremolinos) and Amador Fernández (of Amador and the Hotel Villa Guadalupe de Málaga). The culinary quartet would be dazzling tourism professionals and elite members of the press with a show cooking event at the Fair, featuring a tasting menu that married their respective tastes and experiences. The idea was to tear down preexisting notions of Málaga as little more than a coastal town, revealing why it is currently the gastronomic capital of Andalucía.

t the ITB, Diego and his colleagues transported their guests to the toasty sands of the Coast and the quaint inland villages of Andalucía with a tasting of olives from Álora, olive oil from Laguna de Fuente de Piedra in Antequera (made from the vidueña and arbequina olives), and entrées such as a characteristically Andaluz ajoblanco with blood oranges from Marbella and juicy oranges from the Guadalhorce Valley. The highlight of the meal took place at a chiringuito, if only figuratively speaking. Diego explains: “We set up a mini boat in the middle of the table, filling it with sand speared with sardines on spits. We wanted our audience to discover the unique aroma of sardines roasting over a coal fire.” Also on the menu was wild local fish, served with a smooth gazpachuelo, clams and prawns. The main course featured Málaga’s most characteristic meat: slow-cooked suckling goat, served with semidry tomato, goats cheese from Archidona, rucula, pine nuts

and the quintessentially Spanish membrillo. Diego is famed for his ‘Slow, Zero Kilometre’ approach to cuisine, which highlights seasonality of produce and a dependence on local producers. He isn’t the only Chef who thinks this way; René Redzepi of Noma and Alex Atala of D.O.M. have also turned their gazes inward, emphasising their heritage, traditions and produce, to formulate a kind of personality impossible to achieve by simply emulating the French masters. The end is not only the cuisine itself but the continuation of age-old traditions in the production of cheese, bread or oil. Diego

explains. “We work with small-scale farmers and meat producers from the GDR (Grupo de Desarrollo Rural). The aim is to make sure that they don’t abandon their trade because of a lack of economic support. If not for them, so many interesting plant species would go into extinction. We want these farmers to stay on the land, to never abandon their heritage.” Diego regularly takes El Lago’s clients on gastronomic excursions to the inlands of Málaga, with a sense of pride formerly reserved to the Basques. “We call the excursion La Ruta del Sabor. Once a month, we give clients the chance to meet local manufacturers and learn how produce is made.” The day begins early in the morning, when the group heads for El Colmenero de Alhaurín de la Torre to savour traditional artisanal breads and pastries. A visit is then made to the bread museum, followed by a talk from local bakers and a scrumptious bread tasting. Soon after, they head for the ecological farm of the Hevilla family in Coín, learning how ecological fruits and vegetables are grown and savouring their wonderful flavour. Next up is a visit to artisanal cheese makers La Hortelana, to taste different varieties and learn how they are made. Back in Marbella, the group once again gathers at El Lago to cook alongside Diego, using the produce sourced that day in a series of tempting dishes. Diego says that guests are often shocked to find that “the kitchen at El Lago is far from a laboratory; it’s actually perfectly normal,” he laughs. The next Ruta de Sabor takes place on April 21.

g Avda. Las Cumbres, Marbella. Tel: 952 832 371.

www.restauranteellago.com

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El Lago’s

MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION FOR

excellence WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY WAYNE CHASAN

ong lasting-success in gastronomy is the product of constant evolution, the incessant search for new sensations and a childlike curiosity for all the future holds. El Lago epitomises these values and the world is sitting up and taking notice. In 2005, the restaurant was prized with Marbella’s first Michelin star after a long hiatus, an honour it has managed to hold over the past few years. El Lago has also been recognised by the readers of magazine, receiving the prize for Mediterranean Restaurant at the 2011 Marbella Awards. El Lago now boasts the results of extensive refurbishment, designed with a view to keeping up with the times. Cream and chocolate tones set an inviting ambience, while roof lights are positioned in such a way as to focus directly on

the culinary masterpieces of Chef Diego del Río once they are brought out to your table. The bar is aglow with an original design that marries the future to the present, while the entrance hall sports a chic space divider bearing a wave-like design, in dark grey and pine hues. The exterior terrace is as inviting as ever, with its tiled flooring, dark wood tables and tranquil view over the lake. The renovations were carried out by the same architects who designed El Lago so many years ago: González & Jacobson, who have created a look that flirts with contemporary minimalism without foregoing that elusive quality so favoured by diners worldwide: warmth. One of the most striking additions to the establishment is an exhibition of prints from the Colección Lavazza; an ode to restaurant owner

Massimo Filippa’s Italian heritage. Visitors can view outstanding photography from artists the caliber of Annie Leibovitz, David LaChapelle and Helmut Newton, all of whom have collaborated on the über chic Lavazza calendars over the years. e

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THE GOURMET wine

One reason the wine business is so fascinating is that every single bottle of wine is different. In a case of 12 bottles made from grapes grown in the same vineyard, each bottle will have its slightly varying character. Admittedly the Californians have done a good job in eliminating individual personality (for purely commercial reasons) but good European wines are all one-offs.

Award Winning O

WINES

of the Spanish organisation f course every winery that co-ordinated Miller’s owner wants their tastings being accused of wine to be the best, WORDS AJ LINN asking for payments to visit although this does not Spanish regions. A Parker’s imply it should sell as Wine Advocate 98-point score was previously a much as possible. Many up-market producers guarantee that your entire year’s production would are currently reducing the yield per vine in order be sold in a few weeks, but who knows what it to make better wine at the expense of lower will confer in future. production. A competition with lasting repercussions was In the old days the only way to get your wine held in 1976. The Judgement of Paris, as it later in front of the public was to make sure you got became known as, was a blind tasting of red and a gold medal in one of the many international white French and Californian wines at the Hotel exhibitions that were held around the globe in Intercontinental in Paris. Organised by Steven the last half of the 19th and first half of the 20th Spurrier, an Englishmen working in the French century. The aim was to win a medal, preferably wine trade, who intended the tasting to strengthen gold, that you could depict on your wine label. the position of French classic Bordeaux against When I imported wine for the English market, increasingly-aggressive claims from Californian many of Jerez’s sherry houses dedicated as much wine makers as half the label to showing off their medals, no A red Californian wine, Stag’s Leap Cellars matter that some of them were won 40 years 1973, was rated higher than Château Moutonpreviously – glitteringly displayed using gold leaf. Rothschild 1970 and Château Montrose 1970. Now there are fewer international exhibitions The whites from the New World likewise wiped but more wine contests, the best-known being the floor against their French counterparts. Not The International Wine & Spirit Competition, surprisingly, the French judges immediately an annual event held in the UK that started in claimed the whole thing had been fixed, and 1969. Wines from 80 countries are judged and even alleged that the Californian wines were really the process takes place over a six-month period, French. consisting of a blind tasting and detailed technical George Taber of TIME Magazine published analysis. Entries are judged by panels drawn from the story under the title, The Day that Changed 250 international specialists. the Wine World. He later wrote a book, The Blind tastings are notoriously controversial Judgement of Paris, in 2006, and a film, Bottle and many experts refuse to take part in them. Shock, came out in 2008. It has been shown that if the same tasters try Eventually the piqued French calmed down the same wines on two consecutive days, they and had to admit that the US wines were very will produce different scores. You can judge the good – but of course would never last as long in tasters though, as last month’s Sommelier of the the bottle as their French equivalents. Another Year Award in Málaga proved. For the third year blind tasting that was intended to settle the running the first prize went to Francisco Rubiales argument once and for all was held in parallel of Hotel Puente Romano. Contestants also had to in New York and London in 2006. And guess judge water, beer, distilled spirits and coffee. what? California took the first five places, beating If shipping samples off to some contest Château Mouton-Rothschild 1970, Château sounds like too much effort, you can sit around Montrose 73, Château Haut-Brion 70 and and just wait for an email telling you that Spain’s Château Leoville Las Cases 71. great wine critic, José Peñin, is in town and The US champions were, in order of merit, wants to taste as many locally-produced wines as Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello 71, Stag’s Leap possible, or that Robert Parker’s representative is Wine Cellars 73, and Mayacamas 71 equal with arriving on the next flight. The points method is Heitz Martha’s Vineyard 70. Now that was some criticised by many in the wine trade and anyway wine competition. e the Parker option may now be history, as a result

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RESTO

EL COTO

BELGIAN RESTAURANT

NEW MENU Open every day Ctra de Ronda Opposite Madroñal, nº 3 29679 Benahavis Tel: 956 786 688 sueno@mail.be

BELGIAN RESTAURANT

RESTO

MYTILUS

BELGIAN SPECIALITIES Muscles and fries, steak tartare, vol au vent etc. Open every evening. Saturday & Sunday open all day. Puerto Deportivo Sotogrande Tel: 956 790 212 mytilus@mail.be

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THE GUIDE

theguide

RESTAURANTS

RESTAURANTS / CINEMAS / GOLF / GYMS /

RESTAURANTS ::: AMERICAN ::: HARD ROCK CAFÉ

TENNIS / SCHOOLS

::: ARGENTINEAN ::: Buenos Aires South

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. C/ Virgen del Pilar, 6, Marbella. Tel: 952 779 297

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. C/Ramón Areces, esq. Marina Banús, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 908 024

Clericó

Jacks

Tango

Open seven days a week from noon till late. Puerto Banús, Tel: 952 813 625, Puerto Marina, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 563 673

Open daily for dinner except Tuesdays. Puerto Banús (opp. the car park). Tel: 952 812 358

New york

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Avda. Antonio Belón, 22, Marbella. Tel: 952 765 683.

::: FRENCH :::

Open from 1pm-4pm and from 7pm to 12am. Ctra. de Cádiz, km.176, 29600, Marbella. Tel: 952 765 533

Chateau Mona lisa

Yanx

LA PARISIENNE

Open from 9am Monday to Saturday and Sunday from 11am for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Centro Plaza, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 818 861

Open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday. Centro Plaza, Avda. de Manolete 1, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 951 279 056

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Muelle Ribera 8, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 908 808

Valderrama Restaurant

Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner only and on Sunday for Buffet Lunch. Apartado 1, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 132.2 Sotogrande, Cádiz. Tel: 956 791 200

::: GREEK ::: Red Pepper

Open daily for both lunch and dinner. Muelle Ribera, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 812 148

::: GRILLS :::

Asador Criollo Grill Open nightly for dinner. CN340-A7, km. 166, Cancelada, El Saladillo. Tel: 952 784 463

Asador guadalmina Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Urb. Guadalmina Alta, C.C. Guadalmina, Local 3, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 883 003

Viejo Cancelada. Between San Pedro & Estepona. Tel: 952 886 307

El Carnicero 2 Open every day for lunch and dinner. Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 176, Marbella. Tel: 952 867 599

El Coto Open daily for both lunch and dinner. Ctra. de Ronda (El Madroñal), San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 786 688

El Gaucho Open daily for dinner from 7.30pm. Galerías Paniagua. Sotogrande. Tel: 956 795 528

el rancho del puerto Open for lunch and dinner every day. Muelle Benabola 4, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 816 252

Grill del puerto Open for lunch and dinner every day. Muelle Ribera 47H, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 811 686

El Carnicero

MARBELLA CLUB GRILL

Open daily for both lunch and dinner. Pueblo

Open every night for dinner. Marbella Club

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Price guide ::::::: per head for a three-course meal with wine

Hotel. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 822 211

Old Town Grill Open Monday to Saturday for dinner and Sunday for lunch. C/ San Lázaro, 3, Pza. Victoria, Marbella. Tel: 952 867 306

Piratas flame grill Open every day for lunch and dinner except Sunday. Puerto Deportivo de Marbella, Locales 37-40, Marbella. Tel: 952 865 940

Restaurante Rancho Open daily for lunch and dinner. Ctra. Cádiz, exit Las Chapas. Tel: 952 831 922

::: INDIAN :::

Jaipur Purple Open daily for dinner. CN 340, km. 166, Estepona. Tel: 952 888 353

Little India Open daily for dinner from 7pm. Conj. Buenavista, L 21-22, Avda. de España, Calahonda. Tel: 952 931 829

Massala Open daily for dinner. 57, Duquesa de Arcos (Sabinillas seafront). Tel: 952 897 358

Mr. india

beach house

Taj Mahal

beckitts

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Private parking available. Ctra. Cádiz, km 179 (behind Venta los Pacos). Tel: 952 857 670/ 629 244 659

Open Monday to Sunday for dinner. C/ Camilo José Cela 4, Marbella. Tel: 952 868 898

::: INTERNATIONAL ::: alberts

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Puerto Cabopino. Tel: 952 836 886

alumbre Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/ Strachan 11, Málaga. Tel: 951 500 022

Amanhavis Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday from 8.00pm. Calle del Pilar 3, Benahavís. Tel: 952 856 026

amigos

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Urb. Coto de los Doles, Carril del Relojero, Elviria, Marbella. Tel: 952 839 458

BELMAR Open daily from 11.30am to midnight. C/ Las Malvas 14 (next to Casino), Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 687 289 699

boulevard Open for dinner from 8pm. Avda. La Fontanilla, esquina Paseo Marítimo, Marbella. Tel: 952 860 583

Brunings Open for dinner Monday to Saturday from 7 pm. Las Palmeras 19, San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 786 156

CAFÉ DE RONDA

Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday. C/ Málaga 3, Benahavis. Tel: 952 855 175

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Avda. Ramón Gómez de la Serna 23, Marbella. Tel: 952 862 149

auld dubliner

CAlIma

Open every day for lunch and dinner. C.C. Diana Park, Marbella. Tel: 952 886 338

Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner from 8:30pm. At the Gran Meliá Don Pepe Hotel. C/ José Meliá s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 300

baboo lounge and restaurant

Mumtaz

Open every day for lunch and dinner, closing Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at 8pm. Ctra. Arroyo de la Miel, s/n, Benalmádena. Tel: 902 102 675

safFron

€25 – €40

Open from 7 pm ‘til late night every day. Parque de Elviria, local 7-9, Las Chapas (take second exit, after Hotel Don Carlos), Marbella. Tel: 952 830 146

Open daily from 6pm. Milla de Oro (next to Da Bruno a Casa), Marbella. Tel: 952 867 868 Open daily for both lunch and dinner. Casa No.7, P. Banús. Tel: 952 812 090

under €25

capitán

€40 – €60

€60 plus

Open Wednesday to Saturday for dinner. Plaza de los Naranjos 11, Marbella. Tel: 687 201 953

Casa mono Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. C/ Calderón Estébanez 19, Marbella. Tel: 952 774 578

Casanis Open every day from 6pm except Sundays. C/ Ancha, 8, Marbella. Tel: 952 900 450

celima Open every day for lunch and dinner. Hotel Hermitage, Ctra. de Casares, Casares. Tel: 952 895 639.

cerrado del águila Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Urb. Cerrado del Águila, Camino del Acevedo, s/n, Mijas Costa. Tel: 951 773 521

Charme cafe Open every day except for Sunday from 12pm to late. C.C. Centro Plaza, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 906 313

cortijo fain Open every day for lunch and dinner. Ctra. de Algar, km. 3, Arcos de la Frontera, Cádiz. Tel: 956 704 131

Don Leone Open every night for dinner. Puerto Banús, Marbella. Tel: 952 811 716

Open for lunch and dinner every day except Wednesday. C/ Avila, Blq. 5, Local 1, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 799 635

Don Quijote

casa gecko

Dynamic Café

Open every evening for dinner (7pm-12am). Urb. El Rosario, km. 188, Marbella. Tel: 952 834 748

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THE GUIDE

RESTAURANTS

Price guide ::::::: per head for a three-course meal with wine

Open Monday to Sunday for lunch. Ctra. de Istán, km. 0.9, C.C. Le Village, Marbella. Tel: 952 775 021

El Bolero Open every night for dinner from 8-11pm. The San Roque Club, CN 340, km. 127, Cádiz. Tel: 956 613 030

El Campanario Open every day for lunch. Open for dinner on Friday and Saturday. CN 340, km. 168, Estepona. Tel: 952 880 126

under €25

€25 – €40

€40 – €60

€60 plus

Club. CN 340, km. 188, Marbella. Tel: 952 830 500

Tel: 952 813 859

El Restaurante del Casino

hermosa

Open every day for dinner from 8pm-4am. Hotel Andalucía Plaza s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 814 000

Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner from 7pm. Closed Monday. Local 1A. Puerto de Cabopino. Tel: 952 837 483

EL RINCÓN DE GvADALPÍN Open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday and for Sunday lunch. Gvadalpín Hotel, Beach side, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. Tel: 952 929 001

Fabiola

Herrero del Puerto Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Casas de Campos, 1, Málaga. Tel: 952 122 075

hotel marbella club buffet

Open daily for dinner. Hotel Los Monteros, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 187. Tel: 952 771 700

Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and on Sundays for lunch. Cortijo Los Canos, Pueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro, CN-340, km. 132, Sotogrande, Cádiz. Tel: 956 695 114 / 619 694 484

EL JINETE

Finca Besaya

ICE

Open daily for dinner except for Friday. Ctra. La Cala Golf, km 45, La Cala de Mijas. Tel: 952 119 170

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Urb. Rio Verde Alto, s/n. Tel: 952 861 382

El lago

Finca El Forjador

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Urb. El Rosario (mountainside by the El Rosario roundabout), Marbella. Tel: 952 835 151

Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner. Urb. Elviria Hills. Avda. Las Cumbres s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 832 371

Open daily for lunch from 1-4pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Ctra. de Casares, km. 10. Tel: 952 895 120

EL MIRADOR

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Ctra. Fuengirola-Mijas, between CN 340 and highway. Tel: 952 580 513

El Corzo

Open for breakfast every day. At the Kempinski Hotel Bahía Resort. CN 340, km. 159, Estepona. Tel: 952 809 500

EO CAfé

Finca las brasas

Galeria San Pedro

Open daily for lunch and dinner. CN340, km 178, Marbella. Tel: 952 867 794

Open from 11am until midnight. Closed Sundays. Avda Las Palmeras 15, San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 780 927

EL OLIVO

girasol

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sunday for lunch. At Marbella Golf & Country

Open daily for dinner from 6.30p.m. Avda. del Prado, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella.

Open every day for lunch. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 822 211

karma Open every day from 10am until late. C/ Las Violetas 7, Conjunto Andalucía Garden Club, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 815 736

khala

Open for dinner Thursday to Monday from 7pm. Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona. CN 340, km. 159, Estepona. Tel: 952 809 500

La cabaña del mar Open every day for lunch and for dinner from Monday to Saturday. Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona CN 340, km 159, Playa El Padrón, Estepona. Tel: 952 809 500

LA CANTINA DEL GOLF Open for breakfast and lunch until 8pm. Closed Sunday. Flamingo Golf Club, Cancelada, Benahavís. Tel: 951 318 815

La Esencia Open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner. Hotel Incosol, Urb. Golf Rio Real, s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 831 303

La Loggia Open daily for breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks. Hotel Villa Padierna & Flamingos Golf Club, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 166 (Cancelada exit), Benahavís. Tel: 952 889 150

La Menorah

Open Monday to Saturday for dinner. NH Alanda Hotel, Marbella. Tel: 952 899 600

Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Arena Beach, CN 340, km. 151.2, Estepona. Tel: 952 792 734

LA biznaga

LA SALA

Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and on Sunday for lunch only. Ctra. Ronda, km. 46, Urb. Las Medranas, local 4, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 951 275 750

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. C/ Belmonte, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. Tel: 952 814 145

la brisa

Open everyday lunch and dinner. Golf Hotel

La Terraza

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Guadalmina, Marbella. Tel: 952 882 211

La Terraza Open daily for dinner. La Cala Resort, La Cala de Mijas, Mijas. Tel: 952 669 000

La Veranda Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner. Hotel Villa Padierna, Urb: Flamingos s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 889 150

La veranda lobby bar Open every day for lunch and dinner. At the Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona. CN 340, km 159, Estepona. Tel: 952 809 500

La Verandah Open week days for dinner at 7:30pm and weekends for lunch and dinner, closed Tuesdays. Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 136. Playa Guadiaro, Torre-guadiaro, Cádiz. Tel: 956 615 998

los arcos Open every night for dinner. Hotel Meliá La Quinta, Urb. La Quinta Golf s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 762 000

los bandidos Open every night for dinner. Muelle Ribera, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 815 915

max beach Open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday and for lunch on Sunday. CN 340, km. 198, Mijas. Tel: 952 932 780

Mc café

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Marbella Club Hotel. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n. Tel: 952 822 211

dinner and on Sunday for lunch. C/ Acera de la Marina 4, Marbella. Tel: 952 772 461

Messina

Open for lunch and dinner every day. C.C. La Colonia, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 781 583

Open for dinner Monday to Saturday. Avda. Severo Ochoa, 12, Marbella. Tel: 952 864 895

mil milagros Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sunday for lunch. CN340, km 179, Marbella. Tel: 952 858 958

mozaic

passion café

POCO loco BEACH Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Playa Hermosa, CN 340, Km 189, Marbella. Tel: 952 836 170

polo house

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday. Urb. Las Chapas, Marbella. Tel: 952 839 901

Open daily for dinner from 7pm and Sunday Lunch, with club/dancing. CN 340, Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe 11, Marbella. Tel: 952 900 380

Miraflores Golf Restaurant

polynesian’s

Open daily for Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 199. Urb. Riviera Golf. Tel: 952 931 941

Open Monday to Sunday from 5pm to 2am. Urb. La Alcazaba, CN 340, km 175, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 816 100

NUEVA CAMPANA

puente romano beach club

Open daily for lunch and dinner, except Tuesday. La Campana, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 814 041

Open daily for lunch. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

OCHO

PURO BEACH

Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. C/ Moncayo 12, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 460 232 / 648 502 822

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Laguna Village, Playa El Padrón, CN 340, km 159, Estepona. Tel: 952 800 015

oyarbide

Rojo

Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and

Open every day for lunch and dinner

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THE GUIDE

RESTAURANTS

Price guide ::::::: per head for a three-course meal with wine

under €25

€25 – €40

€40 – €60

€60 plus

except Sunday. C/ Granada, 44, Málaga. Tel: 952 227 486

Closed Wednesdays. Arena Beach, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 151, Estepona. Tel: 952 796 320

Guadalmansa, CN340, km 164, Estepona. Tel: 952 798 449

schilo

tanino

Trocadero arena

Open Thursday to Saturday for dinner. Hotel Finca Cortesín. Crta. Casares s/n, Casares, Málaga. Tel: 952 937 800

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. CN 340, km.168, Benamara, Estepona. Tel: 952 883 259

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Torre Real Beach, Marbella. Tel: 952 865 579

sentidos

Terra Sana

Open every day for lunch and dinner. At Sentidos en Río Real Hotel. Urb. Río Real s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 765 732

Open Monday to Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nueva Andalucía next to the Casino. Tel: 952 906 205. Marina Banús, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 817 977. C.C. Laguna Village, Estepona. Tel: 951 901 050

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Playa de la Carolina, Marbella. Tel: 610 704 144

shiraz Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Puerto Deportivo, Local 15, Marbella. Tel: 952 778 334

Skina

The Clubhouse Bar & Brasserie

Open for dinner Monday to Saturday. C/ Aduar 12, Old Town, Marbella. Tel: 952 765 277

Open Tuesday to Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Urb. Los Naranjos de Marbella, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 908 844

Suave

The meeting room

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Paseo Maritimo Rey de España 93, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 866 627

Open 9am to 11pm every day except Sundays. Avda. Ricardo Soriano 1, Local 1 (Edif. Portillo), Marbella. Tel: 952 772 577

SUite

the playwright

Dinner and afterwards dance to music by resident DJ. Thursday to Saturday. Hotel Puente Romano, Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C/Manzana, Locales 8-11, Pueblo Los Arcos, Elviria. Tel: 952 830 868

sunset

The orange tree

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Puerto Deportivo de Marbella, Marbella. Tel: 952 776 667

Open every evening from 6:30 pm-11 pm. Plaza General Chinchilla 1, Plaza de los Naranjos, Marbella. Tel: 952 924 613.

Swing

tikitano

Open from 12-4pm and 7.30pm until midnight.

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Urb.

trocadero beach

umami Open daily for lunch and dinner. C.C. Colonia, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 637 558 927

What’s cooking deli and takeaway Open daily from 10am to 6pm. C.C. Guadalmina, Local 34, Marbella. Tel: 649 829 391

zozoï Open every day for dinner from 7.30pm-12am. Plaza Altamirano 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 858 868

::: ITALIAN ::: Al Dente

Open 7 days a week for dinner. Closed on Mondays. Urb. Jardines del Puerto, local 12, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 906 181

Amore e Fantasía Open every day for lunch and dinner from 7pm onwards. Muelle Benabola, Casa 5A, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 813 464

Aretusa Open daily for dinner. Front line P. Banús. Tel: 952 812 898

Carpaccio Open every day for lunch and dinner. Frontline Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 813 357

Caruso Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday 7pm until midnight. Avda. de la Constitución, corner C/ Andalucía, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 782 293

Da Bruno Open all day. Pasta Da Bruno: Avda. Ricardo Soriano, 27, Marbella. Tel: 952 860 348 – closed on Sunday. Da Bruno Cabopino: CN-340 Km. 194,7. Tel: 952 831 918. Da Bruno a Casa: Marbella Mar, Local 1, Marbella. Tel: 952 857 521 – closed on Sunday. Da Bruno A San Pedro: Avda. del Mar, local 1E,San Pedro. Tel: 952 786 860 – closed on Monday. Da Bruno Sul Mare: Edif. Skol, Paseo Marítimo, Marbella. Tel: 952 903 318/19

Da Paolo Open everyday for lunch and dinner. Muelle Ribera, casa G-H, local 43, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 816 453

dalli’s pasta factory Open Monday to Friday for dinner and on Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner. Second Line Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 815 871 / 952 818 623

De Medici Open Monday to Saturday for dinner. Urb. El Pilar, C.C. Benapilar, Estepona. Tel: 952 884 687

gold restaurant

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Open every day from 10am to 12 am. Complejo Benabola 13, Beach Side, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 929 055

Pizzeria Picasso

Tel: 952 785 943

Open daily from 12 noon. Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 813 669

Villa Tiberio

la pappardella di estepona

portofino laguna village

Open every day for lunch and dinner from 1pm to midnight. Puerto Deportivo de Estepona. Tel: 952 802 144

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. C.C. Laguna Village, Estepona. Tel: 952 808 035

LA pappardella sul mare

Ristorante Regina

Open every day for lunch and dinner. C.C. Laguna Village, Estepona. Tel: 952 807 354

Open every night for dinner and Sunday for lunch. Edif. La Ruleta, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 814 529

Leonardo da vinci Open every night for dinner. Urb. Doña Lola, Local 21-22, Calahonda, Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 934 667

Lombardo’s Open daily from 7pm. Galerías Paniagua, Sotogrande, Cádiz. Tel: 956 795 924

Luna Rossa Open daily for both lunch and dinner, closed on Sundays. Paseo Marítimo Benabola, local 12, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 810 543

MADE IN SARDINIA

Ristorante Roberto Open daily for dinner. Beach Club, Hotel Puente Romano, CN-340, km 177.5, Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

Rosmarino della Piazza Open Monday to Friday for lunch and daily for dinner. C.C. Pinares de Elviria, s/n, Elviria, Marbella. Tel: 952 850 148

salotto Open Monday to Saturday for dinner. Avda. del Prado, Via 1, local 2, Aloha Golf, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 818 112

Open Monday to Saturday for dinner. Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 178, Marbella. Tel: 952 771 799

zafferano Open every night for dinner except Sunday. C/Gloria II, 11, Casco Antiguo, Marbella. Tel: 952 863 125

::: Oriental ::: Asia Food

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Centro Comercial, Pinares de Elviria, Marbella. Tel: 952 850 060

Dragón de Oro Open every day from 12.30-4pm and 7pm until midnight. Closed Monday lunchtime. Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 141, Urb. Hacienda Guadalupe, Manilva. Tel: 952 890 956

golden wok Open every day for lunch and dinner. Urb. Marbellamar, Marbella. Tel: 952 866 840

Kaede

Open every night for dinner. C.C. Cristamar, Avda. Julio Iglesias, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 906 608

terraza dual Open every day for lunch and dinner. C.C. Marbellamar s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 925 250

Open every day for lunch and dinner. At the Hotel Meliá La Quinta. Urb. La Quinta Golf, Marbella. Tel: 952 762 059

Metro

trattoria l’impronta

Kaiden Sushi

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Puerto Marina, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 446 460

Open daily for lunch and dinner except on Tuesday. Avda. Salamanca, Edif. San Pedro del Mar, Local 14, San Pedro de Alcántara.

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Centro Com. Guadalmina Alta, Guadalmina 4, local 2, lower floor, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel:

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THE GUIDE

CINEMAS

RESTAURANTS

Price guide ::::::: per head for a three-course meal with wine

952 896 508

Kama Kura Open Tuesday to Saturday from 8-11pm. The San Roque Club, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 127, San Roque, Cádiz. Tel: 956 613 030

meca Open every day for lunch and dinner. C.C. Pino Golf, Don Carlos, Local 1, Elviria, Marbella. Tel: 952 830 365 / 658 646 829

Osaka Open every day 13:30-16:00 & 19:30-24:00. CN-340, km. 166 (Benavista). C.C. Costa del Sol. Tel: 952 885 751

RestaurantE asiático Bangkok Open daily for lunch and dinner. P. de las Orquideas, C/ Iris, 11B, Edif. Excelsior no. 1, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 813 603

Sakura

under €25

€25 – €40

CN 340, km 178.5, Marbella. Easy parking. Tel: 952 857 403

Sushi Katsura Open for lunch from Monday to Friday and for dinner from Monday to Saturday. C/Ramón Gómez de la Serna, 5, Marbella. Tel: 952 863 193

Tai Pan Open seven days a week for dinner. H. Puente Romano, Ctra. de Cádiz, km. 177, Marbella. Tel: 952 777 893

Thai Gallery Open seven days a week for dinner from 8pm. CN-340, km.175, Edif. Rimesa, Bajos, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 818 392

tHapa thai Open every day for lunch and dinner. Urb. Puerto Deportivo 13, Edif. Poniente, Estepona. Tel: 951 318 445

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Avda. Jardines del Puerto, L.5, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 817 536

Wasabi

Sapporo

Wok Away

Open daily for lunch and dinner. C.C. Costa del Sol, upper level. CN-340, km. 166 (Estepona). Tel: 952 888 710

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Avda. Julio Iglesias, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 907 304

Sukho Thai

Open every day for lunch and dinner. Urb. El Pilar, 22, Estepona. Tel: 952 887 092

Open for dinner from Monday to Saturday. Centro Comercial Marbellamar. Tel: 952 770 550

Sushi des artistes Open every day for lunch and dinner.

Open daily from 1.30 pm for lunch and dinner. C.C. Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 908 577

Wok Buffet Wok Wang Open every day for lunch and dinner. C/ Camilo José Cela, C.C. Plaza del Mar, planta 0, local 1,

€40 – €60

€60 plus

Marbella. Tel: 952 925 478

956 171 531

Yuan

La Torre

Open every night for dinner. Hotel Torrequebrada, Benalmádena Costa. Tel: 952 441 414.

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Muelle de Honor, Club de Mar, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 811 561

::: SCANDINAVIAN ::: Skandies

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 7pm to 11pm. Closed Mondays. Avda. Antonio Belón, 26 (behind the lighthouse), Marbella. Tel: 952 776 323

::: SEAFOOD :::

cervecería ostrería santiago Open daily for lunch and dinner. Avda. del Marzo, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 078

Cipriano Open daily for both lunch and dinner. Playas del Duque, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 811 077

El Barlovento

Marisquería La Pesquera Open daily for lunch and dinner. Plaza de la Victoria, Old Town, Marbella. Tel: 952 765 170

RestaurantE Eddy & Marisa’s Urb. Coral Beach, The Golden Mile, Marbella. Tel: 952 777 299

Restaurante El bote Open every day for lunch and dinner. Paseo Marítimo Rey de España, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 660 084

Santiago Open daily for lunch and dinner. Paseo Marítimo, 5, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 078

::: SPANISH :::

Open from 11am-4pm and 7.30-11pm every day except Mondays. Puerto Deportivo de Sotogrande, Cádiz. Tel: 956 790 370

Bahía

La fishita

beach club restaurante grill

Open daily from 4pm to 12 am. C/Las Violetas, Local 7, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 813 598

Restaurante La Marina Open every day from 1-4.30pm and 8pm until midnight. Paseo Marítimo s/n, La Atunara, La Linea de la Concepción, Campo de Gibraltar. Tel:

Open every evening for dinner. At Hotel Don Carlos. Avda. Zurita s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 768 800

Open every day for lunch. Hotel Fuerte, Castillo de San Luis s/n and Hotel Fuerte Miramar Spa, Plaza José Luque Manzano s/n, Marbella. Tel: 902 343 410

Buenaventura

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Open every day for lunch and dinner. Plaza de la Iglesia, 5, Old Town, Marbella. Tel: 952 858 069

Tel: 952 817 448. Also open in C.C. Parque Miramar, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 593 405

Plaza de España, Recinto Ferial. Tel: 952 379 521

La Taberna del Alabardero

AUDITORIO PARQUE DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN

Open everyday for lunch and dinner except Monday. San Pedro Playa, Urb. Castiglone. Tel: 952 785 138. Also at Ctra. de Ronda, km. 167, San Pedro. Tel: 952 786 265

Marbella. Tel: 952 825 035

Mesón el adobe

CINESA LA CAÑADA

Open daily for lunch and dinner except Tuesdays. Avda. La Fontanilla, Edif. Balmoral, Bajo 3, Marbella. Tel. 600 003 144

La Cañada. Marbella. Tel: 902 333 231

Tragabuches

cinesur

Open from Tuesday to Sunday for both lunch and dinner. C/José Aparacio,1, Ronda (pedestrian street between bullring and Parador). Tel: 952 190 291

C.C. Miramar, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 198 605

Casa de la era Open every evening for dinner. Ctra. de Ojén, km 0.5, Marbella. Tel: 952 770 625

Casa Fernando Open from Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Avda. del Mediterráneo s/n, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 853 344

El Portalón Open Monday to Saturday for lunch 1-4pm and dinner from 8pm-midnight. Ctra de Cádiz, km 178, Marbella. Tel: 952 827 880

finca tabanko Open daily for lunch and dinner. Ctra. Fuengirola-Mijas, km. 4.2, mijas. Tel: 952 590 727

Hacienda Open from 1-4.30pm and 7.30 -11pm. Closed on Sunday afternoons and Mondays. Urb. La Alcaidesa, La Linea de la Concepción. Tel: 956 582 700

La Meridiana del alabardero Open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays. Camino de la Cruz, Marbella. Tel: 952 776 190

::: VEGETARIAN :::

CENTRO CULTURAL EL INGENIO Garcia Morato, s/n. San Pedro. Tel: 952 786 968

cines gran marbella Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 810 077

MULTICINES ALFIL Avda. Camilo José Cela, s/n. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 800 056

MULTICINES MEDITERRÁNEO Mijas. Tel: 952 663 738

loving hut

PALACIO DE LA PAZ

Open daily from 10.30am to 11.30pm. Avda. Miguel Cano 11, Marbella. Tel: 951 245 889

Recinto Ferial. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 589 349

CINEMAS & THEATRES

AUDITORIO MUNICIPAL MIJAS

la moraga

Plaza de la Libertad 2. Mijas. Tel: 952 590 380

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. C/ Ramón Areces s/n, Puerto Banús.

AUDITORIO MUNICIPAL TORREMOLINOS

TEATRO ALAMEDA Calle Córdoba 9, Málaga. Tel: 952 213 412

TEATRO CERVANTES Ramos Marín, 199, Málaga. Tel: 952 224 109

TEATRO CIUDAD DE MARBELLA Plaza Ramón Martínez, Marbella. Tel: 952 903 159

TEATRO SALON VARIETES Emancipación 30. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 474 542

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THE GUIDE

MUSEUMS

GYMS

GOLF

VERACRUZ CINES Veracruz. Estepona. Tel: 952 800 056

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 937 605. www.esteponagolf.com

Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club

YELMO CINEPLEX

Finca cortesín golf club

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 784 600

Plaza Mayor. Tel: 902 220 922

18 holes, Par 72, Tel: 952 937 883. www.golfcortesin.es

Los Naranjos Golf Club

GOLF GUIDE

Flamingos Golf Club

Marbella Club Golf Resort

18 holes, Par. Tel: 952 889 157. www.flamingos-golf.com

18 holes, Par 73. Tel: 952 113 239

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 956 791 0400. www.alcaidesa.com

Golf Río Real

18 holes. Tel: 952 830 500

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 756 733

Mijas Golf

Alhaurín Golf

Golf Torrequebrada

36 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 476 843

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 595 970. www.alhauringolf.com

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 442 742

Miraflores Golf

Guadalmina Golf

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 931 960

Almenara Golf

36 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 883 375

27 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 582 027. www.sotogrande.com

La Cala Golf Resort

Monte Mayor Golf & Country Club

Alcaidesa Links

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 815 206

Marbella Golf & Country Club

54 holes, Pars 71, 72 and 73. Tel: 952 669 033. www.lacala.com

18 holes. Tel: 952 113 088

18 holes. Tel: 952 907 085. www.clubdegolfaloha.com

La Dama de Noche

18 holes. Tel: 952 381 255

9 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 818 150

Real Club de Golf Las Brisas

Atalaya Golf

La Duquesa Golf & Country Club

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 810 875

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 882 812. www.master-hotels.com

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 890 425

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande

La Quinta Golf

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 785 014

Cabopino Golf

San Roque Club

18 holes, Par 70. Tel: 952 850 282

27 holes, Par 72.Tel: 952 762 390 www.laquintagolf.com

Cerrado del águila

La Reserva Sotogrande

Santa Clara Golf

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 951 703 355

18 holes. Tel: 956 695 209

18 holes. Tel: 952 850 111

Club de Golf La Cañada 18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 956 794 100

La Zagaleta Golf & Country Club

Santa Maria Golf & Country Club

El Paraiso Club de Golf

18 holes. Members only. Tel: 952 695 209

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 952 831 036

18 holes, Par 71. Tel: 952 883 835

Lauro Golf 18 holes

Sotogrande Club de Golf

Estepona Golf

Alhaurín de la Torre. Tel: 952 412 767

18 holes. Tel: 956 785 012

Aloha Golf Club

Parador Málaga del Golf

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 613 030

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Valderrama

Tel: 952 817 916

Urb. La Alzambra, Marbella. Tel: 952 907 090

18 holes, Par 72. Tel: 956 791 200 www.valderrama.com

Fuerte Gym

SATURNIA REGNA

Avda. El Fuerte, Marbella. Tel: 952 861 624

Marbella Tel: 952 761 475, Elviria. Tel: 952 834 835

GYMS & SPORTS CLUBS ALHAMAR GYM

C.C. Alhamar, CN-340 km 197. Tel: 952 934 684

GIMNASIO ESTADIO Trav. Huerta de los Cristales, Marbella. Tel: 952 828 217

HAPPY DIVER’S CLUB Atalaya Park Hotel, Marbella. Tel: 609 571 920

HOTEL PUENTE ROMANO

SEVEN STARS SCHOOL Tai Chi & yoga. Pasaje Estrecho, Estepona. Tel: 952 923 055

SPORTCLUB ROUTE 66 Ctra. Mijas, 1.5km. Fuengirola. Tel: 952 461 648

ATENAS

CN340, Km77,5. Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

Barquilla 1. Marbella. Tel: 952 776 240

MANOLO SANTANA RACQUETS CLUB

SPORTING CLUB ATALAYA PARK HOTEL

AZTEC COUNTRY CLUB

Ctra. de Istán, Km2. Marbella. Tel: 952 778 580

CN340, Km 168,5. Estepona. Tel: 952 888 212

Urb. Riviera del Sol, Mijas-Costa. Tel: 952 934 477

MARBELLA GUN & COUNTRY CLUB

TICKET-TO-RIDE

CENTRO DEPORTIVO EL FUERTE

Monda. Tel: 952 112 161

Cristamar, Pto. Banús. Tel: 952 905 082

Av. El Fuerte s/n. Marbella. Tel: 952 861 624

MARBELLA SPORT

Vitality studio

CENTRO DE YOGA Y SALUD INTEGRAL

Km 171.5. San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 788 315

C.C. Le Village, Marbella. Tel: 952 902 362

Ramón y Cajal 21. Marbella. Tel: 952 773 804

MULTI SPORT

CENTRO PLAZA GYM Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 817 074

Avda. Picasso 27. San Pedro. Tel: 952 782 801

Cerrado del águila

New Concept Training

Mijas Costa, Málaga. Tel: 951 773 523

Monte Paraíso Country Club, Camino de Camoján s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 866 843

CLUB DEl SOL

MUSEUMS

Basilica Vega del Mar San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 781 360

Bonsai Museum

Tennis /paddle classes. Calahonda. Tel: 952 939 595

02 CENTRO WELLNESS

Parque Arroyo de la Represa. Marbella. Tel: 952 862 926

Plaza del Mar. Marbella. Tel: 952 900 420

Bull-fighting Museum

Dynamic training centre

P-E SPORTS CLUB

Plaza de Toros. Estepona.

C.C. Le Village, Marbella. Tel: 952 775 021

Museo Cortijo Miraflores

FITNESS CENTRE NEW STYLE

Urb. Parcelas del Golf, Aloha Gardens, N. Andalucía. Tel: 952 818 357

Amapolas, s/n Nueva Andalucía.

qi sport

Museo de Bella Artes

Marbella. Tel: 952 902 714

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TRAIN

TOURIST

TENNIS

SCHOOLS

POST OFFICES

MUSEUMS

THE GUIDE

C/ San Agustin 8. Málaga. Tel: 952 218 382

Marbella

Tel: 952 799 563

Peter Pan School

Museo del Grabado

Jac. Benavente, 14. Tel: 952 772 898

Ecos College

Hospital Bazán. Marbella. Tel: 952 825 035

Nueva Andalucía

Ages 1–18. Elviria. Tel: 952 831 027

Ages 0-3. Bilingual nursery. San Pedro. Tel: 952 782 051 Benalmádena. Tel: 952 562 103

Museo de la Villa

C/ Jazmines. Tel: 952 810 887

English InteRnational College

Saint George’s School

Plaza de la Libertad 2. Mijas. Tel: 952 590 380

San Pedro

Ages 3–20. Elviria. Tel: 952 831 058/9

Ages 2-8. San Pedro. Tel: 952 786 606

Museo Ralli

Pizarro, 41. Tel: 952 780 393

Sotogrande International School

Urb. Coral Beach. Marbella. Tel: 952 857 923

sChools

Fiona Jones School of Dance

St. Javier’s International School

Aloha College

Ages 9–14. Manolo Santana Racquets Club. Fuengirola. Tel: 610 764 439

Museum of Miniatures Carromato de Max

Ages 3-18. Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 814 133

Hijas de María Auxiliadora

Stagecoach Theatre Arts School

Angela’s School

Ages 3-12. Marbella. Tel: 952 771 396

Ages 4-16. Tel: 952 900 453

El Compas. Mijas. Tel: 952 489 500

Ages 6-14. Marbella. Tel: 952 823 042

III language schools

Sunny View School

Pablo Ruiz Picasso Foundation

british school of marbella

Ages 2–18. Torremolinos. Tel: 952 383 164

Plaza de la Merced 15. Málaga. Tel: 952 060 215

Ages 18 months-6. Marbella. Tel: 952 779 264

Picasso Museum Málaga

Calahonda International College

Palacio de Buenavista, C/ San Agustín 8. Málaga. Tel: 952 127 611

Ages 3-18. Tel: 952 930 080

San Pedro. Tel: 952 778 492 Marbella. Tel: 952 822 191 Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 908 558 Estepona. Tel: 952 794 059

Calpe School

Inlingua Language School

Roman Public Baths

Ages 2 1/2–11. San Pedro. Tel: 952 786 029

All ages. Marbella. T: 952 774 942

Swans international school Sierra blanca

Gualalmina Baja. Tel: 952 781 360

Childrens placE Bilingual nursery

POST OFFICES

the InteRnational SCHOOL of ESTEPONA

Ages 11–18. Marbella. Tel: 952 902 755

Atalaya, Estepona. Tel: 952 928 444

Colegio Alborán

Ages 2-12. Estepona. Tel: 952 884 789

Ages 13-18. Calahonda. Tel: 952 933 249

Calahonda

Ages 3-18. Ricmar. Tel: 952 839 645

wendy kindergarten

C.C. El Zoco. Tel: 952 932 175

Colegio Alemán

Laude San pedro international college

El corte inglés

Ages 3-18. Elviria. Tel: 952 831 417

Ages 2–18. San Pedro. Tel: 952 799 900

Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 909 990

Colegio Las Chapas

Mayfair Academy

Fuengirola Tel: 952 467 843

Ages 5–18, girls school. Elviria. Tel: 952 831 616

Ages 4-18. Atalaya Park, Estepona. Tel: 952 784 923

Estepona

Colegio San José Guadalmina

Monseñor Rodrigo Bocanegra

C/ Málaga 82–84. Tel: 952 800 537

Tel: 952 883 858 Estepona. Tel: 952 800 148

Ages 3-16. Marbella. Tel: 952 770 077

Monday benahavís

Fuengirola

Dolphin Nursery

Performing Arts Academy

Arts & Crafts. Village Square, from 8pm

Pza. los Chinorros. Tel: 952 474 384

Ages 6 months-5 years. San Pedro.

Ages 3-18. Marbella. Tel: 952 906 865

Marbella

Museum of Málaga Wines Carrera 39. Ojén. Tel: 952 881 453

Ages 2–18. Sotogrande. Tel: 956 795 902 Ages 1-7. Marbella. Tel: 952 823 457

Swans international school el capricho Ages 3–10. Marbella. Tel: 952 773 248

TLC Tutorial College Ages 4 months - 5 years. Marbella. Tel: 952 772 910

Street Markets

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San Pedro By the sports pavilion, in the Divina Pastora district, 9am-2pm Torre del Mar Avda. Europa, 9am-1pm Torremolinos El Calvario, near Town Hall, 9am-1pm Vélez Málaga Opposite the Guardia Civil Offices, City Centre, 9am-1pm

Málaga

Miraflores Tennis Club

Next to Rosaleda football stadium, 9am-2pm

Sotogrande

Urb. Miraflores, Km 199. Calahonda. Tel: 952 932 006

At the Marina, 9am-1pm

Puente Romano TEnnis club

TENNIS CLUBS

Marbella. Tel: 952 820 900

Aztec Country Club

El Rosario. Marbella. Tel: 952 837 651

Friday Benalmádena

Urb. Riviera del Sol, Mijas-Costa. Tel: 952 934 477

In the area between Tivoli World and the Plaza San Pedro, 9am-1pm

bel air tennis and paddel club

Tourist offices

Wednesday Alhaurín de la Torre

Calahonda

Club deL Sol

Calypso, 9am-2pm

Avda. del Limón, 9am-2pm

Las Chapas

Tennis/paddle classes. Calahonda. Tel: 952 939 595

Fairground (Avda. de Juan Alameda), 9am-2:30pm

Tuesday Churriana 9am-1pm

Fuengirola Recinto Ferial (close to the CN340, on the same side as the bullring), 9am-2:30pm

Monda C/ Los Huertos, 8am-2:30pm

Nerja C/ Chaparil, 9am-1pm

Urb. Bel-Air, Estepona. Tel: 952 883 221

benahavís

La Víbora, 9am-2pm

Club de tenis don carlos

Arts & Crafts. Village Square, from 8pm

Rincón de la Victoria Málaga.Plaza de la

Benalmádena Costa

Iglesia, 9am-1pm

Hotel Don Carlos, Avda. Zurita, CN340, km 192. Marbella. Tel: 952 768 800

(Second hand items) Recinto Ferial, 10am-2pm

Istán

Saturday Coín C/ Urbano Pineda, 9am-1pm La Cala Recinto Ferial, 9am-1pm Maro Close to the Nerja Caves, 9am-1pm Mijas Costa Las Lagunas, 9am-2pm Nueva Andalucía Next to the bullring. Park

At the entrance to the town, 9am-2pm

near CN340 and walk upwards, 9am-1pm

La Cala

Sunday benahavís

Calahonda Calypso, 9am-2pm

Estepona Avda. Juan Carlos II, 9am-2:30 pm

Club Internacional de Tennis Ctra. Cádiz, km 173. Marbella. Tel: 952 813 341

Club Madroñal Benahavís. Tel: 617 647 223

Club Nueva Alcántara San Pedro Alcántara. Tel: 952 788 315

Hofsaess tennis academy

Thursday Alhaurín El Grande By the Guardia Civil

Arts & Crafts. La Ermita Park, from 10pm

Monte Elviria (next to German School). Tel: 952 835 812

Estepona

Lew Hoads Tennis Club

Offfices, City Centre, 9am-1pm Málaga Opposite the Guardia Civil Offices, City Centre. 9am-1pm

Puerto Deportivo, 9am-1pm

Ctra. de Mijas, Km 3,5. Mijas. Tel: 952 474 858

Fuengirola

Manolo Santana Racquets Club

Recinto Ferial, 9am-2:30pm

Ctra. de Istán, Km 2. Marbella. Tel: 952 778 580

Recinto Ferial, 9am-1pm

Tenis El Casco

Benahavís Tel: 952 855 500 Benalmádena Tel: 952 442 494 Estepona Tel: 952 802 002 Fuengirola Tel: 952 467 625 Gibraltar Tourist Board Tel: 956 774 950 Marbella Tel: 952 822 818 Málaga Tel: 952 213 445 / 952 216 061 Mijas Tel: 952 485 900 Ronda Tel: 952 871 272 San Pedro Tel: 952 785 252 Tarifa Tel: 956 680 993 Torremolinos Tel: 952 381 578

TRAIN

Customer assistance T: 952 128 267 General Info T: 902 240 202 Reservations T: 902 240 202 Ave T: 952 128 079

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WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

SEGUROQUEAPRUEBO. PRIVATE TUTORING FOR KIDS AND ADULTS ALIKE

KIDS

THE GUIDE family

Are your kids lagging behind in their school subjects or in need of the kind of personalised attention that isn’t available at school owing to large student numbers? If so, Seguroqueapruebo could be the solution you need. The company provides you with a teacher in your home or office, who will help you out with all kinds of subjects in the areas of humanities, science, new technology, languages, selectividad, bachiller, government exams, etc. The company also provides summer intensive courses, courses in study methods and much more. You can opt for either private or small group lessons and the staff speak a variety of languages so your children will always feel understood. And if you’d like to brush up on your Spanish or Russian while your kids are having a lesson, why not also hire a teacher for yourself? g For further information, Tel: 696 984 068. www.seguroqueapruebo.com

ANCRAA Giant Donkeys

Cuddle a donkey or become a volunteer to help save this humble but threatened animal. CN 340, km 164, Finca los Pajaritos, Estepona. Tel: 952 790 511

Bioparc Fuengirola

Award winning zoo covering Madagascar, Africa and the Far East. C/ Camilo José Cela, 6. Tel: 952 666 301. www. bioparcfuengirola.es Black Box Teatro Dramatic Arts School for all ages. C/ Notario Luis Oliver 6, Marbella. Tel: 952 779 172. www.blackboxteatro.com Born to be Wild Jeep and dolphin eco-tours for the whole family. Open 9am-8pm. Blue Dolphin Beach Club, Estepona Beach. Tel: 639 720 246 Cable Ski Marbella Water ski cable system and pool.

Open 11am-9pm (closed Mondays). Urb. Las Medranas, San Pedro. Tel: 952 785 579 Camelot Fun play centre in La Cañada with a wealth of games and activities and qualified child minders. Special events include baby and toddler mornings and a baby grow clinic, for mums to be and newborns. Ctra. de Ojén s/n, Marbella. Tel: 952 764 766 Galaxia Versatile and fun play centre for children of all ages, with separate areas indoor and outdoor. Mega slide, mini planetarium, birthday parties, summer camp. Life size characters. C.C. Guadalmina, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 885 530 Crocodile Park Educational park with more then 300 monsters. Pose with baby

crocodiles. Open 10am-6pm. C/ Cuba, 14, Torremolinos. Tel: 952 051 782 El Refugio del Burrito Donkey sanctuary just 40 minutes north of Málaga. Open 11am-7pm. Fuente de Piedra, Málaga. Tel: 952 735 513 Danzzas Ballet, modern dance, jazz, tap, theatre craft and hip-hop for kids. Classes at the Manolo Santana Racquets Club and at Plaza Gym. Contact Fiona on Tel: 663 646 040. www.danzzas.com Flamenco Classes Children aged 5 to 8 can learn to dance flamenco with Isabel Gil, a professional dancer. Classes on Monday and Wednesday at the Nueva Alcántara Tennis Club. Tel: 952 788 315 Funny Beach Kids paradise with go-karts, trampolines, mini-motorbikes, mechanical bull. Open daily. East side of Marbella. Tel: 952 823 359

Ice Skating Rink and Indoor Swimming Pool New sports centre

with public ice skating, indoor pool, children’s pool. Avda. García Lorca, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 577 050

Inter Marbella Football Academy Football Academy for boys

and girls of all ages, just opposite La Cañada in Marbella. Training is on Mondays and Wednesdays. Call Craig on Tel: 609 310 409. www.intermarbellacf. com Karting Club Málaga Go-kart circuit for kids and adults who feel a need for speed. Open 10am-midnight. Ctra. De Coin, Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 581 704 Kids Multi-Sports Club A plethora of sports for children of all ages and abilities, from tennis through to football, cycling and skateboarding. Parties with games, activities and bouncy castles. Urb. Parcelas del Golf, Avda. del Prado, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 656 618 712 Kidz Kingdom Fun play centre and birthday party area for kids, with a mini disco. Urb. Bel-Air, CN 340, km 166.2, Estepona. Tel: 952 925 936

Kidz Kingdom 2 – Space City

Space theamed play centre for daily visits or parties. Life size Barney and Sponge Bob. Urb. El Rosario, CN 340,

km 188.5, Marbella. Tel: 952 839 275 Little Fishes Swimming classes for newborns to 3-year-olds in Marbella, Estepona and Riviera. Tel: 686 498 561/ 607 875 949. www.littlefishes-spain. com Little Gem Swimmers Swimming courses for babies and toddlers in Benalmádena. Contact Emma on Tel: 628 567 129. www. littlegemswimmers.com Marbella Stage School Kids can take accredited courses in dance, drama, musical theatre and singing after school on weekdays and all day on Saturdays. Tel: 952 906 865. www. marbellastageschool.com Megabowl & Sports Bar This bowling centre boasts state-of-the-art tenpin bowling lanes as well as great food, drinks and entertainment. C.C. La Cañada, Ctra. Ojén, Marbella. Tel: 902 232 999. www.megabowlmarbella.com Musical Babes Babies and toddlers aged 6 months to 3 years enjoy singing, playing simple instruments and playing games. Tel: 952 853 027. Los Jazmines 11, Bajo B, Nueva Alcántara, San Pedro de Alcántara. www.brainwaves-spain. com

NMA The Nelson Music Academy

Kids aged 4 to 12 are introduced to music in its funnest aspects. Classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm, Saturdays from 11am to 1pm. Edif. Jupiter 44, Local 3, C/ Jesús Cautivo, Los Boliches, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 478 416. www.nelsonmusicacademy.com Original Dolphin Safari The original dolphin safari, established in 1969! Daily sailings from Marina Bay, Gibraltar. Tel: +350 200 71914. www. dolphinsafari.gi Parque La Batería Kids will have fun in this park, built in the civil war era and featuring four replica cannons, underground bunkers and passageways. Urb. Montemar Alto (near the train station), Torremolinos. Plaza Mayor Family entertainment with multi-screen cinema, bars, restaurants, bowling alley and kids play area. Málaga. Tel: 952 247 580 Scouting Kids will have fun being a boy or girl scout. The programme followed is the same as that in the UK.

Tel: 680 870 270

Sealife Centre See 2 metre long

sharks. Touch pools and walk-though glass tunnel. Open daily 10am-6pm. Benálmadena Port. Tel: 952 560 150 Selwo Adventure Park Over 2,000 animals, 4x4 tours, plus adventure activities. Open 10am-9pm. CN340 Km 162.5, Estepona. Tel: 902 190 482 Selwo Marina Dolphins Exotic birds, penguins and virtual reality shows. Open 10am-6pm. Parque de la Paloma, Benalmádena. Tel: 902 190 482 Stagecoach Renowned performing arts school for singing, dancing and acting skills. The academy is open to four to 16-year-olds. Tel: 952 900 453/666 838 213. www.stagecoach.es Steam Train Ride Enjoy a steam train ride crossing the Andalusian mountains with a scenic trip from San Roque to Ronda. Tel: 952 931 186 Swim Bebé Swim Swimming classes for under 4’s and AquaNatal classes for mums-to-be. Tel: 617 520 588 Teleférico Benalmádena Cable car to top of Calamorro mountain, falconry, trekking and horseriding. Arroyo de la Miel. Open 10am-6pm. Tel: 902 190 482 Tennis Camp Tennis lessons for kids from 4 years on, with professional coaches. Open 10am-1pm. Club del Sol, Calahonda. Tel: 952 939 595 The Music House Kids learn, grow and have fun making music. Open to children from 2 years on. Edif. San Pedro del Mar, Blq 7, local 12, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: 952 785 515. www.themusichouse.es Tivoli World Biggest amusement park on the Costa del Sol. Open daily from 1pm. Avda. de Tivoli, Benalmádena. Tel: 952 577 016 Trenecito de Marbella Take a relaxing train ride to view the main sights of Marbella. Daily 10am-1pm. Paseo Maritimo. Tel: 639 765 981 Yaina’s Park Indoor play centre with staff speaking Scandinavian, English and Spanish. Open seven days a week from 10am to 9pm. Children’s parties, parent’s coffee shop with pool tables, television, food. Avda. Gamonal 4, Edif. Hercules, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena. Tel: 622 005 068

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pets THE GUIDE WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

Katherine Heigl: A Woman with a Mission Those who love comedic actress Katherine Heigl will be pleased to know that she is now blogging on iVillage’s CelebVillage, focusing on a matter of vital importance: pets! She says: “At first I thought I wanted this blog to speak to those capable of cruelty, neglect, and disregard but I realised I cannot speak to that. I do not and never will understand such a mind or such a soul, so I have nothing constructive to say to those people.” In her third post, she says that she is often disheartened by the great number of people who are cruel to animals and the scanty information on how ordinary people can make a difference and help put an end to so much suffering. Katherine suggests the following ways you can help: * Encourage family and friends and neighbours to rescue a pet versus buying one. * Promote and support spay/neuter programmes and education in your area. * Donate time, money or supplies to local shelters. “Every little bit matters, no kindness is too small. One saved life matters, one unnecessary death avoided matters,” says Heigl.

PETA Fights to Free the Whales Things are looking up for five whales that were forcibly taken from their ocean homes and placed in what animal rights group PETA calls “the equivalent of concrete bathtubs” by SeaWorld in the United States. PETA has filed a lawsuit against the popular marine park, stating: “The orcas are forced to earn money for SeaWorld by performing for customers’ entertainment. They have also been turned into virtual breeding machines in order to provide more performers for SeaWorld’s cruel shows. The case seeks the release of all five orcas to a more appropriate environment, such as a coastal sanctuary. Protected sea pens would allow orcas greater freedom of movement as well as the opportunity to see, sense, and communicate with their wild cousins and other ocean animals, to feel the tides and waves, and to engage in the behaviours that they’ve long been denied. Eventually, they could be released into the ocean to be reunited with their pods.” The case was argued last February 6th, a landmark date, since it was the first time that the justice system considered a case asserting that animals have constitutional rights. i www.peta.org

Pick Up Your Dog’s Poop: The Forces Are Out! Looking for a Forever Home Dorita is a beautiful young female cross who is shy and in need of lots of love. She is currently being given lots of cuddles by the friendly staff at animal charity FAMA, but she desperately needs to be adopted. Just looking into those beautiful big brown eyes will melt your heart. i For further information, please call Pat on Tel: 620 354 885. www.f-a-m-a.net

The Marbella Town Hall has ensured a new measure is in force this month; a measure which encourages dog owners to be more responsible for their dogs, or face stiff fines. Basically, a new team comprising 23 members of the local police force, inspectors and members of the Patrulla Verde (‘Green Team’) will be on the lookout for offenders, making it difficult for the latter to get away with uncivilised behaviour. In addition to matters of cleanliness, the measure aims at increased safety and tranquillity for citizens. Dogs must be on leashes when out in public, they must wear a muzzle if they weigh more than 20kg or belong to a breed deemed dangerous and their owners have to present their dog’s sanitary card to officials upon request (so the enforcers can ensure that vaccines are in order). Owners should bring along their licence to own dangerous pets, if relevant and all dogs should also have a micro-chip and be registered in the Municipal Reigistry. Penalties for disobedience range from €500 to €3.000. ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2012 / 159

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THE GUIDE what’s on

EVENTS CONTINUED FROM MARCH Until Tuesday April 10 EXHIBITION – MÁLAGA

This Holy Week, don’t miss out on the stunning exhibition of works by famous Malagueño painter, Félix Revello de Toro. The exhibit features a series of banners created by Revello for the different Malagueñan religious brotherhoods between the years 1943 and 2006. At the Museo Revello de Toro. www.museorevellodetoro.es

Until Saturday April 28 EXHIBITION – MARBELLA

Enjoy a stunning exhibition of digital graphics by Santiago Serrano at the Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo. Tel: 952 765 741. www.museodelgrabado.com

Until Monday April 30 EXHIBITION – MARBELLA

Renowned artist Alejandro Hermann presents his latest exhibition, Simbiosis, at the Hotel H10 Andalucía Plaza. Tel: 952 812 000. www.alejandrohermann.es

EXHIBITION – ESTEPONA

Yul Hanchas, famed for his portraits of well known personalities such as Mike Tyson, Ava Gardner or Steve Jobbs, presents his latest works at the El Campanario Golf & Country House. Tel: 952 904 233. www.elcampanarionet.com

Until Friday May 4 EXHIBITION – ESTEPONA

The Stoa Art Gallery presents Passionate Women, Women with Passion, featuring 17 oil and acrylic paintings by C. Álvarez, whose emotive work capture the depths of the feminine psyche. Tel: 951 318 426. www.stoagallery.com

EXHIBITION – MARBELLA

The Red Penguin Art Gallery at El Corte Inglés Capricho presents their latest William Kentridge

exhibition: Influence of the Sixties, featuring works by several artists. www.redpenguinartgallery.com

Until Sunday May 14 EXHIBITION – MÁLAGA

CAC Málaga presents the first exhibition in Spain by South-African artist William Kentridge, featuring tapestries, mosaics, sculptures, collages, videos and drawings. Tel: 952 120 055. www.cacmalaga.org

Until Thursday May 31 EXHIBITION – ESTEPONA

The Kempinksi Hotel presents contemporary sculptures and paintings by various artists including Stefanie Wollenhaupt, Christian von Grumbkow and Michael Utz. Tel: 952 809 500. www.kempinksi.com

Until Sunday June 10 EXHIBITION – MÁLAGA

Don’t miss out on a special exhibition of 34 photographs of the great Pablo Picasso by acclaimed photographers such as Richard Avedon, Robert Doisneau, Henri Cartier-Bresson and more. At the Museo Picasso de Málaga. Tel: 952 127 600. www.museopicassomalaga.org

Until June 2012 CHILDRENS THEATRE – MÁLAGA

The Museo Picasso de Málaga presents A Boxful of Surprises: a series of theatrical shows for children by local and international artists. Play dates for April are as follows: Sunday April 15 The Compañía Universi Sensibili from Italy presents Tic Tac Tic, a comedic show that will keep kids entertained for a full hour. At 12pm and 1pm. Sunday April 22 and April 29 The María Parrato Puppet Company from Segovia presents Ping, a colourful show featuring loquacious, upbeat characters. Tel: 952 127 600. www.museopicassomalaga.org

NEW AND REGULAR EVENTS Monthly on different days FILM SHOWING AND DINNER – MARBELLA

The Marbella International Film Festival hosts Oscar Nights, which include a showing of a major Oscar winning film and dinner at the H10 Andalucía Plaza Hotel. Tel: 952 812 000. www.marbellafilmfestival.com

AMERICAN CLUB – MARBELLA

The American Club Costa del Sol Chapter meets monthly for excursions, sports and social events. Tel: 952 772 789. www.americanclubcostadelsol.com

AMIGOS DE LA CULTURA – COSTA DEL SOL

Meets at different times and places for lunches, lectures, tickets to concerts, ballet, theatre, opera, etc. Further information, Tel: 669 445 809. smartkidsmarbella@gmail.com

Every Monday SALSA CLASSES – MARBELLA

Learn how to shake your hips like a true Latino at El Campanario, under the guiding hand of professional dancer, Rafa. At 7:30pm. Prior booking is necessary. Tel: 952 904 233. www.elcampanariogolf.com

Every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday LANGUAGE WORKSHOPS – MIJAS PUEBLO

Spanish/English and English/Spanish conversation with fellow native speakers, 10:30am-12pm and 6:30pm to 8pm. Mondays in La Cala, Tuesdays in Mijas Village and Thursdays in Las Lagunas. At the Pensioner’s Day Centres. Tel: 952 589 010. www.mijas.es

Every Second Tuesday of the Month JAZZ – ESTEPONA The Coast’s Jazz Appreciation Society meets at Benavista Country Club at 8pm. Classic videos followed by a live jazz performance then dinner. To book, Tel: 952 888 106. Further information from Brian Parker, Tel: 669 504 942.

Every Third Tuesday of the Month FLORAL ART CLUB – ESTEPONA

Meets 3-5pm monthly with NAFAS demonstrators at El Campanario Golf & Country Club. Further information from Marilyn Pemberton, Tel: 952 928 197.

Every first Wednesday of the month CULTURE AND COCKTAIL – MARBELLA

The Association of Art and Culture Marbella holds a monthly cocktail at Magna Café, Magna Marbella Golf, from 8pm-10pm. Tel: 627 833 262. www.artandculturemarbella.com

Every Wednesday Cooking Classes – Marbella

From 6pm to 9pm, enjoy a fun-filled cooking class at Terra Sana Nueva Andalucía. The cost is €50 including material, products and dinner with the chef. Maximum of six people. Tel: 667 673 557. www.terrasana.net

TOASTMASTERS CLUB – MARBELLA Weekly meetings of this public speaking organisation, 7:30pm at Aloha Gardens, Nueva Andalucía. Further information, www.toastmastersmarbella.com

Salsa – Marbella

If you’re feeling the Latino vibe, brush up on your salsa moves at Buddha Bar Marbella’s special salsa nights (featuring the Nicolás Valiente Dance Academy), which take place every Wednesday at 10:30pm. Tel: 655 480 748.

Every Wednesday and Thursday CINE CLUB – MARBELLA

Cine Club Buñuel presents films in their original language at the Marbella Instituto Río Verde at 8pm and 10:15pm. Tel: 952 774 638.

Every Thursday CINE CLUB – ESTEPONA

Top films shown weekly in Spanish or original soundtrack at Padre Manuel Cultural Centre, 9pm. Tel: 952 802 002. www.estepona.es

Every last Friday of the Month COFFEE MORNING – ESTEPONA

ADANA animal rescue charity coffee morning at Plaza Manilva (outside Longman’s Bookshop) 11am – 2pm. Kennels open 10am – 5pm Monday – Friday and 10am – 2pm Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Further information, Tel: 952 797 405/ 606 274 206. www.adana-estepona.com

BUSINESS LUNCH – MARBELLA

Marbella Business Institute invitation-only lunch club for local and visiting business people, active and retired. To apply, see www.marbellabusinst.com

Every First Saturday of the Month ORIGINAL ROCK & ROLL DANCE CLUB – NUEVA ANDALUCÍA

Rock & roll music from the late 1940s to the early 1960s spun by resident DJ Tall Mike, with visiting acts and stalls selling memorabilia. 10pm – 3am at La Flor de los Naranjos restaurant. Entry free. Further information, Tel: 952 913 285. www.activesoundproductions.com

Every Saturday ECOLOGICAL MARKET – MARBELLA

If organic fruit and veg are your thing, don’t miss out on this hip ecological market. At the Paseo de la Alameda from 10am to 2pm every Saturday. www.marbella.es

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Wednesday April 4 EASTER EGG HUNT – MARBELLA

Arboretum Marbella will be holding a fun Easter Egg Hunt at their beautiful public park from 3pm onwards. Families will be given a tour around the green areas then teams will be given clues on where eggs are hidden. Booking is essential. To reserve your place, email info@arboretummarbella.org

TEATRO CERVANTES Wednesday April 4 MOZART

The Nizhniy Novgorod Orchestra, chorus and soloists play Mozart’s Requiem and 40th Symphony at 9pm.

Friday April 13 and Saturday April 14 ADAGIOS Wednesday April 4 to Friday June 15 EXHIBITION – MARBELLA

The Polígono Art Gallery presents La Pasión, an exhibition of expressionist works by Jorge Rando, who represents famous scenes from the last hours of the life of Jesus Christ. Viewings by appointment only. Tel: 615 381 119. www.poligonogallery.com

MARKETS – PUERTO BANÚS

Head for the Puerto Banús bullring every Saturday for a fun street market featuring everything from clothing right through to music, accessories and home ware. Starts at 9am and ends at 2pm. www.marbella.es

Every Saturday and Sunday KIDS’ CAMP – MARBELLA ALOHA GARDENS

Multi-Sports Club weekend camps for children aged 4-14, 10:30am-1pm. Activities include tennis, football, cricket, basketball, hockey, handball, paddle tennis. Aloha Gardens, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 814 086. www.themultisportsclub.com

Every First Sunday of the month OPEN DAY – MIJAS PAD animal shelter, Cerros del Águila, welcomes visitors from 12pm-3pm. Further information, Tel: 952 486 084. www.padcatsanddogs.org

Sunday April 1 to Sunday April 8 HOLY WEEK

Enjoy religious processions representing the life and death of Christ, in Málaga and in all local towns.

Monday to Friday April 2 to 6 and April 9 to 13 KIDS EASTER SCHOOL – MARBELLA

Children will have the time of their lives at the El Campanario Easter School. Activities include tennis, golf, swimming, etc. For further information, Tel: 952 904 233. www.elcampanarionet.com

Monday April 2, Tuesday April 3 and Saturday April 7 CHOCOLATE WORKSHOP – MARBELLA From 10:30am to 1:30pm, learn how to make healthy chocolate easter eggs, cakes and fudge with super anti-oxidant raw chocolate. The cost is €22 per person. For further information, Tel: 952 929 860/ 695 845 416.

Thursday April 5 PARTY – MARBELLA

Suite du Ciel and Namakaze at the Hotel Puente Romano are celebrating the launch of the Spring/Summer season with a spectacular party at 9:30pm. To reserve your place, call Dianka on Tel: 630 962 852 or Rafa on Tel: 676 920 474. www.puenteromano.com

Thursday April 5 to Monday April 9 BOAT SHOW – PUERTO BANÚS Marina Marbella presents The Pre-Owned Boast Show at the Puerto Banús Marina, featuring over 100 boats, most of which will be available for sea trials. www.marinamarbella.net

Friday April 6 CONCERT – MARBELLA

Welsh tenor Stephen Lloyd-Morgan performs at the Hotel Puento Romano’s Ristorante Roberto while guests enjoy a sumptuous dinner. Tickets cost €55. To book your table, Tel: 952 820 900. www.puenteromano.com

EXCURSION – MÁLAGA

The Marbella Foreigners’ Department is organising an excursion called El Paso de Riogordo, a representation featuring Holy Week themes in Riogordo, Málaga. For further information, Tel: 951 881 860.

CABARET – MARBELLA

For a night filled with fun and laughter, don’t miss out on the Cabaret Evening with Alexandra Avery at the El Campanario Country House. At 8pm. Reservations on Tel: 952 904 233. www.elcampanarionet.com

Tuesday April 10 WINE TASTING – MIJAS PUEBLO

The Museo del Vino presents a fun wine tasting event at 1pm for the cost of €25. For further information, Tel: 952 589 010.

Tuesday April 10 to Thursday April 26 EXHIBITION – FUENGIROLA

The Asociación Española de Pintores y Escultores presents a collective exhibition featuring a wide range of paintings and sculptures. At the Tenencia de Alcaldía de Los Boliches. Tel: 952 460 750. www.visitafuengirola.com

Wednesday April 11 to Friday April 13 BONSAI EXHIBITION – FUENGIROLA The Casa de la Cultura de Fuengirola will be housing an exhibition of delicate bonsais to celebrate the arrival of Spring. Tel: 952 589 300. www.visitafuengirola.com

Saturday April 14 TANGO – NERJA

Producciones Lastra premieres their show A Puro Tango at the Centro Cultural Villa de Nerja. The show features couples dancing, singing and poetry and live music. Tickets can be purchased on Tel: 952 523 863 or on Tel: 902 101 212. www.telentrada.com

Tuesday April 17 FLOWERS – ESTEPONA

The Estepona Floral Art Club will be holding its monthly flower arranging demonstration at Tikitano Restaurant from 2.45pm until 5pm. The demonstrator will be Jo Poulter, a NAFAS East of England Area Demonstrator from Peterborough. For further information, Tel: 951 170 573.

Friday April 20 and Saturday April 21 TRADITIONAL SPANISH MUSIC – MÁLAGA

Guitarist Ricardo Gallén plays three adagios, by S. Barber, J. Rodrigo and Tchaikovsky, respectively. At 9pm on Friday and 8pm on Saturday.

i Tel: 902 360 295. www.teatrocervantes.com

TEATRO ECHEGARAY Sunday April 8 CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Limac Producciones presents La Abeja Maya, a fun-filled children’s theatrical performance featuring life-sized puppet characters. At 12am.

Thursday April 12 JAZZ

Jazztease 5 plays popular jazz songs by Ella Fitzgerald, Betty Hutton, Aretha Franklin and many more. At 9pm.

Sunday April 15 CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Adiateatro prsents ¼ y Mitad Piratas, a play about a couple of characters who dream of becoming the world’s most feared pirates. At 11am and 1pm.

Sunday April 29 CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Producciones Infantiles Miguel Pino presents Peneque: La Canción del Pirata, a super fun puppet show about pirates, a princess and a hidden treasure.

i Tel: 952 360 295. www.teatroechegaray.com Peneque: La Canción del Pirata

The Zarzuela is one of Spain’s most revered forms of musical theatre and this month, you can enjoy a performance of the classic La Verbena de La Paloma at the Teatro Alameda. At 8:30pm on Friday and 7pm on Saturday. For tickets, www.nvivo.es

Thursday April 26 FINANCIAL TALK – MARBELLA

Fiduciary Wealth Management will be holding an Open Day at the Hotel Pyr in Marbella, giving prospective clients the opportunity to enjoy a private 30-minute financial consultation free of charge. Reserve your appointment on Tel: +350 200 50982. www.fiduciarywealth.eu

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THE GUIDE stars

nnie Heese is the founder of astrology website, www.cafeastrology.com, a site featuring articles, love sign compatibility reports, predictions, the gen on famous people and their star signs, and general information for astrology buffs.

ARIES [21 MAR - 20 APR]

LEO [23 JUL - 22 AUG]

SAGITTARIUS [22 NOV - 21 DEC]

Slowly but surely, you’ll enjoy considerable more clarity and confidence. Your drive is returning full force, and friends will enjoy that you’re more interested in socialising this month. Personal revelations can come around the Full Moon on the 6th. Some of you will be pursuing relationships more heartily. Certainly, you have some admirers. After the 15th, when setbacks can discourage, you begin to see the rewards for your work efforts in the past few months. The 22nd-23rd can bring a new friendship or alliance. Finances are strong.

People you meet this month are likely to be a source of inspiration. You’re being exposed to different ways of thinking and you especially enjoy exchanging ideas with others. Unexpected opportunities to travel or expand your education can emerge. Love is enhanced through shared goals and visions. Single Leos may find romance with or through a friend or group association. Mid-month, you begin to see progress with finances and money-making endeavours. Career matters push forward suddenly from the 21st. You’re taking charge and others are following your lead.

Excitement on romantic and creative levels is in store for you this month. Love matters may be laced with a touch of drama and surprise. More clarity in your love life begins to reveal itself from mid-month forward. People you meet are especially helpful and appealing. While pastimes, hobbies, and entertainment are in strong focus in the first few weeks of the month, it’s back to business by the 21st. Career picks up pace, and it becomes easier to get straight answers from bosses and co-workers.

TAURUS [21 APR - 20 MAY]

VIRGO [23 AUG - 22 SEP]

CAPRICORN [22 DEC - 19 JAN]

You’re likely working very hard this month to make extra cash. The desire for beautiful and comfortable objects is strong. You’re building up your resources and your ‘nest’ in April, while for the most part keeping a low profile by choice. The 21st, however, brings a blast of personal energy and increased confidence. You’re ready to pursue your desires. A love relationship may be revived and moving forward in the last week of the month. Nevertheless, there are a few lingering problems to iron out, and you’ll need to be patient.

Recent relationship challenges and personal frustrations will begin to dissipate this month and you can more confidently move your plans forward. Finances are a big focus and possibly a concern, as you face problems and find ways to improve your spending and borrowing habits. You might receive good advice or come up with novel new ideas on how to do so. The 22nd-23rd can bring a pleasant surprise or bonus. Career prospects and your reputation improve considerably after the first week of April, due in part to a more amenable manner.

Considerable progress can be made around the home, with family, and at work in April. However, when it comes to work, it’s more about your working environment and the social aspect of your job that’s set to improve significantly. This could be a time when you decide to give your home a bit of a ‘makeover’. You take pleasure in lending a hand to others and organising your workspace. From the 21st onwards you will enjoy letting in some outgoing, playful and creative energy into your life. For some, a romance could be in the air.

GEMINI [21 MAY - 21 JUN]

LIBRA [23 SEP - 23 OCT]

AQUARIUS [20 JAN - 19 FEB]

This month, you’re enjoying extra attention and appreciation for the very qualities that come most naturally to you. This is due to Venus, the Goddess of love, moving through your sign from the 3rd forward. Increased social, romantic, and creative activity is likely, especially around the 6th-8th and the 22nd. New friendships can be formed this month. More clarity comes to your career, as projects that were previously stalled push forward, and to your life with family and domestic matters in the last week of April.

April is a relationship-centred month. A Full Moon in your sign heightens your emotions and could bring a partnership matter to light around the 6th. Relationships become clearer, both with a partner and in your work, after mid-month. You feel you have more information with which to make good decisions. As well, you are more willing to broaden your perceptions of the people in your life. Cultural events and other forms of learning and experience appeal this month. The 21st-23rd brings good energy for money matters.

April is a strong month for social, creative and learning endeavours. Love is simpler and attraction is easy and natural. You are expressing yourself with extra charm. Your eagerness, flexibility and willingness to tag along with others just for the company endear you to friends and family. Financial complexities begin to unravel this month. Dealings with a partner and with financial institutions become more straightforward after a feeling of treading water. Even so, it’s not yet the time for quick settlements or moves. Be patient.

CANCER [22 JUN - 22 JUL]

SCORPIO [24 OCT - 21 NOV]

PISCES [20 FEB - 20 MAR]

Career goals are in focus this month. Daily affairs become less muddled and overwhelming and this frees you up to tend to more worldly goals. Your original ideas can capture the attention of higher-ups. Don’t be afraid to express them. Unexpected professional opportunities pop up. Be sure to reconnect and stay in touch with acquaintances and relatives in April. Make up for lost time. Friendships enliven from the 21st onwards. Love has a private feel to it this month. You’re not yet ready to share your feelings with the world.

Work takes centre stage in April and there are some surprises in store. Be prepared to rearrange your schedule at a moment’s notice. It’s a strong month for solving problems, reorganising, and tending to the details of your daily existence. Both physical and mental resistance are on the increase this month. Friendships begin to straighten out mid-month after a period of some confusion of boundaries. You’re learning who is in your corner. Strong energy for attracting or enhancing a partnership is with you from the 21st.

Dealing with others in a straightforward manner has been difficult recently. Support for your personal endeavours hasn’t been very forthcoming, but by mid-April, relationship dynamics smooth over and you feel that you can move forward. Home life should be especially pleasant. Focus is on beautifying your surroundings and bringing harmony to family relationships. Familiarity rather than excitement is sought in love. Financial surprises are likely in April. You may have to rework a money-making idea or your budget, but the improvements will take you further in the long run.

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