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VILLA SIENNA
THIS OUTSTANDING MODERN HOME OCCUPIES A SPACIOUS PLOT SURROUNDED BY NATURE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BENAHAVÍS. SET ON TWO LEVELS WITH AN ADDITIONAL BASEMENT, ITS LARGE FLOOR TO CEILING WINDOWS ENSURE BOUNTIFUL LIGHT AND WONDERFUL PANORAMIC VIEWS ACROSS ITS INFINITY POOL TO THE COAST. FLOWING INTERIORS THROUGHOUT THE PROPERTY SHOWCASE OPEN PLAN LIVING AT ITS FINEST.
VILLA VICTORIA
A MASTERPIECE OF MODERNIST ARCHITECTURE, VILLA VICTORIA MARKS A DISTINCT DIVERGENCE FROM CURRENT DESIGN TRENDS WITH ITS SINGULAR LEVEL LIVING SPACES SET INDIVIDUALLY. THIS CREATES A SENSE OF PRIVACY WITH THE COMFORT OF COMMUNITY FROM THEIR CLOSE CONNECTION. ZEN STYLING FURTHER ENHANCES THE LIVING EXPERIENCE ALONGSIDE THE EXTENSIVE USE OF STONE AND WOOD IN THE CONSTRUCTION.
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contents
ESSENTIALS
18 Publisher’s Letter
GO TO SPOTLIGHT
26 Nice is Nice 40 World’s Best Vineyards 52 The New Icon Malabar in Málaga 60 COP26 UN Climate Change Conference 70 The New Toyota Supra 78 Anya Taylor-Joy
GO TO TRENDS 84 Hot New Films 88 Cool New Series 92 Music News 94 Books – New Releases 98 Revolutionary Cleaning Technology 102 What’s Cool
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GO TO LIFESTYLE 108 Villa Mercury
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118 Iberian House Makeover 128 Giodoro Coats 136 Biologically Appropriate Pet Food
GO TO SPA 140 Celebrity Beauty Brands 144 The Benefits of Meditation 146 Prostate Artery Embolisation (PAE) 148 Tips For Keeping Migraines At Bay
GO TO ENTERPRISE 152 Grupo Otero – The Secret 158 José Carlos Leon of Nvoga 164 The VIBE 172 Business News 180 Luxury From Owners
70 128
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186 COA Marbella 192 Gourmet Bytes 194 Pittacum from Bierzo
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DESIGNED FOR BETTER LIVING Each design-led home at Vista Lago will be quite unlike anything that has gone before. All 18 villas, as well as the furniture and fittings in them, are different from each other. The commonality they share are the breathtaking views across the Mediterranean Sea to Gibraltar and Africa beyond.
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The view from your sofa at Vista Lago Residences
LA QUINTA
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LOS OLIVOS 10
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Bed: 5 I Bath: 5+1 I Plot: 1.010 m2 I Built: 486 m2 I losolivos10.es I € 2.995.000
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Bed: 7 I Bath: 6+2 I Plot: 2.573 m2 I Built: 931 m2 I Terrace: 183 m2 I casa-castana.es I € 12.500.000
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NUEVA ANDALUCIA
ALOHA 138
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Issue 264 – November 2021
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PUBLISHER & DIRECTOR IAIN BLACKWELL director@essentialmagazine.com DIGITAL & CREATIVE DIRECTOR ANDREA BLACKWELL andrea@essentialmagazine.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR MARISA CUTILLAS marisa@essentialmagazine.com DESIGN & LAYOUT ANDREA BLACKWELL, INMA AURIOLES design@essentialmagazine.com
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D WORDS BY IAIN BLACKWELL PUBLISHER
NOBLE NOVEMBER
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n this inspiring issue we take you on a Nice adventure, while admiring a newly reformed Iberian house en route. We also feature the award winners from the recently revealed World’s Best Vineyards. On a more sober note, the UN Climate Change Conference is taking place in Glasgow, which is of vital import for our future. We are all hoping for some decisive action. Closer to home, we enjoy a stopover at the new Icon Malabar in Málaga and see first hand why COA Marbella is destined for
great things. Following her soaring success in The Queen’s Gambit, we find out what makes Anya Taylor-Joy tick, on the eve of the release of Last Night in Soho. The Celica was many a driver’s favourite back in the 80s – check out its impressive modern day incarnation, the Toyota Supra. Elsewhere, we are stunned by the value of celebrity brand cosmetics and astounded by the sheer elegance of new brand Giodoro, adorning this month’s cover. Enjoy!
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“NOVEMBER AT ITS BEST – WITH A SORT OF DELIGHTFUL MENACE IN THE AIR” ANNE BOSWORTH GREENE
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For more information visit our website: costadelsol365.es +34 951 122 313 | info@costadelsol365.es
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spotlight
THE UN CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE IS IN GLASGOW AND EVERYONE, THE QUEEN INCLUDED, IS WAITING FOR ACTION. LEARN WHICH VINEYARDS HAVE JUST BEEN ELECTED THE WORLD’S BEST. FANCY A JOY RIDE IN THE NEW TOYOTA SUPRA? AND, SPEAKING OF JOY, DON’T MISS OUR FEATURE ON ANYA TAYLOR.
GO TO PAGE 40 FOR THE WORLD’S BEST VINEYARDS
GO TO PAGE 78 FOR ANYA TAYLOR-JOY
GO TO PAGE 70 FOR THE NEW TOYOTA SUPRA
GO TO PAGE 26 FOR NICE
CULTURE TRAVEL HISTORY PEOPLE MOTORING 26 Nice is Nice 40 World’s Best Vineyards 52 The New Icon Malabar in Málaga 60 COP26 UN Climate Change Conference 70 The New Toyota Supra 78 Anya Taylor-Joy
D SPOTLIGHT travel
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NICE WELCOME TO THE GOOD LIFE
26 / NOVEMBER 2021 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
The Côte d'Azur, popularly referred to as the French Riviera, is ideally located on the Mediterranean coastline of the south eastern part of France. It extends from Menton in the East to Cassis in the West. Its largest city is Nice – a wonderful French Riviera port, one which is a very popular destination for honeymooners and sun-worshipers. It is an extensive city and finding one’s way can be intimidating for the first-time visitor. WORDS SUBHASISH CHAKRABORTY PHOTOGRAPHY SUBHASISH CHAKRABORTY AND SHUTTERSTOCK
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D SPOTLIGHT travel
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Scenic view of waterfall of Castle Hill in Nice
T
he introduction of the railways in the 19th century forever changed the destiny of this metropolis. It soon emerged as the playground of aristocrats and the crème-de-lacrème of society. From Queen Victoria to the Prince of Wales, the royal families simply loved the French Riviera. Nice gradually began to evolve as a centre for elite 28 / NOVEMBER 2021 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
tourism and by the 20th century it had become a preferred holiday destination of artists and scholars and some of the luminaries of that era like Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Edith Wharton and others of their ilk began frequenting this stunningly beautiful region. The ultra rich Americans were not to be left behind either. The huge popularity of the
French Riveria compelled the town and country planners to sit back and take notice. Following World War II, this part of France was gradually developed into a state-of-theart convention centre and several Hollywood superstars have their apartments here. It is a fact that non-French nationals outnumber the native population. ›
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back to CONTENTS The Busy Port
Boats Anchored at Nice Port
Nice’s fabulous Cote d’Azur Airport is one of France’s busiest after Paris and there is another airport in the neighborhood of Mandelieu, which is now the exclusive domain of private and business category flyers. Time permitting, a visit to surrounding places of the French Riveria includes a virtual galaxy of paradisiacal localities like Cannes, Antibes, Juan-lesPins, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Ca-d’Ail, Fréjus, Saint Raphaël and Saint Tropez. There is also the principality of Monaco to contend with. Given the fact that the French Riveria receives around 300 days of sunshine per year, having a coastline that extends to 115 kms has meant that this region has evolved as a major yachting centre. Don’t be taken aback to see some of the world’s costliest and most luxurious yachts anchored along the area’s impeccably maintained marinas. If statistical records are anything to go by, each year the French Riviera hosts 50 per cent of the world’s yacht fleet, which in itself is astonishing.
30 / NOVEMBER 2021 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
You can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, which was conceived of almost 200 years back and shapes Nice’s Mediterranean coast at the marvellous Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels). This iconic boulevard is popularly referred to as the ‘Promenade’ and extends for 6 kms. If you feel tired, there is no dearth of the quintessential Nice ‘Blue Chairs’ where you can sit down and bask in the uninterrupted sea vistas. There are of course
legendary beaches with easy availability of sun loungers and a throbbing beach life and you can count on many daytime activities and a vibrant nightlife along the coast. It is reassuring to know that the water is checked regularly and evaluated as ‘good’ according to the exacting European standards. Many of the city’s elegant monuments are historic and date back to the 17th century. Of particular significance are the magnificent Palais
Lascaris, the Cathédrale de Sainte Réparate and the impressive Monastère de Cimiez. There are countless ‘must visit’ tourist attractions around Nice and the majority of them are landmarks in their own right. Mention may be made of the impregnable 16th century Fort du Mont Alban, as one of the best places to catch a glimpse of traditional French military architecture and one can be assured of breathtaking natural vistas. ›
Promenade des Anglais in Nice
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A full day’s tour of the city’s cultural heritage is recommended, encompassing the Musée de Paléontologie Humaine Terra Amata (popularly referred to as the Museum of Human Palaeontology), the Musée d’Archéologie de NiceCimiez (the Archaeological Museum) and also the Musée Départemental des Arts Asiatiques (Regional Museum of Asian Arts). The methodical manner in which the objets d’art and artifacts are preserved deserves kudos.
The Neighborhood of Cours Saleya
32 / NOVEMBER 2021 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
When it comes to Fine Arts, Nice is like a ‘Mecca’ – the Musée des Beaux Arts (Museum of Fine Arts) which is ideally located on the upscale Avenue des Baumettes is particularly fascinating. So too is the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain which is strategically located on the posh Avenue St. Jean Baptiste. The city of Nice has its own individual character and the native people have always held onto their independence, folk traditions and their own
language, Nissart, deriving from the Occitan linguistic ensemble extending from Catalonia to the valleys of Piedmont and Le Limousin. Most of the vocabulary comes from the Latin spoken by the Romans who came here to build the town of Cemenelum. In order to stop the Nissart language becoming obsolete, theatre productions are a great help. Time permitting, a visit to the Theatre Nicois de Francis Gag and the Lou Rodou Nissart can be a very rewarding experience. ›
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To promote the authentic cuisine of Nice, restaurant owners have made a solemn commitment by signing a Quality Charter – ‘Cuisine Nissarde, Le Respect De La Tradition’. Restaurant owners holding this collective label can be identified by this logo on their storefront. When you step into any restaurant with the ’Cusine Nissarde’ label, it is a guarantee of excellence and good value. › Perfectly complementing the varied cuisine of Nice, the AOC wines have earned an excellent reputation, in particular in almost
People walk on a Promenade du Paillon park
34 / NOVEMBER 2021 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
all the popular restaurants of Nice. The fact that the vineyards too are located in the hills that are in close proximity to Nice has helped tremendously. No stopover in Nice is ever complete without a visit to some its impeccably landscaped gardens. There are at least ten gardens and Municipal Parks, but the ones that stand out are Jardin Albert, Jardins Suspendus Du Paillon, L’Esplanade Du Paillon, Le Parc Du Chateau, Le Jardin Du Monastère De Cimiez, Le Jardin Des Arenes De Cimiez, and Parc Chambrun.
Aerial view of Place Massena square
While Jardin Albert happens to be Nice’s oldest garden that stretches for almost 2 kms. from the seafront to the hills, the Jardins Suspendus Du Paillon is ideally spread out between the Old Town and the city centre. The Parc Chambrun is particularly impressive with its quintessential French romantic architecture. Other gardens worth visiting are Le Jardin Botanique, renowned for its classic collections of Mediterranean flowers and the Parc Floral Phoenix. As the city’s old timers are apt to say: “Nice has changed more in fifty years than it did over the past two centuries. Its history advances, but its past remains.” This city of a thousand delights will inspire forever. › The Pulsating Night Life at Nice
The Bustling City Square
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D SPOTLIGHT travel Arial View of the Beach Front
back to CONTENTS Nice Carnival
Z ACCOMMODATION: Nice offers a wide range of accommodation options. Nice Convention and Visitors Bureau publishes a Nice Hotel guide, which is available at 17, Rue Paganini. Tel: 33 (0) 4 93 88 39 42. E-Mail: HYPERLINK “mailto:hotels@ nicematin.fr” hotels@nicematin.fr
TRAVELLER’S FACT FILE: Z GETTING THERE: By Air: It is certainly interesting to arrive to Nice by plane as one gets an immediate bird’s eye view of the city and the reasons for its very special character. Nice’s Cote D’Azur Airport greets nearly 7.5 million passengers each year. With a global network of more than 60 connections, the Riviera International Airport is your privileged gateway to the city of Nice. There are more than 45 international airlines offering routine flights to more than 88
cities worldwide. The popularity and the easy accessibility of Nice can be gauged from the fact that there are more than 300 flights a week to Paris. The route from Paris to Nice is the busiest in France. Z SHOPPING: Nice is a Mecca for shoppers. From small boutiques selling craftworks and traditional fabrics in the Old Town to the jewellery shops on the Avenue de Verdun, a bewildering variety of shopping outlets are available in the city of Nice. Typical souvenirs from Nice include wines, olive oil, candied fruit, perfumes, fabrics, art and crafts.
36 / NOVEMBER 2021 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
Furthermore, Day and night SIGNOTEL panels at Nice’s Cote D’Azur International Airport and at La Scoperta Services on the motorway provide tourist information on hotel availability and bookings can also be made. Rentals and accommodation offered by private individuals can also be booked at – Regional Tourist Committee, 55 Promenade des Anglais, Tel: 33 (0) 4 92 15 21 30. Subhasish Chakraborty Travel Writer, subhas.chako@gmail.com
THE PERFECT SUNDAY INDULGENCE. This fall spend your Sundays in style and unwind at the beach. Savour the local culinary creations in a delicious brunch, including Sunday roast, paired with live music and the perfect Mediterranean scenario. For the youngters, the most fun moments await with a selection of creative activities.
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BY APPOINTMENT ONLY +34 951 255 255 info@oceanviewmarbella.com OCEANVIEWMARBELL A.COM
D SPOTLIGHT vineyards
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GRAPE ESCAPES Winery tours have got a lot more exciting than a long lecture in a dank cellar and a short measure in a glass. The World’s Best Vineyards singles out top wine tourism destinations across the globe where the visitor experience samples the Top Five and matches the wow factor of the wines. our own wild card pick – a winery that thinks it’s a theme park. Pour yourself a glass of something good and enjoy!
40 / NOVEMBER 2021 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
WINE STREAM Germany’s Schloss Johannisburg winery hosted 2021’s virtual reveal
THE 2021 RANKINGS Europe is the pick of the crop for a vineyard adventure. The continent hogs 19 spots in the World’s Best Vineyards Top 50 with Spain’s own Marqués de Riscal in La Rioja crowned Europe’s top winery. Now in its third year, 2021’s list represents 16 countries, including first-time entrants from Lebanon and Russia. But it’s not all about the wine. With no apologies to wine geeks, location, ambiance, views, architecture, food and service are just as important. Rankings are based on nominations from a Voting Academy of over 500 wine and travel experts in 18 global regions who have tried and tested 1,500 wineries between them. “There is no single definition for an amazing vineyard experience in the same way as there is no single definition for an amazing wine,” said WBV’s Andrew Reed at
2021’s reveal, live-streamed from the Schloss Johannisberg winery in Rheingau, Germany. “By shining the light on wine tourism, the message gets out to more people to come and discover the uniqueness of wine and where it is made.” Chile and Portugal had the most wineries in the Top 50 with seven apiece, followed by Argentina with six. Spain tied France with four: the Tio Pepe Bodega in Jerez was listed #9, Familia Torres, #26 and Abadía Retuerta’s magnificent monastic complex in Castilla y León, #32. ›
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D SPOTLIGHT vineyards
In a desert of rock and cactus that looks like no place you could grow vines, this modernist winery in Mendoza’s Uco Valley has been startling visitors and alpaca herdsmen since it opened in 2016. Built from the stone that litters the landscape and topped with a shiny cupola reflecting the snow-capped Andean peaks, the architecture has won almost as many awards as the wines. The domed tasting room is also an art gallery and the glass-fronted Piedra Infinita Cocina serves up four-course paired lunches garnished with jaw-dropping views. The Zuccardi family has produced precision-made highaltitude wines here since 1963
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and at 1,000 metres above sea level, vineyards don’t get more vertiginous. Their flagship Finca Piedra Infinita vineyard’s 2016 and 2018 Malbecs scored a coveted 100 Robert Parker Points and the third generation is aiming higher still, seeking purer expressions of terroir with meticulous soil research and a groundbreaking fermentation system in concrete egg-shaped vats. Named World’s Best Vineyard for the third year running, judges praised everything from the ‘Brutalist beauty of the fermentation vats’ to ‘the fastidiously detailed tours that make soils scintillating. It’s not just the vineyards’ height that will take your breath away’. ›
DIZZY HEIGHTS: Zuccardi tops the world 42 / NOVEMBER 2021 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
#1 WINERY AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD ZUCCARDI WINES, ARGENTINA Z Best Vineyard in the World 2021 / Best Vineyard in South America 2021. Z Signature wine: Zuccardi Q Malbec. ‘Wine like the Andes – profound, austere and full of textures.’
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D SPOTLIGHT vineyards
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#2 AN ADVENTURELAND OF WINE HEREDEROS DEL MARQUÉS DE RISCAL, SPAIN Z Best Vineyard in Europe 2021 Z Signature Wine: Marqués de Riscal Reserva. ‘Wines designed to be original, fresh and easy to drink.’ Wrapped in ribbons of pink and purple titanium, Marqués de Riscal’s astonishing City of Wine set the trend for glamorous winery hotels when it opened in 2006 offering Cabernet scrubs in a vinotherapy spa and
SHINING EXAMPLE Marqués de Riscal set the trend for flashy wine hotels 44 / NOVEMBER 2021 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
adventures among the vines. The handiwork of Frank Gehry who designed Bilbao’s iconic Guggenheim Museum, the ’drunken’ interior of tilted walls, zigzag windows and fruity colours is just as intriguing. Looking out across the winelands of La Rioja to one side and the gastronomic promise of the Basque Country on the other, a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant headed by Francis Paniego combines produce from both regions in six and nine-course paring menus. But the biggest surprise is the original cellars hidden at the heart of
this futuristic wine city: La Catedral, a prodigious 130,000-bottle library of rare wines dating back to the family’s very first vintage from 1862. Visitors can tour this living history in six languages, explore the estate on horseback or e-bike, or save the wine talk for dinner and head off to the golf course. ‘Design, art, gastronomy, wine and the lush landscape all combine to create a memorable sojourn,’ commented the judges. ‘There is a lot to learn and discover at this adventure-land of wine.
CROWD PULLER The magnificent Château Margaux
#3 A 16TH CENTURY ARISTOCRAT CHÂTEAU MARGAUX, FRANCE Z Signature Wine: Grand Vin de Margaux. ‘Fruity Bordeaux blends of the highest order’.
Chateau Margaux has been producing its name-dropping wines for the tables of princes and presidents since Louis XIV sat on the throne. Britain’s 18th century Prime Minister Sir Robert Walpole got through 16 casks a year but rarely settled his bills! However it is the 19th century Neo-Palladian villa, nicknamed the Versailles of the Médoc, that draws visitors along the sweeping tree-lined driveway leading to one of Bordeaux’s original top four Premier Cru wineries, as classified by Emperor Napoleon’s tasters in 1855. Inspired by the Parthenon, complete with ionic columns, the wine world initially turned its snooty nose up when a Greek bought the estate but André
Mentzelopoulos kick-started the winery’s second golden age. Now his daughter and grandchildren have upped the ante, adding a new winery with a splendid glass Vinotheque tasting pavilion designed by Sir Norman Foster and, said the judges, ‘proving unafraid to experiment with new initiatives like using screw caps instead of corks’. Cellar tours are by appointment and stop at the château’s front door but every visitor gets to stroll down that regal driveway and dream a little. ›
TREASURE TROVE The cellars at Château Margaux © BRICE BRAASTAD
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#4 A STAR IS BORN BODEGA GARZÓN, URUGUAY
FIERY FINALE Francis Mallmann, the chef who plays with fire
Z Signature wine: Bodega Garzón Balasto. ‘Bold yet taught Atlantic-influenced New World wines’. No one was talking about Uruguay wines when South America’s first green winery burst onto the scene in 2016. But Argentina’s richest man, oil tycoon Alejandro Bulgheroni, has spared no expense in taming Uruguay’s wild child Tannat grape, grown in 2,500-year-old granite soils, into tipples that compete with the best. The bodega’s architecture is as rooted to its terroir as the wine, grafting the region’s ancient windsculptured boulders into its design - camouflage for one of the most high tech production set-ups in the world. The first winery outside North America with an LEED Certificate of sustainability, the
estate spreads across a biodiverse landscape of virgin forest, palm groves, almond plantations and the manicured fairways of an 18-hole course. But it’s the Garzón Experiences that tempt tourists into abandoning their sunbeds on Uruguay’s Riviera, just down the road, for a day in the country. Vineyard picnics, horsedrawn carriage rides, hot air balloon flights and blendyour-own wine classes are all on the menu, along with a chance to sample the cuisine of Francis Mallmann, ‘the chef who plays with fire’; though he may not be there as he has restaurants in Paris, Miami and all over South America to attend to.
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SUSTAINABLE STAR Bodgea Garzón, South America’s first eco winery
FIREPIT FEAST at the Montes bodega
#5 DIVINE WINES AND HELLFIRE COOKING VIÑA MONTES, CHILE Z Signature wine: Purple Angel (among others.) ‘Wine from another planet’, made from the Carménère grape, long lost in France and recently rediscovered in Chile.
SPIRITUAL WINERY The design harnesses the principals of Feng shui
Grapes get a helping hand from the spirit world at this mystical winery in Chile’s Colchagua Valley. Angels embellish the bottle labels, Gregorian chants serenade wines in the barrel for optimal ageing and the architecture incorporates the five elements of Feng shui. The wooden path over water flowing towards the winery entrance, the metal fermentation tanks and the restaurant’s fire pit all ensure ‘Good Chi’. The bodega is the shared vision of four friends who got together in the late 1980s to take Chilean wines to a higher
level, and the magic is working. Today its vineyards stretch from the coast to the Andes foothills and Montes wines are sold in more than 100 countries. The only place to drink them is in their own terroir, surrounded by vine canes, at the bodega’s Fuegos de Apalta restaurant. Overseen by the ubiquitous Francis Mallmann, the fiery four-course gaucho feast blends gastronomy with theatre as aproned acolytes flit among the flames tending slabs of ninehour slow-grilled rib eye and cast iron cauldrons of caramelising fruits. ›
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#31 WILLY WONKA’S WINE FACTORY D’ARENBERG, AUSTRALIA Z Signature wine: ‘The Dead Arm Shiraz, among a huge portfolio of wines with quirky cuvée names’. Dubbed Australia’s Willy Wonka of Wine, the flamboyant Chester Osborne has turned his great grandfather’s Adelaide estate, founded in 1912, into a wonderland as psychedelic as his shirts. Garden gnomes peep between the vines and the sound of the weather, transformed into wavelengths, is pumped from speakers to cheer up the grapes. Poised in the middle of the estate, which you can tour by horseback, helicopter or biplane, is the d’Arenberg Cube, a mirrored version of Rubik’s reflecting the puzzle-solving nature of winemaking. An Alternate Realities Museum and a virtual fermenter that makes you feel like you’re in a tank
of grapes continues the trippy experience inside the cube, finishing four floors up in the panoramic tasting room. Lunch is an eight-course degustation at d’Arry’s Verandah, the family’s 19th-century homestead. Under Chester’s watch the bodega has become the largest biodynamic grower in the country, producing organic wines from a staggering 37 grape varieties. There’s no madness in his methods although the names of all d’Arenberg wines are pretty insane. There’s one christened The Cenosilicaphobic Cat after Chester’s own wine-loving moggie. Cenosilicaphobia is fear of an empty glass! e
QUIRKY The d’Arenberg Cube lights up at night
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THE REVIVAL OF TRUE STYLE
LA CIUDADELA MARBELLA
ICON MALABAR
COMES TO SOHO MÁLAGA July saw the opening of an exciting new hotel in the city’s Soho district between the port and the historic centre – a stylishly fun new creation by Hotelatelier in one of Málaga’s hippest and most upcoming areas. WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HOTELATELIER
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S
et in a tastefully renovated classic building close to the river and Calle Larios, and within a short stroll of the port, ferris wheel, beaches and the quayside Muelle Uno leisure and shopping area, not to mention the large El Corte Inglés department store, the ICON Malabar is an elegant new addition to Málaga’s tourism and culture scene in an area known for its lively restaurants, cafés, art galleries and theatres. The 76 rooms and suites are distributed over four floors, where warmly attractive lodgings overlook many of the city’s famous icons. Staying at the ICON Malabar offers the authentic feel of Málaga, almost as if you step out of a private apartment into this city of culture, art and vibrant sensations. The hotel itself has an appealing ambience as
you enter the lobby, reception, lounge, café and restaurant, whose contemporary interpretation of classic Málaga style with a touch of colonial décor brings the Spain of old back to life in combination with the comfort of today. The look and feel is very much in sync with modern interpretations of luxury and style, with an atmosphere that exudes a calming yet invigorating feeling. This is also true of the courtyard, where tables and seats offer a fresh outdoor setting for breakfast, a drink or a relaxing chat before you head out to enjoy the many sights and attractions of the city. The décor created by Merry Estudio pays tribute to the city’s cultural heritage yet also contains elements of inspiration drawn from the classic grand hotels of South East Asia.›
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A STYLISH BASE Named after a coastline in southern India, the ICON Malabar is the ideal base from which to explore Málaga and return to its calming, refined atmosphere in the heart of this lively city. It is the second of Hotelatelier’s establishments in the Costa del Sol’s capital, after the opening of the highly popular Petit Palace Plaza some years ago. The brand is focused on design, service and creating an intimate,
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elegant environment for guests in its city hotels, each of which draws from its setting and indeed the renovated historic building it occupies to offer a unique sense of personality and charm. This makes the ICON Malabar a very personal place to stay, and the staff enhance this sensation with the way in which they attend guests. If you want to immerse yourself in the ambience and spirit of the city, there is no better way to do it. ›
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back to CONTENTS The ICON Malabar offers the perfect weekend getaway for people living in the region as well as for visitors coming from afar, as a short stay here will enable you to really enjoy the city’s many diversions to the full. Soho is perhaps the best district for this, as it brings the main sights within walking distance, usually along leafy avenues, parks, squares, portside promenades and pedestrian shopping streets such as Calle Larios.
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SOHO MÁLAGA True to its name, Soho is an artistic historic quarter of Málaga that has a young, somewhat bohemian feel to it, complete with art galleries, hip restaurants, cafés, interesting shops and museums, such as the celebrated CAC Museum, which specialises in modern Spanish art from within the setting of a renovated market. Expect sushi bars, typical Spanish cafeterias and brewpubs – many exhibiting the
work of local artists, for Soho is the living centre of Málaga’s art scene, and you’re welcome to visit its workshops and MAUS street art collective, whose brightly adorned murals form another public display of local art. It’s not surprising that in Spanish Soho is dubbed the ‘Barrio de las Artes’, or suburb of art, of the city, and with this comes a distinct atmosphere that is delightfully non-commercial. It has given a new injection of life to an attractive district that is ideally located between the main historic centre, the river, the port and nearby beaches, making this the perfect spot to stay if you enjoy not only art but also shopping, sun bathing, gastronomy and nightlife – so come to Soho and discover Málaga’s delights from a new perspective while enjoying the comfort and style of the ICON Malabar.
g Calle Tomás Heredia, 11. Málaga. Tel: (+34) 952 222 132. www.iconmalabar.com
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D SPOTLIGHT climate change
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THE UN CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE UK 2021
COP26 SET TO
SAVE THE WORLD
For almost 30 years, the United Nations has brought countries together to take part in global climate summits (called COPs or ‘Conference of the Parties’). Within this short time frame, climate change has transformed from a matter of concern into a global priority of the utmost urgency. This year will be the 26th annual summit and it will be taking place in Glasgow, Scotland, at The Scottish Event Campus (SEC), from Sunday, Oct 31 to Friday, November 12. This won’t just be another event filled with dignitaries and experts. Many people believe that COP26 is the last best hope for the world. Marisa Cutillas fills you in on what to expect at a conference that could change our future for the better.
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The Scottish Event Campus @ Richard Brew / Shutterstock.com
WHAT HAVE COPS ACHIEVED IN THE PAST? To gain a better understanding of how important UN Climate Change Conferences are, you only need to look back to COP21, which took place in Paris in 2015. For the first time in history, all countries agreed to work together to fight global warming by limiting the global average temperature to well below 2ºC above preindustrial levels and pursuing efforts to keep it to 1.5ºC. Governments also agreed that global emissions needed to peak as soon as possible
and committed to rapid reductions thereafter, relying on science and technology to strike the right balance between emissions and removals in the second half of the current century. Sadly, the commitments agreed to in 2015 did not achieve their intended target and the window to do so is closing. This year’s summit will hopefully see countries making stronger commitments to align closer to their original aims. ›
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WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF COP26? The upcoming conference has the following declared objectives: Z To secure global net-zero by 2050 and keep the 1.5ºC aim within reach. Z This goal will involve accelerating the phase-out of coal, curtailing deforestation, accelerating the switch to electric vehicles, and encouraging investment in renewable energies. Z To make necessary adaptations to protect communities and habitats. Z Countries affected by climate change
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must work to protect and restore affected ecosystems and build resilient infrastructure, agricultural systems, and warning systems to stop the loss of homes, jobs, and lives. Z To ensure that developed countries fulfil their promise of raising at least $100 billion in climate finance by a fixed date. Z To finalise the detailed controls that will make the Paris Agreement operational and accelerate change via the collaboration of businesses, governments, and everyday people.
WHO WILL BE THERE? Over 190 world leaders will be taking a seat at COP26. There, they will meet tens of thousands of government officials, entrepreneurs, negotiators, and citizens while attending 12 days of talks and discussions.
ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTERS ARE THE WORLD’S BIGGEST RISKS
WHAT’S IN HALF A DEGREE? If you wondered what difference half a degree could make, consider that the Planet’s future and countless lives and livelihoods depend on it. The COP26 organisers explain that: “At 2ºC of global warming, there would be widespread and severe impacts on people and nature. A third of the world’s population would be regularly exposed to severe heat, leading to health problems and more heatrelated deaths.” Almost the totality of the world’s warmwater coral reefs would die, the Arctic sea ice would melt completely at least one summer every decade, and wildlife and local communities would sustain untold losses. At 1.5ºC, the impact would still be serious but there would be a significantly lower chance of food and water shortages, economic devastation, and extinction of species. The health threats posed by heat (including disease, malnutrition, and pollution) would also be considerably less. ›
The World Economic Forum recently published a survey indicating that the top five risks (as stated by some of the world’s most influential companies and people) faced by the world are all environmental. These risks are: Z Extreme weather events (which could affect infrastructure and property and endanger human lives). Z The failure to adapt to climate change by governments and businesses. Z Human-caused environmental damage such as oil spills and radioactive communication. Z The loss of biodiversity and ecosystems (which in turn will make communities and businesses more vulnerable). Z Natural disasters (including volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, and geomagnetic storms).
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CLIMATE CHANGE CANNOT BE IGNORED Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most pressing problems faced by human beings. Across the globe, storms, floods, and wildfires are intensifying in number and severity. Natural disasters cause untold damage to the lives of people and animals and air pollution is causing health problems for tens of millions of people. As it stands, warming will reach well above 3ºC by the year 2100 compared to pre-industrial levels. Forests, which play a vital role in removing carbon from the air, are one of the ecosystems suffering the most. Currently, we are losing them at the rate of a football pitch every few seconds.
IT’S NOT ALL DOOM AND GLOOM We may not be achieving set targets but we are definitely taking steps to make them more achievable. As stated by Elizabeth Wathuti, Global South Co-Chair of the COP26 Civil Society, nations are working on new aims like ‘building back better’. These programs are seeing countries, businesses, and investors committing to decarbonisation by 2030 or 2050. Significant progress is being made. For
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instance, around 70 per cent of the world’s economy is now committed to achieving net-zero emissions. More than 80 countries have formally updated their national climate plans, and all G7 countries have announced new targets that will enable them to achieve their net-zero aims by 2050. There are many incentives to do so, since solar and wind energy are now cheaper than new coal and gas power plants in two-thirds of the world’s countries. ›
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NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLANS ARE KEY Covid-19 has taken its toll on many world economies, worsening the circumstances of those who are already at the greatest risk of climate change. One way to improve their resilience is to protect and restore natural habitats. The UN has requested all countries to produce an Adaptation Communication – a list of the actions they plan to take to adapt to the impacts of climate change. This list will help countries share best practices, resources, and technologies. Currently, over 20 countries have formed a group called the Adaptation Action Coalition. The latter comprises investors, businesses, cities, and regions. Over 40 countries and organisations, meanwhile, have joined the Risk-Informed Early Action Partnership, whose aim is to protect one billion people against disasters by 2025.
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IS IT TOO LATE TO SAVE THE PLANET?
According to NASA, although many human actions to date are irreversible, if we don’t aim to reduce our emissions, the global temperature will rise by 2.5 °C to 4.5 °C (4.5 °F to 8 °F) by 2100. It is not too late to reduce the worst effects of climate change. There are two main steps involved in doing so: mitigation (reducing the level of greenhouse emissions) and adaptation (learning to live with and adapt to climate change). Whether or not we achieve this aim depends on our ability to curb CO2 and other emissions quickly and decisively.
THE NEED FOR A SHIFTING GLOBAL ECONOMY
group comprises over 160 firms, which together boast As stated by Mark Carney, assets of over $70 trillion. the British PM’s Finance The Alliance seeks to make Adviser for COP26, “To deliver the financial sector a leader in on the Paris Agreement the achieving net-zero emissions whole global economy needs by 2050. The initiatives they to shift. Companies, banks, establish must be accredited insurers and investors all by the Race to Zero (i.e. they have to adjust their business must use science-based models and develop credible guidelines to accomplish their plans for the transition to aims and set interim targets a net-zero economy and to be realised by 2030). implement them.” Carney The financial sector is recently launched the achieving things that other Glasgow Financial Alliance for industries should aspire Net-Zero (GFANZ) alongside to. For instance, the OECD the UN High-Level Climate estimates that this sector Change Champions. This mobilised $78.9 billion
in 2018. Moreover, around $41.5 billion were provided to developing countries in 2019, according to estimates from multilateral development banks. In addition to helping third parties, financial institutions are also testing their own resilience. Some 17 central banks have agreed to stress-test their financial system against global warming risks.
JOIN RACE TO ZERO If you are a business, educational institution, city, or region, you can do your share by joining Race to Zero – known as ‘the world’s largest net-zero
alliance.” The group currently has over 3,800 members (representing 15 per cent of the global economy), 21 per cent of the world’s largest companies, and one billion people. They are all committed to halving their emissions by 2030 and achieving their net-zero goal by 2050 at the latest.
members of the general public). There will be a wide array of events, ranging from workshops to art exhibitions, installations, technological demonstrations, musical performances, and more. i Further information, www.ukcop26.org
ENTERING THE GREEN ZONE COP26 will be divided into two zones: a Blue Zone (for registered attendees who are part of a national delegation or approved organisation or agency, or who work for the United Nations) and a Green Zone (for
References: COP26: https://ukcop26.org/ WEF: https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2020/1/15/ climate-change-is-the-worlds-biggest-risk-sayswef NASA: https://climate.nasa.gov/faq/16/is-ittoo-late-to-prevent-climate-change/ CLIMATE CHANGE: https://www.aljazeera.com/ economy/2020/1/15/climate-change-is-theworlds-biggest-risk-says-wef https://insideclimatenews.org/news/03012021/ five-aspects-climate-change-2020/
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D SPOTLIGHT motoring D SPOTLIGHT motoring
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TOYOTA GR SUPRA
From most reference points, including overall production, Toyota is the world’s biggest vehicle manufacturer (though when it comes to market capitalisation, Tesla leads easily). Toyota is so predominant in the manufacture of family saloons, SUVs and light trucks that the company’s achievements in the sports car field are often overlooked. WORDS TONY WHITNEY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TOYOTA SPONSORED BY C. DE SALAMANCA
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I
f this is so, the new 2022 GR Supra should be a solid reminder that Toyota has a proud heritage of building sports cars and of course, it’s worth adding that the Japanese megabuilder has won the last four Le Mans 24-hour races. The Supra name dates back to 1978 when it was marketed as a variant of the Celica coupé. It became a model in its own right from 1986 and from then on, models became increasingly more powerful and technically sophisticated. Sports cars from Toyota go back even further than the Celica/Supra series with one major standout
being the 2000GT of the 1960s, famously driven in the 1967 James Bond classic movie You Only Live Twice. One thing to get straight right off the mark is that the Supra was co-developed with the BMW Z4 and that both cars are produced at the Magna Steyr plant in Graz, Austria. It reflects modern automotive business trends in that the Supra is thus a Japanese nameplate car co-developed with a German maker and manufactured in Austria by a company that is a subsidiary of Magna International, a Canadian company. ›
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The 2022 GR Supra is being marketed as ‘track ready’ and is certainly the fastest and most agile product in the model’s history. The exterior styling is a mass of curves and there’s more than a superficial resemblance to the old 2000GT, which few will object to. Configured as a fastback coupé in the best traditions of 1960s competition cars, the Supra even has a couple of ‘bumps’ in the roof of the type that were once included
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to provide helmeted drivers with better headroom and were a feature of the 2000GT. With its huge frontal air ducts, side intakes and rear spoiler, it certainly looks the part and also follows 60s convention by using a front engine and rear wheel drive. You can buy your Supra with a choice of two engines – a 2.0-litre single turbo four-cylinder developing 255-horsepower and a 3.0-litre single turbo inline six-cylinder
with 382-horsepower. It’s interesting that Toyota should choose an inline layout for the bigger engine when so many rivals opt for a V-6 but it is a reminder that the classic 2000GT used a straight six. At one time, inline sixes were found in all kinds of performance cars from Jaguars to BMWs, but they’re now quite rare. Inline sixes do have a very satisfying smoothness and response that V-6 designs have never
quite matched in my view. The transmission is an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters for manual operation when desired. There’s also a launch control system for drivers who really want to get off the mark quickly. Other dynamic features include Italian Brembo brakes, the number one choice for race cars from F-1 downwards. Inside the car, ambiance reflects the Supra’s ‘road or track’ capabilities with hip-
hugging seats and very well placed and easy to reach controls. Of course, Toyota has not forgotten that today’s drivers demand a lot more than performance and comfort so the car comes with the usual array of 8-inch touch screen infotainment display, Bluetooth connectivity, push button starter, wireless device charging and innumerable other benefits. If you want to order one of these purely for racing, Toyota will
supply the car without cruise control, parking sonar and blind spot monitor. Added to these interior goodies is Toyota’s wide array of safety systems that are more or less what you’d get in a luxury saloon by Lexus. ›
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What the Supra lacks in an exotic nameplate it makes up for and exceeds in performance, build quality and Toyota’s famed durability and resale value. It draws on the best traditions of the marque as far as sports models go and packs in every element of current technology. For many buyers, this carmaker’s reliability record alone will nudge them in the direction of Toyota when a sports car purchase is on the cards.
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After all, what would be the best choice for real GT motoring, a product with a Toyota badge or a limited production exotic not even boasting a dealer network in many European countries?
g This article is sponsored by C. De Salamanca, official dealers for Bentley, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Jaguar & Land Rover. Tel: (+34) 952 785 250. www.cdesalamanca.com
Z ENGINE:2.0-litre 4-cylinder; 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder. Z TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic with manual override. Z ACCELERATION: Zero to 100 km/h in 4.0-secs (6-cyl). Z TOP SPEED: 250 km/h. Z I LIKED: Toyota’s impressive level of homage paid to the company’s classic sports cars from the 1960s. Great looking car with performance to match the styling. Working with BMW on the design could have done nothing but good. Z I DIDN’T LIKE: Not the easiest sports car to get in and out of, but most owners will manage it without a problem. All-wheel drive would have been a plus, but there is no appropriate platform available with that feature right now. Z MARKET ALTERNATIVES: BMW Z4, Jaguar F-Type, Porsche Cayman, Nissan Z, Ford Mustang Bullitt, Alfa Romeo 4C. Z WHO DRIVES ONE? Buyers who already own Toyotas and would like to stay with the marque for their sports car choice. Buyers who have tired of high prices and questionable reliability associated with more exotic sports cars. Z PRICE AND AVAILABILITY: €48.953 – €64.341.
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ANYA TAYLOR-JOY BRINGING THE 1960S BACK TO LIFE IN LAST NIGHT IN SOHO
Anya Taylor-Joy is one of a select list of actors (which would have to include contenders like Jake Gyllenhaal, Amy Adams, and Leonardo DiCaprio) whose filmography is so good you know you can always trust them to pick the right project. This month, film lovers, many of whom are raring to get back into real-life movie theatres, are talking about Last Night In Soho – a psychological horror film directed by Edgar Wright and set for release in early November. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS
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H
aving seen how suited Anya is to the 1960s thanks to her stellar performance in The Queen’s Gambit, we can only conclude that she was the ideal choice for a film that is a homage to a creative, fashion-forward, and groundbreaking decade that gave us greats like The Beatles, the Ford Mustang, and André Courrèges. Last Night in Soho whizzes us back to the heart of Swinging London – a time in which the James Bond film, Thunderball, had just been released and singers like Petula Clark and Cilla Black topped the music charts. Anya plays an aspiring singer called Sandy who has just arrived in the city. She is beautiful, talented, and ambitious, though her dreams are crushed under the
oppression of misogyny and sexual violence – symbolised by her talent agent, Jack. It is arguably one of Taylor-Joy’s most suitable roles to date, as it combines her undeniable beauty and elegance with the qualities that make a star actor – including an uncanny ability to express emotions like fear, entrapment, and rage. Her role as a desolate soul in search of vindication bears similarity to her rendition of an anguished victim who manages to outsmart her incredibly adept kidnapper in M. Night Shyamalan’s Split. It is, however, a big leap from her role as Beth in The Queen’s Gambit, as her character in Soho has an otherworldly desperation for vengeance that
another young girl from the future (played by Thomasin McKenzie) is called upon to exact. In contrast to virtually every other character Anya has portrayed, Sandy is a passive player who has to rely on the strength of another female character. In many ways, it is precisely her strength, resilience, and intelligence that have made Anya the number one choice for challenging roles such as Beth and Sandy. In the same way that Winter’s Bone marked Jennifer Lawrence as an actor with a special ‘something’ that pushed her leagues ahead of her peers, so, too, was Split the first real indicator that Anya was much more than an attractive lead with acting chops. ›
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Her performance was on par with that of James McAvoy, who gave a stellar portrayal as a kidnapper with multiple personalities. Anya’s character was the only one of her friends in the film to make it out alive owing to her chess grandmaster-like abilities to observe her captor, bring him round to her ways, and eventually, make her escape. The actor makes it seem second-nature thanks to her confidence. Her gravitas and fearlessness make it easy to play characters with supreme intelligence that never cease to be vulnerable and altogether human. As Director David O. Russell once said, “She is different and strange in ways that are fascinating.” In upcoming months, Anya will delight audiences in films like Scott Frank’s adaptation
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of the Nabokov novel Laughter in the Dark (Frank directed and co-created The Queen’s Gambit) and Furiosa – a prequel to the massive hit, Mad Max: Fury Road. In this film, Anya will give life to a younger version of the character played by Charlize Theron. It will be Anya’s first action role to date. She will additionally be appearing in The Northman – a Viking thriller co-starring acting greats, Ethan Hawke and Nicole Kidman.
Anya’s filmography is long and rich considering the fact that she is just 25. However, as stated by Robert Eggers (who directed her in The Northman), the only surprise is that she didn’t “explode” worldwide earlier. Her film career certainly isn’t the only thing that surprised me about her. I was delighted to recently catch a full interview given by Anya in Spanish – she is fully bilingual, as she was born in Miami and moved to Buenos Aires when she was a baby (her father is Argentinean). Her mysterious, international-sounding accent is testimony to her travels, as she also lived in London, admitting that for the first two years of her move, she refused to speak English, only changing her mind when she started taking interest in the Harry Potter universe. ›
“Never forget that it only takes a political, economic or religious crisis for women’s rights to be called into question. These rights can never be taken for granted. You must remain vigilant throughout your life.” Anya could very well have been a model instead of an actor, as her first foray into the world of media was owed to Storm Management founder, Sarah Doukas. It’s a model’s dream but it does indeed happen. Anya was walking outside Harrods when Doukas approached her and arranged a meeting. Her leap from modelling into acting was almost instantaneous since she never attended drama school. Her first break was in the feature film The Witch (Robert Eggers, 2015), which garnered her great acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival. The film fit Anya’s penchant
for tormented, powerful characters to perfection and set the scene for Split the following year. Anya hopes to direct one day, but for now, she is firmly focused on acting. She recently told Crash that she hoped “to work with auteurs, people that have a very specific vision and want to make pieces of art.” She also dreams of working with a Spanish director, speaking in her ‘other’ native tongue. Indeed, we are sure that whichever language she spoke in, her words would reach her audience’s minds and hearts in the way she has accustomed us to. When she’s not acting, Anya keeps herself busy by watching films, writing, editing, painting, and reading. She believes in hard work, organisation, self-awareness, and problem-solving. She likes to quote Simone de Beauvoir, whose words ring true in challenging times: “Never forget that it only takes a political, economic or religious crisis for women’s rights to be called into question. These rights can never be taken for granted.
You must remain vigilant throughout your life.” She reminds us that through art and film, women can find strong, resilient role models who fight for justice, honesty, and an awakening of conscience. e
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trends
CHECK OUT THE LATEST MOVIES TO HIT THE BIG SCREEN AND NEW SERIES THAT ARE GUARANTEED TO INCUR BINGE WATCHING. KEEP ABREAST OF THE MUSIC SCENE AND FIND OUT WHAT’S COOL IN SPAIN AND BEYOND.
GO TO PAGE 88 FOR COOL NEW SERIES
GO TO PAGE 92 FOR MUSIC NEWS
GO TO PAGE 84 FOR HOT NEW FILMS
CINEMA SERIES MUSIC NEWS 84 Hot New Films 88 Cool New Series 92 Music News 94 Books – New Releases 98 Revolutionary Cleaning Technology 102 What’s Cool
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FOR WHAT'S COOL
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HOT NEW
MOVIES WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS
TOP GUN: MAVERICK
» Director: Joseph Kosinski » Cast: Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Jennifer Connelly One of the most hotly-awaited films of the season, Top Gun: Maverick takes us back to the flight academy where Maverick, Iceman Goose, and other young pilots first tested their mettle. This time, Maverick is back to train a young squad of graduates for a dangerous mission that demands the greatest of sacrifices. The good news is that Val Kilmer will also be reprising his role as Iceman.
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LAST NIGHT IN SOHO
» Genre: Spy Thriller » Director: Edgar Wright (Baby Driver) » Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Matt Smith, Thomasin McKenzie At once a horror film, sci-fi escape and sardonic comedy, Last Night in Soho introduces us to Eloise – a young fashion design student who is a big fan of the 1960s. Orphaned in her childhood when her mother commits suicide, Eloise is raised by her grandmother, who shares stories about a decade that inspires her tastes and creativity. She moves to London to attend a prestigious design school, only to find herself travelling back to her favourite decade through a mysterious passageway in her room. In this glamorous past, she embodies a talented singer (Sandy) who is being chased by a predator. As Eloise and Sandy’s lives start to merge, the young student is fearful that if Sandy dies, she will too and she frantically searches for a way out of her conundrum.
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HOUSE OF GUCCI
» Director: Ridley Scott (The Martian) » Cast: Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Al Pacino The trailer of this film looks absolutely divine, as it delves into the glamorous lifestyle of Maurizio Gucci (the head of the Gucci fashion house) and his wife, Patrizia. It describes Gucci’s assent and tragic end in 1995, when he was approached by an elegant man who opened fire on him, ending his life at the age of 46. Was Patrizia involved and if so, what did she stand to gain?
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RED NOTICE (Netflix)
WAY DOWN
» Director: Jaume Balagueró (Rec) » Cast: Freddie Highmore, Liam Cunningham, José Coronado, Astrid Berges-Frisbey An exciting thriller that takes place during a fictitious World Cup in Spain. A young engineer discovers that the Bank of Spain hides a mysterious, impenetrable fortress. He joins a group of master thieves to steal the hidden treasure while thousands of football fans cheer for their national football team in the streets.
» Genre: Action/ Comedy » Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber (We’re the Millers) » Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot, The Rock One of the year’s most hotly awaited streamed films is also one of Netflix’s most expensive – Red Notice, which reportedly cost €138 million to make. The film stars Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson as an Interpol agent who is out to arrest the world’s most wanted art thief. He has always managed to outsmart his foes but this time, he is up against two brilliant criminals (played by Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot) who are just about as unpredictable as they are talented. e
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TOP NEW SERIES TO ENJOY
Enjoy the following hot series, available this month on top streaming platforms.
DEXTER S9 Movistar+
» Genre: Thriller » Creator: James Manos Jr. (The Sopranos) » Cast: Michael C. Hall, Clancy Brown, Julia Jones, Alano Miller Our favourite serial killer with a cause, Dexter, sailed off into the sunset at the end of Season Eight, ready for a new life as a lumberjack in the state of Oregon. In Season Nine, he faces his temptation to kill once again, after undergoing a period of penance to ‘atone’ for hurting the people he loves. Far from his support system – including his sister, who managed to occasionally ground him – Dexter will have to battle his demons himself while making tough existential decisions. 88 / NOVEMBER 2021 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
SQUID GAME
Netflix
» Genre: Psychological Thriller » Creator Jung Jae-il » Actors: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-joon, Jung Ho-Yeon, O Yeong-su Only a few weeks out, but already inspiring endless entries on social media, Squid Game has been the viral sensation of the year without a doubt. A brutal, exciting, intriguing series about 465 people in debt who accept an invitation to play a series of children’s games in exchange for big money. What the players don’t know at the outset is that the games are a matter of life-and-death and that in order to survive, one must be psychologically and physically stronger than everyone else.
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YOU S3 Netflix
» Genre: Psychological Thriller » Creators: Greg Berlanti, Sera Gamble » Actors: Penn Badgley, Victoria Pedretti, Michaela McManus The serial killer you somehow always feel sorry for, Joe, is back for a third glorious season. This time, Joe and his girlfriend, Love, are parents of a bouncy baby boy and they are living in the peaceful town of Madre Linda. Any other guy would consider this a perfect life, but we all know that for Joe, routine is death and he already has his eye on his sexy new neighbour, Natalie, whom he comes to see as his salvation from a world of domestic hell.
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THE BLACKLIST S8 Netflix, Amazon Prime, Movistar Plus, and more
THE GREAT S2 Hulu Original
» Genre: Satire/ Comedy » Creator: Tony McNamara » Actors: Elle Fanning, Nicholas Hoult, Phoebe Fox, Adam Godley, Gwilym Lee This Emmy-nominated series is a witty satire about the rise of Catherine the Great – the longest-reigning female ruler in Russia’s history. A fictionalised, fun tale about an idealistic, romantic young girl who arrives in Russia for an arranged marriage to the eccentric Emperor Peter. Full of hope and a desire for change, she is despondent when she discovers the deranged, backward world Peter rules over. She resolves to kill her husband, silence the church, confuse the military, and get the courts on her side.
» Genre: Thriller » Creator: Jon Bokenkamp » Actors: James Spader, Megan Boone, Clark Middleton At the commencement of Season Eight, ex-criminal and owner of an invaluable ‘blacklist’ of baddies, Red, instructs the Task Force to investigate ‘Roanoke’ – a talented criminal who helps people ‘disappear.’ Liz informs her team that Red has assigned them this task because the next person ‘Roanoke’ plans to help is her own mother, Katerina. Liz is shocked when her mother tells her that Red has been using Liz all along to obtain federal intelligence information. The plot thickens and we are left guessing as to Red’s alleged disloyalty until the very end. e
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There are a few things going on this month (see below), and there’s a healthy local scene featuring many national bands which you can find out about at conciertos.club/malaga. Also check your local weekly publications for any last-minute arranged performances. All info on this page was correct at the time of writing. WORDS RIK FOXX
¿QUÉ PASA? T
ont r f c i s u m ...on the
he 35th Málaga International Jazz Festival takes place at the Teatro Cervantes from November 4 to 11, for the full line up and ticket info: www.teatrocervantes.com Also, the 13th edition of the International Festival of Rockabilly and Music of American Roots: Blues At Moonlight, at the Sunset Beach Hotel, Benalmádena Costa from the 25th -28th features Spanish and British acts playing the Oasis Terrace during the day and the Moonlight Bar at night. For full line up and ticket info: bluesatmoonlight.com On October 29 & 31 a Valencia Community indie rock event was scheduled to be the first mass concert in Spain to demand a Covid-19 certificate for all those attending. The SanSan Festival, at the Benicàssim site, featured Spanish bands and the crowd could move freely with no restrictions but masks were mandatory.
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Of course, the big news this month is the return of both ABBA and ADELE and the latter has a UK TV special, possibly on ITV (TBA), to promote her new album 30. Also, the long-awaited PETER JACKSON documentaries, The Beatles: Get Back, will air from November 25 - 27 on America’s Disney+ featuring three two-hour programmes and will include, in full, their 1969 iconic final performance as a band, on a London Savile Row rooftop. The official trailer is on YouTube. Nothing announced yet but there are bound to be TV tributes to FREDDIE MERCURY who died 30 years ago on November 24, but there is a new ‘official graphic novel’ Freddie Mercury: Lover Of Life, Singer Of Songs launching sometime this month. Had he lived, he would have been 75 on September 5. What a month for album releases:
brave enough to take on ABBA and Voyage on the 5th is the first DIANA ROSS album in 15 years, Thank You (which was due in September), and the 2012 ex-Factor winner, JAMES ARTHUR, with It’ll All Make Sense In The End – will it? On the 12th: ROD STEWART returns with Tears of Hercules featuring nine new songs, plus a selection of covers, and UK indie rock icons IDLES drop Crawler. Re-release/greatest hits collections include LITTLE MIX with Between Us including a dig at former friend/band mate JESY NELSON on the newie Cut You Off; KYLIE revamps last year’s Disco with the Guest List Edition featuring YEARS AND YEARS, DUA LIPA and 1970s disco legend GLORIA GAYNOR. The Super Deluxe 30th anniversary of Nevermind by NIRVANA features 70 unheard tracks and there’s MICHAEL BUBLE with the 10th Anniversary Edition of Christmas.
On this page’s deadline hour ADELE announced 30 would lift-off on the 19th – on the same day TAYLOR SWIFT lands the re-recorded Red (Taylor’s Version) which includes ED SHEERAN on both Everything Has Changed and a new song Run. ROBERT PLANT & ALISON KRAUSS are back together again for Raise The Roof and STING has The Bridge, also UK indie rock favourites ELBOW drop Flying Dream 1 plus JAMES BLUNT and The Stars Beneath My Feet (2004 - 2021), featuring four-new songs – these may now change their release date so they don’t clash with the big noise. On the 26th, there’s new DAVID BOWIE material in the box set Brilliant Adventure (1992–2001) which includes 2001’s unreleased album Toy, which leaked on to the net in 2011. Also on the 26th, Black Friday Record Store Day has limited edition specials from FLEETWOOD MAC, LANA DEL REY and U2 among others. For a full list of releases: recordstoreday.com/SpecialReleases
With no new U2 recordings on the horizon, in-house quips suggest that BONO wants to do a solo album. Talk implies the singer is green with envy after 22-year-old son, ELI, and his band INHALER topped the album charts both sides of the Irish Sea with their debut It Won’t Always Be Like This in July and are currently on a successful UK/USA tour. Humorous comments going round Barcelona after SHAKIRA had her handbag ‘snatched’ by two-wild boar recently reckons they were sent by the Hacienda due to her tax fraud evasion problems. TINA TURNER continued the latest trend by selling her back catalogue for a reported $306 million to music giants BMG – who’s next to sell up? The debut single of JESY NELSON (ex LITTLE MIX), Boyz, finally dropped last month after label bosses had delayed its release thanks to comments made
in September by collaborator NICKI MINAJ who became a worldwide laughing stock after tweeting: “My cousin in Trinidad won’t get the vaccine because his friend got it and became impotent. His testicles became swollen”. To which one US late night show host said in his monologue: “This is why I got my shot in the shoulder”. Of course, jokes went global with punch lines saying she was ‘talking b*llocks’. e Blues At Moonlight Artist: The Space Cadets ©amdophoto
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AS THE WEATHER GETS COOLER THIS NOVEMBER, SNUGGLE UP WITH SOME EXCITING NEW RELEASES… WORDS ALICIA DUGGAN OF THE BOOKSHOP IN SAN PEDRO DE ALCÁNTARA , CC LA COLONIA LOCAL 21, SAN PEDRO DE ALCÁNTARA. TEL: 951 779 785. WWW.THEBOOKSHOP.ES
THE JUDGE’S LIST BY JOHN GRISHAM John Grisham is considered the master of the legal thriller and The Judge’s List confirms it. Lucy Stoltz, who first appeared in The Whistler, is approaching 40 and is finding her job at The Florida Board of Judicial Conduct has become tedious and unsatisfying. As she debates whether to pursue a new career or stay where she is, she receives a mysterious phone call claiming a sitting judge in Lucy’s jurisdiction is a serial killer. He is cunning, meticulous and, most importantly, knows the law. As he methodically works his way through a list of people who have wronged him, Lucy must investigate and gather hard evidence without ending up on his hit list. The Judge’s List is a tense, gripping and engrossing read.
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BETTER OFF DEAD BY LEE CHILD AND ANDREW CHILD
THE CHRISTMAS BOOKSHOP BY JENNY COLGAN
Lee Child is back with the 26th exciting instalment of the bestselling Jack Reacher thriller series. When Reacher spots a car crashed into the only tree on an otherwise empty road, he stops to help. He finds disabled veteran Michaela Fenton, who is on a secret and deadly mission to rescue her brother and bring justice to his captors. To help her, Reacher must use himself as bait and defend himself against deadly adversaries. Packed with Child’s trademark action and fight scenes, Better Off Dead is a fast-paced, actionpacked page turner.
When the department store where Carmen works closes down, she has no option but to go to Edinburgh and move in with her perfect sister, Sophia, and her perfect family. Sophie, an attorney, gets Carmen a job in her client’s failing, run-down bookshop. The bookshop owner, aging Mr McCredie, has little sense for business but adores reading. Carmen is taken with the charming bookshop and the equally charming Mr McCredie and uses all her retail experience to try to save the little bookshop in the run up to Christmas. With a cast of oddball and enchanting characters, The Christmas Bookshop is a heart-warming, feel good romantic comedy.
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THE DARK HOURS BY MICHAEL CONNELLY
THE STRANGER IN THE LIFEBOAT BY MITCH ALBOM
It’s New Year’s Eve and Detective Renee Ballard is counting down the hours until her graveyard shift at a Hollywood Police precinct ends, and she can attempt to deal with the aftermath of revellers shooting guns in the air at midnight. When she is called out to investigate the death of former gang member turned business and family man, Javier Raffa, Ballard determines that the bullet that killed him could not have rained down and this was, in fact, murder. A recovered bullet casing matches an unsolved murder from years ago. The cold case had been worked by Harry Bosch. Ballard and Bosch team up to solve their respective cases, but are they prepared for what they uncover?
From the celebrated author of The Five People You Meet in Heaven comes a novel of hope, faith and loss. When a luxury yacht hosting a celebrity party at sea suddenly explodes, nine of the party goers make it to the lifeboat and attempt to survive. Three days later, short on water, food and hope, they see a man floating in the water and pull him aboard. The man claims to be God, come to answer their prayers. One year later Inspector LeFleur is investigating a lifeboat that has washed up on the shores of Monserrat containing a notebook which tells the survivors’ story. This novel is not about religion, it is about faith, survival, and humanity. e
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REVOLUTIONARY
CLEANING TECHNOLOGY FOR VIRUSES AND BACTERIA
The global cleaning industry has grown a total of 6.6% on average per year, with the current global health crisis creating a heightened demand for cutting-edge products and services. Household cleaning products are doing a roaring trade, as are janitorial and sanitation services – both in offices and in private homes. If you are concerned about viruses and bacteria and the effect they can have on your health, know that there are many new technological developments that are set to zap these dangerous organisms so you can enjoy greater peace of mind in a variety of settings. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS RADICAL ACTION
UV TO THE RESCUE
SteraMist is a new machine that can kill a plethora of bacteria, viruses, mould, and pathogens and it is currently being used by homeowners, businesses, and hospitals across the globe. It works by taking hydrogen peroxide and passing it through a cold ark plasma. This creates hydroxyl radicals, which pulverise bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. The device can be hand-held or placed in a closed room.
The Viro Tech Professional Ozone/ UV Sanitising System is a little bulky (it is similar in size to a typical small fridge) but it is mighty potent, as it effectively kills viruses and bacteria in small offices, shops, and living spaces (each machine can cover up to 279m2). The machine uses UV light to create the same oxidation and ionisation processes as natural sunlight does. It enables owners to significantly reduce indoor air pollution, as it eliminates
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the need for unhealthy, chemicallyridden cleaning products, some of which can exacerbate allergies or cause respiratory and other problems.
NON-THERMAL PLASMA This cool gas comprising electrically charged particles can inactivate airborne viruses and sterilise air, despite having no overall charge. Developed recently at the University of Michigan, it can inactivate 99.9% of airborne viruses by releasing
CHLORINE EXTENSION FOR LONG-LASTING PROTECTION
charged fragments of air molecules that kill viruses in less than one second! These same fragments also kill bacteria by attacking their cell wall.
DEADLY LIGHTING In May this year, American brand Brilli (a lighting company centred on designing wellness products that promote circadian and home health) launched a new line called Bright Clean which allows homeowners to reduce viral and bacterial loads with just the flip of a light switch. The system
comprises special LED lights designed alongside UV-free antimicrobial LED light specialists, Vyv. The lighting kills and prevents the growth of bacteria, viruses, mould, mildew, and fungi on surfaces. A third-party study by Icahn School of Medicine researchers found that viruses like SARS-CoV-2 can be destroyed via 400-420nm light. Unlike some UV lights (which can harm human and pet health), this light meets international standards for unlimited, continuous use with humans, animals, and plants.
HaloFilm technology disinfects surfaces for up to a full month when used in conjunction with a chlorine-based disinfectant. Chlorine is in itself highly efficient for killing various types of bacteria and viruses but its efficiency drops after initial disinfection, leaving surfaces vulnerable to recontamination. HaloFilm extends the effects of chlorine and is meant for use in schools, offices, mass transit, and more areas where the elimination of bacteria, viruses, mould, and other pathogens is required.
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ANTISEPTIC AND ANTI-VIRUS NANO TECHNOLOGY AIR CLEANING LED LIGHT PANELS Breathable Air Technologies has devised a revolutionary LED Panel fixture that combines antiviral and antiseptic UV air cleaning functions in one unit. The system cleans the air while reducing the number of particles throughout the day. It comprises a LED light panel with a selfcontained UV light source, an industrial-grade centrifugal fan, and a nanocomposite air filtration system. It not only provides efficient protection
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against bacteria and viruses, but also eliminates benzene, toluene xylene, ammonia, formaldehyde, and TVOC (Total Volatile Organic Compounds).
to it and preventing the formation of harmful biofilms. This can be achieved without any toxic additives or chemicals whatsoever.
The cleaning industry is SHARKLIKE SURFACES experiencing a surge, with antiviral Northwestern University and antibacterial tech in particular researchers have engineered a in high demand. Just a few new new pattern called Sharklet, which developments include the use prevents the formation of germ of hydroxyl radicals, UV light, biofilms on the surfaces of medical and non-thermal plasma. New devices and equipment. Inspired materials such as Sharklet are by the natural antimicrobial revolutionising the health sector properties of shark skin, it has in particular, while LED lighting ‘ribs’ that create nano forces, promises to bring improved health stopping bacteria from clinging to homes. e
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? l o o c s ’ t wha ACKWELL COMPILED BY IAIN BL
MADRID HOTEL WEEK
NEW LEXUS 300E
e latest expression of The new Lexus 300e is th deriving from 15 years of the company’s expertise electrification. In Lexus’ leadership in the field of comfort and safety first 100% electric vehicle, rs will enjoy advanced are paramount and owne xus Link on their mobiles, urban connectivity, via Le remote control of an providing them with the ns. i www.lexus.com impressive range of optio
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Hotel Week The fifth edition of Madrid ber 8 to 14. For will be held from Novem s Palacio de this occasion, CoolRoom enda in which Atocha has created an ag stronomy art, beauty, culture, and ga ities which feature in a series of activ als can savour will ensure guests and loc ectacular 19th their experience at this sp coolrooms.com century Palace. i www.
ZUMA IN MADRID
Japanese Inspired by the traditional d drinking Izakaya style of eating an ed in the informally, Zuma has arriv the most nation’s capital to delight their three demanding palates with offering cuisines. Zuma has been 2002 in unique experiences since nd the world, more than 15 cities arou Kong, Miami, including London, Hong Mykonos… New York, Dubai, Rome, and now finally, Madrid. om i www.zumarestaurant.c
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back to CONTENTS ON WHEELS CAMPAIGN
The new campaign launched by the Olivares Foundation aims to improve the quality of life of children and adolescents suffering from cancer and other chronic diseases. Titled ON WHEELS, a Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 model, fully customised by the renowned artist Francisco Alí Manén of Lord Drake Kustoms, is being raffled with the sale of 20,000 tickets at €10 each. i www.fundacionolivares.org
BIANCA SAUNDERS AT SELFRIDGES
The menswear atrium of iconic British retailer Selfridges is now home to a first-time installation for designer Bianca Saunders, a 27 year-old graduate from the Royal College of Art who is carving a reputation for herself as one of the most exciting names in British fashion. The pop-up installation launches her ‘Superimposed’ AW21 menswear collection which will continue until 21st November. i www.biancasaunders.com
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VINCCI THE MINT DIY BURGERS
Madrid’s Vincci The Mint will delight burger lovers this autumn on its roof top venue with its new selection of DIY burgers in which each diner chooses the meat, including a vegan option, the garnish, the bun and a sidedish. Enjoy the perfect burger to your taste with unique views of the Madrid skyline in a fresh environment while the mild autumn temperatures continue. i www.vinccihoteles.com
SIX SENSES DOURO VALLEY
Emblematic hotel, Six Senses Douro Valley has curated the Wine Moments programme, as the perfect introduction to the diversity and quality of Douro wines. Offering two options: Tawny and Vintage, members will receive a welcome kit and mystery wine box quarterly, guided tours of local wineries, and reductions on wines and wine-related events at the prestigious resort. i www.sixsenses.com
BEST BOND GADGET EVER
A survey of Bond film fans by the online gaming site PartyCasino has revealed that the Lotus Esprit, as driven by Roger Moore in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), which seamlessly converted to a submarine, is the Best Bond Gadget among the many amazing gizmos appearing throughout the series. This was followed by the Car Invisibility Cloak in Die Another Day in second place.
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lifestyle
WE PRESENT A TRULY MAGNIFICENT PROPERTY IN NUEVA ANDALUCÍA AND VISIT A TRADITIONAL IBERIAN HOUSE THAT HAS UNDERGONE A MODERN MAKEOVER. FEEL THE QUALITY FABRICS COMPOSING GIODORO COATS AND DISCOVER WHAT’S BEST TO FEED OUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS.
GO TO PAGE 128 FOR GIODORO
GO TO PAGE 108 FOR VILLA MERCURY
GO TO PAGE 136 FOR THOUGHTS ON PET FOOD
INTERIORS ARCHITECTURE ART FASHION 108 Villa Mercury
GO TO PAGE 118 FOR THE IBERIAN HOUSE MAKEOVER
118 Iberian House Makeover 128 Giodoro Coats 136 Biologically Appropriate Pet Food
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VILLA MERCURY
IN THE LAP OF THE GODS 108 / NOVEMBER 2021 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
Named after the herald of the ancient gods, Villa Mercury is a superlative modern family villa set within private grounds fit for a deity. Far from an off-the-shelf contemporary villa, this is a unique home designed for privacy, entertaining and above all, enjoying oneself in style. WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ENGEL & VÖLKERS
F
ollow the leafy streets uphill to one of Nueva Andalucía’s most exclusive areas, Los Naranjos, and you come to a private, gated cul de sac. Occupying its own
domain and overlooking the surrounding gardens, golf courses, hills and also open countryside from this privileged location is one of the most distinctive properties in this area. Villa
Mercury is a spacious, luxurious contemporary villa whose ample living areas sprawl within a green oasis in such a way that the property never looks anything other than elegant and welcoming.
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Steps flanked by cascading terraced water features lead up to the main entrance, where an imposing hall functions as the principal distribution point that connects the different parts of the home. Follow the openplan layout to the right and you come to a spacious living area made up of two lounges and a dining room that connects to the modern kitchen, itself leading out
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onto a terrace and barbecue area just made for outdoor dining. The main lounge looks out over one of two swimming pools, this one sparkling in the gorgeous green hues of its shimmering tiles. From the living room, broad steps lead down to an entertainment area that sets the pulse racing. Far from the dinky affair seen in some villas, this is a space where members of
the family can spend countless days and evenings and never get bored. There is a comfortable lounge, a dining area, bar, bathrooms, games areas and a home cinema that has to be one of the most impressive in Marbella – complete with its own bar area and popcorn machines, not to mention state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment. ›
INTERIOR DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
Ambience is a multiple award-winning and market leading Interior architecture firm that brings creative, inspirational residential and retail projects to life around the globe. Our team consists of 25 professionals: architects, interior designers, 3D render artists, furniture designers, communication manager, project managers, the admin & logistic team and of course an installation team. Since 2002, Ambience has been commissioned to work on luxury projects in the UK, Belgium, Hong Kong, The Netherlands, Germany, Egypt, Switzerland and St Lucia, and has ongoing projects with renowned architects and developers in both Spain and abroad.
FURNITURE
REFURBISHMENT
We are experts in turn-key projects and meticulously plan every design aspect of your home, from the entire interior design and furniture concept to kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces, wardrobes, floors, etc. attending to the most smallest details, matched to perfection with our carefully chosen craftsmen for our recognized and influential bespoke designs, as well as always sourcing the new international providers and partnering with the most renown furniture brands, lighting & accessory worldwide. We believe that synergetic partnerships are the key to the steady growth of our company and our International success.
Show flat designed for
ambiencehomedesign.com
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THE PERFECT HOME The ground floor is home to a further two bedroom suites, a professional office and, if you turn left in the hallway, a private spa bathed in natural light. A few steps down from the ground floor level, it has an informal, welcoming feel as you descend to the sauna, the Turkish baths, changing rooms, shower area and a gymnasium fully equipped with the latest highend equipment. Expect to look out upon Zeninspired garden details as you work out or relax
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in perfect comfort before making your way to one of four bedroom suites on the first floor of the villa. Each of these enjoys commanding views over Nueva Andalucía down to the sea, either from within the bedroom, bathroom, dressing area or its own terrace. Naturally the largest and most luxurious of these is the master bedroom, which also connects to a panoramic rooftop terrace where the views of the garden are spectacular as are those of the surroundings.
Villa Mercury is the product of a labour of love on the part of its creator and owner, and displays interesting differences with properties created by developers. This is because it has been designed, laid out and fitted from the perspective of the people who live in it and are lucky enough to call it home, and the result is what you could easily call the perfect family home – ideal for enjoying privacy, entertaining in style and seeing a family grow up in. ›
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A PERSONAL OASIS Such a bold claim could not be possible without an equally impressive garden, and here too Villa Mercury does not disappoint, catching the attention with its beautifully flowing garden in which pathways lead through perfect lawns flanked by over 40 types of fruit trees and many flowering species as well as beautiful water features. At one end is the very secluded green-toned infinity pool whose sundeck overlooks
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a private tennis court with professional playing surface. Stroll through the parkland landscape, past the outdoor dining area and awe-inspiring fountains to the other side of the garden, and you discover yet more lifestyle delights.
Indeed, this part of the garden contains the main swimming pool and deck area, encompassing not only a poolside hot tub and the cooling effect of a horizontally layered modern pond with Japanese Koi fish, but also an outdoor lounge, dining area, kitchen, barbecue and of course bathrooms. It’s a fully self-contained space where the family can spend lazy or in fact lively afternoons in the glorious Marbella sun, enjoying the best that the region’s famous lifestyle has to offer. Tastefully lit up at night, it becomes a stylish entertaining venue in which the greenery and water features of the
garden provide an almost ethereal backdrop. › Ever mindful of conceiving a private home base, the owner did not stop at creating this idyllic green space, but added a very practical component in the form of a small orchard extending from the main garden that provides the household with fresh, organically grown produce. In addition to a wide variety of fruit trees in the small orchard there is also a vegetable and herb garden, fresh flowers for the house and even a chicken coop for fresh, natural eggs. Taken together with its security, advanced home automation system, natural
stone detailing and a multi-car garage, this is a very complete 21st century villa designed to offer everything a modern family could wish for. Together with a very private and scenic setting just a short drive from Marbella and Puerto Banús in a location surrounded by golf courses, living here feels like being in the lap of the Gods. g Avenida Manolete 529 Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. Tel: (+34) 952 859 860. www.marbella-ev.com
CLICK TO VISIT
www.marbella-ev.com
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Wall lights, available in Blackshaw showroom from 575€
Get the Look: Holiday Penthouse by Blackshaw This holiday penthouse on the first line of Marbella beach is a perfect example of compact luxury, where everything serves a purpose. The aim was to utilise all given space and create an indooroutdoor living fit for the Mediterranean lifestyle. Featuring high specification furniture from some of the most renowned luxury furniture brands on the market as well as artistic lighting solutions by Bocci, the signature touch of Blackshaw can be felt Coffe tables available in Blackshaw showroom from 1400€
throughout the exclusive interior design. The doors from the lounge to the terrace are very fine framed bi-folding doors creating a continuation of the space and making it feel like the terrace is part of the living room. Moreover, the single pleated curtains take as little space as possible not to obscure any of the beautiful views of the sea and palm trees. The overall aesthetic is very tasteful, playing with natural tones and
textures with black details for definition and natural wooden floors. To see more of this contemporary, elegant penthouse, including its terrace, master bedroom and a functional cinema room that can easily be converted into a guest bedroom, and other projects by Blackshaw, visit their website: www.blackshawinteriordesign.com
Dining table available in Blackshaw showroom from 1960€
“Working with some of the most renowned luxury brands is a privilege, we love good design” – Sally Blackshaw
Dining chairs available in Blackshaw showroom from 1395€
Blackshaw has been known for over 19 years as being the team that creates stunning interior designs on the coast of Southern Spain. They specialise mainly in renovation, refurbishment and construction projects for both residential as well as commercial clients. From major construction work to innovative interior and exterior design solutions, Blackshaw takes care of everything with their in-house team of architects, designers, constructors and trusted suppliers (both on a local and international scale). Their showroom in the centre of Marbella showcases a wide selection of designer furniture as well as bespoke made solutions, that can be customised to each clients taste and preferences.
Bespoke TV furniture available in Blackshaw showroom from 3500€
Lighting, available in Blackshaw showroom from 1725€
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Rubielos de Mora, the gateway to one of Europe’s oldest regions, is home to a rural mansion that is both an architectural and design gem. The site could not be more ideal, since the area has received numerous awards, including the Europa Nostra Award and recognition as one of Spain’s ’Most Beautiful Villages’. The house is a great example of Rubielos’ typical vernacular architecture. All of these techniques, from iron fittings to wood and stonework, are merged in one work, making this project ageless and elevating tradition. With various styles and a panoply of furniture, lighting and accessories, Covet House’s brands provided the perfect palette for this totally new makeover.
A RURAL MAKEOVER PROJECT
IBERIAN MODERN HOUSE
DISCOVERED BY MADDIE QUINN WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY COVET HOUSE
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he inside is just as rustic as the front, yet it’s also contemporary and attractive. The interior courtyard has been developed as a private world where the house opens to, with its presumed Iberian style. The house’s first level, which is more open, has the daylight rooms, which are displayed in tiers. The bedrooms are on the second floor, which is more private. The living room, one of the characteristic divisions of the ‘casa montaesa’, is located on the first level. A very clean and simplistic aesthetic, this interior is truly a magnificent feat. The balance between elements, in which the woods and sombre tones create a real modern vibe, in juxtaposition with the stonework, provides the architecture of this house with such a rural and classic feeling. The entrance welcomes every visitor with a classic from Boca do Lobo, the Apollo Mirror. The frame of this modern design mirror is totally sublime with intricate ornate carvings. The exterior frame is made from solid oak wood and mahogany with a gold leaf finish. ›
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See you at SHOWROOM MARBELLA Opening hours
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The dining area and kitchen share the same open space, where a breath-taking view over the patio Is the perfect backdrop for a splendid dinner party or a long late breakfast. The kitchen features a kitchen island, that serves both as a preparation station with sink and as a counter as well. The rural looking oven and stove, complemented with the copper kitchen items decorating the walls, elevate
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this kitchen to an even more sophisticated level. The Nuka Counter Stool and Dining Chairs are the two items which play an important role in displaying the uniqueness and the classic elements in a very modern area. The Nuka family came to life inspired by the Nuka glacier in Alaska, upholstered in a soft velvet with a nail trim in polished gold – a chic detail that will not go unnoticed. ›
The rusticity and Spanish touch are obvious in dark, but also pleasant tones. The living room houses remarkable design artifacts, such as the Boca do Lobo Eden Copper Centre Table, in addition to the incredible architecture of the space. Also, this sleek sitting room area has one of Brabbu’s most well-known pieces, the Maya Armchair upholstered in a soft black velvet, matching the overall look for the other pieces, becoming a strong presence and contrasting its classical organic erganomic shape with the straight lines from the sofa. ›
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Still in the living room, there’s a small reading corner, where Delightfull’s mid-century modern vibe enters in perfect harmony with the rest of the furniture pieces in this area. The resting armchair already possess a mid-century feel to it, but with the Sinatra Floor Lamp, this otherwise simple reading corner is turned into a sophisticated relaxing area as well. The other rooms follow this simplistic modern aesthetic, with black being the main theme to connect them, highlighted by the deployment of very idyllic elements. ›
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COVET HOUSE keeps up with the latest inspirations with BOCA DO LOBO, DELIGHTFULL, BRABBU, KOKET, MAISON VALENTINA, CIRCU, LUXXU, ESSENTIAL HOME, RUG’SOCIETY, PULLCAST, FOOGO, and CAFFE LATTE. i www.covethouse.eu
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“I like contrast! The juxtaposition of simplicity and grandeur; the infusion of something different! Just as with food or music, spaces should make you feel something you never forget.”
HEIDIGUBBINS.COM
Av. Blvd. Príncipe Alfonso de Hohenlohe 20 - Marbella - (+34) 653561867
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Winter is coming and if you are in search of quality garments, look no further. Italianmade new brand, Giodoro redefines style and luxury with their coats made of genuine Cashmere, Australian Alpaca and cruelty-free, super soft Merino wool, all finished to perfection. They combine the latest trends with timeless designs and matching accessories using traditional colours such as black, camel and vanilla as well as an exclusive shade of lilac grey and a striking palette of fuchsia, pink and blue. A couple of different hat styles and beautiful, logo printed Mulberry silk scarfs are available to complete the sophisticated look, or they can also be worn independently.
GIODORO LUXURY COATS WORDS MADDIE QUINN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GIODORO
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CLICK TO BUY
www.giodoro.com
Photographer: Jordi Pelegri Stylist: Raquel Trejo Assistent Stylist: Sa Rederi Models: Laura Diviu, Lais Felisardo and Nicole Sunde Make Up: Mishka MakeUp
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WHAT IS BIOLOGICALLY APPROPRIATE PET FOOD? A vast majority of people consider their pets to be part of the family and that means that owners are keen to obtain the best care (and nutrition) for their furry ‘relatives’. Veterinarians often tell clients to avoid supermarket-bought pet food because premium brands (obtained online or from veterinarian clinics) are more nutritious. Premium foods usually list at least two animal proteins (such as chicken, beef, salmon, and eggs) at the beginning of their ingredients list and they are made with whole meats, healthy fats, and taurine (an amino acid that dogs and cats need to thrive). Within the group of premium products, one category – biologically appropriate (BA) food – has been in demand owing to its reputation for quality. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS
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BIOLOGICALLY APPROPRIATE PET FOOD PRINCIPLES Leading BA food company, Orijen (manufactured in Alberta, Canada) prescribes five biologically appropriate principles that are useful for defining BA foods. » The food must be rich in meat and protein – to be specific, it must have a quotient of 85 per cent meat (this is up to three times more than conventional dog and cat foods). The protein should be free of plant protein concentrates, which also abound in many commercial products. » Around two-thirds of meat should be fresh or raw so that they contain a high level of quality proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fats. One-third of meat can be air-dried at low temperatures. » A wide variety of meats should be used since a natural diet would include more than one type of protein. Conventional pet foods often feature a single ingredient (such as chicken or salmon) that is highly processed and therefore not as nutritious. Biologically appropriate foods contain different types of fresh or raw meats. » Wholeprey superfoods should be fed to dogs or cats. The ingredients list should comprise
meat (which provides nutrients like protein, fat, iron, Vitamins A, B, D, K, and more), organs (which are also nutrient-rich), and cartilage and bone (these foods are rich in minerals like magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium). » Carbohydrate and glycaemic counts should be limited. Many conventional foods contain over 50 per cent carbohydrates such as tapioca, starch, potato, and rice. The latter can cause blood glucose to rise and result in pet obesity. Despite being made with raw meat, biologically appropriate foods can come in dry form and look just like regular kibble. This is because they are dried via freeze-drying processes which do not harm the nutritional quality of food.
INGREDIENTS TO AVOID IN SOME COMMERCIAL FOODS If you have doubts about slightly upping your expenditure on pet food, take a look at the label of the food you are currently buying. Consider making a change if it contains ingredients like wheat gluten meal or corn gluten meal (these are fillers that ‘inflate’ food to make up for the low quantity of protein). Some foods can contain unhealthy
animal or by-products that are not recommended for your pet. You should also avoid artificial preservatives such as butylated hydroxyanisole, ethoxyquin, and other additives that enable food to sit on shelves for months but could cause harm to your pet’s health. Cheaper foods are sometimes made with corn syrup and/or soy. Corn syrup in particular can cause major problems such as metabolic syndrome and obesity in humans and they are no better for your treasured pet. Some supermarket foods also contain artificial dyes and colours which can worsen allergies or contribute to tumour growth. Investing in your dog’s health by opting for biologically appropriate or premium, veterinarian-approved food is important. Today, it is possible to buy all types of kibble, wet food, and snacks from countries as far as Canada and the U.S., since popular Spanish online sellers have an impressive array of stock. Whichever type of food you choose, try to steer clear of high-carbohydrate foods made with poor quality protein, preservatives, highly refined ingredients, and high-glycaemic index components like corn syrup. e
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PREPARE TO BE BLOWN AWAY BY THE VAST REVENUES INVOLVED WITH CELEBRITY BEAUTY BRANDS, CONSIDER THE BENEFITS OF MEDITATION, LEARN ABOUT A NONINVASIVE TREATMENT FOR MEN SUFFERING FROM BPH, AND FIND SOME TIPS FOR AVOIDING MIGRAINES.
GO TO PAGE 140 FOR CELEBRITY BEAUTY BRANDS
GO TO PAGE 146 FOR PROSTATE ARTERY EMBOLISATION
GO TO PAGE 148 FOR MIGRAINES
GO TO PAGE 144 FOR BENEFITS OF MEDITATION
PRODUCTS BEAUTY SPA HEALTH
140 Celebrity Beauty Brands 144 The Benefits of Meditation 146 Prostate Artery Embolisation (PAE) 148 Tips For Keeping Migraines At Bay
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It’s hard to visit your favourite beauty stores these days without bumping into at least a couple of stands bearing products with celebrity names or logos. Top artists, actors, musicians, YouTubers, and reality stars – from Kim Kardashian West to Drew Barrymore – have launched successful beauty and skincare lines which show that creativity has no bounds. Research by Cosmetify indicates that the top five beauty influencers of the year are as follows. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS
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TOP
5
1 RIHANNA – FENTY BEAUTY
Z Revenue: Approximately €488M Rihanna founded Fenty Beauty with a view to creating a truly inclusive, diverse beauty brand that catered to all skin types. True to form, she rocked the beauty world by launching her brand at 1,600 stores in 17 countries simultaneously, surprising buyers with a whopping 40 foundation shades. Previously, many buyers had struggled to find the perfect tone for their skin and indeed, many top beauty brands had a very limited number of shades for darker skin. As beauty lover, Worokya Duncan told the Chicago Tribune, “(Prior to Fenty Beauty) no line had what I considered my shade of foundation… because people still find it novel that there's beauty found in black and brown bodies in the first place.”
CELEBRITY BEAUTY BRANDS
Z Top Pick: This is a very difficult call because this brand has excellent foundations, concealers, skin tints, and more. Based on personal bias, I choose Fenty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint – a crossover between a foundation and a moisturiser.
2 JESSICA ALBA – THE HONEST COMPANY Z Revenue: Approximately €192M A-list Hollywood actor, Jessica Alba said she founded The Honest Company “because you shouldn’t have to choose between what works and what’s good for you.” She considers her company a wellness rather than a beauty brand and was inspired to launch it when she started a family and began looking for safe, effective products for her children. The company has a ‘NO List’ comprising
over 2,500 chemicals that can pose a risk to human health. All processes are carefully scrutinised and carried out via testing and validation. The brand only works alongside partners who following the ‘Good Manufacturing Practices’ standard and provides a plethora of information on labels to promote transparency. It sells diapers, baby products, bath and body, cleaning products, clothing, and more, aside from beauty products. Z Top pick: Skin Sweep Exfoliating Powder Cleanser, which leaves skin baby-smooth.
3 KYLIE JENNER – KYLIE COSMETICS Z Revenue: Approximately €128M It is amazing to think that the youngest Kardashian/ Jenner, Kylie, was only 18 when she launched her
Kylie Cosmetics brand. By the time she was 21, Forbes listed her net worth at $1 billion, making her the world’s youngest ‘self-made’ billionaire (this listing later garnered controversy, as Forbes accused Jenner of forging tax documents to appear richer than she was). A true Jenner/Kardashian at heart, she capitalised on her controversial lip fillers (which she initially denied having), launching her now-famous Kylie Lip Kits. She slowly began expanding her range of products and now sells everything from eyeshadow palettes to highlighters and even skincare. In 2019, she sold a 51 per cent stake in her company to Coty Inc. for $600 million; the deal valued her business at $1.2 billion. Top Pick: Kylie Jenner Velvet Liquid Lipstick & Lip Liner, which is velvety smooth and long-lasting.
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4 LADY GAGA – HAUS LABORATORIES Z Revenue: Approximately €120M There is little that this Oscar-winning singer, composer, and actor cannot do. Bearing in mind that she is one of her generation’s leading fashion icons, it is only logical that she should have launched her own beauty brand in 2019. Gaga donates $1 from every purchase to her Born This Way Foundation, which aims to make this “a kinder and braver world.” The brand sells a select range of products ranging from eyeshadow palettes to lip oils. Z Top Pick: Liquid Eye-Lie-Ner — ideal for those who thought they could never produce a perfect cat eye.
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5 JEFFREE STAR – JEFFREE STAR COSMETICS Z Revenue: Approximately €68M What is there not to admire about Jeffree Star – the self-made guru who went from being a top musician and creator on Myspace to a beauty mogul and YouTube sensation? Star may attract his fair share of controversy but one thing is clear: there is no arguing with the incredible quality of his products, nor is there any denying that the products and packaging he puts out are always laced with artistry and vision. One of his first palettes, Alien, is still one of my all-time favourites. Z Top Pick: With this brand, choosing one item is almost impossible, since there are so many fabulous ones. I will go with Sacred Glass Extreme Frost Palette – a highlighter for those who, like Jeffree, like to be noticed! e
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BRILLIANT BENEFITS OF MEDITATION Meditation reduces stress, anxiety, pain, depression and enhances general wellbeing. A typical image of meditation is someone sitting in the lotus posture. But there are different ways to meditate – and it’s for each person to find out what works best to enhance their mind, body and soul. WORDS DAVID HURST
CLICK TO VISIT david-hurst.com
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editation helps us gain mental clarity and emotional calmness. It’s something that our ancestors fully knew about – and for excellent reasons. Even if they were not meditating as we know it today, they would be starting each day more calmly, observing what was around them much more than many people do in today’s bustling world. This century there are far too many people who are always a human doing rather than a human being. Known as dhyana, meditation’s first written references are in the Hindu Vedas texts from between 1500 and 700 BC. Forms of meditation also developed centuries ago in Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam. The word ‘meditation’ itself comes from Latin meditari, meaning ’to concentrate’. Here are some significantly positive benefits:
Z GETS YOU IN THE NOW Regrets for the past and worries for the future won’t change a thing – except guarantee to ruin the precious irreplaceable present moment. Keeping it in the now is the best way to live: the vast majority of every present moment is absolutely fine. Giving gratitude for what’s around us helps with this as does listening to every breath we take. Meditation gives us much er awareness. This can help us to observe ourselves, other people and situations without judgement. It will also aid people who suffer from addiction problems – to alcohol and drugs as well as behavioural addictions to, for instance, shopping, work, gaming, sex, food or gambling – because it allows a much greater realisation of triggers.
Z BOOSTS EMPATHY American researchers discovered in 2013 that meditation gave people better empathy. This is most likely because, as it promotes spiritual growth, it reduces egotistical selfcentredness. It gives us a greater connection to other people as well as to nature.
Z REDUCES STRESS An American study in 2012 found that taking part in meditation for eight weeks led to positive results on how a part of the brain responded to stress. This was not just when those being studied were actually meditating – but overall throughout every day. Another American study from 2014 discovered that
30 minutes of daily meditation relieved depression and anxiety.
Z BOOSTS BRAIN POWER A Dutch study found that meditation improves our creative abilities. Other recent research has discovered that meditation enhances parts of the brain linked to memory and concentration.
Z PHYSICAL HEALTH BENEFITS Those who meditate regularly lower their blood pressure, boost cardiovascular health and improve their immune system. So as well as feeling healthier and fitter, meditation lowers the chances of having a heart attack or stroke. In fact, the American Heart Association discovered in 2012 that a group who meditated regularly were around 50 per cent less likely to have a heart attack or stroke. Then researchers from the American Pain Society in 2015 found that meditation has unique benefits for giving pain relief. g David Hurst is a Wellbeing Coach with four books published on emotional and mental health recovery, including 12 Steps To 1 Hero and The Anxiety Conversation. He has also written for newspapers and magazines around the world including The Guardian, The Times, Psychologies, GQ, Esquire and Marie Claire. To find out more or contact David to see how he can help you or someone you care about with any mental health problem or emotional issue, visit: david-hurst.com
HOW DO I MEDITATE? Ideally meditate in a calm and still place where you will not be disturbed. Then focus on what you can see, hear and feel, such as noticing the warmth of the sunshine on your face or the sound of the breeze. Find the calm and stillness within you. One way to do this is to focus on something that's motionless in nature, such as a tree or the horizon and/or repeatedly say or think a certain word, phrase or sound. Many who start meditation struggle as they find they begin thinking about worries or things they need to do. But simply acknowledge these thoughts. Try naming them, so for instance: "That was a negative thought about my partner." Meditation might be best sitting cross-legged with hands resting on knees, a posture that's good for steady breathing and that has a calming effect. But others find they meditate better lying down, walking, running or swimming. Certainly to start with, it may help to find a professional teacher to learn more and what works best for you. It also helps to find a regular time to meditate. First thing every morning for 30 minutes is recommended by many meditation experts. Then you will start each day calmly – and most often make the next 23-and-a-half hours easier and much better. e WWW.ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM / 145
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PROSTATE ARTERY EMBOLISATION (PAE) A Revolutionary treatment for the enlarged prostate (BPH) which will put your life back on track without the feared side effects! WORDS DR. MANUELA ELENA REISBECK
BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as BPH, is a benign growth of the prostatic gland. It is the most common benign tumor found in the Western male population. It affects 25% of men age 55+ and up to 50% after the age of 75.
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Although not life threatening, it can cause numerous symptoms of varying severity, as a result of the partial constriction of the urethra by the enlarged prostate. Frequent and even painful urination, especially at night, urgency and dribbling are the most common annoying
problems caused by BPH. Urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control), frequent urinary infections and bleeding from the bladder are more serious and often require treatment to prevent complications. Traditionally, the regimen of choice would be surgery or laser treatment
of the prostate, to debulk the gland and set the urethra free again. Both procedures cause direct damage to the prostate and the area adjacent to it, which is why many men prefer tolerating the symptoms rather than having to deal with the side effects of the treatment procedure itself, like urinary incontinence, urinary bleeding, and the most feared, erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation. The prostate artery embolisation (PAE) on the other hand is a minimally invasive, endovascular intervention which does not touch the prostate or the tissue adjacent to it. Simply put, it is the blockage of the arteries of the prostate, reducing blood flow to the gland and therefore facilitating shrinking of the tissue as a ‘normal’ response to decreased blood supply. Because there is no damage to the prostate from the outside, the risks of side effects affecting the erectile function, retrograde ejaculation, or the urinary system, are very low. PAE is performed by an interventional radiologist rather than by a urologist – a doctor who uses X-rays to navigate inside the body and treat conditions without
In general, undergoing PAE is not a one-way road; other prostate interventions can be performed at a later point in time, if necessary – while patients who underwent prostate surgery and suffered side effects will not benefit from PAE anymore. It is not indicated as a treatment for prostate cancer. Although not well known to most affected patients, PAE is not a new procedure. It has been studied for more than 15 years and the positive results have been presented in numerous scientific publications. UroCare, the urology branch of the endovascular clinic CardioCare WHO SHOULD GO FOR PAE? Marbella, is dedicated to PAE and is As PAE does not require anesthesia the only centre in Marbella offering and does not involve surgical cuts this technologically advanced and wounds, it is of course indicated treatment modality. We work as a for older patients who have a higher team of international urologists and risk undergoing surgery, because interventional specialists and we do of other concurrent conditions or understand that when it comes to because of medications taken, like prostate treatments, modern men blood thinners. It is also indicated of all ages do welcome a solution for younger, active patients who which will put their life back on do not wish to endure the risks of track without harmful side effects. urinary and sexual side effects of i For more detailed information the standard treatment options. For on this matter, see www. patients with urinary bleeding due urocaremarbella.com or www. to BPH, the PAE procedure can even cardiocaremarbella.com be seen as the treatment of choice. surgery. A small catheter will be inserted into the artery of the wrist or the groin. There will be no cut and no wound. Small straw like catheters will then be used to reach the vessels which supply the blood to the prostate. When identified, tiny round particles are injected through the catheter into the blood vessel, which will then be occluded. All catheters are then removed and the patient can go home the same day. With blood supply being reduced, the prostate will start shrinking and debulking, freeing the urethra and alleviating previous symptoms.
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TIPS FOR KEEPING MIGRAINES AT BAY Around 15 per cent of the adult population worldwide suffer from migraines – a condition for which there is no long-term, effective cure. A groundbreaking study (CNRS, 2018) revealed why migraines occur. A specific ‘mutation’ causes dysfunction in a protein that is responsible for inhibiting neuronal electrical activity. Because this protein doesn’t work as it should, electrical activity is over-stimulated and the result is a splitting headache or other symptoms which can make it difficult to function. Research has found that migraines tend to run in families. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS
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n 2021, another study by the American Academy of Neurology found that people who are prone to migraines have more nerve cell activity in some areas of the brain (and less activity in others) when they take part in a virtual roller coaster ride. This leads them to experience more dizziness and motion sickness than those who do not have migraines. Researchers believe that the abnormal processing of visual motion stimuli is linked to a higher likelihood of migraines.
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WHAT DOES A MIGRAINE FEEL LIKE? The symptoms of migraines vary greatly from person to person. Common manifestations include a throbbing or pulsing headache and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Sometimes, a migraine is preceded by an aura, which can consist of flashes of light, blind spots, tingling in the face or body, and difficulty speaking. Some people, reports the Mayo Clinic, have mood swings, food cravings, fluid retention, more frequent urination, yawning, and/or neck stiffness one or two days before an attack. After a migraine, people can find it difficult to concentrate or they can feel depressed, fatigued, or even euphoric.
COMMON MIGRAINE TRIGGERS If you have migraines, you should make a point of avoiding common triggers. These include emotional stress, missing meals, consuming certain foods that have additives like nitrates (found in hot dogs and other processed meats), having too much caffeine or stopping your caffeine consumption abruptly, using pain-relieving medication too often, and hormonal changes. Women can find that
their migraines occur around the time of their menstruation. Flashing lights and too much sunlight can also trigger a migraine, as can dehydration, dieting, being exposed to strong odours and smoke, medications, and changes in the weather. Because triggers can be manifold, keeping a migraine journal is advised. Include the date and time of your migraine, in addition to the hours of sleep obtained the night before it happened, dietary changes, location of the pain (which could be behind an eye, in the jaw, or one or both sides of the head), symptoms before and after an episode, the duration of the episode, and more.
HOW OFTEN DO MIGRAINES OCCUR AND WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE? Some people have migraines once a year or less, but most have two to four episodes per month. If you have migraines, you should let your family doctor know so you can commence treatment if necessary. For pain relief, over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or caffeine may be sufficient. Prescription drugs can include triptans, calcium channel blockers, CGRP monoclonal antibodies, betablockers, anti-seizure medication, steroids, and more. Doctors can also recommend supplements such as Vitamin B2, Magnesium, Coenzyme Q10, and more.
NEW FINDINGS ON BATTLING MIGRAINES Various studies have shown that lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency of migraines. These include: Z Diet: Researchers from the NIH/ National Institute on Aging (2021) found that a diet that is high in fatty fish helped frequent migraine sufferers have fewer and less intense headaches compared to people who consumed a diet which was higher in vegetable-based fats and oils. Z Hormone Therapy: The North American Menopause Society (2017) found that hormone therapy is safe and effective in relieving migraines in menopausal women. Z Exercise: A University of Gothenburg study (2011) found that exercise is as efficient as drugs at preventing migraines. Z Novel Therapies: University of Illinois at Chicago researchers (2021) have found that chronic migraine sufferers could have “decreased neuronal flexibility.” The latter can potentially be restored by inhibiting a specific enzyme called HDAC6. Migraines are a potentially debilitating condition affecting 15 per cent of the population. Today, we know more about what causes and triggers them. If you have migraines, talk to your doctor about potential treatments and try out a few natural methods as well – including the consumption of more Omega-3-rich fatty fish like wild salmon and tuna. e
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enterprise
WE TALK WITH RUBÉN OTERO AND STARCHITECT, JOAQUÍN TORRES ABOUT THEIR EXCITING NEW PROJECT, THE SECRET. JOSÉ CARLOS LEON OF NVOGA OUTLINES HIS VISIONARY PHILOSOPHY. PIERRE SUMMER PRESENTS HIS DIRECT SELLER-TO-BUYER LUXURY PROPERTY PORTAL.
GO TO PAGE 152 FOR OTERO
GO TO PAGE 164 FOR THE VIBE
GO TO PAGE 172 FOR BUSINESS NEWS
BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROPERTY FINANCE LOCAL NEWS 152 Grupo Otero – The Secret 158 José Carlos Leon of Nvoga 164 The VIBE 172 Business News
GO TO PAGE 158 FOR NVOGA
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OTERO
IS LOOKING TO THE FUTURE From the sudden shock of the pandemic to an excellent 2021, Otero in many ways symbolises the experiences shared by Marbella’s real estate sector as a whole, yet this growing all-in-one developer is not resting on its laurels but is preparing for a rapidly evolving future. WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN AND COURTESY OF OTERO GROUP
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he pandemic that arrived in 2020 brought disruption to the world, and affected the Costa del Sol as well, but the way in which the property market in particular has rebounded surpasses even the most optimistic scenarios one could have envisaged last year. Naturally, the sector was
propelled by the pent-up demand released when countries and economies began to open up again, but added to this is the realisation among many that when it comes to lifestyle dreams and quality of life, it is better not to put off decisions. The lockdown experience crystallised this in the minds of
people across the globe, and as a result many have been looking for a change, resulting in a wave of enquiries into second homes and even relocation to the Costa del Sol. The latter has been facilitated by the growing remote working trend, and together all these factors have made 2021 a heady year for property in this region, with the demand for especially ready to move into modern villas and apartments beginning to outstrip supply. “On this coast we almost can’t build fast enough to keep up,” says Rubén Otero, CEO of the Otero Group, a property developer that incorporates construction, architecture, engineering, sales and support services such as landscaping and interior design under one umbrella. “The past few years have marked steady growth in our company, and we have evolved along with the new design styles, technologies and innovations that are now central to contemporary homes on the Costa del Sol. But we believe there is still so much more evolution and innovation coming, and we’re ready for it.” ›
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THE IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY In October, the company hosted a fun-filled event in classic Costa del Sol style at the Los Naranjos Golf clubhouse to celebrate a great year in business, the continued expansion of the company and to thank the Otero team and its many colleagues, suppliers and collaborators for the important part each has played in achieving this level of success. The lively event also saw the
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official presentation of The Secret, a private community of 34 designer villas from the drawing board of Joaquín Torres, partner at A-cero and one of the most celebrated architects in Spain today. For Otero he has created a collection of boutique villa designs that can only be described as ‘next-generation luxury’. They take the styling, amenities, comforts, technologies and layout flow of
today’s villas to the next level, marking an important step forward in Marbella property development. A fine example of this is Sail, a 21st century villa set to become a reference point in Real de La Quinta, the new country club resort located on the threshold of the Sierra de las Nieves National Park. Surrounded by thousands of hectares of nature, yet close to Marbella, it is an eco-orientated living environment.
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“This was one of the inspiring factors of the project,” says Joaquín Torres. An architect known for his aesthetic eye and ability to design outstanding villas, he also emphasises the social and environmental responsibility his profession carries. “Architects give shape to structures that may be private yet impact on the landscape and the urban fabric, so we have to be mindful of what and how we create.” Aware of the mistakes made in the past, he gives his all to projects that are creative, aesthetically inspiring and in harmony with their surroundings.
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“Development today has to be sustainable, embrace technology and have a social conscience. In other words, be a building block of the community, and in locations such as Marbella more than anywhere the focus has to be upon quality. We set ourselves this task with The Secret and it’s great to be proud of the direction we’ve taken with this landmark project and the product that has resulted from it,” says the architect who believes Otero is paving the way for next-generation development on the Costa del Sol. g Blv. Principe Alfonso de Hohenlohe, Urb Carolina Park, local 36B, Marbella. Tel: (+34) 951 569 722. Calle San Lorenzo 2, planta 4, Málaga. Tel: (+34) 951 773 002. info@otero.com.es www.otero.com.es
CLICK TO VISIT www.otero.com
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JOSÉ CARLOS
LEON
AND THE DRIVE TO PERFECT THINGS José Carlos León
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José Carlos León, CEO of Nvoga Marbella Realty and President of the LPA (Leading Property Agents of Spain) is a realist who has built a successful real estate company and yet strives to make things better. What do you call an idealistic realist? A visionary. WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF NVOGA
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ost people in the property sector are focused almost exclusively on the success of their businesses and projects, yet some find the time to lead initiatives aimed at raising professional standards and achieving greater transparency in their fields of work. José Carlos León is such a person, and while he leads one of the most successful companies specialised in marketing new property developments on the Costa del Sol, he is also one of the leading forces moving the sector
forwards. Marbella born and raised, he built up his expertise in real estate sales and marketing, as well as the commercial and technical intricacies of real estate project development, over a 20-year career that culminated in the founding of Nvoga Marbella Realty. The company has since become known for its specialisation in working with promoters and investment funds, from sourcing land, developing the project and obtaining planning permission to marketing and sales. ›
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Nvoga has helped lead many projects to success in this way, including most recently TreeTops and Breeze in Guadalmina, on behalf of a promoter from Asturias in northern Spain. José Carlos and his team are currently working on the launch of Estrella del Mar, a development of modern apartments near Elviria beach and are in the planning stages of a new project in Cascáda de Camoján. “In addition to luxury apartment complexes and gated villa communities, we 160 / NOVEMBER 2021 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
are also increasingly working on individual villa projects,” says the man who has been instrumental in the formation of the new LPA quality seal.
LEADING PROPERTY AGENTS OF MARBELLA A great believer in working together rather than jealously guarding one’s own domain, José Carlos has breathed new life into the LPA and encouraged all the leading agencies to join forces within it. “Our industry
has long suffered from the bad image that comes from unprofessional and at times even unscrupulous companies and individuals operating within it, made possible by the fact that it is so easy to become an estate agent nowadays.” He refers to the fact that where once there was a professional qualification requirement and the need to invest in highly visible offices and proactive marketing, the internet has lowered the threshold considerably. ›
An experienced, international team
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“One cannot and should not want to stop progress, but change always brings positives and negatives, and through the LPA our mission is to protect both individual homeowners and buyers, as well as Marbella’s reputation and that of the serious property professionals working within it.” In an age where you can land at the airport, build a website, flood it with properties from an MLS (multiple listing service) and launch into the
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business without knowledge of the area, language, real estate market or indeed the legal, fiscal and urban planning ramifications involved, the need for an organisation that champions integrity, know-how and transparency is greater than ever. “The first mission of the LPA was to bring all those companies that meet high criteria of expertise, service and reputation together in an organisation where we share
knowledge, information and ideas on how to keep improving the professional standards of our sector. This is not an elitist or exclusive grouping but one that sets the bar high so that the names that make up its membership stand for quality and engender peace of mind among vendors and buyers alike,” says José Carlos. “The next is to establish within the LPA a centre of transparent public and professional information,
to provide vocational training courses and updates, as well as conferences, seminars and the publication of concise, focused communication on topics as diverse as market trends, land and property valuation, customer service, urban planning, investment, property development, modern and sustainable construction technologies, as well as legal, financial and fiscal topics." Ultimately, this will lead to a fully-fledged real estate academy, standardised documentation and contracts (already in progress) and also protocols and procedures that adapt the best international practise in real estate to local conditions.
“We want the Costa del Sol and its real estate sector to be the best they can be, to fight bad practice, promote good practice and in the process develop a quality seal that guarantees consistency of service, technical expertise and integrity, and in so doing gives our clients peace of mind.” Transparency and innovation are dominant elements within this drive for change and renewal within the region’s property sector, and it involves the LPA having the ability to effectively lobby for clearer and faster access to all relevant property documentation (for professionals and clients respectively), for clarification
of the legal status of properties and new planning directives particularly in Marbella, and for best possible practice on the part of real estate companies, local authorities and all those involved in this industry. As always, it takes realists such as José Carlos León to bring such ideas to life. g Avda. Duque de Ahumada 2, Paseo Maritimo (Edif. Marbell Center), Marbella. Tel: (+34) 952 813 333. info@nvoga.com www.nvoga.com
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ENGEL & VÖLKERS WHITE PARTY Engel & Völker’s recently held its legendary annual white party at El Chiringuito de Puente Romano, with members of its five offices in Marbella in attendance. Celebration was the order of the evening, with CEO, Smadar Kahana announcing that 2021 has been the company’s best year ever. i www.marbella-ev.com
“If you really look closely, most overnight successes took a long time” – Steve Jobs
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ENGEL & VÖLKERS MARBELLA 164 / NOVEMBER 2021 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
STRAND PROPERTIES PARTY Strand Properties held a well-attended party late into the evening on the large terrace in front of their Puerto Banus office to officially inaugurate their prestigious premises. The celebration also recognised their on-going success and continued expansion of the team. i www.strandproperties.com
“Winners don’t do different things. They do things differently” Shiv Kera
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OCTOBERFEST AT PALO ALTO Palo Alto welcomed new home-owners and invited guests to their first Octoberfest, held on the terrace of the Palo Alto Club. The revellers enjoyed live music, free-flowing beer, and a multi-course lunch at what promises to be an unmissable annual tradition. i www.paloaltomarbella.com
“Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder” – Kinky Friedman
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TIM STOREY AT ACE DNTL STUDIO World-renowned author, speaker and life coach, Tim Storey was the guest of honour at a cocktail evening at Ace Dental Studio in Marbella. The studio’s director, Dr. Ace Korchi presented the acclaimed speaker who gave an inspirational talk at the event. i www.acedntl.com
“You can succeed at almost anything for which you have unbridled enthusiasm” – Zig Ziglar
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THE SECRET BY OTERO Members of the real estate fraternity arrived in force at the Clubhouse of Los Naranjos Golf for a fun-filled event and the opportunity to visit the site where The Secret is taking shape. Star architect, Joaquín Torres and Rubén Otero delivered a presentation of the prestigious project. i www.otero.com.es
“If you can dream it, you can do it” – Walt Disney
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SOLVILLA OPEN HOUSE Solvilla held an open house at Villa Rosas, an exquisitely presented luxury property located in the heart of Nueva Andalucía. Guests and real estate agents were visibly impressed with the contemporary open-plan interior and the stylishly executed exterior of the project. i www.solvilla.es
“You are not buying a house, you are buying a lifestyle” – Anonymous
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BEACH OLYMPICS – A GOLD WIN FOR CHARITY Collective Calling hosted the recent Beach Olympics in Marbella which saw a number of teams competing in the event. Following some hard-fought contests, team Les Roches Marbella were the eventual winners from a memorable day which also raised over €3.000 for charity. i www.collectivecalling.org
“It is nice to have valid competition; it pushes you to do better” – Gianni Versace
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business news WORDS BY MARISA CUTILLAS
CLUB MED RETURNS TO SPAIN Club Med will be back in Spain after a 20-year hiatus, launching its first luxury resort, Magna Marbella in 2022 in collaboration with Magna Hotels and Resorts. The resort will welcome its first guests on May 14, 2022, enticing potential clients as early as October with a guaranteed discount of 15 per cent for the summer of 2022 at all Club Med resorts around the world. i www.clubmed.com
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AUTOCINE MÁLAGA METROVACESA LAUNCH Autocine Málaga Metrovacesa is a new outdoor drive-in theatre – the second-largest of its kind in Europe, boasting an area of 16,000m2 with a capacity for 250 vehicles, and a giant screen of 250m2. The movie chosen to launch the new theatre was Grease – which is fitting, indeed, when you recall John Travolta singing about being “stranded in the drive-in and feeling like a fool.” Viewers can hear the soundtrack in their cars via FM frequency and can order food and drinks on a mobile app. i www.autocines.com
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BIOPARC RELEASES LOGGERHEAD TURTLES INTO THE SEA The hardworking team at Bioparc Fuengirola recently released a group of loggerhead turtles into the sea at Cabopino beach, tagging five turtles with satellite markers. The Bioparc team originally took care of a nest of these turtles found on August 5, 2020, at Los Boliches beach in Fuengirola. Some 12 eggs were found and after 90 days of incubation, they all successfully hatched. i www.bioparcfuengirola.es
CUDECA LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE SHOP Fundación Cudeca has launched a new online shop, joanbycudeca.org, featuring secondhand fashion and vintage brands. The range of products on offer brings together top brands and vintage clothing items. The shop’s name pays tribute to Joan Hunt, the founding spirit of Cudeca, who passed away in June. Cudeca provides free expert palliative care to around 1,600 people a year and their families. i www.joanbycudeca.org
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MARY HARBOE – GUCCI WARS Award-winning journalist and broadcaster, Mary Harboe, has released a new book called Gucci Wars – Jenny Gucci’s Story, published by SilverWood Books. The book covers the same timeframe as the new Ridley Scott film House of Gucci (starring Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, and Jared Leto), but sees the events (including the murder of Maurizio Gucci) from Jenny’s perspective. Jenny was an opera student when she first met Paolo Gucci (grandson of the famed fashion designer). As Mrs. Gucci, she lived a life of glamour and luxury. Eventually, however, the dark side of Paolo’s personality emerged and when Jenny asked for a divorce, he went to unforeseen lengths to make her life a living hell. The book is available on Amazon and at The Bookshop in San Pedro. i www.maryharboe.com
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COLLECTIVE CALLING OPENS SHOP IN SAN PEDRO Collective Calling has opened a new charity shop in San Pedro de Alcántara. The store sells second-hand clothes at great prices, as well as toys, accessories, and books. People wishing to donate items can do so at the store’s drop-in centre. Collective calling carries out important work in Tanzania (where they have set up a Centre of Hope) and helps out local communities as well (the group helped many needy people during the C19 crisis. The opening of the shop was made possible thanks to the efforts of Veronika Tye, an Ambassador of Collective Calling, the charity founded by Paul and Gemma Carr. g Avda. Pablo Ruiz Picasso, Locale 4, San Pedro de Alcántara. www.collectivecalling.org
SECOND EDITION OF REGATA GASTRONÓMICA EVENTS RETURNS TO THE SOTOGRANDE PORT Puerto Sotogrande recently hosted the second edition of its Regata Gastronómica (Culinary Regatta), after a pause in 2020. Some 15 boats of different lengths participated, preparing a bevvy of dishes onboard – including tuna muyayo, noodles with prawns, chickpeas with red prawns, and more. Victory went to the boats Tangay III, Sureño, and Viejo Lobo. i www.puertosotogrande.com
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DAVID CARPENTER WATCHES HOSTS OPEN EVENING
© Johnny Gates
Independent luxury watch store, David Carpenter, which opened over the summer on the frontline of Puerto Banús, recently held an open evening. Prospective clients and friends were welcomed to view the store, gain insight into the collection, and check out the array of Rolex watches. The shop also stocks items by Parmigiani and Schwarz Etienne. In the pre-owned selection, you will find familiar names such as Rolex, Omega, Jaeger Le Coultre, and more. g Muelle Salman 8, Puerto Banús, Marbella. Tel: 952 916 070. www.davidcarpenterwatches.es
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LPA HOSTS MASTER CLASS IN URBAN PLANNING The Leading Property Agents of Spain (LPA) recent hosted a master class in urban planning at the Cortijo Miraflores in Marbella town. The event was attended by over 50 senior members of leading real estate companies on the Coast and the introduction to the intricacies of urban planning in the region was presented by Dr. Alejandro Criado Sánchez of Criado Abogados in Marbella. Topics covered included the historic evolution of urban plans in the town and the situation of unratified properties and complexes. i www.lpaspain.com
HIGUERÓN RESORT AND TOP GESTIÓN PRESENT LOMAS DEL HIGUERÓN Higuerón Resort and Top Gestión are pleased to announce that they have joined forces to develop 1,200 luxury homes in the most privileged area of Fuengirola, with construction to be carried out by Alza Obras y Servicios. Attending the laying of the first stone were the Mayor of Fuengirola, Ana María Mula, and executives from the Higuerón Resort, Top Gestión, and Alza Obras y Servicios. The project involves an investment of €600 million. i www.higueronresort.com 178 / NOVEMBER 2021 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
NEW PRESIDENT FOR ANDALUSIAN NEUROLOGY SOCIETY The Sociedada Andaluza de Neurología (Andalusian Neurology Society) has a new President – Dr. Jesús Romero Imbroda, Head of the Neurology Department of the Quirónsalud Málaga Hospital. Dr. Imbroda, formerly Vice-President of the Society, will be representing close to 400 members of a society which provides accredited training sessions, promotes research, and combats prevalent diseases and conditions such as migraine, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and strokes. i www.quironsalud.es
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LUXURY FROM OWNERS DIRECT SELLER-TO-BUYER LUXURY REAL ESTATE PORTAL LAUNCHES IN MARBELLA
Luxury from Owners is a direct seller-to-buyer portal featuring luxury real estate in Marbella with no commission charged to buyers or owners. Marisa Cutillas interviews company founder, Pierre Summer. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LUXURY FROM OWNER
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here are two things that stand in the way of a smooth real estate transaction: wasted money and time. French entrepreneur, Pierre Summer, founded Luxury from Owners – a portal and services solution for buyers and sellers of luxury real estate – with a view to making transactions more profitable and time-efficient for both parties. There are two key pillars to his business model: direct, commission-free home sales, and a portal with impressive visual representations. Visit the portal
and you will see that each listing boasts 360º guided tours, videos, and floor plans – so much so that it is almost like being there in the flesh. They even provide the exact location on the map so you can see where the property is located. A VISUALLY IMMERSIVE PORTAL “We don’t simply provide photos of home interiors and exteriors,” explains Pierre, “We offer detailed 360º video recordings of properties that cover every room and the exterior to give potential buyers a virtually
immersive experience of being in the property, so that they don’t waste time visiting properties that aren’t a match for them.” Pierre, a London-based businessman and owner of a luxury home in Marbella, knows how frustrating the process can be. “I had a villa in Marbella for 20 years and I used to offer it for short-term rentals. When I decided to sell, I found the process frustrating. As an entrepreneur, the negative experiences I encountered lead me to start a business of my own.”
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back to CONTENTS FREE VISUALS OFFER UNTIL JANUARY 1, 2022
SAVING TIME Think of the typical annoying scenario: a vendor, who may be living in their home, decides to sell and has to receive buyer after buyer, some of whom say “It’s not really what I’m looking for” the second they enter the door. This type of experience is just as frustrating for buyers, who may have wanted a home with a different orientation, size, or layout. “In addition to providing buyers with comprehensive video and drone footage, they also have access to detailed floor plans. By the time they have seen all the visuals, it is almost as though they have visited the home in person. This way, it becomes very easy to create a shortlist for inperson visits. It also increases the likelihood of making a sale,” Pierre explains.
ZERO COMMISSION The absence of commissions is another important difference. Pierre explains, “The average commission on real estate stands 182 / NOVEMBER 2021 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
If you are keen on selling your home via Luxury from Owners and don’t have top-quality visuals, make sure to sign up before the end of 2021. Pierre explains the details of his generous offer: “Because the company is new, we are offering vendors who sign up before January 1, 2022, our videography and photographic services for free.” Until this at around five per cent in Marbella, date, vendors can also list their much higher than locations such properties on the portal for free as London at 1 to 1.5 per cent. for one year. “After this date, the For a home with a sale price of quarterly fee will apply to new €1million, the vendor or buyer listings.” could lose around €50,000. By taking agencies out of the picture, FULFILLING A DEMAND we make transactions more The Luxury from Owners portal profitable for both parties.” has been up since April, 2020, but already the total value of the AN INNOVATIVE BUSINESS MODEL properties registered on it is worth “How does Luxury from Owners €440 million, with an average run its business?” you may ask, value of €1.7 million per home. since it charges no commissions. The company welcomes villas The answer is – by charging a priced at €1 million and over and small quarterly fee to sellers. apartments at €400,000 and Sellers can either provide their above. The extent to which both own video and photographic sellers and buyers have embraced material or they can contract the portal is a good omen for this service from Luxury from Pierre’s venture but also a sign of Owners. “We are a services-based the times. Digital sales are very company as well as a portal, since much taking over the real estate we can offer Matterport 360° sector and many buyers and videos and drone recordings for sellers are keen on making their clients if required. We will also be transactions as profitable, quick, launching a keyholding service and efficient as possible. so that vendors don’t need to be in town or find someone to show g Further information, their properties to visitors.” Tel: +44 20 3239 3332. www.luxuryfromowners.com
G A S T R O N O M I C C E L E B R AT I O N S # P U E N T E L I F E 3 6 5
DECEMBER 2021 | The pre-Christmas social
SEA GRILL | The perfect seafront venue for an
calendar starts and Puente Romano prepares for
all-round elegant lunch or dinner event.
the festivities! Looking forward to welcoming friends
SUPPERCLUB | Dinner & show, followed by
and co-workers for a gastronomic get together.
dancing till late.
ers! discover the off
CHRISTMAS OFFICE PARTIES & EVENTS
r e s taurantes@ pu en tero m ano.com |
+34 682 11 22 33 | pue nt e r o m a no . c o m / c hr is t m a s
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gourmet
MARBELLA ICON, MICHAEL KEIJSER, THE FOUNDER OF DREAMERS NIGHTCLUB, PRESENTS HIS LATEST VENTURE – COA MARBELLA – A GLAM RESTAURANT FEATURING FABULOUS MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE. CHECK THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE GOURMET SCENE, AND TRY SOME OUTSTANDING WINES FROM BIERZO.
GO TO PAGE 192 FOR GOURMET NEWS
GO TO PAGE 194 FOR PITTACUM NEWS GASTRONOMY CHEFS WINE
186 COA Marbella 192 Gourmet Bytes
GO TO PAGE 186 FOR THE NEW COA RESTAURANT
194 Pittacum from Bierzo
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COA MARBELLA A LEGEND IS BORN
COA has only just opened and already it is all the rage. Deriving from barbacoa, as its name suggests it specialises in grilled delights – gourmet meat, fish and vegetables. Located at Edificio Online, in front of Casino Marbella, COA is a legend in the making. WORDS JAMES SINCLAIR PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN AND COURTESY OF COA MARBELLA
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pproaching the restaurant, you will be impressed by its facade, stylishly imposing a sensation of anticipation. The venue is spread over two floors, with a chic sophisticated décor, comfortable chairs and sofa benches providing seating for over 100 people, and solid metallic-topped tables. Pop
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art from Jordi Fernández of JoGiz Art abounds and even graces the plates. An extensive glassfronted wine cabinet occupies the full-length of the restaurant on the upper level, with a private dining salon opposite it on the other side. This is clearly a place for relaxing with friends and savouring the ambience.
WHY IS COA GUARANTEED TO BE A SUCCESS? In two words: Michael Keijser! It was he who founded Dreamers Marbella which put Marbella on the international music map with visiting DJs of the calibre of David Guetta, Jason Derulo, Martin Garrix, Erick Morillo, Roger Sánchez, Carl Cox and Armin van Burren among many others. He later followed this fame with further kudos at Santos Beach Club Ibiza and Teatro back in Marbella. Michael has employed his expertise in making sure that Coa lives up to expectations, using his contacts established over long years on the coast to great effect, assembling a team including many he has worked with before, so expect a warm welcome and slick service. This even extends to having sourced Don Enrique’s Kema Kulo Salsa Picante from Tarifa – only for the very brave! ›
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Talented Head Chef, David Aguado is one of those, and he has envisioned an enticing Mediterranean Menu, based on top quality produce, which is prepared in an open kitchen on the lower level. The meat, for example, is sourced from choice cuts of Simmental, Fresian, Angus, Avileña-Black Iberian, and Wagyu, all having been carefully aged over 30 to 50 days maturation.
SRUMPTIOUS DELICACIES From the many gourmet options on offer, specialities not to miss out on here include Carpaccio de Picanha, 60
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Days Matured, with Pepper, Onion and Cilantro Sprout, Toro Tuna Tartar, Sanlucar Langostino, Scallops with Parmesan Cream, Marinated Asparagus and Acorn-fed Ham, Slow-heated Artichokes with Payoyo Cheese Flakes and Cured Meat Slices, Grilled Avocado with Sweet Chocolate Soup, Tarragon Oil and a Touch of Fennel, Prime Nebraska Entraña, Entrecôte, Fillet and Rib Eye Steaks, Rack of Lamb with Mushrooms, Apple and Cane Honey Juice, and Steamed Black Cod with Avocado Gazpachuelo. ›
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The desserts are all freshly homemade, prepared by the resident Master pastry chef. Prices are reasonable and portions generous. Returning to the wines as mentioned above, aficionados will meet their match with selections like Hacienda Monasterio, Alion, Arzuaga, Emilio Moro, Pedrosa and Pingus on offer, as well as a Ramos Paul from Ronda. There are of course a range of international wines, whites and rosés, as well as a good selection of Cavas and Champagne. Cocktails also feature prominently here as does Mahou on draft – the brand is actually a partner of the business.
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For a lingering lunch that will prep you for going back for more, or a fun night out in a vibrant venue full of life and love, with food that really hits the spot, they don’t come much better than COA. g Avenida Las Malvas, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. Open Tuesday – Saturday for lunch and dinner (kitchen: 1pm – 11pm) and Sunday for lunch. Tel: (+34) 683 528 324. www.coarestaurant.es
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Tel: 952 818 392 www.thaigallerymarbella.com
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ALL OUR RESTAURANTS ARE OPEN ACCORDING TO REGULATIONS, WITH FULL SAFETY MEASURES!
Puente Romano Hotel, Plaza Village, Marbella.
IN ES E R ES TA U R A N T PO LY
NEW TAI PAN
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Marbella
ES IA N BA R
Tel: 952 777 893 / 952 775 500 www.taipanmarbella.com Puente Romano, Fase 2, Marbella. Open Daily for Dinner from 8:00
SUKHOTHAI Exquisite Royal Thai Cuisine Tel: 952 770 550 www.sukhothaimarbella.com Marbellamar, L-3A, Marbella. Open Daily for Dinner from 8:00
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WORDS BY MARISA CUTILLAS
UNIDOS: TOP CHEFS UNITE AT BOHO CLUB Top Chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants in Málaga recently joined forces with Boho Club’s Diego del Río to delight over 100 guests with a 14-course meal (seven appetisers and seven mains). Participating Chefs included Benito Gómez of Bardal (**), Mario Cachinero of Skina (**), José Carlos García of José Carlos García Restaurante (*), Mauricio Giovanini of Messina (*), Diego Gallegos of Sollo (*), and Fernando Villasclaras of El Lago. Each Chef prepared
two dishes that represented their talent to the full. The list of delicacies included rouge and silver label parfait, lobster and Payoyo cheese tartelette, ecological caviar from Riofrío with a tuber and herb crème, sea urchin mi-cuit and celery root water, and Aquanaria seabass with cauliflower couscous. The invitees were enthralled with the creative dishes, individually paired with wines, and enjoyed a live musical show. i www.bohoclub.com
CHEFS FOR CHILDREN AT
THE HOTEL LOS MONTEROS
Some 33 Chefs from Michelin-starred establishments joined forces to take part in Chefs For Children – a fundraising gala dinner whose proceeds went to Fundación Juegaterapia (which aims to make the lives of children undergoing chemotherapy a little better through games and other fun activities). The Chefs taking part in the event included Elena Arzak, Ángel León, Quique Dacosta, Fina Puigdevall, Ramón Freixa, and Marbella’s own Diego del Río. i www.chefsforchildren.es
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Alma Obregón is best known for her breakfast recipes and healthy desserts. A trained Cordon Bleu Pastry Chef, entrepreneur, and digital creator, she will soon be releasing a new book entitled Repostería Tradicional (Traditional Desserts). Yummy recipes include chia pudding with banana and homemade hazelnut cream, wholemeal carrot cake muffins, and spiced pumpkin autumn granola. The Chef already has 12 previous publications to her name. i Instagram: @alma_cupcakes
ALMA CUPCAKES
LEPANTO HOLDS WORLD SHERRY TASTING EVENT VIA LIVE STREAMING Lepanto recently organised its first global sherry tasting event via live streaming, hosted by Luis and Rocío Trillo (Master Distiller and Assistant Master Distiller, respectively). The experts shared their knowledge and experience with viewers, discussing the merits of Brandy Solera Gran Reserva – which is made exclusively in Jerez from an autochthonous grape called Palomino Fino, distilled in Charentais-style stills and aged in sherry casks. i www.gonzalezbyass.com
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PITTACUM
OUT OF THE PAST
Arganza is a small, sleepy Leonese village of perhaps 300 souls, founded a couple of hundred years before the Romans arrived to embark on an epic gold-mining programme in nearby Las Médulas: the largest open-pit mine in their entire empire (and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site). WORDS JOHN CARLOS READ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF PITTACUM
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V
iticulture was already the primary local mainstay, so the ever-thirsty invaders were delighted to continue with the tradition. Official recognition of the region and its very distinctive Mencía grape variety would, however, take quite a few centuries more, with D.O. Status for the region – Bierzo – bestowed as recently as 1989. Pittacum was established a decade later, around 1998, by three friends from nearby Ponferrada who thought it would be fun to promote the glories of this wonderful, quirky, scenic, and slightly remote part of Spain, roping in local winemaker Alfredo Marqués as the key fourth element.
THE WINERY Ensconced in and around a spacious and picturesque 300-year-old seigniorial stone manor surrounded by beautiful
gardens and vineyards, this picturesque building houses a thoroughly modern winery, with its dark, fresh, and humid underground vaults serving as ideal ageing cellars. It is named after a conical shaped Roman amphora unearthed during excavation work. The winery produces some 400,000 bottles made from the hand-picked fruit of 250 individual plots/parcels from 10 owned hectares and a further 63 under contract from specific local growers. The Technical Director, Alfredo, is assisted by winemaker Elisa Gómez. In 2002/3 majority ownership passed to Terras Gauda and the project has flourished. Currently just five or six wines are made, with Petit Pitaccum accounting for some 50 per cent of total production, with 40 per cent of its sales made in export markets – primarily China,
Canada, the UK and Austria.
THE BIERZO D.O. The Bierzo D.O. boasts some 79 wineries spread over 32 municipalities. Bordering Galicia to the west and Asturias to the north, its most interesting vineyards consist of small, terraced parcels on the slopes of sandy clay which are mineral rich. Here, mountainous terrain rises from 350 metres up to almost 1000 metres, overlooking a vast, fertile, verdant plain. Mencía is king and, thanks to the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean (with relatively cool temperatures during the growing season) and the shelter of the Sierra de los Ancares, the area’s modern wines are bright, lively, and refreshing – in radical contrast to the generally sturdier offerings of, say, Toro or Ribera del Duero in more inland Castiila y León.
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A SELECTION Z PETIT PITTACUM 2020 (14.5%) » Pure Mencía » DO Bierzo » Dark ruby tinged damson with sprightly, tingly, upbeat, fresh red and black plum fruits and excellent slightly sappy supporting tannins. Long. » Brilliantly simple. Z PITTACUM AUREA 2017 (14.5%) » Old vine Mencía » DO Bierzo » From the centenary Finca Areixola and with 14 months in barrica (40 per cent American and 60 French with around 33 per cent replaced annually). » Dense, mature ruby tinged purple; imbued with the scent of aromatic French oak; tingly, spicy and inky with condensed ripe blueberry and blackberry fruit and an alluring custardy oak twang. » A truly satisfying traditional style.
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Z LA PROHIBICIÓN 2017 (14.5%) » Old vine Garnacha Tintorera » Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León » Super dense dark, ruby flecked plum; minerally aroma with a twist of toffee and caramel; lightly textured with a most attractive, understated, succulent leafy black fruit core but a nice snappy edge and long, substantial finish with pervasive tannins and a fresh vinous tang. Z LA PROHIBICIÓN DULCE NATURAL 2011 (15.5%) » 10,000 bottles made » Old vine Garnacha Tintorera » Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León » Made just once and still not on the market! » One of the most remarkable dessert wines ever. » Made from grapes left on the vines until November 10 (unheard of!), given the dry Autumn. With no destemming, the entire bunches
were plonked whole and unpressed into a couple of steel tanks where, after a month of inaction, they finally fermented so vigorously that the process could simply not be stopped. » The final wine – still with 100 grammes/litre of natural sugar – spent four years in old oak and six in a bottle. » Blood red hue going into black; a strikingly sultry condensed series of melded ripe red fruits – cherry, plum and strawberry – vie with each other in a tannic, toasty velvet glove, delivering the most extraordinary tannic punch. e
