ANDALUCÍA - SPAIN
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essential
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MERCEDES
EQS + EQXX
GENERATION Z
ZENDAYA
MARBELLA
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HOW TO GROW
A DIAMOND
99 SUSHI BAR & RESTAURANT FORMULA 1
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contents
ESSENTIALS
18 Publisher’s Letter
GO TO SPOTLIGHT
26 Travel Trends for 2022 40 Hotel El Fuerte, Marbella 50 Weddings in Marbella 64 Lab-Grown Diamonds 74 Formula 1 New Season 82 New Mercedes-Benz EQS 90 Zendaya
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GO TO TRENDS 98 Hot New Films 102 Cool New Series 106 New Book Releases 110 Digital Business Cards 112 What’s Cool
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GO TO LIFESTYLE 118 Architectural Bespoke in Nagüeles 128 Décor Designs
168
134 Fendi S22 Spring/Summer 142 Top Grooming Products for Pets
GO TO SPA 144 bareMinerals – the Power of Good 148 Erectile Dysfunction
GO TO ENTERPRISE 152 New Rolex Boutique in Puerto Banús 156 Business News
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164 Residency in Gibraltar
GO TO GOURMET 168 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant 174 Gourmet Bytes 178 Olive Oil Favourites 180 Food Sustainability with Global Warming
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186 Painting Andalucía Red
Frontline Golf Las Brisas
11.800.000 € | E&V ID: W-02I5HG
9 BEDS, 10 BATHS. BUILT 1.197 M², PLOT 2.580 M².
Sierra Blanca
Río Real
4.950.000 € | E&V ID: W-02O4M2
1.700.000 € | E&V ID:W-02N78I
5 BEDS, 5 BATHS. BUILT 835M², PLOT 1,190 M².
5 BEDS, 6 BATHS. BUILT 550 M², TERRACE 186 M²
Frontline Beach Los Monteros
Beachside Golden Mile
1.850.000 €| E&V ID: W-02L1VS
1.500.000 € | E&V ID: W-02K5WH
3 BEDS, 4 BATHS. LIVING AREA 235 M², TERRACE 190 M²
3 BEDS, 2 BATHS. LIVING AREA 209 M², TERRACE 75 M²
www.marbella-ev.com | marbella@engelvoelkers.com
Beachside Marbesa
5 BEDS, 6 BATHS. BUILT 585 M², PLOT 867 M²
2.950.000 € | E&V ID: W-02O10B
Golden Mile
La Zagaleta
3.200.000 € | E&V ID: W-02M57N
9.400.000 € | E&V ID: W-02N8QV
6 BEDS, 6 BATHS. BUILT 841 M², PLOT 1011 M²
5 BEDS, 6 BATHS. BUILT 1.000 M², PLOT 4.800 M²
Guadalmina Alta
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3 BEDS, 3 BATHS. LIVING AREA 206 M², TERRACE 21 M²
2 BEDS, 2 BATHS. LIVING AREA 142 M², TERRACE 154 M²
www.marbella-ev.com | marbella@engelvoelkers.com
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Issue 268 – March 2022
STAFF
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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As inflation rises, how can you protect your savings and retirement income? Inflation is back in the news again in both Spain and the UK, with consumer prices accelerating at their fastest rate for almost 30 years. As the cost of living rises, your spending power erodes over time and with bank interest so low, you could be earning negative rates of return. Talk to our local advisers for advice on protecting your savings. Blevins Franks has 45 years’ experience providing financial planning advice to British expatriates. We take the time to get to know our clients, so our investment advice is based on your specific situation, objectives and risk profile. We then provide an ongoing service, with regular reviews to give you peace of mind.
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CERQUILLA 38 8.650.000€ NUEVA ANDALUCÍA BED 6, BATHS 6, PLOT 2.104 M2, BUILT 921 M2
DISC OV ER
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GOLDEN MILE BED 5, BATHS 5+1, PLOT 1.022 M2, BUILT 421 M2
ALTOS DE PUENTE ROMANO 5 3.995.000€
BAHIA DE MARBELLA BED 5, BATHS 5+2, PLOT 1322 M2, BUILT 665 M2
VILLA SHIRO 7.500.000€
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D WORDS BY IAIN BLACKWELL PUBLISHER
MAGICAL MARCH
E
xpectation is heightened indeed as we enter the warmer days with a skip in our step. 2022 is looking like being a good year for Property and Tourism. Honouring the latter, we start this edition with an extensive feature on Travel Trends where you can discover what is going to be big this year. After two difficult years, weddings are back in business, and getting married in Marbella is a highly desirable proposition. Read up on this and see our associated report on the labgrown Diamond boom. Following all the controversy from the final race of 2021 in Abu Dhabi, the F1 2022 Season finally hits the starting grid this month in
18 / MARCH 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
Bahrain. Check out who the main protagonists are and which constructers are favoured. We also preview the new Mercedes-Benz EQS and the sleek-lined Vision EQXX. Elsewhere, learn why Zendaya is a talent in such demand, experience the elegance of the Fendi 2022 Spring/Summer Collection, take a look inside an impressive contemporary villa at Rocio de Nagüeles, and savour avant-garde sushi at the 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant. Happy Reading!
go to CONTENTS
168
134
“MARCH IS A MONTH OF EXPECTATION” EMILY DICKINSON 26 112
128
Charming Parking Lot for Sale in La Zagaleta, Along with a 6 Car Garage *(with Attached 12 Bedroom Mansion)
PRICE GUIDE €9,995.000 Tel 952 856 844 Mo 672 050 503. info@casa-cascada-zagaleta.com
e back to CONTENTS
spotlight
PREVIEW THE NEW SEASON OF F1, HITTING THE STARTING GRID THIS MONTH, AND CATCH UP ON THE LATEST TRENDS FOR TRAVEL IN 2022. WEDDINGS ARE GOING INTO OVERDRIVE THIS YEAR AND MARBELLA IS A FAVOURED DESTINATION TO GET HITCHED. LEARN ABOUT THE LAB-GROWN DIAMOND BOOM AND FIND OUT WHY ZENDAYA IS IN DEMAND.
GO TO PAGE 50 FOR WEDDINGS IN MARBELLA
GO TO PAGE 82 FOR THE NEW MERCEDES EQS
GO TO PAGE 26 FOR TRAVEL TRENDS
GO TO PAGE 90 FOR ZENDAYA
CULTURE TRAVEL HISTORY PEOPLE MOTORING 26 Travel Trends for 2022 40 Hotel El Fuerte, Marbella 50 Weddings in Marbella 64 Lab-Grown Diamonds 74 Formula 1 New Season 82 New Mercedes-Benz EQS 90 Zendaya
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BE STARSTRUCK IN BADAJOZ Get better acquainted with the galaxy at the romantically-named Entre-Encinasy-Estrellas where some of the world’s most renowned astronomers have telescopes trained on the skies. Set in the wilds of Badajoz, Extremadura, Europe’s largest astronomical telescope hosting centre also offers stays in seven charming casas rurales. Run by a group of keen astrophotographers, you can focus on the science or just lie back and look up. i www.e-eye.es
Splurgecations, Vaxications, Catchup Travel… we’re all going on a (summer) holiday this year in a mass unleashing of pent-up wanderlust and there’s a whole new lexicon of words to describe it. International tourism is on the rebound to near pre-pandemic levels and the forgotten high street travel agent is back in business, sorting out the mind game of vaccination visas and cross-border regulations. We’re ready to explore again – but differently. And it’s good news for the planet! checks out five hot trends for 2022.
TRAVEL
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2.0
DARK SKY TOURISM
Stargazing is not just for astrophysicists. The new mood for sustainable escapism is enticing a growing number of travellers to the darkest corners of the globe to experience a lost piece of their ancestral heritage: a natural night. A century ago everyone could look up and see the Milky Way. Today 80 per cent of the world’s population will never see it where they live because of light pollution. Light bulbs were a brilliant invention but they have a dark side. The excess light we dump into the environment confuses nocturnal animals, pollinating insects and migratory birds, lures hatchling turtles away from the sea to their deaths and disrupts our own circadian rhythms. America’s International Dark Sky Association has been promoting sustainable ‘astrotourism’ since 1988 but destinations in our own back yard are also selling the romance of the science with starlit dining, use of a telescope and bedrooms made for naked-eye constellation spotting. The UNWTO-recognised Starlight Certificate has been a reference point for star-studded travel in Iberia and beyond since 2009. Set up by the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysicists to champion our inalienable ‘right to starlight’, the non-profit Starlight Foundation promotes towns, parks, rural houses and hotels that are actively involved in dark sky conservation. In Andalucía, the sierras of Jaén, Huelva and Cádiz are perfect for stargazing with heavenly-themed hotels scattered throughout the region. i Check them out at fundacionstarlight.org ›
WWW.ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM / 27
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GREEN LABEL GETAWAYS ‘Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints’ was last decade’s mantra. In the new normal, travellers want a complete breakdown on the carbon content of those footprints. Alas, in the year sustainable travel is tipped to go mainstream, it’s still not easy being green. There are over 450 types of eco certificate in use today and, with everyone doing their own thing on offsets too, it’s a greenwash jungle out there. But searching online for a net zero holiday could soon be as simple as shopping
for lactosefree milk. Our collective climate consciousness is putting pressure on the travel industry to standardise the whole process with regulated eco certification and emissions and offsets as clearly labelled on travel products as the calories and chemicals in foods. The pandemic was a tipping point for 43 per cent of travellers in Booking.com’s end-of-year survey of 29,000 adults across 30 countries. Nearly half intend to travel sustainably from now on.
GO NET ZERO IN THE GALÁPAGOS Wallow in carbon neutral luxury at Ecuador’s top eco hotel, perched on the edge of an extinct volcano on Santa Cruz Island. Relais & Chateau’s 29-room Pikaia Lodge has underwritten the guilt factor for you. Run on solar power, surplus CO2 is offset through reforestation and its own green acres double as a reserve for the Galápagos giant tortoise. i www.pikaialodge.com
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Could you forego the Maldives for a greener option like Which? Magazine readers
The Galápagos needn’t be a guilt trip at net zero Pikaia Lodge
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We’re just a click away from a Compare the Meerkat for carbon emissions and smart travel firms are already working on it. Major players like Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Google and Skyscanner have signed up to Travelyst.org, a Prince Harry eco initiative driving sustainable tourism from niche to mainstream. Establishing a green hotel rating system of 20 million properties worldwide is just one of their goals. Tour companies whose operations are more difficult to quantify are also entering the fray. “Do I think carbon labelling will be everywhere? I do,” predicts Sam Bruce, co-founder of Much Better Adventures, the first international travel company to introduce the concept last year. “It should
go beyond travel and they should be on all products that we buy; carbon labels should be the new calorie.” Indeed, more than a few of us are ready to go on a crash diet and cut down on their bucket list. Which? magazine recently compared the CO2 emissions of a long haul spa break in the Maldives and an equivalent-length rail holiday in Switzerland. The result was 2,931 kilos for the spa break – equal to eight years of 15-minute daily showers – versus 290 kilos – equal to leaving a 100-watt light bulb on for a year. No prizes for guessing which was which. Half of the readers said they would definitely choose a greener option if the data was available.
MEET THE NEW WORLD WONDER The world’s new largest cruise ship sets sail around the Caribbean on her maiden voyage this month before heading to the Med in May for cruises from Barcelona and Rome. The 7,000-passenger, 18-deck megaship Wonder of the Seas will premiere the tallest water slide at sea, a nine-deck zipwire, the Ultimate Family Suite with a slide to the living room from the kid’s bedroom and the largest poolside movie screen in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Not forgetting RCCL’s flagship Virtual Balconies in inside cabins that show live, floor-to-ceiling footage of the view you’d get if you had a window. Sail on!
CONTACTLESS CRUISING
New Wonder of the World/Top deck attractions (artist’s impression)
After two years becalmed in the Covid Doldrums, big cruising is back and riding the crest of a new wave in touchless technology. The pandemic fast-tracked smarter safety protocols at sea and wearable tech, once a premium extra, is being rolled out as standard. Wrist bands that act as a boarding pass, key cards and a trackand-trace system sync with your phone to book shore excursions, order room service or give you a running total of your bar bill. Celebrity’s Edge-class ships have a ‘butler’ app to open your door, dim the lights and turn on the telly. MSC Cruises have Zoe,
in-cabin voice-activated artificial intelligence, to cater to your every need. QR codes have replaced menus, buffets are no longer help yourself and, instead of the dreaded muster drill, guests watch a safety video in the comfort of their staterooms and check in any time. Cruising is still at the mercy of Covid, with some ports still closed to ships and others only allowing passe ngers ashore in small group ‘bubbles’. But Oceania’s January 2023 Around the World in 180 Days cruise sold out in a day. And with 33 new ships due to have Champagne cracked over their bows this year, the industry is clearly waving, not drowning. ›
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EGYPT SS Sudan/Agatha Christie Suite
Impressions of King Tut’s future resting place
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The Land of the Pharaohs is frantically engaged in pyramid selling this year. And not only because Kenneth Brannagh’s dazzling Death on the Nile remake is inspiring travellers to splash out on a river cruise. It’s 100 years since British Egyptologist Howard Carter took the chisel his grandmother bought him for his 17th birthday and chipped open the door to the best-preserved tomb ever to be found in the Valley of the Kings. And this autumn the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo will swing open to display Tutankhamun’s entire treasure collection in all its glittering glory. It will be the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to one civilisation with over 100,000 artefacts on show. It’s also the centenary of the deciphering of the mysterious Rosetta Stone which gave the world new understanding of Egyptian hieroglyphs, adding to the country’s magnetism. The original resides in the British Museum, a sore point with Egyptians who only have a replica. Meanwhile in November the eyes of the world will be trained on Sharm El-Sheikh for Cop 27. The country’s leading beach destination is working towards declaring itself a zero carbon city before the conference takes place.
SAIL IN THE WAKE OF POIROT There are many ways to do the Nile but for authentic Belle Epoque romance, only the Steamship Sudan will do. She was, after all, where Agatha Christie got the idea for her famous 1937 Poirot novel. The Queen of Suspense was a passenger in 1933, when she accompanied her husband on an archaeological mission, and the Agatha Christie Suite still offers panoramic river views from its bay windows. Built for King Fuad in 1915 and in service on the Luxor-to-Aswan route since 1921, she’s the oldest Nile boat in operation, with polished teak decks, period décor and the services of a grand hotel. i www.steamship-sudan.com
WORKATIONS
Pretty Ponta do Sol hosts the world’s first workation village
Digital nomads used to be exclusively hipster bloggers hostelling around the world with a Mac in their backpack. Now they’re as likely to be well-paid city suits doing their day job somewhere sunnier for a while (minus the suit). During lockdown, a whole new cohort of people, who had spent their entire careers in an office realised they could technically work from anywhere, and the digital nomad visa was born. Barbados was the first country to realise the commercial potential of inviting salaried foreigners over on a 12-month ‘workation’ and Spain is among a wave of European countries launching similar schemes. There’s a minimum earnings requirement and double taxation to consider, which varies from offputtingly high in Spain (not yet ratified), to semi-exempt in Portugal and zero in Croatia. And villa rentals across the Atlantic aren’t cheap. › WWW.ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM / 33
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RESCUE A DYING PUEBLO
Medieval Sigüenza in Castilla-La Mancha is technically a city. It has a cathedral boasting an El Greco and a castle parador that once hosted the Catholic Monarchs. But over the decades a mass exodus of its young people to the coast has reduced the city’s population to a villagesized 4,356 residents. Now Sigüenza and 26 other ‘abandoned’ Spanish towns with populations of under 5,000 and decent 4G have formed the Red Nacional de Pueblos Acogedores para el Teletrabajo to court remote workers and liven up the place. Each pueblo has its own photo bio allowing users to search for their ideal spot, or live chat with a local organiser. Why not rent a room at that parador and make your office your castle! i pueblosacogedores.com
Medieval Sigüenza
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But now there’s a budget option – digital nomad villages where you can co-share a villa in a complex with workspaces, wifi and a swimming pool. You also get social events and a ready-made network of business contacts. Madeira’s government-backed start-up based in the pretty port town of Ponta do Sol was the first in Europe last year; Croatia followed suit with Digital Nomad Valley Zadar on the Dalmation coast; and there will be many more. e
E XC LU S I V E P R O P E R T I E S I N T H E B E S T L O C AT I O N S F O R S A L E
ST R A N D. E S
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THE FUERTE MARBELLA
SOON TO BE CONVERTED INTO A FIVESTAR HOTEL
WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FUERTE GROUP HOTELS
T
he Fuerte Marbella Hotel (popularly known as ‘El Fuerte’) is a true Marbella icon; one that is as well-loved as the very best beach club, restaurants, and cobblestoned hideaways of the city centre. Arguably its strongest selling point is its location – smack bang on the beach frontline
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of historical Marbella, with a view to the sea and to the Old Town. Imagine getting up early, walking across the road and enjoying a hearty breakfast at Plaza de Los Naranjos, returning to the Fuerte’s poolside area, just a stone’s throw away from the sea. “If it ain’t broke,
don’t fix it,” goes the saying, but for the Fuerte Group, innovation was necessary if it was to progress in line with its new purposes. The Fuerte Marbella will undergo a period of renovation (for approximately 13 months), opening as a five-star hotel in March 2023.
EMBRACING MARBELLA’S GOLDEN ERA The Fuerte Marbella has been a choice venue for discerning tourists and locals seeking a special spot in which to celebrate parties, weekends, and summer holidays. The
Fuerte Group deemed 2022 to be the perfect year in which to carry out the work required to upgrade it to a five-star resort. The renovation is symbolic of Marbella’s effort to reinvent itself as a
glamorous destination, one that once attracted A-listers and members of the jetset to our shores. José Luque García, General Director of the Fuerte Group, told the press that the new, five-star hotel “will attract high-end clients to the centre of Marbella and the Old Town. It will also create jobs for hotel staff and benefit various local businesses.” ›
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A GENIUS AT THE HELM Prestigious interior designer, Jaime Beriestain, will be in charge of the hotel’s new look. He has participated in various projects for international luxury brands like the Hyatt Regency, Hilton, and Waldorf Astoria, and has been featured in magazines such as Vogue, Cote, Forbes, Vanity Fair,
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and The Wall Street Journal. Not only does he work on international design projects, but he has also created a wide variety of objects – including chairs, lamps, rugs, footwear, and even his own recipes!
IF LOOKS COULD THRILL The new hotel will boast 251
rooms, with its interiors boasting a blend of classical and timeless features and the cosy ambience all Fuerte hotels are known for. Beriestain has chosen appealing colours such as baby pink, jade green and beige to lend interiors a peaceful, informal air. Meanwhile, splashes of orange lend vibrancy and seduction to common areas. ›
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SUSTAINABLE CHOICES Sustainability is the buzzword in construction and design as a whole and the new hotel will very much be a bastion of this tendency. Chosen materials include natural stone, straw, and wicker. Eye-catching features, meanwhile, will include geometric shapes and prints that add dynamism to the overall look. The spirit of the new hotel will
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be urban and beachy. The aim is to pay homage to a venue that boasts a 65-year history while expressing values such as a love of nature, authenticity, and elegance.
NEW SPACES TO ENJOY The Fuerte Group plans to improve the resort’s gastronomic offering, choosing culinary brands with a Michelin-starred tradition.
There will also be new health and fitness and beauty installations on the ground floor, as well as a modern gym with sea views on the fifth floor. The design team is working hard to completely convert the Hotel into an oasis of calm, all the while retaining the charm that attracted celebrities the calibre of Walt Disney and Lola Flores to our shores.
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WEDDING ON THE COAST TRENDS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN 2022
Weddings are back in full swing after the pandemic caused approximately 70% of couples to postpone their Big Day in 2020. The industry can hardly keep up with the demand and top venues, wedding planners, photographers, and florists are fully booked for the rest of the year and part of 2023. The Costa del Sol wedding scene is sailing on the peak of this wave, since Marbella has always been a highly coveted choice for destination weddings. Marisa Cutillas talks to local planners in the industry to provide you with a report of key trends.
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A SURGE IN DEMAND FOR MARBELLA WEDDINGS Scott Gibbons, founder of Sunshine Weddings (a leading events company that specialises in Marbella and Mallorca weddings), is celebrating his company’s 20th anniversary this year – and what a year it has been! On the day of our meeting, he is constantly interrupted by calls, notifications, and phone pings. Such is the demand for his services that he is working longer days than ever and expanding his team to cope. “We have over 120 weddings lined up for this year, compared to just 42 in 2020 (some of which were postponed),” he says. Sunshine weddings works with all of Marbella’s top venues and suppliers, so couples seeking meaningful, bespoke events leave all the organisation to Scott and his talented team. After speaking to him for a few minutes, it is clear that he has a true passion for making his clients happy on such an important day of their lives.
LOCAL BUSINESS IS BOOMING The wedding boom is doing great things for Marbella’s economy, says Scott. “There are thousands of bookings coming into Marbella. Couples are reserving wedding venues, and their guests are booking stays at hotels like the Amàre Beach Hotel and the Meliá Banús. There is a growing interest in standalone venues where you can book a place for the night and party away.”
TOGETHERNESS IS THE THEME FOR 2022 According to Scott, the biggest trend dominating the world of weddings,
is that of togetherness. “Coming together and spending quality time with loved ones is the underlying factor. I have one client from Australia who hasn’t seen their family in twoand-a-half years. They are travelling all the way to Málaga to celebrate their wedding but they are arguably most excited about being able to see their loved ones. Couples are seeking to make up for lost time through their weddings.” This trend is manifesting itself in two major ways: “We are seeing more intimate weddings with groups of 20 or 25 and the number of villa weddings has also increased. Renting out a villa for a few days is ideal for couples who want to relax in a luxurious setting with family.” Of course, Scott’s team is also organising larger weddings, with some couples preferring larger events with approximately 200 guests. ›
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Puente Romano
OUTDOOR WEDDINGS TAKE THE CAKE Across the globe, outdoor weddings are bigger than ever – as found in recent research conducted by global wedding giants, The Knot. If 2020 taught us one thing, it is that nature is a saviour in mentally challenging times, owing to its powerful effect on brain chemistry. Outdoor weddings offer an optimal safety factor and, of course, they are uniquely picturesque. Just imagine how
Instagrammable a photograph of a couple standing under an ancient chestnut or walking along the seashore can be. Envision a white wedding tent surrounded by breezy palms, or beautiful al fresco tables embellished with floral arrangements while candlelit lanterns or fairy lights shine in the trees. These romantic images are brought to life by seasoned photographers such
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as Talia Giraudo of Thoroughly Gorgeous, who is known for her talent of capturing unique moments between couples and for her friendly, approachable manner. In addition to Talia, Scott recommends Jeremy Standley, Rachel from Balance Photography, Isabel Benchetrit from IB Imagery, and Nora from Nora Photography.
THE DRINKS ARE ON US Scott has additionally noticed that couples
are offering open-bar services for up to six or seven hours – in other words, all night long!. “The idea is to really treat friends and family; to have a real party where good food and drinks abound.” Couples are also demanding a high standard from the food served. “Marbella is well-positioned to meet and even surpass expectations in this regard. Couples who come over for tastings are marvelling at how good the food is.” ›
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THE BOHO-CHIC THEME PREVAILS I also spoke to Silvia Kessels, Event Stylist and Props Supplier and founder of Marbella Parties (www.marbellaparties.com), which launched some 22 years ago on the Coast. Silvia and Scott both tell me that in so far as themes go, boho-chic vibes are what it’s all about. This theme is reflected in everything from bridal bouquets to wedding arch decorations, and fashion styling.
Marbella Club Hotel
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WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD, MAKE IT SLOW Slow, organic, zero-kilometre food is all the rage on the international and local wedding scene. Couples with a passion for green living are seeking to feed their guests healthy, pesticide-free produce obtained from nearby sources. Scott informs me that plant-based foods are often requested, with more and more couples offering vegan and vegetarian dishes and venues catering to guests with specific dietary requirements.
CHILLING OUT IN LUMINOUS SPLENDOUR As an event decorator who founded her business “when nobody else was offering this type of service,” Silvia has developed a truly impressive array of features which lend weddings that magical, romantic feel that couples crave. She is also an agent who supplies couples with bands, DJs, and other forms of entertainment, as well as cocktail makers, caterers, and indeed all they require to make their dream wedding a reality. Silvia says, “I supply items like arches, pergolas, carpets, chairs, balloons, linen and glassware, dancefloors, and chillout areas.” The latter – zones where people can relax and lounge after the reception meal and rest in between dance sessions – are a popular choice, especially in venues that are large enough to house a separate relaxation zone. “White chill-out areas are ideal for weddings. We can embellish them
with beds, carpets, and tables in pristine white.” In line with the trendy boho theme, couples are opting for warm lighting in the form of fairy and festoon lights. They are also choosing natural furniture in materials like wood, which evokes the vital bond shared between human beings and nature. ›
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SUSTAINABILITY RULES International trends reveal that eco-warrior couples are opting to go fully green, which is good news considering the fact that the carbon footprint of the average wedding amounts to a whopping 63 metric tons of CO2. In some parts of the world, couples are supporting green energy initiatives by purchasing offsets by the metric to an equivalent extent of the footprint their event is leaving behind. When calculating their carbon footprint, they are adding up aspects such as honeymoon travel, food, drinks, ground transportation, electricity, and venues. Dedicated organisations such as Terapass are offering ecofriendly wedding offsetting packages that make the process easier.
FRESH FLOWERS FOR THE BRIDE In terms of flowers, some couples are opting to use potted instead of cut flowers to decorate their ceremony and reception areas. Others are using artistically sewn or paper floral arrangements. On the Coast, Scott says, fresh flowers are still the order of the day and most are flown in from abroad. However, couples are doing their share by reusing arrangements from their ceremony to jazz up their reception zones. Some of the most popular local suppliers include Deseos Florist, the Unique Flower Shop by Roberto Silvosa Floristas, and Holland Flowers. 56 / MARCH 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
TRUE ROMANCE
coincidence’. When the Scott tells me of a special dance finished, a ‘flashmob’ bouquet that Deseos made for choreography started a unique proposal. “We don’t featuring Bruno Mars’ Marry normally do proposals but Me and she still didn’t really someone rang us wanting understand what was going to propose to his girlfriend. on… until a staff member He escaped from his hotel handed the young man a at 8:30am one morning to gorgeous bouquet of roses meet me, and we discussed and he got down on his how we would plan the knees and proposed. It was event. We set up tables in the a fantastic moment and it middle of a plaza in the Old happened at the height of the Town. The couple sat down pandemic. I think everyone and suddenly, a saxophone needed a little magic at that player appeared, playing all time.” the future bride’s favourite Scott and his team are songs. She was gobsmacked currently organising a at the seemingly random special wedding package playlist – which was, of prize for couples from the course, shared with us by her UK and Ireland wishing to boyfriend. She also loved the get married in Marbella. The tango and unexpectedly, a competition will be up on couple appeared performing their website in March and this dance – another ‘strange you can enter once a month
until October, when the winner will be chosen. i For further information, see www.sunshineweddingsspain.com
BEACH-INSPIRED FASHION, MAKEUP, AND HAIR PREVAILS When it comes to fashion and makeup, the boho vibe also prevails. Wedding dresses are delicate and striking, with features such as guipure lace, dramatic sleeves, and a mix of fabrics and influences holding sway. Forget about boning, wires, and corsets. It’s all about beautiful yet effortless gowns that express a bride’s free spirit. Hair and makeup echo the trend, with nude and lightly bronzed hues dominating makeup and hair being worn down (or half-up), in loose, beachy waves. ›
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TRENDING VENUES
MARBELLA IS HOME TO A PLETHORA OF BEAUTIFUL SEASIDE AND MOUNTAINSIDE SETTINGS.
FINCA LA CONCEPCIÓN This venue, the first-ever foundry to exist in Spain, is one of the most sought after places to celebrate weddings and special events, with its stunning gardens (with ancient palm trees and tropical plants) spread over 10,000m2 of land. One of its star features is a 100-year-old walnut tree, which provides welcome shade and which stuns by night when its leaves are graced with fairy lights. The Finca has various spaces for weddings, including El Cenador, La Fundición, and El Portico de la Capilla (a gorgeous spot right in front of the main house). i www. fincalaconcepcionmarbella.com 58 / MARCH 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
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ANANTARA VILLA PADIERNA PALACE RESORT Say ‘I do’ in a Roman amphitheatre or in romantic gardens. Enjoy a picture-perfect feast at a chic beach club with views that reach the coast of Morocco. Celebrate an intimate ceremony in a secluded chapel. Invite your guests to an open-air celebration at the resort’s Linares Terrace and Ballroom or at the private, sophisticated setting that is La Veranda Terrace. There are so many options for celebrations at the Anantara but regardless of which you choose, you will be surrounded by lush greenery or dreamlike sea views. i www.anantara.com 60 / MARCH 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
THE PUENTE ROMANO BEACH RESORT A Mediterranean destination of choice for vibrant, creative, unforgettable weddings. An authentic sense of place is married to the warmth of Southern Spain and the contemporary style of this renowned luxury resort. The Puente Romano has various places in which to celebrate your dream event – from unique Mediterranean gardens, patios, and plazas, to its elegant ballroom and exclusive nightclub. Venues include La Concha (an outdoor Mediterraneanstyle area for up to 80 guests), Calle Málaga (an Andalusian inspired outdoor setting for up to 100 guests), and Salón Andalucía (an indoor setting for up to 450 guests). La Suite and Supperclub, famed for hosting Marbella’s exclusive weekend nightlife, are privately available for midweek celebrations. i www.puenteromano.com
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Marbella Club
THE MARBELLA CLUB Under the shade of the lush subtropical gardens or by landmarks rich in Marbella Club history, there is nothing more romantic than feeling part of something exceptional. The Marbella Club’s venues span from the majestic Villa del Mar (an expression of timeless old-world nostalgia with a spectacular Andalusian patio and ample gardens providing a private seafront haven) to charming and casual seaside restaurants. For more intimate celebrations, excellent choices include MC Beach (with its laidback vibe and azure-hued Chiringuito), the Beach Club (with views of the pier), or The Grill (a classic event choice for an al fresco celebration). The resort offers wedding packages as well as additional services – including fireworks, themed furniture, and stylists. i www.marbellaclub.com
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HIGUERON HOTEL, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON The Higueron Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, is a renowned location for weddings. Its Med Gardens combine elegance and warmth in a verdant Mediterranean landscape and the views of the Coast from the rooftop Infinity pool are unparalleled. The venue is also home to naturally lit grand interior halls with terraces, where couples can share a toast with guests. Brides and grooms can commence their beauty preparations long before their wedding day, working out and relaxing with specially designed spa and fitness packages, or unwinding with friends. Many choose to commence the journey of their lifetime with cocktails, sunset gazing, and live music at The Beach Club Higueron. The experienced staff is ready to help couples plan an exclusive party that reflects the rhythm of the Mediterranean. i www.higueronresort.com Weddings are back and they are warmer, more purposeful, and more expressive than ever. After a tough couple of years, couples are ready to host celebrations that stand out thanks to values like sustainability and a new appreciation of nature. Marbella is uniquely positioned to rise to these demands, with its combination of stunning venues, passion for service, and experience dealing with discerning visitors from around the globe. e
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The lab-grown Mercury Ring by bridal fashion specialists, Badgley Mischka
DIAMONDS ROMANCING THE LAB-GROWN STONE
Diamonds are a fashionista’s best friend, a symbol of eternity, a means to seduce, show prestige, and embrace luxury. From ancient times, human beings have battled and toiled to obtain this prized gem, and indeed, few gemstones have garnered the controversy that Diamonds have. The Kimberly Process, an international certification that has effectively removed conflict Diamonds from the global supply, has enabled buyers to feel a little less ‘guilty’ about sporting a piece of ‘white fire’ on their finger. However, ‘eternal ice’ has continued to be out of the reach of many, with a relatively small (two-carat), quality Diamond ring (H colour, VS2 clarity) having a starting price of between €7.000 and €44.000 (as reported by specialists, DMI). Lab-grown Diamonds have arrived at the perfect time – one in which ‘high-quality fashion jewellery brands like Monica Vinader are designing ‘everyday Diamond’ collections that are elegant yet affordable. What benefits do lab-grown Diamonds have and should you consider one for your upcoming engagement, anniversary, or special occasion? WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK, WD LAB GROWN DIAMONDS, LATITUDE, PANDORA, BADGLEY MISCHKA
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LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS grown Diamond than ARE IN DEMAND a natural one with The global lab-grown Diamond market size was valued at $19.3 billion in 2020 and it is projected to reach $49.9 billion by 2030. Although the main demands are from the fashion and jewellery industries, the stone has a wide variety of newer applications – including optics, electronics, and lasers. On average, buyers can look forward to paying 10 to 50 per cent less for a lab-
similar characteristics. Moreover, the price of synthetic Diamonds does not increase exponentially according to carat size.
WHAT FACTORS AFFECT A LAB GROWN DIAMOND’S QUALITY AND PRICE? THE FOUR CS Lab-grown Diamonds are graded on the same scale of Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat weight as mined Diamonds.
“I never hated a man enough to give him Diamonds back” Zsa Zsa Gabor
The qualities that are graded are often described as ‘the Four Cs’. CUT This category refers to the quality of a Diamond’s shape. Only round brilliant Diamonds receive official cut grades ranging from ‘ideal’ to ‘poor’.
Z COLOUR A perfect Diamond is colourless, though these sparkly gems actually come in a variety of hues that are graded by letter. Thus, D- to F-rated Diamonds are the rarest and highest quality because they are icy in appearance. ›
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G-to H- (and I- to J-) rated Diamonds are nearly colourless, while K- is considered a budgetfriendly, slightly coloured Diamond that goes well with yellow gold. There are more letters in the list but most reputed jewellers do not veer beyond transparent or neartransparent grades. Z CLARITY Diamond clarity involves assessing the small imperfections on the surface and within the stone. Highquality Diamonds are classified as F (flawless), IF (no internal flaws), VVS1 and VVS2 (flaws which are very difficult to see
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under 10x magnification), or VS1 and VS2 (inclusions that are difficult to see under 10x magnification). Z CARAT WEIGHT When it comes to carat weights, the science is simple. The bigger (heavier), the better. A typical engagement ring has a Diamond carat size of anywhere between 0.5 and one carat though celebrities usually sport 10 to 20 carats (Kim Kardashian’s stunner weighed 20 carats). To give you an idea of how these categorisations work, take a brand like Cartier. This firm
accepts brilliant-cut Diamonds that weigh over 0.3 carats and are classified as ‘Very Good’ or ‘Excellent’ on the GIA scale (GIA is the largest non-profit source of gemological knowledge in the world). As for clarity, renowned jewellery houses only opt for Diamonds between F/IF and VS2. With respect to colour, the gem should have between a D and H rating. Expect to find similar standards at houses selling mined Diamonds such as Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, and Van Cleef & Arpels. ›
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HOW BIG ARE LABGROWN DIAMONDS?
can be made in weeks.
These babies go from tiny (melee) all the way to 10 carats or more. Typically, the most popular size (owing mainly to the price factor) is smaller than two carats.
HOW ARE LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS MADE?
HOW FAST ARE THEY TO MAKE? Mined Diamonds take millions of years underground to form. Lab-grown Diamonds
There are two main ways that lab-grown Diamonds are made. One is the HighPressure, HighTemperature (HPHT) technique, which is most popular in China. It involves copying the brutal force of subterranean Earth and the use of immense heat
A nine-carat lab-grown Diamond by WD Lab Grown Diamonds
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and pressure to transform carbon into a ‘Diamond seed’ (a single crystal Diamond that is about as fine as a human hair). The latter is a starter stone from which the gemstone can grow. This method is used by approximately 99 per cent of the market. The second system (which is more innovative and requires less heat energy than the
traditional method) is called Chemical Vapour Distribution. It works similarly to 3D printing in that it layers carbon on a Diamond seed in a vacuum chamber. The CVD method was actually developed by the solar energy industry, to produce polysilicon for solar panels. The LED light bulb industry also uses this method to produce light bulbs.
ARE LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AND ETHICAL? Lab-grown Diamonds have the potential to be sustainable, but you need to do your research to make the best choice. A report by Frost & Sullivan indicates that mined Diamonds require twice as much energy per carat as their labgrown counterparts. They release around 58kg of carbon into the air for every carat that is produced, compared to around 20kg produced by synthetic Diamonds. In general, of course, lab-grown Diamonds do require considerable energy to manufacture. This is because of the immense amount of heat that needs to be applied to the Diamond seed. The secret to keeping it sustainable is to buy rocks that are made with renewable energy.
As a whole, labgrown Diamonds are considered to be more ethical and kinder. Their manufacturers typically guarantee that no animals are harmed, no groundwater is polluted or land displaced, no conflicts can possible ensue, and no local communities or wildlife are displaced.
ECO-FRIENDLY BRANDS Consider ‘Certified Climate Neutral’ to be the fifth ‘C’ to watch out for when buying Diamonds. In June, 2021, the company WD Lab Grown Diamonds launched a brand called Latitude, which is ‘Certified Climate Neutral’. The brand has fully committed to transparency, innovation, and ethics and it offers fully traceable, guaranteed conflict-free products. Another brand, Diamond Foundry, is the World’s first
certified 100 per cent carbon-neutral Diamond producer.
ARE LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS A GOOD INVESTMENT? Lab-grown Diamonds are durable and they sparkle like mined Diamonds do. However, if you’re forking out thousands of euros for one, you may wonder if you might be better off buying ‘the real thing’. The answer can be found by turning back to the basics of investment. As is the case with all luxury goods (think an NFT by Pak or a rare basketball trading card), scarcity and
uniqueness are key considerations when deciding whether or not to invest. Labgrown Diamonds are beautiful but they are mass-produced. If you are after a rock that will really appreciate in value, invest in Tanzanites instead. This vivid blue/violet stone (almost identical in appearance, to a Sapphire) is obtained from a small mine in Tanzania that will run out of its supply in a maximum of 20 years. See our December 2021 edition for the story on Marbella’s own MJM Gems, which deals in rare gems like Tanzanites and Tsavorites. ›
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WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS? After vowing to never sell synthetic Diamonds, De Beers took a 180º turn by selling a onecarat lab rock for €689 in September 2019. Considering an equivalent mined Diamond costs around £5,144, the move was quite a statement regarding the brilliant future of these gems. The brand has effectively managed to dabble in both types of Diamonds (while also maintaining its prestige) by creating two markets. The De Beers site exudes exclusivity and sophistication, selling “Nature’s rarest work of art” (mined Diamonds) while A lab-grown Diamond by Latitude
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its subsidiary, Lightbox, sells an appealing array of “fun, pretty products that don’t cost much,” as stated by De Beers Group exec, Bruce Cleaver. De Beers markets its engagement rings (made with mined diamonds) under the Forevermark brand, while Lightbox is strongly centred on coloured lab-grown gems. Yes, lab-grown Diamonds come in a wide range of colours – including pink, yellow, green, black, blue, brown, and orange. Forbes called it a “disrupt yourself before you are disrupted” move and indeed, it opens De Beers’ doors to a far wider market that wishes to wear a little sparkle without
Lab-grown diamonds by Pandora
paying exorbitant prices. The future is looking rosy for lab-grown Diamonds. A recent report from the Antwerp World Diamond Centre indicates that the demand for this sustainable, affordable gemstone will increase by 15-20 per cent annually, resulting in a market comprising 17 million carats by 2030. The idea of everyday Diamonds appeals to millennials and Gen-Zers, who highly price eco-friendliness and transparency. As stated by Sidney Neuhaus (whose company, Kimaï, made Meghan Markle’s famous synthetic Diamond earrings), as long as Diamonds maintain their emotional resonance, consumers will continue to buy both natural and lab-grown Diamonds. After all, a little sparkle and fire is something we could all use in our lives. e
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FORMULA 1
BUILD-UP TO 2022 SEASON Few seasons in Formula 1’s 70-year history have ended as controversially as that of 2021, where the nail-bitingly tight title challenge between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen was gradually overshadowed by the off-track decisions of the sport’s race directors – a situation that still haunts Formula 1 as it gets ready for what should be a fascinating new season. WORDS MICHEL CRUZ
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©cristiano barni / Shutterstock.com
Pit stop action – usually under 5 seconds!
A
fter years in the doldrums due to a rather complete lack of competitiveness in the sport, 2021 offered all the right ingredients for a renaissance of interest and excitement. For one, the Mercedes team that had so completely dominated the grid for the better part of a decade had
a rejuvenated Red Bull Racing team to contend with – ensuring that this year, at least, the battle for the top-two spots wouldn’t be between two Mercedes cars – and in the second instance, the revival in global interest following the success of the F1 series on Netflix, Drive to Survive. Combined, these
two factors promised to bring F1 back to where it belongs, and the 2021 season did not disappoint. Lewis Hamilton has been the top talent in F1 for an entire decade, but in the young Dutch driver, Max Verstappen, Red Bull have the perfect contender for the title. Like Hamilton, he is not
only a superbly gifted driver, but also endowed with an almost zealous motivation to win, and the concentration and personality needed to achieve it. Armed with cars that were closer in performance than they had been for almost ten years, the drivers took to the challenge with relish. ›
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Talented young George Russel is part of the new Mercedes line-up
2021 – A YEAR OF EXCITEMENT AND CONTROVERSY Almost from the off it was clear that this would be the year that Mercedes hegemony would be challenged, and Verstappen was the man to do it. The early part of the season set the scene for a mouth-watering battle between these two rivals, and as the competition heated up so early, respect steadily gave way to a more cynical approach.
Verstappen emerged as the new title contender
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Lewis Hamilton – will he win an 8th title?
Both drivers were guilty of questionable actions, a situation for which the increasingly erratic decision-making of the race leadership headed by Race Director Michael Masi added significant fire. In the second half of the season, the neck-to-neck title race that was so enthralling was increasingly spoiled by highly questionable decisions, though on the whole the damage was
Fernando Alonso – veteran star revived with the Alpine F1 team
more or less evenly spread between the two drivers. One sad low point was the lack of action following Verstappen’s crash at Silverstone after Hamilton pushed him off the track, but it was easily equalled on the final, deciding race day, when the same team headed by Michael Masi once again confused their own regulations by allowing Verstappen to approach Hamilton in a safety car restart. › ©cristiano barni / Shutterstock.com
Max Verstappen will be keen to retain his title in 2022
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TAKE A MOMENT
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As a result, a rejuvenated Verstappen was able to challenge and eventually pass Hamilton, to win the race and take the title. British fans were understandably seething but, looking back over the season, it was a chaotic but perhaps somewhat poetic balancing act that cancelled out some of the damage done to Verstappen’s challenge earlier in the year. The reason that we’re still talking about 2021 when reviewing the start of the 2022 race season is an indication of just how much this latest in a growing tradition of ‘referee interference’ is damaging the sport. ›
2022 FALLOUT We’re rightly looking forward to another exciting season, starting with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 20, but the events of 2021 are still casting a shadow on the new year following an initial legal action by Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff (later dropped) and the team and Hamilton boycotting the sport’s post-season Awards Ceremony. He/they may still be punished for the latter, which breaks the rules and the gentleman’s contract of F1, reflecting a 2022 season start already soured by the events of 2021, with the replacement of Michael Masi
being the latest fallout. Hamilton was hinting at wanting to pursue a Hollywood career and his existing activities in R&B/Hip-Hop, but he is returning in a bid to win a record-breaking eighth world title (Schumacher was also World Champion seven times). This year, he will be joining the Mercedes line-up against new challenger, George Russell, the young Englishman who showed such promise last year and will likely not be the supporting act that Finn Valtteri Bottas was. For Hamilton and Mercedes alike, the days of easy dominance appear to be over,
An example of the newlook 2022 F1 cars
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Carlos Sainz’s performance earned him equal driver status at Ferrari
and for the rest of us – and the sport itself – that is good news, as it really had got a little bit too predictable. The 2021 season reminded us just how exciting Formula 1 can and should be, and there is no immediate reason to believe that Red Bull RacingHonda at least, won’t be stepping up to the challenge again. The Max Verstappen/Sergio Pérez combo seems to be working well (Checo helped Verstappen a great deal in the final race) and Honda seem revived thanks to their first engine-based F1 title in decades.
HOW THE CARDS STACK UP Mercedes and Red Bull will therefore lead at the front, followed by a Ferrari team where the performance of Spaniard Carlos Sainz during 2021 has earned him equal status alongside Charles Leclerc for the 2022 season. Most of us hope that Ferrari will finally mount a credible challenge again this year, but it may not be the time to hold your breath (yet). Other contenders for the sub-top can
be McLaren, which was revived in 2021 and even managed a Grand Prix win with Daniel Ricciardo. French outfit Alpine, which also scored a win through Esteban Ocon, is patiently working its way up, and it remains to be seen if they can build on last years’ solid results. ›
Hamilton in action during 2021
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The same is true of Alpha Tauri, where Frenchman Pierre Gasly once again impressed – surely, he must soon be ready for a big team – and of Aston Martin, where veteran and four-time champion Sebastian Vettel was not always able to overshadow teammate and team owner’s son, Lance Stroll. Williams, too, showed signs of improvement, and with George Russell making way for a big move to Mercedes, it is former Red Bull hopeful Alex Albon who is lining up with Canadian driver Nicholas Latifi. Alfa Romeo are more likely to languish in the lower rankings, though their line-up with the experienced
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Valtteri Bottas and the young Chinese driver Guanyu Zhou – the first Chinese F1 competitor ever – is definitely intriguing. Russian bad boy Nikita Mazepin and German good boy Mick Schumacher (yes, his son) are likely to make up the tail of the peloton, despite enthusiastic noises by the American Haas team that they are gunning for a mid-table spot in 2022. We’ll believe it when we see it, but one thing is for certain, with significant car and rule changes, drama overspill from 2021 and a (hopefully) continued challenge from Red Bull, the 2022 F1 season sure isn’t going to be boring. e
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Sports car brand Alpine F1 scored a GP win in its first season Aston Martin’s entry marks the return of more sports car brands to Formula One
D SPOTLIGHT motoring
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MERCEDES-BENZ EQS AND THE EQ RANGE WITH EQXX
Mercedes-Benz has been developing electric vehicles for decades but 2022 is the first year in which a solid line of production cars, SUVs and vans begins to take shape and appear in the showrooms. WORDS TONY WHITNEY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MERCEDES
T
he EQ subbrand badge will be appearing on everything from commercial vehicles to tiny Smart models with lots of very desirable cars, crossovers and SUVs in between. We’ll focus on the spacious and elegant EQS, which is intended to be an electric equivalent of the long-running S-Class large luxury saloon.
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While the S-Class models have mainly been associated with V-8 and even V-12 petrol engines, Mercedes has a fairly lengthy history with electrified saloons and introduced a hybrid S back in 2013. There’s been a hybrid model in the range ever since, but the 2022 EQS is all-new and bears almost no design or engineering relationship to the current S-Class
models, which continue in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. The EQS takes its place as the flagship of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles. EQS styling is best described as conservative, Mercedes having opted for grace and practicality over dramatic looks. It’s a handsome car by any standards and to some
extent, follows the Stuttgart carmaker’s ‘four-door coupé’ design philosophy thats served the company well on a variety of models in several size configurations. There’s an interesting vintage element in the grille, which looks like something from a Mercedes racing car of the 1950s.
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Vision EQXX Concept
The EQS comes in several versions and buyers get an almost confusing range of choices, including electric motor sizes, all-wheel drive models and even a high-performance AMG variant. All contain a dazzling array of current vehicle technology and all feature fourdoor bodywork of exceptional
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roominess. The basic layout involves a permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor mounted at the rear axle providing two-wheel drive. For the 4Matic all-wheel drive variant, there’s an electric motor at both axles. All models use an adaptive air suspension system aimed at providing an optimal
level of handling and passenger comfort. The interior just shrieks high technology, especially if the huge Hyperscreen is opted for. This screen takes care of a wide range of needs, including the expected navigation technology and entertainment demands. Stretching an impressive 56-inches across the dash, the screen dominates everything else in the cockpit. The Hyperscreen actually incorporates two touchscreens and the instrument panel. When all lit up it looks like the ‘glass cockpit’ airline pilots work with nowadays. Voice commands can be used as required and there are no less than six USB-C ports sited around the cabin.
Apart from its impressive roster of tech wizardry, the cabin offers the usual Mercedes-Benz ambiance that can be found even on entry-level models. The design involves flowing lines and lots of dedication to occupant comfort. Obviously, the car is exceptionally quiet with its electric drive and anyone riding in it will enjoy the Burmester audio system even more than usual. There are some very exciting times ahead for Mercedes-Benz and its customers as the EQ range extends. An ‘ultimate EQ’ has been under development in the form of the Vision EQXX,
a dramatically-styled four-door EV aimed at buyers who want even more than the new EQS range can provide. Existing right now in concept form, the EQXX promises to take electric distance and efficiency to a new level and the car will boast a range of over 1,000-km, according to Mercedes. Instruments and lights use solar power and the interior makes wide use of plant-based and recycled materials. Right now, no carmaker appears to have anything on the drawing board to match the EQXX, but who knows what rival luxury carmakers will reveal over the next few months? e
Z ENGINE: Electric motor, horsepower dependent on model. Z TRANSMISSION: Direct drive. Z ACCELERATION: Zero to 100 km/h in 3.8-seconds (AMG version). Z TOP SPEED: 220 km/h. Z RANGE: Around 560-km, depending on model. Z I LIKED: A technological tour de force in every respect in a highly appealing package boasting zero emissions. Groundbreaking interior design and control layout. Z I DIDN’T LIKE: The car is fine for a luxury EV but a wider charging infrastructure is still some years away. Z MARKET ALTERNATIVES: Tesla Model S, Audi A6 E-Tron, BMW i7 and more on the way. Z WHO DRIVES ONE? Discerning buyers of large luxury saloons who’ve been waiting for MercedesBenz to develop a car to match the S-Class but adding zero-emission power. Mercedes enthusiasts who were reluctant to buy a Tesla. Z PRICE AND AVAILABILITY: Now available starting at €117.125.
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D SPOTLIGHT people
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For anyone who struggled while growing up in the 1980s and 1990s – decades with very fixed ideas regarding fashion, body shape, gender, and beauty – Gen-Z is no less than an absolute fantasy come true. Young men, women, and non-binary individuals growing up in the 21st century have a truly diverse line-up of ‘idols’ to look up to. Think Harry Styles gracing the cover of Vogue in a dress, Timothée Chalamet and his floral suits, or Ezra Miller in his gender-fluid designs and über-artistic makeup looks at recent Met Galas. Millennials and Gen-Z alums hold values like sustainability close to their hearts and they prefer to work in inclusive companies with a good diversity track record. They seek a life of purpose that is about as far from the Jordan Belfort (The ‘Wolf of Wall Street’) era as it gets. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS
I
f you were wondering why Zendaya seems to be the female version of Chalamet (she gets all the best roles, is in every important fashion event, and has covered every top magazine), the answer might be her ability to express the concerns, desires, and wishes of
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her generation, through her performances. Far from being a shrinking violet, Zendaya is opinionated, strong, and decisive. She is also a magnificent role model for youths who may doubt themselves because of stereotypes and a lack of self-esteem. ›
CAPTURING THE ZEITGEIST OF GENERATION Z
ZEN DA
YA
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FROM DISNEY TO O.D. The above subtitle is simplistic, we agree. Zendaya evidently did not jump from her role as a squeaky clean comedic actor on the Disney Channel’s Shake It Up to that of drug-addicted Rue in Euphoria. Her rendition of Rue may have garnered Zendaya her first Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2020 (for Euphoria) but she started acting at the age of six and worked at the California Shakespeare Theatre throughout her childhood. The performances of seasoned actors would inspire her to pursue acting as a profession though she was always involved in creative pursuits in some form or another. Music and dance were two other passions. As a child, Zendaya was part of a hip-hop group and took up dancing at the Academy of Hawaiian arts. Throughout her teen years, she also performed at several theatres in California, eventually honing her craft at the American Conservatory Theatre.
DECADES OF PREPARATION You could say that by the time Zendaya had made it through the Disney mill and been hired for the role of Michelle in SpiderMan: Homecoming, she was well-versed in the intricacies of acting and ready for a wide array of challenging roles that
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arguably did not come her way until 2019, when she landed the lead role in Euphoria. She revealed an impressive ability to portray difficult characters and emotions, immersing herself fully in the series’ most troubled yet fiercely loyal individual: the magnificent Rue. In a way, Spider-Man’s Michelle prepared us for this transformation. In the superhero film, Zendaya broke free of the typical superhero leading lady mould, looking like she had just got out of bed, and almost constantly sporting the bored, unimpressed expression that is so typical in teens.
A HOLLYWOOD-BRED TALENT Between Spider-Man: Homecoming and Euphoria there were other great projects (some of which overlapped with her work for the HBO series). Two stand out: her roles as a trapeze artist in The Greatest Showman, and her portrayal of Chani (one of the freedom-fighting ‘Fremen’) in Dune. In The Greatest Showman she sings and performs difficult acrobatic stunts alongside Zac Efron. It makes you realise how well-rounded young actors in Hollywood are these days, with many surprising audiences through their diverse range of talents. It’s a cut-throat world out there, and having as many skills as possible enables upcoming
stars like Zendaya to accept action and musical roles as well as more dramatic ones. As for the role of Chani, the casting can only be described as flawless. The description in the books very much matches Zendaya’s look, demeanour and personality. Chani is a key character in Dune, though the first of Denis Villeneuve’s two-part project gave us only a glimpse of her importance in the Dune universe’s history. Of course, this is simply because she appears later in the film. The second part of Dune will delve deeper into the relationship between Paul and Chani in the planet where spice (and sandworms) flow freely.
AN EMMY AWARD-WINNING PERFORMANCE It is interesting to find that, during the interviews for Dune, when Chalamet was asked which of Zendaya’s performances was his favourite, he answered, “Rue in Euphoria.” A role like this, which enables Zendaya to reveal the fusion of many years of training, is hard to come by. I am currently watching Season 2 and, despite finding the series riddled with stereotypes and unrealistic situations and behaviours, I find myself looking forward to every episode almost exclusively because of Zendaya’s performance. It is incredible to
be so drawn to a character who is at once selfish, self-destructive, apathetic, bored, dishonest, yet also immensely self-sacrificing, caring, and capable of deep love (for her sister, her friend and drug dealer Fezco, and her love interest, Jules). Season Two, episodes five and six are heart-stopping. In these episodes, Rue goes berserk, physically tearing down the walls and furniture in her home while her mother and distraught younger sister (who idolises her) watch helplessly. Zendaya recalls these scenes as immensely emotionally taxing. “I care about Rue,” she says, “I also care about the people who care about her, because I think many of them share her story of addiction and sobriety, and many of them share a lot of her emotional disorders, and... it’s important that we continue to have that love for her.” ›
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D SPOTLIGHT people
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Zendaya makes sure we care. Like her mother and sister, we find it impossible to turn our backs on a young girl who in many ways is just another victim of the U.S.’s opiate crisis. In flashbacks, we see that in her early childhood she was diagnosed with a battery of mental illnesses and prescribed strong medications that could play a role in her current dependence on substances to make it through the day. Rue has so much potential and a loving family and it leads the audience to ask: What has created her problem and why is the public health system letting her down? What happens to young addicts who relapse repeatedly, eventually resorting to trafficking as a means to sustain their addiction? The show is heart-breaking, yet at least in so far as Rue’s story
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goes, it is the reality for millions of people who love someone who is struggling with addiction.
WHAT’S IN ZENDAYA’S FUTURE? If you recently saw Spider-Man: No Way Home, then you know the positive reviews Zendaya and (real-life love) Tom Holland garnered. While it is not certain if her character, MJ, will return in the fourth Holland-led SpiderMan flick (it is implied that Spider-Man will embark on a new chapter of his life), there is plenty that is keeping Zendaya busy. In 2023 she will appear as Chani in the second Dune film and she is rumoured to have a lead role in Francis Ford’s utopian film, Megalopolis. In addition to her many acting gigs, Zendaya also serves as a voice for African American actors trying to build a successful acting career. As
far back as 2018, she spoke at the Beautycon Festival, calling herself the industry’s “acceptable version of a black girl.” She explained, “As a lightskinned black woman it’s important that I’m using my privilege, my platform, to show you how much beauty there is in the African-American community.” She admits that she “cannot honestly say that I’ve had to face the same racism and struggles as a woman with darker skin.” She advocates for body positivity and acceptance, voicing her complaints when photographers manipulate her body with PhotoShop. Articulating the very spirit of Gen-Z inclusivity, she said, “I like to think of myself as a real model, not a role model. I think that by being the best ‘myself’ I can help people be the best ‘themselves’.” e
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trends
LINE-UP NEW FILMS AND SERIES TO ENGROSS YOURSELF IN THIS MONTH. CHECK OUT THE LATEST BOOK RELEASES AND WHAT IS MAKING WAVES NATIONALLY AND FURTHER AFIELD. CONSIDER THE ADVANTAGES OF HAVING A DIGITAL BUSINESS CARD.
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FOR WHAT'S COOL
98 Hot New Films 102 Cool New Series 106 New Book Releases 110 Digital Business Cards 112 What’s Cool
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HOT NEW
MOVIES WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS
CYRANO
» Director: Joe Wright (Pride & Prejudice) » Genre: Drama/ Romance » Actors: Peter Dinklage, Haley Bennett, Kelvin Harrison Jr. Peter Dinklage gives life to Cyrano de Bergerac – a brilliant swordsman and wordsmith who is convinced his appearance makes him unworthy of the love of the beautiful Roxanne (who also loves poetry). He lends all his literary skill to a young man who impresses with his beauty but who lacks the ability to express his love for Roxanne in a way that will melt her heart.
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THE BATMAN
» Director: Matt Reeves (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes) » Genre: Superhero » Actors: Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Barry Keoghan Two years of stalking the streets as Batman has turned Bruce Wayne into a recluse. With only a few trusted allies and a corrupt network of city officials and high-profile figures to contend with, the withdrawn vigilante is determined to face Gotham’s enemies alone. A sadistic killer sends Batman into the underworld, where he encounters characters such as Catwoman, the Penguin, and Carmine Falcone. Batman must forge new relationships and put a stop to the corruption that has long plagued Gotham City.
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AFTER YANG
» Director: Kogonada (Columbus) » Genre: Science Fiction » Actors: Colin Farrell, Jodie Turner-Smith, Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja When his daughter’s beloved android companion, Yang, shuts down and refuses to restart, Jake (Colin Farrell) attempts to repair him. During this process, he gains access to some of Yang’s recorded ‘memories’ and realises that there was much more to him than met the eye. In particular, Jake discovers that Yang had a special relationship with a girl called Ada, who has an incredible story of her own.
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THE PROTÉGÉ
OPERATION FORTUNE
» Director: Guy Ritchie (Snatch) » Genre: Spy Film » Actors: Jason Statham, Hugh Grant, Josh Hartnett, Aubrey Plaza Special agent Orson Fortune (Jason Statham) and his crew are forced to rely on A-class Hollywood actor, Danny Francesco (Josh Hartnett) to prevent a wealthy arms broker from selling a deadly technology that is threatening the world order. The film is as funny as it is action-packed, thanks to the comedic talents of Aubrey Plaza and Hugh Grant.
» Director: Martin Campbell (Casino Royale) » Genre: Thriller » Actors: Michael Keaton, Maggie Q, Samuel L. Jackson Anna (Maggie Q) is a highly-skilled contract killer who seeks revenge when her mentor, the iconic assassin, Moody, is murdered. Along the way, she meets Michael Rembrandt (Michael Keaton) – a ruthless ‘fixer’ for a billionaire who pretends to be a global humanitarian. Anna and Michael share witty banter from the moment they meet, though their ultimate destiny is to test their mettle against each other in a battle that is bound to leave only one man or woman standing. e
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TOP NEW SERIES TO SAVOUR
Enjoy the following hot series, available this month on top streaming platforms. COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS
RAISED BY WOLVES S2 HBO Max
» Creator: Aaron Guzikowski » Genre: Science Fiction » Actors: Travis Fimmel, Amanda Collin, Abubakar Salim Season two picks up right after the last episode’s cliffhanger finale. After risking their lives to save their children, Mother and Father survive their journey to the planet’s fiery core. They arrive at the much-yearned-for ‘tropical zone’ and find themselves surrounded by a group of atheists. All decisions are made by a machine called The Trust and the couple is thrilled by the fact that reason now prevails over religion. However, once again, they are forced to battle a force that thinks it knows what is best for their children.
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BRIDGERTON S2 Netflix
» Creator: Shondra Rhimes » Genre: Period Drama » Actors: Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, Adjoa Andoh In Season One of Bridgerton, we met Daphne – a woman who attempts to avoid a loveless marriage with a foolish Lord by stirring up a fake romance with the Duke of Hastings. In Season Two, the star of the show will be Daphne’s brother, Anthony. Scorned by his exlover, Anthony resolves to marry for duty, not for love. Anthony’s father has died young and he fears he will suffer the same fate. He prefers not to fall in love or allow someone to love him enough to miss him when he’s gone.
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VIKINGS: VALHALLA Netflix
» Creator: Jeb Stuart » Genre: Historical Fiction » Actors: Sam Corlett, Frida Gustavsson, Leo Suter This spin-off of the successful Vikings series takes place some 100 years later, at the start of the 11th century – a time in which the great Viking heroes attacked the British Isles in search of glory and riches. The saga narrates the adventures of some of the most famous Vikings in history – including Leif Erikson, Freydís Eiríksdóttir, and Harald Sigurdsson.
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WE CRASHED Apple TV+
WINNING TIME: THE RISE OF THE LAKERS DYNASTY HBO
» Creators: Max Borenstein and Jim Hecht » Genre: Drama/ Comedy » Actors: Will Fourth, Rachel Hilson, Sean Patrick Small This 10-part series tells the story of how the Los Angeles Lakers became the most successful pro basketball team in the 1980s. It delves into the professional and personal achievements of its players and managers, including Magic Johnson, Pat Riley (Coach), Jerry Buss (team owner), and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
» Creators: Lee Eisenberg and Drew Cervello » Genre: Drama » Actors: Jared Leto, Anne Hathaway, America Ferrera This mini-series is based on the podcast WeCrashed: The Rise and Fall of WeWork by Wondery. It takes us through the greed-fuelled rise and formidable fall of Adam Neumann (Jared Leto), the founder of one of the world’s most successful startups. It immerses us in his chaotic personal life and his fascinating relationship with his wife, Rebekah (Anne Hathaway) – who happens to be Gwyneth Paltrow’s cousin. e
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SPRING IS IN THE AIR AND EXCITING NEW TITLES ARE ON THE SHELVES 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
MAMMY BANTER: THE SECRET LIFE OF AN UNCOOL MUM BY SERENA TERRY From the creator of the Tiktok and Instagram sensation Mammy Banter comes a candid and humorous look at modern motherhood. In her youth, Tara Gallagher dreamed of being Beyonce and headlining Coachella. Now at thirty-six she is married to a man she adores, has a teenage daughter who she endlessly embarrasses, two lovely little boys who have her exhausted and a job she finds unsatisfying. She wants to be the cool mammy, the best wife and successful in her job, and she wants to do it all without losing her identity. So, Tara decides it’s time for a Mammy Makeover with hilarious results. A laugh out loud read that anyone with children will relate and warm to.
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MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS BY ERICA JAMES Mothers and Daughters is a compelling family drama filled with secrets and lies from bestselling author Erica James. Sixty-three-year-old Naomi has spent the past two years rebuilding her life following the sudden death of her husband Colin. She has even found love again in the arms of Ellis, an old friend from university. Naomi is worried about how her adult daughters, Martha and Willow will react to her new relationship. As the family comes together to help deal with Martha’s infertility problems and worries surrounding Willow’s new boyfriend, secrets Naomi has kept about Colin are revealed and threaten to pull the family apart.
NINE LIVES BY PETER SWANSON Nine disparate and unconnected strangers each receive a list in the mail. The list contains only nine names including their own. Most of the recipients dismiss it as junk mail or a prank until the people on the list start turning up dead. FBI agent Jessica Winslow, who also received a list with her name on it, is determined to discover what connects the nine people and why they are being killed. Could they all share a dark secret or are they simply dealing with a sociopath who has chosen them at random? Peter Swanson has crafted an engaging and captivating classic whodunit with a modern twist.
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THE DEVIL’S BARGAIN BY STELLA RIMINGTON
THE PARIS APARTMENT BY LUCY FOLEY
The former head of MI5 is back with a gripping new spy thriller. In 1988, policeman Harry Bristow made one mistake that he has regretted ever since. He took a bribe and allowed illegal immigrant Igor into the UK. He didn’t know that Igor was a Russian spy but when he sees the newly elected MP to his constituency, Peter Robinson, Harry recognises him as Igor and decides he must come clean. However, Igor has recognised him too and will do everything in his power to keep his secret. Meanwhile CIA analyst Manon Tyler is on her way to London and her in-flight reading material is a report on Russian illegals.
The bestselling author of The Guest List and The Hunting Party returns with an atmospheric and sinister psychological crime drama. Life is not going well for Jess. She’s broke, single and has had to leave her job under dubious circumstances. Looking for a fresh start she contacts her brother, Ben, who reluctantly agrees to let her stay with him in his apartment in Paris. However, when Jess arrives Ben is nowhere to be seen. Fearing for his safety, Jess begins to investigate Ben’s life and his relationships with his neighbours in the building. It turns out Ben was not well liked. What unfolds is a tense and gripping Cluedoesque locked room mystery.. e
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HAVE YOU CREATED YOUR OWN
DIGITAL BUSINESS CARD YET? WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HIHELLO
F
ollowing a year in which 55% of people worked more hours at home than at a physical office, it is no exaggeration to say that digital business cards will be one of the most important networking tools of 2022. If you’re anything like me, then printed cards somehow seem out of vogue owing to their inconvenience. When was the last
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time you attended an event only to realise you had forgotten your cards at the office, or lost cards that new contacts gave you? If you are a diligent card keeper, the situation could be even worse. The cards in the top drawer of your desk are probably stacked a mile high and kept in order of receipt, despite your yearly resolution to put them into alphabetical order.
Then there are those slick metallic cardholders—the ones that leave an unsightly bulge in your trousers or that fall out when you’re getting out of your vehicle. They may look good on the outside but once you open them, out flaps the long plastic row of unsightly empty ‘cardvelopes’ waiting to be filled. The good news is that digital business cards have arrived
HOW CAN YOU SHARE YOUR DIGITAL BUSINESS CARD? You can share your card via QR code, text, e-mail, link, widgets, and more. On apps like HiHello, you can also include your QR code on a virtual background on your screen while you are taking part in a video conference with colleagues and clients.
and they are a much easier and more practical way to exchange contacts.
WHAT IS A DIGITAL BUSINESS CARD? A digital business card is simply an online way of sharing your contact information. You can create it on any device that has Internet access. With digital business cards, you are the designer, and you don’t need a printer. You can customise and share your creation with anyone via e-mail or social media.
WHAT BENEFITS CAN A DIGITAL BUSINESS CARD BRING? One pretty cool aspect of digital business cards is that you can include more information than
your logo, name, telephone number, and e-mail You can add photos, a little ‘About Me’ section, a summary of your specialities and interests, and symbols that will lead your readers to other pages. For instance, if you are a realtor, you might include a symbol that will lead viewers to your current listings. If you are a restaurant, you can invite potential customers to book a table. You can also have different digital business cards for different groups. For instance, you can create one card that has specific information for people you might encounter at an event, a second card for general use, and a third one for friends. Cards can include your social media handles (think LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram), blog, or other sites of interest. They can even include links to video content. Digital business card apps support a host of apps, platforms and fields – everything from payment apps like PayPal to Skype, chat apps like WhatsApp, gamer tags, creative platforms like Patreon, and indeed, any link you wish to include. Digital business cards are also easy to amend. Forget about throwing away boxes of cards just because your phone number changes or your office moved to
a new address. Finally, they fit right in with the zeitgeist of 2022: sustainability. You don’t need to cut down or even recycle trees to make it easy for contacts to find you. Everything can be kept and filed online alphabetically or by category without taking up space or messing up your office drawers or shelves.
HOW CAN YOU MAKE YOUR OWN DIGITAL BUSINESS CARD? To make a digital business card, you will need to download an app on a mobile device or your desktop computer. Top apps to consider include HiHello, KADO Networks, CamCard, Switchit, and About.Me. Most are free but they do have fees for those wishing to access premium features. When deciding which app to download, consider aspects such as card scanning (which will help you manage your contacts), sharing features (via a link or QR code), and manual note-taking and voice recording. If you have a large team and you need unlimited user access, then going premium (paying a small fee per month) is a good idea. Premium membership will entitle you to engage in privacy management (which will enable you to determine and change contacts and access levels for specific people or teams). e WWW.ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM / 111
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? l o o c s ’ t wha ACKWELL COMPILED BY IAIN BL
arts e 1913-built France II, st GOLDEN HORIZON th of ca pli re ar ne a , on Horiz The ship The new tall ship, Golden rting Palma from May 1. pa de es uis cr ur fo th wi ies of a small vessel with a Mediterranean season ur lux d ar bo on e th ing combin yaks and carries 272 passengers, ina has paddle boards, ka ar m n er st A . ips sh g ilin the charm of clipper sa ndvoyages.com dinghies. i www.tradewi
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/ © Emanuel Gonçalves n Oceano Azul Foundatio
RVE THE BEST MARINE RESE IN PORTUGAL t of The Regional Governmen d ce un Madeira recently anno be the creation of what will ted ec the largest marine prot rth area in Europe and the No of n Atlantic. The declaratio this fully protected marine reserve covers a territory s of 2,667 square kilometre e th in an area surrounding Savage Islands. i www. g oceanoazulfoundation.or LEXUS FUTURE SPORTS CAR ry Lexus has revealed a galle s of of images and animation r. ca ts or its next generation sp el The spectacular new mod e ng will be part of a full ra in of Lexus BEVs, available d an br 2030 under its Lexus ature vision, which will also fe the virtues of the Lexus ng a Driving Signature, providi e th seamless interaction with driver’s intentions. i www.lexus.com
OK THE CIONET COOKBO g community in ad CIONET, the world’s le llated the latest of digital leaders, has co nology in their ch ideas on information te onet Cookbook: new publication, the Ci ess, in which Recipes for Digital Succ s share their ive 25 top global IT execut es not only ni pa recipes to help com constantly survive but thrive in this w.cionet.com ww evolving digital era. i
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SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY, AMBASSADOR OF PETA Sir Paul McCartney, known for his views on animal protection, is supporting the European Citizen’s Initiative Save Cruelty-Free Cosmetics, a campaign initiated by international partners from PETA, as well as Dove, The Body Shop and more than 100 animal protection organisations, petitioning the EU to maintain its ban on testing cosmetics on animals. i www.peta.org
THE DUBAI EDITION Following the successful opening in Abu Dhabi, the prestigious EDITION hotel brand recently launched The Dubai EDITION, comprising 275 rooms, including 41 suites and an extensive penthouse. Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto large glass-enclosed balconies with spectacular views of the iconic Burj Khalifa. i www.editionhotels.com/dubai 114 / MARCH 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK 50TH ANNIVERSARY Highly respected, luxury Swiss watchmaker, Audemars Piguet, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its classic timepiece, the Royal Oak. To mark the occasion, a new range of Royal Oak designs are being launched, including self-winding models, the ‘Jumbo’, and the Openworked Flying Tourbillon. i www.audemarspiguet.com
PRINCESS YACHTS NEW MODELS LAUNCH The historic Royal William Yard in Plymouth was the setting for the first Princess Exclusive event – the global launch of the all-new Princess X80 and the all-new Princess V50. The invitation-only nine day event featured an 8-yacht line-up from the UK’s leading luxury yacht manufacturer in the brand’s maritime home city. i www.princessyachts.com
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lifestyle
VISIT A RECENTLY CONSTRUCTED HIGHLY DESIRABLE VILLA IN ROCIO DE NAGÜELES. ADMIRE THE STYLE AND ELEGANCE OF FENDI’S NEW RESORT COLLECTION AND CHECK OUT A SELECTION OF TOP GROOMING PRODUCTS FOR YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FURRY FRIEND.
GO TO PAGE118 FOR OUR VILLA REVIEW
GO TO PAGE 134 FOR FENDI SS22
GO TO PAGE 128 FOR DÉCOR TRENDS
GO TO PAGE 142 FOR PETS GROOMING PRODUCTS
INTERIORS ARCHITECTURE ART FASHION
118 Architectural Bespoke in Nagüeles 128 Décor Trends 134 Fendi 2022 Spring/ Summer Collection 142 Top Grooming Products for Pets
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ARCHITECTURAL BESPOKE IN NAGÜELES A modern second home or permanent Marbella residence, this stylish architectural villa in Rocío de Nagüeles represents contemporary style at its best – a blend of refined modernism and natural materials. WORDS MICHEL CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DRUMELIA REAL ESTATE
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rumelia has built a name for the successful marketing of Marbella villas at the pinnacle of the market – often La Zagaleta mansions upwards of €20 million that in truth belong to an international category of real estate. The company continues to be a specialist in this field, but is also active
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in other parts of the luxury market, offering stylish villas such as this newly finished one in Rocío de Nagüeles. “We cover the full range of the luxury property segment in Marbella,” says CEO, Artur Loginov, “but we are very selective, as we only take on those properties that we believe really will resonate with our clientele. But when
we do, we commit ourselves fully to a professional marketing campaign that offers the buyer comprehensive information, professional presentation and the use of advanced tools such as walk-through tours and videos – as well as one of the most effective social media platforms in Spain.” ›
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A great deal of care and attention goes into all forms of marketing and presentation for Drumelia’s exclusive listings, including personalised tours, and to great effect, as recently the company’s greatest worry is finding enough properties to sell. “We are in the fortunate position of having a large and very international portfolio of buyers,” says Artur, “but we’ve gradually reached a situation where there is a shortage of the right kind of Marbella properties, because they sell so quickly.”
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DESIGN IN HARMONY
The shortage of modern villas ready to move into is forcing many to buy off-plan, so discovering a recently completed villa like this in a top location such as Rocío de Nagüeles is a find indeed. “When we receive an instruction to represent a property of this kind we commit our full energy to it, because this really is a gem in a top location close to all amenities yet peaceful and private.” Situated at the end of a cul de sac in a leafy area not five minutes from the beach, the setting is indeed special. ›
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The location is private, surrounded by the lush greenery of its own garden and those bordering it. Step through the gate and you enter an exclusive domain of tranquillity – passing through the front door, visions of the
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natural sculpture complete this charismatic area. To the right is a sleek swimming pool that also connects with the open-plan lounge area. Natural light abounds, coming in through the large windows which provide such an enchanting focus on the garden, and from a patio area that blends a classic Mediterranean feature interior merge with those with a distinct Zen feeling. of the gorgeous garden, The living area flows from the whose immaculate lawn and entrance through a lounge glimpses of shimmering sea with double seating expanse are framed with Mediterranean and dining room to a stylish pine trees and xerophytic modern kitchen, always succulent shrubs. Two pine surrounded by natural light and trees standing out like a garden views. ›
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The villa is unmistakably modern, with a hint of classic Mies van der Rohe inspiration, but the sleek lines are tempered with the use of wood, cast iron and stone. The staircase that leads to the first floor is a fine example, made from solid wood and iron, it is an impressive decorative feature in its own right. More natural materials, outside light and views are to be found on the landing of the first floor, which connects to three bedrooms suites. › Each
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of the bedrooms has a layout, ambience and set of views of its own, with modern bathrooms, dressing areas and terraces, one of which features a step-down Jacuzzi. As below, natural light floods the upstairs part of the villa, but it is also present at the basement level, which besides having a series of utility rooms also has the scope to create personalised spaces. Whatever the choice, it is important to maintain the overall feel of a property that is in harmony.
This could include any combination of bedrooms, spa or fitness area, a workspace, cinema or a combined entertainment room. “We work with the buyers to create a personalised, bespoke villa in which they can establish their own unique look and ambience,” says Artur. “This includes everything right down to decoration and personalised detailing, services that we provide for all the properties which we offer for sale.” g DRUMELIA REAL ESTATE MARBELLA Tel: (+34) 952 766 950. artur@drumelia.com www.drumelia.com
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DESIGN TRENDS DISCOVERED BY MADDIE QUINN
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THE NEW KASUAL COLLECTION BY KARIM RASHID Considered as one of the most iconic design legends of our time, the visionary Karim has been revolutionising the industry with his futuristic vision and ideas. The famous
New York-based designer has recently created a unique collection for DelightFULL and Essential Home inspired by the casual lifestyle concept, something that became an important part of our daily lives. At the epitome of design, the Kasual collection aims to be the best of both worlds, casual and luxurious, all wrapped up in a selection of incredibly designed furniture and lighting pieces that will bring timeless and precious value to any project. i www.essentialhome.eu ›
BRING THE OUTDOORS IN! We all enjoy being surrounded by nature and feeling its presence around us. M.M Linen have taken a leaf out of Mother Nature’s book with their latest collection of homewares. Whether you’re a town or country person, you’re sure to find a favourite among these naturally inspired designs. i www.mmlinen.com
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back to CONTENTS NEW MOOOI WALLCOVERINGS
LIGHT FANTASTIC! Lighting is often an afterthought when decorating or updating a room, but with these fabulous new lights from My Furniture you are not going to be left in the dark. My Furniture offers elegantly designed pendant and capsule lights that are perfect for a landing or positioned over a dining table. Contemporary and sophisticated, some of the models are inspired by the glamorous 70’s interiors while others are more classical with a modern twist. Available in chrome or brass finishes, there are over 100 designs on offer through their website. i www.my-furniture.com ›
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The Memento Moooi Wallcovering collection will remind you to cherish each moment, make amazing memories, and celebrate life for as long as it lasts. Every design is inspired by the characteristics of an Extinct Animal. The Memento Moooi Wallcovering collection comes in different colours and is made with a variety of materials: wood veneer, sisal, gold foil, pleated paper, and textile. Some designs in the collection narrate a story, and others stimulate your senses with imagery and textures. The result is striking, tactile designs that make an impact and breathe life and compassion into your home. i www.moooi.com
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 32 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.
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.
ambiencehomedesign.com
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NEW COLLECTION FROM ROCHE BOBOIS Roche Bobois recently launched their new TV and electronic media campaign created by multiaward winning photographer and director Dean Alexander. It is an emotional representation of the French Art de Vivre with two young people meeting on a carousel and discovering each other playfully in an elegant game of hide-and-seek around their staged furniture. The advertising campaign coincides with the launch of their new Spring/Summer collection, in which the French interior brand continues to rework, reinvent and expand on their well known and loved aesthetics. i www.roche-bobois.com
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NEW PARCHMENT SEATING COLLECTION FROM KENNETH COBONPUE An alluring image from the past is transformed into a design piece that is lavish in its decorative details and includes a functional cocoon effect for a seat by KENNETHCOBONPUE. The creative inspiration for the Parchment Seating Collection came from the imagery of ancient manuscripts that emerged from history. The parchment became fabric, which was processed into soft, coupled layers with bold stitching to create the edges. The layers were then overlapped and held together by braiding and knots of rope in matching colours. Working in conjunction with some of the world’s top designers, from well-known names to emerging talent, Kenneth has pushed design in the Philippines and shared his vision with a global audience. i www.kennethcobonpue.com
CHEAT THE WOOD PANELLING Do you love wood panel feature walls? So do Wallsauce and that’s why they have lovingly curated a beautiful selection of life-size panel wallpapers for your home! Instead of making a mess trying to create your own panel wall with bits of plywood, you can now choose a wood panel wallpaper in many styles and colours that may just be easier to instal and could turn out just as stunning! i www.wallsauce.com WWW.ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM / 133
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Created by Kim Jones, Fendi's 2022 Spring/ Summer Collection empowers the feminine expression with its modern elegance and a touch of 70's glamour. Recalling the glory days of Studio 54, its vibes inspire flowing lines, pop colours and statment graphics, as expected from the Italian luxury brand, pushing the limits of conventionality, exploring the concept of inclusive beauty projected in a brighter and dynamic future.
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FENDI S22 SPRING SUMMER
DISCOVERED BY MADDIE QUINN PHOTOGRAPHY IMAXTREE.COM
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i FENDI is available online at www.fendi.com
CLICK TO BUY
www.fendi.com
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PAWESOME
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PAMPERING ITEMS FOR YOUR FOUR-PAWED FRIENDS COMPILED BY MARISA CUTILLAS
Give your pets a bit of extra love this month with the following luxury items.
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1 – TARTAN DOG DRYING ROBE BY DOGROBES LTD. This luxurious robe is an ideal way to keep your pets warm until you are ready to give them a pro-style blowdry. i www.dogrobes.co.uk 2 – ORGANIC LAVENDER AND CALENDULA DOG PAW BALM BY ZERO ZEN Your dog’s paws can take quite a bit of punishment both in the winter and the summer. Keep them smooth, well moisturised, and crackfree with this balm, made with organic natural ingredients. i www.zerozen.co.uk/ 3 – BRUSH BY FURBLISS® This brush is all you need to de-shed your pets so their coats can sport an appealing shine. It can also be used to remove fur and lint from clothing, furniture, and car upholstery. i www.vetniquelabs.com
4 – PURPLE GAUNTLETS AND ROBE BY DOGROBES LTD. If you love hand drying your pets, these absorbent purple gauntlets will make it easier to get to hard-to-reach parts of your pet’s body. Use them alongside this cute robe in the same hue. i www. dogrobes.co.uk/ 5 – DOG WASH BY BONDI WASH A luxurious shampoo made with Australian bush oils and purified water. It is 100 per cent toxin-free and fully biodegradable and it leaves your pets’ coats smooth, shiny, and fragrant. The company also makes dry shampoo for those who prefer to save water. i www.bondiwash.eu 6 – ANIMOLOGY CLEAN SHEETS – 80 HANDY DOG WIPES FROM CHARLEY CHAU Whenever you have your dog in the car or you are out and about, it pays to have wet wipes around. Animology Clean Sheets take this thought to the next level, since they
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also function as a quick, no-rinse shampoo. i www.charleychau.com 7 – ESSENTIAL OILS FOR PETS BY YOUNG LIVING Essential oils are booming the world over, with many families relying on them for calming down, feeling re-energised, and battling skin issues. World leader in the industry, Young Living, has created a range of therapeutic grade essential oils for pets, including Inner Balance (to help your pet smell extrafresh), PuriClean (to moisturise skin and heal scratches), Infect Away (which protects pets against harmful contaminants), Mendwell (which promotes the natural healing process), and more. i www.youngliving.com WWW.ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM / 143
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BAREMINERALS THE POWER OF GOOD When bareMinerals burst onto the scene in 1995, it represented the rise of a totally new approach to beauty – involving clean, natural, mineral makeup that was 100 per cent free of parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, mineral oil, coal tar, triclosan, chemical sunscreen, and so many more potentially harmful ingredients that abound in commercial products. Company founder, Leslie
FROM QVC TO THE MOON Following a successful but modest launch, the brand was picked by QVC (the home shopping network that generated 11.47 billion U.S. dollars in 2020
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alone) and the rest is history. As Blodgett told the press, by having their own show on QVC and sending out a kit of products that consumers needed to recreate featured looks, the company
Blodgett (formerly CEO of Bare Escentuals) initially sought to fulfil a demand posed by people with breakout-prone and sensitive skin but she soon discovered that even those with unproblematic skin shared an interest in kind, naturally sourced makeup that would not clog up their pores or introduce unnecessary toxins through the body’s largest organ – the skin. WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS started selling in the millions. The brand clearly resonated with customers who up until then had only been able to select from products that were ridden with chemicals. Such was bareMinerals’
success that in 2010, makeup giant Shiseido purchased the company. Since then, it has branched out with a host of new products such as a liquid foundation and long-lasting pressed powder foundation.
a good range of brushes for all needs – including foundation, eyeshadow, and lipsticks.
BREAKING NEW GROUND
MEETING REAL CUSTOMERS For Blodgett, aside from creating makeup kits and teaching customers how to apply their products, one of the most important steps she took was to open bareMinerals stores across the nation. There, she held weekly events and parties and met everyday clients, whose demands gave rise to future product launches. It was at this time she discovered that “great makeup is the kind that makes you feel good” when you put it on.
RIDING HIGH ON MINERAL FOUNDATION Arguably the star product of bareMinerals, the one that made brands like Shiseido take notice, was its Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15. The idea of brushing on a loose powder foundation was revolutionary back then but it is still unique now, when most foundations come in either pressed or liquid form. Despite its unique format, the product lasted all day. Its look was natural and luminous – perfect for those into light-to-medium coverage, where
cute ‘imperfections’ such as freckles are part and parcel of an attractive everyday look.
AN EXPANDED PRODUCT RANGE In time, bareMinerals began to create products for those seeking heavier coverage as well. In 2014, its first liquid foundation was born and today, the brand has concealers in liquid, stick, and loose powder forms. To apply these products, we suggest using bareMinerals’ own brushes, which are perfect for working with powdered ingredients and which softly and subtly diffuse different product types together so your skin becomes a uniform canvas. The different ranges include: Z Face: Featuring a range of products, including concealer, finishing powder, primer, blush, bronzer, highlighter, and foundation kits. Z Eyes: Eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliner, brow, and eye primer products. Z Lips: Lipstick, lip gloss, and lip liner. Z Makeup Brushes: The brand sells
bareMinerals has always had a reputation for clean makeup but it is also known for its passion for diversity and inclusivity. For instance, its Gen Nude collection has an impressive 40 different shades (since ‘nude’ means something different depending on your skin shade). The brand also launched the renowned Power of Good campaign, granting one per cent of all sales to empower women through education (this campaign will last until June 30, 2022, so make your purchases before this date to make a difference).
KINDNESS TO ANIMALS bareMinerals is a PETA Business Friend and it features PETA’s global ‘Beauty without Bunnies’ logo. The company testifies that its products are not tested on animals and that all items carry EU-compliant, cruelty-free, vegan certification logos. The company has adopted these commitments on a permanent basis. It buys all its ingredients from ethical suppliers who do not test on animals or harm the environment. Products are completely devoid of alcohol, animal derivatives, fillers, dyes, binders, and other ingredients that can harm human health. They are additionally halal-friendly and glutenfree. i www.bareminerals.com › WWW.ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM / 145
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MUST-TRY PRODUCTS FROM BAREMINERALS IF YOU ARE NEW TO 100 PER CENT NATURAL MAKEUP, BAREMINERALS IS A GREAT PLACE TO START. BUILD YOUR COLLECTION WITH THE FOLLOWING TOP SELLERS. 1 – GEN NUDE POWDER BLUSH A silky soft powder blush that gives your complexion a diffused, soft-focus finish. Featuring light-capturing pearls. 2 – ORIGINAL LOOSE POWDER FOUNDATION SPF 15 A light formula you can apply in layers for lighter or heavier coverage. Despite being powder-based, it feels creamy on your skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 3 – COMPLEXION RESCUE TINTED MOISTURIZER SPF30 An ideal product for the summer. This moisturiser
has a good level of sun protection and a light coverage that is perfect for showing off your tan. It is made with marine plants and mineral electrolytes, to protect your skin from the sun and wind. 4 – BAREPRO 24-HOUR FULL COVERAGE LIQUID FOUNDATION SPF20 An ideal formula for those seeking heavy coverage with a natural, matte finish. The product combines minerals and lipids that are found naturally in skin to offer long-lasting perfection. 5 – PRIME TIME BRIGHTENING FOUNDATION PRIMER An ultra-light priming
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solution that improves the tone and texture of your skin prior to the application of foundation. It is enriched with Vitamin E and plant ingredients and it smoothens skin and reduces the appearance of pores. 6 – BAREPRO FOUNDATION CORE COVERAGE BRUSH This super soft brush picks up products well and delivers them smoothly to your skin. The bristles are retractable, making this item easy to take along in your bag.
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ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
IT’S TIME TO TAKE IT SERIOUSLY No man likes to talk about it; erectile dysfunction is a taboo. For most affected men, it feels like a personal failure. It is stigmatised like a mental handicap and a physical incompetence. The word ‘impotence’ says it all. WORDS DR. MANUELA REISBECK
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recent European survey from 2020 showed quite surprising results: 51% of men between 40-70 years of age do suffer from ED, in the age group 80+ the prevalence reaches 86%. The shame and insecurity create further psychological problems and as a consequence, men do not
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talk about ED, not with their partners, not even with their doctors. Occasional blue pills may be prescribed with some effect, but the actual problem remains unaddressed. Which is a shame, because as most men don’t realise, the majority of causes for erectile dysfunction are physical and easily treatable. ED is
a common consequence of diabetes, high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, all medical conditions which can be solved if diagnosed in time. A Swiss study from 2019 showed that about 40% of men presenting with ED suffered from significant atherosclerosis. CT scans
of their pelvic arteries could demonstrate important narrowing of vessels to the genital organs. These blockages will impair the blood supply causing the feared symptom of inability to perform. In the majority of cases, these vascular blockages can be reopened with inflatable balloons and special metal stents. A similar surgery is being carried out for all sorts of arterial blockages in our body, best known as a treatment for heart attacks. The procedure is indeed very similar: following a small needle prick in the groin, injected contrast media will demonstrate the vascular lesion, and the stents are guided to the blocked area with the help of straw like catheters and hair thin wires. There is no anesthesia required, there is no cut and no wound, just a needle prick and a small band aid in the end. As a conclusion, it appears that in a large number of cases ED is to be seen as and treated like any other vascular disease in the body. As such, it has risk factors which have led to the development of arterial blockages in general. These would be the usual suspects:
diabetes, arterial hypertension, smoking and cholesterol. And in fact, a significant number of cardiac and vascular patients will report that they have suffered from ED for years but did not dare to tell anybody. While their coronary arteries were already fixed, they still struggle with an important aspect of their quality of life. Nevertheless, ED does result from other causes as well. We should not forget the polyneuropathy secondary to diabetes (30%), hormonal imbalance (3%), neurologic and psychological causes (11%) – which brings awareness to the fact that ED clearly is not a purely urological disorder, but a multidisciplinary one requiring the combined efforts of different specialists such as urologists, internists, cardio-vascular specialists and endovascular/ interventional specialists, working together to understand why each individual patient suffers from ED and what could be the best treatment option to restore functionality and quality of life. At UroCare, we are proud to have initiated an Erectile
Dysfunction Care Board where each case evaluated by the urologist will be discussed to understand the underlying problem. After performing all necessary testing, we are confident that we will be able to offer the right treatment option, from simple testosterone injections and optimised diabetes control, to sophisticated minimally invasive endovascular interventions reopening vascular blockages and reinstating optimal blood flow.
g Please call or email us and we will provide more information. Ideally you will be booked in for a first consultation with our urology specialist. This is not the time to feel shame or resignation. ED is an important medical condition which must be addressed, even more so because it is a major concern to our quality of life. UroCare is a branch of CardioCare Marbella. Tel: (+34) 952 779 680. info@cardiocaremarbella.com www.cardiocaremarbella.com
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enterprise
HAVE A LOOK AT THE IMPRESSIVE NEW ROLEX BOUTIQUE IDEAL JOYEROS HAVE JUST OPENED IN PUERTO BANUS, CHECK OUT SOME OF THE LATEST GOINGS-ON IN AND AROUND MARBELLA, AND FIND OUT ABOUT THE DIFFERENT FORMS OF RESIDENCY STATUS PERTAINING TO GIBRALTAR.
GO TO PAGE 152 FOR THE NEW ROLEX BOUTIQUE
GO TO PAGE 164 FOR GIBRALTAR RESIDENCY
GO TO PAGE 156 FOR BUSINESS NEWS
PRODUCTS BEAUTY SPA HEALTH
152 New Rolex Boutique in Puerto Banús 156 Business News 164 Residency in Gibraltar
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IDEAL JOYEROS OPENS ROLEX BOUTIQUE IN PUERTO BANÚS
Ideal Joyeros, an official retailer for Rolex, has opened a brand new boutique in the luxury shopping complex, Muelle de Ribera. Measuring 130m2, it adjoins the also new multi-brand Ideal Joyeros store. It aims to offer clients an immersive retail experience and the chance to discover the intricacies of the Rolex world. The launch was attended by Cédric Müller, General Manager of Rolex España, and by the Aswani family (who own Ideal Joyeros). Marbella’s Mayor, Ángeles Muñoz and the CEO of Puerto Banús, Juan Nuñez, were also present at the event. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF IDEAL JOYEROS
SYMBOLIC MEANING The first thing customers will encounter is the striking exterior of the boutique, which features Rolex’s iconic emerald-green branding. The wave motif pays homage to the classic Oyster — the world’s first water-resistant wristwatch. This vivid green hue is echoed throughout the store through accents that complement the brand’s fresh new palette. The interiors are faithful to the brand’s timeless spirit
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and are inspired by the sea and Marbella’s nautical spirit. Standout features include the use of wood throughout the boutique, a series of large maritime images, and an impressive stucco work that pays homage to Puerto Banús and its surroundings. This piece was especially commissioned for the store. The boutique’s walls reveal a striking balance of textures, from walnut wood to travertine marble. Wood is also a prominent feature of
the private lounge, which has been furnished with velvet armchairs and lamps that reference the Rolex Cylops lens (which was designed to enhance the date aperture and magnify the typical Rolex date display). The skilfully placed lighting emphasis the beauty of the collection of fine Rolex timepieces showcased in the window displays. The shop also boasts an after-sales areas, dedicated to keeping clients’ watches in pristine condition.
ABOUT IDEAL JOYEROS The Ideal Joyeros Group was founded in 1973 by Shyam Aswani. His son, Anup Aswani, took over as director in 1998, bringing family values and experience to the brand’s innovative vision. Forty-nine years on, Ideal Joyeros is one of Spain’s leading jewellery and watch chains,
with stores in Tenerife, Marbella, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura. The Ideal Joyeros Group boasts a wide variety of top brands, stylish boutiques, and qualified staff offering personalised service. It is the premier choice for those who are passionate about watches, jewellery, and a luxury lifestyle. › WWW.ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM / 153
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CLICK TO VISIT
www.rolex.com i www.idealjoyeros.com www.rolex.com
ABOUT ROLEX Rolex is an integrated and independent Swiss watch manufacturer. Headquartered in Geneva, the brand is recognised the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products – symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The movements of its Oyster Perpetual and Cellini watches are certified by COSC, then tested in-house for their precision, performance and reliability. The Superlative Chronometer certification, symbolised by the green seal, confirms that each watch has successfully undergone tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These are periodically validated by an independent external organisation. 154 / MARCH 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
The word ‘Perpetual’ is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company’s vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism,
invented in 1931. In the course of its history, Rolex has registered over 500 patents. At its four sites in Switzerland, the brand designs, develops and produces the majority of its watch components, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, the brand is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet. e
r e t r a m S rT ain PUENTE ROMANO TENNIS CLUB, WHERE CHAMPIONS COMPETE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
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business news WORDS BY MARISA CUTILLAS
CHO YEA JAE PARTICIPATES IN WHY NOT KOREA? EXHIBITION
Renowned contemporary artist, Cho Yea Jae, is participating in the art exhibition, Why not Korea? at the University of Málaga’s Sala de Exposiciones del Rectorado. The artist is known for ‘waking the spectator’ and inspiring them to experiment with new paths of knowledge. The exhibition features five of her works, all of which hail from two collections: Ready to Open (which sends a message of hope) and Transcendence (inspired by Asian philosophies such as Buddhism and Confucianism). i www.choyj-art.com
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FUERTE GROUP HOTELS HELPS CLIENTS COMPENSATE FOR THEIR OWN CARBON FOOTPRINTS Sustainability is big in the tourism industry and Fuerte Group Hotels has always been a standard-bearer in this respect. Recently, the General Director of the Group, José Luque García, attended a round table discussion at
the H&T Innovation Forum to talk about how clients can become involved in lowering their carbon footprints during their stay. Luque told the press that he was optimistic about tourism on the Coast, since he predicts that the Group will close 2022 with similar results to (or better results than) those obtained in 2019. i www.fuerte-group.com
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NEW FNAC IN LARIOS CENTRO, MÁLAGA Popular Malaga shopping centre, Larios Centro, is now home to a brand new FNAC store, which measures 1,400m2. This is FNAC’s fourth store in Andalucía and its 40th in Spain and the launch has given rise to 30 new jobs. Its brand ambassador is Javier Castillo, the best-selling author of books like El Juego del Alma and La Chica de Nieve. i www.fnac.es
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ANTONIO BANDERAS INTERVIEW ON LAS TRES PUERTAS Las Tres Puertas, an interview-based programme produced by RTVE and Teatro Soho Televisión and presented by María Casado, featured Antonio Banderas as
its first guest. Banderas spoke about his fascinating career and his current theatrical show: Company, featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a libretto by George Furth. If you feel like catching this popular musical in Málaga, you have until March to do so. i For tickets, www.teatrodelsoho.com
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MUSEO RALLI MARBELLA ADDS NEW WORKS TO ITS COLLECTION Museo Ralli Marbella is pleased to announce that it commenced the new year with the addition of new works to its collection. These paintings are by Cuban artist, Cundo Bermúdez, and Raquel Forner, who hails from Argentina. They are now in the part of the gallery dedicated to Contemporary Latin Art. Visit them in person on the ground floor of the Museum in Room Five. i www.museoralli.es
CASINO MARBELLA HELPS NEEDY FAMILIES As occurs every year, the team at Casino Marbella recently handed the Marbella Town Hall the total amount raised by its Fichas Huérfanas campaign. This campaign involves collecting and safeguarding all discarded or fallen casino chips found at the Casino. At the end of the year, the chips are converted into money and donated to worthwhile causes. The total amount raised was €6.478. i www.casinomarbella.com 160 / MARCH 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
COLOURFUL ART EXHIBITIONS AT THE SHOLEH ABGHARI GALLERY Sholeh Abghari Art Gallery will be hosting a photographic exhibition entitled Through the Lens from March 3 to April 10, 2022. The group exhibition will contrast the smooth, poetic, linear work of Irish photographer, Daniel Holfeld with Mexican/ Turkish photographer, Yavidan Violeta’s stunning images of people. The gallery was also pleased to participate at the recent UVNT Art Fair in Madrid, one of the most prestigious events of its kind in Spain. i www.sholehabghari.com
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LIBERTY UNVEILS EYEWEAR COLLECTION AT SPECSAVERS ÓPTICAS Quintessentially British luxury brand, Liberty, has launched an eyewear collection exclusively at Specsavers Ópticas. The new range combines Liberty’s signature heritage-inspired designs with vibrant prints. There are 13 optical glasses, three sunglasses, and four children’s styles. Kids’ glasses range from €59. Adults’ glasses are priced at €159. i www.specsavers.es
CUDECA RAISES OVER €225,000 FOR NEW PALLIATIVE CARE UNIT Since the October 2021 launch of the campaign 'Joan Hunt, One in a Million' (which aims to raise €1.000.000 to create and manage a Paediatric Palliative Care Unit for four years), an amount of over €225.000 has been raised. The new unit will offer specialised comprehensive care and compassionate companionship to children and adolescents and their families. In February this year, Cudeca also signed an agreement with gastronomic giants, Grupo Stratomille. The latter has agreed to donate 50 cents from each meal served at all its restaurants. i www.cudeca.org
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NEW PUERTO BANÚS OFFICE FOR SMART YACHTING Smart Yachting, a sister company to Smart Charter Ibiza, now has a brand new office in Puerto Banús. The sales office is focused on acquiring and selling yachts, offering private owners the opportunity to charter out their boats, and helping clients manage and maintain their vessels throughout the year. No matter what type or size of yacht you are seeking, the experienced team works with a worldwide network to find you the best deal for the vessel that fits your needs. i www.smartyachting.com
GRUPO TRÉBOL EDUCACIÓN: CHANGING THE EDUCATION SYSTEM THROUGH DIGITAL PLATFORMS Málaga-born company, Grupo Trébol Educación, is currently working to improve the education system through the adoption of cutting-edge digital platforms that help students improve their skills in subjects like Languages and Maths. One such platform is PROGRENTIS, which allows students to hone their digital dexterity at their own rhythm. Another is KPACES – a novel means of teaching Maths to secondary students in a much more amenable way. i www.trebol-educacion.com
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z ENTERPRISE finance
back to CONTENTS For decades now, Gibraltar has been chief in consideration for entrepreneurial ex-pats looking to freshen up their surroundings and protect their future interests. Numerous international businesses and most UK gaming companies have their registered offices on the Rock, and several High Net Worth individuals from across the globe have obtained residency in Gibraltar with more joining the club every year. But why does this lean territory continue to attract flourishing businesses and wealthy investors?
RESIDENCY ON THE
ROCK OF GIBRALTAR WORDS JONATHAN TIRADO, DIRECTOR & SEAN GASKIN, TRAINEE SOLICITOR, VERRALLS BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS
WHY CHOOSE GIBRALTAR? South of Spain, on the tip of the Iberian peninsula, sits the Rock of Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, home to a diverse array of cultures and backgrounds. Self-financed, self-sufficient, English speaking, and with southern Mediterranean weather, what’s not to love? With the Gibraltar and Great British pound being used as the official currency of the territory, and the Bank of
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England rates being tracked and followed, entrepreneurs, High Net Worth Individuals and Higher Executives alike who move to Gibraltar are sure to feel comfortable trading with an established and reliable currency. Additionally, ex-pats will have a sense of familiarity with Gibraltar law. The legal system is based on the English system, including the uses of both Common and Statute Law. However, Gibraltar
benefits from having its own Parliament allowing for its own independent laws. This is particularly useful for a variety of reasons, not least its resulting tax efficient system. Gibraltar has no Capital Gains tax, no Inheritance tax, no bank interest tax, and no wealth nor any gift tax. Dropping most of the extensive tax schemes found in the rest of the World, Gibraltar has created a lucrative investment opportunity for those who
wish to reside and set-up their requirements. With a global businesses and companies there. income tax capped at £37,310 per annum, the benefits for those WHAT RESIDENCE STATUS IS looking to consolidate cannot RIGHT FOR ME? be understated. Cat 2 certificate Z Ordinary Gibraltar Residence holders are able to claim Anyone looking to begin their indefinite residency and are also career in Gibraltar either as able to register their dependants an employee or employer on their certificates. Furthermore will be suited for an Ordinary holders of Cat 2 status have Gibraltar Resident status. It is the possibility of setting up a exceptionally easy to set up business within Gibraltar, so long a limited liability company in as the Finance Director deems it Gibraltar provided there is a local an economic benefit for Gibraltar. registered address and corporate Z High Executive Possessing secretaries. With the professional Specialist Skills industry comparable to that of Workers with specialist skills sets London, there will be numerous (economically beneficial skills experts to provide you with the not already present in Gibraltar) guidance you will need. and who earn above £160,000 There is also a possibility for a year could obtain a High self-sufficient individuals to apply Executive Possessing Specialist for ordinary status. Individuals Skills (HEPSS) Residence Status. who are in receipt of a UK state Qualifying individuals will only be pension are able to repatriate this taxed on the first £160,000 per pension to Gibraltar and take up year. residence here. Z High Net Worth Individuals HOW TO APPLY FOR RESIDENCY (Category 2 Tax Status) If Gibraltar feels like a place Individuals with over £2 million that may interest you, ex-pat in net assets can qualify or otherwise, the systems for Category 2 tax status, for making an application for which facilitates residency residency are as simple as
filling out a form and providing supporting documentation. g For more information on applications and their requirements you can visit: https://www.gibraltar. gov.gi/civil-status-registration-office
CONCLUSION With its towering rock, impressive vistas, tax efficient system and safe streets, it’s not hard to see why so many individuals and companies have sought out this Britain-in-the-Sun to make their home. Whether it’s for its diverse melting-pot culture, its impressive systems for tax and family planning or its close community, if you feel like Gibraltar is the place for you, there’s never been a better time to explore the possibility of relocation to the Rock of Gibraltar. g All information is based on Verralls Barristers and Solicitors knowledge on Gibraltar's residency and taxation at the time of writing. All the above mentioned are subject to change. For further information, www.verralls.gi
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gourmet
SAVOUR TOP-OF-THE-RANGE SUSHI AT 99 SUSHI BAR & RESTAURANT AND AWARDWINNING OLIVE OILS. FIND OUT HOW CLIMATE CHANGE IS IMPACTING FOOD SUSTAINABILITY. HOW MANY ANDALUCIAN REDS DO YOU KNOW?
GO TO PAGE 178 FOR OLIVE OIL FAVOURITES
GO TO PAGE 180 FOR FOOD IN GLOBAL WARMING
GO TO PAGE 174 FOR GOURMET BYTES
GO TO PAGE 168 FOR 99 SUSHI
NEWS GASTRONOMY CHEFS WINE
168 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant 174 Gourmet Bytes 178 Olive Oil Favourites 180 Food Sustainability with Global Warming 186 Painting Andalucía Red
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99 SUSHI BAR & RESTAURANT
DISHES TO REJUVENATE THE PALATE Serving chic and elegantly prepared Japanese haute cuisine, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is present in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and is coming soon to Rabat. Here on the Coast, you can discover their world of wonderful Japanese flavours, appropriately located in a stylish building close to the main reception of the Anantara Villa Padierna Hotel, itself a wonder of Tuscan architecture of palatial proportions. WORDS JAMES SINCLAIR PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN HORN
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he interior is warm and inviting, with solid round wooden tables, comfortable upholstered chairs, fabric wall covering, central pillars and hanging spot lamps. There is an
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island station where two chefs are normally busy preparing a range of sushi and sashimi servings in front of diners, and a private octagonal dining room which can seat up to 10 at a large circular table.
INTRICACIES OF ORDERING The menu is extensive, featuring a fine selection of entrées, sea salads, tempuras, tartars, sushi, sashimi, meat and fish options. The sushi selections, in particular, are considerable in number, comprising maki, nigiri (cold and warm), gunkan, and temakis (hand-rolled). A tasting menu for two is also available, with multiple courses included, providing a good representation of the 99 Sushi offering. On our visit, we experienced a tour de force, starting with a spectacular bowl of mixed
sashimi on a bed of ice, consisting of salmon, tuna, fatty tuna, sea bass, prawns, calamares and butter fish. Fresh and succulent, we tucked in with wasabi, pickled ginger and soy sauce. This was followed by a delicious Tiger prawn tempura in a spicy creamy sauce, salmon nigiri flambéed with lime, both of which are not to be missed, and a melt-in-the-mouth Toro flambé nigiri with tomato purée.
PREMIUM WINES & CHAMPAGNE By this time, we were really settling into the evening, complemented by attentive service and accompanying drinks. As you would expect when ordering in a 5 Star hotel, the wine list is diverse, international and is further strengthened by an impressive range of Champagnes and Cava. After some amount of deliberation, continuing from our opening glasses of Champagne,
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we settled on the organically-produced Menade, a sauvignon blanc replete with citrus and floral notes which made for an excellent pairing with the aforementioned dishes. A speciality of the house is their marbled Wagyu and we sampled a highlight from the menu – Wagyu ribs slow-cooked for 20 hours at a low temperature with baked aubergine. Extremely succulent, the meat literally slid off the bone and dissolved on the palate, perfectly accompanied by a fine red wine.
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THE PERFECT SUNDAY INDULGENCE This spring, 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. SUNDAY - FROM 13.00 PRICE: EUR 100 per person / EUR 50 per children Valet parking service
For more information and reservations please contact: E clubdemar.villapadierna@anantara-hotels.com T +34 952 889 150
LIFE IS A JOURNEY.
Visit anantara.com
ANANTARA VILLA PADIERNA PALACE BENAHAVÍS MARBELLA RESORT URB. LOS FLAMINGOS GOLF - CTRA. DE CÁDIZ, KM 166, 29679, MARBELLA, MÁLAGA T. (+34) 952 889 150 E. VILLAPADIERNA@ANANTARA-HOTELS.COM
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g Open Thursday – Saturday for dinner from 19:30 to 23:30 Reservations: Tel: 952 889 150 / www.anantara.com/en/villa-padiernamarbella/restaurants/99-sushi-bar-andrestaurant
FITTING FINALE Finishing what had evolved into a memorable encounter, we enjoyed a dessert of Rocher 99, creamy hazelnut praline and chocolate mousse dipped with soy crocanti, and lemongrass and jasmine tea, the latter served in small iron pots with sand timers reflecting when they were sufficiently brewed. Our first visit to 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant, it won’t be our last. Open to guests of the hotel and visitors, if you have a penchant for avant-garde Japanese cuisine, make sure to secure a reservation soon. e
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Tel: 952 818 392 www.thaigallerymarbella.com
CH
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
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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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PALOCORTADO OPENS IN PUERTO BANÚS
“Taste. Perfection. Earth. Memory. Surprise. Elegance. Intuition. Sea. Ambition. Fire. Delicacy.” These are just some of the many qualities that have given rise to Palocortado, a sophisticated space in Puerto Banús where top-of-the-range produce rules and you can enjoy Spanish and international dishes or step in midafternoon to savour a chocolate and Champagne pairing. The Palocortado group also has establishments in Málaga and Gran Canaria. i www.restaurantepalocortado.com
OKONOMIYAKI AT CASINO MARBELLA: WHERE JAPAN AND THE MEDITERRANEAN MEET
Casino Marbella Gastrobar is now serving Okonomiyaki: a Japanese dish consisting of mochi dough with various ingredients cooked on a griddle. Chef, Agustín Román, gives a twist to this traditional recipe by adding classic Spanish components like payoyo cheese and oxtail. At Casino Marbella, you can feast on Mediterranean tapas and classic Spanish cuisine with a fusion of Hawaiian, Asian and Moroccan flavours. The restaurant offers a group, tasting, or à la carte menu. Your dining experience can also be completed with table games: poker and blackjack experiences. i www.casinomarbella.com 174 / MARCH 2022 ESSENTIAL MAGAZINE
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THE VINEYARD OPENS
IN LA CALA DE MIJAS La Cala de Mijas is home to a chic venue called The Vineyard, which opened its doors in December 2021 and which has grown in popularity over its brief time in the public eye. Delicious food, excellent wine and accommodating staff set in a comfortable, friendly and elegant environment have made it the talk of the town. Whether you are in the mood for a family meal, cocktails with friends, or a spectacular Laurent Perrier Seafood Tower, this is the place to be. i www.thevineyard.es
CHEFS FOR CHILDREN 2022 IS ON! Chefs for Children, an altruistic initiative seeking to unite gastronomy and aid for children, is once again shaking up the local culinary scene. On May 16, some 37 masters of the culinary arts will be teaching children with Down’s Syndrome how to enjoy healthy, delicious meals at a dedicated workshop at the Hotel Los Monteros. The group will be collaborating with Down España, which works alongside children with Down’s Syndrome. This year’s participating Chefs include Ángel León of Aponiente, Elena Arzak of Arzak, and Eneko Atxa of Azurmendi. i www.chefsforchildren.es
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A PASSION FOR EXTRA-VIRGIN
OLIVE OIL
The health benefits of olive oil have long been extolled. This phenomenal product, known as ‘liquid gold’ among gourmets, is rich in Omega-3 essential fatty acids which are known to greatly benefit heart health. Here in Spain we are fortunate indeed to be spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting a good extra-virgen olive oil. We present four of the best, produced locally, to savour at your leisure. WORDS JAMES SINCLAIR
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BELVIS DE LAS NAVAS The first gourmet ecological olive oil to be manufactured in the Sierra de las Nieves at Ojén, close to Marbella. The extra virgin oil produced is sensual and unique, coming from different types of wild Acebuchina olives that are harmonised with a diversity of other varieties, Hojiblanca, Manzanilla Aloreña, Zorzaleña and Verdial Vélez Málaga, only found in this enclave. i www.belvisdelasnavas.com
HACIENDA DE COLCHADO Ensconced in Antequera which is renowned for the quality of the olives grown in the region, Hacienda de Colchado dates back to 1679, becoming an
olive mill in the 19th century. It’s multi-award winning olive oils and packaging make this a name to seek out. Mainly produced from the Hojiblanca variety, choose from the excellence of Legado, the balance of Experience, or the subtlety of Malaca Vetus. i www.haciendadecolchado.com
LA ORGANIC Located very close to Ronda and open for visits and tours is Spain’s most progressive and distinct olive oil production and Oleo Tourism facility – the LA Organic Experience. This extensive installation covers 25 hectares with 20 varieties of olives being ecologically
cultivated. The magnificent Virgen Extra olive oil produced is also famous for the Philippe Starck bottles it is presented in. i www.laorganic.es
FINCA LA TORRE Finca La Torre also hails from Antequera and has been acclaimed as one of the best Extra Virgen Olive Oils in the world, achieving an impressive 100/100 rating at the prestigious Flos Olei Competition for its Hojiblanca extra-virgen olive oil, a feat previously achieved by only one other Spanish olive oil. Here in Marbella, you can enjoy it with freshly baked bread at the emblematic Boho Club. i www.fincalatorre.com
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HOW IS GLOBAL WARMING IMPACTING FOOD
SUSTAINABILITY? WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS
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he words ‘global warming’ may conjure up different images in one’s mind, ranging from sweltering hot summers to devastating floods, but one aspect we often ignore (much to our own peril) is its effect on food production. In 2019, the United Nations issued a report indicating that the world’s land and water resources were being exploited at unprecedented rates – a fact which, combined with climate change, was putting untold pressure on our future food supplies. The report, published by over 100 experts
from 52 countries, showed the immediacy of the problem.
CHANGE IS SWIFT AND UNEQUIVOCAL Currently, half a billion people live in areas that are fast transforming into desert habitats and soil loss is taking place at a rate of between 10 and 100 times faster than soil formation. Extreme weather (resulting from rising temperatures) will destabilise our food systems further, with droughts, floods, wildfires, and other disasters adding insult to injury. Presently, around 10 per cent of the world’s population
does not have enough food to eat and, as NASA research scientist Cynthia Rosenzweig warned, food famines could occur in several areas of the globe at once. The UN report recommends several largescale measures – including more responsible use of land, the reduction of food waste, and a big curtailment in meat consumption. One is reminded of an unforgettable statement by John Robbins in his book, The Food Revolution: “In California today, you may save more water by not eating a pound of beef than you would by not showering for six entire months.” ›
“Over the last few decades, we have created a food production bubble – one based on environmental trends that cannot be sustained, including overpumping aquifers, overplowing land, and overloading the atmosphere with carbon dioxide” Lester R. Brown, World on the Edge
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A WARNING ON GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
CLIMATE CHANGE AND TROPICAL RIVERS
A recent study published in the journal One Earth (Kummu, 2021) has found that one-third of the world’s food production will be at risk by the end of this century if greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase at their prevailing rate. This phenomenon would cause a drastic reduction in current amounts of ‘safe climatic space’ – conditions in which rainfall and temperature are within specific bounds. The most affected areas would be South and Southeast Asia as well as the SudanoSahelian zone in Africa. However, if human beings lower their greenhouse emission levels enough to meet Paris and Glasgow Agreement goals, then temperatures would rise between 1.5ºC and 2ºC, affecting a much lower percentage (five to eight per cent) of the world’s food production.
Climate change will also affect large rivers of the tropics, many of which have spacious floodplains and deltas – as found by Hamilton, SK. These bodies of waters “are important in the delivery of nutrients and sediments to marine environments, in methane emissions to the atmosphere, and in providing ecosystem services associated with their high biological productivity.” There will additionally be what scientists call “an increasing asynchrony of the growing season and water availability.” The latter will, evidently, affect food production and biodiversity, altering food quantity, quality, and prices.
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BATTLING CLIMATE CHANGE AND FOOD INSECURITY In addition to emphasising the need to respect the Paris and Glasgow Agreements, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations has made specific recommendations aimed at protecting the environment and its inhabitants. The increased resilience of livelihoods is one of them. By devising social protection strategies, addressing gender-related disparities, and creating disaster risk strategies, food security and nutrition within the context of climate change adaptation can be achieved. Building resilient agricultural systems is also vital. This process involves making adaptive changes in crop management, growing crops in previously unsuitable places, developing drought-resistant plant varieties, improving water management and technologies (employing techniques such as water harvesting), making more use of rainwater harvesting and capture, and improving drainage to avoid soil loss. Managing genetic resources is equally vital. “Crops, livestock, forest trees and aquatic organisms that can survive and produce in future climates will be essential in future production
CAN GLOBAL WARMING BE ‘POSITIVE’?
systems,” state the U.N. officials. Livestock farmers will need to revise their breeding programme goals and work with new breeds/ species which are more suitable to climatic conditions. Governments will need to invest in resilient agricultural development so as to alleviate poverty and reduce vulnerability in rural areas and smallholder farms. Families working in agriculture should be encouraged to diversify and earn non-agricultural sources of income if necessary.
Some areas, the study authors noted, will be positively affected by rising temperatures – including the Nordic regions, whose capacity to produce food would increase. However, this small step forward would in no way compensate for the vast loss occurring in other parts of the world. Some of the biggest threats posed by climate change include risks to crop production, water scarcity, and livestock farming. The scientists noted that if temperatures were to rise by 1.5ºC to 2ºC, the size of boreal forests in the U.S., Europe, and Russia would dwindle from 18M km2 to around 15.5M km2. However, if emissions were higher, only 7.7M km2 of forest land would remain. This problem would be exacerbated by additional factors – including population growth, land degradation, and other environmental challenges related to food production.
Finally, risk assessment is key. “Knowing which agricultural systems and livelihood activities may be more sensitive to a changing climate will help practitioners choose more resilient crops, livestock, aquaculture and forestry species and adopt more diversified livelihoods,” says the UN report. If farmers are informed of changing amounts of rainfall and changing areas of precipitation, for instance, they can allocate their resources appropriately and consider diversification or exit strategies. ›
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Vegan bacon
INSTITUTIONAL CHANGE Institutions will need to be set up to support necessary transitions (including the establishment of rural credit and insurance programmes). These entities can enhance bonds between smallholder farmers and local, regional, and national markets and they can establish policies that will lower financial risks and facilitate long-term investment. They should further focus their work on helping assess and manage risks, creating diversification and livelihood strategies, and identifying the biggest vulnerabilities to climate change. Finally, they should create sound global market and trade policies to stabilise prices
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and supplies and provide alternative food options for negatively affected areas. Food scarcity is an ever-increasing reality owing to global warming. Issues such as soil erosion, water scarcity, and climatic disasters are threatening important industries such as agriculture and transforming once-fertile lands into deserts. In order to counter this phenomenon, largescale change is required. Governments must adhere to the Paris and Glasgow Agreements but also take steps to identify risks and shifts, encourage diversification, promote necessary changes in agriculture, boost trade, and protect the most vulnerable. e
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PAINTING ANDALUCÍA RED The wine map of Spain can be painted just a few basic colours: red, white, pink and brown. They overlap in many regions, but generally speaking each officially recognised zone has a dominant colour. The red of course is mainly Rioja and Ribera del Duero; the white Penedés, Rías Baíxas, and Rueda, while the brown refers to vinos generosos – ‘generous wines’ – mostly sherry. Nevertheless, over the last three or four decades, they have all become so jumbled up that we even have reds from the Rías Baíxas, a typically white Albariño area, and reds from the sherry zone. But which is which? WORDS ANDREW J LINN
T
he Romans were the first to make wine in the Sierra de Ronda, not for their own local consumption, but to send to Rome where it was popular. So, when the trick question crops up: Who was the first to make wine in Ronda, Prince Alfonso Hohenlohe or Frederick Schatz? The answer is neither. It was a Roman. But since all the vineyards in Spain disappeared as a result of the phylloxera bug in 1877, a new start had to be made a hundred years later, and while sweet wine has been produced in the Málaga
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area since time immemorial, it seemed like a good idea to make some red. Anyway, the answer to the riddle is that, leaving aside the Romans, it was Alfonso Hohenlohe of Marbella Club fame who planted the first vines in Ronda, although Schatz got his wines to the market first. And while Hohenlohe’s project was initially successful but later faded, Schatz is still making a small selection of interesting red and white wines on his tiny threehectare plot. Certainly, there are several bodegas of note in the
Sierra. Cortijo de los Aguilares, founded by José Antonio Itarte in 1999 is probably the most successful. Its wines have won many significant international awards, thanks to young winemaker Bibi García and the way she handles the difficult Pinot Noir grape. There are a small number of hard-working Ronda bodegas struggling to get their wines more accepted not only locally but throughout Spain – quite an uphill battle when only about 15 per cent of the Coast’s restaurants list them. Ramos Paul makes a
very good, dark and intense red, and the attractive Descalzos Viejos winery is located in what was once a convent. Another odd thing is that until a few years ago very few people, even living as near as we do on the Costa del Sol, knew red wines were being made in the foothills of Granada’s Sierra Nevada. Unsurprising possibly, when you consider that until the final part of the last century, there were practically no red wines made in the whole of Andalucía. White wines aplenty, sherry from Jerez and Montilla from Córdoba, and of course the desperately sweet Málaga dessert wines that normally have very little interest for serious tinto fans. Now we are awash with them, from the most northern zones of the Province of Málaga to the
Province of Cádiz. Nor has it been easy to get wine drinkers to understand that Andalucian red wines can be very good indeed, and while western Andalucía has been a late developer red wine-wise, little thought was given to the possibility of decent wines being made in the Granada region. Why? Because, in a phrase, there was no wine culture. Agreed, the Romans, who planted vines wherever the sun shone, and the Moors, who back then had few reservations about drinking wine, had all tried their hand, but the results were pretty basic. Nor were there any local families with winemaking experience, only farmers whose main crops were fruit and olives. How could Granada wines ever compete with the emerging reds from Jumilla and Alicante? Andalucian red wines are
a relatively new idea. John Radford’s landmark book The New Spain (2004) made no mention of any Andalucian red wine. But, once started, it spread from Granada to Ronda and then to Cádiz Province, where we now have red wine vineyards shoulder-to-shoulder with their white sherry-producing cousins. Some great sherry houses like Barbadillo and Domecq are making excellent red wines, but back to the east, where the Muñana winery’s vineyards in the Sierra de Granada are irrigated by water from snow melt, and in spite of huge temperature variations of 20º – or maybe because of them – the wines are very good indeed. The Delirio and Ñ, made from Syrah and Cabernet are aged in French and American oak. ›
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The decision of some unproven bodegas to make wines in areas with no history of winemaking was risky. Englishman Richard Golding, with zero hands-on experience, launched into an ambitious venture in the Sierra de Grazalema. With his daughter Natalia and master winemaker Ignacio de Miguel, they came up with Tesalia and Arx, using grape varieties Petit Verdot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and the classic local grape, Tintilla de Rota, For the flagship wine, Tesalia, 6,000 bottles have to be enough to satisfy demand. Arx, is a straight blend of Petit Verdot and Tintilla. Mahara, made with the Tintilla grape, is another fine example and is aged in amphora. The same bodega, Vinifícate, produces a variety of what can only be referred to as very unusual wines from the Palomino grape, all of interest to any wine lover. There is no Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP) here, so they mostly have just the geographical indication Vino
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de la Tierra de Cádiz. Many are not available in large quantities, but quite a few have scored well with critics like Peñín and Robert Parker. At the end of this article is a list of most of the wines. From no wineries making red table wine a few years ago, there are now around 30, and the first thing to do is not to compare them with Riojas and Ribera del Dueros. The new Andalucian reds are in a class of their own, and it is worth remembering that the grape known as Tintilla de Rota was the source of the famous ‘Rota Tent’ that was drunk widely in Shakespeare’s England. The current list includes names like Gibalbín, Forlong, Cobijado, Ibargüen, Maurer, Etú, Sancha Pérez, Cía Vinos del Atlántico, Taberner, González Palacios, Luis Pérez, Ramiro Ibañez, Miguel Domecq, and Taramilla and Vinifícate. Most of these small bodegas are making so little wine that they sell everything they produce in a matter of months. Below are the main bodegas producing Andalucian red wines, with approximate prices where available. Most of those listed can be bought online.
Z Barbadillo Quadis Tinto €8,10. Excellent value for money, made from CabernetSauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Tintilla de Rota, Syrah y Tempranillo. Z Bodegas Forlong Slightly strange small bodega in Puerto de Santa María named after the English owner of the original finca. Superb wines, almost handcrafted and tiny quantities. Almost impossible to find anywhere except online and at the bodega – Petit Forlong (Syrah, Merlot, Tintilla) Coupage (Syrah, Tintilla, Merlot) Tintilla (Tintilla grape matured in concrete tanks). Z Bodega Sedella Sedella is a one-wine bodega in the Axarquía using old vines of Romé and Garnacha established by Lauren Rosillo of the well-known winemaking family famous for its landmark career in Priorato. The vineyards are so steep they can only be worked by mules. Very elegant wine around €21. Barbazul red, white and rosé, Taberner Syrah and Taberner No. 1 Syrah. Z Bodega Tesalia Tesalia (Petit Verdot, Syrah, Tintilla, Cabernet, 12 meses roble)
Arx (Syrah, Tintilla, Petit Verdot, 12 meses roble). Z Compañía de Vinos del Atlántico Established in 2002, this is a go-ahead firm making wine all over Spain. The winemaker in Cádiz is Alberto Orté. His Vara y Pulgar is made from Tintilla grapes grown organically in Albariza near Cádiz, while the Atlántida is from Pago Bilbaina in Jerez. Vara y Pulgar (Tintilla) Atlántida. Cobijado Vino Tinto 2016 €16,98 Alquitón (Tintilla, 12 meses roble). Z Etú Vinos An organic family vineyard near Vejer run by Ute Mergner, growing Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Tintilla, Syrah and Cabernet. Son and Sonrisa. Z González Palacios Excellent table wines like the biológica Sólo Palomino Viento en la Cara (Sauvignon/Palomino) and Overo Tinto (50/50 Tempranillo and Syrah). The bodega is in Sevilla and worth including as they make such good Palomino, and also wines in the Manzanilla style. Z Luis Pérez One of the best winemakers
in the area, Luis Pérez and his winemaker son Willy Pérez produce Garum, from Merlot, Syrah and Petit Verdot aged for a year in oak. They also make Samaruco. Willy is also making unfortified vintage sherry. Z Manuel Aragón Campano €8. Old-established Chiclana bodega, now making red table wines aged in oak. Z Oleum Viride El Higuerón red €54. Fine Tiempo €72. Z Peter Maurer & Sons Small organic vineyard near Lebrija planted with Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah. The wine is DeRaiz. Z Samsara Looking downwards from the bridge spanning the Ronda gorge the sight of rows of vines come as a surprise in such an inimical environment. Nevertheless, this is the first project of a pair of young winemakers whose initial adventure was crafting a petit verdot of the 2015 vintage that is becoming hard to find. If you can it costs around €11. Z Sancha Pérez An organic family estate producing olives and wine between Conil and Vejer. There is a young Petit Verdot and Tempranillo red and also
a Sauvignon Blanc. Z Taberner (Huerta de Albalá) From El Caballo vineyard in Balbaina from Osborne, the Taberner range of wines are Z Vinifícate A rather interesting project is the Vinifícate bodega, one of the objectives of which is to resurrect some of the original types of wine that were once popular in the area, but which later became neglected. The Mahara costs €21,50.
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