Category: Uncategorized
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Design Showcase
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Fairs & Exhibitions The international home, design, décor and art exhibition road show continued in the northern hemisphere autumn with Maison & Objet’s second show of the year in Paris, and the London Design Festival and associated events in the UK capital. It resumes in 2015 with IMM Cologne (19-25…
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Dramatic Makeover of Nueva Andalucía Villa
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Property Showcase Have you ever thought what it would be like to transform your existing old house into a state-of-the-art modern villa without having to demolish it and start from scratch? This is exactly what a family who had a holiday villa in Nueva Andalucía decided to do. Due to their…
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Bespoke furniture… from chic to rustic
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First Person WoodFactory. Interview with Kristel Schoeman-Daneel Tell us something about your professional background and why you decided to work in this industry… I have a degree from the university of hospitality management in Holland and used to work in the services management industry in Amsterdam, then in Marbella from 2000.…
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Elegant Serenity… in a Sophisticated Ambience
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Property Showcase Ambience Home Design has just completed a décor project in Belgium, a fabulous villa designed and installed by Andrea Böck and her team. Andrea tells us about her vision: “The concept of the design was to create an elegant interior, using light tones to give a fresh and classy…
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Cutting-edge Advice for Healthy Living
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Medical Minutes Saffron: A Spice for the Brain Bring on the paella. It may be good for the brain. A new study published in the journal Human Psychopharmacology suggests that saffron may be an effective treatment for mild-to-moderate depression. Derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, saffron may be beneficial in not…
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Music-Related Gift Gadgetry
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Sound Bytes It seems like only a year ago I was offering up advice on what to buy for a music-loving loved one this Christmas… Oh wait, it was a year ago! As we fast approach the festive season once more it’s time to look at some cool and funky…
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Living Together in Peace and Harmony
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BRITISH SCHOOL OF MARBELLA Children, staff and parents at the British School of Marbella raised €1,380 for charity during a Peace Festival held to celebrate the International Day of Peace. During the festival youngsters sang “One Love” (Bob Marley) and “Blowing in the Wind” (Bob Dylan), and sold hand-made gifts…
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Presentation of Revolutionary Lighting Product
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LUCEM MARBELLA Dynamic German duo Sabine and Uli from Lucem invited a select group of guests to a luxury villa in El Rosario to present their innovative new light-transmitting concrete. Guests enjoyed champagne and signature cuisine tapas by Ewald Fichthaler from Nueva Kaskada while being shown the versatility of this…
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It’s a Party Out There… for Marketing Milestone
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REDLINE COMPANY Redline always like a good party so, when the company celebrated 20 years as a pacesetting external marketing department on the Costa del Sol, Italian chiringuito La Dolce Vita proved to be the ideal venue. Warming to the theme of “It’s a jungle out there” – the slogan…
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Adding a Spice of Excitement to Dishes
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SubliMotion Ibiza Back in 2012 Paco Romero was hard at work in his kitchen laboratory conjuring up a customarily off-the-wall range of creative new dishes. Considered one of Spain’s most innovative contemporary culinary wizards, he had just opened his “workshop of emotions” at the Casino de Madrid. After a year…
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Stunning Garden Setting for Development Launch
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VALLEY HEIGHTS The second development launch in Marbella by American private equity fund RCS Spain, the beautiful Valley Heights project was the ideal venue for a sumptuous garden party in September. Enjoying live acoustic music, Pimm’s and canapés, 350 real estate agents were introduced to the newly transformed apartments, which were salvaged from bankruptcy by…
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It’s Not All About Barrels
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WINE NOTES There is, as they say, nothing new under the sun, and winemaking is not exempt. Allowing for the fact that wine has been around for at least five thousand years, the use of wooden casks is relatively new. Since man tasted the first drops of the heaven-given liquid,…
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Inspiring Art for Passionate Aficionados
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FIRST PERSON Timeless Gallery When was the Timeless Gallery set up in Puerto Banús and why did you choose here? I set up the gallery last year. I have other galleries worldwide – one in Sweden and one in Poland and my mother also has other galleries. Even though I’m…
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Trick or Treat!
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THE FINAL WORD, SPECIALIST ADVICE The Eurozone is currently a bit spooked about its ability to mount a sustainable recovery, as any sign of a recovery is still very weak and fragile. With money flow stalling the ECB decided to keep interest rates on hold, spoke about previous non-standard support measures…
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Superdry Autumn-Winter Range
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PASSIONATE ENERGY Earlier this year, Superdry showcased its autumn-winter 2014 range at the London Collections: Men show, revealing its most diverse collection to date. The evening marked Superdry’s return to the bi-annual event, which features British fashion talent ranging from rising stars to heritage brands. This time highlighting both men’s…
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Effervescent Imagery from Around the World
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Art & Culture Ranging from the zany and vibrant Japanese artwork for Peter Cook and Dudley Moore’s 1960s classic “Bedazzled” to the edgy 1967 Czech artistic touch for “My Fair Lady”, the latest poster collection from Orson & Welles takes us on an exotic and nostalgic journey from continent to…
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Showcase of Cutting-Edge Contemporary Chinese Work
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Photo Shanghai Sebastião Salgado: “The Eastern Part of the Brooks Range”, Alaska 2009 (Courtesy of Peter Fetterman Gallery) In what was described as an “unprecedented” response from exhibitors, collectors, press representatives and the public, the inaugural Photo Shanghai art fair attracted more than 25,000 visitors fascinated by works ranging from iconic…
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Inaugural Meeting Point in Marbella
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RUSSIAN CULTURE Organisers of the first Russian Cultural Meeting Point in Marbella hailed the event as a resounding success in bringing together the Spanish and Russian communities. The event concluded at the Marina Banús Shopping Centre after four days of music, fashion, dance and painting. “I think these days have…
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Maison & Objet Paris Exhibition 2014
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Check out our photos from the Maison & Objet exhibition in Paris this year!
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New Album Releases
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Great music has come from just about every corner of the musical map this year, and 2014 has had some fantastic albums so far. Coldplay with the brilliant “Ghost Stories”, Sam Smith with the illustrious “In the Lonely Hour”, the now-grown-up Kaiser Chiefs with “Education, Education, Education and War” and…
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Share… and Share Alike
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I’ve just returned from a trip to the UK. I’m always amazed at how estate agents operate over there. If I wanted to buy a property in my home city of Bath, I would probably need to contact seven or eight different agents because each of them insists on only…
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Opening up a new world of fashion and interior design
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Leading international fashion designer Yamaia Faye of Yamaia Lux Brands is expanding her business operations on the Costa del Sol with the opening of a new fashion and interior design showroom, YLUXX. Located in Marbella (between Puerto Banús and San Pedro de Alcántara), the showroom will have a soft opening…
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Mediterranean Sophistication in a Tropical Setting
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Güey Restaurant & SkyBar is a stunningly special venue in Nueva Andalucía, surrounded by natural vegetation with indoor and al fresco dining. Its centrepieces include a cutting-edge bar, both inside and out, and a newly-reformed “SkyBar” terrace that gives you a bird’s eye view over this exceptional location. Edmunds Cicans,…
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Exclusive Pieces for Clients with a Shared Passion for Art
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Tell us something about your professional background and why you chose to come to Spain… I fell in love with Spain after a short trip I did in the eighties and then I decided to come back sooner or later to establish my business and my life in this country.…
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Getting Back Into Shape After Summer
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The robust summer dining and partying is now easing off, many of us have returned to work or our normal non-festive activities… and the reality of a few kilos here, a bit of a short breath there, is starting to sink in once again. It’s September and that means returning…
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Impressionistic Surrealism in Marbella
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Born in the US and of German descent, Joe Stern spent his formative years on a US army base in Frankfurt before relocating to his home town of Santa Monica in sunny California. After studying medicine at the universities of Heidelberg (Germany) and Berkeley (US), Joe joined the marines as…
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Contemporary Sophistication… and Exquisite Belgian-French Cuisine
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Alexandre is an exciting new Belgian restaurant in Monte Biarritz, conveniently located just after the Benahavís exit on the N340 highway going towards Estepona. Highly-acclaimed Belgian chef Alexandre Lambert (who many may recognise from Casamono, Casanis and Macaao Beach Club), together with top Belgian interior designer and maître-d Maurice Israel,…
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Design Showcase
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The international home, design, décor and art exhibition road show continues this northern hemisphere autumn with the second annual edition of Maison & Objet (Paris, 5-9 September) and Paris Design Week (6-13 September); London Design Festival (London, 13-21 September), 100% Design (London, 17-20 September) and Decorex (London, 21-24 September); and…
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Innovative designs for contemporary lifestyles
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A leading interior design firm based in Marbella, Ambience focuses on residential and commercial projects throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Led by interior designer Andrea Böck, the company’s team of skilled interior designers and project managers “share a strong work ethic, passion for innovative design, and great attention to…
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Future Looking Brighter in Spain
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It was a so-so month for the euro (up to mid-August, as I write). The single currency had been steady until recently against the US and Canadian dollars and, of course, the Swiss franc. It picked up half a cent against the British pound and two-thirds of an Australian cent:…
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Easing pain… and bringing a smile to people’s faces
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THE DENTISTS. Interview with Anders Friman How did you start out in dentistry? I did work experience at the dental practice where my mother used to go and I found it really interesting so I studied it at university. I graduated as a dentist in 1991 in Sweden. I worked in…
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News & Events
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Enhancing Living Spaces At Victoria Design Furniture, their mission is simple: “to deliver the best furniture and service at every opportunity”. To that end, quality is the foundation of their business, from top quality fabrics and frames to an expert customer service team. They believe that new furniture is an…
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News & Events
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Round-up of business, charity, cultural and other general items of interest from the Costa del Sol, Gibraltar, Balearics… and further afield Launch of Elegant New 2015 Collection Featuring iconic designs, rich materials, shimmering details, lots of blues and multiple functions, BoConcept’s new collection of furniture and accessories for 2015 is…
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Starting from Scratch
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Get it right from the beginning and take good note of these tips if you are constructing your contemporary garden. Main tip: look for detail in the construction. We are in the 21st century and we want little elements – but well finished. Use a metal separation between your lawn…
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Innovative Design Trends in London
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Running from 12 to 21 September, the London Design Festival encompasses the UK capital’s major trade shows, offering emerging and established exhibitors from the UK and around the world an opportunity to debut their designs and present their products and innovations to new markets. These “Design Destinations” include 100% Design, Decorex…
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Al Fresco Style and Sophistication
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For those of us happily ensconced in southern Spain, outdoor space is as big a part of our everyday lifestyles as the indoor areas. Terrace and gardens tend to be seamless extensions to the interior of the contemporary open-plan home, and outdoor entertaining can often extend from mornings around the…
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Lightening the Mood
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Once relegated to something of an afterthought in the world of decoration, lighting has now moved to the centre of the room as a focal point of style and design, showcasing latest trends and adding personality to any space. From ceiling lamps to wall spotlights and floor illumination, the range…
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Cool Gadgets
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Latest products from the world of technology… both fun and functional Take Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Devices to all your outdoor activities. Quickly and easily establish a 21 square metre “Zone of Protection” to effectively protect the area of an average sized deck, patio or campsite. www.thermacell.com Shine by Misfit Wearables…
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Globally Green
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We are pleased this issue to welcome interior designer Alia Babapulle to the editorial team, as our “Eco Trends” columnist. Over the past 12 years, Alia has been providing clients with innovative and creative designs – creating her own furniture and producing bespoke pieces. She notes that she does not…
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Blissful Boating in Burgundy
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After a summer spent savouring the pleasures of Spain, this issue we slip across the border to France for a luxury barge cruise in Burgundy and (on the next pages) a relaxing stay at Alain Ducasse’s Provence inn. France is not to be hurried, so the Luciole fits the bill,…
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A Haven of Cultivated Conviviality
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Alain Ducasse was riding his motorcycle on the roads of Provence one day in 1994 when he discovered a house standing in the midst of lavender and olive trees. He was immediately enchanted by the property, which had once belonged to a master ceramist. “I made it my anchoring harbour,…
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Pacesetting Torque from Flagship Trident
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Described as the “world’s fastest and most fuel efficient diesel sports car”, the Trident Iceni is now available globally in two new models. The Iceni Magna fastback and Iceni Venturer estate, together with the original Iceni model, can reach a top speed of over 305 km/h and have the ability…
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The Ever Growing Living Room
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The living room is not just confined to one room any more: it has now sprawled into the kitchen and to the outdoor areas. This evolution is representative of how general home living has become less formal than years ago, giving us even more areas for relaxation… Getting Back to Nature…
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A Sumptuous Marriage of Tapas and Wine
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One of the summer highlights of Spain’s wine tourism industry, this year’s Somontano Festival offered revellers a mix of music, theatre, magic, tapas and tastings. More than 72,000 tapas and the same number of wines were served at the star of the show, the Gastronomic Exhibition, during four days of…
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Cooking Critically
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When a friend publishes a book, how do you answer the author’s question, “What did you think of it?” – usually asked before you have got round to reading it. Fortunately no collateral damage to a friendship was caused when Fernando Sánchez-Gómez launched his landmark book, “Cooking Critically”. The original…
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Where Pets Come First
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Top Dog Groomers. Interview with Rocío Sánchez Tell us something about your professional background and why you decided to work in this industry… I was born in Fuengirola, into a family that have always had pets. Ever since I was a kid I loved caring for my pets. It was…
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Stunning Artwork and Photography Exhibition
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Timeless Gallery in Puerto Banús, owned by young entrepreneur Mikael Segelström, held an eye-catching cocktail party to launch an exhibition of artwork and photography by Paco and Manuel Naranjo, a father and son duo from Sevilla. Guests were treated to champagne and sweet treats while being serenaded with live music…
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Star-Studded Premiere in Marbella
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One of the highlights of this year’s summer season was the Spanish premiere of the action-packed third instalment of The Expendables film franchise, co-produced and co-written by Sylvester Stallone and co-starring Antonio Banderas. Both Stallone and the Málaga-born Hollywood star were present at the red carpet premiere, held in conjunction…
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Red Carpet Glamour and Glittering Shows in the Marbella Hills
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The highlight of Marbella’s summer festive season, the Starlite Festival, concluded in August after a month-long extravaganza of concerts by Spanish and international stars, a diverse programme of cultural and leisure activities, and a touch of Hollywood glamour. Apart from the Spanish premiere of “The Expendables 3” (featured on previous…
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After-Party Celebrations with Joaquín Cortés
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Following a performance of his latest stage show, Gitano, at Marbella’s Puente Romano, Spanish contemporary flamenco dancer and choreographer Joaquín Cortés headed to La Sala in Puerto Banús to relax with his dancers, musicians and entourage. The party started straight after the concert and Cortés and his friends were entertained…
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Australian Design: Iconic bathrooms, functional chairs… and stunning landscape architecture
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Moving away from Europe to the other side of the world, Good Design Australia has chosen the winners of its prestigious annual awards. The overall recipient of the 2014 Good Design Award was Australian bathroom maker Caroma, with industrial designer Marc Newson. The judges said the 22-piece bathroom collection “exemplified how…
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Innovative bio-construction project in Marbella… and further afield
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Environmental charity Arboretum Marbella has announced an ambitious project to build the first building in Marbella and the first classroom in Andalucía made using the principles of bio-construction. This 140 square metre classroom is known as a Domo (dome) and will be made of 100 per cent local and natural…
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Beata’s Vino Y Mar Restaurant Review
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BEATA’S VINO Y MAR RESTAURANT IN NUEVA ANDALUCIA Charming ambience with a delightful touch of eccentricity Beata’s Vino y Mar restaurant in Aloha opened its doors in June offering a wide range of international tapas as well as salads, steaks, fish and seafood dishes at extremely reasonable prices. Beata is…
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A summer full of joy and optimism
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Spanish brand Red Point offers us a swimwear collection full of joy and vitality for the summer season. This year bikinis and swimsuits bring together expressions of light, communicating their message beyond design, with a strong personality that plays with pleats, overlays and textures without fear – reflecting a state…
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Creative Jewellery
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Award-winning pieces from Finnish artist Björn Weckström A reformer of Finnish jewellery art whose unique style has attracted national and international attention since the 1960s, Björn Weckström won the prestigious 2013 Kaj Franck Design Prize awarded by Design Forum Finland. Weckström was among the first designers to combine new materials such…
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La Sala by the Sea
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Elegant culinary experience… from day-time to evening The La Sala Group has built-up a fantastic reputation for offering good quality food and beverages in a modern and lively environment. Over the years we have seen the La Sala Group constantly evolving, so what did they have in store for us this…
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Ocean Drive Hotel
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Chilling-Out in Art Deco Style on Ibiza Bucking the normal trend on a party island that tends to keep to a party season, Ocean Drive owner Marc Rahola opens his hotel all year round. Nevertheless, even though guests are able to enjoy “a rejuvenating island retreat beyond Ibiza’s legendary summer nightlife”,…
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Cosmetic & Dental Surgery Makeover in Marbella
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Miguela Diaz Wins Free Cosmetic and Dental Surgery from Marbella’s Best Clinics Home & Lifestyle Magazine in conjunction with Dental Care Marbella and Ocean Clinic ran a competition last year for one reader to win a dramatic makeover that could change their lives. Miguela Díaz was chosen out of a hat as…
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Lightening the Mood
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Once relegated to something of an afterthought in the world of decoration, lighting has now moved to the centre of the room as a focal point of style and design, showcasing latest trends and adding personality to any space. From ceiling lamps to wall spotlights and floor illumination, the range…
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Property Showcase
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Elegant Innovation in an Imposing Setting Extending over a majestic 2,000 square metres of built area in one of Europe’s most exclusive residential developments, this La Zagaleta property overlooks the Mediterranean like a watchtower. Stunningly designed on various levels, the villa almost seems to defy the laws of gravity. The…
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Home & Lifestyle Magazine Summer Party
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The Costa del Sol is a hive of festive activity at this time of the year, with business inaugurations, special anniversaries, and a wide and varied array of general celebrations… HOME & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE SUMMER PARTY Sumptuous Celebrations with Ocean Clinic and Dental Care Marbella at Güey Restaurant & Sky Bar…
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Korsch Tischlerei
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Korsch Tischlerei – Creators of stunning custom-made designs in carpentry Interview with Felix Korsch Tell us something about your professional background… and why did you choose to come to Spain? I learned my profession in Germany and, once I had my degree as a cabinet-maker, I followed that up by obtaining…
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Summertime Entertaining
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Al fresco chic with a touch of sophistication… and fun With outdoor relaxation and leisure such a key aspect of life in the sublimely pleasant climate of southern Spain, almost as much attention needs to be paid to the terrace, garden and pool areas as the interior décor. Certainly at…
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News & Events
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KID CREOLE & THE COCONUTS Special Competition for VIP Tickets Home & Lifestyle is offering two VIP tickets for the “Fiesta Tropical” at Hotel Puente Romano on Saturday 23 August, starring Kid Creole and the Coconuts with special guests Chico Castillo and the Gipsies, live on stage. To enter the…
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Mesmerising Mosaics
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Mosaic tiles are certainly becoming more popular, with exciting new ranges that add a touch of magic to your living space hailed as one of the biggest trends in bathrooms in 2013. Mosaics are compositions made up of small pieces or tesserae. They give energy and sumptuousness to a room…
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Garden Lighting
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Garden Lighting Lighten Up! By Beatrice S. De Perlac It’s summer – and time to lighten up your garden. Most of your evening parties and dinners are outdoors so why not make this summer unique and lighten up your exterior space with new ideas. Depending on what elements we choose,…
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La Zagaleta Property Designed by Ark Architects
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Property in La Zagaleta in Marbella Designed by Ark Architects Elegant Innovation in an Imposing Setting Extending over a majestic 2,000 square metres of built area in one of Europe’s most exclusive residential developments, this La Zagaleta property overlooks the Mediterranean like a watchtower. Stunningly designed on various levels, the villa almost…
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Restaurant Review on La Sala By The Sea
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Restaurant Review on La Sala By The Sea – Elegant culinary experience… from day-time to evening Photos: David Toms The La Sala Group has built-up a fantastic reputation for offering good quality food and beverages in a modern and lively environment. Over the years we have seen the La Sala…
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Property Doctor – Spain’s Property Market Overview
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Property Market on the Costa del Sol The Property Doctor. By Sean Woolley The Stand-Off Begins As we reported in a previous column in Home & Lifestyle Magazine, the local real estate market is really beginning to tighten up in its key locations. Respected professionals in the business have…
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Gardening in Spain
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Gardening Ideas in Spain Let’s Go Garden Crazy! By Beatrice S. De Perlac Is your garden looking a little sad? Spring has arrived and it’s time to give it a little treat. Follow me and I will help you know where to start. The outdoor nightlife is beginning, so time…
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Luxury Yachting
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Weaving A Story Into Themed Boating When the team at Yacht Island Design set themselves the goal of introducing a new era in luxury yachting, they decided to base their first proposal on Monaco. Transporting the principality to the ocean, the 155-metre SWATH concept is built predominantly in steel…
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The Transformation of Villa Fortuna
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Villa Fortuna in La Zagaleta, Marbella Marbella hosts some of the most luxurious properties in the whole of Spain. Home & Lifestyle Magazine have been following this formidable build… Photos: David Toms Photography In the hills of La Zagaleta a veritable metamorphosis has taken place; like a caterpillar turning into a beautiful…
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The Importance of Home Staging – Costa del Sol Property
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Costa del Sol Property The Property Doctor by Sean Woolley At the last look on the agents’ shared database, there were 23,689 properties for sale on the Costa del Sol. That’s a lot of properties! It’s little wonder that property hunters remain convinced that it’s a buyer’s market, although the…
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Win A Free CACI Non-Surgical Facelift
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Health and Beauty – Costa del Sol REVOLUTIONARY CACI NON-SURGICAL FACELIFT SYSTEM WIN A FREE TREATMENT WITH HOME & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE! The world-acclaimed CACI non-surgical facelift system is taking the beauty industry by storm, but on the Costa del Sol there are very few beauty therapists who offer this treatment. We…
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Home Decor and Design Events
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Fairs & Exhibitions The international home, design, décor and art exhibition road show continued in March and April with the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan. Upcoming shows include Clerkenwell Design Week in the UK (20-22 May) and Casa Décor in Madrid (22 May-22 June). Photos by Saverio Lombardi Vallauri,…
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Bedtime Bliss
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Décor & Design Image above: Ivano Redaelli (available at Design Concept in Marbella). Hand-finished luxury and sophistication from Italian brand Ivano Redaelli. Bedding Serene Style for Quality Sleep Most people appreciate the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. Many of us, however, fail to put our best intentions into practice,…
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The Beauty Of Stone
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Décor & Design Sensual Stone Enduring, resilient, natural… and aesthetically diverse Natural materials are currently one of the greatest influences in interior design. With inspiration emanating from the Nordic landscape, a minimalist contemporary look can be achieved with a feeling of depth and earthiness that only stone can give. It…
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Lighting Trends
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LIGHTENING THE MOOD Image above: Martin Eden Chantal The Chantal lamp is hand-welded by skilled craftsmen and available in various colours. Once relegated to something of an afterthought in the world of decoration, lighting has now moved to the centre of the room as a focal point of style and design,…
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Why The Brits May Miss Out!
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MORE CONFIDENCE IN THE MARKET By Sean Woolley, The Property Doctor There is no doubt that the real estate market is moving again. Most reputable real estate agents reported 2013 as their best year for sales since the heady years of the last property boom, and early reports indicate…
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Pantone® Colour Of The Year 2014… Radiant Orchid
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CAPTIVATING, MAGICAL AND ENIGMATIC Last year it was “Emerald Green” that captured Pantone’s attention as the “Colour of the Year” – serving as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity. For 2014, the New Jersey-based corporation best known for its colour matching system has opted for “Radiant Orchid”. Described as…
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Relaxing Eco Haven In The Midst Of Nature
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PEDRAS SALGADAS Once a holiday destination for royalty, the Pedras Salgadas spa and nature park has been transformed into a modern-day four-star resort for tourists seeking a tranquil and environmentally friendly getaway. The park is located in northern Portugal, one hour and twenty minutes by car from Porto, at an…
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Picture-Postcard Luxury on Mallorca
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Jumeirah Port Sóller It would be hard to find a more dramatic setting for a luxury holiday in southern Europe. Perched on a cliff overlooking the serene fishing village of Port Sóller, on Mallorca’s picturesque north-west coast, Jumeirah Port Sóller Hotel & Spa is surrounded by the Tramuntana mountain range…
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Riva Aquarama – A Legendary Sports Boat
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For True Connoisseurs For years the runabout had been stored away in the corner of a boatyard, hidden under old tarpaulin. Enthusiasts were aware of the existence of Ferruccio Lamborghini’s Riva Aquarama but, after its owner passed away in 1993, the exact location of the legendary sports boat remained a…
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Wonderous Marbella
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Marbella has always been seen as the playground for the rich and the famous. Puerto Banús homes some of the most luxurious yachts in Europe in its stunning marina. The marina itself is surrounded by designer shops and restaurants and it is not unusual to spot a celebrity perusing the…
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Luxury Makeover
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THE COSMETIC TRANSFORMATION OF LUCKY COMPETITION WINNER MIGUELA DÍAZ PALACIO IS NEARLY COMPLETE. LAST AUTUMN, THE 41-YEAR-OLD WON A PRIZE ORGANISED BY HOME & LIFESTYLE AND COMPRISING FREE FACIAL AND DENTAL SURGERY CONDUCTED BY TWO OF THE MOST RESPECTED PROFESSIONALS ON THE COAST. Award-winning surgeon Dr. Kai Kaye from Ocean Clinic and…
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BDBA Brimming With Style
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If there is one sentiment that BDBA clearly does not arouse in people checking out their latest collection it is indifference. Dresses have always been considered the Spanish brand’s strong point and, once again, they are the stars of this season’s collection. Models for the day are light, floral and…
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Romantic Idyll
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FOR AN EXOTIC AND MEMORABLE VALENTINE’S “GETAWAY” THIS YEAR WE THOUGHT WE WOULD ESCAPE THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE WINTER WITH A TRIP TO ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST MAGICAL SETTINGS, THE GREAT BARRIER REEF OFF THE NORTHERN AUSTRALIAN COAST, AND THE ULTRA-LUXURIOUS QUALIA RESORT. Just over a year ago, qualia was named…
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Visionary Concept for Virtual Reality
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The Play Station Gran Turismo series turned 15 last year and the anniversary was marked with a challenge to the world’s leading automotive manufacturers and design studios: look forward into the future. Using the theme “Vision Gran Turismo”, the creative teams were tasked with developing concept models that “give a unique…
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Enchanting Splendour
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FROM CORAL REEF PARADISE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD TO A VALENTINE’S WEEKEND GETAWAY CLOSER TO HOME… IN GRANADA, AT THE FOOT OF THE SNOW-CAPPED SIERRA NEVADA MOUNTAIN RANGE. Immersed in the cultural and architectural heritage of one of Andalucía’s most venerable cities, the Hospes Palacio de Los Patos…
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Interview With Pias Chimeneas
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BRINGING HARMONY, AMBIENCE AND WARMTH TO THE HOME Interview with Eduard Kuss. Photography: David Toms Tell us something about your professional background and why you chose to come to Spain… Pias Chimeneas was established in 2004 and we opened our showroom in 2005. Pia is a banker and she has 30…
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Glorious Green
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A COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PRINCIPLES INFUSES JUST ABOUT EVERY ASPECT OF CONTEMPORARY LIVING, AND LEADING THE WAY IS THE DESIGN AND DÉCOR INDUSTRY. IN THIS SPECIAL NEW “GREEN” SECTION, WE TAKE A LOOK AT SIGNIFICANT, CUTTING-EDGE AND IMAGINATIVE ECO PROJECTS AND PRODUCTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. The…
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Toro is for Wine
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Written by Ana Gil Peña There are 65 official wine regions in Spain, but most people probably drink wine from only two or three. Not every wine store has a good selection of anything but Rioja and Ribera del Duero, even though there are many rising stars such as Ronda…
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Gourmet Pleasure In Provence
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When Alain Ducasse took over the Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de la Celle in 1999, his vision was to create a balance of lifestyle, heritage and gastronomy. Nestled among the Varois vineyards, the property adjoins a 12th century Benedictine abbey, a classified historical monument where nuns once caused a scandal by…
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Romantic Road Trip to France
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CULINARY HEIGHTS IN PARIS THE COSTA DEL SOL HAS A WONDERFULLY VARIED RANGE OF RESTAURANTS THAT ARE IDEAL FOR AN INTIMATE VALENTINE’S DINNER BUT, FOR THOSE PLANNING A MEMORABLE CULINARY RENDEZ-VOUS FURTHER AFIELD, THIS ISSUE WE ALSO HEAD TO FRANCE: FIRST, TO THE “CITY OF LOVE” TO DISCOVER THE CHARMS…
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Keeping Warm This Winter
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Living on the Mediterranean, we have the rare pleasure of enjoying many warm and sunny days throughout the winter months. When the sun goes down, however, the temperature can plummet – making our homes noticeably much colder. As Mediterranean buildings are often not designed and built to cater for keeping us…
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Design Showcase – Fairs & Exhibitions
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THE INTERNATIONAL HOME, DESIGN, DÉCOR AND ART EXHIBITION ROAD SHOW WILL RESUME IN 2014 WITH AMBIENTE IN FRANKFURT FROM 7 TO 11 JANUARY; IMM COLOGNE FROM 13 TO 19 JANUARY; INTERIORS UK IN BIRMINGHAM FROM 19 TO 22 JANUARY; THE NEXT EDITION OF MAISON & OBJET IN PARIS FROM 24 TO 28 JANUARY;…
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Divine Doors
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ENDURING ELEGANCE True to its name, the rustic look has endured for years as a chic touch to contemporary homes, and the trend is likely to maintain its popularity for many to come. One “local” (Andalucian) company that has refined the look over generations, dedicated to the hand-made production of artisanal…
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Fabulous Flooring
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THE HOME DECORATION AND IMPROVEMENTS MARKET IS FULL OF EXCEPTIONAL FLOORING OPTIONS, FROM CARPET, WOOD AND VINYL TO TILE AND LAMINATE – SOMETHING TO SUIT ANY HOME OR BUDGET. If your home has no under-floor heating, carpet is an obvious choice to create a warm, cosy feel. There is a wide variety…
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Dramatic Makeover!
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We ran a competition for a lucky reader to win a drastic makeover. Congratulations to Miguela Díaz who won the prize! Miguela Díaz Palacio has always been conscious of her looks, but until now the 41-year-old housekeeper has not had the economic means to contemplate a major makeover. However, her life…
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Villeroy & Boch Interview with David Millón
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Interview with David Millón… Marketing Director-UK and Iberia at Villeroy & Boch A CERAMICS MANUFACTURING COMPANY FOUNDED IN 1748, VILLEROY & BOCH HAS DEVELOPED INTO AN INTERNATIONAL LIFESTYLE BRAND, REPRESENTED IN 125 COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD AND WITH 15 PRODUCTION FACILITIES IN EUROPE, MEXICO AND THAILAND AND ITS HEADQUARTERS IN METTLACH IN…