Cyber Communities Become a Virtual Reality in Marbella Stress Free Community Management Solutions are Just A Click Away…

The logistical nightmares of administrating property communities are soon to be over thanks to an innovative and user-friendly online solution. Click on to ocm-online.com – and see how the complex task of handling the needs of hundreds of property owners has finally been made simple. How many times have you actually thought to yourself that you haven´t got a clue of what´s going on in your community or where your community fees are going? Lack of communication and language barriers create one of the biggest problems in running and administering these communities of properties.  Community meetings along the coast are renowned for having “issues” and many owners simply avoid them or have no clue of what may be going on within their community.

Supporting A Virtual Community

Developed by Ali Parandeh, Managing Director of portal development Company Urbytus, ocm-online.com has now put an end to these continuing and often costly community issues. OCM provides a multi-lingual, 100% web-based community management system that can be used by used by the President, the Committee, Owners, Tenants, Contractors/suppliers and the Administrator regardless of language barriers.  The program supports Spanish, English, French, Danish, Dutch, Swedish, German, Norwegian, Finnish, Portuguese and Italian.

OCM provides comprehensive tools and solutions to make the management of your community easier. OCM is an innovative blend of experience and new technology to aid efficient and cost effective management of community requirements and above all breaking down the aforementioned communication barriers. OCM´s top benefits include, efficient committee meetings and online voting, reducing administrative and repetitive tasks, increasing management efficiency and productivity and affordable access to current technology. Not only will OCM save you time, money and a great deal of stress but it is completely free to register.

www.ocm-online.com

Just one day in Marbella was enough to capture the heart of Michelle Obama. Read on to find out how the jewel of the Costa del Sol won over the First Lady… by Louise Cook Edwards.

It was love at first sight for Michelle Obama on her recent stay in Marbella. Just one stroll around the quaint Old Town, and she was absolutely smitten. Her beaming smile and relaxed manner said it all. On her walkabout through the charming whitewashed cobbled streets, as she browsed clothes and Spanish trinkets, Mrs. Obama didn’t hesitate in telling the locals that she “loved Marbella and was delighted to be here.”

And just as the locals were mesmerized by Michelle’s natural charisma, the feeling it seems was mutual, and the natural charms of Marbella soon had Mrs Obama, none other than the First Lady of America, swooning.

Just 24 little hours were enough for Mrs. Obama to be seduced by Marbella, an experience that reflects that of the millions of visitors that come to Marbella every year. Myriad sights and sensations conspire in a sweeping blow from Cupid’s arrow – and it is love at first sight. And just as the elixir of love is an inexplicable cocktail, the same can be said of Marbella and her charms.

Starting with the gentle caress of Marbella’s year round sunshine, the golden glow of the sun’s rays create an instant sensation of well-being and relaxation, stimulating the feel-good factor which makes Marbella an enduringly popular holiday destination.

The spectacular natural beauty of Marbella, protected by the gentle slopes of the Sierra de las Nieves mountains, and abundance of exuberant sub-tropical vegetation and the azur Mediterranean at her feet make Marbella particularly easy on the eye. Add to this the organic shapes of the traditional Andalusian architecture which clings tight to the landscape, gives the environment a gentle appearance. With more green space per person than any town in Andalusia, low density and a proliferation of low rise buildings, Marbella is a user-friendly place to be.

Michelle Obama’s evening stroll in Marbella’s Old Town seemed to be the moment when she succumbed to Marbella’s myriad charms. A feast for the senses, with cobblestones under foot, the sense of living history in the ancient streets of a town with 2000 years of cultural heritage to its name, the scent of dama de noche in La Plaza de Los Naranjos and the taste of sweet Malaga wine on her lips, it is no surprise that Mrs. Obama started to fall in love with the place.

In Marbella, Mrs. Obama and her entourage were able to sample an exquisite dinner of creative Mediterranean cuisine in one of the Old Town’s charming restaurants, giving the First Lady an insight into the wide-ranging delights of Andalusian gastronomy.

The warmth of Marbella’s people is particularly disarming. Known for its warm, welcoming and fun people, Marbella’s cosmopolitan mix of nationalities no doubt made Mrs. Obama feel instantly at home.

Known as a paradise of sport and relaxation, Mrs. Obama’s chosen residence, the Hotel Villa Padierna Marbella was the perfect place for the First Lady to take a relaxation vacation from her duties on a private four day visit. With paddle and tennis courts, a beach club, two adjacent golf courses, a magnificent outdoor pool and one of the best thermal spas in Andalucia, where better to enjoy a little family time for mother and daughter.

As to be expected of such an illustrious and accomplished guest, the focus of Mrs. Obama’s visit was soaking up the wonders and drama of Andalusian culture, and aside from her tour of Marbella’s Old Town, Mrs Obama’s party visited the highlights of Granada and the Alhambra, along with a historical tour of Ronda. With the Picasso Museum in Malaga, and the magnificent monuments of Seville and Cordoba just two hour’s away, it is to be hoped that Mrs. Obama will do as she says and return one day with her husband and that the world’s most important couple can share the love.

A thriving centre for shopping, Mrs. Obama was mesmerized by Marbella’s quaint shopping streets in the Old Town, where she browsed the souvenir and fashion shops, stopping to purchase a few items along the way. Just a few kilometres away, Puerto Banus is replete with designer shops, which Mrs. Obama may wish to explore if she keeps her promise to return to the area with her husband.

The cool, jazmin-scented nights of Marbella, are one of the key attractions of the resort, and Michelle Obama was able to amble through the streets of Marbella feeling the caress of the fresh sea breeze. In Granada she experienced first hand the excitement of flamenco, and who knows if the First Lady will be able to resist the urge to attend the ultra glamorous Starlite Gala hosted by the Hollywood A-list and attended by the creme de la creme of Spanish celebrities and Marbella high-society held at the Villa Padierna Hotel Marbella.

Add to all of this Marbella’s own special X-Factor giving the resort an enduring magnetic charm for visitors from all over the world, and it is no surprise that Marbella succeeded in melting the heart of America’s First Lady.

Restaurante Carmen

Organized by the WIBS committee, led by president Caroline Bowley, the party was a relaxed get-together filled with with fun, fashion, fine food and a little business card swapping.  A flamenco guitarist strummed serene background music in the delightful restaurant terrace. Surrounded by ponds, waterfalls, and Asian-inspired icons, the Restaurante Carmen is something of an oasis, and proved to be an ideal setting for some well-deserved down time for some of the coast’s leading women in business. The interior of the restaurant was reserved for business tables, where members could browse an interesting selection of clothing, beauty products, health matters and inspirational reading.

Elle’s Belles

Fashionista Elle Morgan, whose flagship fashion and trendy footwear stores can be found in Laguna Village, provided the highlight of the lunch with an in situ fashion show of flirty florals, knockout neutrals and bright and bold prints in a selection of both evening and day wear for all age-groups. The tasty lunch was topped off with a prize draw of goodies donated by member businesses, putting a smile on the faces of the lucky recipients.

Now breaking for the summer, Women in Business Spain will be back in action in September with more monthly networking lunches.

Established in 2002, WIBS will get you connected to like-minded professionals and a wealth of potential new clients with a host of effective networking tools Including monthly networking meetings, WIBS members’ website and the group’s informative blog.

For details email enquiries@wibspain.com or call WIBS President, Caroline Bowley on Tel: 677 167 310.

Running a successful business in a foreign country is always going to be  challenging. But one way you can give your company exposure, connect with likeminded professionals and meet a wide spectrum of potential clients, is by joining Women in Business Spain, also known as WIBS.

Founded over 8 years ago by a small group of successful business women in Marbella, WIBS is the Costa del Sol’s premier all-female networking group. Since the group was formed, it has gone from strength to strength, helping to create many new friendships and business alliances alike.

WIBS meetings are fun, welcoming and inspiring and members enjoy sharing their ideas and offering advice to other professionals of all ages and from all walks of life, on a monthly basis.

Ladies who Lunch

Every month, the organisers carefully choose a different venue for the next meeting; ensuring members are well catered for with the best cuisine the coast has to offer. So whether it’s breakfast at the Beatriz Palace hotel, luncheon at Laguna Village or dinner at the Don Carlos, every meeting gives both old and new faces the opportunity to promote their business within comfortable surroundings.

Meetings revolve around a different topical theme each month and begin with an opening speech from a member of the group or often an invited speaker. Afterwards, members are encouraged to mingle with new faces by moving to a different table after each course of the meal, giving everyone a chance to find out more about other businesses in the area as well as to gain new contacts and form new acquaintances.

Become a Member

Members of WIBS include women running their own businesses, managers, senior figures from large organisations and also women who work for or run companies in and around the Costa del Sol. If you’d like to be a part of WIBS, why not attend the next meeting as a guest and get a feel for this highly motivational group.

Full membership costs just 75€ for sole traders and 120€ for corporate memberships as well as a small charge (no more than 30€) to cover the cost of your meal and refreshments at meetings. If you introduce a further two members to WIBS, you’ll get a free luncheon next time you attend.

Make Contact

The WIBS annual Summer Party is taking place from 12.30-4pm on Friday 9 July at Restaurante Carmen at Laguna Village. A more relaxed and informal gathering WIBs members get to enjoy lunch in beautiful surroundings while enjoying displays of fashion, jewellery and a variety of stands
by members and non-members.  There is also an opportuity to win enticing raffle prizes, so don’t miss out!

To reserve a place at the WIBS Summer Party, or find out more information on becoming a member, visit www.wibspain.com Alternatively, you can email WIBS President, Caroline Bowley at enquiries@wibspain.com or call her on 0034 677 167 310

As well as the website, WIBS regularly update their blog – an excellent resource for company news, event information and WIB member profiles.

As Oscar Fernández, director of CADE Marbella writes
in La Economía de Malaga, employment will be created from  day
one, with the clearing of earth, building of infrastructure and preparation
of the plots for development and building.  Jobs of all descriptions
will be created to service the area, including gardeners, maintenance and
cleaning.

Diversification

With 80 per cent of jobs in Marbella created from tourism,
shops and construction, a Parque Tecnológico will finally bring the
area’s economy into the 21st century and create a much broader spectrum in
which to thrive.  The gaps in the market are painfully obvious
in the current recession, but with this project, a brighter more stable future
is virtually guaranteed.  

The synergy between tourism and new technologies, growing stronger
by the day, will also benefit the promotion of Marbella as companies will
have all the latest tools available to promote their wares – those companies
not on the internet are invisible. 

The California of Europe
The technology park will occupy some 200 hectares, located on open land at
the foot of the Ronda road, and will be easily accessible from the A7 and
the toll road, with plans for a train station already underway.  With
the quality of life on offer, the success of the Malaga technology
park and a host of newly qualified IT students hungry for success in their
chosen fields, it is hoped that multinationals
will be flocking to the area to set up shop. And as for the top executives,
given the choice, Munich or Marbella, where would most choose?  

For many years, the Costa del Sol has been called the California
of Europe.  Now it looks like it will finally be given the chance to
live up to the comparison.

You could say it was the Marbella equivalent of “taking coals to Newcastle”, selling patio heaters in Marbella in summer? Whoever heard of such a thing! Well, those people who only visit their Mediterranean homes for the month of August could be forgiven for deeming a patio heater surplas to requirements for the ideal Marbella lifestyle…

But the reality is, miraculous microclimate or not, Marbella evenings are wont to cool off from September, and holidaymakers and residents alike are sent scurrying indoors to dig out the long-sleeves again, while plans to dine al fresco are easily scuppered despite clear starry skies and beautiful vistas.

Experts in the art of keeping houses – and patios warm – Pias Chimeneas fire and design are always at the forefront of trends in terms of heaters and fireplaces.

Turn Up The Heat

This stylish new heater from Italy has an appealing modern design and a powerful output of 12 KW.

Unlike conventional “mushroom” style patio heaters which only heat from the top downwards, this clever design not only looks good, but also distributes the heat in all directions.
The heater also throws out a lot of light onto the terrace or garden – from the 130 cm long glass cylinder, a key feature of the new design. Made from high quality stainless steel, the heaters are available in a rainbow of different colours and the colour can even be matched to a client’s particular colour preference. And just so that nothing comes between you and that relaxed gin & tonic under the stars, the heater has a remote control option so that you can up temperature from the comfort of your terrace lounger…
Chimeneas, Fire and Design,

Calle El Califa 564

29660 Nueva Andalucia

www.pias-chimeneas.com

Marian Roman with go-go girls—Stephanie and Marie-Claire

Along with steamy señoritas in red hot leopard print,
and jugglers with mesmerising, multi-coloured batons, the night’s main attraction
was a wild fire dancer complete with fingers of fire, and a fireproof suit
to withstand the flames and sparks he whipped into a frenzy all around him.
Add to this the hottest sounds around from DJ Mario, the sizzling sounds of
Fabio the resident sax player, and a dazzling display of fireworks creating
shimmering reflections on the shore. 
 

Red Hot Global Cuisine
Around 150 diners enjoyed the famous Nikki Beach globally inspired cuisine
– as the kitchen now stays open until late for spectacular summer dining
under the stars, and sipped plenty of champagne and thirst-quenching mojitos
to keep their cool as the temperature soared.

Bonfires of Vanity
San Juan traditions were upheld with bonfires on the beach, and partygoers
dipping their toes in the Med to bring good luck for the rest of the
year. For news of upcoming parties and events at Marbella’s hottest beach
club visit  www.nikkibeach.com

Mini Parade outside Parque Miramar–Mark Morgans with Ascari
RR Team

As well as ‘The Stig’ who we understand flew in especially for the launch
of the Formula 1 Experience, the guests included members of the Ferrari Club
of Andalucia who with Toni Dalli, brought 30 of the latest Ferrari models to
the launch. Also in attendance was the Marbella Mini Club with founder Hans
Möller from Starz Cafe and the Spanish GT Champion driver Peter Sundberg. The
Ferrari’s and über cool Marbella Minis were lined up in a reserved area
in front of the Parque Miramar and ogled over by passing shoppers.

Ferrari Owners Club of Andalucia

Mark Megens
The ten drivers were randomly picked to race the Barcelona Circuit in the F1
simulator were up against Mark Megens who at the tender age of 14 has dozens
of karting and motor racing victories with more success than Fernando Alonso
had at the same age… watch out for him practicing on the F1 Experience
Simulator! The Stig declined from driving, possibly because there was no
Top Gear circuit but others thought it was due to the lack of stereo system
for his Spanish language CDs…

Last minute pit preparations——-Christian, The Stig, Carlo
and
Mark

Ascari
Although it was very close, with a few times below 1.30 minutes and a time
of 1.42 by Lloyd ‘Teddy’ Edwards (aged 7), the winning time was 1.22.098
by James Shanks. His prize was presented by Peter Sundberg who is
currently the 2007 and 2008 Spanish GT Champion, driving for team RSV-Motorsport in
a Ferrari 430 GT2. Donated by the Ascari Race Resort, James was given
an “Experience Day” at the exclusive Ascari Resort in Ronda.
lt includes a full day programme driving a range of racing cars from a Lotus
Elise up to a Radical SR3 under the expert tuition of their professional
instructors. 

Hans from STARZ with Marbella Mini Club Members-The Blue Sky
F1 Experience

As we have said on marbellas.com before, Ascari Race Resort is
home of the most beautiful motor racing track ever created. With a length of
5.4km it is longer than most F1 circuits and offers a unique driving experience
- set in the stunning Andalusian landscape of Ronda in southern Spain. 

Future World Champion Race driver Lloyd Teddy Edwards–Peter
Sundberg, present Spanish GT Champion.

60 Grand Prix Circuits
The Formula 1 Experience, brain child of Carlo Mason and his partner Christian
who is the technical engineer, is about driving an actual 2009 F1 car. Designed
and built to the exact specification of today’s F1 cars the complex
machinery set on a motion platform using pneumatic gas. There are over 60
official Grand Prix Tracks to choose from and your skills and nerves are
tested to the limits. Each month at Parque Miramar, a motor-sport prize will
be given for best driver of 3 different categories. In January 2010
Blue Sky will host a Grand Final for drivers of the fastest lap times
recorded. 

Race
So if you fancy competing against Hamilton or Alonso or even Jensen Button,
get yourself down to Parque Miramar for the drive of your life. Drivers need
no license, are accepted to drive if over 5 and under 120 and no alcohol
breath test will be required. (Price to drive the F1 Experience 10€ at
time of publishing article).

Related features:-
http://www.marbellas.com/sections/web/category/Motoring/number/2244/index2.asp
http://www.marbellas.com/luxury%20car%20rental/

The Formula 1 Experience launch was sponsored by Hype Energy
Drink and Exact Vodka.

With a vast selection of property on the market, pinpointing where to buy
is the key decision you can make when settling on the Costa del Sol, beach,
mountains, golf course, town… apartment, townhouse, villa. While budget may
be a deciding factor, most developers are clever enough to offer a selection
of properties, thus enticing buyers of different budgets and living needs to
consider their offer.
But when it comes to lifestyle advantages, socializing, sport, golf, fine dining,
amenities, fun and friendship, many developments look great in the brochure,
but in reality they fail short and disappoint.

Delivering the Goods

For this reason, the Resort El Campanario is literally a breath
of fresh air. Exquisitely designed by well-known Marbella-based architect,
Christian Larrain, El Campanario Resort – located half way between Marbella
and Estepona – is attractively designed in 24 hectares of lush Mediterranean
grounds with a par 3, 9 hole golf course.The course is not only beautiful but
also challenging. Last year the Men´s National Pitch & Putt Championships
were played there and on the 13th and 14th of June the club will host this
year´s National Men´s Team Championships.

Built by a reputable Spanish construction company, the properties
include apartments and villas of a high standard and (include- take that out,I
think) frontline golf views, a fully gated community with underground garages,concierge
service. Inside the properties enjoy state-of-the-art kitchens, underfloor
heating in the bathrooms and light and airy design.

Fun, Games and Friendship

The star attraction of the development is without a doubt its beautifully
designed Golf & Country House. The entrance itself inspires relaxation
as you walk across wooden decking over cascading water features, with birds
of paradise and exotic foliage framing the scene. Exuberant nature is all around
you, even inside the clubhouse, as the clever design, incorporating full length
glass walls, brings the outside in, giving the club a relaxed and natural ambience.
With fabulous fitness facilities including indoor heated pool, gymnasium, Jacuzzi
there is also a large outdoor pool, tennis and paddle courts and a wellness
room for massages and other treatments.

With a children’s play room, games room with open fireplace and a lounge,
El Campanario Golf & Country House is always buzzing with life.

Quality Entertainment

Thanks to switched on manageress Dunja Royer, there is always something going
on – and the residents and  other club members really do meet and greet
and make friends. With live music at least twice a week – more in the summer
- El Campanario Resort is gaining a reputation for quality entertainment, including
classical music, jazz, rock, swing, soul and fine, well-attended art exhibitions.
And last but not least, the restaurant and bar – where some of the entertainment
takes place – is always in great demand, for the superb food, fun and friendship.

Should this club interest you, make sure to call for information about this
year´s special enrolment offer. Don´t let this joining opportunity
slip through your fingers.( tel. 952 90 42 33 )

For further details about the desirable Resort El Campanario Golf log on to

www.elcampanarionet.com

or call Tel: 952904233.

On the Agenda at El Campanario – June 2009

Starting Thursday, June 11th, Barbecue nights with live music all through
the summer
Sunday Brunches all through the summer ( 12 – 15 h)

From Tuesday 2 - Inauguration Art : Jose Herrera

Thursday 11 – Andres Martinez (rock,pop to classics)
Barbecue night

Friday 12 -James Richard jazz

Saturday 13 – Helena Paul soul & blues
Nacional golf team championships

Sunday 14 – Nacional golf team championships

Thursday 18 – -Andres Martinez(rock, pop to classics)

Friday 19 – James Richard jazz

Saturday 20 – VIDAL , the multi music man

Thursday 25 – Andres Martinez (rock, pop to classics)
Barbecue night

Friday 26 -Vicky Madera jazz,soul, blues

Saturday 27 – Sativa Spirit Reggae

July
Saturday 4 Tribute to ABBA show 8 pm
Friday 24 Stephen Lloyd Morgen show musicals 10 pm