Bioenergy expert Micheal O'Doherty

Would you like to face 2012 with renewed health and vigour?  Then “Take Control of your Health” a seminar being held on 4th February at the Kempinski Hotel Estepona is for you. This one-day seminar will equip you with invaluable skills allowing you to transform stress into vitality and better health and creativity – for yourself, and others.

The seminar is led by Michael O’Doherty and Tom Griffin, both internationally-respected pioneers in health care and founders of Plexus Health care. With clinics in Ireland and London’s Harley Street, Plexus Health Care counts many celebrities among its clientele.  Famously, Michael O’Doherty was credited in restoring health to international dance legend, Michael Flately, when a debilitating virus left him lethargic, confused and unable to walk.

Life Skills
Imparting simple tools to allow individuals to manage the stresses of modern life, O’Doherty and Griffin have an impressive 22-year background in improving the health and lives of thousands of people around Europe. “Those attending will also be given the opportunity to develop a career in one of the most exciting, integrated healthcare systems in the world today. Respected Sotogrande-based nutritionist, Claudia Norris, will be a guest speaker on the day.

The Take Control of Your Health seminar runs from 10.30am – 5pm, and will cover the following

• Tom and Michael’s Journey (History of the Plexus Healthcare System)
• The cause of Illness
• Understanding the body from an Energy Perspective
• Stress and its effects on the body
• Children’s Healthcare (Learning and Behavioural difficulties)
• Emotional Health
• Therapist Training Information
• Family Healthcare
• Foods to Beat Stress with Sotogrande-based nutritionist Claudia Norris

Energy Shift
The primary aim of Plexus Health Care is to locate energy imbalances in the body using a series of unique hand movements.  The therapist then proceeds to rebalance the energy systems, which in turn unlocks the body’s natural healing process.  Treatment is given over four consecutive days in a relaxed environment with music that has been found to enhance the effect of the therapy.  The therapist also advises the patient on lifestyle issues such as diet, exercise, visualization and rest to help the individual take steps to better health.

Bionergy Benefits
Bionergy therapy is particularly effective in the treatment of children with learning difficulties, such as dyslexia and ADD.  The therapy tackles the root cause of such conditions, which can often be attributed to trauma at birth causing imbalances in the body’s electrical system that, in turn, can create imbalance in the left or right side of the brain.  Children are treated with leading techniques, including sound therapy and parents are fully involved in the process of healing and recovery. The Plexus Health Care system can also successfully help children suffering from exam stress, asthma, eczema or burnout.  For more information visit Michael O’Doherty’s website www.justimagine.ie

1-Day Health Care and Education Programme, 4th February 2012, Kempinski Hotel Estepona

Entry Fee – 50 Euro per person To reserve your place contact Gillian at gillianmcclafferty@gmail.com Tel: 0034 664 561 773.

One of the longest established real estate companies in Marbella, Casa Marbella celebrate 30 years of recession-busting success. Photography  ©Gary Edwards

Few are the companies that rack up an impressive 30 years of trading – and even less so in Marbella, a cosmopolitan melting pot where many businesses are unfortunately set up with a boom or bust mentality. All the more reason for Wolfgang Schlesier to be celebrating the enduring success of his real estate agency Casa Marbella, one of just a handful of property companies in the area with a long history of steady success in a competitive industry in which true professionals stand out.

Three Decades of Success
With offices bookending Marbella in Elviria and San Pedro de Alcántara, Casa Marbella has been purveying properties to a local and international clientele  for three decades, and to celebrate a job well done, managing director Wolfgang Schlesier and his partner Xusan Teo held an  upbeat  party for colleagues, clients friends and well-wishers at top Marbella Thai restaurant, Thai Gallery.
Among the guests were tourism councillor Jose Luis Hernández, gallerist Shahed Kavousi, Architect Pablo Villarroel with his wife Claudia, Mandarin Tutor Yingying Hu, Architect Pablo Mena Owens and his wife Llanos, Silvia & Rui Carlos Conceicao and many well-known Marbella personalities.

Celebrating with Style
Over two hundred guests enjoyed a champagne reception along with a homage to Casa Marbella
as told by comperes Mugge Fischer and Oscar Horacio, with a thank you speech from Casa Marbella boss, Wolfgang.  This was followed by a fabulous catwalk show by Julia Rep of Fashion Villa. Showcasing an advance selection of winter wonders – including cosy fur-edged parkas, funky leopard print gabardines, 80s inspired red and black outfits, shimmering sequined cocktail dresses and inspired outfits for  bride and “groom.”  An acrobatic dancer wowed the crowd with a display of fascinating flexibility.

Following the formalities and fashion segment, special guests sat down to a sumptuous Thai meal from the legendary chefs at Thai Gallery.

www.casamarbella.com

Turbo Charged Business Event, a Network & Help Charity on Sat 15th October at Hotel Las Piramides, Fuengirola.

A one-off networking event is being organized by some leading UK business experts, to help local business owners on the Costa del Sol  increase their sales, profits and grow their business in today’s tough economic environment.

Turbo Charge Sales and Business Networking will be held on Saturday 15th October at Hotel Las Piramides in Fuengirola.  It is a not for profit event with an affordable ticket price to allow all types of business to take part.

Inspirational business leaders  will give a series  of must-hear presentations and formal and informal networking opportunities will be set up over the course of the day. This mix of activities will equip businesses with great ideas for driving their businesses forward and a large amount of new contacts.

The message of the event is,  “How to Thrive and not just Survive” using the power of business networking. Organiser Steve Hall explains why this is so important “Small businesses are suffering in the current economic climate, but don’t have the budget for expensive marketing methods to get themselves out of problems. Networking is a very cost-effective way of promoting yourself so we’ve combined this with some top business speakers to offer inspiration as well as great networking opportunities.”

Tickets are priced at 10€ per person for a full day from 10 am to 5pm and are on sale via Eventbrite http://turbospain.eventbrite.com/. It is a non-profit event and any income made over expenditure will be donated to two local charities Cudeca and Positively Pink. The event is being held in conjunction with a weekend networking event being organised by website http://thisisspain.info/ with a number of fun networking opportunities.

Event Presenters include;

Steve Clarke one of Europe’s leading authorities on grassroots sales and marketing strategies. Topic – “How to thrive not just survive”. Including information about attracting new clients, selling, copywriting, advertising and marketing.

Nikki Pilkington major name in the world of Social and Internet Marketing; will be offering Bold Blogging strategies for small Businesses.

Gill Tiney Business Coach and self-confessed “networking tart”. Topic – Making the time and effort you put into networking worthwhile. She will share her 7 Secrets and 7 Sins of Successful Networking.

Event tickets are on sale via Eventbrite http://turbospain.eventbrite.com/ for 10€ per ticket.

FIAM organisers inc. Caroline Bowley, Louise Cook Edwards and Yvonne Sjokvist with Jose Luis Hernandez and Marbella Mayoress MariAngeles Muñoz who was presented a bouquet by Lloyd Edwards from Swans School.

A sea of white tents, a vibrant array of paintings, sculptures, photography and vintage furniture – the 3rd edition of the Festival Internacional de Arte Marbella did not disappoint. Following a full year of preparations, the FIAM team finally saw the fruits of their labours, an organizational feat that involves the coordination of all the artists, entertainers, tents, technicians, sponsors and promotional ventures.  First time visitors to the event were delighted by the urban buzz stirred up in Marbella’s centre by the gloriously talented artists and entertainers.

Stage Stars
With a full programme of entertainment running from midday to 11pm on a purpose built stage in the attractive Alameda Park a string of talented musicians, singers, dancers and actors kept the public royally entertained all day long.

The event kicked off with a VIP inaugural cocktail party, with an address from Marbella Mayor Mª Angeles Muñoz, who expressed her gratitude for the huge effort put into to bringing such a lively festival to the city for the third consecutive year. Over the following three days, the public enjoyed a feast of art music, dance, poetry and performances with everything from jazz, soul, folk, gospel and opera, along with kid’s creative workshops by author and illustrator Ana Fiscel, and a cycle of art films.

Many of the Coast’s favourite performers were on stage, including, Julie Ann Hunter, Symmetry and Sue Moretta who performed an evening of opera. Other highlights of the programme include Aaran Harding, Fable 44, Georgian teen sensation, IA, Zoe Hughes, Ellen Zacks, Veronica, Mr. Malph and Temo Rtskhiladze. Festival sponsor Sotogrande International School also treated the public to several performances by a stable of their talented students.

An Artful Crowd
Spain, UK, Germany, USA, Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Georgia, Italy and Cuba  – were just some of the nationalities exhibiting at this year’s festival – the multicultural mix of participants is a true reflection of the cosmopolitan community in Marbella, while many of the artists had traveled especially to exhibit. A stunning array of styles were displayed, with everything from delicate watercolours to bold photographic portraits, magnificent oil paintings, exquisite bronze scultptures, delicate engravings, vintage furniture and much more.

With a steady flow of visitors from the inuaugration onwards through the entire weekend, the organizers think the 20,000 strong crowd anticipated to be a conservative estimate. The FIAM, which is fully supported by the Tourism Council of Marbella Town Hall, comprises a dynamic street festival bringing the centre of town to life in an explosion of colourful art, music and performances over three days. Sprawling down the Alameda and the Avenida del Mar in the heart of Marbella between the quaint Old Town and the Paseo Marítimo, artists display their diverse works in an attractive line up of individual white tents.

New to the event this year was the Gourmet Corner, where art-lovers could stop to savour the delights of various cuisines, with oriental delights from Wasabi, Lebanese delicacies from La Espiga de Marbella, divine wraps, cakes and coffees from Passion Café. Meanwhile popular Buddha Bar, set up a candlelit chillout zone where art fans could revive their senses with refreshing drinks and cocktails.

It is small wonder that the FIAM has become one of the most eagerly anticipated and most popular cultural events in Marbella.  Based on the art fairs of United States that bring valuable life and revenue into the heart of hundreds of suburban towns, the FIAM in Marbella also serves as an excellent showcase for companies wishing to reach a cultured cosmopolitan public.

* Apolgies to photographers not credited in this piece – mainly singing artists portraits.

FIAM III – Festival International de Arte Marbella – Inaugurating 3rd Annual Edition – 80 artists exhibiting & a full 3-day Programme of Free Entertainment

The team, exhibiting artists and an army of volunteers of Festival Internacional de Arte Marbella are in the final stretch of preparations for the 3rd annual edition of what has become one of the city’s most popular cultural extravaganzas in the heart of Marbella’s Alameda and Avda. del Mar.

An artist’s tented village, 50s & 60s Vintage furniture exhibition, Guarnieri Art Car Competition, art films, gourmet corner, chill-out lounge, media centre and a complete programme of free entertainment will make the third edition of FIAM the biggest cultural event in Marbella this summer. With eighty high calibre artists exhibiting, the Festival de Arte International Marbella is on track to become a cultural sensation when it takes place in the centre of Marbella from the VIP inauguration on Thursday 23rd June to Sunday 26 June 2011.

A Cosmopolitan Artistic Blend

Fifteen different nationalities are represented among the artists exhibiting – the multicultural mix of participants is a true reflection of the cosmopolitan community in Marbella. There are artists from Spain, UK, Germany, USA, Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Georgia, Italy and Cuba among others exhibiting to the 20,000 strong crowd anticipated. Art lovers will be able to view some of the artists painting live.

The FIAM, which is fully supported by the Tourism Council of Marbella Town Hall, comprises a dynamic street festival bringing the centre of town to life in an explosion of colourful art, music and performances over three days. Sprawling down the Alameda and the Avenida del Mar in the heart of Marbella between the quaint Old Town and the Paseo Marítimo, artists display their diverse works in an attractive line up of individual white tents.

New this year is the Gourmet Corner, where art-lovers can stop to savour the delights of various cuisines, with oriental delights from Wasabi, and divine afternoon teas from Passion Café and popular Buddha Bar, is setting up a chillout zone where art fans can revive their senses with refreshing drinks and cocktails.

That’s Entertainment

The event kicks off with a VIP inaugural cocktail party on Thursday 23 June, and over the following three days, the public is in for a feast of art music, dance, poetry and performances with everything from jazz, soul, folk, gospel and opera, along with kid’s creative workshops, and a cycle of art films. Many of the Coast’s favourite performers will be on stage, including, Julie Ann Hunter, Symmetry and Sue Moretta who will be performing in an evening of opera on Saturday 25th. Other highlights of the programme include Aaran Harding, Fable 44, IA, Zoe Hughes, Ellen Zacks, Mr. Malph and Temo Rtskhiladze. Festival sponsor Sotogrande International School will also be treating the public to several performances by a stable of their talented students.

Symmetry Sue Moretta IA

For full details of the three days of varied entertainment on offer, look out for the colourful, A5 festival programme, available in a wide range of establishments along the coast from June or log onto website:

www.festivaldeartemarbella.com

Plans to extend and revamp the port at the eastern entrance to Marbella – in a joint venture between the Qatari sheik, Abdullah Al-Thani and Marbella Town Hall – which has a 3 per cent stake in the project – have been selected over other bids by the Junta de Andalucía.

21st century Port

An initial investment of 84 million euros will be made in the project, the first jointly public privately funded venture in the region. Which will include extending the wharf to accommodate cruise ships, bringing in a new wave of possibilities for the town as a tourist destination.  Plans to incorporate luxury leisure facilities including a shopping mall and a 5-star hotel will notch up a total investment of some 400 million euros, creating thousands of jobs into the bargain.

Currently the port is the hub of the town’s fishing activities, which according to the plans, will be moved to one side of the port, making way for a spectacular new circular pier of some 900 metres in length, giving the port an allure to perhaps rival or outshine the town’s harbour for super yachts, Puerto Banús.

500 More Yachts
The overall area accommodating boats will be extended by 30 per cent, with an additional 500 moorings for yachts.  The project also takes in an underground car park to complement the existing parking space in the area.

The newly approved port project will be given a concession for a 40-year period, and forecasts indicate the initial investment will be covered in the first seven years.

The Partido Popular, or Popular Party have retained their popularity in the city as Marbella’s Mayor Mª Angeles Muñoz retains her absolute majority in the  22 May local elections.

With local and regional elections taking place throughout Spain, 52 per cent of the overall vote went to the Partido Popular on a day which is being seen as a key to the mood of the forthcoming general elections and the general dissatisfaction with the current socialist government headed up by the PSOE’s Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.  Despite the growing signs that Spain is ready for a change, Zapatero remains steadfast on the date of the General Election, and aims to hold out against growing pressure to bring the election forward.
Seats taken

Locally, the Partido Popular retain their absolute majority, giving Mª Angeles Muñoz another 4 year window of opportunity to get Marbella back on track following the previous administration’s corruption scandals and the consequent public debts leaving Muñoz’s council to manage the town with a 600 million euro deficit.  With 100 million already clawed back from the collective black hole in the City Hall’s coffers, and with the PGOU urban plan approved 6 months ago, it looked likely that Muñoz’s course to repeated election success was assured.  Effectively so,  her party have been voted in with just one seat less, whereas the PSOE have lost 3 of their seats.  Newly formed party Opción Sampedreña took the town by surprise by winning several seats. Of Spain’s 35 million electorate, 65% turned out to vote, and the overall margin for the PP stands at 52%.

JUST UPDATED WITH MORE ACTIVITY IDEAS …. The Cool Kids’ Guide to Easter Activities in Marbella. With the Easter holidays around the corner, make sure your kids are in on the action. Marbellas.com rounds up a selection of cracking Easter activities for children along the Coast…

Parties at Galaxia, Soccer Camp, Egg Painting, Dancing, Singing, Safari Camp, Stage Fun, Egg Hunt….

Football Camp with Claudio Caniggia!
19-20 April, Santa Maria Polo Ground, Sotogrande.

When school’s out it’s time to burn off some adrenaline, and where better than an action packed 5 day football camp with former world cup player, Claudio Caniggia, one of Argentina’s footballing greats. Held at the football grounds of the prestigious Santa María polo Club in Sotogrande at Finca Los Pinos, this is a 5-star football experience for 5-16 year olds, teaching kids not just how to kick a football, but also fair play, friendship, fitness and passion for the beautiful game!

Claudio Caniggia and his team will personally supervise the children during the camp, supporting them and giving professional advice.

Course Highlights Include:
-Small working groups managed by professional certified trainers.
- Daily training sessions from 10:00hs until 13:00hs on the professional football fields
- Camp runs from Tuesday 19th to Wednesday 20th April 2011, during the Easter Week holidays
(Semana Santa).
- Participants will receive Football shirt to use during the training sessions, also a daily packed brunch (fruits and isotonic beverages).
- The last day every player will receive a Certificate of Participation, then we will have a fun football match between the trainers and parents!

After the game everybody is invited to join in a Brunch Party to officially close the
Claudio Caniggia Easter Kids Soccer Camp – Sotogrande 2011

Enroll Now!!

Enrol now – you have until Friday 15th April 2011 to register. The cost of the two day camp is just 50€, or 60€ including  bus transfers  from Marbella and Estepona to/from Sotogrande.  Tel: +34 668873730 or email: info@claudiocaniggia.es

Justin Bieber Fever at Princess Studios

Monday 18th – Friday 22nd April, 10am-4pm daily
With 10 million online fans, Justin Bieber must be doing something right… and as Bieber Fever sweeps the world, Princess Studios, Puerto Banús are paying homage to the impossibly perfect 16 year old with a 5 day workshop from Monday 18th – Friday 22nd April, 10am-4pm daily.  Brush up your singing, dancing and acting skills as you learn to perform Bieber’s hits and dance routines from his Never Say Never movie.  150€ per child. Open to boys and girls aged 7+.  For bookings contact www.princessstudios.com

Easter Fare at Hipodromo de Mijas
Sunday 24th April 12 noon – 7pm

For a day of family fun, the Hipodromo Mijas has a host of child and adult friendly attractions at this Easter Fare including a good old Easter egg hunt!  Among the amusements available at this sociable venue are kiddy karting, face painting, fighting gladiators, pie stand, coconut shy and champagne bar …
There is also horse racing on Good Friday – so head to the Hipodromo for an action packed Easter weekend. The Hipodromo de Mijas is located inland from Fuengirola castle.  Head towards the Centro Myramar and follow the signs.

Have a Wild Time at Selwo!
18-20th April

Selwo Adventure Park in Estepona  is staging a 3 day kids’ camp offering an action packed few days of adventure at their base camp style log cabins.  Open to children aged 8-17, this mini safari will give the animal loving child a chance to sample the delights of the wild in perfect safety.
Offering two nights of comfortable air-conditioned accommodation in the new cabins of the so-called Kenya village, all meals, activities, monitors at hand 24 hours a day, insurance, medical care, the young explorers will have the chance to monkey around with the apes, get up close and personal with the birds of prey, test their nerves on a walk over the hanging bridge, test their archery skills along with a whole host of other thrills and spills.

This action packed adventure for animal lovers is incredible value at just 89€ per child.  It even includes free tickets to Selwo Marina and the Benalmádena cable car – for further child-friendly fun. For reservations please call Tel: 902 190482.

LATEST ADDITIONS TO WHAT’S ON FOR KIDS IN MARBELLA….

Black Box Theatre in the Marbella Centre:-

AND THERE’S MORE……..>>>>>>>

Galaxia Easter Party

The Best Fun in the Galaxy at Galaxia Soft Play Centre in Guadalmina Commercial Centre, with special visits from Minnie, Mickey, Winnie and the Easter Bunny over the Easter weeknd. Non-stop party fun on Saturday and Sunday (23rd & 24th) from 3pm including face painting, balloon shaping, egg and spoon race, disco dancing AND a fancy dress competition on Sunday – come as your favourite animal. Mum & Dad are invited to join in too!

Galaxia Soft Play Centre in Guadalmina Commercial Centre (Just below Supa Sol Supermarket)
www.galaxiaplay.com

TeL. 952 885 530

HAPPY EASTER !!!!

Music lovers are in for a treat this week when Gold Soul – a top UK Soul event promoter bring their week long “Costa del Soul” event come to town. The Sunset Beach Club will become a haven for Soul music enthusiasts who will enjoy a week of the best soul sounds and, of course, the hotel’s fantastic facilities.

Sun, Sea and Soul

Some of the UK’s legendary soul DJs are flying in for the event and will delight fans with their mix of Northern Soul, Modern Anthems, Motown and five decades of great soul music. The fun begins each day with some light sessions by the pool 2-4 pm.  Sun, sea, sangria and some great soul! From 6-9pm,  you can enjoy some more light sessions in the Panorama Bar, making the most of happy hour and the amazing views.

Dancing in the Moonlight!

The real party begins at 9pm in the Moonlight Bar! Get ready for 7 nights of dancing to the best soul music as the DJs take to the stage! (Nige Brown, Chris King, John Poole, Dave Evison and Rob Thomas are just some of the DJs flying in).

The week long event is hosted by Kev Roberts – one of the main forces in Northern Soul and Retro Pop music – and the hotel will be accommodating many fans flying down from the UK especially for the event.

Anyone interested in the event can go to the Gold Soul website at www.goldsoul.co.uk where you can buy specific packages which include accommodation and entrance to the daily events.

Meanwhile Marbella and Costa del Sol soul fans can buy tickets on the door of the Moonlight Bar each night for only 10€ each.

The Moonlight Bar,  Sunset Beach Club Hotel, Benalmádena Costa.

www.sunsetbeachclubhotel.com

Tel: 952 579 400.

Summer may officially be over but that doesn’t mean the coast’s action-packed events calendar will be too. If you’re a disco diva, a sucker for all things sporty or have an obsession with classic automobiles, Marbella’s where it’s at this September.

Saturday 11 September: Classic Car Run in aid of Cudeca, San Pedro

As a special tribute to John Hill, who recently lost his battle with cancer, members of the Classic Car Club of Andalucia will be holding a retro-style car run to raise funds for local cancer charity Cudeca.
The rally will begin in the town of San Pedro and finish at El Campanario Golf & Country Club, Benamara.

Tickets cost 10 Euros.

For information call Giles on 620 180 682.

Best for: Passionate petrol heads.

Saturday 11 September: Wish List Closing Party at Suite del Mar

Located on the beach next to Marbella’s plush Puente Romano hotel, Suite del Mar will be closing its doors until next year. What better way to kiss the summer goodbye than indulging in a special three course dinner of exquisite food and wine by the sea, accompanied by live entertainment? All proceeds will be donated to the Ciudad de Los Niños – a children’s home situated in Málaga.

Tickets cost 60 Euros per person.

For more information, email wishlistvolunteers@hotmail.com

Best for: Charitable party goers.

Saturday 11 September: PAD Charity Golf Tournament, Miraflores Golf

Members of local charity organisation, PAD, which cares for abandoned and mistreated domestic animals, are holding a fun-filled golf tournament at the popular golf club in Miraflores. The event is aimed at golf fanatics, both individuals and teams of four and tickets cost €40 or €10 for members.

For more information call 952 931 960

Best for: Animal lovers and golfers.

16 to 19 September: Marbella Masters, Puente Romano Tennis Club

Over 15,000 visitors are expected to attend this four day event in which some of the world’s biggest tennis stars will take to centre court for a spectacular sporting showdown. The tournament will be held at the tennis club belonging to one of Marbella’s most prestigious hotels, situated on the Golden Mile. French Open Champion, Former Wimbledon champion and Ozzie, Pat Cash and Dutch tennis ace Richard Krajicek are among the big names taking part.

Ticket prices start at 10€ each and are available from www.ticketmaster.com and El Corte Ingles.

For more information email info@marbellamasters.es

Best for: Fans of tennis.

Thurday 16 September: First Russian Flower Ball, Villa Padierna

On 16 September the luxurious Villa Padierna will host the 1st Marbella Flower Ball. Top celebrities, sports personalities, entrepreneurs, politicians and the crème de la crème of Russian high society will gather together for a lavish dinner with champagne whilst professional florist and designer, Tatiana Tridvornova, showcases her fabulous floral compositions in the grounds of the stunning 5 star hotel.

For more information please call 952 908 007.

Best for: Glamorous guys and girls.

Saturday 25 September: Boney M in concert, Sohail Castle

Seventies disco legends, Boney M, will come to the Costa del Sol for the first time ever to perform their greatest hits. This exclusive live open-air concert will take place at the atmospheric Castillo Sohail in Fuengirola and see the groovy group perform classic numbers such as ‘Daddy Cool’, ‘Rivers of Babylon’ and ‘Sunny’.

Doors open at 19.00 when support act David Patrick Carter, will get the party started, followed by local band, Traffic Jam.

Standard tickets cost 30 Euros if purchased before 20 September and 40 Euros thereafter and are available in Marbella from The German Bakery at El Rosario and La Cañada and Starz Café at Central Plaza.

For more information call 670 635 786.

Best for: Those who like to boogie.